The Starry Sky's Curtain Falls

The intertwining beam fire in space gradually thinned, and the once-raging energy storm subsided into a calm, leaving behind only debris-strewn mobile suits and a faint trace of powder smoke floating across the sky, looking exceptionally desolate against the cold metallic luster of Genesis. Mei Hock piloted the ZGMF-X17A Justicar Gundam, slowly adjusting the mobile suit's posture. The shoulder armor bore several obvious damages, the edges still stained with charred marks scorched by purple beams, and the DRAGOON-7 pods on its back were slightly ajar. Of the seven small DRAGOON-7 remote weapons originally carried, only four still hovered around the mobile suit, their muzzle crimson lights dimmed considerably-during the peak close-quarters combat against Rau Le Creuset just moments prior, three DRAGOON-7 pods had been successively struck by the Providence Gundam's DRAGOON beams while intercepting the Providence's fatal attacks and covering the Justicar's evasive maneuvers, turning into countless fragments that dissipated into the vast expanse of space.

In contrast, the ZGMF-X13A Providence Gundam piloted by Rau Le Creuset was already battered and in a wretched state. The DRAGOON mounts on its back were completely destroyed; out of the eleven previously proud remote weapons, not a single one remained, either precisely destroyed by the Justicar's beams or reduced to dust in the mutual firepower collisions. Even more fatally, the Providence Gundam's left leg had completely vanished, severed ruthlessly from the hip joint, with internal wiring exposed to the open air and sparks occasionally sputtering out. The leaking purple energy formed faint traces of light, rendering its once-fluid maneuvering movements extremely stiff. It could only rely on the auxiliary thrusters on its back and waist to barely maintain suspension, every inch of movement accompanied by violent airframe tremors as if it were about to spiral entirely out of control and plummet in the next second.

Inside the cockpit, Rau Le Creuset's face was as pale as paper, his forehead covered in a fine layer of cold sweat, and a trace of blood still stained the corner of his mouth. The prolonged high-intensity combat, compounded by the violent jolting from the airframe's damage, pushed his already fragile body-weakened by genetic defects-beyond its limits. Waves of intense pain radiated from his limbs, and slight dizziness even began to blur his vision. Yet his gaze remained sharp, though that sharpness carried a few more shades of reluctance and desolation, and a few less of his past madness and chill. He operated the Providence Gundam, slowly raising the MA-M221 Beam Rifle in his hand. The muzzle remained trained on the Justicar Gundam, yet he did not immediately launch an attack, merely firing off a few scattered purple beams intermittently. Their force was weak and their trajectories deflected, clearly devoid of their former precision and potency, resembling more an impotent venting of frustration.

"Hahaha... Hahaha..." A hoarse and sorrowful laughter echoed across the entire battlefield through the public communication channel. The laughter was laden with endless reluctance and self-mockery, mixed with a hint of despair, reverberating in the empty space and sounding exceptionally grating. "I never expected... truly never expected... that I, Rau Le Creuset, would still end up losing to you... Mei Hock... I refuse to accept this!"

Rau Le Creuset's laughter gradually subsided, finally turning into a heavy sigh, his tone laden with melancholy. "I plotted for so long, believing I could control everything, believing I could personally end this chaotic world... Yet in the end, I still lost, losing a complete and utter defeat..."

Akira operated the Justicar Gundam, slowly turning sideways to evade yet another scattered beam fired by the Providence Gundam. That beam grazed the Justicar's leg, striking a small piece of cosmic debris in the distance and producing only a feeble explosion without posing any substantive threat. He did not seize the opportunity to launch an attack; instead, he slowly lowered the Justicar's firepower output, setting the back thrusters to low-power operation. The mobile suit hovered steadily opposite the Providence Gundam, maintaining a safe distance from it. Akira's gaze was calm and gentle, devoid of the joy of victory or mockery of the enemy, bearing only a clarity of insight into everything. His voice rang out through the communication channel, steady and resonant, clearly carrying into Rau Le Creuset's ears: "Rau Le Creuset, I know you are unwilling, and I know everything you have experienced."

Pausing briefly, Akira continued, his tone carrying a bit more understanding and empathy: "I know you were cloned, a clone of Al Da Flaga. From the very moment you were born, you were branded with the label of a 'copy,' living under the shadows of others without a identity of your own, without a life of your own, and even your lifespan was bound by genetic defects, destined to be brief. I know you loathe this fate, loathe being manipulated, loathe this world that fails to treat clones as human beings. That is why you plotted all of this, why you wanted to spark war, wanting to use extreme methods to shatter this damned destiny, wanting to prove that you are no one's copy, and wanting to possess an existential meaning of your own."

Inside the cockpit, Rau Le Creuset trembled all over. His previously turbid eyes instantly turned sharp as he stared fixedly at the silver-white Justicar Gundam on the screen. His tone was filled with shock and disbelief, his voice so hoarse he could barely speak. "You... how could you possibly know these things? These matters are extremely secretive; aside from the core personnel involved in the cloning project, absolutely no one knows. How could you possibly understand them so clearly?"

He had always believed that his origins were his greatest secret, the deepest scar within his heart. He had never mentioned it to anyone, nor had he ever imagined that anyone could know everything about him so clearly-knowing he was a clone, knowing his genetic defects, knowing the pain and reluctance in his heart, and knowing the initial motives behind all his schemes. This feeling of being thoroughly seen through, of having no secrets left, filled his heart with unease, yet vaguely carried an unperceived trace of a flutter-perhaps this person before him truly could understand him, and truly could offer him a different path out.

Akira looked at the slightly trembling airframe of the Providence Gundam on the screen, sensing the shock and struggle within Rau Le Creuset's heart. He nodded slowly, his tone firm and sincere: "I know more than you imagine. Over these years, I have secretly investigated materials related to the cloning project and have constantly sought methods to resolve clone genetic defects. I can tell you clearly, I have solutions for all of this. I have already reached a deep cooperation with the East Asian Republic, and their top scientific research team has successfully developed medication capable of repairing your genetic defects."

