Chapter 25: Epilogue- I'll give you happiness!
Several months later, this happened. Let's start from Sedna…
A lone figure walked slowly up a little hill, towards the old white willow perched atop the summit. The morning sun basked the entire terrain in a warm and friendly light, and birds chirped from within the sparse branches of the old tree. A strong gush of wind blew pass, slipping through her slender form and causing her gown to fan out behind her. Gingerly she reached to touch the withered bark of the old tree, stroking over the rough layers that overlapped irregularly over the years, forming an exquisite whitish grey pattern. And at this point she cast her gaze over the meadows that span out almost indefinitely around her. It was her first time on earth, her first time in Orb, and she marveled at the beauty of the place. There was no artificial atmosphere, no glass panels in the sky to indicate that. There was only the faint scent of grass and a sun in the sky, and she liked the way it looked like on earth.
That day…
When she reached home, she was going to faint, and barely recognized that her mother has gone out to buy lunch…. Good…If anyone will die today, it will be one person less. She knew Mr Elthman will find out that she has failed her mission completely when Yzak Jule is still in Octum, Athrun Zala in space and her team decimated. She had to hurry, to find it before Mr Elthman decided to activate it...
"Sedna…!" Her father whispered, aghast as she saw the blood dripping down her leg, "My girl, what happened…? Did someone bully you?" Sedna stumbled forward and leaned against her father for support as she laughed bitterly. How can she tell him that she's been out trying to assassinate Athrun Zala and Yzak Jule… but she couldn't. Grimacing, she weakly told her father, "No time for that, get me a tool kit please…"
Her father's eyes widened, but she insisted, "Now."
In the matter of minutes, she located the soft inconspicuous clicking under the stairs just as Yzak had mentioned and saw that wooden step open to reveal a little black object shaped like a mouse and Mr Elthman gasped. And just as she heaved a sighed of relief, a red counter appeared on the screen and started counting down from one minute...
Mr Ileisus started to pull her away, realizing what it was. But she started pried at it with all her might. "Sedna, let's just leave it there and run…!"
"But that would destroy the shop!" she cried as she resisted her father and continued, "It's the fruit of yours and mom's hard work…!"
Sedna managed to get it out just as the counter reached ten seconds, and Mr Ileisus grabbed it and ran up the stairs. "DAD!" she shouted as she struggled to stand. But loss of blood had taken the toll on her, and she realized she could no longer get up… "Dad…"she called again, strewn helplessly over the flight of steps. Mr Ileisus did hear his daughters pleas, but he concentrated on running up. He threw open the closest window just as the counter reached zero and he summoned his military training in tossing grenades, in the same manner he threw the bomb high into the sky where it exploded. Causing a burst of orange yellow flames to come alive for a few seconds, which sent a pillar of hot air bellowing at him. And as soon as it began, it was gone, leaving only little pieces of the bomb and slightly warm air to speak of its passing…
Sedna couldn't really believe it, but for the first time. Her father was cool.
And as she lay there and continued to bleed on the stairs, she thought of him with her fading consciousness. Wondering whether he was still alive…whether it will be the last time she ever she him……
At this point a dark emptiness gripped her heart and she whispered to no one, "How I wish…You were here with me right now…" and what answered her was another strong gush of wind that hollered through the terrain and echoed in her empty heart. She shouted this time, "I wish you were with me right now!"
"Wish granted." Yzak said from the other side of the tree and almost made Sedna jump out of her skin. "Y…Yzak?" she uttered in bewilderment, "You scared me…"
"Technically, you scared me…You just walk up here and talk to yourself as if you're possessed or somethin'…" he muttered impatiently as he walked towards her. He was wearing a light green suit with a grey tie, and his arms were folded, indicating he wasn't happy.
"I should be angry, you called me, asked me to dress nicely and meet you here on earth at ten, and you're late." Sedna retorted. "And you didn't even tell me what for!"
