A/N: Final chapter! Now let's see what will happen to both Kenji and Lafter after they surrendered to the Arianrhod Fleet.
Disclaimer: I do not own Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.
Falcon of Tekkadan
Chapter 50: Their Place
Kenji and Lafter were both brought to the ship's bridge, where Rustal Elion was leading the final attack against Tekkadan. Rustal turned to the two prisoners.
"Kenji Hayabusa," Rustal began, "the Falcon of Tekkadan himself, at last, we meet face to face. How do you feel about me standing here, still alive?"
Kenji growled at Rustal. "If it hadn't been for your attack dog Julieta, Norba Shino would've wasted you, bastard."
"Julieta is still alive by the way, I sent her down to the surface to lead the attack against Tekkadan." Rustal said.
"Are you serious? Come on!" Kenji yelled.
Rustal turned to Lafter. "And you must be the former Turbines pilot, Lafter Frankland. You have my condolences for what Iok did to Naze Turbine and Amida Arca, I really did not approve of that raid of his."
Lafter glared at Rustal. "I don't need your pity for what Lord Dunce did, nothing will bring them back."
Rustal laughed. "Nevertheless, you two did the right thing surrendering yourselves to me, you really did not have any love for McGillis Fareed, did you?"
"I promised Almiria that I'd bring Mac back to her alive." Kenji looked down. "How am I going to explain this to her?"
"Leave that to Vidar, just know that you are both still alive because of Vidar's insistence. He thinks rather highly of you, Mr. Hayabusa." Rustal turned back to the monitor showing the orbital view of Mars, "Now, you two will witness the end of Tekkadan with your very own eyes."
Kenji and Lafter looked at the monitor, they couldn't believe what they saw... there was a Dáinsleif team positioned over Mars' surface...
"A monster that can crush a Mobile Armor single-handedly can hardly be called human anymore." Rustal explained. "There are suitable manners for bringing down such beasts."
Kenji was pissed. "You... bastard! You'd go this far?"
Lafter was shocked. "Akihiro is down there. This is overkill!"
Rustal gave his men the command. "Dáinsleif team, fire."
Kenji screamed. "No!"
Lafter also screamed. "Stop!"
Their cries had no effect, a Dáinsleif volley was fired at the surface of Mars as an orbital strike...
"Dang it, Mikazuki doesn't deserve to go out like this..." Kenji looked down sadly.
"Akihiro…" Lafter was holding back tears. "No..."
Rustal turned back to them. "I will be expecting a report from Julieta soon enough, for now, put them both in the brig for the journey to Earth. I want them in perfect condition as bargaining chips to Teiwaz."
Later they learned that Mikazuki and Akihiro actually survived the orbital strike and managed to take down a number of soldiers before dying of their wounds. You could've seen a brief smile on Lafter's face when she heard that Akihiro crushed Iok to death before dying himself.
When they arrived back at Earth, they were taken to Gjallarhorn headquarters to be detained until an agreement was reached with McMurdo Barriston of Teiwaz for their release. Rustal had tried to question Kenji on how Orga managed to get through the encirclement and about the remains of an old transmission cable tunnel that Gjallarhorn forces found. Luckily, Kenji kept his mouth shut so Rustal couldn't get anything out of him. While Kenji was waiting in his cell for his release date, the door opened. He turned to see Almiria at the door.
"Oh, hi Almiria." Kenji greeted nervously. "I take it you heard what happened at Mars."
"Brother told me everything..." Almiria just gave Kenji a sad look.
"Even though I hated Mac for what he did to you, I was still willing to save him for your sake. I'll understand if you never forgive me for this..." Kenji was slapped in the face before being hugged by Almiria.
"Shut up already you idiot." Almiria was crying. "I'm glad you came back to me alive."
Kenji took a minute before hugging her back, "Me too, my angel, me too..."
"Don't ever leave me again." Almiria said.
Kenji smiled. "I won't."
Some time has passed, and an agreement was reached: Kenji Hayabusa and Lafter Frankland will be returned to Teiwaz with their Mobile Suits on the conditions that neither the two of them nor Teiwaz will attempt to retaliate against Gjallarhorn for what happened to Tekkadan in the "McGillis Fareed Incident," and they will not say anything about Gjallarhorn setting up Tekkadan as the scapegoat. With some convincing from Gaelio, Gallus Bauduin had reluctantly granted Almiria permission to leave Gjallarhorn HQ to go to Saisei just to stay with Kenji.
