"December 23 After Disaster Stella 122, so… as I wrote before I finally dealt with the problem of gifts. By spending almost the entire day in the shopping mall and having to watch my back for people trying to shove a pen and a paper or a notepad in my face. Although it did help with getting a big discount on earrings for Miorine...Being famous does have its perks, even though there is a lot more cons. Anyways that was one of the big responsibilities for now. The other was due for today, and that was finally getting a chance to fully test out Barbatos Eden/Inferno, (still don't know if it's Eden"slash"Inferno or Eden"dash"Inferno.) in front of the numerous reporters and journalists. And with that came all the perks…such as having my friends and Suletta dressed up in skimpy leotards. I don't know if I should write it but since it's my private journal I can do whatever I want, she looked gorgeous, and made me realise how much the Asticassia uniform makes disservice to showing curves. Anyways the test went by and….success? Other than the fact I turned my stomach to the other side after getting out of the cockpit and knocking myself out. Those field generators that apparently worked on using burned out Permet particles to create an anti-gravitational field around the suit can push you to WAAAAAAY higher speeds then plain old thrusters. That and the inferno mode but I still don't have a hang of it. I'll need to ask Hibiki to put a Fumitan there before reaching Asticassia. Although everyone was kinda angry we did make amends and still enjoyed dinner in a good atmosphere. Let's just hope that today will be good as well…" -Akatsuki Augus's private journal, Ad Stella 122.
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM: DEMON INCARNATE
CHAPTER 17: BONDS OF BLOOD AND IRON
"And that's the last one."-Akatsuki said as he looked at the boxes sitting in front of him. All packed accordingly so that nobody could guess what was inside…although for the young Turbines guessing wouldn't be hard as it would probably be variations of what he was getting them every year. Same with the gifts for him. Although that would have to wait for the next several hours to find out. He then turned towards the other boxes. Ones that contained gifts for Suletta, Miorine and his parents from what he bought at the border station. Mostly stuff imported from Earth that was hard to get in the Outer Rim due to taxes and embargo on certain products. Mainly food products. As he separated the gifts to his family and fiancés from the gifts for his friends that would be packed later. He himself already prepared for Christmas dinner and dressed accordingly to the occasion. Although it's been probably few centuries since humanity first stepped on the moon, traditions seemed to outlive any of the pioneers. Surviving even the Calamity Conflict, Akatsuki thought it was funny ever since he could remember as people always seemed to think history started in 1968AD. Although it seemed to be an interesting debate within his mind it was quickly cut short as he saw Miorine standing in the doorsill of his room.
"Atrra told me to pass you the message that we begin in five minutes."-Miorine said as Akatsuki nodded before the silver-haired girl took a look at the various boxes both big and small.
"There's a lot of it."-Miorine said kneeling down as Akatsuki smiled.
"Like I said before, if I have that big amount of money then I'm not afraid to spill it a little for my friends. Besides give it or take it six months and my account will be back where it was before."-Akatsuki said as Miorine then looked at another pile of boxes.
"And I guess those are for the Turbines?"-Miorine asked as Akatsuki nodded.
"Of course, since we will be going to the HQ in the evening…and there is a chance I'll finally get a hat to top off the outfit."-Akatsuki said sighing as Miorine raised her eyebrow.
"The outfit?"-She asked confused as the blonde then opened his wardrobe and one of the drawer to reveal a white suit, seemingly never worn. Akatsuki only showed her an embarrassed smile and wiped the back of his head, seeing Miorine's confused face he begun to explain.
"It's a joke that has been going on for the last two years. Damon's idea as you can probably guess. His old man Naze…you know, the guy with 50000 wifes and all of that. Used to wear white suits like those. And seeing that by chance around 50% of the Turbine girls have…or had a crush on me I don't know. Seeing that Damon thought it would absolutely hilarious to give me a piece of his wardrobe as a running gag. A gag that hopefully gets to end tonight."-Akatsuki said as Miorine nodded before getting up.
"I guess we should go down to the dining room, I'll help you with those gifts."-Miorine said as she took few of the small packages with Akatsuki taking the rest and following her. With her focus being on the one peculiar package her small hands took without even looking…one that had her name written on it. It was the first Christmas in several years that she was spending with someone rather than like a princess in the highest room in the highest tower that was the Benerit headquarters. So while externally she was keeping a poker face, internally all those buried feelings of a small excited child begun to resurface as internally she couldn't stop thinking on what Akatsuki had gotten her. As they reached the lowest floor the two quickly tucked away all the gifts alongside their brethren under the Christmas tree, a real one, something that was a rare sight in most Martian homes, with people mostly living in the apartments and the cities with a middle-class income, getting a living tree was expensive. But thanks to the farm and being a chairwoman of Mars allowed the Augus family to enjoy a small bit of atmosphere. Atrra couldn't help but smile as she looked at her family now standing at the table, with a bit of an amusement as she looked towards her husband and son, who only seemed to care about the various kinds of food she made with the help of Suletta.
"All right, I guess we can begin, you can't imagine how happy I am that we could meet here together even if thousands of kilometres now separate us. And most importantly that our family will grow, not only by two, but also by three. I want to wish you all merry Christmas and happy new year. Good grades and great harvest. Now we can finally eat."-Atrra finished as the whole family finally sat down to their food, with the tv playing in the distance overlooking the Augus family.
"Wow, not to disrespect your prior cooking Mom but this is the best meal I've ate in weeks!"-Akatsuki as said as Atrra smiled from the complement.
"Thank you, as you know I've always made extra effort for Christmas, the fact you had to live on the plastic that is the canteen food and war rations only made me work harder." –Atrra said as Suletta swallowed her portion.
"Those rations aren't that bad, in fact we were able to enjoy a good meal at the border-station."-Suletta said as Miorine seemed to stab her food with her fork.
"Please, don't mention the station."-Miorine said as Kudelia looked at both of future daughters-in-law and her son.
"Maybe you could finally tell us what happened at that station?"-Kudelia said as Akatsuki sighed.
"Well…it was something like this."
FEW WEEKS AGO
SPACE ASSEMBLY LEAGUE/MARTIAN UNION AIRSPACE BORDER STATION
"At least we stretched our legs."-Akatsuki said as Miorine looked at him with amusement.
"You call that a stretch? Not the fact that we've been standing for the last hour!"-Miorine exclaimed as Akatsuki only nodded in agreement. Even if there were centuries of advancement in regards of space travel. The speed of the administration was standing still since…nobody could even pinpoint when. Though he possessed a diplomatic passport it still didn't mean anything to SAL officials. Akatsuki then turned towards Suletta who also seemed tired from all the standing in the long line.
"Suki…how long we have left?"-Suletta asked as Akatsuki peaked out of his spot and saw that the line of people was slowly but steadily getting shorter and shorter. It took a little over 45 minutes or so and Akatsuki found himself standing in front of the official, visibly tired with his job.
