Epilogue: Half A Year Later: A Request
In the park area of the Durandal, Shane laid on one of the benches; green and black headphones on her head covering her ears. She nodded her head to the song that was playing on her MP3 player--Naraku no Hana (or Flower of Hell) by Eiko Shimamiya--her eyes closed. She wore a pair of black baggy sweatpants with black skater shoes (more comfortable than the boots she wore) and a green sleeveless sweatshirt with the hood over her now shoulder-length hair. She moved her index fingers back and forth as she sung to herself.
"Come, let's forget that future
that is becoming smeared with blood again.
If a warm wind curls into a spiral,
that is probably a sign.
Escape, escape,
from this sorrowful fate.
You are not a flower of Hell.
In that kind of place
Don't bloom there, don't bloom there
Don't let them ensnare you.
Shards of time fly by without a sound..."
She continued to sing to herself until her singing caught the ears of a certain woman...
"Mary, could you go and find Shane for me?" Shelley asked as she stood in a messy room (clothes thrown everywhere, papers on the floor...) with her hands placed on her hips, a displeased look on her face. The blonde woman stood in the doorway looking at her purple-haired sister's back. "Oh, Shelley, her room's just a lil' messy--"
"...It looks like a tornado hit this place. Considering that she's the Little Master and Master Gaignun's sister in-spirit, I'll be lenieate with her." Shelley turned her head to look back at the blonde-haired woman with a dark look on her face. Mary nearly yelped at the sight then backed up into the hallway. "A-alright...I'll go get the Little Miss," she said in a shaky voice. She immediately ran down the hallway as the purple-haired woman looked out of the room after her.
"...I didn't think I scared her that badly.."
Mary ran towards the elevator, sighing softly after her short run. She sighed then pressed a button on her collar. "Little Miss, Shelley needs you A.S.A.P.--" She blinked a few times as she rubbed her ear to check her hearing. Wait, is she...?
"Who is grasping my hand?
Who is stroking my hair?
Now, in the crying sprouts,
I can feel the signal.
Fly away, fly away,
from the wheels of fate.
You are not a flower of Hell.
In that kind of place,
don't scatter your petals, don't scatter your petals,
and don't sow your seeds.
Everchanging karma spreads its seeds once more."
"Shane..." The blonde woman took the elevator down as she continued listening to the red-haired girl's singing. She sounds so beautiful...
"Escape, escape,
from this sorrowful fate.
You are not a flower of Naraku.
In that kind of place
Don't bloom there, don't bloom there
Don't let them ensnare you.
Shards of time fly by without a sound..."
Mary figured out where Shane was after several scuffles with Jr. she had over the months where she would get peace and quiet: the Park Area. She stepped out of the elevator and walked through the sliding doors to see the young woman acting like she was in a music video--the blonde woman's assumption. The red-haired girl laid on the side of the fountain with her leg propped up while her arm and free leg slumped against the side.
"I can see
When you stay low, nothing happens.
Does it feel right?
Late at night
Things I thought I put behind me
Haunt my mind," she said in an enchanting voice. She sat up as she pointed at an imaginary camera in an dramatic fashion, her red bangs covering her eyes.
"I just know there's no escape now
Once it sets its eyes on you
But I won't run, have to stare it in the eye..!"
Shane jumped up from the fountain, now standing on it; her fists clenched.
"Stand my ground, I won't give in
No more denying, I got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will stand my ground."
She began to walk on the fountain's edge with her fists to her sides with her head lowered halfway and glaring at the imaginary camera.
"It's all around
Getting stronger, coming closer
Into my world," the red-head said adding a small echo when she said "my world".
"I can feel
That it's timee for me to face it
Can I take it?
Though this might just be the ending
Of the life I held so dear
But I won't run, there's no turning back from here...!"
She pointed at the above imaginary camera in another dramatic fashion then grinned a maniac smile.
"Stand my ground, I won't give in
No more denying, I got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will stand my ground." Shane fell to her knees, seemingly holding her face like she was hit on her cheek as Mary started to walk over to her to see if she was alright. But she was, continuing her transient song.
