I don't own Gundam Seed (although I wish it was).
It's just that I was bored and wrote this story in my mind and decided to put it online. This is an AsuCaga fanfic and for the first time I'm using Lacus as an antagonist.
I'm not really a good writer so thank you for motivating me with the reviews and all
Note:
Due to so many typos, I decided to do a
SLIGHTLY EDITED VERSION!
I just hope it's better..
.and again..
Those italized with apostrophe are words spoken
Those that are not, are character thoughts
Thanks for the reviews by the way…
So that's it enjoy reading:
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""When the previous priestess killed herself with no one to replace her, there was nothing but the years of endless winter""
"I present to the royal court. Orb's Freedert Metherlence, Grand priestess, Highest of Neo Verona" the guards were shouting her name with glory, the people were now anticipating, suddenly pausing on what they were discussing, everyone was waiting, even the maids, stopping their tracks, musicians holding their strings, the exquisite food ignored by those who were looking forward to them earlier, the colossal doors slowly opening seemed to be a pain when anticipation has filled the air. Slowly the slit between the doors were now turning on a wide clearing only to reveal the priestess, her composure stiff and reluctant, eyes full of confusion, still in her conversation with one of her maids and wasn't even focused on facing them. She froze on where she stood, suddenly hit like ton of bricks, forgetting to move forward, suddenly forgetting what she ought to do for the day.
"What?"
###
All eyes gaping at both figures still conversing, without a care, outside the doors. Mumbles and whispers began to reign all over the room. But no matter how ridiculous it was to be seen not paying attention to such a large crowd, the princess still ought to clear what she had been informed of, for there was a mystery on Miriallia's last lines that she couldn't put together. She couldn't understand why her handmaid would even lie to her. Because if she did, the princess would definitely wonder why she would in an untimely situation and if she were to tell the truth, then Cagalli certainly needs to ask herself if she had gone mad already, for an endless winter is not something that easy to forget for the people who had been trapped by those cold, white, lifeless years. Her reply was short, her being was begging for an answer but the crowd was also pleading for one, on why the person who have gained Neo Verona's highest respect couldn't even present herself properly on a prestigious banquet that was even made for her sister.
"Freedert!" A muster came from a single person in the crowd, causing a disturbance on their conversation, making those beaming eyes blink away from bewilderment and agitation. It was a sweet, sweet, loving voice that Cagalli knew all her life. And as she turns her gaze away from Miriallia, her eyes wide open, tears threatening to fall, she couldn't help but be joyful upon seeing again the person, her only sister, who was now running towards her.
"Lacus!" she shouted with glee, receiving her with open arms.
Our embrace was so tight, clearly expressing how we've missed each other so much. We were separated for two long years, no letters, no sibling to talk to; I ached to see her once again. Words couldn't describe how happy I was, I was so delighted, and my mind was occupied by the happiness of seeing her, even pushing aside the distant memory that caused the chagrin within me. My hand felt the long carnation hair on her back; it felt longer than it was two years ago but her beauty remained still and more perfect than what I've last seen of her.
I scanned the whole crowd of people and noticed they've been staring at us for quite sometime now. Smiles filled their faces appearing to have forgotten what had caused their bewilderment earlier. With the glamorous women with their elegant wardrobe and proud gentlemen with their sheath and swords, the room created an image to that of a box, full of unmatched jewelry, one unique from the other. Rubies, diamonds, sapphires, garnets, amethysts, emerald, opals and gold…wait a minute…
Emerald?
I reverted my vision back to what my memory has ordered me to pay recognition. And there they were, emeralds. Not of those that could be worn by anyone, but could only be owned by someone, the one imprinted on my memory, the one that I knew. They weren't a pair of earrings not even comparable to a necklace, but a pair of gleaming emerald eyes with its owner staring straight into my amber ones. The feeling was always like this, unwaveringly imprinted on my mind, I drown at his stare, my heart pounding, suddenly remembering how to forget everything.
"I've missed you so much, my dear Freedert" Lacus' charming voice caused Cagalli's attention to resume to where it left off, back to her sister.
"So do I, how have you been? Were they treating you well?" She inquired with a slight worry on her well being. But as Cagalli scanned her appearance, the younger noticed that not even a single hint of weakness was evident on her physique and Lacus' assurance pushed her troubles away.
