Here we are, readers, the final chapter of the story which as before ends with the Eternal Lovers part...with another twist. Arnold encourages Tact to take on board the idea of writing love letters to get his feelings out to Chitose. Meanwhile, Forte assures that she'll always be there for Arnold when he learns of his past.

Back Defenders For Life (Chitose Route)

Forte and I stood behind the curtain, feeling a little nervous that we were gonna be dancing front of an audience.

"Arnold, do not let the nerves get to you." Forte said as we held hands.

"I won't, Forte. I know how much this dance means to you." I replied. "We'll make our closest friends proud.

We shared a quick kiss.

"Dancing the waltz, would Arnold Williams and Forte Stollen, please take to the floor." An announcer said.

I took Forte's hand and we walked down to the dance floor of the hall that we reserved as part of the 30-day paid vacation we earned after defeating Nefuria. The dance hall was part of the main palace on Transbaal, with Lady Shiva's permission. We got into our dance hold and began the performance, we had rehearsed the waltz routine multiple times, so we knew the steps as dead on possible. The other angels and Tact who got front row seats were proud of us and what we were doing. When we finished the routine, everyone stood up and cheered as Forte and I shared a happy embrace.

23 Days Later...

*Bang* *Bang*

*Bang* *Bang*

*Bang* *Bang*

Another target holed with bullets, my accuracy with weapons had gotten more accurate over the few weeks. I was in the firing range and I was learning to use two pistols instead of my desert eagle. They were the .45 pistols Forte and I used back when we prevented an assassination attempt at Fargo when no one else was around.

"Well mister, you're becoming a sharp shooter, don't tell Chitose I said that." Forte teased.

"Chitose will never find that out and neither will anybody else." I replied, holstering the pistols. "Well unless our ship was taken over by some space invaders."

"Yeah, like an automated ship is just gonna board the Elsior, that won't happen."

"Speaking of the Elsior, didn't expect to be back already and on our way where the Val-Fasc forces are forming in preparation for a counter attack."

She nodded. "I guess time really does fly when you share a private dance together. Although it was kinda refreshing to share it in front of an audience a few weeks back."

"Yeah, especially when our friends got to see us up close in the front row, cheering us on."

"Anyways, that's enough target practice today. Want some coffee?"

I took her hand. "Yeah, sounds good."

We left the firing range and walked to the lounge to share drinks of coffee together. Not much had changed on the ship either, everyone was still the same although there were talks of Tact and Chitose getting a little friendly even though Tact still hasn't found the courage to tell Chitose how he feels about her yet. But during our travel towards the south west part of the galaxy, Forte and I had been secretly working on a plan to help them with sharing their feelings, if they have any which all of us angels suspected.

"Hmm, I wonder what else we can do while we're on this ship." Forte said, sitting close to me with my hand being held.

"Well... I'll have to think of something special." I replied. "The coffee's enough for now."

"I guess so...any ideas yet?"

"Not at the moment, but for now I just wanna clarify that I'll always protect your back. Whether it's against the wall with our guns out or on each other's backs in a reserved hot spa resort."

Forte hummed happily. "A luxury spa resort with our backs close together? I might just take you up on that offer. He he he."

"Well it was a romantic suggestion."

"And it's one that I welcome with open arms. But it's always great to see you working hard out there as one of us. That's the Arnold I fell in love with."

"Yeah, I'll always stay by your side."

Suddenly, sirens went off around the ship.

Forte had a serious look. "We've got trouble."

"Yeah, it's war, war with the Val-Fasc again."

We rushed out of the lounge and into the hanger, we were the first to get to our frames. The other girls arrived and we flew out to deal with a Val-Fasc fleet that was pursuing a civilian ship way out here which was somewhat suspicious. But nonetheless we had a job to do and we beat the Val-Fasc fleet before escorting the civilian ship into the Elsior. We had to wait for a while before we could board our frames, but thanks to Mint, we could see who was coming out of the civilian ship.

