Hi, everyone, here's the final chapter, hope you've liked it.

Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the property of their respective owners.  This piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 6: -1, 23:40

Having decided hours before that studying any more would be futile, I glance at my painting, my brush in hand.  I make a few more strokes, focusing on the strands of her hair.  I smile, proud that I have finally made it to the point of having only to complete the finishing touches.  I blot the bristles once more in the paint and lift the brush to the painting.  I stop in mid-motion, however, finding myself once again mesmerized by it.  It was only recently that the strong urge came over me to paint this, as if it were important, possibly even essential, that it be completed soon.  What would make me feel this way?  As proud as I am of it, it is only a painting, nothing more – isn't it? Why is there a strange feeling gnawing at my insides, a voice shouting that what I say is untrue, that this is more important that anything I have ever done?  And, as much as I try to ignore it, I can't flee from this conclusion.  Caught in this web of confusion, I find my sight drawn once more to the girl in the painting, imagining the wind breezing around her, sweeping her hair, her bow, and her dress with it as she watches for ever.  Strangely calmed by this thought, I continue once more with a new energy, and, soon after, decide that it is at last complete.  I carefully place my brush down and close the bottles.  I clean up the area and get ready for bed.  I set my alarm and pull back the sheets.  As I lie in bed, I turn my face towards the painting, and take one final glance before closing me eyes.

Nervous but excited, I walk on the plank to the Lilya Litvak; I pause for a moment, looking out at the ocean.

I feel a slap at my shoulder and turn around.

Elvy smiles and says, "Were you going to get on sometime today?"

Embarrassed, I laugh and say, "I'm going, I'm going!"

She grins as she says, "Then, by all means, be my guest."

"How kind of you," I say as I turn around once more and continue walking.  After we are one board, I go to my room to drop off my things while Elvy meets up with her squadron.  Once at my room, I throw the suitcase on the bed and open it.  I take out the small hardcover book with the TERRA symbol design and open it up.  The pictures slide, but I grasp them before they can fall out. 

I look at the picture of the two of us taken in 2011 and start to tear as I say, "Kamina-kun."

I wipe away my tears and stare at the picture for a few moments before I carefully place them both back in the book and the book in the suitcase.  I move the suitcase under my bed.  Realizing I have to go to the meeting, I hurriedly leave the room.

I arrive and see the commander seated at the desk and Yagumo-kun standing on the other side.

I salute and stand near Yagumo-kun, who smiles at me in greeting.

"Captain Shitow," the commander says.

I straighten as I respond, "Yes, sir?"

His expression serious and his fingers interlaced and his elbows resting on his desk, he continues, "We have discussed your role in Operation Overlord at length, I see no need to review the details."

"That is correct, sir.  I understand my mission and will be doing all I can to be successful."

"Your knowledge of Tokyo will be of great value.  I am confident of your success tomorrow, Captain."

I smile as I answer, "Thank you, commander."

He smiles as he answers, "You are dismissed."

"Thank you."

I salute once more and then exit. 

I step outside and walk to the railing.  I place my hands on it and feel my hair blowing in the breeze as I watch Tokyo Jupiter.