"I've been healthier than ever, Elliot has been a fine host and took care of me, Come I'll introduce you to him" Lacus, with her excited expressions dragged Cagalli towards where her parents and Fiancé were. Slightly hesitant, leaving Miriallia alone, with only one last look from Cagalli being pulled away until the doors separate them shut.
"She managed to be late at such an occasion, then instantly caused an absurd scene from the doors, you never fail to amaze me, Freedert" Via, with a new set of satire that goes well with her ruff made up of turkey feathers, started to humiliate her younger daughter, Once again stroked her a whisper which was quickly refuted by Lacus.
"Mother!"
"Lacus, please, it's fine, you don't have to" her younger sister urged Lacus to no longer defend her account, for it was what she had expected already and it's not worth causing a commotion for.
"I apologize for being late"
"Mother, please refuse on causing such snide remarks, I've only arrived and it pains me to see you meddle such words towards Freedert" Lacus still continued to defend Cagalli despite her plea not to. Fortunately her mother stopped with her derogatory statements and with another look to her mother's ruff, Cagalli wondered, how many turkeys would have been stripped in order to make such a freakishly looking ruff just like her mother's.
The priestess tried greeting the visitors, waving at them, returning a smile as they pay their respects, wishing for them to have a fine fortune and may Haumea shower them with good health. But as joyful as what people may have seen of her, Cagalli never felt more uncomfortable than what she had felt now. Her mother was once again, glaring at her while taking a sip of her wine. And if that's not unexpected, her father was still slightly aloof of her presence since they last spoke to each other. But what made the air heavier was not because of any of the former but it was those emerald orbs that were continuously gaping at her and the idea that she couldn't remove her sight which was glued to his.
"My love, I introduce to you my Sister, Freedert Mether-"Lacus was introducing both of them but was interrupted by her Fiancé'
"We've already known each other, isn't that right" without even paying attention to Lacus, Athrun, with his eyes still boring towards her amber ones, suggested.
Lacus took notice of her Elliot's expression. His mood was more uplifting from what he had moments ago; it was so disturbing because it made him look like a different person. His lips were now carrying a smile. And his eyes, that already glued itself towards her sister, were now full of radiance and glow. He was more alive and it was like he had his soul back from the dead. Shifting her attention to her sister, she saw a Freedert, simultaneously looking down on the floor and back to the Lord's. A priestess so disoriented. She was perplexing on how to reply to a simple question of affirmation or negation. There was something amiss but she chose to immediately throw all unrefined thoughts away for her own sanity.
"S-so, I ho-hope you had a fine trip, as you ventured your way, towards our country" with a gulp and a stutter, Cagalli managed to escape from what she thought to become such an embarrassing scene. She was asked by a single question and she was still keeping herself busy staring at the young Lord. And there she was with all her glory, stuttering, not even sure where to place her vision on and creating a more annoying scene for the four of them to watch.
"Nothing that we couldn't handle, I would have also guessed that the priestess has been keeping an eye on her health" But the young lord had a face that was neither annoyed nor disturbed. He was with his composure but smiling. Smiling towards her, making sure that it was the one she knew.
See you again, Cagalli
And with that as the only indication, with a series of memoirs of his smiling face when he was a child, Cagalli proclaimed to herself that he was the child that once had shared with her the moments that she treasured most who had returned but unfortunately not for her.
Music playing on and on…and on…
with glances stolen time and time…again.
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After the doors were shut, the caramel haired servant found herself alone with nothing to do but stare and reminisce about her interrupted revelation with the princess. Rather than confused, the servant can't even comprehend a thing about what the priestess has told her. She described everything as if it was spring when the truth was not even a pint the same. It was a cold, merciless winter season that reigned over Neo Verona. The sun had never shown itself since the death of the lilac priestess. The streets and houses were filled with a ceaseless amount of snow signaling that frozen nights are far from over. With nothing to do but leave, she decided to head for the kitchen and wait until the banquet had ended and continue her talk with the princess.
She walked and walked and walked. The corridors that seemed long became an infinite path that even made her feel tired.
"This is odd" she wondered, scanning the whole place aiming to get a view of where this corridor will end. But there was none of it, not even a start nor a destination. She even tried looking back to where she came from but those colossal doors and even the guards were nowhere on sight. The gaps between the walls were thinner looking like they were about to engulf her, the path became longer. It was like; she wasn't on a part of the castle anymore. It wasn't the fact that there wasn't a single person who was passing by that made her feel fear but it was the thought that she was not alone and someone was watching her.
