The Final Quest (III)
"Nora? Zell?", Squall asked standing between them at the balcony of the Garden's second floor. Nora opened her eyes. "Dad?", she asked when she saw Squall staring at her. Squall hugged his daughter. "Oh wait.", Squall said and went away from Nora. "What's wrong daddy?", Nora asked. Squall took her hand. "I have a really strange feeling when I touch you.", Squall said and let her hand go. "Look at Zell daddy!", Nora said looking down at Zell's body. "We have to help him.", she added. "Right. Lead the way to the infirmary.", Squall said and took Zell on his back. They rushed in the elevator and got down to the first floor. They kept on going with a fast pace and soon they reached the infirmary. "Doc! Zell needs help!", Squall said almost yelling. "Calm down Squall. What happened?", Doctor Kadowaki asked and stood up. Squall placed Zell in a bed and turned to look at Nora. She nodded. "We were sitting at the edge of the balcony when suddenly Zell saw something strange in the sky. He asked me if it was getting bigger as the time passed but I couldn't understand. The only thing I could see was that this thing was changing colors. Suddenly we were blinded by a light and I couldn't move. I had the feeling that someone was trying to get something from me. I was really afraid and wanted to touch Zell's hand, but I couldn't move. So I screamed as loud as I could.", Nora said. "Squall. You better go and call Odine over here.", the doctor said. "Right! Nora, please stay here.", Squall said. Nora nodded in agreement and Squall got out of the infirmary. He moved pretty fast to Odine's laboratory and got inside. "Odine!", Squall yelled. "What's wrong?", Odine asked from afar. "Come over here please.", Squall said. Odine signed and got quickly close to Squall. "So, what is it?", Odine asked. "Nora and Zell were outside at the balcony and they got hit from something. Zell is lying unconscious at the infirmary. When I touched Nora's body, I had this really weird feeling. I can't really describe it. You better check them out both.", Squall said quickly. "You are scared about your daughter, aren't you?", Odine asked. "Let's just go to the infirmary and we can talk about anything after that.", Squall said and rushed out of the laboratory. As soon as they got out of there they heard a loud explosion. "What the hell was that?", Squall asked. "It must have been somewhere near the infirmary. At least that's what it sounded like.", Odine said. Squall took a deep breath and ran towards the infirmary. When he got it in sight, he started being even more worried about his daughter. The entrance of the infirmary was missing and there was smoke coming out of it. He could also see people coming out of everywhere to see what happened. When he got down the stairs he could see Zell coming out of the infirmary and rushing to the opposite direction that Squall was. "That's really confusing.", Squall said to himself. "Go after Zell!", Dr. Kadowaki yelled at Squall as soon as she came out of the infirmary. "What happened?", Squall yelled. "Just go after him.", she yelled back. Zell was a fast runner and Squall couldn't keep up with him. As a result he lost sight for a while. But he saw him again, being thrown in the air by something. "What the hell is going on?", Squall yelled . Zell turned and saw Squall approaching. "Don't panic.", Zell said when Squall arrived. "I am not panicking. I am just worried about Nora.", Squall said. "She is over there.", Zell said pointing over to a young lady that was staring at them. "What are you talking about?", Squall asked looking at her. "Young SeeD. We meet again.", the lady said. "I recognize that voice.", Squall said. "Yes, it's me again! Ultimecia is back to kill you.", she said. "And where's Nora?", Squall asked looking at Zell. "She's Nora.", Zell replied. "You lost me.", Squall said. "Let's just attack her.", Zell suggested. Squall nodded in agreement and took his gunblade out. They both started to run towards her. "Are you going to attack your daughter?", Ultimecia asked. "What are you talking about?", Squall asked and stood still. Zell stopped as well and noticed Irvine in the distance behind Ultimecia, nodding at him. "You can't recognize your daughter's body?", she asked staring at Squall. "My Nora is a kid. She isn't a lady.", Squall replied. "You see, I had to change that a bit in order to fit my needs.", Ultimecia said laughing evilly. "So you say that you are using my Nora's body in order to destroy me?", Squall asked. "Isn't that pretty clear?", Ultimecia asked in reply. "I can't really just believe that this is my daughter's body. So we will attack you now.", Squall said. "Why are you warning me about the attack?", Ultimecia asked. Squall and Zell resumed running towards her. She concentrated on both of them and planned her attack. "Torando!", she yelled. Squall and Zell got up in the air and she threw them a few meters back. "Bang!", Irvine yelled and fired a capsule. It was a hit and Ultimecia was captured. "Zell. Was she right about Nora?", Squall asked. "Sorry man. I saw it happen.", Zell replied. "No!", Odine yelled. "What's wrong Odine?", Squall asked when Odine got next to them. "I have something to say. I was keeping a secret for