On the day of their release, McMurdo was waiting for them at the spaceport. The remaining Seven Stars members, Gaelio, and Julieta were overseeing the release.
"Glad to see you two are unharmed, all of your things have been packed, ready to go?" McMurdo asked.
"Yeah, I really don't want to see that guy's face any longer." Lafter said pointing to Rustal.
"At least they were nice enough to let us keep our Mobile Suits." Kenji turned to the side. "Ready to go Almiria?"
Almiria, with an emotionless look on her face and a little light in her eyes, just quietly nodded and grabbed onto Kenji's arm. She had grown really attached to Kenji and refused to let him go even a few feet away from her. She had also refused to speak to anyone except for Kenji, but her voice is very quiet when she does speak to him.
"It's okay." Kenji stroked Almiria's hair like a pet. "I'm here."
"I was against this idea at first, but Gaelio was very passionate about it. And seeing Almiria like this made it even more difficult for me to say no." Gallus Bauduin gave Kenji the look of an overprotective father. "You had better take good care of her, understand?"
Kenji looked at Gallus. "Look at me. Could I possibly be any worse than Mac?"
Gallus took a deep breath. "Well, you make a very good point." He looked at Almiria. "Please remember to visit, okay?"
Almiria just nodded as she still hugged Kenji's arm.
Lafter sighed as she patted Almiria on the head. "Don't worry little one, everything is going to be okay. Your heart will heal in time, you'll see."
Almiria again gave a nod.
McMurdo turned to the men he brought with him from Teiwaz. "Okay guys, pack the young lady's luggage onto the shuttle."
"Yes sir." The Teiwaz men took Almiria's luggage and went to the shuttle to store them.
"Then I guess it's time to go." Kenji said. The three of them went towards the shuttle for takeoff.
After making their way to Saisei, Kenji and Lafter brought Almiria's belongings to an apartment that McMurdo set up for Kenji and Almiria. Once everything was unpacked Kenji sat next to Almiria on the couch and she hugged him again.
Kenji hugged her back, stroked her hair, and whispered to her. "Don't worry, I'm here, and I'm never going to leave you alone."
Tears started to form in Almiria's eyes as she spoke quietly. "Don't ever leave me…"
The door opened and all of the Turbines girls with their children quietly walked inside, slowly going over to Kenji and Almiria. Azee, who was wearing a white suit similar to Naze's suit, came up to them first.
"Hi, Kenji." Azee looked at Almiria. "Lafter told us everything, you must be Almiria."
Almiria nodded.
Eco patted Almiria's head. "Everything is going to be okay, we also lost someone dear to us, we know exactly how you feel."
Azee turned to the children. "Kids, say hi to Almiria, but not too loud okay."
"Okay." The children said quietly. They then got close to Almiria. "Hi, Almiria."
One of the Turbines girls handed her baby to Almiria, a baby girl with brown hair, blue eyes, blush marks on her cheeks, and she was wearing a yellow onesie with a bunny tail. As Almiria was looking at the baby in her arms, a little more light returned to her eyes and she gave a small smile.
Kenji noticed this and smiled as he thought. "She's going to be okay…"
10 years later...
On Saisei, people were gathering near the ceremony hall for a very special event, the wedding of Kenji Hayabusa and Almiria Bauduin. In addition to almost everyone in Teiwaz, the guest list also included people from both Earth and Mars.
McMurdo was walking around the hall when he saw Lafter, Azee, Eco, and all of the Turbines girls were speaking to their kids. He decided to check on them.
"Now everyone, this is a special event that means a lot to both Kenji and Almiria, they expect all of you to be on your best behavior or no cake for any of you, understand?" Azee said.
The children and teens all nodded.
The former Turbines members managed to receive positions in various Teiwaz subsidiaries, helping manage the distribution networks for Teiwaz. It was only until Kenji turned 18 that he brought all the Turbines back together to work for him in his newly formed transport company for Teiwaz, where they would be under his care for Naze and Amida's sakes.
