Chapter 12
"Ready to go" said L-Elf as he strapped Haruto's comatose body into one half of the juryrigged chair that was the best chance of bringing him back to them. "I'm here my friend" whispered L-Elf in Haruto's ear reassuringly drowned out (to others) by the sounds of the machinery humming.
"Are you ready oneechan?" Shoko asked of her little sister as she strapped her into her half of the juryrigged seat her love occupied.
Saki nodded "more than you could imagine".
"You know; if something happens" Shoko continued.
Saki stopped her mid-thought "I'll be right by the side of the love of my life for all of eternity. Just make sure you and Akira-oneechan follow my example. You seem to be following that path quite contentedly; both of you".
Shoko smiled at her little sister. "She's right" she thought to herself while closing the hatch of the 01 turning to her man, taking his hand into hers. "Cross your fingers my love, and pray as hard as you can for them".
L-Elf nodded "I already started, the moment I saw him fall".
Shoko saw it for the first time. The fear in his eyes that he tried to keep hidden. "This whole time" she thought "he put on a brave face for me". Pulling him into her arms she kissed him desperately for the first time saying the words she knew she needed to say; the words she knew he needed to hear. "I love you more than anything in this world" she confessed "and nothing will ever change that. You are my world, my darling L-Elf."
L-Elf confessed "I love you too my Sweet Shoko". They held each other tight until the time was about to come. The time to fight to save their family.
Below, Akira watched the scene unfold. She was happy for Shoko-oneechan and now L-Elf-otoutochan. She couldn't help but wonder if she could find the same love with A-Drei over time. She loved him; but could he ever love me as much she'd wonder. She felt someone take her hand and another arm encircling her from behind. Then she heard the whisper in her ear. The whisper of the man she loved with all her heart.
"I was a coward and a fool to run from the wedding" he whispered to her."I ran right into battle facing death and destruction without a fear in the world, but when it came to a beautiful young woman in a stunning dress looking deep into my eyes the fear overwhelmed me".
"It's understandable" Akira whispered back wrapping her arm around his. "Words can be more powerful than any enemy; as can looks or actions. I used to be afraid of them until Shoko-oneechan and Saki-oneechan taught me to use them". "They used to say they created a monster" Akira remarked "I used to answer that no they created a big sister". "Now you, A-Drei, created a woman from a neurotic little girl". "Thank you for that and thank you for coming back".
A-Drei squeezed Akira tight placing a soft kiss on her neck just below her ear. "Thank you for giving me a reason to stop running. I'm not afraid anymore, my Princess. I plan on staying here until you tell me to go".
"Then I hope you plan on staying here forever" Akira giggled.
"I'd like nothing more". A-Drei whispered breathlessly. "I love you Princess" A-Drei commented leaving an opening for a response hopeful on his part.
"And I love you, my Prince" Akira answered turning over her shoulder to meet his lips with hers.