DISCLAIMERS/NOTES:Go look at the past chapters. It's all there.
A/N:Dudes/Dudettes, Athrun and Cagalli NEVER separated! They never specified that they did. Besides, Athrun said that they didn't have to take it so fast and that he would wait for her before they left to space. Also, they have a pic of the official couples and they were KxL, AxC, and SxL. Although I prefer Shinn and Stellar than with Luna. She's too old for him.
OoOo Inner Beauty of Destruction oOoO
OoOo Chapter Seventeen oOoO
"Captain, can I speak with you?"
Talia placed a folder on her desk and smiled at her visitor. "Of course you can, Rey. What's on your mind?"
"It's just… I do want to stop the Chairman's plans but in the same time, I can't help but feel that…"
"I know what you mean." Talia closed her eyes. "To be honest, I'm saddened that he's doing this. As much as how you feel, I too, feel that I don't want to betray him. But what he's doing is wrong and his plan had already claimed many innocent lives. No one wants to lose any more people that they care about deeply." Talia thought of someone. "Life is too precious. If it takes only one in exchange for many, then it must be done."
Rey looked down with a solemn face, "I understand."
"You better get suited up. We're almost there."
"Yes Captain."
Rey was just about out the door when Talia spoke. "Rey, it'll be okay. We can do this."
"Shinn!"
"Hmmm?… Stellar!"
Stellar lunged towards him as Shinn caught her in his arms. She hugged him tight as Shinn's cheek rested on top of her head. "Stellar, what's wrong?"
"Stellar's scared Shinn will get hurt. Stellar doesn't want to see Shinn in pain." Stellar recovered much quickly than usual after the many deaths she witnessed. It seems that she's trying to get over her phobia with the help of her friends and siblings.
Shinn smiled at her as he tightened his hug on her. "Stellar…. Don't worry. I'll be fine. Besides, I got Kira, Rey, Athrun and even that annoying-errr… your sister. We're going to help each other so you don't have to worry about me."
"But… Stellar scared that Shinn's anger would cause an unwanted…" she took a deep breath before saying that word as it still had a little effect on her, "… death."
Shinn's eyes went wide. "Is that what Yamato told Stellar about? Why that-!" Shinn held her from her shoulders so she was looking into his eyes. "Stellar… as long as I can hear your voice and see your beautiful face in my head, I won't do anything rash."
Stellar's worried expression ceased and was replaced with a loving smile. She placed her palms on his cheeks as did he and in almost like a slow motion movie, their faces went closer.
Shinn whispered her name and finally after what felt like centuries, he placed a sweet kiss upon Stellar's innocent lips as they floated in the middle of the room.
They broke their kiss and leaned their foreheads to each other.
"Stellar, I don't want to see you in a mobile suit, okay? Meyrin will look after you. You stay here and make sure everyone is okay. Can you do that for me?"
Stellar made a pouty face which made Shinn feel tingly. She wanted to go out into space and help out but she can't. There was only three gundams on board and they're all taken.
"Fine. I promised Nii-san anyways."
Shinn chuckled at her response. He embraced her again and Stellar closed her eyes as she smiled against his chest.
"Rey, what did you want to talk about?"
Rey dragged Lunamaria out into the halls just when she was about to eat her snack and talk with her sister.
"Well?"
"Luna… I … I just want you to know that… if I don't make it back ...-"
"Whoa.. whoa...Wait a minute… Who said that you weren't going to come back? The last time I checked, I don't recall the Captain saying anything about YOU not coming back." Lunamaria gave him her meanest eyes possible. "You ARE going to come back… You have to…" Luna's tears fell out of her eyes and she didn't know why.
Rey hugged Lunamaria which surprised her since Rey was never really that…bold of his feelings. He stroked her hair as she cried into his chest.
"Luna… I'm just thinking ahead. Whatever happens… I just want you to know that…I…I-"
Luna looked up at Rey with a questioning look. "You what?"
"I love you."
Luna's eyes widened in complete shock. Rey… Rey Za Burrel. Thee Rey Za Burrel who's known as a mono person confessed his love for a girl? Luna didn't know what to say. She stared at his blushing expression for a while to let all the information process in her mind.
Rey took Luna's silence as a rejection. But it didn't bother him. At least she finally knows how he feels. Right?
Suddenly, Rey felt someone pull down his head and something really warm against his lips. His saucer eyes were glued opened but soon softened and closed on it's own as he deepened the kiss, not caring if there were people watching, which there were with shocking expressions.
"So this is what life feels like. It feels… nice."
A lone girl in the hallways sighed a loud heavy sigh of frustration. She didn't know why, but she just felt like she had to. In fact, she felt like she wanted to scream her head off. She stopped her pacing and rooted herself on a single spot and was in deep thought.
"…sigh…. Why don't I ever get anything good? I mean, sure I get nice pretty clothes, but why don't I ever get what I really want?... sigh… Athrun… why couldn't I have him? I know everyone would just think that I have a girly crush and nothing much, but I really do love him. Why doesn't he see that? Why is everything about 'her'? So what she's ORB's Princess. She can never do what I can do for him. What does he see in her?!" Meyrin slammed her fist on the wall. "…wait…wait a second?! How could I think like this? Heh, I should be ashamed of myself. But after hearing from the others that Miss Cagalli was pregnant… I just… I just… sigh… I'm a fool. Of course Athrun would never fall for me. I'm just a little sister to him. If he did go for me, I would mean nothing to him but a thing that represents Miss Cagalli. A filler. He could never love me, never will, and I don't want to be some filler. And I'm sure that Miss Lacus and Miss Cagalli's brother and their crew would hate me for just taking her place like that as if it was a chance for me. They would never forgive me and I would be living in guilt and shame for life. Also what did I ever do for him? All I did was act all preppy and did what typical girls would do for a really cute guy. I'm nothing compared to what she did for him and for the world. I could never do what she does. I don't have that kind of strength or determination. Besides, those two knew each other from a long time ago and from what I heard, spent the night in a cave on an island. It must've been love at first sight for those two…... They're made for each other. They were destined to be." Meyrin wiped away her tears. "Maybe they are right, it's just a little girly teenage crush I have. I mean, who wouldn't fall for him? I thought Nee-san had a thing for him too, but it was only because she looked up to him. I realized that she didn't like like him. She idolized him. So it is true then, it's just a crush. I'll find someone better than Athrun. He is like a brother I never had even though we didn't spend that much time together or talked at all, but I feel that. Hehe… yeah… that's it."
"Helllloooo?! Is anyone home?!" Vino knocked on her head with his hand.
Meyrin began to get irritated and started to yell at him. "What do you want?! Stop bothering me!"
"Whew! P-M-S!"
That bothered Meyrin even more and she began to throw futile punches at Vino. "What you say?! I am not P-M-Sing!"
"Sure looks like it! AHAHAHA! Come and get me! If you can!" Vino stuck a tongue at her and made a face which boiled her even more.
"Vino! I hate you!"
They were chasing each other around and up and down the hallways, dodging everyone as they sped around. It looked as if two children were running around playing tag.
It was a good long minutes and they were still chasing each other. Vino kept on laughing and it only got her madder. But then she slowly had a smile on her face. She didn't know why, but when she sees Vino smile and laugh all the time, it makes her feel so good and happy. All Athrun ever did was make her blush and he didn't even know it. He never made her laugh and feel good inside. Come to think of it, even at times when things were going bad, Vino still laughed and made jokes. His favorite target for jokes was Shinn and herself.