"Don't wander off too far." Lafter said before turning to a 10-year-old girl who looks exactly like her, but with black hair. "That includes you Amida."
"Yes, mommy. I'll be good." This girl is Amida Altland Frankland, the daughter of Akihiro Altland and Lafter Frankland. Lafter found out about her pregnancy after being captured by Gjallarhorn and resolved to raise the child to have a good, honest life upon her return to Saisei. The other Turbines children had accepted Amida as a fellow sister, so she plays with them a lot.
"Hello girls, kids." McMurdo greeted. Everyone turned to see him.
"Hi Old Man." Azee greeted.
"Hello Grandpa McMurdo." The kids greeted.
"Are you all enjoying yourselves right now?" McMurdo asked.
Everyone nodded.
"Look, it's the Turbines. Hey there!" A voice called out. The Turbines turned to see Kudelia, Atra, Eugene, Cookie, and Cracker walking towards them. There was also a 10-year-old boy holding Atra and Kudelia's hands, he looked like Mikazuki but with brown hair.
"Hey, about time you got here." Lafter said.
"Kudelia needed to sort out some documents at the last minute while we were dressing up." Atra said.
"Atra dear, you know my job is very important. I had to do a lot of work to be able to come here today." Kudelia said.
"It's not easy being the Martian Union Chairperson." Eugene said.
"Miss Bernstein." McMurdo greeted.
"Mr. Barriston." Kudelia greeted.
Kudelia Aina Bernstein became chairperson of the newly formed Martian Union after Earth's economic blocs decided to give the cities of Mars independence. She married Atra and is currently living with her and her son on Sakura Farm, fulfilling the promise she made to Mikazuki to look after their child. Atra Mixta took ownership of Sakura Farm following Sakura Pretzel's passing and is currently running the farm with help from her wife Kudelia, the twins Cookie and Cracker, and her son. Eugene Sevenstark got a new identity after the "McGillis Fareed Incident" and is now the head bodyguard for Kudelia with help from fellow bodyguard Chad Chadan. The other former members of Tekkadan also received new identities and are now moving forward with their own paths, such as running or working at a Mobile Worker factory, working at the Admoss Company, working at the orphanage, or becoming mercenaries.
"Hi Akatsuki!" Amida said.
"Hi, Amida." This boy is Akatsuki Augus Mixta Bernstein, the son of Mikazuki Augus and Atra Mixta, and godson of Kudelia Aina Bernstein. He helps his mother with farm work, likes to play with the children from the orphanage, and is also Amida's best friend.
"I still can't believe Kenji and Almiria are getting married now." Cookie said with a smile.
"I say it's about time." Cracker said, also with a smile.
Despite being made social outcasts due to the McGillis Fareed Incident, Cookie and Cracker Griffon still managed to graduate from school and are now helping Kudelia, Atra, and Akatsuki with running the farm. They still keep in contact with Kenji, Almiria, and Fuka, who sometimes visit them on Sakura Farm. The twins sometimes go with Kenji and Almiria to Earth and visit Fuka.
"Hi everyone!" A voice called out. Everyone turned to see Takaki and Fuka approaching them with Lasker Alesi, the current prime minister of Arbrau.
"Fuka, you made it." Cookie and Cracker said.
"Of course, there's no way I'd miss seeing two of my friends getting married." Fuka said.
"I'm just so glad Kenji and Almiria invited us." Takaki said.
"Kudelia. Mr. Barriston. Everyone." Mr. Alesi greeted.
"Mr. Alesi." Everyone greeted back.
Mr. Makanai had eventually passed away in the years after the McGillis Fareed Incident, with Mr. Alesi being chosen as his successor. Takaki Uno, who was working as Mr. Makanai's assistant, was now working as Mr. Alesi's assistant. There is also a chance that Takaki would eventually become a member of parliament himself. Fuka Uno was able to graduate from school and is currently training to become a teacher. She stays in touch with Kenji, Almiria, Cookie, and Cracker, and often meets up with them.
"Mr. Barriston. Miss Bernstein. Mr. Alesi." Another voice called out, everyone turned to see Rustal Elion, Gallus Bauduin, Gaelio, and Julieta approach the group. Julieta was holding a four-year-old boy with purple hair in her arms.
