Though the Heavens May Fall
Chapter Eleven
By: DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Gundam Seed/Gundam Seed: Destiny. They belong to their respective creators, owners, licensees.
Even though he missed Cagalli and found the bed much too large and empty without her, there was still something relaxing about being able to take up the entire mattress without knowing that sometime in the middle of the night, the blanket would be kicked off, he'd be elbowed in the ribs, or have someone barging into his room with something 'urgent'.
Athrun snuggled against the pillows that still smelled of the floral scent in Cagalli's hair and let out a content sigh. He missed her and was glad that she would be back the next day. It would probably a hectic day, in general.
Shinn and Mayu would return from the island with Kira and Stellar. He hoped that everything had gone well with them and King Murata. He was sure Kira couldn't have gotten over Murata being a biological brother to Stellar so soon, especially after the scholar-warrior still occasionally sent him a glare when Athrun put his arm around Cagalli in Kira's presence.
All of that, however, would come with the next morning. He had spent a nice, relaxing afternoon wandering the pier and replenishing Cagalli's 'secret' chocolate stashes around the Seray. He had long finished the Red Knights related work days earlier and taken care of any upcoming estate paperwork.
He had just one more night of peace and quiet and then he would return to the hectic family life he had grown used to.
"I demand to see him!" A voice rocked his consciousness and Athrun's green eyes flew open at the sound of the demanding voice.
"Captain Joule, please stay here!" a female voice bellowed. "No one is allowed on the captain's private level unless invited by her!"
"Then send someone to bring him down here!" Yzak barked back.
Athrun let out a low growl and gritted his teeth. Of course. He was a man who could not live a simple, quiet life. He was Athrun Zala. He had to help everyone.
He pushed himself out of bed and slowly reached for his robe. Outside his doors, he could year numerous voices yelling from the stairs. If they were trying to keep Yzak from bothering him, they were failing miserably. The sound of their yelling was only amplified when he opened one of the bedroom doors and stepped out.
"Captain Zala," an apologetic voice said from the top of the stairs. Juri was bowing her head, still dressed in her pajamas. "I'm sorry. We tried to stop him, but-"
"Zala!" Yzak's voice echoed through hall and Athrun struggled to keep himself from grimacing. If anyone should have been apologizing, it should have been him for having such a loud, demanding friend.
"It's fine, Juri," Athrun assured her as he walked past. He began to go down the stairs and could see the crowd that had gathered on the second level. He could also make out the top of Yzak's silvery-white head as a wall of Haumea Elite kept him from going any further.
Athrun knew that Yzak could easily force his way in and despite the urgency in his voice, the other captain had remained at the top step of the second level, a few paces from the women. Athrun wasn't sure if it was because he was afraid of the dozen or so women in various sleepwear barricading him from the top level or just being respectful enough to maintain his distance.
Standing at the front of the barricade was Mayura in a bright orange tank top and shorts and matching fuzzy slippers. Her arms were crossed over her chest as a glare bore into Yzak. Athrun let out a sigh.
As soon as he realized the blue-haired noble had appeared, Yzak turned all of his attention to him. "Zala!" he growled. He still didn't move forward and Athrun silently thanked the manners that Ezalia Joule had drilled into her son, even if they did occasionally fail and didn't apply to his voice in public or private places.
"Everyone, I'm very sorry," Athrun said as the Elites parted for him. "I had no idea he was going to arrive and I'm very sorry for him disturbing you so late." He then shot a glare at Yzak, as if telling him to apologize for the scene he was causing.
"It was either you or Dearka and I couldn't find him," the white-haired man said instead.
Athrun glanced back at the women behind him. They hadn't budged and still looked just as irritated as they had before he arrived. "Is this an emergency related to Plants?" Athrun asked. He could forgive that.
"No," Yzak frowned. "It's a personal iss…" He caught himself. His eyes widened as he realized what he had just said and around whom. His blue eyes shot to the women across from him. Suddenly, they looked a bit interested. "It's nothing," he said quickly as he turned his head away. He lifted his hand and adjusted the collar of his shirt. "Never mind that. I do apologize for my rudeness to the Seray," he mumbled.
Athrun smirked a bit. He looked back at the women and made eye contact with Juri. He gave a nod of his head and the second Lieutenant nodded.
"Alright, everyone, it seems that Captain Zala will deal with our guest from here," the woman said a she waved her hands in the air. "Captain, if you could please take your conversation downstairs. This is a women's only floor."
"I understand," Athrun nodded. He bowed his head once more as the warrior women dispersed. "Once again, we are both sorry."
He vaguely saw a few of them nod as they slowly filed back to their rooms. Several of them glanced back at Yzak and Athrun could hear whispers of Shiho's name said among them. He knew that the next morning, it would be all over the Serays that Yzak Joule had barged into the Seray to find out about Shiho, along with some exaggerations here and there.
"My apologies for not being a proper hostess, Captain Zala," Juri said. "Captain Joule. Is there anything I can get you?"
"No, Juri, it's fine," Athrun assured her as he gave her his most winning smile. "We've already caused the Seray enough trouble. Cagalli will have my head. Please be at ease. I'll take care of him." Juri nodded and gave him one final bow. Athrun turned around and faced Yzak. "We can talk downstairs."
"Fine," Yzak grumbled. He turned around and began down the stairs. Athrun followed behind him.
"It's late, Yzak. I trust you have a good reason for barging into my wife's Seray and disturbing her Elites and myself," Athrun said as they reached foyer. He walked past Yzak and led him further into the house, towards the dining area.
"Like I said, it was either you or Dearka, but I haven't seen him for days and he didn't answer his door at the palace," Yzak scowled.
"I haven't seen you for days either," Athrun replied as he let them into the empty dining hall. Moonlight illuminated the hall from the glass windows and doors. "After I went after you to the palace, you did nothing but stay in your room writing letters and trying to get a hold of both Shiho and your mother."
