Two large military vehicles stood facing the metal door of the garage. Warm sunlight poured into the dull garage as Irvine opened the door. Beyond, a vast desert lay in front of us, broken only by the dirt road that led away from the prison. The road was blocked off from desert monsters by rocks and shrubs that lined both sides.

I took a deep breath of the fresh air, and immediately coughed as dust and sand invaded my nostrils. Regardless of the dry heat, it felt great to be outside.

"That was way too dangerous, wasn't it?" Rinoa asked as she curled up on the floor and hugged her knees to her chest.

Squall watched her with concern etched on his dirt-caked face. "Yeah…" he whispered.

Rinoa turned to him and gave him a small smile.

I looked away from the two as Irvine began talking about the prison system.

After a few words were exchanged, we decided to take the two cars and leave.

Selphie jumped toward the bigger vehicle and exclaimed, "I wanna ride the yellow one!"

Much to Irvine's annoyance, the girls all decided to pile into the yellow vehicle after Selphie. Zell dragged an open mouthed Irvine to the other vehicle after Squall.

"Is he always like that?" Izzy asked as she strapped her seatbelt.

Rinoa turned to her with a hand on her chin. "Yeah, we all met him together, remember?"

Izzy shook her head. "Not me, it was Natasha, remember?" she pointed to me.

Rinoa sent me a fleeting glance before she looked away and crossed her arms.

Is she still upset over what I said?

"Well, I'm glad we're out of there! Freedom!" Selphie exclaimed as she grinned at us from the front passenger seat.

I sighed and rested my head back. Will I even be able to enroll in Garden?

"Natasha," Izzy whispered and I turned to face her. "What happened? Weren't you back home?"

I nodded, not wanting to talk about it. But I figured Izzy deserved an explanation since she was also caught up in all this.

"I was home," I began. "After the parade - wait, do you know about-"

Izzy nodded. "Ifrit told me everything up until you guys got arrested." She looked around the silent vehicle to find that the other girls were listening to us.

"Okay," I continued. "Well, Seifer stabbed me and I passed out as we were getting arrested. I woke up in the prison, in a room by myself when a Galbadian soldier came to get me. I escaped and ran through the halls into a storage room or something. I hid in there for a while before the sorceress found me…" I shuddered at the memory. "I still don't understand how she can travel to my world…"

"We have to tell the headmaster." said Quistis.

I shook my head. "We can't. Siren warned me not to."

Quistis and Izzy exchanged a look and Izzy turned to me with furrowed brows. "Natasha, I don't think we have a choice. He might be able to help."

I shrugged, defeated. "Well, it's not like I'm gonna go hunting her again. I can't let any sorceress find me now."

Izzy's frown deepened. "Any?" She turned to Quistis, who stopped the car and turned around in her seat.

"Natasha, tell them what you told me and Zell at the prison."

I nodded. "There's more than one sorceress."

Selphie gasped. "Adel?"

I shook my head in response. "No, another one." I described her appearance. "She's the one who followed me to my world. I don't know how, because the one who approached me in the prison was Edea. I think - I think they must know each other. At least the winged sorceress knows Edea."

"I still don't understand how you got back here if you were back home." Rinoa mused.

Izzy nodded. "Yeah, what happened, Natasha?"

I explained what had happened at Trevor's house. "She attacked us, and I knew she wouldn't hesitate to kill Trevor…"

"Is he okay?!" Izzy asked, grabbing my arm.

I nodded. "He's fine, don't worry. I lured her away from him. I knew I had to bring her back here to keep her away from my world, and if that meant her taking me with her, then what other choice did I have?" I looked down to my dirt-covered hands as tears burned at my eyes. And now I'm stuck here…

"Anyway," I looked up and wiped my eyes. "I was thinking of enrolling in Garden or something. I can't think of anywhere else I can go right now."

Rinoa clapped her hands. "How could I forget?!" she suddenly yelled.

"What is it?" Quistis asked.

"Irvine told me that the sorceress is going to launch missiles at Balamb and Trabia Gardens!"

"What?!" Quistis slammed the brakes and honked the horn to get the boys' attention. "We have to tell them!" She climbed out of the vehicle as the other car stopped in the middle of the road.

The four of us followed Quistis out and watched her wave the guys over. We had stopped at a fork in the road.

Squall walked away from his vehicle on the dirt road and towards Quistis. "What is it?"