I guess it was just his character. Everyone has a character. Like Shinn for example, he's the grumpy attitude, walking, breathing volcano. And for Meyrin, she's the preppy girl who's all about fashion and looks.
Just thinking about all these things made Meyrin realize something. She definitely was not in love with Athrun. It was all just a crush that every normal adolescent teenage girl has.
Meyrin smiled brightly and she soon joined Vino in a round of laughter. "I'm glad I got that over with... Athrun, Miss Cagalli, I hope you two have a loving future filled with endless love and happiness."
"Hey! Hey! You're not slowing down on me are you?! What's the matter?! Tired out?! Whimp!"
"VINO!! You're dead!"
"Ooooo! I'm scared! AHAHAHHA!"
Meyrin smiled at Vino as he smiled back at her as they continued their little tag game.
"…sigh… This is going to be a big battle. I hope you're ready."
"Ready as I'll ever be." Murrue smiled and turned away to get back to her work when she heard him call her.
"W..Wait!"
"Hmm?… what is it?"
"I..I've been having flashbacks. I remember most of it… You know…. About the last war."
"You have?"
"Yeah… I was supposed to be dead, but somehow I survived."
Murrue smiled sincerely to him that made Neo feel nervous and shy around her. "The important thing is that you're alive. Even if you don't remember who you really are, you're alive and that's all that counts."
Out of the blue, Neo flung his arms around Murrue and held her close against his chest. Murrue was shocked at his actions and didn't move a muscle as he just held her in his arms.
"I'll protect everyone on this ship. Especially you."
Murrue didn't say anything. They both just stood there and enjoyed the moment they shared.
"Commander, everyone is ready."
Yzak nodded his head. "That's good. We're taking off in five minutes."
"Understood." Shiho bowed and was just about to walk out when she heard him call her.
"Shiho, wait!"
"Hmmm? … What is it Commander?"
Yzak walked towards Shiho and looked away. She raised an eye brow at him.
"Shiho… ummmm… I…." Yzak grunted in frustration. Suddenly he felt a hand on his forehead. He looked up and Shiho was close to his face.
"What is it Commander? Are you not feeling well? You don't feel too hot."
Yzak shook his head and grabbed her hand in his which caused Shiho to blush.
"Shiho… I just…. Ummm… be careful."
Shiho raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"
"Ummm… yeah."
Shiho let out a sigh. Normally, she would be well composed and cold like, but when certain situations call for her real personality, she would let it out.
"Come on… I know you have something else to say. So spill it."
"Wha..What?!"
"That's right, you heard me. Say it. What ever is in that head of yours just say it. I don't have all day you know."
"When did Shiho change personality? Was she always like that? I never think she would be like…like….Attha?!"
"Come on! Hurry up! Are you asking me to hit you?"
Yzak's jaw dropped. "What are you? My mother?"
"If I have to be if you don't spill it out."
"Oh no you didn't! …Grrrrr…. Fine! I just wanted to say that I li…li…"
"You what?"
"I like you. There, I said it. Now go on with your duties."
"You like me? … Yzak…" Yzak didn't look at her face since he was trying to hide his flushed look. But he felt a pair of arms around his waist and his eyes went wide. "I'm so happy to finally hear that from you."
"You…you knew?"
"Of course. Everyone kept talking about it. Especially Dearka." Yzak made a face upon hearing his best friend's name. "Oh don't make that face. We have better things to do. Let's go." She was about to move away but Yzak engulfed her into his chest.
"Shiho… don't die out there."
"I should say that to you. Don't worry, I have you and that moron with me. It's okay."
"Even so, don't die. I can't be fiancé-less especially since our parents went out of their way to make us together."
"So you knew about that too. And we've been hiding it and acting like nothing was going on."
"Just like how you hid that personality of yours. Is that how you really are?" Shiho placed her finger on his lips.
"We can talk later when this battle is finished. So you better not die. Dearka too. I need entertainment from him when he hears my story."
"What? Entertainment? Is that how you see him as?"
"Who doesn't?! He's the best entertainer anyone has ever known! You gotta admit that, Joule."
Yzak thought for a moment and he smirked. As much as he didn't want to admit it, but it was true. His moron best friend is very entertaining. It's his nature.
"Heh… guess you're right… Okay, let's get ready shall we?"
"Yes Sir!"
"You don't have to call me that."
"Psh! And have everyone find out about you and me and especially me. The one and only Shiho with a cold interior?! I don't think so!"
Yzak whispered under his breath, "Heh… just like Attha."
"Hey, where is Dearka anyway?"
"Having a conversation with his latest victim."
"Victim? You mean he has a girlfriend?"
"Not really. More like he's stalking her."
"Oh! Let's go spy on him! Come on!"
"No."
"Let's go! Or are you scared that you might get caught by Dearka?"
"Ohoho…A challenge? You're on! Let's go then!" Shiho smirked triumphantly.
It had been about ten minutes since they both contacted each other through computer intercom and none had both said a word. All they did was stare at each other and then looked away and when one parts its mouth and the other's eyes lights up, no words came and they were once again back to the silence.
Unable to take the silence anymore, Miriallia decided she was going to start first since the whole silence thing was annoying her and not to mention waste her time.
"Elsman, what do you want? I'm a very busy woman you know?"
Dearka nervously scratched his head as he fumbled with his words. He was about to say something but Miriallia spoke again.
"How's your injury?"
Dearka looked at her face and she looked away. He smiled at her and replied gently. "I'm okay. A little scratch won't kill me."
"A little scratch? Dearka! You were almost killed! And I know it was not a scratch! I can see you wince right now!"
"I'm only wincing cause you're yelling at me."
"WHAT?! So now you're saying that I'm causing you pain?!"
Dearka threw his hands in front of his face. "No no, that's not what I meant."
"You got some nerve Elsman!"
"Miriallia, please-"
"I'd kick your ass right now if you weren't so damn far away."
"And I gladly accept it anytime. Especially when it's from you."
Miriallia blushed at his comment. "Why does he always smooth talk his way out?! Argh! Bastard!"
"Anyways, I just wanted to say…… good luck and be careful. So… ummm… I guess… I'm gonna go and get ready."
Dearka was about to log out when Miriallia called out to him. "Wait!" Dearka had a surprised look on. "Ummm… you too."
Dearka smiled one of his sexy smiles only reserved for her. "Thanks."
"Don't die!" Dearka faced her worry written face. "Don't die out there, okay? Can you promise me that?" Mirialla had tears ready to flow out.
Dearka traced her face on the screen and she blushed. He smiled lovingly at her. "I promise." Mirialla's tears fell as she smiled at him. "I guess I didn't have to break first after all."
Miriallia's smile fell into a demon like expression. That one word seethed through her teeth menacingly. "What?"
"You know… Oh! You should've seen you're face! I'm soooo lucky to have you, Miri-chan!"
"YOU JERK! YOU TRICKED ME! I HOPE YOU DIE OUT THERE!"
"If I do, at least I got to see and hear my special girl one last time."
"DON'T PLAY ME!" Dearka smiled fondly at her. Miriallia melted at him. She knew that he only said that just to cover up his gentle side and couldn't help but add in a joke. She herself couldn't help herself either from yelling at him. I guess it's their own unique way of expressing their feelings with each other. "Dearka… you're such a jerk."
