Chapter 25: A Memorial for Heroes Part 2
Disclaimer: Alas, I only own a DVD of episodes 6-10 of the series, if that even counts, eh heh. I don't own any characters either, even though I want plushies! Kira and Shinn own each other though (laughs as they blush madly)!
Kira: I'm just going to ignore that…
Shinn: (evil grin) he he he, guess who's back on top? (Glances at Kira who is glaring) eh heh just kidding (sweat drops and tries to grin)!
Me…yeah I dunno where that came from….ON WITH THE CHAPPY!!! WOOT! I do not own any of the ending credit songs.
"Next is a hot-tempered young man who in the first war was Commander of his squad on the Le Crueze team, that is, until Athrun took over." Cagalli said and Yzak glared at Athrun –playfully-.
"His mother was a Councilwoman of Zaft and knew Patrick Zala and Siegel Clyne personally. He was a skilled pilot, but often couldn't contain his anger and outbursts. He was a big help in ending the First Bloody Valentine war." She continued.
"Then, in the Second war, he came back as a Councilman of Zaft, being the head of the military. He and Dearka Elsman fought again to bring about peace to all nations, and was a big help to the PLANTs and Zaft! His noble efforts and loyalty to the service made PLANTs what it is today, let's hear a round of applause for Yzak Joule!" she said and everyone clapped as Yzak got up and received his award from Cagalli.
His smug expression wasn't hard to miss as he came back down and sat next to Dearka, who poked him in the ribs and grinned at him.
"This young man also fought alongside Yzak and Athrun on the Le Crueze team and was a skilled pilot. However, most called him a "playboy" with his pervish attitude towards female comrades, and even enemies." Cagalli said and everyone laughed as Dearka blushed and grinned.
"But he was a very skilled pilot and also joined ORB when Athrun left. His efforts to pursue peace added to the ending of the war when he battled alongside Athrun and Kira at Jachin Due." she added and some nodded.
"In the second war he accompanied Yzak and fought to protect his fellow comrades and coordinators, trying his best to prevent the war and then trying to end it quickly yet again. As you can see, his efforts paid off and now we're all here! Dearka Elsman, come on up!" Cagalli said and Dearka came up, some people whistled and he winked at the crowd and grinned after getting his award.
Cagalli sighed, "A lot of people to be thanking eh?" she asked and everyone nodded, some chuckling. "Next up, a female hero from the first war! This tough Captain of the Archangel recruited Kira personally while on Heliopolis. She's smart and brave and knew what she was doing. While being the Captain of the Earth Forces ship the Archangel, she commanded her crew with an iron fist, and a noble heart." She continued and some people went, "Awww."
"She was pitted against the famous Le Crueze team and fought bravely and strongly against Zaft's Elite ship. With Kira and Mwu La Flaga as her Ace pilots, things went smoothly for the Captain and her crew. She then sided with ORB to end the war once and for all!
"Then in the second war she was once again ORB's ally and fought only to protect the ones she loved, and her fellow people. She showed true bravery and loyalty to her crew and to ORB and eventually helped to stop the war! Murrue Ramius everyone!" Cagalli ended as Murrue came up, clapping galore from the crowd.
"Now this man, formerly of Zaft, was known as the Desert Tiger, and fought Kira himself, however, everyone thought he was dead, until he showed up in the second war on ORB's side!
"Although he had a few scars and injuries he still piloted his Gundam and helped the effort to bring about peace, alongside Kira and the others. He provided a good laugh when things seemed tough and taught us all a powerful lesson. Andy Waltfield!" Cagalli said and he came up.
"This beautiful songstress was also a big help in times of trouble. Her father, Siegel Clyne, was branded a traitor to Zaft after speaking his mind about the war to Chairman Patrick Zala. Her powerful songs brought peace and comfort to the soldiers and people alike, and she showed us all that fighting was pointless and that peace was true happiness.
"After seeing that the Earth Forces and Zaft just wouldn't give up fighting, she formed the Clyne Faction, a neutral organization that Kira, Athrun, Andy, and Dearka joined for the sake of restoring peace and saving mankind from war.