"Family Name and first name?"-He asked as Akatsuki nodded.
"Augus Akatsuki."-Akatsuki complied to the request as the man took a look across his documents.
"Right, I see you possess a diplomatic passport, pass."-The man said as Akatsuki held his satisfaction behind a poker face. He still wanted to wait for Miorine, Suletta, Damon and Miru.
"Family name and first name?"-The official once again asked as Miorine complied.
"Rembran Miorine."-She said in a voice just as tired as the official's who stamped on her passport.
"Pass."-The official said as Miorine nodded, taking back her passport she then walked to stand beside Akatsuki. It was now Suletta's turn, her first time actually crossing the border, both could see that she was visibly nervous.
"Family name and first name?"-The official asked as Suletta gave him her passport, he took a long look at her documents…way too long.
"It appears we have a problem. It appears the document became invalid just a day before of your arrival…I'm afraid I can't let you pass the border."-The official said as Suletta's face turned pale, behind her Damon and Miru shared a concerned look with Akatsuki and Miorine being concerned as well.
"Wait, are you really going to not let her pass? Because the document became invalid only a day before!?"-Miorine exclaimed at the tired man who only sighed.
"Rules are rules, blame her for not properly checking the documents before departure, next please."-The official said as like a strike of a thunderbolt an idea struck Akatsuki deep into his head. As if a ting of electricity went throughout his entire body.
"Wait, I possess a diplomatic passport and she is my fiancé. Doesn't it mean that she is covered by the politic immunity in travel?"-Akatsuki asked as the man then once again looked towards Akatsuki.
"Wait a second, you're…you're him!"-The man said as Akatsuki nodded.
"Yes yes I'm him way to look at the documents, as I was saying, me and her are officially engaged, trust me it's written in the data. As my fiancé she should be covered by my diplomatic immunity and allowance for travel throughout the solar system."-Akatsuki said taking a stance for Suletta. To which the mercurian only looked at him with confusement. The man only looked though the documents before looking back towards Akatsuki and Miorine.
"I'll check everything, for now Miss Mercury wait here, next."-The man said as then Akatsuki looked towards Miorine.
"So, what do we do?"-Akatsuki asked as Miorine sighed.
"I'll wait here with her, you, Damon and Miru just go through the gate and fill out the shopping list I gave you, if something happens I'll call."-Miorine said as Akatsuki nodded and went through the door to witness the large array of various shops and restaurants. Since the station was not only there for administrative reasons but also a resting place for the ships crews to rest it was filled with various facilities to accommodate it. Making it seem more like a port rather than just a border station.
"Wow, pretty cool."-Damon said as both he and Miru joined Akatsuki in admiration with Miru putting her hand on Akatsuki's shoulder.
"Don't worry I'm sure everything's gonna be alright, I mean it's a diplomatic passport for crying out loud!"-Miru said as Damon also put his hand on Akatsuki's remaining shoulder.
"Yeah, sis's right! Cheer up and let's get to buying food and gifts!"-Damon said as Akatsuki couldn't help but look at the two closest people he could call his siblings and followed them. As meanwhile Suletta and Miorine were sitting in a small room, awaiting for what would happen. Although it was only an hour the tension in the air seemed like time was passing at sluggish pace, although Miorine believed in the strength of documents and that Akatsuki would fill all the important points on the list she gave him. It was finally then where few people entered their room, holding Suletta's passport before throwing it down on the table.
"So?"-Miorine asked nonchalantly as a man then gave her a pen drive compatible with Asticassia's notebooks.
"We've ran through all the protocols, indeed Miss Mercury is protected by the diplomatic pass of her fiancé, although we've prepared a data version of a new document for her to freely pass the border. Just make sure she remembers to renew it before AS127. Although she let though make sure to use the new document."-The border official said as Suletta let out a large breath of relief as she walked out of the containment room alongside Miorine.
"See, I've told you that everything will be fine. Now make sure that we won't waste another hour again."-Miorine said as they finally found themselves on the other side of the solar system, one far more liberal and less capitalist-grip held.
"That's it? I was expecting something far more troubling?"-Kudelia asked as Akatsuki sighed.
"Well, that was only an ignition to the larger bomb, since we took a little too long with registration of all crew members both from inner and outer rim the inspection of the cargo was postponed, and with that we kinda held all the ships on the line, since it SAL's border control rather than MCA's they wouldn't just let us pass. But we could finally eat a decent meal, and buy gifts."-Akatsuki said as Atrra then perked up.
"Right! You almost made me forget about the other important part for Christmas. I believe it's time for us to open our gifts. Akatsuki, will you do the honours?"-Atrra asked as Akatsuki nodded before he walked towards the tree and grabbed the nearest box.
"All right, I guess that's for me from…Mom, Dad and Mama."-Akatsuki said as he looked at the smiling…if what we call a creepy smirk Mikazuki has on his face sometimes a smile as he unpacked the gift to reveal…a scrap book? Confused Akatsuki opened the book to see what definitely made his heart crumble, it was filled with fan mail, on just any fan mail. One written by kids and filled with drawings.
"Wow…you've collected all of that?"-Akatsuki asked as he looked towards his parents.
"We've had a lot of mail coming, so much so we've grown tired of stock piling them and just begun to open them to see so many adorable dribbles by kids we just couldn't help but assemble them for you."-Kudelia said as Akatsuki nodded smiling at his family.
"Thank you, will give me motivation to get up earlier then normally. All right, onto the next gift, and its…Oh! It's from me to Miorine."-Akatsuki said as he handed over the box towards Miorine, who couldn't help to hide her blush from behind any form of a poker face, especially when Suletta and her new family are smiling at her, trying to get done with it quickly she ripped off the wrapped to reveal…a box within a box, although kinda amused by the lack of Akatsuki's creativity regarding feeling the rest of the proxy box to throw her off she still was feeling her inner little girl giggling with excitement as she reached out for the smaller box. Putting the proxy box on the ground and looking at the small stylistic box.
"What are you waiting for? Open it!"-Suletta happily exclaimed as Miorine finally opened the box to reveal a pair of beautiful almost crystal blue earrings, so beautiful and clean that she could see her own reflection in them. It was enough to turn Miorine's face from its usual pale to crimson just as Suletta's did the same, with Kudelia and Atrra looking towards their son, who's face had turned crimson as well as it appeared he was trying to avoid eye contact no matter the cost.
"The m-mineral they are m-made from Is called Tanzanite, f-found only on Earth. When I s-saw them I thought of you at the Benerit party and thought t-they would look great on you."-Akatsuki said as Miorine kept looking at the reflection of her face In the earrings.
