IV: Ballad of Reconciliation

Author's Note: Well, I haven't written a GSD fanfiction for awhile. Since I was busily writing on another category.

But this story, is still the second of my most popular stories, so I decided to give it one last chapter.

You really don't have to review, although I will be happier if you do.

Just reading this, will be alright.

I wanted to make this one of the best story that I ever made, so I may need your support.

Unlike the rest of the chapters, this is now completely AU. This story now takes place a few years after GSD. I'm not telling how many though...It's up to your imagination. :)

Now, Here is the postlude of, The Ballad of Reconciliation and the Prologue of Eternal Vows...Hope you'll love this.

- Postlude of Assurance -

-PLANTs-

Sometime later, after the war, things had finally began to settle down.

Here on PLANTs, the people, we Coordinators are now being accustomed with the people from Earth.

In order to settle things down, we slowly sent people from Earth, which we called them as Naturals, here in PLANTs.

At first, our people were very anxious about all of this.

It was understandable, since we had some misunderstanding from the past. But I'm thankful that they've come to accept this new policy and adapt quickly with them.

Now, Naturals and Coordinators are a thing of the past, Now we all stood as equals. We are equals, with the same beliefs and with the same dreams.

We live as one kind, We laugh together, grief together and also, stand up and move forward together.

We are the same... We are humans...

- Lacus P.O.V -

" Kira..." I called out as Kira came running around the corner, I giggled as he clumsily made his way towards my desk.

" Yes, Chairwoman Clyne...? " Kira said as I giggled once more. " Kira? It's okay. You can drop the formalities when we are alone..." I said as he laughed sheepishly.

" Sorry about that, Lacus...I guess that it did felt awkward..." Kira spoke as I smiled.

" Don't worry about it, Relax..." I said as he took a deep breath, then I opened a compartment of my desk and took a out letter.

" Instead, take a look at this. " I said as I handed the letter to him.

" Uh, Alright? " He said as he took the letter from me.

Then he opened it and read it thoroughly, " Let's see..."

" Oh, It's a letter from, Mwu and Murrue..." He uttered as he looked at me, I smiled and nodded in reply.

I saw him read and analyze the letter carefully, Then I saw his lips curved to form a smile.

I couldn't help but smile as well.

" I see...It's been two long, but they finally managed to go through with it. They're getting married...Two weeks from now? " Kira said smiling broadly as he returned the letter back to me.

I took it from him and returned it to where it was before. After that I returned my attention to him and smiled.

" You seem to be happy...Are you as excited as me, perhaps? " I asked as I saw him nod and smiled back.

" Of course...After all it's been awhile, since we've last seen one another and went our separate ways. " He said as he sat down on a vacant chair near my desk.

" I'm quite curious and maybe even a little bit of anxious to return to Earth, once again." He added.

I nodded and smiled, " It's been long...But I guess it will also be a great and wonderful reunion. " I said as Kira shrugged his shoulders and smiled back.

" Who knows, They're probably wondering about the same thing. " He said as I nodded.

Then I closed my eyes and leaned my head to my hair and relaxed, I placed my right hand on my forehead and spoke, " I guess, we'll find out after a few days. " I said as I opened my eyes and looked at Kira.

" Yeah... " Kira replied as he nod.

" I've already cancelled all our appointments for that special day, Another thing, I've already informed our ' bodyguards ' about this and they okay with it, They're even as excited as we are. " I said happily,

" But..." I added, and soon stop and frowned and think for awhile, Kira looked at me, confused and concerned.

" What is it? Is there something wrong? " Kira asked me as he held my hand and gently rubbed against it with his thumb.

I smiled and shook my head, I giggled and look at him lovingly, " It's nothing, Kira...I was just thinking about what to get Mwu and Murrue, for their wedding...Sorry for worrying you, for being silent so suddenly..." I said apologetically as he laughed sheepishly.

Then he shook his head, " It's okay...For a minute, I thought that...er...Never mind, I'm sure that we'll find a great gift by this few days, before their wedding. " Kira said reassuringly as I smiled and nodded.

" Yeah, You're probably right about that...I'm sure we will. " I said as I stood up and went towards the window, with Kira looking at me from behind, watching my every move.

I decided to gaze at the window and looked at the sceneries, soon I smiled.

It was really a nice view, Even at a distant, I could see the people walking outside cheerfully.

To see their faces, filled of joy and without any form of dismay, To lead them to a carefree and fulfilling life, free from worries and Destructions or wars.

