Changing Fate
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything pertaining to the Gundam franchise.
Chapter 7: Family
The couple arrived at Aprilius City just as Azrael was being lead to the building which would hold the trial against him. Murrue and Mu were there. Natarle couldn't hide her happiness at Azrael's bruised face. "You and the crew sure did a number on him," Natarle whispered in Arnold's ear. Everyone couldn't help being happy at this monster getting what he deserved. Hours passed and the tribunal decided on a guilty verdict. Azrael was being placed in an armored van which would take him to the advanced maximum security prison on Aprilius City. Azrael would never see the light of day again and he would be surrounded by the same people he wanted to exterminate.
Natarle, Mu, Murrue, and Arnold all left to regroup on the Archangel, where the officers would celebrate this victory. The old friends discussed the events that led to the final battle, the disgust in the military growing little by little. After talking for a short time and drinking for an even shorter time, the friends divided and went to their respective ships. After all tomorrow would be the day that this temporary peace will become official.
THE NEXT DAY, DOMINION
Natarle and Arnold woke in each other's arms and after staring at each other they got up and dress in their uniforms. Arnold had noticed that Natarle couldn't see to sleep last night and brought up the subject, "How did you sleep last night, Natarle?" Natarle stared at him, 'Did he know?'
"I didn't sleep very well. When I did sleep I was having nightmares about the battle. Azrael shot Fllay and other members of the crew and I didn't stop him. I didn't save my crew," Arnold was shocked to hear how vicious the nightmares were. "Natarle, next time that happens, wake me. I can help you," Arnold said wrapping his arms around Natarle, tears in her eyes. "Arnold, thank you. These past few days you have been here for me. I love you," she said planting a kiss on his cheek. Arnold spoke in her ear, "That leaves me with a question. Natarle, will you marry me?"
Natarle didn't know what to say. "Arnold…" was all Natarle could say before her body did the talking for her. Her mouth found Arnold's and the two felt like kids who were in love. "Yes," Natarle said as she and Arnold broke apart. "You know, Mu wanted for him and myself to propose at the same time. So they are probably doing the same thing we are doing," Arnold said, taking a ring out of his pocket. It was a simple band, but they didn't need anything fancy. Natarle started to laugh, picturing the couple acting like teenagers making out in the hallways between classes. "We need to get going, before rumors start going around the ship."
RUINS OF JUNIUS SEVEN, NAIROBI PEACE CONFERENCE
The crews of the Archangel, Dominion, Eternal, and Kunsangi were all in their respective military's uniform, watching as the peace negotiations began. Murrue noticed that Natarle and Arnold kept staring at each other, the same way she and Mu were doing. 'They are happy and they both deserve it. This war has stopped them for showing their love. I hope they both live a long peaceful life,' Murrue thought as she stared at the woman who helped them end this long war. She felt the ring that she had on, from now on things would be different for a bunch of people.
As the treaty when to discuss the topic of the renegade ships the tension had built up in the air. The four captains went to the front of the table occupied by the leaders of the PLANTS and the Alliance. Each told what would happen to their ships, neither side was happy to hear that the Archangel Class ships would be given to Orb of all places. The neutral country had just become a superpower with the addition of the two ships into its navy. The Eternal would also help the small country become a fearsome enemy to anyone in space.
While the war was started by the Alliance, both sides had been punished, paying off the damages to the other and an armament limit. Orb had gotten off easy, a fine of a few million dollars and restrictions on Morgenroete. The war had caused so many problems that many people wished would never occur again. The scars from the battle ran deep on all sides, from casts on broken limbs to sleeves that were now empty, limbs long gone. The conference ended with pictures of the different sides and clapping as the leaders of the PLANTS, the Alliance, and the four captains all signed the treaty. History had been made and the war had finally ended.
ORB, A MONTH LATER
After a month since the end of the Bloody Valentine War, Natarle and Arnold had settled into Orb after visiting Natarle's parents in Georgia. Arnold had taken a job with the Orb military as an instructor at the military institution when the couple got to Orb. Natarle, wounds finally healed, joined him about a week ago. She had been made assistant director of the military intelligence committee. The couple was living in a medium size beach house since they came to Orb.
Natarle walked to her future husband, the wedding was coming up in the next few days, and wrapped her arms around him. Since Murrue and Mu's wedding last week, they had been nervous about their upcoming wedding, but managed to still find time for the two of them to show their love for each other. They heard knocking and the two headed to see who would be at their door on a Saturday. Arnold opened the door and was shocked to see Mu and Murrue, whom they hadn't seen since they arrived on Orb. After a fierce hug from Murrue, the four officers sat and discussed the upcoming event. Natarle had chosen Murrue to be the matron of honor and Mu was to be Arnold's best man. Natarle invited her parents, who loved Arnold, to the wedding and many members of the Four Ships Alliance said that they would come to the wedding. Natarle still found it hard to believe that so many people cared about the two of them.
Murrue smiled as she remembered the news she had gotten this morning, "We are expecting," Murrue saw the confused expressions on their faces, "I'm pregnant." Natarle felt her jaw drop to the floor as Murrue glowed at the couple. "We had been trying and we were told this morning by the doctors." The violet haired couple was completely shocked and didn't know what to say to the two people in front of them. "Congratulations," was all they could manage in their shocked states. After a hour or so the beaming soon-to-be parents left to celebrate their special occasion.
"Natarle, what do you say we try for a kid," Arnold said as he and Natarle lay down in bed. "That sounds nice," she said as she turned to shut off the light and then back to face the man of her dreams. Arnold noticed the scars from that fateful day, 'Sad that this had to happen for us to admit that we love each other.' Perhaps this was their fate after all.
THE END
AN: I meant to get this out yesterday, but I didn't. Oh well. Hope you enjoyed this story and keep an eye out for the next story. Thanks to kookith, Byron Lancaster, and CrimsonHowls for the reviews.