Lost Memories/Amnesia Girl Epilogue

Well it's been VERY fun :D. I hope you didn't mind sitting through the endless chapters, and I hope you will stay tuned for the sequel The Starlit Battlefield or some other name that's more fitting to Amarante's personality. (It probably won't be The Starlit Battlefield, I was thinking, Behind Enemy Lines. Even though I think that'll change)

"Come right in," a butler ordered Amarante. With a quiet nod Amarante stepped into the large manor. She followed the properly dressed man through the beautifully furnished home. Please like me, Amarante thought over and over in her mind, her heart racing faster and faster with every step that she took. She knew that a beautiful house brought high expectations and she never wanted to let anyone down. He knocked on a door allowing Amarante inside. She awkwardly stood a few inches from the door wondering if she run and hide instead of facing the two adults. She jumped hearing the door shut behind her. The couple resting in two elegant armchairs swiveled their upper bodies to see their new guest. She was dressed in an off the shoulder white summer dress with shiny white closed toe heels. Her hair was curled and pulled back with a white headband with a cream colored bow.

"You must be her," the man mustered standing up. Amarante nodded unsure of what to say. The woman had tears in her eyes as the man approached her. "It's very nice to finally have you here, Amarante." His voice was soft, gentle and soothing to the ear. She felt so relaxed in his presence.

"Likewise," Amarante replied shaking his stretched out hand. His hand was trembling and clammy, this must have been just as awkward for them as it was for the red haired maiden.

"After he met you, Nicol couldn't stop talking about you. All he ever wanted to do was to take you out on a formal and proper date," the man replied throwing the girl into his arms. "You were his first love." Amarante was stunned by his actions and his words, was she really his first and why was he hugging a person he had only learned about through letters and the occasional phone call? She began to wonder what Nicol told his parents about her.

"Really?" Amarante asked hugging the man in return. They were still severely torn by his death and to finally be able to meet the girl that he loved brought them closer to having closure. The woman finally approached tears falling from her eyes.

"I can't believe that we're finally meeting you," Mrs. Amalfi muttered weakly.

"Me too. I'm so sorry that I can't say anything more. To me, Nicol could never stop talking about his parents. I truly envied that, especially when I had amnesia. My mother died when I was a child and my father virtually disowned me. I'm so pleased that Nicol has such wonderful parents. You raised him to be a true gentleman," Amarante praised. Ms. Amalfi couldn't stop crying as they invited Amarante to sit down with them.

"Explain to us how you met our Nicol," Mrs. Amalfi asked through her tears.

"I was injured in battle at the Z.A.F.T. base in Banadiya, and since the base wouldn't be operating anymore I was transferred to Gibraltar. When I was allowed to have visitors, Yzak and Dearka came by to make sure I was okay. I think they invited Athrun and Nicol to come with them. I'm not too sure why they were there…but if they weren't, I would have never met your son. I was terrified of these four strange boys in my room since I developed amnesia. After the nurse shooed them out, Nicol came back within ten minutes, red as a beet, to introduce himself. He was so gentle when he held my hand for the first time…I…I felt so safe when I was with him and for the first time since developing amnesia…well loved. After that he kept coming back to see me…and I thought it was so strange that some guy that I never knew would come and stay with me through all my pain and suffering. We really hit it off from there, and the first time that he kissed me I just knew he was the "one" for me. I must sound like a stupid school girl saying that but, Nicol…Nicol was just so special. He cared so much for my wellbeing: he was always there when I needed to take my medication, he was always there when I had to go back to the hospital to see the doctors, he was always there when I cried for hours on end when I couldn't remember and…he, he was al-always there when I needed someone to remind me…that so-someone loved me," Amarante explained breaking out in to her own quiet sob. She had promised herself that she wouldn't break down in front of his parents but here she was crying her heart out in front of them. My make-up's going to smear if I don't stop this. You're stronger than that! You don't want to show the Amalfis that you're some whiny crybaby! Amarante thought dabbing her eyes with the back of her hand.

"When he told us about you, I had always dreamed and longed for that first awkward "meet the parents" visit. Nicol would be blush profusely and you would be the polite dashing beauty that you are," his mother said with a sad chuckle. "Nicol sent home pictures of you constantly. He couldn't get enough of you; he was so mesmerized by your presence and your hair. He used to tell us how much he loved running his hand through your beautiful red hair. He would tell us about how he would brush your hair when you could barely use your hands to do that simple task."

