Part Two

"Dammit…get the hell off me Irvine!" Zell yelled, pushing the lanky cowboy off him. He rolled off him and onto his back. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" The cowboy sat up and looked up at the sky, rain pouring down on him.

"You didn't hear it?" Zell snorted.

"Obviously not…" Irvine looked at him. No…not at him…more like through him. He just attributed it to the low visibility in the rain.

"Something's wrong…I heard a gunshot from the other side of the building." The martial artist looked at him questioningly. Or at least tried to.

"When?"

"Just now dumbass…" He laughed.

"What the hell's wrong with you?" Suddenly, Irvine sobered up and doubled over.

"I don't know…something's wrong…I can't…feel…it itches…my arms…my hands…it burns!" Zell barely caught him before the cowboy fell back onto the sidewalk.


"You just got lucky. I don't shoot well in the night. I don't exactly aim well when there's a lightning bolt in my face." The voice floated through, piercing his consciousness. Was that his voice? Squall squeezed his eyes shut even tighter. No…it couldn't be his voice…nor anybody else he knew. But regardless, he didn't know what the man--it was most definitely a man--was talking about. In fact, he didn't have the slightest clue to where he was. It took him a while to realize that he was propped up on…on something…it was probably a wall. He felt his eyelids flutter, slowly letting in the dim light. Thinking back to the words the man spoke earlier, he was barely able to fend of waves of confusion. It was in good fortune that there was cool rain beating down on him. It made him clear the blurs in his eyes and the cobwebs in his mind.

"I don't really see the honor in killing an unconscious man, but hey, I get paid to do this shit." A click echoed out in the open and frighteningly empty alley. When his vision cleared, he looked up at the man who casted the shadow over him. The man was fairly good looking. At least that was what Squall thoughy girls might think of the guy. He was an assassin; he had no doubts about that. And most likely, a good one. "You're probably wondering who I am. Phoenix…" A brutal smirk appeared on his young face. Phoenix couldn't be more than his own age. "…at your service." He stared into a gun no more than four meters away.

Immediately Squall's mind began work, wheels spinning. His gunblade was more than arms reach away from him. If he had tried to grab it, 'Phoenix' would get him before his hands would touch the hilt. He frowned almost imperceptibly. He didn't want to fight without his weapon. Squall almost felt remorse. He also almost felt remorse about the fact that he might never see Ri...no…he wouldn't think about that…at least not right now…he had to clear his mind and escape. His eyes tracked each brick on the wall, each crack on the ground before he looked back up at 'Phoenix'.

He wouldn't be able to attack Phoenix, he was too far from his reach and it was more likely he would shoot him before he got within two paces. He took back everything he said. He was damn good.

"Looking for a way out Squallie? Of course you are I wouldn't respect you if you didn't." Phoenix grinned. "Any last words?"

"SQUALL!!!" In that moment, the SeeD leaped in to action.


"GET OUT OF MY WAY!! I'M AN INSTRUCTOR!" Quistis screamed at the cadets, rushing past them. She didn't really care about them at the moment. She had to help her friend. If Rinoa was hurt…nope…she just had to make sure she wasn't hurt. She growled…if that junior classmen didn't get out of her way…well…she might just have to take out her whip.

In the darkness, she stood in the middle of the bridge which connected the Dorms to the main body of the Garden, her flashlight aiding her search for her friend. Her heart seemed ready to jump out of her chest. Did she hear the SeeDs wrong?! Where was she?! She felt the adrenaline wearing off and tiredness creeped in. The constant pattering of the rain helped. It was almost as if she was floating on clouds, save she was aware of every little thing. That was when she spotted the blue flash of fabric just further down the hall way. Quistis ran.

Oddly, she was nearly out of breath by the time she knelt beside the still body. It was only down the hall. Perhaps she needed to work out more often…nope, that was a thought for another time. Carefully, she applied pressure to the sorceress' limp wrist and paused. Her breath was caught in her throat. That is until; she felt the soft steady pulsing of her heartbeat. Sighing in relief, the instructor breathed again. However, she needed to make sure that Rinoa and her baby was ok.