Two people had come out and they introduced themselves to Tact as Lushati and Wein who were not only brother and sister, but two people who came from Eden, that stunned us all. So the Eden civilisation was still alive, even after the Chrono Quake took place six centuries ago. We boarded our frames in and thinking of the brother and sister, it reminded me of the word family which gave me a headache. Vanilla advised me to rest so I went to Forte's room to sleep on her bed since the guest room was being used by Lushati and Wein.

I was dreaming away and it was a peaceful dream...until it became a nightmare at a fast pace, causing me to panic and then I couldn't see anything.

"AHHHH!" I yelled before panting.

Forte suddenly ran into the room. "Are you okay, Arnold?"

"F-Forte..."

"Me and the girls were past the guest room and then we heard you yell, did something happen?"

"This is...your room?"

Forte now looked concerned. "What happened...tell me, please."

"I...need...to calm down...first..." I then sniffed.

"Come here, you..."

I got off the bed and we wrapped each other in a loving hug.

"Well, I don't know what it was...but it's okay now, I'm here."

I wiped my tear away. "Y-yeah...you're here for me, like I'm always here for you."

"Feeling a little better?"

I held her a little tighter. "Yeah, I feel much better now, thank you."

"It was nothing."

I looked into her eyes, they were the look of comfort, care and love.

"I didn't mean to worry you about it."

"It's alright...but could you tell me what it was about, if you want to?"

"Sure, I'm strong enough to tell you."

I then explained the dream and how it was because the word family is mentioned.

"Hmm, I see...then do you think it's some kind of warning?" Forte asked.

"Yeah, I have a feeling that dream was trying to tell me something it may be related to what happened to my parents and why Eden is involved."

Forte hummed. "That's a heck of a stretch, Arnold."

"But it may hold the clue to what really happened in my past and I think I need to pay Lady Shatyarn a visit, it's time I learnt more about what really happened."

She smiled. "Well if you're going to insist on it, I won't stop you. I will however support you...and I do hope you find the answers you need."

"Thanks...so why were you girls up here earlier?"

"Oh yeah...Milfie is inviting all of us to a picnic in the park to welcome Lushati and Wein to the ship."

"I see, well I don't think any of us could say no to Milfie's cooking, I'll gladly come along...but can we stay like this a little longer?"

She giggled. "There's no pleasing you is there? Alright, just for a little more..."

We moved our heads to lock in our lips gently. Eventually I calmed down and cheered up, leaving with her and heading to the park for Milfie's welcoming picnic.

When the picnic was interrupted by Milfie's luck which was not a surprise, Forte and I looked at each other and we sneaked off. When we were away from the others, we agreed that it was time for our secret plan to get underway.

"Arnold, you thought of an idea?" She asked me quietly.

"Love letters." I replied quietly. "I think they might work."

"Love letters, eh? So how will that go down?"

"Well I think it's simple, I go to Tact and explain about it to him and you do the same with Chitose, but you'll have to convince her that it's a learning curve and she's keen to learn and trust if it's from you."

She nodded. "Sounds like a great idea, okay let's do it. When I get the chance, I'll go and talk to Chitose. You do the same with Tact."

"We'll check up together when it's underway..."

We shared an embrace and started the plan, I indeed hoped that this would work for sure.

Later on, I walked to the commanders room and called for Tact.

"...Huh? Who is it?" Tact asked from his room.

"It's only me, man." I replied.

"Oh, Arnold...come on in."

I walked into his room with a piece of paper and a pen and he looked confused.

"Uhhh, what are those for?"

"This Tact is your stepping stone towards getting your feelings out?"

"Eh?"

I giggled. "Don't play dumb with me, I've become aware that you have feelings for Chitose."

Tact was stunned, now I had his full attention.

"H-how did you know?"

"Because with the way you were wanting to get close to her. Tell me though, have you shared your feelings to her yet?"

He sighed. "No...I haven't had the chance."

"Well, I have I plan that may work and instead of just waiting for the right moment, why don't you make it happen by writing a love letter?"

"A love letter?"

"Yeah, it's one other way to get your feelings out of your mind and sent to the one person you have feelings for."

"Wait a second...you want me to tell her that I...I err..."

"Love her?"

"Noooo...well not yet at least."

