I would just like to say that i don't own anything to do with Gears of War or anything. I just play the game online, so i had to get that disclaimer out of the way. I know this chapter is shorter then the past ones, but I'm trying to get back in track. I'm gonna take advantage that I'm in spring break. Hopefully not so many mistakes. I know i had a horrible start, and it sucks. Hopefully i do have a few fans that are looking forward to me posting.
Rinoa's POV
I look over at the big ornamented clock on the wall. I yawn tiredly when I notice the clock read a quarter after nine.
After what happened earlier, I couldn't go and see Ellone. There is no way in hell I'm getting close to her, not while he's around. I walked over to the closest table and sat down. I've been here for almost an hour sitting down.
Why hasn't my mom come looking for me? I sigh again for like the billionth time. I wanna go home already. I rest my head on my arms on the table.
I let my eyes close for a bit, but I could hear someone calling out my name.
"Rinoa? Hey what are you doing all the way out here?"
I look up to see who it is.
"Hey Teef, what's up?" I stifled another yawn. I see her pull a chair from the table and sit down.
"Wow looks like you had a night." Tifa says tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
"Tell me about it." I drummed my fingers on the table.
"Right, well did you go out on the dance floor?"
"Nope, not even once." I looked at her confused.
"Oh I'm just saying since you look flushed." She smiles at me.
"Oh…" I manage to say.
It's been almost an hour, and I'm still red? You gotta be kidding me.
"Rinoa you don't look so good. Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm okay, it's nothing."
I guess I didn't convince her since she reached over and rested her hand on my forehead.
While she's checking my temperature, I could see Ellone from far away walking towards us. Thankfully she wasn't with anyone.
"Rinoa I think you have a fever. It's a small fever, but that doesn't mean it can't get worse." I could see the look of concern in her eyes.
"Don't worry Teef I'll be fine. I promise." I smile at her trying to convince her. "So how did you convince your dad to let you come to Balamb?" I ask trying to change the subject.
"Oh that was easy. I told him I was coming over because you were the guest of honor. Plus once I told him you were the General's daughter he didn't bother arguing with me."
"Wow very clever Tifa, is that why you were trying to get a hold of me?" I smile at her, but it completely disappears once I notice Ellone standing right behind Tifa.
"Rinoa are you okay? I'm sorry for what happened earlier." I notice her take a seat right next to Tifa.
"Why does everyone keep asking me the same question? Do I look sick or something?" I ask them as I feel my own forehead.
Wow… I didn't expect to actually feel hot. I think I do have a fever.
"Rinoa, your mom told me to come get you, she's worried about you." I notice Ellone give me the same look of concern.
"If she's so worried about me, why didn't she come over and get me instead?" I couldn't help feel angry. "I mean… am I right? If she cares she would have walked over here instead." I cross my arms and look away.
"No Rinoa it's not like that, she's just busy with--" I didn't let her finish.
"With your dad right?" I completely cut her off.
"She's just--"
"Stop it Ellone, you don't have to explain. I get why my mom wanted me to come to this night's event." She used me to see him.
"Rinoa it's not what you think." I notice Ellone stand up. "I hosted this night to finally meet you."
"Thank you Ellone I know that." I get up from my chair as well. "But does my mom know that, or did she have another intention?"
I see Ellone turn away and look back into the crowd.
"Rinoa I don't think this is the right way to handle things." Tifa says as she stands up.
"My mom can stay here all she wants. I don't feel like dealing with any of this right now." I reach up and massage the temples between my brows. "Teef do you mind if I get a ride home with you?"
I feel her place her hand on my shoulder causing me to look up.
"Sure, let me find Cloud first, since he's the one with the car."
I nod at Tifa and I see her walk away and disappear into the crowd.
I look back at Ellone who seems like she's uncomfortable.
"Ellone listen, I'm sorry for snapping at you, it's just I've had a rough day." I notice her sit down, so I sat down too. "I think my fever is getting worse, so I think that's why I have a bad temper right now. I really do apologize for yelling at you though."
I slide into Tifa's empty seat.
"Now I see why your cheeks are really flushed." She said as she propped her elbows on the table.