"But in the second war she was replaced by Meer Campbell, a girl who not only looked like her, but also sounded like her. Although she was replaced she soon showed the people that Meer was a fake, deployed by Chairman Gilbert Dullindal, and again took control of things.
"She continued to speak for the people and brought comfort to all. Lacus Clyne, please accept this reward!" Cagalli said and they hugged when Lacus went up.
"This man fought alongside Kira in the first war with the Earth Forces. A good friend of Captain Ramius, he joked around a lot to ease the tension of the youths aboard the Archangel and fought bravely against Raw Le Crueze. Although he died, most of us believe he was reincarnated and is now Neo Rorranoke (?)." Cagalli said and most nodded.
"Although he was part of the Earth Forces, he still fought for the sake of all and wanted peace to rest upon Earth and PLANTs. Mwu La Flaga/ Neo Rorranoke, please accept this reward in your honor!" Cagalli said and he came up and accepted it.
(A/N: Wow, I think that's most of the really important people, if not, just tell me, because I can't write this much anymore!)
Cagalli then praised the others from the first war, including Mirillia Haww (Who I forgot to mention but there you go).
"And now for the heroes of the last war. This young man I know personally, he was Zaft Elite's Super Ace pilot on board the Minerva, piloting the Impulse to victory in every battle he fought." Cagalli began.
Kira elbowed Shinn and grinned at him. "Your turn." He chuckled and Shinn blushed and elbowed him back.
"After witnessing his own family's death, he joined Zaft and was brought aboard the Minerva. He fought bravely and valiantly and even brought down Kira! And of course you know what happened after that because I'm sure you all know who I'm talking about by now." She said and people chuckled and nodded.
Shinn blushed and bit his lip as people turned to look at him.
"After experiencing the events that followed he joined ORB and helped alongside Kira and Athrun to end this war once and for all. His efforts were greatly needed, and I think we can all say that we're glad he survived! Shinn Asuka, please come up and receive this award in honor of all you've done for PLANTs and ORB!" Cagalli said and everyone stood and clapped as Shinn walked up to get the award. Cagalli hugged him and he blushed and nodded and went back to Kira who hugged him also and said, "You didn't think we'd let you get away with everything did you?"
They chuckled and Luna hugged him as well.
"Ok, next is a young woman who not only surprised her peers by joining Zaft, but also worked hard to earn the respect of her comrades once she became an Elite. She did her best in battle and proved that she was good enough to survive." Cagalli said.
"Being the older sister, she had a strong sense of protection-which was exactly what Zaft needed in that time. She put her life on the line to protect the ones she loved, and she totally kicked ass! Lunamaria Hawke!" Cagalli said and Luna walked up, blushing while people clapped and whistled (including Shinn).
"Wow, I didn't think I'd get an award! This is so cool!" she said when she sat back down. "Yeah, good job, I'm proud." Shinn told her and they blushed. Kira and Athrun exchanged looks and then Cagalli continued.
"And now the younger of the Hawke sisters. Unable to go into battle, her job was in the Control Room of the Minerva, setting up the launch and keeping communications right with the pilots. She did all she could to help out, and she's greatly appreciated for her efforts by her comrades.
"Also, she went with Athrun when he escaped from Zaft and went to fight for ORB once again and bravely contributed to the end of the war! Meyrin Hawke!" Cagalli said and Meyrin (as surprised as her sister) walked up to get her award. People also clapped for her and she smiled and waved as she went back to the table.
"Also, a huge thank you goes to the rest of the Minerva crew, be it engineering, other soldiers; anyone who helped out. Thank you all!" Cagalli said. She then stepped down and another man came up to the podium.
"Hello, I am the current President of the United States, George W. Bush." He said (Don't ask I ran out of people!). "Cagalli Yula Attha, the beautiful young lady that was just speaking, also deserves a little appreciation, don't you think?" he asked and everyone agreed by applauding. "Being the daughter of the Representative of ORB, her life was sought many a time. She's a strong-willed, independent, and courageous woman who did all she could to protect her people, her loved ones, and her friends." He began.
"She joined a resistance group against Zaft in the first war, where she met up with her twin brother, Kira Yamato (who at that time didn't even know they were siblings!). She fought bravely and valiantly as well against the enemy with her friends. She then joined the Archangel and, even though she's a natural, fought in a Skygrasper: The Strike Rouge.
