( watch?v=2kZASM8OX7s Ashokan- Farewell)

It's been a few months since I first joined the angel troupe. I fiddled with my old watch and picked up a frame of my step parents. It had us together on Skylon 4, holding hands over a sky that was bright.

I imagined that day. I was running with a knapsack over me with Lisa, somewhere in the thick brushes of the crops they were yelling. I coughed starting to lag. "Keep running, Mori!"

We managed to stop at the a train station that was hovering by the old Weasly mill. "They probably have an open door somewhere." She spotted a ladder elading into the passenger's cargo. "This way," we climbed up and jumped into the soft pillows.

The train roared to life and moved forward without us.

"Lisa, are you sure about this?"

"Yeah, if you stayed there any longer, they would have done- lord knows what."

"Yeah, but still- those were your parents."

"Don't worry about me, I promised to be with you, right?"

"Yeah."

Silence.

"Is it true? That I'm a monster? Like Eonia?"

"No, don't believe them. You're just like the rest of us."

I lay against a pillow of wheat staring at the rooftop of the cable car.

"So, why do they hate me.."

"I don't know. They're scared of you.. All because of some stupid guy."

"So where are we going to go now?"

"I don't know. Maybe an orphanage, we can say we're twins," she chuckles.

"And after that, what happens."

"I don't really know, but we'll figure it out, okay?"

"Do you promise?"

"Pinkie promise."

Our pinkies crossed together. The engine came to a halt.

"I want to give you something," she handed me an emerald ring.

"Why a ring?"

"Hey, be grateful! It's not just any watch, it's a special one. One day I was walking in the fields when it fell from the sky, it was all burnt up but when it got cool I picked up. And it could still tell time. It's a lucky watch that's still ticking."

I took it carefully.

"It fits you a lot. After all that's been done and said..let's go."

We heard footsteps.

"Right."

We ran outside and trekked our way to the next town.

A while after that, I remember being lucky enough to be accepted into an academy/boarding school with her.

And now I'm here.

Without her.

There's no use moping, it's almost time to go anyway. Noah was outside my room patiently waiting with a book in her hand. "Spying on me?" I asked.

She scoffed, "I have to be careful you're not like Eonia."

"I'm an Angel, Noah. You can trust me."

"And from the frontier. Full of shady-"

"Warm and friendly people if you look hard enough. That's beside the point, we're landing on Magic, right?"

"Yes..," she replied bitterly. She furrowed her brow and walked off.

"I have a reputation that needs mending. Lisa allowed me to get this far. The rest I need to finish on my own."

At the bridge, Takuto gave me an elated smile. We were alone except for the crew navigating the mountainside of Magic. "Surprised to see you here. Everyone's celebrating with some r&r."

"I can rest another time. How are you?"

"Fine as always," he took in the scenery of the majestic clouds Vindictus floated through. "It's been only six or so years since I was an Angel troupe member. Hard to believe."

I joined him on the balcony and whistled the tune of Ashokan, "Was being an Angel always this hard?"

"Sometimes. But it's also this great after hard work."

"Like this scenery from Magic."

The engine hummed melancholy and the birds flew in formations to the capitol city, a town just up ahead at the ends of the mountains, in a valley. The meadows were suspended in the air.

The Vindictus stretched and lay in the fields of grass whistling the grass in opposite directions. "We've landed. You're free to do whatever you like, Mori."

He put on his coat and made for the door.

"What about you, Takuto?"

"I still have to make a speech to the people and visit a few places with Ranpha."

Ranpha ran into the room, "Takuto, I'm back! I'm finally back! That council is gonna regret making those shady deals! When they see you oh boy they'll-"

"Now, now, Mint and the Moon angel troupe aren't ready yet and don't forget the other meetings we're going to have before seeing the council."

She sighed regrettably, but then masked it with a modest smile, "Well, let's hurry then."

The streets of Magic were cleaner than I thought. Despite the vegetation that grew in the marble buildings and cobblestone roads it did not rot into weeds. The people were clamoring all over the street celebrating with drinks of their elixirs. Floating candles hovered above them in various colors to agree.

This is what I'm fighting for. It reminded me of my not so humble beginning and the everyday people on Skylon. Though we are different, we are not enemies. We don't need to be enemies, we feel the same things, like joy.

