Chapter Seven: Nightmares and ShadowSong

Chapter Seven: Nightmares and ShadowSong


Naryn left to turn in for the night after the party had started to die down. She wandered back to her room, in no certain hurry. She was still reeling from the kiss in the garden earlier, her heart beating rapidly at the thought. As she reached the top of the stairs, a door opened and a sleepy little head peeked out. It could only be Keno, Heero's son. He stepped into full view and gazed at her wide-eyed suddenly.

"Mama," he asked in his quiet little voice, obviously still half asleep she thought.
"No, I'm not. You must be Keno though," she knelt down to his height.
"You're wearing my Mama's dress. Who are you?"
"My name is Naryn and I'm just borrowing the dress."
"Papa said it was OK?"
"Yes, he did."
"OK then."
"Well, now I know who the real man of this house is. What keeps you up at this hour, little one?"
"I had a bad dream," he sighed and rubbed at his eyes with a balled fist.
"Oh dear. I've had a few of those in my time. My friend had a special song to get rid of nightmares though."
"Will it work for me too," Keno grew excited.
"I'm sure it will! Crawl back into bed and I'll try. All right?"

The little boy took off and scurried under his covers. Naryn followed and sat on the edge of his bed. She tucked him in and when he was settled, began to sing the ShadowSong. Her voice was soft and sweet, sending Keno immediately back to a peaceful slumber. She smiled as she gazed down at his cherub face and raven hair. So much like his father.

She went to leave and noticed Heero standing in the doorway. He had this look on his face of pure and complete wonder. Naryn carefully stepped between toys and clothes to the hallway while Heero closed the door behind.

"Thank you. That was very kind," he said, a tone that he was generally pleased in his low baritone.
"He thought I was his mother. I guess he recognized the dress from her closet," she replied solemnly and he bowed his head.
"I'm sorry. He has dreams about her. He must not have been quite awake."
"It's all right. We cleared it up. He seems like a great little boy, Heero. You've done a good job raising him."
"I've done what I could. He really needs a mother though."
"Well, that's a decision you have to make. Good night," she slipped past him.
"Naryn, will you sing for me too," he whispered to no one in particular.

He laid in bed for a long time, watching the full moon pass by his window. When he finally did fall asleep, he dreamed of her. Relena. Something was different though. She wasn't sick or dying, holding onto his hand as she gasped for ragged breath. She was healthy and radiant, like the day he made her his wife so many years ago.

"What are you doing here," he asked as she approached, confused by her appearance.
"I've come to say good-bye, my love."
"Good-bye! What do you mean!"
"Heero, you can't hold on forever. She's the one. Go and be with her. Let her love you as you need."
"Relena! What are..."

She cut him off as she pressed a finger to his lips. Then she kissed him one last time before she was gone. He awoke with a start. Relena had given him the answer he needed.

* * *

Naryn had come to the hanger the next morning despite the protests of Miss Noin and Mrs. Laning. She was missing her Gundam and needed to stretch her wings. ShadowSong was calling.

A car pulled in and she realized it must be Heero. Keno exited the passenger side as soon as they came to a stop and raced towards the group of pilots. Duo bent down to scoop him up and spun him around, little legs flying in a circle. Giggles could be heard from both man and boy.

"Good morning, scamp! Sleep well," the braided pilot asked as he sat the youngster on his hip.
"Yeah! Naryn's song really worked!"
"Her song, huh," Duo looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"The ShadowSong. It protects against nightmares," she explained.
"Isn't that what you call your Gundam," Quatre asked.
"Yeah. Its official name is Rylinn, but I like ShadowSong better."
"Wow! What are these huge robots! Do you guys fly these things," Keno was exclaiming as he looked around.
"They're called Gundams and yes, we do," Heero walked up to the group, making eye contact with Naryn.
"You too, Papa! Cool!"
"Neato skeeto, Dad," Duo joked.
"Very funny, Uncle Duo. Which one is yours! I bet it's the all-black one," the boy went on.
"Nope. That's Naryn's."
"A girl pilot! No way!"
"Way, mister," Naryn laughed.
"Come see Uncle Duo's Deathscythe!"
"Don't put any ideals in my kid's head," Heero called after them.
"Oh, Duo will have recruited in no time," Quatre said.
"I know. That's what worries me."
"Well, I should see to ShadowSong. If you'll excuse me," Naryn said and walked away from them. Heero followed her over to her Gundam. She seemed a little surprised to see him behind her, but pleasantly so.
"Can I help you out with something?"
"Maybe. You see, I wanted to tell you that I'm not afraid anymore."

He came closer until they were face to face and kissed her passionately. Naryn was now completely shocked. He let her go just as quickly and grinned, reaching out to touch her cheek. Then, he was walking away to Wing Zero across the hanger while she spun on her heel to watch him leave. Stares followed behind from those gathered around. He boarded the Gundam and started to strap himself in when his commlink chirped. He answered to find Duo's face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Way to go, tiger," he cheered enthusiastically.
"Thank you," he replied in a cool tone, although his heart was racing unexpectantly.
"So, you took what I told you seriously?"
"Actually, I had a talk with an angel last night. She gave me her blessing."
"I knew she ultimately would," he smiled and the transmission ended.