"I see...but either way, you should do this and I can help you start it off if you wish."

Tact sighed. "Well...if there's no other way...sure, I'll do it."

"Good." I placed the paper and pen on his desk. "First off you start with the name of the person you have feelings for, then you share what's on your mind when you think about that person and then at the end, say how much she means to you."

"Okay...I think I got it."

I nodded approvingly. "In that case, I wish you luck."

"Thanks..."

I left his room and I walked past the guest room, I had hoped to get that room back soon. It's not that I don't mind being in Forte's room for now, we weren't exactly serious for more than the love we had right now. I had often looked at Forte's gun collection and she had given me permission to open the silver cabinet and get a feel of the guns she had in there. I opened it with the key she kept on a hook above the cabinet and slid the door up to see the weapons inside.

There were a pair of 9mm pistols with silencers on them displayed on stands. There were another pair of stands but the pistols were not there, I took out the .45's and put them in there, I nearly forgot about them at least they were back in the collection belonging to my girlfriend. At the top of the cabinet was an RPG-7, a rocket launcher that Forte can trace way back to a forgotten era. Below that was an XM8 Assault Rifle with a clip that was strapped with another clip, probably to reduce the reload time.

There were loads more like a pair of shotguns and a sniper rifle, but I didn't want to waste much time. I then slid the cabinet door down and locked it with the key and placed the key on the hook. I took a lie down on the bed and thought of how Forte is getting on with teaching Chitose about love letters, my thought was moved away when Forte walked in and she was smiling as she walked over and took my hand.

"It's working, Arnold." She said. "I told her about it and she's writing one to Tact as we speak."

"Oh, that was quick." I replied. "I guess Chitose has feelings for him too."

"Yeah, I think we may have done them a huge favour."

"I like to think so too, but we'll have to wait and see how it goes."

Forte nodded and we smiled.

Then beeps went off across the ship, it was battle time again.

We dealt with them and then Admiral Rowil finally showed himself as the enemy commander of the Val-Fasc. But he was no match for us, forcing him to retreat but before he did, he revealed what happened to my parents and everyone heard...I snapped and lost all control of emotion. When we boarded our frames, I rushed to Forte's room as the only place for comfort. However, thanks to being with Forte who trained me to remain strong and never show easy weakness to the enemy, I came out of her room the next day and went to the White Moon to get a few answers.

When I returned to the Elsior, my faith and focus were restored and we all dealt a fatal blow to Rowil and his Val-Fasc fleet, finally, I had avenged my parents by brining Rowil to justice, even though the enemy reinforcements did not arrive. When we boarded our frames, I wanted to speak with Tact on his progress with the love letters.

"Say Tact, mind if I have a word with you?" I asked.

"Sure Arnold, we'll go to my commanders room." he replied.

We walked to his room and sat down on chairs.

"So how have you been getting on?"

Tact sighed with a smile. "Much better than I thought. Chitose and I have started writing to each other and we have a much closer connection than ever before."

I smiled. "That's great progress. Are you thinking of being ready to say that you love her?"

"...Yeah, I think I'm close to saying that I'm ready to say that I want to go out with her."

"Good man...and since we're on route to Eden, it could be a great chance for you both."

"I hope so too...by the way, is Chitose getting help from Forte?"

"Well, it would make sense, since Forte and I are the other couple that Lushati and Wein don't know much about...and I prefer to keep it that way."

"Really, but why?"

"Because I have my suspicions about Wein, he was quick to dismiss his expression when the Val-Fasc was mentioned being potentially wiped out after the Chrono Quake."

"Wein..." He was in deep thought. "...that smile of his, he was the only one happy about that battle...something is not right here...now that you mention it, I'm finding him suspicious too."

"In that case, we better remain vigilant in case he tries to pull off a dirty trick and I have a very bad feeling that it may involve Chitose."

"Huh? But why would...oh right, the time when she and I used Unit #7 together." He began to look serious. "I should send a message to the White Moon and ask Lady Shatyarn to remain alert in case something terrible happens."

I nodded. "But you may have an advantage, because Wein doesn't know about the love letters."

