Disclaimer: All Gundam Wing characters and references belong to their respective owners. The song You're Not Alone, which appears on the Escaflowne: The Movie soundtrack courtesy of Bandai, belongs to the artists and company that recorded it. The song Grace of an Angel (Fall From Grace) copyright Cecilia J. It was used in this story with the best of intentions. Story elements © Hideki LaShae. No money was gained in the writing of this story.
Dedicated to my sister and brother (in-law). May they have the happiest of all marriages. And may they never fall from grace.
Grace of an Angel
There is peace in the Earth's solar system eleven years after the passing of the most influential pacifist of all time, Queen Relena Yuy of the Sanc Kingdom.
Only two short years ago, Dr. Sally Po and the former Queen Lucrezia Noin Peacecraft died in a terrorist bombing. The supports of the anti-total pacifist movement bombed a building, which contained hundreds of pacifist leaders from throughout the solar system. Not one of the pacifists survived the bombing.
Reiya Peacecraft, the dark haired elder twin daughter of Noin and Milliardo, tries desperately to fulfill her responsibilities as the Foreign Minister of the Sanc Kingdom. Her main help in this endeavor comes from her younger brother, Zechs Merquis Peacecraft, who has taken on the roll of her assistant.
Nariya Peacecraft, the light haired younger twin daughter of Noin and Milliardo, is currently in medical school trying to become the best doctor the Sanc Kingdom's ever seen.
***
The rain pours down.
The eleven-year-old blond girl sits on the grave leaning up against the tombstone. She holds her hand over her Prussian blue eyes to shield them from the rain. Her hair drips with water revealing her extremely uneven haircut. She shivers. Her name is Herangelia Yuy, and the grave she rests on is that of her mother, Relena.
Grace Barton walks up. She holds her umbrella over herself. Her green eyes stare at the angel statue on the grave next to Relena's. Her blond hair falls down to her shoulders. She kneels beside Herangelia and tilts her umbrella to shield them both. "How long have you been waiting?"
"Eleven years," says Herangelia, "I've waited eleven years for her."
"I know. I've waited eighteen," says Grace.
"I've walked so long I can't remember. Where was my home? The distant faces fade away. I'm always on my own. I can show a smile, it's not hard to do. I can have the strength to go on but sometimes I wanna let go of everything," sings Herangelia shivering, "When thoughtfulness is not their game, I teach by giving love. High mountains seem higher endlessly when they're pebbles at your feet. And if you should still fall into despair, there is one thing left to believe… I lie in your heart always."
"Nothing is braver than honesty. My life is your faith in me!" exclaims Grace. She pulls Herangelia to her.
"I'll be there when you need, you don't have to hide from me what you are feeling now. I fill your soul," sings Herangelia, "We will seek together destiny. Troubles have an end. We'll carry on hand in hand, you're not alone."
"People searching desperately outside themselves, caught up in thinking of what never helped. And I'd forgotten too that love exists inside me as in those I wanted from. I feel you now!" sings Grace.
"I'll be there. I'll be there when you need. We will live together. Nothing is in our way," sings Herangelia, "With trust in our soul."
"We will seek together destiny. Troubles have an end," sing Grace and Herangelia, "We will carry on hand in hand. We won't forget we have each other. Love is in the hearts of all men. You're not alone!"
Herangelia shivers.
"We better get you inside, Herangelia. You're soaked to the bone!" exclaims Grace, "Come on!" She stands and pulls Herangelia to her feet.
Grace and Herangelia huddle close together beneath the umbrella as they head back to the Peacecraft Manor. They head up to Herangelia's room.
"You should take a hot shower now and get into some dry clothes," says Grace.
"What was my mother like?" asks Herangelia walking into the bathroom and leaving the door open.
Grace walks into the bathroom. "She was the only mother I ever knew."
Herangelia sheds her clothes and drops them into the sink. She steps into the shower and closes the glass door. She sighs. "At least you've known a mother."
"What about Cecilia?" asks Grace, "You hang with her a lot. Isn't she like a mother to you?"
The water turns on, and Herangelia is silent.
"I could really use a mother now," says Grace. She sits down in the chair before the vanity.
"What's wrong, Grace? Are you having problems with the wedding plans?" asks Herangelia.
"Yes and no," says Grace.
The water turns off, and the shower door opens.
Herangelia steps out of the shower and grabs a towel. She wraps it around her short wet hair and pulls another towel from the small linen closet. "Talk, Grace."
"There are just some things that I wish I had a Mom to help with!" exclaims Grace as her eyes fill with tears. "Helping me find the dress… It's just one of the times when a girl needs her mother!"
Herangelia wraps the towel around her body and sets her hand on Grace's shoulder. "I know how you feel," she whispers, "I feel the same way. I'm sure Cecilia or Hilde would love to help you with the wedding plans."
"It's not the same," says Grace. She dries her eyes and stands up. "I'm going to go take a shower now. I'm starting to feel a little chilled myself… Would you like to help me later? … Shopping for my dress?"
"I'd love to!" exclaims Herangelia, "I'm sure Hannah would love to come too!"
Grace nods and walks out of the bathroom. She walks out of Herangelia's room. She runs as fast as she can to her room. She collapses to her knees in a fit of tears. "Mother… Relena…"
***
Thomas Yuy stands proudly as his father adjusts his bow tie. His unruly dark brown hair makes him look just like his father, complete with matching blue eyes. "How do I look, Dad?"
Heero Yuy smiles. His Prussian blue eyes look at Thomas with pride. His dark brown hair is wild and disheveled. "You look like I did when I married your mother. She would be so proud of you, Thomas."
"I know. Soon, I'll be following in your footsteps. I'm ready to start my own family," says Thomas looking down at his tuxedo, "Only a few more weeks before I make Grace my wife!"
"Nervous?"
"A little nervous. A little scared," says Thomas, "but completely ready! … Um, Dad? Grace and I were discussing the ceremony."
"What is it? What's on your mind?" asks Heero sitting down in a chair.
"Do you want us to have a royal wedding?" replies Thomas sitting down.
"That is entirely up to you two. You are the Sanc Kingdom's Prince and Grace will become a Princess," says Heero, "but if that happens with your wedding or not is up to you and Grace."
"We would rather like a royal wedding… like you and Mom had!"
Heero nods and smiles. "Then that is what you'll get! You can get the crowns that Relena and I were crowned with at our wedding… the crowns of the Prince and Princess! Trowa and I will crown you both. I'm sure he'd agree."
"I think Grace would love that!" exclaims Thomas happily, "And I think now that the arrangements for the wedding are all set. The only thing we need is her wedding dress. She's been fretting over it for awhile."
"Bridesmaid dresses picked out?" asks Heero.
"As far as I know," says Thomas.
Heero smiles.
Thomas runs his hands through his hair. "I miss Mom. I wish she was here."
Heero stands. He turns his back to Thomas. "So do I."
"Dad?"
"We'll talk again later," whispers Heero heading out.
"Me and my big mouth! I got Dad missing Mom again! He'll probably head to his room to cry now!" exclaims Thomas, "Me and my big mouth!"
***
Duo Maxwell walks down the hall humming with his nose stuffed in a folder full of papers. His waist-length chestnut brown braid flies behind him, and his blue eyes pay no attention to where he's going, much less pay attention to the man walking beside him.
