(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

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

Chapter One Hundred

ORB's Future

Onogoro Castle

Merna rushed down the hallway when she discovered what she did. It was left in Kira's things and it was titled his will. Merna was stunned why something like this would be just laying around so being who she was she opened it, and read it.

I knew you would be the one to find this Merna. This isn't my legal will but just a request I have for you. I knew by leaving this where I did you would find and open this letter and for this request I needed someone I could trust. By now my sister should be in the capitol for the meeting and you are to take this straight to her. In the event that I fall in battle I have ordered messengers to bring the news to you immediately. Listen well Cagalli, you are to use the royal guard and completely close off the noble section of the city. No messengers are to leave or arrive. Until the main army returns I want all of them placed under marshal law. You know well why I am doing this and to prevent a quick rebellion by the nobility to seize the throne from my sons hands. I am granting you full authority until Athrun or Mu arrive back. I know you never wanted power but I need you to do this for me. I know you have it in you; you are my twin after all.

After Merna finished reading the letter she did as Kira requested and Cagalli read the letter nearly blowing a gasket. All she said was it wouldn't matter and he would be back. Little did she know.

Messiah-Tournament Grounds

"Do something you fool!" Mu said again.

"Hurry up!" Athrun replied.

The doctor looked at them, "His Majesty is gone under…"

"What are you saying?" Mu yelled.

The doctor shook his head, "Forgive me My Lord…I mean he has gone unconscious…"

Mu and Athrun looked down.

"What does this mean?" Athrun asked.

"I have done all I could for his wound and the pain made him lose conscious…" The doctor replied.

"So…he will live right?" Mu asked.

The doctor looked down, "Forgive me My Lord…the wound will require his own strength…but…"

"But what?" Mu asked quickly.

"I am sorry My Lord…the poison in his system…it is only a matter of time…" The doctor replied.

"You're saying that…" Athrun said.

"There is nothing I can do for the poison…it's already into his blood stream…" The doctor replied.

"You worthless…" Mu yelled again.

Athrun looked at him, "Can…can he make it back to Onogoro?"

"I don't advise moving him far…" The doctor replied.

"He…he had one last request, I want to fulfill it…" Athrun replied.

"Moving him will only cause the poison to spread even faster, but I cannot guarantee he will survive all the way back…and even if he does its just a matter of time." The doctor replied.

"How long?" Mu asked.

The doctor shook his head, "This poison works slowly once it's in the blood stream, but the pain will be extraordinary, the suffering he will endure might not even let him wake back up."

"If he were lucky I would say three days to a week at most." The doctor replied.

"The decision is yours General…" The doctor told him.

Athrun stood back up looking at the unconscious King, looking around were the concerned faces of all the knights that were present. Of all Kira was truly loved the most by the army.

"On my command we take him back to ORB." Athrun ordered.

"I will not allow him to pass on foreign ground." Athrun replied.

Athrun nodded to a few knights that brought a small cot which is used for sleeping.

"Careful." the Doctor said.

Athrun and Mu gently picked their fallen King up and placed him on the cot. Athrun took the flag of ORB and placed it over him.

"Rise!" Athrun said.

All knights quickly got into formation forming two lines. Four royal guard members picked their King up and began taking him out.

As they did all flags and weapons were raised. Knights watched their King being taken out. Anger and sadness were apparent in their faces, many wanted revenge but since Gil was dead they would have liked to take it out on the rest of ZAFT but that wasn't something their King would have approved of.

Getting out of the arena the line continued to form. Word had already spread as even wounded knights made their way to the line. Honoring the man that finally conquered their arch enemy and finally would bring them the peace they so longed for.

Kira's messengers however were frozen at first but after hearing some of the rumors they decided to take off for the city anyway. The Kings policies must be protected, and that was their duty.

Athrun was right behind all the way, many were confused on how to address him. They knew with the Prince still a baby the throne passes straight to Athrun and Cagalli. All wouldn't mind Athrun being their King but he still wasn't their King at the same time.

"Mu…" Athrun said.

Mu approached, "Should I take him back to Onogoro?"

"We need someone to remain here and keep order in ZAFT." Athrun replied.

"That is what you have me for…" a voice said approaching.

"Waltfeld…" Athrun and Mu said as he approached with only one arm and one eye.

"You think I could lie around after hearing what happened?" Andrew asked.

