Death is Not the End

Chapter 6

Grey's arms were holding me...cradlingthe limp body that I had no control over. He was calling my name. I forced my eyes to open, and he slowly came into focus.

"Grey. Did we...?"

"Yeah, we made it. It's over, Aki. We're safe."

God, it felt good to hold him again. It was a new feeling, and an old one at the same time. I sighed with relief, and kissed him deeply. A whole new wave of emotions swept over me; an old, welcome feeling that reached into my heart. I could've spent the rest of my life there, just eternally blissful in his arms next to the opening of Gaia.

"Where are the others?" I asked as our lips parted and he set me down.

"Right here, Doc," Neil replied as he stepped out of the shadows. "Glad to see you made it out."

I smiled brightly for the first time in what felt like ages. "Me too," I said, looking straight at Grey. "Do you want to see what Earth is like now?"

Grey took my hand in response, nodding his head,and we walked out of the crater. As we reached the surface, I had to smile again as I saw an aged, familiar face.

"Dr. Sid! You waited here all this time?" I exclaimed as I hugged him.

"Of course I did. I had to see if this plan of yours would work. And when I saw all of those people coming out of the crater, I knew what my answer was. You're a hero,Aki."

I blushed a little; it felt strange to be called a hero. I didn't reply to his comment, and simply changed the subject. "We almost didn't make it. In fact, what did it look like when all those people came out Doctor?" I asked curiously, still holding onto Grey and not wanting to ever let go again.

"Why don't we start heading home? I'll tell you on the way."

Riding in the ship with Dr Sid, Grey, Ryan, Neil and Jane, everything around me felt so surreal. I never expected to be where I was right then. The love I'd lost just months before was sitting right beside me, alive and well, along with about three fourths of the Earth's population. And they were there because of me. They were alive because I had set them free. My heart swelled with pride. I really was a hero!

"It was a wonderful sight to behold," Dr. Sid went on about what he'd seen as the people came out of Gaia. "Likethousands ofmiracles walking away from death."

I looked out the ship window as Dr. Sid spoke, and saw the moving bodies below us as we sailed over. Dr. Sid was right. His description of them was perfect. And everyone on Earth would be so happy to see these miracles, just like me. It was time for Grey and me to start our new lives, together this time.


"Our deepest gratitude to you, Dr. Ross. We are profoundly in your debt. Our Earth will survive because of you. If there is anything we can do for you, let us know."

As I had with Dr. Sid, I blushed. Everything was so different. Everyone knew me, the council talked to me differently, even Dr. Sid was happier than usual. But that was only because he had found some of his family, and I couldn't have been happier for him.

"Actually...there is something."

"What is it?"

"Could you bring back the military? Even if the Phantoms are gone. I think it would make a lot of us feel safer, and I know some people who are out of a job because of it."

They considered my request for a moment, and then turned back to me. "Okay Doctor, granted. The military will return to protect our planet."

"Thank you," I beamed, and I looked over at Grey, now in his rightful spot in the seats behind mine. He smiled back, and I knew at that point, things were going to be all right for Grey and me. Love had overcome death, and I'd gotten a second chance at love.

The meeting was adjourned, and I headed straight for Grey. He pulled me into an embrace, and whispered in my ear, "Thank you."

I closed my eyes, letting the wonderful words hang in the air. I held him tighter, and then let go. "Why don't we go find a place to stay?" I asked, and he looked at me oddly.

"I thought you slept here?"

"Not anymore."

He half-smiled, kind of a crazy smile. "It sounds good to hear you say that."

We walked out of the meeting room, Grey's arm around my waist, and waiting for us right outside of the room was the Deep Eyes crew.

"We heard the whole thing," Neil said as he stepped away from the pillar he'd been leaning on. "Thanks, Doc."

I sagged against Grey. "Too many thank-you's!" I cried. Before I was even aware of it, Jane stepped forward.

"I'm sorry. I misjudged you. I owe you my life. You were never a crock. You're a hero."

Was I really hearing this? Was Jane actually apologizing to me? I nodded, at a loss as to how I should respond. Next up was Ryan.

"You gave us back our jobs...not to mention our lives. We can never repay you fully. But if there's ever anything you need, just tell us. We'll be there."

That was Ryan for you. Sweet and only outspoken when he needed to be. "Thanks Ryan, I will."

"Should we go now, Aki?"

"Yes. Good luck to you, Deep Eyes."

We walked away, and I could feel all three sets of eyes watching us as we left.

"Wow, Jane," I heard Neil say. "That's the first time I've heard you apologize to anyone."

I heard a muffled smack, probably on Neil's shoulder, and a cry came from him. I chuckled as Jane said, "Boy, did I miss that."

As Grey and I prepared to leave the parking lot, he looked over at me. A passionate feeling burned deep in his eyes, and I was mystified by the power they seemed to hold. I couldn't look away.

"You know, I never dreamed I'd be here again. Every day, as I watched everyone from where I was, Ithought of holding you again. And now that I really am here, I don't know what to do with myself."

I took a pause, deciding if Grey wanted a response back from me. I didn't wait for the invitation.

"Grey, the only way I know how to say this is...well...live each day like it's your last. I know people say that all the time, but it's true. Once you've experienced death, and are lucky enough to come back from it, you have to learn to cherish the days you have left. No matter how many there may be."

Wow. Had I really just said all of that to Grey? I think that was the most I'd said to him since we met up in Gaia.

"You know Aki...you're right," he laughed a little in spite of himself. "You're absolutely right. I will cherish my days. And I'll cherish them with you."

I smiled, and the once empty feeling I'd had before was filled. Grey and I were together again, and that would be enough to last our entire lives.

Author's Note: I'm sorry it took so long to get this up. I guess I was just being lazy. But all it took was a tough cookie like Chibi to smack me around and get me going! You know who you are Chibs. So did everyone like the last chapter? I hope so. it might've seemed a bit sappy, but I love happy endings, and the movie did NOT END HAPPILY! Urgh, that made me so mad. Anyway, please R and R; I need you guy's opinions! Thanks! Bubye!