Dreaded are those who wait for grace…
Bow down and never interfere…
"Who was that?" Miriallia, clueless and fearful for what may happen, started to search where the voice, echoing through the walls, came from. She wasn't sure who the owner was but it made her shiver to her very bones, for they depict nothing but anger, boring holes, wringing on her ears.
Seal thy mouth and memory…
Never speak of the past…
The second hand of time does not forgive…
"What's going on?" Miriallia felt like her head was splitting in two, her vision became more and more shady, but the voice still echoed through her, Flashbacks flooding and drowning her mind. Her shiver was incessant, the pain and fear growing more and more severe. Her heart was pounding but threatening to cease any minute. Her skin was becoming pale and she's losing control of herself. And there she was losing her consciousness, leaving her lying on the ground, waiting for someone to come in her aid.
Those who remember must forget…
But those who will live for it
Must die…
With angry eyes, who had done nothing but observe. Locked away from the world and sealed into the shards. She who hears what Freedert hears, Watches all constantly from afar, unknown to all of them. Her vision settled on the breathing of the benumbed maiden who was stripped off her memories.
Servants can sometimes be a nuisance, Freedert …
Under the dungeons, the glowing Shards of ice began to bedim, the light no longer glistening. And there she was, being engulfed by the darkness, hiding and continuously observing.
###
Dinner was set and soon it was sun down. The banquet went on and on relentlessly until their every whim was satisfied. The people went back to their own dwelling and thanked Haumea for another luxuriant feast. Plates settled to their proper places, an array of dearly won spoons, forks and knives clattering as they collide to the fine porcelain. And the once populated throne room became an assemblage that now caters for a number of five people.
The maids continue to serve with food, one after the other. The king's laughter echoing through the whole room as to replicate his older daughter's stories of her life far from the kingdom. Her mother nonchalantly held the knife and fork, trimming off a piece of veal, lifting it to her mouth, without a doubt listening yet without interest. Elliot, eating his meal, is by far the same. Running through a basic need for food and nothing more, forging a smile only when his fiancé looks back at him, asking for a response, for a story he didn't even dare listen to. But compared to all of them, the priestess may be considered to have the best stunt to ignore the food served on the lush table.
Didn't even swallow a single bite, unconsciously striking it with a fork from time to time. She was staring at one of the candles lit, near to where she sat; Focusing on the flame flicker as the wind's futile attempts to excise through it. Maybe the wind carried whatever intellect she had in her because clearly, her mind was also blown away and got somewhere else. Not listening, not talking and…
"Freedert, you're not eating?"
Cagalli was reminded of the obvious. It was just she had a lot in mind that's bugging her lately and not one of them were even resolved. And since a lot of things were satiating her thinking, she couldn't afford to add another, while she ruins a dinner by being prematurely indifferent.
"Me? Oh no…it's just…the food doesn't seem to fill my discernment" she made an excuse attached to a pair of dimples on her face.
"What's the matter, do you want another array of cuisines served, my Freedert" the king suddenly rose up signaling the maids to prepare another course but was abruptly hindered by Cagalli.
"No father, there's no need to go that extent, please do not trouble the maids anymore, they're already exhausted since this morning" replied Cagalli as she stood up to point to the maids to return to where they stood and returned to her seat.
"But Freedert, there's a need for you to replenish yourself, those prayers during the night may diminish your health" Lacus interjected with her worries as her fiancé calmly took the cloth, passed over his enamoring lips and never showing any indication of listening when yet he does.
My sister was always like this, putting others before her. I'm relieved she's already returned back to Orb, safe…
"I'll be alright, please do not burden yourself of my condition. After all, those prayers are meant for the people of this continent, the strength I beget is by the grace of Haumea" the princess replied with a small laugh and hands waving in denial of what was asked of her with regards to her being.
"Haumea, huh…" a deep charming voice interjected in the discussion which forced all four pairs of eyes to focus on its owner.
"I wonder if it's really that great to be the priestess, chasing after another dog's tail and all" with his apathetic emeralds, it was as if he was thinking yet everyone knew what his intention was. Elliot's words bear an indefinable insult within them, causing all eyes to become wide open in perturbation. No one expected those words to come off the royal swordsman's mouth, not even via, and especially not Cagalli.