"Medication?" Rau Le Creuset muttered to himself, a trace of confusion flashing across his eyes, instantly replaced by an intense craving. "What you said is true? There really is medication that can repair my genetic defects? I... I can still live on?" He had lived for so long plagued by genetic defects, enduring physical pain every day and dreading the arrival of death with each passing day. He had believed his life was destined to be short, believing he would eventually die in resentment and despair, never imagining that the possibility of continuing to live still existed.

"That's right, it's true." Akira's tone remained steadfast, providing Rau Le Creuset with the utmost confidence. "While this medication cannot completely eradicate your genetic defects or grant you a full lifespan like a normal person, it is sufficient to repair the damaged genetic chains within your body, alleviate your physical suffering, and extend your lifespan by at least another thirty years."

Saying this, Akira paused slightly, his tone growing a bit gentler as he spoke candidly: "Of course, this medication does come with certain side effects-after using it, you will lose your reproductive capacity and be unable to have descendants of your own. This is a technical limitation that cannot be overcome at present; I must inform you in advance so you can make your choice."

Rau Le Creuset fell silent, and the cockpit plunged into dead silence. Losing reproductive capacity and being unable to have descendants of one's own was a heavy blow to anyone. Yet for him, compared to the prospect of being able to live on, compared to breaking free from the shackles of genetic defects and casting off the destiny of a clone, this side effect seemed to hold far less importance. He had lived alone for so long, never burdened by attachments or aspiring to build a family of his own. For him, gaining a complete life of his own, one no longer lived under the shadow of another, was already more than enough.

Watching Rau Le Creuset's silent posture, Akira did not urge him, simply waiting quietly for his reply while maintaining his vigilance, piloting the Justicar Gundam to stand ready for any sudden movements the Providence Gundam might make. He knew that Rau Le Creuset was suspicious by nature; making him completely trust him was no easy task.

After a long while, Rau Le Creuset finally spoke slowly, his tone carrying a trace of relief alongside an imperceptible hint of anticipation: "Losing reproductive capacity is nothing. Compared to death, compared to living beneath the shadows of others for a lifetime, I can bear this price." He paused, his gaze locked onto the Justicar Gundam on the screen, his tone brimming with urgency. "Everything you said is true? I really can live another thirty years? I really can break free from the destiny of a clone and no longer live under the shadow of Al Da Flaga?"

"That's right, you can live once more." Akira's tone was firm and sincere, a trace of expectation in his eyes. "This world already holds too many tragedies-the nuclear explosion of Junius Seven and the outbreak of war have driven Coordinators and Naturals to view each other with hostility and slaughter one another. How many families have been shattered, how many people left homeless? There are still so many like you, manipulated by fate and treated as tools. And my goal is to prevent such tragedies from repeating, to spare more people from enduring the pain you have suffered, and to stop more individuals from being shackled by destiny. You are neither the first nor the last; I will do everything in my power to help everyone facing adversity just like you, to end this endless hatred and war, and to build a world that is truly fair, peaceful, and inclusive."

Akira's words were like a beam of light illuminating the darkness and despair within Rau Le Creuset's heart. He had lived so long immersed in hatred and resentment, believing that no one in this world could understand him or offer him a way out, believing he could only walk a single dark path of extremism until death claimed him. Yet at this moment, Akira's words reignited hope within his heart, making him feel for the very first time that perhaps this world was not as dark as he had imagined, and perhaps he truly could possess a life of his own and break free from the shackles of fate.

Rau Le Creuset fell silent for a fleeting instant, his mind racing as he weighed Akira's words and contemplated his own future. He knew Akira had no reason to deceive him-at this point, he possessed nothing, his mobile suit ruined and his combat capability entirely lost, rendering him completely devoid of any utilitarian value. If Akira wanted him dead, it would be as easy as turning over a hand; there was no need to waste so many words fabricating a lie to trick him. Furthermore, Akira's gaze was sincere and steadfast, devoid of the slightest hypocrisy or deceit. That expectation and resolve did not look feigned.

After a long while, Rau Le Creuset let out a slow sigh, his tone carrying a trace of release accompanied by a hint of compromise: "I believe you." Those four simple words encapsulated all his struggles and choices, holding a glimmer of anticipation for the future. "So now, how do you plan to wrap this up? Genesis's launch sequence is still ongoing, and whether Athrun and Cagalli can stop the launch remains an unknown; both sides on the battlefield are still slaughtering each other; and as for me, I am a cripple at this point. Remaining on the battlefield will only make me a burden to you, or worse, get discovered by others and bring you trouble."

Akira looked at the battered Providence Gundam on the screen, a knowing smile flashing in his eyes-he had anticipated that Rau Le Creuset would ask this question and had long since made thorough arrangements. Maintaining his steady tone, he spoke slowly: "Right now, you need to cooperate with me and pretend to be destroyed by my hands. Next, we will continue our dogfight, and you will deliberately expose an opening to allow me to pierce the Providence's cockpit area with a beam saber. Then, I will seize the opportunity to push the Providence directly in front of Genesis's muzzle."

At this, Akira paused, explaining in detail: "You should know that the Providence Gundam is a nuclear-powered mobile suit. Once its core reactor is pierced or subjected to violent energy shocks, it will trigger a massive explosion, one powerful enough to destroy Genesis's launch aperture. Genesis is currently undergoing its launch countdown; once its muzzle fires an energy beam that collides with the Providence's nuclear detonation, it will completely shatter Genesis's launch system, halting its attack on Earth and fundamentally ending this war."

Rau Le Creuset nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes-he had to admit that Akira's scheme was far more thorough and far-sighted than he had imagined. He had originally thought Akira merely wanted to kill him and halt his plans, never expecting that Akira had already planned to use the Providence's nuclear explosion to destroy Genesis and completely conclude this war.