"Hey, watch it, Duo!" exclaims Chang Wufei pushing Duo up against the wall and holding his arm protectively over his friend. His slicked back black hair is bound in a ponytail at the base of his neck.
Heero storms past his two friends without even glancing at them. He hurries quickly into his room and slams the door.
Wufei looks back with his black slanted eyes.
"What was that about?" asks Duo staring at the closed door.
Cecilia runs out of her room at the end of the hall. Her brown hair falls to her waist as she skids to a stop beside Duo and Wufei. Her gray eyes stare at the closed door to Heero's room. "Heero?"
"Yes," says Wufei nodding his head.
"He probably wants to be alone," says Duo staring at the door as Wufei backs away from him. "I think it's Relena. The upcoming wedding must have gotten him thinking back to her and his life with her."
"He may want to be alone, but he needs someone to be there with him… to cry beside him!" exclaims Cecilia.
"What about you, Cecilia? Can you be that person?" asks Duo.
"I can try," says Cecilia heading to the door. She opens it and walks in quietly.
The door closes silently.
"Do you think that was wise, Duo? Sending her in there with him now? With him mourning over Relena?" asks Wufei.
Duo just smiles. "Maybe having a woman with him is just what he needs right now. Who knows? Maybe he'll do himself a favor and make love to her."
"There are more things in life than just sex, Duo," says Wufei walking down the hall again.
"I know, Wufei, but sometimes, it's needed too!" exclaims Duo running to catch up to Wufei, "And I think that Heero really needs it!"
"For once I agree with you, Duo!" exclaims Wufei, "Now let's go meet up with Trowa and Quatre! We're supposed to have the final fitting of our tuxes today."
"Yeah, and I look good in a tux!" Duo grins happily.
Wufei and Duo hurry to the living room where Trowa sits with Quatre watching the music video to Road to Peace.
Trowa Barton smiles as he watches the screen. His brown hair is styled forward to hide his green eyes.
Quatre Raberba Winner sits beside Trowa. His neat blond hair is a vast contrast to his best friend's brown locks. His blue eyes shine happily.
"Hello, Quatre," says Wufei walking up beside his husband and quickly kissing him.
"Wufei!" exclaims Quatre holding Wufei's hand. He smiles.
Trowa looks up. "Hey, Wufei! Hey, Duo!"
"You ready to go try on our new tuxedo's for Grace and Tom's wedding?" asks Duo with a huge grin.
"Yeah!" exclaims Trowa lifting the remote and turning the TV off.
"Then let's go!" exclaims Quatre as Wufei pulls him to his feet.
Trowa stands. "I'll go get the car! Meet you out front!"
"Hey! I'm coming too, Tro'!" exclaims Duo running out of the room behind Trowa.
Quatre pulls Wufei into a close embrace and kisses his lips passionately. "I love you, Wufei!"
"Quatre! I love you!" exclaims Wufei. He smiles.
Quatre smiles. "Let's go!"
Wufei and Quatre head out of the living room with their arms around each other.
***
Hilde Maxwell climbs into the driver's seat of the midnight black mini-van, and she buckles her seatbelt. She turns her head, and her short black hair bounces lightly. Her brown eyes stare at the front door to the house.
Cecilia runs out of the house with Herangelia. She climbs into the front passenger seat and buckles up. "Hello, Hilde."
Herangelia climbs into the back seat.
"You two coming dress shopping with us?" asks Hilde.
"Yes. We need to pick up the bridesmaid dresses that Grace picked out," says Herangelia, "Plus she wants all the opinions she can get about her wedding dress!"
"I know. I've been looking at wedding dress magazines with Grace," says Hilde, "She hasn't found anything she would wear."
"This will be a long day of shopping," says Cecilia drawing a gun out from beneath her jacket. She slides the clip out and checks to see how many bullets are in it. She replaces the clip and brings a bullet into the chamber. She puts her gun away. "Today… I protect the Sanc Princess… both of them! I'm acting bodyguard on this trip!"
Grace runs out of the house and hurries to climb into the back of the van.
A pretty thirteen year old girl with chestnut brown hair and blue eyes races out of the house and runs to the van. Her name is Hannah Maxwell.
Grace sits down beside Herangelia.
Hannah climbs into the van and closes the door. Her chin-length hair bobs as she sits down beside Grace. "We're ready to go, Mom!"
"Buckle up!" exclaims Hilde.
The three girls buckle their seat belts as Hilde starts the engines.
"What kind of dress are you looking for, Grace?" asks Hannah.
"Something that moves me," says Grace, "Something that makes me look just as beautiful at my wedding as Relena looked at hers."
"Relena was breath-taking!" exclaims Hilde with a sigh, "You should have seen Heero the first time he saw Relena in that dress! He was so shocked at her beauty that Duo had to keep him standing!"
Grace giggles. "I would have liked to have seen that!"
Cecilia chuckles lightly. "Me too!"
Hilde drives the van towards the largest, most expensive wedding shop in town.
Cecilia guards the entrance as everyone walks into the shop. Then she follows behind.
***
The two seventeen-year-old boys sit down together in front of their game station playing their oldest game, After Colony Wars.
The eldest of the two boys, by a few days, is Zechs Peacecraft. His long blond hair falls gently over his shoulders. His blue eyes reflect the light from the screen. "I'm going to win this time!"
The other boy is also part Peacecraft, the youngest son of Relena Peacecraft. He has his mother's blond hair, but he obtained the wild unmanageability of his locks from his father. No matter how hard he tries, he can't get his unruly hair to be anything but disheveled. His eyes are just as blue as his cousins. His name is Jeffrey Yuy. "Not if I can help it, Zechs!"
Eighteen-year-old Jason Maxwell walks into the room. His chestnut brown hair is pulled back into a short braid. His blue eyes look over the screen as a fiery crash lights it up, and the words 'Game Over' flash on the screen. He laughs. "Who won?"
"I did," says Jeffrey looking up at his friend, "I did Duo's famous finishing maneuver."
"I'll win next time," says Zechs smiling.
"Could I get you to help me with something?" asks Jason. He grins just like his father always does.
"Sure! What?" asks Zechs turning off the game station.
"Heero… he asked me to find some things for him. He didn't tell me exactly where they were, and under the circumstances, I didn't want to ask," says Jason.
"Under the circumstances?" repeats Jeffrey, "What's wrong?"
"He looked like he had been crying again," says Jason.
"He really misses Aunt Relena. That's why he calls Reiya and Nariya by Rei and Lena," says Zechs.
Jeffrey nods. "And Herangelia's his angel now. Kind of like Relena had been."
Jason nods. "His devotion to her is touching but also worrisome."
"Why's that?" asks Zechs.
"Well, after all this time… these eleven years, he is still strong in his love for her and her alone. That's very touching. Relena would be pleased and honored to know that he still loves her as much today as he did when she lived," explains Jason, "But even Relena would be worried about him. He has been acting… somewhat strangely. His heart has remained open to us, to the people he loved before Relena's passing. But to all others he has had a heart of solid stone! Relena would never have asked him to stay so strongly devoted to her. If she had suspected he would have, she would have made sure to tell him to love again."
"You're right, Jason, but… there's nothing we can do," says Jeffrey, "Dad may not be able to love again…"
"What did you need our help with, Jason?" interrupts Zechs.
