And Then There was Silence

Scene from my first story and regular canon happen if they are not contradicted.

"Regular speech"

'Thought'

"Video call or voice chat"

Marlene

'This certainly did not go how I expected.' The battle getting to the enemy base had been rough. The A-Laws had been tough and had thrown a few tricks at them, but with the surprising help of Katharon and another faction of the Federation that had rebelled against the A-Laws, they had succeeded in crushing the last remains of the main A-Laws force. Apparently, they were being led by the woman that Sumeragi was friends with in the past, the woman that Sumeragi had mentioned a few months ago who had shown her skill against the A-Laws. It was also surprising that none of the innovators were there, but Ribbons must have decided they were better as a shield than as a weapon.

With them defeated, Ribbons had revealed a large asteroid that had been turned into some sort of colony ship, sending a large energy blast that had destroyed the majority of the remains of the A-Laws and a good chunk of the Katharon forces. Evading a few large blasts, the Gundams and the Ptolemy had been able to clear out many of the outer turrets and defenses on the asteroid, though it had been close on a few of the large blasts. And when the crew was looking for an entrance into the ship, the next attack surprised them.

Hundreds of mobiles suits came pouring out of the colony ship, all suicidally charging the Ptolemy with trans-am on. Marlene and Sumeragi had recovered quickly, preparing for the worst as the suicide collided with the hull of the ship, the bulkheads taking a beating, but held out, especially as the Federation forces came to assist them. When Saji had identified an entrance to the base, the ship rushed to it, Marlene ordering the Gundams to find their own entrance points, leaving them to operate freely.

The ship, having rammed into a larger hanger, floated with the front of it on the wall while its engines were pointed at the exit of the hanger. The hanger was well lit, and the architecture certainly was better that your standard ship, the colors a nicer beige with soft lighting. But right now, all she could focus on was the horde of suits that were charging towards the ship. Lyle was outside protecting them, but she didn't know if that would be enough. 'I'm sorry Feldt. It looks like I'll have to take that risk.' Looking silently at Sumeragi with intensity in Marlene's eyes, Sumeragi just nodded, a worried look on her face, "Go ahead."

Marlene just gave her a slight smirk before she launched herself towards the bridge door. 'I wish I didn't need to do this. But they need me.' The rest of the crew looked at her, worried, but Marlene gave them a confident nod, "All of you hold the line. I am going to assist Lyle." There was a worry about Anew in the back of her mind, but Sumeragi was on the bridge, so she could deal with that. The door opened and she rushed through the hallways, trying to get to the hanger before whatever was happening on the outside came in. 'I wouldn't be surprised if they had automatons here for defenses.' As she reached the elevator and it began to descend down, she took a deep breath, "Ruido, please guide me. I need to protect this ship, my comrades." A comforting feeling washed over her, strengthening her resolve as her husband's smile flashed across her mind.

Reaching the red Gundam, she sat down in the seat, focusing as the displays and lights in the Gundam lit up, contrasting with the darkness that engulfed the ship. Gripping the controls, she moved the Astraea towards the shuttle hanger in the rear of the ship, hoping one more gun would put off a little pressure from Lyle. She hoped Ruido was smiling at her and Feldt wouldn't be too mad her for this, a pulse of pain going through her. 'This adrenaline probably isn't good for my body.'

As the Astraea reached the edge of the hatch, the situation in front of her was as bad as she saw before. The Cheridum was floating behind the ship, all of its armor bits assisting Lyle in fending off the waves of suicide fighters. 'At least the hanger means their numbers aren't quite so overwhelming.' Taking aim with her blaster, she opened fire, the pink blasts hitting into the charging horde of enemies. Her aim was definitely off, but the fact the enemy wasn't really dodging meant it wasn't hurting her that much.

Lyle's face appeared in her display, a surprised look on his face, "I didn't know you could pilot. Thought you just liked giving out orders." He gave her a teasing grin, though she could see the sweat on his face.

