A/N: I suggest listening to the song first before reading the fic to get the vibe. For Track 1, the song is "If" by a Philippine band called Rivermaya.
Star-crossed Lovers
In a land torn by feudal rivalries, Cagalli and Athrun find themselves caught in a complex tapestry of duty and desire. Despite hailing from warring feudal families, their hearts are intertwined by a love that transcends the animosity between their houses.
As children, Cagalli and Athrun shared clandestine rendezvous in the verdant meadows beyond their family estates, envisioning a future where they could be together without fear or repercussion. However, as they matured, the weight of their feudal obligations began to bear down upon them.
When word of an impending marriage alliance between Cagalli's family and the formidable Seiran House reaches Athrun's ears, he realizes that their love is imperiled. Unable to bear the thought of Cagalli being tethered to another, Athrun confronts her in their secret sanctuary, imploring her to defy her family's decree and flee with him.
"Why are they compelling you to marry into the Seiran House? Is the Athha House in peril? If so, I will stand by you. I have amassed wealth and forged powerful alliances," Athrun reasoned.
"And what of the Zala House? You know the feud. They would never permit you to marry me, to support the Athha House," Cagalli countered.
"What purpose does it serve to accumulate power if I cannot wield it to protect you?" he lamented, his hand veiling his face.
"The houses have been at odds for decades. This political alliance, we both know, is designed to undermine your house. The Zala House has bolstered its military forces and expanded its territories, while my house is left vulnerable," Cagalli explained.
"Why must we be ensnared in this feud? We are innocent bystanders," Athrun questioned.
"We are both heirs, yet we have fallen in love with each other. Fate is merciless," Cagalli's voice wavered. Torn between her love for Athrun and her familial obligations, she hesitated, acutely aware that defying her family's wishes would betray the longstanding feud between their houses, potentially igniting a catastrophic conflict.
"I am sorry, but I must consent to this marriage. I cannot disappoint my father. The entire house relies on me," she confessed, tears welling in her eyes. "Farewell, Athrun. Let us part ways and forget each other," she uttered before departing, her heart heavy with anguish and remorse.
Devastated by her decision, Athrun vowed to fight for her until his last breath, refusing to surrender to a future without her by his side. "I have not amassed this wealth and power to remain impotent when needed. I will rescue you, even if it means defying my family," he declared, clenching his fist.
I pray that when the time comes, you will stand by my side. I am laying all my cards on the table. Cagalli, I still believe our hearts beat as one.
As the wedding day approached, tensions between the houses reached a fever pitch, poised on the edge of all-out conflict. Despite the Zala House's efforts to sabotage the political alliance, Athrun's clandestine maneuvers to thwart the impending union remained concealed from his father, Patrick Zala, who remained oblivious to his son's true intentions.
Desperate to rescue Cagalli from a loveless marriage, Athrun devised one final plan to save her from her fate. With the aid of loyal comrades, he launched a daring rescue mission, infiltrating the heavily fortified estate where the wedding ceremony was to take place. Initially hesitant, Cagalli could not ignore Athrun's unwavering determination to free her. With one last glance at her father, she made the decision to flee with Athrun.
Both families were thrown into chaos by the lovers' audacious escape, hurling accusations and curses at each other. The Athha House blamed the Zala House for derailing the alliance with the Seiran House, while the Zala House accused Cagalli of ensnaring their sole heir with her charms. Amidst the turmoil, the Seiran House bore the brunt of ridicule and scorn from across the land.
Having eluded their pursuers, Athrun and Cagalli sought refuge in hiding, but their newfound freedom was fleeting. Their houses, outraged by their defiance, declared all-out war against each other, plunging the land into chaos and bloodshed.
In the midst of the conflict, Athrun and Cagalli found solace in each other's arms, grappling with the weight of their actions and the repercussions of their love.
"What do you make of all this?" Cagalli's voice trembled with sadness as she spoke.
"I know I've been selfish in taking you away, but you are my everything. I felt lost the moment you were to marry Yuuna," Athrun's words were tinged with anguish as he struggled to console her. "I wish I could find the right words to ask you to return for the sake of our families, but I can't bring myself to say them. I know it's selfish, but I just can't bear to lose you," he confessed, his voice choked with emotion.
Watching Athrun break down before her, Cagalli's heart ached with empathy. Unable to stand idly by while he suffered, she made a decision. "I'm sorry I couldn't stand by your side sooner, but I'm here now," she whispered, enfolding him in a tender embrace.
As Cagalli and Athrun strive to carve out their own path together, their love is threatened by an even greater peril. Cagalli's vengeful former fiancé, fueled by pride and resentment, vows to obliterate her family for the dishonor she has brought upon them by fleeing their arranged marriage.
"I will wipe out the entire Athha lineage within seven days if they fail to uphold their end of the bargain," Yuuna's chilling declaration reverberated across the country, striking fear into the hearts of all who heard it.
Devastated by the ominous threat, Cagalli is consumed by guilt and despair, knowing that her actions have endangered not only herself but also her entire household. As the dreaded deadline looms ever closer, Athrun attempts to console her, pledging to stand by her side and protect her, though the extent of his ability to do so remains uncertain.
