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Chapter 2: Resistance

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Rinoa opened the door to the hotel room she shared with Sara. She found her friend sitting across the bed watching TV and eating some popcorn. Sara nonchalantly waved at Rinoa as she closed the door behind her and tossed her purse on the dresser and kicked her shoes off.

"Well…how did it go? Are they going to give us some SeeD's?" Sara asked without taking her eyes of the television.

"Yes they are…Headmaster Cid Kramer agreed to send us 3 SeeD officers." Rinoa replied, her face was flushed.

"That's great….Rinoa are you ok? You look kind of dizzy." Sara asked as she left her place on the bed.

Rinoa shook her head and sat at the edge of the bed, "No, I'm fine Sara, thanks. It was just a very strange evening…"

"Huh?" Sara asked in confusion. "Rinoa why are you blushing? Did you meet someone?"

Rinoa smiled at her friend and nodded, "It…was him. The man from the duel, I…we actually danced." Rinoa could feel her heart begin to beat faster just talking about him.

Sara began to giggle, "How does he look up close?"

Rinoa covered her face with her hands and fell back onto the bed, "I can honestly say that he was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen…he looked at me with those eyes, we were so close…ughhh….I think I melted right into his arms." Rinoa sat back up and crossed her legs. "First he tried acting like he couldn't dance, then just when I thought he was going to walk away. WHAM! He spins me perfectly and then the next thing I know I'm lost in those eyes."

"Did you get his name?" Sara asked.

Rinoa made a frown and dropped her head, "No…and you should have seen his face when I walked away from him to talk with the headmaster…I will never forget that look…"

Sara grabbed a tissue as she saw her friend begin to cry, "It's ok Rin, it was just one dance."

Rinoa gave her a weak smile, "Yeah…just one dance…" Then why does it hurt so much?

****

Who the hell was she? It's like…I knew her from somewhere…No, I'm just crazy…

Squall stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, he lowered his brow to get a better look at the scar that now ran diagonally from his forehead to the bridge of his nose. . She was beautiful though…almost angelic. What am I thinking? I will never see her again so why even think about it?

"GAH!" Squall yelled in frustration.

"Yo man, you ok?" Zell Dincht's voice sang through from the other side of the bathroom door.

"Zell? What the hell are you doing in my room?" Squall demanded.

"Oh…sorry man, we have a mission. We all need to meet down at the front gate for our orders." Zell said.

"…Whatever." Squall responded. "Okay…I'll be there shortly."

Squall finished washing his face, packed his equipment up and then headed out into the hall towards the Garden's front gate.

****

If go there...you will find me...I promise!

"Oh God!" Rinoa screamed as she sat up quickly in her bed. Her flannel pajama top was soaked through with tears and sweat. She looked around her lushly decorated bedroom. The soft pink paint that covered her walls always seemed to remind Rinoa of her mother, and that always made her want to cry.

What is wrong with me? This is becoming unbearable...I feel like I'm dying inside...

"Princess?"

Quickly wiping her tears away, Rinoa motioned for her friend to come in, "What is it Watts?"

Watts skin grew pale at having to see his dear friend in this condition but he decided to not to say anything as it usually leads to an argument, "The SeeD's, they will be here within the hour."

Finally! Some good news!

She gave her a friend a comforting smile, "Thank you, Watts..."

"Right...Why don't you clean up and try to get some more rest before they get here? I promise that I wont make too much noise while trying to wake you."

"Thanks again, Watts.."

The young man nodded and left the room, leaving Rinoa to ponder another set of dreams. She laid her head back down and swiftly feel into a deep slumber.

****

The darkness engulfed her only to be replaced by a scene of absolute beauty. She could hear waves crashing against rocks far off in the distance and she found herself standing in the middle of a flower field. The wind blew gently against her skin raising the light hairs on her arms. So beautiful...Why am I seeing this though?

"I'll be waiting...here...for you...I promise..."

"Hello...?" she whispered.