"They…They're beautiful, but I'm sure they were expensive."-Miorine said turning towards Akatsuki, still crimson as the surface of Mars exactly like her fiancé, who've tried to put his "cool playboy" persona over his feeling of wanting to be buried deep underground as he unfolded his arms.
"Yeah they were, but I got a good discount. Besides if its family then it won't hurt me to spill a bit of that money I don't have a use for."-Akatsuki said as Miorine kept looking at him, still blushing like crazy.
"T-Thank you…like really thank you, I love it."-Miorine said as her head went down towards her knees, seemingly awaiting for her blush to fall down, it was that reaction that got Kudelia to look at both of her future daughter-in-law that got her an idea that was hidden behind an amused smile hiding her devious intentions.
"All right then, although Honey I want to see the other gifts you prepared for your darling fiancés."-Kudelia said as all three of the youths perked up in crimson blush, Akatsuki then turned towards the Christmas tree, looking at it with a smile before reaching out towards a paper wrapped pile of books.
"If you say so, here it is then, my gift for Suletta. Merry Christmas."-Akatsuki said as handed over the gift to Suletta who immediately begun to stutter.
"T-t-t-thank y-you Suki! M-merry Christmas to you as well."-Suletta said as without much effort she unwrapped the paper to see a view she saw in every anime protagonist's room. Several volumes of manga and light novels, all seemingly chosen to fit her criteria. She then turned towards Akatsuki, who still had kept his gaze away from both her and Miorine. Atrra only looked amused before turning towards Kudelia who appeared to only to barely hold her snickering behind her hand.
"Well honey, all those gifts you bought and it appears that there is a peculiar looking gift hiding for you as well."-Kudelia said pointing at the peculiar shaped gift, it appeared to be in shape of a dome badly wrapped in paper. Akatsuki then turned towards Suletta and Miorine who then both turned away from Akatsuki, confused he took the gift before unwrapping it to reveal…a built model kit of Barbatos AA sealed in a dome, he took a closer look to see that the kit was painted…although uneven, and the obvious paint spurts made it obvious someone was close to giving up.
"I guess it's time to reveal the gift the girls prepared for you all the time when you were gone."-Kudelia said as Akatsuki kept looking at his fiancés. Seemingly muttering something resembling close to real words.
"We've worked on it while you were gone…Suletta had cut the pieces out while I painted them."-Miorine finally broke the silence by speaking out, Akatsuki then took another look towards the domed model kit and quickly connected the dots on why the paint looked kinda off…but then the realisation struck on why his tools seemed to vanish and come back throughout the last two weeks.
"Wait, how could I not find out? Although the last two days I've spent mostly out of the house but what about other times?"-Akatsuki asked as he looked towards them confused, trying to figure out when they possibly could work on it, possibly trying to connect the building blocks together, rubbing his chin...before finally pointing towards both of his mothers and dad.
"You three all knew about this!?"-Akatsuki asked looking at his parents as all three nodded.
"We've knew since both Miorine and Suletta came to us and requested to keep absolute silence and to have you as far away from the barn as possible, although it wasn't hard."-Atrra explained as Akatsuki carefully nodded 'So that's why the inside of the barn smelled like primer.'-he thought before turning back towards Suletta and Miorine.
"Thank you for it anyways. A gift is a gift and I can see that you both worked hard on it."-Akatsuki said as once again Miorine and Suletta's faces covered themselves with a blush as both muttered a "thank you" from under their breath. Akatsuki only smiled before he then turned back towards the tree and reached out for another gift.
"All right, set this up!"-Vivian said as she instructed her younger siblings while they putted up the large artificial Christmas tree, they only had few hours to prepare everything before the arrival of not only the Augus family but also all of the former Tekkadan members who were invited for the Christmas dinner. With Miru, Damon and Hibiki all currently sitting on the side of the tree and trying to figure out the electric side of things.
"All right, so this go here, and this there…"-Damon read out from the instruction as Hibiki snatched the instruction booklet from her brother's hand.
"Are trying to get yourself shocked? It's six connecting with three, one connecting with five and two connecting with four."-Hibiki said as the two siblings began to argue, Miru only sighed as she took a look the cables, took a long deep breath before finally plugging the cable into the nearby socket startling their other siblings as suddenly the tree illuminated to life, with Hibiki and Damon then turning towards Miru, they're jaws hanging.
"How…"-Hibiki asked as Miru shrugged her arms.
"Just plugged into the socket, we probably left it wired correctly year prior so there wasn't anything to change."-Miru said as then Damon looked towards the instructions and towards the wires.
"But its all connected wrong."-Damon said as Miru once again shrugged her arms.
"There is a saying, if something is stupid and works, then its not stupid."-Miru said as meanwhile Vivian pondered at the view of the shining Christmas tree with her siblings bickering around it.
"All right…I guess we're done with that."-The violet-haired young adult said as she felt two presences behind her. She turned around to see both Lafter and Azee looking at her.
"Oh! Hey, we're done with the tree and rest are gonna get to stuffing gifts underneath it soon."-Vivian said as the two seniors of the Turbines eyed her down as if it was 15 years before and little Vivian pulled off a stunt with her siblings.
"We're not here to talk about that, we wanted to ask you something."-Lafter said as Vivian raised her eyebrow in confusion.
"Sure, what do you want?"
"Wait, you want me to go to Asticassia?"-Vivian asked amused as Lafter and Azee nodded.
"Yes, cause we got heard of what…stunts Damon and Miru kept pulling when they were alone and now with Hibiki coming…let's say that just Ride won't be enough to stop them."-Azee said as Vivian's face covered itself with a crimson undertone at the mentioning of Ride Mass, the person on whom Vivian seemed to have a crush since she was only a young girl, and it always returned on Christmas. When Vivian would always give gifts to Ride.
"Exactly the reason we want you to go. To keep an eye on them, please Vivian, we don't want to deal with annoying mail from school about the two blowing up a wall or something."-Lafter said as Vivian raised her eyebrow in confusion.
"They blew up a hole in a wall?"-Vivian asked as Lafter turned her head as Sighed.
"It was example, and it would be your job to keep them on the leash. Besides, you want to spend some time with Ride don't you?"-Azee asked as Vivian, an adult in he r late twenties covered her face with a blush as if she was only a school girl.
"Come on, we're five years apart."-Vivian said as she then felt Lafter's hand on her right shoulder.
"And five years isn't a that big of a gap is it? And as the Matriarchs of the Turbines we believe it's time for you to finally find yourself a man isn't it? And I guess you got him the same gift as always? Did you?"-Lafter asked as Vivian only nodded. It was the reason she even learned to knit was to make the first version when she was 12 years old.
"How many scarfs he can have? We've been talking about it for like eight years."-Azee said as Vivian raised her arms trying to stop her former guardians from getting her completely red.