"I was supposed to be the governor once we took the city and I will take that now…besides the people here know me and will be less nervous." Andrew replied.

"My men and I will hold this city and preserve it until I hear new orders…leave everything here to me." Andrew replied.

"Very well then…I am making you interim governor here for now…we have to go." Athrun replied.

Andrew agreed as they wasted no time at all.

Leaving the soldiers that they needed Athrun left the organization and order in charge of the commanders in charge.

They loaded Kira into a large carriage.

"Do you know how slow this thing is?" Mu asked him.

"We have no choice My Lord." The doctor replied.

"This gives me enough room to be able to work on him if needed, and it will make for a smoother trip." The doctor replied seriously.

"Stop wasting time and go…I will catch up to you once I am for sure everything is in order." Athrun said knowing his horse could catch up to that thing in no time at all.

The royal guard soon left as they were hoping to make their journey back home. They were going a different route then what they came as well, since another snow storm would delay them and that would be it. They were going the western route as there were no mountains or hills so they hoped going non stop they could make it to Onogoro in three days.

Eventually Athrun finished his business and was able to join up with them on the second day, Kira's condition was unchanged and he still hadn't woken up yet.

Now all they could do was hope they made it back in time.

Onogoro

Castle

Finally on the morning of the third day the messengers had arrived, it took them longer as they went the long way. No news had reached back here yet and that meant they were the first.

They rode to the castle where they requested an immediate audience with the Princess.

With Cagalli

"Princess you have a messenger that had arrived." A servant told her.

Cagalli heard them but was more concerned for Lacus, for days she had been different. She wasn't talking much and seemed very concerned. Cagalli left here and went for the throne room where the messengers were waiting.

"What is it" Cagalli asked.

"We bring urgent news My Lady." The messenger said.

"Go on." Cagalli replied.

"His Majesty…has fallen in battle…" The messenger said slowly.

Cagalli quickly stood up, "What did you say?"

"He was struck down in the final battle with the Emperor…and is fatally wounded." The messenger said.

"Is he alive?" Cagalli quickly asked.

"For now…but the blow was poisoned and the doctors said there is nothing more they can do…His Majesty's wish was to return home so Lord Athrun is doing that as we speak…they should arrive tonight." The messenger quickly told her.

"Leave!" Cagalli said as she was left by herself and quickly sat back down.

Her hand started shaking a little. This couldn't have been happening, not now of all times. Realization hit her as the timing fit, Lacus couldn't have felt this…was their bond that strong.

Cagalli now knew it would only be a matter of time before this spread to the city. Cagalli quickly called the captain in charge of the royal guard.

"What is it Princess?" The captain asked kneeling.

"On my orders I need you to secure the noble district…no ones goes in and no one goes out until further notice." Cagalli ordered.

"Princess?" The captain asked.

"You will find out eventually but not now…just do as I ask." Cagalli said.

"Very well Princess." The captain said carrying out her orders.

Cagalli now had a more difficult task, explaining this to her mother and worst Lacus.

Cagalli headed for her mothers room first.

With Via and Cagalli

"Mother." Cagalli said.

Via looked at her, "What is it Cagalli?"

"I need to speak to you alone." Cagalli said looking at Murrue.

"You know you can speak in front of…" Via said as Cagalli cut her off.

"No! I need you alone and now!" Cagalli said mostly hurt. "Sorry."

Via nodded to Murrue as something wasn't right for Cagalli to be like this.

"A messenger arrived from ZAFT earlier…" Cagalli said.

Via's eyes widened as she shook her head. Cagalli approached her.

"He is still alive…but they don't expect it for to much longer." Cagalli said.

Via fell to her knees, she had heard of parents losing children but now she truly knows what if feels like.

"He wanted to come back and he should be here later…I am sorry mother…" Cagalli said looking away.

Via was finally able to look at her. Cagalli was doing her best to hide her pain but twins are different from normal siblings.

"What about Lacus?" Via asked.

"I haven't told her yet…but I think she has been feeling it for the past few days…" Cagalli replied.

"I…I should go with you…" Via said unable to rise.

Cagalli shook her head, "No…I will do it mother, please allow me this." Cagalli said as Via looked in no shape.

Cagalli turned around to leave as she sent Murrue in.

"My Lady…" Murrue said.

