Silence is Golden ★ Gilded Surfaces ★ Silver and Gold
Silver Leaf ★ Gold Leaf ★ Fool's Gold

Gundam W Endless Waltz Book Two Pages 268-293

This is an excerpt I translated from New Mobile Suit Report Gundam W Endless Waltz (Magazine Novels Special) by Katsuyuki Sumizawa. It was released in the form of two books. The second book was released on July 23, 1997. Please keep in mind that I am not an expert in translating, therefore some areas may be lacking.

Pages 268-293

Eight hours have passed since the battle began. The city of Brussels had turned quiet, a stark contrast to just a few hours ago. The Serpents, having diminished in number, were now fleeing through the city and engaging in guerrilla warfare. Additionally, the pilots discarded by the Serpents were attacking Gundam with anti-Mobile Suit cannons. They were unable to counter this. To counter it would mean killing them. Perhaps they was at an impasse.

268

The five machines, Sandrock, Heavy Arms, Deathscythe Hell, along with Tallgeese and Taurus were experiencing extreme fatigue. The armor was peeling off in various places, and their weapons had lost more than half of their capabilities. One of Sandrock's heat shotels had broken. Heavy Arms had run out of ammunition long ago. The black wings of Deathscythe Hell were tattered.
Tallgeese finally defeated a Serpent. Exhausted, Zechs said,
"Gundam pilots... that's enough... leave us and retreat."
"Retreat?" Quatre responded.
Sandrock was being tossed around by the enemy's attacks. However, even while taking those attacks head-on, Quatre and Sandrock did not take a single step back.
"If we were fighting to kill, we'd be done long ago... but then coming back here would be meaningless..."
At that moment, Noin's Taurus swooped in to provide support for Sandrock.

269

Thanks to her covering fire, Sandrock was freed from persistent attacks.
"Thank you, Miss Noin..."
However, there was not a trace of weakness in his expression as if he were thinking about retreating. Noin stated while confirming the new Serpent appearing before Sandrock and Taurus, "At tis rate, you'd die in vain..."
She wanted to continue with, 'Please retreat...' but Duo interrupted the communication. Duo yelled while swinging Deathscythe Hell's scythe.
"If we'd planned on retreating, we would've been gone... I know it'll be tough to keep fighting, though."
Similarly, Trowa communicated while battling with Heavy Arms' army knife.
"We used to be just like them. Dekim coaxed them into believing... their reason for living is to fight..."
"Hey, don't worry about it..." Duo showed Noin and Zechs a big smile. "We've gotten pretty good at these losing battles..."
Quatre expressed a strong and proud will.
"That's why we could always be true to ourselves..."

270

Relena shouted at Mariemaia.
"I returned to the name Darlian because I was thinking of my family... because I love my mother more than anyone else. It's because my mother, who loved my father and loved me, was always by my side that I was able to believe in people so much..."
"Lady Relena, is that sarcasm?"
"No... I will become your mother."
Mariemaia's face changed.
"That's going too far for a joke..."
"I don't have my real mother either... but a mother is a mother! I believe I can be your mother."
"I don't need a mother... I will carry on my father's will and take revenge on the foolish humans of this Earth Sphere."
"No... you absolutely mustn't do that."
"You once swore revenge, didn't you? When Lady Une had Mr. Darlian killed, you hated 'OZ'... isn't that the same as me now?"

271

"Yes... indeed, I thought about taking revenge... but nothing can be achieved through revenge. Hatred will only result in breeding more hatred."
"Hehehe..." Mariemaia smiled in amusement. "You only think that way because you lost your battle... But I'm different... I will truly be victorious."
At that moment, the communications officer reported, "The Gundams have fallen completely silent..."
"I told you..."
Mariemaia smiled in satisfaction and looked at Relena. Relena could only look on sadly at the poor girl.

The beam of Deathscythe Hell's scythe, which had lasted until the end, finally disappeared.
"I've got nothing left..."
Even his witty lines had run out.
Duo looked at the approaching Serpent unit and asked Trowa, who was nearby, "Self-detonation could take out about half the suits left... What do you think?"

272

"No. Self-detonation should be done away from them..." He continued with a determined expression on his face. "Limit the casualties to just ourselves."
Duo, having lived until now, felt like this might be the end.
"Guess you're right..." (Well, I've lived a long life...)
At that moment, the radar in Quatre's cockpit blared intensely. Quatre reacted swiftly to the search. However, he couldn't hide his surprise at the reported location.
"Huh?"
The radar was responding from far above.
"Above...?"
Duo said in resignation, "Come on, is there still a new enemy...?"
But it wasn't a new enemy. In the bright moonlit sky, a machine with battered wings was hovering.