"Fine fine fine! I'll go be their dorm mother!"-Vivian said as suddenly all three of the adult Turbines heard stomping from the other side of the door. Azee quickly reacted by opening it just to see Damon, Miru and Hibiki. All three caught in the act with each having a fearful smile seeing Azee's dissatisfied facial expression.
"I thought we raised you knowing that it isn't nice to eavesdrop did we?"-Azee asked in a monotone voice as the two girls begun to shiver knowing thanks to the years of experience that it didn't meant it was almost an instinct.
"Yeah, we eavesdropped? Why? Because you wont to keep us on a leash by sending Vivian to look at our every move! What's next? Will you insert chips with gps beneath our skin?"-Damon exclaimed as Azee was joined by both Vivian and Lafter. With the blonde letting out a sigh before looking down towards the three young Turbines.
"No, listen…I know you three are adult enough to be on your own, the problem is the adult portion of the sentence. We got an report from school about you two…bringing unusual crates bought in the recreational district after your end-all be-all duel with the Grassley kids. At least if you smuggle beer then be more subtle about it."-Lafter said as Miru and Damon looked at each other confused.
"Wait…how do you know that we smuggled beer? We made all the precautions to make sure we weren't followed."-Miru asked as Azee turned her head.
"At least you could them into a cardboard box rather than leave it out in the open. Henceforth the reason on why we're sending Vivian alongside Hibiki."-Azee said in her stern voice as Lafter nodded.
"And look at the positives! At least when you damage your suits you'll have an capable mechanic already on spot!"-Lafter said completely ignoring the skink-eye Hibiki was giving her. Vivian only nodded before pointing at the corridor.
"We should probably head back before all the others will open their gifts."-Vivian said as Hibiki chuckled.
"As if it wasn't the fact that half of the gifts from the girls are for Akatsuki, they should really stop have any hope."-Hibiki said as Miru put her hand on Hibiki's back.
"They haven't given up for more than a decade now, do you think they'll give up now? It only sparks the competition."-Miru said as Damon chucked with a toothy grin on his face.
"Well, it's been like that since we were kids, making the reason of my newest gift for him even more fitting."-Damon said as then Miru turned towards her brother.
"No kidding, its le grand finale tonight is it? You got the hat?"-She asked as Damon nodded smirking as the two matriarchs, the older sister and the three youngsters made their way back to the hall to continue with the preparations.
"Is this all?"-Mikazuki asked as Akatsuki helped him with loading up the gifts into the trunk of Mikazuki's car. Akatsuki only wiped sweat from his forehead before looking at his father with a smile.
"Yep, all of it. Although I'm surprised with how many gifts you bought this year."-Akatsuki said as Mikazuki wiped the back of his head.
"Well…we do have few guests and former Tekkadan members visiting tonight, henceforth so many gifts."-Mikazuki said as both turned around to see Atrra, Kudelia, Suletta and Miorine. All prepared for the evening. Dressed in far more casual clothes then before.
"So…shall we?"-Atrra asked as now not only Mikazuki, but also Akatsuki found themselves facing the most difficult task of the evening. Getting everyone inside the car. Mikazuki of course sat in the driver's seat with Atrra joining him in the passenger seat. The problem was with the backseat, and the fact that there were only three spots.
"I guess Miorine will have to sit on Akatsuki's knees."-Kudelia joked as both Akatsuki and Miorine looked at her with an "Eh?!" facial expression.
"I'm sure there is a batter way we can sit. Why can't Miorine sit on Suletta's knees instead?"-Akatsuki asked as it was Suletta's turn to blush and look at Akatsuki with an accusing look that in Suletta's portrayal seemed more amusing then scary.
"And why is that? Besides Suletta sits in the middle and Miorine would had to split her legs to comfortably sit. With you on the side she'll have way more space for her legs."-Kudelia said as she kept being amused by how quickly she could get both her son and her daughters-in-law to blush. 'I wonder if they held hands even once? At this rate, Akatsuki will probably faint before sliding wedding rings on their fingers.'-She thought as the Augus family finally took their spots. Miorine uncomfortably settling herself on Akatsuki's knees as the blonde tried to keep his focus on the sights and definitely not on the fact that there was a girl sitting on his lap, especially a very pretty girl like Miorine. And so he kept looking away, not noticing that Suletta's gaze was locked on them as she felt both Miorine's and Akatsuki's legs touching her own. Much to both dissatisfaction. Lasting for the duration of 45 minutes before reaching their destination. With Miorine quickly taking the occasion to leave the uncomfortable situation as all six got out of the car. Akatsuki took it upon himself to get all the wrapped gifts from the car and carry them under the Christmas tree. 'Yeah, now how to do it?'-Akatsuki asked as suddenly Miru, Damon and Hibiki joined him.
"Oh, hey."-Akatsuki said as the three perked inside the trunk to see the various wrapped gifts residing in the trunk.
"You need help?"-Damon asked as Akatsuki nodded with the four quickly picking up all of the boxes and carrying them to the main hall, as they entered Akatsuki couldn't help but notice the amount of preparation, tables being set, food and drinks already waiting on the plates. And the younger Turbines who served as a work force, getting everything ready. They reached the Christmas tree, that was already packed with gifts of various shapes and sizes. As Akatsuki bent down to place down his gifts he noticed how many of the colourful gifts were marked for him.
"What? Were you expecting that the girls would give up on trying to win you over?"-Miru asked as Akatsuki sighed while the Turbine siblings also tucked away their gifts.
"I was hoping that the fact I am engaged would stop them from trying to win my affections."-Akatsuki said as Damon pointed at his forehead.
"Buddy, it has been going on for years. And you weren't helping with that."-Damon said as Akatsuki raised his eyebrow.
"Give me one example, one."-Akatsuki asked as Hibiki chimed into the conversation.
"Well…that sleepover in 111, when we had a movie night remember?"-Hibiki asked as Akatsuki turned away from the girl and looked towards the ceiling, before it finally struck him what the girl meant.
AFTER DISASTER STELLA 111
"It will take a long time before the war will be won, but we will fight. No matter how many Mobile Armours will come!"-the actor of Agnika Kieru exclaimed before the screen cut to black. With not only Akatsuki, but also around 150 other Turbine children all let out a dissatisfied moan. The light in the Turbine space lit up to reveal young Vivian alongside Azee and Lafter. Who turned off the large projector on which the end credits for another propaganda Agnika Kieru movie from the Gjallarhorn days, absolutely inaccurate. But the thing that mattered to the bunch of six, seven and eight year olds were giant Gundam frames beating the living crap out of Mobile Armours. And the movie delivered that. So much so that most if not of the Turbines were annoyed by the fact that Lafter and Azee wanted to end their fun.