Via finally sobbed out as she couldn't hold it in anymore, Murrue did her best to console her but how could she. Murrue then thought to the nation, this wasn't going to go over well.

Kira and Lacus' Chamber

With Merna watching the Prince right now Lacus was left with her thoughts and that terrible feeling. Little did she know it was about to be known as Cagalli entered.

"How are you doing Lacus?" Cagalli asked.

Lacus saw her face, "What is it?"

Cagalli looked down, "Messengers have arrived."

Lacus backed away she already knew it.

Cagalli quickly approached, "He is still alive Lacus…though…"

"It's not true…" Lacus quickly said repeatedly doing her best to convince herself otherwise though she already knew it in her heart.

Cagalli quickly grasped her shoulders, "You have to calm down…what of the child you carry…calm down!" Cagalli strongly told her.

Cagalli always knew Lacus to be very strong but she completely collapsed those walls.

"I won't believe it!" Lacus said clearly.

Cagalli quickly sat her down, "It is true Lacus…your not the only one feeling this way. He is my twin and it's like losing part of myself…but you have to calm down."

Tears fell from her eyes as Lacus quickly hugged Cagalli.

"Athrun said his wish was to come back here…you have to pull yourself together and see him." Cagalli told her.

Lacus was finding it difficult to breath but Cagalli was right…she couldn't jeopardize this life she had inside of her. Though her heart felt like it was crushed, she had to pull forward.

That was what her mind was telling her anyway.

Lacus couldn't contain it as she fell apart and Cagalli comforted her the best she could.

For the rest of the day Lacus remained in near shock, but at least her body was calm. Toward evening however they received word of the Kings return.

Onogoro Evening

Outside the city

Outside the city Kira's escort could see the city gates in the distance. The journey was long and hard but their King was still pulling through. His condition was unchanging but the doctor knew the Kings strong desire to live would eventually succumb to the poison in his body.

As the doctor was looking out he noticed something on the inside.

The Kings eyes were starting to open.

"Your Majesty…" The doctor said calmly.

Kira felt his eyes open as it wasn't long before his entire body was wracked with pain. He didn't know where he was or anything else as all his mind was telling him was the pain he was under.

He was also shocked he was still here.

The doctor tried again as Kira finally recognized him.

"What…is going…on?" Kira was able to ask weakly.

"We are on our way back to Onogoro sire…in fact the gates are in site. Lord Athrun wished to fulfill your desire…" The doctor said.

The doctor looked him over as it was great he woke up but not so great at the same time. All he could do was try to learn how this poison worked.

"Explain…" Kira was able to get out.

"You were stabbed with a dagger cloaked in poison sire…the most deadly kind." The doctor told him.

Kira heard what he said and the pain he was feeling now was evident of the doctor's truth.

"How bad?" Kira asked clenching the blanket with his left hand.

"It's a miracle you survived the stab as well as the first phase of the poison…but…" The doctor said.

"How…l…long?" Kira asked.

"I cannot say sire…but I don't think for to much longer…Lord Athrun has done all you ordered so far so just concentrate on what you wanted to do." The doctor replied.

"My arm…" Kira said.

The doctor lowered his head, "Your right arm was damaged severely in the shoulder and elbow…I cannot do anything for that as now…" The doctor said and Kira took his meaning.

"The stab?" Kira asked.

"It was very deep but your organs were missed, on purpose…tell me sire, what are you feeling? I hate doing this now but I need to know how this poison works…for the future sake." The doctor said.

"I feel like I am being…torn apart." Kira replied.

The doctor knew what that meant. The poison started attacking his organs and when that happens it is over.

"I applied every poisonous remedy we have but…nothing." The doctor said as the carriage stopped and Athrun looked inside finally knowing what was going on.

Kira slightly noticed as Athrun looked him over. The weakness he saw almost made him want to leave. No one ever wants to see their ruler like this.

"Everything is fine before you ask…I left Andrew in charge of the ZAFT territory and we are nearly home." Athrun replied.

Kira heard that and thought of Lacus. "I take it the city knows by now?" Kira asked nearly passing out.

"That we don't know…but messengers took your message back and should have already arrived." Athrun replied.

"Then she knows…stop the carriage fully." Kira said.

Athrun nodded thinking something else.

The carriage and escort stopped with Mu coming to see what was going on.

