AN: I am so sorry everyone that this took so long to write. Unfortunately life has enjoyed kicking me in the teeth and I did warn that the updates would be irregular. This story isn't hard to write anymore but it is time consuming as I am trying to not deviate to far from GS and GSD universe. I also am falling back on the Manga's somewhat, and lets just say they're as good as the anime. Anyhow I hope you enjoy and if someone wants to BETA this story I'm still looking for someone. Thanks and please continue to Review!
Chapter Four: Unfathomable Lies
It had been two more days since the day the Minerva had arrived at Gibraltar and Cagalli as well as Kira and Athrun were finding the wait to be very frustrating. It had only been a little over a week since everything had happened, and Cagalli's condition was still very precarious despite her insistence to the otherwise. She continually insisted on watching the ongoing news whenever she was awake, which was more often than the Medics would like, due to the fact that she refused many of the medications they would have liked to see her on. She was in pain from her injuries and emotionally she was a mess and none of it was having a positive affect on her body. Her immune system was still dangerously low and her body was astoundingly weak because of it. She could barely sit up on her own and at her own insistence had to be carried to the bathroom and aided by a nurse for whatever she needed. Kira and Athrun were frustrated with what was happening as much as she was, and not only because she was taking it out on them, but because it was hard to see her like this. At least in the PLANTs where the gravity was less Cagalli would have an easier time in recovering and they wouldn't have to take so many precautions against her getting ill in the controlled atmosphere.
To add to it all of everything, someone had leaked Cagalli's condition and loss as well as the dynamic details of her and Athrun to the world. To make matters worse someone was releasing classified footage of several cabinet meetings and revealing her complete opposition to joining the Alliance as well as Yuna's and Unato's blatant manipulation of the situation. Private footage of her stay at the Seiran Estate and the treatment she received as well as several statements from individual witnesses had also made its way to the public as well. Orb was in a state of chaos and it only the Seiran's current status of power that prevented the Orb Citizens from having them run out of the country. Unfortunately the Seiran's still had plenty of political clout and the situation in Orb was deteriorating rapidly. Civil unrest was at an all time high and it appeared that civil war might break out at any time, and Cagalli was in the Gibraltar base unable to do a thing about it. That too had been released to the public and many more of the Orb military had defected to join Chairman Durandal's fight.
"This doesn't look good," Kira stated quietly from where he sat behind Cagalli, supporting her so she could sit and watch the news and so he could more closely monitor her condition.
"Really Kira? I thought it looked great!" Cagalli snapped sarcastically.
Kira only sighed, becoming used to her snipes as her exhaustion and pain wore on her.
"Hey, not good huh?" Athrun muttered as he came in. "Well at least I have something else for you. The Chairman has finally arranged a transport and has acquisitioned a Media and Political Conference to 'clear the air'."
"He's done what!" Kira demanded angrily. "Cagalli's in no condition for something like that!"
"Oh it gets better… we have two hours to get ready." Athrun growled.
"I see…" Cagalli glared blindly at the news screen. "Live Broadcast on a global scale?"
"From what I can gather and it's uncensored as well." Athrun stated quietly. "I'm certain he want's to play on your current condition and make you into an ultimate victim of this war. He's trying to garner the world's favor, but I have no idea for what. Oh and he has placed me as the official Liaison of ZAFT and ORB, 'as sign of favor and to promote peace between out two great nations.'"
"Cagalli?" Kira frowned, certain that his sister would have exploded in a fit by now.
"He's got another thing coming if he thinks he can use me as his fucking puppet!" Cagalli snarled angrily. "I am no one's victim! I am no one's tool! I am Cagalli Yula Athha and I'll be damned if I let him play with what happened to me like I was a pawn on a chess board!"
"What do you plan to do?" Athrun frowned carefully, eyeing her warily, experience had taught him that a determined and angry Cagalli was more of a force than many wanted to reckon with.
For a long time Cagalli was silent but when she looked up at Athrun her eyes were once again that blazing amber gold that they had been when he had first met her. Kira too noticed her sudden change in attitude, as if a switch had been flipped and the old Cagalli had merely been turned off and now turned back on. For the first time in a long time now Cagalli had the fierce determination and the obstinate stubbornness that was so much a part of her. Calmly she shut off the news broadcast that was now describing exactly what Athrun had told them. Letting her body relax she let herself be filled with the strength and support of Athrun and Kira.