"Oh yeah, good point...thanks Arnold, you may have just saved us from a potential disaster. I'll write this love letter and while I contact the White Moon, you send the letter over to Chitose's room."

"Sure, I'll stick here until you're done."

A few minutes of silence and he finished writing it. I took the letter and left the room as he went to the bridge. I rushed over to Chitose's room where Forte just came out with a letter.

"Perfect timing." Forte said. "Here's hers and I think this is the one."

"And here's Tact's, I think we're gonna see something wonderful." I replied as we exchanged letters.

Suddenly, beeps went off the ship, we didn't have much time. We nodded as Forte placed Tact's letter in her room and I rushed to Tact's room and placed Chitose's love letter inside it before I rushed to the hanger. As we were out in the open space, Chitose's frame suddenly malfunctioned and it was shot down by the Elsior. It was a massive blow to our morale knowing that Chitose would be out for the time being and they were close to admitting their final feelings.

As Chitose was brought to the White Moon to recover, Unit #7 was stolen by Wein and Lushati was hypnotised by him, confirming his status as a Val-Fasc. We caught up to him and tried to beat him, but it didn't work and we were forced to retreat after going through a Val-Fasc fleet that Wein did not mention. Our frames were battered, but at least we'd be taking some rest for the time being. Chitose had woken up which was great news, we rushed to where she was at Block 4D, we walked in to see Chitose standing and looking well, Tact had yet to catch up with us.

"I troubled all of you a lot this time, I'm sorry." Chitose said after we all gave her a hug.

Forte smiled. "What? You're okay. That's the important thing."

"So please stop apologising now." Mint added.

"B-but I dragged you down and-"

I cut Chitose off. "The malfunction of the Emblem Frame had Val-Fasc written all over it, you have nothing to apologise for."

"Arnold's right." Milfie agreed. "We said it's fine, Chitose."

"I'm glad you really are better." Ranpha said.

"Yes...I am relieved." Vanilla added.

"Everyone...umm, thank you so much." Chitose replied before she started blushing. "Uhhh, where is Tact?"

Then speak of the devil, Tact arrived and walked into the room.

"Chitose..." he said, seeing her blush.

"Oh, here's the man in waiting." Forte teased as I held her hand and we crossed our fingers behind our backs.

"Huh?" Chitose asked, seeing Tact looking well.

"Thank goodness...thank goodness..." Tact said before he began blushing a little.

Chitose was blushing again. "Tact...I'm...I'm...happy that you're here..."

The rest of stood away in silence, we all had the same idea in hoping this could be it.

"Chitose...do you remember the love letters?" Tact asked as he walked towards her.

"Tact...I...I...I do..." She started glowing red. "...I wrote one for you before our last battle..."

"I did as well...I was able to read yours, so..." He paused, starting to blush a little. "...I want to give you this."

"Y-y-y-yes..." Chitose braced herself as Tact was now close to her.

Tact wrapped his arms around her and helped put her arms around him, now they were wrapped up in a hug...then Tact made a very bold move...he kissed Chitose on the cheek and Chitose gasped before glowing in bright red, we were shocked but happy at the scene.

"Chitose, I have liked you for a long time, you mean the galaxy to me...please go out with me."

"Tact...I have liked you the same way too, but I was so afraid with how to tell you until I was given the idea to write love letters...go out with me, please!"

"Yes! I will, Chitose! For you!"

"Yes...ahhh Tact!" Chitose was about to faint but Tact caught her whilst the rest of us smiled with joy.

Forte and I smiled at each other and did a high-five before we shared a hug, we outsmarted the Val-Fasc at their own game! We were back on the Elsior and Chitose and Tact were sitting with us in the lounge. Both of them were still blushing after they had finally confessed their feelings, but they happy too.

"Forte...Arnold...I cannot thank you enough!" Chitose exclaimed.

"Yeah, the love letters idea was amazing!" Tact added. "Thank you both so much!"

"Ahhh you're very much welcome." Forte replied.

"We were just doing what we thought was right...and, we finally have a huge advantage over the Val-Fasc" I added. "For a long time they've had one over us but now the tables have turned."