"I think I got a fever from falling in the pool earlier at school." I smiled at her trying to lighten up the subject.
"What? You fell in the pool. How?" I notice her sit up straight.
"Let's just say I wasn't watching where I was going." I chuckled as she chuckled with me.
Thankfully I can laugh about it now, since earlier I was scared out of my mind.
Once our laughing stopped, we just fell into an awkward silence until Ellone started to say something.
"Rinoa I apologize for what happened earlier. My intention wasn't to upset you--"
"No it's fine, it's just I don't really know my mother so well. I guess I over reacted."
"Thank you Rinoa, I really appreciate it." She smiles at me before standing up. "If you'll excuse me, I forgot I had to meet someone in a bit."
I stand up as well. "Tell you what… I'll go tell my mom I'm getting a ride from Tifa, so she won't get upset for leaving without telling her."
"That would be the best idea." She nods at me.
"Okay then, see ya Ellone nice meeting you." I called after her as she waved at me since she was already walking away.
"Rinny! Come dance with us." I feel Rikku pull my arm and into their circle on the dance floor.
I was intending of crossing the dance floor as a short cut to the other side of the room, but so much for a short cut.
"I don't think that's a good idea, I was just about to--"
"Come on one dance won't be long."
"It's just that I don't have anyone to dance with, and plus I'm not feeling very well right now." I pull my arm finally getting Rikku to stop.
"Don't worry you can dance with me." I notice her beam a mischievous smile at me.
"What about Gippal? Don't you want to dance with him instead?" I try to convince her.
"Nah, I already danced with him. Plus the guy practically has two left feet." I see how she tries to prove her point by pointing at her feet.
"Okay, okay one song." I finally gave up. What's one song gonna do anyways right?
When I got to where everyone was dancing, I could actually see Yuna and Tidus dancing together. I wave at her when she spots me.
"Rikku this is a slow song. Are you sure you want to dance this one?" I try yelling at her while I leaned into her, since the music was too loud.
"What! I can't hear you?"
Thankfully I could see Gippal walking towards us. I grab Rikku from the shoulders and turn her around. I point at her where I want her to see and she finally spots him.
"Awe… why did he have to show up now?" I see Rikku stomp her feet.
"It's okay Rikku, I have to go anyways." I look back and wave at Yuna and Tidus letting them know I was leaving.
They wave back at me before walking over towards me.
"I'm sorry I have to go. Here." I pull out Rikku's hand and hand her a piece of paper. "I was intending of giving this to Ellone, but I can just get her another one. It's my cell phone number. Call me when you guys are back in town."
I start saying my goodbyes along with hugs, and finally get away.
When I get across the dance floor, I could see my mom with Ellone and her father.
Okay all I have to do is excuse myself for the rest of the night, and I'm home free. I take a beep breath before tapping my mom on the shoulder.
"Mom, is it okay if I go home early? I'm getting a ride home with a friend if that's okay." I try sounding happy, while in reality I'm this close to dragging her away from this man.
I look over at Ellone's father; I could see him smiling at me. There's something more to this guy, I just don't know what yet.
"Sure sweetie. But go straight home okay." She says as she reaches over and hugs me.
"Okay mom. I'll see you at home."
I walk over to Ellone and give her a quick hug. Which reminds me. "Ellone do you have your cell phone on you? I want to give you mine before I leave."
I see her dig through her purse that was on the table behind her. She takes out a green thin cell phone and hands it to me. I quickly type in my number and put it under my name. I quickly turn the phone around and take a fast picture.
"There. It's saved. Call me when you get the chance." I hand her back her phone.
Now last but not least. I have to say goodbye to Mr. Loire.
"Sorry I didn't really get to know you so well, it was a pleasure meeting you." I reach my hand out for a hand shake, but he pulls me into a hug.
"Hey Laguna I'm heading out already. See you at home."
I feel Mr. Loire pull away as I do the same. We both look over and notice Leonhart stop a few steps away from us.
"Squall perfect timing, have you met Rinoa Heartilly?" I feel him push me gently towards Leonhart as he guides me in his direction.