"Oh, yeah! I nearly forgot! What are we looking to find?" asks Jeffrey smiling.
"Two crowns and a dress!"
"What?" asks Jeffrey and Zechs as one.
"We're looking for the crowns that Relena and Heero wore as Princess and Prince," says Jason with a huge grin, "and also Relena's wedding dress! It is in one of the safes in the West hall. Apparently the crowns are together in one and the dress is in another."
"All right! To the West hall!" exclaims Jeffrey.
"Race you!" exclaims Zechs running past Jason and Jeffrey.
Jeffrey and Jason hurry forth from the room.
The three young men run down the hallways. They hurry to the West hall.
"We'll have to check every safe I'm afraid!" exclaims Jason looking at all the picture frames which might conceal a safe behind them.
Jeffrey pulls a painting of Milliardo Peacecraft down from the wall to reveal nothing but more wall. He replaces the painting.
Jason takes down a painting of Ania and Trowa to reveal the first safe.
Zechs moves to a painting of Duo and Hilde as Jason tries the combination on the safe. He smiles at his safe as he starts to spin the combination.
Jason rifles through the valuables in the safe before closing it and putting the picture back.
Zechs looks through his own safe. "Nothing here! You, Jason?"
"Nope!" exclaims Jason.
Jeffrey pulls down a painting of Heero and Relena wearing their crowns along with the formal attire of the Sanc Kingdom. "Okay. I forget," he says chuckling, "What's the combination?"
Jason falls to the floor laughing.
Zechs closes his safe and puts the painting back up as he laughs. "The combination is six right, twenty-one left, forty-two right. Okay, Jeff?"
Jeffrey starts to spin the combination.
Jason gets up and moves to a picture of Sally. He pulls the painting down to find bare wall. He replaces the painting.
Zechs pulls down a painting of Quatre and Wufei. He starts to turn the combination as Jeffrey pulls open his safe door. "Did Uncle Heero mention why he wanted all this stuff?"
"No," says Jason checking behind a picture of Noin to find more bare wall.
"Maybe he'll tell us when we bring him this stuff," says Zechs opening the safe.
Jeffrey pulls a fuzzy jewel-laden box from his safe and he opens it. "Hey, guys! Look here! I found the crowns!"
Zechs and Jason move up to look in the box at the beautiful crowns. "Wow!"
Zechs returns to search his safe as Jason takes the box from Jeffrey.
Jason walks to a small hall table and sets the box on it.
Jeffrey closes the safe and re-hangs the painting of Heero and Relena.
Jason moves to a painting of Relena, Duo, Trowa, Wufei, Heero, and Quatre. He pulls the painting from the wall, and he starts to open the safe.
Zechs closes his safe and replaces the picture. He moves to a picture of Sally, Milliardo, and Noin. "Moms, Dad…"
Jeffrey moves to a painting of Duo and pulls it from the wall. He starts to open the safe.
Zechs pulls the painting down and opens the safe.
After a quick search, all three young men close their safes and replace the paintings. They find only wall behind the paintings of Trowa, Hilde, and Wufei. Next they search the safes behind the paintings of Ania, Quatre, and Heero.
Zechs pulls down the painting of Relena in her wedding dress, and he opens the safe. "We're running out of places to look!"
"I know, but Heero said the dress was here!" exclaims Jason.
Zechs shifts the contents of the safe around. He sees a large white box, and he pulls it out of the safe. "I think this may be it!"
Jeffrey walks up to Zechs. He pulls the top off the gift box. "Well, let's see it!"
Jason walks up to them, and they all look into the box at the lace overdress packed on top.
"Hey! This is it!" exclaims Zechs happily, "Aunt Relena's wedding dress!"
Jason closes the safe and re-hangs the painting of Relena.
Jeffrey puts the lid back on the box.
"Now let's take this to Uncle Heero!" exclaims Zechs.
"I'll grab the crowns!" exclaims Jeffrey smiling. He rushes to the table and lifts the box with the two crowns.
"Let's go!" exclaims Jason, "I'm sure Heero's still in his room!"
The three young men rush towards Heero's bedroom. They knock on the door.
After a moment, Heero's saddened voice calls, "Come in!"
Jason opens the door and walks in. He sees Heero sitting on his bed with red, puffy eyes. He whispers, "Heero, we found the dress and the two crowns."
Zechs and Jeffrey enter.
"I have the dress, Uncle Heero," says Zechs smiling. He opens the box and walks towards Heero.
Heero pulls the lace overdress from the box, and he looks at it. He pulls the dress into his arms as if was embracing Relena. He puts the dress carefully back into the box. "Jason, Zechs, could you take this to Grace's room? Leave it on her bed if she isn't there."
"We're on our way!" exclaims Jason.
Zechs closes the box and walks out with Jason.
Jason closes the door.
"I have the crowns, Dad," says Jeffrey sitting down on the bed beside Heero. He sets the box on his lap.
Heero opens the box and lifts a plain gold crown. He sets it gently on Jeffrey's head. "That will be Thomas's crown. They're having a royal wedding. As they're married, they will be crowned Prince and Princess."
"And this will be Thomas's crown?" asks Jeffrey. He feels the crown on his head with his hand. "When I get married, will I also have a royal wedding and get a crown?"
"If you want. I won't insist upon it," says Heero. He lifts the gold tiara from the box, and he caresses its surface.
"You really miss Mom, don't you, Dad?" asks Jeffrey as his eyes start to fill with tears, "I miss her too!" He takes the crown from his head and puts it back into the box.
"I want her back, Jeffrey! I want Relena back!" exclaims Heero putting the tiara into the box. He closes his eyes as the water starts to flow from them.
"Me too, Daddy!" exclaims Jeffrey hugging Heero. He starts to cry.
Heero wraps his arms tightly around his son and cries.
"Dad… do you think it's possible for you to love again?" asks Jeffrey pushing the box from his lap onto the bed.
"I don't want to love again! I would lose her too!" exclaims Heero drying his eyes as he stops crying. He inhales the scent of Jeffrey's shampoo, the same shampoo Relena always used. "Relena…"
"Mom's gone, Dad, but maybe it's time for you to find someone to love," says Jeffrey sliding away from Heero. He wipes his eyes before getting off the bed. He grabs the box and sets it on the nightstand. "Herangelia could use a mother. What do you think about Cecilia?"
"She's nice," says Heero turning away from Jeffrey.
"Dad… I know Mom doesn't want you to be this way. She doesn't want you to be alone!" exclaims Jeffrey.
"I don't want to lose her!" exclaims Heero.
"Lose who, Dad?"
Heero sighs. He stands up and walks to the balcony doors.
"Dad? Lose who?" asks Jeffrey walking up beside his Heero and setting his hand on his father's shoulder.
"I don't want to lose her," repeats Heero, "So I can never tell her how I feel about her. I won't lose another woman that I love!"
"Would you rather see her marry someone else?" asks Jeffrey.
Heero nods his head. "That way she wouldn't be killed in the name of peace!"
"Maybe she'd like to have the choice, Dad!" exclaims Jeffrey, "Maybe she should get to choose between you and everything else in her life. Mom thought that loving you and fighting for peace were worth dying for! Maybe she will too!" He walks away from Heero and moves to the door. "Give her a chance, Dad. You both deserve at least that much!"
"Jeffrey!" exclaims Heero turning towards his son.