"Well, we needn't worry about getting hold of my mother any longer," Yzak hissed as Athrun took a seat. The white-haired knight paced before him. "She arrived a few hours ago with Lacus."
Athrun's eyes narrowed. "What happened."
"What do you think happened!?" Yzak yelled as he turned and faced Athrun. "She basically confessed everything! I was right! It was her who told Shiho to resign!"
"Yes, but even if she ordered Shiho to resign, if Shiho wanted to fight the order, she could've," Athrun countered.
"But she cannot fight my mother!" Yzak retorted. "My mother's word is law, Athrun! Shiho could not possibly fight my mother on her resignation!"
Athrun let out a heavy breath. He ran one hand down his face and closed his eyes. "Then why don't you try to re-instate Shiho? Just write up a valid reason for her to return and-"
"I would if I could!" Yzak cut him off. "But I don't even know here she is!"
Athrun raised an eyebrow questioningly. "What are you talking about? How could you not know?"
"I didn't even know that she resigned until a few days ago, Zala, and I'm her commanding officer! How do you think I would know where she is!?" Yzak demanded. "I haven't received anything from her father's house and she's clearly not at the Joule Estate or the Red Knights courtyard! Where else could she possibly be!?"
Athrun stared at his fellow nobleman. Yzak looked clearly disheveled, with his usually perfect hair slightly askew and his clothes wrinkled and bags under his eyes. He seemed genuinely at a loss for what to do. If he tried to deny his love for Shiho at this point, people would just laugh.
"She has other property," Athrun reminded him calmly.
Yzak's glare seemed to worsen as he looked at Athrun. "She doesn't have permanent residence in Plants! She always rented near a base or the Red Knights provided for her. Otherwise, she'd be in December City with her father!"
Athrun let out a heavy sigh. He pushed himself and crossed his arms over his chest. "You really are a narrow minded man, aren't you?" the blue-haired noble frowned. Yzak opened his mouth, but Athrun spoke before he could. "All you're thinking about is Plants. Always Plants. What about Shiho? Can't you think about her for once?"
The white-haired knight was seething. "What is wrong with you!? Of course I'm thinking about her! I'm thinking about her right now! What in the world do you think would've possessed me to rush here, in the middle of the night, and practically break into a building housing some of the most elite warriors in the world, if I wasn't being driven mad by thoughts of her!?"
Behind his cold facade, Athrun was giddy. Yzak was falling apart without Shiho. Still, the other noble didn't seem to understand. "You're thinking about what she is in correlation to you. Not as her as a person and what is connected to her."
Yzak threw his arms in the air. "I am in no mood…!" His eyes widened suddenly and Athrun could almost see the realization across his face. Blue eyes flickered questioningly to green ones. "Her grandmother's property…here…in Orb."
Athrun let out an exasperated sigh. "Yes, Yzak. Her grandmother's property. I heard it's a quaint little cottage in the countryside, at the edge of a small town."
Yzak stared at him for a moment longer and then darted forward and grabbed on to the collar of Athrun's robe. "Where!?"
The blue-haired man's eyebrows furrowed. "I don't know, Yzak! I don't keep track of her property!"
"Then someone else has to know," Yzak murmured as he pushed Athrun away. His eyes flickered around the floor, as if looking for something. "An Elite might know where it is!"
Athrun stopped in the middle of fixing his collar. He didn't like where this was going. "Yzak-"
"She stayed with Captain Haww before!" Yzak suddenly realized. His face looked as if he had found the meaning of life. "Captain Haww will know where she is!"
"You sound like a mad man, Yzak," Athrun frowned. "It's late! Miriallia and her Seray must've already retired for the night-"
"This is an urgent matter!" Yzak assured him. "She will understand!" Before Athrun could stop him, Yzak was already out the door of the dining hall and heading towards the front of the house. Grumbling, Athrun ran after him. He could easily have allowed Yzak to leave and then return to his comfortable bed and sleep until he was awakened by Cagalli sometime the next day, but no, he had a sense of duty.
"Yzak! Wait for me! Let me get my riding boots!" Even has he yelled that and ran up the stairs, he was sure that Yzak would leave without him. He reached the bedroom and shoved on his boots in record time before storming back down the stairs. He was halfway down when he saw the front door opened with Juri standing by. "Captain, we had Akatsuki prepared for you."
That was a bit frightening how they knew. "Thank you, Juri," Athrun said as he gave her a thankful nod. "We'll be at the Azure Seray."
Juri nodded once more as Athrun grabbed the reins of the golden horse and easily mounted. He could barely see the Yzak's figure on horse back galloping out the gate. Grumbling curses at the white-haired nobleman, Athrun turned the horse towards the gate and galloped after him.
Silently, he apologized to Miriallia and her Seray for allowing this to happen. Perhaps he should've just knocked Yzak out. It's not like the distressed man would've seen it coming. Second, it wasn't as if Shiho was going anywhere soon. Athrun knew that some of the Elites who had time off had gone to help her move into the house. He had heard about their adventures painting and fixing various parts of the old cottage all week.
Then again, he could've also told Yzak that Shiho was in Orb when he first over heard the Elites talking. He could've, but he wanted Yzak to be troubled a bit longer, just for being an idiot.
Akatsuki carried him through the guarded gates of the Azure Seray, where a confused Haumea Elite watched them enter, but did nothing to stop them. They were familiar faces. By the time Athrun reached the front of the Seray, Yzak's horse had already been abandoned and he could hear him inside. Grimacing to himself, the blue-haired noble quickly dismounted Akatsuki and rushed up the steps.
"Captain Zala!" a voice gasped.
"I know and I apologize for our sudden arrival," Athrun sighed as he swept past one of the Elite. He looked around. "Where is he?"
"He ran up to the stairs, Captain!"
