Though the Heavens Fall
Chapter Seven
By: DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Gundam Seed/Gundam Seed: Destiny. They belong to their respective creators, owners, licensees.
The sky was painted orange and fading into purple outside his window. Shinn stretched his arms over his head as he crinkled his eyes. He hadn't even realized he had fallen asleep. From the look of the sky outside and the low rumbling coming from his stomach, he deduced that he had probably missed dinner with the Elites.
He stood up and made his way to his partially open door. The third floor hall was quiet. Mayu's door was closed, but he could see some light escaping from the gap between the door and floor. Several steps down, he walked past Stellar's vacant room and resisted the urge to wander back in and wonder when she'd return.
Another few steps and he reached Cagalli and Athrun's room. The door was closed and no sounds were coming from within. Part of him was relieved; at least she was no longer crying. Seeing that woman who had once deflected his sword so easily, with a hair stick, in tears was unsettling.
Shinn turned towards the stairs and began his way down. The second floor was a bit livelier, though not by much. He could hear some of the Rouge Elites talking and walking in between rooms as he rounded the banister and continued down the stairs. He reached the empty foyer and wandered towards the dining hall.
The Elites were rather good about taking care of their own and through association; Shinn was now considered extended family. He had no doubt that he'd find some food set aside for him in the kitchen and calmly wandered into the dining hall.
A cool, evening breeze brushed against his skin as his eyes wandered to the open doors leading out the veranda. Even in the dimming sunlight, he could clearly make out Athrun seated on top of the stone railing. The blue-haired noble had one arm across his lap while the other played with the rim of an empty wine glass resting in front of him. His face was turned towards the ocean and sunset in the distance.
Hesitantly, Shinn approached the older man. Athrun seemed to be lost in thought. Shinn made it to the threshold of the doors before Athrun spoke up.
"Did you know that when I married Cagalli," he began softly, his eyes still looking out towards the water. "And when all that hung between us had been sorted, I thought I'd never have to feel this ache in my heart again until the day we parted worlds?" he asked. Emerald eyes lowered down to the empty wine glass as Athrun smiled sadly. "Then I saw her cry…helpless to stop her pain…and the ache returned, Shinn. I never expected this."
Shinn lowered his eyes shamefully. "I didn't know how she felt, Athrun. When we arrived and they told us the news, she seemed so confident. I thought she was certain that Stellar would return…I had no idea it was unsettling her that much inside."
Athrun smiled warmly. "That is the kind of woman she is. She is strong and for the sake of others will bare a burden on her own." He shifted on the stone railing and faced Shinn. "But I am pleased that she cried in front of me," he admitted. Shinn raised an eyebrow questioningly. "It means that I am her pillar. That when she needs to release her burden, she trusts that I will help carry it. Knowing she trusts me like that…." He trailed off with a small smile on his face. "Knowing that by simply being there I can give her some comfort…."
Across from him, his heir took a few steps forward. "I wish I could've helped her."
Athrun tilted his head to the side and gave him an amused smile. "Cagalli or Stellar?"
The black-haired knight's head shot up as red eyes widened. Traces of a warm flush reached his pale face as he met Athrun's gaze. "Both!" he exclaimed quickly. "Of course, I don't want either Cagalli or Stellar to be separated. I especially didn't want Stellar to lea-"
He snapped his mouth shut before he could continue. Athrun leaned forward knowingly. "You didn't want Stellar to what?" he asked carefully. Shinn lowered his head to avoid the nobleman's sharp eyes. Athrun let out a heavy sigh and lifted the wine glass from its spot beside him. He tapped the stone railing with his hand to beckon the younger knight over. "You worry too much, Shinn. It's not good for you," Athrun told him as Shinn made tentative steps forward. "Stellar will come home."
A small snort came from Shinn's lips as he crossed his arms over his chest. "But which home will she come to?"
"Whichever one she wants," Athrun shrugged. "In many ways, Stellar takes after her sister. Like Cagalli, she is not one to give up what she loves so easily. Orb has been her home for a good portion of her life. Cagalli and Kira have been her family. She would not give them up so easily."
"And what if she decides that she can be of more use as a princess in the Federation, Athrun?" Shinn snapped as he narrowed his eyes. "Orb and the Federation are on the brink of war and we both know that Stellar is willing to make herself a bargaining chip for the sake of Orb and her family."
"If Stellar truly wants to take on the title of a Federation princess and remain there, what choice do we have left but to respect her decision?" Athrun prodded. "It is already a difficult decision to make and if her loved ones went against it, wouldn't that put Stellar in a more painful position?"
Shinn looked down at the stone pavement beneath him and glared. Of course, Athrun was right. It wouldn't be an easy decision for Stellar and if there was no one who supported her decision, it would cut her deeply.
Beside him, he heard Athrun shift. A hand reached his back and gave it a comforting pat. "It'll work out, Shinn. Have some faith Stellar," he told him. "Do you how Kira took it?"
"Terribly," Shinn replied quickly. "Rey was visiting the Azure Seray when Stellar told Kira and they had a screaming match about it. Kira's convinced that they're going to hold Stellar hostage or something. I'm surprised he hasn't done anything about it."
"Cagalli said that Stellar was sent to the Federation on official orders. Kira understands he cannot go against them," Athrun reasoned. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "It must be difficult for Kira, as well. One sister married into Plants. The other may leave for the Federation. It doesn't seem fair to him. He's only had his sisters for a few years and he has no other siblings. All three of them are very close…to have them both taken away…any man would be at his wit's end."
"Rey said that they were arguing rather intensely about it," Shinn murmured.
Athrun glanced down at the younger man. "Speaking of Rey, do you know he and the other bachelors are doing?"
Dutifully Shinn nodded. He straightened up and turned to face Athrun, as if giving him a formal report. "From what I have gathered, three of the bachelors have already singled out one volunteer. Things are going smoothly for two of them and some Haumea Elite have been saying that they're probably going to propose soon."
The green-haired man nodded thoughtfully. "That's good to hear…" he trailed off. His eyebrows furrowed. "I assume the only bachelor who hasn't selected a volunteer is Yzak," he stated.
Predictably, Shinn nodded his head in confirmation. "He has approached two Elite volunteers more often, recently, but there is no news of a particular favorite. Dearka says that they have mostly had lunch in silence."