"Right here Rinny..."

Rinoa spun around to face the owner of the voice. She was greeted by a man silhouetted against the sun. She reached her hand out hesitantly, "Who are you? Why are you haunting my dreams?" her voice cracked with fear.

"Not yet...Soon I will find you...again. Remember Rinny, although I will probably never show it or say it...I love you...

As his appearance started to fade Rinoa lunged for him and the man caught her up in his arms, "Please...who are you?" she pleaded.

"I am forever your knight...never forget what I said...no matter how I act or what I say...I love you...always..."

He kissed her forehead gently before his form faded with the blowing wind.

"No...please come back...don't leave me..." she couldn't stop the tears the flowed gently down her cheeks.

****

Squall and his companions stepped out of the train and on to the streets of Timber.

The city was extremely old fashioned. It was as if they didn't know anything about new technology. One of the only luxuries they seemed to have were mass amounts of trains. Timber was the capital of train transportation for this continent anyway.

Zell and Selphie followed behind him, taking in the sites of this quite little town.

"Yo! Check that out!" Zell exclaimed as he pointed to a model train display that sat in a shop window.

Squall placed his hand on his forehead, "Oh...my...god. Zell what are you...like 12?"

Zell gave his commander a confused look, "Was that a joke, Squall? 'Cuz you like never make jokes man...that's just not natural."

Squall retained his expressionless face, "...Whatever. Come on I think I see our contact."

Selphie skipped along beside them as the two boys walked to meet their contact.

The contact was very young, no more then 16. He approached the young SeeD's cautiously then said, "Boy the forests of Timber sure have changed."

"But the owls are still around," Squall stated the password. That has got to be the dumbest password ever....Sometimes I really think Cid is an idiot...gah!

The guy seemed to light up. "This way, sir! Please follow me, sir!" he spilled and dashed down the street.

****

"Um, Squall, could you go get the princess for us?" Rinoa could make out the faint voices as she lingered in her half sleep. Squall? Pretty name...

"Is this what we're here for?!" the other man shouted, "To run errands for you?!" Eww...he sounds mean...

"No, no, it's just that…Please don't be mad." Silly zone...I know why you don't want to come back here...Send this Squall...I won't bite him...too much

This is the last time for this sort of thing, got it?" Hmmm...familiar voice as well...although he sounds like he needs to take a chill pill...

CLUNK! CLUNK! Ohhh...here he comes, damn he is loud...

Rinoa groggily pushed herself up off the bed as the man walked into her room, and their eyes met. Oh my...

"Hey, I know you! Your from the party! Your a SeeD?" she asked, her cheeks red as an apple.

Acting on impulse Rinoa jumped from her bed and onto him. She held her hands onto his shoulders and he spun from imbalance. Squall grabbed her by the waist and put her down. She sure is spunky...

"Oh sorry," she apologized.

No, please anytime...God! What am I saying! "Umm...it's okay...just umm...never mind." he tried to hide the redness that was appearing in his face.

"I'm just so happy that SeeD is here," she explained, "I've been sending in requests forever. I didn't think they'd help such a puny group like us. I'm glad I talked to the headmaster directly."

"Oh, so that's why you were at the party." he asked with a frown.

She nodded, "You know Seifer?" Nice Rinoa...stupid question...of course he knows him...

Squall brought his hand up and traced his finger across the scar that he wore. Yeah...you could say that...

"He's the guy who introduced me to Headmaster Cid. The headmaster is such a nice man. I think talking to him got him to better understand our situation."

Rinoa then gracefully walked to the mirror and began brushing her raven colored locks. He watched her stroke each clump of that beautiful silky hair. Wouldn't mind being that brush right about now...GAH! Stop it! Squall slapped his forehead with his hand and closes his eyes trying to force those thoughts from his mind.

Seeing his unusual expression in the mirror, she turned back to him, I have to stop drooling over him...It can't be healthy...

"My name's Squall; there are 2 others with me." he suddenly spoke up

"Is 'he' here?" she inquired.