"Oh, damn it, Yzak…" Athrun grumbled. He gave the few Elites who had gathered an apologetic bow before running after him. "I'm very sorry about this! I'll bring him down!"
Before anyone could protest, he darted up the stairs, loudly informing Yzak to come down immediately before he dragged him down. As he reached the middle level, where the bedrooms of the Elites were, he apologized to anyone he saw. He continued to climb up the stairs, following Yzak's voice and the sound of pounding on a door.
Athrun silently prayed that they were close enough to Miriallia and the others that this would not cause some sort of international incident.
"Captain Haww! Captain Haww! I require your assistance immediately!" Yzak was saying as he knocked loudly on the suite door.
Athrun reached his side and prepared to tackle him to the ground. "Yzak-!"
"Yzak, it's past midnight!" The door had flown open and a pants-only glad Dearka stood at the doorway. "What are you doing here!?" he grumbled as he ran his hand through his messy hair.
The two other men in the hall seemed to stop for a moment and let the situation sink in. An understanding looking reached Athrun's face. No wonder Yzak couldn't find Dearka at the palace. "So this is where you've been."
The blond man looked at Athrun as if the question itself were odd. "Where else would I be?"
"Well, it's not as if you're married to her already," Athrun shrugged.
"Never mind that!" Yzak barked as he made his presence known. An irritated look was on his face. "I don't give a damn where you were or where you're staying! I didn't come here looking for you!"
"You didn't?" Dearka looked confused. "I thought that's why you came barging in. You thought I was lost and dead in a ditch or something."
Athrun held in a muffled snort as Yzak's scowl grew worse. "I came to talk to Captain Haww."
Dearka's eyes widened, looking slightly worried. Did Yzak disapprove of their relationship that much? "Yzak-"
"What's going on!?" a voice said behind Dearka. Mirallia's head peeked over Dearka's shoulders as she moved him away from the doorway he was blocking. Her hair was a bit out of place and her cotton sleep ware was wrinkled. "Is it an emergency!?"
She looked concerned and at the same time, ready to spring into action if called upon. Yzak suddenly looked awkward, as if he had just realized what he had done. There he was, in a foreign country, rushing to the bedroom door of one of its warrior-captains in the middle of the night.
"It's…urgent," he managed to say stupidly. The tone of his voice was now only a fraction of how loud it was earlier.
Athrun sighed heavily. "Miriallia, we're sorry to bother both you and your Seray so late. You, too Dearka."
"No, no," the brunette assured him. "It's fine. Your emergency is our emergency, Athrun."
"Yeah, you look like he dragged you out of bed, as well." The blond looked him up and down, as if realizing for the first time that Athrun was in a robe and riding boots.
"Practically," Athrun sighed. "Anyway, there is a small problem. Dearka, we haven't seen you for a few days so, perhaps you haven't heard abut Shiho-"
"She resigned," Dearka nodded, as if the news wasn't so shocking. "I heard. Some Seray members went to help her move into her grandma's old place."
Yzak stared at him for just a moment. He had been locked in his room, fretting over her whereabouts for days and that whole time, Dearka knew where she was and didn't tell him?
He lunged forward. "Why didn't you tell me!?" he roared.
Athrun only had a moment to step him and grab Yzak, barely holding him back from grabbing Dearka and throttling him. The tan knight stepped back, wide-eyed, as he watched Yzak's clawed hands reach for him.
"I thought you knew!" Dearka yelled as he seemed to hide behind Miriallia. "I mean, I thought you would've been the first to know that she moved to Orb!"
"I didn't know!" Yzak yelled. "I didn't know she even resigned until I received a message from the general telling me that she did!"
Dearka's brows furrowed. "Wait…didn't you dismiss her? I thought…"
"No!" Yzak shouted, as if the very idea was crazy. "How could you ever think I would want her to resign!? I need her!"
"Oh…" Miriallia's eyes went wide as Dearka visibly relaxed. Athrun let out a small chuckle and Yzak froze.
"Oh…so you need her, huh?" Dearka smirked.
The white-haired man scowled. "Just tell me where she is…" he demanded behind gritted teeth.
"I don't know…" Dearka shrugged as he leaned against the door frame. "I mean…you weren't exactly listening to me when-"
"She's in our eastern province, close to the central valley," Miriallia said as she swept past him. "Come with me, I'll get you a map downstairs." She waved for him to follow her, looking somewhat pleased with the situation.
"Eh? Mir?" Dearka watched her, surprised. Yzak followed the woman without question. "You know-"
"I won't argue right now, Dearka," Athrun said as he glanced back at his friend before heading after the other two. "If Yzak's happy, you can get a good night's rest."
The blond ran a hand through his hair. "I suppose so…"
"You have to get some rest," Mwu sighed as he found the black-haired young man sprawled on a beach towel, looking up at the dark sky. "We're going to leave tomorrow."
"He hasn't spoken to me for days," Shinn murmured as his red eyes stared blankly at the stars. "And we're sharing a room. The first day, he didn't even come back until he was sure I was asleep."
Mwu winced at the though. After Rey caught Shinn about to kiss Stellar, he had refused to talk to Shinn. He seemed almost overly friendly to everyone else, but wouldn't speak to Shinn or even approach Stellar. In the meantime, word of what had been witnessed on the beach that evening had spread through the island quickly.
Kira seemed to have been in denial and didn't know how to address the situation. Instead, he pretended that nothing happened, but went out of his way to keep Stellar away from Shinn. Murata had been surprised, but was at a loss as to what to do. He had tried to speak to Stellar, but she wouldn't talk to him about the situation, saying that he 'wouldn't understand'.
Djibril and the two younger nobles; if they didn't trust Shinn before, they most certainly did not now. Mwu felt pity for Shinn and the scrutiny he was under in the last few days. No man wanted to leave him with Stellar as he was no longer 'safe' to be around. His best friend refused to speak to him and Mayu didn't help much after telling him he was a failure.