"And you don't need to worry." Akira continued, his tone carrying a soothing touch: "I have already contacted the space fleet of the East Asian Republic in advance. They are already on their way here, tasked with clearing the battlefield and conducting humanitarian rescue operations. Once we execute the plan, and the Providence is pushed in front of Genesis's muzzle and is about to detonate, you will take the opportunity to activate the Providence's escape pod, leave the cockpit, drift briefly in space, and transmit a pre-set distress signal. Upon receiving the signal, the East Asian Republic's fleet will immediately dispatch personnel to rescue you and secretly bring you back to the East Asian Republic, completely undetected by anyone."

"Secretly bring me back to the East Asian Republic?" Rau Le Creuset muttered, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes. "Then what happens to me afterward? Under what identity am I supposed to live? I am, after all, a deserter from ZAFT with blood on my hands; neither the Earth Alliance nor ZAFT will let me go."

"You don't need to worry about that." Akira's tone was firm, providing Rau Le Creuset with the utmost reassurance: "The East Asian Republic will arrange a brand-new identity for you, one where no one knows who you are, allowing you to live in peace within the East Asian Republic and do whatever you wish. You can choose to live in anonymity, finding a quiet place to spend the remaining thirty years of your life far from war and hatred, living a peaceful life of your own; or you can choose to remain in the military, joining the armed forces of the East Asian Republic or entering my Silver Wing fleet."

At this, a trace of anticipation colored Akira's tone: "Of course, I still hope you will stay in the military and remain by my side. My subsequent plans will still require your assistance. You possess exceptional tactical command capabilities, rich battlefield experience, and a deeper understanding of the internal affairs of ZAFT and the Earth Alliance. With you here, I can better advance my plans, eradicate hatred, and build peace. Moreover, I believe you are not willing to spend the rest of your life in such mediocrity either; you want to accomplish something meaningful, truly prove your worth, and make this world slightly different because of you."

Rau Le Creuset fell silent, his mind racing as he pondered Akira's words and considered his future. Living in anonymity and spending his remaining days in peace was certainly stable, allowing him to stay far away from war and hatred, but that was not the life he desired. He had lived this long constantly proving himself and seeking his own existential meaning; he was unwilling to die in obscurity, unwilling for his life to be so utterly unremarkable. Akira's words struck a chord deep within his heart-he truly was unsatisfied, and he indeed wanted to accomplish something meaningful, to genuinely prove his worth, to shake off the label of a "clone," and to make the world remember the name Rau Le Creuset rather than a mere copy of Al Da Flaga.

After a long while, Rau Le Creuset slowly raised his head, his gaze turning resolute. His tone carried a trace of determination along with a hint of gratitude: "You thought this far ahead and made arrangements beforehand; losing to you is hardly a disgrace." He paused, his voice hoarse yet firm: "Since you saved me, gave me a chance to live once more, and granted me an opportunity to prove my worth, then from now on, this life of mine belongs to you. Henceforth, I, Rau Le Creuset, shall follow your lead. I will unconditionally execute any command you give, and I will fully cooperate with any plan you make, even if it means being shattered to pieces, and I will never back down."

Hearing Rau Le Creuset's words, a satisfied smile flashed in Akira's eyes-he knew he had succeeded. Not only had he successfully persuaded Rau Le Creuset and gained a powerful assistant, but more importantly, he had prevented another tragedy and found a brand-new path for someone manipulated by fate.

"Good." Akira's tone was firm and powerful: "Starting today, we are comrades, fighting side by side to end hatred, establish peace, and forge a future of our own devoid of tragedies."

"Comrades?" Rau Le Creuset murmured, a trace of warmth flashing in his eyes. For the very first time in his life, he felt the weight of the word "comrade," realizing for the first time that he was no longer alone, and that his life finally possessed a direction. He nodded slowly, his voice resolute: "That's right, comrades!"

With those words spoken, the two exchanged no further pleasantries, immediately moving to execute their plan. The battlefield, which had recently tended toward calm, grew intense once more, though this time their attacks possessed a shared tacit understanding while lacking any fatal intent. Rau Le Creuset operated the Providence Gundam, deliberately slowing its maneuvering speed and putting on a display of stubborn resistance coupled with powerlessness. The beam rifle in his hand continued to fire off purple beams that remained scattered and feeble, intentionally steering clear of the Justicar's vital areas. Meanwhile, Akira operated the Justicar Gundam, feigning a strenuous defense while searching for the right timing to coordinate with Rau Le Creuset's performance.

The MA-M21KF High-Energy Beam Rifle held by the Justicar Gundam erupted with a crimson beam, precisely striking the Providence Gundam's right shoulder armor. The already-damaged plating was instantly blown open with a massive hole, sending sparks flying and worsening the energy leak. The Providence Gundam staggered backward as if struck and thrown off balance, its severed leg sputtering another burst of heavy sparks while its airframe shuddered violently, looking as though it could plummet at any moment.

"Right now!" Akira muttered inwardly, his fingertips shoving the control stick forward as the Justicar Gundam's main back thrusters flared at maximum output, leaving a long trail of crimson propulsion fire across space as the mobile suit surged forward like an unleashed arrow toward the Providence Gundam. Simultaneously, the beam saber in the Justicar's hand snapped out instantly, the crimson beam condensing into a razor-sharp blade gleaming with blinding light as it thrust viciously toward the Providence Gundam's cockpit sector.

Rau Le Creuset's eyes sharpened as he immediately operated the Providence Gundam to tilt slightly sideways, exposing a weakness in the cockpit zone while slowing his defensive reaction. "Slash-!" The crimson beam saber pierced effortlessly through the hull plating of the Providence Gundam's cockpit, the sharp blade driving deep into the interior while deliberately steering clear of Rau Le Creuset's position, inflicting zero harm upon him.

