PROMISE OF PEACE
SOMETIME IN C.E.74
In the wake of the Second Alliance-Plant War, the signing of the ceasefire agreement between the PLANT and ORB Union marked a turning point in history. Athrun Zala, stepping into the role of PLANT Supreme Council Chairman, found himself amidst a fragile peace. Meanwhile, Cagalli, Chief Representative of ORB Union stood as a beacon of hope for her people.
With the war finally behind them, Athrun and Cagalli dedicated themselves to rebuilding their nations and ensuring a lasting peace. Yet, remnants of the conflict lingered in the form of radical elements, as Athrun soon discovered when he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt.
PLANT – APRILIUS ONE
The air in the bustling corridors of PLANT Supreme Council building was thick with tension as Athrun Zala navigated his way through the maze of corridors, his senses on high alert.
Suddenly, a shadowy figure emerged from the shadows, lunging towards Athrun with a gleaming blade. Instinct took over as Athrun reacted swiftly, dodging the assailant's strike by mere inches. The blade sliced through the air with a deadly hiss, narrowly missing Athrun's throat.
Heart pounding, Athrun instinctively reached for his sidearm, but before he could draw it, a group of security personnel stormed into the corridor, their weapons drawn. The would-be assassin, realizing the odds were against him, fled into the shadows, disappearing as quickly as he had appeared.
Breathing heavily, Athrun leaned against the cool marble wall, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He knew he had narrowly escaped death, but the gravity of the situation began to sink in. Someone had targeted him, someone who wanted him dead.
AT THE SAME TIME - ORB UNION ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING
The evening sun cast a warm glow over the spacious office of Cagalli Yula Athha, Chief Representative of ORB Union. Her desk was cluttered with paperwork, but her mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of the day's events. News of the assassination attempt on Athrun Zala, had sent shockwaves through the halls of power.
As she sifted through reports, a soft chime echoed through the room, signaling an incoming message on her communicator. With a flick of her wrist, Cagalli activated the device, her heart skipping a beat as Athrun's name flashed on the screen.
The message was short but enough to soothe her troubled mind. "I am fine," it read, accompanied by a brief update on his condition. Relief washed over Cagalli as she read the words, a weight lifting from her shoulders.
Setting aside her work, Cagalli leaned back in her chair, her thoughts drifting to Athrun. Despite their differences and the complexities of their relationship, he had always been there for her, a steadfast presence in the tumultuous world of politics and warfare.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her reverie, and Cagalli looked up to see Kisaka, her trusted advisor, entering the room.
"Kisaka, what's the latest update on Athrun?" Cagalli asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Kisaka sighed heavily before speaking, his tone somber. "It is reported no injuries on Chairman Athrun and that he is back to work as normal," he explained, his gaze meeting Cagalli's. "He's a fighter, that one."
Cagalli nodded, a sense of gratitude washing over her. "Thank goodness," she murmured, relief flooding her veins once more.
As night fell outside the window, casting long shadows across the room, Cagalli's thoughts drifted back to Athrun's reassuring message. Though the road ahead would undoubtedly be fraught with challenges, she drew strength from the knowledge that they would face them together, united in their commitment to peace and justice.
DECEMBER ,75 (C.E)
ORB UNION – FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT CELEBRATION
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as representatives from PLANT and ORB Union gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of the ceasefire agreement. Cagalli, resplendent in her formal attire, stood at the podium, her voice ringing out with conviction as she addressed the assembled crowd.
But amidst the sea of faces, a lone figure emerged, shouting slogans of dissent and brandishing a makeshift weapon. Panic rippled through the crowd as security personnel moved swiftly to intervene, but before anyone could react, Athrun sprang into action.
With lightning reflexes, Athrun positioned himself between the protester and Cagalli, his arms outstretched in a protective gesture. The assailant's weapon flashed in the sunlight, and in a split second, Athrun felt the sting of metal against his skin as a sharp pain flared along his side.