"Yeah, Dad?"
"Maybe you're right," says Heero smiling.
Jeffrey smiles at Heero. "I love you, Dad. I want you to be happy. Mom wants you to be happy!"
"I know she wants me to be happy!" exclaims Heero, "I love you, Jeffrey!"
Jeffrey nods his head and walks out of the room.
Heero puts the box with the crowns into his safe, and he looks at the picture of the dark haired woman he keeps within the safe. "I still love Relena, but now I also love you."
Heero caresses the picture and kisses it before putting it back into the safe and closing the door.
***
Grace walks into her room with an expression of defeatism on her face. "I haven't much time left, Hannah."
"I know that, but there must be a dress somewhere!" exclaims Hannah following behind with Herangelia.
"We still have time," says Herangelia.
"What is this?" asks Grace seeing the white box on her bed.
"A gift!" exclaims Herangelia, "Maybe it's from Thomas! Open it!"
The three girls quickly move to sit on the bed around the box.
Grace's hands tremble slightly in anticipation as she lifts the lid from the box. She sees the folded lace and isn't too sure what she should make of it at first. She takes a hold of it and lifts it gingerly from the box.
"A lace dress!" exclaims Hannah smiling, "For the honeymoon no doubt!"
"Being see-through like! I'd hope so!" exclaims Grace.
"Wait! There's more!" exclaims Herangelia standing up. She pulls the white dress from the box and holds it up to her shoulders.
"Oh, no! I know what this is now! It's not from Thomas! It's from Heero and Relena!" exclaims Grace staring at the beautiful white dress in Herangelia's hands, "This is Relena's wedding dress! Heero gave me her wedding dress!"
"This… was my mom's?" asks Herangelia in shock.
"Heero is offering me this dress for my wedding!" exclaims Grace carefully folding the lace dress and placing it back into the box. "I would be honored to wear this dress at my wedding!"
"Try it on!" exclaims Hannah, "I want to see it on you!"
Grace takes the dress from Herangelia and hurries into her bathroom.
***
The day for the wedding quickly approaches.
Duo kisses Hilde's lips quickly. "I'll see you tomorrow, my love."
Hilde smiles. "This separation thing is a really silly tradition!"
Duo chuckles. "I know, but it's tradition! Besides… I'll be too drunk to do anything tonight anyway!"
"It's only one night, Dad!" exclaims Hannah leaning into Zechs's arms. She looks up at Zechs and smiles.
"Zechs… get your hands off my daughter," says Hilde.
"Sorry, Hilde," says Zechs unwrapping his arms from around Hannah.
Hannah smiles and gives Zechs a quick kiss on the lips. "Until tomorrow."
"Until tomorrow," says Zechs smiling at Hannah, "Come, Duo! Let's go start the limo." He hurries past Hilde and drags Duo out the front doors."
Quatre chuckles. "I'm sure Duo will straighten him out, Hilde!"
"We should get going. We have a bachelor's party to start," says Wufei, "before it gets too late!"
"Yes, and we have a wedding shower," says Cecilia smiling.
Heero stares intently at Cecilia.
Cecilia looks at Heero through the corner of her eyes.
"Tomorrow's the big day, Angel," says Thomas pulling Grace into his arms.
"I can't wait," says Grace holding Thomas tightly.
"Me neither, Angel!" exclaims Thomas, "I've been waiting for this day for a long time!"
"Same here, Thomas," says Grace, "I love you!" She pulls him into a kiss.
"I'll protect you, Angel," says Thomas smiling, "I love you, Grace."
"Thomas, Jeffrey," says Heero, "Let's go now."
"The sooner we leave, the sooner I'll be married to my Grace, my Angel," says Thomas.
"Isn't that sweet?" asks Herangelia.
"Come on, Thomas!" exclaims Jeffrey grabbing Thomas's arm and pulling him back.
Thomas walks out the door with Jeffrey.
"We'll be back here fifteen minutes before the ceremony begins," says Heero.
"Right, Uncle Heero," says Reiya smiling. She arrived earlier that morning from her post at the World's Sphere Alliance just to witness the wedding.
"The rest of you should be going," says Nariya, "And don't stay out too late." She had also returned to the Sanc Kingdom that morning, having come home from medical school for the ceremony.
"We have a busy day tomorrow," says Jason, "Let's go!" He turns and walks out.
"Could I have a moment alone with Grace?" asks Trowa.
"Of course. We'll meet you in the living room, Grace," says Cecilia. Her eyes meet Heero's in a mutual gaze before they both turn away.
Heero leaves the manor with Quatre and Wufei, intending to wait for Trowa in the limousine.
Cecilia walks into the living room with Herangelia.
"Come on, girls," says Hilde ushering Nariya, Reiya, and Hannah towards the living room.
"Out of all the people in the world, you're the only one with the heart and grace of an angel," says Trowa quietly once he's alone with Grace.
"Your angel? My mom?" asks Grace stepping close to her father.
Trowa nods. "I think now it's time you also had her wings."
"What do you mean?"
"I left a present for you on my bed. Just a little something to make you a little more angelic," whispers Trowa pulling Grace into a warm embrace, "I love you, Grace! You've always been my second Angel!"
"Daddy!" exclaims Grace squeezing him tightly, "I love you too!"
After a long moment of holding his grown daughter, Trowa pushes her slightly back. He kisses her forehead. "Rest well tonight, my little Angel. I'll be here to give you away in the morning."
"Thank you, Dad!" exclaims Grace, "I'll get your present before I go to bed!"
Trowa nods and smiles. He watches Grace run towards the living room before he heads out to the limo.
The young driver waits by the limo door for Trowa to get in. He closes the door and runs around to the driver's seat. He takes the limo to the White Dove Hotel where the entire top floor has been reserved for the bachelor party and the night's rest.
All the men head up to Heero's suite to engage in a small drinking party.
***
"Before anything happens, I think you should get your presents," says Hilde tossing a box to Grace, "That was from Relena. It belonged to her mother. It's tradition now. Milliardo gave it to Noin. Noin gave it to Relena, and Relena left it to me to give to the first Sanc Princess to marry."
"I'm not a Sanc Princess," says Grace.
"But you will be," says Hilde smiling.
Grace opens the box. She looks at the antique diamond bracelet with her jaw gaping open. "It… it… it… it's so beautiful!"
"It will look perfect with your dress!" exclaims Cecilia.
"It did on Relena!" exclaims Hilde, "That's something old. Who had something new?"
"That was Nariya and me!" exclaims Reiya.
Nariya tosses a box to Grace. "We hope you like it!"
Grace opens the box and gasps. She looks at the beautiful necklace and draws it from the box. "Are you sure this is new?"
"It's very similar to the one we gave Relena, but it's not the same," says Hilde.
"Right, that one had rose quartz," says Nariya smiling as she fidgets with the necklace she wears, "Aunt Relena gave it to me!"
Grace places the gold chain around her neck and feels her collarbone where the small ruby heart pendant dangles.
"I'll expect to get this one back later, Grace," says Cecilia tossing a small box to her, "This is your something borrowed!" She smiles.
Grace opens the box with a smile on her face. She looks in at the gold angel earrings with the small ruby hearts in their hands. She drops the box into her lap.
"Is something wrong, Grace?" asks Cecilia.
"Do you suppose angels watch over the living?" asks Grace.
