Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and it's characters do not belong to me.

This is it--the epilog. The Journal is completely finished.
Epilog: The Pilots



Duo sighed and stood to view his friends body. It was laid in a large cherry wood casket covered with flowers. Heero was in his Preventors' dress uniform, and his scraggly white hair was brushed out of his face.

A few tears dripped down Duo's wrinkled face and his graying braid hung limply in sorrow.

He had been allowed to sit with Heero's family, his sister-in-law and his son. His second wife, a small Japanese woman, worked administration at the Preventors until she died two years ago. Their son, Takezo, stood in line in front of Duo, letting tears fall softly. It was an emotional time for the boy. His wife couldn't make it to the funeral because she was due to have their first child anyday, and atmospheric reentry in not recommended for those with child.

As the procession ended and the graveside reception began, Duo took Takezo off to the side.

"Do you remember when you were a little boy and Hilde and I used to tell you stories about the gundam pilots and the Eve Wars?"

Takezo nodded.

"Did your dad ever elaborate on those stories?"

Takezo raised an eyebrow. "No Sir, he didn't."

"Well, your father and I met because we were two of the five gundam pilots."

Takezo laughed, "Nice one, Duo-san."

"I'm serious." Duo was stern. "That how we met. That's how your father met his first wife."

That got Takezo's attention and he was solemn. Heero's first wife was never something he had discussed much with any of them.

"He met Relena Peacecraft when he was twenty-four and saved her life," Takezo said. "You said the gundam pilots were only fifteen
"No. He met her when he was fifteen, and she was trying to save his life."

Takezo thought for a moment. "Why didn't he tell me?"

"Your father didn't like to think about it much, besides, we vowed we would never let our true identities be revealed. That's why all the legends about the gundam pilots are just legends. Who would be comfortable with the idea that a bunch of kids saved the world?"

Takezo only nodded. He looked just like his father.

"Look son, I have a book here--a journal. It tells about your father and his first wife. He gave it to me to keep not long before he died. I don't think that he wanted anyone to find out about his past. It talks about him being a gundam pilot. But, I think I can trust you with it. It'd be a good read while you're waiting for the kid..."

Duo handed the journal over to Takezo, and limped down a flowered path to his rental car. He had completed his mission, and he would finally ------- Well guys, it's been so much fun to write this. (I have a ten page author's note--no joke) I'm really sad it's over, and I'll miss it. I am very proud of it though, and thanks guys for reading and enjoying it. Thank You. Sieg Leben

---marla