"I know. And only you are allowed to call me that. Well, Yzak calls me that too but replaces the word with 'bastard.' If he called me a jerk, then I'd take the pleasure and state that he's being queer with me. Haha!"
"Hehe… that's true."
"Miriallia… will you take me back?"
Miriallia was startled at the question and she could see that Dearka was really nervous. She secretly cherished that moment to see Dearka's other side.
"When you don't die out there and come back to me…. I'll think about it."
Dearka's eyes brightened like the sun. "So… I have a chance?!"
"What ever how you interpret it."
"I have a chance! WHOOOO!!"
"Dearka, SHUT UP!"
"Huh?" Dearka turned around and saw no one there. But behind the door, Shiho was covering Yzak's mouth and trying hard to hold him down. "That was strange. That was pretty close. It was almost as if someone was spying on me. … Meh!" Dearka looked back at Miriallia. "Miri, I have to go now." Miriallia nodded in silence. "I promise, okay? And you too, besides we still have to settle the other thing. I still have a chance!"
Miriallia stared lovingly at him. No matter what situation comes about, he always puts on a smile. That's the thing she liked about him. She only dumped him just to see how he reacts and what he would do to get her back. It was a form of a test that she created. Dearka didn't know what her plan was but she was going to tell him later. Miriallia can't help but giggle inside as she can't wait what his reaction would be when he finds out.
"Alright, Elsman, you got yourself a deal."
They both smiled at each other and soon it was time for both of them to leave to their duties.
Out in the hanger hall stood four young teens. The two men had their arms around their special girls as the girls savored their warm touch. Staring out into the endless stars of space, each were in deep thought as they will soon, in five minutes, move out into the final battle of the war.
"Sigh…. This sucks." Athrun chuckled at Cagalli's childish behavior. "I want more time."
"And what more time do you mean?"
Cagalli playfully slapped him. "You know what I mean…. I ..I'm scared." She wrapped her arms around her little tiny bulge.
Athrun wrapped his arms around hers as they both caressed her tummy. "It's okay."
"No it's not!" Kira and Lacus looked over upon hearing her yell. "How do I know that you and Kira won't die out there?! How do I know that you'll all make it back the same person that I know?!"
Kira hugged Cagalli. "We survived the last war."
"That was the last war. What about his one? It's not guaranteed."
"Do you doubt us Cagalli?"
"No…It's not that. Well, look what happened to Athrun."
Athrun gawked at her. "Are you still at that?!"
Cagalli cutely nodded and immediately went back to seriousness as she hugged Kira. "How do I know that you won't come back traumatized from the war. I don't want to see you miserable like before. I don't want to see Lacus all sad when she was doing her best to deal with your traumatized state." Lacus looked down with a sad smile.
Kira felt a pang in his heart. It didn't occur to him that Lacus was that hurt when he was in his phase. He never intended to hurt her but the mulling over the death of Fllay made him depressed. Thinking about the times when Lacus always had a smile on and playing with the children and constantly laughing, Kira knew deep inside that she was hurting but it just never registered to his brain. Well that's going to change. He's over his phase of the death of Fllay and he's going to make the best in the future with his girl. He's going to make sure that she won't have a hidden sorrow inside after this war.
"Cagalli… I would never hurt anyone again. I'll make sure I come back to both you and Lacus as the person you all know and maybe bring Athrun back with me."
Everyone chuckled except for Athrun.
"Why is everyone picking on me?"
"You did this to yourself."
"Guilty." They all laughed again.
"I have to come back to you and Lacus. Who's going to protect you girls? Who's going to be there when you all need help and comfort the most? Who's going to help and watch my nephew or niece grow up? Who's going to protect my sister from the hands of Athrun, the screw up?"
"I get it! I'm a screw up! But! I'm making sure to come back as well! I'm going to come back and make sure I'm still me and be there for my child and my wife! And I'm going to make sure YOU come back with me so you could do your job and take care of Lacus! I have many promises I could say right now, but we don't have a lot of time. All the promises I have, I'm going to make sure to fulfill cause that's the kind of person I am! I promise to come back to my family and friends and fulfill my duty! I promise to come back to the most special girl in my life!"
Cagalli had tears in her eyes when Athrun made his speech. He just stated his commitment and devotion to her and his friends and would do anything for their happiness. She hugged Athrun and happily cried into his chest. He engulfed her into his arms and kissed the side of her head.
"You're such a dork."
"I am huh?" Cagalli chuckled.
"Athrun… that was quite a speech. I guess I have no choice but to bring you back alive." Kira smirked and Athrun smiled back at him. It was like old times again when they were at the moon. Kira turned to Lacus and gathered her into his arms. Lacus blushed brightly as this was the second time he was being bold towards her. "Lacus… I'll make sure I come back to your arms again alive. Wait for me."
Lacus' eyes widen as tears began to form. Her arms slowly went around his waist as she hugged him dearly. "Oh Kira…" Kira pecked her soft lips and hugged her tighter.
"You see that Zala? That's true love there." Cagalli said as she smiled at her brother and her soon-to-be godmother of her child.
"What? You saying that I'm not showing you enough love?" Cagalli shrugged her shoulders. "Oh I'll show you how much love I have for you when I get back. In the mean time, this will have to do."
"Hmm?" Cagalli was caught completely off guard as Athrun kissed her passionately and lovingly in front of her brother. Her brother, Kira for god sakes!
When they both finally parted for air, Cagalli was still in awe and shock from the sudden kiss. "Is that enough love for you?"
Cagalli slitted her eyes at him and looked away from him as she crossed her arms. "Humph! Jerk." Athrun chuckled at her childishness.
"Athrun…" Athrun slightly trembled when he heard his name spoken with menace. "You dare steal a kiss from my precious sister?"
Lacus quickly intervened. "Ne..ne.. Kira. We have no time to do this. You can kill Athrun later, but right now we have to get a move on."
"You hear that Athrun? Lacus is allowing me to kill you. So you better not die out there cause I'm going to be the one who's going to send you to your grave!"
Suddenly Athrun had this might urge of strength in him. "Oh yeah? ... Bring it! I'll be waiting! I'd take you on anytime!"
Cagalli and Lacus laughed at the sight of the two acting like they were ten again. Who ever said your child side dies out?
Kira looked at Cagalli and Lacus. "And as for you two lovely ladies. Please… be careful. I can't bear to lose someone I love and care about."
The two girls nodded and embraced Kira. "We promise."
Athrun hugged the three as well and said, "And don't do anything stupid…. Cagalli."
Everyone laughed as they cherished their group hug.
"It's a promise. We'll all be back here when this is over."
…the Final Battle…
"Alright everybody! Get into your positions! Here they come!"
"Yes sir!"
The final battle with Dullandal had final commence and team JOULE was already out on the move and battling their own people. The ORB forces were bordering around the Earth's atmosphere and were also taking down anything that comes near the border with the Kusanagi for their long range attacks. The Archangel and Minerva were in the distance for long range attacks on the gundams while the others were busying away to bring down the Requiem.
"What the hell?! When did Dullandal have more gundams?"
"He had more and we didn't even know it?! That bastard! He knew our strategy all along."
"Yzak behind you!"
Yzak nearly got sliced by one of the elite pilots. Yzak began shooting at his target but it was skilled and dodged them all. He took out his saber and began an up close combat.