"C'mon Rinny…" She whispered, it came out hoarse and deep. Her throat felt as if it had been run through sandpaper. There was no sign of injuries on Rinoa's body, save for several shoe shaped bruises on her arms and back. "Hyne…someone trampled you…" A wave of nausea passed over her and she ran over to the side of the hall and emptied the contents her stomach.


"Irvine…? OH SHIT!! Irvine…!" Zell ran a partially gloved hand through his spiked blond hair. After his failed attempts to revive the fallen Cowboy and the several curses which would make sailors on Fisherman's Horizon blush, his attentions were grabbed when a deep almost frantic voice screamed out the name that he knew well.

"SQUALL!!" At that, the martial artist almost leaped up and ran into the alley way just to his right side but was reminded of the very heavy weight he was supporting. Now…he didn't think there were that many Squall's in the world. Or were there? It didn't matter, because he knew something bad was happening tonight. He could feel it in his gut. And to think that earlier today he thought that this would be a great time to pick up girls with Irvine. Looking down at the Cowboy and trying to wake him again, Zell almost sighed. No such luck.


Cid watched in horror at the events unfolding in front of him. If he had been 20 years younger, he would have ran in to aid the man he had once looked at as his son, but he was an old man, with a damning limp. So he watched.

The gun flew away from the attacker's grip and bounced against the wall, clattering just seven yards from himself and landing with a splash in a puddle. Eyes darting from the struggle the shiny weapon, the proud headmaster tried to hobble over to the weapon but a bolt of pain seized his leg. Cid cursed loudly, but he still watched as the attacker, straddling him, landed several punches on Squall's face. The man stopped as the commander coughed up blood but he spoke in quiet tones, Cid himself could barely hear them. The relentless pounding of the rain was loud. But he heard them all right.

"How's that pretty boy? You're a tough kid, I'll tell you that…but it's not my job to torture you." The attacker punched him again, crimson blood spraying out from the side and running down to the sewers, guided by the rain. Cid quickly snapped his eyes shut…he couldn't take this anymore. He couldn't…he scrambled on the ground and crawled towards the weapon, its shiny barrel was illuminated by the meagre rays of moonlight that managed to break through the thick blanket of clouds. Crawling hurt still, but it hurt much less than standing did. He could feel the water soak into his slacks and sweatervest. It chilled him to the bone. As if watching Squall hurt wasn't enough. Just as Cid's fingers fell on the slippery gun, a loud piercing scream of pain broke through the silence of Deling City. Lightning flashed in the distance.


Quistis woke slowly to darkness. Her mouth tasted awful. Hyne…she felt as if she had thrown up several times then went to sleep, letting the juices stale and soak in her mouth. It was only when she sat up and looked around her that it was true. She would have winced if not for the woman sitting up across from her. She looked tired. But Rinoa still resembled a porcelain doll. A very pretty porcelain doll.

The sorceress smiled softly and lifted a hand to wave at her. "You've been out for a while sleepy head," Quistis groaned at the throbbing pain in her head.

"What in Hyne happened to me?" Rinoa stood, on hand pushing her up, the other covering her stomach protectively.

"I'm sorry Quisty, it's all my fault."

"What? I don't understand…" She smiled even brighter but suddenly it stopped frozen in its place. Brown eyes widened as the sorceress let out a blood curdling scream. Thunder rumbled.


"'Bout damn time man!" Zell yelled happily, though not as loudly as he would have two years ago. It was still enough to make Irvine wince. The lanky man stood unsteadily, leaning on the wall for support. "You need a potion or something man?" He was rewarded with a curt nod and a squinting glare. Rainwater fell from the brim of Irvine's hat.

"I hate you."

"Wha-?"

"You're not sick…" He whispered hoarsely, grabbing a potion from one of his white trench coat's wide pockets and draining its contents quickly.

"Now that's just hurtful!" Zell cried in mock-pain, stepping back dramatically with a hand to his heart.

"Screw…you…"

"Isn't that what Selphie does?" A grin countered a scowl.

