Well, here it is dear readers: the final chapter. Or is it? Read on...
__________________________________________________________________________________
Two months after Chapter XI
"Well, I don't think either of us expected this outcome, did we, Wong?"
Wong nodded at Urube's remark, glancing casually out the window at the scenery passing below. They were on their way back to Neo Hong Kong from Neo Germany, a trip borne not out of desire, but rather duty. And passing over the blasted ruins of Third World Neo Nations wasn't exactly picturesque.
"Even so, our plans are hardly derailed. The only thing we may have to worry about are the new Prime Minister's other connections." replied Wong.
"He's ambitious, you know maybe even as ambitious as you. You would have been a lot better off had Karato won again."
Wong smirked. "That would have been more better for your nostalgic feelings of patriotism than anything else."
"Perhaps," conceded Urube " but you still need to get your plans for victory in the 15th Gundam Fight off the ground early."
"Don't worry so much, Urube. I have things well under control." With saying this Wong leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, barely hearing Urube's gruff "If you say so." He let his mind wander to the events that had led up to this point.
The 14th Gundam Fight had been quite surprising, but not in the way that the last one had been. Traditional hard-to-beat nations such as Neo China and Neo America had been defeated early in the Finals, and Neo Russia didn't even last past the Survival Eleven. Instead, lightweight nations such as Neo Denmark had risen to prominence. The only returning fighter from the 13th Fight, Allenby Biazury, had risen Neo Sweden all the way up to the Battle Royale. Her defeat came thanks to the experimental Berserker System, which had been used several levels past the intended usage. She collapsed in the middle of a fight against Neo Mongolia.
Perhaps the greatest shock of the Fight was Neo Japan's fate. Inexperienced Gundam Fighter Ikkitou Sen had opted to actually compete in the Finals (as reigning champions are given the option to) only to lose in the very first round thanks to Neo Lithuania's Kalnas Gundam. Prime Minister Karato had suffered a massive heart attack and died on the spot. Doctors attributed the sudden death to his blood pressure of 180/100, which had risen dramatically from his normal 140/90. Seijiya Mumei had succeeded him.
In the end, the last nations left standing were Neo Greece and Neo Germany, and the latter emerged the winner. Thanks to Krieg Eisen and his Führer Gundam, Giovanni Lutz now stood as the unquestioned leader of Earth and space.
Certainly it's an ironic touch, considering Karato and Giovanni's political friendship. Of course, he couldn't be happier about the results.
With this outcome, Wong now had to take Giovanni Lutz seriously. He had looked quite ridiculous at the inauguration ceremony, with his giant cigar and that Krieg fellow standing behind him like some guard dog. His inauguration speech revealed his will to build Neo Germany into a force comparable to Neo Japan or Neo Hong Kong. And he had all the cards in his hands, for the moment, anyway.
"Hey, Wong" Wong was started from his thoughts by Urube's semi-urgent voice.
"Yes?"
"I just got a call. Apparently you've got something waiting for you at home."
"What is it?"
"I don't know. Neither does the guy who delivered it. All he said was that it was something big and heavy."
"In that case, I suppose we need to get home quickly."
Twenty minutes later found Wong's other car, a gold Rolls Royce, pulling into the gates of his estate. Sitting right at his door was an enormous crate.
Wong raised his eyebrow. "Has that thing been checked out?"
Urube opened his mouth then closed it. "I well, no."
Wong sighed. "I didn't think so. Can you open it?"
"Me?!" exclaimed Urube. "Why me?!"
"You're my bodyguard, right? I don't pay you just to sit around and eat my five-course meals."
Grumbling, Urube went into the house to get a crowbar. Wong took the time to examine the crate. It was easily over 7 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
Maybe it's a present from Giovanni. A giant exploding cigar, that's just what I need.
When Urube returned, Wong stood back while the former major strained to open the crate. When it finally fell apart, Wong could only stare. Greeting him was not a giant cigar, an angry Neo-German, or even a huge 'Try Again' sign. Instead, there was
"Isn't that your" stammered Urube.
Within the crate was a sight Wong thought he would never see again. Vaguely oblong in appearance, it was a striking combination of red and gold in color, it's soft cushions beckoning. It rested comfortably on a golden pedestal, golden dragon heads sparkling as if in invitation.
"It is my chair" murmured Wong in disbelief.
"Think it could be some kind of trick?" asked Urube.
"I don't know wait, what's this?"
Resting comfortably in between the cushions was an envelope. Wong picked it up and examined it. Nothing fancy or formal, it was a simple envelope with his name on the front in flowing characters.
Wong opened the envelope. Inside was a single sheet of paper, with a note written in the same flowing characters. Wong read the note to himself, Urube's broad form over his shoulder.