Marlene just rolled her eyes, focusing on the enemy, "How did you think I got my position? I may be rusty, but I can certainly help. Unless you wish me to stop."

A few pieces of the Cheridum's armor bits exploded as more of the enemy was being destroyed. Lyle looked away for a split second at Marlene before continuing to fire, "Fine. Don't think I will look a gift horse in the mouth."

A new voice jumped into the conversation as a blast came from behind the Astraea, hitting another enemy suit, "Didn't think you would do this without me, did you?" Lasse's face appeared on her screen, him straining like Marlene was, though was just as good as hiding it as she was. 'Too bad for him I know exactly what to look for.'

Marlene looked at him with worry, and saw he was in the 0 Gundam as he was walking up to stand next to the red Gundam, "Lasse, you shouldn't be here. We need you on guns."

Lasse just grinned at her, "Ian and Linda can handle that. Besides, if I'm going to die, I'm going to die fighting. It's not like you are in any better condition than I am, commander."

Marlene exhaled, worry filling her chest. She could feel herself slowly weakening and he must be doing just as bad as her. 'Please hold on. I can't lose another crew member.' Lyle looked between the two of them and pursed his lips, "As much as I love the banter, right now we need defend this ship." Marlene nodded and the three Gundams, old and new, worked like a team to hold off the enemy.

As the minutes passed and the enemy seemed to come without end, sweat began to pour down her face, her hand beginning to twitch. Missiles and energy blasts, coming from the ship and the Gundams, held back the horde, but Marlene could see her energy depleting the more she fired. She still had a good amount left, but she wasn't sure how long they could hold out. 'Lasse's probably in worse shape than me. This suit was upgraded and the 0 Gundam was just pulled out of storage.' She hoped he could hold out long enough, but neither of them exactly had the longest batteries and lifespans. 'We need to capture Veda, and fast.'

She could hear communication chatter from the bridge, but let Lyle talk to the bridge, keeping all her energy to keep the pain from getting to her too much. One worrying thing was Sumeragi had apparently left the bridge to defend the bridge from the boarding automatons. 'Not her! I was relying on her to contain Anew in the worst case.' The worst part about it was Marlene couldn't exactly call her out on it. She would have done the same if she was in the same position. The blonde chuckled, though she regretted it as a wave of pain went through her chest. 'Though I suppose I already did that by going out in the Astraea.'

Hitting a few more enemies, she could see the wave was lessening slightly, though she wasn't sure if it was because of them or what the other Gundams were doing. 'I hope they are having better luck than we are having here.' In her peripheral vision, she saw the 0 Gundam stop firing, pink energy not coming out of the blaster on the suit. 'I hate that I was right.' A cough came shooting up from her chest, which she barely was able to keep from turning into a series of violent coughs, causing her to stop firing. She took a deep breath to get control back, though the shaking in her hands became worse, spreading further up her arm.

What worried her even more was seeing Lasse float out of the 0 Gundam, blood splattered in his suit's visor. 'He can't last much longer.' Looking down at her energy supply, she could see around 35% GN particle supply left. 'At this rate neither can I.' She moved to softly grab Lasse with a hand of the Astraea, her voice desperate, "Lasse, stay with me!"

He just smiled weakly at her as he rested in the hand, "I said I would die fighting, didn't I? I knew this could happen." Raw emotions rose in her, tears brimming her eyes.

Marlene shook her head, tears running down her face, "We are so close. You have to hold on!"

Lasse just shook his head, "If I die knowing we saved humanity, that would be good enough for me."

Marlene couldn't help but choke a little, "I would rather you see it than die." But as she finished saying that, a wave of multicolored GN particles came rushing towards them, and Marlene closed her eyes, bracing for whatever happened. 'It looks kind of like when the 00 Raiser goes trans-am.'

A warm feeling permeated the area, all of her pain disappearing, the shaking in her arm disappearing and her breathing becoming easier. She looked around, wondering what was going on. 'Was this Feldt and Setsuna?' While she didn't have any special powers, these particles felt familiar and comforting. 'Did this have to do with whatever what was happening to those two?'

