Gundam W: The Lords of the Wings
Chapter 6: Farewell, Hinata! The journey begins!
Disclaimer: Well, you all know the drill. I don't own all the aforementioned characters and elements you have seen on the story thus far. Just this story, that's all I got. =P
From the mountain tops that loom in the horizon, the sunshine rays pass from above, shinning over all that was below the sun, signaling the dawn of a new day on Neo Earth. In the city of Hinata, it's time for recovery, reconstruction and perhaps, the day that a new journey starts for the very two young people who saved their hometown from being destroyed by Sauzer in his attempt to find those who will determine the planet's fate. The Crusaders' army stayed in the city to guard it from any attack like last night and also to help the citizens rebuild their city; the people were thankful for the assistance, for they had enough events to remember them for a lifetime and won't go through such a terrible event anytime soon! At the novelty shop, in his room, Keitaro was sleeping rather deeply, almost spread on his bed and snoring with his mouth open. Yesterday's battle was quite taxing for him and he might need all the rest he can get. Unfortunately, his aunt Haruka was disinclined to cooperate with his nephew as she stood in front of him.
"I wonder how long is he going to sleep?" she wondered, putting a frown as she looked at him. "It's gonna be past 9:30 in the morning and he still plans to sleep all day?" She then remembered the talk she had with Squall last night, moments after the battle with Sauzer had ended; it was very important that the journey starts today, for Keitaro and Naru had to meet Princess Relena in order to corroborate the prophecy and take measures to stop the Harbingers from raiding the planet.
Last night...
"I know it is too soon, Haruka-san; but as you know by now, the Harbingers came to this city to find you nephew and Narusegawa-dono." Squall began explaining. "Though I appreciate your concern for them, if they stay here, the enemy may come looking for them again and next time, it will be more horrible than Sauzer's raid. We must be sure that these two fit well in the prophecy we have heard of in these recent times and we have to act quickly if we are to stop a repeat of the Great Cleansing War."
"I know, and I hope and pray that such horrors can't come to pass." Haruka answered. "It's just that it's such a surprise my nephew gets to be the one who might end these conflicts from ever starting. Even more so with Naru." She crossed her arms and sat down in her chair, smoking her cigarette and gave a small puff; then she proceeds. "What I want to know is how are you going to start this journey you're talking about. If it's about getting to the capital city Alsathia, it's a long way to get there; there might be monsters as well during the journey."
"No need to worry, we have already arranged for that." Squall replied. "You can say we'll take a flight to Alsathia; it's faster that way and we should be able to find out more about the prophecy once Naru and Keitaro see the princess. By then, we may develop a plan with which we will put the Harbingers in their place for good, provided a war doesn't start again."
Haruka thought for a minute. A war was something the people of the world wouldn't look forward to, as they are living in peace again. But what resulted most unexpected is that the fate of the planet may fall upon the couple and that their destiny might be intertwined. A heavy burden, to be sure, but perhaps they might have a change to stop an unnecessary conflict from ever starting; she would hope for the best to the pair and take her leap of faith, with the belief that a rational solution may come out of the debate. She rubs her cigarette on the ashtray and puts it out, and then she replied calmly.
"If this journey must be done for the good of the world and the beings that live in it for tomorrow, at least let them depart by midday, Squall. They might to prepare themselves for it, bid farewells to their friends and have everything ready. Besides, they are too exhausted to go out early in the morning." She reasoned. "It's the least you can do as repayment for having helped you defeat Sauzer."
"Consider it done." Squall replied.
"What are you going to do with Sauzer, Squall? I heard he caused quite a stir way back in the siege of Bethla Garrison."
"We'll bring him in for questioning to find out what is the Harbingers' purpose for seeking out Naru and Keitaro and then put him away for his crimes. A group of the Crusaders will take him elsewhere early tomorrow."
"Then I guess this settles it." Said Haruka. "It's gonna be quite a beginning for those two."
"Quite true, Haruka-san." Squall spoke. "Very true indeed."
Back in the present day, Haruka tries to wake his nephew, for it's now past 9:30 and he was going to be late. There was only one sure thing that might wake him without so much trouble...
"Not exactly of the best methods when it comes to waking etiquette, but..." She whispered a bit as she put her hands at the lower part of the bed and begins to lift it little by little. When it's secured in her grip, she places the bed nearly in vertical position and as a result, Keitaro wakes up, greeted by the floor in his face.
"Ow, ow, ow!" He yelped as he rubs his face after the unorthodox "wake-up" call from Haruka as he jumps up, but he soon stops as he sees his aunt, stoic as ever. "Oh, ohayou, Haruka-san. I guess I was quite asleep." He rubs the back of his head, a bit embarrassed for what happened.
"At least you're now awake, Keitaro." She said. "Do you actually know what time this is now?"
Keitaro would only make a noise with his mouth as if he was about to fall asleep again, which indicated he didn't really know. Without a change in her features, Haruka spells it out for him.
"It's already 9:46 am now. You looked like you might sleep forever."
"It's that time already?" He asked, surprised. He remembers why he had to wake up and makes a scream. "AHHHHH! IT'S LATE!!"
"You guessed correctly." Haruka replied and passed him a broom and cleaning materials. "Now you're going to get cleaned up and dressed, have your room in order, clean up the shop, take your breakfast and make sure you bring the necessary gear you need for your journey ahead. Is that clear enough for you, Keitaro?"
"Yeah, of course!" Keitaro replied, standing still like a soldier would to his officer in command.
"Then hop to it right now. Chop-chop!" Haruka clapped her hands once, signaling her nephew to get started. "Naru won't wait for you forever, you know."
"Naru will be coming along too??" He was surprised by the news. "Whoa, I better hurry!" And so, Keitaro had to pick up the pace quickly in order to finish his chores. Everything would begin soon enough.
Meanwhile...
"Whew, I'm now ready!" Said Naru as she finished getting her things done. She had awakened a bit earlier than Keitaro, so she did her correspondent chores for today. As she was going for her room to get dressed, Kitsune called for her. "Hey, Naru! Aren't you going to check out your new gear yet?"
"Huh? What new gear?" She asked. "Come to the living room; there is a box on the table." Kitsune told her.
"Ok, I'll be right there." When she got herself ready, Naru headed to the living room to see what has been brought there. The girls were gathered around the box, filled with curiosity. Su was looking at it all around, asking at her usual pace if it was food, Motoko stood behind it, silent and ponders what could it mean; Shinobu was a bit nervous and curious at the same time and Kitsune was waiting for Naru to come, hoping that the answer may come to them. She did come alright, so now the answer may come out.
"So, what does this box have?" Naru asked. "Does it contain the so-called gear?"
