God's Forsaken Land
Cannon Ball!
By Freyjadour

Rinoa's POV

"Cannon ball!" The petite brunette yelled before disappearing beneath the surface of the water, making a surprisingly abnormal splash for her size.

Under Quistis direct orders – heavily influenced by Seifer – we decided to take a small break. I wasn't complaining in the least seeing how I still had blood all over me. We pulled off the dirt road which apparently was a repeating factor throughout Balamb. Their main roads were paved and a town would take it under their own authority to lay bricks in the street or whatever they decided, but the paths connecting the smaller towns or parks were all dirt. After going for about another half an hour through what I thought was a thick forest but according to Seifer was apparently nothing, we came to a small pool of water.

I call it a pool because I'm not too sure what a proper term would be. It isn't big enough to be considered a lake by any means. However it is quite serene, with a fifteen foot (five meters) waterfall leading into it and a small stream leading out which makes it hard to call it a pond. Since when I think of a pond I think murky green still water. So I rest on the word pool because that's the only think to describe it.

The small waterfall kept the water moving to keep it clean looking so I wasn't afraid to get in. There was one large rock in the middle which Selphie was continually jumping off performing numerous moves with the latest the 'cannon ball'. I was planning on washing myself under the waterfall.

Selphie surfaced and instantly climbed back onto the rock only to come face-to-face with Zell. Who knows when he got onto the rock, but he was and standing tall with hands on his hips. His hair was – for the first time I've ever seen – hanging down around his head and not spiked up. I was wondering if it ever got flat. Selphie and Zell were both in their underwear, Zell boxers and Selphie bra and panties. Of course we didn't pack swimsuits, this wasn't supposed to be a vacation but it sure looked like it right now.

I began to strip while watching the two. Selphie's first thoughts on Zell being on her rock, as she deemed it, was he should be pushed off. Thus began the shoving match between the two on the rock in the middle of this pool. I chuckled to myself heading over to the water fall to clean myself up. I stepped on the rocks that the water pounded on and couldn't stop the gasp that escaped my lips when the water first hit me. It was freezing cold, so cold I backed away from the water and looked at everyone amazed they didn't seem to mind.

Well Irvine sat under a tree with his hat tipped down over his eyes being his usual loner self. Seifer was starting to strip down himself…something that excited me to be honest and Quistis just sat on Ventus going over a map on the Alcaud Plains for the next battle which, unbelievably, we would be fighting in later today. I thought about that for a moment. We just came from an extremely gruesome battle, that dead bodies are more than likely still covering the ground. Yet here we are swimming and laughing…it didn't seem right.

"Hey Rinoa."

"Yeah Seifer," I replied.

"Join me at the top when you're done cleaning yourself up," He then walked up a steep hill, practically on all fours, to get to the top of the waterfall.

That was strange of him to do that. I forced myself back under the water ignoring the temperature just wanting to get to the top. I used my nails to help flake off the dried blood on my hands. It took a while but I got it off and was back to my pasty self. I dumped my head into the down pouring water and put my hair in front of my face. I searched for some of my blood tainted hair and when I found it I tried my best to get it out. I scrubbed it hard but finally I was satisfied.

I quickly made my way up the side hill that Seifer went up. I came to the top of the waterfall and it was just more forest with a small river running through it which lead to the waterfall. The river ran straight except for a small side pool which almost looked like someone just stuck it onto the river. The water in the side pool swirled a little due to its shape but the water was much calmer there. That is where Seifer was sitting. In the side pool with his arms spread wide on the rocks surrounding it.

He smiled at me and I found myself walking over to him. I stepped into the small river and the water went up to my waist. I felt its small tug that was trying to pull me over to the waterfall. It felt like it was almost alive and it reminded me that nature was alive in a sense. That's when I froze and looked all around me just taking the forest in. If I listened I could hear the birds chirping and see a woodland critter scamper across a tree. It was almost memorizing in a way. This place wasn't touched by man yet, totally frozen in time except for our presence now.

"Something wrong?"

I looked back at Seifer and smiled shaking my head. "Just got caught up in the beauty."

I walked over to him and boldly sat on his lap. I didn't even think about it, I just did it. He obviously didn't seem to mind as I felt a hand wrap around me and rest on my leg. I leaned against his chest and found myself very peaceful. It was almost instant that my eyes closed and I let out a relaxing breath.

"Don't you have a boy friend?" Seifer asked.

"Yeah," I answered honestly. "And I know it's only been a couple weeks but it just seems so long ago. Almost everything does, even today's battle. How can I already be forgetting about it? And is it right to be relaxing like this?"

"It's fine to relax like this," Seifer answered seriously which surprised me. "A major problem with war is the psychological effect it has on everyone who fights in it. Soon you'll be wishing to be able to relax like this. Not only that but Rinoa we are about to fight in another battle, we need a break. Could you imagine going from that gruesome battle to a long tank ride to another battle? Our minds would be plagued with so many problems it would tear us apart."

