All is fair in Love and War

CHAPTER 1:

The city of Heliopolis was a mortal city bordered by the vampire one of Initial Death. For many centuries a war raged between these two cities, neither one willing to accept defeat. Heliopolis was a broken down city filled with the corrupted and vampire slayers willing to do anything for money. The city was falling, yes that is true.

A long time ago the city was covered with people and merchants in the streets. The sun shone all over as the happy faces of the children played while mothers gossiped and talked. Men would be doing trades with foreign countries. The sea would be filled with sailors and the fields tended by farmers.

Now the bay was empty and the streets were filled no more. Many had the fear of vampires, being the rumor that there was only one that could walk in the day, serving as a spy. The only thing that kept the poor kingdom going was hunting for food and growing it.

When everyone thought hope was lost their King Hibiki died and thus a new king was placed upon the throne. His only son Kira. This boy was young and naïve. He was about fourteen years old when he was named king. He had dark brown hair like his mother and lilac eyes. Kira was a fair and gentle ruler and with his help the tables turned. His reign comes to about two years where our story starts.

The vampire prince Athrun, hoping to come to power brutally murdered his father and kidnapped the princess of Heliopolis. Athrun wanted end the war to end as soon as possible. And to do that, he needed the princess of Heliopolis. The war was now reaching an even higher peak with the struggle to get back their fair princess. All hope seemed lost.

"My dear Lady Lacus." Kira asked his pink haired love interest, "Have the men brought any news about my sister?"

"No, your highness." Lacus said bowing down; "we haven't heard anything about our fair princess Cagalli."

"Very well." Kira said, "Please you needn't bow down before me. I have told you many times."

"But I must!" Lacus protested, "you are the king and I must show respect!"

Kira smiled at her innocence. It seemed like only yesterday all three were in the royal rose garden playing tag without a care in the world or causing simple mayhem wherever the three went. They had earned themselves the nickname the Troublesome Three. It had been many years since they were called that. Now it was formalities and the struggle between acting like a gentleman and a lady.

Lacus was the daughter of Siegel Clyne the royal advisor. With his help Kira had been able to restore the kingdom to some of its formal glory.

Kira sighed and said, "Very well. You may leave."

He then walked out onto the balcony as Lacus followed him, "Your highness. Has something been troubling you? If there's anything I can do to help…"

"Not at all my dear lady. I was just recalling the days of our childhood. Do you remember the time that we were all called the Troublesome Three?" Kira asked.

"My!" Lacus blushed putting her right hand to the side of her face, "that was so long ago!"

"I remember how Cagalli and I used to be the musketeers and how you were the fair princess that needed to be saved." Kira chuckled.

Lacus turned a deeper shade of pink, "Yes, I do remember those days. How peaceful it was just for that short time in our lives before we began realizing what was really going on beyond the castle walls."

"My dear lady, may I entrust you with a secret?" Kira asked.

"I would be most honored if you would." Lacus giggled.

"Do you know what I think of when I see the pink lilies in the pond?" Kira whispered in her ear.

"What do you think of?" Lacus asked.

"I think of you." Kira said as he felt the color rise in his cheeks. When they took a good look at each other each saw that they were almost the same shade of pink. Long moments they stood there not saying a word when the butler came in.

"Your highness it is time for your morning lessons."

"I suppose I should be going then." Lacus sighed as she turned around to leave.

Kira grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, "I will meet with you by that pond my lady. That is if you don't have anything to do."

"Oh yes, I would love to meet you there!" Lacus smiled.

"Then, I will await your company after the afternoon tea." Kira said as he kissed her hand and left.

Lacus could not believe what had just happened, Was Kira requesting my company? My, it must be rather important! I hope that nothing has happened! I wonder what he wishes to ask me…

IN THE CASTLE OF THE KINGDOM INITIAL DEATH

"Let me out of here! I demand you free me this instant you bastards!" Cagalli screamed.

It had been a month since the vampire prince had kidnapped her. So far, nothing bad happened. She never even caught a glimpse of his face. She seemed to be treated properly. Most of the time she was alone in a high tower away from everyone. She was left three meals a day. Cagalli never knew who brought the meals but she always sensed the presence of someone there. Angrily she stomped towards the door and threw a bunch of books at it. In a rage she the kicked it sending a hurt sensation to her foot. In pain she gave up and sat back down in the chair. Sighing after a small amount of the pain had gone away she examined herself in the mirror. She was wearing a baby green dress down to the floor. It hugged her body tightly showing off her perfect figure.

"Hello there princess…" a voice hissed.

Afraid Cagalli turned around and shouted, "Who goes?"

"Do not be frightened." The voice said.