"The sorceress is about to launch missiles at Garden?!"

"That's what Rinoa heard from Irvine!" Selphie added.

Zell jumped in shock while Squall kept his composure. We turned to Irvine, who nodded sadly in confirmation.

Several voices filled the quietness of the road.

"Okay!" Squall shouted over the noise and we all shut up. "The only thing we can do right now is go back to Garden as soon as possible and warn the students."

Selphie stomped her booted feet, causing dust to fly around her like a halo. "They're targeting both Balamb and Trabia Gardens!"

"Sel-"

"We have to interfere with the attack! We have to stop the missiles!" Selphie shouted, ignoring Squall. She ran up to Squall and pulled on his arm. "I just transferred from Trabia! I can't just sit around knowing they're in danger…"

Squall gently pulled away from Selphie's grasp. "We have to warn Balamb first…" He looked away from Selphie's desperate glare.

"I'm going to the base! Please, Squall!"

Quistis stepped in. "We'll split up."

Squall looked at Quistis thoughtfully for a few seconds.

"Squall, we'll all meet up at Balamb. Decide who's going to the base."

Squall sent a worried look around the group.

When Squall remained quiet, Rinoa spoke up. "Squall should return to Balamb since he's the leader. Is everyone okay with that?" She looked around at us before turning to Squall.

A sudden bang was heard as missiles from the base way down the road tore through the sky, leaving a trail of ash behind them. The weapons flew out of sight as we watched helplessly.

"I heard," Irvine said softly, "I heard they were targeting Trabia first."

Oh shit...

Selphie sank to the ground in a heap, tears running down her face. "That was a miss...right?" she whispered.

When no one answered, Selphie wiped her face and jumped up. "We have to report to Balamb right away!" she turned to Squall desperately. "I'm going to the missile base! If we take this military vehicle, we can get inside! Who's coming to the missile base?!" she asked Squall impatiently.

Squall looked around at the group helplessly.

Irvine stepped next to Selphie. "I'll go with Selphie."

Squall nodded. He turned to Quistis. "Instruc- Quistis. Will you go with them?"

Quistis nodded and stepped next to Selphie as well.

Squall gave another look around the group. "Izzy?" he asked uncertainly.

Izzy shook her head. "I'm staying with Natasha, and she needs to go to Garden."

"Make sure you see Dr. Kadowaki first, Natasha." Quistis said softly.

I nodded at her.

"Okay, then, let's hurry." Squall opened the door to the smaller car. "See you back at Balamb." he said with an unreadable expression before he climbed inside.

Rinoa gave Selphie and Quistis a hug before she too went inside the car.

"Don't worry! We'll see you guys real soon! Just make sure Balamb Garden is okay!" Selphie waved and rushed inside the yellow military vehicle, followed by Quistis and Irvine.

The rest of us piled inside the smaller car and drove off towards the right while the others took the left road at the fork.

I watched the car disappear down the road quickly. Would the three be able to stop the missiles?

A five minute silent car ride later, we reached a small train station.

The car screeched to a rough stop as Squall floored the brakes.

"Let's take that train." Squall commanded as he climbed out of the vehicle. We followed him out into the seemingly deserted train station. A lone two-car train stood on the tracks, and as we cautiously walked closer to it, we found a single Galbadian soldier standing in the front car.

"Great, how do we get on?" I asked.

Zell grinned and pointed a thumb at himself. "Leave that up to me." He quickly went to the other side of the train and soon we heard him whistle. The guard jumped off the train and disappeared from view just as Zell re-emerged.

"Get on! Quick!" He led the way to the front of the train and we all climbed on after him.

Squall walked over to the control panel and soon the train rumbled into motion. We all held on to whatever we could as the train rolled faster and faster. The Galbadian soldier chased after us, screaming for us to stop.

"Sorry! It's an emergency!" Rinoa yelled as she waved at the soldier.

The rickety two-car train accelerated away from the station. I sunk to the floor and rested my head back on the wall. Even though we were out of the prison, I still wouldn't feel safe until we were at Garden. Dread gnawed at my chest, but I refused to let thoughts of home invade my mind.

"How long 'till we get to Garden?" Zell's voice tore through the dry air. He looked to Squall for an answer, who did nothing but shrug.

What a great leader, I thought bitterly. Who had decided to give him the reigns anyway?