"I guess that makes sense," I mumbled finding myself getting rather sleepy. "But I don't feel right doing this when we are in a war. It's why I came here in the first place, I was sick of seeing people back in Deling acting like there wasn't even a war going on."

"Funny," Seifer snorted, "People try and forget a war's going on here."

There was a moment of silence between us that was filled with the tugging water and Zell's screams of failure at King of the Rock against Selphie. It made me smile.

"I didn't know Zell was playful."

I heard Seifer grunt and his body jerked causing me to giggle. "He's playful alright."

"Well home come only now," I pressed.

"It's…hard to explain."

My eyes opened and I leaned away from him to look at his face. "That doesn't sound good. It wasn't really a complex question."

Seifer pinched the bridge of his nose in what appeared to be aggravated thought. "Everyone's…kinda been acting different, aside from me of course, I'm always the same."He smirked after but it didn't have its strengthening affect.

"Whaddyamean?" I asked worriedly.

"Look don't worry," He attempted to reassure me, "It's hard to explain now give it a little more time."

I narrowed me eyes, "Fine." I settled myself back down against him. "Hey how'd you know about this place anyways?"

"Well Quistis found it on a map and we just decided to check it out."

"Liar," I huffed, "You knew about it back at the battlefield and you knew this exact spot on top."

He sat up straighter and leaned forward to look at my face. "Why are you so paranoid? Quistis saw it on a map before we even came to Balamb for your information. So I knew about it a while ago and who doesn't go to the top of a waterfall when they can. I came out to check it out and saw this cool little spot away from the two losers playing on a rock."

"Fine I'm sorry," I apologized. Thinking about it I was being a little accusatory.

"Why don't you tell me why you're sitting on my lap while you have a boyfriend," Seifer's inquired.

"I…don't know," I sighed in defeat. "I like Trent and everything but now he just doesn't seem worth it."

"You sure you aren't just saying that since it's been a couple weeks since you got laid."

I grumbled because he was half right in a way. "That's not the only reason."

Seifer chuckled, "He relax, I ain't judging."

"Well hold a little more respect to me than simply not being getting any to start hitting on another guy."

"Oh yeah that makes you seem real lady like."

"Shut it."

Seifer held up his hands, "Fine, fine, I won't pry. You're lays are you're lays."

I groaned "It was relaxing here."

"Well before it gets too relaxing again I gotta talk to you about something." He told me solemnly.

I looked up at him wondering why his demeanor just became serious.

"We want…we want you to sit out this battle."

"What!" I exclaimed standing up and facing him.

"Look it isn't that big of a deal," Seifer tried to explain.

"Yes it is!" I yelled. "When was this decided? I was on the tank with you…when was there time to discuss this!?"

"It wasn't much to discus," He told me standing up himself.

"The hell it was!"

"Look Rinoa today was your first battle and we think you shouldn't go into another one right away."

"Why the fuck not!?"

"You almost just fell asleep right here!" He argued, "You are in no stature to fight in another battle. That's how you get yourself killed."

"This isn't fair!" I screamed. "Everyone else is going to fight and this battle Leonhart will be there. That's our mission!"

"No!" Seifer shouted. "That's our mission! You were added in as a second draft. You are not needed and will follow our fucking commands!"

"Fuck you!" I flicked him off maturely and made my way back down the hill.

Everyone was staring at me, except Irvine who seemed to be asleep, so I figured they heard us arguing. I marched right up to Quistis and voiced my complaint in a respectful soldier fashion.

"The fuck is wrong with you, why am I not fucking fighting!?"

Quistis leaned to the side and looked at Seifer behind me. "I told you to tell her gently."

"I did," He shrugged, "She really wants to fight."

"Damn right I do," I insisted.

Quistis sighed, "Look Rinoa, please there will be other fights,we are worried that you are jumping into things too fast. The last thing we need is for you to get yourself killed. There will be plenty of battles for you to fight in all we ask is this one time not to fight. You have to see it's for your own safety."

I let clenched my fists for a moment controlling my anger before releasing it. "This isn't going to be a regular thing where you prevent me from fighting, is it?"

Quistis quickly shook her head. "No, not at all. Really Rinoa we are only asking you this once because this is the second one today and one less medic won't make a difference."

"But this is the big important mission," I whined.

Quistis smiled like a mother finding a child's antics funny. "Rinoa you aren't going to kill or capture Squall are you? You will be off on your own helping people so this battle is all the same too you."

"This blows," I sulked over to get my clothes.

"We're sorry Rin," Selphie added her say. "You see we can't exactly keep one eye on you if we are worried about Leonhart."

"I guess," I hated that they wanted to keep an eye on me but I understood I was still a newbie to war and they weren't.

"Yeah and you know, it's the resistance too," Zell told me like it meant something.

"So?"

"The resistance is said to be tougher than the regular army," Seifer explained.

"How?"That didn't seem right.