"Ugh-!" Rau Le Creuset let out a painful, hoarse, and shrill cry, perfectly portraying the excruciating pain and despair of being struck. At the same time, he operated the Providence Gundam to put up a struggling posture, its frame shuddering violently as if attempting to break free from the Justicar's grasp, only to prove completely powerless.

Without a moment's hesitation, seizing the window of the Providence's "struggle," Akira applied force to his fingertips once more. Controlling the Justicar Gundam, he gripped the beam saber with both hands and pushed forward with all his might, shoving the Providence Gundam's airframe step by step toward Genesis's launch muzzle. Driven relentlessly by the Justicar, the Providence Gundam continuously collided with floating space debris along the way, armor fragments shedding off continuously as it looked thoroughly wretched, having completely lost its former prestige.

Inside Genesis, the countdown for the launch sequence had entered its final ten seconds. On the central console's screen, the red numbers ticked down with increasing glare, while orange-red energy concentrated within the core of the barrel, growing thicker and more blinding. The entire airframe of Genesis shuddered violently, the roaring din of its machinery operating reaching an unprecedented peak, as if the terrifying energy made the very cosmos tremble in fear.

Piloting the Justice Gundam, Athrun remained stationed before the central console. The self-detonation sequence had already been initiated, casing the mobile suit in a glaring white light as the energy of its nuclear reactor rapidly accumulated, threatening to detonate at any moment. Piloting the Strike Rouge Gundam, Cagalli remained positioned directly in front of the Justice, her cockpit hatch standing wide open. Extending her hand with a gaze full of resolve and gentleness, she stared fixedly at the Justice's cockpit, calling out Athrun's name repeatedly: "Athrun, get out of here with me! Let's leave together, there has to be another way-I won't let you die!"

Athrun looked at Cagalli standing in the cockpit doorway, his eyes filled with overwhelming emotion and reluctance as tears streamed down his cheeks. How he wished he could leave this place with her, how he wished he could stand by her side to protect the peace they desired, and how he wished he could spend every remaining day of his life with her. Yet he knew time had run out; Genesis's launch sequence could no longer be cancelled. Only the self-detonation of the Justice Gundam could destroy the central core module, halt Genesis's launch, save the Earth, and rescue everyone.

"Cagalli, I'm sorry." Athrun's voice was gentle yet resolute. "I cannot go with you. I must stay here; I have to stop Genesis from launching. Promise me you'll live on-for my sake, for everyone's sake-and protect the peace we wanted, safeguard this world we worked so hard together to defend."

"No, I won't agree!" Cagalli's tears instantly breached her defenses, her voice choked with sobs. "I want you to come with me, let's live on together and protect peace! Without you, what meaning does peace have? Without you, how am I supposed to go on living alone?"

Just as the two poured out their reluctance and determination to one another, the countdown for Genesis's launch finally hit zero! "Beep-!" A sharp prompt echoed throughout the interior of Genesis, and on the central console's screen, the red numbers completely vanished, replaced by a glaring line of text-"Launch sequence initiated, energy beam firing!"

The next second, Genesis's gigantic barrel instantly discharged an ultra-condensed, blindingly brilliant orange-red energy beam, carrying apocalyptic might as it roared toward Earth. This beam held terrifying energy; wherever it passed, space dust and debris were instantly vaporized without leaving a single trace behind, as if it intended to completely swallow the entire planet.

At that moment, Akira had successfully pushed the Providence Gundam directly in front of Genesis's muzzle. Pierced by the beam saber and suffering severe airframe damage, the Providence's core reactor had already begun to show signs of instability, its energy leak worsening by the second while its hull glowed with a faint purple radiance, threatening to detonate at any second.

"Rau, activate the escape pod now!" Akira's voice rang urgently in Rau Le Creuset's ears through the communication channel.

Rau Le Creuset's eyes sharpened. Without a moment's hesitation, he operated the Providence Gundam to trigger its escape mechanism. "Clang-!" The hatch of the Providence Gundam's cockpit instantly blew away, and a small escape pod ejected from within, darting out like a faint ray of light to rapidly flee the Providence and streak toward the deep reaches of space. Seated inside the escape pod, Rau Le Creuset quickly activated the pod's stealth cloaking device while transmitting a pre-set distress signal, after which he operated the pod to drift briefly in space while awaiting the rescue of the East Asian Republic's fleet.

Almost simultaneously with the ejection of Rau Le Creuset's escape pod, the orange-red energy beam fired by Genesis slammed fiercely into the frame of the Providence Gundam. As a nuclear-powered mobile suit whose core reactor was already unstable, being struck by this terrifying energy beam instantly triggered a massive nuclear detonation!

"Boom-!!!"

The violent explosion bloomed in space as an overwhelmingly blinding purple fireball, which continuously expanded to instantly engulf the entire muzzle region of Genesis. The might of the nuclear detonation far surpassed Akira's expectations, colliding with the orange-red energy beam fired by Genesis to generate an even more intense energy storm. The shockwave radiated outward, smashing all surrounding cosmic debris to pieces and even shearing Genesis's barrel clean off with its terrifying force.

The brilliant light of the explosion illuminated the cosmos, outshining even the stars and blindingly bright to the eye. Genesis's frame shuddered violently as its muzzle sector was utterly ruined, its launch system entirely destroyed, and the orange-red energy beam dissipated instantly into space, posing no further threat to Earth. Meanwhile, inside Genesis, the external explosion triggered a chain reaction of countless secondary blasts echoing one after another. The central console was completely obliterated, and Patrick Zala's corpse was swept away by the explosion's shockwave, vanishing into the sea of fire.

"Now!" On the bridge of the Archangel, Murrue Ramius's gaze sharpened as she instantly issued her command: "Main guns fully charged, Positron Blaster, lock on Genesis's core sector-fire!"

"Understood! Positron Blaster, firing!"

At the command, the Archangel's gigantic main gun instantly discharged an ultra-concentrated white energy beam carrying apocalyptic power, roaring directly toward Genesis's core sector. The might of this Positron Blaster was formidable, striking the core module of Genesis with pinpoint accuracy and utterly obliterating the core module, which was already compromised by the nuclear explosion.