"Argh! Why are you attacking your own people?!"
"I should say the same for you! You are the enemy!"
"The Chairman wasted your mind! He is the enemy!"
"Chairman would never lie to his own kind! He wouldn't be a Chairman of PLANTS if he was the enemy! You are the ones that betrayed us!" The pilot kicked Yzak down in the gut and Yzak flip forward to regain his position as their sabers came clashing again.
"Argh!... If you won't see his faults then so be it."
"Huh?!"
Yzak used his agility and confused the pilot who was suddenly shooting all over. Yzak came up from behind and slashed the arms off. He then went face to face and the pilot screamed as his death was near. Yzak slashed away at the gundam and left immediately to the next.
"He..he didn't kill me? Why?" The pilot's cockpit was left floating as the pilot ponders why his life was spared.
Yzak soon met up with Dearka and Shiho who just took down many gundams.
"How's the process?"
"It's alright. We're almost there! We need to clear a way for Kira and Athrun so they can get to the Chairman's place!"
"Understood! Let's get this done!"
"Yes sir!"
Elsewhere, Shinn and Rey were doing the same as Yzak's team. They were closer to one of the rings and Shinn was doing away with them as Rey was trying to take down the gundams coming at them.
"Why are you doing this to your own kind?!"
"It is the Chairman! Did you not witness what he had done to the moon?!"
"It was an accident! They confirmed it!"
"He's lying to you! Why are all of you so dense to see that?!"
"You're the enemy!" The pilot went at Rey and shot fires at him as Rey took on the hit. "Because of you helping the enemy, you ruined everyone's chances for peace!"
"Peace will never be obtained when the Chairman is using that weapon against everyone! What about Lacus Clyne?! She's on our side! She wants peace as well! Are you going to kill her too?!"
"If I have too, then yes!"
That answer made Rey angry. Even when he himself has killed many people, he would never stoop low to kill a woman. And to hear a man say he was willing to kill a woman made him boil.
"You are going to die for this!" Rey flew fast towards the guy and slashed the hell out of the pilot with fast swipes. The pilot was freaking out when Rey was going nuts towards him. He realized that he shouldn't have said what he said and that he was going to die for it.
The pilot shut his eyes tight in fear and awaited his death. But nothing came. He slowly opened his eyes only to see that Rey was being held back by the Destiny.
"Rey! You can't let that get to you! He's just in anger! Remember our goal!"
Rey nodded and flew with Shinn towards their targeted ring as they were taking down gundams along the way. But not before taking one last look at the pilot who admits to even kill Lacus if he had to.
"You just got lucky."
The pilot's eyes widen in fear and a few seconds later, he was in shock to see that only his cockpit was left floating around in space. Soon, the pilot came to understand that they weren't killing them. They were sparing them because no one deserves to die for someone else's sake.
"Argh…. They're getting too close. Most of them have been defeated… Get the Requiem ready!"
"But Sir! It's only at forty percent!"
"I don't care! It's enough to get them out of my way!"
"Un…Understood…."
"In the same time, it'll destroy a part of ORB."
"Kira! Look!"
"What?!" Kira instantly looked up ahead as he finished off another gundam. "Oh my god! Why now?!" Kira and Athrun flew fast past everyone with incredible speed. "We gotta stop it!"
"Yzak! Dearka! Get over here immediately!"
The two heard Athrun's cry and their eyes widened as they saw the rings move.
"Damnit! How the hell did he- ARGH!"
The Archangel and the Minerva heard the others cry and looked into their monitor and realized what Dullandal was going to do.
"Oh my god… he's going to just shoot it."
"Captain! It looks like he's going to clear all of us out!"
"It seems that way… Talia! We need to notify everyone!"
"Got it underway!"
"Alright! Miriallia, inform everyone including the ZAFT troops to get out of the way."
"Yes Captain!"
"ATTENTION ALL TROOPS! THIS IS AN EMERGENCY! YOU ALL NEED TO GET OUT OF RANGE FROM THE REQUIEM IMMEDIATELY! IT IS SOON GOING TO BE FIRED! PLEASE GET AWAY FROM IT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE!"
"What?! The Chairman wouldn't do that!"
"It's gotta be another timed set off by the Earth Alliances."
Judging by the scene in front of them, it seems that the ZAFT troops under Dullandal's orders didn't believe what they were saying as they were continuing to battle against the others.
ORB on the other hand was getting out of the way of range.
"Argh! What the hell is wrong with them?! Can't they see that they're all going to die?!"
"We need to move them out by force then!"
"Let's hurry up then!"
"Oh how foolish they are. They think that they will listen to them? Commence the fire up!"
Kira, Athrun, Shinn, Rey, Neo, Yzak, Dearka, and Shiho were dismantling all the gundams as fast as they could and throwing their cockpit as far as where the Minerva and Archangel were. Most of the troops were dismantled but some, who are the elites, were still out there trying to defend Dullandal and completely blinded by his antics.
"Sir! The Requiem is powering up at a quarter of capacity!"
"Fire it!"
"But Sir! We might not be able to use it for another try if we fire it!"
"Do as I say! If you value your life!"
"But Sir…sigh…. Understood."
"Kira! Let's get out of here!"
"There's still more of them out there! I can't just-"
"Kira! We can't! We could only save so much! If you get caught in the cross fire, who's going to go back to Lacus?!"
"…"
"Kira!"
Kira shut his eyes tightly and painfully retreated back.
As they were flying as fast as they could back to neutral zone, the Requiem began to gather energy and within a few seconds, formed into an energy ball and finally let loose of it's destructive power.
"Oh my god!... LET'S GO! COME ON!" Athrun grabbed onto Freedom's arm and dragged him out as fast as he could.
In the Archangel, they were monitoring where the target was hitting and it was evident from what they talked about before. It was aimed directly at Orb.
Cagalli looked at the screen in shock. "No…." Lacus held on to Cagalli for support as Cagalli was trembling. Lacus looked sadly at Cagalli and the screen as tears flowed from her eyes. She feared the safety of Reverend Malchio and the orphans including all the innocent people down at Earth.
"Captain! Something's wrong! It's the Kusanagi!"
Cagalli looked up. "What?!"
Murrue grabbed her phone and immediately made connection with the Kusanagi. "Kusangi, this is the Captain of the Archangel. What's wrong?! Are you unable to move out of range?!"
"No… that is not it."
"Freedom and Justice will get you out as they are closest to you. They'll be there in a nano second."
"We will be staying as we are."
"What?!"
Cagalli instantly grabbed the microphone from Miriallia. "What do you mean you're staying?! You have to get out of there!"
"Princess? Is that you?... heh…. It is you. You've grown up so fast."
The screen suddenly went on and viewed all the crew that was in the Kusangi.
"It's so good to see your lovely face again. We're all glad to see that you were saved and that we get to see your angel face one last time."
"What are you saying?" Cagalli trembley spoke as her cries were clearly heard.
"We are fulfilling our duties, not as soldiers, but as protectors for the ones we love and care about. We are truly honored that we got to serve under your command and we thank you with all our hearts." They all bowed their heads.
"No…please don't do this."
"Princess… don't cry. We're all happy. We're doing this for all those innocent people who lost their lives and for those who still have a chance to live. In exchange for us few; it will save billions of those on Earth."
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
"It's time for us to go. Princess, please don't be sad and keep smiling. We'll always be here for you in your heart…. It's time now. Sayonara, Cagalli-sama."