Manny tapped my shoulder, he was wearing the robes of a thief. Behind him was the rolling eyes of Anise and a fear worn out resistance fighters. "Takuto is making his speech, would you like to see?"

"Of course, Manny."

He brought me forward to a podium where many people of all backgrounds, aristocrats, beggars, merchants, farmers were huddled together to listen to Takuto speaking. One day this is the Angel I'll be, someone looked up to and admired.

A fervor in the magicians could be felt, their aura rubbing off on all of us.

Be proud of your race.

You went through a lot.

Together we can win this war.

But don't forget the finer things in life.

Be happy, be proud, and remember not to forget what was done and said here.

Everyone clapped joyously and with that Takuto informed everyone they will shortly leave. And stepping forward, their grandmage Carraway an elderly women took over the speech. A signal from Takuto told us already it was time to go.

I was disappointed it did not last long enough, the celebration. But no use complaining. On the way back, I found a young boy alone with his parents, pictures, propaganda of the Council Ranphna spoke of.

"Why aren't you celebrating?"

The father spoke in a whisper. "We' were supporters of the Council, now that they're gone."

"It wouldn't hurt to put away the papers and just celebrate with them, talk to them."

He looked at me perplexed. "Magicians are celebrating being Magicians, you like being a Magician do you?"

"I had the interests of Magic memorized by heart."

"People will always judge what you do. But if you love something enough to do the unthinkable, don't be afraid of the others. Just celebrate with other people, and look to the future."

They stared their eyes even wider.

"I've been there. And look where I am now."

"I-...," he shrugged and tore up the papers, "My brother is waiting for me at the place they're holding the speech, excuse us."

I let out a soft giggle and make my way back to Vindictus. It was time again to embark on another mission. I could tell by Takuto's serious face.

"We're headed somewhere special to refuel."

"Routine work, huh? Takuto?" Baron adjusted his cap.

"A special contact has come back after a long period of isolation since the war started. The names are top-secret for now. But expect Shiva and Shatoyarn to be there."

We whispered nervously, Kazuya and the rune troupe looked to me, as if ready to help me lead the way. "Well then, let's move out."

Central Globe- On board the Holy Cross

Luscious watches solemnly through the windows of his flagship. He sees the hollow craters of Central Globe. Once a space station built in the center of the universe, connecting all the galaxies.

Eonia stood beside him, awaiting word of the two angels deploying.

"Make sure Macedonia is there, too," he ordered.

"Yes, sir," a solider bowed and ran out the room.

"Tell me.. Eonia," Luscious' voice echoed, "Have you ever fought for a world, no one wants you in?"

"Yes. I have."

"Is it.. Always painful?"

He paused to recollect bitter memories of the coup, "The worst parts are when you get desperate. When no one understands."

"Indeed, it's a burden to fight for something and everyone one opposes you, even though I fight for them."

"We must all carry a burden, ultimately."

Luscious nods and ascends from his throne. The cannon is ready, and the radar shows Chitose and Forte positioned.

"Then I will carry it to the very end.. For all who stand beside me."

Central Globe

A carrier ship called Luxiole armed with dual chrono break cannons, defended by an armada watch over the ruins of this site anxiously. The details of their mission are unclear but admirals, Lester and Luft carry their orders out the best they can.

Lester adjusts his eye patch with the help of Alma. He indifferently looks ahead into the space. "A few months already and no sign of Takuto. What does he want us here for anyway?"

"Only a few weeks from vacation, too," Alma complained.

"Well," he sighed, "I'm going to obey his orders. He better be in trouble though.

(Have a little faith in Takuto, he'll show up.)

"I hope you're right..."

BEEP.

"Sir.."

Lester's eyes widened and he approached the assistant from the rear, "Is that an enemy?"

The boy looks confused, "It's not an enemy craft I'm aware of and it's pretty far away... What I'm certain is.. It's using some sort of..Halo system."

"What do you mean-"

The lights in the room shutdown. It took a few minutes of shouting and urgent steps to the backup generator before the system went back online.

A voice was waiting for them on the communications, "Central Globe, you humans have made if far since our disappearance."

Not mitigated by the voice, he addressed the voice, "This is Admiral Lester, identify yourself, Seldorian rebel."

"Seldorian? I am no Seldorian, but I am.. Something much more significant."

VRRR... PEW.

A massive beam grazed the ship and punctured Central Globe.

( watch?v=dZBoiW460nU Agnus-Dei)

"I am a God, prepare yourself."