That was our dream, It was our dream that we nourished and it has finally come to fruition.

Who could have known that the seed of our struggles would lead and turn to a bountiful and happy world, that we lived in today?

As soon as I thought about that, I haven't noticed that my eyes went teary, then a tear drop, falls from my eyes.

Kira then suddenly caught it and wiped away the rest with his thumb. I turned to look at him, as soon as I did, I saw him flashed a reassuring and loving smile.

I smiled and returned my glance at the window and leaned my back against his chest and he embraced me from behind.

Then we soon relaxed, as both of us stared at the beautiful scenery, together.

" I guess all our toils, hard work and sacrifices has been well rewarded, I hope that the people of today, will reflect on this, peaceful times and leave the shadows of the past and moved forward and may they treasure and cherish this...always..." Kira replied as I smiled.

We stayed in that position for awhile and silently gazed outside, but then, I suddenly wondered and broke the silent,

" I wonder what Athrun and Cagalli are doing, right now? " I asked as I looked back to see Kira's face.

I was surprise as I saw him grin, " If I recall my sister, well...I'd say that she's probably complaining about work. But after a lot of nagging, I'd say that she'll be alright.

I remember the times I had to endure her rants...Athrun is probably experiencing that a lot by now...My sister can be stubborn...Oh wait, I guess both of them are...They'll be fine..." Kira said jokingly as I lightly elbowed him as he laughed.

Then I turned my body and faced him, then I flashed a smile, " Don't be silly..." I said as I embraced him.

" I wasn't really kidding...But I'm sure they're well. Don't worry about them. " Kira said as he tightened my embrace and leaned his head against mine.

Soon afterwards, we broke our embrace and stared lovingly at each other's eyes.

" You feeling better? " He asked as I looked at him, surprised. Then I smiled, " Yes..." I said.

Then he leaned down and kissed me softly on my forehead, then we embraced once more, this time I leaned my ear against his chest and listened to his heartbeat, Then I relaxed in his arms.

I closed my eyes and smiled, I could feel him do the same. " To feel relax and safe like this. To live freely, without disdain and restrictions. Together, with the one's we love. I wish for this to always, last." Kira said as I smiled and nodded. " Yeah..."

Then we turned back to look at the scenery outside the window, once more.

I vow and pledge that I will do my very best that this peaceful nation will never falter. I pray for this to never end.

- ORB -

Some time later, many things had happened,

It wasn't easy but we managed to endure through it all.

The pain...The tears...and the sorrow of the war, has long been tossed aside and wiped out. Hoping that, it will never return.

Once, The Bonding of a Natural and a Coordinator was said to be impossible.

But, I never really believe in that, never had and never will.

Nowadays, As far as I could see it, Both races seems to be doing well.

No longer at arms and now, both groups see each other as inseparable allies and trustworthy comrades.

Each having their own personalities and abilities.

Naturals and Coordinators?

That's simply from the past, now that's history... Now...

We are simply all called, Humans...

- Cagalli's P.O.V. -

" I wish that, this would end..." I said dejectedly as I forced myself to walk at the lonely corridors.

Though I am used to it by now...work is still very stressful and even such a pain at times.

Even though there are fewer problems, nowadays. There are still frequent boring meetings and a dozen stack of papers to file.

And even if the meeting for today are finally over, I've yet to relax or even eat a decent meal.

Because as I reach my office, I have to indulge myself with mountains of paperwork that's in store for me as I get back.

I sighed dejectedly as I reached my office, I was just about to open the door, when someone suddenly held my wrist and stopped me from doing so.

I turned my head around to look at him curiously, I then saw his face full of concern.

" What are you doing? " He asked. I shrugged my shoulders, " Opening the door to my office...What do you think I was doing? " I said sarcastically.

He sighed, then flashed a knowing smile. " I didn't mean that..." He said as he scratched his head, laughing sheepishly.

" Won't you at least get something to eat, first? " He added as his face changed again, filled of concern.

Then my eyes soften and sighed, " I will...later. First I have to finish at least one stack of paper and file them. " I said as I opened the door and went inside.

He followed me from behind and as he closed the door, I went towards my desk.

" You'll probably forget to eat again..." He said as he went towards the drawers and got a stack of papers.

Then he went near me and placed the papers on my desk. I took it from him and began reading it.

" Why don't you go ahead and get something to eat? You really don't have to bear this with me. " I said without looking at him, since I continued to read the papers.

