Somehow now that the story is near the end I'm loosing inspiration as I have started putting more and more into Immortal. So we'll see how fast it takes for me to finish the next six phases

Phase 44: Ultimatum

Uzumi Zala
Age 13
Language Paper

Prompt: Opinion Piece "How is the worlds globalization making commutation and peace more possible?"

For the first time. For the last time. As everything has changed so it shall be changed. For the world that we live in now is fragile, like a wave on the sea change comes in swiftly. Nothing is certain, and tomorrow is the biggest mystery we will ever face. How does one even have the strength to fall asleep at night, for it is only out of arrogance that a person could say, "but it shall never happen to me"; for nothing ever happens to only one person. The mistakes of a few can impact the many of the death of many can impact enough to make a difference to what happens next.

With so much uncertainty in the world it is like there is some invisible force just barely holding everything together; for one shake in a cycle can cause a ripple effect that can reach into eternity and alter the course of the future in unimaginable ways. For corruption runs rampant, hatred is ever present and the sins of the past still aren't forgotten. We write everything in large volumes of books as warnings to future generations of what the cycle of grief will lead us to but as if no one wants to listen we still continue on in the same way as before stumbling through the darkness searching for a light within it all. I can't even fathom what we would do to any light we came across. For it seems hopeless as humanity pushes away any sense of reason, trying in their arrogance to act as if they can explain every little thing in the world around them. Is there any hope to defeat this? Does anyone really see how far we have strayed from the light that our existence should have been.

As I have set out to try and explain myself and I have been asked about globalization but being who I am I can't speak of that without speaking of the atrocities that this has caused. Yes, I do believe that with the connection of all nations there has been more of a chance for us to understand each other and to move and work together toward ultimate peace but I don't believe it is that simple. Everything I have been taught is that we are to live life as best we can, fighting for what is right and preserving and protecting the sacredness that life is for if someone is born into this world they have the right to exist to matter what anyone says about it. We can look at the globalization of the world and see the positives of it but it hasn't changed the truth that humanity is fallen. There is something we must be missing; for the world is nowhere near the way it should be.

I think back to the Valentine war, caused by petty feelings of a minority and continued by the elders of the world who believed so strongly that they were right. In fact no one who causes a war believes that they are wrong, they are fighting for something they believe in and I guess that is no different to them than what everyone I know would be willing to fight for. I am not willing to die for hatred and though it would be a frightening adventure I would be willing to die if it were for someone I really cared about and for the preservation of life in this world. For I will repeat myself, life must be sacred for if it is not then none of us have the right to exist. The way people flippantly throw away opportunities makes me wonder if they even realize how many people in the world are suffering.

I may be ranting now but I am frightened for the course the world is on, and I know I should be quoting expert but think about it who really knows what path we are on? Peace exists in the world now, but as swiftly as it came it can be taken away. For even now on the winds of change there are whispers and uneasy feelings in the air. I may sound like a cynic but I don't believe we can really stop what is coming through our technology; it would have to be by the light of someone who is willing to lay down their life to see change. I write this piece now to ask, are you willing to die to stop the inevitable? Are you strong enough to even stand against the wrong? Or are you a coward who fears the consequences of the world more than anything? I ask you now to please think through what I have said, because just as a single person can cause a ripple effect that could destroy the world, another single person perhaps could make the difference between the life and death of so many.

Uzumi Zala

His name signed twice, his scratch handwriting on the paper. There were so many crossed out words near the beginning as he had tried hard to work out what he had wanted to say but the strength of his ending bore his signature resilience. Cagalli put down the papers and looked up toward the window with tears in her eyes. Uzumi had done as he always said he would, but if he were alive now he would still be prodding people on in this way. He strongly believed that in saving one person he could change the balance of the world and he had chosen in the end to save Meiko. She wondered now about her husbands belief that Uzumi knew more about what was coming; for he had always lived every day as though it was his last and he had tried to make every moment count.

"It's so odd," Cagalli sighed to Athrun who was also in the office, he ha been the one to bring her the essay that one of Uzumi's teachers had given him. He had thought it odd as well, Uzumi showed a wisdom and strength beyond his years at all time, the essay was an echo of his son's voice that he had wished would exist with them. He missed his son so much, and now in this moment when news had come from space; no one else in his family had been lost in fact it had apparently grown. Fear was rising, the way Uzumi had somehow predicted that it would. There was silence as both Cagalli and Athrun struggled with this moment; the last thing they wanted to do was slip back into grief but then again the sorrow over what had happened would never truly leave. They had moved past it but they knew it was always going to be present. Athrun only now looked back shocked about the news that had come from space; Meiko was Kira's daughter and therefore Uzumi's cousin. It was that connection that made Uzumi protect her so fiercely, even when he had no idea. A lesser man would have turned his back on her but Uzumi didn't care what circumstances surrounded her. Now she was free.

