Stop was a spell Zidane was accustomed to—even he recognized it from somewhere, perhaps his own world. He knew the mechanics of it as well: it didn't really stop time, it was more of a paralyze spell, but with the mental grip to make the affected believe time stopped. Once the affected either was free of the mental grip or learned to shake it off, Stop was not as dangerous of a spell as some made it out to be.

Whatever it was that Rinoa was using was most definitely not a simple Stop spell.

Zidane hung completely suspended in his dodging flip, yet two bullets were mere centimeters from his body. One was just barely about to penetrate his forearm, the other between his eyes. He would have died, regardless of dodging the other three… and yet the bullets, him, everything was completely and utterly frozen. It wasn't a Stop spell or an area of affect variant… time truly did stop.

The only thing that moved was Rinoa, who was slowly fluttering to the ground with the most gorgeous, ethereal wings that existed on the mortal world. Only she could move, think, see in this suspended moment, and the Odine Bangle was nothing but a crisp, burnt hole in the floor on the other side of the protective barrier.

She landed in front of Zidane, folding her wings behind her just as they vanished in a flurry of silky-soft feathers. Those feathers faded as she turned to face her companion, seeing the panic and fear so plain on his face. Zidane was terrified in this captured moment, and Rinoa knew he was seeing his life flash before his eyes before she finally acted.

This man stole Squall's heart. Rinoa was rightfully jealous, rightfully angry. Zidane knew she loved Squall, and still he stepped in. If he were to disappear, Squall would be devastated, and Rinoa would be there for him.

But Rinoa wasn't a shallow person. She proved this by reaching out and flipping the bullets around, and then turned back to the Estharians that dared threaten those she held close to her heart. Yes, Zidane might have won Squall, but was it his fault she lost? No, she just wasn't the one to catch Squall's eyes, the fault was hers. Zidane did not deserve to die.

Not today, anyway.

Rinoa lifted her arms, slightly twisting her body in a somewhat provocative way so the bullets would not hit her. As a massive Thundaga spell began to spark in her raised hands, she released time.

The five bullets slammed into their original shooters as Zidane faltered in his ungraceful flip, sprawling onto the floor in a heap of limbs and tail as the five Estharians fell over dead from their own firepower. The rest did not have time to react before Rinoa's spell was complete, and she jerked her hands down, pointing her violently igniting palms toward the Estharians.

The shrieking jolts washed over the men, obliterated the stone wall and door and traveled back into the closest two Estharians of the second team. Their bodies shook viciously before they dropped to the ground in a smoking, but alive, groaning heap. The men in the building weren't even husks when the lights stopped flashing.

The ice barrier melted away to reveal Edea, Cid and Quistis staring in complete horror at the rather serene, grotesque scene before them. Not even the bodies of the shot men were spared—they too were part of the ash pile that was swept away from the deceptively sweet sea breeze.

Rinoa felt all of their eyes on her, but all she did was once more raise her arms. A massive burst of curative magic erupted from her body, spreading to each of her companions, before she fell back into Zidane's arms in an unconscious crumple. The blond stared at her peaceful, sleeping face for several seconds before raising his eyes to look out to the scorched stone of where the entrance used to be. Several yards away he saw the spaceship the Estharians came in on, and Squall squatting next to Selphie.

Zidane couldn't see them so far away, but he knew his eyes met Squall's. And knew he was just as afraid as the thief over what they witnessed.


"I have no idea what transpired," Edea said for the fifth time as she placed a cloth on the resting Rinoa's forehead. "She was next to me, screaming about Zidane… then she was in front of the barrier, releasing Thundaga. It was as if she had Haste, except something even faster than that…"

Selphie stared at Rinoa's face. "Is it bad… I'm really creeped out?"

"I think in a way we all are." Quistis replied quietly. "I knew she was powerful, watching her train since we escaped. But this… I had no idea."

Cid poked his head into the room, pushing his glasses further up his nose. "The remaining Estharians radioed in the President," he reported. "He should be here in a few hours. In the meantime, we got them locked up in their ship's own containment area; Zell and Irvine are standing guard."

Edea's brow furrowed. "And Squall and Zidane?"