"All right kiddos enough of the movie time, up to your sleeping bags you go now."-Lafter said as six-year old Akatsuki, alongside many of his brethren showed his dissatisfaction, so he put on the hoodie of his pyjamas before trying to sink his head into the pillow of his sleeping bag. Just as all the rest of the kids followed in his steps with several of them already falling asleep before Lafter, Azee and Vivian.
"Night everyone."-Akatsuki said before closing his eyes. As he tried to fall asleep he then felt another breath tickling his nose. Confused he opened his eyes to see another girl sleeping beside him, looking at him with a smile.
"M-Mary? Why are you so close?"-Akatsuki asked as Mary kept her smile.
"I like sleeping close to you."-She whispered as he then felt another warm hand grabbing his right shoulder. He then turned around to see another girl seemingly trying to take possession of him.
"Anne?"-Akatsuki then asked confused as he looked towards her pouting facial expression.
"Who even gave you the right to let you hold him? What If he wants to sleep next to me?"-Anne asked as then Akatsuki looked to see another girl getting a hold of his head.
"Wow, why do you keep fighting when the answer is obvious? I'm sure he wants to cuddle with me."-Another girl said as the girls, alongside few others began to argue as Akatsuki tried to fall asleep.
"Come on girls, can't you just share me?"-Akatsuki asked as suddenly his body was stretched and Akatsuki could definitely feel several pairs of hands and legs wrapping around his own limbs. As he managed to look around himself he could see girls cuddling up around him. All with smiles on their faces. Unbeknownst to the blonde little Damon, Miru and Hibiki kept watching the situation and silently snickering around each other.
"Wow, a real ladies man. I wonder which he will marry?"-Damon asked as Miru kept silently giggling.
"Who knows? Maybe all of them?"-she answered between silent giggles as Hibiki then reached out into pockets of her pyjamas for a tiny five minute glow stick and her phone.
"Guys? Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"-Hibiki asked as she activated her glow stick allowing the small blue light to shine throughout the room. Both Damon and Miru's faces then appeared in the ground, each with a toothy grin seemingly giving her the approval on Hibiki's mischievous plan. Checking her phone to see if the flash was turned off and that the screen was dark enough. As silently as she could, she walked through the labyrinth of sleeping bags, her glow stick as her only guide though the dark. Finally making her way throughout the tangled web of her sisters limbs and found herself looking down on Akatsuki's sleeping face, one that even Hibiki could admit it was cute. Although gaping open. Hibiki as the only one of the Turbine siblings who already had a phone couldn't pass the occasion of taking the photo of her sisters cuddling around Akatsuki like he was only a chewing toy. And so she did. Quickly taking few of them before retreating back to Damon and Miru, just as the glow stick finally died out. As she sat down next on her sleeping bag.
"You got it?"-Miru asked as Hibiki showed her a toothy grin before showing her the phone with the picture, Miru and Damon both then shared a similar toothy grin.
"Wait…it was you!? That photo almost wrecked my life."-Akatsuki roared mostly in shock rather than anger as Hibiki continued to giggle.
"I mean, you looked cute! Besides Miss Atrra would never forgave me if I didn't took it."-Hibiki said as Akatsuki rubbed his chin in confusement.
"I always thought it was someone else, hell I suspected Lafter being the one who took the photo. I can't believe that someone close to me would stab me in the back like this!"-Akatsuki said in an overly dramatic and theatrical manner placing his hand in his face earning a chuckle from the siblings as the four made their way towards the main table.
"Uhm, Miorine? Why do I feel like most of those girls…don't like us?"-Suletta asked as she turned around to see few girls dressed in trademark white Turbine jackets giving both her and Miorine the piercing look that could be only explained as "You stole our man from us and we hate you for it.". In contrast Miorine, who sat alongside her and laid her head on her hands.
"Who cares? If they had a crush they had more than a decade to confess. We're just lucky ones who were in the right place in the right time. Just ignore them."-Miorine said as Suletta looked down at the table.
"I do feel kinda sad for them, they liked him and didn't have a chance to confess…"-Suletta said as then her own thoughts begun to play tricks on her. 'How unlucky for them, and lucky for you.'-he inner self said as her face was once again covered with a blush just as Akatsuki sat beside them.
"Hey there, so what do you think?"-Akatsuki asked as Miorine looked around herself to see how quickly the tables were being filled as the number was quickly getting over 100.
"When we will begin? It's been like 30 minutes since we arrived?"-Miorine asked as Akatsuki raised his eyebrow before sighing.
"They're probably waiting for everyone to arrive, some people are coming as far as Arbrau so they probably get settled in their hotels first."-Akatsuki said as Miorine raised her head from her hands.
"Hotels? I thought everyone slept here?"-She asked as Akatsuki turned his head.
"Not everyone are TSC members, some guests are former Tekkadan members that don't have a bed in the quarters."-Akatsuki explained as he felt a hand on his shoulder. As he looked upwards he saw the freckled face of Ride looking down upon him.
"Hey kids, how's it hangin?"-Ride asked as Akatsuki looked at him confused.
"Sup Ride, but why are you here? Aren't you supposed to help Dane and Zack?"-Akatsuki asked as Ride shrugged.
"Maybe but I'm waiting for someone else, and speaking of whom. Oi Takaki!"-Ride exclaimed as Akatsuki, Miorine and Suletta turned around to see a man with blonde hair and brown eyes alongside a girl although shorter looked exactly like him.
"Wait, isn't that Takaki Uno? The prime minister of Arbrau? What is he doing here?"-Miorine asked as Akatsuki begun to explain.
"Takaki started out in CGS before travelling with Tekkadan to Arbrau and leading the local branch in a conflict and sent his sister Fuka to a local school. After some events he eventually left Tekkadan and became the assistant of prior prime minister of Arbrau, after his passing he became the minister himself and keeps getting re-elected. Pretty good for a former Gjallarhorn puppet state. Speaking of which, hi Takaki!"-Akatsuki said waving at Takaki before Fuka approached their table and hugged Akatsuki from behind.
"Hey there Akatsuki, and would you mind introducing me to your darling fiancés?"-Fuka asked as it was now Akatsuki turn to be covered by a blush. 'Goddamn! Why can't people stop with those introductions!'-he thought as he finally turned his head towards Fuka's smiling face and closed eyes.
"Right…Suletta and Miorine this is Fuka Ino, Fuka this is Suletta Mercury and Miorine Rembran…my fiancés."-Akatsuki said as both Suletta and Miorine nodded in confirmation to their names.
"Fuka! I won't carry those boxes alone!"-The voice of Takaki echoed as Fuka made her way back towards her brother. Miorine then turned towards Akatsuki confused.
"How many other politicians and important figures are actually Tekkadan sleeper agents?"-Miorine sarcastically asked as Akatsuki only sighed.
"Ha ha, actually we have agents across the entire solar system in order to spark a revolution and make entire space be ruled under Martian shoe."-Akatsuki sarcastically replied just as Damon, Miru and Hibiki sat down beside Akatsuki, Suletta and Miorine.