" No, it's alright...I'll wait. " He replied as he sat on a chair near my desk and looked at what I was doing, smiling.

I looked up to look at him with questioning eyes, " You really don't have to do that...I'll be fine. " I said as he shrugged his shoulders.

" If I did that and left you, you would just probably suppressed your hunger and that's not healthy. You have to eat. " He replied as I raised an eyebrow and looked at him curiously.

" What are you, my mother? " I said sarcastically. Trying hard to look irritated but I couldn't help but smile.

He was still smiling, then he spoke, " If I have to be...Do you want me to prepare you a nice meal and hand feed you, for you to eat? " He teased.

" Very funny..." I replied as I rolled my eyes in irritation.

" It is...and I'll continue to remark, till you eat. " He said with a weird expression on his face.

Though I should have been irritated, I can't help but laugh along with him.

" Really, Athrun...Why are you so persistent? " I said as I shook my head.

Then he shrugged his shoulders, " Really, Cagalli...Why are you so stubborn? " he replied with a smirk on his face.

I blushed and looked away, I don't know what else to say as a counter attack...

" Zip it, Zala... " I manage to say.

He simply grinned and teased, " Alright...Yes, Representative Athha. "

Then he laughed, I was just about to throw my pen at him and stood up, when the door to my office opened.

She knocked on the door and got our attention, as we looked back and see who it was, It was Milly and she waved her hand in greeting.

" Am I disturbing in a way? " She asked as she entered the room, with a wide smile on her face.

" No, not at all..." I said as I sat down on my chair and calmed myself down. Though I tried ignoring, It's hard not to get irritated, seeing Athrun smirking at me. So I secretly glared at him.

" So what brings you here, Milly? " I asked, ignoring Athrun. Milly smiled and got something out of her bag and got out a letter.

" Here! " She said as she handed the letter, Athrun took it from her.

" A note? " Both me and Athrun uttered.

Then he opened the letter and took out the paper as he read it.

I leaned in closer to read the contents and pulled Athrun closer to me so I can see it more clearly.

And we both saw that the letter was about Mwu and Murrue's wedding, which will be held two weeks from now.

" Surprised? I was too...I've just visited them a little earlier, today.

They seem to be very excited. " Milly said as we put the note down.

" So, how are the kids? " I suddenly asked as Milly looked at me and smiled.

" They're fine. And I think that they are even more excited than the bride and groom. " Milly replied as me and Athrun smiled.

" Really? Is that so... " I said as Milly nodded.

Then she gasped, " I almost forgot...Murrue said that they would like to say hi and told me, that given the chance...you should visit them. She said that the children are asking for you guys to come. " Milly said.

" Ah, maybe we will..." I said as Athrun nodded, " When we're done with work here, We'll pay a visit. " He added.

Milly smiled and nodded. Then she turned around and went towards the door.

She opened it and went outside, Then she looked back, " That will be nice. Sorry, but I have to go now...I still have to find a nice gift...See you guys at the wedding! " Milly said as we waved goodbye and said our thanks for delivering the letter.

Then she left the room and closed the door. " By the way...What are we going to get them as well? " Athrun asked me as I look at him.

Then I shrugged my shoulders and decided to read and sign the papers.

" I don't know...We'll probably find something nice, these days before the wedding..." I said as I continued to read and sign the papers.

Then Athrun stood up and began fixing the papers that I have just recently signed and filed them neatly.

I looked at him curiously and asked, " Um...What are you doing? " He looked at me and smiled.

" Helping you finish earlier, so we can get a bite to eat sooner..." Then he smirk, " What do you think I was doing? " He teased.

I was a bit shocked that he used my own words against me.

" Amusing, Zala..." I said, irritated as he laughed at me. Then he smiled lovingly at me, making me feel embarrassed all of the sudden.

So I continued to work, hiding my blush by burying my face on the stacks of papers.

Then I glanced at him, working on the papers and filing the papers neatly.

Though he can be irritating at times, stubborn and persistent...We can be quite a like, now that I see it...

Now that I think about it, It was pretty boring here, before...before he came back to me.

If the future will be filled with this idiot...My idiot's amusing and quite irritating remarks.

Then I'll comply, wishing that, that would be it...Because I wouldn't ask for anything else or more.

Then I smiled, I began to get curious and wonder, what the future has in store for all of us?

I am truly grateful that all is well.

