Heavenly

Chapter 10: Doubt

Lunamaria woke up and found herself in her room. She sat up and saw the empty bed, the very same bed where her sister used to sleep. Then tears started to come out slowly. It will be hard for her to face everything now that her sister is gone but crying over it won't do anything at all.

So, who was at fault for that incident?

She has been asking herself that question ever since she heard the news. She was told at the interrogation that Athrun Zala has been spying for the LOGOS ever since he re-enlisted to Zaft and her sister, Meyrin Hawke, helped him escape which makes her a traitor too. And that Chairman Durandal issued a shoot-to-kill order so that information about Zaft won't get leaked out.

Is it Athrun's fault for dragging Meyrin into this mess which resulted to their demise? Is it LOGOS' fault for persuading Athrun to spy on Zaft? Is it Meyrin's fault for helping Athrun escape? Is it Shinn and Rey's fault for following their orders? Or is it the chairman's fault for ordering Shinn and Rey to shoot them down without enough evidence? Or maybe the chairman planned this all along. Maybe he planned to eliminate Athrun and chose to do it this time when he gathered enough evidence of his betrayal to Zaft and there's no way out anymore. Maybe Athrun didn't plan to bring Meyrin with him all along. Maybe Athrun did that to protect himself and her sister.

She shrugged her thoughts aside as she stood up and left to get breakfast.

~~~*~~~

Shinn knocked on Luna's door. He wants to explain everything to her. No matter what happens, he won't let this incident damage their special relationship.

Luna opened the door and let him in. Then he began to examine the room. Most of Meyrin's belongings are gone and was placed in a box.

"Seeing Meyrin's belongings makes me miss her more" said Luna sadly as she sat on her bed. Shinn sat beside her and saw the loneliness in her eyes.

"Luna, I'm sorry!" he said as he wrapped her in a tight embrace. Soon they started crying.

"Stop blaming yourself, Shinn. It's not your fault. You were just following the order that was given to you" she said comfortingly.

"I'm sorry" he mumbled again and again. Luna couldn't bring herself to hate him even though she wanted to. Perhaps, it was because she's a soldier like him. It was an order, a task that a soldier must fulfill at all cost.

They just sat there, comforting each other.

~~~*~~~

After the incident in Gibraltar, everything seemed peaceful aboard the Minerva. There haven't been any battles ever since they left Gibraltar base five days ago. And now they're going for a patrol mission in a small island along the Mediterranean Sea. According to headquarters there's an underground lab which the EAF are using for their experiments.

"Be careful down there. I'll be on the lookout for enemies above" said Shinn, already on his flight suit, as he entered the pilot's lounge. Luna sat on one of the chairs as she looked at the hangar through the window.

"You don't need to worry. We'll just take a look at the lab underground and see if we can get some information about the EAF's experiments. And besides, I won't be alone. Rey will be with me" said Luna reassuringly

"I know" he said as he sat beside her

"Lately… I've been thinking about what happened at Gibraltar. Who's at fault for that incident? And why did that happen?" she said, a little hint of loneliness in her voice

"I know from the bottom of my heart that my sister is not a traitor. But why did the chairman ordered to kill her? She hasn't done anything wrong. She's innocent! That's why I'm planning to quit the military as soon as possible. I won't let the same thing happen to me. I can't trust the chairman anymore. And I can feel that he's planning something bad" she continued

"Luna, I know that you're still grieving for your sister's death but please don't jump to conclusions" said Shinn worriedly. He just hopes that no one heard what she said.

"You're right" she said as she sighed in defeat. "But I still want to leave the military. I can't stand to live a life like this anymore"

Shinn wanted to agree with her. A peaceful life is all he wanted from the beginning. But the chairman needs him right now. In order to build a world that the chairman desires, his power is needed. But Luna needs him. And he also needs her. He couldn't stand to see her go away again. No matter what happens, he won't let her go, even if it means he has to abandon his life as a soldier of Zaft.