"All I know for sure is I'm trying
I will always stand my ground..." The red-haired girl looked up at the imaginary camera or rather the person she was singing at, her blue eyes narrowed and in a look of anger, courage, and bravery.
"Stand my ground, I won't give in
(I won't give in)
I won't give up
I won't give up)
No more denting, I got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will...!" She lowered her head as her shoulders shook uncontrollably almost as if she was crying, pounding her clenched fists onto the floor.
"Stand my ground, I won't give in
No more denying, I got to face it
Won't close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don't make it, someone else will..stand my ground!" And with that, the girl let out shuddering breath and stood up. She took off her headphones as she rubbed her ears. "So did you enjoy the show?" Mary stumbled over her words then closed her mouth while rubbing the back of her head absentmindedly. "Sorry if I eavesdropped on ya, Little Miss," she said with a slight smile. "But I didn't know you could sing!"
Shane looked at her then took off her hood, tying her hair back in a short ponytail. "Thing is, I didn't know I could sing like that...I imagined myself singing the song and then boom, I'm dancing around like I'm in a MV (music video) or on stage." The blonde woman folded her arms until a thought occured to her. My god...
"Little Miss!" Mary exclaimed, startling Shane. "Ah...what's the matter?"
"Well, Shelley's upset--majorly--you didn't clean your room but that's beside the point. With all the bad things that's been going on, what with the Gnosis Terrorism and the increased attacks by those buggers, well, they'll need somethin' to boost their spirits!" A rather scared look came across the red-haired girl's face.
"Mary Godwin, are you suggesting that I sing?" she asked in a surprised voice. "But of course! Before I came down here, I heard you over the radio singing before and you practically blew me away!" The red-haired girl stared at the blonde woman for a few minutes then sat down on the edge of the fountain, her face in a look of shock. She shook her head slowly then held her head in her hands.
"You have got to be kidding, Mary..."
"...Mary, what are you suggesting?"
"I'm just saying she should become a singer. You know, kinda like a songtress!"
In the red-haired girl's room, Shelley sat on Shane's unmade bed with her legs crossed as she sighed softly. She had glanced at the girl who had her green hood pulled over her head and her hands down deep in her jacket pocket. The purple-haired woman looked at her grinning blonde sister then narrowed her eyes. "Why would she need to become a songstress?" Shelley asked. "She's already applied to serve in the Federation military, you know. Though, I'm sure she wouldn't have done it back at her original home." Shane glanced at the older woman, biting her bottom lip.
She was right. I wouldn't joined the miltary back in my home world...at least Mary and Shelley understand my situation...
"But, Shelley! You have to hear her voice! It sounds so pretty!" Mary exclaimed. The purple-haired woman blinked at her as she stood up, placing her hands in front of her dress. "You're not making this easy on Shane." She looked to the red-haired girl and walked over to her. She placed a gentle hand on her shoulder which had tensed up. "Shane?" The young woman looked up into Shelley's warm eyes, watching her smile.
"Is this what you want to do? If it is, me and Mary will help you along the way."
"...You will, huh?" Shane asked in a somewhat meek voice. The two women nodded as she grinned slightly. She pulled off her hood and ran her hand through her red hair gently. "Alright...but shouldn't we ask about this?" Mary walked over, patting her back. "Don't worry...I got a good idea. Just let us listen to the song you want to sing and we'll follow suit, okay?" The red-haired girl nodded then grinned softly.
"Okay. And I got the perfect song. Think you guys can sing back up for me?"
A little while later after the Durandal had docked back at the Kukai Foundation, Jr. had relaxed in his room while cleaning his two handguns. He yawned loudly as he wiped a tear from his eye then looked up to see one of the 100-Series Realians from the bridge walk into his room. "Little Master, there's a special event at the Park Area of the Durandal." He looked at the blue-haired girl confused. Special...event?