"I plan to let his actions speak for themselves." Cagalli murmured quietly. "Despite my health he set this up, and on top of that he attacked the Archangel which put me in this position in the first place, for the most part anyways. Let him answer for his actions."
"Cagalli…" Kira frowned.
"Somehow it feels like we… like none of us mean anything to him. It's like we're all players in a game and our actions are strategic maneuvers to be played out. Never once did I feel that he cared about anything but himself and his own plans." Cagalli stated after a while. "I'm not going to let him use me like that and I won't let him use what happened like that. We lost our children, Kira. I lost the babies I didn't even know existed. Mine and Athrun's! Not someone else's but ours, and I won't let him use them that way! He will not tarnish the innocence of what could have been like that. I won't let him!"
"Cagalli…" Athrun pulled her in a tight hug and simply held her while Kira supported both of them from his place behind Cagalli.
All Cagalli could do was take strength from their presence and cry.
Not long after a nurse arrived to help her clean up and get ready for the conference, and for once Cagalli didn't protest wearing a dress. Every little bit would count in this final gamble to open the eyes of the public. The nurse helped her bathe and pull up her hair and even helped her apply a light bit of makeup. Her only protest was the wheelchair that they all wanted to place her in.
"No!" Cagalli snarled, glaring at the two doctors, Kira and Athrun and the nurse.
"Cagalli, you can't possibly walk!" Kira exclaimed in frustration.
"I am NOT going in a wheelchair!" Cagalli ground out.
"Cagalli!" Athrun growled angrily.
"No!" Cagalli snapped.
"Please Miss, in your condition…" one of the doctors tried to plead.
"I will not go in that damned thing!" Cagalli stated viciously. "I will not be so weak!"
"Fine!" Athrun snapped and marched over to her position on the bed and swept her into his arms.
"Athrun!" Cagalli yelped in shock.
"I won't let you walk and you won't use the chair, this will have to do. Either take it or leave it!" Athrun snapped.
"Fine…" Cagalli muttered obstinately, "not like your giving me choice…"
"You agreed, now stop wiggling or I'll drop you…" Athrun muttered right back.
Cagalli sighed and settled, the truth was that she couldn't walk, no matter how much she wanted to, her body just wasn't up to the task, and a small bit of her had missed being held by Athrun like this, with just them. Okay Kira was there, but somehow this felt different. Athrun wasn't running away, he was /Athrun/ and he was holding her and he was going to hold her in front of the entire world. He knew who she was… and he wasn't backing down from it. He understood at least partially what it would mean to be beside her and here he was holding her, not just helping her, but standing at her side as a part of her. She wasn't sure if he realized what he was doing, but for whatever reason he was doing it, she was grateful and took strength from it. Chairman Durandal was about to realize that she was no mere girl, or foolish princess, she was Cagalli Yula Athha the Lioness of Orb, the Goddess of Victory, and she was an absolute force to be reckoned with.
Chairman Durandal thought he could use her, she would use him instead. She would use this chance to insure that the world opened it's eyes and that ORB stood upon it's own feet even without her presence. She was not the daughter of Uzumi Nara Athha for nothing. Maybe she had not been born into ORB's royalty but she had been raised as such, and what's more she had been molded to be the next leader of ORB. She may have protested it and been stubborn but she had never been able to ultimately forget her duty. In many ways her actions had been her own way of fulfilling that duty. Not many had understood, and perhaps she hadn't always understood it either, but that was simply who she was. She was stubborn, foolish, proud, and strong, she was Cagalli Yula Athha, faults and all.
As they approached the crowded area, it was certainly a stunning scene they made. Truly it was like something out of a fairytale. The Red Knight, holding his princess, protecting her against the world. The Solemn White Guard, a calm and steady presence at their side, ready to jump into action should either need it. A Princess, the image of gold and silk beauty and quiet strength that seemed unparalleled and sad sort of knowledge from knowing more than one ought to know, from bearing the burden of a people rather that merely oneself and or loved ones. With the sun setting behind them it was picturesque. The Nurse holding the IV and the doctors behind the trio seemed to be invisible in the presence of these three strong figures. All those present seemed stunned by the image the three presented, and many reporters feared that despite all the latest technology the world couldn't possibly comprehend what stood before them.