Dear Wong,
This chair you see before you is the result of weeks worth of dedication and lost sleep. I harnessed the love I felt for you and molded it into a physical shape. I thought you might like it as a momento of our time together. Since our love no longer exists, this will likely be the last gift you ever receive from me. I hope your plans for the future go the way you would like, and regret that you could not find a place for our love in your life. Nevertheless, this last jewel is yours. Do with it whatever you want.
Sadira Kreuz, Senior Engineer
Wong pushed up his glasses, willing the painful memories that were opened along with the note back down. Urube, having read the note, quietly withdrew into the recesses of Wong's home, leaving him alone.
Sadira it wasn't what you think. I love you still. But I can't allow you to risk your own life and career by intertwining with mine, when mine is still so dangerous. Until I have returned to office and eliminated my enemies, I cannot be with you. If only you could understand
Wong hopped into the chair, and felt it come to life under him. Testing it, he found it worked perfectly.
Until we can be together once again, I shall accept this chair as your gift to me to help me return to the status to which I am destined to hold. Yes only I am capable of ruling Earth and space, regardless of what or not that fool Giovanni thinks. Just a little while longer
Sadira sighed as she made her way up the stairs that led to her apartment. Though she probably had enough money saved to move to a posh condominium, she didn't feel like it would be worth it. What she had right now was what she had had since obtaining her job at the Paragon Institute, and she probably wasn't going to move anytime soon if at all.
At least when I was spending time with Wong I could get away from the monotony for a little. But now that I won't be seeing him again, I suppose I'll just have to get used to it.
Stepping inside, Sadira saw the sights she always saw. Beige walls, tan carpet, and a white ceiling. Research notes and reports scattered all across the furniture and table. A small fish tank resting in the kitchen. A single enlarged portrait of her and Wong together at Club NiGHTS, which she didn't have the heart to take down. And, of course, the two dragons he had bought her.
I should just sell them but, if he's keeping the chair, then I'll keep the dragons.
She walked through the short hallway to her room, giving a glance to Satangoose sprawled in front of the fish tank, scratching at the glass lazily. When she walked into her room, greeting her was the usual half-made bed, hordes of scattered notes, and a dusty and unused television. However, there was also something else: a man sitting on her bed. Though the crimson red tuxedo was new to her, she recognized those forest green eyes anywhere.
"GeGege?"
The man looked up and smiled.
"Yes, it is I. How have you been doing, Meimei?"
Sadira sat down beside her older brother, and let herself fall onto his shoulder.
"Not too well I imagine you've heard?"
He nodded. "I have. Do you need anything?"
"No, I'm doing okay." she replied. "I'm glad you came, though. How long has it been, three years?"
"Four. Four long years."
"I hope you've been doing well as well. Being in the position you are in must be quite stressful."
He closed his eyes. "It has beenbut not nearly as stressful a time as you have had. Dating a man as flippant as Wong"
"No, he's not just a jerk! He took me to many beautiful places"
"But breaking off with you in such a manner" scowled the man, looking at her " clearly shows that he has no manners."
Sadira sighed. It was useless to argue with her brother, and usually foolish as well. His business acumen carried over to understanding people as well, so he was rarely wrong in his assumptions. And yet
"Even though it's been four years, it's still strange for you to just show up."
"Yes, you're correct. I came for my sake as well as yours."
Sadira's eyes widened in shock. Her brother was one of the most powerful men in the universe; for him to come to her it must be something important.
"What is it?"
The man's green eyes narrowed. "For some time now, I have been experiencing foreboding thoughts."
"Foreboding thoughts?"
"Yes." responded the man. "I do not know the details, but something is going to happen soon something that may place us both in danger, and Wong as well."
"You and Wong in danger?!" exclaimed Sadira. "What do you mean?!"
"I myself do not know. All I can say is that something dangerous is looming overhead. If it comes to it, save yourself. Do not worry about Wong or myself."
"I." murmured Sadira. "II'll do as you say."
The man smiled once more. "Good. I couldn't continue knowing you might be in danger. You mean too much to me, Sadira."
"As do you to me, Faulkner. Please, though, watch yourself as well."
The tycoon nodded and winked. "Don't worry about me. I'm always one step ahead of everyone else anyway."
She laughed. It was true, after all. She had seen Faulkner's prowess too many times to write it off as luck.
"I must go now, dear Meimei. Remember that I love you."
Brother and sister embraced, and Faulkner kissed his sister's forehead. As he opened the door he looked back at her.
"Oh, Meimei?"
"Yes?"
"You and Wong will be meeting again soon as well. Be prepared for that."