"Boom-!!!"

Yet another massive explosion erupted inside Genesis, causing large areas of damage to spread across its hull. Countless fragments broke free from the structure, scattering outward into space. This colossal fortress, which had once decided humanity's fate and symbolized ZAFT's supreme military might, was reduced entirely to a field of ruins amidst the dual explosions, slowly plummeting toward the deep cosmos and losing all capability to threaten anyone ever again.

At the final moment of Genesis's detonation, Cagalli piloted the Strike Rouge Gundam and expended every ounce of her strength to pull Athrun out of the Justice Gundam's cockpit, hauling him rapidly into the Strike Rouge's cabin. Following this, she operated the Strike Rouge at maximum speed, rocketing out from within Genesis's interior to escape the hazardous zone.

Scarcely had the Strike Rouge Gundam cleared Genesis when a violent blast thundered behind it, sending fragments of Genesis raining down like droplets all around the mobile suit. Inside the cockpit, Athrun held Cagalli tightly in his arms, his body trembling slightly from lingering fear as tears slipped down his cheeks to drip onto Cagalli's shoulder. Cagalli hugged Athrun back just as fiercely, her tears flowing continuously while her face broke into a smile of survival.

"Athrun, we survived! We actually survived!" Cagalli's voice was choked with sobs yet brimmed with joy and excitement.

Athrun held Cagalli closely, nodding forcefully with a hoarse yet gentle voice: "Yeah, we survived, we both made it. Cagalli, thank you-thank you for not giving up on me, thank you for staying by my side."

"Idiot, how could I ever give up on you." Cagalli raised her head, wiping away the tears on her face to gaze into Athrun's eyes with a firm and tender expression. "We promised to live on together, to protect peace together, and to forge a future of our own. I would never let you stay behind alone, absolutely never."

The two embraced tightly, their tears mingling as their hearts filled with the joy of surviving catastrophe and a profound anticipation for the future. Amidst the floating wreckage and scattered explosions, the scene appeared remarkably warm and touching, resembling the brightest beam of light within this cruel war.

Meanwhile, in another sector of the battlefield, the Starry Sky commanded by Natarle Badgiruel was unleashing a final, concentrated barrage of fire upon the Dominion. Having already sustained heavy damage from previous engagements, the Dominion's shields had long since been pierced, its armor extensively breached, and its internal propulsion systems severely compromised. It could barely maintain suspension, entirely devoid of any counterattacking capability.

The Starry Sky's main guns continuously discharged blinding white energy beams while all secondary batteries targeted the Dominion simultaneously, unleashing beams that poured down upon the Dominion like a storm. Explosions resounded in rapid succession as the Dominion's hull was repeatedly battered by beam fire, armor shedding away continuously and internal detonations growing increasingly violent. The entire airframe shuddered intensely, threatening to plummet and break apart at any moment.

On the bridge of the Dominion, Azrael's face was deathly pale, his eyes filled with terror and despair. Watching the Starry Sky continue its frantic bombardment on the screen and seeing the Dominion being dismantled piece by piece, his heart was overwhelmed with resentment. He had plotted for so long, hoping to use the Earth Alliance's strength to completely annihilate PLANT, eradicate the Coordinators, and crown himself the master of this world. Yet in the end, he had met this very fate, failing to realize his ambitions while instead burying himself within this explosion.

"Quick! Activate the escape pod! I want to get out of here-hurry!" Azrael roared frantically, his voice laden with terror and urgency. He did not want to die; he had yet to fulfill his ambitions, he still wanted to control everything, and he wanted to live.

However, time had run out. The Starry Sky's main gun discharged yet another fatal white energy beam, striking the Dominion's core reactor with absolute precision. "Boom-!!!" A massive explosion instantly consumed the entire Dominion, swallowing its hull within a fireball as countless fragments scattered across space. Azrael, alongside every single crew member of the Dominion, was reduced completely to ash in the violent blast, leaving behind not a single trace.

On the bridge of the Starry Sky, Natarle Badgiruel looked at the screen displaying the Dominion reduced to ruins, her expression devoid of emotion, remaining icy and resolute. Closing her eyes slowly, she murmured to herself inwardly: Farewell, Dominion. Azrael, the sins you committed have finally received their rightful punishment, and this war should finally come to an end.

"Captain, the Dominion has been completely destroyed! Azrael had no chance to escape!" Meyrin's voice echoed through the bridge, carrying a hint of relief.

Natarle Badgiruel slowly opened her eyes, her gaze remaining steadfast, her voice cold and powerful: "Very well. Broadcast to the entire fleet: cease all attacks, shift to a defensive posture, and coordinate with the East Asian Republic's fleet to conduct battlefield cleanup and humanitarian rescue operations, saving all surviving soldiers, friend and foe alike."

"Understood!"

With the utter destruction of the Dominion and the complete ruin of Genesis, both friend and foe across the battlefield fell into a profound silence. All gunfire ceased, every mobile suit halted its combat engagements, and all eyes focused on the direction where Genesis had been reduced to ruins, filled with shock and release. This First War, which had dragged on for so long, caused countless casualties, and thrown the entire world into chaos, had finally reached its concluding moment.

At that very moment, the communication signal of the PLANT Supreme Council echoed across the cosmos, transmitting a steady and solemn voice through every communication channel to reach each individual with clarity and force: "Attention all PLANT citizens and ZAFT soldiers! Today, following an emergency session and vote, the PLANT Supreme Council has issued the following resolutions: First, Patrick Zala is hereby officially relieved of his position as PLANT Supreme Chairman, stripped of all authority, and divested of all military ranks and honors; due to his radical policies that ignited war and inflicted countless innocent casualties, committing unforgivable sins, he shall be held posthumously accountable. Second, all ZAFT forces are ordered to immediately halt all combat operations, lay down their weapons, transition to defensive and rescue postures, and refrain from launching any further active attacks against Earth Alliance forces or personnel. Third, we officially extend our sincere apologies to the Earth Alliance and to all nations and peoples harmed by the war, expressing our willingness to engage in peace talks with the Earth Alliance and all countries, negotiate post-war reconstruction, resolve hatred, and establish principles of fair coexistence to jointly build a world of peace, fairness, and inclusivity."