"Typical Yzak," Athrun sighed as he lifted his hand to the bridge of his nose and squeezed it. He'd have to speak to Yzak soon. "And Rey?" he asked. He lowered his hand and looked at Shinn. The younger knight's red eyes darkened as his lips pursed into a tight line. Athrun raised an eyebrow. "He choice displeases you," he deduced.
Shinn's lips turned downward. "Rey has absolutely no idea what he's getting himself into."
Athrun jerked his head back, surprised at Shinn's blunt statement. "Do you think he chose a volunteer who would not suit him and the provisions well?"
Shinn's arms dropped to his sides, exasperated. "He hasn't chosen a volunteer at all!" he exclaimed. "He picked the most complicated Elite he could!"
The green-eyed nobleman narrowed his eyes. Surely, Rey didn't have his sights on another captain, did he? Two were married, Dearka was, as it was known to practically everyone who knew him, almost stalking Captain Haww, Mana was old enough to be Rey's grandmother – though Athrun would never say such a thing out loud, and the very idea of Captain Badriguel even giving the young blond the time of day was almost laughable.
Who else was left-
Suddenly, Shinn noticed Athrun sit up straight. The formerly amused look on his face had vanished into a serious look as his eyes locked on to Shinn's. "Stellar?" he asked, already dreading the affirmative response from Shinn.
The response came in the form of gritted teeth and diverted eyes. Athrun ran a hand down his face as he slumped back. "What is wrong with us?" Athrun groaned tiredly. "Why can't Plants men ever make easy choices? Why must we make things so difficult?"
"I told him Stellar wasn't the ideal choice considering her situation right now, but he was barely listening," Shinn grumbled as he crossed his arms once more. "He's certain that she'll return and everything will go along smoothly from there."
Athrun looked down at the younger man. "Has he told anyone else?"
"No," Shinn replied. "He hasn't announced it formally, probably because Stellar is not here."
"But you are sure he plans on asking her?"
"Yes."
"And no one else knows?" Athrun persisted.
"No one else," Shinn assured him.
"Does anyone suspect anything?" Athrun stressed.
Shinn shook his head. "Not that we know of," he replied easily.
Athrun continued his questioning with one more inquiry. "And does it bother you that Rey is so fond of Stellar?"
Without letting his mind settle on the question, Shinn replied. "Of course!"
As a triumphant look graced Athrun's face, Shinn's paled. "I see."
"You misunderstand!" Shinn retaliated quickly. "She is a friend and Cagalli's sister! I just don't want things to be made more difficult for her!" he insisted.
Athrun chuckled. "Shinn-"
"Why did you even ask me that question!?" the younger man said as he threw his arms in the air. "I know what you're thinking, Athrun! It's not like that -"
"Shinn," Athrun cut him off calmly. "No man allows a woman he barely knows into his bedroom if he didn't feel something for her."
Shinn's face reddened. "I told you, just came to get me for a picnic and was waiting!"
Athrun let out a heavy sigh and slid off the railing. He reached over as he passed Shinn and patted the young man on the shoulder. "If Rey truly has his sights set on Stellar, I advise you to settle your own feelings quickly."
"Athrun-"
"Get something to eat and then get some rest," the green-haired man said as he walked past Shinn and headed into the dining hall.
"Athrun," he called out, making the older man pause in mid step. Shinn took a step forward. "Don't…don't tell anyone."
The corners of Athrun's lips curled upwards. "I won't," he assured him. "I'll be too busy to do so. I need to go the palace to greet everyone and then go visit Kira." Athrun let out a tired sigh. "I'm going to retire for the night, Shinn. My wife needs me. I only came down to get something to eat and drink while she's sleeping. I advise you to do the same before going to bed."
Shinn nodded his head watched Athrun enter the dim hall. The lone, used table setting that had been left unattended at one end of the long dining table was still waiting to be cleaned up. Athrun began to gather the dishes together to bring to the kitchen, when the sound alerted the Elite still in the kitchen.
The door flew open and Juri stuck her head out. She raced in, assuring him that they'll take care of the dishes, before handing him a plate of food.
"In case she wakes up and is hungry," Juri insisted. "Kebabs are her favorite. Don't put the hot sauce on until she's ready to eat them."
Athrun smiled and thanked her before taking the plate and headed up the stairs.
Her body never felt as heavy as she fell back against the soft cushions of her massive bed. Around her, she could make out the layers of cloth that flew up as she landed on the bed. Her arms were spread on either side of her as she closed her eyes tiredly.
"Your highness?" a muffled voice asked outside her door. Stellar lifted an arm and rested it over her eyes. Didn't she just tell the maid that she was fine for the rest of the evening. "Your highness, do you need any assistance?"
"Stellar is fine!" the maroon-eyed blonde yelled as she sat up. She brushed off the full skirt of her dress as she rose and headed towards the door. Letting out a heavy sigh, she opened the door just enough to meet the servant's eyes. "Stellar does not need assistance the rest of the evening. Servants are all dismissed for the night."
The servant looked at her hesitantly. "If you are sure, your highness…"
"Stellar is positive," the blonde insisted. The older woman outside her door gave her a bow of her head before scurrying away. The door closed behind her and Stellar leaned back against it.
She was fine with accepting help earlier to get her hair and make-up done, but now all she wanted to do was throw her heavy dress to on the floor with her already discarded shoes, and go to sleep.
Tiredly, Stellar trudged to the vanity as she plucked out the pins that were stuck in her hair. She placed them neatly on the surface of the table before running her hands through her unraveling locks and recounting the draining events of that night.
A coronation. Her coronation. What had her brother been thinking?
She could still feel her heart quickening as it did when she entered the room. As if it weren't beating rapidly already, the sudden sensation of dozens of pairs of eyes on her only added to her nervousness. She could feel the uncertainty in the room; the confusion and the eager anticipation for a new princess.
Faces she had been introduced to earlier that week looked at her. Everyone from nobility to the royal family's priest, who would lead the coronation, was there. She suddenly wished she had some of Cagalli's grace in such a situation. She had seen her sister's reaction to Athrun's proposal several months earlier and how Cagalli had bought herself more time.