"I can only wonder how things have come as far as now," Cagalli spoke up now. "Liene is missing once again, and we can't keep on like this. The longer this war drags out the wearier we will become and as Uzumi says the world is took fragile, especially now. We have to find some way to stop all this before to continues any farther!" Athrun nodded, these were his thoughts as well but he also had a feeling that their chance was coming. It was a strong feeling that had been growing within him but something was coming, a power in the earth was about to break forth and shatter anything in it's path. He wondered now where this new force would lead them.

"We will be vigilant," Athrun said staring off toward the window, the sun was setting and the next day would dawn a new era, he could feel it. Something was stirring as he heard a whisper, that might have been in his head but it was Uzumi's voice.

"It's going to be alright."

She shook her head a rubbed her eyes, yawning from the sleep that had taken her. She was still in the medical center, bandaged up from the wounds she had sustained in the unfortunate battle. She had been careless allowing herself to get shot, but then again her coordination was off since the STING incident; trying to recover lost muscle was the most annoying thing she had to do and now this was another set back. Perhaps she should just stick to mobile suit fighting from now on; while strenuous, the preciseness didn't depend so much on every movement of her body.

She turned her head to see Yaro was still there, sitting in a chair, evidently asleep awaiting her to awaken. She cracked a slight smile at this, he was really no different to her now than he was before, she still cared deeply for his well being and he evidently cared for hers. She wondered how fragile he was now, and if he had really even come close to recovery yet. She longed to protect him from the coming war, but it seemed that she could only do so much. He would no doubt need her just as much as she needed him. He would haunt her if somehow she let him slip away, and she knew that he would feel the same way about her. They would have to watch over each other, for this war was not over yet and she knew what Liene had done was just a setup for what was really coming. ROW had always had a master plan that she did not really understand but she knew that all the signs pointed to their final movements, and whatever they did would be devastating to the world if she didn't stop them in time.

She looked back to Yaro to see him stirring so she sat up stretching her arms, wincing slightly at how sore they felt. She smiled as he woke up and looked a little dazed. A sadness swept over him as he processed everything, all the feelings once again rising to the surface.

"No," Meiko spoke before he could say anything, "you have nothing to be sorry for, for you didn't do anything to cause any of it." Tears filled his eyes as he thought of Mike Shustre and of the words that John Liene had said; they were like poison to his being still eating at him as he fought them off. But now in this moment Meiko's eyes, filled with acceptance and adoration made them seem very distant. Now she knew everything yet it didn't really change a thing and in that he felt joy.

"You're right," Yaro conceded walking across the room and sitting on the bed beside her, she took his hand, "I understand what it is you are saying but it will still take me time to deal with all this, I know you have to understand that." She nodded. She understood it would take him time, but she wanted him to know that through every thing she was going to stand beside him, even if she had to fight off everything herself. She would face death to protect him from the darkness that Liene desired for him to fall into, for Liene had no real power and deserved no power over him. For all they knew, Liene was lying once again; though on that note she doubted it because her mother had not denied it. That brought her back to her mother, and the things that Flay had done wrong.

She had to get past her own parents sins. Perhaps it wasn't so simple as it seemed. Waking to a world where the sins of the people around them could effect them more than their own sins; but then if the older generation couldn't escape their past what hope was there for the younger generation? Meiko believed there was a life coming after death as she had seen Uzumi in the world between, and in that life surely only redemption here on earth could lead her on. But was everything so simple? Couldn't the truth justify anyone? Her actions weren't hew own in many situations, what about people who were backed against the wall?

It seemed now the only way to break the cycle was for everyone together to lay down their ways, their hatred, strife and bitterness. For some people were pulled into the darkness of this life not by their own actions but by the actions of those around them and thus their own actions take on the actions of those around them. A never ending cycle. She believed herself broken free and above it all when Uzumi had declared that her past was erased; surely he would know as he had apparently gained the road to life after dead. But Uzumi had never done anything wrong in his entire life; he was one of those pure souls who lived to help those who were stuck between a life of goodness and a life of evil. It was as if he was born to declare the redemption of others even though he himself did not deserve it he was the one who had lost his life for the sins of those around him. Such sacrifice echoed in the actions of those who knew him; his memory a preserving power in the minds of those who loved him.

But here as Meiko pondered what path she could take, she only saw one that would lead to the death of Liene and though murder was surely a sin; Liene would commit more acts than she would in this one act. Her hands were already stained as were Yaro's, in that they would have to take a stand against evil; they had to stand against the darkness even if they would become the evil they were fighting. For the innocence of the world around them. Meiko tightened her grip around Yaro's hand, he was her ally in this; for it was their cross to bear as the first of the light of the super seed.

He understood what was coming forth from her eyes, a resilience and an offer that he accepted though she did not see that a huge part of that acceptance was what he believed now. He saw her burden for what she would have to become to stop everything and he saw now a reflection of his own destiny. He would fight alongside her but his heart had changed, for he would not allow her to be darkened any longer; he would take it for her and fight for the world stronger than before.