"We're not sure yet, Naru." Motoko said. "It came an hour ago; a young man with the blond, unruly hair delivered it here; he said something about a journey."
"So it is, huh?"
"Why don't you open it and see, Naru?" Kitsune suggested. "We wouldn't want Su to pop it open, thinking it's some kind of food."
"Ok."
She opened up the box while the others looked on and what they saw left them breathless: It was a two-piece suit consisting of a long-sleeved shirt with an armlet placed on the right arm, along with a soft chained blouse underneath the shirt; her pants were a bit uneven on the leg area, but they still look good, as one leg was the exact length while the other reached to the left knee and the walking shoes were splendid, as they covered the user's feet very well and as comfortable to the touch. At the right hand area there was a jewel on it, as if it contained something of value. The suit's color was a dark brown with thin white linings on both sides of it.
"Wow. It's really great!" Shinobu awed in amazement.
"Really nice and neat! Way cool!" Su spoke as she flashed a big smile when she looked at the suit.
"It looks a bit flashy, but complete and appropriate." Motoko commented.
"I wonder if Keitaro received a suit for him as well." Kitsune said. "If that rowdy blond boy said that it's for the journey, it might be important."
"A journey? For what?" Naru got a bit flustered at this. She didn't recall there might be a journey after the battle with Sauzer was finished; both Keitaro and she were too exhausted to even know something like this.
"I saw that man called Squall talk with Haruka-san." Motoko replied. "If you ask either of them, you might have the answer."
Naru thought for a minute, thinking of two options. One, she would seek out Squall and ask him about this journey or the other, she could to Haruka about it, since Keitaro is there as well. She can also show him her new suit while she's at it.... Perhaps the second one would be her best choice.
"Well, I'm going to get dressed and see how this suit looks, and then I'll go talk to Haruka-san. I want Keitaro to look at this." She smiled a bit in anticipation.
"Then I should prepare lunch for both Naru and Keitaro. It wont take long." Shinobu said as she headed for the kitchen.
"Then I guess I gotta get some things for her too." Kitsune replied. "Ya never know when you can need them!" "I have a few things as well. Perhaps it's time to give them to Naru." Motoko thought as she goes to her room.
"And I have a nice gadget she can use! I'm gonna go get it right now!" Kaolla hopped to it, literally as she headed for her room.
Back at the shop with Keitaro, in the entrance...
"Haruka-san, what's this box doing here?"
"I guess you didn't know about it yet, since you were still asleep." Haruka responded. "Why don't you open it? It wouldn't hurt to see what it contains."
"Alright." He then opens it carefully on both sides of the north end of the box and spreads it as neatly as possible he saw something impressive. A great set of some kind of battle suit was shown for Keitaro to see: His shirt was longed sleeved and looked like a uniform for cadets, with thin white linings on the middle of the shirt and its sides, his pants and boots are neatly placed as well, neatly cleaned and new as its fabric is soft and comfortable, not to mention durable. There was a jewel on the left hand part that may contain something important...
"Since when did we receive a suit like that??" Keitaro asked, quite impressed by the suit's style.
"I told you already, it came while you were in bed." Haruka replied, a bit annoyed to give the same answer. "Rinoa, one of the fighters you saw yesterday, said it was for you because you'll be heading to a journey today."
"From Rinoa-san?" Keitaro wondered a bit when he heard the name. "So, what's that journey about, Haruka-san? Does Naru know about it?"
"Well, I must assume she received a similar package like yours, so my guess is that she may either look for Squall or come here first." She then pointed towards the suit with her finger. "In the meantime, why don't you try this suit on? Since you might be going soon, it's better to be dressed for the occasion."
"Ok, I'll just go into my room and see how it fits." Keitaro said, scratching his head as he picked it up from the box, entered his room and closed the door. He looked at the suit attentively as he felt its material with his hands; it looked a bit big for his size, but he couldn't help but feel that these clothes were made just right. Not only was it soft and comfortable, it was flexible and very resistant, like a light version of rubber. "It may fit me a little big for me." Keitaro said to himself, "but I suppose it would be alright to see how I look." As he began putting it together from top to bottom, he felt something getting tight in his body and closing in on him as soon as he got the suit on, and felt some pressure that made him yelp and fell on the over, taken completely blindsided by this sudden makeover. Haruka overheard his scream from behind the door and asked. "Is everything alright in there, Keitaro?"
"Y-yeah, I'm ok. Nothing happened." He replied, standing up as he walked towards the mirror. "I don't know why I felt pressure or how it happened, but it looks like this suit will be too big for me to handle and... And..." As he looked at his reflection in the mirror, he was surprised to see that the clothing had actually being fitted correctly to his measure. At first he pinched his cheek to see if he was dreaming and would wake up, but as he saw himself once more, he realized it wasn't a dream. He was standing right there, looking very good and that it was now the right size.
"Wow." He whispered. "I guess it did fit me after all. I guess I should put on the boots and show this to aunt Haruka." When he finished putting them on his feet, he came out of the room and asked her in anticipation. "Well, how does it look?"
She smiled and gave a thumbs-up. "It's actually great. I knew it would look good on you." She then returned to her usual manner and spoke again. "As soon as Naru comes here, I'll tell you both what you need to know about the journey and..." Then they heard the sound of knocks on the door and Haruka looked from the window; she chuckled a bit and said. "Well, speaking of which, she's here. Let's invite her in, and we'll talk in the living room."
"Ok."
They went down the entrance and Keitaro opened the door and what he saw in Naru dazzled him. She was wearing a two-piece suit with the same color and similar design as the one he wore. "She really looks so pretty in it." Thought Keitaro about his love. "It fits her like a glove." If he knew how to read minds, he'd find that Naru was sharing the same sentiment as him as she thought. "Keitaro really looks good with this suit. I don't know if he ever wore something like that, but it's very nice on him." She blushed a little as she deepened her train of thought on more moments but spoke out as if she knew how he got it. "I guess you got the same package as me, huh Keitaro?"
"What do you mean?" He asked, a bit absentminded, but then it came to him as he replied. "Oh, so I guess the suit was brought to you too. Who left it to you, Naru?"
"My friends said Zell was the one who delivered the package to our house." She responded. "How about you?"
"Rinoa did the same here while I was asleep. I was exhausted from what happened last night." And before he could even think about it, he gave himself a light slap to his head and said as he gave a small laugh. "Silly me! Come in, I've been... well, you know, waiting for you, Naru." He blushed and Naru did the same.
"Thanks, Keitaro." She stepped into the shop and Haruka interjected while she was standing behind Keitaro. "Let's now go to the living room. I'll give you all the answers you need concerning today."
In the living room, a few moments later...
"You're probably wondering why did you received those special suits from Squall and the others this morning and for what reason is today special, right?"
They both nodded.