Rinoa let out an impatient huff as she gazed at Squall with narrowed eyes. She shook her head when Squall didn't respond and turned to Zell. "It shouldn't take that long, Zell." She seemed uncertain.

"Wrong," Izzy deadpanned from her spot in the corner. Her face was half hidden by shadows and I couldn't see the expression on her face. She took a step away from the wall and continued, "All military trains stop at Deling City. Then, we take a train to Balamb from there."

"Isn't there another way to warn them about the missiles?" I asked.

Squall turned to me briefly. "I already sent an email to the headmaster."

Izzy and Zell simultaneously asked, "And?"

"No response from him."

Rinoa took a deep breath. "I hope we get there in time…"

Zell nodded. "And that the others can stop the missiles…"

A heavy silence fell over us, everyone lost in their thoughts. Several uncomfortable minutes ticked by before Zell spoke up again.

"Anyone have anything to eat? I'm starvin'."

As if on cue, I felt my stomach rumble. Great, where are we going to get food right now.?

Natasha, don't you have some snacks in your bag?

Oh yeah! I unstrapped my mini-backpack and dug inside for the snacks I had stashed at Trevor's house. "Um, I have some chips and stuff." I tossed Zell a bag of kettle chips, and he smiled like a kid in a candy store. Or a hungry teenager saved by junk food. The sight of him ripping open the packet of chips elicited an uncharacteristic giggle, which I tried to hide by pulling out a few more packet of chips.

After handing a granola bar to a reluctant Squall, I settled back on the floor with a bag of chips. Soon the train car was filled with the sounds of chewing and crunching as everyone fueled themselves.

What else do I have in here? I opened my bag wide and peered inside. My phone was pretty much useless here, but I pulled it out regardless. I flipped it open to see the "out of range" signal, but gaped in surprise that it wasn't dead or something. My heart sank as I viewed the notification that my last missed call was from Rachael. I tossed the phone back inside the bag and cleared my throat. There were a bazillion other things in there to focus on.

Aside from the candy bars I had stolen from Trevor, I found my journal, a few pens, a comb, some gum, hair ties, a body spray and my ipod. Well, maybe I can journal everything that happens here, just to have proof. Proof of what though? I sighed. At least my journal would keep me from going insane.

Next, I pressed the 'on' button on the ipod and was surprised to see that it worked. With shaky fingers, I uncoiled the earbuds and put one on. I tested a song out, and was pleasantly surprised to hear Mariah Carey croon about some guy. I turned off the ipod and put it away. The battery definitely needed to be saved. Who knew how long I would have to make it last? One last look into the backpack revealed that I also had another book tucked into the bottom. I pulled out 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' and could feel the grin overtake my face. So I didn't entirely give up everything from my life. Any other day, these things wouldn't have meant much. However, now, music and books from Earth meant everything to me. I hugged my bag to my chest and snuggled closer to the wall.

The train soon screeched to a stop at Deling City station and we piled out as nonchalantly as we could. The station bustled with people jogging in all directions. Several trains stood waiting for passengers as a few pulled in and out of the station. The noise was deafening, and I doubted anyone would have noticed the five of us jump out of the military train instead of a Galbadian soldier.

"I'll get the tickets, you guys wait here." Izzy instructed as she walked away to the ticket counter.

I looked around the crowded station nervously as I wrapped my arms around myself. The musky smell of too many people mingled with fuel and I nearly gagged.

"It must be the end of the work day," Rinoa stated as she looked around serenely. "It's always packed around this time."

Zell paced the platform while we waited for Izzy to return. I noticed that he was unable to stay still for too long. His fidgety habit was making me nervous, which was a horrible combination with the claustrophobia that seemed to have overtaken me.

Before I could get Zell to stop pacing, however, Izzy returned to our platform.

"Here." She handed a ticket to us all.

Squall reluctantly took a ticket from Izzy. "How much was it?"

Izzy shook her head and smirked. "Don't worry about it, Leonhart. We all look out for each other, right?"

"Thanks, Izzy!" Rinoa smiled widely as she accepted her ticket.

I opened my mouth to thank her, but Izzy pulled me aside from the group. "Natasha, as soon as we get to Garden, we should talk to the headmaster."

"But Siren-"

Izzy shook her blonde head. "Not about that, but about you enrolling in Garden."

"Yeah," I nodded. "That seems like the only choice I have…"

"Well, no." Izzy's face lit up with a smile. "You're always welcome to stay at my house here in Deling City. You met my parents, right?"