All four were now inside as Kira lay there.

"Bring my horse…" Kira said.

"What are you…?" Mu said.

"Impossible!" The doctor quickly said.

"You cannot ride into the city and to the castle…it took nearly everything out of you to get here." Athrun quickly told him.

Kira looked at them, "I will not…have the people see this…" Kira replied.

"What if you collapse on the way? Then what?" Athrun asked him.

"I thought this was the whole idea was to see her again…it won't happen if you…" Athrun couldn't finish.

"It will be fine…" Kira said trying to sit up.

"This is insane." The doctor said.

Athrun quickly aided him in sitting up.

"Even without the poison the wound is something that shouldn't be moved like this." The doctor told them.

"It doesn't matter…I am going to do this…" Kira replied.

"Just help me." Athrun said looking at Mu.

Mu said nothing and ordered his horse brought to him, arguing with him is only wasting his strength. If this was what he wanted they would grant him this.

The curtains were opened as the royal guard was shocked at what they saw.

Athrun lowered the horse as much as he could.

Kira however refused assistance enduring the agonizing pain he was in. He wouldn't go out like an infidel.

Mu helped him get on the horse as the new cape stretched around him and hid his limp right arm.

Athrun and Mu quickly got on their horses and moved to each side of the King.

Kira was still leaning over as Athrun and Mu assisted.

"Assist me…until we get into the city…and do not stop until I reach the…castle." Kira said getting even weaker.

Kira knew this was insane what he was doing, but it didn't matter anymore. At least he could leave the people, one last message.

The escort started making their way towards the city as they entered the city gates. The royal guard left behind knew he was coming from the messengers as they were prepared for this. The gates were opened and he was let inside.

City

With Mu and Athrun holding him upright, his stomach throbbing his arm in pain and the rest of his body feeling like it was being melted, Kira pushed for one last rush of adrenaline.

Looking up he saw his home, his city and his country. With what he did, it was secured a peaceful future. ZAFT was destroyed and all land on the continent of Plant was now there's.

As they rode in Kira finally looked over and sat upright ignoring the pain from the sit.

Kira gave the signal as Mu and Athrun let him go, pain rushed his body again but he found that last adrenaline rush he was needed.

The roar from the crowd was heard as Kira looked around. Apparently they were ready for this as well. For the first time it looked like the entire city was out here.

Rumors were being spread but nothing was confirmed which is why the people were outside. People noticed the royal guard that surrounded the noble district earlier and felt something was wrong but rumors of the Kings death were now proven wrong, and they couldn't be happier.

You couldn't tell from the back rows but people towards the front noticed something was wrong with the King.

Kira normally would wave to the crowd but wasn't doing that now. His face was pale as well.

Kira knew this as well, as he couldn't use his right arm and needed the left to keep him stabilized.

The crowd continued to wave, cheer and even throw confetti from the roof tops. People seemed so happy while others were crying in joy and relief. All were grateful to their King.

Athrun and Mu did the waving trying to keep an eye on their King just in case.

Both thought the same thing, he was incredible for being able to do this, but his strength was quickly running out.

Eventually they would reach the castle.

Lacus' friend Miriallia was in the crowd and noticed something different about the King as well.

Lacus' family was there as well. They couldn't get in the castle right at the moment with all the security but they came out to show their support.

"He looks different." Bill replied.

Siegel noticed that as well, they heard the rumors but the King proved them wrong, or did he.

"This doesn't look good." Eileen replied.

"You noticed as well?" Siegel asked.

Eileen nodded, "Look how close the Lords ride to him…something is wrong."

Siegel lowered his head, "The rumors weren't entirely rumors."

Eileen was now saddened, especially for her daughter.

"She…will be devastated." Eileen said.

Siegel embraced her, "We will get through this."

Kira began to get very woozy as he saw the castle gates and they were opened.

Kira looked ahead as he saw what he wanted.

Castle

When the word was spread the King was in the city the castle gathered in the courtyard. Lacus in particular waited very patiently on the outside at least, but inside her nerves were in complete disarray. She heard the gates finally opened and was completely shocked at what she saw.

"What is he doing!" Cagalli nearly yelled.

Via at least saw him as well. She knew him well though and knew he wasn't in the shape he may have fooled the people that he was in.