"Lord Elion? I'm surprised that you were also invited." Kudelia said.
"Akatsuki, get behind me." Atra said. Akatsuki quickly got behind Atra.
"Amida, get behind me." Lafter said. Amida quickly got behind Lafter.
Rustal laughed. "I wasn't, but I heard some important people such as yourself were attending so I figured I should take this opportunity to meet them."
"Master Rustal, I warned you that some of the guests here would be uncomfortable with your presence." Julieta said, pointing to Atra and Lafter.
"It should be fine, as long as Master Rustal doesn't cause any trouble." Gaelio said.
Due to his injuries from the battle of Edmonton and his pseudo Alaya-Vijnana implant being surgically removed, Gaelio Bauduin was confined to a wheelchair for a few years before being able to stand again thanks to physical therapy. Julieta Juris became known as the female knight who had slain the Devil of Tekkadan, and there is talk that she will become Rustal's successor as leader of Gjallarhorn. Gaelio and Julieta had married, and they have a son.
Gaelio turned to the four-year-old boy in Julieta's arms. "Hey there Ein. Are you excited to see Kenji become your Uncle?"
The boy smiled and nodded. Ein McGillis Bauduin was born to Gaelio Bauduin and Julieta Juris as heir to the Bauduin family. It was understandable why Gaelio insisted on naming his firstborn son after Ein Dalton. But everyone thought Gaelio had gone crazy when he also insisted on having McGillis as the boy's middle name. Gaelio's only response was that he realized McGillis thought of him as his only real friend, so he wanted to honor that, despite McGillis' betrayal.
"Kenji did a great job taking care of Almiria all these years and getting her to talk again." Gallus admitted. "I'm very proud to accept him into the family."
The group of guests eventually dispersed to meet with the other guests.
Meanwhile, inside one of the dressing rooms, Almiria was looking at herself in the mirror, she was wearing a traditional Japanese wedding dress. "So," she thought, "today's the day of my second wedding."
A voice came up from behind her. "Almiria? What's wrong?"
Almiria turned around and saw Kenji, who was wearing traditional black Japanese robes.
"Kenji, sorry, I'm just thinking about my first wedding." Almiria said.
"Really, and how does this wedding feel compared to the first one?" Kenji asked.
"I..." Almiria started. "I actually feel more confident about this one."
Kenji smiled. "Well, I think part of it is because you actually have a say in it this time."
Almiria smiled back.
Kenji Hayabusa grew up to be a very experienced mobile suit pilot with Gundam Phoenix Flame Eternal. He is currently working directly under McMurdo Barriston with his newly formed transport company, Hayabusa Transport, which consists of the former Turbines members, with Azee Gurumin as his second-in-command. He is also learning under McMurdo in order to become the future head of Teiwaz. Almiria Bauduin has been living with Kenji for 10 years following the McGillis Fareed Incident. The trauma of losing her husband at a young age put her in a shell, but in time, Kenji was able to help her get out of that shell by helping her try out new things, such as cooking, singing, dancing, and so on. With the help of Azee and Lafter, he even taught her how to pilot a Mobile Suit when she turned 16, and it turns out she has a natural talent for it. So, now she travels with Kenji on his transport jobs and pilots a Hekija whenever Kenji pilots Phoenix. While there are times when she misses McGillis, she eventually realized that he would want her to be happy. Almiria also stays in touch with her best friends and occasionally sends messages to her father and brother.
"Okay, no need to stand around any longer." Kenji said as he turned to Almiria. "Let's get this ceremony started, my love."
"Kenji…" Almiria said.
"Yes?" Kenji asked.
Almiria blushed and tears formed in her eyes. "Thank you… for everything. Now let us take our first step into a new beginning…"
Almiria put her hand on her stomach and smiled. "A new beginning for the three of us."
Kenji smiled back, content that he now has a new family on the way. The couple then left the dressing room to start the wedding ceremony, moving forward to their future.
A/N: It is done! Kenji managed to get a happy ending, Lafter now has a better ending than the one she was given in the anime, and Almiria now has an ending instead of having an unknown fate. The fact that Almiria's fate was left unanswered in the anime was part of my inspiration for writing this story. I hope you enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to creating a new story. Thank you and stay safe everyone!
