Title: Immortal Love
Author: Priestess Luna
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I do not own the FF8 characters but I do own the ones I have made up.
Author's note: Here is the new and revised version of the story no one thought I was going to continue. Think of it as a stroke of luck that this is the only FF8 story I will ever write and finish, which I promise to do. Enjoy the revised version.
* * * *
Prologue
In a time when make believe was real and legends were reality, there was a peaceful and beautiful land known as Atlantis. Atlantis was an enchanting kingdom, where people of beauty and magic learned to live in peace with those without it. Atlantis was on a small little island in the middle of the Islana Ocean, surrounded by rocks that made the journey to the enchanting kingdom trecherous. It was ruled by a just, kind, and good hearted King and Queen. The King, known as Alexander, and his beautiful wife Julia, were loved by their people but hated by their enemies since they were very powerful and wise. They had only one child throughout their lifetime named Princess Rinoa, who was heir to the throne of Atlantis.
Princess Rinoa was very beautiful with her raven black hair that mirrored the night sky and chocolate brown eyes full of mischief, life, and mystery. She was kind, just and good-hearted like her parents and loved by her people. She was also very powerful and intelligent for her age. Many wanted her hand in marriage, since she had just turned the marriable age. Many were turned down because she was too naive and untamed to be married. She was known for causing mischief among the court and running off when she had lessons. No one knew where she went but everyone knew she was too wild to be tamed by marriage.
So one day, her father announced to his people. "If there is a man, who can tame my daughter, you will be married and be the next King of Atlantis." This excited many of the young men because they wanted power and Rinoa too for she was a rare beauty. But all of them failed when they tried to tame her because she would either play tricks and pranks on them or just be too rebellious to do anything with them. This angered the King because he wanted his daughter to settle down and be married before they passed on.
The years were catching up with the rulers of Atlantis, bringing about rumors of a single ruler. Rinoa would be a Queen without a King if her parents died, which brought fear and worry to the people of Atlantis. By Atlantian law laid down before the times of old, it was forebidden for a woman to rule without her King at her side unless she was Regent, whcich meant she was ruler until the heir was ready to take over, or widowed with no children. If neither was part of the circumstances, the Queen was to either be forced to marry or killed by beheading. Not even the present King and Queen could change the law to fit their daughter's present circumstances, since it was beyond their control to change laws that were almost as old as the kingdom itself.
On Rinoa's 17th birthday, Julia had enough of waiting for her daughter to make up her mind. She was going to take matters into her own hands and tell her daughter once and for all that she and her father meant business. Ths situation was no longer going to be taken lightly. She offically meant business. Looking across at her daughter, Julia couldn't help but sigh at the curious look Rinoa was giving her. She just hoped she wouldn't break her precious daughter's heart at the news of their final decision.
Licking her lips, she concentrated on the matter at hand. "Rinoa, you are now 17 years old and still not married. Your father and I have tried to help you find a husband and king but nothing seems to work. I hate to tell you this but your time is almost out. If you will not become more like a young woman by the next full moon and are still not married by than, we will have to make you marry, Prince Allaris of D'Lania, for an alliance between D'Lania and Atlantis."
Rinoa looking at her mother through grief stricken eyes, not believeing that she had to rush into marriage so soon. She didn't see the point of marriage for politics. She wished to marry for love, like the princesses in the fairytales that were taken into the arms of their knight and shinning armors while galloping happily into the light of the setting wonderous sun. She could only wish and dream, since none of them would ever come true to her heart's pain.
Casting a defeated look in her mother's direction, she nodded her head in submission to her parent's wishes. She would marry this Prince Allaris if it made her parents happy and reassured that their kingdom was not left in chaos. It was too bad it wasn't for love, because she knew this marriage would be an unhappy one.
