Phase 6 – There, She is Still Waiting, Anticipating…

"We're here!" the cab driver said. Everyone got out of his or her cabs and Mu approached the driver, "How much?"

"No need." The driver replied, "We received a phone call from Officer Christopher Wayne and he paid us in advance just to fetch all of you."

Mu said, "Then, can I have your call card so I can give it to Ri?"

The driver reached in his compartment and gave him his call card, "Better get going! You're the one who's going to place the medals on her!" with that, the cabs left.

"Where are they?" Christopher said, tapping his fingers on his arms which were crossed transversely his chest, "Aren't they here yet?!"

"What do you mean, Officer?" Philip asked.

"I called three cabs to fetch THEM from the Archangel." Christopher replied.

"Oh, there they are!" Adeline pointed to a group of people running towards them.

"Well, what are you still doing here, Mr. La Flaga?" Sarah said.

"What? What do you mean?" Mu asked in panic.

"Says here, Ri's next on the list. So you better run to the stage to place the medals on her." Philip said, looking at his ceremonial copy.

With that, Mu ran to the front, ready to surprise Ri.

"Chief Master Sergeant Ri La Flaga." The emcee said, and Ri climbed the stage and saluted to the principal, "Magna Cum Laude, Valedictorian and won the Loyalty Award, the Service Award and the Academic Award."

"And the one to award her medals is…" the emcee prolonged and Mu climbed the stage. Her fellow graduates stood up and applauded, not knowing the reason why, the visitors also stood up and applauded, "Her brother, Lieutenant Mu La Flaga."

While she was wondering why the people were giving her a standing ovation, she turned to see Mu getting the medals and placing them around her neck.

"I thought you…" Ri whispered while her brother puts the last medal on her.

"I can't afford to miss your big day!" Mu whispered.

Her eyes welled up and she said, "You jerk!" With that, she hugged him in front of many and he hugged back. Her co-graduates cheered for them – all of the people in the school knew how important Mu was to her. Despite of being her brother and guardian, he was also her determination and inspiration to do well on whatever she does.

Then, Ri let go and climbed down the stage and Mu followed, "Ri, I'll see you later."

Ri smiled and said, "Okay."

Mu returned to his seat and Adeline said, "Unafraid to display affection to many, huh?"

"Hey, she was the one who started it first!" Mu answered.

Ri was very happy and very lucky on this day. She wiped her tears away with the back of her hands and her classmate looked at her, "See? Everything is okay, right?"

Ri replied, "That jerk is always there when you need him!"

Flashback

Ri joined a freshmen's prom night and her date is not yet there. Her date was John Wrell, a friend of hers. He decided to make her as his date for the prom night since she doesn't have a date yet and he doesn't have one, too.

Ri was wearing a purple sleeveless gown and no make-up, just a red lipstick. Her hair was braided and then placed into a big bun – her hair was long, okay?

She was waiting on her seat, smiling at every person who greeted her.

"May I dance with you?" a voice said and she snapped back to reality.

She looked to see who it was and it was Mu, smiling at her. A smile can be seen on her face and she took his hand. Mu was still wearing his Earth Alliance uniform and they made their way to the dance floor.

"Wait, what are you doing here?" Ri asked.

"Well, I received a call from your date." Mu said, "He said he had chicken pox so he can't go."

Ri had a look of disappointment on her face but Mu placed his hand on her chin and smiled on her, "But I can't let my baby sis to be alone in this prom night."

"Jerk!" she replied, her eyes getting watery.

Now, every girl was looking at her brother – they were jealous of Ri, thinking that she invited another man to be her date, not to mention a good-looking one; they didn't know he was her brother.

"I hope you're going to do fine in this military school." Mu said, "Because when I was in this school, man, it was torture."

"Don't worry, Brother." Ri assured, "I'll do my best."

"Good girl." Mu teased.

End of Flashback

Everyone has now received his or her medals and diplomas. It was now the time to deliver Ri's speech.

"May we now call on Chief Master Sergeant Ri La Flaga, our valedictorian to deliver her speech." The emcee said.

Ri stood up and approached the stage and everyone clapped for her as a warm welcome to her speech.

"Funny how some people just walk in and surprise you, eh?" She joked. Majority chuckled at the thought, even her brother.

Ri cleared her throat and said, "Well anyway… I stand here in front of you as your valedictorian. And I thought I would never make it this far. They say not many people get the chance to be the best but I say those people had the chance; they just didn't do their all. As you all know, I'm now holding a position in the military because of what I did, but I bet, I'll be seeing most of you in the military base. A few days ago, I met this driver who was just like me in his college years: a military student who was the only one wearing a red uniform in the premises. I got pretty interested in his anecdote since he felt the same way like I did – I have to go here, there and sign this and that… It was a harsh life that we don't even have the time for ourselves, well, most of the matter. Then he told me that he met this girl and got interested to her but never had the chance to tell her because of what he does as a future military officer. When he surrendered his silver card, oh yeah, he got a lot of time to tell her. Today, he is now a jolly old driver married to that girl and had wonderful children with her. There are many possibilities of people to reach the top spot – all they need to do is do their best, give it their all and hold on to what they believe in."