Cid glanced to the side. "Honestly don't know."

She knew her husband was lying, but Edea just nodded, letting him go back to wherever it was he was doing. She once more checked Rinoa's pulse, ensuring it was regular before turning her eyes back to the girls.

"You all will have to depart soon," she said, and the girls nodded. "You must find Adel and the Pandora, and stop Ultimecia. Rinoa would probably remain here… that discharge of so much Sorceress Power will probably keep her weak for a while yet."

"Not really," Edea jerked away from Rinoa in surprise, and the girl's eyes opened. "I already feel better after a short nap. But I can't tell you what happened, other than I feel a lot less pressure in my head now."

Edea frowned. "Built up magical energy, causing your sinus headaches? I would have never guessed…" Yes, the entire time Rinoa had stayed with Edea, she suffered constant headaches. Such a discovery was strange… Something Odine would delight in.

"I guess suppressing the magic isn't such a good idea." Rinoa sat up, grabbing the cloth as it fell off her head. "I cast some sort of enhancement spell… then Thundaga. Then Curaga. Except a lot more powerful than I intended…" the girl looked down at the cloth, her eyes unreadable. "How many did I kill?"

Edea hesitated to answer, but Quistis stepped in for her, "Eight. You injured another two."

Rinoa squinted at the cloth. "They hurt my friends," she muttered. "Nearly killed Zidane. I was justified… wasn't I?"

"Self-defense. I don't see a bother with it," Quistis replied, and Selphie nodded, both sharing the same mercenary-oriented thinking. Edea slowly shook her head, but said nothing.

"Still," Edea said a few moments of silence later, "it would be wise to keep you away from Adel and Ultimecia. At this point, Rinoa, I would say you're more powerful than Adel ever could be. And should Ultimecia gain control of you…"

Rinoa could somehow smile brightly and depressingly at the same time. "Squall… will take care of me. He's leader of SeeD… and SeeD destroy Sorceresses. Squall's sword will pierce my heart… kinda poetic justice, huh?"

When she half-laughed and half-sobbed, the other women said nothing, for it was the truth: Squall would have to kill Rinoa, and the irony was too obvious to bother pointing out.


Zidane stared at the sky, lying flat out in the massive field of wildflowers. Next to him Squall sat upright, one knee propped up as his hands supported his upper body from behind him. Both had been there for several minutes in somewhat comfortable silence, staring at the sky and waiting for the President and Ellone to show up.

The thief half wanted to curl up in Squall's lap and enjoy their moment, and half send Squall back inside to check on Rinoa. What happened could not be ignored, and why Squall seemed to avoid it bothered Zidane more than he wanted to admit. Sure, he was worried for Rinoa too but…

What if I didn't come here? Zidane was pretty sure Rinoa would be Squall's lover if that were the case. He disrupted the world's natural order… could that be the reason for Rinoa's insane power?

And they still had to deal with the fact Zidane just didn't flat out belong… and he wouldn't be able to stay. He knew it wasn't a matter of he wouldn't… both knew he couldn't.

"Squall…" Zidane muttered, and the mercenary looked at him. "After I… fulfill my duty and… go…"

"Zidane…"

"Do you think somehow we'll meet again?" Zidane looked at him, noticing the look in Squall's eyes. "Maybe in your world, my world, the war-world… just somehow? Even if we forget each other again…"

Squall snorted. "I don't think I could ever permanently forget you, Zidane. You're so damn weird you're burned into my brain."

"Gee, thanks."

Squall graced him with one of those rare little smiles the thief so loved. "I can't say I know for sure, Zidane. Will you ever come back? Will I ever see your world? Will the Gods come back and screw us over again? Who knows… I can't think about that, because it wastes the time I have with you now."

Aww; Zidane had to fight a blush. Squall saying even semi-romantic things was always a quick way to make Zidane's heart flutter, and he sat up, scooting closer to Squall. The mercenary wrapped an arm around his shoulders, and Zidane rested his head on Squall's chest.

"You know," the blond said after a few moments of cuddling, "they say if you promise something with all your heart, no matter what, you'll find a way to keep it if you're determined enough."