some years now.", Odine said. "A secret that harmed my daughter?", Squall asked. "I didn't expect that to happen.", Odine replied. "Why don't you tell us about it?", Irvine asked when he got next to them. "Okay. Seifer told me that he saw Ultimecia lying next to him when he woke up. It was only Ultimecia, a time wrap and him around. When he told me, I asked him to not tell anyone. I went around at that location and found out for my self that Ultmecia is a spirit much like Orion. A woman did some experiments in the future and summoned her. She got into her body and controlled her. That's why she knows so much stuff. She was a great scientist. Anyway, I found out that woman there and she told me everything. I found her a job at Esthar's laboratories and that's with her story.", Odine said and got interrupted by Squall. "Can we save Nora?", Squall asked. "Yes we can. Because I knew Ultimecia was a spirit I crafted secretly for these occasions a capsule that can catch her. I mean the spirit. I just have two on me right now.", Odine replied. "Let's get her out of that capsule and get her inside this one.", Squall said and took the capsules from Odine's hands. Zell pressed a button on the capsule and she got out of it. "So. You changed your minds?", she asked. "Actually we want to do some experiments.", Squall said. "Take them both Irvine.", he said, gave Irvine just one and winked at him. "You think you are funny?", Ultimecia asked and casted a firaga spell. "I am really furious at the moment!", Squall said avoiding the spell and ran towards her. Zell joined him as well. "Protect!", Ultimecia said and cast the spell. "No!", Squall said and everyone attacked at the same time. Irvine had already used his capsule and it was destroyed as soon as it hit the blue barrier that covered her. "I am not that stupid.", Ultimecia said laughing. Squall didn't go back. He kept on attacking her, without causing any damage to his daughter's body. Zell went a bit back. He took the time that Squall gave him by distracting Ultimecia and junctioned dispel on his gloves. He attacked as soon as he could. That made the protect spell to vanish. "What?", Ultimecia asked. She didn't have time to react as Seifer, who had cast a speed spell on him, captured her with his attack. The bright light reappeared leaving everyone blinded. "Get away from it Squall!", Zell yelled. Squall didn't react and stood there. After the light was gone, there was a capsule next to Nora's older body. Squall tried to hug her but he fainted. "Let's get them both to the infirmary.", Zell suggested. He got Nora on his back and moved forward. Seifer and Irvine got Squall's body and followed Zell who was already far ahead. Rinoa came out of their room and saw Zell carrying an unknown girl on his back. 'Who is that? A SeeD perhaps?', she thought. "Squall!", she yelled when she saw him unconscious. "He is fine. Don't worry. Zell was like that and he is fine now!", Irvine said. "What happened and when was Zell like that?", Rinoa asked. "Don't worry. Stay in here and we will come here to tell you everything.", Irvine replied. "Where's Nora?", Rinoa asked. "Zell was carrying her.", Seifer replied. Rinoa got frozen. "Zell was carrying someone unknown to me.", she said. "We will explain. Just let us get Squall to the infirmary.", Irvine sad. "Go! Go!", Rinoa said and moved back to their room. 'What is going on? My head is going to explode!', she thought and took a sit on the floor looking at the door.
Rinoa was staring at the door for some time now, when it suddenly opened. It was Nora. "Don't cry mommy. I am fine.", she said. Rinoa smiled at her. "Come here my love. Give mommy a hug.", Rinoa said and stood up. Nora ran towards Rinoa and hugged her. "Don't you ever scare me like that. Okay?", Rinoa asked. "You won't have emotions as a dead person mommy.", Nora said and her face turned abstract. Nora cast an unknown spell to Rinoa and she woke up. Rinoa took a quick look around. She was all alone in their room. "Why haven't anyone come yet?", Rinoa asked Ray while taking him out of his bed. Ray laughed. Rinoa took a sit and fed Ray her milk. After that, she moved around in the room singing. That helped Ray sleep and she placed him back to his little bed. She got back close to the door and stood there doing nothing. She didn't even think, until she heard a knock. "Open up Rinoa.", Zell said from outside. "Finally!", Rinoa said and opened the door. "Tell me everything.", she said as soon as he got inside and tried to close the door. "Don't leave me outside.", Tesa said. "Sorry Tesa. Come inside.", Rinoa said and opened the door widely. After they got inside, Rinoa closed the door and took a sit. "Okay.", Zell said. "They are both in a bad shape. Squall was hit harder than I was and Nora's body grew up like twenty years in a second. Ultimecia got in her and corrupted her. That's why she has this change. They are unconscious so far. Odine said they are both okay.", Zell added. Rinoa had a really hollow look in her gaze. She opened her mouth in order to talk but Zell stopped her. "Go to them. We will stay with Ray.", he said touching her hand. "Thanks.", she said and got out of the room. "Practice time!", Zell said to Tesa and they both laughed.