"He?" Squall's face remained blank of emotion.

"You know Seifer?," she asked with a hesitant look in her eyes.

Squall let a slight smirk creep onto his face and shook his head. "He's not a SeeD."

She nodded then noticed the scar that he was inadvertently pointing too earlier, "He did that...?"

She stepped closer, slowly and with hesitation...she stood in front of him and gently traced the outline of his scar, "Did it hurt?"

"You saw it happen...What do you think?" he asked trying to ignore the unusual but familiar sensation her touch was bringing him.

She turned away, blushing. "You...you saw me?"

"...Yes." And I nearly got killed for it...

She spun around quickly and grabbed his hand, "I'm sorry...my name is Rinoa."

Rinoa? Pretty name...

Squall was snapped out of reverie when Rinoa nudged him, "...Sorry...Rinoa, it's a pretty name. Very nice to meet you Rinoa."

She smiled at him, "Thank you...Squall...that's like a gentle storm isn't it?" Like those eyes...

Now it was Squall's turn to blush when he noticed her staring intently into his eyes, "Ahh...yeah something like that...well if your ready...?"

She gave him an enthusiastic nod, "Yes...please."

****

"Okay," Rinoa began as she looked at the people gathered in the Forest Owls briefing room before her eyes finally fell on to Squall. "In three hours we are going to attempt to kidnap the President of Galbadia. We will board his train as it comes through here, he has some bogus charity function to attend tonight."

She pointed to the model train set in the center of the room. She motioned for Watts to start the toy, and the train began moving along the toy track. "This is our train, when the two trains meet at this junction we will board the Presidents train. There will only be 4 guards in total, the president does not like a large entourage."

The group watched as the two toy trains ran along side each other, "At the junction we will board his car and detach it from the rest of his train...once that is completed our train will move in behind and grab onto his car and we go off into the sunset..." she raised her arm into the air like she was soaring like a bird.

Squall shook his head at her actions, Oh boy...she's pretty and smart...but whoa...might not be playing with a full deck...

Rinoa switched the trains off and turned back to them, "Are there any questions?"

A few moments of silence answered her question, "Okay then. Out back here we have a small open field. If you wish to warm up or relax you can do so there. I myself need to grab a bite to eat because I m really hungry right now."

She started to head for the door when Zell grabbed her arm, "Do...umm...do you have hotdogs?" he asked.

Rinoa flashed him a smile, "Yes we do Zell...we have a lot...they are popular around here."

Zell punched the air and laughed, "Yes! I could eat a dozen of them...damn I'm hungry..."

Squall raised and eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest, "Twelve hotdogs? How many stomachs do you have Zell?"

Rinoa and Selphie burst out laughing at the comment. Zell's face turned red and spun to face his commander, "Two jokes in one day Squall? Dude that has to be like a record or something!"

Squall gave him a simple shrug, "...Whatever.. I'm going out back, you guys get something to eat...and please do not sneak up on me, you might accidentally get a gunblade upside your head..."

Squall turned and walked out of the room leaving the others standing there with there mouths open and in silence, Selphie was the first to speak. "Three jokes...that's just not...right."

Rinoa gave her a confused look, "Why is that not right? He seems ok to me..."

Selphie and Zell snickered. Zell placed his hand on Rinoa's shoulder trying to fight back tears, "Trust us Rinoa...he is the coldest fish in the sea, but right now...he seems pretty relaxed. I haven't seen him like this since after the dance."

Rinoa raised her eyebrows at the last comment, "What happened at the dance?"

A worried expression suddenly washed over Zell's face, "Well...uhh...he kind of let it slip that well, he danced with this girl...ahh it's nothing. It was just the first time that I had ever heard him crack a joke. Was actually kind of refreshing. Anyways...I'm going to eat!"

Zell trotted out of the room and into the hall looking for the kitchen. Selphie walked up to Rinoa and nudged her in the arm, Rinoa turned to the smaller woman, her expression a mixture of embarrassment and happiness. "Yes?"