"You know they'll never believe it," Yaro spoke slowly as their minds were connected. A light shined from his eyes bidding her fragile super seed to come. She felt pain rush through her but she welcomed this moment, she needed to master her own seed if she wanted to keep up with him.

"But they will see it," Meiko spoke strongly, "the redemption of the world. Our Redemption." The bargain was struck, Meiko not understanding what Yaro had really committed at the moment nor how far he would go. She stared into his eyes as they glowed together, she wished she could control it like he did but she felt like her mind was suddenly cleared, an effect that was growing stronger with the glow in his eyes. He wasn't sure what was driving him on but he was letting off more and more of the strange power within him, she started deep into his eyes as if she was getting pulled in and within her own eyes a light was shining.

It was then that they both were stirred within their hearts and their lips met crashing once again with emotion and the power that they felt. She felt his grip form around her as she could explain now but she loved him more than anything else in the world; she had never allowed herself to feel before and this day she let all the walls crash. She was no longer afraid, there was no one in heaven or earth that would take him away from her, for she would protect and stand by him and she knew he would do the same for her.

Explanations of the past had been given to him and the dead of the night was upon them as it seemed everyone in the ship was sleeping yet he was up, working on the power he longed for. Kira Yamato sat in front of his mobile suit staring up at how it looked amazing, it was just getting the last configurations that was killing him now. He kept himself busy now as he tried to think about the events of the past battle and especially what had happened in the mobile suit as they were escaping the explosion. It was unlike anything he had felt before and it had been a protection; he wondered about it now, was it his super seed finally awakening after all these years?

"Still working I see?" Yzak's voice was the one he heard and he turned to see Redemption's pilot approaching where he was. Perhaps Yzak could answer his questions and his growing doubts that they could ever really defeat Liene through strength of arms. If the man never came out on an open field again how were they to find him?

"I have to get this working," Kira responded, "there will be another battle ahead and it's impossible to tell if it will be the last. The power of the Justice just won't be enough if we are to really defeat ROW and end this war; if that's even possible at this point." He sighed looking back toward the screen. There were so many scenarios running through his mind as he thought about his new connection to Meiko, Flay's survival and Yaro's origins. Whatever happened he knew that he cold never fight Yaro; the boy meant to much to him. He wondered now if that was Liene's plan all along, if Liene had let Flay take Yaro so that one day he could turn the boy against those that raised him and cared for him. Kira wondered if that were possible, he had seen so many things to make him doubt Yaro's own control of himself but there was also an influence that Meiko held over him. He wondered if it was love, he had seen Meiko cower away from friendships before but she seemed to bond with Yaro in a deep way.

"Uncertainties at this point are normal," Yzak spoke directly to the issue he knew Kira was dealing with, "but we're faced the enemy before and still come out victorious. No matter what happens I believe that the people of the world will stand together against evil. I also believe that you're becoming stronger now." Kira looked at him and wondered how much he knew on what happened with the Phoenix. A backup system that conquered everything and protected them, possibly activated by his super seed or Meiko's. Whatever it was it was powerful.

"There's been something weighing on my mind outside the recent truths," Kira spoke up now knowing it would haunt him if he asked, "while we were inside the Phoenix, I felt a power within me and I saw a light the color of my eyes. When I looked at Meiko the same thing was happening to her only it was hurting her, it was the super seed I'd seen so many times in her. But what troubles me is when mind activated the ships system changed, and everything became stronger, faster and began to glow."

"And you're wondering what exactly happened," Yzak responded causing Kira to nod. Yzak turned back to Kira's gundam, "it's unknown where the seed originated from, weather within the mind of a more evolved human or an artificial thing place within a select few. I believe and so does Flay that the original seed is a natural factor within everyone, but only manifested in those strong enough to use it. The super seed on the other hand is an artificial tampering within the genes of an individual. Your father tampered with your seed genes using the same kinds of crystals that Liene mined on mars; it is from these crystals that different powers have been unleashed. Now you have passed those genes on to Meiko and perhaps your other children. When we created the Phoenix we used those crystals to create a backup measure we were never able to test, but theoretically we believed it would give a super seeded individual greater strength and control over the machine; that is exactly what appeared to happen when you and Meiko used it. The problem now is Meiko is so fragile within that she can not control the super seed as you will be able to very soon." Kira sighed thinking about it when he remembered something else.

"How did Yaro get the super seed if I am the only one with those genes?" Kira asked, "he's able to control it now almost completely and it's come on so suddenly. When we were fighting Liene's guards he used to so strongly to predict where every bullet was going; and he helped Meiko get through." Yzak nodded, it was an expected question for there was so much that had happened that made it clear that Yaro was becoming stronger than any of them based on his super seed. They wondered if he would be able to surpass as a pilot because of it but with Kira's awakening it was certain he would always be beneath the veteran.