"I honestly do believe that angels watch over us, Grace," says Cecilia, "Especially your mother."
Grace lifts the box and looks at the earrings again. She smiles and says, "Angel earrings. They will complement my dress perfectly!"
Herangelia giggles as she tosses another box to Grace. "Hannah and I picked this out for you!"
"Every bride needs something blue!" exclaims Hannah.
Grace opens the box and pulls out a blue garter. She giggles. "Thank you, everyone!"
Herangelia stands up and walks to the stereo. She puts three discs into the stereo's disc changer and turns it on to random play. "Two Gundam Wing and one Cecilia! Let's get this party started!"
The stereo flares to life with a familiar song. Not a person in the room has heard it less than a million times.
"I've walked so long I can't remember. Where was my home?" sing Cecilia and Herangelia in time with Duo's voice on the recording, "The distant faces fade away. I'm always on my own. I can show a smile, it's not hard to do. I can have the strength to go on but sometimes I wanna let go of everything."
Grace sets all her presents aside and stands up smiling. She sings along with Duo on the recording, "When thoughtfulness is not their game, I teach by giving love. High mountains seem higher endlessly when they're pebbles at your feet. And if you should still fall into despair, there is one thing left to believe… I lie in your heart always."
"Nothing is braver than honesty," says Duo on the recording, "My life is your faith in me!"
"I'll be there when you need, you don't have to hide from me," sing Hilde and Hannah, "what you are feeling now. I fill your soul."
"We will seek together destiny," sing Reiya and Nariya, "Troubles have an end. We'll carry on hand in hand, you're not alone."
"People searching desperately outside themselves, caught up in thinking of what never helped. And I'd forgotten too that love exists inside me as in those I wanted from," sings Cecilia along with Duo's recording, "I feel you now!"
"I'll be there," sings Grace.
"I'll be there," sings Herangelia.
"When you need. We will live together," sings Grace.
"Together," sings Herangelia.
"Nothing is in our way," sing Grace and Hannah.
"With trust in our soul," sings Hannah at the same time that Herangelia sings, "Nothing is in our way."
"We will seek together destiny," sing Reiya and Nariya.
"Destiny," sings Hilde. Along with Quatre and Heero's voice recordings.
"Troubles have an end," sings Nariya.
"We will carry on hand in hand," sings Reiya.
"We won't forget we have each other," sings Hilde.
"Love is in the hearts of all men," sing all the women along with the five members of Gundam Wing on the recording, "You're not alone!"
Everyone laughs and dances along with the music of the next song.
***
"Look at what Daddy made for me," says Grace as Hannah walks into her bedroom, "It's a little too angelic if you ask me!"
Hannah looks at the gift Trowa had left for Grace. "Do you want to know what I think?"
"Of course I do!" exclaims Grace smiling.
"I think that maybe… that's what your mother would have done. She was an angel on Earth after all!" exclaims Hannah, "I think you should wear it!"
Grace smiles and nods. "I plan to!"
"Let's get you ready for your wedding!" exclaims Hannah happily.
***
Heero walks onto the patio with an elderly priest. He carries a jewel-laden box with the crowns inside.
The priest wears loose black pants, a long-sleeved black shirt, and a white collar. He smiles warmly at the assembled crowd.
Heero wears a white tuxedo with a golden bowtie and a golden cummerbund. A gold crown rests on the top of his head pressing down his disheveled dark brown hair. His Prussian blue eyes look around at his family with pride. He has a red rose tucked into his lapel.
Duo wears a standard black tuxedo with a black cummerbund and a black bowtie. His blue eyes twinkle in the sunlight shining through the patio doors. His chestnut brown braid falls down his back.
Quatre's blue eyes look out towards the garden where the ceremony will take place. His neat blond hair falls gently around his face. He wears a black tuxedo with a purple bowtie and a matching cummerbund. "This reminds me of your wedding, Heero!"
"I agree," says Wufei straightening his navy blue bowtie, "only this time I'm not injured!" He wears a black tuxedo with a navy blue cummerbund. His black hair is slicked back and tied in a ponytail at the base of his neck. His black eyes look towards Heero. "That was a wonderful day!"
"I bet it was just beautiful!" exclaims Cecilia leaning against the wall, "Too bad I missed it!" She wears a forget-me-not blue, floor-length dress. It's a sleeveless dress with a low oval neckline. The dress hugs her chest and abdomen tightly, but it flares out at her waist for ease of movement. Her white pumps peak out beneath the hem of the dress. Draped over her shoulders is a lavender cloak that falls down to her knees.
"It was, Cecilia. It was very beautiful," says Trowa. His brown hair covers half his face, but his green eyes shine with happiness. He wears a black tuxedo with an emerald green bowtie and cummerbund.
Thomas paces back and forth nervously. He wears a white tuxedo with a rose red bowtie and a matching cummerbund. A red rose decorates his lapel. His disheveled dark brown hair hangs slightly over his blue eyes.
Jeffrey and Zechs stand close to each other wearing matching black tuxedos with lavender bowties and cummerbunds. They whisper back and forth to each other, and their blue eyes shine happily. Zechs's long blond hair hangs straight down his back. Jeffrey has slicked his normally disheveled blond hair back and tied it in a ponytail just like Wufei.
Jason's chestnut brown hair is braided like his father's only much shorter. He wears a black tuxedo with a white bowtie and a white cummerbund. His blue eyes look towards the door impatiently.
Hilde stands near the patio doors in her floor-length, sleeveless dress. The forget-me-not blue dress conforms to her upper body and flares out at her waist. Her white pumps can be seen beneath the hem. The lavender cloak she wears complements her short midnight black hair and brown eyes. "You boys are missing your roses!"
"So we have to?" asks Zechs turning towards Hilde.
Hilde smiles. "No. You don't have to wear the roses."
"Where are the girls?" asks Jeffrey, "It shouldn't be taking them this long to get dressed!"
"Quit your complaining, cousin!" exclaims Nariya walking out onto the patio. Her shoulder-length blond hair is braided on both sides of her head, and her brown eyes look around happily. She wears a forget-me-not blue dress that conforms to her chest. The dress flares out at her waist and falls loosely to the floor where her white pumps are revealed. A long lavender cloak hangs from her shoulders.
Reiya steps up right behind her twin sister. She wears the exact same forget-me-not blue dress with lavender cloak, but her short midnight black hair and blue eyes contrast the lightness of her sister's hair and dark eyes.
"I just checked on Hannah and Grace! They'll be down in a minute!" exclaims Herangelia running into the patio. Her short, unruly blond hair sticks up in odd spikes. Her blue eyes sparkle in the light. She wears a floor-length, sleeveless dress. The forget-me-not blue dress conforms to her young chest and flares out at her waist. Her white pumps can be seen beneath the hemline. A lavender cloak, which falls down to her knees, is draped over her shoulders.
"Actually a little sooner," says Hannah walking through the doorway.
Everyone turns towards the door to see Grace as she enters.
Hannah wears the same forget-me-not blue dress as all the other women, but her cloak is navy blue. Her chestnut brown hair is brushed neatly away from her face, and her blue eyes reflect the huge grin on her face. "May I now present, the lovely angel, Miss Grace Iria Barton."
Grace walks out onto the patio in a brilliance of white.
"Angel!" exclaims Thomas. His jaw drops open, and he almost falls over from the shock.