Selphie looked up at her and gave her a wink, "I recognize you... I am thinking that he told you he couldn't dance...hehehe."

Rinoa's face turned red, "Oh...uhh...yeah actually he did. But...hmmm oh well." Was he talking to Zell about me at the dance? This is unreal!

"Hey Rinoa," Selphie asked. "You want to watch him work out?"

Rinoa turned and noticed that Selphie was no longer standing beside her, but was on the other side of the room staring out the window. "Watch Squall you mean?" she asked.

Selphie waved her over, "Don't worry...all the girls watch him...Seifer and him are the best looking guys in Garden. Squall just has that dark and mysterious quality that makes all the women giddy. Come on, as long as he doesn't see us he wont bite our heads off."

A slight smile appeared on Rinoa's lips as she walked to stand next to Selphie. She gazed out the window saw Squall practicing with his gunblade, gone was the fur collared leather jacket and white t-shirt that he was wearing only moments earlier. Now he stood there with his back to them wearing nothing but his leather pants. Rinoa quietly admired his finely contoured muscles as he swung the gunblade out and around gracefully.

"Well...that's new...Never seen him with his shirt off before." Selphie commented.

Rinoa chewed on her lower lip trying to fight back the smile that was beginning to form, "Oh...my..." Am I drooling? What the hell is wrong with me? I don't do this!

Selphie elbowed her gently in the side, "You said it sister."

Rinoa noticed the glare that reflected off his chest whenever the sun beamed down on it, "What's that he's wearing around his neck?"

Selphie squinted, "Oh...well...that is a lion's head chain...rumor has it that is based on the legendary Guardian Force, Griever. Supposedly it was once a very powerful GF. I've known Squall for about a couple years now, always quiet and not much of a people person. The younger cadets have always admired him for his strength and seemingly endless courage. So some of the younger cadets tagged him with the nickname of 'Lionheart'. Something to do with his last name sounding like it or whatever." She turned to face Rinoa who was still entranced by the young man outside, "I will tell you this though. He has earned that nickname in my eyes, during the Field Exam he pulled my little butt out of the fire a few times. When I was injured he stood right by my side and fought off a Galbadian war machine that would have killed me if he wasn't there protecting me."

She let out a soft giggle, "Of course he will never admit it but...when I told him thank you, he simply said 'whatever', then his face turned bright red like he was embarrassed about being appreciated. He's a very strange guy."

Quietly, Selphie walked away and out of the room to find something to eat, leaving Rinoa alone to admire the vision before her. He's very sexy... Love that hair too, how it comes down over his eyes...and those eyes...Never seen anything so beautiful. Seifer has nice eyes...but these...they hide so much, yet reveal nearly everything. Rinoa was snapped out of her reverie when she noticed that Squall had stopped his routine and was now staring back at her. Oh no...yes...this is embarrassing...

Rinoa felt her checks flush and she quickly looked down at her feet. After a few moments she gazed back up to see him still staring at her. His lips parted in a tiny smile and one of his eyebrows raised. She flashed him a mischievous grin and backed away from the window, letting him continue his practice in peace.

****

The four of them, Rinoa, Zell, Selphie, and Squall crouched on the top of the boxcar. The wind was blasting by them and Squall knew that if he stood up he would be blown off.. Off to their sides were the famous Timber Woods, the lush green seemed to go forever. Squall looked straight ahead and noticed that they were quickly coming up on the presidents train, he could feel the undeniable rush of adrenaline shoot through him as the anticipation of having to jump to the moving train drew closer. He looked back and saw Rinoa close to him, she beamed a smile at him and winked. Squall raised an eyebrow at her and shook his head then stood up slightly as the trains moved along side each other.

"Zell...Selphie, Go!" he shouted, praying his voice could be heard over the two monstrous machines that roared down the tracks. On his word they both jumped, clearing the distance easily. Squall glanced to his side where Rinoa stood, he could tell that she was a bit scared but she did a good job of fighting through it.