Squall rolled his eyes, although Zidane didn't see. That was so like him to think of such silliness…

"So, maybe…" Zidane's tail wrapped around Squall's waist along with his arms as he buried himself further into Squall's embrace. "Maybe… we can promise to see each other again."

Before he could think of a rather insensitive comeback, Squall bit his tongue. Would it hurt to play along? Looking down at Zidane, whose eyes were now closed and he clung so close, Squall could feel his heart twist. In all his sneaky ways, twice now, Zidane had forced himself into Squall's heart and become the most important person in his life. They had defied so many things people would deem impossible… was it so far-fetched, then?

"I'll be here." Squall said, making Zidane look up at him. "I'll be waiting for you. So if you come here, you'll find me." He stared in Zidane's eyes, noticing the glimmer of foolish hope. He tapped Zidane on his chest, over his heart. "I promise."

Zidane smiled, unable to help it. "I'll meet with you…" he returned the tap, over Squall's heart. "Here. I'll be here. I promise."

Squall returned the smile, settling Zidane closer to him, the blond all too happy to curl up against him. After a few seconds of letting the words sink in, Squall smirked at the horizon. "This is totally an inappropriate time for our emotional crap."

"I'd like to think we do it so when it is the appropriate time, we spend it having actual happy together time as opposed to depressive time." Zidane answered truthfully. "But, you're right. You should go check on Rinoa."

Squall glanced down at him. "I know Sis and the President. I have to see them first."

"But…"

Squall huffed out a breath, a bit of his hair fluffing up from the action. "I know Rinoa probably needs me but… I'm the leader. I can't tend to just one person like everyone tries to get me to do… well, everyone but you, unless you're in your 'pay attention to me' mood."

Zidane grinned, clambering into Squall's lap til he straddled him. Squall gave him a glare, but Zidane stole a quick kiss before rolling away to avoid a swat. Before a play-fight could ensue, the rumbling of a fast-approaching flying machine made them quickly stand and turn their eyes skyward.

Coming for them was the original Ragnarok the couple had brought back to Earth—Squall recognized the dent he caused from his rough landing. The ship flew over them, rather low, tearing off the flowers' petals and causing a tornado of them to torrent around the pair. Squall instinctively pulled Zidane close, one arm around his thief as the other protected his face from the petals. Zidane buried his face into Squall's stomach to protect his own eyes, but when the wind stopped and he peeked out, he couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the dancing petals as they floated serenely in the calming breeze.

Squall was less than impressed, scoffing at the petals and tossed up pollen as he watched the Ragnarok land a ways away from them and near the orphanage. Grasping Zidane's hand, Squall dragged him full-sprint to the spaceship, bound and determined to meet Ellone first.

The woman was just disembarking when Squall and Zidane made it to the ship, and she waved cheerily at them. Behind her, a tall, dark-skinned man in a rather exotic set of armor descended; he was followed by a much larger man in a simple wife-beater and pair of jeans, and after them in the a loose shirt and slacks…

Kiros. Squall matched names to faces. Ward. And…

"Hey there!" the Estharian President called, raising a hand in greeting as he jogged down the steps. When he reached the ground, he used that hand to shade his eyes. "Squall, right?"

Squall wanted to say something rather inappropriate, but he stilled his urge and nodded. "President Laguna."

"Ellone told us all about it," Kiros cut in before Laguna could start a ramble, "About how she used her power to send you into us, so you could see the past."

"Yeah!" Laguna said, walking up to Squall. "It's so weird, meetin' you like this. It's like… I know you, but I don't."

"I know you, but I don't." Squall's eyes narrowed a bit. Yeah, he was in Laguna's head, and Ellone might have told him everything she knew, but… there was no way Laguna could know him.

"It's so weird," Laguna was saying when Squall snapped back to reality. "But hey, we can deal with all that later, right? Heard my people did some stupid things, where are they?"

"Half are dead," Squall said bluntly, and Laguna's cheerful face instantly fell. "The rest are aboard their ship, guarded by fellow SeeDs."

