Heavenly
Chapter 9: Rain
It's raining.
What a great way to start the day.
Luna slumped down on her bed and covered herself with her blanket after seeing the sight from the window. Somehow, she dislikes rain in the morning. Like it's saying that something bad will happen on that day.
Meyrin sat up on her bed upon hearing her sister's sudden actions. She peeked outside the window and knew right away the reason for her big sister's annoyance.
"Hey sis, let's get some breakfast" said Meyrin cheerfully as she removed the blanket covering her
"I'm not hungry yet. Just go there by yourself" she replied as she turned her back on her little sister
"Come on sis! Why are you like this everytime it rains in the morning?" said Meyrin as she crossed her arms on her chest like an angry mother.
"Just leave me alone. Tell them I'm not feeling well or something…" said Luna, not bothering to look at her sister at all
"Okay then. I'll just tell Shinn that you have your monthly period" said Meyrin in a carefree tone as she grinned sheepishly and is on the way to leaving the room.
"Wait!" said Luna with a bright red blush on her cheeks as she got up, fixed herself and went with Meyrin to the cafeteria.
~~~*~~~
Shinn and Rey entered the cafeteria to get some breakfast. Shinn looked around and quickly noticed the absence of a certain magenta-haired girl. It was unusual for her to be late because she always wakes up early. Shinn shrugged the thought aside as he and Rey got their meals and sat on an empty table. She's probably on her way with Meyrin now.
Not long after the sisters arrive and went to get some breakfast. The two boys quickly noticed Luna's uneasiness. They looked at each other confusingly and waited for the said girl to sit with them.
Meyrin noticed the confused expressions on their faces as she and her sister sat down.
"Don't worry. She just woke up at the wrong side of the bed" said Meyrin reassuringly then started eating.
Luna, sensing that she was the subject of their silent conversation, smiled at her male comrades "Don't worry, I'm fine" and with that they resumed eating silently.
~~~*~~~
"Luna, wait!" said Shinn as he catch up to her on the hallway. While the Minerva is having its maintenance repairs, all the crew members and pilots stayed in the Gibraltar base.
"What is it?" she asked as she stopped walking and looked back at Shinn
"Are you feeling okay? You seem a little… on the down side…" said Shinn as they walked together slowly
"Uhm… Is that so? I'm sorry for making you worry. It's nothing important, really. I just hate it when it rains in the morning" replied Luna, somewhat happy to have Shinn listen to her ramblings.
"Why do you hate it?" he asked curiously
"I really don't know. But somehow, I feel like something bad will happen when it rains in the morning. I can still remember the day when our parents died at Februarius, it was raining all day" she said sadly, remembering her parents' death.
Shinn felt pity for her then realized that she doesn't need his pity at all. All she needs right now is someone to depend on, someone who will support her.
"Don't worry, as pilots we will make sure that nothing bad happens" said Shinn encouragingly as he smiled gently.
Luna smiled back at him. And it occurred to her that she's back on her pilot duties again. Since most of Impulse's parts were gone except for the core splendor, the factory at Gibraltar made new ones, just like the old Impulse. Somehow, it felt uneasy. To wear the prestigious redcoat uniform and be on the battlefield again. To know that many people depends on you to protect them. It was an overwhelming feeling but somehow, she felt uneasy at the realization that she has to kill many people too. She guessed that it was the only way to attain peace, but deep down she hoped that there was another way. Another way where there will be no bloodshed, no mobile suits, just understanding.
~~~*~~~
It didn't stop raining at all. Since the Minerva is undergoing repairs, the crew members were left with nothing to do. It was like a day-off but they were told to stay within the Gibraltar base since the Minerva will be launching right after the repairs are done.
Lunamaria and Meyrin decided to stay in their room and spent time together. They played cards, looked through the photos and Meyrin told stories about their military school days, those that Luna can't remember by herself.