Feldt's voice suddenly filled the area around her, but it didn't sound like any communication she had seen before, "Mom, are you ok?"

Marlene looked around, desperately looking for where the sound was coming from, "Feldt! Where are you? What is happening?"

Feldt's tone was soft and calm, and Marlene could feel a strange sense of calm wash over her, "Mom, it's fine. I'm talking through quantum brainwaves. The 00 Raiser seemed to react to us awakening our powers."

Taking the info in, the blonde woman smiled, "I'm alright. Actually I'm better than ever. It's almost like I was never infected with GN particles." She was vaguely aware of what quantum brainwaves were, something related to how the super soldiers worked, but right now was not the time to bombard her with questions. She was just happy to know her daughter was safe.

Feldt brimmed with happiness, her voice choked up, "You are going to live? You are going to make it?"

Marlene nodded, not knowing if Feldt could see or feel that, "For the moment, yes. I don't know if it will stick after, but whatever you and Setsuna are doing, it is helping. What happened with you guys?"

"I love you so much!" Marlene wished she could hug her daughter right now, but they were still in the middle of a battle. Feldt continued, her voice taking on an easier tone, "We fought against Ali al-Saachez and defeated him. When we used trans-am in the fight, both of us could feel all the thoughts and feelings of everyone, and when we activated trans-am, the screen read trans-am burst after our machines scanned both of our eyes. The 00 Raiser channeled the powers that we gained and I think we connected people. At least I think that's what happened."

Marlene took off her helmet, wiping away some of the built-up sweat, "Well whatever you did, it saved me and Lasse." Looking at her display, she could see all the suicide units just floating there, "And the ship as well."

She could almost feel a tangible sense of relief coming from her daughter, "Thank god." She paused for a second before speaking again, "Setsuna says we are going to look for a way in. Are you guys safe?"

"Yes. See if you can locate Veda and Tieria while you are at it."

"Understood." Feldt's presence in her mind disappeared and all that was left was the warm feeling in the vacuum. She looked at her hand and saw Lasse there, looking at him, much more life in him than he saw him a minute or two ago. The particles around her began to disappear and the warmth disappeared, but none of the pain returned, Marlene feeling livelier than she has felt in years.

Marlene spoke out to Lasse, "You feeling better?"

The man nodded, "Surprisingly? Yes. What happened?"

"Feldt and Setsuna did something with the 00 Raiser. I'm not sure exactly myself."

Lasse looked at her curiously then shrugged, "I'm alive and feeling much better, so I can hold off on my questions for now. We should return to the bridge."

Marlene nodded, "Let's go." With Lasse in her hand, Marlene guided the Astraea back to the hanger. 'We need to get this suit charged. I have no idea if Ribbons isn't a threat anymore.' She could only hope that Sumeragi made it through this. 'I want to celebrate a drink with her after this battle is over.'

Feldt

With combat seemingly ended after the trans-am burst, Feldt and Setsuna had made their way into the innovator base. Leaving haro behind to watch the 00 Raiser, the two wandered through the halls, following the path that Saji had identified to get to Veda. The two were amazed at the architecture, as there was a clear attempt to make the ship comfortable and pleasing, though there was still a foreboding sense of loneliness. Feldt was surprised at the lack of innovators, but they were probably engaged in combat, or at least were. 'Did Tieria manage to recapture Veda? All of the Veda connected machines did shut down.' She smiled at the thought. 'I hope Tieria feels more whole than he did before.'

The couple eventually reached the door, guns raised as the door opened. Looking up, her eyes were drawn to a large sphere-like object, neon lights tracing all through it, illuminating the room. 'That's Veda!' She had always imagined it would be a large computer, but the fact it was a large sphere didn't take away from the awe coursing through her. 'No wonder it could plan so many contingencies and analyze our operations. The computing power of it must be insane.'