It was the only thing Stellar could think of to do. A glance in her biological brother's direction assured her that she would receive no help from him. He was standing to the side, beaming proudly, seemingly without a doubt in his mind that she would gladly accept her title as princess.
It would break his heart to out-rightly refuse and she couldn't bring herself to do that. At the same time, she knew she wasn't ready to become first-in-line to throne of Federation. Stellar's mind reeled and for a short moment, she thought of fleeing.
The thought was quickly pushed aside. She was still Haumea Elite and Haumea Elite didn't simply fee when things became difficult. Cagalli and her sisters would be ashamed.
She hid her trembling hands against her as best as she could as she lifted her head proudly and bowed to the people in the room.
"Stellar thanks everyone who has come tonight. It is a great honor to be crowned a princess of the Federation," she began. Silently, she hoped her voice wasn't trembling. "Though Stellar is of royal blood and was born on Federation soil, Stellar does not know any of the necessary things for such a prestigious position."
Murata had interjected, hoping she was speaking from modesty rather than leading to a rejection. "It is fine, Stellar. You will have formal lessons and you will learn all you need to know in the coming days."
She turned towards him and met his gaze. She gave him an apologetic bow of her head as his expression saddened. "Stellar is afraid Stellar cannot accept the position," she told him truthfully. "If Stellar is to accept, Stellar will accept as a woman worthy of being a princess to this country, not simply because of blood relation."
Murata's eyes crinkled up. "Stellar-"
With her head still bowed, Stellar quickly continued. "When Stellar joined the Haumea Elite, it was only after Stellar passed a series of tests to prove Stellar's worth to the Elite. It was only when Stellar passed that both Stellar and the Elite felt Stellar was ready. Stellar will not become a princess until Stellar feels Stellar is ready for the position. To do so otherwise will make Stellar a weakness to the kingdom and to the family."
She wasn't sure if her reasoning was acceptable, but at the time, it was the only reason that came to mind other than flat out rejection. The court had grown silent and Stellar had struggled to keep from shifting awkwardly while waiting for a response.
It was her brother's voice that broke through the silence and, rather than laced with disappointment or anger, he sounded proud.
"Your reasoning shows your concern for the Federation and the seriousness in which you take the position, my sister," Murata told her as he stepped forward. Stellar lifted her head as he placed his hands gently on her shoulders. "I understand that you do not wish to burden us with an unprepared princess and I am sure that the court agrees with your decision to wait until you are ready to be officially crowned."
As Murata made the announcement to the court, Stellar could only smile weakly as they agreed on the decision. She had only bought herself time, but time was better than nothing.
The young blonde looked at herself in the mirror. Her short hair fell around her in mild disarray and she let out a heavy breath. To make matters worse, even though she and her brother were in the same room the entire night, she never had a chance to speak to him privately regarding the situation with Orb.
A small knock echoed through her room once more and Stellar let out a groan. She turned sharply towards the door and shot it a glare as she straightened up and stalked over. "Stellar said everyone is dismissed! Stellar doesn't need a maid's assistance!"
There was a pause. "I'm not a maid, Stellar," a slightly amused voice replied from the other side.
Stellar's eyes widened as her arm shot out and grabbed the door. She quickly unlocked it and swung it open. Murata was standing in front of her, giving her a weak smile. "Mura!"
"Are the maids really bothering you?" he asked curiously.
Stellar shook her head. "No, but Stellar can get ready by herself."
His smile widened a bit. "Good," he said. He glanced over her shoulder and then back at her. "Do you have a moment? I would like to speak to you."
Her heart nearly shot up to her throat. He wanted to speak to her? This was the chance she was waiting for. She nodded her head vigorously as she stepped aside and motioned for him to enter. Murata fidgeted nervously as his sister closed the door behind him and motioned for him to sit in one of the chairs of her waiting room.
He passed one of her discarded shoes on the ground and smiled slightly. Stellar smiled weakly as she rushed in to scoop it up and put it aside. "Stellar's feet started to hurt."
"Ah…" he nodded understandingly. He glanced around the room. "How do you like the room?"
"The room is very nice," Stellar told him earnestly. "Stellar likes the decorations of the room."
"But not as much as you like your room back in Orb?" Murata asked softly. Stellar paused where she stood by a chair. Her bother had yet to take a seat and stood just in front of a sofa.
The blonde took a deep breath. "Stellar has three rooms in Orb. One in the Azure Seray Stellar shares with Stellar's Elite sister. Stellar also has a room at the Rouge Seray, in the family level, and Stellar has a bedroom at the family estate."
"Family estate…" Murata trailed off, feeling somewhat disappointed. Wasn't the castle they were in right then count as her family estate? He shook his head to clear his mind. "I came to apologize," he said as he straightened up before her. "I've been so wrapped up in preparing a coronation for you that I never even spoke to you about it. I never even thought you'd decline the crown."
Stellar's maroon eyes lowered. "Stellar is sorry…"
"No," Murata shook his head. "I am the one who put you in such a position. I was so eager to have you back. You're the only family I have left, Stellar, I was blinded by that." She shifted awkwardly. She may be the only family he had left, but she had additional family in Orb. "I know you do not feel you are princess material, Stellar, but I cannot just let you leave."
Her eyes went wide as her head shot up. They bore into his eyes as her pale hands gripped the back of the chair she stood behind. "What-"
A hand silenced her. "I cannot force you to choose one family over the other, Stellar. Your family in Orb took care of you and clearly loved you. They are a part of you and for that, I am eternally grateful to them." Stellar remained where she stood. "But, you and I are the only members of our family left and I cannot, both as your brother and as the monarch of the Federation, allow you to deny your heritage here and cut off ties."
Stellar's face showed clear discomfort. "But Stellar is a Haumea Elite," she said softly. "Stellar-"
"I know," her brother assured her. "I do not wish for you to deny your family in Orb, either. I am grateful that for the care they have given you."
Silence settled between them. Stellar's struggled to come up with a reasonable solution, but nothing came to mind. "What happens, then?" she asked quietly.
Murata took a deep breath. "I wish to go to Orb and meet your family there." Stellar's head shot up, her eyes wide with surprise. "Surely, there must be something we can work out."
The blonde looked at him curiously. "Can Mura do that?"