The announcement from PLANT rang out across the cosmos like a peal of thunder. Upon hearing the broadcast, all ZAFT soldiers wore expressions of relief, lowering their weapons one after another to halt their attacks, their eyes brimming with a longing for peace. They had grown weary of war, wearisome of slaughter, and tired of the pain of losing loved ones and homes; they yearned for peace, wished to return to normal lives, and desired reunion with their families.

Immediately afterward, the Earth Alliance's communication signal also swept across the cosmos, delivering the joint statement of the Atlantic Federation and the Eurasian Federation: "Attention all Earth Alliance citizens and soldiers! Today, following emergency consultations, the Atlantic Federation and the Eurasian Federation have reached the following resolutions: First, all Earth Alliance forces are ordered to immediately halt all combat operations, lay down their weapons, transition to defensive and rescue postures, and refrain from launching any further active attacks against ZAFT forces or personnel. Second, we formally accept the apology of the PLANT Supreme Council, expressing our willingness to engage in peace talks with PLANT and all Coordinators, cast aside hatred, resolve conflicts, and jointly negotiate post-war reconstruction, fair coexistence, and other related matters. Third, we will fully cooperate with the East Asian Republic to conduct humanitarian rescue operations, aiding all surviving soldiers and innocent personnel while vigorously promoting post-war reconstruction so that all those harmed by the war may return to their homes at the earliest opportunity."

Subsequently, the communication signal of the East Asian Republic resounded throughout space, carrying a gentle yet firm voice across the stars: "Attention all of humanity! Today, the East Asian Republic officially issues the following announcements: First, the East Asian Republic space fleet has arrived at the battlefield and will take full charge of battlefield cleanup and humanitarian rescue operations, aiding all surviving soldiers and innocent personnel-friend or foe, Coordinator or Natural, we will treat everyone equally and offer our utmost assistance. Second, the East Asian Republic will spare no effort to facilitate peace negotiations between PLANT and the Earth Alliance, taking the initiative to shoulder mediation responsibilities and assisting both sides in casting aside hatred, resolving conflicts, and jointly building a peaceful, fair, and inclusive world where Coordinators and Naturals can truly coexist in peace without mutual hostility or slaughter. Third, the East Asian Republic will invest massive amounts of manpower, resources, and capital to assist all war-torn nations and regions in carrying out post-war reconstruction work, helping those who lost homes and loved ones to step out from the shadows of war, rebuild their homes, and return to normal lives."

The three announcements echoed successively across the universe like three beams of light illuminating the entire world, scattering the gloom of war and bringing forth the hope of peace. Everyone-whether Coordinator or Natural, ZAFT soldier or Earth Alliance soldier-wore smiles of relief upon hearing the three broadcasts, and some could not hold back their tears. This cruel war had finally ended; peace had finally arrived.

Across the battlefield, surviving soldiers walked out of their cockpits and warships, supporting one another as they gazed at each other. Their eyes held no more hatred or hostility, leaving behind only relief and exhaustion. Some embraced tightly to celebrate the end of the war and their survival, while others knelt silently in prayer and remembrance for comrades and loved ones who had fallen in battle.

Piloting the Justicar Gundam, Akira touched down gently within the hangar of the Silver Wing. As he stepped out of the cockpit, a profound wave of exhaustion instantly washed over his entire body, his legs turning weak to the point where he nearly collapsed to the ground. The prolonged high-intensity combat, combined with the full activation of his ACCORD Ability and SEED Factor, had depleted massive amounts of physical and mental stamina. His face was as pale as paper, his forehead covered in fine beads of cold sweat, and his white commander's uniform was stained with dust and blood, making him look exceptionally weary.

"Brother!"

"Akira!"

Several eager shouts rang out simultaneously. Lunamaria Hawke, Meyrin Hawke, Shiho Hahnenfuss, Flay Allster, and Li Bing all ran toward Akira, their faces filled with worry and joy. Lunamaria was the first to reach Akira's side, supporting him tightly with eyes brimming with tears and a choked voice: "Brother, are you alright? You scared me to death, I thought I'd never see you again..."

Meirin also grasped the corner of Akira's uniform tightly, her large green eyes filled with tears as she whispered softly: "Brother, as long as you're back safe, as long as you're back safe..."

Shiho walked up to Akira without a word, simply pulling out a handkerchief to gently wipe away the dust and cold sweat from his face. Her eyes were filled with heartache and affection-an affection hidden within every movement and glance, clear and palpable without the need for words.

Flay stood beside Akira carrying a hint of remorse alongside lingering attachment. She extended a hand as if wanting to touch him, only to pull it back hesitantly, her voice choked slightly: "Akira, I'm sorry. In the past, I always misunderstood you and hurt you, yet you never gave up on me and kept protecting me all along. Thank you, thank you for coming back safely, thank you for still being alive."

Li Bing approached Akira as well. Her face still maintained little expression, but deep within her eyes lay an unperceived trace of heartache and relief. She patted Akira gently on the shoulder, her tone gentle: "Good work, Akira. The war is over, you can finally take a proper rest."

Looking at the women gathered around him, observing the worry, heartache, joy, and affection shining in their eyes, Akira felt a deep warmth envelop his heart, as if all his fatigue and hardship melted away at that very moment. He offered a gentle smile, raising a hand to stroke Luna Maria's hair lightly before patting Meirin's head. Afterward, he took the handkerchief from Shiho to wipe the sweat from his brow, his voice gentle yet strong: "I'm fine, I've worried you all. I'm sorry for always keeping you anxious and concerned."