Ignoring the pain, Athrun focused on shielding Cagalli from harm, his instincts taking over as he pushed her behind him. "Stay back, Cagalli!" he urged, his voice firm with determination.
But Cagalli refused to heed his command, her eyes blazing with defiance as she stepped forward to tend to his wound. "Athrun, you're hurt!" she exclaimed, her hands trembling as she reached for the fabric of his uniform.
As chaos ensued and security personnel swiftly intervened to apprehend the protestor, Athrun Zala found himself being led away from the commotion to the infirmary. The medical staff bustled around him, their voices a distant murmur as they assessed his injuries with practiced efficiency.
But amidst the flurry of activity, Athrun's gaze locked onto Cagalli, her presence a beacon of familiarity in the chaos. With a silent nod, she dismissed the doctors, her expression resolute as she approached Athrun's side.
"Are you alright, Athrun?" Cagalli asked, her voice soft with concern as she examined the wound on his side.
Athrun offered her a reassuring smile, his words steady despite the pain that radiated through his body. "I'll be fine, Cagalli," he assured her, his voice laced with determination. "I've had worse."
Cagalli's brow furrowed with worry, but she nodded in understanding, her hands deftly unwrapping the bandages as she prepared to tend to his wound. With gentle care, she cleaned the cut, her touch firm yet gentle as she worked to staunch the bleeding.
As Cagalli finished bandaging Athrun's wound, a mixture of relief and frustration flooded her expression. "You are an idiot, you know that?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with equal parts exasperation and concern.
Athrun couldn't help but chuckle at her blunt assessment, despite the pain that still throbbed in his side. "I suppose I am," he replied with a wry smile, his gaze meeting hers with a mixture of gratitude and amusement.
Cagalli's eyes narrowed slightly, her frustration evident as she fixed him with a pointed stare. "You could have been seriously hurt, Athrun," she admonished, her voice softening with genuine concern. "You should have let the security handle it."
Athrun reached out to gently grasp her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "I know, Cagalli," he admitted, his voice sincere. "But I couldn't just stand by and watch you get hurt."
Cagalli's expression softened at his words, a flicker of warmth lighting up her features as she squeezed his hand in return. "You're too stubborn for your own good, you know that?" she replied, a hint of fondness creeping into her tone.
Athrun offered her a sheepish grin, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "So I've been told," he admitted, his gaze lingering on her face with a sense of quiet appreciation.
And as they stood together in the quiet of the infirmary, their banter a welcome distraction from the chaos that surrounded them, Athrun knew that despite the dangers they faced, they would always find solace in each other's company, united in their shared resolve to protect one another, no matter the cost.
18TH MAY, 76 (C.E)
On the sunny afternoon of May 18th, Cagalli Yula Athha sat at her desk in the Orb Administrative Building, engrossed in her work. The door creaked open, and in strode her twin brother, Kira Yamato, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
"Cagalli!" Kira exclaimed, sweeping into the room with his usual exuberance. "Happy birthday, sis!"
Cagalli looked up from her paperwork, a smile spreading across her face at the sight of her brother. "Thanks, Kira," she replied, rising from her seat to embrace him. "I almost forgot it was my birthday with all the chaos going on."
Kira chuckled, giving her a playful nudge. "Well, lucky for you, I never forget," he teased, flashing her a wink. "And I come bearing gifts!"
Cagalli's eyes sparkled with curiosity as Kira produced a small jewelry box from his pocket, presenting it to her with a flourish. "For me?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.
Kira nodded eagerly, his grin widening. "From Athrun," he added, watching her reaction with amusement.
Cagalli's heart skipped a beat as she opened the box, revealing a stunning bracelet adorned with a shimmering emerald. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the exquisite piece, a silent testament to their enduring bond.
"It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper as she traced her fingers over the delicate craftsmanship.
Kira grinned, a knowing twinkle in his eyes as he observed her reaction. "Looks like Athrun has good taste," he remarked, his tone teasing.