"Hmm…" He acknowledged, "I was late because I have to escape from my body guards. And there's no point being early when the groom's even later…"
Sedna's eyes widened as she digested those words, "Whose wedding?"
And as if answering her question, a red mobile suit flew by overhead in the direction of the little white building in a distance. Sedna gasped as she recognized the Infinite Justice…
"MR ZALA's!" She asked Yzak, who gave her the most childish smirk. He didn't reply, but took her hand, and lifted it to his mouth and kissed it lightly, "Nice dress…" he muttered. The compliment caught her off guard and she asked, "That's all?" But he had turned and was leading her down hill, she pulled him back and looked straight into his aquamarine eyes, for once being on leverage with him, and demanded an answer. She smiled as his ears turned red, and he looked away, muttering, "What do you want me to say?"
"Only the dress? What about me?"
"You…" he began softly, "You look l…Lovely in the dress, OKAY?" he spat out those words, and he turned away again. And at this most unlikely moment, Yzak lost his footing and slipped forward, Sedna tried to catch him but rolled down the hillside as well gracelessly. It was a really un-glam way to descend down to the lovely meadow, but there they were, lying in the midst of little white flowers…
"Ow, Damn it!" Yzak muttered as he opened his eyes, and realized his head was lying on something soft. And he looked up to the blue earth sky partially blocked by Sedna's upside down face. He was lying on her lap… He realized as he bolted upright, but Sedna held him down, whispering, "Relax…" And she smiled, then leaned down and kissed him…
Yzak was surprised, but he closed his eyes, savouring the moment. Nothing else seemed important, wedding or not. His hands reached to cup about Sedna's face, pulling her closer, kissing her harder. The environment seemed to permit it as well. It was quiet, the only sounds were made by inconspicuous insect. The faint smell of grass and lavender permeated the air, greeting them in the face as a gentle breeze blew past. It seemed to be compensating Yzak, because for a seemingly infinite period of time, they had been unable to spend quality time together.
He, busy with work.
She, grounded by her parents.
All seemed to matter no more now that they are alone with each other, fully absorbed by the need to get more intimate, to get closer to each other. Moreover, they are now liberated from the invisible bondage of Faith and PLANTs, on earth where no one knows their identity. Just a young couple left in the solitude of nature, just free to love…
The notion set him free in a way he never knew, it meant that he could do anything to her now if she would just allow it……
Sedna laughed as she pulled away, because Yzak's expression told her he didn't think three minutes was enough. Yzak was always interesting to watch, especially at these moments… "Okay, enough for now..." She soothed him as she reached beside her to pluck out a white rose, and slot it into his breast pocket, "And this is my reply…" she kissed his forehead this time, "I don't regret any of this…" she whispered, gazing into his eyes, "If I were to decide again, whether to join Faith then…I'd still do it."
The surprised Yzak just stared upward, but soon a swift, sure smile light up his face. He doesn't smile often… and when he does he made Sedna's day. "Why..?" He teased, knowing the answer all very well.
"Because I got to know you…because I met Yzak Jule, commander of spaceship Voltaire…" she replied as her slender fingers treaded lightly down his temples, sifting through strands of silver hair. He fingered Sedna's long, black, shiny hair, which had been let down in locks over her fair back and streamed down the side of her face like a curtain, it shimmered like a series of rapids in the sun. "Yes?" She asked, mildly amused by his action.
"Finally I can confirm you're a female…Commander Sedna Ileisus." he joked and she whacked him playfully. And, as if they could read each other's thoughts, she reached for his hand just as he reached for hers and they steeple their fingers together. Clutching the other's hands tightly as they helped each other up and made their way towards the little white building…
---
Dearka Elthsman was clad in a purple suit with a white tie, and watched as Yzak approached with a lady in a red gown…whom he recognized as Sedna after a few minutes of close examination. "WOO-HOO!" he cheered and people turned to look, trying to tell who was Yzak's lady companion as the couple made their way through the little assembly, holding hands. Meyrin, who was wearing a puffy little black dress, completed with black gloves and ribbons, skipped up beside Dearka with Lunamaria and Shinn in tow. And children crowded about, amazed at the sight of a silver-haired big brother holding hands with a black-haired big sister.
