Lightheaded
"Why are you sorry?" the redhead asked, clearly unable to see Lacus's reasoning. Normally people were impressed by her credentials, not feeling sorry about them.
"You mean I shouldn't be?" the representative asked, cocking her head to the side and cuddling her squealing Haro.
"Uh, n-no that's not what I meant. I mean you can say whatever you want, it's just that—" She paused and looked away. Lacus's blue eyes were intimidating and Eclipse dreaded the idea the pink princess might have the ability to know what she was feeling or thinking.
"Just what?"
"You see, no one's ever shown me any concern before. Well besides two people I've known for a year and someone I only knew for 28 hours, but they're all insane so it doesn't matter. Well, one isn't insane, but—"
She just started laughing, breaking Eclipse's concentration and then making her realize how foolish she was being. It was like she was six again and trying to have a civil conversation with her friend's dad. Damn, this is ridiculous. Why the hell does this girl throw me so off balance?
"I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to laugh, but you're so cute."
"I'm what?"
"Sorry, it's just that you're nervous and I really don't know why."
"I just—don't do this very often."
"Really? Don't they treat you well here? Perhaps I should talk to the commander and—"
This time the weapon started chuckling—stopping the singer in mid-thought—and if it wasn't for her pride she may have even broke down in laughter. Why, Eclipse wasn't really sure. Perhaps it was because this pink-haired beauty was showing her respect and kindness when others had just walked away. Even her previous roommates had said a grand total of six words to the redhead and this girl was a complete stranger with no similar backgrounds. How was it she knew exactly what to say and when? "You're amazing you know that, Lacus?" Now it was the representative's turn to look confused, but there was still something in her eyes. A small glimmer that proved she really did know what was going on. It was then Eclipse decided not to underestimate her again. "So Lacus, how are things going for you?"
She smiled and placed the Haro down on the desk before fixing the wrinkles in her white skirt. The nervousness seemed to have disappeared. "I'm doing very well, thank you."
"So, what are we going to do with Miss Clyne?" Ades asked, propping his head up with his right hand. It had been a long day and still they were no closer to disposing of the Earth Forces warship. At least they finished their primary mission and found Lacus alive and well.
Too bad they didn't realize they placed her in a room with a rampaging Berserker.
A pity.
"Well, we can't just let the 'Legged Ship' join up with the Lunar Fleet so easily. However, with Miss Clyne aboard we can't do anything. She'd be in too much danger and I, for one, really don't want to have a heated conversation with the chairman over the matter." Creuset was sitting in much the same manner in his tradition spot to the right of the captain. To some he may have looked bored, but really he was still angry about the situation. They had stopped chasing the 'Legged Ship' in hopes of rendezvousing with the Laconi and Porto teams. What they were going to do after they met up was still under debate.
"That's why I leave all the politics to you; I'm a fish in a skillet when it comes to that stuff. Chairman Clyne may come off as a mild tempered individual, but I've seen him fly off on someone and it wasn't pretty."
"So you understand my reasoning for avoiding the situation?"
"Of course, but let's get back to the real problem. What are we going to do about Lacus?" Ades asked again, swiveling back and forth slowly. It was a very unprofessional habit and Creuset had been tempted to tell him so many times, but other, pressing matters usually bumped it to the bottom of the queue.
"The Gamow is pursuing the 'Legged Ship' as we speak, correct?" The captain nodded. "While I think they can defeat the ship on their own, we have had a fair amount of bad luck with it. Keeping that in mind, we should probably join the Gamow as soon as we can."
"Hand Lacus off to either the Laconi or Porto team, then?"
"That's probably our best option."
"I'll inform Zellman. I'm sure he'll be happy for the backup and no doubt Yzak and Dearka have been giving him one helluva time."
"No doubt, but they are good at what they do."
"If not egotistical about it," Ades muttered.
"Captain, we seem to have received a private message for Lunar Eclipse," said a crewmember. "Would you like me to inform her?"
The commander looked away at the statement and responded before Ades had a chance. "Send it to my cabin and I'll let her know myself. And before you say anything, Captain, I do have authorization to do such a thing. All her missions are to go directly though me, or if she is no longer under my command, the responsibility falls upon her superior. So, to my cabin please, soldier."