"Yaro was created using a lot of the same technology you were created with," Yzak replied revealing the darkest secret, "Liene used whatever he could to make sure that Yaro would survive and be born just fine; so his genes were tampered with in the same way as yours but Liene was always worried that the super seed would not really come fourth; it had never been seen before until Meiko used it, so it was all just theory until now." So that was how Yaro was a coordinator after all. It suddenly made Kira wonder about his mother, if his father was so twisted and evil his mother should hold the same kindness that had radiated from him when he was so young. Everything didn't make sense, if Yaro was just meant for evil. Liene could not determine his son's destiny any more than Kira could determine it; it was strange and still hard for him to understand why everything happened the way it did. Times like these he thought back to the beginning, to his own doubts concerning existence.

What hope was there in the world if it could be so easily disrupted. Peace was more fragile than a drop of water falling from the sky only to break as soon as it hit an obstacle. Tossed on the wind and absorbed by everything around it.

"What do you think he will do?" Kira asked Yzak, the man seemed to have an understanding of things more than he did; from his time in Redemption Yzak had learned to understand quite a bit of strange things. He had once doubted but he was seeing everything come as it had before. As Milady, Flay had kept the strange company of so called 'prophets' and people whom she believed could help her determine her path. It had led her back to the one place she hadn't wanted to go; back to her past and the people she had so hurt. In the midst of everything there was uncertainty about what would happen to the violet child and the blue child; the two with a strange power and switched Destiny.

"No one can really tell," Yzak responded, "except him. I have a feeling that no matter what we say Yaro's already made up his mind and not even Liene will change that. WE just have to trust that he's made the right decision and hope that he doesn't end up being the one to turn on us."

"You believe someone will?" Kira asked Yzak.

"It is said that perhaps there will be some betrayal," Yzak replied, "I don't know how right they are but I hope for the sake of the world Yaro and Meiko's bond holds him back from being the one. Perhaps because of Meiko once again the world will be safe." For Meiko was the Phoenix, who had tempered the hatred of Yaro and become prey to everyone in the world as she soared in fire to destroy those who would rob the world of peace.

He stood before his officers, his people; those whom had pledged their loyalty to ROW and to whatever he deemed right in this moment. There were so many things happening around him now, it was uncertain what the future held but he had gathered all his forces, his weapons and his strength to this moment for what could either be their final hour or the beginning of the end of the restoration of the world. Everything he had worked for came down to this message, to earth and to the PLANTs.

"Do it," Liene ordered as the crew had invaded every television and news media station; the whole world would see this moment and shudder with fear.

"Hello world," he said the two words as the green light was given, he was on air, "It's been too long since the beginning of my creation to this moment, too long to tell you what I have wanted to for so long. For you are wondering who I am, but it is very simple, I am you. I am your hatred, your fear, your anger and all your darkest emotions. I am everything that you try so hard to reject but everything that exists within your hearts. You think that you can reject me by your vain devotions but I have fought so long to show you what you vile people are!And at the same time I am the only person in the world who understands what needs to be done to bring about peace; the truth of everything that has to happen for this world to be righted! I am John Liene, the founder of ROW and we will restore the world!" He smiled as he knew the crowds on earth were outraged now.

"Athrun!" Cagalli exclaimed as the two watched from the TV in the council room of ORB. All the ORB council was standing now in complete shock, Liene had been pushed over the edge by the efforts of Redemption and the Clyne faction, he was making an announcement and for the first time the whole world was seeing their enemy.

"You all may be wondering why I have chosen this moment to reveal myself," Liene continued on, "well it's simple, I feel more confident now than ever before. I am ready to show you all what measures need to be taken at this point in time, for a few days ago my finest base on Mars was attacked by a force led by Lacus Clyne and Redemption. It was then that I realized that it was time for me to move once again, so you can thank them for what is coming!" Athrun gasped, he was truly mad if he thought the world was going to stand for this. Cagalli then also realized Liene was declaring war on the rest of the free world; he was about to engage all forces at once without regard to the risk it posed to him.

"Get my generals on the line now!" Turnal declared, even though Liene was dancing around what he wanted to say everyone knew what was happening. The NEA was at risk now as well as the rest of the world, Turnal knew that in this moment they would have to be ready for anything.

"He's not going to declare war on everyone?" one of Turnals assistants looked shock.

"Either that or he has nuclear missiles ready to destroy us all now!" Turnal declared, by now he had learned that Liene was psychologically messed up and the things he were doing were clearly acts of a madman. Turnal's statement shocked the office, they had been keeping tabs on ROW but they knew by now that ROW had significant nuclear power that could only be stopped by the invention ORB and created; the invention they had placed in the Dreamer as a counter measure to nuclear power and if Liene was going to attack the NEA would need ORB now. "While you're at it get ORB on the phone, they are for sure seeing this as well."