I was planning on stopping him, but I know it would look way too suspicious.
"Yes, I know who she is already." I hear Leonhart's voice, bringing me out of all my thoughts of getting out of here.
"Well she's leaving already, so I guess it's okay if you leave as well." I notice Mr. Loire retreat his hand from my back and I quickly take a step backwards.
"It's a pleasure meeting you all." I wave to them as I walk past my mom. "Bye mom be home soon 'kay?" I earn a few chuckles from Mr. Loire and my mom.
"Walk her out son." I stopped walking as soon as I heard Mr. Loire's voice. Damn I was so close. "Do it, or else you can't leave."
I start walking before they can finish arguing. I guess Leonhart couldn't talk his way out of this one, since I notice him walking next to me.
If I had a nickel for every time I tried avoiding him and failed…seriously. I just need to reach the lobby and wait for Tifa that's all. But that's if her boyfriend even agreed to leave. What do I do if he doesn't?
I shake my head trying to stop myself from over thinking things, as we entered the dance floor cutting directly through it. Stop it Rinoa you're going to drive yourself crazy. I reach up and smack myself on the forehead which made me dizzy. Wow I shouldn't have done that. I reach up with both of my hands and get a hold of my head. I grip it tighter as I feel the room spinning faster and faster every time I shut my eyes. I completely close my eyes when I couldn't take it anymore. I feel like my head's about to explode.
"Can you make it to the front lobby?"
I surprisingly looked up and noticed it was Leonhart who was asking me.
"I don't know, I think so." I start taking small steps towards him.
I didn't expect to reach out to him though. I grabbed on to his forearms as I leaned my forehead on to his chest. "It hurts." I mumbled into his formal white vest that he wore over his formal black long-sleeve shirt.
"You're lucky there's a slow song playing right now, or else this would have looked a little weird."
"Geez thanks." I loosen my grip on his shirt.
He didn't respond to my sarcastic remark. Instead he took the opportunity pull my arms around his neck.
I could lightly feel him rest his hands on my hips as he leans into my ear.
"Let me know when you're ready to move." He whispers to me.
Even though the music is playing loudly around us. For some reason I heard him clearly. I was about to argue about it, or tell him I'm fine and we should get going, but instead I just end up nodding onto his chest.
Cool it Rinoa he's only doing this because his dad told him to walk you out, that's all. Relax… relax.
The less I thought about things, and focused on relaxing. The lighter my head got.
I look up at Leonhart and I notice he's facing another direction. I was about to tell him I was well enough to start walking again, but a tap on my shoulder interrupts me.
I look back and I notice Rikku standing behind me with her arms crossed.
"Ahh now I see why you didn't want to dance with me. You were saving your last dance for your boyfriend huh?" She beams her smile at me while she starts tapping her right cheek with her index finger.
"Rikku it's not what you think, I was just getting ready to leave and--"
"No, no you don't have to explain to me." She leans into me and elbows me lightly on the side as she whispers to me, "Wow I didn't think your boyfriend would be such a hottie. Good work." I notice her wink at me.
I hope he didn't hear what she just told me. I look up at him, I notice he's talking to Gippal. I sighed as I feel the relief of him not hearing what Rikku just said.
I look back at Rikku. "I'm sorry Rikku I should get going now. Call me though." I make the little phone symbol with my hand. She nods at me before pulling Gippal away with her further into the dance floor.
"Sorry about that, I was planning on telling you I was ready before they got here." I look up at Leonhart.
"Whatever, lets just get out of here."
I couldn't agree anymore. Well that's a first. I mean… I must be really sick to have actually agreed to something with Leonhart.
Once we made our way off the dance floor we finally reached the lobby. I notice there are only a few people here.
"Thanks for earlier." I stop in front of the reception desk. "Even though you only did it because of your father." I lightly start tracing small circles with the tip of my foot.
I notice him stop walking. I look up since he didn't say anything.
"Find your ride and go home before you completely pass out." He says as he doesn't even bother facing me and walks out through the sliding doors.
The nerve! I actually thank the guy, and he totally makes me feel humiliated. What a jerk! You know what… I don't care I finally get to go home.