A flock of wings took flight accompanied by enemy fighters. Lester switched the channel, "Fleet, we have been engaged. Scramble the fighters!"

Roselle heard the call, in his Emblem frame and was the first to be slngshot from the hangar. Winged beings jumped at his window but he sprayed at their shoulders to clip their wings off.

Hundreds of Emblem Frames assembled behind him, ready to take his lead when the enemy fighters charged forth with their lances.

(Roselle, are we going to die?)

He looked around him, there was no backup or sign of life. He held tightly on to the picture of his sister, the words inscripted below, "Bianca"

"Most likely."

(Well, it was a pleasure serving. Better than dying of stress.)

He nods, "ON ME!"

Five to ten of his men were jabbed with the sharp end of lancers exploding. Roselle fearlessly accelerates into a hail of bullets, while his comrades sluggishly dogfight in tremendous mosh pits of burning steel.

He spotted the Holy Cross. Roselle adjusted the buttons on his control panel and aligned himself with the orbit of the ship. The engine was cranked to chrono drive and all armaments were unlocked.

Roselle prayed one last time, "Bianca.. I love you."

He crashed into flagship sending a ripple that dazed or killed several angels in the vicinity. His explosion was quick and the smoke had already evaporated into the cold space.

Lester scanned the charts and real-time reports of the battle. Defeat was certain, there was no way to prevail after losing so many. "Luft, we need to retreat!"

"I can't do that, Lester."

An explosion made Lester fall on his back, "The mission is suicide!"

"I'm defending this place until Takuto arrives no matter what."

"But what if he-"

"He's a star pupil, I, trust him with my life, "he said ironically.

"Now's not the time for jokes!"

He shook his head, "I'm serious. Lester."

There was a silence between them, "You can retreat if you like, Lester. I'll distract the enemy fleet."

Eonia's image appeared, "Imperial fleet, surrender. Your forces are surrounded. For the sake of the empire, we must avoid shedding any more blood."

"Empire? You're not a part of the empire and even if you were I can't do that! All ships, full speed ahead!"

Before Lester could protest he heard a loud boom that roared inside the bridge. When he opened his eyes the bridge was torn to pieces, littered with broken equipment and dead crew.

"Alma..," he tried to get up but felt agonizing pain restrain him to the floor. His arms, legs and even his torso were covered in boiling hot metal. He was going to scream, the first time he ever did so in his life, when he saw Alma crying beside him, "Lester! You're awake. Medic!"

"Ugh..u-"

"Save your breath, Lester... You need it."

"R-"

"What? What is it, Lester?" she leaned forward to hear him.

"R- Run..."

"But what about you?! I can't-"

"Ju-Just leave me! I'm.. Already.."

He stopped breathing.

"Lester," she burst into tears and kissed his cheek one last time. "Now I know how you feel deep down...," she carried him out to the escape pod.

Chitose reloaded her sniper cannon. Over the radio, she heard haunting words, "Lester is dead."

Her fingers shook.

"Are you alright, Chitose?" Forte asked, unaware of what she did. Forte was busy leading an assault.

"Yes..Forte," she smiled as tears poured down her eyes, "I'm alright."

The Imperial fleet was being picked off one by one. "Where's Takuto?" his face bled, "TAKUTO?!"

Silence on the radio..

"TAKUTO?!" his voice broke.

(I'm here, Luft.)

The White Moon appeared alongside the Vindictus and a supporting imperial fleet. As the fleet flanked the attackers from the read, Takuto called his old friend, when he saw the wounds he suffered he was at a loss for words.

"I'm alright.. There's still someone else we're waiting for.."

"Luft.. Where's Lester and the others?"

"Alma's alright."

"I know. But where's Lester?"

No answer.

"I see."

"Mori, I am getting a reading that two angels are here."

"I'm getting the same feeling, too. Is it the Macedonia squadron?"

"No, the Emblem frames are of a much older design."

What kind of design would match that-

The legendary Sharpshooter zipped by me. "Was that.."

I turned around and pursued the fighter.

"Identify yourself."

(Chitose Karasuma, GA 006)

This isn't a good sign. Like her name suggested, she fired from ridiculous distances and managed to get away from my pursuing frame. She swayed to the right and fired a shot, I swung the fighter left, but my wing broke off.

I panicked, my steering ricket and tilted radically.