As much as Mwu saw Stellar as his own daughter, he wasn't overly protective of her. She was a woman now and he was a fair, understanding man. Shinn was a good young man and Athrun had taught him well. He had no real qualms with how their relationship was progressing. Besides, Murrue would love to hear about what had happened when he returned to the mainland.
What irked him about the situation was that Shinn had done nothing to try to deal with Stellar. He had been focusing all his attention Rey. Stellar had tried to speak to Shinn multiple times, but he'd either brush her off or go out of his way to avoid her. Mwu could tell from the hurt look on Stellar's face that it was really hurting her.
Mwu let out a heavy breath. "Give him some time."
"That's what you've been saying and I've given him plenty of time," Shinn frowned. "You'd think he would've said a word to me by now."
Mwu frowned. "Given that line of thought, I would have thought that you would have said a word to Stellar by now."
Shinn's head turned towards the tall, blond man towering above him. "What are you talking about? I've spoken to Stellar."
"Occasional nods of your head and half-hearted excuses to avoid her do not count as a conversation," Mwu pointed out.
"I haven't been avoiding her."
Mwu narrowed his eyes. "Fine," he stated. "It isn't really any of my business anyway. Just don't stay out here the whole night."
"I'll come up later." The older man let out a heavy sigh and shook his head before turning around and heading back towards the steps. He didn't remember his love life being that complicated when he was Shinn's age.
Back on the sand, Shinn silently listened to Mwu's footsteps before they vanished; overwhelmed by the sound of the waves and wind. The red-eyed knight closed his eyes and let out a heavy breath.
He had lied. He knew he was trying to avoid Stellar, but he really didn't know what else to do. He didn't know what to say or how to act around her until he dealt with Rey, but Rey wasn't even making eye contact with him. He lifted his arm and laid it over his face.
He really did like Stellar. At the same time, Rey was his closest friend. Friends didn't kiss the love interest of their friends.
He heard the sound of sand moving beneath feet and frowned. Had Mwu forgotten something? Had Kira come down to kill him for toying with the heart of his little sister? Had his little sister come to berate him on his failure as a man – whatever that meant?
He didn't bother opening his eyes and the footsteps stopped beside the towel. He felt it tug beneath him as the newcomer sat down. Shinn didn't say a word. If he didn't speak, perhaps the other party wouldn't either. He was wrong.
"Why didn't you tell me you cared for her that way?"
Red eyes flew open. That was not Mayu's voice. Nor was it Kira's or Mwu's or even Murata's. Shinn shot up into a sitting position and looked to his left. Rey was sitting beside him, his eyes fixed out on the water.
"Rey?" Shinn murmured. Perhaps he had fallen asleep on the beach and this was a dream. "What are you doing here?"
"You didn't come back to the room," Rey admitted as he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around his bent knees. "The dawn is going to break soon."
Shinn's head automatically turned towards the horizon. Had he been outside that long? He was sure that he had been talking to Mwu just a while ago. "How did you know I was out here?"
"I ran into Mwu earlier," Rey shrugged. "I didn't ask, but he said you were out here."
"Oh," Shinn mumbled. He wanted to ask if Rey had been worried or even suspicious that he was with Stellar or something. It was a precarious situation. If he said the wrong thing or persisted in a direction Rey wasn't comfortable with, he was afraid his friend would simply stop speaking to him again.
Shinn didn't continue. He sat beside Rey in silence and was unsure if he was comfortable with it or not.
"You made her cry." Another sudden comment. Shinn snapped his head back to Rey.
"What?"
"Stellar," Rey said. His hands tightened around his legs. "You made her cry."
Shinn narrowed her eyes. "When?"
Blue eyes finally turned to meet his. "The night you left her on the beach," he frowned. "After dinner, I didn't want to talk to you, so I went for a walk and found her by the rocks over there," Rey said motioning one had towards a cliff and some rocks on the far side of the beach. "I was going to leave her alone," he continued as he lowered his head. "But she was crying."
Shinn's hands gripped the towel they sat on. "Rey, I-"
"You're my friend," Rey cut him off quickly. Accusing eyes bore into his. "Why didn't you tell me you're in love her?"
He sounded irritated and for a moment, Shinn became just as annoyed. He narrowed his own eyes. Rey dared get angry at him? Didn't he know how hard Shinn had been trying to avoid feeling anything more for Stellar? Didn't he know how much Shinn died inside when Rey told him that he liked Stellar? Who did he think all of Shinn's restraint was for!? And then, when Shinn wanted to talk, he would avoid him and not speak a single word to him?
"How could I tell you that I did when you had told me that you were interested in marrying her!?" he demanded. "I wasn't even sure about where I stood with her or if I even had a chance of a future with her when you told me! You sounded so sure of yourself! What did you expect me to do? Tell you that you couldn't because I wasn't sure if I was in love with her or not!?"
"You could've said something!" Rey demanded. "You're my friend and I would've listened!"
"Well, you're my friend and I couldn't bring myself to tell you!" Shinn countered. The two young men stared at each other intensely.
Finally, Rey turned his head away. "It's not as if anything could happen between Stellar and me now, anyway," he said in a low voice. "She made it clear that night that she had eyes for you since you saved her from drowning."
The brunette's eyes widened. "What?" His heart quickened in his chest. His mind relived that moment. He had jumped in without thinking in hope of saving her. He had almost drowned, as well, in her panic, but he never regretted his actions. Apparently, neither did Stellar.
Rey bit his lower lip. "I said that-"
"No, no…" Shinn shook his head. "I understand what you said, I just didn't think…I mean…was it some sort of heroic admiration or-"
"I don't know the details!" Rey scowled. "That's just what she told me! She was sobbing that she really liked you and that she thought you felt the same way, but then after she kissed you, you left her sitting on the beach. I assured her that I thought you didn't hate her and was just caught up in your thoughts, but whenever she tried to speak to you these past few days, you've avoided her."
