Love, Friendship and Revenge

by nikkiclyneZX15

They struggled and survived through two full scale wars. Now as a new threat approaches them, our young heroes must do whatever it takes to fight for the freedom of mankind

14. Chapter 14

Chapter 14 – Bloodshed and Revenge

OMGAWSSSHH! D8 Do you know how long its been since i've updated? –shakes Nikki- TOO LONG! AND I ONLY HAVE A COUPLE MORE CHAPTERS TO GO!

Nikki: - Okay okay okay okay! We get it! It's been forever! Now let go of me!

Echo :–sniggers-

DUDE THIS ISN'T FUNNY! SOMEONE NEEDS TO START THE DAMN CHAPTER NOW!

Nikki :– We will! Chill out will ya?

Jason: – (walks in) Our author freaking out again?

Kai: - (sighs) i don't blame her, its been a while...can't believe the story's nearly finished...-

HELLOO? THE CHAPTER FOOLS!

Nikki: WE KNOW! You guys start the chapter and ill go knock out the author

Kai/Jason/Echo: Everyone enjoy!

Echo: Hey Nikki! Can I use one of my explosives on her?

Nikki: (from other room) NO!

The typically serene shore of ORB was glowing as the sun slowly rose, giving birth to a golden sunrise to welcome the fresh morning. The residents of the usual peaceful neutral land would normally be eager to enjoy this weather, but a sudden danger that was rapidly approaching disallowed any type of relaxation and enjoyment. This danger consisted of two determined armies crossing paths at this very same shore. The Commander protecting said city flew over the landscape in her mobile suit, her steely blue eyes sweeping over the once populated area. Several other pilots like her hid in numerous positions, secluding themselves from view of the enemy by using buildings and other certain tall structures to camouflage themselves.

Double checking and confirming that everything was secure and in order, Nikki Clyne maneuvered her way to the front lines. She landed her machine onto the soft sand of the beach, a large number of mobile suits assembled in multiple lines behind her. She was unable to organise any sort of warship or vessel to assist them, but she had high hopes with the many soldiers she was able to maintain in such short notice. Within just a few short days, she managed to enlist and grasp the help of thousands of soldiers that were willing to risk their lives for ORB, a country that most of them were unfamiliar. She felt proud of these men and women that were throwing everything else away and knowing they could possibly by killed, all for the sake of a city they didn't know.

After landing on the soft ground, she glanced behind her one last time to make sure everything was set. From where she was, she was only able to see roughly a quarter of her entire forces, which is exactly want she wanted the invaders to see. Nodding satisfyingly to herself, she turned her attention back to the now newly risen sun just over the horizon. If she hadn't been so focused on war, she would've marvelled at the beauty of her surroundings. But that one thought didn't even have time to process through her mind, when she spotted a single vessel in the distance. She tightened her grip on the controls and clenched her jaw, realizing that the time had come…he had finally arrived.

Nikki's reason for her anticipation was currently sitting in the captain's chair on the approaching vessel. The young man smirked when ORB came into view. He had been travelling for many weeks to exact his revenge on a certain person, and now he was able to carry out his rage and make her pay. Unlike other commanding officers, he wasn't dressed as formally as the usual protocol demanded. Of course that was a rule he overlooked, especially since he considered himself an outlaw to society. Nonetheless he wore small parts of the captains' uniform to indicate that he was in fact in command of a ship. He had a loose white jacket, fully unzipped and shifted to the side to give off a relaxed and slack attitude. He wore black track pants that covered his legs, which were sprawled out in a lazy way. His head was free over any military hat, exposing a head full of sandy brown messy hair. His hard grey eyes glared to the outside world, his obvious need for hatred and bloodshed glowing from the silver orbs.

Liam Edwards turned his gaze onto the ships crew. "Focus all coordinates on the object on the beach.