Little did they know that a certain blonde-haired boy is secretly listening to their conversation.

~~~*~~~

Rey stood by the doorway as he listened to Shinn and Luna's conversation. Although he doesn't want to admit it, those two were the only people he could trust the most among all the crew members and staff aboard this ship. Perhaps, it's because the three of them have been together ever since their military school days. Then he remembered the special task that was given to him by the chairman.

Flashback…

"Meyrin Hawke's sister, Lunamaria Hawke, was interrogated last night and was proved to be innocent and has no knowledge about the reason behind her sister's betrayal" said Chairman Gilbert Durandal as he sipped his brandy. Rey nodded in response

"However, I feel like she's of no use anymore, just like Athrun. And I'm pretty sure that she hates me for ordering you and Shinn to kill her sister, the only family she has"

"What are you planning?" asked Rey, sensing some malice in the older man's voice

"Remember when she was captured by the EAF? Captain Gladys said that she saw the EAF's experiment, their secret weapon against Zaft. She's the only key for us to find out what the EAF's planning against us"

"She hasn't regained all of her memories. We just have to wait for her to remember" said Rey, somewhat defending his friend

"We have to make her remember" said the chairman as he smirked somewhat evilly

"What do you mean?" asked Rey, almost raising his voice

"So, you've grown quite close to your teammates, huh?" said the chairman as he stood up and filled his empty glass with brandy

"Emotions won't get you anywhere. They are a hindrance to our plans. Or have you forgotten about that?" asked the chairman as he went back to his seat

"No, of course not" replied Rey shortly, finding it hard to admit that he got close to his teammates, too close perhaps.

"Then we shouldn't have problems about it. Anyway, I want you to observe Ms. Hawke. Update me on her condition, if she can remember the things she saw when she was captured"

"Then what?"

"If she'll remain loyal to us then I'll let her stay. But if she doesn't, you already know what I'll do…"

End of Flashback

No. He can't let his comrades suffer. They've been through a lot and they can't turn on each other's backs now.

But Gil. He's the reason why he's here alive. He was the one who gave him a life and a reason. He promised Gil that he will help him create the world he wishes. But why are there so many unnecessary sacrifices for that world? Will it be worth it?

Rey entered Legend's cockpit with those unanswered questions.

~~~*~~~

"Rey Za Burrel. Legend. Launching"

"Lunamaria Hawke. Core Splendor. Launching"

"Shinn Asuka. Destiny. Launching"

"Rey and Lunamaria. Call us when you see something suspicious. Shinn, you stay on air and watch out for enemies. Is that clear?" said Captain Talia Gladys through the communication channel

"Yes Ma'am!" replied the three pilots as they went to their respective places

Rey lead the way. Although they're both soldiers, Rey never forgets his gentleman manners. But he doesn't always show it to others, only to those who are close to him.

"The entrance to the lab is through that cave" said Rey as the cave came in to sight

"Yes" replied Luna as the both of them sped up. Soon they land near the cave. Shinn watched them from above. Although he's quite worried because it's been a long time since she piloted a mobile suit, he knows she can do it. And besides, she said so herself that she'll be okay and Rey's with her.

~~~*~~~

Rey and Lunamaria exited the cockpit of their mobile suits and entered the cave. Rey lead the way. It didn't take them long before they found a steel door, the entrance to the EAF's lab.

"How do we open it?" asked Luna as she stared at the huge door before her. The lab seems to be secured heavily. Finding a way to get through will surely be hard.

Rey didn't bother to answer her question. He just entered the code and the steel door opened.

"Come on" said Rey as he entered first and was followed shortly after by Luna. She wanted to ask him how he knew the code but decided to ask him later, after their mission is done.

The electricity inside the lab was not working properly so their only source of light is the flashlight that they brought with them. The both of them covered their noses because of the harsh smell of chemicals that filled the air. Rey spotted a computer and turned it on but it seems like all data were removed. Perhaps, the EAF really abandoned this lab.

While Rey was checking out the computer, Luna roamed around and took photos of the lab. There were huge tubes but they're empty. Judging by the size of the lab and the huge equipment inside it, it seems that the EAF are planning something big, something that will really shock their enemies and assure them of victory.

Luna continued to look around. It was pretty hard since the only source of light is the flashlight she's holding. And as she went on, the smell was getting worse. It wasn't like the strong smell of chemicals earlier, it was something else. Like the smell of a decaying body, lots of it. Then she saw another huge tube. She flashed the light in it and screamed at what she saw.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Rey went to her immediately.

"What happened?" he asked then stared at what Luna is staring. It was a huge tube. Inside it was a body, a corpse, floating in what seems to be water. But its eyes were open and staring at them angrily.

"Is that… a dead body?" asked Luna in a scared tone.

"It seems to be" replied Rey curtly and went on with Luna trailing behind him.

"What's that smell!?!" complained Rey. The smell was even worse than before. Although it was hard, Rey followed the smell and soon found where it's coming from. It's coming from a closed door in the corner. Rey looked at Luna, as if asking if he should open the door. Luna nodded in response and they opened the door together. The both of them gasped in utter surprise. The room is full of corpses! And some of them are decaying!

"What… What exactly are they planning?" asked Luna confusingly. Somehow, the sight seems familiar. Like she'd seen it before. But where and when?

"Centurions…" she said unconsciously

"What did you say?" asked Rey

"Huh? Did I say something?" asked Luna as she realized that the person Rey is talking to is her.

"Never mind" he said in his usual stoic manner.