"Who's the pretty lady you have with you?" Dearka asked on purpose, "Introduce her to all of us!"
"Er…" Yzak fumbled as he glared at Dearka, then he addressed the people around, giving the kids a look to tell them to back off, "She's Sedna Ileisus, and she's…"
"She's…?" Dearka probed, driving Yzak up the wall. And this awkward moment was punctuated by several figures leaping down from the nearby tree and ran towards the party. (Yzak hissed, "Damn it!" and Mrs Yamato covered one of the children ears…) "Miss Hahnefuss?" Sedna exclaimed, Shiho gave Sedna a hard look before turning to Yzak. "Commander! I…I mean Supreme Councilor Jule, you could have told us where you were going and we would have followed you…" she muttered as she stared at Yzak's face, and looked like she was halfway between crying and losing her temper she demanded, "And who is this lady?"
"It doesn't matter who she is!" he declared, flustered "Why hasn't it started yet? I thought the idiot was here a minute ago!"
"He might be there…but I think the Orb princess overslept…" Dearka said as he chuckled. "And mate…I hate to break the news to you, but there's lipstick on your face…"
Yzak's hand flew to his mouth…
---
Athrun Zala ran into the underground stone chamber as he adjusted his bow tie, saying, "Cagalli. Sorry I'm late, had to…" and he trailed off, realizing the place was empty except for Makio, who was standing most forlorn behind the altar.
"I would assume it's Chairman Zala…" He said thoughtfully after a moment of thought.
"It is." Athrun acknowledged, "Good morning to you, where…?"
"She's like you…" He interrupted before Athrun could finish his question, and he looked down in embarrassment as Makio continued. "How I wish you two would arrive earlier so I can go see my little Lacus take her wedding vows. The very first time, and I hope it will be the last. Mr Yamato is a good candidate…"
"No offense, Sir." Athrun replied, "But…Aren't you blind?"
Before Makio could take offense, Athrun heard the sound of something heavy landing behind him. And he turned to catch sight of Akatsuki's golden feet through the little doorway, and it was unmistakably Cagalli's voice who said, "Mana, I'm late already! Let's just skip the blusher!" and the next moment she was running through the doorway. Athrun stared, and Cagalli stopped in her tracks.
She was wearing a very short, chiffon white gown that started and ended with lace that threaded lightly on her fair thighs. The back of the gown was fastened by a large bow decorated with embroidery that arched boisterously and fell all the way to the floor with a chain of white pearls. White boots adorned her feet and a silver anklet hung about her left leg. She completed the look with a crystal necklace and a simple corona head dress that allowed crystal beads to stream down the side and back of her head, clinking softly and curtaining her face. Which was elegantly made up, she blushed when she caught him looking at her thighs, so much for the blusher…
"Hey, I still have to pilot here okay…" she muttered. Athrun almost laughed, "No dress? You could use a little more…cloth."
"You said that I could choose my own wedding gown!" She retorted defensively, "You still have anything to say about what I'm wearing!"
"Yes." He replied cheekily and Cagalli prepared to wkack him as he stepped forward to receive her, "You look great."
---
Kira Yamato's heart was in his mouth, but he didn't show it. He just stood there and looked smart in his shirt and bow tie ensemble. Only two people would have been able to tell, one was Athrun, the other was his mother. Come to think of it, his mother may be more nervous than him. He never told her, but he thought she cries too much. She cried when he was sent to moon base for school, she cried when he received his monitor badge. She cried when he got back his school results, and he wondered whether his mother would cry seeing him get…get married.