He chuckled and smiled. "I am the king, I can do what I want," he assured her. "It will also be a good excuse to do some international relations with Orb," he added. He gave her a hopeful smile. "After much thought…I do not want my sister torn between two warring nations."
Her heart leapt. That was what she had wanted to hear since she arrived. A squeal escaped her lips as she rushed forward and threw her arms around her brother's neck, completely forgetting of his status. "Thank you, Mura!"
The blond man was taken aback at first, but slowly smiled before wrapping his arms around his sister's tiny frame. She began to blabber about how he'd enjoy Onogoro and that he'd get along with her other siblings, as well as assuring him that Orb will be pleased to work through any issues that stand between them and peace.
Murata nodded and gently pushed her away. "Do not get your hopes up. If I do not deem your brother and sister worthy or find that they treat you badly in anyway, I will bring you back here."
Stellar nodded understandingly. "Mura will like Cagalli and Kira! And Auntie and Uncle and Stellar's other sisters!" she insisted.
Murata nodded and patted her on the shoulder. "Get some rest. In a few days, we will head back to Orb." She escorted her brother to the door and gave him one final, thankful embrace before letting him leave.
As the door closed behind him, Murata straightened his jacket and stepped into the hall.
"Your Highness, are you sure this is what you desire? The alliance may not be pleased that you are considering peace with Orb," Djibril's voice said behind him.
Murata continued walking, knowing that the nobleman would follow without question. "My main concern is keeping the Federation together and my sister is the only other person, aside from myself, who can carry on the blood line. Keeping her close is more important that the alliance right now. This is also a golden opportunity, Djibril," Murata said as he turned the corner. "Ties with Orb and Plants would prove more fruitful than ties with the other nations."
"They are both strong military and economic powers…" Djibril conceded. "If you are sure, Your Highness."
"Arrange to have us leave in a week's time," Murata said as they reached the stairs that lead to his private quarters. He stopped and turned around to face the aging man. "And prepare gifts for Queen of Orb, each Captain of the Serays, as well as specific ones for Stellar's family. We need their cooperation if Stellar will one day accept her royal title."
Djibril bowed from the waist respectfully. "Yes, Your Highness."
"Lastly, make sure Sting and Auel remain at her side. Stellar must be kept safe," he stressed. His eyes narrowed. "She is the only chance we have at an heir."
The tall, blond man stretched his arms over his head as yet let out another yawn. He would've been pleased to remain in his comfortable guest bed, but that would mean missing the morning meal and being late for his 'surprise' visit to see his beloved Haumea Elite Captain.
According to his inside sources within the Azure Seray – for women who were so loyal, they had no qualms with giving him information the encouraged his behavior towards their captain – Miriallia and part of her Seray would have a joint training session with some of Cagalli's Elites later that morning.
Dearka nearly rubbed his hands together in glee. He would simply volunteer his services as a Red Knight to help with the training session and get to spend some time with Miriallia. In the brief moments where she was resting, sweaty and panting from her training, he would casually sweep in for a light caress or a small kiss. Of course, that was provided, she didn't completely ban him from the training session.
His failsafe was Cagalli allowing him to participate as through her husband, she had knowledge of Red Knights and their training regiment. He would be able to provide some assistance, he was sure.
As he walked into the dining room, it seemed that he was the last of the Plants guests to arrive. Everyone was sitting around the long dining table, chattering excitedly about something. Everyone except for a solemn looking Yzak. Dearka smirked. He was sure that if Yzak's mother wasn't sitting at the table, the solemn look on Yzak's face would've been a menacing scowl.
Dearka pulled out a chair for himself. "Everyone is lively today," he said as one of the servants brought him a plate. "Am I missing something?"
Rey, who was sitting across from him smiled brightly. "Lord Zala arrived yesterday and will be dropping by the palace today."
A chuckle left the tan man's lips as he brought his fork to his mouth. "So soon? I was sure that he'd attach him to Cagalli for a few days to make up for the time they were apart."
"Athrun is a dutiful man, Dearka," Ezalia told him as she sat to his left. She buttered a piece of bread calmly as she spoke. "He is doing his duties and his wife more than understands."
The blond nodded understandingly as he cut apart the meat on his plate. His mind drifted off to thoughts about what that day held for him and was silently pleased that he had the next few days off. If he were lucky, he'd be able to spend the day of rest with Miriallia. Grinning stupidly to himself, he almost failed to hear Yzak speak up beside him.
"Mother, if you'll excuse me for the meal," the silver-haired man began, already pushing back his chair. Ezalia opened her mouth to reply, when another voice cut through the room.
"Good morning, everyone!" Athrun beamed from the door way. The men around the table stood up, greeting him warmly as he entered the room and extended his hand to the other nobles.
"Athrun, you're early!" Lady Durandal gasped, pleasantly surprised. "We thought you'd come by later today."
"Have a seat a join us, Athrun," her husband urged as he motioned to one of the empty chairs around the table. "Have you eaten yet?"
"I'm afraid I'll have to decline the meal," Athrun said amiably as he patted his stomach. "I had breakfast at the Seray with Cagalli, before she left for training this morning."
The dark haired man laughed as he returned to his seat. "You must be disappointed."
Athrun kept a smile on his face as he reached the spot beside Yzak and placed a hand firmly on the silver-haired noble's shoulder. "Both my lovely wife and I are duty-bound, but not to worry," he assured them as his hand began to squeeze Yzak's shoulder. "I will see her in the evening."
"Yzak, aren't you going to sit?" Ezalia asked sharply from her seat. "Surely, you can't leave now that Athrun has just arrived."
"Yes, my friend," Athrun said as piercing green eyes bore into Yzak's blue ones. "Have a seat." Their eyes fought an unseen battle for just a moment before Yzak hesitantly returned to his chair.
Athrun took a seat beside him. As he cheerfully spoke to the other nobles, Yzak silently cursed the blue-haired man. No words needed to be spoken. Athrun's eyes were very clear. He new that Shiho had been sent back to Plants and was clearly not happy with it.
As breakfast ended around them and the nobles filtered away one by one, Yzak found himself left with Athrun and his mother. The silver-haired woman wore a tight lipped frown as she seemed to complain to blue-haired nobleman.