~~~*~~~

Their mission went well. Thankfully no one got hurt. It seems like the EAF doesn't care about that lab anymore since no one attacked them. Captain Gladys decided not to do further investigation on the lab since she found no purpose to do so. Rey and Luna already handed their report to the captain and she was shocked to know that they kept dead bodies on that lab.

~~~*~~~

Shinn passed by the lounge after his practice session with Rey and saw Luna. She was just staring at the window deep in thought.

"Is something the matter?" asked Shinn as he handed her a can of tea.

"Thanks" she muttered as she held the can of tea with both of her hands

"Is something bothering you?" he asked as he sat beside her

"When we were down at the lab… We saw a lot of things… And I feel like I've seen them before… But I don't know where and when…"

"Don't push yourself to remember things altogether. Just take things one at a time"

"I know. But I feel like something bad is going to happen. I've seen it before, I just can't remember!"

"What's happening here?" asked Rey as he entered the lounge

"The things we saw down at the lab… Somehow, it felt familiar, like I've seen it before" replied Luna

"She must've seen it when she was captured by the EAF" said Shinn

"Try to remember, Lunamaria. What are those things that you saw?" asked Rey as he looked intently at her. Luna closed her eyes and tried hard to remember. Huge tubes, the harsh smell of chemicals, decaying bodies…

"Sorry, I can't" she said as she clutched her head in sudden pain. Whenever she tries to remember, her head aches badly.

"Luna, are you okay?" asked Shinn worriedly

"Yes, don't worry. I'll be resting in my room" she said as she stood up and left.

~~~*~~~

Gil

I have good news. Lunamaria Hawke is starting to remember the things that she saw when she was captured by the EAF. However, she hasn't recovered most of it but I'm sure that she'll remember it soon. I will keep on observing her.

Rey

Rey turned his chair around as the words "Message Sent" popped on the computer screen. Somehow, he felt nervous. What would happen if she remembers everything? Will Gil eliminate her too? If that's what Gil wants, will he stand in the way to protect his friends from the same man who he owes his life to?

His thoughts were distracted when Shinn came in.

"How is she doing?" asked Rey nonchalantly

"She's resting now. I left her sleeping" said Shinn as he removed his red coat uniform, leaving his blue shirt and red pants.

"Shinn, do you love Lunamaria?"

Shinn stopped in his tracks and tried to comprehend what he had just said.

"You already know the answer" replied Shinn as he stared at Rey in the eye. Rey did the same

"Do you love her enough that you'll leave the military for her sake?"

"Yes"

"What would you do if someone in the military wants to have her killed?"

"I won't let that happen. They have to go through me first before they can get to her"

"Who would you chose? The friends whom you trust the most? Or the man whom you owe your life to?"

"Rey, what's happening to you? You've been asking these questions all of a sudden. Is something wrong?" asked Shinn worriedly

"Nothing. Just ignore it" said Rey as he lied down on his bed and pulled the sheets up to his chin

"Okay" said Shinn silently as he got ready to sleep too.

Gil, for once I want to disagree with your plans

Author's Notes: So sorry for the super late upload. I've been so busy with school and other stuff that I don't have time to write at all. But the first semester is nearing its end so I think I'll have more time to write. Yehey! Heehee... College studies have really been a pain to me, especially the professors who are really strict.

Anyway, can you see Rey changing? He must choose between his friends and Gil. What will be his decision? Hehehe... That must be the question running through your mind right now. But sad to say, I'm not finished with the next chapter yet. But I will really try to finish it whenever I have time.

And while I was writing this chapter, it seems like I'm discovering Rey further and further. I mean, Rey is not really my favorite character in the series but now I'm a big fan of his. My favorite Rey scenes would be on the 1st episode (or is it the second?) of GSD when Armory One was attacked. He was with Luna and suddenly there was an explosion. They were lying face-down on the floor and Rey covered Luna with his arm. Awww.... What a gentleman Rey is. And then another one of my favorite Rey scenes was when he was with Shinn at the Mesiah. They were waiting for their time to launch and Rey could feel that Shinn is worried about Luna. Then he says to Shinn "Don't worry about Lunamaria, she is strong" or something like that. Oh my God! I'm going nuts here! Heehee...

And if you've noticed, I changed my avatar photo. The previous one that I used was taken two years ago so I felt like I should change it. And in my new avator you could clearly see....... uhm..... my big..... eye bags heehee... And I wore my Luna wig on that photo (when it was still not cut).

So, how did my cosplay turned out? Well... it was really not amazing but not bad at all. I still need to improve on some things like the wig, and the red coat uniform. Gosh... such a hassle heehee....

Anyway, enough with the drabbles. Thank you for having the patience to wait. I really don't want to make you wait but I don't have a choice since I have a lot of things to do.

Thanks for the reviews and support! XD

(*^o^*) Peace out! (*^o^*)

Kaycee