Heero catches his son and helps him to remain standing.
"Grace!" exclaims Cecilia smiling, "You're gorgeous!"
Grace's dress consists of two main parts, an outer dress and an under dress. The under dress is a silky-white sleeveless piece with a low oval neckline that partially reveals the delicate mounds of her breasts. The top of her dress hugs her body, conforming to every curve, but the dress relaxes and flares at the hips into an ankle-length loose skirt. She wears white pumps beneath her dress.
The overdress is made completely of a white floral lace that reveals her flesh and the under dress. The neckline of the overdress is an oval raised higher than that of the under dress to reach up just below her collarbone. The sleeves of the overdress embrace Grace's arms down to her elbows where they start to flare out drastically. When her arms are held down at her sides, the end of the sleeve touches her wrist, but the lace flows downward into a point almost touching the hemline of the dress.
The lace overdress conforms to the under dress flowing smoothly side by side. However in the front, the lace peaks at her knees to reveal the silky white under dress completely. A floral lace cape hangs loosely from Grace's shoulders in the back and hangs down to the middle of her calf. A pair of large white feather wings sticks out on either side of her cape.
Around her waist, Grace wears a belt made of fully bloomed red roses that have been braided together. Her blond hair has been braided into a crown upon her head.
Grace slowly moves up to Thomas and smiles. She wears an antique diamond bracelet on her right wrist and the gold and ruby angel earrings in her ears. Around her neck is the gold necklace with the ruby heart pendant. "Thomas…"
"Grace." Thomas gently touches Grace's face. "You are far more than just gorgeous. I love you, Angel!"
"I love you, Thomas," says Grace.
"Should we begin?" asks Duo.
Thomas kisses Grace's lips quickly. Then he nods.
The priest smiles and nods to Heero. He walks out along the path towards the garden.
Wufei and Quatre clasp their hands and follow behind the priest.
Jason holds out his arm. "Shall we, Reiya?"
Reiya smiles and takes Jason's arm. "We shall!"
Reiya and Jason start to follow down the path.
"I'm really happy for you, Thomas," says Nariya hugging him carefully.
"Come on, cousin," says Jeffrey holding out his arm for Nariya. He gives his older brother an approving look, a look that they both know so well that has a special meaning known only to them. "Let's go, Nariya."
Nariya takes Jeffrey's arm very delicately and allows him to lead her down the path.
Hannah takes Zechs's hand and smiles at him.
"Leave them be for today, Hilde," says Duo pulling her to him. He kisses her lips.
"Hannah's too young to be involved with anyone," whispers Hilde, "She's only thirteen."
"We were also young and now look at us," whispers Duo, "Happy in love and still together. Let's give Hannah the chance to make up her own mind… and her own heart!" He gives her a passionate kiss.
"I hate it when you do that. It makes me feel like agreeing to anything," whispers Hilde.
Duo grins and guides Hilde towards the path.
"Ready, Zechs?" asks Hannah.
"Always ready," says Zechs with a huge smile. In a whispery voice he adds, "I'm always ready to walk down the aisle with you, but some day, you'll be wearing the white bridal dress, and I won't let you leave my side."
"You want me to be a Sanc Princess too?" whispers Hannah.
Zechs nods and walks away with Hannah following behind Duo and Hilde.
Trowa kisses Grace's cheek. "You really do look just like Ania."
"Thank you, Dad. That means a lot to me," says Grace.
"Come, Cecilia. I'll escort you to your seat," says Trowa.
Cecilia smiles at Grace and Thomas before taking Trowa's outstretched hand. She walks beside him down towards the garden.
"I'm proud of you both," says Heero. He smiles. "Welcome to the family, my daughter."
Grace smiles at Heero.
"I've always dreamed of having a sister!" exclaims Herangelia, "I'm glad it'll be you, Grace!"
Heero takes Herangelia's hand and pulls her away. He still carried the jeweled box.
"It's time, Angel," whispers Thomas.
Grace nods. "I'm ready to be married!"
Thomas holds out his arm.
Grace takes a hold of Thomas's arm and glances over her shoulder at her white angel wings. "Today, there's more than one angel here."
"Three," says Thomas.
"Relena, Ania, Grace," whispers Grace.
Thomas and Grace walk down the path together. They see all their friends and family standing before their chairs.
The women stand on the left side of the aisle, and the men all stand to the right side.
The priest stands behind an altar upon which rests the box containing the two crowns.
Grace and Thomas walk up and kneel on the cushions in front of the altar. They hold each other's hand.
Everyone else takes their seats.
"We are gathered here today to bear witness to the joining of two hearts, of two lives. We are gathered here before this company to witness the marriage of Grace Iria Barton and Thomas Yuy," says the priest, "Is there anyone who has any reason why these two should not be wed? If so, please speak now."
After a long moment of silence, the priest smiles and nods. "Very good. When two lives are joined in marriage, the part of them that only wishes to love the other for all time replaces the part of them that had been happy alone. Who here will give away this lovely bride?"
Trowa stands up and bows to the priest. He smiles proudly at Grace. "I consent to this marriage."
"Who here will give away this handsome groom?" asks the priest as Trowa sits down again.
Heero stands up and bows to the priest. He smiles proudly at Thomas. "I consent to this marriage."
Heero sits down again as Jeffrey and Herangelia nod their heads.
"Surrender to your hearts. Let them guide you along your path, for even when your heart is wrong, it will always take you on an adventure that's worth a lifetime," says the priest, "Grace Iria Barton, will you take this man into your life, care for him in sickness and health, stand by him in times of financial trouble and prosperity, and love him until death forces you to part?"
Grace smiles at Thomas and holds his hand tightly. "I happily accept Thomas into my life. It's all I've ever wanted! I do!"
"Thomas Yuy, will you take this woman into your life, care for her in sickness and health, stand by her in times of financial trouble and prosperity, and love her until death forces you to part?" asks the priest.
"I will love her long after death," says Thomas, "I do!"
"May we have the rings?" asks the priest.
Jason pulls a small black velvet box from his pocket. He opens it and pulls out two rings. He tucks the box back into his pocket and stands.
Hannah stands up and moves to take Jason's hand.
Jason slips the larger of the two rings into Hannah's hand.
The priest smiles. "Young Princess."
Grace takes the ring from Hannah. Her blue eyes shine in the light making her beauty unmatched. She slides the gold ring with the small diamond onto Thomas's left hand. "With this ring, our life together begins. I love you, Thomas. I will always protect you!"
The priest nods to Thomas. "Young Prince."
Thomas takes the ring from Jason. He nods to his best friend before he slips the gold band onto Grace's left hand to rest beside her engagement ring. "With this ring, our life together begins. I love you, Grace. I will always protect you, Angel."
"Your Majesty… King Heero, it's time," says the priest stepping away from the altar.
Jason and Hannah take their seats again.
"Trowa," says Heero with a nod.
Trowa nods and stands.
Heero stands and walks up to the altar with Trowa.
Trowa opens the box and lifts the beautiful gold tiara. He passes it to Heero.
Heero stands in front of Grace and lowers the tiara onto her head allowing it to rest in the center of her braided halo-crown. "Grace Iria Barton, I now crown you Princess Grace of the Sanc Kingdom! Arise, Sanc Princess."
Grace stands up and curtseys to Heero and Trowa. "Your Majesty. Father."