"He was very gentle with a brush. If I said 'ow' he would become severely upset and apologize over and over again about how he hurt me. Nicol was always so gentle with me. When I was in the hospital Nicol used to come and sleep next to me so I wouldn't be lonely. He didn't care that Yzak yelled at him for coming back in the morning tired with a sore back. He was the biggest sweetheart that I knew," Amarante answered with a sorrowful chuckle. Taking out a crumpled letter from his pocket, Mr. Amalfi passed it to his wife who read aloud. Amarante could tell that Nicol's parents had read this letter repeated because of its condition.

Flashback

"She's finally asleep," Nicol whispered with a deep sigh falling into a cushiony reclining chair. Even with pain medication she's still in a lot of pain. I think I'll be at her bedside all night long, Nicol thought watching the girl sleep peacefully. Gazing tiredly up at the clock, it was passing midnight. He sighed softly knowing that Athrun would be severely displeased in the morning. He heard Amarante groan causing Nicol to sit up with a jolt. Anxiously he observed her face relieved to find that her eyes were still closed. She's still asleep, poor thing, Nicol thought relaxing back into the chair for approximately twenty minutes. Standing up, Nicol paced around the room debating if he should go back to his quarters or stay with his new friend. Fifteen minutes later, Nicol sat back down in the chair placing his head in his hands. What am I to do? I can't just leave her here and then again…Athrun wanted me back long time ago, Nicol thought. He stood up taking off his belt, tossing it in the chair behind him. Unbuckling his collar Nicol unzipped his uniform carefully placing it on the back of the chair. Sitting back down, he relaxed in the chair getting ready for a long night in the cushiony chair. He allowed his eyes to close drifting off to sleep.

Later on that night Nicol was awakened by a hand wrapping around his neck. Immediately, Nicol seized his attacker's wrist twisting it to the right getting ready to bring his attacker to the floor only to be stopped by a small cry. Looking at the figure in the moonlight Nicol saw that it was none other than Amarante.

"Amarante? What are you doing?" he asked her gently. "I was just about to counterattack." She shivered at his cold words trying to find comfort somewhere on this soldier's body.

"I got scared," she replied.

"Do you want me to sit in the other chair?" Nicol asked prepping her for the small trip back to her bed. Amarante only took this as an opportunity to snuggle up to her constant companion.

"I want to stay here with you," Amarante replied wrapping her arms around his neck.

"You should really sleep in your bed Amarante," Nicol shushed. The nurse could come in at any minute and scold him for "taking" Amarante out of bed. He also knew that his special privilege of seeing her after hours would be revoked as well.

"But I want to stay here with you," a tired and heavily medicated Amarante replied. Nicol trembled slightly from anxiety, he didn't want to displease her but then again the nurses were around every corner.

"O…Okay but let's keep your IV hand right here in front," Nicol sighed moving her hand from around his neck to on his chest. He couldn't help it…Amarante had a stunning body and was innocently cute in every way. He could never tell her no.

"Over your heart?" she asked. Nicol blushed looking away from his new friend wondering if he did that on purpose.

"Y-Yes," Nicol replied reaching around the chair for his uniform jacket. She's probably going to get really cold. She has so many blankets on her bed already, he thought feeling Amarante snuggle against him. Carefully Nicol wrapped his uniform around hid injured maiden. First the nurses are going to kill me…and then Athrun will make sure my body unidentifiable, Nicol thought with a sigh.

" 'I never feel the pain when I'm around you,' she told me before falling silent. I was touched by her statement but I was instantly saddened by her pain. I didn't get much sleep Mom but it was worth it for her. In the morning she was feeling better and I got to put her back in her bed! I really think I'm falling in love with her Mom, Dad. She's wonderful…absolutely wonderful and very beautiful. When she recovers, I'll send you a picture but I have to go now. I love you both dearly Mom and Dad and I hope that this war will end soon so I can bring you Amarante.

Love,

Nicol

P.S. Remember to keep my piano in tune!" Mrs. Amalfi narrated closing Nicol's letter. Her hands were shaking as she gave Nicol's letter back to his father.