"I'll explain it clearly, then." She put out her cigarette in the ashtray and put it there as she starts talking. "What you've done last night was neither a joke nor coincidence when you fought Sauzer during the raid on the city. Squall explained to me that you two were quite important to have the enemy take the trouble coming here to find you; it looks like you've received your powers as soon as they woke up deep inside yourselves and they are starting to manifest themselves at a quiet pace as time goes on."
"Yeah, Squall-san and the others were talking to us about it." Keitaro said. "So, what does today relate to us?"
"The prophecy we discussed about was that two beings would be the ones who will decide the fate of Neo Earth in a war that's surely to come in the next few months. If the Crusaders of Light's fears come true, they want to corroborate it by sending Squall and his squad to look and talk to you."
"You're saying the Crusaders of Light actually want to see us?" Naru asked with a bit of surprised. "We've only gotten this powers last night. How special we could be?"
"Just enough to kick the daylights out of Sauzer and drive the Harbingers of Darkness' raiding party out of Hinata as soon as they heard of their leader's defeat at your hands." Haruka pointed out, making her point. "Those guys wanted to capture you and take you away to use your powers for their own ambitions, but it's good that they didn't succeed. But now let's get to the point of this talk: Queen Relena had heard about the prophecy from Arashi, the mistress of the White Templars and she issued the order to seek you out so that you go to Alsathia City so that the Congress can see you in order to discover the real truth about this myth, and this morning you will depart to that place to see the Queen."
"She actually wants to see us??" Keitaro was flabbergasted as soon as he heard Relena's name and Naru held his hand tightly, just as distressed as he was.
"Do you think it will be alright to go there?" Naru asked with worry. "What if those awful soldiers come here again while we're gone?"
"No danger of that." Haruka assured her. "The Crusader's rescue army will establish a base close to Hinata City and stay here to guard it, so there will be no worries about another attack. Besides, the Harbingers won't think to get here again anytime soon."
"That's good news." Naru sighed in relief and Haruka continued. "Since we never know if the Harbingers attack you again, Squall felt necessary to give you these suits. They may look like regular high-styled clothes, but they actually called Nimbar Suits. The entire texture is made of a special weave of cotton from the Scared Rams and wyvern skin, combined to form a special material that its both well made for comfort and fit for combat. They are also imbued with magic powers so that they'll last for a very long time, perfect for prolonged battles and can resist many attacks. Since they are also flexible, they will fit the user's size and will have permanent adjustment for the coming seasons, thus ensuring a perfect fit."
"So that's why the suit got tight on me when I was putting it on." Keitaro wondered.
"If they are doubts, I'll give you this question. Do you know about the Great Cleansing War?" Asked Haruka.
The couple nodded as Naru answered. "Yeah, that was also known as the Fifty Year War, right?"
"That's right. Since the Harbingers of Darkness were sent to exile in space after they lost the war, they've been looking for an exact motive to start a new war in order to exact their vengeance to the world and they think that the prophecy of the Chosen Ones will give them the fire they need and they won't hesitate to do anything to get you both, so be careful. As added insurance, Squall and his comrades will accompany you during the trek and can give you more things if you need to know more. You might also meet new allies along the way, so make sure you be good friends with them."
"We understand perfectly, Haruka-san." Keitaro replied. "I think we can do it, if it's for the sake for protecting our home, we're ready for anything."
Haruka nodded in approval. "At least you have 45 minutes before you leave the city, so if you have some things pending, you'd better take care of them right away, because you must head to the Wrymwood Forest to meet up with a man called Cid. He is an airship pilot so he's your best bet to get to Alsathia City more quickly. Once there, see Queen Relena and talk to the Congress so that they'll give you their aid; there might be a chance that the war will end even before it starts, so now is the time to do so. I have high hopes for both of you, so do your best and make everyone proud; I'm sure you will do fine if you stay together." She then smiled. "Well, you two should better be prepared now, for you will have to make this trip today." She puts each hand on their shoulders. "Look out for each other and always stay together. Everything's coming down to the final moment and I know you will do well. Good luck to both of you."
"Thanks, Haruka-san." Said Naru as she hugged her when she stood up from her seat. "I must get everything ready now, so I'll head back home with my friends and tell them everything. They'll surely want to know all of this."
"I agree with you, so don't worry about that."
"Oh, and Keitaro, I want to talk you again. Go to the same place last night, ok?"
"Could she mean about THAT?" Keitaro wondered, remembering what happened before the invasion and that perhaps this wasn't finished.
"Are you listening, Keitaro?" Naru asked as she waived her hand in front of his face.
"Oh, you mean the old sakura tree. I got it." Keitaro replied, awaken from his thoughts. "But we should go 15 minutes before midday. They will wait for us at the entrance." And turning towards his aunt, he spoke. "Aunt Haruka, could you tell Squall and the others to wait for us there? We have a little... something to take care of before we go."
Haruka was going to whack Keitaro at his head, but for today she thought the better of it, so she just lets it go and replied. "I'll make sure of that."
"Ok, then. I'll see you in the tree hill later, ok Keitaro?" Said Naru. "I'm going to get ready now, so see you later." With that, she decides to head home quickly and Keitaro was going to get some things in order; Haruka was reaching for something behind the counter while he picked up all the things he would need for the journey, trying to get it done with the weight. After that, he heads downstairs to the entrance, thinking to go towards the shops to buy supplies, but Haruka calls him.
"What is it, Haruka-san?"
"Take this." She flings a bag to him and he catches it with his hand. It rang very soundly as he touched it and asked. "So, what's inside the bag?"
"Money, of course."
'Really?? Isn't that the money from the shop?" Keitaro opens the bag and sees lots of cerulean coins coming out to his hand. "That's more like... 2000 worth of meseta in here! Why, Haruka-san?"
"I thought you might need the money, so just take it. It's yours to use, but spend it wisely." Haruka said. "Since you can also earn money by destroying monsters nowadays, it's always a good idea to get a bundle in order to buy things you might need later on. Think of this as a farewell gift from me to you."
"I... I don't know what to say, aunt Haruka. You've done so much fro me, I don't know where to begin to thank you for everything."
Both aunt and nephew gave themselves a hug as Haruka whispered to Keitaro. "There's no need, save that you will come back safe with Naru. I think you will do a great job in your journey, so make sure you learn many things of the world. God knows you will appreciate everything this planet has to offer." A few tears begin to flow gently from her eyes and stood up quickly, wiping them off. "Oh, I'm sorry. I guess something got in my eyes, but don't worry about it."
Keitaro looked like he was going to say something to her about that, but he knew better, so he replied in a different way. "It's okay, aunt. Really. Don't worry, I... We'll come back alive, I promise."