"You little…son of…a bitc-" A ring pierced the quiet but dark streets. For a moment both men recoiled back in surprise until they realized it came from them. More importantly from Zell. He stuffed his hand into one of his black baggy pants and revealed a phone, black sleek and much cooler than Squall's. At least that was what the martial artist thought.

"S'up?"

'Zell…where the hell are you right now!??" Quistis' voice, amplified by the microphone pounded into his ears.

"Deling City…why?" Irvine looked at him, and put his hand to his ear like a phone. He mouthed 'Who is it?' "Quistis," he whispered just as the voice flooded through again.

'Good…there's something wrong with Rinoa…go find Squall, he should be in the only abandoned apartment in Deling City for a mission briefing with the Headmaster! Get there right now! I don't care if you have to steal cars or piss a big bitch off, just go and find him and make sure he's ok!!'

"What…why…" But the line fell silent and the click signified that she had hung up. It wasn't like her to hang up so abruptly but…He stuffed the phone back in his pocket and ran down the alley way, leaving Irvine in all his glory, scrambling up to chase after him.


The man who called himself Phoenix never thought of himself as a selfish, cold-blooded mercenary although he knew that he was the exact opposite. Unlike most assassins, he got close to people instead of staying back and watching them on the television, or from his apartment. When he pulled the trigger of his second back-up gun, he felt no remorse, save for the fact that he was probably condemning the man's wife and unborn child to a life without him.

'Squall' screamed loudly, and it pierced his soul. For once, he had no idea why. Many times, he got close to people; women, children, young men, old men, teenagers, and more times than he can count he was hired to kill them. Perhaps it was just as random as a toss of the dice. Or maybe it was purposeful, as if Hyne himself tested him from the heavens.

He always felt pain in his heart. Each time it hardened it, pulling a thick shield higher and higher. He thought it was as high as it would go. Obviously he was wrong. The walls shattered and pain gripped him. He watched as the bullet pierced Squall's upper right shoulder and he fell to the ground. He was alive. Squall was alive. They were both alive…gloriously alive.

But Phoenix wasn't so sure that he was. Was he really? He killed for a living. Watched as the life drained from the eyes of the victims countless of times and enjoyed the thrill of it. But something was missing. But he finally found out what it was. After 33 years, he finally knew.

Squall's life flashed in front of him. He saw everything. Each and every moment and thought.

--I was scared... ...Really scared.

--It's over now.

--I was scared... I was really, really scared.

--You're not used to battles, aren't you?

--I couldn't...I just couldn't. I couldn't fight alone...

--(...You're not ready for all of this.) Better get going. I haven't forgotten your order. Just stay close to me.

He didn't know why it was happening…and he didn't care…he wanted it to stop. It hurt.

--I didn't like the guy, but executed...?

--You really hated Seifer, didn't you, Zell!?

--Yeah, but... He was from Garden... He was one of us. If I can, I wanna get revenge.

--(I liked him... wasn't really a bad guy... He was one of us...Seifer... You've just become just a memory. Will they...Will they talk about me this way if I die, too? Squall was this and that. Using past tense, saying whatever they want? So this is what death is all about...Not for me. I won't have it!!!)

Guilt…he had never felt guilt before, especially after a kill, save the first time he had taken a life. His sister's.

--I'm not a SeeD. There must be some kind of secret you're given when you become a SeeD!

--There's nothing. Even if there were, you think I'd tell you?

--You're on my 'tough-nut-to-crack' list. Didn't think you'd talk that easily.

--...Geez, I'm honored.

--So here's a little somethin' for ya.

It burnt him; he felt the pain, so intense…

--Arrrrghhhh...

--Even if you don't talk, others will. The instructor, the little messenger girl, or that Chicken-wuss... He wouldn't last 3 seconds!

--(Th...They're...) ...They're...all here...?

--Oh, you bet. But since I like you so much, I thought you should go first. I was hoping you'd be there, Squall. So...how'd I look in my moment of triumph? My childhood dream, fulfilled. I've become the sorceress' knight.

--(...Sorceress' knight...His...romantic dream...? But...Seifer...Now, you're just...) ...A torturer.

--What did you say!? Passed out cold, eh? This is the scene where you swear undying hatred for me! The tale of the evil mercenary vs. the sorceress knight... The fun's just started, Squall. Don't disappoint me now!