Forte nodded. "Yeah, we should leave for Eden as soon as possible, we still have to get Unit #7 back."

"Yes, then today I announce that we'll be leaving for Eden tomorrow." Tact declared. "I advise you all to rest up, we may face a tough challenge when we get there."

"No problem, Tact. I'll just give them my one two KO." Ranpha replied.

"We'll free the people of Eden." Vanilla added.

"Will we be able to rescue Lushati as well?" Mint asked.

"Yeah, at least we should try to do that too." Milfie agreed.

"It'll be difficult since Wein isn't going to just hand over Unit #7." Tact replied. "But all we can do is wait till we get there for now, you're dismissed for now, okay?"

We nodded, leaving the lounge via our own ways. Forte and I went into my guest room since Lushati and Wein were not on the ship anymore. We put our arms around each other, proud of what we had accomplished...Wein was going to be in for a massive shock.

We arrived at Juno, the home planet of Eden, my home world and we took out the Val-Fasc stationed there along with Wein who was in absolute shock to find Chitose and Tact already together as a couple. He then tried to wipe us out, but our angel wings put a stop to it, forcing him to retreat, on a personal note, I was happy, my home world was finally free.

It was time for me to start digging into my family's past that perhaps hold a key to the future. But first, I had to take on a quest my father once did and Forte provided me with the needed weapons as well as a good luck kiss before I set off...I completed it despite my sugar level not being taken care of, but it was okay. I made it to the ball event at the Sky Palace where Forte and I got to dance again. But Tact and Chitose also got to dance as well and they were very happy whilst the other angels cheered them on.

The Val-Fasc attempted a counter attack with Gern who introduced himself as king of the Val-Fasc, the one who led them all. Huge missile batteries were launched, but we destroyed them forcing the remaining ships to retreat. With Lushati now safe and back on Juno and with the dimension gate key I retrieved, we left Eden to travel to the Val-Fasc's home world. It was a long journey, but we earned the down time we had.

I was in the park as evening time, looking at the night sky that was different from normal.

"Evening, Arnold." Forte said as she arrived.

"Oh, evening, Forte." I replied, holding her hand. "Let's sit here."

"Okay." We sat down by the hill and looked at the night sky. "The stars are beautiful, aren't they?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I heard that Tact got data about the night sky the Val-Fasc see in their home-world."

"Ahhh, very clever of him."

"Oh, speaking of him. There he is and Chitose is with him..."

Forte saw them. "They're heading to the fountain and they're holding hands too."

"...Oh my! They just shared a kiss...we better keep this to ourselves."

"Ha ha ha! You know, Arnold...we've come a very long way since we first set foot on the Elsior."

"Yeah, the first day we met, I was just a normal crew worker...and now, we're one of two couples who wants to protect the future and to love each other."

Forte nodded, resting her head on my shoulder. "I feel the same, we will protect it, all of the galaxy!"

"Yes...because we're Galaxy Angels."

"Galaxy Angels, eh?"

"Yeah, you and I are like angels, we want to bring light into the darkness with hope for one another."

"Ahhh, now that's the best compliment you've ever given since we fell in love seven months ago. I am more than proud to say that you are a man, the man with strength, confidence, happiness and the one I love."

"And you are the same, I am happy to have stood by your side, protecting your back as I have always done."

We looked at each other in the eyes with smiles.

"I love you, Forte."

"I love you too, Arnold."

"We'll win tomorrow and we'll protect the galaxy, even if I have to open up a portal to another space to achieve it."

"Yeah, as long as we're together...no matter what, I'll never be sacred of anything..."

We shared a loving kiss and continued to watch the night sky. This woman I loved, she was the one for me, the one who's back I'll always protect...forever!

So there you have it, this story is finally done. :D Hope you guys liked the twist with Tact and Chitose getting help writing love letters and therefore denying Wein's manipulation over Chitose's feelings.

My story now has 60k plus words...bloody heck, that's a lot of words! o_O xD

I think I've earned my break for now and I hope you've enjoyed these, remember to follow me if you want to see me write any more stories I have planned.