Hi Everyone!

This is the beginning of a short story about Cagalli and Athrun I thought up after watching "Snakes on a Plane". Okay, there are no snakes in this story… but there is a plane! Hehehe.

Disclaimer: I don't own GS or GSD or any references to it. I also don't own Snakes on a Plane. Special thanks to my friend wildfire-sky05 who helped me write this part. You are the best.

Note: Cagalli and Athrun are married in this story… I know, I know… just let me live in my imaginary fantasy ok? smiles

Gundam Seed: The Miracle

Chapter #1: Descent

Cagalli shuffled the stack of papers in front of her aimlessly, concentrating on organizing her speech notes and preparing herself for the long opening ceremonies awaiting her. She was returning to Orb from a meeting in Europe and knew that she would have to report what had taken place to her home council. Before that, however, she had been invited by Kira to attend a birthday party for one of the children at the orphanage. Despite the fact she was pressed for time, she had been unable to refuse and thus had resolved to try and organize her notes during the flight. The turbulence, however, was making it difficult. Her stomach could barely take the sensations and seeing the tiny light at the end of the wing going up and down was more than she could handle. A gentle smile split her lips as she looked at her stomach. It had become increasing large over the past few months.

"Is everything alright Lady Cagalli?"

Cagalli looked up at the stewardess and nodded. "Yes...everything is fine, thank you."

The stewardess smiled with a brief nod of her head. "The captain is sorry for the bumpiness and he's currently rising above the storm. No need to panic at all. In the meantime, can I get you anything to drink?"

I am pregnant, the plane is flying through a storm and you're offering me a drink?

She then noticed the slight shaking of the woman's clasped hands and immediately regretted her thoughts. The poor girl was just as shaken as she was, if not more so.

"No, I'm fine," Cagalli said gently, "Perhaps you should sit down until the plane stops jostling about so much."

The stewardess instantly flushed at her forgetfulness, muttering apologies as she retreated to the back of the private plane and strapped herself in. Cagalli also tightened her seatbelt, leaning back against the headrest and closing her eyes.

"You seem calm."

Cagalli opened her eyes and watched as Athrun planted himself in the chair next to her, also buckling himself in. Judging by the perspiration gathering on his brow, it was painfully obvious that he was anxious. Actually, ever since they had received the news about the baby, Athrun had always seemed on edge. He was dressed in dark jeans and a green t-shirt, his black jacket snuggling fitting on his shoulders, crisp and clean as was always expected from him. In comparison to her business suit, he was obviously the more comfortable of the two. Luckily, she'd packed a bag of sweatpants and a blouse herself. She hoped that Kira wouldn't mind if she dressed down for the occasion. Besides, aside from her one business suit that had been especially tailored for her, sweatpants were all that seemed to fit her now.

"Is something wrong?" Cagalli asked, searching his face for a reaction. "You look anxious."

Athrun shook his head, not answering her question directly but giving her enough information to indicate that she shouldn't worry. He was pouting. Athrun had protested strongly against leaving Europe early in order to visit Kira. He had wanted Cagalli to rest a bit before making the long journey and, when they did, he had wanted to go directly home. Her eyes narrowed and she flopped back in her chair in a huff, crossing her arms. When even that didn't get a reaction from Athrun, she lamely kicked the chair in front of her.

"What are you doing?" Athrun asked, his voice annoyed.

"You're not answering my question!" Cagalli snapped back, giving the chair another kick. She froze as his hand clamped down on her leg, halting her abuse of the expensive backing. "Athrun..."

He removed his hand, frowning at her. "Stop it, Cagalli. If there was something wrong, I would tell you. Please, calm down. You are acting like a little girl."

Cagalli's tempered flared. "A little girl? You're the one who hasn't said a word since we left Europe. You are up and down up and down all around the plane and you don't even have the consideration to ask how your pregnant wife is feeling!?"

"In case you didn't notice, we are in the middle of a storm," Athrun retorted. "And I never wanted to go to Kira's. The doctor said that the baby would be arriving anytime now. You should be at home resting. Kira would have understood if we had just gone straight home."

"If the detour to Kira's bothered you that much, why didn't you say so?"

"I did say so," Athrun pointed out icily. "Just like I said you should have taken the doctor's advice two weeks ago and requested some time off. Instead you insist on going about your ways as if nothing was different."