Ades knew about Eclipse's special assignments, but nothing more then that they were special. Expecting Creuset to take charge of the situation like he did, the captain just sat back and manned the bridge. He'd worry about those missions if they came to him directly, but otherwise, he'd let the commander have his fun.
The talk between Lacus and Eclipse was beneficial on both ends, or so the redhead believed. She learned about some current events in the PLANTs and on Earth, even a few things concerning Orb. She may have fled the country, but she still felt a strong attachment to the place.
Once the conversation had died down, Eclipse realized the state she was in. She was dirty, sweaty, and exhausted. Not really a good condition with a representative in the room. "Would you mind if I stepped into the shower?"
"No, not at all. Please take your time and don't worry about me."
"Well, I'd offer you something to do, but honestly I don't have much here. I'm terribly sorry."
"Oh, not to worry. I'll keep myself occupied." The smile was priceless and on any other person, Eclipse may have called it the perfect mask; however, knowing this girl, it was genuine. The redhead couldn't help but smiling back after that realization.
Eclipse had barely turned off the water after her short shower when she heard the door open. Not the bathroom door, but the main entrance to the cabin. She was unsure why it opened in the first place, but when she heard the high pitched squealing of a particular pink blob, she could only sigh.
"Haro is overly excited," the weapon heard Lacus say before her talking became inaudible. Apparently, someone had stepped into the path of the flying ball.
Ouch.
She tried to hurry in order to stop Lacus and keep her out of trouble, but when she heard the door reopen and the singer's voice again, she calmed down.
At least until she heard Athrun.
"Can't be helped can it? That's the situation you're in right now." He sounded exhausted, or, perhaps, frustrated? Either way, the redhead didn't want him in her room with her being so… adventuresome.
Lacus sighed and then everything fell silent. Eclipse was tempted to open the door and see what was going on, but her garments made her hesitate. A towel wasn't a very good impression.
"Athrun? Is something wrong?"
"Uh—it's just that I was wondering how you are getting along. I mean, you were taken hostage and were forced to go through so much."
"I'm in very good spirits, thank you. Rest assured, your friend treated me with respect and dignity while I was on their vessel."
"Is that right?"
"I found Mr. Yamato to be a kind individual. And he has a very strong character." Eclipse had always wanted to ask Lacus why she called everyone Mr., Mrs., or Miss. It was too formal and actually made the redhead a bit nervous. Perhaps she'd ask later.
"He's nothing but a misguided fool. He insists that he's not a soldier and yet he's still piloting that thing. He's just being used, but he justifies it. Something about protecting his friends. It's because his parents are Naturals. That's why—" he stopped, and even Eclipse could hear the frustration in his voice.
"He told me himself that he'd much rather not fight against you."
"He's not the only one! Why would I want to—" He paused and the weapon couldn't help but feel forlorn. She wished he'd open up to her like that, but then again they were fiancés and disclosure like that was expected.
Wow, either Heine's words did have a huge effect on her, or she was becoming just one big sap. Then again, it wasn't long ago she transformed into her demon-like self. She mustn't forget that.
"I ask for your forgiveness. If you'll please excuse me."
"When I look upon you, there's a different person there. Lately, I can only see bitterness."
"I can't exactly fight a war with a big smile on my face." He shut the door after the statement, leaving, as Eclipse imagined, Lacus standing there alone with Haro in her hands. She listened a little longer, but when she heard the chair creak with the representative's weight, the redhead figured the conversation was over.
Unfortunately, it wasn't a happy ending.
Eclipse walked out about ten minutes later to, surprisingly, a very happy Lacus. Her Haro was on the floor spinning and muttering something like "Lacus, sing! Lacus sing!" The girl giggled and shook her head, holding out her hands to the mechanical ball. "Damnit!" the thing squealed, startling the redhead with its choice of words.
Did that thing just swear?
"Oh, Miss Eclipse, do you feel much better now?"
"Uh, yes I do thanks. I hope you weren't bored or anything."
"Not at all, I had my Haro here with me."
Yelling another "Yay Lacus!" it jumped from her hands over to Eclipse who caught it rather awkwardly.
Pink.
Why did it have to be pink?
"Who are you?" it asked and the redhead just stared. "Hello?"