The screen zoomed in to reveal an awaiting black and purple machine. It stood proudly on its own, seemingly aiming to fight against them all on its own. But Liam knew exactly who the pilot was and knew that they were fully prepared for them and most likely had been waiting for some time. He sneered. "Oh you are a courageous one aren't you Nikki Clyne?"

He was well acquainted with the brunette girl. Several years ago she had dated his younger brother Darren. He never really saw her much, only when she came home some days with his brother, and left some many hours later. He never knew what they got up to, since they spent all their time in Darren's bedroom. Darren had reassured him they weren't up to anything suspicious, but were simply spending quality time together without any interruptions. Liam often wondered if they were keeping some truth from him that is until Nikki herself had approached him. She had continuously insisted that nothing had happened and that for some unknown reason she wasn't ready to pursue their relationship any further than at the comfortable stage she thought it had been then. He had his doubts for a while, but he eventually caved in and believed them. After that he slowly felt appreciation for Darren's girlfriend. She was bright, intelligent and attractive. A few times she had even brought over weaponry she had been trained to use while she grew up, and gave both of them a few lessons on how to both handle and operate them. What had caught the brothers' attention the most was her ammunition. The rare, custom-made bullets had been produced and passed down through many generations in her family. She had claimed that when she was to turn of age, that her father would pass them down to her. Since she was the oldest out of two girls, she was granted the firstborn privilege of being trained in combat, another old tradition that had been kept in her family. To whoever saw these bullets, their family crest was engraved around the small metal bullet so that when a gun was fired, everyone would know whom it belonged to.

It was because of these tiny bullets that Liam set out today to end Nikki Clyne's life. Only days after the catastrophe on their homeland colony had ended, and Nikki had fled with her best friend Jason, did Liam return home to find the result of the horrible massacre that had taken place. To find everything in ruins was a shock, but to find his brothers' dead body amongst hundreds of other innocent victims had shook him to the core. He cried for what seemed like hours as he grieved over the last family he had. Their parents had died when they were both young so they were left to fend for themselves. And now his brother had been killed, leaving him all alone in the world. He had sworn vengeance on whoever had done this to Darren, which was when he noticed the gaping wound in the young boys forehead. The bullet used to shoot his brother was still imbedded in his flesh, so with a heavy heart he had dug his fingers in and yanked it out just as quickly. At first he thought it out of the ordinary when something about the bullet caught his attention. Looking closely, he saw with horror the emblem wrapped around the edges…the crest of the Clyne family. He knew straight away who was responsible for Darren's death and felt white-hot fury rush through him. With angry tears threatening to fall, he looked to the sky with a new motive. With no family left and nowhere to go, he now only had one reason and mission to live for. And that was to find Nikki Clyne…and kill her.

Liam felt his fists clench at the memory of his brothers' body. He had trusted Nikki, had grown to accept her as his own sister. And what happened? She goes and mercilessly kills her own boyfriend and selfishly escapes to save herself. With renewed anger directed at Darren's killer, he pointed determinedly in the direction of the shore. "Full speed ahead! That machine is our main target!"

As his ships speed increased, with hundred of vessels and mobile suits following closely behind him, he couldn't help the greedy, satisfied grin that spread across his face. "You're mine now, Clyne."

Nikki's attention was averted when a transmission interrupted her thoughts. She was slightly surprised when she heard Jason's voice. "Hey Nikki, is that them?" She nodded. "Oh that's them alright…Jason, prepare all units and order battle formations. They'll be within range very soon."

"How soon exactly?" He asked, his voice suddenly void of emotion.

Nikki squinted slightly. "I'd say in the next few minutes."

"Roger that, I'll carry out the order."