"That's good." Haruka answered. "Now go to the shops and spend your money wisely; you're gonna need anything you'll get for all it's worth."
Keitaro nodded, opening the door and heads into town.
Back at Naru's home...
"So everything is true. I guess it can't be helped." Motoko spoke.
"Then this journey is too important. It might get too hard! Auuuhh!" Shinobu exclaimed.
"Ya gotta do what ya have to do, right?" Kaolla asked.
"That means everything should be set!" Kitsune spoke out as she passed a bottle of sake and a pack of suits. "If the going gets tough, the mood shouldn't go downhill, right? This will surely cheer up Keitaro when he needs it." She made his accustomed grin with her fox like face and Naru probably knew a bit what she meant as she complained. "No! Not like that, really! o///o"
"At least you should have this." Motoko then gave Naru a Wakisashi blade. "Use it for mostly a backup weapon and just in case Urashima tries to get his way with you."
"That part won't be too necessary, but thanks for the sword, Motoko." Naru replied as she smiled. "Still, it's good to have a second weapon, just in case."
Su then glomps Naru happily and showed her new invention. "This one's called the Special 3D World Map! It can really show you how the world is round and all known places on the map. It can even you ya detailed information about any place you want to know about and it even has a compass to help you out if you're lost. It also has microwave radar to detect bad guys, so use it wisely, for it will not fail ya! ^_^"
"This will be handy. Thanks, Su." Naru responded, keeping the map in her pocket. Shinobu steps forward with two well made lunchboxes containing the food. "If you get hungry, I made this especially for you and Keitaro, Naru- sempai. I hope you like it."
"I'm sure we will." Naru smiled at the younger girl as he gave her a hug. "I want to thank you all for supporting me in all of this; I'm really grateful that you're all my friends and I will always know I have a home here, so I promise I will come back safely with Keitaro... at my side. u///u" She blushed at the last part as she poke to her friends. Everyone gave her a big hug as they all smiled, knowing that their friend will stay true to her word and that they will always stay together, no matter what happens.
"It looks like there's twenty minutes left." Motoko said as she looked at the clock. "Anything else you might want to do before it's time?"
"Oh, yes. There is one final thing, one that was interrupted last night." Naru replied.
"Ohhh, I get the picture." Kitsune smiled. "You're still gonna tell him right?"
"Yeah."
"Don't waste time then! Go and see him!"
"I'll do it. Thanks everyone!" Hurriedly, she heads out to the city entrance and goes directly to the tree hill. Just a moment, Zell watches Naru zoom by and was going to say something, but since she ran so fast, he couldn't be able to do so. He turns at Irvine as if he had the answer. "Whoa, where do you think she's going so fast just 16 minutes before we go, dude?"
"Who am I to know, Zell?" Irvine replied while keeping his cowboy hat in place. "Maybe she wants to do something before the big time."
"I hope she gets done with it." Quistis interjected. "We should be able to be ready before we head to the forest to meet up with Cid."
"It is just as expected." Squall commented. "Maybe Naru and Keitaro have one final thing to do before they depart."
You got that right." Haruka spoke from behind.
"Haruka-san."
"Wait for them at the entrance. They'll come when their finished."
"That's ok then. We'll do so."
In the sakura tree hill, Keitaro leaned on the trunk as he sat down, thinking about this day and the words Naru was going to say before the invasion on Hinata City began last night. This was the moment he was waiting for, but still, there were some doubts that floated in his mind.
"I wonder what she might really say. This journey is so sudden; it's hard to think straight about it. If it's for preserving the peace it's okay, but I'm concerned for Naru. What will this so called prophecy really bring to us if it's true? What will we do? What would I do?"
"Thinking about serious things again?" He heard the voice as he felt a soft touch on his shoulder and he turned around, seeing the object of his thoughts and affection looking at him.
"Oh, Naru. I'm here, just like you said I would." Keitaro said, scratching his head a little and clearing his throat, beginning to talk. "Do you find it so odd that we have to go on to a journey like this one? It isn't like those in which you want to go around the world and see everything with your own eyes; this one is quite serious. I really don't know what to expect, so I want to hear what you think of it."
"Shhh." Naru gently puts a finger in his lips as she spoke. "There is no need to think about such things. I know that whatever happens, we have a home where to come back and I also know that you'll be right here with me when everything's said and done. It's hard, I understand, but I feel like together, we'll pull through all the tough times that may come ahead, but good times may come also." She grins as she continued. "Besides, Squall and his friends are going to be at our side, so I really think nothing bad is going to happen. If we have to fight, we have to do it without fear, because I want to tell you we're more than just childhood friends, I... I... I really..."
Keitaro looked at her in the eye while she stammered, trying to get the words to come out of her mouth, blushing while doing the effort. Finally, the words she wanted to say for so long came out with sincerity. "I love you, Keitaro. I... I have always loved you." A soft, but great kiss took place as their lips locked every so tender as the love between each other has flown in its wings at last, enjoying such a special moment with their hearts and souls, having at last arrived to this point. After the kiss ended, they barely knew what to say, for it was their first kiss together and perhaps this came natural for many couples that share a moment like this. Afterwards, Keitaro managed to talk again and said. "I guess this means we're finally together. Officially, I mean."
"Yeah, I know that." Naru answered.
"I love you too, Naru, and just for you to know, there's no one else I'd rather have at my side in this journey than you. I am completely sure what to do now, so I feel we're ready for anything." Keitaro looks at his clock. Five minutes remained for midday. "Wow, time sure flies fast in a kiss, huh?
Naru giggled at this. "It does, but let's not tell the others until we get back. It's our secret until then."
"I promise this won't come out of this hill. I'll stay to my word."
"Let's get back then, Keitaro. Everyone's waiting."
"Yeah. Let's face the future... Together."
It didn't take too long for them to head back to the entrance, where all the townspeople, Haruka, Kitsune and the others, along with Squall and his group had been waiting for the couple to arrive. After many good luck words from the people and support from family and friends, Squall speaks to Keitaro. "Are you ready?"
"Yeah, and good to go too. Let's being our journey."
"That's the spirit. Okay everyone, let's now head to Wrymwood Forest! Cid's airship is waiting for us there, so let's move out."
"Alright."
From the moment Keitaro and Naru set foot towards their destination, the gears of Fate grind on ever forward, counting down the Judgment Day that will determine the final fate of Neo Earth and all of its inhabitants. If the expectations fall short and goals are not accomplished, an entire world, not to mention a dream, may die at the hands of a cruel, dark end.
A/N: Whoa! This was truly a long effort to put this one together, but now it's complete! Hurrah! XD Now the journey begins for our fave couple here. If you think meeting Cid is a hoot, wait until you see who came along! Chapter 7: Crash on the journey! A flight gone wrong... See ya there!