"I could say the same for you!" Shinn retorted. "I've been trying to speak to you for days, but you wouldn't even answer me! Come to think of it, why all of a sudden? You just sat down and started talking as if you hadn't been ignoring me!"
"Any normal person would be angry about seeing their best friend about to kiss the person they cared for when the friend knew how they felt," Rey retorted. "And I was hoping to give Stellar some time to speak to you. Even if nothing can happen between us, she's still a kind young woman who has been very hospitable to us."
Shinn stared at Rey, unsure whether or not he wanted to laugh or punch him in the face. Instead he took a deep breath. "Then what are you going to do now?"
"I'll find someone else," Rey said as his eyes looked away. "You've been my friend my entire life, Shinn. It's clear that Stellar wants you. I don't see any reason to pursue her further, especially when you care deeply for her…probably more so than I do."
"And you're fine with this?" Shinn asked carefully.
"No, of course, I'm not fine with it," Rey rolled his eyes. "My heart's broken. Any sane man would not be fine with it."
"Then you're angry at me," Shinn deduced.
"You're angry at me, too," Rey countered. "Don't think I didn't realize how you must've felt when I told you. We're even."
Shinn looked at him warily. "Fine," he agreed. Rey nodded.
They sat in silence for a while longer. Rey cracked a small smile. "So, after you marry her and become the King of the Federation, can I come and visit?"
"Shut up, Rey."
"Shinn!" a voice called out from the across the beach. Both young men looked towards the voice and saw Stellar rushing towards them. A warm blanket seemed to be wrapped around her shoulders as she ran across the sand, barefoot. "Rey! What are Shinn and Rey doing out here?"
She reached them and the two moved aside on the towel to give her space to sit. She fell to her knees between them. "Just talking," Rey shrugged.
Stellar looked at both of them worriedly. "Is everything okay?" she asked quietly. She wasn't exactly sure why Rey wasn't talking to Shinn, but Mayu had said that Rey was angry at Shinn about something.
"Everything is okay now," Rey said. He glanced from the young blonde to the black-haired knight and let out a heavy sigh. "I'm going to head back," he announced as he pushed himself up. "I still need to finish packing my things."
Shinn shot him a glare. He wasn't sure what to say to Stellar yet and Rey was just going to leave him in the awkward situation? The bastard.
"Okay," Stellar nodded. "Breakfast will be ready soon." Rey nodded and dusted off his clothes.
"I'll see you two, later," he said. He lifted a hand and gave him a wave as he turned around and left. Stellar stretched out her legs where Rey had been sitting and tugged the blanket around her tighter.
"Did Shinn get some rest?" she asked calmly. She hesitantly glanced over at him.
Shinn's eyes were focused on the sand. "Yes," he answered.
Stellar waited for him to say something more, but he didn't continue. She shifted awkwardly and lowered her eyes. "Is Shinn mad at Stellar?"
Rey had been right. Shinn shook his head. "No," he assured her as he lifted his eyes and looked at her. "I'm not mad at you, Stellar."
Her suntanned hands tightened around her blanket. "But Shinn didn't want to talk to Stellar lately…"
"I was just thinking of something else…" he trailed off weakly. Mayu was right, he was pathetic. He couldn't find the words to apologize or even explain his actions. "I'm sorry for worrying you," he told her, frowning at himself. He was not satisfied with his answer. "I'm not mad at you, and that day, I was just surprised. Rey told me that you liked me since we first met."
A small 'eep' came from beside him and looked over. Stellar's face was flushed beneath her tan and her eyes were staring at her feet, horrified and embarrassed. Silently, Shinn cursed himself. Clearly, he was not good with women.
Stellar didn't know whether to deny what Rey had told him or run back to the house. She hadn't meant it to reach his ears and now that Shinn knew, she was mortified. She must've looked so ridiculous with that crush she had on him. She was always looking for him and wanting him to join in their family activities. She wanted the ocean to swallow her.
Shinn stared at her, afraid to speak. One more word and there was a chance that she would run, too embarrassed to even listen. He had been the same way when he was a little boy and had a not-so-secret crush Lunamaria. Meyrin had found out and told everyone. Shinn wouldn't come out of his room for a week.
He lifted his hand and froze it above hers. He glanced from their hands to her flushing face. "Stellar…" She flinched as he spoke as his eyes saddened. He opened his mouth, but nothing else came out. "Please don't misunderstand…"
He could've sworn he had just stabbed her from the look on her face. Stellar shot up from her seat, forgetting all about the blanket that fell from around her shoulders. "Stellar will go get ready for breakfast!" she shouted, rather loudly,
Shinn shot up as well. He would clear this up before anything else happened. Before her brothers arrived, before her guards found them, before the sun even rose. His hand few forward and grasped her wrist. She whirled around and stumbled. "Shinn!"
"Ah, Rey," Mwu yawned as he passed by the young man in the hall. "Were you out all night, as well?"
"I just took a walk since I got up early," the younger blond replied. "Shinn's still down there though. Looks like he really did spend the night."
Mwu didn't press further. He nodded his head. "I'll get him for breakfast then."
"I'd wait a while," Rey said as he offered the older man a smile. "Stellar's down there with him."
"What?" a sharp voice hissed behind him. Rey looked past Mwu and saw Auel and Sting walking in front of Kira and Murata.
"She's where!?" Auel growled.
"They're alone? On the beach!?" Sting yelled. They both looked ready to rush down to 'protect' their princess.
Before they could make a move, Mwu seemed to barricade their way to the nearest exit with his body. "Give them a moment," he smiled, though his voice was less than pleasant. "I'm sure we can all use some breakfast first."