I start walking towards the sliding doors and out the walkway. I walk down towards the sidewalk and I wait for Tifa.
I didn't even wait a minute before a black Dodge Charger parked in front of me.
"Hope you didn't wait long." Tifa said as she peeked her head out of the passenger seat.
"Not at all--" I didn't finish my sentence, since I got distracted by a certain Black 350z drive by.
"What's wrong?" I hear Tifa ask me bringing me back from the little distraction.
"No it's nothing." I pull the back door open and get inside. "Thanks for the ride; I can't wait to get home." I close the door and put on my seatbelt.
"Okay where to now?" I notice Tifa's boyfriend ask me since he's the one driving.
"That's easy. You go straight down this street and…" I pointed at the directions as I told him. From where to turn, to which way to take.
Finally after what seemed like forever. We were parked outside the gate of to my house.
I open the car door while I took off my seat belt. "Hold on you guys, it'll only take a second." I walk up to the keypad and signal the house.
After signaling twice I hear the speaker crack.
"Heartilly residency, how may I assist you?"
"Ted it's me Rinoa can you open the gate?"
"Of course right away ma'am."
"Thanks Ted." I let go of the speaker button. And walk back over to the car. Itell Cloud to drive in since the gate's opening any second now.
I notice Tifa lean out of her window.
"Don't you want to get in the car so you won't have to walk up the driveway?"
"Its fine go ahead I'll meet you at the door step. I just need a little bit of fresh air."
"Okay then we'll wait for you there then." she says and I see the car drive up.
I stand there while I look up at the stars. I could see the full moon glowing bigger than ever. My eyes dart to the left side when I notice a shooting star. I reach up and point up following it with my finger. I can't remember the last time I saw a shooting star. I finally decide to start walking up the driveway since I noticed Tifa and Cloud already standing at the front door step.
When I finally reach the steps and press the door bell. "Sorry if I kept you guys waiting." I said as we waited for someone to answer the door.
"Don't worry it's fine. It looked like you where amused over something." Tifa says while stretching one of her arms up.
"Oh I saw a shooting star, and I couldn't really help it." I smile at her.
We notice the door swing open as Ted opens the doors.
"Welcome back Ms. Rinoa. Please come right in." He says and steps aside.
"Thanks Ted." I say as we walk past him.
I could hear running up stairs, so I look up and notice Selphie and Quistis hastily walked down the stairs.
"Rinny how'd it go? Who did you meet? Did you have fun?" Selphie bombarded me with questions as did Quistis. Well Quistis stopped after she spotted Tifa.
"Oh my God, Tifa what are you doing here? I'm so happy to see you. I can't believe it." I see Quistis run up to Tifa and take her into a hug.
"I know right? I can't believe it either." Tifa reacts the same way as Quistis. "Well I got the chance to come down to Balamb with Cloud, so I wanted to stop by before we took off."
After Quistis finally realized there was someone else in the room, she quickly walks over towards Cloud and greets him. Selphie does the same after.
"So do you guys want to head into the living room while I change?" I ask them as I started heading for the stairs.
"Yeah I'll take them there and once you get back, you're gonna tell us all about your night." Quistis says as she walks past me towards the living room.
I quickly walk up the stairs and down the hallway. Once I enter my room I take the chance to get out of this dress and into more comfortable ones. I change into my baby blue pajama pants and grabbed a red tang-top. And last but not least, taking out the metal pins out of my hair. After five minutes of suffering, I got the last pin out. I let my hair fall down over my shoulders. It felt like I totally missed my hair being free. I slide on my slippers and walk out of my room. Once I reached the living room, I didn't expect to find Selphie playing her game console in my living room.
"Hey how did that get here?" I asked them as I placed my hands on my hips. "Selphie?"
I notice her turn and smile at me.
"Oh well… me and Quistis decided I should spend the night, so we took your car to my place so I can get clothes. When I walked by it, I thought hey what the heck… might as well bring the darn thing right?"
"Okay?…" I decide I shouldn't say anything more and take a seat next to Selphie on the couch.