Her awe was broken by the feeling of loss and anger coming from Setsuna. Looking over to him, she immediately realized why, tears coming to her eyes. Tieria's body was floating near the bottom of the room, his visor broken and several holes through his suit and one through his head. 'No!' She rushed over to the body, which Setsuna was cradling, tears in his own eyes, his voice quiet, "Tieria."

Feldt placed a hand on Tieria's chest, desperately hoping for a heartbeat, but the body was cold. She rested her head on the purple-haired meister's chest, tears hitting his blood-stained suit, her breath shuddering, "No, not now. Not… not when we won…"

Setsuna pulled her into a hug as he let go of Tieria, which the redhead curled into, unconsciously needing the warmth. She could feel her husband's grief and while she knew neither could help each other right now, she was relieved she was not alone. She could feel Setsuna trying to resist crying as she rested her head on his chest and wrapped herself closer around him, hoping she was helping him as much as he was helping her.

Suddenly a familiar voice echoed in the room, a teasing tone in it, "I would like it to be known I am not dead."

Feldt pulled her head up from Setsuna's chest, looking around desperately, "Tieria? Where are you?!" Her mind reeled, her thoughts a jumbled mess.

Another chuckle, "I got what I wanted, though I admit it came at a cost that probably would upset most people." There was a pause and Tieria spoke again, "I have become the main administrator of Veda after you and Setsuna fully woke up as innovators."

Feldt looked up at the core of Veda, her grief shifting to confusion, "How did you survive getting killed? And become the main admin of Veda? "

Setsuna looked up in confusion, "Why did you call us innovators?"

Feldt nodded at that, the same questions going through her mind. Tieria spoke is a gentle tone, "I came here to confront Ribbons and I overestimated my ability, as he killed me. However, all innovades go back to Veda when they die, and when you and Feldt activated trans-am burst, you shut off Ribbons connection to Veda, letting me take over."

Feldt looked at Veda, equally confused, "Innovade?"

A disembodied hologram Tieria suddenly came into view in front of them, looking like a naked doll, smiling at the couple, "And as to why I call you innovators, it was a step in Aeolia's plan. The twin drive was meant to bring out the human potential to connect and understand one another. Beings like me were innovades, who were meant to guide humanity to this step. We had the ability to connect, but we were never meant to dominate humanity, but to work side by side with them."

The ideas went around Feldt's mind, new connections being made with this new info, "So if Aeolia's plan was to unite humanity, then why did he not tell us?"

Tieria laughed, "He was obsessed with stopping war above all else, so the later part of the plan wasn't exactly full of detail. So while he had ideas on what came after, they were neglected with the focus on our interventions."

Setsuna spoke next, his voice soft as he intertwined his and Feldt's hands, "So Feldt and I were…"

Tieria nodded at them both, "Are an important step in the growth of humanity. The first humans to realize their potential. The plan does specify that innovators are not to rule humanity, but to act as a conduit to help humanity escape the temptation of war as we expand into the stars. Just like innovades, innovators are meant to be a part of greater humanity, not rule over them. Though, Aeolia was also not aware of what innovators would be like."

There was a sense of elation from both her and Setsuna. Both of them were still human and this was relatively natural. Feldt smiled at Setsuna, kissing him softly, which he responded to with equal love and devotion. Tieria smiled at the couple as Feldt spoke, "So if we are the next step, what is the next one?"

Tieria looked up at Veda before looking back at the couple, "To prepare for the dialogues that are to come. There is other life out there and Aeolia feared humanity spreading war to the stars." Tieria looked both of them in the eyes, "And while my experience with humanity has shown it can take steps back, I believe we can peacefully expand into the future with the right precautions. There will be war and conflict, but we can keep it from driving us. It will be a necessary evil at best and I will always keep an eye on any conflict to keep it from growing too large, as is Veda's purpose."

A tear came to Feldt's eye, this time a happy one, "Are you happy? Now that you are part of Veda again?"

Tieria chuckled, "I feel like the hole in my chest has been filled. I wish it didn't come at the cost of my body, but we can't always get what we want." He looked between the couple, "I want to thank you two for being there for me, for showing me what it meant to be human. To help me understand how humanity isn't always predictable."