"Well they aren't always tougher if you have the right weapons," Quistis helped convince me. "For example if you march in with tanks and heavy artillery they'll be easy. But when the main forcesare both soldiers they don't stay in lines, or follow military protocol. They will shoot and run, or throw rocks from trees. They are tougher to fight because they are unpredictable. "

"Also they don't always follow what we may call the code of honor." Selphie added. "They will interfere with a gunblade duel if they can."

"Wow that sounds cheap although it does make them seem tougher that the regular army in a way." I agreed.

"Yeah but luckily they are so few now," Zell said putting his own clothes on. "There are reports that this is the last force all down at the Alcaud Plains, which almost guarantees us that Leonhart will be there."

"So you guys think this battle will be the one to take down Leonhart?" I asked looking around at all of them. Irvine seemed to wake up from the commotion and meandered over to us.

"Absolutely," Quistis was the first to answer.

"Well even if I'm not partaking in it…can I still know the plan?"

Quistis smiled, "Certainly, in fact no one knows it yet so we might as well go over it now."

"We're already running late," Selphie responded, "We might wanna take this on the road."

Quistis nodded. "Alright, Squad 24, load up."

Everyone grabbed their things and hopped back on the tank. Selphie plunged into it first obviously needing to get to the seat. Everyone followed in after and I was the last in. It was actually kind of roomy…well it would be if five other people weren't in here besides me. The tank was bigger than other ones I've been in. It basically had two levels which was strange as well. The lower level was where Selphie's driving seat and wheel were. Then there was a big step up to the rest of the tank where we all were now sitting. There was an elevated chair that Quistis would sit in during battle to command and control the main cannon.

Selphie started up the tank and it roared to life and started rumbling. She turned it around and proceeded to head out of the forest away from the serene little pool and waterfall. I wasn't quite use to the rumbling of being in or on a tank. But I figured the only way to get use to it was to have it happen.

Quistis pulled out a map and laid it on the deck of the tank. We all crowed it except Selphie who concentrated on driving.

"This operation shall be further referred to as Lion Tamer."Quistis told us all looking around to see us all nod before continuing. "Selphie I will direct when the time comes but still listen to the plan."

"Will do," Selphie cheered from the front.

Quistis took a pencil and circled a point on the map. "The resistance has been stopping any more advances on the south side of Balamb. This is a scout tower that has been built due to the halt in advances. Irvine you will be perched on this tower and it should give you a great view of the battle field."

"Is there more than one level in the tower?" Irvine asked.

Quistis eyes rolled around thinking. "I think…there might be."

"Alright 'cause the top is a little higher than I'd wanna be," He explained.

"Do what works for you," Quistis told him before moving on. "The rest of us will proceed to partake in this battle but do not get caught up in it. It is necessary for you to pay attention to our commands so when Leonhart is spotted we can act."

"Wait," I interrupted, "I know I'm not in this, but how can they listen to your commands?"

"We all have headpieces to communicate," Zell answered like it was obvious.

"Since when?" I didn't know this, that would be so cool.

"Always," Quistis responded, "But it's hard to concentrate with people bantering in your ear so you didn't get one yet. We have to break you into it."

"Agh you guys have all the fun," I huffed.

"Sure do," Seifer smirked just to make sure my angers raised a bit more.

"Anyways," Quistis glared at the blonde. "We will make our way to this point here." Quistis drew another circle on the map. "This is a small hill that will provide a clear shot for Irvine. To get that shot Seifer will challenge Leonhart to a gunblade duel. You must have this duel on top of this hill to give Irvine a clear shot."

"That seems cheap," I stated. They were going to shoot him doing a duel…that's dirty.

"This is war," Quistis stressed. "There isn't a cheap. Zell you provide back up to Seifer, I doubt he'll need it but if people try to interfere then you stop them. If Leonhart tries to run you block him and god forbid, if Seifer looks to be in trouble you go in and help him."

"Oh your encouragement is too much, I can't take it." Seifer held a hand to his heart.

"I'm covering every possible outcome so yes incase if you lose Seifer, I know that's hard for you to believe."

"Lose…lose…loser…I'm not too sure what that means but I think of Zell when I hear it."

"Shut up Seifer!" Zell exclaimed.

"Back to the briefing," Quistis demanded pulling all of our attentions back. "Selphie and I will be watching and after Irvine puts a bullet into him –dead or not – we will ride in and Seifer you throw the body onto the tank. We then leave back to our side. If he's alive, great. If he's dead…well we have his body and that's a psychological advantage over the resistance."

"So…do we want him alive or dead?" I finally asked still not positive.

"Alive would be best," Quistis said sitting back. "But we know that might not happen,we have orders to kill him if we deem necessary."

"So what do we do when we capture him?"

"We tie him up, stuff him in this tank and head right back to Galbadia so quickly no one has a chance to even attempt a rescue." Seifer answered me before Quistis could.