Luna was really glad that she had a sister like Meyrin. It feels like Meyrin is taking care of her even though she is the younger sister. Well, she is the only family member she has so the relationship they have is very intimate. Then Luna imagined her life without her little sister. There would be no one to congratulate her after a successful mission, no one to wake her up in the morning when she sleeps in, no one to go shopping with, no one to help her in this ordeal and especially no one to protect. Meyrin was the primary reason she decided to join the military. Her father's wishes came in second.
"Meyrin, am I a good sister?" asked Luna suddenly, a hint seriousness in her tone.
Meyrin smiled at her and hugged her tenderly
"More than that, sister, you're the best! You're the best sister a girl could ever have" she said as she looked up at her sister.
"I'm glad to hear that. And you're the best sister a girl could ever have too!" said Luna, planting this moment deep down in her heart and memories.
~~~*~~~
"So, Athrun is of no use now, isn't he?" asked Chairman Durandal as he stared at the photos, proof of Athrun's betrayal to Zaft.
"Yes" replied Rey in his usual stoic voice
"We shouldn't let a rotten tomato stay with the fresh ones, otherwise the fresh ones will also become rotten" said Chairman Durandal as he smirked evilly and Rey nodded positively.
Little did they know that someone was eavesdropping on them.
~~~*~~~
Athrun Zala looked through his window. It seems like the rain won't stop anytime soon. It's been raining since he woke up this morning. Is this a bad omen? Is the rain trying to tell him something?
"Athrun!!!" Meer's loud voice pierced through his unlit room as she banged her fist on the wooden door. Athrun sighed in annoyance as he went and opened the door.
"Athrun!!! We have to go to the chairman immediately! You have to convince him that you're a good guy and not a traitor!" said Meer as she tried to drag Athrun out of the dark room
"Traitor!?! What are you saying!?!" asked Athrun, no longer able to control his emotions
"I heard Chairman Durandal and that Rey guy talking. They were saying that you're of no use now" replied Meer calmer than before as she showed him a photo of him, Cagalli, Kira and Mirialia.
Athrun balled up his fist "Damn it! I should've seen this coming" he hissed. Suddenly a knock was heard on the door.
"Athrun Zala. We are Zaft soldiers. Open this door and surrender to us peacefully" said a soldier from the other side of the door.
"What now, Athrun?" asked Meer in a panicked tone
"We have to escape"
~~~*~~~
Meyrin heard some commotion going on around the base. It seems like there was a traitor who was secretly spying Zaft. She decided to just stay on her room. She was doing some computer work when suddenly she heard her door open. She looked at the direction of her door and found Athrun drenched in water, holding a shot gun.
Athrun quickly covered her mouth with his hand "Meyrin, please keep quiet" he said, trying his best not to startle her. Meyrin nodded meekly then Athrun let go of her.
"What's going on? Are you the traitor they were talking about?" she asked worriedly
"Ask Rey about that. Right now I need to escape" replied Athrun then they heard a knock on the door, it was the soldiers requesting for a room search.
"Scream as loud as you can after I escape through this window. Tell them that I took you as hostage" said Athrun as he was about to exit through the window.
"I have a better plan. Come with me" said Meyrin as he dragged Athrun to her bathroom. She removed her uniform, leaving only her undergarments. Athrun blushed deep red at what he was seeing but decided to just go with her plan. Meyrin drenched her hair wet and wrapped a towel on her frail body.
By the time she was about to open the door, the soldiers forced it open. They blushed at the sight. Then the big sister came to the rescue.
"Meyrin, why are like that?" she asked, preventing further exposure of her sister to the soldiers
"Well, I was taking a shower and they were banging on my door" she replied innocently
"What's going on anyway? What's the commotion about?" asked Luna as she glared at the soldiers angrily
"Nothing we were just ordered to do a room search" said one of the soldiers
"Anyway, go and get dressed, Meyrin" said Luna then closed the door.
Meyrin felt weak and fell to her knees. Athrun came out and put a bathrobe on her shoulders.
"Thanks, Meyrin. You saved me there" he said and was about to escape when he felt her tug at his boot.
"Athrun, I'll help you escape"
~~~*~~~
Athrun and Meyrin went to an empty hangar. There they saw a Mobile Suit, a Gouf Ignited.