"I have a question Seifer.", Irvine said. "Go ahead.", Seifer said. "Why did you have a capsule?", Irvine asked. "Odine gave me a few for cases like this one.", Seifer replied. "Oh, I see. You should have told us about Ultimecia.", Irvine said. "I couldn't! Odine asked me not to tell anyone and I did his request. I am a man of my word.", Seifer said. Irvine nodded and spotted Rinoa entering the infirmary. He pointed a certain bed when their eyes met. Rinoa nodded and moved there. It was Nora's bed. She stood next to her for a while, staring at her face. She could understand that it was her daughter. She could feel it. "I am sorry. If I had let you win, this would never happen.", Rinoa said while stroking Nora's hair. "Let's go mate.", Irvine told Seifer, when he realized that Rinoa was crying. Seifer nodded in agreement and both got out of the infirmary. Rinoa was all alone with her husband and daughter. A couple of minutes staring at Nora later, Rinoa got to Squall's bed which was at the opposite side of the room. She took a chair and placed it next to Squall's bed. She took a sit and held Squall's hand. She stroke it a bit and kissed it. She stood like this for a while and then placed her palms on her face. "Why? Why? Why? Why?", she asked herself crying. "Don't be sad my love. We saved her.", Squall said as soon as he opened his eyes and noticed Rinoa's tears. "Squall!", she said and hugged him. He groaned from pain. "Sorry my love.", Rinoa said smiling with her red eyes staring at him. Squall laughed and wiped the tears off her eyes and chicks. "I am weak but I can walk. Help me get to Nora.", Squall said and tried to stand up. "Nope. You stay here.", Rinoa said. "She is right Squall. Better get some rest first.", Dr. Kadowaki said as soon as he got next to Squall's bed. "Is she okay?", Squall asked. "She is just fine. Dr. Odine and I ran a few tests and we say Nora is just fine. But we can't do much about her change.", the doctor replied. "We can only help her adapt.", she added. Rinoa and Squall looked at each other. "I'll leave you three alone. I will be right outside if you need me.", Dr. Kadowaki said. "We will help her understand. Come hug me softly now. I need to feel I am alive.", Squall said. Rinoa hugged him softly. "I heard this line before.", Rinoa said and they both laughed. "Mom?", Nora said. "Did you hear that?", Rinoa asked. "Yes! Go!", Squall replied and pushed her softly on her way. She rushed across the room and reached Nora's bed in no time. "Nora!", Rinoa said as soon as she reached her bed. "Mommy! Is she here?", Nora asked. "Who, dear?", Rinoa asked confused. "I don't know her name. She locked me in a dark room and I was really afraid.", Nora replied. "You are safe now.", Rinoa said and smiled at her. "Daddy saved me, didn't he? Cause I saw him open the door.", Nora said and smiled. "Rest my love. We will stay here for a while, so you and daddy can rest.", Rinoa said and Nora nodded in agreement. "Do you mind if I sleep a little more mom?", Nora asked. "Get some sleep.", Rinoa replied and smiled. After Nora closed her eyes, Rinoa got back to Squall. "What's wrong and you frown?", Squall asked. "Well, her mind is still young. Only her body grew.", Rinoa replied. "She called you mommy, right?", Squall asked. "Yep.", Rinoa replied. "I am also afraid of her having Ultimecia's memories. Us fighting her.", she added. "Nightmares.", Squall said. "Is she going to be a sorceress as well?", Squall asked. "I don't know that. We need to talk to Odine.", Rinoa replied. Squall nodded in agreement a few times. Rinoa got her chair closer to Squall's bed and took a sit. She also lay her head on Squall's arm. Squall stroked her hair with his other hand. "I love your hair.", he said. Rinoa smiled but Squall couldn't see it cause of her position. "Mom?", Nora said. "Rinoa!", Squall shaking her hand. "On my way!", Rinoa said and rushed to Nora's bed once again. "What's wrong my love?", Rinoa said. "Is dad okay?", Nora asked. "He is resting like you are.", Rinoa replied. "I wish he gets better soon.", Nora said. "Let me tell you something. Your father is a lion. He is gentle and really strong. He will get better no matter what happened to him. Don't worry about him too much. Tomorrow we will return home, if not today.", Rinoa said smiling. Nora smiled. "You are right mom. Do you think I can eat now?", she asked. "You probably can. Let me ask the doctor.", Rinoa said and moved to the infirmary exit. "Doctor?", Rinoa asked when she got out. "I am here Rinoa.", Dr. Kadowaki said from behind. "Oh. Can they eat anything?", Rinoa asked. "Let me come inside.", the doctor replied and they both moved inside. "How are my patients doing?", she asked. "I am hungry!", Nora complained and Squall smiled. "Of course you are!", Dr. Kadowaki said and moved to Nora's bed. "Let's see. What do you want to eat?", she asked. "Anything!", Nora replied. "Okay. Be patient for a while and your food will arrive.", the doctor said and moved out again. Rinoa took a look at Nora, who was smiling at her dad. 'It will be hard on her but she will accept it. Even her voice is different but she haven't realized it. Yet.', Rinoa thought.