"Oh, is that Ride talking with Takaki's younger sister? Vivian's not gonna be happy."-Damon said as all three of the Turbine siblings shared an understanding look much to not only Akatsuki's, but also Suletta's and Miorine's confusion.
"What do you mean?"-Suletta asked as Miru gestured for her to get closer before she whispered something into Suletta's ear, and judging from Suletta's changing facial expression that seemed to change in seconds it appeared to be something shocking.
"So Miss Vivian has a crush on Mister Ride? For how long?"-Suletta asked as Akatsuki then nodded in silent realisation as Miorine remained confused on the situation.
"Since from before most of us were born, so a long while. It seems that not only our compatriots have a problem with proclaiming their feelings. Or maybe Azee and Lafter are just looking for an excuse to send a babysitter after us?"-Damon said as then Akatsuki rubbed his chin.
"What do you mean babysitter?"-Akatsuki asked as Miru sighed.
"Aperrantly someone saw us smuggling those crates of beer into the school and spilled the beans. That and the fact they are afraid we will blow up the entire PLANT or something."-Miru said as Miorine nodded.
"Understandable consternation."-Miorine said as then Damon and Miru turned to her with an accusing look. But before they could say anything the voice of Orga echoed throughout the hall.
"All right, all right. Everyone has gathered so that we can begin this year's Christmas celebration, and as every year before we celebrate that we could be here together. As we await the next year. Now let's don't waste our time and let's eat."-Orga said though the microphone as it was finally the time to begin the annual Christmas celebration. Several echoes of laughter and discussions could be heard as Akatsuki, Suletta and Miorine also begun to dig upon the food. The contrast between what Atrra prepared and what was given to them could be felt in Suletta and Miorine's mouths, in contrast to Akatsuki and the Turbine siblings who kept stuffing themselves with food that in quality was far more closer to an MRE then to regular food. But for them it was enough, and so after an hour or so filled with the conversations and plans for the next year it was finally the time for the gifts. With Akatsuki, Suletta, Miorine, Miru, Damon and Hibiki now having their packages now in front of them. And as expected not only from Akatsuki but also the girls themselves there weren't any packages for Suletta and Miorine.
"Yeah…sorry for that, let's just say that in most of our sister's eyes you are public enemies number one."-Hibiki said as Miorine sighed while brushing off her hair.
"Doesn't matter, we already got gifts. And I want to see what Akatsuki got you."-Miorine said as if giving an approval to the siblings s they were a bunch of inpatient kids. With Hibiki getting to her large package first, her eyes immediately sparkling seeing the various records before rushing towards Akatsuki and giving him a hug.
"Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou THANK YOU! I had so many missed premiers after being on Teiwaz so long!"-Hibiki said as Akatsuki could feel that his ribs were slowly getting crushed by Hibiki's grip.
"No problem, no problem. Just please let go of me ok?"-Akatsuki asked as Hibiki nodded before returning to look though the box to find the saxophone cleaning kit.
"I hope Asticassia has a music club because oh boy I'm taking my sax with me."-Hibiki said as he watched the reactions of his friends when they unpacked the gifts. The similar warm and fuzzy feeling climbing up his chest. Although it was cut by a nudge on the shoulder by Suletta who then pointed at another stack of gifts marked for him.
"You should open your gifts as well Suki."-Suletta said as Akatsuki rubbed the back of his head before turning towards Miorine as if he was asking for permission.
"What? Are you expecting us to be sad? Most of these people don't even know us or like us. Those are your gifts, we got ours. Now go unpack yours."-Miorine said as Akatsuki nodded as he also took a dive under the tree and got out the gifts marked for him to open. A lot of them were really straightforward: candy, model kits and even physical copies of his favourite movies. But then there were other things…love letters and weird proclamations written by other Turbine siblings. Although there was one that brought a smile to his face. And it was only in an envelope.
"Oh sweet! New Turbine markings for my newest jacket!"-Akatsuki said as he looked at the two patches before he tucked them away to his pocket. He then looked towards the final gift, and what brought his attention was the inscription on the box that said "from your favourite aunts.". 'But I already opened gifts from Lafter and Azee.'-Akatsuki thought before suddenly being hugged from both sides much to Suletta and Miorine's confusion.
"Oh Akatsuki! You've grew so much!"-One of the women said as the other, almost identical showed him a pout.
"Cracker, let go of him or he will fluster to death."-She said as Cracker finally let go of Akatsuki who finally was able to take a look of his assaulters. And noticed that it was a pair of nearly identical to each other. Both having light brown hair and green eyes, it took a little while for Akatsuki to connect the dots before realisation.
"Aunt Cookie? Aunt Cracker? Oh my god it is you! It's been like…a year since I last seen you."-Akatsuki said as Cookie and Cracker kept looking upon him.
"Ah, look at him all grown, and those must be your girls!"-Cookie said before walking towards Suletta and grabbed her by the cheeks before she was pulled away by Cracker.
"I'm sorry for her, she's been so eager to meet you after we got the news."-Cracker said as Miorine nodded.
"So, are you another pair of relatives?"-Miorine asked as Cracker only slightly nodded her head.
"So Miss Atrra was right about your attitude? Well to answer your question, yes and no. We've been family friends since Mister Mikazuki was only a boy and helped on our grandmother's farm since our older brother was working at CGS to keep us up float. And after the last battle we've helped Miss Atrra when Akatsuki was only a cute little baby and we helped settling the new farm."-Cracker explained as Akatsuki turned towards her.
"Speaking of farm work, how is miss Sakura doing?"-Akatsuki asked as Cookie and Cracker slightly looked down. Akatsuki only raised his eyebrow in confusement.
"Uhm…Grandma Sakura, she passed away few months ago just after you left for school."-Cracker said as Akatsuki looked down before closing his eyes. Miss Sakura was the closest person he had to call his grandmother. His Mama's parents always seemed to…disprove of him and the fact that she loved a child that wasn't even hers. With miss Sakura it was different, in fact she was the one who taught him how to use a shovel properly since his Dad was still…getting used to his limbs again.
"We said that it won't be in the best of interest to tell you after leaving for school…Oh! You still haven't opened your gift!"-Cookie said as if trying to bring Akatsuki's attention somewhere else. As he opened the box he was surprised to see another bundle of gifts. With one residing in an envelope that he opened.
"Vouchers for a weekend in the hot springs?"-Akatsuki asked as Cookie kept smiling.
"For your honeymoon of course! The vouchers are valid until 124 so you'll have enough time to properly plan it out!"-Cookie said as Akatsuki kept looking throughout the contents of the box, to find even more candy, for someone who wasn't home in a long time and wasn't able to buy any sweets it was more of a blessing than expected. Although still shocked by the information he had just received he still managed to keep…although a little bit sad smile on his face.