How could he have stood that? Phoenix couldn't. He felt like weeping on the floor. Pain.

--Sir, I'd like to handle whatever it is that you're planning.

--And why is that?

--(...I don't know... Because you might screw up....Because I want to do more than announce the evacuation. Because this place is important to me, too. (Because I want to find out your plan. Because this is my home. I have too many reasons. I don't know why... Who cares?) My feelings have nothing to do with it, sir.

--Heh heh, Quistis was right. You do have a hard time expressing your feelings.

--(Why bother. And what is this? Why am I being judged?) Sir! Please tell us your plan!

Déjà vu. So strong…Squall was like him. So similar yet so different. Rain poured harder, dripping onto his exposed face.

--It was just a dream... It doesn't mean anything. Don't worry about it.

-- ...I guess you're right.

--How about this... I'll be here...

--...Why?

--The reason why you couldn't find me was because we haven't promised yet.

--Promised...?

--I'll be waiting for you. If you come here, you'll find me. I promise.

--I'll be here, too. It's a promise! Thanks, Squall! Next time, we'll meet for sure!

Love…that was the difference between mercenaries…Squall loved…Phoenix did not, had not. Something stirred inside him. Squall's eyes opened in front of him, looking up at him. Piercing blue eyes burrowing deep. A cloud passed over them and he realized he was reliving everything too.

"Rinoa…" Squall croaked out. Remorse filled him and Phoenix felt the magic in him, tempting him. Strong.

--...A SeeD. ...Planted in a run-down Garden.

Fighting…violence…contempt…

-- I can fight if I'm with you! That's why I'm here!

--I have to redeem myself.

--...The accursed SeeD.

Did it end yet? …no…violence never ended.

--Impudent SeeDs!

His hand rose up before him and swung back, gathering momentum towards the wounded gunblade wielder. Magic pulsated within him, beating with his heart, shining like the sun and he reached out for it. Cold ice appeared in his hand, glinting slightly in the faint moonlight. Before he could stop himself, it flew from his hands and into Squall. Déjà vu. But something was different. Then it hit him.

The ice speared through Squall's left shoulder, blood immediately staining its brilliance. He didn't so much as make a sound. A trail of blood made its way down his chin from the corner of his mouth. Phoenix fell into a crumpled heap. Blue eyes met his and pain. He didn't hear the scream of agony to his left until he felt the first punch.


"Do you feel it? My powers grow…and they've been using themselves to twist time and fate. I swear I didn't mean to hurt anyone." Rinoa whispered, rocking herself back and forth in the dark. "I swear I didn't mean to use them on you. Will you forgive me?" She didn't see Quistis' nod, but she didn't need to, her friend would forgive her.

"I'm scared Quisty…I think something's happening to Squall. I can't stop it…but my powers are using themselves again. I can feel them…but ever since Edea died, I've been unable to control them." The sorceress paused. "What will happen now? To my baby…do you think I'll be able to carry to term without endangering anyone?..."

She murmured on, into the darkness, not seeing the instructor's blue lips and wide open eyes, frozen forever in a shocked expression. She was rigid but beautiful all at once. Rinoa spoke to the shell of a body that used to house the soul of Quistis Trepe.

To be Continued…


Author's Note-Before all the flames come in I just have to say, I wasn't planning to kill Quistis off, but I didn't know how else I could make her move on in her life. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this (if any actually read this, which I doubt…I can't believe I'm talking to myself…).

This also went unbeta-ed so all mistakes are mine…tell if there are any by the way…I'm not exactly the epitome of revising and editing. Which sucks...

Anyway, if you happened to like this so far, keep following along and PLEASE read some of my other fics. Most of them desperately need reviews!

Thank you for your time and please review!! Constructive criticism is VERY welcome!!

Hyne- Thanks for your beta-ing offers but at the moment I don't really have a need of a beta, I think I'm pretty efficient at editing so far, but if a problem comes to my attention, and my beta still is busy, I'll gladly accept your services. (If they're still available.) Thanks a bunch for reviewing!!!