"Amarante, I understand that you feel like you have to do your part but promise me that you won't go out and fight unless it's ABSOLUTELY necessary. I don't want to go through another child's funeral," Mr. Amalfi pleaded grasping Amarante's shoulders. Looking into his eyes Amarante saw a deep sadness and an overwhelming fear for her sadness.

"I promise you," the young maiden said confidently. "But, it's not your fault."

"What?" the Amalfis asked.

"It's not your fault. The only things at fault are mankind's greed and desire," Amarante answered.

"Thank you," Mrs. Amalfi muttered through her tears. Amarante nodded hugging what could have been her in-laws. She wished she could stay all day with them but she had a court martial to face in a few hours.

"I'm sorry Mr. and Mrs. Amalfi, but I have to get going. I have to face my court martial," Amarante sighed. Standing up, the Amalfis escorted Amarante to their front door.

"Amarante we believe in you, and we're positive that you'll get off somehow," Mr. Amalfi told her confidently. Amarante wished she had that type of confidence. She betrayed the PLANTs…how was she going to get out of that type of punishment?

"Thank you Mr. Amalfi. I'll come visit you guys as often as I possibly can, that's if I'm not in a prison or dead," Amarante answered hugging them once again.

"Even though I wore this uniform on the Eternal it feels strange wearing it here in the PLANTs," Amarante told herself. Looking in a mirror Amarante only saw a traitor staring back at her. I wonder if the war would have changed if I hadn't joined the Eternal, Amarante thought leaving her hotel room. Outside she was escorted to an armed car by two MP Officers. She's only a baby! She's probably no older than fifteen I bet, one of the MP Officers thought. At the car she was placed in handcuffs before being seated in between the two officers. The car took off slowly but Amarante could only focus on her handcuffed hands.

Flashback

"Amarante , I LOOOVVVEEE YOU!" Nicol cooed snuggling his giggling girlfriend. They were lying on her bed under the watchful but sleepy eyes of Athrun. Amarante enjoyed this time with Nicol even though Athrun was in the room. He kissed her forehead pulling her closer to his body. He couldn't help but smile when he saw her big bright green eyes. She went through his hair resting her hands on his cheeks.

"Nicol, are you going to stay the night?" Amarante whispered in Nicol's ear.

"I can't, Athrun won't stand for it," Nicol whispered back. He kissed her lips softly motioning her to sit up. Sitting up for him Nicol wrapped an arm around her waist. He wanted to pull her on top of him but he didn't want to injure her.

"Nicol, why do you love me so much?" Amarante asked curiously. Sitting up as well Nicol motioned her to grab her brush. Amarante obeyed handing him the brush sitting up stiffly so he can brush her long hair. Brushing Amarante's silky hair was one of Nicol's favorite activities.

"I love you because you're the person I want to be with Amarante," Nicol replied gathering up the ends of her hair. With small gentle strokes Nicol brushed out the ends moving on to the rest of her hair. That didn't tell me anything! Amarante thought holding in a groan.

"But why? Why did you choose me?" Amarante asked feeling the brush go through her hair. Staring straight ahead, Amarante watched Athrun doze on the opposite bed. Amarante giggled watching his head droop and fall off his hand. In his sleepy state Athrun placed his head back on his hand only to have the same results as before.

"Why? I don't really know why. I just saw you…and I knew that you were the one for me," Nicol answered pulling back her hair kissing her neck. He felt his stomach drop seeing Amarante flinch to his affection. Amarante was unsure about his actions, the kiss felt great but was Nicol only trying to get into her pants? "Sorry I won't do it again. I guess I just got a little carried away."

"NO! It was alright! Honestly!" Amarante replied looking back at Nicol. He frowned putting down her brush turning Amarante around. She never wanted to displease Nicol even if she didn't like it.

"Amarante, I love you because you're a strong loving individual. I don't want to do anything that makes you upset because I think you're the best thing that has happened to me during this war, and I can't afford to lose you," Nicol answered thrusting Amarante into his arms. She couldn't believe her ears, how could she be the best thing that has happened to Nicol? She had no memories and she felt hideous because of her scars. Pulling away Nicol stroked her cheek feeling his own cheeks fluster. Playfully Amarante placed her hands on his cheeks pulling him in for a romantic kiss.