For some reason that did not make Cagalli feel any less uneasy than before.

"Show yourself!" Cagalli demanded.

"As you wish." The voice said as she felt the cold hands of someone on her upper arms.

Cagalli's body tensed up as she pulled away. She backed up against the wall to find a pale, green-eyed boy about her age staring at her. His midnight blue hair went down over his eyes as he stared at her. He wore a white top unlaced to about half of his chest and black pants with black shoes. He seemed almost seductive.

Key word. Almost.

"Who are you? What do you want from me?" Cagalli asked shivering.

"You have the key to ending this war." He said.

"What is your name vampire?" Cagalli asked.

"My name is Athrun." He replied, "and what is your name?"

"I think you know that fairly well." Cagalli snapped.

"Yes, but first impressions are what count right?" Athrun asked.

Cagalli narrowed her eyes and answered, "Cagalli. And what do you mean I have the key to ending this war?"

Cagalli was afraid, but more on the bridge of thinking that the vampire that stood before her was psychotic.

"You heard what I said. Join me for dinner and I will tell you." Athrun replied calmly.

"Bite me." Cagalli snarled.

Within the wink of an eye he was gone and Cagalli looked around for him. Her heart beat faster as she tried desperately to find him. Everything was quiet but Cagalli knew all too well that she was not alone. She saw a blur, and then she felt herself being dipped by someone. Her hand was now in his as he looked down at her.

"Do you wish to test me?" Athrun asked as he licked her neck, "I can easily take the breath of life from you at an instant. All I have to do is bite down." Athrun then touched his fangs to her neck as Cagalli shivered, "However I choose to keep you around. And I'm sure that you would like some fresh air. After all you have been locked up for quite some time…"

"And if I refuse?" Cagalli asked.

Athrun gave a seductive smile and said, "Your dress will be in the closet. And the door will be unlocked. Follow the sounds of the organ if you dare."

Cagalli narrowed her eyes and said, "That makes me trust you less."

"There's something about your eyes. There is a certain softness to them… You have a pair of very lovely eyes." Athrun told her.

Cagalli was about to say something else when there was another rush and he was gone.

What's a girl to do? If I stay up in this tower I might be vampire chow. But if I go with Athrun… He might actually be telling the truth… Cagalli thought as she walked over to the cherry oak closet that sat there in the corner of the room.

She opened the closet to find a beautiful pale yellow dress there. Cagalli gasped. She had never seen a finer dress. It was very poofy and lacey. It had a white bow that tied in the back. A diamond cross-shaped broach was pinned to the side. The only thing that Cagalli detested about it was that it would be very low on her chest. In her opinion the white high-heeled shoes were very beautiful. Cagalli looked around and started to dress.

LATE AFTERNOON

Kira sat there on the edge of the pond waiting. Lacus was a little bit late than usual. He sat up and started pacing around.

Why am I so anxious to see her? Kira thought.

It had always been like that for a while. He dreaded when Lacus went away to do something and when his heart ached when she was away. Then, when he would be waiting for her return he would pace around like a father awaiting the news of his newborn and wife.

"Your majesty?" the familiar sound of Lacus's sweet voice called from the rose garden.

Kira looked towards Lacus who was wearing a pink dress that was very poofy. It was low and made her bosoms stand out. Her hair was in a ponytail and in curls. A crown of daisies was placed around her ponytail. That was enough to make Kira's mouth drop.

"Lady Lacus?" Kira asked as she ran towards him smiling.

As usual on fine days such as this her pet dog accompanied her; a purebred cocker spaniel named Haru.

"Your majesty!" Lacus cried as she started to bow.

Kira ran up to her and embraced her warmly. He could feel her tense up as she asked, "What troubles you Kira?"

He put is hand over her mouth and said, "Come with me."

He took her hand as many servants eyeing their every move followed them. At first they were acting like they were just on a stroll until they got into the horse stables. Kira picked Lacus up by her waist and placed her upon his white stallion named Strike. He mounted the stallion next and in a jolt they sped off into the forest and past the rose gardens. They saw many servants trying to follow them put Kira made his horse pick up the pace. Strike was known as the fastest racing horse in the country. In a matter of ten minutes they lost all who were trying to follow them. Kira got off his horse and helped Lacus down. She grabbed his hand as he led her to the maze that they played in as children.

Once deep inside the maze, Kira asked Lacus, "Lacus may I ask you a question?"

"Anything." Lacus smiled then giggled.

"What do you find so funny?" Kira asked surprised.

"The chase! It was so funny! The way everyone tried to follow us and they couldn't catch us! That was the most fun I have had in the longest of times!" Lacus explained giggling once again.

Soon both were in a fit of laughter.