The screen went blank.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!!" Cagalli let out a blood curdling scream as Lacus and Miriallia was holding on to her tightly preventing her from falling and comforting her as best as they could.
Murrure and all the crews watched as Cagalli cried her heart out. All couldn't help but got reminded of the last war where Fllay screamed her lungs out in tears as she witnessed her father's death. It was déjà vu for all of them again.
There was nothing they could do as they watched the scene unfolded for them.
(A/N: Oh my god, I actually cried while writing this part.)
The Requiem fired its destructive power and Rey and Shinn were desperately trying to get out of the way but Dullandal's elites were in the way.
"Move it!" screamed Shinn as he slashed his way through. Suddenly his computer went beeping all over in red indicating that he was in the range of fire. Shinn looked as the blinding light was coming after him. He panicked but couldn't move at all when suddenly…
"SHINNNNN!!"
The Requiem fired right through blasting anything in its way.
Seeing through his eyes, the bright light went darker. Shinn didn't want to dare open his eyes as he could see through it, complete darkness.
"Am I in Hell?" Shinn thought.
"SHIINNN!!"
Upon hearing his name being called, Shinn opened his eyes slightly and realized that he wasn't dead yet and better, he wasn't in hell! But something else shocked him to the core. In front of him was none other than his former partner. The IMPULSE.
"SHINN!"
"That voice… STELLAR!"
Stellar smiled at the screen as she heard her name.
"Stellar! What the hell are you doing here?! You were supposed to stay at the ship! You could've been killed!"
Stellar looked studiedly at Shinn as she was remembering and recounting the story on how she got here.
FLASHBACK
"Lunamaria! Get into the Impulse and hurry and help them out!"
"Roger!"
Lunamaria ran her way towards the hanger and when she finally made it, she was just about to get into the Impulse when suddenly she was forcefully pushed to the side and floated away.
"What?! Who did that?" Lunamaria looked up and saw someone inside the Impulse already ready to go. "No way… Steallar! What are you doing?!" Lunamaria tried to get to the Impulse but Stellar already started it up and was walking towards the gate.
The engineers thinking that Lunamaria was inside opened the gates for her and out the Impulse went.
Lunamaria looked shockingly at what had just happened and soon immediately went to inform the Captain.
FLASHBACK END
"I was scared for Shinn. Stellar didn't want Shinn to get hurt. Stellar…"
Shinn heard Stellar begin to cry. He felt hurt that he made her cry when she only came out just to help him and that she was scared for him. Shinn sighed heavily as he went and dragged Stellar to a safer distant. "Your brother is going to kick my ass."
Stellar looked and saw that Shinn was smiling at her. She lovingly smiled back as she and Shinn headed off towards one of the Requiem's rings. With the help of Stellar, the job should be done a little faster.
Not far from where they were, a certain blond haired person was watching them. A smile formed at his lips as he whispered, "I hope you two have a great future."
"Captain! It's coming!"
"This is it you guys…. Just before we all die, I have something to say." All the crew looked at their Captain as he suddenly saluted all of them. "I want to let you all know that it was an honor working with you all. I couldn't ask for a better crew. I thank you all for everything."
The Captains crew looked shockingly at him and then smiled as they all saluted him as well. "We are honored to have worked with you! We thank you for everything!"
The Captain smiled at his crew as he then turned his head to face the window as the bright light made its way towards them.
"FOR ORB!"
"FOR ORB!"
And as they said their last words with pride and honor, the Requiem's deadly fire beam blasted through them and completely destroyed all of what was the KUSANAGI.
"NO!" screamed the Chairman as he stood up from his seat.
"Chariman, the Requiem's intended target failed."
"Damnit! They stayed and sacrificed their lives for the sake of some country! They completely stopped it from hitting Orb." Dullandal thought really hard. "Power up the Requiem as soon as possible and blast it with whatever power it's got left! The same intended target!"
Everyone looked at the Chairman and decided to do what he said knowing that there was no point reasoning with him. Also with the knowledge that they were going to die either way. They thought with wonder on how someone like the Chairman could control everyone when it's just one person himself. Hell, they all could just pile him and kill him if they wanted too. But they couldn't.
It's such a wonder on how anyone could listen to one person when that one person can't do anything to them. Is it the military or the bodyguards that scare the people? Even the guards or their vice person or secretary could kill a leader if they wanted too. They don't have to listen to one person. Or is it just how it just is? It's truly a mystery.
Just a few hundred meters away from where the explosion and the sacrifice of proud honorable soldiers were, stood two machines that watched as the explosion engulfed what was left of the Kusanagi.
"…" The two pilots in their machine gave them a final salute for their honorable sacrifice and vowed in their hearts that their sacrifice would not be in vain.
Kira gripped tightly on his controls and immediately sped off towards the Chairman's base. Athrun soon followed as well as they both knew what was needed to be done.
But on their way, there were a few soldiers left of the Chairman attempting to stop their designated goal.
Kira and Athrun battled with fury as they tried hard to keep their insanity in check to avoid killing the pilots. But in doing that, took them more time wasted just to take down the elites.
Kira looked to the monitor on his left and saw that Yzak, Dearka, Shiho, Neo, Shinn and Impulse? Kira looked trouble and he couldn't help but wonder who was piloting the Impulse. Then he remembered a red haired girl who went by the name of Lunamaria. Thinking it was her, he reasoned with himself that they were doing great on trying to take down one of the rings together.
He looked to the monitor on his right and saw a flash of something going right by where he and Athrun were. He pulled over a scanning analysis and it showed that it was something of great size and for some reason had a recognizable reading.
"Kira! Did you catch that?!"
"You saw it too?!"
"Yeah I did! Who is it?!"
"I don't know I was just about to find-" Kira didn't finish his sentence as a screeching concerned voice entered through his mind from his system.
"KIRA! ATHRUN!"
"Hmmm?! Miriallia?"
"Cagalli's gone! She just dashed out and-"
"WHAT?! How could she be gone?! You and Lacus were supposed to watch her! How could you let her loose out of your sights?!" yelled Athrun.
"Did you check out the whole ship?! Did anyone see where she went?! She can't be too far from where-" Kira once again didn't get to finish his sentence as Lacus' voice registered to his mind this time.
"She's out there."
"What?!" Athrun and Kira couldn't believe what they were hearing. There was no way Cagalli could be out there with them cause there's no other ship in the Archangel or the Minerva. So could she be out in space?
Lacus looked away in guilt but in the same time spoke with pride. "I let her go."
"Lacus! Why?! Why did you do that?! She's-"
"I know, she's carrying a child. I know that."
"Then why did you do that?! She might die out there and we don't know where she is!"
Lacus looked away.
FLASHBACK
"Cagalli! Stop! You can't go out there! I promised them that I would look after you and make sure you don't get hurt! Please stop!"
Cagalli ran towards the hanger room with Lacus running right behind her. Lacus may look like she a girly girl, but boy can she run. Looks aren't what they seem.
"I have to do this!"
"Cagalli, you can't. If you go out there, you'll make them worry and they might… you know."
Cagalli stopped on her tracks just before the door to the hanger room. "I know. But I can't let him get away with this."
"Athrun and Kira are taking care of that."
"That's the point! I don't want anyone to always keep doing things for my problems."