"That's enough you two…you can't have…I won't allow…too young," Athrun mumbled falling asleep on the spare bed.

"Oh Athrun," Nicol chuckled sliding off her bed.

"You're gonna go?" Amarante whined. "You're not even done with my hair!" Although Nicol thought she was absolutely adorable when she whined and pouted, Nicol HATED it to no end.

"Mare! I love you but my Commander needs to get back to his room. I'll come back and brush your hair later, okay?" Nicol answered pecking her lips. Frowning Amarante laid down with a huff. Nicol always got Amarante's nerves when he placed Athrun before her. SHE was his girlfriend NOT Athrun!

"Okay…Just come back soon," she whined turning away from the boys.

"I will, don't fall asleep okay? I love you Amarante," Nicol answered shaking Commander Zala. Nicol helped Athrun to his feet sensing Athrun was too tired and dazed to walk on his own. Nicol paused frowning at his disheartened girlfriend. Earlier, he had promised Amarante that he wouldn't leave until she was peacefully sleeping in her bed.

"Love you too," Amarante grumbled.

"Do you want to come?" Nicol asked in his sweet childish voice.

"What?"

"Do you want to come?"

"OF COURSE!" Amarante replied jumping off…

End Flashback

"Excuse me," the MP on her right murmured clearing his throat. Looking up from her shackles, Amarante stared out of a side window. She felt comforted by the gentle rolling hills and lush greenery. Her heart sank when she saw the glass panels of the PLANTs, everything was artificial. How could anyone live in this suffocating hourglass? Leaning back in her seat Amarante closed her eyes trying to calm her frantic heart.

Flashback

"Nicol?" Amarante asked groggily. He held in a sigh wondering if he could ever get her to sleep through the whole night.

"Yeah?" Nicol asked, sweetly brushing her cheek. On top of her bed in front of Nicol laid several sheets of paper with little black dots.

"What are you doing?" she asked sitting up. No! You're supposed to be sleeping! Don't get interested in what I'm doing! Nicol thought.

"I'm writing music. I play the piano remember?" Nicol answered. Standing up Nicol placed his hands on her shoulders gently inching her down.

"Do you play any other instrument?" Amarante asked.

"Yes, but you're supposed to be sleeping," Nicol replied kissing her forehead. He was glad that she couldn't see his blush in the darkness.

"But," Amarante murmured.

"Go to bed Amarante," Nicol ordered playfully.

"Who are you dedicating the music to?" Amarante asked innocently.

"That's a secret but I think you can bribe it out of me with a kiss," Nicol chuckled slyly. She motioned him closer pecking his cheek. "But."

"You didn't say what type of kiss. So who are you going to dedicate your music to?" Amarante asked.

"I'm dedicating this piece to…

End Flashback

"Get up," the MP on her right asked kindly. They helped her out of the car ushering her into the building where she would be tried for treason. What a beautiful building to see my demise in, Amarante thought with a sad chuckle. It had beautifully crafted mahogany oak molding and ivy leaves made out of gold covered the ceiling. Looking down at her shaking hands she saw that they had become pale and sweaty. She wanted to run away but only a coward would do that. Coming to a door they forced her to wait outside. Her knees felt weak as they banged against each other. The doors flew open the two MP Officers ushering her forward. A panel of five judges instead of a jury? Just make it quick, Amarante thought as she stepped on a pedestal. The officers took off her handcuffs.

"Amarante Takahashi of the Joule Team and formerly of the Waltfeld Team, you have been charged with treason of the armed forces. Care to explain your actions before we sentence you?"

"I know this will sound strange, but it felt strange to be on the Vesalius. On July 12, I had this urge to leave the ship and go to the Eternal. To this day I have no idea why I left the Vesalius. I take full responsibility for my actions," Amarante replied.

"At the time of your departure you had amnesia correct?" the judge on the far left asked.

"Yes sir," Amarante answered.

"And how well did you know what was going on around you?"

"Not well sir. I knew about the war but I was confused about what side of the war I was on and what I was fighting for. I was told the Eternal was a Z.A.F.T. ship but I wasn't properly informed why the Vesalius was hunting it down."

"So you believe your amnesia inhibited your ability to decipher the past from the future?" the judge in the middle asked. In the back of Amarante's mind she had dubbed him the fat head judge.