It was with sudden shock and a small bit of clarity that Chairman Durandal realized that perhaps this would not go as he had planned, and there was nothing he could do about it. He had so graciously offered the news to be broadcasted globally wide, and with more than a few of those reporters and officials being of the PLANTs and of the Moon Cities, it was certain that these images and words were being broadcasted via several relays to reach every living soul in the surrounding space. Gritting his teeth, the Chairman could only hope that Athha's usual penchant for foolishness would trip her up, he didn't like how the surrounding military were responding to her and her fools anymore than he like how the officials and the reporters were responding.
As soon as they came to a stop in full view of all presence, chaos ensued as questions were barked and exclamations and demands were made all at once.
"That is enough," Cagalli stated calmly her voice strong, though not raised, carried over the excited throng and they quickly fell to silence. "Thank you, I'm afraid my present condition is not very strong… I will answer questions but please wait to be acknowledged."
"Is it true about you and Athrun carrying on an affair behind Yuna Seiran's back?" A rather outlandish reporter demanded out of turn.
"Certainly not, I was aware of the betrothal but I was also aware of my father's knowledge of my being against it. I was told that he was going to see what could be done about the situation. I was completely confident that the betrothal had been abolished, and when I found out otherwise I personally began to work on abolishing it." Cagalli stated flatly. "Yuna and I were never a couple, and to be franc most of the time I couldn't stand him. Had I been in my right of mind I would not have allowed him to manipulate me as he did. His views have never matched my own and both my father and I had thought it would be worse for the country of ORB should he be placed in such a position of power. Please remember, before the Bloody Valentine War, the Seiran's though of a Noble house were not one of the Representatives of ORB. Too much upset from the War caused their rise, and using their connection to me gave them more power than they could ever have possibly had. My only hope is that the People of ORB and the Military of ORB understand this, legally both Seiran's are currently working outside of their jurisdictions. Especially with my confirmed existence, despite not currently being within ORB, I am still the Chief Representative of ORB and the Reigning Heir of ORB's Nobility, the Princess of ORB. Unless proven to be a fraud, my position cannot be removed."
"Are you saying the current actions of the Seiran's are against your wishes and desires for your country?"
"Absolutely." Cagalli stated firmly. "ORB's ideals are not simply just that, they are our laws. So far the Representatives have Illegally allied with the Alliance, my signature never touched that paper, and have Illegally deployed troops outside of Sanctioned ORB territory. Many fruitless deaths can fall upon the Seiran's and the other Representatives hands. I am not guiltless in this, I should have done more, no matter what the situation I was in a position to stop this and I didn't…"
"Is it true that you were on the Archangel when it declared war?" Someone else spoke up.
"Your information is completely wrong. The Archangel never declared war, who would they declare war on? ZAFT? Earth? No they interceded in meaningless battles in an attempt to stop the War from escalating. Yes this caused chaos on the battlefield, but as we had never declared either side an enemy and did not kill anyone within those battle the Archangel was merely a third presence. Had the soldiers concentrated more on who /was/ their proclaimed enemy then many deaths could have been prevented. Yes I was there and I did my best to try and call back ORB's military to ORB. Yes, it was foolish, but I had to do something! My people were dying, and for nothing but the stupid whim of a man, a man who knew nothing of battle tactics but had proclaimed himself Commander and Chief."
"You yourself have held such a position, are you saying you are more qualified?" a military officer demanded.
"I know I am, first off it is required that all 'Reigning Heir's' go through Military School. I graduated at the top of my class, and I was Commander and Chief when we held off the Earth Alliance in the First War. Yuna never went to Military School, and most of his time was spent abroad in different frivolous private schools. He is unbelievably under qualified for the position, and I state once again that he is in know real position to proclaim himself as such. The next in line would be the highest ranked Naval Officer. As Representatives, in times of war, they have no legal hold to the military actions. This is so the military can react without political interception and uphold the laws and ideals of ORB. The Military should never have been deployed from ORB's territories."
"What of the Archangel, what of the Freedom both entered battles outside ORB Territorries." A Reporter demanded.
"Both the Archangel and the Freedom have never been offially allied with ORB. Not even during the time of the Three Ship Alliannce. They have helped ORB or whatever nation they could, including Scandinavia, and the PLANTs, and so on, because it is their wish not to see conflict. Freedom was the one who stopped the Destroyer at that time. In return ZAFT at Chairman Durandal's Orders hunted and attack the Archangel when it offered no actions meriting such an attack."
"Chairman Durandal is this true? I thought it was the Impulse that had destroyed that machine!" Someone else exclaimed.