273

"Wing Zero...!"
Zechs shouted the nostalgic name of the mobile Suit he once piloted and that had been his final opponent in battle. It was a mobile Suit known for its exceptional destructive power and mobility among the Gundams. Now, it spread its white wings high above the battlefield.
《Wing Gundam Zero》
In the cockpit, Heero was zeroing in with his buster rifle.
"Locked onto target..."
His aim was the center of the shelter. Once again, Heero wore the mask of a warrior faithful to his mission.

The communications officer reported the situation.
"Another Gundam confirmed!"
Everyone looked up. However, the communications officer continued to relay an unusual situation.
"Staff Officer Dekim! We're online with one of the Gundam pilots!"

274

"Ridiculous!"
Sending a message before attacking is only done when one has a great deal of confidence. However, the Gundam that appeared in the sky was battered and bruised, and by common sense, it did not seem to have any combat advantage. Heero's face appeared on the massive monitor in front of them.
"Heero..."
Relena couldn't help but mutter as she saw his face. It had been a long time since they had last met. However, the situation was far too tense for them to rejoice over it. In the charged atmosphere, Heero asked with an unwavering gaze,
"Let me confirm..."
His face was full of confidence, with an expression that showed he feared nothing.
"Your shelter shield's activated?"
Dekim shouted at the perfect weapon.
"What do you planning?!"
He was uncharacteristically flustered.
(I don't know what he will do...)

275

In a sense, it may have been Dekim who truly understood Heero's true power. Heero confirmed once again in a cold tone,
"Your shelter is secure..."
Mariemaia stepped in front of the flustered Dekim and said,
"Of course it is. Admit to yourselves just how powerless you are!"
".. Roger."
Intense feelings were behind those cold eyes. Mariemaia sensed them and was taken aback.

Heero pressed the launch switch. Wing Gundam Zero fired its 《Twin Buster Rifle》. It was a single shot that had once completely wiped out a military colony. It was also the same shot that had previously caused a section of the massive battleship Libra to vanish just before atmospheric entry. Such a massive wave of energy collided with the shelter and exploded.
Instantly, a great vibration struck inside the shelter. The emergency lights switched on, and cracks appeared on the inner walls. Somehow, the fact that the damage was limited to this extent is likely due to the excellence of the shelter's barriers.

276

Dekim, after confirming the extent of the surrounding damage, immediately issued orders to the external units.
"Gather all the Serpents here! Shoot down Wing Zero!"
Mariemaia sneered.
"What a miserable person... He's not going to prove anything..."
However, her face couldn't hide her fear, and her small body was trembling slightly. Relena gently asked Mariemaia, "Are you afraid, Mariemaia?"
It was a warmth reminiscent of a mother's.
"..."
Mariemaia could not deny it. However, she was not straightforward enough to affirm it. Relena continued to possess a kindness that seemed to encompass all such childishness.
Heero was starting the charge for the second shot. The "Zero System" was completely silent. All of this work had to be done manually. However, Heero continued to work with a smooth and orderly manner. Without hesitation, he lined up the second shot.

277

"..."
The Serpent units had gathered around. However, Heero did not pay any attention to them. He was simply aiming at the shelter, waiting for the moment when the charge was complete. The energy meter of the Buster Rifle indicated that it was fully charged. Heero fired the second shot.
The recoil's impact caused the armor of Wing Zero to peel off, and the left arm exploded. The damage received in the battle against Altron was now causing problems. Even the Gundanium alloy, which boasted the strongest durability in the universe, did not possess absolute durability. Despite this, Wing Zero's aim remained accurate. One could say that Heero's shooting ability had reached a divine level.
The second tremendous flash struck the center of the shelter. The explosion and smoke spread to the surrounding Serpents. The inside of the shelter shook even more violently, and every computer sparked. Dekim was stunned as he watched the emergency lights flicker.
"That's impossible...!"
Each of the soldiers reported damage one after another.

278

However, what shocked Dekim the most was the communications officer's overall report.
"The shield's lost half its strength! Wing Zero's aim is accurate to one hundredth of a unit! This shelter will collapse if it's hit again in the same place!"
Dekim called the pilot of Wing Zero. He thought that the only way to persuade this cold weapon was to exploit his weak points.
"Stop it! Relena Peacecraft is in here!"
Dekim was convinced that he couldn't kill Relena.