"Cagalli, they're not doing it because you can't. They're doing it for the world and they want to do it for you because they love you so much."
"I know. And I want to do the same for them and the world. I have to, Lacus. Please." Lacus looked at her with concern and worry. "They sacrificed their lives for me and the world. And all I've ever done up till now since this war started, was sit around and cry for nothing. I have to stop him, Lacus!... It's personal…"
Lacus looked and sighed in defeat. She completely understood what Cagalli was saying. Lacus grabbed Cagalli's hand and suddenly dragged her inside the room and took another direction that wasn't where their gundams usually were.
Cagalli was wondering when the Archangel added another wing to its ship. Before she got to think about it, Lacus stopped their pace and they were standing in front of a door.
Lacus gathered Cagalli's hands, "You have to promise me that you come back alive with everyone else." Cagalli smiled at Lacus and nodded her head, "I promise." Lacus smiled back and she pressed in a few numbers and the door slid open and the lights came on.
"Oh my…. It's…"
Lacus nodded. "It's the Strike Rouge."
"But how? It was destroyed when… you know."
"I know, but I had Mister Dacosta gather up what was left from that battle and had him and the teams rebuild it."
"Why?"
"I knew how much you loved the Strike Rouge. I had it repaired in memory for you because you loved it so much."
"Oh Lacus!" Cagalli flung her arms around Lacus and hugged her tight. "You're the bestest friend anyone could ever have. I knew you would do something like this."
Lacus returned the hug with a smile. "You know me too well… Now hurry up and get out there! Do your best!"
"Yes Ma'am!" Cagalli was about to get dressed but stopped and turned to Lacus. "Ummm… just out of curiosity… how did you get it in here without anyone knowing? And not just that. How did you get it pass Kira?"
Lacus only smiled and placed a finger over her lips. "That's a secret only I will know."
END OF FLASHBACK
Kira and Athrun only sighed heavily as there was no point getting all angry. What's done is done. Besides, no one ever yells at Lacus. And usually if Lacus let things pass by, it meant that she has good faith that things would turn out.
"Lacus," Kira began and Lacus faced him, "I'm guessing the thing that Athrun and I saw flash by was her." Lacus nodded. "We're going to go to her. You watch everyone else. Okay?" Lacus nodded like a child that made her so cute. "And Lacus… I'm gonna have a little chat with you about your little habit and hobby of rebuilding things." Lacus looked up and saw Kira smirking playfully at her. Lacus smiled back and then both their screens went out.
"Athrun, let's go after her. Don't want her to have too much fun. We don't know what she'll do."
"Let's get going!" Athrun and Kira sped pass, dodging all the elites. "Hey guys! Can one of you take care of them?! Thanks!"
"I'll do it!" volunteered Neo. "Let's have some fun! Oi! Stellar you gonna join me?!" Stellar turned to face Neo and she nodded her head and went to where Neo was. "Didn't think I knew it was you huh?"
Stellar looked away in shame and Neo laughed at her.
Not far away, Kira took note of the voice and the conversation. His eyes widened as he typed a quick text message to a certain blond.
"Hmmm?... it's from Nii-san. 'Stellar, you are in big trouble.'" Stellar threw her hands to her mouth. She completely forgot the promise she made to her brother.
"Don't worry about. Let's just take care of this hmmm? I'm sure your brother would thank you for making way for him."
Stellar smiled brightly at Neo. "Hai!"
"Oi! Stellar!" yelled Shinn as he saw her fly away from him. Shinn was about to go after her but, Dearka stopped him and informed him that the ring is top priority and that Stellar was in good hands with Neo. Knowing not to go against his superior, Shinn stayed and hoped that Stellar was going to be okay. Knowing that made Shinn work harder and put more force into breaking the ring. A crack was starting to show and that indicated that they were almost there. While doing that, there were some dangling distractions. But Dearka took care of them while they all worked on the ring. "Come on… break damnit!" A few more cracks began to show.
"Alright twerp! We're almost there! Let's do this!"
"HAI!"
Suddenly the Requiem began to gather energy creating a tiny ball.
"HURRY! IT'S GONNA FIRE AGAIN! COME ON!!"
They all concentrated their power like they were doing for the past God knows what and in a three second count down, they let loose of all of what they had adding that with the power from the Archangel and Minerva.
"HIYAAAAAAAARRRGHHHH!!"
"Chairman! One of the rings is cracking! We're losing power in the same time!"
"Hurry up and fire the damn thing!"
"But sir!"
Dullandal took out a gun and aimed it at the soldier before him. "Do as I say unless you value your life." Everyone stood frozen in time as they were all were so scared. "DO IT!"
The soldier looked sternly at Dullandal, he then motioned for one of the girls to activate the Requiem in which she did hesitantly and slowly trying to buy more time.
"ARGH! Do I have to do everything myself?! Move aside!" Dullandal push the girl away and typed like the wind. He is a Coordinator after all. He then pressed a button and the Requiem began to gather energy.
Red alerts started sounding all over and one of the men at the computers went to check it out.
"The soldiers! They were all taken down!"
"What was that? How?!" yelled the Dullandal.
"I don't know."
Suddenly, they heard a giant explosion and their whole ship shook and the sounding of alarms went off.
RED ALERT! RED ALERT! PLEASE EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!
"What is going on?!"
Suddenly, another explosion was sounded and was louder than the previous one just heard and the shock waves went through them as their whole ship shook violently.
"Chairman! The Requiem! It's completely shut down!... One of the rings is destroyed!"
Dullandal looked up at the screen and saw that the Requiem fired a beam but went no where as there was no ring to guide its direction. Looking at which ring was destroyed, it was the ring that was directly in front of Earth.
"Heh…" Dullandal smiled. He lowered his gun and then turned around. Another explosion was heard and the ship shook again and caused everyone in the room to scream and panic. "Go…All of you. Leave this place now." Everyone immediately got up and ran to the escape pods.
Everyone evacuated the whole ship except for two people. Dullandal and the one soldier that he pointed the gun at. The soldier went up to Dullandal and placed a hand on his shoulder. "It was a pleasure to work with you." And the soldier went out through the door and into the last escape pod group that was waiting for him.
"A more of a pleasure to work with all of you…. Thank you."
As Athrun and Kira made their way through all the debris, they noticed a lot of the gundams that was heavily guarding the Chairman were all dismantled. Making both of them worry even more. If it took only a couple seconds for Cagalli to take all those down in SEED mode when it took them a while, then that would mean she's in a killing mode. They had to hurry, fearing that Cagalli might do something she'll regret.
"Let's go Athrun!"
"Right!"
They increased their speed ever so much towards the Chairman and just when they were about a few meters away, they saw an explosion from the rear of the ship and smoke coming out. In the same time, they notice many escape pods coming out. Just moments later, they heard a large explosion. They turned around and saw that the ring that was facing the Earth was engulfed in flames and smokes.
"They did it! Way to go!"
"Now we got one less thing to worry about… Hmmm? Damnit! She's already in! Come on let's go!"
They quickly increased their speed more and within a few minutes they blasted through into the ship and in front of them was the empty shell of the Strike Rouge with the cockpit opened and no one inside.
Athrun and Kira parked their gundams next to the Strike Rouge and they too came out each with a gun in hand and immediately went to find Cagalli.
They went through the halls and noticed that that the whole ship was empty. There was smoke coming out from many rooms and a lot of objects scattered on the floor. Suddenly the ship began to shake and the alarms that were ringing earlier announced another message.
