The world lay shattered around him. Everything and anyone that was dear to him, was shattered. He had given up. It was just too hard. Blood spewed from a gash on his head and his body just smarted and ached everywhere. This was one pain; that not even Squall could withstand. He lay cradled in her arms; her wet, salty tears falling on his cheek which made the pain even more painful. Her body racked with sobs as he realized....how much he would miss Rinoa. How he would miss kissing Rinoa on the lips every morning and night. It was too much to give up.
"N-no Squall. You can't leave me...not now...not when I need you so much..." Rinoa sobbed.
He could give no reply. It just hurt. Around him, stood the other SeeDs who had assisted him in defeating the Sorceress. He could see that everyone looked so dismal, but it was Rinoa that he was worried about. Quistis was kneeling beside him. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she looked down at his weak, fragile form.
"No Squall...you can't just leave everyone. You have a girl and the SeeDs to take care of. You...can't do this..." she cried quietly.
The pain seared through his body. He made a great effort to get out of Rinoa's arms and stand. He stood up and faced Irvine, Selphie, Zell, Nida, Quistis and Rinoa. Squall looked at each of them with his blazing blue eyes and stared at them hard.
"T-take care of Rinoa for me." said Squall.
Zell lost it. This wasn't happening to his best friend. This wasn't happening. He then stepped forward and tried to use Recovery. It didn't work. Quistis and the others started to use a wide variety healing magic; but had no effect. Rinoa stepped up and used Treatment. That only took care of the gash on his forehead. But, it didn't slow down the process of his death. All it did was to buy them time. He leaned forward and kissed Rinoa gently and softly on the lips, leaving a small trail of blood. He coughed and more blood spewed from his mouth. Rinoa touched his face but he pulled away from her touch and winced.
"Please..no...it hurts. I...guess...my time is over..." said Squall weakly.
"NO Squall! You're not leaving me! You're not leaving me!" said Rinoa hysterically.
He gave a very weak smile. It was as if...his life was like a film. It flashed before his eyes as his knees gave way. He collapsed onto his knees and looked up longingly at Rinoa.
"I know I don't have to say it...but I...I-I..l-lov-" said Squall.
He crumpled to the floor. Squall hit the ground with a sickening thud. It sent a pang through Rinoa's heart to see...hear his limp body hit the floor and echo through the dank place and through her head. It hurt just too much.
"No...no....I-It can't be...." Rinoa whispered.
"He's dead." said Quistis with finality.