"Even Rey has informed us that he has singled out a bride, thought the details need to be worked out," Ezalia lamented as she stood near them, beside the balcony doors. "It is only Yzak who hasn't said a word."
"I was told that he has narrowed his choices down, hasn't he?" Athrun asked, feigning naivety.
Ezalia let out a heavy sigh. "Do speak to him, Athrun, he's known you the longest. Perhaps you can be of some assistance?"
A more than pleased look graced Athrun's face. "Of course, my lady, you know I would be most happy to give any assistance," he replied as one arm rose and rested casually around Yzak's tense shoulders. A wide smile was still on his face as he looked at Yzak. "Come, Yzak, we should go for a ride and talk."
Yzak opened his mouth. "Really, Athrun, I'd rather not trouble-" he began with gritted teeth, just before his mother cut him off.
"Lovely! Yzak, do be more grateful to Athrun," she scolded lightly, though seemingly pleased that Athrun agreed to 'speak' to her son. "He has experience on the matter and I'm sure his guidance will be of help to your current situation."
Athrun could almost feel the anger radiating off his friend at the word 'situation'. Bidding the noblewoman a pleasant good-bye, Athrun excused them and lead Yzak out of the dining hall. "Come, Yzak," Athrun said pleasantly.
As they reached an empty hall, Yzak opened his mouth to begin to rid himself of Athrun. Before a single word could leave his mouth, the blue-haired nobleman whirled around. Yzak's eyes barely had time to widen before a fist slammed into his stomach, knocking the wind right out of him.
He stumbled back, his arms immediately clutching his stomach as he coughed. Shocked eyes immediately narrowed into a vicious glare as he righted himself in front of Athrun. "Have you lost your mind, Zala!?" he spat out. "What do you think you're doing!?"
"What do you think you're doing!?" Athrun growled back.
Yzak shot him another glare. "I have no idea what you're talking about-"
"Don't try to feed me that dribble!" Athrun hissed. "You know damn well that I'm talking about Shiho!"
"Have you lost your mind?" Yzak growled. "Shiho was sent back to Orb because it was decided that she would be of more help-"
"Shiho already tried that pathetic excuse-"
"Then are you too stupid to understand, Zala!?" Yzak snapped.
Athrun's eyes narrowed. He took a step closer, his eyes burning holes into Yzak's as he faced him. "The only one who is too stupid to understand here is you, Yzak," he said in a low voice. "Do you seriously think there is any benefit from sending the woman you love away?"
A brief flicker of unreadable emotion broke through Yzak's stone mask. He felt his heart twist at the thought of Shiho and love. Regardless, he did not back down from Athrun. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he replied coldly.
He pushed Athrun to the side and stepped around him. Athrun turned around. "Then why haven't you chosen a wife, yet, Yzak?" Athrun asked coldly. "You've been here quite some time. Even the younger grooms have someone in mind."
Yzak stopped a few paces from him. He let out a snort, but didn't look back. "I am merely weighing my options."
"Is that what you're calling it now?" another voice asked. Yzak turned his attention towards the blond man walking down the stairs from the hall. Dearka held his coat in one hand. "It must be a coincidence, then, that the two women you've selected so far mirror her hair color."
As Dearka reached the two other men, Yzak snarled at him. "You have no place to criticize your captain-"
"I'm off duty," Dearka cut him off quickly as he raised his hands. "I'm saying it as a friend."
"You are a Red Knight," Yzak hissed. "You are never off duty."
"Clearly, your unsorted feelings for Shiho are hindering you from your duty, Yzak," Athrun said behind him. Yzak turned around and shot him a skeptical glare.
"What are you talking about now?"
"Are you that in deep a denial that I need to break it down and explain it to you?" Athrun frowned. "You are clearly in love with Shiho and because of that, you are torn between love and duty. Due to your love for Shiho, you cannot bring yourself to marry another woman."
Yzak's cold blue eyes grew even colder. "You've lost your mind, Zala," he spat out.
Dearka let out a heavy sigh. "Then why haven't you chosen, yet, Yzak? It's odd, no matter how you look at it. You are not a captain for nothing. You're a painfully punctual, no non-sense person. Under normal circumstances, if they told you to get a wife for the sake of Plants, you'd already be married or at the very least, engaged. Yet, here we are, after several weeks in Plants, and you haven't even so much as spoken to a woman more than two or three times."
Yzak remained standing where he was, his chest rising and falling with heavy breathes. Athrun took a step closer. "You sent Shiho away because you couldn't bear to have her by your side when you're trying to marry another woman."
A low growl escaped Yzak's throat as his hands rose and clutched the sides of his head. "Enough! I've heard enough from you both!" he yelled. "You're both insane if you think for a moment that I think of Shiho as any thing more than my secretary!"
Before the other two could respond, Yzak stormed past Dearka and up the stairs. The two looked at each other, faintly hearing the sound of Yzak's door slam, as the silence settled around them.
Inside his clean and orderly room, Yzak locked the door behind him and began pacing the cold marble floor. His hands were shaking with fury at the ridiculous assumptions his fellow Red Knights made. So what if they had known him since before they could even walk? What did it matter that for a good portion of their lives, they had almost always been side by side and probably knew him better than his own mother?
They had no right to bring up such wild, unrealistic accusations about love that threatened the duty he lived for. Frustrated, he ran a hand through his usually kept silver hair and stomped to the armoire that kept his clothes. He threw open the doors and shuffled through the various, neatly ironed pieces in search of something to go riding in.
The sound of shuffling stopped as his eyes settled on the crisp white uniform jacket of a Red Knight Captain. Blue orbs lingered on the lopsided pins gracing the left breast pocket. He could still remember the feeling of her small, but strong hands fixing the pins as he stood before her.
Silently, a hand rose and ran over the lopsided pins and ribbons. His eyes squinted as his fist grasped the pins and pulled them and the jacket slowly from its wooden hanger. It had been the last thing of his she touched before she left.
He felt his back lean against the solid wood of the armoire before he slid down against it and sat on floor. The white jacket crumbled over his lap as his hands grasped at its fabric tightly. His brought the pins to his lips and stared blankly ahead of him, wondering who would fix his pins when Shiho was no longer able to.