After the call ended, she signalled her unit to take off from their positions behind her. Instantly, hundred of various machines varying from mobile suits and sky graspers, launched from the ground and flew into a protective barrier-like formation around their Commander as they soared across the ocean. A few seconds later, Nikki signalled again, this time to the three other units patiently waiting for her order. Kai, Jenny and Jason all took off simultaneously, their armies merging together to create one massive unbreakable force. Despite their large numbers, Nikki had one more small strategy to carry out before the official fighting began. To make this work, she had given the order to commence slowly after their launch. She kept her attention on the vessel in the distance, watching and waiting for the precise moment. A few seconds later, a huge explosion erupted amongst the distant vessels, dozens being wiped out instantly by the blast. Nikki chuckled. "Bravo Echo, couldn't have done it better myself." As if she was heard, said mastermind of the attack was grinning proudly to herself as she watched her handiwork take place. Echo had quite boldly confronted Kai about his strategy on the element of surprise. Instead of hiding and just waiting for the enemy to come to them, she devised a plan where they would be surprised and distracted all at once. So with the spare time she had, she developed and built a wide reaching radius explosive device that was designed both for placing on land and ocean. With the time measurements and estimations, she was able to determine exactly what position the invading vessels would be in and when they would be there. So using heavy-duty machines, they lifted the large bombs and placed them in a blind spot on the water. Just to be sure though, she had activated a mirage shied she had also included, to reassure that they wouldn't be discovered.

And what a success they turned out to be. The moment she saw the explosion take place, Nikki immediately took off to join her comrades into battle, not noticing that a certain machine was trailing her. She plunged straight into the explosion cloud, unsheathing her blades in the process. With skill and accuracy she cut her way through any enemy that crossed her path. When the smoke was clear she observed the now clear view of the battlefield. Both sides had collided and the vision showed nothing but smoke and debris as soldiers both from her fleet and the opposing smashed against each other. She watched sadly as many young teenagers she knew were torn to shreds, ending their young lives. Looking elsewhere, she saw Kira and Athrun working together and easily taking care of whoever tried to attack them. Jason stood out in the middle with his Independence, no one being able to reach him within a mile. Jenny and Kai were flying their sky graspers around the large vessels, using each other in a superb show of teamwork to take out the ships. Seeing that her friends had everything under control, Nikki refocused her attention back to searching for her target. She turned just in time to see a rather different, and much bigger, jet-black machine launch from the trailing vessel. A strange alerting feeling came across her as she realized whom the newcomer was. Noticing that he straightaway headed towards her, she pulled out a large handle from the Vengeances' back and accelerated at full throttle to meet him.

Liam decided it was time for him to join the fun. He had left the bridge without a word, the crew on the bridge staring after him with confusion. But he didn't care about them. He walked into the hanger and towards a distinctive black machine in the corner. Just like Nikki he had his own Gundam designed, the ZAX10 Phantom. But his machine was built solely for his inward desire for revenge. The only reason he had the Phantom made, was to face Nikki one on one in combat and defeat her in the midst of a bloody battlefield, which was why he had instigated the invasion. He knew Nikki would not idly sit by and let him attack an innocent country, and as he has predicted, she had prepared her own army and come out to stop him. 'She really is pathetically noble'. He thought as he started up the Phantoms system. Its black cloak wrapped around it, red eyes gleaming as the sleeping monster finally awakened. Liam grinned in satisfaction as his creation rumbled to life. Without another thought, he launched forward and took off to straight away spot the awaiting Vengeance Gundam in the distance. He immediately changed direction and headed directly for it, unsheathing two large blades.

The two pilots ceased to slow down, both charging straight at the other. Seconds before they met Nikki pressed a button and a long and wide blade was produced from her handle. She swung her sword forward at the same time Liam brought his across and the multiple blades crashed violently in the middle. The collision caused sparks to fly around them, the two warriors pushing against each other in a battle of strength. Being a coordinator gave Nikki some advantage as she slowly began pushing Liam backwards. Succumbing to the fact that he knew she was stronger and more skilled in the cockpit, Liam hastily broke the hold with one hand and attempted to slash across her middle. Nikki noticed what he was planning the moment he removed one of his blades and quickly pushed backwards to avoid the fatal swipe. They circled each other, each looking for an opening. Unable to find a weakness, they once again charged in and clashed their blades together.