Julia saw the defeated look in her daughter's eyes, fearing for the fire that burned bright inside the precious angel. A fire that she never thought would die or submit to the calls of duty and politics of the royal family. She took the broken girl in her arms, hugging her daughter to her with a fierceness that only a mother could feel. "I am sorry, my child, but this must be done. The law states that you must and I will not lose my daughter to such folly. Your father and I are not as young as we once were and we cannot rule Atlantis forever. Atlantis needs a Queen and King who are young, wise, and ready to become the rulers of a powerful nation. That is why you must answer to this unpleasant call of duty. Remember Rinoa, you are the daughter of a King and Queen who love you more than life itself. Don't forget that. Promise me you won't forget..."
A faint attempt of a fake smile crossed Rinoa's lips, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. "I love you too, mother." She whiped the tears from her eyes, her smile easing into a natural one as she continued. "I understand that this is my duty for my kingdom and I promise I won't forget what you said. Yet would it be alright if I take a walk to clear my head? This is just too much to take in at the moment."
Julia smiles softly, relieved that her daughter's bright flame had not died out. She released her from the hug, nodding her head in agreement. "You may but be careful. I would die if anything ever happened to you. Who knows what horrors haunt the grounds of the palace. I will not have my daughter scared to death by one of those stupid walking furballs of no good fuzz."
Rinoa laughed at this, seeing her mother's worry rushing back at a steady rate. "Don't worry mom. I'm not gonna die by taking a walk."
Julia nodded, seeing the truth in her daughter;s words. "I know. Its just a mother's worry. Just be careful, ok?"
Her eyes danced with laughter, smiling at her mother through clouded irises. "I will." She than took off towards the woods, not a care in the world on her mind or in her heart.
Julia watches carefully as her daughter stands up and walks out of the gardens and into the forest that surrounds Atlantis, not knowing that is the last time she will be seeing her loving and beautiful daughter alive. She gives one last sigh before standing up herself and retreating back to the palace to tell her husband of the progress she made in their daughter that would soon be king.
In the forest, Rinoa is seen walking along a narrow path. It has gotten late and the sun is setting to the east, casting a eirey glow among the woods. Rinoa sighs contently, playing with a strand of her hair as her eyes search the trees. "How does mother expect me to marry before the next full moon, which is only two weeks away. I want to marry for love, not protical and duty. This is just so complicated." She shook her head, pushing back fustrated tears. She leaned against a nearby Oak Tree, her eyes gazing up at the darkening sky. "Why can't things be simplier. I just wish there was a way out of this. I would gladly take it..."
She couldn't help laughing at her foolish thoughts, knowing that being born royal didn't have any advantages. "A royal will always be a royal, no matter if they shaved their head and became a monk. Yet again, a monk's life does seem more appealing than a princess's. Remember mom's words, 'Be careful what you wish for.' What a stupid line that is..." She smiled to herself, eyes dancing with laughter and life. She failed to notice or pick up the dark shadowy figure creeping up behind her.
All of sudden, before Rinoa could utter a sound, a hand covered her mouth and fangs sank into her neck. Rinoa tried to scream but couldn't, the hand suffocating her and blocking any sounds she could make. She felt her strength depleting fast; thinking only one thing before everything went black. 'Forgive me mother...' And that was the thing that Rinoa would remember of her life as Princess Rinoa of Atlantis.
***************************************************
*????? POV*
It is now the year 3002 and everything is a lot different from 1376. But before I get into that, let me introduce myself. The name is Rinoa Heartilly, one of the oldest Vampires still living. You probably know me as Princess Rinoa of Atlantis. Well that girl is gone, having died that day in the forest, while Rinoa Heartilly, the vampire, remains. I am the same as I was than, still kind, honest, and untamed. Though not as naive as then, when I knew so little of the world. I now know more things then someone could learn in a lifetime.
Sure, I'm a vampire but hey. What's the big deal? I am like anyone else. I have feelings though I don't have a heart. Well, I kind of have a heart. I just don't have a soul though. I don't need to breath air to live though I need blood instead. Don't worry. I'm not a killer. I used to be when I was a young vampire but now, I only drink the blood of drunks and those who harrass young girls. I will tell you this. I am not a virgin though I am not a slut either. Some call me, the Great Rinoa, a slut, whore, bitch, and many other names. None of them are really true. People are just scared I'll turn them into a souless blood sucking demon like myself.
