This was the end. He'd known that even before he attacked. He'd known that this would be the last time he used a weapon, or even used the Blitz. Because they'd both be destroyed with him. And he'd die.
But that really didn't matter. Athrun would have the chance to get away. And as long as that happened, Nicol's death would have meant something. He would have meant something. And Athrun would live. He had to live. Not only could Nicol imagine that Athrun played a more important part in this war, but he knew that he would rather die himself than lose such a good friend.
And he did.
So Athrun had to live.
"Athrun... escape..."
This was the end. He would die. He could feel the pain wrapping itself around him. Could feel the life leaving his body. And he knew that the Blitz would soon explode. At least that would take the horrible pain away.
It's strange what you see right before the end comes. What you hear. Nicol could have sworn he saw his piano, which stood back in his living room, and that he heard his mother's voice. They seemed so far away, yet so close. Just like death itself had seemed so far away and at the same time right around the corner through the whole damn war.
"Once again, I pray for your safety."
Nicol listened to his mother's soft voice, knowing it would be the last time he ever heard it. He stared at his beloved piano, knowing he never again would play it. Never again let his fingers run over the wooden keys. But he didn't regret his decision. He didn't grieve for his life. He just treasured his last moment, before the end came.
And he accepted his death.
Taking his last breath, Nicol reached for what really mattered. What he fought for in the first place. What he'd die a thousand times to protect.
"Mother... my piano..."