Ignoring the ball, Eclipse turned back to the representative. "This looks like something my older brother would be interested in."
"You have a brother?" Lacus asked, catching Haro when he left Eclipse's observing.
"Yeah, he's a pretty big geek when it comes to electronics and stuff. I know a little and I must say that your pink—what's it called? Haro? Anyway, that's quite impressive. Where did you get it?
"Athrun made it for me."
"What? Really?"
"Yes, I liked the first one so much that he kept making them for me. I really do adore them."
"Don't they ever get to be too much?"
"No, not at all. They make very good company."
"Whatever you say," Eclipse mumbled, clearly seeing the things as the dictionary definition of `annoying.'
"He's very sweet, Athrun is. I'm a little worried about him though."
The redcoat could only agree, remembering the conversation she had overheard. The singer obviously didn't like how much he's changed, but to Eclipse he still acted normally. Perhaps it was because she hadn't known him before the war even began. "He has looked a little depressed lately and quite spacey, but I really don't know why."
"I may have an idea. One of the pilots on the Earth Alliance battleship is a good friend of his. It's actually thanks to him that I'm here right now." She turned towards the pink ball when it squealed another "Damnit!" but her look was very solemn. "War is a very ugly thing. Both Athrun and Mr. Yamato are kind individuals and not ones that should be forced to fight each other. If only this would come to an end."
"That young man, Mr. Yamato, he is the pilot of the Strike correct?"
"I don't know of the machine, but I've heard that name before." When Lacus turned to look back at Eclipse, she noticed something other than sadness in those eyes. Was it respect?
Or perhaps something more?
Before the conversation could go any further, a private at the door told the redcoat to see the commander at his quarters. He didn't say anything other than that and left before she could ask any questions. Sighing, she apologized to Lacus, slipped into her elite jacket, and left the room, wanting to crush the Haro when it muttered a "Whatever" before the door closed.
L4 was about two hours from the Vesalius's current position, giving Eclipse a grand total of seven hours to dispose of the SIN-ED representative—taking into account the return trip and the ship's new location—in order to get back in time to attack the Lunar Fleet. That should be plenty, she reminded herself, although, she was still worried she had underestimated the time. Actually, going back to the colony cluster made her nervous. Last time she was treated like royalty, but this time she was coming to kill SIN-ED, not scout them out. Knowing the meeting was on a different colony than the one she met FS and Stray calmed her nerves, but now she was in unfamiliar territory and having no idea what to expect.
Well, other than human-machines-of-mass-destruction what else was there to be worried about?
The ride was boring, even if she was studying blueprints, and the fact that she was ordered to take her GINN made things very uncomfortable. She had never messed with the temperature gauge so much in her career and the scenery wasn't very extravagant either. The redhead had always enjoyed staring into space and watching the stars, but now that she was surrounded by them, they were getting redundant and there was still an hour of flight left. Alright, I drop this thing off in the harbor. Hide it, somehow, and then stake out at the warehouse. The entrance is at the southern end of the building and I should be arriving an hour before the meeting, so no one should be scouting the area just yet. Both guns are loaded, spare ammunition is at my belt, four knives, wire, and beacon detector for my mobile suit. Mirage Colloid should initiate in three hours unless I set it off myself. Hopefully stealth won't be an issue on the return trip. She had gone over her plan numerous times in her head since her briefing with Creuset and still she wasn't sure she had it right.
Wing it.
Out of all the strategies that genius knew, the best thing he could come up with was wing it? There wasn't enough solid information on the meeting, only the location, time, and some person named Greed. The one thing that made the whole ordeal look suspicious was that SIN-ED was meeting an officer from the Earth Forces. If that wasn't in the report, it could've just been a tea party at noon.
But wherever SIN-ED went, Eclipse was supposed to be there as well, and not for party treats.
Even though ad-libbing was the best plan, Creuset did provide a personal spacesuit to keep the redcoat out of trouble. Its only use was for SIN-ED related missions, however, and knowing what problems could develop if Eclipse was unmasked as a ZAFT soldier, the decision was reasonable. The suit's main color was black with minimal, silver accents. Nothing fashionable, but far enough away in design to ZAFT's that no one could tell she was in the military. As long as it kept her safe and hidden, Eclipse really didn't care what it looked like.