"I have made up my mind based on a great many things," Liene continued with his speech, the Clyne faction was watching in space with Meiko standing at the head anger clear in her eyes, "first of all being that I am tired of playing these games with everyone. You are all clearly enemies of what will truly bring peace for there is no great victory without great sacrifice and that is why I do what I do. Second of all I want Meiko Virea, the real pilot of the Phoenix to realize all she missed out on; for she was once an agent of ROW, a rebel who has turned against me based on the folly of Redemption! The third reason I have made up my mind is because I'm tired of watching the despicable human race fight each other, coordinators and naturals; what are we to do with all of you? I have decided the only way bring peace is through the survival of the fittest! I am declaring war on everyone, the entire world; send what forces you will the PLANTs will be the first to go! For in this moment I have decided you are unredeemable and all must die. The only people fit for survival are those who have allied themselves with ROW and the nation of peace. One you are all destroyed I will rule over my followers forever and create a world where there will never again be pain or suffering, hatred or strife! The dream of mankind is about to be created." Liene let out a laugh that made everyone on the Eternal shudder.

They were all completely shocked at what they were hearing, he planned on throwing everything he could at the world, on trying to eradicate the human race. He was truly mad. Yaro felt anger rise within him, this man was not his father in any way; whatever he was he could not do something like this and expect anyone to follow him. Meiko was silent and many wondered what was crossing her mind. Her fists were clenched and her eyes devoid of emotion.

"You can not deny that you are a fallen race," Liene continued, even though he had already driven his point home. "You can't stop yourselves from everything that you are doing, you know this to be true. You are arrogant if you believe you deserve to live after the pain that you inflict upon each other! I am under no such dillusion, I am ready to commit the dark act of murder if that is what it takes. For this world will be destroyed by darkness and and reborn through the fires of war! Stand against me if you dare or join me in my quest to restore mankind. You don't have much time." With that his face disappeared from screens leaving the world in an uproar. Everywhere people were frantic, not knowing exactly how to respond. The PLANTs would be the first place struck according to Liene, but was he truly speaking the truth.

"He can't do this!" Grastler yelled at the screen, "Who does he think he is, god? He does not have the power nor the right to destroy the lives of so many just because he believes we are wrong!" Cagalli closed her eyes and turned away at the shouting that was occurring in the room. Now was not the time to debate what was happening, now was the time to evoke old alliances, to get ahold of the Clyne faction and to make peace with the PLANTs. They needed to get up there soon.

"Lady Cagalli," she turned as the voices ceased and a messenger entered, "Fredrick Turnal is on the line."

"Get him on screen now," Cagalli responded, he was surely frantic as well. Now was time for alliance more than ever, "and Athrun contact Lacus and Kira, we need to sort everything out now!"

"Greetings Lady Cagalli," Turnal spoke as soon as he saw her and the rest of the ORB council on screen, "and to the ORB council as well. I'll speak first as we know there isn't much time to act. It seems we all have a common enemy now more than ever, the NEA did ally with the PLANTs following the Phoenix entrance and the PLANTs pulling out of ORB. We have our people negotiating with them as we speak, but it seems that the world will have to make a stand there. I am asking and begging ORB's immediate aid to protect the PLANTs against what is coming, if we stop Liene there were can save the world. I am also requesting that you use your connection with the Clyne faction to secure us the aid we need as well. We are going to need everything we can get, and we need to make sure to asses every threat level in the atmosphere. Set up a blockade around earth, there are so many things we need to do and there isn't' much time..."

"Don't get ahead of yourself," Cagalli interrupted the frantic leader, he was young and inexperienced in these matters. It was certain that he would be their ally in everything despite his inexperience they needed him. "I will do as you ask. We are allies from this moment forward. We will see this thread resolved and I have already sent out a contact to the Clyne faction as well as to Redemption. We will see this thing through and we will stop them!"

"He's not that powerful is he?" Leyas asked as it seemed the entire Clyne faction and many Redemption representatives were all in the hangar at the end of the broadcast, "he can't destroy the entire world!" The whole room was in an uproar as people were asking so many questions and wondering about the safety of the world and in the midst of it all one person was completely calm; Meiko was the only one completely calm. Lacus couldn't hear herself think as there were so many voices so she took her step, her authority over the situation.

"Everyone calm down!" Lacus declared yelling loudly. Everyone was silent immediately as no one had expect that from her. Her breathing was coming quickly as she turned to Kira and began to make sense of everything, "we are not to loose our tempers at this point or our hearts! We can not panic but we must remain strong. Prepare to mobilize but remember that we are in the right! Now Kira, Shinn, Flay and Luna we are to contact ORB together immediately, Waltfeld organize our forces and have Amarfi contact our allies. We must speak to Cagalli and Athrun now, but we must be prepared to depart at a moments notice." It was then that Meiko stepped forward.

"Aren't you forgetting," Meiko responded to Lacus, "He's already making his moves, I request that we immediately dispatch a unit to the PLANTs to dislodge Jayley, we have proof she was in ROW and that's all we need. If the PLANT people loose faith in her we can more easily gain their support. Besides that fact I want in on this meeting, I am not a member of your forces but rather a wild card and you need my knowledge of ROW's methods in this instance more than ever." Lacus listened to Meiko's words and heard the truth in what the girl was saying. She had not thought about the information they had stolen from ROW in that last battle; it surely outed Jayley as a member of ROW's elite in the past. In that case they could gain control of the PLANTs. This was something she would have to discuss with Athrun and Cagalli now as well. She nodded in consent to allowing Meiko to join the meeting. The girl did have a point, she did belong in the meeting.