Liam growled in frustration. "Just die already murderer!"

Nikki clenched her jaw. "And just who the hell are you to call me that huh?"

This only pissed him off even more. "You know very well why! You're a selfish, good for nothing, filthy coordinator who deserves to die! You're gonna pay for what you did!"

Nikki knew very well what he was talking about. "Listen it's not how it seems. This is all just a big misunderstanding."

Liam snarled as he tried again to slash at her, which she again avoided with ease. "Then why don't you explain then? Enlighten me! Tell me why I came home to find my brother lying in a pool of his own blood and with one of your bullets in his forehead?"

Nikki had now fully switched to defensive mode, only dodging his enraged attacks. She decided to stop attacking him to try and get him to understand. But the less she fought back the more furious he became. She noticed the blind rage he was in and that his attempts to strike her were becoming easier to avoid and that he was leaving himself wide open. But she refused to end it that way; she wanted this to be fair. "Just stop and listen will you?"

Her plea fell on deaf ears and she was forced to bring her hand up to stop a stab coming downwards towards her cockpit. "I'm not going to listen to a damn thing you say! You killed my brother! You killed Darren!"

Sighing heavily, she resorted to a safer solution. With lightning speed, she brought her machines legs up and smashed its feet into him, sending the Phantom spiralling away. She used the spare time she had to reason with him.

"Listen…I'm not denying that I killed him. But I didn't do it for the reason you might think."

The damaged black Gundam faced her, the cockpit slightly dented from her kick. The impact had shattered his cockpit to some degree, shrapnel flying in all directions. Shards of glass and metal scraped and pierced his skin, small trails of blood sliding down his face. Liam realized that Nikki was stronger than he had thought and that she was holding back on him. To spare his own life, he turned his machine idle and let her talk.

Nikki smiled in relief when she saw he was willing to listen. "I loved your brother more than anyone. And the last thing I wanted to do was to kill him. The afternoon the Blue Cosmos attacked, we were actually out on a date. The next thing we knew there was panic everywhere and the streets were filled with frightened people running in different directions. I lost him amongst all the chaos and didn't see him again for a week, in which time I trained to the limit so I could defend myself and find out what happened to him. But the morning I left to look for him, there was nothing left. All I saw was buildings on the verge of collapsing and the ground littered with bodies. All of which were men, women AND children. While I grieved for them, one of the thugs that had attacked approached me from behind. He was wearing a mask but when he spoke I recognised his voice immediately. My suspicions were confirmed when he revealed his identity to me."

By now Liam now had his full attention on her. When he heard the devastation in her voice as she described the murdered civilians, he thought that maybe he had misread her… that she wasn't the cold-hearted killer he had made her out to be. But those thoughts disappeared and his anger returned at her next words.

"It was Darren. When we were separated, they must've captured him and manipulated him to think like them. He wasn't the same anymore. He was constantly insulting me and my friends; calling us 'filthy coordinators.'" Nikki bowed her head sadly as she continued onto the part she was dreading the most. "I…I tried to talk to him…to help him see what they had done to him. I told him I loved him, but he wouldn't listen. He tried to shoot me but I…I shot him instead. It was a defensive reflex…that's all it was. It wasn't like I was intentionally out to kill him."

Liam was breathing deeply, doing his best to keep his rising anger under control. She talked as if the whole thing was an accident. He glared as she spoke once more.

"It was only a flesh wound in the stomach to slow him down. But whatever he went through after his capture, it had given him a higher tolerance of pain. So the gunshot didn't even faze him…it only made him angry. He lunged forward at me, which is when I finally shot him in the head. I purposefully aimed for a specific spot so that it would be quick."