Heero heard the transmission.
"..."
However, he showed no sign of moving even an eyebrow. Then, the third shot of energy began charging.
(With this shot, everything will end...)
(For only just you, I can't allow this precious opportunity escape...)
(Goodbye, Relena...)
(Don't worry, you aren't alone...)
(I'm going to be there soon...)

279

Yes, he was convincing himself internally about sacrificing Relena.

As if she understood this, Relena cried out to Heero.
"Heero...!"
Then she quietly closed her eyes. She had made up her mind.
I will solemnly accept your attack. Please do not hesitate for someone like me.
By repeating such words in her heart, she knew that everything would be conveyed to Heero. Mariemaia could not believe that Relena felt this way.
The Serpent's interception unit began their attack on Wing Zero. Wing Zero, while taking the brunt of the attack, remained motionless, adjusting its aim. Maximum energy was charging at the tip of the buster rifle.
"..."
There was no hesitation on Heero's face. The energy charge was complete. However----.

280

In Heero's mind, the girl in the white dress appeared. That innocent smile. Heero's eyes clouded.
"Tch..."
The target lock was shifted to the left. Almost simultaneously, the twin buster rifle was fired. Suddenly, Wing Gundam Zero exploded in a massive blast. In that state, the angel with broken wings began its descent from heaven. The fallen angel Wing Zero emitted its final radiance and vanished. However, the flash hit the shelter.
There was a slight misalignment between the first and second shots, but it seemed they were still able to inflict significant damage on the shelter. The command room was collapsing from the walls and ceiling, with computers and huge monitors exploding one after another. Most of the soldiers were thrown into a panic by the tremors. The same was true for Dekim and Mariamaia.
Instinctively, Mariamaia sought help from her grandfather, Dekim. However, Dekim pushed his young granddaughter aside and escaped to a safe place by himself.

281

A huge pillar fell on top of Mariemaia.
"Kyaaa..."

Duo stared in shock at the collapsing shelter and Wing Zero disappearing into darkness. No, Trowa, Quatre, Zechs and Noin could only stare at this scene in disbelief as well. The soldiers of the Serpent units were similarly frozen, as if their hearts had been taken away, merely watching this destruction unfold. It was a sight that could be described as both beautiful and devastating. Among Duo and the others, someone murmured, "Heero..." This call came from an undeniable anxiety that he had died.

Relena lifted her face. Somewhere, a music box was playing. It must be Mariemaia's music box.

282

With a gentle and faint tone, it was desperately trying to play. The command room was completely in ruins. Among the debris, some people were moving, checking their surroundings. However, judging by the number of groans, it seemed that there were no casualties. Relena was taken aback. She couldn't see Mariemaia in the darkness. At that moment, a pillar shifted behind her. The sound of the music box was clearly heard.
Relena hurriedly rushed to the spot. There, she found a girl who was trembling in fear. It was Lady Une who rescued Mariemaia, who was about to be crushed by the pillar.
"Are you okay?" Lady Une asked with a gentle smile. Mariemaia faced her savior with all the calmness she could muster,
"Who are you...?"
Lady Une slowly shook her head. Her smile seemed to imply that her name didn't matter.

283

"Even though you may be mistaken, I can't allow the daughter of His Excellency, Treize, to die..."
"..."
Relena thought as she looked at the two of them. That Lady Une was more suitable for the role of Mariemaia's mother...
The sorrowful music box continued to play. In response, it felt as if the distant voices of many people were echoing back. The communications officer activated his handheld computer and scanned the surroundings.
"Staff Officer Dekim! Another Gundam has arrived at the defense line number 4 point E!"
"What?" Dekim asked, emerging from the safe zone to respond.
The communications officer, looking incredulous, hesitated to speak.
"W-well, there's..."
"...?"

Altron Gundam was standing on the battlefield.

284

And around it, tens of hundreds, hundreds of thousands of ordinary citizens had gathered. The citizens were shouting, "Peace and freedom!"
"There is no way we'd obey you!"
"We don't want any more wars!"
Among them were the president holding the hand of his grandchild, and Dorothy from Relena's private army.
"We want to protect the peace here ourselves!"
"No to war!"
"A peace that is imposed is not peace!"
"We will maintain peace and freedom! We take responsibility for it!"
In Altron's cockpit, Wufei nodded in satisfaction.
"Battles like these are not decided by the soldiers... Thanks to them, I can give up fighting." He smiled faintly and closed his eyes. "This is goodbye... Treize."

Noin and Zechs had been waiting for these people who desired peace. Perhaps their emotions were solitary.

285

"Zechs..."
"This is good... we don't have to abandon hope just yet."
Trowa said quietly, "Well, the self-detonation device is wasted..."
Duo, recalling Helen and Solo who died in the war, remarked, "I really wanted everyone to see this place..."
Quatre innocently said, "After all, the answer was right here..."