"She then joined the Clyne Faction with Kira and her soon-to-be fiancé, Athrun Zala. After obtaining peace she received the position of ORB's Representative, her father, Ulan (?) Attha, died during the war.
"Then she once again took up arms in the second war. She was on the Minerva for a while, with her bodyguard 'Alex Dino' who we all know as Athrun Zala, who later rejoined Zaft and was appointed to FAITH. After being persuaded by her council she sided with the Earth Forces, even though it wasn't what she wanted, and was soon about to be wed to Yuuna Roma.
"Well, some of you may know this, and some of you don't, but the reason why she ended up not getting married to him (fortunately) was because her brother, Kira, literally showed up in his MS, the Freedom, and took her from the wedding, dress and all!" he continued and everyone laughed and Shinn looked at Kira, surprised and amused.
"And then she did all she could as Representative of ORB to bring about the ending of the war, and to restore peace to the nations of Earth and PLANTs. Without her efforts, this Memorial might not even be going on! Let's give one more round of applause for the wonderful, amazing, truly magnificent, Cagalli Yula Attha!" George said and everyone stood and clapped.
Cagalli blushed and waved to everyone, trying to hold in the tears, as Athrun presented her an award, and they hugged and kissed in front of everyone.
"I would now like to ask you all to meet outside, at the memorial, so we can remember the ones we lost." George said and everyone started to get up and walk outside.
Shinn sighed as he got up. "Well, here we go, ready Shinn-chan?" Kira asked him and Shinn nodded. "Yeah, this is the part most people aren't going to walk away from easily." Athrun said and Cagalli nodded and exchanged a glance with her twin brother.
When everyone had gathered outside in front of the huge memorial stones and burial places, George Bush stepped up to the podium and said: "In the First Bloody Valentine War, Junius Seven of PLANTs was attacked by those of the Earth Forces. We remember those who died that day." and he read off all the names of those that died.
When he came to "Lenore Zala" a single tear came to Athrun's eye, and Kira (who was sitting beside him) put his arm around his shoulders and gave him a warm smile, and Athrun smiled back, and Cagalli took his hand in hers and also smiled at him.
"Among those of the Earth Forces that died are:" and again he listed names in order. When he said "Fllay Allster" and "Tolle K" (I keep forgetting his last name!) Kira tensed and Athrun looked away guiltily and Shinn nudged him and smiled reassuringly at him.
"Among those who died of Zaft are: Nicole Amarfi, Miguel A, Rusty Pal (?), Heine Westenfluss (?), Patrick Zala, Ezalia Joule (I think), Rey Za Burrell, Talia Gladys, Chairman Gilbert Dullindal" Shinn tensed up when he heard his name "Meer Campbell," and he went on. (If I missed anyone please tell me and I know that wasn't in order I was just putting them down so I wouldn't miss anyone). Kira looked guiltily at Athrun when he said Nicol's name.
"Those of ORB that died are:" and he named Cagalli's bodyguard and Ahmed (I think that's how you spell it) and other resistance fighters, including Aisha who was supposed to be with Zaft but oh well. When he came to "Yuuna Roma" everyone sighed with relief, including Cagalli.
"The Asuka family," President Bush said and Shinn shot a glare at Kira when he wasn't looking. Kira, however, saw it anyway (He's the Ultimate Coordinator people, he sees these things) and whispered, "If it makes you feel any better I lost a lot of friends and my family as well, we're both orphans."
Shinn looked at him surprised. "But what about Mrs. Yamato? Isn't she your mom?" he asked him. Kira shook his head. "She's my adopted mother. My real last name is Hibiki, so is Cagalli's, our dad died with the rest of the failed experiments in his lab and our mom died too. Cagalli was sent to live with Ulan Attha who promised to take care of her and I was put with Mrs. Yamato. I thought you knew." He told Shinn.
Shinn, still surprised and slightly shocked, shook his head and said quietly, "No, I didn't know, what do you mean, 'failed experiments'?" and gave him a weird look. Kira sighed. "When my dad, um, well, you see, uhhh," Kira was having a hard time finding the right words to explain to Shinn that he's a test-tube baby (lol sorry that's just funny).