While Auel and Sting remained rooted in their spots, Kira and Murata didn't have any problem walking past Mwu.
"I'm just going for a brief walk before breakfast!" Kira assured the Queen's consort.
"And I am…err…joining him!" Murata offered. Mwu rolled his eyes but didn't stop them.
"Of course…"
The two men headed outside. The sun was rising in the horizon and there was a cool morning breeze being swept in from the sea. Kira seemingly ignored Murata as he headed for the path that led to the beach.
"Kira," the other man's voice called out to him from several paces behind. "May I speak to you for a moment?" Murata asked. "Regarding a serious matter with Stellar?"
The brown-haired man stopped half way across the veranda. He turned around and met the blond monarch's gaze. Murata seemed genuinely serious and Kira narrowed his eyes slightly. "Yes," he nodded. "We can…speak as we make our way down." He motioned to the stairs they were approaching and Murata nodded. He fell into step with Kira as they continued. "What is it about?"
"I know that you are very close to Stellar and that she loves you and cares deeply for your opinions, so I thought it would be best to discuss this with you," Murata began. "We need Stellar to stay in the Federation."
Kira stopped. Narrowed purple eyes turned on Murata. "While it is not my decision whether nor not Stellar stays in the Federation, I cannot so easily give my blessings. She was raised here in Orb and is an Orb citizen. Cagalli and I are here as well."
"But I am in the Federation and there we need her," Murata stressed. He looked at Kira pleadingly. "Aside from Stellar and myself, there are no other members of the royal family. It would help the Federation to know that if something happens to me, at least there is still a princess to lead them!"
Kira shook his head. He turned his head away and continued walking. "I do not think I am the person you should be speaking to about this."
"I know, but I felt that as our sister's brother, you should know," Murata stated. "I plan on telling Cagalli, as well."
"While we do appreciate your informing us, do not think it will lessen the pain of losing our sister."
"I'm not asking her to stay there forever and never leave nor am I going to take our sister away from your and Cagalli," Murata insisted. "But we need a princess. We need Stellar to take her place in the Federation, where she belongs."
"How do you know where Stellar belongs?!" Kira snapped as he turned around and glared. "You barely found out she was alive!"
"Had I known, I would've come for her sooner!" Murata countered.
"Your Highness," a voice said behind him. The two men looked back up the path and saw Auel and Sting stop hesitantly a few steps up. The two young noblemen looked from one man to the other. "Is everything all right?"
Murata lifted his hand and ran it through his hair. "Everything is fine," he said as he stepped aside. "Go ahead. We're still talking."
Kira took a step back, opening up the path for the two nobles. Quietly, the two walked down the open path and glanced back up at them. "It's fine," Kira stressed. "We'll follow in a moment."
Auel looked torn between leaving and staying, but Sting nodded and nudged Auel with his elbow. "Let's go." The blue-haired young man nodded hesitantly and followed down the path.
Kira kept a cold look on his face and Murata let out a defeated breath.
"Kira," Murata said in a low voice. "I can't have children."
The scholar's head flew up. "What?"
"I am not capable of having children," Murata admitted as he reached Kira's step. "There was an accident as a child…not many people know about it. Auel and Sting…I've taken them under my wing in hopes that one of them would be my heir and that was the plan until I found out that Stellar is alive."
Kira shook his head. "What if Stellar doesn't want to become a princess?" he asked. "You can't just throw away your plans for the slim chance that she's willing to drop her life here and become royalty?"
"I know," Murata acknowledged. "But a blood heir to the throne would be much more accepted."
"And what about Auel and Sting?" Kira demanded. "Were they not the least bit disappointed to hear about your plans?"
"They didn't know about how close they were to the throne," Murata explained. "But they know I am unable to have children."
"Is that why they don't want Stellar anywhere near the prospective Plants grooms?" Kira said. "Because they want as little resistance as possible into her becoming a princess?"
"They do care for her as a friend," Murata assured him. "But it is far fetched as to think that they don't understand what it would mean if one of them married her."
Kira's eyes narrowed into slits. He opened his mouth to tell Murata that if one of his noblemen so much as showed any sign of forcing her into something she didn't want, he and Cagalli would let hell break loose.
Instead, a loud cry reached their ears. "No! Stop it!" It was Stellar's voice. Panic shot through the two men as they momentarily forgot about their situation and pending argument as they ran down the path. Murata forgot all about the uneven stones and the steep steps as he followed Kira towards the beach.
They broke out into the sand, rushing towards the huddle of bodies. Stellar was screaming and trying to pull Sting back as he and Auel seemed to go after Shinn.
"What's going on here!?" Kira's voice boomed across the beach.
"Sting! Auel!" Murata yelled. "Stop this at once!"
It took a moment, even after the two older men arrived, for the two young nobles to pull away from Shinn. Stellar dropped Sting's arm and ran towards Shinn. "Shinn's bleeding!" she cried out as she grasped his face and looked at his cut lip.
"I'm fine, Stellar," Shinn assured her as she batted her concerned hand away. "It just bit my lip."
"No! Sting hit you!" She began to cry and Kira stepped in. He placed himself between the two parties.
"Let me see your face, Shinn," he ordered in a stern voice. The red-eyed young man dropped his hand and allowed Kira to examine his injury. He grasped the knight's chin and tilted his head to the side to get a better look in the dim light.
"Why did you hit him?" Murata demanded.
"Your Highness, he was on top of Stellar," Auel answered quickly. Both Murata and Kira looked surprised.
"Ow!" Shinn winced.
"Kira!" Stellar yelled.
"Sorry," he answered as he released Shinn's chin.
"What do you mean he was on top of Stellar?" Murata asked. He turned to look at Shinn. "What is the meaning of this?"
"It's Stellar's fault! Stellar fell on top of Shinn and Stellar and Shinn fell, and then…" her voice trailed off. Her brothers looked at her expectantly.