Another half hour passed before the redhead figured she should switch on the colloid now to avoid detection. The system was good for a maximum of 90 minutes, but Eclipse was able to alter some programs and extended that amount to 120 minutes. The addition cost her some battery life, but at the moment she'd rather be invisible than invincible. Switching on the system, she checked her radars and advanced as quickly as she dared.
There were two harbors located on the colony. One was for civilian ships and the other was for product transmission. Knowing the civilian dock was the more damaged of the two, Eclipse anticipated the Earth Alliance squad to use the merchandise one. It was the correct decision on the redcoat's part and when she arrived safely in the harbor, she released the breath she didn't know she was holding.
If the merchandise dock was in good condition than this one was a dump heap. Debris littered the ground, making it look more like the junk yard next to the facility than anything shuttles could pass through. Three mounds of scrap metal were piled in the northern corner, making it an ideal spot to hide a mobile suit, but knowing the door was on the opposite end of the dock made Eclipse nervous. She'd have to cross a fairly large expanse in order to reach her suit and if she was being chased, she might be shot before she even reached the zip chord. However, there we no other options and piling up the remaining shuttles in the port would've looked suspicious. Making a small hole for the GINN, she set it in carefully, cut the colloid and stepped out to admire her handy work.
It would do.
Careful to stay behind the debris, Eclipse made her way to the far door and then out into the colony itself. Judging by the state of the harbor, she expected the inside to be quite trashy and damaged, but actually it was well preserved. Many of the buildings were still standing and the abandoned cars on the streets added some flavor to the landscape. If it wasn't for the lack of light and strong smell of waste, the redhead would've called it inhabited.
The meeting place was located in the center of the colony, so finding it wasn't hard, but no matter how she looked at it, the whole thing made her nervous.
Was SIN-ED linking up with the Earth Forces?
The warehouse was quite large, but that may have been because of the gaping hole in the roof extending from the entrance all the way to the other side. Just a good sun roof, right? There was a solid catwalk wrapping itself around the upper wall with enough debris from the roof and random storage crates to make it an ideal hiding spot for the weapon. The next question was, what side? Well, since the entrance is in the south, north would be a bad spot. I'd have to leave myself too open in order to get a good shot. Also, there'd be no way out and I'd have put myself in a corner. East or west? Taking a moment, she surveyed both ends and found her left to have better cover. West it is, she thought and carefully ascended the stairs.
Six feet or so past the stairs was a rectangular crate, about 3x5 ft. and 4 ft. high with a smaller 3x3 ft. crate next to it. The larger one was positioned parallel to the railing—only a few degrees off—and about 3 ft. from the wall, making it a decent spot to hide out. The 3x3 was angled enough to provide ample cover to the north and helped make a nice corner for Eclipse to camp out in. Diagonals were going to be tough, but at least her enemies didn't have a clear shot at her. The only huge problem was the ceiling.
Damnit.
While it may have been appealing to the many tanners in the building, it was quite disturbing. An attack from above wasn't really something Eclipse needed to be worried about at the moment. She'd just have to be over cautious.
As expected, no one was there, at least not for another fifteen minutes. The redhead had timed her arrival to be before the scouts were out and about. Hopefully, she could avoid their watchful eyes long enough to learn something at the meeting.
And to keep her life.
As stealthily as she figured, the scouts arrived exactly twelve minutes later, and spread out, one at each side of the building. Luckily they decided not to drop in from the roof because the weapon's cover would've been blown right there. Being positioned by the stairs made her first kill easier too. It was going to be a long-shot whether the guy would recognize her as a person and just start shooting or be calm about it and come closer to investigate. Eclipse was hoping he had a cool head and would come to her, but she did have a plan if he started shooting.
Swear a bunch, use his body as a shield and try to kill as many as she could.
See, wing it was a good strategy.
His ascent seemed to take forever. The redhead was sure that anyone else would've panicked and just started shooting—either that or screamed a "Hurry up!"—however, Eclipse was impressed by his thoroughness. Some others may have run up the stairs, tripped, landed face first, and watched helplessly as the bullet from his triggered gun bounced off the cement wall into his forehead.
If only things worked that way.