Dekim was taken aback.
"Who the hell are they..."
"While His Excellency, Treize, fought losing battles he truly loved people who weren't afraid to fight..." Lady Une, with a broad smile, had her arms around Relena and Mariemeia's shoulders. "And that's why, it is not the victor that moves the heart of the people..."
"This is crazy! We cannot be defeated! We, the Barton family are the true rulers of the Earth Sphere! Lady Mariemaia, assume your position as head of the Earth Sphere!"

286

The moment she heard that voice, a cold light appeared in Mariemaia's eyes.
"... I am victorious..."
She began to walk unsteadily. The music box fell from her hand, and its sad melody stopped.
"I'm caring out... my father's desires..."
Perhaps she was under some kind of hypnotic suggestion. Lady Ann stood before Mariemaia.
"Forgive me!"
She attempted to slap Mariemaia's cheek. But before that could happen, Relena struck Mariemaia. It was the first time Relena had ever hit someone. Mariemaia was taken aback.
"Excuse me... but it's time you opened your eyes..."
"Relena..."
"You have learned what real fear is... So I'm sure tha you can see all the mistakes you've made..."
Mariemaia nodded slightly.

287

However, Dekim pointed a gun at Relena.
"Stop right there, Relena Peacecraft. I can't allow you to brainwash my Mariemaia with such trash."
"If you ish to shoot me, go right ahead... I'm prepared to die."
"Hmph, then I'll tell you the truth before you die! The public must obey the victor!"
Without hesitation, he shot.
The bullet went towards Relena's heart.
However, at that moment, Mariemeia stood in front of Relena.
Fresh blood flew.
"Ah!"
The little girl was shot through the chest and collapsed on the spot.
"Mariemeia!"
Relena shouted her name in a voice that was close to screaming.
Dekim once again set his sights on Relena.
"Dekim...!"
Lady Une raised her gun.
Dekim didn't seem to be frightened, nor was he upset by the fact that he shot Mariemaia.

288

"Hmph, we can always create a replacement for Mariemaia! I made her after all..."
In the middle of those words, a gunshot rang out. It was a sudden event. Dekim had been shot in the back of the head. Standing behind him was one of his aides, Disset.
"I've executed the rebel... I expresss my apologies for betraying His Excellency, Treize..."
Relena cradled Mariemaia's small body.
"Mariemaia, hold on!"
"... I was mistaken... I'm sorry..."
The girl was smiling desperately through her misery.
Once again, the sound of a music box was heard. Everyone was startled by that sound. Even in her fading consciousness, Mariemeia realized that the melody was wrapped in a gentleness like a lullaby.
(That music box has such a gentle tune...)
(I feel like I can hear my mother's voice...)

289

(I was a fool... I'm sorry, Mother.)
It was Heero, covered in wounds, who brought the music box.
"... I'll put you out of your misery."
"... Heero!"
In his hand, he held the music box tightly, while gripping a gun in the other.
"..."
Mariemaia quietly closed her eyes and said, "... Thank you."
Heero took aim at Mariemaia. The music box gradually slowed its rhythm. "Don't hold it against me... this is my last mission."
Mariemaia smiled faintly, "..." and simply shook her head.
Relena and Lady Une both tried to stop Heero.
"Wait, Heero!"
"It's all over now! Put down the gun, Heero Yuy!"

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291

"..."
Heero slowly lowered his gun and stopped the music box. Relena and Lady Une let out a sigh of relief. However, Heero immediately readied his gun again. His movements were so quick that there was no time to stop him. And then, Heero reflexively pulled the trigger.
"...!"
It was a shocking sight. However, Mariemaia was unharmed. Heero's gun was empty. Mariemaia lost consciousness then. With the gun still aimed, Heero quietly said, "I've killed Mariemaia..."
As the man who completed his mission slowly lowered his gun, he connected his fragmented words.
"I will..."
"I will never kill again..."

292

"I don't have to kill anymore..."
As soon as he said that, a boy who had discarded the mask of a weapon collapsed in front of them. Relena caught him just in time.
"... Heero."
The boy was asleep. A sense of relief lingered on his face. He was sleeping with an innocent expression that he had never shown to anyone before.
Lady Une carried Mariemaia out along with the soldiers.
"There's still hope for her... Take her to the hospital!"
Relena took the music box, peaceful and still, from Heero's sleeping hands. Then, she gently stroked his hair.
"Finally... it's over..."
A single tear fell from Relena's eye and dropped onto the music box----.

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