He gave her a blank smirk, "Your turn 'princess'..."

She gave him an agitated look, "Oh no...please after you.."

Squall shrugged then turned and leaped the gap landing solidly on the other train. He spun back and noticed the look of fear that was growing in Rinoa's eyes. Shit! She's starting to freak! He reached his hand out to her, "Come on...you can do it. I wont let you fall...I promise."

Rinoa locked eyes with him, his last comment striking something deep within her core. She gave him a strong smile and nodded. Then she jumped, and Rinoa immediately realized that she would not clear the distance but before she could even let out a scream Squall had her hand as she dangled off the side of the car. He quickly pulled her up and they fell back with her on top of him. Her arms draped around him and her face in his neck.

He could feel her hot breath on his skin and for some reason he found himself putting his hand on her back in an attempt to comfort her. She didn't pull away, she only clung to him. She raised her head even to his, their mouths mere centimeters apart, her breath mingling with his.

Her pink lips parted in a smile, "Thanks..." God! Should I kiss him? I want to...I'll let him decide...

Fight it Squall! Don't do it! Do not kiss her! Fighting off his urges he merely nodded and whispered, "Anytime 'princess'."

Her smile grew wider and she winked at him, "Come on...I think your friends are waiting for us."

Reluctantly, Rinoa pushed herself off him and crawled to meet with the others who were ahead of them. Selphie grabbed her by the arm and lead her along the roof of the car until they came to the hatch.

"I saw that..." she said suddenly as she attempted to open the hatch, "You guys almost kissed..."

Rinoa blushed and turned her face away, "No we didn't...he just saved my life and I was thanking him."

Selphie nodded but was nonetheless unconvinced, "Yeah, ok. Well, get used to that. Because if we are gonna be on this mission for awhile, he might end up saving your life again. Next time kiss him." She gave Rinoa a wink then disappeared down the opened hatch.

Rinoa stood there dumbfounded. I am such a bad liar!

"You going down or what?" Squall asked from behind her.

She spun around to see him smirking at her, "Umm...yes sorry."

Still blushing she grabbed hold of the handle on the hatch and lowered herself down. Shaking his head, Squall followed down after her. Gonna be one of those days...

****

Zell met Rinoa and Squall at the junction switch, "Squall...we got a problem here man." He pointed to the connected car.

Squall looked in the direction that Zell was pointing. To see 4 Galbadian guards standing by the control switch that would disconnect the presidents car from the rest of the train.

"Shit..." mumbled Squall. "Okay, looks like we are gonna have to take them down. Rinoa your with me, Zell and Selphie you guys know what to do."

Zell and Selphie nodded and slowly snuck their way into the car. Squall turned to Rinoa and grabbed her hand, "Do you know how to use a Guardian Force?"

She smiled and nodded, "Yes...I have read some books on them, but I don't have any Junctioned."

He shook his head, "Don't worry about that you can have mine. It's Shiva...she can be a little overbearing at times but since your female she should be much faster summon then usual."

"Okay...but wont that leave you without a GF?" she asked him her voice full of concern.

He nodded, "Yeah, but don't worry about me...ok, clear your mind of all thoughts."

Squall took his gloves off and placed his hands over hers and began to concentrate. Suddenly a dim white ball of energy disconnected itself from him and joined with Rinoa.

Her eyes snapped open, "Wow...that's quite a rush."

He smirked at her, "Yeah, you get used to it after awhile. When you want to call her just mentally say her name with your mind. But, only use her if you need to. Otherwise...stay close to me..." Gah! What the hell am I saying? Look at me Mr. Hero...I am such an idiot...

Rinoa suddenly blushed as he said those words, "What ever you say 'Lionheart'." She tried to restrain her giggle but failed.

Squall scowled at her, "What did...how did...whatever...come on.." With that said he grabbed her hand and she willingly followed him into the train car.

