Chapter Twenty-One

Three weeks had passed since then, Selena standing on the deck of her ship as she saw the ridge of land that was San Diego. "Home..." she said sadly, shaking her head as Zao came up, standing behind her and holding her against him for a moment, lending her his strength. "The fleet's formed up on you-we're ready at your signal."

"Any chatter?" She looked up at him as he nodded. "Ray's getting a lot-they're talking about the launch-it's going to be in a little bit."

"Maiden voyage will be her last." Came the reply as she pulled free, leaning on the railing. "Feels like years since I've been back-only been about...six months."

"You've changed in half a year," a voice said, Gunzou walking over to them and looking at his daughter as she turned to him and he reached up, gently removing her visor and looking into her eyes. "But I still see my little girl when I look at you." He touched the braids that dangled on either side of her face. "Ayala's work," she explained. "Thinks I should look my best for what I have to face." She raised her hand, the cannons raising as she fired off a volley, turning to Makie and the young girl. "You two get where it's safe." She walked over and hugged them both, looking at them both before glancing up, seeing the fog start to roll in and feeling Ayala cling to her. "It's all right Ayala," she said as she began to hear a siren echoing, seeing the sea gates begin to open and the fleet begin to come out and lining up, a large ship behind them. "Go now," she ordered, hearing them move as Zao jumped to his ship, forming up on her left with her mother on the right. It took the other fleet 30 minutes to reach them, Selena gesturing to Ray to patch her through as she put her visor back on. "United States Fleet," she said. "This is the FFS Selene. I challenge your...leader-" her voice was deliberately snide. "To a one-on-one battle. Know that if you refuse, Roxanne Lincoln, the death of everyone here will be on your head. As to the members of your 'fleet'-this is not your..." she broke off as the first shot was fired from the large ship. "You will pay for what you have done Selena Thompson." She heard the woman say. "Destroy the rest of them, but bring her to me alive if possible."

Those words were met with one of the ships exploding, Zao glaring at the fleet with red eyes as his fiancée cut the transmission, sending out the call to attack. "Disable the others," she said as she fired at the lead ship. "Roxanne's mine!"

Meanwhile, Takao was yelling insults at the ships she was firing at for daring to harm her daughter, Hiei watching curiously. "That's how people act when they have a family?" she mused, Kaden coming up on a screen. "It is Hiei," he said. "We fight to protect those closest to us."

The Model moved, using her Klein field to shield his ship from incoming fire, her council forming up with them as she shot the captain a smirk that he returned, the group laying down fire at the ships. Selena was circling slightly, bringing all of her proton cannons to bear and firing, seeing it was doing less damage than normal. "They beefed up her armor," she mused, hearing crackling and looking up, seeing Kirishima's surface-to-surface shock system come and nail the ship in front of her. "She's gonna be a tough one to crack Sel!" she called to her niece, watching her proton cannons fold back and charge up before beams of whitish-gold light streaked at the other ship. "Every death in this stupid war is on her head!" the young woman called back. "Time to make her pay!"

The ship in front of her fired its own volley, a nearly point-blank shot making her hair blow back as the smoke hid her from view. Zao screamed her name, seeing a shimmer as it began to clear. There stood Selena, her eyes glowing gold behind her visor as a similar glow was seen on her chest in the shape of her sigil. "Takao-what's going on?" he called, the other Model looking over at him. "I have no idea Zao!" she called back, staring at her daughter as there was an explosion nearby, a ship with deep blue markings ramming into one of the US Fleet ships that was taking aim. "Her core, Heavy Cruiser Takao," the Model standing on the bow said. "It's fully online."

"What is this nonsense?!" they heard Roxanne scream in fury. "She has no core-she's a human traitor!"

"No," came the reply, Selena raising her head as the Fog sigil appeared on her forehead. "You never knew Roxanne. I am the embodiment of both-human and Fog. I was born this way." She glared across. "I am the Fleet Admiral of the Fog, Selena Iona Chihaya. I did not start this fight-you did when you tried to have Jonathan Taggart take me after I defeated Musashi. You put a price on my head due to your fear of peace between mankind and the Fog. The cause of the reason we are all here this day is the person you see when you look in the mirror!"

Zao stared at his fiancée-shocked at the power she was putting off as her energy touched all of them, her ship raising as she smirked at the stunned woman. "Tell me Roxanne-do you want to see what I can really do?" She extended her right hand, the marking on the bracer actually glowing as well from the energy as she fired a volley of missiles and photon cannon blasts, denting the armor. "You don't really know anything Roxanne-least of all me!"

Kaden stared from his bridge. "Hiei?" he asked. "What's going on with her?"

"I'd almost say this is the Admiralty Code," came the reply, her voice full of wonder. "The energy she's putting out-I've never felt anything like it. Yamato never did this...neither did Musashi. The only one I remember doing something like this was...Iona-and even then it's not the same."

Roxanne smirked. "You will be taken alive-your abilities will be most useful." She said, Aurora laughing. "You old fool!" she shouted. "Musashi had the same idea and look what happened to her-you walk the same path and don't even realize it!"