The purple-eyed brunette had a look of utmost concentration on his face as he focused on the documents he was pouring through within the walls of the massive temple library. Athrun smiled to himself as he approached him, not bothering to make a sound before he tapped his brother-in-law in the shoulder.
Kira jerked up, a smile immediately reaching his face as he rose from his seat to greet Athrun with a brotherly embrace. "What are you doing here?" he chuckled as he ushered the other man outside. "Shouldn't you be stalking my sister?"
Athrun let out a heavy sigh. "Does everyone believe that I cannot go a moment without Cagalli if I do not need to?"
"It's more a known fact," Kira grinned.
Athrun chuckled. "I actually came to pray to my in-laws," he admitted. "So I thought I'd drop by to see how you were doing. I figured you'd be here."
Kira nodded and smiled weakly. "Just trying to get my mind off of the situation right now…" he replied. "I take it you've spoken to Cagalli already?"
Athrun nodded as they began to walk around the inner court yard. "I couldn't do much for her, besides sit there and hold her, I'm afraid," he said in a low, disappointed voice. "I'm glad I was able to come as soon as I did…Gods know she was holding so much in."
The brunette nodded in agreement. "I didn't know what else to say. I was rather afraid to speak to her further…I'm barely able to grasp it myself."
"How are you holding up?" Athrun asked. "Stellar is your sister, too."
"Terribly," Kira admitted with a frown. "If I could ban her from going, I would."
"That's a bit extreme, isn't it?" Athrun asked with a raised eyebrow. Kira shrugged. The blue-haired nobleman let out a heavy breath. "I know it must be difficult for you to see your sisters leave."
"It was different with you," Kira insisted. Athrun gave him a look of disbelief, as if to remind him that he had punched him when he found out. "It is," Kira frowned. "At least with Cagalli, I knew she would be in good hands with you and if not, I would see to it personally that she was."
Athrun rolled his eyes, but tugged on the collar of his shirt none-the-less. "Thank you…"
"It's different with Stellar. She may have gone for the familiar reason of duty and what not, but I do not know what the future will hold for her in the Federation," Kira continued. "It would be hard to accept if she decides to stay there and becoming a princess or whatever she is to them. If she decided to go down that path, I'd try to support her, but if they forced her to…I don't know what I'd do. I'm only one man."
Athrun let out a chuckle. "You are Kira Yamato, you are not simply one man," he smirked. Kira let out a small laugh before looking sadly in front of him.
"I just want her to come home."
"Cagalli does as well," Athrun added. "It's killing me to see her like this…"
"I understand, she is my sister," Kira pointed out.
Athrun let out a small cough and looked away casually. "Speaking of sisters," he began carefully. "Lacus is like a sister to me."
Kira kept a pleasant smile on his face, though already knew where the conversation was heading upon the mention of her name. "How is she doing? I understand that these times are not easy for her considering Orb's situation."
Athrun took a deep breath and exhaled as he nodded his head. "She is fine and is more than ready to provide support to Orb. The Supreme Council had much to say on the matter, but in the end, Lacus made the final decision. The Supreme Council has slowly come to accept it."
Kira smiled softly. "I wish she were not in such a position."
"Hmm…well, for the sake of strengthening ties with Orb, I've done what I could to coax her into returning." Beside Athrun, Kira's eyes widened and looked at him, surprised. A small blush was traced across his face before he looked down.
"Tell me that it is purely for political reasons."
"Officially perhaps," Athrun mused. Kira frowned.
"Athrun, I do not know how many times I must tell you this, but Lacus and I-"
"There are worse things a man can do than fall in love with a queen of an allied country," Athrun cut him off with a thoughtful smile. Kira let out a heavy breath and shook his head.
"Athrun, Lacus and I are just friends," he insisted. "It would be troublesome for her and her position if she became…attached to someone like myself. Many suitors who are a better candidate for her king would be turned away if she became attached."
Athrun gave the brown-haired man a look of disbelief. "Kira, can you honestly tell me that you would be able to accept Lacus with another man? I know her very well and know for a fact that she is quite taken with you."
"That doesn't matter-"
"Do you not care about her?"
"I care very much for Lacus!" Kira defended himself quickly. His eyes narrowed as he looked away. "But I am not…good enough. Lacus is a queen, Athrun. I am not even of any noble blood. Do you honestly believe that Plants will accept me as the queen's consort? My parents run a chocolate shop!"
"And your sister is a Rouge Seray Captain and heir to a strong political legacy. You are not just some random temple aid, Kira. You rank highly in the military and are a scholar!" Athrun reminded him.
"Athrun," Kira told him sternly as they arrived back at the front of the library. "Please let it drop," he said with a silent plea.
Athrun met Kira's gaze. "Do you at least feel anything for her, Kira?" he asked seriously. "I've seen her practically dancing at the thought of you. I would hate for her to find out that you do not feel the same way."
"I don't know," Kira admitted quietly. He shrugged his shoulders helplessly. "I honestly do not know."
Athrun pursed his lips and lowered his head. "If she comes, she will come see you," he told him truthfully. "Be on your toes then." Kira nodded. Athrun lifted hand and placed in on Kira's shoulder. "I also wanted to know if you'd like to join Cagalli, Mayu, Shinn and myself for dinner tomorrow night. We are celebrating Mayu's acceptance into the music school."
Kira offered Athrun a small smile and nodded. "I'd be happy to."
"Good," Athrun said as he patted Kira's shoulder and lowered his hand. "I should go. I still have to go to the music school and complete the paperwork as her legal guardian. We'll send you the details of the dinner later."
Kira gave him and nod and watched as Athrun headed back out of the temple grounds.
Dust flew into the air as Dearka's body hit the ground with a thud. To the side, Cagalli let out a snort and crossed her arms over her chest. "Honestly, Dearka, it's obvious that you are not trying."
"You're asking the impossible of me, Captain," he said casually as he pushed himself back up and didn't bother to dust off his clothes. Across from him, still in a position to attack or defend if necessary, was Miriallia. "I couldn't possibly lay a threatening hand on my Miriallia."
"I'm not your Miriallia!" she hissed as her face reddened with embarrassment It wasn't as if her 'relationship' with the Red Knight was a secret, but she didn't parade it around for everyone to acknowledge. She jerked forward and Dearka barely managed to side step her attack.
"I am trying, you know," Dearka assured her.