"All right! All right!" Kira panted trying to catch his breath. He waited until everything had settled down and was very quiet. Lacus looked up at him with a quizzical look, "Lacus do you love me?" Lacus looked away with a sad look as Kira turned her face to his, "I'm sorry I should not have asked such a question…"

"No, not at all… It's just that to love you… It is treason against all of Heliopolis. It clearly states as of royal degree that a king must marry a princess or queen." Lacus sighed, "and I'm not a princess…"

"Yes, you are a princess Lacus… In my eyes you have always been one and always will be…" Kira said his warm breath tickling her face.

"For years I have longed for you… I have longed to feel your arms around me… For me to hear you say I love you." Lacus said her eyes becoming glassy.

"As have I." Kira said as he rubbed the side of her cheek with his thumb. Lacus closed her eyes as warm, salty tears fell out of her eyes as Kira kissed them, "Do not cry Lacus…" he whispered.

She opened her eyes to stare into Kira's lilac ones, "I'm sorry… I cannot."

She pulled away from Kira and tried to walk away. At that instant she felt the presence of someone. She didn't know what it was but it definitely didn't feel human. Lacus looked all around but didn't see anyone. Kira pulled her into a tight embrace as he pleaded, "Please do not go my dear lady…"

The sky started to get dark, "I will not go. But please… Take me back to the palace. My father will be worried sick about me."

Kira nodded as he took Lacus's hand and walked her back to the horse. Strike stood there "neighing" happily at their return. Lacus laughed and stroked its long mane. Kira put her back onto the horse as someone high up in a tree watched them. A certain someone with midnight blue strands of hair and green eyes.

So, that is the king, Athrun thought. If he could blush at that instant he would. Kira was just so… Beautiful to him, he's rather handsome… And that would be his lover… Well, she's nothing a little persuasion couldn't handle…

A deep chuckle filled Athrun's throat as he watched them ride away.

BACK AT THE INITIAL DEATH CASTLE

Cagalli had finished dressing when the sound of the organ startled her, causing her to jump about three feet.

I guess that's it, Cagalli thought.

With one shaky hand she touched the door handle and pushed it open. The door opened with a loud "creek" that seemed to be heard throughout the whole castle. There a grand staircase lay before her that spiraled around the tower. She saw water running from the walls, the previous rainstorm must have done a number she guessed. With her right hand she lifted up the dress and with the other she touched the wall for support. Her footsteps echoed throughout the steps.

It's really hard to walk in this dress, Cagalli thought as she walked to the bottom of the staircase. To her luck she tripped on the second to the last stairway. She screamed and closed her eyes waiting for the hard hit to the bottom. The organ music stopped as she felt someone catch her in his or her arms. Cagalli opened one eye to find herself in the arms of a green haired chocolate-eyed boy.

"Are you all right princess?" he asked.

When he talked Cagalli stared at his fangs. She pulled away from him and shouted, "You're a vampire!"

"We all are in this castle. That is except for you. I don't know why Athrun has let you live for so long." He said.

"What's it to you?" Cagalli snapped.

"Nothing at all. I've just been craving blood for awhile that's all." Nicol smiled as Cagalli covered her neck. He let out a laugh as he said, "Nonsense! Come with me. I will show you to the dining hall."

"Forget it! I don't trust you at all!" Cagalli shouted.

"I did not mean to frighten you. Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Nicol." The green haired vampire said.

"I don't care what your name is! Just leave me alone!" Cagalli said backing away from him.

"I save you from a fall from the stairs and all you can do to repay me is tell me that I disgust you?" Nicol asked.

"I never said-" Cagalli started to say but was cut off when Nicol walked behind her.

"True, it is that you didn't say it. But your words and your body language hint it." Nicol said, "now come with me to the dining hall. I will escort you there."

"Never." Cagalli said defiantly.

"I was hoping that it didn't have to come to this. If you wander around the castle by yourself some of the other vampires might want to use you as let's say… A snack?" Nicol said. Cagalli gulped as Nicol continued, "I thought so."

"That's a chance I'm willing to take." Cagalli said bravely.

"Your arrogance is what will lead to your downfall Princess Cagalli." Nicol said.

As if an invisible hand was forcing her to grab Nicol's outstretched arm she did, "Hey! What's going on?" Cagalli protested as she was forced to walk. She tried to open her mouth to speak but nothing came out. She widened her eyes in shock.

I can't speak. It's like an invisible something is controlling my body, Cagalli thought.

"There, I knew you would see it my way." Nicol smiled.

I have to fight this; Cagalli thought as she looked at the organ, "Was that you playing the organ awhile ago?" Cagalli asked her voice returning.

"Yes, indeed it was." Nicol replied softly.