Then I stood up and went near Athrun and kissed him on his cheeks, " Thank you, Athrun..."

" Your welcome, princess..." He said with a goofy smile as I lightly punched him on his arm.

Soon we both find ourselves laughing together.

Then I looked at him, smiling broadly and took a deep breath, thankful that he's here...

My eyes began to feel heavy...then I don't know why but tears fell from my eyes, Athrun saw this and embraced me.

I rest my head on his chest and he leaned his head on top of my head, then we relaxed and find comfort, basking in the warmth of our embrace.

I thought that I lost him...I thought that it was impossible...I thought that this would never happen...But I guess fate has its ways.

I was very fortunate that he never stopped believing and he never gave up on me and I know I will too.

I vow and pledge that, I will protect everyone that is important to me from any harm or danger.

After all, I have the strength and courage to do so, since they're with me...guiding me...always.

- A few hours later, at the Orphanage -

Now that the war has long been over, life have began to go back to normal.

But it is neither dull nor boring, after all, even if the fighting ceased. everyday, you always learn something new.

Tomorrow will always be a mystery and that is what makes it fun.

Be it Naturals or Coordinators, We can never tell what the future holds in store for all of us.

Because no matter what we call ourselves...No matter who we are...

We can never predict what will happen next, and that makes it exciting.

Because we will continue to grow and learn something new together as we faced a new day.

Though we may never know what the future holds, We will always strive for a wonderful future...together.

Because we are humans...

- Murrue's P.O.V. -

The children were happily playing outside, with Mwu watching over them as I prepared lunch.

As I was done preparing the last sets of dishes at the table, I opened the window and called them in.

" Everyone, lunch's ready! " I said loud enough for the group to hear.

The children cheered happily as they entered hurriedly to the kitchen. As they got here, they carefully sat on the chairs at the kitchen table.

While I was busily putting the dishes at the table, Mwu entered the kitchen and gave me a peck at the lips.

" You're a lifesaver, this kids were nearly ripping me apart..." He said with a wide smile as I smiled back.

Then we went towards the table, as he offered me a chair before he himself sat down, " So what's the menu, chief? " Mwu asked as he eyed the food.

" Just the usual...The simple delicacies I usually prepare. " I said as I gave him a dish.

He looked at me and smiled, " Simple things are the best. " He said as he got the plate, " Wow, this looks good. " He added as I smiled at him.

Then we watched the children began eating vigorously, we smiled at them, we just loved spending time with these hyper active kids.

Then we too, began to eat lunch.

Occasionally listening to the children busily talking to each other, watching them tease and laughed at one another.

As soon as we were done, the children helped me clean the dishes as Mwu alongside the rest cleaned the table.

Then when we were finished tidying up, we decided to go to the living room and relaxed.

The kids were busily running around at first, but I warned them that they may hurt themselves, so they decided to settle down on the floor.

I watched them curiously, they were making some colorful cards and adorable drawings.

Mwu soon entered the room as a child near him and gave him something.

I saw Mwu took it and he read it, then he smiled and made his way towards me.

He gave it to me, and I took it from his and curiously wondered what that could be.

Then as I saw what it was all about...I can't help but smile.

It was a drawing, with all of us. Me and Mwu together with them at the middle of the picture.

Above it was outer space, with a cone shaped planet. Probably PLANTs I thought...above the planet was Kira and Lacus, waving happily. Around them was a large green bird.

Then at the bottom of the picture was a large Island, There were a large circle of people, at the middle of the group was Athrun and Cagalli, standing side by side and hand in hand.

" It's beautiful..." I said as I handed the drawing back to it's creator.

Then I watched as the child went towards Mwu and whispered something.

Mwu smiled and sat on the sofa, near me and showed me the picture once more as the children huddled closer to look at us eagerly.

Then I watched as Mwu pointed the drawing above, the one with Kira and Lacus,

" There's more to the drawing, this picture does represent, PLANTs...But what's the green bird for? Well aside from being Kira's mechanical pet bird...As this little creative boy said..." Mwu said as he ruffled the hair of the boy who made the drawing.

The little boy laughed as he tried to removed Mwu's hand.

Then Mwu spoke again, " But the bird represents, Peace and freedom, Just like what PLANTs is right now.

With the lead of Kira and Lacus, everything about PLANTs is peaceful now, since all the people are free to cope with others, be it from space or on earth.

Because there are no misunderstanding on both sides...the people are living very peacefully..." Mwu said as I nodded.