"A shame…" Kiros muttered, Ward nodding in agreement. His eyes left Squall's face, trailing down his arm to his hand still linked with Zidane's, focusing his attention on the thief who had so far eluded everyone's attention by simply remaining quiet and still.

Zidane knew him the moment those eyes were on him, and he stared back confidently. "You knew where Rinoa was," the blond spoke, Laguna jumping back in surprise. "You asked us, but you knew. You just wanted to make sure we found her first."

Kiros smiled. "I guess you suspected from the start."

"Surveying is a skill I have, just don't always use." Zidane replied. "Unfortunately, Squall's right. Most of your men died threatening Rinoa. But I think our priority isn't that, as sad as losing lives is."

Ellone looked up at Ward, whose eyes seemed to be shimmering. After a few seconds, she looked to the pair. "Ward says, we should go inside and discuss with everyone."

Laguna finally picked up the fact Squall and Zidane were still holding hands, and as the group began to walk for the orphanage, assumed his thinking stance.

"Now that's a familiar sight…" he muttered to himself, eyes on the pair's linked hands.


"So she has Adel," Edea murmured, "And the Lunatic Pandora. What does Ultimecia plan to do? She cannot compress time until she exists in all three planes of time… unless she is determined to destroy the world to draw out Ellone?"

"We haven't discerned the Pandora's location," Kiros replied. "But it's still having an effect on the moon. In a month, it'll force another Lunar Cry, and who knows where it'll be by then."

Irvine tapped his foot a few times before crossing his arms. "It could appear anywhere, anytime… so we gotta be prepared to attack it before then. But that thing is nearly impenetrable."

"We know," Kiros said. "It takes a huge concentration of firepower or magic at a single, small point to pierce its shell. If Adel and Ultimecia are inside, it works both for and against us: Inside she can only cast magic within it, but that magic cannot past Pandora's shell. But she's commander of that fortress now."

"Firepower ain't the problem," Laguna spoke up. "Esthar could probably add some pow to Ragnarok's laser systems. Combine it with this insane power Rinoa's got, should be enough to blast a decent hole."

Rinoa frowned. "I can't… control it."

"We'll figure something out," Laguna said with a convincing smile. Somehow it was disarming, and Rinoa felt at ease. "The only issue is, with the Pandora, I bet Ultilacey will control the monsters."

"Ultimecia," Kiros and Ellone corrected, and Laguna shrugged.

"Whatever! But the issue remains the same."

Zidane had remained quiet the entire discussing, and Squall had to constantly look at him to make sure he hadn't fallen asleep. He wore that pensive look he always had when he was seriously thinking, and in a way it worried Squall.

The thief finally spoke up, causing all eyes to turn to him. "The crystal," he said, ignoring the Estharians' confused looks. "My crystal isn't of this world and it was able to beat back Ultimecia pretty well. I bet I could use it to blast a hole in the Pandora thing… We won't have to risk Rinoa overexerting herself."

Squall frowned. "I have a feeling there's an element to this plan I don't like."

Zidane chuckled, raising one hand to rub the back of his head. "I haven't figured out how to use the crystal at range, I'd have to get close… Possibly pilot a ship myself and—"

"No," Squall immediately cut in. Before Zidane could argue, the brunette went on, "Hell no. You don't know the technology and at most you have to learn is a month. No way. You can't pilot and channel at the same time. We'll all be on the Ragnarok and you'll use it from the safety of the cockpit."

"But—"

"Uhm," Rinoa's voice cut the argument, and now she was the center of attention. She nervously grasped her elbow. "Your crystal knows me, Zidane. Maybe… maybe I can focus on it, and you can direct my power?"

Zidane paused, then nodded. "Maybe…"

"We have four other ships like Ragnarok," Kiros spoke up, "plus a navy if the Pandora appears in the sea. We can provide temporary cover from the swarms of monsters… definitely not long, though."

Edea suddenly looked thoughtful, but before Quistis could ask, Laguna got up from his seat and knelt in front of Zidane. The blond thief warily leaned back, and Squall scowled at the President.

"You said crystal," Laguna reached out, poking Zidane's decorative amulet. "Crystal, like… what you had to fight for? You know, there?"