"Thanks."
Akatsuki currently sat in front of Barbatos Eden/Inferno's cage, completely alone with his thoughts. In fact he had to lie that he was only going to the bathroom. So he just sat there…thinking about death on a holiday where celebrated is birth of a Man who supposedly died on a cross for humanity's sins. For the rest of the evening he managed to keep a sad smile, he wasn't feeling sad enough to cry. He knew miss Sakura was old and was well met with the concept of death. In fact death was something fairly common in discussions his parents had with his extended family, they would even visit the old Tekkadan grave in special occasions. But he kept wondering, why nobody told him? Of course grieving over a family member was something natural. But he wasn't a six year old anymore, in a year he would become an adult and in few months a married man. He could grieve like an adult, if so then why would his parents would still treat him like a child with little to no knowledge on how to grieve. Miorine lost her mother but it was understandable that she still grieved over it, he himself knowing how much the loss of even a single of his parents would've been an emotional gut punch. But he still had friends that would help him get over it in contrast to her. Suletta's father died but she didn't remember it. Miru and Damon's parents were dead but they were still in diapers and still had Lafter and Azee to raise them. He could of course ask his parents like any "mature 17-year old" would on why they haven't told him but for some reason…probably unknown to even himself thought it would somber down the mood of the event where everyone was supposed to be happy. So he came to the only one that seen enough death, carnage and suffering and wont judge him for speaking out…Barbatos.
"I'm sure you're more experienced in that department then me, I can imagine you and your first pilot were really close before they buried you down weren't you?"-Akatsuki asked as he looked at the solemn green eyes. Akatsuki only sighed as he looked down towards his knees in dissatisfaction.
"What am I doing? It's not like you can communicate with me all the time, last time we talked I had an internal bleeding and a broken arm. And I'm sitting here acting like you listen to me when you're not even online!"-Akatsuki finally explained as the sleeping giant kept it's solemn look down upon him. And it was then when the blonde felt a lightbulb lighting up in his…smart but very air-cooled head. Not wasting anymore time he quickly walked up towards the nearest standing steel drawer that held several pairs of Permet connector harnesses. He grabbed one and quickly put it over his shirt. Walking up towards Barbatos's cage he reached out his hand towards one of the panels on the cockpit hatch. Slightly opening it to reveal the emergency lever to open the cockpit. As according to ORDA's and M/J's regulations. With all his might he pulled the hatch up as it seemingly immediately sent a reaction to Barbatos's inner systems. The hatch came up as Akatsuki jumped into the cockpit, for the first time noticing the out-of-place notebook slot. Not thinking too much about it he slid it into the slot before plugging his harness into connectors on the back. Breaking the fact that he was supposed to only activate it while wearing his pilot suit. 'It's not like I will try to move it or anything.'-Akatsuki thought as he activated the basic systems, before suddenly having them cut.
"Pilot interface complete 50%"-The Fumitan AI spoke up as Akatsuki was confused by the sudden appearance of the AI.
"Fumitan? I guess Vivian had prepared it if I wanted to push myself too much again. What do you mean that interface is only complete in 50 percent?"-Akatsuki asked trying to form his question in a way that the AI would understand.
"The interface helmet wasn't connected with the suit's main systems by the time your biodata was inserted, therefor as a guardian system I don't advise on fully activating the external systems without full preparation as it could lead to repercussions on your health."-Fumitan explained as Akatsuki gave it a thought on how to formulate what he wanted before snapping his fingers and looking up towards the cockpit ceiling with his trademark smirk, one that worked on the media and numerous girls.
"Fumitan, Fumitan…I'm not here to pilot. I only want to connect myself with Barbatos's main systems. Of course I wouldn't get airborne without proper equipment, not everyone likes having their ribs and insides getting squished."-Akatsuki said in a most convincing way possible as if he tried take out the AI voice out for a date, awaiting its answer before finally receiving it.
"Affirmative, commencing 100 percent pilot-machine interface."-Fumitan said as Akatsuki felt the massive flood of information rapidly hitting his head from the back, and much to his own surprise it wasn't that different from when he wore a helmet. 'Wow…shouldn't my head explode from the data overdose or something?'-he thought before forming another question.
"Fumitan? Search though the earliest archive recordings in the database."-Akatsuki asked as suddenly on the front monitor the bios screen appeared, vastly different from the rest of Barbatos's systems. And judging by the fact it still read "ASW-G-08" it was probably the only trace of Gjallarhorn other than frame parts. And thanks to Fumitan holding the guard on the Gundam frame's inner systems and its supposedly sentient AI she could've searched though files that normally would take hours, even days throughout the rich database composed inside the boxes. It took several minutes before Fumitan seemingly stopped looking though the files, much to Akatsuki's confusion.
"Why did you stop?"-Akatsuki asked as he looked at the bios screen.
"Data no decodable, it's written with Gjallarhorn Peacekeeping Group's coding system, it appears it could be only decoded by the suit's AI. From what I could read the first recording I can play from the suit's on-board footage is dated for After Disaster Stella 103"-Fumitan said as said as Akatsuki nodded at the AI's words.
"All right, play the footage."-Akatsuki said as the bios screen disappeared before a screen appeared showing the footage dated to had happened more than 20 years ago…a destroyed Graze on the Martian soil. And a lonely figure stepping out of Barbatos's cockpit with a familiar hairdo, only in black. Standing over the defeated graze, before only a single shot could be heard. A story all familiar to the blonde, although it was the first time he had seen…any kind of footage from that day. The day his Dad killed a Gjallarhorn official, who's protégé then became a meatbag in a suit with AV, which in turn two years later resulted in perfect recreation. How the butterfly effect works. But it still didn't felt like an answer to Akatsuki's question.
"Fumitan, you really can't access the older files?"-Akatsuki asked before AI replied to him.
"It could take hours of active counting to break the code, unless you would make a request to the suit itself to hand you over inscripted footage."-Fumitan said as Akatsuki rubbed one of the steering yokes before sighing.
"Come on Barbatos, would you let me share some of your secrets?"-Akatsuki asked before he immediately felt his head being pulled away, it appeared to be a similar feeling to the Inferno mode. As if he was knocked out, which look like exactly that if someone looked into the cockpit as the blonde's eyes were shut as if he dropped dead.
Akatsuki opened his eyes to see nothing, a side from debris floating around him…debris and human corpses, all dressed in normal suits floating without care in the void. He couldn't put a finger on where he was, but judging from the pieces of metal floating around it could be remains of a colony or even an Ariadne cocoon. He felt…uneasy, yeah definitely uneasy, especially seeing all the corpses. Corpses of people who just wanted to run away, live somewhere away from the looming threat that brought doom upon them. He tried to look around and felt immediate disgust as he saw a destroyed ship, seemingly cut in half as if it was made out of butter. But it wasn't the ship itself what brought disgust to Akatsuki were the bodies, in contrast to the rest of the corpses Akatsuki could see their faces, their desperate faces and worn-off parts of skin and their normal suits. Just after their supposed escape to safety.