I sit there watching Selphie play against people online. On the other couch Quistis and Tifa were chatting away about anything that came to mind.
"Hey where's your boyfriend Teef?" I asked since I noticed he wasn't in the living room.
I guess I disrupted in something since they both stopped and looked at me.
"Oh Uhh… he got a call right now, so he went into the hallway." Tifa answers before turning back and continue talking to Quistis.
I think it's best if I stick to Selphie.
"So who are you playing with?" I ask her as I propped my elbows on the table.
I notice Selphie spare a second and glances at me before turning back and focusing on the game. "Irvine is on my team, and Zell is on the other."
I didn't say anything back since I didn't want to distract her anymore. So I just sat there and watched.
After a while, I heard Tifa's and Quistis' conversation die down a bit. I turn back over my shoulder to look at them and I could see Quistis looking at me curiously.
"What? is there something wrong?" I see her shake her head slightly.
"Nope, nothing at all." She sits up as she leans onto her elbows on her knees. "Just wondering how your night went."
"Do you want me to tell you about it?" I turned fully around and crossed my legs, so I could face her.
"Sure."
So I took the opportunity to ramble off about my night's event, while skipping the whole Leonhart part. I don't know why I decided against telling her about what happened between me and him. I mean… I know it wasn't anything serious right? So it's okay if I just keep this one secret at least once. But I did tell her everything else though. I mostly focused on Gippal and Rikku, since I know she wanted to hear about her inspiration. I was about to start telling her about meeting Ellone, when I notice Cloud step back into the room.
"What's going on?" I heard Tifa ask him.
I look over at Cloud and I notice him look away slightly as he sighed.
"I guess your father found out about me bringing you with me, so I was told a plane is waiting for us by the pier."
"When like right now?" Tifa sits up sounding a bit concerned.
"Yeah we have to get going, or else I don't think I'll be getting on your dad's good side anytime soon." I notice Cloud tried smiling a bit trying to make it sound like there's still a chance.
Tifa's so lucky. She has the best boyfriend ever. He's kind, handsome, and successful. When do I get a chance to fall in love with someone like that? I know I haven't had my first boyfriend yet, it's not like I'm shallow or anything. I'm just waiting for the right guy that's all.
"Okay I'll go." I look up at Tifa distracting me from my thoughts. "Sorry girls, I gotta go." She stands up and walks over to Cloud.
"Awe Tifa." I follow Quistis with my eyes as she walks towards her. "I'm gonna miss you. Keep in contact okay." Quistis takes the chance as she gives her a hug.
I stand up and walk over as well.
"Thanks for today Teef, I owe you big time." I also take the chance and give her a hug.
"Remember you two, we don't have to be apart for so long." I look at Tifa confused a bit, so I wait for her to continue. "The student exchange program will be going on in two weeks, you promised I'd see you two back in Deling."
"Oh that's right! Of course, I can't wait." I say as I start walking with them towards the entrance. "Remember to call in between though."
I hear Tifa giggle before we turn to look at each other one more time.
"I'll miss you guys." I could hear the sadness in Tifa's voice.
I try to reassure her. "Don't worry… before we know it we'll be on a plane back to Deling." I got a gentle smile from her.
"Thanks Rinny." I feel her take my hand in hers. I hardly felt it since I was a bit surprised about her calling me by the same nickname Selphie gave me.
I hug her one more time before opening the door.
"It's nice knowing Tifa has a safe and secure boyfriend." I extend my hand to Cloud as he gladly took it. I could see him blushing a bit.
"It was nice meeting the friends Tifa got her second chance with." Cloud responds getting me a bit confused.
I was about to ask him what he meant, but I notice Tifa elbow him slightly.
I look over at Tifa as she said, "Don't worry, it's just I told him about making really cool friends at my new school. That's all."
I giggle a bit from her actions.
"We got to get going now." Cloud interrupts looking at his wrist watch.
After saying goodbye and watching them drive out of our drive way, we finally decide to turn back and head into the house.
"Is that all that happened tonight?" I look over at Quistis who was standing right next to me as I closed the door. Is she suspicious about something?
"Yeah nothing big… why?"