(Normad, here. It looks lke you're in a predicament, 23234349)

"Can you not do math while in the middle of a war?"

(Sorry, sheesh. Anyway, the Sharpshooter is weakly armored. If you can manage a hit she'll go down much faster.)

"I would if I can steer," I wrestled with the controls.

A light flashed from her barrel centered on my forehead. My heart skipped.

*PEW*

I wasn't dead. She flew away. Why?

(You must be a new Angel, I was one once. I won't hurt you. But please stay out of my way until this battle ends.)

"She.."

(Madame, there is a problem over here. Our corvette, GA-7 is being attacked by The fabled Happy Trigger, what is going on here, is it a mutiny?)

I can see from my side window the large ship using a force-field to block the incoming waves of missiles streaming into its compacted bubble.

(...Mori?) Takuto was calling, in a weak voice.

"Takuto!"

Kazuya was there as well and he spoke, "We've got to retreat. We can't fight anymore."

"But why? You're the two greatest angels of all time, and you're going to-"

"Luft passed away!" he blurted out.

I took my hands away from the controls, Luft is gone? He was probably the oldest navy admiral and Takuto's mentor.

Shiva joined in, "The mission is suicide, we can't put anymore people in danger! Mori, do you understand?"

"I-" my fists were clenched on the controls with much more energy, rage inside me. I have to keep fighting. I have to keep fighting. I have to keep fighting..

Noah screamed at me, "Mori! Are you listening! Order your troops to leave!"

"No," I said, "We made it this far..We can't give up. I'm going to fight all of them! Luscious, Eonia..Macedonia..Chitose!" I wrapped my hands around the throttles, a new energy surged within me. A bright light sprinkled down me, and around my head was a HALO.

"Mori, my wing has been repaired."

Huh? I turn right and see the feathers of an angelic wing flapping. Is this..

(The full potential of the HALO system.) Takuto chuckled. (Maybe we can do this.)

"I don't believe it," Noah stepped back taking in the view.

"Your orders.. Shiva."

"Uh..right," she points to the Holy Cross.

"Forces of the Imperial navy, advance!"

Unknown Location

Somewhere in these nebula clouds, a girl wandered fruitlessly. Her white dress had picked up dust for days-months, years- she stopped counting. In her arm was a rabbit she shared the little food they had.

The winds whistled again, but she didn't mind. She like always prepared the fire early and took care of her rabbit. Her long green hair hung over her face. She had forgotten how to brush, it was pointless anyway.

"It's okay Bogi-Bogi," she whispered soothingly to her rabbit.

Her emblem frame lay wrecked in the sand buried deep within. She had stopped trying to remove it, since the engine no longer worked.

"It's been three years already," she held a calender in her hand. Today was her anniversary. It made her sand. Her husband may have forgotten her. But it kept her sane. Her daughter would be raised well by her husband at least that much, she could believe.

However, it depressed her to think they may have forgotten her.

Bogi-Bogi climbed on her shoulder, moaning.

"It's alright," she healed him with a green light. "We will find a way out, eventually. We need to be patient."

All she needed was to turn the emblem frame's HALO on. But it needed something powerful, a celestial event of some sort. Energy that could charge the machine fully.

The earth shook. Then a geyser spout from the sky. A second appeared, then a third, until they all formed in a circle. She stood up, "Another one, could I make it through their?"

She heard explosions and the sound of lasers. A battle, was occurring. She closed her eyes and listened. The sound of engines screeching through the stars, typical fighters. But then, something strange occurred. She picked the sound of wings, "An emblem frame!"

( watch?v=oPuuBHr35iI Seven Swell)

She ran to her downed fighter and dug in her pockets, "Harvester!" She pulled out a computer of chip and pressed it against her chest. Harvester recognized her, and absorbed the chip, charged by the gate's nearby energy sending shockwaves through the ground.

(Good to see you again, Vanilla. Where is Takuto?) a women's voice called.

"He's in trouble!" she pointed to the portal as she climbed inside. "We need to hurry!"

(Of course, prepare for lift-off.)

Bogi-Bogi jumped into the backseat, bucked up by a seatbelt. Harvester fired the engine and ascended vertically into the sky and sharply descended straight into the portal.

"Nano-Nano, Takuto... Please wait for me. Mommy's coming home!" she cried.

AN: Sorry, I've been so busy, but next week I will be able to upload more chapters. Already halfway through the story. :)