Yes, I do think I am that. Who wouldn't if your life was stolen from you. I hate being immortal. Can't have a family or be in love. Not even have a short relationship. Always gotta be on the move. Yeah, I'm being hunted by the one and only vampire slayer, Squall Leonhart. He is after me and my creator, Seifer Almasy. Seifer used to be my lover though he wasn't my first lover. My first lover was Prince Squall of Persa. We were in love and I actually even married him. Back then, I was still the Princess of Atlantis even though people questioned why I didn't look a day older than 17. What made my married life difficult was that Squall came from a long line of vampire slayers, or people against the demons from hell, as some called it. His family wanted to kill me but he protected me saying he loved me and would never hurt me. In the end, he ended up killing himself because he went crazy because in his line, a magic ran. One where it drove him to insanity for not killing me. I still feel guilty for that and miss him a lot.
But I have moved on and well life isn't so bad. At least now, I don't have to worry about people questioning my love life and marriage. Well enough about my past, back to the subject about being hunted. I am being hunted but the great thing is, Squall Leonhart doesn't know what I look like since I always change my appearance. Though I gotta say, I make a terrible blonde ditz. Well enough of this, I am going to sleep. And yes, vampires sleep. We do it to seem more normal though we don't need it. And all about the sticks, silver. Oh wait, thats werewolves. Never mind. Well anyways, all that stuff about garlic, crosses, and holy water is not true, as well as us not being able to go into sacred places and walk during the day.
Sheesh. You would think people would at least be smarter these days. Well thats enough about that. I gotta get ready. Selphie is probably wondering why I am not at school yet.
Rinoa H.
I sigh as I save the file and turn off my computer. I grab my keys and rush to my car knowing today she will probably kill me. I quickly make the school uniform appear on me and drive towards Balamb Garden, home of those who are training to be Seeds and the one and only Squall Leonhart.
* * * *
Hope you like it, since its the rewritten version of the first part. I will be working on the others shortly. Enjoy!
Author: Priestess Luna
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I do not own the FF8 characters but I do own the ones I have made up.
Author's note: Here is the new and revised version of the story no one thought I was going to continue. Think of it as a stroke of luck that this is the only FF8 story I will ever write and finish, which I promise to do. Enjoy the revised version.
* * * *
Prologue
In a time when make believe was real and legends were reality, there was a peaceful and beautiful land known as Atlantis. Atlantis was an enchanting kingdom, where people of beauty and magic learned to live in peace with those without it. Atlantis was on a small little island in the middle of the Islana Ocean, surrounded by rocks that made the journey to the enchanting kingdom trecherous. It was ruled by a just, kind, and good hearted King and Queen. The King, known as Alexander, and his beautiful wife Julia, were loved by their people but hated by their enemies since they were very powerful and wise. They had only one child throughout their lifetime named Princess Rinoa, who was heir to the throne of Atlantis.
Princess Rinoa was very beautiful with her raven black hair that mirrored the night sky and chocolate brown eyes full of mischief, life, and mystery. She was kind, just and good-hearted like her parents and loved by her people. She was also very powerful and intelligent for her age. Many wanted her hand in marriage, since she had just turned the marriable age. Many were turned down because she was too naive and untamed to be married. She was known for causing mischief among the court and running off when she had lessons. No one knew where she went but everyone knew she was too wild to be tamed by marriage.
So one day, her father announced to his people. "If there is a man, who can tame my daughter, you will be married and be the next King of Atlantis." This excited many of the young men because they wanted power and Rinoa too for she was a rare beauty. But all of them failed when they tried to tame her because she would either play tricks and pranks on them or just be too rebellious to do anything with them. This angered the King because he wanted his daughter to settle down and be married before they passed on.
