A/N: Hey everyone! This is a really short chapter, but I hope the next one will be longer. I was really surprised at Patrick's popularity! I never knew Patrick Zala from GS was so popular! Many of you were a bit upset over his death, but in this chapter, I'll explain why I killed him off.

Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own anything or anyone. I just own this plot.


Chapter 28: Shattered Hearts

As Patrick slowly fell, Athrun quickly caught his father before he reached the ground. Patrick's body was covered in blood but he weakily touched his son's face. "Ath-run... I-i've -finally st-opped running..." he said as he smiled for the last time.

His hand was about to fall, but Athrun held it up back to his face. "I know, father... Goodbye..." his bangs covered his eyes, but everyone knew he was crying quietly.

Meanwhile with Nyra, she feel down to her knees gasping for air as blood flowed out of her. As if by instinct, Cagalli leapt to her feet and started to go after the shooter that shot both her mother and Athrun's fater, but a soft voice held her back. "C-cagalli, don't..."

The shooter retreated due to his command, "The military is coming! Retreat! I repeat! All forces pull back!"

Cagalli froze in place for a few seconds before running back to her mother and everyone. They were all gathered around Nyra and Patrick. Ulen held Nyra so that her head was on his lap as he sat down for her. "No Nyra! Not you too! Don't leave!" he pleaded.

Nyra smiled faintly. "Ulen t-take care of Cagalli f-for me," she whispered as tears came from her eyes.

Then she turned to Athrun who still held his father sadly. "Please l-look after her," she said and finally turned to face her daughter the best she could.

Her soft sandy hair was soaked in blood and her clear grey eyes were starting to dull. "Cagalli.. keep on l-living... and .. be h-happy for me..."

She gave a small sigh and finally closed her eyes. Everyone turned their gazes at Cagalli, whose bangs also covered her face. "I told you my dress would end up getting dirty.." she whispered.

Her voice trembled. "Cagalli?" said Athrun as he laid his father down gently so that he seemed to be asleep.

Cagalli quickly got up and ran away as fast as she could. Her stream of tears trailed behind her. Ulen got up as well, but his wife shook her head gently. "Let him go," she said as she nodded once at Athrun.

Ulen nodded and Kira watched his step-sister run. She's alone once more.. Cagalli ran and ran. Her breathing was rapid and short. Her honey brown eyes were dull and full of fear. She passed many dead bodies that were slain and blood covered the streets. Cagalli kept running until she was out of the part of town that was attacked. When she stopped, she was at the place where it all began. In other words, she was at her high school. Cagalli panted heavily as she went across the grass field and into the forest. She kept going until she reached her secret place that she once shared with Athrun. Cagalli slowed down as she gazed around her. Behind her, a voice called out her name. "Cagalli!"

Cagalli did a half-turn and looked at him. Athrun felt his heart stop. The one that he loved most looked like she was lifeless. Her face was as white as snow and her eyes lost that golden glow that he loved. Athrun slowed down as well and held out a hand to touch her face. Cagalli shifted her face so that he was out of range. Athrun re-ajusteed his hands so now one of them was on her shoulder while the other was on her chin. He tiled her chin upwards. "Cagalli, please look at me," he said quietly.

Slowly Cagalli moved her eyes to meet his. "Oh A-athrun..." she whimpered like a lost little girl.

Athrun stepped forward and embraced her tightly. "Cagalli..." he whispered as Cagalli cried into his arms.

"Why! Why! Why did she have to die like that?!" she yelled as she hit him with her fists.

Athrun didn't know how to respond so he kept the silence. After Cagalli calmed down by a little she looked at him with tearful eyes. "S-she looked as if she was sleeping... but she'll never wake up.." she said.

Athrun looked at her sadly. "Did you know what my father said to me?" he asked quietly.

Cagalli shook her head. "He told me that he had stopped running. He accepted his fate and knew his end was near when he told us the truth. Father didn't have to, but he chose to. He finally came out of hiding and faced his fears. Now.. he can rest in peace without worrying day after day any longer..." he said.

Cagalli's chin wobbled. "I-i can't go home anymore... Mother isn't there," she said as her tears were on the edge of spilling.

Athrun held her tightly as if he was to protect her from anything that would come to harm her. "I know... but she wanted you to keep living no matter what, so please stop crying because she wants you to be happy. As for having no place to stay, I would be overjoyed to have you stay with me," he whispered.

Cagalli nodded as she sniffled. "Okay..."

Athrun smiled slightly as he released her. "Now, let's get back to the others, for they must be extremely worried about us," he said and they went back.


A/N: Well there you have it! 2 more chapters to go and this fic will finally be done! Hope you liked it and wasn't too angry with me over Patrick's death!