Android K'
Chapter 6: Farewell, Hinata! The journey begins!
Disclaimer: Well, you all know the drill. I don't own all the aforementioned characters and elements you have seen on the story thus far. Just this story, that's all I got. =P
From the mountain tops that loom in the horizon, the sunshine rays pass from above, shinning over all that was below the sun, signaling the dawn of a new day on Neo Earth. In the city of Hinata, it's time for recovery, reconstruction and perhaps, the day that a new journey starts for the very two young people who saved their hometown from being destroyed by Sauzer in his attempt to find those who will determine the planet's fate. The Crusaders' army stayed in the city to guard it from any attack like last night and also to help the citizens rebuild their city; the people were thankful for the assistance, for they had enough events to remember them for a lifetime and won't go through such a terrible event anytime soon! At the novelty shop, in his room, Keitaro was sleeping rather deeply, almost spread on his bed and snoring with his mouth open. Yesterday's battle was quite taxing for him and he might need all the rest he can get. Unfortunately, his aunt Haruka was disinclined to cooperate with his nephew as she stood in front of him.
"I wonder how long is he going to sleep?" she wondered, putting a frown as she looked at him. "It's gonna be past 9:30 in the morning and he still plans to sleep all day?" She then remembered the talk she had with Squall last night, moments after the battle with Sauzer had ended; it was very important that the journey starts today, for Keitaro and Naru had to meet Princess Relena in order to corroborate the prophecy and take measures to stop the Harbingers from raiding the planet.
Last night...
"I know it is too soon, Haruka-san; but as you know by now, the Harbingers came to this city to find you nephew and Narusegawa-dono." Squall began explaining. "Though I appreciate your concern for them, if they stay here, the enemy may come looking for them again and next time, it will be more horrible than Sauzer's raid. We must be sure that these two fit well in the prophecy we have heard of in these recent times and we have to act quickly if we are to stop a repeat of the Great Cleansing War."
"I know, and I hope and pray that such horrors can't come to pass." Haruka answered. "It's just that it's such a surprise my nephew gets to be the one who might end these conflicts from ever starting. Even more so with Naru." She crossed her arms and sat down in her chair, smoking her cigarette and gave a small puff; then she proceeds. "What I want to know is how are you going to start this journey you're talking about. If it's about getting to the capital city Alsathia, it's a long way to get there; there might be monsters as well during the journey."
"No need to worry, we have already arranged for that." Squall replied. "You can say we'll take a flight to Alsathia; it's faster that way and we should be able to find out more about the prophecy once Naru and Keitaro see the princess. By then, we may develop a plan with which we will put the Harbingers in their place for good, provided a war doesn't start again."
Haruka thought for a minute. A war was something the people of the world wouldn't look forward to, as they are living in peace again. But what resulted most unexpected is that the fate of the planet may fall upon the couple and that their destiny might be intertwined. A heavy burden, to be sure, but perhaps they might have a change to stop an unnecessary conflict from ever starting; she would hope for the best to the pair and take her leap of faith, with the belief that a rational solution may come out of the debate. She rubs her cigarette on the ashtray and puts it out, and then she replied calmly.
"If this journey must be done for the good of the world and the beings that live in it for tomorrow, at least let them depart by midday, Squall. They might to prepare themselves for it, bid farewells to their friends and have everything ready. Besides, they are too exhausted to go out early in the morning." She reasoned. "It's the least you can do as repayment for having helped you defeat Sauzer."
"Consider it done." Squall replied.
"What are you going to do with Sauzer, Squall? I heard he caused quite a stir way back in the siege of Bethla Garrison."
"We'll bring him in for questioning to find out what is the Harbingers' purpose for seeking out Naru and Keitaro and then put him away for his crimes. A group of the Crusaders will take him elsewhere early tomorrow."
"Then I guess this settles it." Said Haruka. "It's gonna be quite a beginning for those two."
"Quite true, Haruka-san." Squall spoke. "Very true indeed."
Back in the present day, Haruka tries to wake his nephew, for it's now past 9:30 and he was going to be late. There was only one sure thing that might wake him without so much trouble...
"Not exactly of the best methods when it comes to waking etiquette, but..." She whispered a bit as she put her hands at the lower part of the bed and begins to lift it little by little. When it's secured in her grip, she places the bed nearly in vertical position and as a result, Keitaro wakes up, greeted by the floor in his face.
"Ow, ow, ow!" He yelped as he rubs his face after the unorthodox "wake-up" call from Haruka as he jumps up, but he soon stops as he sees his aunt, stoic as ever. "Oh, ohayou, Haruka-san. I guess I was quite asleep." He rubs the back of his head, a bit embarrassed for what happened.
"At least you're now awake, Keitaro." She said. "Do you actually know what time this is now?"
Keitaro would only make a noise with his mouth as if he was about to fall asleep again, which indicated he didn't really know. Without a change in her features, Haruka spells it out for him.
"It's already 9:46 am now. You looked like you might sleep forever."
"It's that time already?" He asked, surprised. He remembers why he had to wake up and makes a scream. "AHHHHH! IT'S LATE!!"
"You guessed correctly." Haruka replied and passed him a broom and cleaning materials. "Now you're going to get cleaned up and dressed, have your room in order, clean up the shop, take your breakfast and make sure you bring the necessary gear you need for your journey ahead. Is that clear enough for you, Keitaro?"
"Yeah, of course!" Keitaro replied, standing still like a soldier would to his officer in command.
"Then hop to it right now. Chop-chop!" Haruka clapped her hands once, signaling her nephew to get started. "Naru won't wait for you forever, you know."
"Naru will be coming along too??" He was surprised by the news. "Whoa, I better hurry!" And so, Keitaro had to pick up the pace quickly in order to finish his chores. Everything would begin soon enough.
Meanwhile...
"Whew, I'm now ready!" Said Naru as she finished getting her things done. She had awakened a bit earlier than Keitaro, so she did her correspondent chores for today. As she was going for her room to get dressed, Kitsune called for her. "Hey, Naru! Aren't you going to check out your new gear yet?"
"Huh? What new gear?" She asked. "Come to the living room; there is a box on the table." Kitsune told her.
"Ok, I'll be right there." When she got herself ready, Naru headed to the living room to see what has been brought there. The girls were gathered around the box, filled with curiosity. Su was looking at it all around, asking at her usual pace if it was food, Motoko stood behind it, silent and ponders what could it mean; Shinobu was a bit nervous and curious at the same time and Kitsune was waiting for Naru to come, hoping that the answer may come to them. She did come alright, so now the answer may come out.
"So, what does this box have?" Naru asked. "Does it contain the so-called gear?"
"We're not sure yet, Naru." Motoko said. "It came an hour ago; a young man with the blond, unruly hair delivered it here; he said something about a journey."