"It's true," Shinn spoke up ignoring the grip Rey had on his arm. "I was the pilot of the Impluse, and I couldn't even attack the Destroyer, someone I loved was piloting it. I attacked the Freedom instead, and Stellar died because of it. She was one of the Alliance's Soldiers, 'Modified Soldier' created through medical enhancements to fight on a level equal to a Coordinator. I had met her before the war had really started and hadn't known who she was, but in the end it was my actions that led to her death, though I wasn't the one who wielded the blade."
"This is unbelievable, what other lies are there?" Someone muttered.
"Chief Representative Athha, how is it you came to be injured in the first place? How did you even come to be in the hands of ZAFT?"
"During the attack against the Archangel, the Impulse was sent out against the Freedom, the pilot of which is standing right beside me, and as some of you know is my biological twin brother. The Archangel was in a desperate retreat from the ocean, but I felt that something was wrong. I defied the captain of the Archangel and suited up and jumped into Strike Rouge and launched once the Archangel was submerged. I was trying to recover Kira when an unknown explosion, suspected from the destruction of Archangel caught the Strike Rouge. My Mobile Suit was never meant for underwater combat despite the modifications for it, my suit was compromised, and with my condition of unknowingly being pregnant it made the situation that much worse. According to the techs, my cockpit exploded inward on me and add freezing waters and such… It is of no surprise that I miscarried." The bitterness and pain that laced her words were such that no one doubted the agony this loss had caused.
"Forgive me Miss Athha but is it true that the unborn children you carried were Commander Athrun Zala's?" The outlandish reporter asked in a more subdued voice.
"Yes, there is no doubt." Cagalli stated tiredly placing her head on Athrun's shoulder.
"Princess Cagalli I would like to offer my deepest condolences for your's and Commander Zala's loss. Nothing can express my sorrow for the pain you both must be suffering right now." Chairman Durandal interrupted the proceedings, bowing deeply before them.
"Then do you care to explain why you attacked the Archangel when she was doing nothing to attack? She was running, and trying to return me to ORB. Until you can tell me that with a reasonable explanation then I will not accept your Condolences." Cagalli looked up from Athrun's shoulder, her voice strong and her eyes a fierce gold. "The Archangel was and will always be a ship who fights for peace. She does not a have any single nation, like the Eternal, and her sole purpose is to protect peace and prevent this world from destroying itself. Yes she entered battle again, but she did not simply attack ZAFT or the Alliance forces. She fought against both to stop a stupid battle that would create innocent sacrifices. So tell me why attack her? Why destroy the Freedom when it was the Freedom that stopped the Destroy in Berlin? I accept your concern for my welfare and your desire to see a peaceful world, but I'll not tolerate lies and half truths! Not when that is what has brought all of us to this point!"
The Chairman and everyone present stared at Cagalli stunned; even Kira and Athrun were startled. She was calling the Chairman on his actions openly and backing him into a political corner.
"Princess Cagalli…" The Chairman began.
"I have asked you repeatedly to call me Representative Cagalli. I am a princess, but more than that, I am the Chief Representative of ORB. My nation and my people are my responsibility as the PLANTs are yours." Cagalli told him carefully. "I may not be with my country right now, or even approve of the moves the Cabinet have made, but that doesn't lessen the fact that the people of ORB are mine to protect and aid however I can. I have lost something dear, and it's a pain I haven't felt since both my father and ORB went down in flames for the ideals of my nation. To lose someone and to see so many die whom you are responsible for is not something you can easily cast aside, if you can do that then you have no place ruling a nation or leading a people. Tell me Chairman do you care anything for those who give their lives for your orders? Or are you worried about public opinion? My people have died because of you and the idiocy of other's, I will not forget this and your actions I have found to be unforgivable."
"Cagalli…" Athrun whispered.