"His father was trying to create the Ultimate Coordinator with his offspring, many of his attempts failed, resulting in most of his children dieing before even being born. A lot of people thought that none of them survived, until we found out it Kira survived." Athrun said. He heard them talking and explained it for him.
Shinn at first just sat there and blinked at them. Then he mouthed, "Ohhhhhh." and smirked. "So you're the Ultimate Test-Tube Baby?" he whispered teasingly into Kira's ear. Kira gave him a hurt look and didn't respond. Shinn nudged him, "What? It was only a joke Kira-kun, I'm sorry." He said.
"It's ok, it's just, when people found out at my school they always made fun of me like that, that's why I stopped telling people." Kira told him. "But don't all naturals make fun of coordinators like that? Because we really are kind of like test-tube babies." Shinn said, making Kira chuckle and Athrun shake his head jokingly.
"I guess so. But, there you go, my family story. I bet you'd have thought twice about taking revenge on me if you knew about my background during the war, eh?" Kira said and Shinn looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry, yeah, probably," and he sighed. "I guess I was a bit stupid to hate you and not even know what you've been through." Shinn said quietly.
"Well now you do, and we can move on, right?" Kira asked and smiled at him. Shinn smiled back. "Yeah. Now we can finally move on." Shinn said and they hugged. (A/N: awww so sweet!)
The rest of the Memorial went well, and everyone said their good-byes, regretfully and sorrowfully. Many people planned get-togethers, including the star characters (Kira and Shinn, Athrun and Cagalli, Yzak and Dearka, Lacus and unfortunately for them Rowan, Luna and Meyrin and their husbands were all going to get together a week from then to have fun).
The world seemed to finally be at Peace…
The End
-Author's Note: YAY! I'M DONE! This is the last chapter of the story, but please stay tuned for Bloopers, ending credits (following the note), and extras galore! I would also like to let you all know that there will be a sequel, thanks to a suggestion from demonz8000. Although I'm not sure when I will be able to upload it because I'm extremely busy! Thank you to all who reviewed to make this fic possible, please review the following extras as well, THEY'RE GONNA BE FUNNY! And now, on to the ending credit songs!:
"Wasteland" By: 10 Years
Sung from Shinn's POV
Change my attempt, good intentions.
Crouched over, you were not there, living in fear.
But signs were not really that scarce, obvious tears.
But I will not hide you through this; I want you to help,
And please see the bleeding heart perched on my shirt.
Die! Withdraw! Hide in cold sweat, quivering lips ignore remorse,
Naming a kid, living wasteland. This time you've tried,
All that you can, turning you red!
Change my attempt, good intentions.
Should I? Could I?
Here we are with your obsession.
Should I? Could I?
Crowned hopeless, the article read 'living wasteland'.
This time, you've tried, all that you can,
Turning you red. But I will not,
Hide you through this, I want you to help!
Change my attempt, good intentions.
Should I? Could I?
Here we are with your obsession.
Should I? Could I?
Heave the silver, hollow sliver, piercing through another victim!
Turn and tremble, be judgmental! Ignorant to all the symbols!
Blind the face with beauty paste! Eventually you'll one day know!
Change my attempt, good intentions.
Limbs tied skin tight. Self inflicted his perdition.
Should I? Could I?
Change my attempt, good intentions!
Should I? Could I?
Should I? Could I?
"Breaking the habit" By: Linkin Park
Sung from Kira's POV
Memories consume, like opening the wound,
I'm picking me apart again.
You all assume, I'm safe here in my room,
Unless I try to start again!
I don't want to be the one the battles always choose!
'Cause inside I realize that I'm the one confused!
I don't know what's worth fighting for, or why I have to scream!
I don't know why I instigate, and say what I don't mean!
I don't know how I got this way; I know it's not alright!
So I'm breaking the habit, tonight!
Clutching my cure, I tightly lock the door,
I try to catch my breath again.
I hurt much more, than anytime before,
I have no options left again!
I don't want to be the one the battles always choose!
'Cause inside I realize that I'm the one confused!
I don't know what's worth fighting for, or why I have to scream!
I don't know why I instigate, and say what I don't mean!