"Wait, what do you mean 'special event'?" he asked the girl. She looked at him. "Mary, Shelley, and the Little Miss ordered it." The red-haired boy put the two handguns away and stood up, pulling his overcoat on. "They set it out as an order?"
"Yes," she replied. "The event starts in 10 minutes." With that, the 100-Series Realian walked out of Jr.'s room; the door sliding closed behind her. He rubbed the back of his head then walked out of his room and down the corridor to the elevator. "I wonder if Gaignun heard about this..."
In the Park Area, a black stage was set up in front of the large window as the artificial sunlight shined on the shiny surface of the stage. Shane stood near the black stage, seeing the crew of the Durandal gather in the the area. She whimpered softly then kneeled down; pulling her hood over her head. Shit, she thought. Maybe this was a bad idea...why'd I talk myself into doing this...?
Maybe it's because it's something to pass the time? Rukia echoed in her head. The red-haired girl growled softly then closed her eyes. Yeah, right. You would've been all for it. The former U.R.T.V.'s chuckles echoed as she yawned slightly. Not my fault you like to sing. Anyway, what song are you gonna sing?
"You'll see...well, hear." Shane looked up to see Mary and Shelley walking over to her with small smiles on their faces. "So, are you pumped up?!" the blonde woman asked the now startled young woman who nodded in response. "I guess so..." Shelley smiled at her lightly then patted her shoulder lightly. "You'll be okay. I have microphones that will help us remember the lyrics and the beat to the song. Also, we have your MP3 player hooked up to the sound system." The red-head nodded, taking the earpiece microphone and putting it in her left ear; the two Godwin sisters doing the same.
"Think you can dance in that dress, Shelley?" Mary asked with a smug look on her face. "Try to keep up."
"Hey, hey! Save the arguing for afterwards, okay?" The women nodded as they began to practice the lyrics and dance steps of the song.
But unknown to Shane, on the outside of the Durandal, a large monitor appeared in front of the skyscraper monolith with the words: "Special event in 1 minute. Come see!" Suddenly, announcements rang over the Foundation about the event as people began to crowd towards the beach area and on top of buildings just to watch the upcoming show...
Inside the ship, Jr. made his way into the park area, nearly faultering to see how many people had came to watch whatever this event was that was set up by the Godwin sisters and Shane. "What the hell is going on here?" he asked aloud. One of the Durandal's crew members looked to the red-haired boy then walked over with bright smile on his face. "Didn't you hear, Little Master?"
"Hear what, pray tell?"
"The Little Miss--I mean, Miss Shane is going to sing for us!" Jr. sighed a breath of relief, rubbing the back of his head gently. "Oh, okay. Well that's gonna be interestng--WAIT! What the fu--!" The lights dimmed then everyone looked to the black stage, nearly cheering when Mary, Shelley, and Shane stepped out onto the shiny surface. The 3 women bowed to the crowd as the blonde woman pulled the red-haired girl up into the front. "Hello, everybody!" Mary said over the microphone that was attached to the earpiece. "We're gonna give you a little show in an effort to get rid of some of that depression and such. Shane's gonna sing a little song for us called Passion."
"Thank you and enjoy the show," Shelley stated. She and the blonde woman moved to the back; standing a few feet away from each other, a few feet from the red-haired girl to give her some room. The music began to play, Shane vocalizing beautifully while Mary and Shelley used an echoing effect on their microphones to say "I need more affection than you know" backwards; the electric guitar, drum beats, and piano echoing off the park area's walls. The three women looked up from the floor as the Godwin sisters began to dance a ballet-esque dance; spinning and twirling as they followed the magical and beautiful tune of the song.
"If I recall, far far away
The future was shining on everywhere
Beneath the beautiful blue sky
We were just a little afraid," Shane sung wonderfully reaching her hands out to the crowd which swayed to the transcending beat. The Godwin sisters continued to dance; Mary vocalizing and Shelley saying "I need more affection than you know" backwards. The red-haired girl began to pace up the side of the stage like she was in a trance of some sort.