He reached the top a few minutes after he began, checking his left side before taking the sharp right. The weapon had never felt so vulnerable. She was wide open for a direct kill and if it wasn't for her black spacesuit and the lack of light, she may have been slaughtered within thirty minutes of her first mission. Her gun was the thing giving the impression she wasn't some random piece of debris, but she wasn't about to put it away. Staring at the wire she laid on the ground, she felt a small surge of anticipation.
Or maybe it was excitement.
The soldier stalked towards her, rifle in hand and aimed high on her figure. A little closer, she thought. He shuffled towards the wall, trying to get a better look, but since Eclipse was in such a good position, he saw nothing else of substance. That's when he tried kicking the blob he was observing.
The weapon grabbed the foot and pulled, startling him enough to allow an entrance at his remaining leg. Hooking her right foot around his ankle, she knocked him to the ground.
And he didn't even yelp.
What a good boy.
She was on top of him quickly—glad he landed where she anticipated—picked up both ends of the wire, and pulled hard. It dug cleanly into his throat right down to the bone until it stopped, killing him in one swift motion and leaving no time for him to call for help. Sure, she could've taken off the head entirely, but she didn't want to jeopardize her position. Oh well, maybe next time.
The blood was atrocious and trying to keep it hidden wasn't easy. With that attack she had cut through his main artery, and even though the heart had stopped beating, the fluids refused to listen to reason. I should start packing towels, she thought with a small sigh and tried her best with his spacesuit.
A small, red button flared on the victim's left wrist, reminding Eclipse of the "all clear" signal she obvious forgot about. She cursed inwardly when another one lit and the third one caused a little panic. Praying there was no little trick involved, the redhead pressed the final button and checked around her. Good, no movement. She let out a sigh of relief and twisted the helmet off the nearly decapitated body, sending another prayer that she didn't take the head with it.
Halloween gag anyone?
At least the other scouts wouldn't shoot her on sight if they believed she was their comrade peeking over the crates and not some murderous stalker. She tried her luck then, overjoyed when no one shot.
The next ones to arrive were more SIN-ED members, or so Eclipse deducted by the attire. Even though both sides were probably incognito, Earth Forces members in torn up jeans and tank tops didn't seem to fit. One she recognized as Spencer—the quiet member she and Heine had the pleasure to meet last time—but the other three were unfamiliar. Two were body guards, she decided, and the other tall, brunette looked to be a personal colleague. Maybe he's a Natural, she thought, remembering the other renegades who signed up with FS.
"Tell me, why are we getting all of this fire power again? We don't have a warship, as far as I know," the Natural groaned, leaning on a crate with his arms folded over one another. Spencer sighed in response, but apparently that wasn't good enough. "Greed?"
Greed? Eclipse thought, remembering the name listed in the report. Is Spencer, Greed?
"Obviously not to appease your better nature," the Coordinator growled. "We already went over this, Lyke, and I'm not about to amuse your curiosity by explaining it again."
"Don't trust the scouts?"
"Don't trust our allies," he went on, turning and posing a fake smile when seven others, also in shabby clothing, walked through the entrance. Figuring them to be from the Earth Forces, the redhead could only sit back and wait.
Hopefully she'd hear some useful information.
"You're late."
"Greed, I assume, the representative from SIN-ED? No, you're just early." He was an older gentleman with graying black hair and a 5'8 stature. Not very intimidating—even if he was supposed to be a commander—which made the representative wonder why he was chosen to make the transaction.
Well, what ever the reason he didn't like his attitude. "Have what we need?"
"In the harbor. Cash?"
"No, credit," Lyke mocked, rolling his eyes to exaggerate the phrase. The officer obviously wasn't pleased, but Greed held a faint smile.
"Stop being a smartass," the commander snapped, receiving a glare from the Coordinator across form him.
"Since you need us so badly, I'd keep your mouth shut."
"Perhaps you need to tie your colleagues' tongues a tad tighter, Greed. Now, do you have the money?"
"Of course. Who do you think you're dealing with?"
The two parties stared, each refusing to trust one another even though, under the circumstances, they were forced to. It was a fragile alliance between SIN-ED and the Earth Forces, both knew, but they needed each other; Earth Forces for the extra power and SIN-ED for supplies. Ah, but just you wait, Greed thought. Once ZAFT is gone, you guys aren't far behind.