"Very well," Lacus agreed signaling them, "but come now everyone move! We need to be ready." As the groups all hurried about Yaro stared toward the Dreamer, he wondered what he would have to do in the next battle. He knew how far he was willing to go but he didn't know if it would be enough. He clenched his fists and walked quickly down the halls of the base.

Gryser Cerrian was a hardened man as he heard the declaration of Liene it was exactly what he had expected to play out. Liene had been playing a dangerous game from the beginning and Cerrian knew that Liene thought he had the upper hand at this point. It had been many years before but Cerrian and Liene had once been like brothers, before Liene had gone mad with anger and hatred for the entire world. Now his madness had reached a new level and Cerrian who was behind Jayley's rise in ROW and eventually power in the PLANTs knew that it was his turn to make his moves. He had rescued Gera from ROW and trained her to fight for him and he had made Jayley a loyal member but now her usefulness was coming to an end as a new era was dawning.

"Sir," the man behind him was a captain and a pawn, nothing more, "we have everything we need ready." Cerrian nodded.

"I must get a transmission out immediately," Cerrian said, "for we are getting close to the next stage. We can't let ROW win this one but we will have check mate very soon. dispatch our agents to the PLANTs, we need to make sure that we are ready for the Clyne factions certain stunts." He smiled as he knew everything would work out.

"They are playing into our hands," Cerrian spoke out to space, "soon the world will reach the next stage of peace but Liene will not be involved in that. No, we must make sure we are ready to apprehend Leyas Yamato, she'll be influential in all this; I am almost certain."

"But to defeat ROW?" the man asked.

"Yaro is the final piece in the game," Cerrian said with a smile, "for he will prove very useful. Make sure everything is in order." Yes, the Clyne faction would prove useful now as there were so many in the world seeking their Redemption. Lacus Clyne would once again save the world and this time she would deliver it to one who would protect it, for he would not allow the next peace to be broken by anything even if he had to change everything.

They sat before Athrun, Cagalli, Murrue Ramuis, Mu Laflaga and a few ORB representatives on one side of the screen. They were the elite of the world, those who had been granted the power to change this. Did they deserve this power? It was not up to them to decide, they were only given the decision on how best to use what they had now. They could either let Liene win or fight him to the last breath. Kira Yamato, Lacus Clyne, Shinn Auska and Lunamaria Hawke had come to this long ago and now Flay Alster, Yzak Joule and Meiko Virea joined them in this effort to make a final stand against the evils of ROW.

"We are mobilizing immediately," Cagalli spoke first outlining the details of what ORB was planning, "the NEA had called for our aid and the aid of any ally of the free world, they have asked me specifically to beg your assistance. They are sure ROW will strike from space based on intelligence from the PLANTs and the images from satellites that have spied at ROW forces movements on earth. It seems many of them have blasted into the atmosphere and are meeting somewhere in space. Our space fleet is moving toward meeting up with the NEA now and we are sending reserve forces that are rallying now. Athrun will board the Minerva and head up, I am staying down here once agains to deal with the politics. The NEA council has requested that all free nations send representatives to meet on earth to plan for evacuation in case our last stand fails." Everyone took a sharp breath at the last words. Evacuation of an entire planet was too heavy of something to deal with, they had nowhere else to go but the PLANTs and that was if the PLANTs were still there and could remain sustainable on their own.

"We pledge the Clyne factions assistance," Lacus spoke up.

"And I pledge Redemption," Flay followed. Meiko took a breath and looked down thinking of the gravity of everything. The whole world was uniting in a final stand against the threat of ORB, what would this lead to? Could it be that a new era was dawning, where peace could come to pass because they were able to stand together or would it all fragment once this was over?

"I will stand with you," Meiko spoke finally as a single entity outside of all military forces, she could not be controlled by any of them and they all knew this. Still they relied on her knowledge of ROW in this instance and now she would give it, "ROW will strike in space, they will meet whatever forces you send." She spoke with assurance for she knew this, "but he won't let you choose the site of the battle, for he will strike the PLANTs first; there will be nowhere for you to evacuate if we fail. We must meet him there, I know it seems crazy but I know Liene, he has always hated the strife that coordinators existence brought, he never blamed it on them but he knew that without them that strife wouldn't exist. So trust me when I say we will meet him there.

"I will get the message to the NEA," Cagalli responded as Murrue immediately stood up and left at her beckoning to deliver that message, "then we must now determine a meeting point of our forces, the NEA has assured us the PLANTs will not treat us with hostility but we can't trust Jayley. It's better if we all approach together." Lacus nodded.