Quistis gave him a little look but seemed to swallow down whatever she was going to remark. It seemed the discussion of the plan was done for Irvine opened the hatch back up and climbed through. Zell followed after him and I decided I liked riding outside better than inside so I went as well. I perched myself in the front next to one of Selphie's viewing slots. I peeked inside and saw Seifer and Quistis in a deep quite discussion. I could only believe it was about him kind of cutting her off. I glanced at Selphie to see her stick her tongue out at me. I returned the favor before smiling and turning back to gazing at the passing scenery.

I really started to notice that Seifer was almost as much as a leader as Quistis. It wasn't too strange since there always seemed to be at least one strong soldier that held as much respect, if not more than, the actual person in charge. That seemed to be what was going on in this squad and I wondered if things ever got in a real cluster fuck would they follow Quistis or Seifer. Quistis was qualified enough for sure, there wasn't any question in that. She carried meetings with a professionalism that demanded her rank but she always had time to think about it. Seifer isn't the one in the tank,he's at the front and is making the split second decisions to save everyone. Then again I just learned they have ear-pierces to communicate so maybe Seifer asks Quistis what to do and follows her command.

I shook my head disagreeing with my own conversation. I can't see Seifer asking what to do in the middle of battle. He is the kind that doesn't think before acting and that is what saves you in a battle where there isn't time to think. It wouldn't be possible to relay commands back and forth to discuss the best course of action.

I shut my eyes thinking about how amazing Seifer was in the last battle. Truly the best fighter I've ever seen and I mean that. I think he's better than Leonhart and I know it will be a close duel between them but he'll be victorious. Then again there might not even be a real duel if Irvine takes him out, something I still find cheap. It is the best course of action and I guess with such high stakes they aren't willing to risk playing by the rules. A real shame 'cause I know Seifer could beat him.

Another interesting thought was how skilled each individual on the team was. I get Seifer's obvious skill,it would be amazing if there was a person who didn't. Zell was pretty remarkable from what I saw and that wasn't even his specialty so I can't wait 'till I see that as well. Irvine is undoubtedly good if he was able to cover me in a battle like that. For Selphie, I didn't notice anything extraordinary out of her tank driving but then again driving a tank is not a simple task in any means. Quistis seems to be a strong leader from what I've seen. I've heard of worse commanders that are afraid to go into battle and simply punish their squad for the littlest of reason. Quistis seemed to have a good relationship among the group.

I found myself beginning to fall asleep again. I guess I must really be tired from the first battle and just refuse to admit it. All this thinking doesn't help, whenever I think I tend to fall asleep. One can't help but think when they are just sitting by themselves. I didn't fight it,I just let it slowly take over me.

I always loved how when you fall asleep the noises around you muffle out. Almost everything in a way becomes a lullaby. The rumbling of the tank on the dirt path was a dull roar in the background followed by any metallic sounds the tank turret caused. A war machine was now putting me a sleep, something I'm sure no one ever would expect. But it was peaceful in a strange way and even if others would find this a strange thought: I finally felt myself relax now that I was in war.

"Wake up." My eyes peeked open to see Seifer leaning over me. He smirked like he usually does. "I knew you were tired, you slept the whole way here."

Like an old cliché I rubbed my eyes sitting up. I looked around to see us stopped at what appears to be a base. Everyone was running around in a hurry, gathering supplies and shouting orders. I lifted myself up to peer over the turret I was leaning against. I saw a big open plain that lead all the way down to the sea which was still miles away but the space was so open I could see it from where we were. Then I saw that right to our left was some tall jagged cliffs that lined the plains almost down as far as I could see. Behind us there was a forest and behind the Balamb resistance – that was currently gathering in lines – was another forest.

"This is a weird spot for a base," I remarked sliding off Ventus.

"The cliffs aren't ideal I gotta say but they prevent a big strike from the north and since you can see all the way to the sea south from here there isn't a surprise attack from that side either. They keep scouts on top of the cliff to send message if they see any movement so it isn't all bad. But more importantly the battle is about to start."

My eyes widened, "What? Right now."

"Well the little stop we took put us behind schedule so we just arrive before the battle. That's why everyone is gone about their business."

"So what am I supposed to do when you guys are fighting," I sighed defeated.

Seifer jerked is thumb over his shoulder. "There is a first aid station at this base. I'm sure they'll need some extra help once the battle gets going."

"But I'm a field medic," I whined. It wasn't said out loud but field medics are considered the more elite in the medical department in war. A doctor would work the first aid tent and he would have no worries besides healing people. Medics had to worry about getting their head blown off while they saved someone. I was much more proud to do that than just follow some doctor's orders.

"Don't worry," Seifer calmed me, "we reported that you were from an elite squad and have the same authority as any doctor. So you will have your own staff to give orders."

My eyes lit up, "Oh that's kinda cool."

Seifer chuckled, "Just get in there and we'll meet up after the battle."