"The window will be tinted
A nostalgic color." Shane turned her head to the crowd, holding out her hand to them as they cheered at how she was singing. Jr. stood in the back with a gobsmacked look on his face at how the 3 women were singing the beautiful song. No way...
"If we advance forth, can we ever meet again?
The future goes on to everywhere
Beneath the large signboard
I want to keep watching the eras changing," the red-haired girl vocalized as the Godwin sisters continuing their assigned task: Mary vocalizing, Shelley singing "I need more affection than you know" backwards. The crowd cheered; motioning the women to continue their enchanted singing.
"I will open a window
To the people and places I can't see again." Shane held out her arms and raised them, continuing to vocalize the words while the Godwin sisters continuing their assigned tasks: Mary vocalizing, Shelley singing "I need more affection than you know" backwards. Gaignun's not going to believe this, the red-haired boy thought as he held his head in complete awe and shock.
"If I recall, far far away
The future was shining on everywhere
Beneath the beautiful blue sky
We were slumbering forever," the red-haired girl said dancing similarly to how the two sisters behind her were dancing. They continued to do their tasks: Mary vocalizing, Shelley singing "I need more affection than you know" backwards.
"The person I loved a long time ago,
it appears a child is going to be born in the winter
Sometimes I want to have doubt
over the settlement we had in the past
I still can't forget
I wonder if the New Year's card will have a photo
I think back to the things we couldn't do together and find them dear
Underneath the blue sky..." Shane swayed with the music as she and the Godwin sisters said "my fears, our lies..melt away" with an intended magic feel, the red-haired girl vocalizing with Mary; Shelley singing "I need more affection than you know" backwards one last time before the song ended. The crowd cheered loudly, clapping enthusiasically; some even cheering for an encore. The 3 women bowed to the crowd, giggling as the lights went back to normal.
"You did it, Shane!" Mary exclaimed. She smiled softly at the tears that threatened to spill out from her eyes. "It's okay...you did great.."
After the concert in the Park Area (and after the shock of realizing that Mary had placed the show on a large holographic monitor outside for the whole Kukai Foundation to see), Shane stalked to Gaignun's office with a tired look on her face. "Geez...did those Godwin sisters record me singing and gave it to Gaignun too?" she asked aloud.
Well, he didn't say anything specific, Rukia echoed in her mind. Only that you have to come and see him in his office A.S.A.P. The red-haired girl groaned softly then stopped in front of said man's office door, knocking on it. "Hey, Kukai-sama, it's me."
"Come in," he called out from the office as the door slid open. The girl walked inside; yawning and rubbing her face. "Sorry I'm late, Gaignun...got held up with autographs and such..." If this where an anime (which it is), Shane would have sweatdropped. Gaignun, Jr., Mary, and Shelley stood at the desk wearing little party hats and noisemakers. There was even a large cake with ice cream on a nearby table.
"Awah?"
"I figured this would be the most appropriate way to congradulate you into joining the Federation," the black-haired man said. "And your concert earlier."
The red-haired girl chuckled lightly as she blushed darkly. "You...saw that? You should be thanking Mary and Shelley, ya know. They helped." She saw the two sisters grin at her widely. "Anyway, I thought that the acception thing for the military was coming later on?" Jr. shrugged his shoulders then played with a noisemaker. "Yeah, that's what we thought, too," he said. "But aparently, they liked the way you go into battle and your superhuman strength."
"I'd say they want you because of that particular trait, Shane."
"Bah," the red-haired girl said. She walked over to the desk then stopped, narrowing her eyes at Gaignun. He didn't seem to catch her glare but looked at her with the same mellow and relaxed look he always had on his face. "I suppose you'll want to speak with Helmer then?" She smirked at him, shrugging one shoulder in response. The black-haired man smiled lightly then pressed a button beside his computer as a communication monitor of the dark-skinned man appeared in front of Shane. She stepped back slightly, bowing her head.
"It's good to see you, Representative Helmer."