He then placed a holographic finger over Feldt's heart, "You will always be my sister, no matter what form I take. Your memory will be just as precious to me as Neil's is." Tieria grinned at her, "Tell Sumeragi and Marlene I'm sorry I did something stupid. It's not their fault I died. I did what I needed to do and knew she would oppose this plan. Granted, I hoped I could have survived, but not all plans survive contact with the enemy."

Feldt's heart bloomed with warmth as she attempted to wrap her arms around the hologram of Tieria, which was awkward as her arms went through him, but he just smiled at her, returning the non-tangible hug as she spoke with an open heart, "I love you too. Just don't be a stranger and talk to us sometimes."

"I'll try my best." Tieria broke the hug then looked at Setsuna, "I can't believe five years ago I hated your guts, and now I consider you someone who opened my eyes."

Setsuna shook his head good naturedly, "I can't believe it either. But I'm proud of how you grew and changed."

Tieria nodded, "Same with you." The two men gave each other a look of respect and Feldt couldn't help but feel proud of both of the men in her life. 'Five years ago, none of us would have believed any of this would have happened.' Tieria's expression became more serious, "I have things under control here. The Seraphim is disabling any suits connected to Veda, but I don't know where Ribbons is."

Setsuna nodded, "Understood. We will begin searching immediately."

Feldt nodded in agreement and the pair left with the last parting words from Tieria, who's voice echoed as he disappeared, "Good luck. I'll be right beside you as you fight." Determination filled the married couple's bond as they travelled through the empty hallways, the same thought in both their minds. 'Only one more enemy left.'

Marlene

Things had become a mess again, Sumeragi bringing one of their enemies to their bridge. But that paled in comparison to Ribbons showing up with a new Gundam, destroying the Seraphim, forcing the 00 Raiser to engage him in combat. The Ptolemy tried to help, but had received a blast that had heavily damaged the engines of the ship. Not enough that they had lost power, but their mobility had been limited.

The smokescreen they had put up had allowed Setsuna and Feldt to seemingly defeat Ribbons, but Ribbons had managed to escape with the 0 Gundams' drive, leaving the remains of the 00 Raiser almost powerless. Sumeragi had launched the repaired Exia, and a shiver of fear went through her seeing it flying off. It reminded her too much of what happened with her husband, as the Exia was made for one person. 'Why did Feldt have to go through what I went through so long ago?'

As she heard Lyle was coming back after beating one of the innovades, one that Anew had glared at the screen when she heard, the blonde headed to the hanger, wanting to meet her daughter. She probably was not in the best mood. Marlene was slightly frustrated with Setsuna too, even if it was necessary. 'I understand why. I would have strangled Ruido if I wasn't so devastated.'

As she reached the hanger, she could hear the elevator lowering, the feet of the Cherdium visible. She floated over to a railing, gripping it tight and she saw Anew standing ten feet from her, an angry look on her face. As the suit's hands became visible, she could see her daughter was trembling, her visor fogged up. Her heart clenched in worry, at her daughter and Setsuna, seeing a potential tragedy unfolding before her.

The Cheridum finally reached its docking position and Marlene was quickly greeted by her daughter rushing towards her, who charged towards her, arms wrapping around the blonde woman as the two hit the wall, Marlene pulling her daughter close to her chest, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Feldt looked at her mother, her eyes red and puffy, "Why is he doing this?! He can't… Doesn't he know…" Her words died off, choking on tears.

Marlene frowned, the loss of her husband going through her mind, "Sometimes the men we love can be stubborn. There's not a lot we can do about that." She let out an empty laugh, "I wish I could help, but right now Setsuna's trying to save us all."

"But I can't go on without him! He's being such an idiot and…" Feldt's words trailed off as Marlene saw her eyes trail over to the Astraea, which was next to the Cherdium. Feldt's expression shifted from crying and tears to a stony determination, "Mom, is the Astraea charged?"