Her words had no calming affect on Liam. His resolve finally snapped as he snarled at her. "You didn't have to kill him! You could've knocked him out or something! But no! There was no choice but to shoot him down like a dog!"

Nikki yelled back. "You don't understand! Once men have turned over like that, there's no way of them ever going back to the way they were before! Those thugs are the reason Darren turned that way! They stole the man I loved away from me!"

Liam laughed. "Loved? You don't deserve such a pure emotion after what you did!"

His insult had struck a nerve. The next moment she was behind him as she grabbed the Phantoms head in a tight lock. "What would you have done? Would you want Darren to be himself, or watch him live a life of murder and cruelty! If it were me…I would rather die than become such a monster!"

Liam glared as he struggled against her grip. "And you think that's what Darren would've wanted?"

She maintained her hold despite his struggle. "It's exactly what he would've wanted! Your brother was a gentle, caring man! The last thing he wished for was the spilt blood of innocent people!"

Liam finally managed to break away from her grasp, kicking off her stomach as he did so. After flying a small distance he turned to face her, swinging his blades at the ready. "No matter what the reason was…the fact remains that you killed my brother, my only living family. And that…is something I can't ever forgive you for!" With that final statement, he charged forward once again. Nikki swung her sword forward, matching his ferocity as their blades met with another loud clash in the centre.

As the former friends fought to the death, a lone mobile suit that was not engaged in battle was silently watching the isolated conflict. The young pilot inside stared worriedly at his Commander. If only there was something he could do to help…and he realized that there was. If he were able to sneak in and distract her opponent, then maybe she'd have a chance at finally defeating him. With that strategy in mind, he took off towards them, heading straight for the enemy black Gundam.

Nikki noticed the approaching mobile suit straight away. Pushing away from the Phantom, she faced the incoming machine. The voice that came through caused her eyes to widen in horror.

"Nikki! I'll help you! Let me distract him!"

She flew forward hastily to stop him. "No! Khris stay back! I told you it was too dangerous!"

But before she could reach him, the Phantom appeared between them and slashed the unsuspecting teenager through the cockpit. Nikki yelled out Khris' name as the young boys machine fell silently towards the ocean. It crashed into the water, followed by an explosion. Nikki was shocked, not daring to believe what just happened. Angry tears fell down her face and she turned violently to face Khris' killer. The enemy pilot was grinning smugly.

"Now you know how it feels…to have someone precious taken away from you! It hurts doesn't it?"

Rage filled Nikki's mind as she lunged forward at him. "Khris was just a KID! He never hurt anyone! He was just an innocent bystander! At least when I killed Darren I was being somewhat merciful! You just shot Khris down because he was in the way!"

Liam shook his head, the satisfied smirk never leaving his face. "Tut, come now Nikki you misunderstand me. He wasn't in the way. But he was a good enough pawn to use to make you seen reason." His words were met with a sword slashing down towards him. He was barely able to block it before it hit his cockpit, but felt himself being pushed downwards.

"You're sick. Men like you are despicable. And you know what? I'm going to keep my promise to you." Nikki spoke quietly, her voice turning icy.

Liam couldn't help the small shiver that ran down his spine. "W…what promise?"

Nikki raised her sword in a stab motion, aiming straight for his cockpit. "Where I send you straight to hell!"

Liam shut eyes his and waited for death to come. When nothing happened, he opened his eyes to see a remarkable sight. Another machine had interrupted, only this time it was equally as advanced as theirs and was currently holding the arm of the Vengeance. He was unsure whether he should be scared or grateful.

Nikki glared at the intruder. "Just who the hell are you to stop me?"

She heard a deep chuckle. "Hey now, is that any way to treat your reinforcements?"

Nikki blinked when she heard the familiar voice. "When did you get here?"

The newcomer grinned. "Just now. While you were so absorbed in your battle, you didn't seem to realise that your own troops were struggling."