****

Squall observed the two closest guards. Both were of medium height and build and each were armed with swords. He silently signaled to Zell, telling him and Selphie to take out the other two guards.

Squall turned his head to Rinoa and whispered, "Okay...remember to stay close me, but not too close...don't want to -"

"Accidentally smack me in the head with your gunblade." she finished for him. "I hear you...lead on."

He nodded and took a deep breath. He jumped up from his position and charged the two guards, who in turn were completely taken by surprise. One of them dropped his sword and nearly bowled over the other in fear. The guard who kept his composure pushed his comrade off him and charged at Squall with his sword held high.

Squall feinted an attack high then slid to the right and brought his gunblade out across the guards midsection, nearly slicing him in two. The guard doubled over, blood spilling from the gash in his stomach, he fell to his knees and tried to get back up only to be slashed across the back of the head by Rinoa's Pinwheel that was attached to her arm. He fell forward, dead before he hit the floor.

Squall raised an eyebrow at her and she giggled at his surprised expression, "Hey... I'm a big girl.."

He let a faint smile creep onto his lips, "So you are...whoa move!" he shouted as he yanked her away from the other guard that had come up behind her. The second guard brought his sword down only to be parried by Squall's gunblade, she watched as Squall casually parried each of the guards attacks and then smiled when she realized that Squall was actually toying with the guard. That's almost funny...and to think his friends said he had no sense of humor...

Squall arced his gunblade up and parried the attack as the guard tried to come across to slash at his shoulders, sparks ignited outward as the two blades clashed. He dragged his gunblade down across the other causing even more sparks to fly around them. When he reached the tip of the guards sword he swung the gunblade back across him slashing the guard across the neck and separating his head from his shoulders. The guards headless body toppled to the ground.

"Ewww..." Rinoa gasped as she held her hand up to her mouth.

"Come on." Squall growled as he grabbed her hand and pulled her away.

The train jerked sending the two stumbling into the wall. Rinoa slammed into his chest knocking the air out of him.. "Oh shit...I'm sorry. Are you ok?" her voice was soft and nearly a whisper.

He let out a low chuckle, "I don't think I meant stay 'this' close to me."

She pinched his side playfully and whispered to him softly, "Silly...you are ok right?"

He nodded, "Yeah...come on. The train jerking like that must mean that Zell and Selphie took care of detaching the presidents car."

****

"Everyone ready?" Rinoa asked to the others as they stood outside the door to the Presidents car. "Okay, let me talk to him and see if we can come to a 'peaceful' understanding. If not we will use force if necessary, ok?"

Squall nodded, "Your the boss, 'princess'." Wonder if that is annoying her yet?

Rinoa gave him a face, "You are so funny...'Lionheart'." He's so cute when tries to be funny...but why does he still look so depressed?

Selphie held her hand to her mouth trying to suppress a giggle which suddenly ended when Squall gave her a stern look.

"Okay then...lets go." Rinoa stated as she opened the door.

They entered the presidents private car, which was decorated with lush green carpeting. The walls were painted emerald green and hide speckled highlights which shined and sparkled like diamonds in the light. Squall looked around intently and realized that the president was no where to be found.

"What the hell?" Zell exclaimed while throwing his arms up in the air.

Squall raised an eyebrow, "Hmmm...you smell that?"

Rinoa began sniffing, "Yeah...smells like burning oil...."

Suddenly the floor of the car slid open with a loud hissing noise. Squall put his arm in front of Rinoa slowly pushing her back towards the door. When the floor finished sliding open a large creature emerged from the bottom, it resembled some sort of mutated mummy.

"Oh god! That thing is freaking ugly!" Selphie screeched.

"Don't worry about it's appearance Selphie...just take it down!" Squall hollered as he charged at the beast with his gunblade held high.