Then Mwu pointed on the bottom of the picture, the one with the circle of people holding hands, on the middle of the group were Athrun and Cagalli standing side by side.

" This picture represents, Unity and Trust...The group of people surround the large Islands, holding each others hands, means that they are happily living together...They are united.

ORB's basically the first country, who doesn't have anything against the people from PLANTs and till now, it remains intact.

As for Athrun and Cagalli being at the middle of the group, basically represents that very bond, a Natural and a Coordinator standing side by side.

And according to the little boy...It also represents the trust they have in one another, that even if they were separated their bond remained unscathed, even through the trials and hardships that they've face...

They managed to get through them all and now they by each others sides, willingly helping each other out as they protect the people around then that gives them the strength they needed to do so. " Mwu said as I patted the little boy.

Then I look at the middle of the picture, the one where we are. " So, what does this picture represents? " I asked as Mwu smiled at the little boy.

The little boy nodded and spoke, " The one were we are in...represents the heart of the whole picture...

We are already like a large big family...We are happy being in each others company and we learn new things together...

The one in the middle represents that the whole picture is, a one big family that are happily United and they Trust each other very much...

We live Peacefully, because we are Free to be with each other, no matter what our race is...no matter who we are...

We will always be together...As one whole Family! " The little boy said happily as I clapped my hands in amazement.

" That's very wonderful...How did you managed to think about this? " I asked curiously as the boy grinned.

" Well, I basically got the inspiration from everyone and also, its more of a thank you...Thank you for taking good care of us! " The little boy said as my eyes felt teary.

I decided to embraced the young boy and let my tears fall. " We loved being with you guys...and we are thankful for having you. " I said as Mwu patted my back reassuringly.

After that, the kids spent their time drawing and talking about one another.

As Mwu and I sat down side by side, I placed my head on his shoulders as we spent time watching over the children.

Then after a few hours, they all fell asleep. They are probably tuckered out by running around and talking loudly earlier.

So Mwu and I decided to carry the little ones to their bedroom.

Gently and Carefully placing each of them to their respective beds and tucking them in.

As soon as we were done, we softly made out way towards the door, careful not to wake them up.

We opened the door and went out as Mwu gently closed the door from behind.

Then we decided to went outside the Orphanage and sat down on a nearby armchair and soon we gazed at the ocean.

" It's very beautiful...Isn't it? " Mwu said as I nod.

Then a cold, comforting breeze passed by, I closed my eyes and relaxed.

" Yes...the ocean is really relaxing..." I said as Mwu grinned.

" Makes me want to jump in and enjoy the waves! " He said jokingly as I shook my head and soon smiled.

Then Mwu suddenly went silent and frowned, I wonder why so I asked, " Is there something, wrong? "

Then he looked at me earnestly, " Do you have any second thoughts about our wedding? " He asked as I shook my head.

" Why would I have regrets? I've never been happier...It's like a dream...After such a long time since I've lost you, I thought that it was impossible.

But then you came back to me...And I know that I'll always smile whenever I'm with you... " I said with a reassuring smile.

Mwu looked at me and smiled back.

" I never had second thoughts...and never will I ever regret, because I know that I will always be happy, being together with you...always. " I said as he smiled wider.

" I'm very happy to hear that..." He said as he stood up and walked towards me.

" I want you to know, how much that would mean to me..." He said as he knelt down before me.

" And I promised that you'll always be smiling like this when I'm with you...I love you, Murrue. Always have and always will. " Mwu said as he held my face.

I smiled and cupped his face with both of my hands as we look at each other lovingly, " I love you too..." I said as we kissed passionately.

Life may not be easy but I'll always face it with a smile.

Even If I don't know what is to come, I know that we can overcome it all...together.

No matter what happens, I vow and pledge that I'll always keep a positive mind and move forward.

- Fin -

Ballad of Reconciliation by Kairi Mayumi, ( カイリ-マユミ )

Author's Note: Thanks for reading this, I was supposedly going to write this as the beginning of another story, but I decided to just make it as Ballad of Reconciliation's Chapter four.

Sorry if there are some grammatical errors...It's natural. :D

Well, I doubt that this would have another chapter so...

Look forward to my next GSD story, Eternal Vows ... Which will be a multi-chapter story. Not a One-Shot.

By the way about, My M.V.P. I won't give up on it...I'll update it, soon.

Well, Thanks for reading this...and Thank you for the reviews.