The thought sent Kira blushing again, and he tried to mask his face with a cough. In a few minutes, the person he's gonna spend the rest of his life with will be coming. And he didn't feel as if he could remember a few sappy sentences they call Wedding Vows to save his life…
---
Topside, they all saw the Akatsuki fly past, probably the whole country side saw and recognized it as well, so much for a low profile… Shinn thought with a lifted eyebrow. He was seated beside Luna, and the pastor announced. "May the ceremony begin…"
And at this moment, the church doors sprang open, allowing the morning sun to pour onto the red carpet. Followed by a lady dressed in white, entering with the same amount of grace as the stream of light, she was holding a bouquet of white roses. A white veil trailed from her head dress, which is a crown of small, light pink flowers that decorated her pink hair. And the train of her dress fanned out behind her, trailing down the red carpet as she walked towards the altar. Trailing behind her were little girls dressed in small white dresses, twelve in all. And Shinn waved as he realized the first, the youngest and the shortest, was Faith. She smiled back at him, and continued tottering forward like she owned the world, apparently pleased with her new white dress…
Lacus Clyne stopped in front as she was greeted by Mr Yamato, who led her onto the podium where Kira was waiting with little Spencer Gladys and Sai, grinning from ear to ear.
Lacus smiled beneath the laced pattern of the veil, and gladly took Kira's hand as they turned to face the pastor.
"Today, we gather here to witness the union of Mr Kira Yamato, and Miss Lacus Clyne." The pastor announced grandly, and then laucnhed into a half hour long speech in which Dearka, Shinn, Andrew and Mwu fell asleep.
"Now for the wedding vows!" He proclaimed jovially, and they snapped awake. Kira took Lacus's hand nervously, afraid that he will forget his vows halfway, Lacus steadied his hand, and mouthed, "Relax…"
"With this hand…I'll lift your sorrows…" He began…
"Your cup will never empty…" Athrun said simultaneously belowground, "For I will be your wine."
"With this candle, I will light your way." Kira said as he looked into Lacus's beautiful blue eyes. And Mrs Yamato sniffled…
"And with this ring, " Athrun smiled as he shook it in front of Cagalli playfully, "I ask you to be mine…" And Kira slot the ring onto Lacus's fourth finger…
"There…" Athrun muttered, "How's that?" Cagalli frowned slightly, "Not as magical as the first and second time…" She answered uncertainly. "No matters, my turn…" She decided as she took the ring from the nesting within the tray.
"For better or for worst…" Lacus declared as she gazed gently into Kira's violet orbs.
"For richer or for poorer…" Cagalli muttered, catching Athrun's eyes, who tilted his head and studied her, like a cat amused by his favourite toy.
"In sickness and in health…"
"Till death do us part." Cagalli said, before adding, "And I mean it!" she emphasized as she roughly stuffed Athrun's finger through the ring, "I better see your dead body before I see that off your finger…"
"Yes, Madam!" He replied as he saluted the Zaft way, and before Makio could announced, 'You may now kiss the bride.' He pulled Cagalli towards himself and kissed her senseless…
People stood up and cheered as Kira lifted the veil off her face kissed Lacus for the first time in public… Mrs Yamato started sobbing aloud…
---
The next event in line is the standard bouquet throwing exercise, and during Murrue's wedding, Lacus caught the flowers. So this time, all the girls gathered at the base of the stones steps in anticipation while the guys stood to one side. The ladies included Miria, Meyrin, Luna, Sedna, Shiho and all other available bachelorettes from the orphanage, Archangel, Eternal, Minerva and Kusanagi crew. (Yzak muttered to Sedna, 'don't catch it…')
Lacus stood at the top of the steps, with Haro bouncing excitedly at her feet as she announced, "I have here two bouquets…The first one…" she waved the white one around, "is mine…" Then she lifted the yellow one made of sunflowers, "This is hers…" she whispered secretively and she turned around. "Here goes!" And she tossed the white one over her shoulders. Meyrin tried to grab it but it slipped out of her fingers and bounced a bit, landing deftly in Miria's hands. Who looked at it as if some bug just landed there, then she sportingly waved it around for show as the ladies cheered. She cast Dearka a look…
"There's still a second one…" Lacus encouraged them as she tossed it again. This time it dropped right into Sedna hand, who smiled as she excitedly took it to Yzak. Yzak was reaching the point of panicking as he protested, "Don't come near me with that stinky thing…!" but Sedna picked one off the bouquet and decorated Yzak's hair with it. Mwu and Shinn laughed their hearts out as Yzak tried to defend himself against the bubbly girl and Shiho was thoroughly enjoying it but went forward to help him anyway. They were greeted by Athrun and Cagalli, who were holding hands as they emerge from the stairs. Athrun had removed his bow tie and loosened his shirt a bit and Cagalli never really looked like she was getting married in the first place.