The creature grinned evilly at him and with one swift motion swatted him away, sending Squall flying back into the wall hard. Rinoa screamed as she watched Squall bounce off the wall and slide to the floor. Selphie lifted her arm and cast a Fire spell at the monster, the flame burnt away layers of flesh but didn't stop it from charging. It's hand morphed into long organic blade and started swiping left and right, Zell and Selphie quickly jumped out the way to avoid his attack. It kept coming forward, towards Rinoa who was backed against the wall.

Oh damn...No way out... Rinoa shut her eyes and raised her arms over her face protectively. She heard the swipe of the monsters blade but then heard it connect with something metallic. Rinoa opened her eyes to see Squall standing in front of her holding back the monster with his gunblade. Thank you, Squall...

"Go!" he shouted. "Zell...little help here man!"

"Got your back bro!" Zell replied as he kicked the beast in the back, causing it to lurch forward. It swung it's other arm around to swipe Zell away, the young SeeD tried to dodge but has he jumped away the creatures huge arm caught him in the side of the head, sending him tumbling to the side and into the wall.

Squall pushed back the monster trying to get as much space between it and Rinoa, he released his hold and spun to the left bringing his gunblade down into the beasts shoulder and simultaneously squeezing the gunblades trigger. It roared back in pain as the hollow tipped-titanium shell ripped through it's chest and blew a large hole out it's back. The beast swung it's arm back and around slashing across Squall's chest, which caused him to drop to his knees with blood spilling form his wound.

Rinoa screamed, "Squall! No!" No don't die! Please!

Squall tried to get back on his feet but the pain was too excruciating, the monster hit him with it's other arm, sending Squall soaring backwards into the wall once again. Rinoa rushed to his side, the sight of his blood causing her to cry out. She lifted his head and placed it gently onto her lap.

Breathe! Damnit! Please Breathe!

Squall coughed and opened his eyes. Thank you! "Squall how can I help you?" she pleaded with hot tears streaming down her pale cheeks.

He met her eyes, "Regen spell...cast it on me."

She nodded while trying to wipe away the tears. She raised her arm and Squall found himself surrounded by a dull blue aura, the pain subsided a little and his wound began to heal.

Feeling his strength return to he slowly got back to his feet with Rinoa helping him. "Ok...thanks..." he whispered to her. "Now...stand back. Don't get in the way of my limit break..."

She reluctantly released him and went back to the wall where Zell was laying unconscious. She quickly began to cast a Regen spell on him as well.

"Selphie, stand back...I'm at my limit!" Squall shouted. The young girl complied and pulled off her attack on the beast, which caused it to turn and face Squall.

Squall dragged his gunblade at his side, gathering all the strength within him he called upon the mystical energy that defined a Limit Break. Rinoa shielded her eyes from the yellow light that engulfed Squall as he achieved his Limit Break. She could see his sapphire eyes suddenly burst with energy and he held his gunblade horizontal to his body. He dashed towards the beast, his gunblade swinging back. She saw him mercilessly slash it multiple times and a deafening boom could be heard with each slice as he pulled the trigger on his gunblade. The beast stumbled backwards, black blood pouring out from the multiple wounds that Squall had inflicted upon it. Squall jumped back and hung his gunblade at his side preparing for his finishing attack.

He charged at the monster with the tip of his gunblade skidding along the floor bringing up a shower of sparks, he brought his gunblade up and out slicing the creature in half, which followed by a small explosion from the Fira spell Junctioned to his weapon. The creature fell back to the floor dead. Squall stood there a moment staggering, then turned back to face the others who were staring at him with their mouths wide open and confused looks on their face.

"Wow..." Rinoa whispered with her eyes wide.

"Umm...you ok Squall?" Zell asked as he slowly walked forward.

"...Whatever." Squall mumbled then fell to his knees his eyes fluttered then his world became engulfed in darkness.

"Squall!?" Rinoa cried as she ran to his prone body.

"Come on, lets get him back to your base Rinoa." Zell said as he lifted Squall up and over his shoulders.

Rinoa bent down and picked up Squall's gunblade and followed after Zell and Selphie. Please be ok...