"I have responsibilities you know!"

"To Orb?" Athrun demanded testily. "Or to the child you are currently carrying? Sometimes I wonder which is more important to you."

Eyes narrowed, Cagalli snatched at her belt buckle, preparing to leave her seat.

"Where do you think you're going?" Athrun demanded, his eyes almost daring her to move from the safety of his attention.

Cagalli let out an exasperated sigh, flinging the belt from across her waist and managing to whack Athrun's knuckles. Ignoring the increased glare, she stood up, hands on her hips as she faced him. "I am hungry and want some chocolate. I, Mr. Athrun Zala, am going to see if there is any food in the back, if that's alright with you."

"It's not. Sit down."

It had been like this for the last few weeks. The two of them were always arguing. Athrun had become paranoid that something bad was going to happen to their child and, with her hormones off the charts, Cagalli's temper was shorter than usual. That, combined with the stress and realization that they would soon be parents had drove both of them to their limits. Of course they were happy but like any couple, there were disagreements as to how the situation should be handled.

Cagalli was convinced she could maintain her duties as Orb's representatives while Athrun felt she should not be pushing herself. Not to mention putting herself in dangerous situations such as being on an airplane in the middle of possible the worst storm in Orb's history. They wouldn't have had to leave Europe two days early if Cagalli hadn't insisted on stopping to visit Kira.

It wasn't the trip alone that bothered Athrun. He didn't object to seeing Kira and Lacus. He was just so tired of Cagalli ignoring his concerns. He knew Orb was important to her but, somehow he felt that when they had their marriage vows and decided to have children, she would realize she had to establish a balance between her home life and work.

Cagalli began to move, trying to step over Athrun's legs in an attempt to get to the aisle. Athrun refused to move, instead grabbing her arm and trying gently to guide her back down. Cagalli, in her own attempt to get away from him, jerked her arm back to break his solid grip.

"Athrun! Let me go!"

"The seatbelt light is on. The plane might jerk and you could fall and hurt yourself. Just stay here!"

"No, I want to get something to eat!"

"Cagalli..." Athrun snarled, his temper flaring. He was growing tired of this. The cravings, the arguments… everything! "Sit down!"

Shocked as his raised voice, Cagalli froze and stared at him, a hurt look crossing her face. Athrun instantly regretted his harshness, but for her safety she had to remain seated. He said her name again, almost apologetically, but Cagalli was infuriated. Most likely the hormones acting out, she snatched her arm back from his lack grip and she stood there in front of him, angrily glaring down.

"Athrun. I'm going to the back. Move."

"Cagalli," Athrun said quietly, "I can't let you..."

"Damn it Athrun! Move right now or I'll---"

Her words were cut off as the plane suddenly plunged downward, tossing Cagalli from the ground and connecting her head with the underside of the cabin bins. With a pained cry she slumped back down to the floor, clutching her head. Athrun was instantly out of his seat, crouching down next to Cagalli, asking if she was all right. The tears threatening to leak from her eyes were the answer to such an obviously stupid question, and Athrun cupped her face, lifting it up to his own.

"Cagalli?" He asked anxiously, "Cagalli? Where does it hurt on your head?"

Cagalli mumbled something incoherent, and she slumped against him. Athrun lifted her from his chest and deposited her limp form on the seat, buckling her in. When he turned to call for the stewardess, he found she was already there, a horrified look on her face.

"She's fine," Athrun assured her, not wanting to deal with a panicked woman, "Go find some ice and a first aid kit."

The stewardess looked at him in confusion. "But, Sir, where are you going?"

Athrun glared at her. "To talk to the captain. I'll be back."

Striding quickly to the front, Athrun jerked open the door that separated the cockpit from the cabin. There was no excuse for such a turbulent flight. Not in his mind anyway. A bright, sudden flash nearly blinded him, causing Athrun to pause in his angry approach. When the dots cleared from his vision, he saw the co-pilot and the captain staring back at him as if he had no business there.

"Mr. Zala, you must return to your seat and strap yourself in." The co-pilot told him. "We are traveling through a very powerful storm and it is important that you sit down."

Athrun glared at him. "How bad is the storm?"

