Disclaimer – New Mobile Suit Report Gundam Wing does not belong to me. It's the property of Yoshiyuki Tomino-san and all those hip cats at Sunrise. I was merely borrowing it in a foolish attempt at entertainment, not realizing the monumental challenge I was setting myself up for... what WAS I thinking?!
Nataku-chan – Whoa... somebody forgot to take their chill pills today...
October 3, 2004
Author's Notes- ::takes a huge breath:: THIS IS IT! THIS IS IT! Ladies and gentleman, fan boys and girls! This is the moment you've been waiting for. The end all, be all... THIS is the end... the final chapter of 'Heart of Space, Dove of Peace'...
Nataku-chan – My word... I think she's serious...
It's been 3 years since we began this tumultuous journey, and yet you guys have been so patient and encouraging (especially patient... I'm so surprised the angry mob hasn't jumped me yet...).
You guys actually gave me 102 reviews! ::does a little victory dance:: Woohoo!
So, it is my pleasure to thank the following peeps for showing their support...relena31, Lea aka LSR7, Lera, Attitudeproblem2, Jason M. Lee, Hellokitty3000, Shi no Tenshi2, Baby, kjhg, Tomorrow, Heero Yuy, D-Scyther, 4every1, Moonkitty Liafle, anon, Angel of Mischief, Izanami, Ai-shi, Classic Cowboy, Alana, Wing, Shadowfox13, angel, Gryphon Turboclaw, Ren, Petite Wolf, Ezekiel Klitiras, Morrighan of Crimson and Sable, Amataru Arcus, AyanamiChan, Sippio, Mint, Larania, Archangel Rhapsody, tina, agaxris, Raven, Petite Wolf, Morrighan of Crimson and Sable, kirbs, Dash, Shizuka Slytherin Tsukino, Angle Of Peace, Hershey, Miguela, Monoui Shadow, Raine Yuy, Shabens, SJ, cherry, Raizard333, LaLish, cherry, Shadowreader, Lodis lord, Gundam Zero, jisAtsU siLENcE, Cat, Ladybug, ZmajGoddess, Keating's Disciple, ZeroYui, Geminia, GP-HY-PSLRV, Lost-Remembrance, cherryheart. A-RI-GA-TO-U GO-ZA-I-MA-SU!!
Extra special thanks also go to Lera, Alana, Wing, JisAtsU silence, Morrighan of Crimson and Sable, and Keating's Disciple for their numerous and encouraging reviews. You guys rock! ::MUCHO HUGZ!!!::
Thanks again, everyone, for all your support. I sincerely hope you all enjoy!
Epilogue – Mission Accomplished
The stars were so bright. The fact that they were billions of light-years away and sometimes no longer in existence had served only to mesmerize her even more. During all the fighting and endless battles, she would often look to them as a reminder of things in existence not meant to destroy – but to simply exist. It brought her hope.
Craning her head she could see their bright lights overhead, hidden only slightly by the forest canopy beneath them. It was then that she realized she was in a vehicle of some sort, wincing only slightly in discomfort as they rolled across rough terrain. She could also hear her brother, Milliardo – he was in the seat in front of her next to Noin from the looks of it – talking calmly to someone on a cellular phone. And what of the others? Hilde and Sally had been engaged in a fight with the mobile dolls before she had taken off on her own. She hoped they had all remained unharmed.
She glanced back at her brother once again. He had seemed so upset at the thought of her piloting a mobile suit. She understood he was only concerned for her safety but it had been something she needed to do. She hoped he wasn't too upset. Despite his tone and expression, she could tell her brother was exhausted.
However, Relena was exhausted as well. Her entire body ached; it had taken all she had just to move her head around. Everything in her screamed to return to blissful unconsciousness, but she forced herself to fight against it. She couldn't pass out again, not until...
"You will make it to the end." he had told her.
He had been smiling. Heero had actually smiled at her. She had never seen anything more beautiful. She wanted to see it again.
"And I'll be there with you."
She wanted to see Heero again. Things would never go back to normal again, but if she could just see him again...
"Relax,"
The pressure of a hand wrapping around hers calmed her nerves. She opened her eyes, craning her head again, expecting to see her brother. Instead, seated beside her next to the window, his head tilted back and his eyes closed was the man to whom she owed everything. Her eyes drank in the sight of him, hardly believing he was there next to her. He looked thoroughly worn out, but he did not let go of her hand.
Staring down at their fingers interlocked, it felt as though it were the most natural thing in the world. "Heero..."
She could see the lines disappearing from his face – had he been worried about her? "You should rest."