"It's just I noticed when you got here you were a bit flushed." I notice her cross her arms. "Either it's from dancing your cute but off, or something embarrassing happened."
Wow I didn't have to tell her anything before she almost nailed it on the dot.
"Don't worry it's nothing like that. I just sorta got a fever back there, and it started going away on my way over here." Which reminds me. "I gotta go take some pain killers."
I excuse myself as I walked away towards the kitchen. I took the chance to get them, since I didn't want Quistis interrogate me any further.
When I got back to the living room after taking my pain killers, I noticed how Selphie was trying to teach Quistis how to play.
"Wow I'm surprised to see this." I get both surprised looks from Selphie and Quistis.
"Well might as well learn to play this game, since I guess it's what she plays right?" Quistis tells me before turning back to the game.
I'm surprised at how Quistis is really trying to get along with Selphie. I walk over and sit next to Selphie as she explained the controller to Quistis.
"You want to learn too?" I notice Selphie as she past me her controller.
"Sure why not." I take the controller from her.
"Alright just let me switch it to private match so you two can play against each other." I notice her open a menu and switch back and forth between different settings.
"Okay who want's to be Cog meaning human. And who wants to be Locus meaning monster?"
"Oh can I be the monster?" I ask Selphie and I notice her push the buttons.
"Okay that means Quisty is stuck being human." I laugh finding out Quistis also got a new nickname as well.
"So, I'd rather be human than an ugly monster anyways." She moved the analog to the left as she switched through characters.
"Okay I'll let you two play on Blood Drive since it's an easy stage." Selphie said as she set the match and waited for the match to start. "Alright now lets see how you two do."
Me and Quistis got into the game all quick. After Thirty minutes we send Selphie to get snacks from the kitchen as me and Quistis were tied against one another.
"Come on Rinoa stop moving around so much. I can't find you."
"Why so you can kill me?" I ask her while pressing the "A" button to roll.
"Okay I brought chips and dip with cokes." I look over at Selphie as I notice her stumbling with the snacks.
"Oh no Rinny watch out." I look back at the screen and I notice Quistis' character chain sawing my monster in half, causing my screen to go red as blood spurred all over.
"No fair! I wasn't looking." I watched how Quistis' blonde character rolled by as it ran around another corner.
"Now I have to wait." I cross my arms as Selphie sat a coke in front of me. "Thanks." I reach over and twist the lid off and taking a quick sip before an alert icon on the bottom screen went off.
"What's that?" I notice Quistis ask, before I got the chance to ask myself.
"Oh wow…" I notice Selphie sit down next to me.
"What? What does that mean?" I ask her while dipping a chip.
"It means the guys are gonna join the match. See that name down there?" I look and I nod. "That's Irvine. He's in Quisty's team."
Soon after two names show up.
"Okay so who's that now?" I ask as I hastily clean my hands and grab hold of the controller.
"That's Zell and Seifer. Zell is in your team Rinny, and Seifer's in Quisty's too." I notice how I see the names add up under our Selphie's gamer tag.
"Hey no fair I'm out numbered." I start to say as Selphie connects the mic. "Hey wait someone else joined." I point at the bottom of the screen as another gamer tag joined in the match.
"Oh that's Squall, he's in your team Rinny."
"Ha! Now we're even." I stick my tongue out at Quistis, as she rolled her eyes at me. I try hiding my surprised look from Leonhart joining my team, since I didn't want Quistis to be more suspicious over me than she already is.
"Hey Selphie who's your guest?" I figured that was Irvine asking.
I notice Selphie place the headset on her head and flick it on. "Oh Quistis is playing as a guest, while Rinny's using my account."
"What? They're at your place?" I guess that was Almasy's voice.
"No, I brought my XBOX 360 over to Rinny's place; I figured I showed them how to play since I'm spending the night." Selphie replied into the mic.
"So Blondie's using Barrett right?" Almasy asks.
"Tell him to stop calling me that." I look over at Quistis as she has an annoyed look on her face.
"Tell her not to worry, I'll watch her back." Almasy said loud enough on the speakers, for Quistis to hear.