She paused for a moment and took a deep breath. She continued:

"How I got this far is also a mystery to me. Perhaps it's because of that one person who always saves me from misery or perhaps it's because I just simply want to do whatever I can to go as far as I could. Fellow graduates, there is now a bright future ahead of us, some of you might be thinking now if they'll get involved in the war, some think of their loved ones and still many others of you think what job will they have. So, let us do whatever we can to achieve something brighter than the sun, who knows? One of you may have their names listed in history. Let us not depend on the saying 'come what may' – but let us consider that we can do some things that are thought to be impossible. Thank you."

And with that, she got a standing ovation, inspired by her speech. She left the stage and took her seat.

"Hey, that was great!" her classmate commented.

"Thanks!" Ri said, "I thought I was going to lose my heart out there!"

"Take it easy, girl!" her classmate said.

After her graduation…

"Wow, you're all here!" Ri said, who was now in her white Earth Alliance uniform but her hair is still the same and she hadn't removed her lipstick yet.

Adeline teased, "Public display of affection!"

Ri blushed and looked at Mu who was talking to Natarle and Murrue about some matters concerning their departure tomorrow.

"Congratulations, Ri!" Sarah said hugging Ri, "I can't wait to see you in conferences…"

"Don't remind her, Sarah." Philip teased.

"So, I heard you're the colonel now, Mr. Sareniv?" she said catching her breath because Sarah nearly took the air out of her lungs, since her hug was like a python binding its prey to death.

"Well, yeah." Philip said, "And by the way, congratulations."

Suddenly, Mu placed his arm over Ri's shoulders and said, "Congratulations, Ri!!!" He was shaking her vigorously and her eyes start to swirl.

"Uhh… Thanks, Brother." She said.

And then, she made a chart-topping slap on his face scolding, "YOU JERK!!! I THOUGHT YOU WOULD NEVER COME!!! DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW MUCH YOU MADE ME THINK ABOUT YOU EVEN BEFORE MY GRADUATION CEREMONY STARTED?! YOU'RE A COMPLETE JERK!!!"

Mu rubbed his face and said, "Hey, at least I came to see you!"

She giggled and said, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Lieutenant La Flaga." Murrue said, "You should stay at Miss La Flaga's house for today as well. Tomorrow, you should be in the Archangel so as we can leave early."

"Oh, okay." Mu replied.

At Ri and Mu's house…

Ri undid her hair and she was sitting in front of her mirror in her room, smiling.

"Hey Ri!" Mu called downstairs, "Come here and I've got something to give you."

"Just a sec!" Ri replied and she pony-tailed her hair. She was now wearing a green shirt and an orange skirt.

Mu had in his hands a box wrapped in pink with a golden ribbon on it.

"Here." Mu said, giving the box to Ri.

Ri opened it and saw a white cuddly teddy bear in it.

"It will remind you of me while I'm gone."

Night Swimming
Beach walking
Always silent
Never talking
Then you call my name
And I know inside I love you

Sail away
I miss you more
Until you see the shore
There I will be waiting
Anticipating

She hugged the adorable little bear in her hands and cried, "I'm gonna miss you, Brother."

Mu hugged her and said, "I'm going to miss you, too."

"Are you coming back?"

"I'm not sure…"

Each moment is new
Freeze the moment
Each moment is cool
Freeze the moment

I wouldn't wanna be
Anywhere else but here
I wouldn't wanna change
Anything at all
(Anything at all…)

I wouldn't wanna take
Everything out on you
Though I know I do
(Although I know I do)
Everytime I fall

She pounded her fist on his chest, not accepting the fact that he's been with her for a short time only after three years. He placed his hand on her head, stroking it to refrain her from crying.

"But I'll try." Mu answered, "You know that I promised in front of Mom and Dad's graves that I'm going to be by your side when you need me."

"But you'll leave tomorrow, how can you do that?!" Ri retorted.

Day dreaming
Chain smoking
Always laughin
Always jokin
I remain the same
Did I tell you that I love you

Brush your teeth
And pour a cup of black coffee out
I love to watch you do that every day
The little things that you do

"That bear will remind you of me and you can talk to me anytime you want." Mu said.

Ri looked at the bear and saw that the bear had a little decoration around its neck. She looked at it and there was Mu's phone number carved behind the golden ornament.

"If you hear the line is busy, then it means I'm fighting and you have to hope for the best for me." Mu teased, "But I promise you this."

Each moment is new
Freeze the moment
Each moment is cool
Freeze the moment

I wouldn't wanna be
Anywhere else but here
I wouldn't wanna change
Anything at all
(Anything at all…)

I wouldn't wanna take
Everything out on you
Though I know I do
(Although I know I do)
Everytime I fall

"What?" Ri asked, her tears still flowing freely.

"As soon as the war's over, I'll come back to you." Mu pledged.

"Okay." Ri replied, "I'll hold on to your promise because I believe in you."

"Don't worry." Mu assured, "I'll always keep your trust."