Relena shook her head, gazing at him, willing him to open his eyes and look at her. "I can't," she replied softly. "I don't want to wake up and have this all have been a dream..."
Suddenly his eyes were open, focused solely on her. Once again she found herself transfixed by cobalt blue, deep and as endless as the starry sky overhead.
He was the Heart of Space.
She was the Dove of Peace.
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, offering her reassurance in the only way he knew how. She smiled slightly. Heero always had been a man of action.
"Just rest," he replied softly. "I'll be here when you wake up."
Relena nodded slowly. She trusted him after all; she loved him. She closed her eyes and was unconscious once again.
000
"Ladies and gentleman, the time is now six o'clock and time for the evening news..."
Click.
"Welcome back to ENBC and our continued coverage of..."
Click.
"This is GCNN with a late breaking news..."
Click.
"We bring you an update on..."
Click.
"...NSM live from..."
Click.
"Duo..." Lady Une's eyebrow was twitching just slightly as she struggled to keep her voice in an even tone. "Please find a channel and stay with it. Please."
The American pilot, currently holding a remote control in his hand, chuckled bashfully. Aiming it towards the television in the ex-OZ official's office, he switched back to the last channel.
"Action News 273 is live on location at the press conference currently on-going at ESUN headquarters..."
"Okay, here we go!" he beamed.
"Shut up, you idiot." Wufei grumbled, snatching the remote from him and proceeding to turn up the volume.
"...And it's official, the crisis situation in the kingdom of Cinq has just been brought to a close." A shot of the main capital appeared on the scream. Much of the outer rim was in shambles, but it didn't seem like anything a few weeks of reconstruction wouldn't fix.
"Just days after its 5 year Reconstruction Anniversary, the Cing Kingdom located in the heart of Central Europe was attacked by a radicals known as the Dark Claw. For 15 terrifying hours, the world could only wait with bated breath to find out whether this peace loving country would remain standing. We have learned that the crisis has been abated and all aggressive parties have been apprehended."
"Didn't seem like it was that long when we were fighting" Sally replied, bandaged and seated comfortably on a small couch beside Wufei.
"It never does," he agreed.
"Believe it or not," Hilde replied. "Last of our agents just pulled out a couple of hours ago."
"...Sources believe that this organization was a splinter group of the now defunct Barton Foundation that nearly took over colony X1999 over three years ago."
"It seems the crazies never cease coming out of the woodwork," Duo remarked.
"So long as there are people who wish for peace," Trowa replied softly. "There will also be people who want to oppose them."
"Speak of the devil," Hilde commented, directing their attention back towards the television.
A picture Dark Claw operatives headed by Naya appeared on the screen.
"There's no word of just who was behind this group's vicious attack but we are assured by the Preventer Organization that not only is the country safe from further harm but also that the capital which appeared to be the focus of the attack sustained minimal damage. There appears to have been very few casualties as the citizens had plenty of time to retreat to the city's numerous bomb shelters. Now that the situation is under control, all suspects involved with the attack have been detained and their motives are being questioned as we speak."
All eyes went to Une.
"You didn't tell the press that it was Naya Mayomato behind the attacks?" Hilde asked.
Seated at her desk, she folded her hands shrugging offhandedly. "I spoke with the President beforehand and we just didn't see the point. There was already enough scandal surrounding Vladimir Mayomato after his death. Hearing that his daughter became head of a Terrorist organization intent on destroying a country simply as an act to gain attention...?" She paused, a stoic expression passing over her face. "Certainly not. We've got enough problems to deal with without having people worrying about corrupt officials of the past."
Wufei nodded, switching the channel again. "It makes little difference who she was. She's gone now."
"Hey," Sally pointed back to the screen. "It looks like Noin is about to make her statement."
The location was the ESUN headquarters. Standing before a large audience complete with microphones and flashing cameras stood the ex-lieutenant herself. She was decked out in the formal version of her Preventer uniform, calling upon all her years in the military to look for the entire world that she meant business. Quatre was seated off to the side with a few other officials, waiting patiently for the press conference to begin.
The anchorperson could be heard over the din of the auditorium. "We are once again live from the ESUN Headquarters, in the main auditorium. In a matter of moments we will be hearing from a member of the Preventer Organization, Special Operative Lucrezia Noin, on behalf of the Cinq Kingdom in regards to the recent attacks."
At that point Quatre rose and moved forward, adjusting the microphone slightly and signaling for silence. His voice was even and clear when he spoke, almost amiable. "We are ready to take your questions now."
Hands shot up immediately.
He moved the microphone over to Noin. "Ma'am."
The two exchanged looks before she gestured to the first reporter. "Your question?"