"So it is, huh?"
"Why don't you open it and see, Naru?" Kitsune suggested. "We wouldn't want Su to pop it open, thinking it's some kind of food."
"Ok."
She opened up the box while the others looked on and what they saw left them breathless: It was a two-piece suit consisting of a long-sleeved shirt with an armlet placed on the right arm, along with a soft chained blouse underneath the shirt; her pants were a bit uneven on the leg area, but they still look good, as one leg was the exact length while the other reached to the left knee and the walking shoes were splendid, as they covered the user's feet very well and as comfortable to the touch. At the right hand area there was a jewel on it, as if it contained something of value. The suit's color was a dark brown with thin white linings on both sides of it.
"Wow. It's really great!" Shinobu awed in amazement.
"Really nice and neat! Way cool!" Su spoke as she flashed a big smile when she looked at the suit.
"It looks a bit flashy, but complete and appropriate." Motoko commented.
"I wonder if Keitaro received a suit for him as well." Kitsune said. "If that rowdy blond boy said that it's for the journey, it might be important."
"A journey? For what?" Naru got a bit flustered at this. She didn't recall there might be a journey after the battle with Sauzer was finished; both Keitaro and she were too exhausted to even know something like this.
"I saw that man called Squall talk with Haruka-san." Motoko replied. "If you ask either of them, you might have the answer."
Naru thought for a minute, thinking of two options. One, she would seek out Squall and ask him about this journey or the other, she could to Haruka about it, since Keitaro is there as well. She can also show him her new suit while she's at it.... Perhaps the second one would be her best choice.
"Well, I'm going to get dressed and see how this suit looks, and then I'll go talk to Haruka-san. I want Keitaro to look at this." She smiled a bit in anticipation.
"Then I should prepare lunch for both Naru and Keitaro. It wont take long." Shinobu said as she headed for the kitchen.
"Then I guess I gotta get some things for her too." Kitsune replied. "Ya never know when you can need them!" "I have a few things as well. Perhaps it's time to give them to Naru." Motoko thought as she goes to her room.
"And I have a nice gadget she can use! I'm gonna go get it right now!" Kaolla hopped to it, literally as she headed for her room.
Back at the shop with Keitaro, in the entrance...
"Haruka-san, what's this box doing here?"
"I guess you didn't know about it yet, since you were still asleep." Haruka responded. "Why don't you open it? It wouldn't hurt to see what it contains."
"Alright." He then opens it carefully on both sides of the north end of the box and spreads it as neatly as possible he saw something impressive. A great set of some kind of battle suit was shown for Keitaro to see: His shirt was longed sleeved and looked like a uniform for cadets, with thin white linings on the middle of the shirt and its sides, his pants and boots are neatly placed as well, neatly cleaned and new as its fabric is soft and comfortable, not to mention durable. There was a jewel on the left hand part that may contain something important...
"Since when did we receive a suit like that??" Keitaro asked, quite impressed by the suit's style.
"I told you already, it came while you were in bed." Haruka replied, a bit annoyed to give the same answer. "Rinoa, one of the fighters you saw yesterday, said it was for you because you'll be heading to a journey today."
"From Rinoa-san?" Keitaro wondered a bit when he heard the name. "So, what's that journey about, Haruka-san? Does Naru know about it?"
"Well, I must assume she received a similar package like yours, so my guess is that she may either look for Squall or come here first." She then pointed towards the suit with her finger. "In the meantime, why don't you try this suit on? Since you might be going soon, it's better to be dressed for the occasion."
"Ok, I'll just go into my room and see how it fits." Keitaro said, scratching his head as he picked it up from the box, entered his room and closed the door. He looked at the suit attentively as he felt its material with his hands; it looked a bit big for his size, but he couldn't help but feel that these clothes were made just right. Not only was it soft and comfortable, it was flexible and very resistant, like a light version of rubber. "It may fit me a little big for me." Keitaro said to himself, "but I suppose it would be alright to see how I look." As he began putting it together from top to bottom, he felt something getting tight in his body and closing in on him as soon as he got the suit on, and felt some pressure that made him yelp and fell on the over, taken completely blindsided by this sudden makeover. Haruka overheard his scream from behind the door and asked. "Is everything alright in there, Keitaro?"
"Y-yeah, I'm ok. Nothing happened." He replied, standing up as he walked towards the mirror. "I don't know why I felt pressure or how it happened, but it looks like this suit will be too big for me to handle and... And..." As he looked at his reflection in the mirror, he was surprised to see that the clothing had actually being fitted correctly to his measure. At first he pinched his cheek to see if he was dreaming and would wake up, but as he saw himself once more, he realized it wasn't a dream. He was standing right there, looking very good and that it was now the right size.
"Wow." He whispered. "I guess it did fit me after all. I guess I should put on the boots and show this to aunt Haruka." When he finished putting them on his feet, he came out of the room and asked her in anticipation. "Well, how does it look?"
She smiled and gave a thumbs-up. "It's actually great. I knew it would look good on you." She then returned to her usual manner and spoke again. "As soon as Naru comes here, I'll tell you both what you need to know about the journey and..." Then they heard the sound of knocks on the door and Haruka looked from the window; she chuckled a bit and said. "Well, speaking of which, she's here. Let's invite her in, and we'll talk in the living room."
"Ok."
They went down the entrance and Keitaro opened the door and what he saw in Naru dazzled him. She was wearing a two-piece suit with the same color and similar design as the one he wore. "She really looks so pretty in it." Thought Keitaro about his love. "It fits her like a glove." If he knew how to read minds, he'd find that Naru was sharing the same sentiment as him as she thought. "Keitaro really looks good with this suit. I don't know if he ever wore something like that, but it's very nice on him." She blushed a little as she deepened her train of thought on more moments but spoke out as if she knew how he got it. "I guess you got the same package as me, huh Keitaro?"
"What do you mean?" He asked, a bit absentminded, but then it came to him as he replied. "Oh, so I guess the suit was brought to you too. Who left it to you, Naru?"
"My friends said Zell was the one who delivered the package to our house." She responded. "How about you?"
"Rinoa did the same here while I was asleep. I was exhausted from what happened last night." And before he could even think about it, he gave himself a light slap to his head and said as he gave a small laugh. "Silly me! Come in, I've been... well, you know, waiting for you, Naru." He blushed and Naru did the same.
"Thanks, Keitaro." She stepped into the shop and Haruka interjected while she was standing behind Keitaro. "Let's now go to the living room. I'll give you all the answers you need concerning today."
In the living room, a few moments later...
"You're probably wondering why did you received those special suits from Squall and the others this morning and for what reason is today special, right?"
They both nodded.