"All ready!" Selphie shouted from nowhere climbing onto the tank. She gave me a wink before diving inside Ventus.

"Let's get moving people!" Quistis shouted also walking up almost magically appearing from behind a group of soldiers that were quickly packing ammo.

"I'm game," Zell was stretching his arms pulling them across his chest and he hoped on the tank as well.

Seifer jumped on as well and looked at me. He gave me a smile that I wasn't sure what to call it exactly. It was almost…sad in a way. Did he really not enjoy going into battle and fighting? I know earlier he was saying how terrible war. I couldn't imagine hating to fight before every battle especially when everyone relied on me.

Ventus roared to life and began pulling out towards the gathering armies. Zell gave me a last salute that was quite serious surprisingly. Seifer, after staring at me for a long time, turned around and faced the way the tank was heading. I watched them for a while before turning and heading towards the first aid tent.

It didn't take me too long to find. There was a big red cross on the tent to show which one it was. I stepped in and saw a bunch of people dressed in white look at me.

"Are you Rinoa Heartily from Squad 24?" An older man asked me.

I nodded, "I am."

"Great, I'm doctor Welkins." He held out his hand and I took it firmly. "Jackie, Katie, and Teddy will be your assistants."

Three teens walked over to me, two girls and one boy. I was surprised by their age and that they were here but I wasn't much older than them after all.

"Are you really a field medic," Teddy asked me. "That's really cool."

I smiled, "Glad you think so. Now I know I'm not much older than you but if you listen to me we'll be able to save many lives."

They all nodded strongly. "Yes ma'am."

I smiled at them all. Hey maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. It's almost like I have my own little squad. In a minute I'll see how well they handle pressure. For all I know they've been here since the beginning of the war and have more experience than me.

Explosions could be heard in the distance and I knew the battle began. Everyone in the aid station looked clam and then I remembered they have been in this spot for a while. They have probably gone through many battles and knew what the exact routine would be. I would watch, learn, and ask if I had too. I wasn't cocky enough to assume I was better than them since I was a field medic.

Jackie made a strange noise that passed as a whine and a groan. I turned to her and she looked nervous.

"It's her first time ma'am." Katie explained.

For the first time I was the one in the position to try and raise a person's morale. I smiled softly. "First of all, call me Rinoa, I don't like being called ma'am just makes me old and I don't need that. Especially around you guys who make me that much older."

They all laughed a little bit which made me believe I was doing something right. I put my hand on Jackie's shoulder. "Don't worry. If you do exactly as I say and follow your training then you'll be absolutely fine."

She nodded seeming slightly better. That was all I could do for now especially since the first person was already brought in. I took a deep breath preparing myself for the long battle that was about to take place. I could only imagine who exciting this place was about to become…

After thirty minutes I realized how wrong I was. There wasn't a storm of injured people thrown into this tent. It was a random stream of people who were barely hurt. I didn't realize before but all serious patients died before they could get back to base. If they weren't serious a medic would patch them up and they'd go back to battle. So we go the middle ground where it was a half healed person that was in no danger of dying. It took all the emergency out of it to the point where I didn't even do anything personally.

Katie was the most experienced of the three and was able to handle most operations – if they could even be called operations – by herself. She was obviously the leader of the three and would give orders. Not in a rude way to me but just helping them out as friends. Jackie seemed to be doing just fine and was handling herself like a pro.

The three were currently helping a man that took a bullet in the hand and another who took one in the foot. Once again, nothing serious so I didn't need to do anything. In fact…I didn't need to really be here.

"Hey you guys think you got this covered?" I spontaneously asked.

All three stopped and looked at me surprised.

"Where would you be going?" Teddy asked.

"Well my squads fighting and I wanna just check up on them," I answered hoping it would make sense.

"Not that I don't get you," Katie started. "But how are you going to check up on them?"

I nodded my head in the direction of the watch tower. "A sniper on my squad is in the tower. They have ear-pieces in too so if he can tell me how they're doing. I won't be gone long really."

"Okay," Katie answered for the three. "I think we can handle it here and if we really need help there's the doc to help."

"Right," I completely forgot about him. "Alright I'll be back in ten."

I quickly exited the tent hoping on one else would see 'cause I was definitely breaking rules. Disobeying my squad commander as well as leaving three assistant medics to fend for themselves.

I knew they'd be fine and I was dying to know how everyone was doing. I climbed the tower as quick as I could. It was just like the one I saw in the video Leonhart climbed. I imagined doing what he did when he climbed this tower. I didn't know how one could do such things. The agility and balance he had is beyond impressive. Hell I was getting slightly tired just from the long ladder.

I got the first deck and headed around the bend where the stairs would begin. I turned the corner and was surprised to find Irvine there right at my feet. I thought he would've been higher up but here he was lying down right in front of the stairs.

"Damn it! I told them no one up or down!" He shouted and took his eye off the scope. I was standing in front of him now and apparently he couldn't see. He looked up and he was surprised that it was me. . "Rinoa…? What are you doing here?"