"Meyrin, why are you doing this?" he asked
"If you're going to get killed here, you might as well escape" she replied then they heard gun shots from behind, it was Rey. Athrun and Meyrin dodged it just in time.
"Athrun, you traitor!!!" yelled Rey as he kept on shooting at them
"Stop it, Rey! Meyrin's here too!" said Athrun as he covered Meyrin
"You… You betrayed Gil!!! I won't forgive you!!!" he yelled angrily as he kept on shooting. Then suddenly his shot gun was thrown away courtesy of Athrun and his gun. Athrun offered his hand to Meyrin and she quickly accepted it. Then Rey pulled out another gun and resumed on shooting at them. Quickly, Athrun and Meyrin entered the cockpit.
Rey went back to the Minerva's hangar and launched with Shinn.
~~~*~~~
"Rey, what's happening?" asked Shinn as he entered Destiny's cockpit and turned on the necessary buttons.
"We're going after a traitor" he replied emotionlessly as he launched ahead of Shinn. Shinn just followed him with a little hesitation.
It didn't take long for them to see a Gouf Ignited flying above the sea.
"The person we're after is Athrun Zala" declared Rey. Shinn was stunned at what Rey said. Athrun is a traitor? How did that happen? What is his motive?
Then they saw Athrun's face on the monitor.
"If you're really going to shoot me down, at least let Meyrin get off first" said Athrun
"Meyrin is just as guilty as you are. Both of you are traitors. The two of you should perish" said Rey, cutting off Athrun.
"Shinn, listen to me. I know that what Rey and the chairman are saying might be true and convincing. But in the future their words will kill everyone. Is that what you want?" said Athrun. It was the only way for him and Meyrin to survive.
"Athrun!" yelled Rey angrily as he attacked Athrun which Athrun evaded. "Don't listen to a traitor like him, Shinn. Remember the chairman's words"
"You…" said Shinn, breathing heavily. Then images of his family started to fill his mind. Mayu's laughter, their family having a picnic together, then running away to go to the shelter, him picking up Mayu's cellphone, his parent's corpse, and then Mayu's arm.
"You… It's because of you… YOU BETRAYED US!!!" said Shinn then unconsciously went to SEED mode. He charged towards Athrun's Gouf Ignited. Athrun dodged his attacks with utmost difficulty and soon he too went into SEED mode.
Rey just stood there, it seems like he won't be needed anymore. He just stood there as the sky poured all the rain it possibly could. Like it already knew the outcome of this battle. But whatever the result maybe there is only one sure thing, that no one will become the victor.
All of Athrun's weapons were already gone or disabled. All he can do now is to evade. It seems like there is no way out anymore. He only hoped that Shinn will come to his senses.
Summoning up all his might, Shinn charged forward and lunged his Excalibur at Athrun's unit. For a second, he felt happy. Happiness at a job well done. Then he blinked a few times before he finally saw tiny pieces of metal on the sea, the remains of what used to be Gouf Ignited. Then he suddenly felt tears slowly come out of his ruby orbs. Was all of this worth it? Did he do the right thing? Will peace be attained this way? He didn't want to answer, or rather, he didn't know the answer. Right now, he just wants to rest and maybe when he finally wakes up, he'll find all of this to be just a dream, a nightmare.
~~~*~~~
Morning came in quick. They were summoned by the chairman the morning after their "successful" mission. Chairman Durandal congratulated them for a job well done. Then Shinn thought that if the chairman's words were food then he'd surely puke. Sure, Rey is more than happy with the result. He just couldn't take in the fact that he's being praised for killing his commander and his friend.
Meyrin…
She was like a sister to him. She was always the cheerful type, always smiling. He didn't have anything against her but he still did it. He killed her. Perhaps, Athrun was right. Maybe the chairman is planning something bad. Is he doing the right thing by doing what the chairman orders for him to do?
Then he thought about Luna. What would her reaction be once she finds out about her sister's sudden passing and the fact that he was the one who delivered the blow?
