(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Gundam Seed or Destiny.

Chapter Eighty

Delayed Departure

Onogoro Castle

Kira and Lacus’ Room

It was just before sunrise immediately Kira’s eyes shot open. He couldn’t remember what it was but it wasn’t a very good dream he had. Focusing his eyes he noticed Lacus sound asleep next to him. At the moment she had occupied his arm, both were on their sides as Kira held her with his other arm.

Kira recalled the events last night as that was something definitely more eventful last night. Never before had he seen her like that, but Kira knew she was worried about this upcoming war that she needed him last night. Gently caressing her shoulder he gently kissed it before laying his head back in place.

Kira tried recalling the events of that dream he just had but it wouldn’t come to mind for some reason.

“What was it?” Kira asked himself as all he knew was it was making him uneasy.

Kira decided to lay the matter to rest as for the brief time he had before departure he just wanted to keep his thoughts on his family.

Kira slowly sat up as he gently removed his arm which Lacus was using as her pillow. Smiling slightly as he covered her back up and began dressing himself.

Putting on his robe he rose from the bed as he headed for the door.

Kira opened the chamber doors as he made his way outside.

The royal guard posted on this floor slightly bowed as he walked past as they always did.

Kira saw the look in their faces, they knew where he would be heading soon and for their King they gave him the silent respect anyway warrior would notice.

Kira made his way to his son’s room as he wished to see him for a little bit. The guards by the room opened the door as Kira made his way inside.

It was only about three to five minutes after Kira left that Lacus noticed he wasn’t their anymore. The warmth was gone so that woke her up almost instantly. Immediately sitting straight up she thought for a second it was like that last war and he left without telling her.

She however could still feel it couldn’t have been that long since he got up, she just knew that for some reason.

Lacus looked around as she found her robe on the floor, with a slight blush from last nights events. She truly needed that last night as this war was different from all the rest. She knew Kira was worried about this conflict more so then others and it was worrying her greatly, however what they did last night the answer she needed was given and she gave him what she wanted. A reason to return, there love for each other wasn’t dying out and if anything was still growing.

Lacus placed her robe on as she quickly moved her hair as much as possible into place as she headed for the door.

Prince’s Chamber

Inside the nanny inside was watching the prince when she heard the doors open. At first she thought it was strange as it wasn’t time for a change in personal yet. Immediately however she saw who it was and quickly stood and bowed.

Kira walked in to notice the nanny. There were a total of three that would watch the Prince and all were selected by Lacus personally. Kira knew she wanted to do all of this herself however his position wouldn’t allow it. Kira had to sleep and with his son growing more active this was only a matter of time. Lacus reluctantly agreed however she personally chose those that would watch him at night.

“You’re Majesty,” the nanny said surprised.

Kira looked at her, “It’s alright, how is he,” Kira said walking over to his sons bed.

“He had a good night so far sire,” the nanny said.

“Leave me for a little while,” Kira said.

“Yes sire,” the nanny bowed and left the room waiting outside.

Kira looked down at the sleeping boy at how much he had grown over the last three months. Kira regretting barely being around, he was so engrossed in the country rebuilding for the past three months that the time wouldn’t allow it.

Kira slightly smiled, “I haven’t been much a father lately have I?”

“It is no excuse, but the life of a King is not all leisure son…the life you were born into can be your greatest gift, but also a great curse,” Kira told him.

“I don’t know why I am telling you this now, but I just feel you need to hear this now.”

Outside the room

Lacus walked outside as she looked around, the guards bowed to her like always.

“Excuse me, have you seen the King?” Lacus asked.

“He headed for the Princes room my lady,” the guard said.

Lacus thanked him as she headed that way and noticed the nanny outside.

The nanny noticed her as well, “Your Highness,” the nanny said as this had been an eventful day already.

Lacus smiled, “Is the King inside?”

“Yes My Lady, he wished to be left alone for a short while,” the nanny replied.

“Thank you,” Lacus said as she decided to sneak inside and arrived just in time for Kira’s speech.

Inside the Room

“I swore to never do to you what my father did to me son, but I know some of what he did was necessary, being born into royalty doesn’t make a true King, only experience and work is what will make a King…when the time comes I will guide you that way, and it will be up to you to determine what type of King you will be,” Kira told him seriously.

“The burden is strong, however your mother eases that pressure for me, when you choose your Queen I want you to keep that in mind,” Kira told him as he heard her voice.

“Make sure you tell him this when he is older,” Lacus said walking closer.

Kira smiled at her as she approached, “How was my first talk with him?”

Lacus smiled as she checked on him, “I knew you would be fine,” Lacus said smiling down.

Kira placed his arms around her resting his head on her shoulder.