"And then…?"
Her cheeks reddened. Her eyes turned away shyly. The two men looked at Shinn. He was looking elsewhere, his face set in a serious look.
"I think that's a personal matter between the two of them." Auel and Sting nearly jumped as large hands clamped down on their shoulders. The group turned around to find a smiling Mwu looking down at them. "There you two are. I was wondering where you went off to."
"A…Advisor La Flagga," Sting winced.
"The sun's just rising," Mwu said cheerfully. "Why don't we all go upstairs and have breakfast on the patio." It was an order. He ushered everyone back to the stairs. Auel and Sting surrounded Murata as Stellar hovered over Shinn worriedly. Mwu looked down at Kira, who looked disturbed. "They're young. What can you do?"
"What…what were they doing…?" Kira winced. "Do I want to know?"
"It's nothing you wouldn't have done," Mwu smirked. He gently elbowed Kira's shoulder. "I wouldn't think too much into it, Kira. I'm sure you have more…personal things to think about."
Kira jerked his head back and looked at Mwu. "I think my sister is a very personal matter, Mwu."
"I'm not talking about that," Mwu chuckled. "I'm talking about our lovely Queen of Plants."
The scholar's eyes widened as his cheeks reddened. "What…what do you mean?" he stuttered.
Mwu smiled. "Didn't anyone tell you? Lacus is coming to Orb. Who knows, she may already be here."
"Lacus!" Dearka beamed a smile as he and Miriallia arrived at the palace. "Welcome back to Orb!"
"Welcome back, your highness," Miriallia smiled warmly as the lovely pink-haired queen greeted them with embraces. "How was your journey?"
"Tiring, but very much worth it," Lacus beamed. "Oh, and I was speaking to Murrue last night. Stellar is a Princess! I never would've guessed. Is Kira taking it well?"
Mirialla gave her a weak smile. "As well as any brother in his position can, I suppose."
"Is everyone already having breakfast?" Dearka asked. "We thought we'd join you."
"Oh, of course," Lacus clapped her hands together. "I haven't see Yzak, yet, by the way…" Her voice trailed off as she tilted her head to the side and looked at them. "Dearka…why did you arrive with Miriallia?"
"Ah…" he trailed off, smiling stupidly.
Miriallia cut in quickly. "About Yzak," she said as she leaned forward. "I have so much to tell you about him and Shiho. Did you Murrue tell you that she moved here?"
Lacus nodded. "Yes…I was rather surprised, but I suppose it makes sense. I know how much she was looking forward to her grandmother's property."
"Yes," Miriallia nodded. "Well, it seems that Yzak just found out last night…"
It hadn't taken long for her to explain the route to the small town where Shiho's new home was located. She had presented Yzak with a map and outlined the route. As she gave him instructions, Yzak had to give her credit. He had always seen her as the flightiest of the Seray Captains.
Against the stronger personalities of the other captains, Miriallia Haww had seemed rather quiet. When she was serious, however, it seemed that the leadership that she was supposed to have was there and flowed out with ease. She sounded just like a general giving orders to his troops.
Yzak was thankful that she didn't ask him to talk about his feelings or explain what had happened, like Athrun or Dearka would've. She seemed to understand what mattered. She had merely told him what he needed to know, including how Shiho's house looked. He was out of the Azure Seray in less than thirty minutes.
He had been given some food to take with him and a spare riding cloak, as they knew he wouldn't be stopping at the palace to gather any necessary items for the trip. He had ridden all night, pushing his horse and himself to the limit. He never felt so rushed in his life.
Even after his quickened travel, he still hadn't caught sight of the town until late afternoon. He was tired and hungry, having only stopped a few times to have his horse drink and eat a bit.
He had never been so relieved to see a small farming town in his life. As he sat on his horse and cut through the main street at a steady pace, he gave himself a moment to collect himself.
There he was, just a few moments from coming face to face with Shiho, and he had no idea what to say. He wanted to bring her back to the Red Knights, but where would he start? He didn't expect her to just do what he wanted with just a single order, even if he wished it were so.
Silently, he went through the various reasons in his mind. First, she was his only competant secretary. Second, it would be too difficult to train someone new. Third…he missed her.
Inwardly, he groaned to himself. What happened to the elite Red Knight that knew nothing but duty to Plants? He tightened his hands on the reins and took a deep breath. He had to present himself as a calm and rational man. He would appeal to her rational side.
His horse had stopped. He looked down at the beast and then looked around. They were now outside of the small town, just at the edge of it. And to his left was a quaint blue cottage, looking freshly renovated. It was framed by a small wooden, picket fence and had the start of what looked to be a garden in the yard. He had arrived at Shiho's house.
It was at this point that he was supposed to dismount and walk proudly to the door and knock.
Instead, Yzak found himself staring at the house, as if it was some sort of forbidden fortress. Somewhere inside, Shiho was probably preparing food to eat. Her books would be on old shelves along with that stuffed bunny that even he had to admit was rather adorable. Not that he would admit it to anyone.
She probably wasn't expecting him. He wondered how she would react. His chest rose and fell with another heavy breath. It was now or never, he supposed. He slowly slid off the saddle and tied his horse to the fence, not caring if it nibbled at the grass at its base. Carefully, Yzak unlatched the front gate and entered.
He walked down the stone lined path and stopped in front of the door. His heart was slamming against his chest and he was suddenly nervous. This was not the same kind of familiar anticipation he felt just before a fight or before armies collided. He was simply unnerved. He didn't know whether to be angry at himself or not.
Before he could question himself further, Yzak lifted his hand and knocked on the door. Three hollow taps sounded and he quickly drew his hand back. If she didn't answer, it meant she wasn't home or didn't want to see him.
Then what would he do?