Nikki turned to see a fresh new army swooping into the area. Her own fleet had been cut down to a very minimal level to where even her back up unit was forced to help. But the high numbers of Liam's fleet had been too much and they were struggling to keep them away from the city. Her main group of friends, she gratefully noticed, were holding out well. But this new force that had appeared was incredible in her opinion. The size was around triple to how her fleet had originally started and watched in amazement as they practically flattened Liam's forces.

She turned back to him. "Well we're grateful for your help. But would you mind letting go of my arm?"

The new machine released her and the mysterious pilot chuckled. "Sorry about that. Oh and your prey is escaping."

Nikki whipped around to see Liam attempting to fly away from them. She dashed forward and grabbed his arm. "No you don't, you're not going anywhere."

The Phantom slashed backwards with his blade but Nikki's friend blocked him before he was even halfway. "I don't think so mate. I saw what you did to that young pilot back there. You'll need to pay the consequences for that."

Realizing he was outnumbered, Liam finally surrendered and slumped in his seat. Nikki watched as the black machine relaxed before turning to her new friend. "So you never did tell me your name."

She laughed when his Gundam saluted. "The name's Shawn Astral. Sorry I was unable to come sooner, I wasn't quite sure of a precise time."

Nikki waved her hand. "It's fine, the important thing is that you did turn up." She looked at the battle's aftermath. "I guess it's finally over."

Shawn nodded. "So what's the plan now?"

She sighed. "First I need to decide what to do with this guy, and then I need to organise some sort of memorial for everyone that's been killed."

"Sounds like a plan! Say when's your wedding? I'm still invited right?"

Nikki chuckled. "You're more than welcome, and I have no idea when it's happening. I need to talk to Kai about that."

Coincidentally, her fiancé's voice sounded from her cockpits transmitter.

"Nikki? Are you ok?"

Nikki smiled brightly when she heard his voice. "Yes Kai I'm fine. I'm so glad to hear you're alright."

"You have no idea how happy I am to hear your voice. But you need to come down to the beach."

She frowned. "Why? What's happening?""

"We found Khris."

Hearing the boy's name stung her heart. Was he alive? She needed to know. Before leaving, she turned to Shawn. "Why don't you come along?" She pointed to the Phantom. "Bring him along with you, it's time you met my friends."

After receiving an agreement from him, she headed straight for the shore where everyone was waiting. She landed the Vengeance a few yards away before climbing out of the cockpit. Before the line even reached the whole way down, she leaped to the ground before breaking into a sprint to where a large crowd was gathered. She saw Kai making his way to her and felt herself run faster at the sight of him. Just as he always did, he opened his arms as an invitation to which she ran straight into. She jumped onto him, her arms around his shoulders and their lips instantly met in a desperate embrace. Kai lifted her up as she wrapped her legs around his hips. Nikki's hands wandered into his hair as their mouths moved against each other. Both could feel themselves losing control as their bodies continued to grind against each other. Resisting the temptation to push him to the ground and make love to him right there on the sand, Nikki forced herself to break their passionate kiss. She smiled lovingly at him, having missed him deeply for the hours they were apart. He smiled back at her before gently lowering her back to the ground.

Nikki suddenly remembered the reason she had come down, and her expression turned sad. "Khris…where is he?"

When Kai's face went grave, fear rose inside her. Her fiancé grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the gathered crowd. Nikki pushed her way through, spotting two of her best friends when she reached the middle.

"Jason? Jenny?"

They turned around when they heard their names. Jenny smiled at her best friend and stood up to face her.

Nikki walked up to her. "Is he…?"

Jenny averted her gaze from her friend. "He's alive…just."

Nikki frowned. "How long does he have?"

"A few minutes at the most."

She sighed sadly. "Can I see him?"

Jenny nodded and moved to the side. "I do have to warn you Nikki…he's not a pretty sight."