"Elliot…" Lacus could only warn and address his title because she, herself got complete wordless on what hit her hearing a while ago. And when she thought she couldn't utter a single sound, then worse was the feeling that it gave to her younger sister. But as absurd as it maybe, for one last time, Cagalli tried to shrug off the sudden awkwardness, thinking that it was said by another person, someone she doesn't know.
"More than what you try to address, being the priestess is Haumea's will. It is indeed an honor to be able to serve both Gods and the people" Cagalli explained herself and defended her disposition but unbeknownst to her, the flint created by the young lord lit a spark in lieu of her last words, causing a flame of banter to burn brighter than all the candles combined within the room.
"What a spectacular satire it is then, If that's what you had in mind. Everyone makes it seem that they honor you, they shower you with pretense, when the truth is your just a tramp made as sacrifice, so that your so-called loving Goddess could have something to put her foot on and those people could earn a dry grain of her grace" his words bear more weight than that of the previous, more insulting, more spiteful. And as Cagalli tried remembering the boy who stared at her so lovingly back then, she couldn't help but be taken aback from hearing those words from the same person that now was a man, carrying a scornful grin on his face.
"And what do you call those pathetic dry pint, again…ahh! Blessings!"
The priestess was wide eyed stormed of what the person across her was speaking of. She doubtlessly knew, that he was the person she met fifteen years ago, made friends with and wanted to be with if made possible. But what she can't unriddle is that why is he talking about such things that he cognizes that will hurt her. Because he knew her and remembered her all along, right?
"You don't dare, insult the great acts of her Holiness…" she spoke words of emphasis carrying with it an unknown emotion capable of folding a fistful on the fork that was still in her hand.
"Insult? My lady, I'm merely saving you the time for realizing how foolish-"
"Please, stop this Elliot!"
"I'm not finished yet, lacus!" Athrun scowled at her, making her feel unwelcome to enter what was between him and the priestess. Causing not only her, but everyone who served witness to such "chat" pause and rekindle on what they attempt on doing next. Tones became higher, voices became louder and the food has never been ignored as it was, tonight. All eyes gazing on the two individuals who seem to be merely conversing but were delving on a much more heated contend, filled up with insults and disparaging opinions. The candles as still as those who keeps watch and no sound was heard aside from those of the wielder, the priestess and that of the intruding wind.
"I'm saving you the time of realizing how foolish it was to accept such a task of becoming a human sacrifice while those people out there bathe in grace" he spoke with the same dignified voice he always bears refocusing his attention back to the priestess but the only difference was, this discussion was not meant for honor. It was entailed to degrade someone, someone from the highest recognition.
"Forgive me your highness, but you say 'People out there' as if you're not one of them"
"You know better than anyone, than we live because Haumea has been merciful to us" and irritated priestess tried to prove her point, imploring the accuser to understand and end this exchange of words once and for all.
"If she was that merciful and gracious as you say, then why would she require someone to suffer from the very beginning?" the lad tried questioning her views with the same scornful grin he had when he started this play of words with Cagalli.
"We are nothing but toys to her, that goddess of yours plays with our lives, amusing herself from the boredom brought by her immortality with you as her primary pawn"
Cagalli couldn't help but pause in trying to answer such question and statements of belittlement. It wasn't that she grew tired of the discussion nor had no idea what to answer. She just can't help but think that she was speaking to a whole new different person. She scanned his appearance, the same azure hair, the same emerald orbs but his remarks stood for vilification and not of valor making certain emotions overflow to her very soul. Surely, Haumea will rage upon the words that she hears but that was far from the sentiments that the priestess was trying to deal with.
"Why…why are you doing this?" she spoke without any formalities anymore, she just wanted to know the answer, why would he even dare bruise her when he had promised to protect her? Why would he cause pain when he was the one who appointed himself to prevent one?
"-I'll become a man deserving to beget the role of defending your honor, so you better wait for me…Cagalli"
The pitiful act of remembering a piece of a dream, not even sure if it was true, threatened to bring tears into her amber orbs.
Maybe he just ate something spoiled or unfit to his liking, maybe he was just tired from a long journey, maybe she spoke of something offensive against him…or maybe…maybe…
"You lived with the path, you believed was meant for you, you didn't think twice and didn't even look back. And that's what made you a fool, from the very beginning. And with that you'll live an eternity knowing nothing of what could've been if you tried thinking of yourself for even a second, waiting for even single second" his words pierce through her by the minute, carrying an anger within its edges. As bemused as the priestess may seem of what she had heard, her older sister knew what he had pointed out. But somehow, ignorance is bliss especially for those who are about to get hurt. Powerless on what fate has to bring.