"You two had a good time?" Dearka asked sarcastically, "My little Zala getting married, Boo-hoo-hoo…And I don't even get to be his best man…" and he winked at Mrs Yamato, who laughed heartily.
"Dearka…" Athrun began reproachfully, but decided to drop the subject… Kira however, became very serious at this point and eyed Athrun with a stern face. "Athrun…" He began, "If you ever dare bully my sister you have me to answer to!"
Athrun didn't respond for a full minute, and it was as if someone pressed the mute button, the chatter died out as Kira continued eyeing Athrun, waiting for an answer. Athrun started laughing and Kira berated him, almost panicking, "I'm not kidding!" and Cagalli laughed as well.
Athrun recovered his composure quickly enough and told Kira jokily, "Okay." And Cagalli turned to Lacus, "If that little brother of mine is unfaithful to you, I'll help you punish him…"
Lacus smiled, and looked at Kira as she replied, "Nay…I wanna do it myself."
---
Yulie Amarfi and Kisaki watched the youngsters laugh through the lenses of binoculars, and they sighed simultaneously. They bumped into each other while looking for their leaders…
Mr Amarfi took up an explanation, "Our Chairman launched off the transport in space, saying he had something important to do. And since not one mobile suit could catch up with Infinite Justice's thrusters… we lost the Chairman for a brief four minutes before we managed to track him down again…" He sighed again, "You?"
Kisaki had to keep himself from laughing, "We were in the middle of parliament meeting when our lady jumped out of the second floor window, and escaped on a mobile suit we call the Akatsuki…Apparently she changed on the way…I can't believe she had to run away…" He looked at Athrun and Cagalli's direction as he frowned… "…To get married."
And I can't believe he had to run away to get married…
The thought saddened Mr Amarfi in a way he couldn't put a finger to. It was an astounding discovery that Athrun Zala didn't love Lacus Clyne, his alleged fiancé, and was in love with the Orb princess instead, he was in love with a Natural. But they couldn't love each other openly, the political situation between PLANTs and Orb didn't allow it, yet, and Athrun and Cagalli accepted those odds. And it must have led to the wild goose chase for his and her security team…
He sighed at this point, and ordered the people hiding behind him, "Anyone breaths a word about what happened today, you know what I'll do." His choice of words were tame but the threat was clear, and the team saluted.
Kisaki muttered, "We knew our lady liked Mr Zala…I'm happy for the two of them…But…It's kinda sad." Mr Amarfi blinked, surprised that this Natural man shared his exact sentiments as him. "She's supposed to be queen now… but then again not quite, just because she chose Athrun Zala. But how long can they hide? The Chairman of PLANTs and the Representative of Orb getting married is a big thing…"
"For as long as I can help it…" Mr Amarfi assured him, and it was Kisaki's turn to look surprised, then he smiled gratefully…
Satisfied, he turned back to the young couples...
---
Part one of ending…Next up there's DM, YS and a little more of the others… Oh, and there was no lipstick on his mouth, Sedna didn't wear any. It's simply Dearka's evil scheme to make Yzak confess that they had been kissing…Hee.