Nikki indicated with her head that she understood. She looked over to where Jason was tending to the injured boy and she felt bile rise to her throat at the sight. Shards of metal from his cockpit were imbedded in him from head to toe His face was thick with blood from the pieces of debris. His features were badly disfigured from the damage the explosion had caused. His right arm and leg were both covered in deep cuts and slashes, while the other two had been completely ripped from his body leaving two bloody stumps in their place. She could no longer recognise the enthusiastic boy that she knew.

Walking to his side, she knelt beside him. "Khris."

The dying boys head turned her direction. "Nikki… Is that you?" He croaked out in a raspy whisper.

Nikki nodded realizing that his eyes were too damaged and that he could no longer see. "Yeah it's me."

Khris managed a small smile. "So… did we… win?"

She nodded with teary eyes. "Yes we did Khris…we saved ORB."

Khris turned his head back, his bloody sightless eyes staring upwards. "I'm happy…to…hear that."

Nikki felt a tear fall down her cheek. It dripped off her chin and landed on Khris' hand. He smiled when he felt the small drop of water. "Don't cry…I'm not…afraid…to die."

She shook her head. "It wasn't supposed the end like this."

Khris slightly lifted his hand towards her, groaning in pain at the small movement. Nikki caught his hand in hers and held it tightly, not caring that his blood was smearing onto her.

Khris coughed. "I don't mind… at least…I can…see…my…family…again."

Nikki brought his hand up to her forehead as she cried. "At least tell me you're not in pain."

He managed to shake his head. "No…in fact…I'm…at peace…but…I do…have…one…more thing…to say…before…death…takes me."

She gripped his hand "What is it Khris?"

"Please…come closer…"

Nikki leaned close so that her ear was next to his mouth. And as Khris Anderson slowly closed his eyes, he whispered his three final words to her.

"I…love you."

Nikki drew back her head in time to see his head fall limp to one side as the young boy passed away. His confession had surprised her, yet moved her. She had no idea that he had felt that way and felt somehow guilty that he had finally told her while he was dying. She placed his hand back next to his side before bowing her head, a lone tear falling down her cheek. Everyone around her followed her example as they too hung their heads in respect, grieving for Khris Anderson and all others who had sacrificed their lives that day. They would always be remembered for their bravery, Nikki would make sure of that.

~One week later~

Funerals, a ceremony that takes place in which friends gather to grieve the death of a loved one. And to some people a way to celebrate the life of the person who had passed. A brunette girl was currently attending one of these funerals as she stared at the casket of teenager pilot Khris Anderson. A handful of his friends stood around his coffin in silence with their heads bowed and tears flowing down their faces. One of the few dry faces was that of Nikki Clyne, her blank, stony gaze locked on the wooden casket. Her fiancé was next to her, holding her hand in a small gesture of comfort. She was barely aware of his presence or her three best friends behind her. Her mind was filled with nothing but images of her friend Khris and the moments they spent together in the short span of time that she knew him. She never had many opportunities to talk to the boy, but she could easily see he was a kind and caring person, someone who did not deserve to die the way he did.

Unable to cope any longer, she pulled her hand away from Kai's grip and walked away from the funeral, ignoring the concerned glances from her companions. She strode across the grass towards her car, opened the drivers' side and sat on the seats edge. She buried her face in her hands and finally let her emotions crumble, tears pouring from her eyes. Suddenly she felt someone pull her hand away from her face. She looked up to see the compassionate eyes of her fiancé. He gently raised her to her feet and pulled her into his chest. Kai had not taken his eyes off her from the moment she had walked away. Worried about how she was taking it he had followed her to the car. Now he held her close as she sobbed openly into his shoulder.

Kai whispered soothingly to her while stroking her hair. "Everything will be alright Nikki…he's with his family, he's in a much better place."

The weeping girl nodded tearfully. "I know…but…he was just so young."

He squeezed her gently. "I understand… it was unfair."