“I thought you were still asleep?” Kira asked.

“I thought, you left like last time again,” Lacus replied.

“I was thinking about doing that again, but I wanted to hear your voice this time so I was going to wait,” Kira replied softly.

Lacus slightly lowered her head, “Do you have to leave soon?”

“Just like last time I am going to leave before daybreak,” Kira replied.

Lacus had thoughts in her head, and this time she was going to make a very selfish request, “Don’t leave yet.”

Kira looked at her as she refused to look back at him.

“What’s wrong Lacus?” Kira asked.

Lacus shook her head, “I don’t want you to leave just yet…this one time please don’t leave yet.”

Kira gently turned her around staring at her worried face.

“You’re the King you don’t have to leave with everyone else, just give me a little more time,” Lacus requested very seriously.

Kira could tell it was killing her to ask this, Kira prided himself with his place in the army and he was highly respected for it he was always the first one to lead the army and the last one to get off a battlefield.

Lacus knew Kira never denied her anything and she was using that like this, it didn’t make her feel good but she wanted this time, she needed this time, just a little while longer was all she was asking, and it killed her to make this request.

Kira gently cupped her cheeks making her stare into his eyes.

“I know what you are saying Lacus, I don’t wish to leave you like this either, however I will only delay until noon,” Kira told her very softly.

Lacus sighed in great relief as she lowered her head to this chest.

Kira kissed the top of her head as they decided to leave the Prince to sleep a while longer.

They headed out as the nanny went back in and then Kira noticed something headed their way quickly.

Around the Castle

With Athrun

Athrun had no trouble waking up on time this morning. He got up a little early so he could write a letter to Cagalli. For whatever reason she chose not to come but Athrun came to expect such things from her, Cagalli will always be Cagalli.

After he finished he sealed it with his mark and gave it to a rider to deliver to Boaz.

When he was finished his thoughts went to the upcoming battle. Once again they were outnumbered but this time they were entering brand new territory with this new enemy, a force that doesn’t use civilized warfare, barbarians.

Athrun remained in thought until the scheduled time arrived and received a guest.

Royal Floor

Mu was arriving on the main floor to collect the King after quite a night.

When Mu arrived he found both the King and Queen heading towards their room.

With Kira, Lacus and Mu

Mu nodded to them.

Kira and Lacus stopped, Lacus knew he was here to collect Kira, but now since he granted her request she didn’t have to worry just yet.

“It’s time kid,” Mu replied.

Kira looked at him while Lacus tightened her grip on his hand she was holding.

“Change of plans Mu,” Kira told him.

Mu stared at him with a blank stare for a second, “Change of plans,” he repeated and went on, “All the army is moving out according to plan already kid, we cannot delay or everything will be screwed up, you know that.”

The ORB army was not all stationed in the same place so each captain and commander would move out according to where their base was located and how close it was to where they would all intersect with each other.

“It will be fine Mu, the army will move as scheduled, have Athrun take my place and lead the army…we will wait until noon then catch up with the royal guard, it will all work out,” Kira told him seriously.

Mu could tell the reason for his change with the Queen holding on the way she was, “Well you’re the King kid, such a strong act of love,” Mu said in a sorrowful voice.

Lacus was relieved however she looked at Kira and him at her; they saw Mu with Murrue after the party last night and from what they saw things didn’t work out like Mu had hoped.

“Let me guess, you guys did something you both don’t remember and she made you pay in the morning right?” Kira asked.

Mu looked at him, “If only that was the case…we were so wasted I ran into a statue passed out cold and when I woke up I somehow ended up…” Mu didn’t have to finish as Kira did for him.

“In the stables right?” Kira asked as that was how it always happened when Mu drank too much.

“So a cruel twist of fate, such an unlucky streak, such pure stupidity,” Mu replied.

Mu then sighed, “Anyway, I will pass on your orders to Athrun and will have the guard ready by noon.”

Kira nodded as Mu took his leave.

Kira and Lacus were heading back to their chamber when they then ran into Merna.

“Your Highnesses, I am glad you are both awake…I was going to give you your morning meal before you left sire,” Merna said.

Kira smiled, “Thank you, however departure has been delayed, can you leave us until two hours before noon?”

Merna looked at him, this was different, “I could but.”

Lacus smiled, “We really appreciate it Merna.”

Merna smiled she understood.

“Make sure we are not disturbed before that time,” Kira said as they went back into their chamber.

Merna would do just that if she had to guard the door herself.

With Athrun and Mu

Athrun opened the door to his chamber to find Mu there with new orders.

Athrun let him in as Mu explained the situation.

Athrun nodded, “I have to say this isn’t like him, however I understand.”

“The Queen likely talked him into it, however I think it is something the both of them need,” Mu replied.