Both Squall and Zidane stiffened and fell deathly silent, raising the tension of the room by several hundred degrees. Squall's glare intensified tenfold while Zidane tried to force words out of his mouthing mouth, but shock kept him quiet for several attempts before his voice finally worked.

"Y-you…" Zidane sputtered. "You were t-there?"

Laguna stood back up and rubbed the back of his head. "Like I said when I got off the ship, it's like I'm meeting you guys for the first time, but I already know you. Not just Squall but… you, too, Zidane. I mean!" the President pointed behind Zidane, at the furry appendage swinging apprehensively behind him. "Who could forget a guy with a tail?"

Ward playfully nudged Kiros, who frowned a bit. "All right," the dark-skinned man muttered to Ward. "I concede, so Laguna wasn't insane way back when."

"To be honest," Laguna added, grinning. "I only really remembered you, Zidane, when I noticed you and Squall holding hands. I don't remember much but… I don't think I made it. You know, there. I think I failed."

Zidane looked at Squall, who shook his head. "You got the most complete memories," the mercenary said.

"Ahhhh," Zidane threw his hands up, unable to take the awkwardness anymore. "We'll talk about all of this when the crisis is over. We gotta find this Pandora thingiemabob first, right?" the group nodded, and Zidane put his hands on his hips. "We know it'll show up for sure in a month, but there's the chance it'll appear before then. So far the accepted plan is using my crystal to help control Rinoa's power… problem is I dunno if that'll work."

Zidane held his hand out, summoning the manifestation of the crystal. When it appeared, he grasped it and began to nonchalantly toss it up and down in the air, much to Squall's horror. "So we gotta practice, Rinoa. You willing to spend some special one on one time with me?" he winked at the Sorceress.

Rinoa had two urges: one was to roll her eyes and huff out of the room… the other scared her, for it involved seriously hurting Zidane. She suppressed both and tried a much different approach; she crossed her arms and gave Zidane a smirk. "You willing to get your butt beat by a girl?"

Zidane whistled. "Spunky right out of the infirmary! I like it." The group shared a tentative smile at their exchange, and Zidane reached over with his empty hand to pat Squall's arm. "Don't get jealous, now."

Squall looked away, frowning. "I don't get jealous."

Zidane grinned but said nothing else when everyone else chuckled. After today, he had a feeling little chuckles were going to be far too much to ask for, and so he had to get them while he could. As for time with Squall, he'd have to steal that. But Zidane was a master thief, so that really was no problem.

"Let's get started tomorrow," Squall said, pushing off the wall he was leaning against. "Today we're going to let Rinoa finish recuperating, make sure all of our wounds are healed, and all of us can think of plans to bring to the fore next meet. Are you staying here?" his eyes turned to the Estharians.

Laguna nodded, somehow still smiling brightly. "You betcha. This is our fight now, too."

Squall didn't like the sound of that, but he had to be a leader, and Laguna was also one… he had to take that stance, so he went to the President and held out his hand. "Then Garden would greatly appreciate an official alliance with Esthar, at least until this crisis has passed."

Laguna's smile grew, and he grasped Squall by the wrist in the typical military fashion, giving him a hardy shake. He said something, but Squall could only focus on how familiar the movement was.

Yeah. He was there at one point. And Squall had a feeling he wasn't going to like what else his memories may reveal yet.


Author's Notes: I'm sorry for such a long wait for such a crappy update. Sadly, my summer semester has been hard as hell and I haven't been doing so well, so I'm going to have to drop all hobbies and dedicate myself to my school for the rest of the semester ; ; But I'll have a good two weeks between semesters, so you'll see me again with one or two chapters of not only Magnet, but also Magnetized! I appreciate your patience and understanding =)

Wingsong5555 – He's okay, Zidane didn't get shot again! XD Well, not this time anyway *Shifty eyes* I kid! XD

Elia41 – Thank you =) The rest will come soon, I promise!

Kuroneko03 – They'll live their moments as they can, trust me =) Thanks for your continued support!

Kupo Lady – Your reviews are always fun to read XD I hope some of your questions got answered… but I hope more came up, too! =P Please continue to be patient, I promise it's all worth it!

Thanks to all the readers!