Kira was at his limit as they rode into the courtyard, he saw the staff relieved and bowing at his return. Noticing his sister and mother both had look of concern and anger, he was glad Cagalli was herself. Lastly he locked on to what his willpower brought him to see.

Lacus found his eyes and kept her emotion in check as she smiled.

Kira did the same, "Still able to smile despite the turmoil you feel. That is my Lacus…" Kira finally said.

Athrun noticed his own wife but quickly turned to the side when the King collapsed again. Athrun was able to catch him as did Mu.

Lacus' smile faded as this was it.

Onogoro Castle

Hallway

The King collapsed again and the doctor examined him discovered that the time was nearer then he feared. After stabilizing him he headed to the books to find out just how much time the King had left.

Kira wasn't brought up to the chambers as a section of the castle was cordoned off and placed under heavy guard. This was right near the medical wing but it was a private room. Guards littered the hallways as the staff was saddened. Watching him collapse they knew it was over.

Athrun joined up with Cagalli as he embraced her after a long time, normally she would fight it in public but she returned it. Athrun could tell how saddened she was.

Cagalli noticed his finger, "The seal of ORB."

Athrun looked at her, "Kira gave it to me."

"He made you King…after…" Cagalli said.

"Go to him Cagalli; he doesn't have much time left." Athrun replied.

Athrun led her to the room as he wanted to go to, but didn't want to take anymore time away from him.

Inside the room only two people were inside now joined by a third.

With Kira, Via, Lacus and Cagalli

Cagalli walked noticing Lacus straight by his side with her mother on the other.

"How is he?" Cagalli asked.

"Exhausted…and growing weaker." Via replied.

"Huh…" Lacus said noticing Kira starting to open his eyes as she clutched his hand tighter.

Kira knew who it was immediately, "Lacus."

Lacus smiled, "I am here…I will always be here."

"Its over…ZAFT will trouble you no more." Kira replied.

"I know…and they have agreed to me…I am your legal wife." Lacus told him.

Kira let out a sigh of relief, "I knew they would…agree."

Kira looked over to his mother, "You have to forgive me mother…"

Via looked shocked, "Forgive you for what?"

"In the past…I should have done it sooner…" Kira told her.

Via knew what he was talking about, "You did all you could…and I am proud…very proud of you."

"This is why you have to get better…" Via said.

Kira slightly smiled, "I know the situation…to well mother."

Via lowered her head knowing what he meant.

"Just look after them for me…as you did for me." Kira finally said to her.

"I will." Via replied turning her head.

Cagalli approached, "You think I will be satisfied with that?"

Kira slightly smiled again, "Knowing you never…"

"However my sister, ORB will need you know." Kira told her.

Cagalli shook her head, "They don't need me, they need you."

"Don't sell yourself short, you assisted me when I took the throne…we were the best team then…" Kira replied thinking of the past.

"I know you never wanted this…but everything will need you to finish the work." Kira told her.

Cagalli clutched her fists, "You still are a moron."

Kira smiled again, "I leave my children under your watchful care…guide them well in matters of the state."

"And…" Kira said.

Cagalli looked at him.

"Have a few of your own…it's about time for it." Kira replied.

Cagalli lowered her head, "I will…my brother…" Cagalli said sadly.

Kira was about to look back to his wife when the door opened.

Merna appeared bringing the youngest member of the family.

Lacus gently let go of his hand and took her son in her arms returning to her seat.

The Prince giggled happily as he noticed his father.

"I thought he would…forget me…" Kira replied looking over his mirror image.

"He would never…" Lacus said sitting him on the bed while holding him carefully.

The Prince clutched Kira's hand slightly as he tried to chew on it.

"My pride and joy…the best thing in my life is you my son…" Kira replied.

All were shocked at what happened next. The Prince stopped playing and started what looked like listening.

"You resemble me so much on the outside…but I hope you have your mother in your heart…that is what it takes to rule a nation…heart." Kira told him.

The Prince just watched as this was truly a site to see.

"The only gift I can leave you…is that one piece of advice my son…you have a great task in ruling a nation, but I know you will make me proud…" Kira said weakly.

"Da…da…" Was all that was said.

Lacus went to near shock as did the rest of the room. The Prince had never spoken a clear word yet.

Lacus dropped her wall immediately, her eyes watered.

Via did as well, Cagalli was able to hide it but she felt it as well.

