Beyond the Sky: Blood Rose
by Tasogare no Hime
Summary: Over a year after the war has ended, Exile is finally returning for the rest of the people of Prester. However 'Delphine's' army has not yet given up the fight, and what they have in store is far more surprising than anyone ever expected.
Warnings: None.
Disclaimer: I do not own Last Exile. No money is being made off this use.
Epilog
Lucciola looked through the storage room of the Silvana. Carefully checking the labels of crates, and shelves. He found the one he had been searching for and pulled the small crate down only to find Aphid had beat him there, when her head popped up to look at him. He sighed and set the crate down letting Aphid hop out. She rubbed her sleek body against his ankle and purred. He reached to grab the part Godwin had asked for, and was nearly knocked over by the sudden extra weight of Dio landing on his back.
"Lord Dio.."
Dio sighed rolling his eye. "It's not Lord Dio, anymore Lucciola, just Dio."
"Right...Dio..." Lucciola tried to stand up, but Dio was still clinging to him. "Um..Dio..." Dio only laughed. Lucciola sighed, and tried to stand again only lose his balance. They both toppled over, startling Aphid, who jumped up onto a shelf. Looking down at them from the safety of her perch she mewled curiously when both boys started to laugh.
Lavie, and Dunya stood on the porch waving at Alvis, Mischa, and Ingrid as they walked down the road with Mullin toward the school.
After they were out of sight, Dunya went in to clean the dishes from breakfast. Lavie walked over to the garage, where Claus, Tatiana, and Alis worked on the vanships. "Do you think we'll have them ready in time to test the track?" She asked as she zipped up her coveralls and prepared to join them.
"I think so." Claus answered, his voice slightly muffled from being under the vanship.
Alister smiled trying to wipe a spot of grease off her chin. "A race through the Grand Canyon! We saw it when we made a delivery to a town near it. You won't believe it, it's amazing!"
Tatiana grinned. "Maybe Ethan will be there to watch." Her grin widened when Alis blushed.
The three figures sat in the shade of a tree at the bus stop. Two men, though it was difficult to tell with one, and a young woman sitting in one of the guild made hovering chairs. Her snowy hair was cropped short, and despite looking much to old for such things she was playing with a doll.
"The last doctor said she might learn to speak more, eventually. She's always going to need someone to look after her. Are you sure you're up to that?" Ira asked. When his companion only grunted in response, he rolled his eyes.
An old woman arrived, and sat near them, when the girl in the chair dropped her doll the woman returned it with a kindly smile. "Poor little dear."
Ira nodded smiling."She was born that way I'm afraid. We're heading east to a hospital where they might be able to help her."
The lady smiled, and gently patted the girl's hand. "What's your name dear?"
"Rose. Her name is Rose." Said the second man, speaking for the first time.
"What a lovely name. I hope they can help you Rose."
Rose only smiled, and went back to playing with her doll. Ira nodded, still smiling. "We shall see."
Alex stepped out of the lift onto the bridge. This would be so much easier when he didn't need the damn crutches anymore. "Anything?" He asked as he reached his chair.
"Nothing yet. They're laying low for now." Sophia replied pushing her glasses further up on her nose.
Wina turned frowning a bit. "Do you think they've moved on?"
Alex shook his head. "This has become the most used trade route between the Empire and the American territories. The pirates aren't going to run just because we're here patrolling now. They'll show up eventually."
Wina nodded and turned back to her duties.
Sophia smiled at him, though there was a quirk to it that made him raise an eyebrow at her. "Vincent sent a message." She handed his the note watching his face as he read.
He glared at the parchment in a way that made her almost expect it to burst into flames. "He's being awfully generous with our time." He sighed and handed the note back to Sophia. "How soon are they going to need us? Were going to have to find someone to replace us here first."
"I told him we'd be there in about a week. I've already sent a message out requesting another ship to take our place." Sophia smiled again, giggling a bit when he rolled his eyes. "While we're there perhaps you should make an appointment with Dr. Actias."
Alex sighed again, He was about to reply when Wina turned. "Unknown engines approaching, Sir! In the cloud bank. Planes, I'm not sure what model though. They're heading right for us."
"Slipping up already, are they? Prepare for battle. I want this over quickly." Alex leaned back in the chair, listening as Sophia repeated his orders, and the crew prepared for the coming attack.
It was good to be home again.
The end
Author's notes: For a bit I wasn't sure if I was going to finish this one. There were a lot of problems. But I'm happy with the ending Thank you for reading