"Um well…uh I thought...." God I was stumbling over my words. I took a second to gather myself. "I wanted to know how everyone was doing."

He growled, "Everyone's fine, go back to the first aid tent."

"Well how is the mission going?" I pressed.

"God," He groaned, "There isn't time to have a conversation. You're disobeying orders."

"You're an asshole," I exclaimed, "Just tell me how everything's going."

"It hasn't started yet," He spat out bitterly. "We have spotted Leonhart and are working on getting him to the designated hill."

I looked over the battle field. Something wrenched in my gut, I wasn't sure what exactly. Maybe the horrific site of what a battlefield looks like. The smoke from the battle once again began to block out the sunlight, even though the sun was setting as well. So there was even less light than normal. I could make out some people and follow them for awhile seeing what they were doing in this fight. I also could look at it in a whole and could watch as the formations of the two armies maneuvered around each other.

I finally spotted the hill that they were talking about earlier. It was right where Quistis said, and it would provide the perfect shot for Irvine.

"Okay…I'm ready," Irvine spoke quietly into the ear-piece. He readjusted himself and I could tell he was getting ready to take his shot.

I looked back at the hill and I opened my mouth wide in realization that I could recognize Seifer standing on the hill. He was a little gray man with a shimmering blade. I felt my blood crawl within me when someone ran up the hill and clashed swords against him. They began dancing with steel and my skin tightened. This was it, he was fighting Leonhart. I couldn't imagine what it must've been like. I was feeling it this far away and he was actually fighting him.

"Rinoa it's time you went back to helping the injured," Irvine reminded me.

I couldn't though; I was too drawn into the battle that was unfolding. I could see Zell running around at the bottom of the hill doing whatever he could to keep people away. Like they said the resistance doesn't hold all honor like the army does. Then again it made sense because they had nothing to lose if they were considered dishonorable. They were a resistance after all. However, Zell was doing massive work keeping them at bay and way from the battle.

"Rinoa come on!" He yelled.

I didn't even answer. This was so intense and I was watching it from so far way. I wish I was up there right with them watching it from feet away. Seifer was fighting the one person who might be considered equal in skill to him. How was I supposed togo back to a tent with people injured with hand and foot wounds? There was no way I was leaving, I'll take the punishment.

"Damn it…" I heard Irvine whisper.

Then there was an enormous booming sound that exploded next to me. I jumped in terror at the noise. My head snapped towards him but he was peering hard through his scope to see if he hit. I whipped my head back around to the duel and saw them both standing there looking confused.

"I missed!" Irvine yelled into the ear-piece. "The lion is loose!"

I felt panic rise within me. Things were going wrong and I didn't know what they were now going to do. I saw as Leonhart turned tail and ran. Seifer instantly chased after him as well as Zell. This was bad…really bad.

"…Okay…you sure?" Irvine quickly stood up. He pushed past me and without looking back he yelled at me. "Get back to the tent we'll meet up with you there."

What? Their backup plan was to have Irvine charge in to try and get another shot. That seemed idiotic, there must be a better plan than that. Looking down over the railing I could see Irvine charging full speed into the battle. One hand holding his long rifle and the other holding his hat on. His brown duster was blowing in his wake.

I felt myself quickly shifting on my feet. I started bobbing up and down feeling my adrenalin going. How the hell was I supposed to go back to the tent with those kids? They would be fine without me there. My team needed me.

"Fuck it I'll deal with the consequences later."

I raced back down the ladder and chases after Irvine. He wasn't particularly hard to spot so I could chase after him easy enough. That and I realized I might've actually been faster than him since I was gaining. He must've been running his full speed, right? Why would he keep his pace if the plan went wrong?

I got my answer when I saw Ventus shoot out of the smoke like a wild boar. I was horrified when I saw it run over someone on our side. What the hell was Selphie doing? Was getting Leonhart worth slaying our own men. Maybe she just didn't see him, maybe I gave her too much credit and she was inexperienced after all.

Whatever the reason she slowed down next to Irvine who hoped on. He got a hold and the tank took off again. I ignored everyone around me and hurried after them. They disappeared over a hill that I just began climbing up. I helped push with my hands when it got even steeper for a second. I got to the top and didn't stop. I ran down as fast as I could spotting Ventus once again.

It was heading towards the forest south of their lines. I ran as fast as possible, actually ducking when I saw someone coming at me with an axe. Is that what the resistance weapons are? I didn't bother to even fight him. I don't know what I would use since I'm unarmed. I saw a rifle on the ground and grabbed it thinking it would be smart of me to at least have a weapon on me.

I saw Ventus disappear into the forest and that wasn't good. I was still far behind, it was at least another hundred yards (91 meters) 'till the tree line. Since I was heading more south now I was getting out of the battle. A little easier than I thought it would be but I suppose who cares about one girl running away. That's probably what they saw me as.