"Right then we should meet the coordinates I am sending you now," Lacus would not speak them out loud, but send them in a coded message so no one would know, "We will be sending everything we have, everything." Meiko listened as the discussing went on taking it in, breathing and letting the ideas of everything fill her mind and heart. This was the first time that a strong stand would be made against these enemies. She wondered exactly what would happen and how Liene would react.

"If the forces are defeated…" those words from Mu Lafalga woke Meiko out of her own train of thought and back into what was being spoke as anger rose up within her.

"It won't matter if the forces are defeated," Meiko spoke out angrily, "it's all over if we fail here, don't you see that? The world you know is so fragile that if we let ROW win this final battle we let them win the war, no matter what you think about how people will react we are the strongest resistance left! It doesn't matter anymore, all rules are our. We are talking the protection of every nation in the entire world. You people have your rules about fighting, not using nuclear missiles but you have no problem with strapping nuclear power to mobile suits. You think if you don't kill the enemy your somehow better, that not all people are evil which is probably true. You're going to try to speak to their heart and their reason but the truth is that will do absolutely nothing for you at this point. The people that are in ROW are so deceived that they are unsaveable and you can not stop this through your words. I say hang the damn rules, take up arms and fight with everything you have for the sake of a tomorrow we can all believe in!" The stared shocked as she shook from the anger rising within her, it was time to stop playing games, it was time to take a stand.

"None of us will be here after this if we fail, so failure fan not be an option," Meiko continued calmer now, "We must do what we can, all the power we have, every weapon we've ever created to fight ROW for they will show us no mercy. Please listen to me, your tactics have continually allowed ROW the upper hand because they are not blinded by the same sentiments. We are fighting to stop them and if it takes killing them that is what we are going to have to do." She felt her anger still within her as they all seemed to understand what it was she said.

"I just wish there was another way," Lacus let the words escape her, "somehow."

"Don't we all?" Meiko asked, "but really ask yourselves, could things have been different if you had fought ROW just a little stronger when the STING attacked?" They then all wondered, what would have happened if they had killed Liene back then, Kira remembered he had the chance before; on the cliffs in ORB where his own cowardice had caused him to back down on that chance. He knew now he could not back down and he saw the determination in Meiko's eyes and felt it rise up within him.

"It is the world we fight for," Kira responded, "and we will do what it takes!"

She felt something change as her eyes opened to find her hands empty, she glanced around the room it was dark but she could see where he was standing. He must have gotten up and that was what woke her. Meiko rubbed her eyes trying to better see him; Yaro's posture was one of confusion and something she had not expected to see. After the meeting with ORB the ships had loaded quickly and headed out toward the point where they were going to meet ORB. The whole ship was resting now and she and Yaro had been talking in his room until they fell asleep. She saw there was a heaviness on him and she knew just by being there she was a help to him as he was a help to her. She sat up and stretched her arms he turned to her aware now that she was awake.

"You should rest," Yaro said in response to seeing her awake, "I know your strong but still you did get pretty beat up a few days ago." She smiled at this, she was feeling fine, much better than before. His concern touched her.

"So did you," She responded, "besides we are fine now, there is peace for at least this night; we should take advantage of that. Everything is moving faster and faster again and the end of everything is almost near. Nothing is certain and we need to take advantage of everything we still have." Yaro heard her words and thought through the events of the past year, everything that had brought them to this moment and all the doubt and pain. He would have never predicted that he would be here with someone he cared about this much, especially someone he had once vowed to destroy. In the moment she was taken from his life he had wished he could go back to the day they met, the moment he knew there was something different about her. They had first bonded taking shelter from the rain under a bridge on ORB, both were alone and both found comfort in the words of the other. Everything was much simpler back then before the world tried to take them down and change everything around them. He wondered if they could ever get that peace back. Though she believed everything was almost over he felt as though things had just begun. The war in the world had just begun for now everyone was involved.

"Who's to say this will be the end?" Yaro replied, "for my father is relentless, and if we fail it is certain the world will fall but if we win it's not certain everything will return to how it was. It's not even certain that things will get better. There are nations out there that were completely destroyed by ROW; if ROW falls those nations will fall further into anarchy and wars will continue. It can be so close to over but not quite." Meiko felt the heaviness in his voice and wondered what had led him to this train of thought, she also noticed how he called Liene his father; a clear sign he had accepted it as true. He walked over and laid back beside her, she wrapped her arms around him as he was still. She laid her head on his chest thinking about what he said and realizing what she believed.

"No," Meiko whispered, "it's over when we say it's over. No one is saying we forever have to live this life, now's the time to take a stand. We're strong enough together to make sure that doesn't happen."

"We've failed in the past," he said, "but I promise you right now I won't let it happen again. I won't let anything hurt you ever again Meiko, I promise you that I will destroy ROW not just for you but for myself and for the world." He took her hand in his. She heard her own burden in his voice for she had made the same vow so many times; she had promised herself she would bring Liene in or kill him and she had failed on both accounts. He was always a step ahead of her but now she knew he was loosing his mind and now she wasn't the only one after him. The world wanted Liene dead and worst of all Yaro had a mind toward vengeance for all Liene had done.