"What do you believe was the reason for the Dark Claw's attack against Cinq?"
"Our sources inform us that the Dark Claw was once a faction of the Barton Foundation – an organization that disapproved of the steps being taken towards peace between the Earth Sphere and the Colonies. The Cinq kingdom has always been a strong believer of peace, and has since been targets for attacks far preceding the Eve Wars."
"In light of the current attacks, does Cinq still consider itself a Pacifist nation?"
"The Cinq kingdom has and always will be a firm advocate of Pacifism." She replied. "Having been burned to the ground once before did not change things... one more attack will not sway their beliefs so easily." One look on her face told that she meant it.
"Does Cinq plan to take any actions against the Dark Claw for their attacks?"
"Absolutely not. You seem to forget that Cinq is a pacifist nation." A muscle in Noin's jaw twitched briefly, but no one seemed to notice. "Nevertheless, the Preventer Organization has already taken care of the situation. There would be no need to take any actions to be taken whatsoever."
Her expression remained calm as she inwardly rolled her eyes at the stupidity of the question. What was the point? Noin let her gaze rove over the audience. "Their main concern – and ours – right now is to see to it that the people are safe and that the proper steps are being taken towards the rehabilitation of this nation."
Quatre rose from his seat to stand beside her. "And rest assured that Cinq will have the support of the Winner Corporation as well."
"She's good." Duo replied.
"She believes in what she's saying," Milliardo replied from the door, his eyes never leaving the screen. The camera had panned in for a close-up shot of Noin, her determination showing in her eyes. "Almost as much as Relena does."
Everyone fell silent as the television droned on.
"And what about Relena...?" Hilde asked finally.
Milliardo glanced at her and then at Une. "Once she's recuperated, she'll be making a statement." He replied.
"What kind of statement?" Sally asked. "Surely not about her involvement in all this?"
"Thankfully, no," Milliardo answered. "I convinced her not to include that. Like Une said, the people have enough to worry about without the knowledge that their Vice Foreign Minister piloted a Gundam... hell, they don't even need to know about the Gundams period."
"That reminds me," Hilde replied. "What do we plan to do with the Gundams anyway? We can't have another scare like we did with those White Fang stragglers."
Une smiled. "I've spoken to Howard about that." She replied, her hands still folded comfortably on her desk. "The Gundams will be taken to an undisclosed location and stored there for safe keeping. God knows we can't keep rebuilding them every time some nutcase comes around starting trouble."
"What about Arch Angel and Scorpio?"
"Scorpio was obliterated." Une replied. "What little we found of it was picked up and disposed of with the rest of the destroyed mobile dolls. They'll be melted down and used as scrap."
"A fitting end for a bunch of dolls." Wufei muttered. Sally glanced at him at him with a smile; it seemed he was still touchy about her having been injured.
"And what of Arch Angel?"
Milliardo sighed.
000
Father had smiled at her. She had made the right decision.
Relena felt herself returning to consciousness. She stretched as much as her aching muscles would allow, wincing only slightly when her injuries protested the movement. Opening her eyes she gazed around at her surroundings. Her vision adjusted to the familiar settings of her very own bedroom.
She was... home.
She was... alone. A sinking feeling rose in her chest as she lowered her head and let out a rueful laugh. She was here – by herself.
That meant that he wasn't here.
"Just rest," he had replied softly. "I'll be here when you wake up."
Tears brimmed her eyes, letting gravity set them on their course down the plane of her cheeks. Rubbing them away weakly, she laughed hoarsely again. It was so sad that it was funny. "He promised me..." she replied softly. "Heero..."
"What?"
Relena's head shot up quickly. Suddenly he was there in front of her. He was standing at the door with a small covered tray in hand dressed in denim jeans and a dark colored sweater. A look of mild confusion was on his face as he gazed back at her.
Relena could only stare.
"...It was because of you that I regained my memories, and something else as well."
"What...?"
"My humanity."
He looked...human.
When it seemed no words would be issuing forth from her anytime soon, Heero closed the distance between the two of them, setting the tray on a stand beside her bed. She could smell the delicious aroma of food from within. Her stomach grumbled slightly.
"There was no telling when you'd be waking up," he replied softly, pulling the tray away to reveal a Belgian waffle with a side of fresh fruit drenched in rich syrup. Her favorite. A knife and fork was folded neatly within a napkin off to the side next a small, delicate flower.
She was still speechless. "You brought me breakfast...?" she asked timidly.
He tilted his head in curiosity. "You were hungry, weren't you?"
Her stomach answered in response. She took the offered plate gratefully. Glancing at him briefly as he sat down in an armchair by her window, she noticed a blanket and pillow placed off to the side by his feet.