“Anyway, I will get ready and take command of the force outside the city,” Athrun replied heading for his armor.

“If we leave at noon we should catch up to you by the evening hours, just keep them marching until then…its time to get serious now,” Mu replied seriously.

Athrun nodded as now this war would likely make the last one with ZAFT looked like a mere skirmish.

When Athrun was ready he left and met up with the forces outside the city.

Some were shocked to see him alone with no royal guard and no King, that made some wonder, however they had faith in their King, and he would never order them into battle if he wasn’t there with them.

Kira and Lacus’ Chamber

Two hours before noon

After Kira and Lacus arrived back in their chamber they couldn’t help but go at it one more time, it was just how they were, but after that they just laid their holding each other.

For a few hours they stayed like that and just talked with each other, for that short time everything seemed normal. For that short time they forgot all about the war.

“Is it really like that?” Lacus asked as she laid resting on him.

Kira smiled, “All of ORB’s eastern lands are like that, and we will see shortly,” Kira replied.

They were talking about a small vacation to ORB’s eastern lands, ones which Lacus had never been to and Kira hadn’t visited in a long time. His mother was from those lands and they were the perfect spot for the small family to go to be alone.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door and both knew their time was up as all they had left was two hours and that would end their alone time.

Lacus looked at him as they quickly kissed before Kira answered.

“What is it?” Kira asked.

“Its time Your Majesty, we have your meal…and the Prince is getting antsy,” Merna replied.

Lacus smiled as the two got up and dressed before Kira ordered them inside.

The doors opened as Merna handed the Prince to Lacus and the meals were brought in.

Lacus smiled at him as he was moving all around smiling at her.

They began eating as Lacus fed her son and then herself.

When the meal was finished they used the rest of the time as a family.

This was time Kira had been missing as he held the boy on his lap while Lacus watched.

“He’s got a strong grip,” Kira replied as the boy latched on to his finger and wouldn’t let go.

Lacus chuckled, “He must get it from you, like a lot of other things, I swear I have two Kira’s around.”

“I cannot help but think about the future sometimes Lacus,” Kira replied.

Lacus looked at him, “The future?”

“You heard me talking about it earlier, I will not do to him what my father did to me…but there are things I must do in order to prepare him later on, I just hope when that time comes he will understand,” Kira replied.

Lacus liked his talk, he was talking about the future which meant he wasn’t giving up at all, he would come back to her and their son.

“I understand Kira, and he will as well…but for the time being I want him to be as much a normal boy as he can be with the circumstances, I want to see him do things normal children can do, when that time comes I am sure you will make the right decisions,” Lacus replied.

“We will make the right decisions, for that is where our true strength lies,” Kira replied.

Lacus smiled as they continued being the happy little family they were until she noticed Kira wasn’t paying attention anymore.

“What is it?” Lacus asked.

Kira gave her a slight smile, “It’s time Lacus.”

Lacus felt her heart sink as she knew their time was now up.

Kira stood and handed the boy back over to her as she held him very securely.

Kira moved over to where his armor had hung in display, waiting for him.

Kira went to grab it as Lacus stopped him.

“Wait Kira,” Lacus said as she gently called in Merna and handed him over to her.

“Let me,” Lacus said as she took the armor.

“I think I can do it myself, you don’t have to,” Kira told her as she shook her head.

“Please, allow me to,” Lacus replied.

Kira nodded as he removed his robe and she took over.

Once again Kira wouldn’t go with heavy armor and only used his light armor.

Lacus moved to the front as she strapped the chest protector on. She secured it tightly as if her life depended on it. Kira wasn’t going to make her get on her knees for the leg gear as he did that for himself, it only went from his ankle to a little above the knee, but that was his style.

Lacus did the forearms herself as they only went up to the elbow leaving his entire upper arms unprotected like always which she didn’t like but she knew this allowed him to be faster as he wanted.

Kira was going to do the sword himself but Lacus insisted as she fastened it to his waste.

“You know I kind of like that,” Kira told her making her blush but he returned it when she whispered into his ear what she would do when he came home.

Kira picked up the light helmet as Lacus did the final piece, the long cloak that she fastened to him.

She adjusted it as now he looked like she remembered him on the battlefield, a sight she didn’t like seeing but one she accepted.

When it was fastened she then lowered her head a little.

Kira looked over to see his only son watching very curiously.

Kira motioned for Merna as she handed the boy over to him and then left the room leaving them alone.

“You’ll watch over your mother while I am gone,” Kira told him staring into the boy’s violet eyes.

Kira then handed him over to Lacus as Kira looked into her eyes and placed his arms around her.

Lacus leaned in shifting her son so he wouldn’t be squished.