I finally reached the tree line and I leaned heavily against one gasping for air. I leaned my head against it with the sounds of battle still in my ears. I just sprinted across the entire battlefield and I wasn't even tired. Out of breath? Yes. But I still had so much adrenaline going that I could press on. So I did.

It was easy to make Ventus' path through this forest. I jogged along it preparing myself for anything. I wasn't sure if Leonhart lead our team into a trap and there were resistance members in the trees. I kept my eyes shifting and my pace steady. I found myself going up another hill and was cursing Balamb for being so hilly. I got to the top of the hill and kept moving even though I could barely breathe.

I heard a noise and thought it was some voices. I held my breath to listen better. Yes! They were voices. I let my breath back out and hurried towards them. I could see the red tank through the trees and I knew I found them. I quickened my pace even more to get to them.

"You fucking shot!"

"She was right next to me what was I supposed to do! Say bang and hope she thought it was my gun."

"You could've aimed somewhere else!"

I broke through the trees and everyone whipped their heads at me. Their guns lifted instantly and all pointed at me.

"Rinoa?"

I was standing next to the tank and I rested against it with one hand while my other one drooped with the gun still in it. A wide smile slipped through my lips as I saw they had Leonhart surrounded. Selphie was standing on the tank with a rifle that she now dropped realizing it was me. Quistis stood on the far side of Leonhart with her own rifle in her hands. Zell stood to my left just staring at me. Irvine stood on the right side of the tank to the left of Quistis. While Seifer boldly stood next to Leonhart.

I smiled at them all. "You did it guys."

They all glanced at each other before Quistis spoke. "Yes we did." She stepped forward. "Rinoa go back and tell everyone we have captured Leonhart."

"Why wouldn't I just ride back with you guys?" They really expected me to run through that battle again.

Quistis looked down like she didn't know what to say. I looked around and everyone looked extremely confused and worried. That's when I realized Leonhart was just staring at me. I hate to say it but it affected me deeply. The bastard was creeping me out. He was calm and sure like he wasn't surrounded by all of us right now. I'd show him whose boss.

"Hey bastard." I lifted my gun at him and froze when I realized when everyone in my squad also lifted their guns…but pointed them at me.

"Guys…what are you doing?"

"We need him alive," Seifer said. "He has said something we need to look into so we can't kill him."

"Bullshit!" I shouted. "What's going on!"

"Rinoa go back-"

"No!" I screamed looking around at all of them not believing what I was seeing.

"Who is this?" Leonhart asked strongly.

"No one sir?" Quistis answered.

"Sir?" I shook my head slowly, "No…no god, fuck no."

"Rin," Selphie's voice was quiet and sad. "Just go back to the battle."

"What…guys…guys?" I looked at Zell who couldn't look me in the eyes. "Please no…guys please, please…" It was slowly sinking in.

"Rinoa-" Quistis started but I cut her off.

"No!" I screamed. "Shut up!"

"Is this a problem?" Leonhart asked.

"No," Seifer replied.

"Looks like it is to me," he remarked back.

"Seifer please don't say it." I begged.

Seifer stepped forward. "Rinoa…we are a part of the Balamb army."

"Oh god," I cried, "Why…why the fuck would you defect?"

"We are't-"

"They aren't." Leonhart cut off Seifer. "They gave always been under my command."

"Shut up!" I screamed aiming my gun at him once again. Like clockwork everyone's gun aimed at me.

"Zell." Leonhart called.

"Yes…sir." He couldn't even look at me. The fucking bastard.

"Where are you from," Leonhart questioned. "Be proud."

"Balamb."He said.

"Selphie?"Leonhart moved on to.

"Trabia sir." She answered sounding broken. Trabia was allies with Esthar…our enemy. She wasn't even close to being Galbadian.

"Seifer?"Leonhart just kept moving on.

"Balamb born and raised," He was the only one who was still sounding strong.

"Qusitis?"

"Balamb sir."

"Irvine?"

"Balamb, Commander."

"You see," Leonhart stepped towards me. "Everyone here hates Galbadia, even Irvine who's lived most of his life there. He couldn't wait to get back and help Balamb his country of birth. Good thing too because he was prefect of this operation."

"What operation?" I was honest to fucking God holding tears back right now. This was heart breaking to discover what was going on.

"To gather intelligence," He answered. "This operation has been going on for two years now."

"The wars only been on for one."

"That's why this worked so well," He smirked. "I knew a war was coming and called for a squad to go undercover. Two years of work to lead up to this day and don't feel bad. There's one in Esthar as well that will be coming back to me soon."

My eyes widened in realization to what this all meant. They were ah igh squad given a high mission. They were given access to almost anything they wanted. They were in Galbadia for two years gathering intelligence. We were never on the same side…not once. It was unfathomable.

"That's why you didn't want me on the squad." I directed towards Seifer.

"We tried everything to dump you," Seifer answered straight forward. "We finally figured out a way and that was keeping you out of this battle. Yet you didn't follow orders."