Sadira nodded. "I will. That man won't break my heart twice, I swear to that. Have a safe trip, dear Gege."
"That I shall. That I shall."
Sadira stepped outside to watch her brother enter a gray limousine and fade into the Neo Singaporean sunset.
Deep within the many halls of Mordred's mansion lies a room that guests and staff have never seen or known. It can only be reached through three secret passageways, and only the master of the house knows the way. Unlike the dead stone of the rest of the mansion, this room is almost welcoming, the walls painted in a warm, welcoming yellow hue. Old, faded portraits line the walls, and in the center of the room is a stone statue. Kneeling at the feet of this statue is a man with raven black hair and an eye that gleams in the most abysmal darkness.
"Everything is going according to my plan." whispered Mordred benevolently. "Soon the results of all of my hard work will lie at your feet. Soon, Wong will bow at our feet and beg for the release of death. And then, only then, will I be able to join you. Please, have patience just a little while longer."
Mordred then closed his eye and bowed his head in reverence. He did not know how long he kneeled like this; he never did. All he knew was the sudden noise of the cell phone in his jacket pocket.
Mordred hastily climbed to his feet and opened the phone. "Valdor, you know that I told you never to call me at this time. I swear to you that you shall suffer for this. I'll have that treacherous windpipe of yours ripped from your throat, and even then I won't be done. I'll"
Valdor sobbed for mercy, but through his pitiful wailings Mordred caught something of importance.
"What was that? You useless serpent! Speak!"
Through the intolerable pleas that followed Mordred caught the words he had hard.
"Your great work the weapons. They arrived already hard at work in just a couple of weeks"
"Well, now why didn't you say that earlier Valdor?" responded Mordred, affection in his voice. "I'm glad you told me at once. Tell the technicians I'll be at the hangar in 10 minutes."
Valdor sniffled a reply, but Mordred closed the cell phone and returned to the idol before him.
"Did you hear that, dear one? At long last our plans are on the verge of achieving physical manifestation! I must go now but I shall return. And when I do, I will be bringing that despicable man with me for you."
Bowing once more, Mordred turned and left. Through a series of elevators, he was able to arrive at the hangar two minutes early. Striding past the fearful technicians and janitors, he found what he was looking for easily enough.
Before the eyes of Mordred sat the skeleton of a god. Though it's bones were metal and not flesh, and it's soul was an artificial intelligence and not a soul, there was no denying that the form before him was indeed the physical manifestation of all his years of suffering.
"Soon" chuckled Mordred, gazing up at the frame of the great beast.
"Soon."
_________________________________________________________________________________
Yes, I know what you're all thinking. "WHAT? It can't end like this! What's the deal, Vinister?"
I'll tell you, loyal readers. Ambition's Debt is not a standalone fic, nor ever was. It has always been the middle of a trilogy. And it's completion brings us to a defining moment: where to go from here?
I'll explain my dilemma: I simply can't decide which I want to work on more now, the sequel or the prequel. So, being the democratic individual that I am, I'm letting you decide! When you review, please mention which you want to read more, and the continuation with the most votes will win the day and my attention, while the lesser shall be last to be completed (although it will eventually as well!)
So, which will it be: Tragedy's Footsteps, the final chapter of this epic story that brings the Wong / Mordred conflict to it's final, unforeseen conclusion? Or will it be Fate's Will, the prequel to this tale that explains how this sorrowful scenario came to be?
If there are any questions about the way things turned out or a specific phrase, don't hesitate to ask! For reference, Gege and Meimei are Mandarin Chinese for 'Older Brother' and 'Younger Sister', respectively. Everyone and their brother uses Japanese, and Wong and Sadira are both Chinese anyway.
And now, the preliminary credits! Thanks go to everyone who reviewed loyally, first of all. You know who you are: Ranchan, Sora, BJL, Battleshield, and more recently Nakatomi / Sagara, Miranda Shadowind and Miss Daydream. Without you all, this story wouldn't be as great as it is! A round of applause and a case of pocky for all!
Special thanks go to Ranchan, for giving me the inspiration to write in the first place, and Sora, for introducing me to FF.net in earnest and encouraging me to post my work here. I owe you both a great deal.
Thanks goes to Yasuhiro Imagawa for creating the infinitely fascinating Wong, even if he dropped the ball on the poor guy near the end
And thanks even goes to all the idiots out there who made me laugh with their sheer ridiculousness. Having a fleet of jesters at my beck and call made things much more interesting. Shout outs in particular for Letitia or Teesha, Neros-Wolf-Gundam, Dark Magician Boy, Sloan, and SaiSaiciAngel: Thanks for your contributions!
Until next we meet again, dear readers. Zaijan!