Kira heard the words he feared he wouldn't get to hear, his flesh and blood calling out to him.

Kira raised his hand and placed it on top of his son's head, "I know…you understand."

Kira nodded as Via understood and scooped up the Prince motioning to Cagalli. Cagalli took one last look as did Via before they left the room.

With Kira and Lacus

Lacus returned to her seat but this time sat on the edge of the bed taking his hand again.

"You promised you would come back to me…" Lacus said to him.

"I always keep my promises…but I don't believe it will stay this time…" Kira replied.

Lacus quickly looked down to him, "It can't end like this Kira…after everything we have been through it's finally over…and now you leave me a…widow."

"Even while upset you're still beautiful." Kira told her.

Lacus looked down at him, "I cannot accept this…I love you to much to."

Kira gently reached the back of her neck slightly pulling her to him and kissed her. Lacus returned it as she now lay next to him.

"Tell me about our new child…" Kira said to her gently caressing the back of her hair as she gently lay on his chest being careful of his wound.

"I was shocked as well, but I am very happy…which is why I need you to pull through." Lacus replied.

Kira gently kissed her head, "Nothing would make me happier…nothing has made me happier then you have."

Lacus turned up and looked at him.

"I don't nearly tell you enough how much I truly love you Lacus…and I am sorry for that…but it's true, you are and have always been my only love." Kira told her seriously.

"I always have known that…you didn't need to tell me." Lacus said.

The pain was getting extremely worse for Kira.

"I think I have to go now…" Kira said to her.

Lacus quickly looked up, "I…"

Kira gently kissed her again as she returned it. Once their lips parted Kira said something else to her.

"You wanted a vacation badly…tell me about what we will do…"

Lacus laid her head back down and started talking to him.

"We spend every minute with each other…we walk on the beaches and maybe blend in like normal couples would do…don't you think?"

There was silence.

Lacus went on, "We will take our son and watch him play with other children to…"

Again silence.

"We will have a larger family and…" Lacus finally sobbed out as the tears leaked from her eyes.

She for once truly cried not wanting to move.

Six Months Later

For six long months ORB worked to stabilize everything in their new territory ZAFT. Andrew was given the full governorship and with the trust of the people it was working out well. ZAFT had a lot of minerals in mines that ORB didn't have in the past and though they had more people to feed. Income was pouring in from the mines. The ZAFT slaves were freed and worked just like normal citizens. ZAFT commoners were the same as now they were equal and didn't have to worry about the nobility taking charge of them anymore.

The remnants of the ZAFT army disbanded while some joined the ORB army and others just retired to peaceful life. The ZAFT nobility was very hostile and some tried raising mercenary forces but they were put down immediately and those that contributed were severely punished.

Talia was eventually freed and returned to her own home city where she would live a peaceful life.

The former leader of the Impulse squad was also released with all thoughts of revenge gone from his mind; he simply disappeared and hasn't been seen since.

Onogoro Castle

"That is the situation My Lord…" A messenger reported as he knelt.

Sitting on the throne Athrun overlooked him, "I understand, tell the governor we are pleased with his work."

"Yes my Lord." The messenger said leaving.

Mu soon walked in.

"Well?" Athrun asked.

Mu slightly smiled, "She finally said yes!" Mu exclaimed not as nearly happy as he should have been.

Athrun smiled, "She finally agreed to marry you."

"Things look up for us all I guess…I hear your wife is expecting your first." Mu said with a grin.

Athrun slightly blushed, "Cagalli confirmed it to me the other day."

"You have been doing well here." Mu also said.

Athrun nodded, "I cannot let what we did go to waste."

Finally the door opened and they received their final guest of the day.

Outside Onogoro

A small castle sat on the beach line and at the moment was completely surrounded by royal guard members.

Sitting in her chair and watching her now almost year and a half old son walk around. She smiled as he walked towards her.

Lacus placed a hand on her expanded stomach as she watched him walk to her.

He still had trouble speaking words but more and more were coming out as he called out to her.

He walked over to her as Lacus straightened his shirt. He reminded her more and more of Kira every day.

Lacus smiled at him as he looked at her, "Why don't you go show your father."

Heading to the next seat he sought the person he was after. Lacus looked to his finger where the ORB seal was back where it belonged.

Onogoro Throne Room

Athrun watched as the doctor entered and bowed slightly.