Marlene nodded, a concerned look crossing her face, "About 50%, but why are you…?" Marlene felt something connect in her brain and a proud smile formed, "You want to go after him?" Feldt nodded, and Marlene couldn't help but see the woman the daughter had grown into, "Then go. Save your husband from his stupidity and beat Ribbons. Make sure Ribbons knows Setsuna isn't alone."

The redhead squeezed her mom and broke the hug, "I will. Don't you worry, Setsuna is on thin ice right now and Ribbons won't stand a chance." Her daughter then launched off the railing, Marlene following her with her eyes. 'Go do what I wished I could do.'

A hint of regret entered her chest, wishing more than anything she could have done this with her husband and Chall. They had told her to leave, and she had done it, but that had still scarred her, whether they knew that or not. But now Feldt could do this for both of them. Feldt to fight with her husband and to do what Marlene couldn't have done. 'You show them. Show them what the women of this family can do.'

Feldt

As Feldt entered the cockpit of the Astraea, an invisible weight landed on her shoulder. Not only was she in her father's suit, but she was still coming up with the words to tell her husband. A storm of pride at wanting to protect her and anger at him leaving her alone roared in her mind. They were partners on and off the battlefield, and she would make sure he would remember that. Also rushing through her mind was last time he fought alone at a final battle, he went missing for three years. 'He's lucky I'm still debating if he's in the doghouse or not.'

Turning on the Astraea, the controls were familiar enough that she quickly figured out what was going on. Looking at her power supply, she could see her mother was correct it was around 50%. 'I can work with that. This shouldn't take too long.' A sense of determination filled her breast. She could do this. She could save her husband. She could end a tyrant that threatened humanity. Then she and Setsuna could try to make a normal life, get out of all of this fighting.

Opening up her communications, she saw the bridge, which was filled with everyone else besides her, her mother and Setsuna. The strangest sight was a tall, unfamiliar man standing behind Sumeragi. 'Who is that?' Shaking her head, she spoke, brokering no argument, "I'm heading to the elevator. Prepare for launch."

Sumeragi looked at Feldt, confused and worried, "Feldt, what are you-"

"Prepare for launching the Astraea." Without hesitation, she moved to the elevator, attaching herself to it.

Sumeragi looked like she was about to argue when Marlene's voice echoed in the bridge, "Let her go. She has my permission."

Sumeragi sighed heavily, "Alright." She called out to the rest of the bridge, who got back to action. As the elevator clicked then rose, Feldt closed her eyes. 'Dad, please protect me and Setsuna. I don't know if you can hear me, but Mom and I need your guidance.' A ghostly feeling of comfort came over her, and she didn't know if it was her or her father, but she some of the weight on her shoulders disappeared. Opening up her mind, she scanned for Setsuna, trying to find him. After a few seconds, she could feel a string stretching through space, leading her to where her husband was. 'I got this.'

Setsuna

Setsuna charged along the surface of the innovade base, chasing after Ribbons as the 0 Gundam had roughly landed, though it stayed on its feet. The older suit, though less advanced compared to the upgraded Exia, struck back, knocking Setsuna back. 'I had to send my wife away for this! Just stay down!'

Guilt still went through him for sending his wife back to the ship. Setsuna knew it wouldn't be comfortable in the Exia with two people and he refused to endanger her more than necessary. He could finish this fight and get back to her. 'Not that I expect her to be too happy with me.' Getting his head back in the fight, he switched over to his sword and just as he saw the pink light glowing in the barrel of the 0 Gundam's blaster, another blast came roaring down from above, destroying the blaster.

Both he and Ribbons looked up to see a red Gundam with GN particles drifting from its blaster above them. 'That's the Astraea! But who is-?' A torrent of anger suddenly hit his mind and Feldt face appeared on his display, "I will not leave you to fight alone! I will not let you be alone again!"

Ribbons called out to the two of them, frustration clear in his voice, "The other pure-bred has joined the fight? I guess I have to eliminate both of you then!"