I don't know how I got this way; I know it's not alright!
So I'm breaking the habit, tonight!
I'll paint it on the walls!
'Cause I'm the one at fault!
I'll never fight again!
And this is how it ends!
I don't know what's worth fighting for, or why I have to scream!
But now I have some clarity, to show you what I mean!
I don't know how I got this way, I'll never be alright!
So I'm breaking the habit!
Breaking the habit!
I'm breaking the habit!
Tonight!
(Doesn't Kira sound a lot like Chester Bennington from Linkin Park? Kinda, sorta, not really?)
"(Can't get my) Head around you" By: The Offspring
Kira and Shinn singing (You'll see)
Kira: Deep inside your soul, there's a hole,
You don't wanna see.
Shinn: Every single day, what you say,
Makes no sense to me
Both: Even though I try, I can't get my head around!
Kira: Somewhere in the night, there's a light,
In front of me!
Shinn: Heaven up above, with a shove,
Abandons me!
Kira: And even though I try, I fall in a river of you!
Shinn: You manage to bring me down too!
Shinn: All your faking,
Kira: (Get up, get up, get up, get up!
Shinn: Shows you're aching!
Kira: (Get up, get up, get up!)
Kira: Every single day, what you say,
Makes no sense to me!
Shinn: Letting you inside isn't right,
You'll mess with me!
Kira: I never really know, what's really going on inside you.
Both: I can't get my head around you!
Kira: All your feeding,
Shinn: (Get up, get up, get up, get up!)
Kira: Shows you're bleeding!
Shinn: (Get up, get up, get up!)
Shinn: Deep inside your soul, there's a hole,
You don't wanna see.
Kira: You're covering it up like a cut,
With the likes of me!
Both: You know I've really tried; I can't do any more about you!
Shinn: (YEAH!)
Kira: The cut's getting deeper!
Shinn: (YEAH!)
Kira: The hill's getting steeper!
Shinn: (YEAH!)
Kira: I guess I'll never know, what's really going on inside you!
Both: I can't get my head around you!
Kira: I can't get my head around you!
Shinn: I can't get my head around you!
Kira: I can't get my head around you!
Shinn: I can't get my head around you!
And one more! Sung in Kira's POV:
"You" By: Candelbox
(Shortened radio version)
You.
It's for you.
Only you.
It's for you.
I'll never know,
I'll never care,
I'll never believe my people.
I'll tell you what I say.
I'll never lie,
I'll never try,
I'll never cry for you people.
I'll push you,
Push you away.
As you lonely people,
Keep on running around my door.
Yes, you lonely people,
Keep on begging,
Beg for more!
And I'll cry for you,
Yes I'll die for you!
Pain in my heart it is real!
And I'll tell you now how I feel inside,
Feel in my heart it's for you!
It's for you.
Only you.
It's for you.
I'll never try,
I'll never die,
I'll never push for you people.
I'll tell you how I feel.
I'll never lie,
I'll never cry,
I'll never try for you people.
I'll tell you, yes it's real.
And you lonely people,
Keep on passing time away,
Yes you lonely people keep on passing,
Pass away!
And I'll cry for you,
Yes I'll die for you!
Pain in my heart it is real!
And I'll tell you now how I feel inside,
Feel in my heart it's for you!
And I'll take everything
As it comes my way!
Pushin' your pain 'round my door!
And I'll cry for you yes I'll die for you.
Is this blood on my hands all for you?
You shiver
And shudder
Recovers your mother
You feel it take control
All alone
Feel alive
In your soul
Come around town
Steal another dime
Take another line
Won't you feel it
Blanket you soul
Out of mind
Come around town
Steal another dime
Do another crime
Won't you get it higher and higher
I don't want it no more
And it's mine
Said this pain in my heart is all mine
Yes, it's mine all alone
I don't want it no more
I don't want it no more
I don't want it no more
I don't want it no more
And it's mine on my own
Yes, it's mine all alone
As I cry for you
Yes I'll die for you
Pain in my heart, it is real
And I'll take
Everything as it comes my way
Feel in my heart it's for you
And I'll lie for you as I die for you
Pain in my heart it is real
And I'll tell you now
How I feel inside
It's for you