"What have you discovered after all these months of research?" Athrun asked.

"My Lord, after going through all my books I only had rumors to go on but they seem to be factual." The doctor replied.

"Go on." Athrun replied.

"Many victims die in a few hours, others last a week or so…and finally a select few survive it." The doctor replied.

"So His Majesty is one that survived it?" Mu asked.

"The poison moves through the blood system fast attacks what it can and then leaves the body almost as quickly…the remedies I used did help to weaken it but only slightly…and that is probably why His Majesty is still alive." The doctor replied.

"So he will be alright?" Mu asked.

The doctor shook his head, "No the poison did damage his heart, liver and lungs…he will have complications the rest of his life…and his life has been drastically shortened."

"By how much?" Athrun asked.

"I give him ten to twenty years at the most, but those years will be riddled with pain…" The doctor replied.

"What about his other condition?" Mu asked.

"The wound he suffered healed after all these months in bed as well as help clear the poison…that is why I granted him permission to take that trip." The doctor replied.

"His arm?" Athrun asked.

"The damage was too severe…he will likely never wield a sword again with his dominate hand…he regained some use of the arm but it will be limited from now on." The doctor replied.

"I still don't understand how the poison just cleared." Mu told him.

"It was a special poison and from my research isn't as bad as I first believed…it is very deadly but to those that survive it they can live longer…I believe however the ZAFT Emperor knew more about it then we did and wanted to make sure the King suffered the rest of his life…and that he will do." The doctor told them.

"That is to say I still don't know all about it I should so I will continued my research…what I reported was I am confident will happen." The doctor said.

"What we have to worry about now is when those affected with shut down internally…but I am confident for at least that amount of time he will live as long as he takes care of himself." The doctor replied bowing.

Athrun and Mu remembered when he first passed out, they entered the room and Lacus refused to move. The doctor entered and found he was in a deep unconsciousness. He was like that for three days before he woke back up. The doctor believed the poison did its job by then and just disappeared from his body…it was very strange indeed.

Even now they don't have all the answers, but with time and more research they hope to be able to prevent that fate.

"I believe he will at least make it that far." Mu replied.

"She wouldn't have it any other way." Athrun replied referring to Lacus.

Atlantis

Word reached the Duchess and with the newly trade contracts in her hands she was for a least a little while satisfied. With word of the church siding with Kira for now it was over.

Island nation

"With this agreement…we are ready." A voice said as the many followers agreed.

ORB's Eastern lands

Kira smiled down at his son while sending him back to what he was doing.

Lacus took his left hand again and clutched it.

"You truly did keep your promise to me." Lacus said lovingly.

Kira smiled at her kissing her hand, "You gave me the strength I needed to survive it…and for now we will enjoy every minute of it…all four of us eventually."

Lacus smiled as they quickly kissed watching the sun set in the distance.

Elsewhere in ORB

"These are your orders." A figure said.

Another figure took the order forms.

"The ORB King is to powerful, you must take care of it." The first figure said.

"I understand." The second figure said.

"You are the only one that can get close enough to the King…so get it done." the first figure said.

The blonde nodded, "I will handle it."

The end…for now.

(A/N): I hope you liked this chapter and story. Part of me was going to end it when Kira passed out but I couldn't do that to you. If Kira died then I couldn't make the final story in the Great King saga. This story took longer then what I thought it would but I believe I got it where I needed it to be for the third part. I do believe however that you will see the Prequel before the third installment, because events have to be told before I can do that. I will give you previews of both however.

The third story will take place five years after the ending of this story and will be different from the first two stories…that is all I can give for now.

The Prequel however will start a year before Kira is crowned King and will lead all the way up to the first chapter of The Great King. You will see Kira's rise to power as well as what happened to his father as well as some of his past relationships. Its unfortunate but it won't be a Kira Lacus story since they didn't meet until The Great King, but Lacus will still be in there and you will see her struggles as well…and much to my conscious despises, Flay will be back as well and you will probably hate her more if you already do now.

As to what I do next I am not sure myself. My other stories I am quite ready to continue those as I don't really remember what is going on in them so I will have to reread them to get things back. That will take time and since I have a lot of momentum right now that I don't want to lose I might just continue with the Prequel next.

Thanks again for reading and I hope you return for both the prequel and final installment. Bye for now.