Cagalli's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. "Shut up, Kira," she retorted, though her tone lacked any real bite.
Kira chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders affectionately. "I'm just teasing, sis," he reassured her, his gaze softening with genuine affection. "But I have to admit, it's nice to see you happy."
Cagalli leaned into his embrace, a sense of warmth and contentment washing over her. "Thanks, Kira," she murmured, her voice filled with gratitude. "For everything."
And as they sat together, siblings sharing a moment of quiet camaraderie, Cagalli couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the people who mattered most in her life, her bond with Athrun and her brother a source of strength and solace in the turbulent world around them.
SOMETIME IN C.E. 77
The television screen flickered to life, casting a warm glow across the room as Cagalli Yula Athha, Chief Representative of ORB Union, appeared before her nation. Her presence commanded attention, her voice resonating with strength and conviction as she addressed the people of ORB.
"My fellow citizens," Cagalli began, her words ringing out with clarity and purpose. "As we stand on the cusp of a new era, I am proud to report that our nation is on the path to recovery. Despite the challenges we have faced, the spirit of resilience that defines us continues to guide us forward."
The crowd gathered before her erupted into cheers, their voices echoing with enthusiasm and hope. Cagalli's gaze swept over the sea of faces before her, a sense of pride swelling in her chest as she witnessed the unity and determination of her people.
But amidst the jubilation, Cagalli's words took on a more solemn tone as she addressed the underlying tensions that had plagued their society for so long. "It is time for us to set aside our differences and embrace our shared humanity," she declared, her voice firm with conviction. "For too long, the divide between Naturals and Coordinators has driven us apart. But let us not forget that we are all human, regardless of our origins or abilities."
A hush fell over the crowd as Cagalli's words hung in the air, their significance sinking in. Slowly, the silence was replaced by a chorus of agreement, the people of ORB nodding in understanding and solidarity.
And as Cagalli concluded her speech, her message of unity and equality ringing out across the nation, Athrun Zala watched from the television in PLANT, his attention drawn to the bracelet adorning her wrist. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he listened to her words, a sense of pride swelling in his chest at the sight of her unwavering resolve.
For in that moment, as Cagalli stood before her nation, Athrun knew that she was not just a leader, but a beacon of hope and inspiration for all. And as the crowd cheered for their representative, he found himself filled with a renewed sense of determination to stand by her side, united in their shared commitment to peace and equality for all.
SOMETIME IN C.E 78
Underneath the starry night sky, Cagalli and Athrun found themselves standing on the balcony of the Orphanage that belongs to Kira and Lacus. The air was cool, tinged with the gentle breeze that swept through the night, carrying with it a sense of tranquility. Athrun had taken a day off at work and travelled to ORB upon the invitation by Cagalli on this very special day.
As they stood side by side, a comfortable silence settled between them, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Cagalli's heart fluttered with emotions she had long kept buried; her gaze fixed on Athrun as she summoned the courage to express her true feelings.
"Athrun," she began, her voice soft but resolute, "there's something I need to tell you."
Athrun turned to face her, his expression curious yet attentive. "What is it, Cagalli?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for any hint of what lay on her mind.
Cagalli took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "I know that our paths have not always aligned, and that circumstances have kept us apart," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "But I want you to know that despite everything, my feelings for you have never wavered."
Athrun's eyes widened in surprise at her confession, a flicker of hope igniting in his chest. "Cagalli," he murmured, his voice filled with emotion, "I..."
But before he could respond, Cagalli reached out to gently touch his cheek, her fingers warm against his skin. "I understand that we may not be able to be together right now," she said softly, her gaze unwavering. "But I believe that our love is strong enough to withstand any obstacle. And I have faith that one day, when the time is right, we will find our way back to each other."