'He's been here with me... the whole time...?' she marveled.
"You thought I'd leave." He was sipping at a cup of coffee now, his eyes never leaving her.
Relena set her fork down, wiping her mouth carefully. "You always had before."
He glanced away briefly, remorse showing momentarily in his cobalt depths. "That was different."
"How?"
He glanced back at her again, this time his expression warm. "I didn't know how much it meant that I stay."
She blushed, staring down at her hands. "You don't have to stay if..."
"I want to stay." Noting her look of surprise, he repeated firmly. "I... want... to... stay."
Was he teasing her? It was almost unsettling. Finishing her breakfast, she decided to change the subject. "How long have I been out?"
"Three days, sixteen hours, seven minutes."
Okay, so some of the Perfect Soldier was still present; unless of course, he was still teasing her. This would take some getting used to. She was prepared to do it, though. She loved him, after all.
"I was worried." She looked back up to him. His head was lowered slightly, his eyes hooded. "When I saw you fall from your Gundam... I thought..."
She blinked when he rose from his seat, seating himself on the edge of her mattress. "If you ever decide to do that again...don't go without me."
Relena blinked in surprise at his words. Her expression however, gradually evolved into a frown. "You don't have to protect me," She replied.
"I know that," he replied. "But I want to." His conversation with his other half came to mind. He placed his hand over hers, surprising her. "I told you that I'd stay by you... and I meant it."
She stared at their hands touching, marveling at the warmth spreading through her. "Heero..." she replied softly. Raising her eyes to meet his, she replied softly. "I don't want you to protect me... I don't need you to protect me."
Heero paused, trying to ignore the sharp pain in his chest. Was that his heart making him feel this way, or Relena? Before he could pull his hand away from hers to ponder this, he felt her other hand close on top of his.
She was smiling at him, albeit shyly. "Heero, just because I say I don't need you to protect me," she replied softly. "That doesn't mean that I don't need you."
He blinked. "I don't understand..."
"I know," she replied. "But that's all right. Just knowing that you're here with me is enough."
He was silent a moment, contemplating. No, it wasn't quite enough. He gazed into her eyes; she was content, but she wasn't quite happy.
He'd have to fix that.
"Relena."
"Hm?" Relena blinked as the ex-Perfect Soldier leaned towards her, pressing his lips gently against hers. It only took half a second before she began to respond to the kiss in kind.
"This..." Relena panted between breaths. "Is how you feel...?"
Heero pulled away from her, his eyes shining down at her. "I don't... know how to say it just yet..."
She smiled; she could wait. "It's all right," she replied. "I understand."
He smiled back at her in return leaning forward for another kiss. "There's just one thing..."
Relena paused. "Hm...?"
Heero was frowning thoughtfully. "Back in the beginning, when you bombed the St. Ignatia base..." He paused, thinking back at how he had seen the smoke coming from the compound just after he had arrived. "How did you get there before I did?"
Silence fell over the room like a blanket.
The ex-Perfect soldier gazed down at the young woman next to him, confused at the expression mirroring her face. "Relena...?"
"Heero..." she began slowly. Her blue eyes were sincerely confused. "...I never went St. Ignatia..."
The End
Note - When she mentions the incident with the White Fang, Hilde is referring to the events in Blind Target. I got a copy of it signed by Heero Yuy himself, woo-hoo!
Author's Notes - BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! At last, my great work has finally been compleeee-ted! BWAHAHAHA – cough, cough – HAHAHAHAHA!
Wufei – Wtf?? You call that an ending?
What? It's the ending I had intended from the very beginning. Yes, that's right... the very beginning... strange how I seem to come up with the ending first and then work backwards... ah well. I LOVE CLIFFHANGERS!!
Wufei - ::glares at her in disbelief:: I cannot believe you're going to end it like this...
::blinks innocently:: Why not? You're just mad I didn't delve deeper into you and Sally's sordid love affair... ::Wufei blushes severely:: And besides, I did it this way to leave it open for a sequel, that is... if I every become crazy enough to write a sequel – ahem, absolutely no promises there – but hey, you never know.
Anyway, I want to thank everyone again, so much from the bottom of my heart. It was so important that I finish this (it's the second fic I ever started on fanfiction . net I believe, imagine that!). I had a lot of fun writing this fic, even more so knowing that were lots of awesome people out there reading and enjoying its progression along with me. I sincerely hope my works continue to live up to your standards as much as this one did.
I look forward to hearing from you guys. Tootles!
-Miss Chang Po, 10/24/04 10:13 pm.