Cagalli finally clued in that he meant no harm and smiled saying, "You have a truly amazing gift."

Nicol looked down at her and smiled with his mouth closed so as not to startle Cagalli. Nicol lead her down a long corridor to a grand dining hall. It was bigger than two rose gardens put together! And Cagalli knew very well that the rose gardens of the palace extended farther than the eye could see. Her mother had planted many of them as a way to bring beauty back to the castle. The floor was covered in red carpet and a great mirror stood in a corner of the room. A long dining table sat there with plush red cushions for comfort. Tapestries of the color midnight blue hung from the ceiling. Paintings of the previous vampire lords hung on the left and right sides. Torches in between them gave the room an ominous setting. To complete the look a chandelier that was not lit hung in the middle of the dining table.

This place sure is very fancy even for two people dining here, Cagalli thought as she touched the diamond cross shaped broach on her dress.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Athrun's voice sounded.

Athrun stood there dressed in a black shirt this time with the crest of the Initial Death kingdom on it. He wore beige pants with the same black shoes. He walked over to Cagalli. Cagalli saw that there was something very strange about the way he walked. It was like he was floating over to her and not walking. Athrun kissed Cagalli's hand and placed a white lily flower in her dirty blonde hair. Taking her hand again he lead her over to the right side of the table.

"The guest of honor always sits to the right of the king." Athrun said as Cagalli gasped.

"So you're the vampire prince that kidnapped me!" Cagalli accused.

"Guilty as charged but that will be king now since my father is out of the picture." Athrun said.

Cagalli didn't even want to know what Athrun had done to his father just to become king. She looked away at the mirror on the other side and saw that she could not see Athrun's reflection in it.

"Why do you look away princess? Do I startle you?" Athrun asked.

"Truthfully yes." Cagalli said, "As a matter a fact I'm afraid of you… I'm afraid that you will take my life and that I will never even get a chance to say goodbye to my brother."

"Rest assured I will not take the gift of life from you." Athrun said.

"How do I know that for sure?" Cagalli asked.

"The cross shaped pendant you are wearing on your dress. I wouldn't give it to you now would I?" Athrun said, "now on to more pressing matters, like how beautiful you look in that dress."

Cagalli blushed at his compliment, "Thank you." She muttered.

Athrun pulled the chair out for her so that she could sit down. Cagalli sat down and watched as Athrun took a seat. This man or vampire or whatever he was, was not as cruel and as heartless as she thought he would be. He wasn't as scary either. He was actually handsome... Cagalli shook the thought off as the dark haired butler came and served them wine.

BACK TO THE KINGDOM OF HELIOPOLIS

It was now nightfall when Kira and Lacus arrived.

"Lacus?" the worried voice of her father cried as she jumped off the horse and into his arms.

"Father!" Lacus cried as she jumped into the arms of her father.

"You know you're not supposed to be out at this hour! The vampires could take your life in an instant." Siegel Clyne scolded his daughter.

"I'm sorry father." Lacus apologized as he put his green cloak around her.

"Now, now. Come inside before you catch a cold." Siegel Clyne said as he led his daughter into the castle.

Meanwhile Kira was trying to brush off all the maids that were fussing over him.

Why me? Kira thought.

"Please your highness! Let us give you something warm to wrap around yourself!" a green eyed brown haired girl said.

"No, I will be just fine Miriellia!" Kira insisted as he sneezed.

"You'll come down with a cold if you don't bundle up." Her boyfriend Tolle added.

Tolle and Miriellia had been going out for ages it seemed. Kira had known them pretty well and knew that they were so much in love that they would die for each other. Literally. Kira gave in as he was escorted to his chambers.

Meanwhile in their large estate inside the castle Lacus and her father were having a conversation.

"What were you doing with the king?" Siegel scolded his daughter.

"We were out for a stroll father. We didn't mean any harm. It's just that our king has been very troubled. Ever since his sister disappeared he has been very worried over her." Lacus explained.

"If I would have known any better there was something going on between you two." Siegel accused.

"No, the law of the land comes first and foremost." Lacus reasoned.

"I hope so." Siegel's voice said as it softened, "if you two were together… I just couldn't stand my only daughter being killed that's all."

"Father…" Lacus said as her voice brightened when she asked, "Shall we have a masked ball to lift his spirits?"

Siegel walked over to the window and said, "That's a wonderful idea."

To be continued…

Preview: Lacus goes through a lot of trouble to put on a masked ball for the love of her life Kira. Meanwhile, Cagalli is still stuck at the Initial Death Palace. As she's there, she finds herself falling for the vampire king, our one and only Athrun. What will happen when Athrun confronts Kira the first time in a long time? And what's this about life and death?