Thud.
There wasn't any other way to describe the body that suddenly fell to the ground. It was unnerving to witness—especially when Greed kicked it onto its back and the gruesome details were present—but nothing the soldiers weren't used to. At least to some degree. The most disturbing part was the head, or lack there of. Actually, it was much like the corpse lying next to Eclipse, just cleaner shaven and missing the part the redhead wasn't able to detach. Hm, same methods as myself, she thought. Interesting.
"What the hell?" the officer remarked first, pulling out his handgun as his team did the same.
"This is a scout of ours," Lyke muttered, receiving a glare from Greed. He knew the situation and didn't need some rookie voicing the obvious. Not only did the commander not know about the scouts SIN-ED sent out, but if he twisted the situation into being an assassination attempt on them, the negotiations would be over. Greed couldn't let that happen, but there was still something in the back of his mind.
Who killed his scout?
"I thought you only brought these three," the officer hissed.
"For personal protection, but there were four others sent to clear the area first. Would you have rather come in here not knowing if there was some prowler waiting to devour your ass?"
"So, I'm to believe this is not your doing?"
"You think I'd kill my own men? Damnit, we have enemies too."
And with that, the heavens opened again, this time in the form of a torn up slip of paper. This one, unlike the body before, floated slowly into the waiting hands of Greed who read it aloud:
"Sorry, Bob had to go home sick. He felt a little lightheaded."
Eclipse almost burst out laughing, but the others weren't as amused. Apparently, not everyone knew a good joke when they heard one. The officer started issuing commands to his troops, ordering some to go outside and search the roof, but two well-placed shots—seeming to be from the roof—took out Lyke and an Earth Forces' guard near him.
And he was so highly recommended.
Sigh.
"There he is!" one soldier yelled and pointed up.
The redhead couldn't see the target, but she wasn't about to just sit back and let this newcomer have all the fun. Besides, if he—she—whomever was dumb enough to take out SIN-ED too then all the more reason to help.
People like that need to stick together.
Because of the commotion, the scout on the north side recklessly blew his cover, giving Eclipse the perfect head shot. Aiming carefully, without showing her own position too much, she shot and killed the man, causing even more shouts to sound from below.
"There's more than one!"
"We're surrounded!"
While the falling body was a much needed distraction, the weapon wasn't sure which scout was taken out. Using her brilliant math skills, she knew there was one left, but which side of the building was he on? South or East? A clear shot at two more Earth Forces soldiers opened up and Eclipse took the opportunity. She had also hoped to draw out the last scout on the catwalk. The kills were clean and mercilessly quick, but the act had given away her position to her enemies on the main floor. Now she had three SIN-ED and four Earth Forces soldiers to worry about, not to mention that last scout. Ah, damnit.
Another gun shot and a dying wail sounded, but the redhead wasn't sure where it was. It sounded like it came from the east side of the building, but Eclipse wasn't going to risk her vantage point yet.
Two were coming up the stars near her position soon after the mystery body fell. Not wanting to face both at once, the weapon popped up and shot at one, barely ducking in time to dodge a shot from Greed on the main floor. She cursed again, knowing she merely wounded the one soldier and if she was to make another attempt, the representative would have her for sure. Her second assailant was almost at the top of the stairs and she was a sitting duck if she waited for him to approach.
Eclipse smiled; she couldn't help it. The scene was so complicated and amusing at the same time that it was exciting.
The Berserker was just having the time of her life.
She jumped out of her spot and fell into a forward roll, taking out the advancing soldier on the stairwell and pausing a second to take out his wounded friend with a quick hit to the head. Another roll took her behind some crates to the left of the stairs where she threw off the helmet and reloaded her gun. There were still five people on the floor and three, by the sounds of their footsteps, were approaching fast. Moths to a flame.
Blowing her cover again, she ran to the steps, firing at the three as she descended, wounding two in the leg and killing one. Shots from Greed and the remaining commander forced Eclipse to bail out over the railing and onto some crates on the west side of the warehouse. Using them as shields, she went on the defensive and took out the wounded men when they gave her an opening.
Now only two were left, Greed and the Earth Forces officer.