"I'll explain it clearly, then." She put out her cigarette in the ashtray and put it there as she starts talking. "What you've done last night was neither a joke nor coincidence when you fought Sauzer during the raid on the city. Squall explained to me that you two were quite important to have the enemy take the trouble coming here to find you; it looks like you've received your powers as soon as they woke up deep inside yourselves and they are starting to manifest themselves at a quiet pace as time goes on."
"Yeah, Squall-san and the others were talking to us about it." Keitaro said. "So, what does today relate to us?"
"The prophecy we discussed about was that two beings would be the ones who will decide the fate of Neo Earth in a war that's surely to come in the next few months. If the Crusaders of Light's fears come true, they want to corroborate it by sending Squall and his squad to look and talk to you."
"You're saying the Crusaders of Light actually want to see us?" Naru asked with a bit of surprised. "We've only gotten this powers last night. How special we could be?"
"Just enough to kick the daylights out of Sauzer and drive the Harbingers of Darkness' raiding party out of Hinata as soon as they heard of their leader's defeat at your hands." Haruka pointed out, making her point. "Those guys wanted to capture you and take you away to use your powers for their own ambitions, but it's good that they didn't succeed. But now let's get to the point of this talk: Queen Relena had heard about the prophecy from Arashi, the mistress of the White Templars and she issued the order to seek you out so that you go to Alsathia City so that the Congress can see you in order to discover the real truth about this myth, and this morning you will depart to that place to see the Queen."
"She actually wants to see us??" Keitaro was flabbergasted as soon as he heard Relena's name and Naru held his hand tightly, just as distressed as he was.
"Do you think it will be alright to go there?" Naru asked with worry. "What if those awful soldiers come here again while we're gone?"
"No danger of that." Haruka assured her. "The Crusader's rescue army will establish a base close to Hinata City and stay here to guard it, so there will be no worries about another attack. Besides, the Harbingers won't think to get here again anytime soon."
"That's good news." Naru sighed in relief and Haruka continued. "Since we never know if the Harbingers attack you again, Squall felt necessary to give you these suits. They may look like regular high-styled clothes, but they actually called Nimbar Suits. The entire texture is made of a special weave of cotton from the Scared Rams and wyvern skin, combined to form a special material that its both well made for comfort and fit for combat. They are also imbued with magic powers so that they'll last for a very long time, perfect for prolonged battles and can resist many attacks. Since they are also flexible, they will fit the user's size and will have permanent adjustment for the coming seasons, thus ensuring a perfect fit."
"So that's why the suit got tight on me when I was putting it on." Keitaro wondered.
"If they are doubts, I'll give you this question. Do you know about the Great Cleansing War?" Asked Haruka.
The couple nodded as Naru answered. "Yeah, that was also known as the Fifty Year War, right?"
"That's right. Since the Harbingers of Darkness were sent to exile in space after they lost the war, they've been looking for an exact motive to start a new war in order to exact their vengeance to the world and they think that the prophecy of the Chosen Ones will give them the fire they need and they won't hesitate to do anything to get you both, so be careful. As added insurance, Squall and his comrades will accompany you during the trek and can give you more things if you need to know more. You might also meet new allies along the way, so make sure you be good friends with them."
"We understand perfectly, Haruka-san." Keitaro replied. "I think we can do it, if it's for the sake for protecting our home, we're ready for anything."
Haruka nodded in approval. "At least you have 45 minutes before you leave the city, so if you have some things pending, you'd better take care of them right away, because you must head to the Wrymwood Forest to meet up with a man called Cid. He is an airship pilot so he's your best bet to get to Alsathia City more quickly. Once there, see Queen Relena and talk to the Congress so that they'll give you their aid; there might be a chance that the war will end even before it starts, so now is the time to do so. I have high hopes for both of you, so do your best and make everyone proud; I'm sure you will do fine if you stay together." She then smiled. "Well, you two should better be prepared now, for you will have to make this trip today." She puts each hand on their shoulders. "Look out for each other and always stay together. Everything's coming down to the final moment and I know you will do well. Good luck to both of you."
"Thanks, Haruka-san." Said Naru as she hugged her when she stood up from her seat. "I must get everything ready now, so I'll head back home with my friends and tell them everything. They'll surely want to know all of this."
"I agree with you, so don't worry about that."
"Oh, and Keitaro, I want to talk you again. Go to the same place last night, ok?"
"Could she mean about THAT?" Keitaro wondered, remembering what happened before the invasion and that perhaps this wasn't finished.
"Are you listening, Keitaro?" Naru asked as she waived her hand in front of his face.
"Oh, you mean the old sakura tree. I got it." Keitaro replied, awaken from his thoughts. "But we should go 15 minutes before midday. They will wait for us at the entrance." And turning towards his aunt, he spoke. "Aunt Haruka, could you tell Squall and the others to wait for us there? We have a little... something to take care of before we go."
Haruka was going to whack Keitaro at his head, but for today she thought the better of it, so she just lets it go and replied. "I'll make sure of that."
"Ok, then. I'll see you in the tree hill later, ok Keitaro?" Said Naru. "I'm going to get ready now, so see you later." With that, she decides to head home quickly and Keitaro was going to get some things in order; Haruka was reaching for something behind the counter while he picked up all the things he would need for the journey, trying to get it done with the weight. After that, he heads downstairs to the entrance, thinking to go towards the shops to buy supplies, but Haruka calls him.
"What is it, Haruka-san?"
"Take this." She flings a bag to him and he catches it with his hand. It rang very soundly as he touched it and asked. "So, what's inside the bag?"
"Money, of course."
'Really?? Isn't that the money from the shop?" Keitaro opens the bag and sees lots of cerulean coins coming out to his hand. "That's more like... 2000 worth of meseta in here! Why, Haruka-san?"
"I thought you might need the money, so just take it. It's yours to use, but spend it wisely." Haruka said. "Since you can also earn money by destroying monsters nowadays, it's always a good idea to get a bundle in order to buy things you might need later on. Think of this as a farewell gift from me to you."
"I... I don't know what to say, aunt Haruka. You've done so much fro me, I don't know where to begin to thank you for everything."
Both aunt and nephew gave themselves a hug as Haruka whispered to Keitaro. "There's no need, save that you will come back safe with Naru. I think you will do a great job in your journey, so make sure you learn many things of the world. God knows you will appreciate everything this planet has to offer." A few tears begin to flow gently from her eyes and stood up quickly, wiping them off. "Oh, I'm sorry. I guess something got in my eyes, but don't worry about it."
Keitaro looked like he was going to say something to her about that, but he knew better, so he replied in a different way. "It's okay, aunt. Really. Don't worry, I... We'll come back alive, I promise."