The years were catching up with the rulers of Atlantis, bringing about rumors of a single ruler. Rinoa would be a Queen without a King if her parents died, which brought fear and worry to the people of Atlantis. By Atlantian law laid down before the times of old, it was forebidden for a woman to rule without her King at her side unless she was Regent, whcich meant she was ruler until the heir was ready to take over, or widowed with no children. If neither was part of the circumstances, the Queen was to either be forced to marry or killed by beheading. Not even the present King and Queen could change the law to fit their daughter's present circumstances, since it was beyond their control to change laws that were almost as old as the kingdom itself.
On Rinoa's 17th birthday, Julia had enough of waiting for her daughter to make up her mind. She was going to take matters into her own hands and tell her daughter once and for all that she and her father meant business. Ths situation was no longer going to be taken lightly. She offically meant business. Looking across at her daughter, Julia couldn't help but sigh at the curious look Rinoa was giving her. She just hoped she wouldn't break her precious daughter's heart at the news of their final decision.
Licking her lips, she concentrated on the matter at hand. "Rinoa, you are now 17 years old and still not married. Your father and I have tried to help you find a husband and king but nothing seems to work. I hate to tell you this but your time is almost out. If you will not become more like a young woman by the next full moon and are still not married by than, we will have to make you marry, Prince Allaris of D'Lania, for an alliance between D'Lania and Atlantis."
Rinoa looking at her mother through grief stricken eyes, not believeing that she had to rush into marriage so soon. She didn't see the point of marriage for politics. She wished to marry for love, like the princesses in the fairytales that were taken into the arms of their knight and shinning armors while galloping happily into the light of the setting wonderous sun. She could only wish and dream, since none of them would ever come true to her heart's pain.
Casting a defeated look in her mother's direction, she nodded her head in submission to her parent's wishes. She would marry this Prince Allaris if it made her parents happy and reassured that their kingdom was not left in chaos. It was too bad it wasn't for love, because she knew this marriage would be an unhappy one.
Julia saw the defeated look in her daughter's eyes, fearing for the fire that burned bright inside the precious angel. A fire that she never thought would die or submit to the calls of duty and politics of the royal family. She took the broken girl in her arms, hugging her daughter to her with a fierceness that only a mother could feel. "I am sorry, my child, but this must be done. The law states that you must and I will not lose my daughter to such folly. Your father and I are not as young as we once were and we cannot rule Atlantis forever. Atlantis needs a Queen and King who are young, wise, and ready to become the rulers of a powerful nation. That is why you must answer to this unpleasant call of duty. Remember Rinoa, you are the daughter of a King and Queen who love you more than life itself. Don't forget that. Promise me you won't forget..."
A faint attempt of a fake smile crossed Rinoa's lips, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. "I love you too, mother." She whiped the tears from her eyes, her smile easing into a natural one as she continued. "I understand that this is my duty for my kingdom and I promise I won't forget what you said. Yet would it be alright if I take a walk to clear my head? This is just too much to take in at the moment."
Julia smiles softly, relieved that her daughter's bright flame had not died out. She released her from the hug, nodding her head in agreement. "You may but be careful. I would die if anything ever happened to you. Who knows what horrors haunt the grounds of the palace. I will not have my daughter scared to death by one of those stupid walking furballs of no good fuzz."
Rinoa laughed at this, seeing her mother's worry rushing back at a steady rate. "Don't worry mom. I'm not gonna die by taking a walk."
Julia nodded, seeing the truth in her daughter;s words. "I know. Its just a mother's worry. Just be careful, ok?"
Her eyes danced with laughter, smiling at her mother through clouded irises. "I will." She than took off towards the woods, not a care in the world on her mind or in her heart.
Julia watches carefully as her daughter stands up and walks out of the gardens and into the forest that surrounds Atlantis, not knowing that is the last time she will be seeing her loving and beautiful daughter alive. She gives one last sigh before standing up herself and retreating back to the palace to tell her husband of the progress she made in their daughter that would soon be king.
In the forest, Rinoa is seen walking along a narrow path. It has gotten late and the sun is setting to the east, casting a eirey glow among the woods. Rinoa sighs contently, playing with a strand of her hair as her eyes search the trees. "How does mother expect me to marry before the next full moon, which is only two weeks away. I want to marry for love, not protical and duty. This is just so complicated." She shook her head, pushing back fustrated tears. She leaned against a nearby Oak Tree, her eyes gazing up at the darkening sky. "Why can't things be simplier. I just wish there was a way out of this. I would gladly take it..."
