BLACK WIND

Chapter 1 – Never Ending Problems

The stars twinkled above as Squall Leonhart, Commander of Balamb Garden and (now) saviour of the world and of Garden, stood on the ballroom balcony. He saw a shooting star overhead, and looked to his left, there stood the reason that made him smile, the first real smile he almost forgot how to do, having note done one for several years. He had no reason to. Now he had. He took Rinoa in his arms, and, feeling truly happy for the first time in his life, kissed her for what seemed like an eternity…

…ra……in…….

Suddenly Squall broke them apart. There was a crash from inside followed by a lot of 'colourful' language from a very loud Zell. Rinoa giggled as Squall pretended to hold his hands over his ears.

"let's go back inside" laughed Rinoa, and took Squall's hand. Squall immediately separated them, which upset her

"No, don't worry Rinoa" he said "I just gotta go for a walk, but don't worry, I'm not sulking" he smiled again "if you need me, I'll probably be on the second floor balcony.

"OK" Rinoa smiled again, and kissed him. Squall left.

Suddenly, Quistis walked over to where she was standing. "Is he OK?" she sounded concerned.

"Yeah" Rinoa smiled warmly "I think… I think this is probably the last 'sort my thoughts out' walk ever".

"you think so?"

"Yeah? I mean.. what is there for him to worry about?" Rinoa took Quistis' arm, and joined the others.

Squall walked down the corridor towards the lift, avoiding all the people who wished to say 'well done', 'congratulations' and 'thank you!' He especially avoided (but failed) a hyperactive Selphie, who was hell-bent on dragging him back into the party. But he needed to be alone, so Selphie let him be, and alone he found himself.

Getting into the lift and going to the second floor balcony seemed to be a blur to him, and before he knew it, he was standing on the balcony, the cool waves lapping below, and the equally cool wind brushing against his face, overlooking the ocean. It looked peaceful enough. Apart from the whirring noise of the garden's ring, there was nothing. So he took this opportunity to mumble his thoughts to himself .

Problem 1 – Even though she was now defeated, Squall couldn't help but think of who Ultimecia was, and if anything could be done to prevent her from arising, and ask the others for their solutions. He didn't know how much time they had, but they had to think of something. He himself thought about finding and destroying her at an early age, no matter how heartless it would be. To take her life would be something little, to keep her life could be taking away millions. He also thought, that if they DID find her early, perhaps she could be persuaded to assist the Garden and the world, not hinder it. Since Edea was a Sorceress, and was a kind one, he felt it was possible. He would talk to Edea, perhaps she would know. "OK" he said "Problem possibly solved.. talk to Edea"

Problem 2 – All of these monsters because of the lunar cry. Oh well, the various countries will do what they can, but I personally wouldn't rest until every one of them was wiped off the face of this Earth. Then we could deal with the cause of these Cries. At least as far as the monsters are concerned, that'll keep everyone busy for a few years. Before I start to get bored. Problem solved. Maybe.

Squall turned around, leaning his back against the balcony.

Now a real Problem he thought. Laguna. I didn't know for sure but, after what Ellone showed me, and told me, it could just be him, everything adds up, even the timelines, I guess ill just ask him outright. Ill worry about it later.. but now…

Squall turned back around, looking into the ocean. This was the cause of his 'walk'. Sure, the other problems could be discussed tomorrow with the others.. but, this one, along with Laguna, couldn't wait. Because it was personal he thought and even if I did mention it, it would be me who would have to deal with it… Seifer Almasy.

Squall's eyes narrowed. Seifer. I hope you've learned your lesson. Maybe now you'll call it quits on this ridiculous 'dream' of yours, and let both of us get on with leading our respective lives… hopefully…

…raining…

… a pair of eyes… fixed on him…

He grimaced as this (Image? Vision?) went through his head, along with a sharp pain.

He opened his eyes, relaxed, and closed them again. No pain this time.

…He's holding his Gunblade differently, as though he's been hurt…

The images disappeared as quickly as they came, then everything went black