“It’s alright Lacus,” Kira told her softly.

She didn’t say anything as immediately Kira shifted and she felt him kiss her neck.

Kira knew Lacus had a sensitive spot on her neck so decided to give her on last gift. A little while later Kira backed away as Lacus reopened her eyes. “When you see that you can think of me,” Kira said as he smiled at her.

Lacus knew it left a mark but she didn’t care.

“Please remember your promise…and come back to us,” Lacus replied as they kissed each other.

Kira didn’t want to show his son anymore then that so after a minute he slowly backed away.

“I love you,” was the final word Kira said as she turned around releasing her hand and heading out the door.

Lacus repeated the sentence as she saw him disappear out the door.

What happened next brought her to tears as her usually calm son cried.

Lacus comforted him as she knew just how he felt as now her heart was aching terribly.

Outside the Castle

Kira made his way down as all the knights on standby saluted their King, who was once again going out to fight for them.

Kira clamped some of their armor as he even shook a few of their hands bringing them joy. Once he got outside that was when he saw Mu on his horse and holding Tori ready for Kira.

Kira came into sight as he heard the cheers from the royal guard and even servants from the castle. Chanting his name, giving him blessings with encouragement, just about everything as Kira made his way to his horse.

He got on Tori as Mu nodded to him, “One last time sire.”

Kira smiled, “One last time it is,” Kira said as he turned the horse around and gave the command to open the castle gates.

Inside the castle

Via and Murrue watched the events but they didn’t go and see anyone off, Kira didn’t want it and Murrue said all she needed to already as she met Mu before he headed out and told him something that nearly made him fly.

From the balcony Lacus watched as she got her son to calm down, but this wouldn’t be over for her until he came home.

Onogoro City

As soon as the castle gates opened Kira noticed the entire city was already there.

“The drawback of leaving late sire,” Mu told him as the entire Onogoro people would not leave their King off with nothing.

Kira looked around as he appreciated it and would not let their encouragement be in vain, he would fight and protect his family and his country.

The royal guard marched with him as they headed out to the city gates.

Kira waved and smiled at his people as they made it about halfway before Kira and Mu noticed a disturbance.

“I must make it through, I have to,” they heard.

Kira and Mu turned to see a man that looked very scruffy making his way through to them.

The royal guard did their job well as they were already holding the man back as he kept pushing forward.

“This is important, I must speak to the King, out of the way,” the man said.

Mu looked closer as he immediately recognized the man.

Kira saw Mu look closer.

By now he was on the road but surrounded by five royal guard members and what was worse in front of the entire crowd which was growing silent at the disturbance.

“My King you must listen,” the man said.

“You know this man Mu?” Kira asked as Mu acted strange.

“A local beggar…” Mu replied.

Kira smirked, “One of your drinking buddy’s?” Kira asked.

“I drink alone kid…no, this man is just one of those crazy fortuning tellers, pay him no mind,” Mu said as Kira noticed the expression on Mu’s face was different.

“I must speak,” the man said.

Kira rode a little closer.

The royal guard turned around, “Forgive us Your Majesty, we will remove him.”

“Hold…no need,” Kira replied as the royal guard kept highly alert.

The man looked up at Kira, “You must listen to me My King, you must hear my words.”

“Very well, speak your words,” Kira said as he believed this was the quickest way to end this.

The man looked very seriously at Kira, “Heed my warning young King.”

Kira stared at him.

“If into Messiah you go, only the gates of Hades will you discover,” the man said dead serious.

That caused talking with the people and even gasps as that was a death sentence.

Kira continued to stare.

“Stay away young King, the dark hallway will lead you to the blade of destruction, do not go into Messiah,” the man spoke again.

Kira then shook his head, “I have no more time for this,” Kira said as the crowd was now going to spread this crazy nonsense and it would likely get to Lacus and cause her more worry.

“Were leaving,” Kira said turning around.

The man freaked, “No you mustn’t go sire…you must heed my words, the man screamed but to no avail as Kira rode away.

Kira and Mu continued on as Kira looked at Mu.

“That’s just the thing Lacus needs to hear,” Kira said angrily.

Mu looked at him, “That…old man is just a crazy beggar don’t pay it no consideration.”

“I say the same to you Mu, the only thing I believe is the promise I made to my wife and nothing will break that,” Kira said as they rode off and out of the city to join with the massive army.

The royal guard left the man alone as he continued to watch them disappear, “You must listen.”

The man said no more as they were gone and war was about to rage.

To be continued…

(A\N): The next chapter ZAFT moves out as well as the advancing armies drawing near to each other. I don’t know when it will be up as my time and access are very limited, sorry for the lateness but there’s nothing I can do about it for awhile. Bye for now.