Thinking over his statement Amarante responded, "Yes." The judges murmured to each other before turning back to Amarante.

"Did you KNOW that Commander Andrew Waltfeld was the Captain of the Eternal when you defected?" a judge on the right asked.

"No I did not. At the time I didn't even know who he was. The only person I remembered was second in command Martin DaCosta, but I didn't know that Martin DaCosta was a part of the Eternal's crew," Amarante answered.

"And why didn't you return to Z.A.F.T. after acquiring your memories?" the judge on the far right demanded.

"Sir, I didn't return because I knew the moment I did, I would have been executed," Amarante answered. The judges turned to each other again murmuring a few words.

"The court has come to a decision," the head judge boomed clearing his throat. Amarante clenched her fists bracing herself for the verdict. "We find you not guilty of committing the act of treason by reason of amnesia and the failure of Z.A.F.T. commanders to realize that you were unfit for battle. Case dismissed." With a strike of the gavel Amarante was freed of the title traitor. She was escorted out of the courtroom and house.

"I'm glad you were found not guilty. You're only a child," the MP on her left said kindly.

"Ah, thank you?" Amarante answered as the armored car rolled up to take her back to her hotel room.

Her bag beating against her side Amarante ran towards one particular man. She hadn't seen her "father" for two to three weeks. When she saw his missing arm Amarante picked up the pace. Out of the corner of former Z.A.F.T. Commander Andrew Waltfeld's eye he saw his dearest little Amarante. He was almost in disbelief taking a few steps towards the sprinting girl. With every step Commander Waltfeld picked up speed until he collided with Amarante. With his one remaining arm, Waltfeld hugged Amarante twirling her around in a circle. He could feel her body compress in an uncontrollable cry.

"Silly girl, why are you crying?" Waltfeld whispered in her ear. He placed her firmly on the ground wiping the tears out of her eyes.

"Because," Amarante sobbed.

"Don't waste your tears on me," Waltfeld chuckled wrapping an arm around the sobbing girl.

"But! I missed you!" Amarante continued to weep.

"I know you did My Little Tiger," Waltfeld began, "And by the way, I'LL be handling your bags today." He smiled wickedly hoping to make her laugh or react angrily but she only nodded weakly rubbing her eyes. She's such an emotional wreck. Seeing Nicol's grave and his parents probably caused most of her stress and tears. At least she'll be able to heal now, Waltfeld thought bringing her to the baggage carrousel.

"Let me help," Amarante muttered drying her tears on her sleeve.

"No, let your dad do it. I'm getting used to using one arm," Waltfeld chuckled. She let out a small sigh knowing that there was no arguing with this guy. As her bags came around Waltfeld pulled them off with ease. "Here I'll give you this one."

"Okay," Amarante muttered taking the smaller one.

"Cheer up my wittle wittle girl," Waltfeld cooed snuggling his little girl. "Because you know the adoption went through."

"Really?" Amarante gasped.

"Yeah, you're now my little girl," Waltfeld chuckled smiling at his new daughter. "WITH the hyphenated last name like you wanted: Amarante H. Takahashi-Waltfeld." (A/N: I was going to write her full name here but oddly enough, I forgot her middle name. All I remember is that it begins with an "H")

Pouting Amarante let her tears flow, "DADDY!" She threw her arms around his neck crying her eyes out.

"Amarante I said don't waste your tears on me!" Waltfeld snapped.

"I know but you're now my real Daddy! One that loves me and will always care for me! One that will protect me when I'm in trouble! A Daddy that will always cheer me up when I'm frightened! You'll be a loving Daddy that will encourage me while I'm feeling blue!" Amarante cried. He could only smile as he listened to his little girl weep in his arms. Aisha I wish you were here to sooth her. I was never good at this kind of thing, Waltfeld thought rubbing Amarante's back gently. Even though Aisha wasn't with him, they finally got what they always wanted: a child to love and cherish. And they couldn't ask for a more perfect child then Amarante Takahashi, the flower that never fades.

Well it ends with this! It's been a fun…almost two year adventure! I would just like to give a shout out to everyone who reviewed, favorited and alerted my story! Thank you so much for your support and stay tuned for the sequel to this story. A little blurb will be up on my page tomorrow or on my tumbleblog that needs a new name: nicolxamarante

Until then my friends!

~WoofumsPup