A group of soldiers were exploring the venues together, laughing and thoroughly enjoying themselves. They all had on different color uniforms, showing that they all were of different occupations. But all five woman wore the same unit patch marking them as the Angels of Death. They were all heading for the ice-skating rink. Raijin and Tsuki already had their own skates but the others could rent a pair. They were planning to meet some of their other squad mates here. "You think they'll get her to come?" Asked Amane, a short blue haired neko and the only officer among them. "If anyone could convince her it would be Haruka and Michiru. They've know her the longest." Responded Aimi. She wore the black uniform of a SAINT operative which contrasted with her flowing golden hair. "It'll be good for her. She needs to get out and enjoy the celebration. It'll also be a way to show her we're all behind her." Tsuki said as her large white Elysium wings fluttered. Reika brushed her long, raven black hair out of her face and pointed. "There they are."
Coming towards them were three tall woman. One had blonde hair cut super short with a red uniform. The second had long wavy teal hair that matched her green uniform. The third wore a white uniform with three red chevrons on her sleeve. She was holding a staff with green wreath wrapped around it and two small bells at the top. Everyone knew that it wasn't an actual staff but volumetrics that hid Kuronosu, Setsunu's spear.
"So, did you have to drag her kicking and screaming?" Tsuki asked, making the other girls laugh. But the laughter fizzled out as Haruka and Michiru exchanged a look and Haruka raised the back of her hand to her mouth and then look at it. The kind of movement one might do if you were checking to see if your lip was still bleeding or not. "Screaming? No. But there was a good bit of kicking." Setsunu said. Her tone was friendly, but everyone could see how her purple eyes seemed dimmer as they sat on her beautiful dark skinned face. Raijin spoke up. "We know it's been a frustrating last few months." Setsunu's twin daughter's shuttle had been ambushed by the Mishhu. Everyone aboard had been killed but their bodies weren't recovered. It was believed that they had been taken prisoner but there were no clues as to where they were. Setsunu and Thomas, the Wakaba's Captain, had been devastated and consumed with finding them. But as the months grew, hope had begun to diminish.
Setsunu sighed and when she smiled it seemed genuine. "I really appreciate your all's effort to cheer me up. And you are correct. Getting out will do me some good. Lets go ice-skating. I know Raijin is just dying to get out there and run laps around the rest of us." Everyone laughed and headed to the ice rink.
Ice Rink
Trowa watched in amazement as his daughter zipped around the ice like a pro. Had she really grown up that much in so short a time? Was he missing out on his daughter growing up? It was one of the things he had to sacrifice in order to served in the Star Army and make sure that she could grow up in peace. He looked down at his son skating between him and his wife. A huge smile on his face as he held his parent's hands and glided across the ice. He looked at his wife, Estrella, and the big starburst tattoo over her eye. Trowa knew that she would prefer to have her husband at home more often but she understood. She kept herself busy between the kids and running her restaurant. For now, she was just savoring having her family all together. Estrella smiled as she looked over at another couple who had skated up and were holding her daughters hands.
"Higher Aunty Sandi! Higher!" Little Elanor Aeon squealed. Sanda and her husband Caffran swung Elanor Aeon up into the air between them. Her delighted laughter seemed to echo across the ice rink. "That's enough for now. Go show your papa that spin you showed me." As the little girl sped away Caffran skated closer to his wife. He cut hard on the ice, spinning Sanda around and pining her against the wall. Sanda's smile was quickly covered as they kissed. "Why don't you two get a room?" Estrella teased her sister as she skated by. Sanda and Caffran just looked at each other, neither able to stop smiling as they kissed again.
Sanda couldn't believe that this time last year Caffran had suddenly said that they should go ahead and get married. Sanda had sent a message to the Empress during the Empress' make a wish. Less than a week later, Sanda had a beautiful, lightning blue wedding dress and was married.
Finally, Sanda pushed Caffran away from her. "I'm getting hungry. Lets get something to eat."
The couple turned in their skates and moved away from the rink. Both were dressed in their class A uniforms. Sanda had insisted on wearing wearing her finest. She had so few opportunities to wear all of her awards. Sanda's chest was literally covered in ribbons. She had had quite a busy career so far in her few short years in the Star Army. Service, Rescue, Explorations. But the ones she was most proud of was the combat awards, especially her Yui's Blood medallion and the Order of the Blazing Sun.
Caffran held her close as they made their way through the crowds. Sanda had her head resting on his shoulder but she suddenly stood upright as she caught sight of someone. "Hey Solo!" She called to Zaven and Sakuka. They were her crewmates but had been on leave the last month or so having a baby. "Oh what an adorable little boy!" Sanda exclaimed as she moved over and took the baby in her arms. She then made a teasing face as she looked from the baby to his father. "I'm so sorry Zaven. It looks like he takes after you."