I waited to see what Quistis' answer would be, but she just shrugged her shoulders.
"Are you gonna play or are you waiting for me or him to get to you?" Quistis asked me trying to get me to stop looking at her.
"Fine I will." I get back into the game, as the scores keep balancing back and forth.
I was starting to get annoyed how I couldn't get close to Quistis anymore without Almasy being there. Of course I didn't stand a chance against him, but that doesn't mean he can be her body guard.
"Don't worry Rinoa. I'll watch after you." I heard someone from my team say.
"Who said that Selphie?"
"Oh that was Zell, he's the ugly looking monster with a mask on."
"Oh okay."
I notice him follow me around until I encounter Quistis and Almasy. I laugh when I see Zell go after Almasy trying to distract him. I guess that's his way of showing he owes me for what happened earlier at school. I could sorta tell by the sound of his voice that he regrets what he did today. I bet it was Almasy's idea of getting me locked up.
I focus on what's going on in the screen when I notice Almasy take down Zell.
"Damn it! Wow you fuckin' two-piecer! Get out of there Rinoa or he'll fuckin' two-piece you too."
"Selphie hand me the mic, I can't really hear what he's saying." I motion my hand out so that she can hand me the headset. "Okay how do you turn this thing on?"
I feel Selphie reach over and flip a switch on the cord. "There it's on."
"Okay Zell I didn't hear you the first time. What did you say?" I waited but he just summarized it in one word.
"Run!"
I quickly responded and made my character run back down the hallway and towards the stairs. I continued rolling until I got to the bottom and into the middle of the stage.
I go straight for the first pillar where I hide behind it and wait for Almasy to run by. I guess he noticed me since I felt him shooting the pillar I was leaning against.
"Damn it Zell are you back yet?" I said as I got impatient over Almasy hunting me down like a chicken.
"I can't, Irvine's over here being a dick! Just keep going." I heard him respond.
I take that as a signal to keep moving, so I run up the opposite stairs on the other side of the stage. I continue up the stairs until I'm standing in the middle of the top bridge. "Now what?"
I turn my view and I could see Almasy going up the stairs with Quistis behind him.
"Wow Quistis what a way to get delivered to me." I glance her way.
"Hey he's my body shield, he volunteered remember? Plus it's not like--" Quistis stopped in mid sentence when she noticed her character just exploded out of nowhere. "What the heck! What happened?" She looks at me thinking like I had something to do with it.
"What it wasn't me. Why are you blaming me, I haven't even moved."
We both looked at the screen at the sound of Almasy's voice. "Why the hell did you have to kill her first Leonhart? Fuckin' torch-bowing a nub isn't right!"
"Two words: Easy kill." Leonhart responded as he rolled out of the hallway behind me. "Get out of the way Careway, go hide behind me or something."
I didn't say anything back, and head into the hallway he came out from. I turn my screen to see what's he gonna do, but I notice he's just standing there. His monster was so much cooler looking than mine. His was monster was much taller than mine. It had some sort of armor that dragged behind his waist. I didn't know there were cooler looking ones. I notice him switch guns and pull out his shotgun at the same time Almasy reached the top.
For some reason I see him motion to him something I didn't really understand. I then see Almasy do the same after he switched to his shotgun.
"Hey Selphie what's going on?" I ask her trying to get what's going on.
"Oh it's called wall-bouncing. Just wait and watch what happens." She tells me as I turn back and look at the screen.
I watched in awe, as they made their characters move so quickly. I thought this game had pretty slow characters but I was completely proven wrong. I continue watching as they made their characters bounce from wall to wall while shooting at each other. I flinch when I see blood spill from Almasy's character. I notice Leonhart took advantage of Almasy's stagger. All of a sudden, I see Leonhart move his character quickly behind Almasy and pull the trigger right behind Almasy causing his character to splatter into many pieces.
"Eww!" I turn to Selphie who's practically bouncing in amusement.
I immediately start laughing hard and I hear Selphie join in too. I could feel Quistis' glare from next to me, but I couldn't help it.
I guess Quistis was back in the game since I heard her pressing buttons. I quickly wipe the tears from the corners of my eyes and pick up the controller.