Heero kisses Grace's cheek. He smiles. "My daughter."
Trowa embraces Grace carefully and gently touches her feather wings. "Grace."
Heero lifts a plain golf crown out of the box and passes it to Trowa.
Trowa stands in front of Thomas and lowers the crown onto his head pressing down the disheveled mess of dark brown hair. "Thomas Yuy, I now crown you Prince Thomas of the Sanc Kingdom! Arise, Sanc Prince."
Thomas stands up and bows to Trowa and Heero. "Father."
Trowa pulls Thomas into a warm embrace. He smiles. "My son."
Heero hugs Thomas. "Thomas."
Thomas and Grace clasp their hands together once again and smile at each other.
"By the power of the Sanc Kingdom, I now proclaim you to be Princess and Prince of the Sanc Kingdom. May you fulfill your duties well," says Heero.
The priest steps up beside Heero. "I now pronounce you, husband and wife."
Thomas pulls Grace into his arms and gives her a passionate kiss. "I love you so very much, Grace. You're my angel!"
"I love you, too, Thomas, with all my heart," says Grace.
"Thank you for coming, Father," says Heero shaking the priest's hand.
"I must be going. I have two more couples to marry today!" exclaims the priest smiling. He turns and heads towards the front gate.
Everyone heads back into the house and gathers in the ballroom for the reception.
The party lasts for hours.
Heero stares intently at Cecilia as she runs her hand through her brown hair. He walks over to her and holds his hand out to her. "Would you like to dance?"
Cecilia stares into Heero's Prussian blue eyes. She smiles and takes his hand. "I would love to."
Duo runs over to Heero and Cecilia. He grins happily. "Let's do the song now! Thomas and Grace are getting ready to leave for bed!"
"Alright! Let's do it!" exclaims Heero, "Get the others, Duo!"
"Right, buddy!" exclaims Duo rushing off.
"We'll have our dance later," says Heero. In a whisper he adds, "How about midnight in the rose garden?"
"I'll be there," whispers Cecilia.
Heero doesn't release Cecilia's hand as he leads her towards the corner of the room where several instruments have been set up.
Quatre and Wufei meet them at the instruments.
Duo pulls Trowa over to their friends. He turns the microphone on and speaks into it. "If we could have everyone's attention please! We would like to perform a song specifically for Thomas and Grace."
Wufei sits down behind the drums and lifts the drumsticks.
"You guys didn't have to do this," says Thomas blushing slightly.
"Blame me. I wrote the song," says Cecilia taking up her position at the keyboard, "It's my wedding present to you both. I have nothing else to give."
Quatre lifts his violin to his chin. "It's a lovely song."
Trowa lifts the bass guitar and pulls the support strap over his shoulder.
Heero secures the lead guitar into place with the strap. "Are we all ready?"
"I think so," says Wufei seeing all his friends in position.
"Lead us off, Wufei!" exclaims Trowa smiling.
Wufei spins his drumsticks in his hands and hits them together in time with his words. "One… two… three… four!"
Cecilia strikes the first note on the keyboard as Wufei starts the drumbeat.
The sounds of the two guitars and the violin quickly meld into the drum and keyboard's rhythm.
"I don't want to fall from grace," sings everyone in the little stage area, "Grant me the grace of an angel."
"Grant me with these wings to fly," sings Duo.
"I'll never have to fall again," sings Cecilia.
"I don't want to fall from grace," sings everyone, "Grant me the grace of an angel."
"So I can stay by your side," sings Duo.
"I'll take you flying on my wings," sings Cecilia.
Trowa strums the strings of the bass guitar as he moves up beside Duo and the microphone. "I don't want to fall from grace. Grant me the grace of an angel to let me stay in this place where my heart will always belong. I don't want to fall from grace. That is not the way it should be. For you I will win this race. Grant me the grace of an angel."
Trowa steps back away from the microphone.
"I don't want to fall from grace," sings everyone, "Grant me the grace of an angel."
Grace cuddles up to Thomas and rests her head on his shoulder. Her white angel wings still hang on her back with her lace cape hanging in between.
"Grant me with these wings to fly," sings Duo.
"I'll never have to fall again," sings Cecilia.
Hilde raises her wine glass and smiles at Duo.
Herangelia stands beside Jeffrey listening intently to the music.
"I don't want to fall from grace," sings everyone, "Grant me the grace of an angel."
Jason stands in between Nariya and Reiya. He smiles proudly at the people on the stage.
"So I can stay by your side," sings Duo.
"I'll take you flying on my wings," sings Cecilia.
Zechs pulls Hannah into his arms and holds her as they listen to the music.
Quatre walks up beside Duo and lowers his violin. He smiles at Grace, and he sings, "I don't want to fall from grace. Grant me the grace of an angel. My heart will stay in this place as long as we are together. I think I can win the race if you stand at the finish line. I don't want to fall from grace. Grant me the grace of an angel."
Quatre moves back to his spot and lifts the violin to his chin once again. He resumes his playing.
"I don't want to fall from grace," everyone sings as they play their instrument, "Grant me the grace of an angel."
"Grant me with these wings to fly," sings Duo.
"I'll never have to fall again," sings Cecilia.
"I don't want to fall from grace," sings everyone, "Grant me the grace of an angel."
"So I can stay by your side," sings Duo.
"I'll take you flying on my wings," sings Cecilia.
"I don't want to fall from grace. Grant me the grace of an angel," sings Duo, "There's nothing that I can't face. I have the love of an angel."
"If only I had your grace, I could do almost anything. Please," sings Cecilia, "don't make me fall from grace. Grant me the grace of an angel!" She runs her fingers over the keys of her keyboard with joy in her eyes.
"I don't want to fall from grace," sings everyone, "Grant me the grace of an angel."
"Grant me with these wings to fly," sings Duo.
"I'll never have to fall again," sings Cecilia.
"I don't want to fall from grace," sings everyone, "Grant me the grace of an angel."
"So I can stay by your side," sings Duo.
"I'll take you flying on my wings," sings Cecilia.
Wufei clangs the cymbals and throws his drumsticks into the air. He catches the sticks and continues on without hardly missing a beat. He sings loudly, "I don't want to fall from grace. Grant me the grace of an angel to see through all my disgrace and allow me to love you more with my every embrace. Grant me the grace of an angel. I don't want to fall from grace. Just look in your heavenly eyes."
"I don't want to fall from grace," sings everyone, "Grant me the grace of an angel."
"Grant me with these wings to fly," sings Duo.
"I'll never have to fall again," sings Cecilia.
"I don't want to fall from grace," sings everyone as they play their instruments happily, "Grant me the grace of an angel."
"So I can stay by your side," sings Duo.
"I'll take you flying on my wings," sings Cecilia.
Heero flashes a brief smile towards Cecilia before he looks at Thomas and Grace content in each other's arms. He strums his guitar. "I don't want to fall from grace. Grant me the grace of an angel. All your troubles I will erase until we reach our own heaven. With these wings I'll give you chase cause you gave me grace, my angel. I don't want to fall from grace. Grant me the grace of an angel!"
"I don't want to fall from grace. Grant me the grace of an angel," everyone sings, "Grant me with these wings to fly. I'll never have to fall again. I don't want to fall from grace. Grant me the grace of an angel so I can stay by your side. I'll take you flying on my wings!"