She couldn't help laughing at her foolish thoughts, knowing that being born royal didn't have any advantages. "A royal will always be a royal, no matter if they shaved their head and became a monk. Yet again, a monk's life does seem more appealing than a princess's. Remember mom's words, 'Be careful what you wish for.' What a stupid line that is..." She smiled to herself, eyes dancing with laughter and life. She failed to notice or pick up the dark shadowy figure creeping up behind her.
All of sudden, before Rinoa could utter a sound, a hand covered her mouth and fangs sank into her neck. Rinoa tried to scream but couldn't, the hand suffocating her and blocking any sounds she could make. She felt her strength depleting fast; thinking only one thing before everything went black. 'Forgive me mother...' And that was the thing that Rinoa would remember of her life as Princess Rinoa of Atlantis.
***************************************************
*????? POV*
It is now the year 3002 and everything is a lot different from 1376. But before I get into that, let me introduce myself. The name is Rinoa Heartilly, one of the oldest Vampires still living. You probably know me as Princess Rinoa of Atlantis. Well that girl is gone, having died that day in the forest, while Rinoa Heartilly, the vampire, remains. I am the same as I was than, still kind, honest, and untamed. Though not as naive as then, when I knew so little of the world. I now know more things then someone could learn in a lifetime.
Sure, I'm a vampire but hey. What's the big deal? I am like anyone else. I have feelings though I don't have a heart. Well, I kind of have a heart. I just don't have a soul though. I don't need to breath air to live though I need blood instead. Don't worry. I'm not a killer. I used to be when I was a young vampire but now, I only drink the blood of drunks and those who harrass young girls. I will tell you this. I am not a virgin though I am not a slut either. Some call me, the Great Rinoa, a slut, whore, bitch, and many other names. None of them are really true. People are just scared I'll turn them into a souless blood sucking demon like myself.
Yes, I do think I am that. Who wouldn't if your life was stolen from you. I hate being immortal. Can't have a family or be in love. Not even have a short relationship. Always gotta be on the move. Yeah, I'm being hunted by the one and only vampire slayer, Squall Leonhart. He is after me and my creator, Seifer Almasy. Seifer used to be my lover though he wasn't my first lover. My first lover was Prince Squall of Persa. We were in love and I actually even married him. Back then, I was still the Princess of Atlantis even though people questioned why I didn't look a day older than 17. What made my married life difficult was that Squall came from a long line of vampire slayers, or people against the demons from hell, as some called it. His family wanted to kill me but he protected me saying he loved me and would never hurt me. In the end, he ended up killing himself because he went crazy because in his line, a magic ran. One where it drove him to insanity for not killing me. I still feel guilty for that and miss him a lot.
But I have moved on and well life isn't so bad. At least now, I don't have to worry about people questioning my love life and marriage. Well enough about my past, back to the subject about being hunted. I am being hunted but the great thing is, Squall Leonhart doesn't know what I look like since I always change my appearance. Though I gotta say, I make a terrible blonde ditz. Well enough of this, I am going to sleep. And yes, vampires sleep. We do it to seem more normal though we don't need it. And all about the sticks, silver. Oh wait, thats werewolves. Never mind. Well anyways, all that stuff about garlic, crosses, and holy water is not true, as well as us not being able to go into sacred places and walk during the day.
Sheesh. You would think people would at least be smarter these days. Well thats enough about that. I gotta get ready. Selphie is probably wondering why I am not at school yet.
Rinoa H.
I sigh as I save the file and turn off my computer. I grab my keys and rush to my car knowing today she will probably kill me. I quickly make the school uniform appear on me and drive towards Balamb Garden, home of those who are training to be Seeds and the one and only Squall Leonhart.
* * * *
Hope you like it, since its the rewritten version of the first part. I will be working on the others shortly. Enjoy!