"I've vowed this as well," Meiko responded, "and though I've been the biggest failure of is all I won't let any weaknesses stand in our way." She let him go and looked into his eyes, "I used to not let myself feel because everything was always taken from me but today I feel for you and for the first time I can say to someone; I say to you, I love you Yaro." He heard the words wash over him, words he had once spoken to her to get no response, today he got his response; after so much time had past and he knew she meant every word of what she said. He saw these words were harder for her to say because of how long she lived not wanting to feel vulnerable in any way and with these words she opened herself up to him, to the possibility of hurt. She sat up with a pure smile on her face, "I love you and nothing is going to change that." There was something so pure and innocent about her voice as she spoke, the past darkness had truly been erased from her in this moment and he saw within her the person he had always known was there. His heart was hers.

"I love you," he responded as he reached a hand up to caress her face. She closed her eyes reaching a her hands to catch his as it left her and she brought it back to her and kissed it. She looked up into his eyes with a light and a joy that seemed odd with the world crashing around them, she had found a home. She had grown in a world where no one cared for her but even though the dark storm raged around them she knew that she could count on the people she loved to be there and she would be there for them as well. Uzumi had given her life and that life was greater than anything she had ever realized before. She saw in Yaro's eyes the light that had been there when she first met him, she had waited for this long to see it and once again it appeared.

She leaned up to him and kissed him and he kissed her back closing his eyes and pulling her closer. He didn't care what they tried to say out there in the world, what Liene had to say, Meiko didn't care and she loved him just the same. Perhaps it was possible for everything to change but some twist of fate perhaps they could turn the whole world around, in this moment she made him believe they could do anything together. Even face the darkest depths of the war.

Leyas Yamato had never been known for her bravery nor for her strengths, as the daughter of Kira Yamato and Lacus Clyne she had been for a time much overshadowed by her brothers and her little sister but it wasn't always that way. Now that the world was being pushed to the edge of darkness Leyas was given a rare chance to think in silence as no one paid her mind, no one except Trey of course. She wondered what exactly was going on with the people out there and how those in her home were reacting. She had once had many friends in the PLANTs and she had been their princess superstar. It was her home, and when she was removed from it she felt a part of herself fade. She didn't understand it but she always felt a voice calling her to return there, and though the time away had been long and hard she knew she would get her chance soon.

She closed her eyes and breathed in, she was very much like her father in her stubborn determined will and her sense of right and wrong. She was ready now to take matters into her own hands, she did not care what the people around her thought because she was going to do this for them. She was tried of being the last one thought of when it came to battle, tired of standing in the background of everything; now was the moment she had decided that she had a chance to make a difference and turn a tide.

The days ahead Leyas knew there were those who still believed in her that remained in the PLANTs. She would turn to them now and be their saving grace. Trey stood beside her as she stood before the one woman who would understand, the woman who had defied the odds to live and turn the whole world around; Milady Redemption, Flay Allster would understand.

"I want my birthright back," Leyas declared, "I want my place in this world, I'm done standing in the shadows, crying on the shores of ORB and waiting around for other people to work miracles. I need you to agree with me please, I know my parents would say I was wrong, that everything I was doing now matters. They would tell me that I didn't need to venture forth in this but I know so much now. Give me the information I need, the proofs and I promise you that I will deliver results. I will bring Jayley Lired to the justice of the PLANTs and I will reclaim my place." Leyas's voice was so determined that no one could doubt that she would do what she said she would or die.

"I am sure you can do this," Flay responded seeing part of Kira in Leyas's eyes, "the question now is what exactly is your plan? You're strong Leyas, no one doubts that but this task will be dangerous no matter what happens out there."

"I will stand with her," Trey responded, "fight with her, make sure she gets in. She won't be alone out there even though I am sure that would not stop her." Leyas smiled as he spoke. It was true she was going to come to depend on him, for his strengths were a part of her plan. She never went into something without knowing what she was getting herself into.

"Trust me," Leyas said, "I said that I will deliver, how I do it matters not; the less you all know the better. I don't want anyone trying to stop me." Flay nodded understanding the girl. Though she still wondered what Leyas had planned she knew she would have to give up the information they had collected in ROW's base to this girl through sheer conviction. If there was any chance Leyas could do this Flay did not want to doubt her, now was not the time to make errors and she had seen in the past that giving someone no options in fighting often led to disastrous results.

"Then you have whatever it is you need," Flay responded, "And Yzak will protect you as well if it's needed, whatever we can do to help Redemption is your ally in this Leyas." The girl smiled as she ran through everything in her head. She wasn't going to fail this one, it was the least she could do to end this.

So new Chapter! YES!

Please review and let me know what you think about it all, and the developments that are taking place and the things that are to come because there is going to be quite a bit more. I think the next chapter is another low key one before the battle, which will break out soon after that and that's going to be as action packed and crazy as I can make it.

So yes review!
-WinterChill