The sounds of the music slowly fade as everyone stops playing.
Wufei hits the cymbal once before setting his drumsticks down.
Grace smiles. Her eyes fill with tears. "Thank you! Thank you all very much!"
"Thank you," says Thomas holding Grace tightly. He whispers into her ear, "Would you like to go now?"
"After one last thing," whispers Grace. She pulls herself away from Thomas. She hurries up and pulls Trowa and Heero into an embrace. The tears start to flow down her cheeks. She whispers, "Thomas and I are going to bed. Please thank Cecilia for me, Heero."
"I will, Grace," whispers Heero.
Trowa wipes the tears from Grace's cheeks and kisses her forehead. "Go to Thomas."
Grace backs up and hurries back to Thomas's arms.
"Thank you, everyone, for a wonderful night," says Thomas smiling, "We're going to call it a night." He pulls Grace out the door at a run before anyone can say a word.
Grace's wings flaps in their wake.
"Hannah, Herangelia. I think it is time for you two to go to bed," says Hilde smiling at the two girls.
"Yes, Mom!" exclaims Hannah.
"I'll walk you to your room, Hannah," says Zechs smiling.
"And I'll walk with you!" exclaims Reiya seeing Hilde's eyes bug out. "After all, I should be getting to bed as well. Nariya and I are flying back to New York in the morning."
"Good night, everyone," says Nariya.
Reiya nods to Hilde as she follows Hannah and Zechs from the room.
Nariya hurries after Reiya.
"Good night, Dad," says Jeffrey, "Say good night, Herangelia."
"Good night," says Herangelia.
"See you in the morning," says Jason. He walks out of the dining room with Jeffrey and Herangelia.
Duo pulls Hilde into his arms and kisses her lips. "Mmmm… can we go to bed now, Hilde?"
Hilde giggles. "I love you, Duo!"
"I love you, too, Hilde," says Duo smiling.
"All right, Duo. We can go to bed now," says Hilde, "Good night, guys."
"Good night," says Duo lifting Hilde into his arms.
"Good night," says Trowa laughing.
Duo carries Hilde through the door.
"This has been a long night," says Cecilia taking her lavender cloak off.
"Tired, Cecilia?" asks Quatre with a pleasant smile.
Cecilia looks at the clock on the wall. "Only a little, Quatre! But I think I'll read a little before I go to bed. I'll see you all in the morning."
"Cecilia, wait!" exclaims Heero moving to her side.
"Yes, Heero?" asks Cecilia looking into his Prussian blue eyes.
"Grace wanted me to tell you something," says Heero gazing deeply into Cecilia's gray eyes.
"Well?"
"She wanted me to thank you for writing such a beautiful song for her," says Heero.
"Hey, Tro', let's give them some privacy," whispers Quatre.
"It looks like something romantic is going on," whispers Trowa.
"I agree," whispers Wufei, "Let's go. It's late. We should all go to bed."
"Good night," whispers Trowa. He walks out of the room.
Wufei and Quatre wrap their arms around each other and head out.
"Was there anything else, Heero?" asks Cecilia smiling.
"I wanted to thank you too," says Heero.
Cecilia drops her cloak to the floor, and she pushes Heero back against the wall. She presses her body up against his and slides her mouth over his lips giving him a long, slow, passionate kiss.
"Cecilia…"
"Heero…"
"Cecilia!" calls Herangelia from out in the hallway.
Cecilia quickly moves away from Heero. She lifts her cloak from the floor.
Herangelia runs into the dining room. "Cecilia! Cecilia! A call just came in! I think it's for you!"
"You think?" asks Cecilia crinkling her eyebrows.
"Yeah. When I answered the phone, the man asked to speak to Cecilia So long! He wouldn't give me his name!" exclaims Herangelia.
Cecilia looks back at Heero with a stone cold expression. "Heero," she asks firmly, "could I use the phone in your office? I'll see what he wants. It's probably just a wrong number."
"The phone's all yours, Cecilia," says Heero.
Cecilia walks quickly from the room.
"I'll take you to bed, Herangelia," says Heero walking up beside his daughter.
"I don't need an escort, Dad," says Herangelia hugging Heero, "Thank you."
"I'll take you to your room anyway," says Heero lifting Herangelia and carrying her from the room.
***
Cecilia locks the door to Heero's office, and she sits down in his chair. She lifts the phone receiver and pushes the button beside the flashing light. "My name is Cecilia. It was never Cecilia Solong!"
Put me on the video phone, Cecilia. I want to see you.
Cecilia turns on the video monitor. She sees a man with bleached hair sitting in a comfortable chair. She recognizes his face at once.
The man's shoulder-length hair falls over his ebony eyes. He wears black jeans and a navy blue T-shirt. He has a brown leather jacket tossed over the arm of his chair. "It's good to see you, Cecilia. You look lovely. Nothing has changed."
"What do you want, you bastard?" asks Cecilia angrily.
"Now is that any way to treat your husband?"
"You aren't my husband anymore! You left me, remember! I didn't leave you!" exclaims Cecilia, "I'm not your wife! I'm not even your friend anymore! Now why the hell did you call me here?"
"You were pregnant when I left you. What happened to our child, Cecilia?" asks the man.
"We had a daughter," says Cecilia, "She was kidnapped by the anti-pacifists."
"Hey, Becky. Come over here," says the man.
A woman about twenty years old walks over and sits on the arm of the chair. Her chin length hair is cropped in uneven layers as if she had cut it herself without the use of a mirror. Her roots are a deep brown, but the rest of her hair is a bleached blond.
Cecilia stares disbelievingly into the young woman's familiar gray eyes.
"Who are you talking to, Dad?" asks the woman.
"Becky, this is your mother. Her name is Cecilia," says the man, "Show her your hand."
The woman raises her right hand so that her palm can be seen. She has an oddly shaped scar. "My name is Rebecca Solong, but everyone calls me Becky. I thought you were dead, woman!"
"And I thought you were dead, Rebecca, so we're even!" exclaims Cecilia.
"Becky, I have some things to talk to Cecilia about. Would you go check on our supplies?" asks the man.
Becky nods and walks away.
"You… You goddamned bastard! You kidnapped Rebecca!" exclaims Cecilia furiously, "Why? Why kidnap our daughter?"
"Because we need you to comply with out wishes! I'm with the anti-pacifists. All our attempts to show the world and the colonies that peace is unrealistic have failed. Now you will make them succeed!" exclaims the man.
"What makes you think I'll help you, Solong?" asks Cecilia, "You've caused me nothing but misery and grief!"
"I can cause a whole lot more, Cecilia!" exclaims the man with an evil grin, "I told you before… if you don't obey us, we'll kill your daughter. Now you know she's alive. If you want her to stay that way, you'll do as we ask!"
"What do you want from me?"
"We want you to kill Heero Yuy!" exclaims the man, "I'll call you tomorrow at noon to see how you did it and give you your next assignment! Do this for me, baby, or I'll kill Becky and send you her head!"
"You bastard! Bastard!" exclaims Cecilia turning her back to the screen. She looks over her shoulder. "Don't kill Rebecca. I'll do as you ask."
"I knew you would, baby!" exclaims the man, "I do miss that body of yours. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Don't call me 'baby', bastard!" Cecilia turns around and disconnects the phone. "I must kill Heero."