He had just traveled all night and day to get there and then what? He didn't even bring any money, as he had rushed straight from the palace to the Rouge Seray, then to the Azure Seray, and then there. In retrospect, what had he be thinking?
The door creaked open and the scent of food wafted outside. Yzak immediately stood to attention as a pair of purple eyes settled on him.
"Lord Joule," she said, sounding somewhat confused. "What are you doing here?"
His mind went blank. "I…" he began. "Was in the area…" What was wrong with him? He was in the area? There was no reason for him to be in the area. It was no where near the Plants border. He waited for her to either tell him he was lying or give him an odd look.
"I see," she replied calmly. "Then please, come inside. I am about to have dinner." She stepped to the side and held the door open. "Would you like to join me?"
His stomach rumbled and Shiho raised an eyebrow. "I haven't eaten lunch," he assured her. She nodded and didn't contest him. "And yes…I would."
"It'll be just a moment, My Lord."
He stepped into the house and looked around. It was no where as large and grand as the Joule Estate, but it felt comfortable in side. It was painted with warm colors and decorations had been set up. There were numerous books on the shelf-lined walls and several littered the living area. "It's…nice."
Shiho nodded. "Yes, some Elites came by and helped me prepare it. They're amazingly talented."
"Yes, I'm sure they are," Yzak nodded.
"Please have a seat, My Lord," she said as she motioned to her couch. "I'll set the table."
He gave her another nod and then sank into the soft cushions of her sofa. It still needed to be broken in and looked new. She must've replaced some of the old furniture. He glanced around the room and settled on a pile of books on the coffee able. Yzak leaned forward.
Political books on Orb, history books on Orb, various books on the Haumea Elite, random books on international politics and policies of Orb. She must've been reading up on her new home, he realized. Part of his chest began to hurt and he subconsciously raised his hand and rubbed it.
He tore his eyes away from the books and looked around. There were some stairs at the hall that lead to the second level, in front of the small foyer he had walked into. On the other side of the house was a formal dining room, where he could see Shiho bringing the food into. He was facing a fireplace with what looked to be a dying fire. He stood up and crossed the room.
Yzak took one of the pokers and moved some of the burnt logs aside before reaching over and tossing in another one.
"Sir?" He shot up and nearly dropped the poker. Shiho was standing by the entrance to the room. She glanced at the fire and back at him, but said nothing. "Dinner is ready."
"Oh, thank you," he nodded. He waited for her to turn around before he placed the poker back and followed. She led him into the dining room, where she had placed some plates and a few bowls of food at one area of the table.
"Have a seat, Sir." He gave her a small word of gratitude as he took a seat across from her on the simple dining table. She began to serve him his food in familiar movements and for a moment, he forgot where he was.
As they sat there with the sound of nothing but metal utensils against porcelain dishes, Yzak savored the taste of Shiho's cooking. He had tasted it only a few times before, but loved it. Dearka enjoyed just as much and would often eat more than his share.
"It is delicious," Yzak offered her in between mouthfuls. "Your cooking…it's very…filling."
The corner of her lip curled up in a small smile. "Thank you, Sir.
"You can call me Yzak," he said suddenly, surprising even himself. "It…it feels odd…" he trailed off. "As I am no longer your commanding officer."
Shiho's motions slowed as she paused over her meal. She lowered her eyes. "I apologize for not informing you promptly, Lord Joule," she told him, forgetting his request. "It was just that I felt it was time-"
"I know my mother ordered you to resign," he cut her off sharply. Her hands gripped her utensils tightly. Yzak had stopped eating. He looked at her demandingly. "However, I also know that if you had wished not to, you would not have."
Her shoulders lowered. "My Lord-"
"My name is Yzak."
"My Lord," Shiho insisted. She placed her utensils on either side her plate and met his stern gaze. "Why exactly have you come here?"
Silence wafted between them and neither broke their graze. Yzak gritted his teeth. "I have come to ask you to return to Plants. There was no reason for you to resign and there is no one who can take your place," he told her truthfully. "Return to the Red Knights," he added. His hands clenched beneath the table. "And return to my side."
For a moment, Shiho didn't speak. He watched the brief looks of surprise, confusion, and then resignation flicker through her eyes. He held his breath.
"I have just arrived here, in Orb," Shiho began quietly. "I have just settled into this house and made it my own. Soon, I will be starting a new career here; one I look very forward to. I was not expecting to be asked back to the Red Knights. Nor was I planning on returning."
"There is no one who can replace you as my secretary," Yzak assured her. "I believe that you would be best suited as a Red Knight."
He watched as she took a deep breath. "As a Red Knight?" she asked solemnly. "Sir, I do not feel that I can properly perform my duties as a knight any longer, considering the circumstances."
Yzak tilted his head to the side slightly. He gave her a confused look. "I don't understand. You have been more than capable before."
"Before you were not marrying another woman, My Lord," Shiho told him firmly. "It would be…inappropriate for another woman to be working so closely beside you when you are married."
For a moment, Yzak looked at her as if she had lost her mind. "That's ridiculous," he frowned. "There is nothing inappropriate about working with you. Further more, you sound as if my wife would be jealous when we are married in name only. There is no reason for her to be jealous," he assured her confidently.
Her eyes didn't waver from his. "I would be."
His confident smirk was wiped off his face. Slowly, the words of his mother, of Dearka, and of Athrun filed his mind and, slowly, his heart began to twist in his chest. This was not going as planned. "Shiho-"
"Would you plan on putting me through that sort of torment, Captain?" she asked. Her voice shook just a bit, but Yzak still caught it. She turned her head away and looked down at her food. "I am sorry, Yzak," she said her words carefully. "But I cannot return to your side as a Red Knight."
A.N. – Thank you for reading! This may end up longer than 12 chapters after all. I'm still swamped at work and for the upcoming convention, but I tried to get some pages done every few days. Thank you for your continued patience!!!