"I will deal with what I've told you and revealed to the public as I have to, but I will stand by what I'm saying. You are a powerful man Chairman Durandal and you play a very ruthless game, but I fear that is all you are doing. The world and the PLANTs are not your pawns and knights. Your campaign against LOGOs is a good one, but where does that leave the world? You have turned the world into chaos and I'm not foolish enough not to see who is leading the world right now. A lot of those people were incredibly influential and I have no doubt that what they did is wrong, but instead of seeking justice from their respective nations you have created riots and chaos and I can see only you gaining power from the ensuing chaos. What I see now is a chaos that broke out when Blue Cosmos began the Bloody Valentine, and they were nothing but a terrorist group that murdered innocents, but you know I hold you as the same for all of this." Cagalli gasped and trembled but glared fiercely at the Chairman. "There is a lot you have to answer for Chairman, and call me an /Idiot/ if you want too but I won't trust you or your intentions and condolences until you answer for them. I don't like how you're trying to dictate and delegate the situations around you with only half truths. Maybe it wasn't you who tried to get the real Lacus killed but I don't think anyone else could have ordered or let a group of ZAFT specials slip by to attack her in ORB."
"What?" the Chairman stared at her.
"The real Lacus?" Someone asked and murmurs of confusion erupted.
"Wasn't she in the PLANTs?"
"There's never been any proof of her being there before…"
"It makes sense that she'd stay in ORB…"
"I don't believe…" The Chairman began to say, but was interrupted by a ZAFT Commander.
"It would explain about the incident regarding a Lacus Clyne hijacking a Shuttle with someone whom several witnesses stated looked similar to an Andrew Waltfeld. The Other Lacus' Entourage seemed rather confused as to how to address the situation at the time." The Commander stated flatly, his eyes cold and angry.
Unrest immediately erupted, several times Cagalli had called the Chairman's words into question, and every time someone, or facts, had spoken in her favor against the Chairman. More and more the clever web he had woven to gain favor was unraveling before the entire planet, PLANTs, and Moon. Civilians and Military alike were witnessing the obvious deceit the Chairman had commanded. It left little doubt about his current actions, and where did that leave Cagalli, whom he currently had in his clutches. Anger stirred in all, especially the ORB people, whom had loved their Princess. Actions would now be taken as the truth slowly began to come to light, the world was not Chairman Durandal's Puppets, and neither were the PLANTs or ZAFT, or anyone else.
"Sirs the Shuttle is ready and our window is open. We should get the Representative and her escort onboard." The Captain of the shuttle commented calmly, subtley interrupting the situation.
"I see, very well then. I'm sorry you feel that way Princess… I truly hope you get well…" The Chairman bowed again and stepped aside. *Damn you Cagalli Yula Athha! You will pay for this, how meddlesome you have become. I have underestimated you.*
Cagalli was panting slightly and Athrun could feel her body tremble in his grip, but he knew she had had to say something. He too had wanted to, but his training had interfered and he had still been confused and angry when he was in the hangar with Shinn. They walked onto the shuttle and he laid Cagalli on the cot that had been prepped for her arrival. He sat in the seat beside her while Kira took the other one. The medic left and was replaced by another and then they lifted off. Cagalli was given a sedative to help relieve the strain her public announcements and the confrontation with the Chairman had caused.
"This is going to make things difficult." Kira stated quietly.
"…" Athrun paused thinking over the recent events. "We have to protect her, more so now. She's made a very strong enemy… and at the same time she has made more alliances than can be imagined. She's turned the world upside down… again."
"It seems to be a habit of hers." Kira muttered irately. "Couldn't she just be normal for once?"
"Normal is not something I would ever think of Cagalli as," Athrun grinned suddenly. "She's Cagalli, you know. Look at everything she did back then and what she's done now, is it really that surprising?"
"No… I guess not, but it's sure going to cause problems for us…" Kira sighed. "Where are we staying anyways?"
"Apparently on Januarius, with 'Lacus.'" Athrun muttered tiredly. "It was another ploy, to reaffirm Lacus as the real one and that there were no hard feeling between me and her, and that all of this was some kind of misunderstanding."
"Well that was shot to hell," Kira growled. "I'm still not that happy with you for participating in that ploy, either… but I think I understand now."
"I'm just hoping that Cagalli doesn't kill her." Athrun muttered tiredly.
"I think you might be asking for too much… Athrun, for her, your being with this Meer girl was like her almost marrying Yuna was for you… She didn't show it but I know it hurt her, and not only her but Lacus too. You have a lot to answer for, and not just to Cagalli." Kira warned carefully.
"Yeah," Athrun sighed.
Okay there you have it. Another Chapter! Jump and cheer my glorious Reviewers! Just kidding. I know this chapter doesn't bring a lot of progress but it is keeping the story progressing. I'm going to try and get the next chapter out sooner, but it's kind of hard at the moment so I'm not going to make any promises. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and keep reading. Thank you and please Review.