"Lies!" Miriallia shouted. She delivered a kick only to stop before it actually made contact with Dearka's defense and shot her arm forward instead. Dearka stumbled back, still smiling as he clutched his stomach.
"I love you, too."
"Cagalli, this was a mistake!" Miriallia growled, taking a step back.
"No, it's not," Cagalli insisted. "This is a good change to spar with someone who was trained with a different fighting style. Dearka just isn't trying," she frowned as she shot the blond-haired man a glare. "Unarmed combat is not Miriallia's specialty, Dearka. You are clearly holding yourself back. That will do more harm than good."
"You can't honestly believe I'd hit her, do you?" Dearka asked as he furrowed his eyebrows. Admittedly, his plan may not have been the best one. Sparring with them sounded like a good idea at first, but when it came to actually facing the woman who haunted his dreams at night, he found that he couldn't so much as throw a punch in her direction. A huge weakness if there was ever any.
"Then an incentive is due," Cagalli stated as she uncrossed her arms. "If you take this seriously, Dearka, and manage to pin or disable Miriallia, she will go out to dinner with you tomorrow night, during the day of rest."
"What!?" Miriallia instantly froze in her spot, her eyes wide as she spat out her horrified question. Around her, various Elite giggled at the thought. "Cagalli, have you lost your mind-"
She caught a blur beside her and barely managed to jump to the side as Dearka rushed forward. A Cheshire grin was on his face as he attacked, almost relentlessly. Beside Cagalli, Juri looked on with surprised eyes, impressed at the sudden change in Dearka's skill once a valuable reward had been offered.
Miriallia was pushed further and further back, desperately trying to defend herself, but failing. She knew that unarmed combat was not her forte, but she never remembered being that terrible before. The most she could do was block his hits and not fall over herself as she tried to regain her footing.
Before she knew it, her legs were swept from underneath her and she was falling backwards. For a moment, the only thing her mind could settle on was the complete and utter humiliation this would bring her. She braced herself for the ground and felt an arm catch her carefully before she hit the dirt floor.
Wide, blue eyes looked up into smiling purple ones as his face hovered just above hers. "If all I had to do was knock you off your feel and into my arms, that would've been a reward in itself," he whispered, almost haughtily.
Miriallia's eyes narrowed. A moment later, Dearka rolled to the side, his arms clutching his stomach and Miriallia kicked him out of the way. She stood up in a huff, her face flushed as she dusted off her training clothes. Below her, the Red Knight wheezed out that he still loved her, as Miriallia stepped over his body.
"Cagalli-" the brunette growled as she stalked towards the other captain.
"You were caught off guard," Cagalli told her, trying to hide her grin. "I didn't expect you to fall that soon."
Miriallia threw her arms in the air. "How you could make such a ludicrous deal-"
"Then you accept it?" the blonde asked.
"No!" Miriallia yelled. "I don't see any reason to!"
Cagalli opened her mouth to reply when someone called her name from the side. She looked past the back gardens of the Azure Seray and saw someone running towards them, waving scrolls in their hands. Cagalli's eyebrows furrowed as she focused her attention on the new comer. "Messenger," she murmured.
Miriallia narrowed her eyes. "Royal Messenger…" she stressed.
"Captain Athha, Captain Haww," the messenger came to a stop before them and bowed his head respectfully. "There is a message for both of you from the Federation."
Cagalli's eyes widened. "The Fed…" she murmured. Her hand shot forward and snatched the scroll from the messenger's hand eagerly. She quickly broke the wax seal, not bothering to notice the crest of the Federation's Royal House on it. Miriallia leaned forward to look at the scroll.
Behind them, the messenger's eyes landed on Dearka. "Sir Elsman?" he asked tentatively.
Dearka's curious purple eyes turned to the messenger as he gave a small nod of his head. "Yes, is there a message for me?"
"No, sir; however, there is a message for Lord Captain Joule," the messenger reported dutifully.
Dearka gave him another nod of his head and extended his hand. "That is fine. I will accept it on behalf of my captain," he replied formally. Miriallia couldn't help but glance at him as he accepted the scroll. "I will report this to my captain. Thank you."
She raised an eyebrow. He was much more attractive when he was serious. He stood a little straighter; his face didn't carry that ridiculous, lopsided smile he thought was so charming. He seemed to sense her looking at him and met her gaze. The firm, commanding look on his face quickly melted into a warm smile as he winked at her.
Miriallia let out a low growl before turning back to Cagalli. "What does it say?"
The amber-eyed woman skimmed over the letter a second time, making sure that she was reading it correctly before she responded to it. The neat cursive writing that lacked the first person speech Stellar used when she spoke was familiar. The little heart at the bottom signed with Stellar's full name – ending with Athha – brought a surge of relief to Cagalli.
She bit her lip as she took a deep breath. "She's coming home," Cagalli whispered breathlessly. She looked up at Miriallia and beamed a wide smile. "Stellar's coming home!"
She gave the scroll to Miriallia to read as the Elites that surrounded them let out gasps of relief and excitement. Everyone had been concerned for the lone Haumea Elite's trek to the Federation. While it was considered an 'official' trip, it was no secret to Stellar's sisters why she was also going.
As Miriallia and Cagalli reveled in the news, Dearka smiled and looked over the scroll he had been given. His eyes immediately settled on the Plants Royal Seal at the top of the page. The information was short, but to the point. A wide smile graced his lips.
"Stellar isn't the only one returning," he said. He began to curl up the scroll in preparation to bring it to Yzak. Several sets of eyes turned to him. "Queen Lacus will be coming soon, as well, in time for the engagement parties."
"We need to prepare," Miriallia announced, already forgetting about her fury at Cagalli or her proposed evening with Dearka. She called over her lieutenants as Cagalli did the same and began to give them orders to bring to their Queen.
"I should bring this to Yzak and the others," Dearka said as he lifted the scroll up. "It has been a pleasure, ladies," he said as he gave them a bow. They chuckled, amused. As he walked past them, he stepped in front of Miriallia. A wide grin remained on his face as she paused in the middle of a sentence and frowned at him.
"Is there something else, Sir Elsman?" she asked as she raised an eyebrow.
"Wear something nice," he beamed. "And short."