RED ALERT! RED ALERT! SELF DESTRUCT SYSTEM ONLINE! PLEASE EVACUATE THE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY!
"Kira! It's set to self-destruct! We gotta hurry and find Cagalli!"
The two ran in the speed of lightning and their instincts led them to a broken fallen door and inside a dark room. They slowly approached inside the room with caution with their backs on the wall. As they were creeping in, they saw a glimpse of an orange flight suit.
"Cagalli!"
Athrun and Kira ran to where she was and stopped right beside her as she gave them no attention. Her gun was held out and pointed at a man who was sitting on chair at a desk. Athrun and Kira had their guns ready and they too had their gun pointing at the man.
"Well. Well… you all finally show up… Why hello there Princess. I see that you survived the ordeal you went through. A pity… And Athrun, so nice to see you again. And the pilot of Freedom. A pleasure."
"It's over Dullandal. Surrender now."
Dullandal stood up and the three pilots before him tensed themselves with caution. Dullandal shook his head and held a gun up at them.
"I don't think so. I can still win this if I kill you three. Mainly, if I kill the Princess, then I will be granted victory."
"You wouldn't kill me. A man like you can't kill a woman."
"Oh, and what makes you so sure I wouldn't?"
"Because, if you did, then Miss Talia would never forgive you."
"Talia… How do you know about us?"
"We had a chat. She told me that you were once a gentle caring man. And that you believed that everyone can co-exist with each other. You believed that everyone had a special someone and that they can be together with regardless of whom they were."
"That part of me is dead."
"No it isn't. You still are the same old Dullandal from the past. If you weren't, then you wouldn't have let all those people on this ship escape. I know and I believe that you are still the same person you were. Besides…" Cagalli lowered her gun. "… me killing you won't bring about anything. What you and Djibril did to me and to this world is unforgivable, but I will not kill you as it is not the answer to anything. No matter how much I want to make you pay. It isn't worth it."
"Heh… hahaha! Please… don't make me laugh. You really think that I am still that weak pathetic person? I think the brain washing you had is really catching up to you or rather, maybe that child of yours inside is interfering with your mind."
"There's my point right there."
"Excuse me?"
"You said 'that child' of mine, which means that you could tell that I am carrying one."
"Who couldn't tell?! You're glowing like a woman who is expecting a child."
"Once again, that is my point."
"What are you trying to say?"
"What she's trying to say is that you were able to tell from your eyes that she is indeed expecting a child. Which indicates that you do really look at every detail of a woman with care and respect. And that you do believe that a man killing a woman is the greatest sin of all on par with killing a child."
The four in the room turned to see who the voice belonged too and to their surprise, it was Captain Talia Gladys.
"Talia…" She held a gun towards Dullandal and walked towards him and came face to face with him. "Heh… I see you too have the desire to kill me as well."
"No one wants to kill anyone. You brought upon a war that was completely unnecessary due to your selfish emotions."
"I was doing what everyone wanted! I wanted everyone to be able to live together regardless of who they were, their status, position in the government and military and everything else! And you're saying that I'm doing this for my selfish needs?!" Dullandal screamed in frustration and pointed a gun at her while Talia only looked at him with a stern face.
"Yes. You took it upon yourself but, what you did is still wrong. Even when everyone wanted the same thing you did, it was still wrong for you to do it like that. There were many ways for everyone to coexist…You did this because the PLANTS wouldn't let us be together because of our status in the military. Am I right?"
"You'…You're wrong!"
"Dullandal…" Talia lowered her gun and took a step further towards him. "You know I'm right. You're war didn't work out and now it's over. Please… put the gun down and-"
"Get away!" Dullandal pushed Talia back and the three behind her rushed to catch her. He held his gun up again and cocked it. "This world will never coexist. If I kill you all now, then there will never be hope for peace and everyone will begin to kill each other until no one is left standing! Then a new world will begin refreshed sent by the gods! Just like when Adam and Eve first walked the earth. It will be like that once again and we can all be the same kind and build a new different world where everyone can coexist!"
"Gil…"
"Sayonara…" Dullandal aimed at the four people in front of him. Athrun and Kira held their guns up and took aim. Both them and Dullandal were about to shoot each other at this instant when they heard gunshot.
BANG!
"Wha…what?..." Dullandal looked down at his chest and saw a pure dark red fluid oozing out of him. He then looked up pass the people in front of him saw the last person he ever thought would do this to him. "Rey..." Dullandal fell to his knees and lay back against the front desk.
Talia ran towards Dullandal. "GIL!!" She cradled him into her arms and laid his head to rest on her chest.
Rey shook as he let his gun fall off his hands. He fell to the ground as he let out a sad cry. Dullandal looked at Rey and smiled at him. He then looked up at Talia and saw tears in her eyes as she was covering his wound with her hand.
Dullandal smiled as he closed his eyes and reopened it again tiredly. "Heh… I..I didn't think this….would be like this…. I … I just wanted…" He winced in pain.
Talia held him closer. "I know… It's okay. We can stop this now. It's over. Everything is going to be fine now." Talia cried as she spoke. She then looked towards Rey and smiled. "Rey…come here."
Rey looked at her with heavy tears, but got up and made his way to her and kneeled before them. "I.. .I had to…I …I didn't want…I.."
"Shhh…." Talia held Rey in her arms as he cried onto her shoulder. Dullandal watched this and he held his hand out and placed it over Rey's. "I'm very proud of you, Rey." Rey looked at Dullandal wide-eyed. "I…I've always thought of you as a son." Rey cried harder and hugged Dullandal as Dullandal smiled.
Athrun, Kira and Cagalli watched the scene before them and felt such sadness for them. They looked like a family.
FIVE MINUTES TO SELF DESTRUCT
"We have to get out of here!"
"I agree! Come on everybody let's go!" Kira and Athrun were about to go but they noticed that Cagalli didn't move from her spot.
"Come with us. We can all leave here together," said Cagalli.
Talia shook her head as she smiled, "No… you guys go. You have a duty to fulfill. The world needs you right now."
"Yes I know, but we can gain our goal by working together."
Talia shook her head again, "No… I have to stay behind. He needs me."
"Talia…"
Dullandal looked at Cagalli then back to Talia and he closed his eyes as he was attempting to get up. Talia was shocked by his movements and tried to hold him in place but he pushed her aside.
"Talia… The Princess is right. You and Rey have to go."
"What?! I can't leave you here. I was prepared for this. Rey and I. We would die together with you."
Dullandal shook his head. "No… that is not the way. You're not going to leave everything you worked for and die in a place like this just to be with someone who almost annihilated the world."
"GIL!"
"Talia, please, I beg you. You have a son down in earth don't you? What is he going to do when his mother never comes back? Go with them and live a life to your fullest. That is my wish. Please Talia, will you fulfill my last wish for a already dying man?"
Talia gripped onto his hand as she cried, "…Gil…"
Dullandal gave her a squeeze, "Go..."
Talia gave him a final last kiss and hugged him dearly as she stood up. Rey looked at Dullandal with tears still staining his eyes and face. Dullandal placed a hand on Rey's cheek.
"Rey, live for me, okay? Don't let anything ruin you just like what I did to myself. Live the life that you always wanted. You understand?"