He turned his gaze toward Flay, his eyes gentle, devoid of the slightest blame and filled only with relief: "Flay, let the past remain in the past; don't dwell on it anymore, and stop tormenting yourself with guilt. You never harmed me, and I never blamed you. From now on, we must all live well, step out from the shadows of war, and live our lives properly."

Hearing Akira's words, Flay's tears broke through instantly. Unable to hold back any longer, she threw herself into Akira's arms, embracing him tightly as she choked out: "Akira, thank you, thank you for forgiving me, thank you for still being willing to accept me..."

Akira patted Flay gently on the back, soothing her tenderly: "Silly, I never blamed you, nor did I ever think of giving you up. We are all victims of this war, having endured too much pain and hardship. From now on, we will accompany and protect one another, living our lives well together and greeting a peaceful future."

Luna Maria, Meirin, Shiho, and Li Bing looked at Akira and Flay locked in an embrace, gentle smiles gracing all their faces. They harbored no jealousy or resentment, only sincere blessings-they all knew that Akira held every single one of them in his heart, and they each loved him deeply, willing to stay by his side, watch over one another, and welcome a peaceful future together.

Meanwhile, the space fleet of the East Asian Republic arrived at the battlefield in succession. Massive warships sailed slowly into the combat zone, initiating battlefield cleanup and humanitarian rescue operations in an orderly manner. Rescue personnel piloted small rescue boats, weaving through the floating wreckage to search for surviving soldiers, provide medical aid, and transfer them safely aboard warships. Salvage personnel operated salvage craft to retrieve mobile suit wreckage and warship fragments from the battlefield, cleaning up the environmental debris to lay the foundation for post-war reconstruction.

Seated inside his escape pod, Rau Le Creuset watched the distant space fleet of the East Asian Republic with a sense of relief. Following Akira's instructions, he had transmitted a distress signal, and shortly thereafter, an East Asian Republic rescue boat located his pod. The rescue personnel opened the hatch, brought Rau Le Creuset aboard, and transferred him swiftly to the flagship of the East Asian Republic.

Aboard the warship, medical staff immediately conducted a thorough examination and treatment for Rau Le Creuset, tending to his wounds and alleviating his physical agony. Lying on the hospital bed, Rau Le Creuset looked out the window at the boundless expanse of space and the distant warships engaged in rescue work, his heart filled with release and anticipation. He knew that his life, from this moment onward, would be utterly transformed. He would cast aside the destiny of a clone, shed his hatred and resentment, possess a life of his own, and step into a brand-new future. He also knew he owed Akira his life; from this day forth, he would dedicate himself to assisting Akira, guarding peace by his side, and forging a future free of tragedy.

Following the conclusion of the war, the battlefield cleanup and rescue operations lasted for an entire week. Under the leadership of the East Asian Republic and with the cooperation of PLANT and the Earth Alliance, all surviving soldiers received timely medical treatment, all battlefield wreckage was properly disposed of, and everyone affected by the war was suitably resettled.

The peace negotiations between PLANT and the Earth Alliance also commenced smoothly under the mediation of the East Asian Republic. Both sides dispatched high-ranking delegations to conduct in-depth consultations and negotiations regarding post-war reconstruction, the eradication of hatred, fair coexistence between Coordinators and Naturals, and military limitations. Although some divergences and disputes arose during the talks, through the efforts of Akira, Lacus, Kira, Athrun, and others, both sides ultimately reached a consensus, signing the "Treaty of Peaceful Coexistence." This treaty officially established the principles of peaceful coexistence and equal mutual benefit between Coordinators and Naturals, completely terminating the hostility and hatred between them and bringing true peace to the world.

As for Mei Hock, standing as one of the most pivotal figures of this war-having warned of the Junius Seven attack to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of PLANT citizens, commanded the Silver Wing fleet to repeatedly defeat enemy main forces and achieve monumental military exploits, turned the tide of battle at the Battle of Jachin Due to successfully defend a strategic stronghold, convinced Rau Le Creuset during the final battle and used the Providence's nuclear explosion to destroy Genesis to definitively end the war, and actively facilitated the peace negotiations between PLANT and the Earth Alliance to make indelible contributions toward peace-his achievements were etched into the memories of all. Jointly honored by PLANT and the Earth Alliance, he was awarded the Interstellar Peace Medal, recognized universally as the "Guardian of Peace" and hailed as a hero in the hearts of everyone.

Post-war PLANT ushered in a brand-new era of development. As the daughter of Siegel Clyne and a core figure of the PLANT peace faction, Lacus Clyne won the support and affection of all PLANT citizens through her wisdom, kindness, and resolve. She was elected as the new Supreme Chairman of PLANT, though she declined under the pretext of youth, transitioning instead to serve as the peace ambassador between PLANT and Earth. Following her inauguration, she actively promoted peaceful policies, vigorously advanced PLANT's post-war reconstruction, improved the living standards of PLANT citizens, and actively engaged in friendly cooperation with the Earth Alliance and all nations to foster mutual understanding and inclusivity between Coordinators and Naturals, striving to build a peaceful, fair, and inclusive world.

After the war concluded, Mei Hock chose not to remain in PLANT, nor did he choose to stay within the Silver Wing fleet as a high-ranking commander to enjoy honors and prestige. Instead, he submitted an application to the PLANT military department requesting a diplomatic assignment: to protect Lacus Clyne as she traveled to Earth to conduct a series of promotional speeches.

His application was swiftly approved by the PLANT military department. The military understood that Mei Hock's strength was more than sufficient to ensure Lacus's safety; furthermore, they recognized that the relationship between Mei Hock and Lacus was extraordinary, making him the most suitable candidate to protect her. Moreover, Lacus's journey to Earth to deliver tour speeches, promote peaceful ideals, and foster mutual understanding and inclusivity between Coordinators and Naturals held profound significance for maintaining peace and propelling friendly cooperation between PLANT and the Earth Alliance. Mei Hock's companionship would undoubtedly render this lecture tour smoother and far more influential.