Before Miriallia could retaliate, he darted towards the stables, calling for someone to get his horse ready. Unable to keep himself from smiling, he didn't seem to pay any attention to how long it took to get his horse ready. He didn't even remember mounting it and heading out the Azure Seray gates.
All he knew was that Cagalli was clearly an ally in his quest for Miriallia's heart and that tomorrow, he would sweep the Azure Captain off her feet in a night of romance and…his smile fell.
Had they been back in Plants, such a show would have been easy to pull off with his connections and knowledge of the best places for food and dance and sunsets. In Orb, he lacked not only the connections, but knowledge of where to even take her for an excellent dinner. His lips pursed. He couldn't possibly spend the entire day the next day wandering the streets of Onogoro, trying to find the perfect place to have dinner.
He needed to buy her flowers and arrange for a carriage to pick her up from the Seray. He silently swore to himself. Yzak had lent his carriage to Shiho and even if he did still have it, Dearka doubled the scowling silver-haired noble would let him use it after that morning's argument.
He thought about asking Athrun, since Cagalli had arrived in their carriage, but the family would probably be using it, as Athrun mentioned having dinner with them and Kira earlier that day.
His horse arrived at the front of the palace and Dearka mindlessly slipped off. He tugged on his dusty shirt to straighten it as he gave instructions on what to feed his horse before trudging up the stairs. He got halfway down the hall when he sighted a familiar blond-haired man eating what looked like a pastry.
"Mwu!" Dearka called out. Perfect. If Mwu could win the heart of the most powerful woman in Orb, then surely he had some tricks up his sleeves. The Advisor turned towards the sound of his name and smiled as he lifted up a hand to greet the knight.
"Good afternoon, Dearka," the man said as he waited for the knight to reach him. "How did sparring with the Elites go?"
"I think Captain Athha may have bruised a rib and Miriallia seemed to have been concentrating on that weak spot while we were sparring, but other than that, it went better than expected!" he reported proudly.
The older man chuckled. "How so?"
"I won an evening out with the Azure Captain," Dearka told him.
Mwu raised an eyebrow. "Really?" he asked, clearly not believing the other man. "With Miriallia? Did she lose a bet?"
For a moment, Dearka wasn't sure how to take that. "Err…it was a long story. The point is I was wondering if you could help me."
"Depends what it is," the blond man said as he finished off the pastry he was eating. He glanced down at the scroll in Dearka's hand. "Is there a message?"
"Hmm?" Dearka followed Mwu's gaze and shook his head. "This?" he asked as he lifted up the scrolled parchment. "No, this is a message from Queen Lacus. She wanted to confirm that she was going to be here in time for the engagement parties."
"Ah…I see," Mwu nodded. "That must be why Lady Joule is leaving today."
Dearka tensed up. His eyebrows furrowed as he looked at the older man questioningly. "Lady Joule is leaving?" He hadn't heard anything about it. Lady Joule would've told him already, wouldn't she?
"She just met with Queen Murrue and myself, as well as the other Advisors," Mwu told him. "To inform us that she was heading back to Plants, but would return at month's end in time for the ball everyone is throwing for those engaged."
Dearka pulled his head back slightly. "I hadn't heard anything about it…"
"She probably didn't find you in time. You've been out since mid-morning, haven't you?" Mwu asked. "Aside from that, what was it you needed my help with?"
Dearka shook himself out of his thoughts for a moment and nodded. "Ah, can you recommend a nice place to take Miriallia for dinner?"
With their backs turned towards the stairs as they passed, Dearka missed the regal looking woman calmly walking across the hall, to the second floor guest wing. Short, silver hair framed her head as a confident look graced her face. She would be leaving soon and wanted to inform her son.
It was a sudden decision to leave, but after she heard Yzak's argument with Athrun and Dearka that morning, she couldn't sit still a moment longer. If Yzak was as Athrun and Dearka said he was, there was a problem and it did not seem that her son would rectify it soon.
She reached a wooden door and raised her fist to knock on the door. She was met with silence and she knocked again, this time speaking out.
"Yzak," she began, her voice gentler than normal. Behind the closed door, uncharacteristically sprawled across his bed, Yzak barely so much as turned his head towards the door. "Yzak, are you awake?"
"I'm awake, Mother," Yzak said tiredly as he pushed himself up. He straightened his clothes.
"I'll returning to Plants for the time being, my dear," she told him carefully. "I will return in time for the engagement ball."
On the edge of his bed, Yzak tensed. His head shot up and glared at the door. "Leaving?" he asked. He rose from his seat. "Mother, what do you mean you're leaving? This is rather unexpected," he said as he approached the door.
The woman lifted her head proudly behind it. "There are some things I need to deal with as a council member. Loose ends and what not."
Yzak unlocked his door and pulled it open to meet his mother's gaze. "Do you need an escort?" he asked.
"None, other than my usual. Dearka will be remaining here. I haven't seen him today. Everyone says he probably went to see Captain Haww since he is off duty today. Do inform him on my behalf," she instructed.
Yzak nodded his head. "Of course, Mother."
She raised her hand brushed back her son's hair, not bothering to question why it was standing up in odd places. "Darling, I trust that when I return you will have chosen one of the Elites to marry?"
His breathe caught in his throat. For a moment, his eyes glassed over. "Yes, Mother," he replied automatically. "I will be engaged by the time you return."
Ezalia gave him a warm smile. "Good," she said softly. She leaned upwards and placed a kiss on her son's cheek. "You cannot go wrong with the Elite, my son. If you have any questions, I am sure Athrun will be able to help."
Yzak just nodded his head as his mother turned around and headed down the stairs. Silently, Yzak stepped back into his room and closed the door behind him.
It was clear that he could not prolong his indecision any longer. Frowning to himself, he stalked towards the in suite bathroom to wash his face. He briefly paused as he passed his open armoire and the crumbled white jacket resting at its floor. Narrowing his eyes, he lifted his hands and closed the doors.
A.N. – I'm SORRY. I am just really bad with writing fanfiction write now. I do plan on completing this, eventually. I'm very sorry for making you guys wait! Sometimes, I just need to be reminded. Since everyone was in Athrun's lovelife in LJBD, he is taking it upon himself to be in everyone's lovelife. As REVENGE. :D