"What is that? An assassin? You have got to be kidding me! You set this up, didn't you?"
"And why the hell would I send an assassin after my own men?" Greed asked, reloading his gun. The two had found cover on the east side behind some crates, but knowing how quickly their adversary took out the rest of the men, he wasn't too thrilled about the next volley.
This damn officer wasn't helping much either.
"So you wouldn't have to pay for your supplies, merely take them by force."
"Money is not an issue here! More to the point, you know the size of our organization. Do you think I'd risk such valuable men? You're a fool if you think SIN-ED set this up."
"Am I? Maybe I should dispose of you and then ask your superiors. Perhaps they'll listen to reason with your corpse in hand."
"Yeah, there's a good idea. 'I think your representative here tried to have me and my men killed so they could take off with the goods. Don't worry, I killed him so you don't have to worry about it.' You don't even have any proof."
"I'll make my own," the Natural said, smirking as he planted the barrel of his gun on Greed's forehead. If only he knew how quick his client's trigger finger was; he may have regretted his entire speech.
Bang.
The Berserker had only heard bits and pieces of the conversation, but as soon as it started she knew it was going to end pretty.
Or ugly, depending on personal preferences.
A few more moments passed before Greed spoke up again. Maybe he was wiping off his clothes. "What d'ya say we just drop our firearms and talk? I'd like to see your face before anything…rash happens."
Nice choice of words, Eclipse thought, but couldn't help the smirk on her lips. She noticed he said firearms and not weapons. That meant her daggers were still okay and even though the last skirmishes had diminished her ammo, she still had all four of those.
"Here, I'll make my move." The magazine came sliding out first, followed by the handgun and two more spare ammo clips. Apparently, he was serious.
Or maybe not.
"I know there were two of you behind that crate and there's only one gun out here. Either you slide out your partner's or you can forget the cease fire."
"Ah, observant are we?"
"Just good at math."
Greed smiled after the statement, now more eager than ever to see this assassin. Maybe he could convince her—since it was, surprisingly, a female voice—to join the group. They obviously needed more members after the incident that day. "Very well." He slid both parts onto the floor and waited to hear the comforting sound of Eclipse's handgun.
The Berserker sighed, but ended up giving in. She unlatched her extra clip and threw it out before her gun and used magazine. Now they were both unarmed.
Well, in theory anyway.
"Am I to believe you took out all of those men with just one, small handgun?"
"Your scout had a nice sniper rifle."
"Ah, I see, well where's that?"
"Next to the body."
"How quaint," he muttered and stepped out from his hiding spot. Ironically, Eclipse was already out in the open, but Greed didn't recognize her until they were about three feet apart. The pupiless-eyes were what threw him off, but as soon as his initial fear subsided, he laughed. A true, but evil laugh that took him to his knees. "You? Oh my god, it's you? Lunar Eclipse? Pride and Envy's protégé? You have got to be kidding me!"
"What's so damn funny about this? You're obviously going to die."
"There were rumors, yes sweet rumors of some broad coming to send us all to hell, but who would've thought it'd be you? Ironic, how ironic."
Apparently so, the Berserker thought, clearly not seeing the scene as humorous.
"Oh, and you're the perfect one for the job, aren't you? I mean if only we had a mirror you might be as afraid of yourself as I was at first. You remember me don't you? And that lovely day you were ordered to torture me? Ah yes, it's encrypted deep into my memory."
"I don't know what you're—"
"If you hadn't have teased me so I may have called it painful, but oh you were good at it. It was then I realized why Vindur favored you so. It's just so funny!"
She had repressed most of her facility memories, so Eclipse had no recollection of this specific incident. Not like she would've been proud of it anyway. If the tortures gotten a little scarce during the week, Vindur usually had trainees punish their comrades instead of a professor. Greed's memory must've been from one of those times, but the Berserker wasn't about to try and remember. "You're a masochistic freak," she spat, pulling a dagger from her waist and stabbing it high into his right shoulder. Words were getting boring.
He merely laughed again, not able to keep the tears out of his eyes. Although, they weren't from the pain. "It's so hilarious! Pride's little pet is calling me a freak!"