In submitting this application, Akira actually harbored personal motives. He had grown weary of war, wearisome of slaughter, and tired of the political maneuvering within the military department. He wanted to rest properly, stay by the side of the ones he loved, take them far away from the shadows of war and the constraints of the military, and truly experience the beauty of peace. His stated mission of "protecting Lacus on her lecture tour" was merely a pretext; his true objective was to take Lacus, Murrue, Luna, Meyrin, Shiho, Flay, and the others to Earth for a journey of their own-a journey far away from war and clamor.

Over these years, Akira had been constantly busy with warfare, planning, and guarding peace, leaving him with precious little time to properly accompany the women in his life or truly appreciate the beauty of living. He owed them far too much, and he wanted to make it up to them by taking them across every corner of Earth, experiencing local customs, and enjoying the happiness and beauty brought by peace.

Furthermore, within Akira's heart, plans had long since been laid. Among the women, relationships had already been forged with several, and mutual understanding ran deep-Luna Maria, nominally his younger sister, had accompanied him since childhood and loved him deeply. He loved her in return, and the two had long since crossed the boundaries of kinship to become the most important people in each other's lives. Shiho, gentle and kind, had accompanied him silently through every hardship and danger, standing by him without wavering, and the two had already developed deep feelings, crossing the final boundary. Murrue and Flay had endured immense pain and suffering, gradually stepping out of the shadows of war and letting go of their inner hatred under Akira's companionship and protection; they loved Akira, and he cherished them, having already shared intimacy and finding solace in each other's embrace.

As for Lacus and Meyrin, while they had yet to cross the ultimate boundary with Akira, mutual feelings and hidden affection had long since been established. Lacus had been drawn to Akira's gentleness, resolve, and strength from the moment he became her guard captain; she loved him, and he loved her, yet due to war and the constraints of their positions, they had never found the opportunity to cross that final line. Meyrin, as his younger sister, shared the same hidden feelings as her sister Luna, loving him deeply while keeping her affection restrained behind shyness and internal hesitations, quietly watching over him without the courage to take that final step.

Akira knew that all these women loved him, and he loved them in return. He no longer wished to make them wait or feel wronged; during this Earth tour, he intended to accompany them properly, take care of them, gradually dissolve any lingering hesitations in their hearts, shorten the distance between them, and then, following the detailed plan he had long since prepared, win them over step by step so that every single one of them would become his women, stay by his side, share in the happiness and beauty of peace, and spend every remaining day together.

As the God of War who swept across battlefields and the strategist who plotted from the command tent, Akira Hawke's plans were always foolproof. He had already prepared exhaustive arrangements for this Earth tour and formulated detailed plans to win over the women-every location, every scenario, every word, and every gesture had long been mapped out. He believed that during this journey, he would successfully win their hearts, convince them to willingly stay by his side, and fulfill his wish to spend life with those he loved, guarding one another and greeting a happy and brilliant future together.

On the eve of their departure, standing alone on the deck of the Silver Wing, Akira gazed out at the distant starry sky. The stars remained brilliant and vast, yet they were entirely devoid of the gloom of war, smoke, and slaughter, leaving behind only tranquility and beauty. A gentle smile touched Akira's lips, his eyes filled with anticipation for the future.

"What are you thinking about?" A gentle voice drifted from behind. Akira turned his head to see Lacus Clyne, dressed in a pristine white dress, walking slowly toward his side. Her azure eyes were filled with tenderness and attachment, a soft smile gracing her face.

Akira extended a hand to gently clasp Lacus's hand; her fingers were soft and warm, mirroring her very nature. A gentle smile formed on his lips as his voice turned tender and strong: "I was thinking that tomorrow we set out for Earth. Once we arrive, we'll walk through every corner together, experience the beauty of peace, and welcome a brand-new future of our own."

Lacus nodded lightly with a gentle smile, leaning her head against Akira's shoulder as she spoke softly: "Mm, I believe we certainly will. Akira, thank you-thank you for protecting me all this time, thank you for safeguarding peace, and thank you for giving me a brand-new future."

"Silly, no need to thank me. Although it is only a temporary peace..." Akira stroked Lacus's hair gently, his tone tender yet resolute. "Protecting you, protecting peace, and guarding this world we built together through hard work is the most important mission of my life. From now on, I will always stay by your side, watch over you, protect the people we love, and preserve this hard-won peace. I will never let anyone destroy it, and I will never let any tragedy repeat itself."

Lacus leaned closer against Akira's shoulder, a happy smile blooming on her face while her eyes gleamed with expectation for the future. She knew that with Akira by her side, she had nothing to fear; she knew he would protect her, protect all of them, safeguard this hard-won peace, and defend this brand-new world.

At that moment, Murrue, Luna Maria, Meirin, Shiho, Flay, Meyrin, and Li Bing also walked out onto the deck. Seeing Akira and Lacus embracing, gentle smiles appeared on all their faces, their eyes filled with happiness and anticipation. Walking over to join Akira and Lacus, they gathered around to quietly gaze out at the distant starry sky, soaking in the tranquility and beauty while feeling the warmth and attachment connecting them all.

The stars shone brightly, the sea breeze blew softly, and a group of individuals who had weathered the trials of war while holding mutual affection gathered together, looking forward to a happy and wonderful future of their own. They knew this war had robbed them of much and made them endure endless pain and hardship, but it had also taught them to cherish one another all the more and to deeply value this...

Akira knew that the current peace was fleeting, that the forces behind Blue Cosmos had not been eradicated, and that the fragile internal balance within PLANT could not hold for long. Utilizing this rare period of peace, he still needed to prepare more contingency plans, and since his partner had no desire to live a mediocre life, he simply couldn't let him stay too idle within the East Asian Republic.