Setsuna spoke with urgency to Feldt, "I know you are mad at me, but right now we need to work together."

Feldt responded wordlessly, sending an affirmative pulse through their bond. He could sense the underlying anger and frustration with him, but the intense love behind that steeled his resolve. Charging in, sword raised, Ribbons met him blow with his beam saber, blocking the Astraea with his shield as Feldt charged with her own beam saber.

As Ribbons was driven back blow after blow, unable to get solid footing or really push back against the couple, Setsuna could feel their bond react intensely, their attacks unconsciously matching up perfectly. He could sense what she was doing, and she was probably doing the same. 'Is this what Allelujah meant when he told us about syncing up? How it can enhance our combat ability?' He grinned at that, happy that Ribbons was wrong about him being the superior being. More blows were deflected, but he could sense Ribbons was being pushed to the edge.

As he pulled back to make another attack, he saw Feldt come in with a sweeping slash, getting under Ribbons guard as the beam saber sliced cleanly through the elbow of the shield arm, the limb getting launched away as there was a small explosion at the sliced off elbow. Ribbons called out in anger, turning with surprising speed, catching Feldt seemingly unawares as he sliced her beam saber arm off in revenge, barking, "An eye for an eye!"

But instead of looking worried, she gave him a nod and yelled, "Setsuna, now!" Understanding her intent, the Exia aimed and thrust his sword into the cockpit and into the GN drive of the 0 Gundam, the eyes of the Gundam going dull as the machine leaned forward, all the weight leaning on the Exia's arm and sword. Its drive began to glow brighter and brighter, and Setsuna shoved it away as the GN drive exploded in pastel colors and smoke. Setsuna closed his eyes, hoping the Exia would be able to keep the GN particles from affecting either of them.

He opened his eyes a few seconds later, the first thing he could see was the empty husk of the 0 Gundam and its wrecked drive. 'He's dead! He's finally dead!' The being that had betrayed them four years ago, who had created a false sense of peace with thousands of deaths on his hands. He grinned at Feldt, who gave him a satisfied, if tired smile, "We did it. It's all over."

Setsuna let out a breath of relief, "I can't believe it." He looked down sadly at the 0 Gundam, "I wish it didn't have to cost the GN drive."

Feldt just shook her head, "We couldn't have known." Her face then shifted to a look of annoyance, "Now if you ever send me away like that again, you will be in the doghouse more than you already are." Tears came to her eyes, "What if you had died? Or had been lost again? I don't know if I could take it, not after we made our vows."

He could sense the fear and worry from her, and more guilt than before rushed through him. While he didn't fully regret sending her away, but he hadn't thought about it like that. 'Would the battle have gone worse without her? Could she have found me if it did?' He looked down in shame, "I…I just wanted to keep you safe. You are the most important person in my life and I couldn't afford to lose you."

Her eyes softened, "And you don't think you are the same to me? And after we lost Tieria?"

He responded weakly, "You have you mother…"

She shook her head, her tears drifting in her cockpit, "She's not you!" Setsuna's urge to hold her and comfort her increased, the guilt settling heavier in his chest.

"I'm sorry. I…" He didn't know what to say or even if he should say something. He sent the depths of his love over to her, hoping they would make up for his lack of words.

She looked back up at him, a weak, tear-filled smile on her face, "It's ok. Just don't do it again." He could feel her more stable mood and happiness as she spoke, causing his heart to warm.

He took a deep breath, "Let's get going. I think I have to face your mother." He moved towards the 0 Gundam, grabbing it.

She floated next to him, keeping up with him as the two Gundams began making their way back to the Ptolemy, "You are still on thin ice. But I'll cut you a break just this once. But only because I love you so much."

He smiled at her, "I love you too."

Author Note

So close to the end! Only two chapters left! It's been a fun run and I enjoyed writing the couple fighting Ribbons. All we have left is the resolution to the plot and the epilogue. I hope you guys enjoyed and I'll see you next week! Please review and comment, as I love them, even if it's a simple "I loved it!"