"Likewise, Miss Shane," he said nodding to her. "I heard you put on quite a show with Mary and Shelley earlier. You caused a small uproar in the Foundation as well." Shane rubbed the back of her head again with a crooked grin on her face. "Ah...you know me, Representative Helmer: causing uproars everywhere I go, ne?" The dark-skinned man chuckled at her respons as he held up a small parchment of a letter in his hand. "That's my.."
"Yes, it's your acceptance letter," Helmer told her. "The Federation military seem a bit suspicious at how the long-lost daughter of Gaignun Kukai would join them during this perilous time." The red-haired girl (along with the other occupants in the room) snickered lightly.
"But they don't suspect anything?" she asked him while absentmindedly combing her fingers through her hair. "Meh, they're probably still pissed about not getting the chance to blow up the Foundation." The small group nodded as Shane looked to Helmer with expectant blue eyes. "So? Am I in or what?" He smiled lightly at her.
"Yes, you are," he told her. "You've been accepted into the Galaxy Federation military under the rank of First Lieutenant." The dark-skinned man chuckled once he saw the red-haired girl pull Jr. close to her as she did a hyper crazy dance, giggling madly while scaring the boy in the process. "G-get off me, Shane! You know you're not drugged up today!!"
"First Lieutenant, first lieutenant," she said in a sing-song voice turning around with the red-haired boy in her arms. "But there's one condition..." The small group looked to the communication monitor with confused looks on her faces (save Gaignun). "Wait...condition? What are you talking about now?" The black-haired man cleared his throat then looked at Shane, standing up. "Shane, I've told Representative Helmer about the way you sang in the park area and how the crowd reacted to it," he told her.
"And what's that supposed to mean? Am I similar to a siren now?" Shane asked in a sarcastic voice.
"Well, we want you as a songstress so that you can help the people of the universe get through this perilous time of need." The red-haired girl felt her legs buckle until she was caught from falling by Jr. who looked to Gaignun with a confused look on his face. "What the hell, Gaignun? You knew full well she'd do that!" The black-haired man turned his head to the side as a snicker escaped his lips. "...Uh, Representative Helmer?" The dark-skinned man looked to Shane when she straightened up. "You agree with Kukai-sama?"
"Yes, I do," he told her with a small smile. "Your voice sounds amazing, Miss Shane. I would really like to hear you sing again, preferably on Second Miltia." She rubbed the back of her head as she looked up at the ceiling. "...Gaignun, will the Kukai Foundation support me?" she asked.
"Yes, we will. After all, you are my daughter. There's a music studio in Sector 26 so you, Mary, and Shelley can go there and record music." The Godwin sisters grinned in response, Mary walking over to the girl to wrap her arm around her shoulders. "Yeah. Maybe you'll be as popular as the Seraphim Sisters," the blonde woman told Shane with a wide grin. "But you have to have a good stage name. How about--"
"ShaRuka?" Everyone looked to Shelley who in turn looked back at them with an unfazed look on her face. "It works, doesn't it?" Jr. nodded, scratching the side of his face. "Yeah, it does...since Shane and Rukia share the same body...but how'd you--?" He saw the purple-haired woman smile lightly then closed her eyes. "She told me." The red-haired boy turned to Shane who grinned at him.
"I had to," she said with a shrug. He nodded slightly and sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Anyway, Representative Helmer, I'll take the job. But what would this be considered?"
"Heh, consider it a request from a budding fan of yours."
Epilogue: End
Hehehe, so how'd you like the special chapter? I hope you liked it as much as I did. :3 I was listening to several different songs while I was writing this until Passion by Utada Hikaru began to play. (cackles) I even got Mary and Shelley in on the act as backup singers/dancers. But I'll have more songs that you might've heard before in some anime, games, or were made by different rock/pop artists.
Songs Shane sung in the special chapter:
Naraku no Hana (Flower of Hell) by Eiko Shimamiya (Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Kai OP)
Stand My Ground by Within Temptation (The Silent Force soundtrack)
Passion by Utada Hikaru (Ultra Blue soundtrack)
Until, enjoy the third round of OOCness in Xenosaga III! ASM