"But…"
"It's alright….here," Dullandal gave Rey a disk. "This contains all the information for the medication and everything else we've done up to this point. I'm sure the doctors will be able to find a cure or at least a treatment for your health."
"…I'm…I'm sorry."
"Shhh…it's okay." He kissed Rey's head and hugged him. "I'm glad it was you…. Now go… Live."
Talia pulled Rey up as Dullandal's hand was slowly being brought away from the warmness of Rey's cheek until he no longer felt the warmness as his hand fell back to his lap.
Talia turned around and whispered, "That is our child in earth." Dullandal's eyes widened and tears formed in his eyes as he smiled. He always thought the boy was from someone else but now he knows the truth.
Cagalli couldn't allow this. She didn't want him to die here all alone. "Chairman, please come with us. We can help you."
"Heh… you're quite the person. With everything I've done, you still want to help me and still call me Chairman. You are a great leader and a true angel…" He coughed out blood. "…No… it's already too late for me. Besides, I have committed an unforgivable sin. You must go now and don't worry, I'm not alone. As long I have this memory and those two who love me, I will never be alone. I will die a happy man. And Princess… I'm sorry for everything. Can you apologize to them for me?"
Cagalli looked at him with tears and she nodded her head, "It's okay. We got out of it didn't we? Also, everyone is forgiven always. No matter what they did. And yes, of course I will." Dullandal smiled at her as she smiled back.
She turned around and walked with the others. They all were at the broken door and just when they were almost out of sight. They heard Dullandal spoke one last time.
"Princess…" Cagalli turned around. "… Congratulations on you and Athrun's child and… thank you." Cagalli smiled at him and soon they disappeared from sight.
"Where are Freedom and Justice?!"
"They went inside the ship where the Chairman is and hasn't come out yet!" said Neo.
"Damn!"
Suddenly two gundams took off and Dearka and Yzak chased after them. They grabbed the two gundams and locked them in place.
"OI! OI! What the hell are you guys doing?!"
"What does it look like?! We're going to get them!" yelled Shinn.
"Don't be a fool! You'll get in their way and risk their lives!"
"Stellar...Stellar wants to help Nii-sama and Nee-san!"
"If you want to help them, then don't get in their way! Just stay where you are!"
"But-"
"Do as Yzak says! We are you're superiors and not only that but we are their best friends as well and we have a duty to keep you kids from causing more trouble to them. We would defile our friends honor if we just let you off like that. Do you want us in trouble?"
Shinn clenched his fists and stopped struggling on his spot. "Fine… but they better come back alive!"
"They will…" Dearka said, "I know they will. They don't die easily."
While they waited for their return, Yzak ordered his team to destroy the other remaining rings of the Requiem. Since the giant mass weapon was no longer able to fire anything, the defense barrier surrounding the rings were no longer in effect therefore, it could now be easily destroyed. And not wanting to risk anything else from the rings, Yzak ordered for it to be completely destroyed.
"Tsh… What the hell is taking them so long?... You better not die Zala, we still have a score to settle. Especially you, Yamato."
In the Archangel, everyone was celebrating their victory. But the Captain, Lacus, Miriallia and Andrew were not cheering. They were too anxious and worried.
"Talia…"
"Hey, don't worry." Andrew sipped his coffee. "I'm sure they're going to be okay. The Chairman is there after all."
Murrue smiled, "That's true. He's the only one who could convince her… Miriallia, how are things?"
"Still nothing yet. I don't see anything."
"Kira…"
"Don't worry, Lacus. I've known Kira for a long time. He'll be back." Miriallia gave a reassuring smile.
Lacus nodded, "I hope so."
As everyone waited, three rings had already been destroyed. The insane wait that everyone was enduring was killing them deeply. Not knowing whether the Chairman had killed them or if they couldn't get out.
"Argh!... I'm going in!"
"Oi! Yzak!"
"Wait! Look!" yelled Neo.
Yzak stopped on his spot and saw that four gundams were coming out from the ship.
"Come on! Hurry!"
ONE MINUTE TIL SELF DESTRUCT
They finally made it into their gundams and started it up at the speed of light. Talia went with Rey's Destroy and they were the first to leave the ship. Followed by Kira, Athrun and Cagalli. Just before they completely escaped, Cagalli looked at the ship one last time and let out one final tear.
When they finally escaped the ship, they met up with an angry Yzak.
"Where the hell have you been?! We were worried like hell!"
"Yzak, there's no time for this right now! The ship is going to self destruct! We gotta get out of the distance!"
"What?!" Yzak was suddenly dragged by Dearka. "Dearka!"
"Jeez, for once can you put aside your anger management and get back to reality! If it wasn't for me, you'd be caught in the explosion!" Yzak growled under his breath as he let Dearka drag him away while Dearka was secretly snickering.
Back inside the ship, the Chairman laid on his back against the desk and smiled to himself as he listened to the final five seconds till the entire ship is engulfed in flames.
"Heh… Thank you everyone… thank you for everything….I'm sorry."
Outside where everyone is viewing the final image of the ship, suddenly it began to glow red and within seconds, the ship exploded and disintegrated whatever was within its radius.
The gundams that stood before it watched as the clouds began to get lighter. The Archangel and Minerva watched in shock as they've just witnessed the final piece of the war end within a single explosion.
All who were watching had mixed emotions of shock, relief, and confusion. But in the end, everyone gave a final salute to the man who thought was doing the right thing in order for everyone to coexist. He was saluted for honor in believing that everyone can coexist with each other and for respecting and caring for all his fellow people.
A/N: I hope that you guys enjoyed these two chapters after a four month wait. HAPPY BACK-TO-SCHOOL present to all of you! And by the way, to those of you who even dared to PM me about updating late and having the gull to claim that you weren't being rude but impatient and PMing me when you didn't even review. Well, you were being rude and god damnit! I'm only a freaking human being! I have a life you know! You may have time, but I absolutely don't. Just relax and wait. Rude children do not get cookies.
Oh! Many have asked me about that no good bitch that bitched me off over something I didn't say. Well, just to let all of you who asked know, a reviewer had informed me that that Bitch now writes on her chapters that "flaming" is now accepted even though it would pain her to read about the bad pairing of AsuMey and that she will gladly block those reviewers who wrote it. PSH! NOW she says it's okay. I guess my words scared her. Maybe she regrets saying that shit to me… HA! My ass! BURN BITCH BURN!
Alright, unfortunately, as you may all know, this is the second last chapter. The next chapter will be the final chapter for this story and it will officially be the end of this fic. I want to take this time to thank every one of you guys who has reviewed and stuck out from the beginning to the end. I wouldn't have done it without you guys! Give yourselves a pat on the back and once again, THANK YOU GUYS SOOOO MUCH! You're the reason why this story was sooo awesome! –bows head-
It took me a loooong months to type these two plus the final chapters. I hope it was worth the wait. I juggled work, school, chores, watching anime and free time, which the last two are only in the morning that I get to use the computer. Isn't that hectic? But I managed! I've re-read these two chapters countless times to ensure perfection.
Next chapter will probably be the final chapter where I answer your reviews so get typing! LOL! And PLEASE, NO FLAMES! This is the end remember? So… NO FLAMES!
By the way, I need some baby name suggestions for Athrun and Cagalli's baby. Most preferably a BOY name. I prefer a Japanese name. If I can't find the one I like, I guess I'll have to use the usual name. I've already written the last chapter and it will be up in a week and a half maybe…