What began as a strategic alliance has transformed into bitter enmity. The Athha House finds itself besieged on two fronts, assailed by the Zala and Seiran Houses. Yet amidst the chaos, the Zala House recognize that the Seiran House poses a far greater threat, with their cunning and thirst for power surpassing all others.
As tensions escalate and the specter of war looms large, Athrun comes to realize that they face an adversary more ruthless and determined than they could have ever imagined. With Cagalli's former betrothed bent on revenge, their only hope lies in uniting their fractured families against a common enemy—a daunting task that seems all but impossible.
As the third day of Yuuna's ultimatum draws near, Athrun and Cagalli find themselves confronted with their greatest challenge yet. Surrounded by mounting pressures from all sides, their attempts to communicate with their allies are thwarted, leaving them isolated and vulnerable. Even Athrun's considerable wealth proves powerless against the tightening blockade, leaving them teetering on the brink of despair.
On the fifth day, Cagalli received a secret letter that would alter the course of her fate. The missive implored her to return, assuring her that if she did so, the marriage to Yuuna would be annulled. It highlighted the Seiran House's thirst for power, exposed by the broken alliance. However, Lord Uzumi, as the head of the Athha House, emphasized that the longstanding feud with the Zala House could not be overlooked. He pledged to protect and uphold the Athha House, contingent upon Cagalli's return.
Sharing the contents of the letter with Athrun, Cagalli grappled with the weight of her decision. Athrun resigned to defeat, knew that he had lost her. But amidst the turmoil, he made a heartfelt plea. He begged for just one day and one night together before they parted ways—a precious moment to cherish amidst the uncertainty that loomed ahead.
Understanding the depth of Athrun's request, Cagalli acquiesced. They stole away to a secluded spot in the mountains, far from the prying eyes of their feuding families, seeking solace in each other's embrace for one last time. There, in the tranquil solitude of nature, they exchanged vows in a secret ceremony, with only the birds, trees, and wind as witnesses.
"You are a part of me, and no matter how they try to tear us apart, you will always reside in my heart. My love for you transcends time, enduring through the ages, across worlds," Cagalli pledged, her voice filled with fervent hope as she prayed to Haumea for protection.
"It's a promise. We will find each other again, whether in this lifetime or the next, and for all the lifetimes that follow," Athrun vowed, sealing their commitment with a tender kiss.
If I could choose to live my life; There'll be no ifs to say
If I would choose to hold your hand; There'll be no words to say
If I would choose to touch you there; Will you touch me there too?
And if you choose to stay with me; I'll spend my life with you
As they spend their final night together, Athrun and Cagalli's love burns brightly, a beacon of warmth amidst the encroaching darkness of their impending separation. They cling to each other fiercely, savoring every precious moment they have left, acutely aware that the dawn will bring with it the harsh reality of their parting. In the tender embrace of the night, Athrun and Cagalli share not only their deepest emotions but also intimate moments of passion and longing, their connection transcending the physical realm.
Entwined in each other's arms, Athrun and Cagalli find refuge from the outside world, their bodies becoming one in a dance of love and desire. With every touch, every kiss, every shared breath, they reaffirm their bond, vowing to hold onto this fleeting moment for eternity. In the quiet intimacy of the night, they explore each other's bodies with a reverence born of love, their hearts beating as one in the throes of passion.
As the night stretches on, Athrun and Cagalli's passion burns bright, igniting a flame that consumes them both with its intensity. In the sanctuary of each other's embrace, they find a temporary escape from the turmoil of their reality, losing themselves in the ecstasy of their love for one precious night.
"More. I need more of you. Ah…" Cagalli whispers in between her moans, her desire for him evident in every word.
Responding to his plea, Athrun thrusts harder, their bodies moving in perfect harmony as they seek to prolong the ecstasy of their union. With each thrust, each caress, they imprint the memory of their love upon each other, knowing that this moment will sustain them in the years to come.
"Bite me," Athrun urges, his voice strained with desire while staring at her. "Leave your marks upon me. I want to remember your warmth, your scent, everything about you."
Without hesitation, Cagalli obeys, sinking her teeth into his shoulder with a mixture of passion and pain, the taste of blood mingling with his sweat.
Athrun closed his eyes to savour the pain. In that moment, they become one, bound together by an unbreakable bond.
As the first light of dawn breaks upon the horizon, Athrun and Cagalli hold each other tightly, their hearts heavy with the weight of impending goodbye. But even as they prepare to part ways, they find comfort in the knowledge that their love will endure.
Without thought, without pride; Leave the things that seem to weaken us
Without fear, leave your lies; Let the magic turn your life around
A/N: When I heard this song, it struck me that I needed to write an AsuCaga fic with it playing in the background. This song kept haunting me. XD When I was looking for inspiration, I wanted something about love and duty, and then ended up inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
I've lined up two more songs, but I'm still brainstorming other plot ideas and other pairings. Suggestions are welcome! Read and review! 16.04.2024, ShadowcLite