Eclipse grabbed another one from her waist and squatted down to twist it into his upper thigh. It was about time he started answering some questions instead of babbling like a fool. "Now tell me, who the hell is this Pride you're always referencing?"
He just kept laughing.
"Y-you stand there, torturing me now like back then and you think I'm the monster? Oh, by all means continue the mutilation because why should I live? I want to destroy all humanity remember? Oh, but you're so righteous because you want to destroy me, is that it? You're a pathetic liar that doesn't deserve Pride's attention, or Gluttony's and Envy's for that matter! You're the monster who should be killed!"
"I'm no monster."
"Oh really? How can you be sure? Do you feel noble right now?" She seemed wounded after the statement, but like before, Greed could only laugh.
Perhaps he had finally gone insane.
"How long, huh? How long do you think it'll take before you're hunted down for what you are? You're just like us, or perhaps even worse. How hard is it to make friends, huh? Have a hard time keeping people…unafraid? So, if you are to kill me here, then I'll be happy just knowing I was one of the firsts in your grand massacre for acceptance! I beg for my death, demon, because I am nothing more than a monster in your eyes! I am just happy knowing you gave it to me gladly."
Eclipse had heard enough and so had the Berserker inside of her, but she wasn't about to just stab him in the heart and be done with it. Hah, that's too easy.
A thrust up and into the skull was more appealing.
The figure on the roof just smiled, kicking its feet back and forth as it watched the scene below. In some ways it was inspiring. "So, the devil brought a double-bladed scythe to the festivities after all. Interesting." It smiled and got to its feet, wiping off some dirt before grabbing the sniper rifle and wire. "How about a race, then? Yes, a race to get the most spirits in hell to curse our names."
A/N: Hey all, this'll probably be my last chapter for a while. School started again and the schedule's pretty hectic. As you know, I'll try my best with the story and, no matter what, I always end up writing some things here and there. But be patient okay?
New character!!!! Be excited. Be very excited. :) I tried not to give the gender away or anything, so the person's not an 'it', don't worry. An interesting character, and one who'll give Eclipse a hard time later on. You'll see what I mean.
I hope all the action made sense. I tried to describe it best I could, but I know all the jumping around and visualizations are a bit difficult to follow. If you have any huge problems feel free to let me know either by e-mail or review. I'll reply as soon as I can.
Oh, one thing about the snapping into Berserker moments. I'm trying to find an obvious, but not redundant way of letting you guys know when she switches over. I hope you can pick it out, but if not, the main indicator is "Berserker." When Eclipse is just being her normal, humanish self I use descriptions like "redhead," "redcoat" and the like. When she's in battle, I use "weapon" mostly and when she snaps, I use "Berserker." I'm trying to keep it consistent like that, but if there's any mistakes on my part, please let me know so I can fix them right away and not confuse any more people. Thanks!
Other than that, thanks again to all the readers and reviewers out there. You're the ones keeping this going so kudos! I'll see you all next chapter! I wonder what Eclipse's Berserker side is going to do this time? O.o
Darkangelsonic: Let's just say Athrun versing those four wouldn't be pretty. Well, on some levels. I'm sure the whole thing would be downright sexy, but that's just me. I wonder who'd ultimately win? (shrugs) Anyway, it's always great to hear from you! Your energy and exclamation marks are so much fun. :)
CSSStravag: Actually, Athrun's disclosure surprises me. I might have to tone it down a bit 'cause sometimes I can't see him saying certain things... (shrugs) But, I'll work on those battle scenes for ya. Yes, it was horrible and as soon as I get the hang of things I'll go back and fix it, but for right now, everyone's stuck with mediocre work. Next time, though, I'll make sure it's the most awesome thing you've ever read! Maybe...
Death-Scimitar: Thanks for the sane review! It means so much to me that you can be civil about this, but after this chapter I dunno. You do really like the new character and all... Anyway, I was really mad when I had to put Kira in the story. Well, I knew he had to come in eventually, but... why? O.o He was really heroic/naive in that part with Lacus though. It was kind of amusing actually 'cause he isn't naive often but he is, unfortunately, always heroic. Oh well. Yeah, I think Athrun and Eclipse sleeping together would be cute... and we both know why that is. O.o Anyway, the new character finally made an appearance and gotta love that first line, huh?
Strata