I could see Quistis' character in the hallway across from the bridge.
Leonhart still standing on the middle of the bridge, while listening to Almasy complain about losing against him earlier.
"Look out!" I yell loud enough into the mic that even I heard myself on the speakers. Good enough, I saw Leonhart switch weapons to the one he had earlier. I could see a thin yellow line rise up to meet Quistis' character right on the chest. Once the line was straight he released the trigger, letting the torched arrow connect to her character. With in a second Quistis' character exploded again.
"Wow are you serious!" I look at Quistis who's yelling right next to me.
Me and Selphie on the other hand burst out in laughter again.
"Holly crap Quistis that's twice in a row." I said as I released my controller and grab hold of my sides. "It hurts!"
I fall back and start rolling around on the floor. I guess I let Quistis take advantage since I feel her hands on my side as she starts tickling me.
"No Stop! Please…" I try getting a hold of her hands.
"What's so funny now? Huh?" she says tickling me faster.
I guess she left herself wide open too, since I hear her drop to the floor right next to me, when I see Selphie getting her back.
"Sweet payback Rinny!"
I quickly get up and reach over to start tickling Quistis. I could hear our laughter echoing on the speakers since I still had the mic on.
"Oh shoot Selphie this thing is still on." I reach and try moving the little switch. "Which way do I turn it off?"
I was about to switch it off when Leonhart's voice could be heard through the headset.
"Either shut up or I can kill you as well. What do you prefer?"
"Whatever meanie! I'm not listening to you." I yell back at him.
"Fine have it your way." I hear him answer back as I see him switch weapons. I guess he took out the machine gun since I was holding the same one. What I didn't expect was to have him unload the clip on me.
"Hey what the heck!" I yelled at him as I picked up the controller. I start tapping the green button since my monster was in pain.
"What's it gonna be?" I notice him standing right next to me.
I turn my attention to Selphie and Quistis who are laughing their asses off. "It's not funny guys! He's gonna kill me while I'm on his team?"
I look up at the screen when I notice my character stand up by itself. But shortly taken down again by Leonhart.
"Well…"
"I stopped already didn't I?" I yelled into the mic.
"Yeah so." he carelessly answers back.
"Go screw yourself!" I said as I gave in.
"What like this?" He said as he walked around my character and moved back and forth.
I didn't know what he was doing but obviously everyone else did since everyone busted out laughing.
I even heard Selphie laughing right next to me. I looked at Quistis who was as clueless as I was, since she just shrugged her shoulders.
Other than that I could hear Irvine, Zell, and even Almasy laughing.
"What's so funny? I don't get it?" I asked Selphie with the mic still on. Which caused everyone to laugh even harder.
"Wait… Rinny… just let me… catch my breath!" Selphie said in between breaths as she tried to sit up. "Let's just say it's unwilling."
I processed what she said until I connected what she meant with his actions.
"Oh God NO! Leonhart you're such an ass!" I set the controller down as I crossed my arms.
"Alright I guess I proved my point." He walked back around my character and picked me up. "Next time you should know better."
"Shut up!" I countered back. "Here Selphie you play." I push the controller to her side.
"Come on Rinny he was just kidding. It's just a joke." Selphie tried convincing me.
I didn't like being humiliated like that. Especially when I didn't even know what was going on. But I do have to admit it's a fun game. I can't remember when I had this much fun.
"Fine." I take the controller back from Selphie's hands. I turn back at Quistis who is taking a sip from her diet coke. "Okay Quistis, ready?"
She nods when she puts her soda down.
"Bring it girly." Quistis winks at me before picking up her controller.
"You're on!" I countered back as we got back into the game.
It's gonna be a long night.
I know I cut it short, but I wanted to save the next day for the next chapter. There was way too many things happening in this chapter. I thought it would just be to cramped up.
I think I'm around the 50,000 words into my story, and i still have a few reviews. I don't know if I should stop posting until i get a few more, or continue writting and posting as i go?
Hmmm...
Maybe I should go back to the beginning and change that up a bit?
I don't know really...
I'll see what I can do