"Good god."-Akatsuki said to himself holding by his shoulders before a sudden screech brought his attention. It sounded weird, less like something breathing and more…metallic, fake and angry. Crimson…crimson red light staring at Akatsuki, several tendrils appearing as Akatsuki then blinked to witness Barbatos. Now clad in its Calamity Conflict Era armour and holding a large physical sword, Barbatos rushed at the rouge Automaton before clashing with its metallic tendrils. But before Akatsuki could witness the battle between David and Goliath his trip into the past was suddenly cut by a familiar voice.
"Suki?"
Akatsuki's eyes jolted up as he saw Suletta's big blue eyes looking into his own orbs, so vibrant and full of life. Akatsuki rubbed his forehead muttering some words before forming an answer to Suletta's question.
"Suletta? What are you doing here?"-Akatsuki asked as he shut down Barbatos's systems and unbuckled himself to finally get closer to Suletta's worried face.
"I was searching for you dummy, after we unwrapped the gifts you seemingly vanished without trace, why?"-Suletta asked with her voice full of visible concern. Akatsuki only helped her out of the cockpit before he followed her.
"I just needed to be alone, Suletta? What do you think about death?"-Akatsuki asked as the mercurian startled just as Barbatos's cockpit hatch closed behind them.
"I, I-I can't say what you mean. I don't know what I really think about what…death is. I always thought It was something, natural. I mean in its natural way that we are not immortal. I guess what you think is what happens after death. Some believe in eternal happiness after being blessed and spend eternity with their loved ones, while others believe that when you die…you are reborn again."-Suletta said as Akatsuki took Suletta's hand in his own, much to her embarrassment.
"Yes, we all die someday. Like our family members, although it is up to us to make what matters in our short lifespan, considering we live in times where we can be peaceful and don't worry about Mobile Armours trying to kill us."-Akatsuki said as Suletta looked towards him confused.
"Suki, what got you to think about death?"-She asked as Akatsuki looked away from her.
"It's just, I don't get why my parents didn't tell me about Granny's passing, it's not like I would cry, I would grieve but I'm adult enough to take it. Death Is something imminent, something expected."-Akatsuki said tightening his grip on Suletta's hand, the mercurian felt it and could notice the grim tone of Akatsuki's voice, so she stood in front of him trying to look as determined as possible.
"I believe that your parents only wanted you to not get sad and homesick, especially when you were supposed to focus on your studies. If they kept it from you, then they had to mean well. Like my Mom, she didn't tell me Aerial was a Gundam because Gundams were illegal in the Inner Rim."-Suletta said as Akatsuki smiled at her. Although it was another sad smile, this time more filled with hope.
"Maybe, you're right. I would get homesick, and probably wouldn't focus on studies, and shut everyone away from myself. Everyone at school, Damon and Miru and well…you and Miorine."-Akatsuki said as Suletta kept looking at Akatsuki's face, both almost touching noses. Both of their hearts pounding like crazy. 'This is wrong, and you know it.'-Suletta's subconscious said but the redhead at this point wouldn't listen to anyone, not even Miorine or her Mother.
"Suki…can I give you one more gift?"-Suletta asked, but before Akatsuki could reply he felt her lips pressing onto his own. Closing his eyes he allowed himself to be engulfed in the pure emotion. Suletta did the same as her own eyes closed, with her hands traveling to Akatsuki's neck. She then felt a pair of strong hands pulling her by the waist as Akatsuki kept his firm grip. Both just stood there…not caring about the embarrassment in the future, not caring about the fact that soon they would run out of oxygen. They didn't care as for a moment it felt like the universe disappeared around them, nothing but them. Two young people in love, although not ready to say it or to fully commit and both knew it. But for now, everything was right with the world. All alone on a balustrade with only a Gundam frame watching them. Nothing to say, nothing to ask, no confusing philosophical thoughts to cloud their minds. Not knowing what will happen in the next few months before they could proclaim their love to a woman they both love, but they would face it together. No matter how big of a threat it was. And with that…it was the best Christmas either of them could ask for.
CHAPTER 17: END
CHAPTER 17: EPILOGUE
"Remember to always brush your teeth in the morning, and to do your laundry two times a week, and to eat frequently and highly nutritious foods."-Atrra said as both she and Kudelia kept a tight hug on Akatsuki, now dressed in his school uniform and just about to board the TSC ship alongside Suletta, Miorine, Damon, Miru and Hibiki were about to begin their trip back to Asticassia.
"Mom, Mama, you're embarrassing me."-Akatsuki said as Atrra and Kudelia backed away from him before pointing towards Hibiki, who was currently being squished alive by Eco.
"Remember to call me every day, watch your back every day, sleep full eight hours, always stick to your siblings, did I mention call me every day?"-Eco asked keeping tight grip on her daughter, now also dressed in a freshly delivered Asticassia uniform.
"Yes Mom, I promise…I'll call you when I reach the school. Don't worry…I love you."-Hibiki said as she separated from Eco, walking away from her mom waving at her even after entering the ship. Completely ignoring tear-eyed Eco Atrra and Kudelia kept looking at their son.
"Right, at least we're not squishing you alive."—Kudelia said before Akatsuki once again enveloped both women into a tight hug. Akatsuki then let them go before turning towards his father, Mikazuki walked up towards his son and shook his hand before bringing him into a hug.
"Good luck, it was good to have you home during Christmas."-Mikazuki said as Akatsuki backed away from his father. With a smile he looked at his parents with a smile.
"It's going to be alright, I'm sure of it. I love you all."-Akatsuki said as he entered the ship, with his feet stepping onto the ship marking the sign to close the hatch. Watching the waving faces of his parents until the Altland left the docking space. His eyes now looking at the stars. With a new suit, backup and recharged batteries. He was ready to face whatever school had to throw at him.
CHAPTER 17: EPILOGUE: END
A/N: We're back! Back again, Akatsuki is back, tell a friend! Yeah, almost three months break between chapters is a really long time. But school begun and I didn't have much time to write as it is my hardest school year yet. Henceforth such a long break and the fact I have a second story plus working on bringing back HS. But yeah, we're ending another filler arc with the next chapter we come back to school where hijinks ensue. From various stunts of Secelia to weird pranks by Yushura. Let's just say that the next couple of chapters will feel a little bit more wacky before we will get to the Plant Quetta arc and the next and last major filler arc of Demon Incarnate before the sequel story. Until then, take care! And as always I don't own Gundam, that belongs to Bandai and Sunrise.