Hmmmmmm
Hmmmmmm
Each moment is cool
Freeze the moment

I wouldn't wanna be
Anywhere else but here
I wouldn't wanna change
Anything at all
(Anything at all…)

I wouldn't wanna take
Everything out on you
Though I know I do
(Although I know I do)
Everytime I fall
(Everytime I fall)
(Everytime I fall)

The next day…

Ri prepared Mu's black coffee on the counter. She left a note saying that she'll be visiting their parents' graves, so she'll be back before he leaves the house.

When Mu woke up and read the note, he drank his coffee already and got into his uniform. He hailed a cab and went to the cemetery.

"Mom, Dad, I would like you to watch over Brother." She whispered under her cold breath.

Infront of her were the graves of Ingrid Garren-La Flaga and Armund La Flaga. Ri and Mu's names were taken from the names of their parents. In front of their graves where bouquets of red and white roses – they were from Ri.

"I wish that he will always have a safe trip." She continued, "And I hope that I'll do well in the military."

Mu saw Ri in the cemetery and came to her side. He saw that she was wearing a black trench coat and her white Earth Alliance uniform. She was also carrying her white messenger bag across her torso.

"Mom, Dad," Mu whispered, "Ri and I have to go now."

Ri stood up and Mu continued, "Oh and by the way, Mom, Dad, I wish you two were still here to see how great your daughter has become."

Ri stared at Mu and giggled, "Not only me, Mom, Dad, you should also be here to see your son's greatness and some of his foolishness."

Mu and Ri got into a taxi and went to where the Archangel was.

I wouldn't wanna be
Anywhere else but here
(Anywhere but here)
I wouldn't wanna change
(I wouldn't wanna change)
Anything at all
(Anything at all…)

I wouldn't wanna take
Everything out on you
Though I know I do
(Although I know I do)
Everytime I fall

They arrived to where the Archangel was and Murrue called, "Lieutenant La Flaga!"

"Hey, am I late?" Mu asked.

"No, just on time." Natarle replied, "But please do get aboard the Archangel. We're about to leave."

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot." Mu said, reaching a card from his pocket and giving it to her.

She took it and she asked, "What's this?"

"A taxi driver gave it to me yesterday and asked me if I can give this to you." Mu replied, "He said you were his customer a few days ago."

"Oh, that man…" Ri prolonged and kept the card in her bag, "Anyway, you better find a wife. You're already 28 and still don't have a wife or a girlfriend!"

"Good-looking guys like me have a reason to be single." Mu teased.

"Eeeww…" Ri replied, "And what's that reason?"

"Because good-looking guys are hard to get."

"You're really an absolute jerk." Ri teased, "But it's good that you're my brother because if I don't have you, I wouldn't be here."

"Awww…" Mu blushed a little, "Such an angel."

"Lieutenant, it's time to go!" Murrue called and got inside the Archangel.

Ri's tears flowed from her eyes. Mu looked at Ri and hugged her, "So, this is goodbye, Ri."

Ri bit her lips and said, "Bye."

"You'll be a good girl, okay?" Mu said, heading aboard the Archangel, "I don't want to hear any more troubles from you."

She wiped her tears and smiled, "Sure thing."

He waved goodbye and he got inside the Archangel. She watched the Archangel leave and her teardrop fell into the arm of the teddy bear whose arm can be seen outside of her messenger bag.

Just then, her cellphone rang. She answered it, "Hello?"

"Hey, it's me." Mu said, who was on the other line, "I got your number from Mrs. Sarah Sareniv."

"Why'd you call so early when you just got aboard the Archangel?"

"Because I can't wait to come back."

"Oh, would you look at the time!" Ri exclaimed, looking at her wristwatch, "Sorry Brother, but I have to go! I'm late for work!"

"Okay then," Mu replied, "Bye! I love you!"

A smile was carved onto her lips and said, "Bye."

Night swimming
Beach walking
Always silent
Never talking
Then you call my name
And I know inside I love you…

She hailed a taxi and got inside the back seat.

"Where are we going ma'am?" the driver asked.

"Paleonris Military Base." Ri replied, holding the extended arm of the teddy bear in her bag.

"Ah, I heard the Archangel just left, Miss La Flaga." The driver said and he looked at her.

"Oh, it's you again, Mister." Ri replied with a smile, "It's nice to see you again, Mister."

"So, did you receive the card that I gave to your brother?"

"Yes, I did."

"When's he coming back?"

"He's not sure." Ri said looking at her window. The taxi stopped and said, "I can't go any further, ma'am. If I did, I would do a violation against the military."

They stopped in front of a huge gate and Ri got out of the taxi and paid the driver, "Thank you, sir."

"No problem!" with that, the taxi left.

Then, Ri presented her I.D. to the guards of the gate and they let her in. She walked for the first time in the premises of the military base and sang the last lines of her favorite song with a smile on her face,

"Sail away
I miss you more
Until you see the shore
There I will be waiting
Anticipating…"

END

Author's Notes:

Yes, it's all over. I know, it's not that good but since it's my first time to write a fic in Gundam Seed, please understand my mistakes or any more misconceptions.

I'm sorry if there are many confusing stuff in this fic. I'm just human, so, please bear with me…

Reviews are highly appreciated, thank you.