The pilots glanced at each other. Finally, the co-pilot nodded towards the rain-slicked windshield. "It is the rainy season, the storm was not supposed to hit for another day but these things are unpredictable."

"Why didn't you fly around it? Or go over the storm?"

"Like I said, these storms are unpredictable. We didn't know the direction and at this point, flying over it would be impossible."

"Why?" Athrun demanded, his patience running thin with each word from the co-pilots mouth. He didn't like being spoken to as if he was stupid. The way he saw things, he probably knew more about flying than these hopeless incompetents. With his pregnant Cagalli on board, it gave him all the more reason to find out why exactly the pilots weren't doing all they could to ensure a smooth flight.

The co-pilot shook his head solemnly. "The storm is unpredictable. Now please sit down, we will inform you of any new developments. Please Mr. Zala...I know you are worried but you are not making our jobs any easier."

"Answer my question." Athrun growled, tired of hearing how everything was 'unpredicatable.' He took another step into the cockpit. At his movement, the co-pilot stood up, holding out a hand to stop him.

"Mr. Zala, with all do respects, you are a passenger, you can not come in here! Return to your seat at once!"

Resisting the urge to deck the man, Athrun reluctantly backed away and into the cabin, slamming the door shut behind him. Startled by the sound, the stewardess looked up, lifting a bloody cloth from Cagalli's head as he approached.

"S-Sir?"

Athrun ignored her and took the cloth from the stewardess. "How is she?"

"I...I don't know, sir," she answered honestly, "There's a little blood. Might I recommend a hospital when we land?"

"Yes you may recommend a hospital." Athrun snapped bitterly, almost mocking the young girl. His attention shifted back to Cagalli as a tiny moan escaped her lips.

"Athrun...?" she said, turning towards him. "What happened?"

He pushed her back, dabbing at the blood again. "The pilots are incompetent, that's what happened. Just hold still for a moment."

Cagalli blinked at the angry tone in his voice, knowing better than to pursue whatever had gotten under his skin. She knew he was upset because he felt she was in danger. Instead, she closed her eyes at his ministrations, wincing every so often at a prick of pain. Suddenly the cloth was removed, replaced by a cold thing. Cagalli yelped loudly, jerking away from the coldness.

"Cagalli, please calm down, it's an ice pack."

"Mr. Zala, you might want to sit down, the seatbelt lights are on."

Athrun glanced at the girl in annoyance. "They've been on for a while now. Go sit down."

"Of course, sir. Please put on your seatbelt as well."

Athrun sat down, just to satisfy the annoying girl hovering over his shoulder. She nodded in satisfaction, retreating to the back seat, but before she could move away, the plane was suddenly rocked to one side, throwing her against the opposite wall. Her hand slapped against the window blinds, retracting it and revealing the outer wing. They watched, captivated, as a bolt of lightning screamed down from the sky, strike the wing directly. Debris was flung from the charred wing, tossed out into space.

Athrun undid his seatbelt, ignoring Cagalli's screams. As he headed for the cockpit, the door flew open, revealing a disheveled co-pilot who immediately rushed over to Athrun, yammering in quick, choppy Japanese. Not understanding, Athrun tried to make his way by.

"No!" the co-pilot cried, pushing at Athrun, "You stubborn fool, we've traveled into the thunderstorm, sit your butt down now!"

Athrun smacked his hands away. "Where are we?"

"What?" the co-pilot asked, glancing back and forth between Athrun and the cockpit. "Where? We are somewhere over Orb, that's all I can tell you. Now, please sit!" he pushed Athrun into his seat, standing over the couple in front of him. "Lady Cagalli, we are going to have to try to land early for repairs to the engine."

"What's wrong with the engine?" Cagalli asked, regaining her composure.

"The lightning strike nearly hit the fuel line, but we want to be sure." The co-pilot gave her a nervous smile, "But don't worry, everything will be fine…"

Suddenly the entire cabin was filled with a bright white light and then washed in yellow, the heat suddenly spiking. Cagalli's eyes widened before burying her face in Athrun's shoulder as the co-pilot was thrown against a chair with a sickening crunch. Athrun automatically put his seatbelt back on.

"We've been hit! Impossible! The engine!" The pilot screeched from the co-pit.