He changed…
"Do you even think, that you could keep this-"
"That's enough!" The chair screeched the floors with indiscretion, palms banging themselves at the edge of the table. The piece of bread held by the king fell back to where it came from. The maids whisper to each other with such scandalized expressions, the queen could only jolt in surprise with Lacus all eyes on her sibling who now stood, trying to contain herself once again. And that was when everyone, who took witness for what has been going on for minutes that seemed like an eternity, knew that the amber priestess lost control of her anger.
"I wish to dine in my quarters" with a gulp and with her eyes looking to her sides, unable to look at everyone who gazed at her ran down form, Cagalli, with her cold demeanor, signaled everyone that she was about to leave and does not wish to discuss anything anymore.
"Freedert?" Once again, Lacus could only call out her title, while her mother did of what was expected of her.
"You don't get to leave when you're not ordered to" her mother spoke, trying to gain dominance over the whole situation. Gawking at her daughter to return to her seat and pretend she wasn't offended of what they heard moments ago. For she was Via after all, and she would not let anyone ignore her reign among their lives.
"Mother, please just this once" with a tear being able to cause a mark on her cheek, Cagalli begged her mother to let her go. She already knew what the queen's reply was going to be but she has to do so otherwise. Because she cannot stand being on the same room with Elliot anymore, she can't even swallow the idea of him thinking his sarcastic remarks won over her firm ideation. Because she wants the thinking to stop, even for just a moment, not wanting to remember anything. She never felt the need of wanting to escape up until now, not to be anymore bombarded with so much anguish that threatens to burst every single time she caught sight of the young man. She just wants to be alone, to seek refuge from this chaos.
"It is improper, and I will not allow it" and then it was clear to her, her mother need no more words to describe how uncaring she is about what her daughter was feeling. Not even a single glimpse of sympathy can be extracted from her. And what's even more ridiculous is that she even dared using etiquette when there is just a fine line separating Cagalli from that respect when it comes to via's caring. But the pain was building up, each second she breathes the same air with him and with a sight of her father, once again confused on what judgment to proclaim, certainly not going on her defense about the whole situation; she held the knife between her trembling fingers, handed them to her mother and decided to do herself a favor, stand up on her own two feet for the first time.
"Here's a blade, not as sharp as your tongue, feel free to stab me but I'll be in my room" words of disappointment came out of her lips towards her mother and with one last tearful glance, she turned away, making a run for those doors that will set her free and save her from this endless pit hole that they pushed her into. She was about to make her way when she suddenly felt the need to say something to the lad that insulted her and even spoiled her dinner.
"I pray, that Haumea will continue to look over us and grant you forgiveness for such insolence" She spoke, suppressing her tears, trying to make it seem that she wasn't moved by his words when the visible truth was she really did. But etiquette is really hard to overpower for those of royal bloodline and the priestess is no exception to that, leaving her in utterance of such words of compromise with her pride being one the line.
But Elliot was not a person to concede to any of those, so with her mother shouting at her to come back, her father calling out her name and with lacus asking Elliot to apologize on what he had insinuated… the knight spoke to the priestess, not caring if she wasn't facing or hearing him.
"Then I suggest you pray deeper, for I will never yield for forgiveness"
One last insensate statement heard and one last clench on one of the cold metal knobs, Cagalli pulled those doors open with all her remaining strength, strained. And soon, she was out of the room making a run towards anywhere else that could calm her storms and stop her tears from running
The dinner ends while the night progresses. Elliot excused himself and resigned for the night, with the songstress following him from behind, unsure of what her fiancé was thinking, leaving an ill chosen moment to be abandoned and unresolved, leaving the maids unprepared of what to do next, with both Kalos and via losing their appetite.
The wind of change blowing stronger,
Nine candles lit lost their flare.
With the charismatic wielder against the faithful one,
Enough to turn the wheel of chances once again.
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Next Chapter: Ode to the Night Worshipers
I'M PRETTY MUCH BUSY THIS NEXT TWO WEEKS BUT I'LL TRY TO UPDATE SOON =D