The battle lasted most of the day, Selena finally opening up to reveal a golden glow within, switching her Klein field to controlled mode. "Enjoy your last five minutes of life, Roxanne Lincoln." She intoned, blocking the shots as the other ship tried to blast through, getting knocked sideways by a hit but managing to stay on her feet. "Is that all you have? Even Musashi did better than YOU!"

The reply was a scream as a massive volley was fired, the young woman blocking the shots for as long as she could as she watched the timer, seeing it finally hit zero as an electrical charge hit the other ship, knocking the engines offline, anchors firing from her own and digging into the seabed. "Solar Arc Cannon online." She said, raising her right arm to her shoulder. "Good-bye Roxanne."

Selena dropped her arm in a slashing motion, noticing a flash of movement on the other ship as she fired, watching it disintegrate. As the blast faded, a shot from nearby sent her flying. Zao screamed her name for the second time that day, jumping to her and glaring at the ship in question, his own beginning to open up as he lifted her into his arms. "Stop Zao..." came her voice. "Don't...condemn them for that."

He looked down at her, his ship closing as he removed her visor, seeing her eyes had stopped glowing but looked dull. "Selena?" he asked, touching her cheek as the Model from the unknown ship came over, kneeling down and touching her chest. "Her core is weakened from the strain." She said, watching the young woman close her eyes, one of the ships from the US Fleet advancing toward them, Anthony Martine stepping out as Kongou came forward. "Captain Martine," she said, watching him smirk. "Admiral Martine now, Lady Kongou." He replied before turning. "All ships stand down on the Fog-that's an order." He looked back. "So it was your niece that took us down..." he chuckled wryly. "We were right-she did make a damn good officer." The man watched as Selena was carefully lifted up by her fiancée and taken inside, Ray coming out onto the deck as the ship closed. "Admiral Martine," he said respectfully, Martine looking at him. "Admiral Parker," he replied, nodding. "Is this where we're asked to surrender?"

"That was never Selena's plan Anthony," the younger man said. "She wishes for peace-for mankind and the Fog to work together. Roxanne Lincoln fought that and look what happened. So the question is 'are you going to continue that fight'?"

Anthony Martine looked at the men who had come out onto the decks of the ship, one of them trembling. "Sir," he said, straightening up. "I know I screwed up and shouldn't have fired-I tried to stop it, but..."

"She has already decided not to condemn you-be glad of that." Came the reply as the older man raised his head. "All US ships are to stand down from hostilities against the Fog as of this date and time-unless fired upon."

Ray looked at those around him, seeing the nods before looking back. "And all Fog ships will cease hostilities against the US as of this date and time unless fired upon. I hope something doesn't happen to start the fighting again."

"There will be those that will take advantage of the fact of peace. I have to ask-is there anything we can do for your Fleet Admiral? I would like to speak with her if possible..."
"It wouldn't be safe at this time," The young man cut in. "Zao is not going to allow that right now and he is insanely protective of his fiancée-it'll be worse because she's injured."

In the infirmary, Zao hovered over his mate, gently wiping the soot and smoke from her skin so Hyuuga could check her, the other Model tending to her as gently as possible, having to move her clothing to get at where she was hit. The pair looked up from their work as Ayala came in, seeing her friend laying on the bed and blinking back tears. "You're hurt..." she said, taking her friend's hand gently and running her fingers over the bandage. "Are you going to be all right?"

Selena reached up with her free hand, trying to remove her visor and smiling as her fiancée did it for her before looking at the girl, smiling weakly. "I'll be fine and back on my feet in no time," she said, her voice wavering a little as she rested her head against the pillow. "I used way too much energy out there," she looked at both Models. "And before you two start asking how I did all that, I actually have no idea-it just felt like something...unlocked within me-like anything was possible."

"The true power of the Admiralty Code," a voice said, the Model from the other ship coming in. "I am called Luna, and my ship is the Lunaris." She looked at her. "There are different cores for full models, but for part-Models they are called 'heart-cores'."

Those in the room considered the words spoken, Hyuuga blinking. "The glow with your sigil Selena..." she said, watching her niece blink at her. "Only cores glow like that-your heart is your core." She flicked her gaze to Luna, who nodded. "That is correct." She confirmed. "It is extremely rare for a heart-core to go into that state however-the fact that the Fleet Admiral is still even semi-conscious shows how much strength she truly has." She turned to gaze at Zao. "And you, Admiral, are truly her mate in power-no other Model comes close."

"Then again," another voice said, Chikuma coming in and looking at them. "She wasn't ever told something was impossible." She looked at her friend. "They're offering us a berth if we wish it-Ray wanted to run it by you first before saying yes or no and wasn't sure if you were awake."

Selena pulled up a window, Ray looking back at her and holding up a finger to someone off-screen. "Your orders Ma'am?" he asked, smirking at her glare. "First, don't ever call me that again." She snarled. "Second, take us into the old place-Kongou knows where it is. Third, find out if my old home is still standing-we can stay there if it is. And Fourth, find out what the crews from the human ships wish to do in regards to their families." She noticed his hand in his pocket. "Oh and Admiral? Get it done, if you catch my meaning?" the young woman gave a wide smirk as he stared at her in shock before nodding, the screen closing. "That boy needs to get it together." Zao said, kissing his love's forehead as she drifted into sleep.