Athrun's heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude and longing at her words, his hand reaching out to grasp hers in a silent gesture of solidarity. "Cagalli," he whispered, his voice filled with love and determination, "I promise you, no matter what happens, I will always be here for you. And when the time comes, we will be together, just as we were meant to be."
And as they stood together on the balcony, their hearts entwined in a bond that transcended time and distance, Cagalli knew in her heart that their love would endure, steadfast and unwavering, until the day they could finally be together again.
8TH JUNE, 80 (C.E.)
PLANT – APRILIUS ONE
As the time came for Athrun Zala to step down from his position as PLANT Supreme Council Chairman, a sense of solemnity filled the air as he addressed the gathered assembly. His voice, steady and resolute, carried across the room, commanding the attention of all who were present.
"My fellow council members, esteemed colleagues, and citizens of PLANT," Athrun began, his words echoing with a sense of gratitude and reflection. "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Chairman. Together, we have navigated through tumultuous times, overcoming challenges and obstacles with unwavering resolve."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the faces before him, each one a testament to the strength and diversity of the PLANT nation. "I am proud of all that we have accomplished during my tenure," he continued, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "But as my term comes to an end, it is time for me to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders."
With a solemn nod, Athrun announced his successor, Yzak Joule, a seasoned and capable individual who had proven himself time and time again in service to PLANT. "I have full confidence in Yzak's abilities to lead PLANT into the future," Athrun declared, his voice carrying a note of conviction.
Turning his attention to the gathered crowd, Athrun expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who had supported him throughout his time in office. "To my colleagues, my subordinates, and most importantly, to the people of PLANT, I thank you," he said, his voice tinged with emotion. "Your hard work, dedication, and sacrifice have been the driving force behind our achievements. Without your unwavering support, none of this would have been possible."
In his closing remarks, Athrun echoed sentiments similar to those of Cagalli, emphasizing the importance of treating coordinators and naturals equally, and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation among all citizens of PLANT.
"As we move forward, let us remember that we are all members of the human race," Athrun concluded, his voice firm with resolve. "Regardless of our origins or abilities, we are bound together by our common humanity. Let us continue to strive for peace, equality, and justice for all."
And with those words, Athrun stepped down from the podium, his heart filled with hope for the future of PLANT, and a deep sense of pride in the legacy he had helped to build.
ORB UNION – ON AN ISLAND
As Athrun sat on the soft sands of the beach, the gentle lapping of waves against the shore soothing his troubled mind, he found himself lost in the mesmerizing beauty of the sunset. The amber hues of the sky painted a serene tableau, casting a warm glow over the horizon and filling him with a sense of calm.
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the tranquil beach, he found himself lost in thought, his mind drifting back to a conversation he had shared with Cagalli five years ago. It was a pivotal moment, a turning point that had set the course for their separate paths.
He remembered the weight of uncertainty that had hung heavy in the air as they had spoken, their concerns for the fragile peace that had been so hard-won. Cagalli's words had echoed in his mind, her determination to serve her nation unwavering even in the face of their undeniable connection.
"I cannot be with you, Athrun," she had told him, her voice tinged with regret. "My nation needs me, and I cannot turn my back on my responsibilities."
Athrun had nodded in understanding, his own resolve firm as he had shared his own intentions with her. "I have been offered the position of PLANT Supreme Council Chairman," he had revealed, his voice steady despite the weight of the decision before him. "I am considering accepting it, to rebuild PLANT and to do what I can to maintain the peace. But know this, Cagalli, my feelings for you will not change, even if we are apart."
He had looked into her eyes then, his gaze unwavering as he had made a promise that would resonate in his heart for years to come. "We have the same dream, Cagalli," he had assured her. "There is no need to rush. We will meet at the end, because our dream and goal are the same."
And now, as Athrun sat on the beach, watching the amber sky turn to shades of pink and purple, he felt a sense of peace wash over him. The years had been filled with challenges and struggles, but through it all, he had remained true to his promise to Cagalli.