As she continued to cry gently she was unaware of her three closest approaching them. Kai shook his head indicating to them not to do or say anything to Nikki. They got his silent message and they all went their separate ways back to their homes, leaving the young couple alone. Nikki cried for several minutes, the pain of her loss visible through her tears and shaking body. Kai didn't know what to say to her anymore. Nothing he said would help her feel any better, so he hoped that the comfort he offered her would cease her suffering to some extent.

Eventually her sobs gradually softened and she pulled away from Kai's embrace. She offered him somewhat of small smile before walking around the car and climbing into the passenger side. Kai took that as sign that she had no desire to drive. Not that he could blame her considering the emotional state she was in. He then sat in the drivers' seat and closed the door. Turning on the ignition he reversed onto the road and drove off down the street.

The drive was unusually quiet. Nikki had not stopped gazing out the window since they had left the funeral. The last thing she wanted was to talk, fearing her emotions may rise to the surface unexpectedly. She did not want to cry again, she'd done enough of that pathetic blubbering for one day. Next to her, Kai was alternating between focusing on the road and shooting glances at his fiancé. He was concerned with Nikki's lack of communication. Normally she would jabber away and be talking about any other ridiculous random subject. But looking at her now, form slumped lazily against the door and blank eyes gazing into nothingness, he felt his heart reach out to his depressed love. Keeping one hand on the steering wheel, he reached over with the other to grasp her hand that was resting on her leg. The soft contact snapped Nikki out of her reverie. She looked at their joined hands before turning her gaze onto the driver.

Kai smiled at her. "Hey…we'll be married in a few months."

He realized how lame of a conversation starter it must've sounded. It sounded so much better inside his head. But he was relieved when Nikki returned his smile and turned her hand upside to intertwine her fingers with his.

"Yeah…we are."

They were the first words she had spoken since they had left the funeral. But her small answer brought a warm feeling to spread through Kai's body. He lifted their linked hands to his mouth and placed a loving kiss on her fingers, showing her how grateful he was to hear her voice again. Nikki gazed lovingly at him as she realized he was right. It wouldn't be much longer before they were finally married. She was very much looking forward to becoming Kai's wife, and eventually in the coming years, be a mother to his children. This was her future. Everything Nikki ever wanted in her life now lay clearly in front of her. After years of watching many friends and comrades die in the rages of war, she was finally able to walk forward with her loved ones as they continued to grow with each other and do their best to live their lives together…for now and for always.

End of Chapter

;.; aaawwwww poor Khris! I feel so bad for killing him off!

Nikki: Why DID you kill him off? He was just a kid!

Well...(shuffles feet) i didn't wanna kill off any of you guys so I made up another random character.

Jenny: But its so sad! Why'd you have to make him so young?

...(stares)

Jenny: What?

WHERE WERE YOU DURING THE CHAPTER INTRO? D

Jenny: oh...I'm sorry! No-one told me it was happening coz it's been so long since the last update!

JASON!

Jason: (gulps) uh...yeah?

Why didn't you tell Jenny about the new update?

Nikki: (grins) yeeaaaahh, why diiiddn't yoooouu?

Jason: I barely found out about it myself! I had to race, i was almost late!

EXCUSES EXCUSES!

Jenny: It's okay! It's my fault for not being there!

Echo: (to Kai) So glad I'm no part of this conversation (sipping coffee)

Kai: Yeah...

Nikki: Listen why don't we just preview the final chapter.

OMGAWSH YUSH! Here is the preview to the next and final chapter of the story!...Now where was i...oh yeah (evil grin) Oh Jenny dear? You do know those that are late MUST be punished. (cracks knuckles)

Jenny: (backs away) hey now...let's just talk about this

"Ladies and gentlemen. We are gathered today on this glorious afternoon to celebrate the union of Kai Rodgericks and Nikki Clyne as they are brought together for this joyous occasion through their strong and everlasting love. "

Nikki smiled brightly. This was it…they were finally getting married.