"I don't believe it," I mumbled, my head dropped in defeat, "I don't fucking believe it!" I shouted at the ground.

"Doesn't matter what you believe," Leonhart so wisely told me. "It's the truth."

I know what I have to do. I'm obviously not getting out of here so there is only one thing left to do. I have to kill Leonhart. I'll die of course but it will make this war go in favor for Galbadia. My country, the one I love and the one I'll serve to my dying days.

"Zell take her weapon," Leonhart ordered.

I glanced at him to see him slowly walk over. I needed to act now. This was it, I was going to die for my country. Every soldiers dream.

"For Galbadia!" I shouted and aimed the gun at Leonhart's head. Everything slowed down. I heard Zell shout and rush at me. But it was too late. Nothing was stopping this bullet. I squeezed the trigger with a smile.

But nothing happened.

Zell grabbed the rifle and elbowed me in the gut knowing me to the ground. He looked at Leonhart to see him standing tall as if nothing had happened.

Leonhart turned to Seifer. "Tell me you knew the gun was out of ammo as well right?"

"Oh most definitely," Seifer replied back with a smile.

What? I looked at the gun to see there was no magazine in the bottom. I was such a fucking idiot. I never even looked at the gun to check.

"You didn't tell us?" Quistis was fuming. "How'd you know there wasn't one in the chamber?"

"The breech is open," Seifer answered.

"Good try though," Leonhart directed at me. "That was very honorable of you. Does she know we don't really shout before we try and kill someone?"

"She doesn't know real war," Seifer replied.

"Of course," Leonhart chuckled, "What did you say her name was."

"Rinoa Heartily," Quistis answered.

Leonhart glanced at her and then back to me. "Is this true?"

I nodded slowly.

"Damn…" He scratched his head and walked in a circle.

"What's the problem," Irvine inquired.

"She's the daughter of General Caraway." He told everyone.

"What!?" Zell exclaimed.

How did he know that? What made him so smart to know my mother's maiden name?

"Is she really?" Quistis stared at me.

"Well done everyone," Squall chuckled, "You completed your mission while taking the main Galbadian General's daughter."

"How do you know that?" I spat my question at him pushing myself off the ground.

"You don't know your mother's own heritage?" Leonhart questioned.

"What are you implying?" I hissed.

He sighed and turned around to face Quistis, "There isn't time we need to get moving. It's going to rain soon and I wanna get away from here."

"How do you know my mother?!" I shouted.

"God," he turned back to me annoyed. "My father fucked her that's how."

I let out a giant gasp. "The fuck you just say!"

I rose to my feet and charged him but Zell grabbed my uniform and held me back. Leonhart found this funny and watched me struggle against Zell.

"Rinoa stop," Zell told me tiredly. "What do you think you can do?"

"Did you hear what he said?" I glared at Zell.

"It's true,your mother was born in Balamb. My father and her had a little thing back in the day. Then she got famous and moved to Galbadia to meet your dad. Thus how you came into existence."

I stopped struggling against Zell. I never knew that's how my mother was from Balamb.

"What about the battle?" Seifer asked.

"Don't worry," Leonhart pulled out a little switch box. "By now Balamb should've retreated, leaving Galbadia the field and what they think is victory. Now if I press this little button…" He made an exaggerated gesture with his finger pressing the button down. There was a roaring explosion heard in the distance. He looked at me and smiled. "Then they should all be dead."

"What was that?" I was horrified.

"I had men place explosives on the cliffs, so they would explode and large boulders would crush the enemy. Also during the fight each man dropped a little pouch of GF which would explode if tampered with too heavily. So virtually during the battle I turned that spot into a mind field."

That was utterly diabolical and ingenious all at the same time. He definitely won this battle with the amount he must've killed and yet it was such a horrible thought. I could imagine the large rocks falling on people and many mini explosions going off throughout the battlefield. It must've been terrifying.

"Now do you have rope to tie her up?" Leonhart asked Selphie.

Selphie blinked surprised. "We're taking her with us?"

"Oh?" Leonhart pointed his gunblade at me. "We could kill her-"

"No!" Everyone shouted at once expect Seifer who seemed to be the only one not heartbroken I discovered them.

"Thought as much," Leonhart holstered his gunblade on his back. "Now get some rope and tie her up."

Selphie took a pack that was tied to the tank and withdrew some rope. She tossed it to Zell who proceeded to tie me up.

"Fuck all of you." I cursed.

"Give it a rest," Seifer told me. "Count yourself lucky you aren't dead."

"Oh yeah I'm lucky alright."

"You are," Leonhart walked up and grabbed my chin forcing me to look at him. "For you are now a part of the greatest conspiracy this world has ever known."

Look at that twist...anyways took me a little while to get this out but hey I finally did. I'm happy with the amount of reviews I'm getting for this story. So please keep it up and tell me what ya think of this chapter. As always thanks to my beta Fallout1990.