~Several Days Later~

Selena awoke in her own bed, stretching a little before spotting not only Ray and Kongou, but Hiei and Kaden, Ayala grinning as she sat near the bed. The young woman sat up, looking at them. "What...can I do for you all?" she asked, giving a knowing smirk as her Second came forward. "Fleet Admiral," he said formally, noticing her wince and giving a look of apology before raising the blonde Model's hand, showing the ring. "So, you have spoken the words?" she mused, watching him nod. "I have-and she has accepted my declaration Selena, but we would like your approval on this."

Selena chuckled, getting up slowly. "May what you have chosen bring you happiness Ray and Kongou." She said formally, her aunt pulling her into a hug. "Thank you Selena..." she intoned, tears falling as their eyes met. "I'm thrilled for you Aunt Kongou." Came the reply as she turned to the other couple. Kaden looking at her. "I wish to declare myself to Hiei," he said, smiling at the Model in question. "Do you have an issue with this?"

Selena let go of Kongou, walking over and taking each of their hands before carefully bringing them together. "If that is your wish Kaden-and may that choice bring you happiness." She watched Ayala, who grinned as the words were spoken and accepted before hopping off the chair and running over, Hiei lifting her up and hugging her. "I am not going to attempt to replace what you lost," she said. "But I'll be there for you."

The young woman watched the groups leave before grabbing her clothing and going to shower, removing the bandages and sighing as the hot water hit her skin, washing herself. 'Hiei understands what it means now...' she thought. 'To want to protect another-to love them.' She shook her head, washing her hair and rinsing off before climbing out and drying her skin, pulling her hair back in a braid after rubbing it with the towel. She pulled on her clothes and shoes, slipping her jacket on before leaving the bathroom, heading outside and staring down the hill at the port. "The others will be looking for me," she muttered. "They never miss a chance to play dress-up with me and since it will be my wedding dress..."

Selena sighed, hearing movement and looking around, Zao smirking at her from against a tree. "I am sure whatever they choose you will look lovely." He intoned, walking over to her and pulling her close. "I don't think I've seen Kongou that happy."

"She deserves it." came the reply as she leaned against him, feeling happy. "Thing is, I'd rather get married in Yokosuka instead of here-something about the flower petals that that blow in the wind just seems...more romantic to me."

"Whatever you wish love," he said, leaning down and kissing her as there were voices and they looked up, several cadets having come up the hill and looking at the pair. "Selena Thompson?" one said. "Or is it Chihaya now? Why would you keep such a thing secret?"

The young woman sighed, stepping away from her mate and looking at them. "Ashton Wesley," she said, chuckling. "I wanted to be seen as my own person-not as an admiral's daughter." She tilted her head. "It's good to see you nonetheless-Kongou and the others got to you guys all right?"

"We're here aren't we?" Ashton smirked, hugging her but quickly letting go, looking nervous. "They showed up just after the Aurora departed...Kongou was not happy...and that Hyuuga? No offence Sel but she's scary."

"We were glad to get off her." A female cadet said, shuddering. "She was polite and all, but was pretty angry you were already gone."

"That's just how she is Hayley," came the reply as she looked at Zao. "Forgive me-Zao, this is Ashton Wesley, Hayley Brennar and Tom Nigal-I served with them on the Iliad." She smiled. "Ashton, Hayley and Tom? This is Zao, my fiancée."

The Model nodded to them, giving them a crisp salute and watching them return it, smiling gently as he lowered his hand, setting both of them on his love's shoulders. Tom eyed the pair curiously. "Good to see Selena found the one for her-I can't begin to tell you how many times she was..." he shut up fast at the glare she shot him as she stormed over. "Tom, are you trying to get people killed?!" she snarled, Zao raising an eyebrow. "Love, I won't go after them for what they did before you were mine," he watched her look over. "However, if they try it again..." He watched the young man gulp as the young woman stalked back over, eyes flaring gold for a moment. "Zao...no massacres."

The three cadets watched the two avidly. "You two make a lovely pair. "Hayley said. "Selena truly is a lucky woman to have found you Zao."

The group chatted for a bit before the three cadets left, Selena shaking her head. "I really don't have anything in common with them anymore," she said sadly. "I've changed too much to really remain here." She glanced up at him. "Home is where you are Zao."

The model chuckled as they headed toward their ships. "We will be together-just as the Zao and Seleene are always together."

(A.N.: Sorry this took so long-my muse would NOT co-operate and I've been overly tired for some reason, which doesn't help matters. So we find out who our mysterious Model is. She's not a 'twin' in any way of Selena, nor is the Lunaris a twin of the Seleene. Luna's more of one that just roams the seas for her own enjoyment, though there is more to her. I figured Sel meeting some of her old fleetmates would be a good counterpoint and help underline that she will be leaving the place she grew up-she no longer fits in there and she's fine with that. Next chapter will be the epilogue and there will be jumps in time along with flashbacks-I definitely want to show her having her fittings for her wedding dress-I can see the hilarity that is going to ensue!)