There was a sound like a can begin crushed, the cabin shaking violently as the opposite wall seemed to buckle in on itself. The stewardess groaned, looking up as the wall ripped itself apart. Her eyes locked with Athrun's before the entire side of the airplane was torn away, wing and all. The stewardess released a frightened scream as she was sucked away and into the air.

The plane seemed to be screaming in its own fear as it plunged into a steep dive. Athrun felt the color drain from his face as he watched the situation unfold before his wide, green eyes. The plane was going to crash. The impact would kill them and even if it didn't… there was the baby.

Glancing upward, Athrun felt the winds picking up. Like a vacuum, he could feel the winds trying to rip him from his seat. In the corner of his eye, he spotted the emergency parachutes that were kept over the passenger's heads. He knew the risks involved in using a parachute but estimated they had a better chance of surviving using it than simply going down with the plane. Desperately, he grabbed for one.

The straps fluttered in the heavy gales of wind but he managed to snatch one and pull it down. Unable to put Cagalli in it due to the fact they were strapped in their seats, he slipped his arms through the straps and turned to Cagalli.

"Cagalli!" He shouted over the heavy engine noise and the thunder crashing in the heavens above them. "Cagalli! Undo your seatbelt and hold on to me!"

"A…Athrun!" She screamed, horrified tears staining her cheeks. "What…"

"Please!" Athrun begged. He could feel the plane plummeting towards the earth and knew he needed a certain height to engage the parachute. "We have to get out! NOW!"

Unable to argue, she did as she was told. With trembling fingers, she unbuckled her seatbelt and wrapped her arms around Athrun's waist. The moment Athrun undid his own belt, the two of them were sucked out of the plane and into the wild rains of the storm. Cagalli opened her mouth in an air-starved screamed as she felt Athrun open the parachute.

The winds immediately took hold of them, pulling them and twisting them in the air as the rains pummeled them. It was as though a greater being was trying to rip them apart from one another. Cagalli felt her grip beginning to slip. "Athrun!" She cried. "Athrun! I can't hold on!"

"Cagalli, no!" Athrun gasped and struggled to free his arms. He grabbed her, trying his best to support her as the wind took hold of their parachute and violently ripped them away from the plane that was spiraling to its doom. "Cagalli! Please don't let go! Please!"

He had never been so scared in his life. Completely at the mercy of Mother Nature and Cagalli's ability to keep a firm grip, Athrun was helpless. He could do nothing to protect his love and unborn child. Such powerlessness terrified him.

At that moment, an explosion split the sky and, glancing to his left, Athrun saw the plane they had been flying in only moments ago explode into a thousand pieces. His heart stopped as the storm took hold of the wreckage, throwing it in every direction like a squall of deadly daggers. Pellets of rain hammered against his face, blurring his vision but even blind, Athrun could see the giant piece of metal debris being hurled towards them.

"Athrun!"

He heard Cagalli scream. He heard the thunder boom condescendingly above him. Lightning cut through the sky as the metal chunk came barreling towards them. Athrun released a grunt as he awkwardly twisted his body to shield Cagalli from the brunt of the blow that he knew was coming. Hugging her tightly to his chest, he felt his heart pound violently against his chest. Even through their clothing, he could feel Cagalli's heart racing – he could feel her fear.

The debris slammed into the back of his head. Athrun lurched forward, seeing stars as the winds continued to whip them about in dizzying circles. The world shattered before his eyes and a muffled groan escaped his lips. He vaguely heard Cagalli call his name before his eyes rolled into the back of his head and his body went limp. The debris continued it's descent as the couple was continually pushed northward.

"Athrun!" Cagalli shouted in his face as she watched in pained terror as his body went flaccid against hers. His grip loosened and she found now that she had to cling to him or else be dropped to the merciless forests below that had already swallowed the remains of their airplane. "Athrun!"

Blinking in order to see through the rains, she shook her head in dread when he didn't respond. The two plunged towards the ground, the winds refusing to let up. Mother Nature denied them any compassion as she continued to summon the rains and winds to unleash their rage upon Orb's representative and unconscious bodyguard.

TBC

I hope you liked it. I know the characters may have been a little OOC but Cagalli is pregnant and well, that does things to women. As for Athrun, I've seen pregnant wives and they can be difficult to handle. Anyway, please let me know what you think ok? Any suggestions? Let me know.

Take care,

Kristina