"That's good." Haruka answered. "Now go to the shops and spend your money wisely; you're gonna need anything you'll get for all it's worth."
Keitaro nodded, opening the door and heads into town.
Back at Naru's home...
"So everything is true. I guess it can't be helped." Motoko spoke.
"Then this journey is too important. It might get too hard! Auuuhh!" Shinobu exclaimed.
"Ya gotta do what ya have to do, right?" Kaolla asked.
"That means everything should be set!" Kitsune spoke out as she passed a bottle of sake and a pack of suits. "If the going gets tough, the mood shouldn't go downhill, right? This will surely cheer up Keitaro when he needs it." She made his accustomed grin with her fox like face and Naru probably knew a bit what she meant as she complained. "No! Not like that, really! o///o"
"At least you should have this." Motoko then gave Naru a Wakisashi blade. "Use it for mostly a backup weapon and just in case Urashima tries to get his way with you."
"That part won't be too necessary, but thanks for the sword, Motoko." Naru replied as she smiled. "Still, it's good to have a second weapon, just in case."
Su then glomps Naru happily and showed her new invention. "This one's called the Special 3D World Map! It can really show you how the world is round and all known places on the map. It can even you ya detailed information about any place you want to know about and it even has a compass to help you out if you're lost. It also has microwave radar to detect bad guys, so use it wisely, for it will not fail ya! ^_^"
"This will be handy. Thanks, Su." Naru responded, keeping the map in her pocket. Shinobu steps forward with two well made lunchboxes containing the food. "If you get hungry, I made this especially for you and Keitaro, Naru- sempai. I hope you like it."
"I'm sure we will." Naru smiled at the younger girl as he gave her a hug. "I want to thank you all for supporting me in all of this; I'm really grateful that you're all my friends and I will always know I have a home here, so I promise I will come back safely with Keitaro... at my side. u///u" She blushed at the last part as she poke to her friends. Everyone gave her a big hug as they all smiled, knowing that their friend will stay true to her word and that they will always stay together, no matter what happens.
"It looks like there's twenty minutes left." Motoko said as she looked at the clock. "Anything else you might want to do before it's time?"
"Oh, yes. There is one final thing, one that was interrupted last night." Naru replied.
"Ohhh, I get the picture." Kitsune smiled. "You're still gonna tell him right?"
"Yeah."
"Don't waste time then! Go and see him!"
"I'll do it. Thanks everyone!" Hurriedly, she heads out to the city entrance and goes directly to the tree hill. Just a moment, Zell watches Naru zoom by and was going to say something, but since she ran so fast, he couldn't be able to do so. He turns at Irvine as if he had the answer. "Whoa, where do you think she's going so fast just 16 minutes before we go, dude?"
"Who am I to know, Zell?" Irvine replied while keeping his cowboy hat in place. "Maybe she wants to do something before the big time."
"I hope she gets done with it." Quistis interjected. "We should be able to be ready before we head to the forest to meet up with Cid."
"It is just as expected." Squall commented. "Maybe Naru and Keitaro have one final thing to do before they depart."
You got that right." Haruka spoke from behind.
"Haruka-san."
"Wait for them at the entrance. They'll come when their finished."
"That's ok then. We'll do so."
In the sakura tree hill, Keitaro leaned on the trunk as he sat down, thinking about this day and the words Naru was going to say before the invasion on Hinata City began last night. This was the moment he was waiting for, but still, there were some doubts that floated in his mind.
"I wonder what she might really say. This journey is so sudden; it's hard to think straight about it. If it's for preserving the peace it's okay, but I'm concerned for Naru. What will this so called prophecy really bring to us if it's true? What will we do? What would I do?"
"Thinking about serious things again?" He heard the voice as he felt a soft touch on his shoulder and he turned around, seeing the object of his thoughts and affection looking at him.
"Oh, Naru. I'm here, just like you said I would." Keitaro said, scratching his head a little and clearing his throat, beginning to talk. "Do you find it so odd that we have to go on to a journey like this one? It isn't like those in which you want to go around the world and see everything with your own eyes; this one is quite serious. I really don't know what to expect, so I want to hear what you think of it."
"Shhh." Naru gently puts a finger in his lips as she spoke. "There is no need to think about such things. I know that whatever happens, we have a home where to come back and I also know that you'll be right here with me when everything's said and done. It's hard, I understand, but I feel like together, we'll pull through all the tough times that may come ahead, but good times may come also." She grins as she continued. "Besides, Squall and his friends are going to be at our side, so I really think nothing bad is going to happen. If we have to fight, we have to do it without fear, because I want to tell you we're more than just childhood friends, I... I... I really..."
Keitaro looked at her in the eye while she stammered, trying to get the words to come out of her mouth, blushing while doing the effort. Finally, the words she wanted to say for so long came out with sincerity. "I love you, Keitaro. I... I have always loved you." A soft, but great kiss took place as their lips locked every so tender as the love between each other has flown in its wings at last, enjoying such a special moment with their hearts and souls, having at last arrived to this point. After the kiss ended, they barely knew what to say, for it was their first kiss together and perhaps this came natural for many couples that share a moment like this. Afterwards, Keitaro managed to talk again and said. "I guess this means we're finally together. Officially, I mean."
"Yeah, I know that." Naru answered.
"I love you too, Naru, and just for you to know, there's no one else I'd rather have at my side in this journey than you. I am completely sure what to do now, so I feel we're ready for anything." Keitaro looks at his clock. Five minutes remained for midday. "Wow, time sure flies fast in a kiss, huh?
Naru giggled at this. "It does, but let's not tell the others until we get back. It's our secret until then."
"I promise this won't come out of this hill. I'll stay to my word."
"Let's get back then, Keitaro. Everyone's waiting."
"Yeah. Let's face the future... Together."
It didn't take too long for them to head back to the entrance, where all the townspeople, Haruka, Kitsune and the others, along with Squall and his group had been waiting for the couple to arrive. After many good luck words from the people and support from family and friends, Squall speaks to Keitaro. "Are you ready?"
"Yeah, and good to go too. Let's being our journey."
"That's the spirit. Okay everyone, let's now head to Wrymwood Forest! Cid's airship is waiting for us there, so let's move out."
"Alright."
From the moment Keitaro and Naru set foot towards their destination, the gears of Fate grind on ever forward, counting down the Judgment Day that will determine the final fate of Neo Earth and all of its inhabitants. If the expectations fall short and goals are not accomplished, an entire world, not to mention a dream, may die at the hands of a cruel, dark end.
A/N: Whoa! This was truly a long effort to put this one together, but now it's complete! Hurrah! XD Now the journey begins for our fave couple here. If you think meeting Cid is a hoot, wait until you see who came along! Chapter 7: Crash on the journey! A flight gone wrong... See ya there!
Android K'