As if summoned by his thoughts, he felt a presence beside him, and he turned to see Cagalli approaching, her silhouette outlined against the fading light of the sunset. There was a softness in her eyes as she met his gaze, a silent understanding passing between them.
"We made a promise, Athrun," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "And we have both kept it."
As Cagalli approached, Athrun felt a warmth spread through his chest, his heart lifting at the sight of her smile. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace, and Athrun returned the gesture with equal fervor, holding her close as if afraid to let her go.
"I've missed you," Cagalli murmured against his chest, her voice soft with emotion.
"I've missed you too," Athrun replied, his voice filled with sincerity as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
They remained like that for a long moment, simply reveling in each other's presence, before finally pulling away to sit side by side on the sand. The air between them was filled with a sense of ease and familiarity as they began to catch up on the events of the past five years.
They talked about their respective responsibilities and the challenges they had faced, sharing stories of triumphs and setbacks. Athrun listened intently as Cagalli recounted her experiences leading ORB Union, her passion and determination evident in every word she spoke.
In turn, Cagalli listened with rapt attention as Athrun described his time serving as PLANT Chairman, detailing the efforts he had made to rebuild and strengthen their nation in the wake of war. Despite the distance that had separated them, their bond remained unbroken, their connection stronger than ever.
As the hours passed, they continued to talk and laugh, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they relished in each other's company. And as the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Athrun felt a sense of contentment settle over him, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he and Cagalli would face them together, united in their love and unwavering commitment to each other.
SOMETIME IN C.E.85
The crackling fire cast a warm glow over the cozy living room as Cagalli Yula Athha sat by the fireplace, a cup of steaming tea cradled in her hands. As she sipped the comforting brew, her thoughts drifted back to a day not too long ago, a memory that never failed to bring a smile to her lips.
She recalled the day when the house representative of the other four clans had finally approved of their marriage, after much cajoling and persuasion from Athrun. The memory made her chuckle softly as she remembered the exasperated expressions on their faces, the resigned sighs as they lamented how Athrun had given them a headache ever since his days as the PLANT Supreme Council Chairman and continue to haunt them when he was the Ambassador of ZAFT based in ORB.
But despite their initial reluctance, they had ultimately given their blessing to the union of Athrun and Cagalli, recognizing the strength of their love and their unwavering commitment to each other. And now, three years later, as Cagalli sat in the comfort of their home, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the journey that had brought them to this moment.
Cagalli's reverie was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching, and she looked up to see Athrun, still in his Admiral uniform, entering the living room, with a slice of her favorite chocolate cake in hand. Her heart swelled with warmth at the sight of him, his presence bringing an instant sense of comfort and joy.
"Hey there, love," Athrun greeted her with a smile, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on her lips before settling down beside her on the couch. He reached out to tenderly touch her pregnant belly, his touch filled with a mixture of excitement and adoration.
"Hi to you too," Cagalli replied, her voice filled with affection as she leaned into his touch. "Did you get me cake?"
Athrun nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Of course I did," he replied, handing her the slice of cake with a playful twinkle in his eye. "I know it's your favorite."
Cagalli accepted the cake with a grateful smile, taking a small bite and savoring the rich, chocolatey flavor. As she enjoyed the sweet treat, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the man sitting beside her, his love and thoughtfulness never failing to brighten her day.
"Thank you, Athrun," she said softly, her eyes shining with emotion as she looked up at him. "For everything."
Athrun's smile softened as he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close against his side. "Anytime, my love," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'll always be here for you."
And as they sat together in the warmth of their home, surrounded by love and anticipation for the new addition to their family, Cagalli knew that with Athrun by her side, there was nothing they couldn't overcome. Together, they would face the future with unwavering strength and devotion, their bond stronger than ever as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives.
The End.
Disclaimer: The characters mentioned in the story do not belong to me. They are the property of their respective creators, and this story is a work of fiction inspired by those characters.