He didn't have enough time to think when he came to a realization that they are already aboard the Minerva. Rey already exited his Mobile Suit and probably went to their room. Shinn stayed in the cockpit of Destiny for a little while, thinking of what the crew members might say about him. Will they be happy for him for doing a successful mission? Or will they resent him for the death of their friends? Then he finally came out of the cockpit, fearing to see the glares of accusation of his comrades. Hastily, he went out of the hangar and was half-surprised to see Rey waiting for him. Although Rey doesn't speak much, he has this weird way of showing that he cares.
They walked side by side in the hallway. Somehow, the atmosphere in the Minerva felt cold and uneasy. They were about to turn on a corner when Shinn saw Lunamaria. She looked very tired, her amethyst eyes had lost their shine and she looks like she's about to collapse anytime soon. Then he remembered Rey mention about her earlier. He said that after the incident last night, Luna was taken for interrogation all night.
Luna finally noticed Shinn and Rey walking in the hallway. She was afraid of this. She trusted Shinn and Rey the most out of all the crew members in the Minerva. Even though she can't remember everything, she knew that the three of them have been through so much together. Yet, why did they turn their backs on Athrun and her sister on a mere order? Her friendship with Shinn and Rey was something that she treasured among anything else. Yet, why did they have to do this?
Right now, she just wants to go to her room and silently grieve for her sister's sudden passing. That's all she can do right now. She walked in a normal pace and tried to ignore Shinn. However, when their paths crossed he muttered something she never expected at all.
"I'm sorry"
Luna couldn't stand it anymore. When the news broke to her that her only sister was dead, she instantly thought that she was all alone. Her whole world broke apart once again when she heard of her sister's sudden demise. How will she move on knowing that her whole family is now on the other side?
Without thinking she held onto his back and let out the tears she's been keeping since last night. She didn't care anymore. After all, Shinn did promise to be by her side always, right? She knew Shinn was the type of man who keeps his promises. So she just stood there as she cried her heart out, not caring about the world around her.
Shinn turned around and wrapped his arms around her protectively. He couldn't take it anymore. The tears he's been keeping for so long finally came out. He couldn't stand to see his Luna suffering so much and it's all because of him, because of what he did.
They cried their hearts out, not caring about the people who passed by. Soon the sobbing softened and finally stopped. Shinn looked down on her. At first he was worried because he thought that Luna passed out but as he stared at her intently he discovered that she was only sleeping. Carefully, he picked her up bridal-style and went to her room. He gently lay her down on the soft bed and tucked her in.
He pulled a chair, placed it on her bedside and sat on it. He stared at her through sleepy eyes and admired her peaceful expression. Even though she's been through a lot, she still has that peaceful expression on her face whenever she's in deep slumber.
"Luna, I keep my promises" he murmured softly as he remained seated, staring at her until sleep finally embraced him.
Author's Notes: Hello! So sorry for the late upload. I seem to have what they call "writer's block" or something like that. No matter how much I want to right, nothing good comes to my mind.
Anyway, I didn't have a bad time writing this chapter since we all knew what happened on that episode. I just added a few things. And I wrote this at about 10 pm and finished at about 1:30 in the morning. I was really happy and satisfied (although my eyelids are getting heavier and heavier as I write).
Anyway, Cosplay Mania (our group cosplay) will be on this Sunday (Sept. 13). Gosh! I'm so excited! I just hope that I'll be able to sleep soundly the night before the event. And I'm really happy that my costume is done now, especially the wig. I almost gave up on it, I even cried because it's so hard style it like Luna's hair. I'm just very thankful that I had the patience to style it and it looked more like hers (but not exactly like hers).
Oh, and before I forget. I might not upload a chapter next week. I still have this writer's block. I hope it will end soon, I really feel bad when I don't write something good.
Thanks for the support and the reviews you gave!
Hope you have a happy and blessed week!
Oh, and wish me luck on my cosplay!
Thanks! mwah!!!! ^v^
(*^o^*) Peace out! (*^o^*)
Kaycee