"Yeah, they're super nice."

"And they would adopt you in a heartbeat." Izzy giggled. "So don't worry about your situation at all."

I stared at Izzy for a few moments. "Thanks, Izzy, but- and don't take this the wrong way, but why?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, um, I really appreciate it, but why are you looking out for me so much? I'm the reason you're in this mess." I picked at the hem of my shirt.

A warm hand rested on my shoulder and I met Izzy's gaze. "You're not the reason. The sorceress is…"

I couldn't argue with her there.

Izzy continued, "look I was in that situation too, and I had someone who believed me without any questions." Izzy smiled at my confused expression. "Trevor."

I nodded. "That's just who he is. Willing to help anyone and everyone." Something occurred to me and I smiled widely. "You have someone like that too, you know."

It was Izzy's turn to look confused.

"Nida! He was worried sick about you when I told him. All he wanted was to know if you were okay."

A light blush began to spread on Izzy's cheeks and ran down to her neck.

"I, um, read your diary."

Izzy's blue eyes widened as her blush deepened.

Before she could speak, I cut in. "Only to find out how to act like you! I never thought we would actually ever meet!"

Izzy continued to stare.

"Anyway, it seems like Nida cares about you a lot, and it seems like more than friendship kind of caring." I winked and wiggled my eyebrows.

Izzy opened and closed her mouth like a fish. "I-I-" she took a breath. "I don't know what you're talking about." she finally muttered. "Anyway, the train to Balamb should be arriving soon. Let's get back and tell the others." With that, she walked away from me, still red faced.

I followed her, resisting the urge to chuckle. I didn't realize that Izzy would be so shy regarding Nida. I guess she really likes him. My heart swelled at the realization that I'd at least be able to fulfill one promise. I promised Nida that the next time he would see Izzy, she would be herself. Of course, me accompanying her hadn't been part of the plan at all.

I shook my head and joined the others. Zell and Rinoa seemed to be in the middle of an intense conversation while Squall watched them with folded arms. Izzy walked up to the group and announced that the train would be arriving soon. I looked at my ticket, which stated that the train would arrive on platform three.

"Well, Let's go" Squall led the way to our platform, on which a train was just pulling in.

After handing the bored-looking man at the train door our tickets, we piled into the gray metal compartment. A few people followed us inside, but Squall used his SeeD ID to lead us into the next compartment. We entered the lush SeeD cabin and I sighed in contentment at the sight.

This SeeD cabin was bigger than the one I had taken with Quistis and Seifer. Large leather couches lined one wall, while a queen-sized bunk bed lay tucked in the other corner. This compartment had a full mini-kitchen, equipped with a sink and a sleek steel fridge.

I sunk into one of the couches and put my fractured ankle over my knee. Heated throbs had now returned and it had swelled up again. I loosened the slint Quistis had made and rubbed at my ankle. Guess I can't do much about it now. At least I'd be able to get medical help once we got to Garden. My heart sank and I hoped, once again, that the others had been able to stop the missiles.

"How is it, Natasha?"

I looked up, surprised to see Rinoa watching me with a concerned expression.

"It's okay, thanks for asking."

Rinoa smiled and sat down next to me on the lush couch. For a few seconds, neither of us spoke. The air was thick with awkwardness as I fumbled in my mind for something to say.

"Um, so, are you also thinking of enrolling at Garden?"

Rinoa turned to me with a thoughtful expression.

Aw crap, I've offended her, haven't I?

A serene smile lit up her face and I internally heaved a sigh of relief.

"The general would love that," she said with a roll of her eyes. "He could never imagine his little girl as a mercenary." Rinoa turned to me with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I think I'll do it!"

Just to piss off your dad? I remained quiet. There were several questions about her father I could ask, but I kept my mouth shut. It seemed that I had a habit of easily offending Rinoa with my blunt words.

Thankfully, that was the moment zell decided to join us on the couch.

The couch hissed as Zell relaxed on the leather surface. "Shouldn't be much longer now." He turned to us and gave a thumbs up.

Rinoa began talking to Zell and I took the opportunity to inconspicuously leave.

The headache that had began at the prison was now a full throb at my temples, and my eyelids had become too heavy. I dragged myself over to the bunk bed and lay down on the down mattress. The train ride from Balamb to Timber had been long enough for me to take a nap, and Galbadia was further from Balamb.

Sleep came easily and quickly.

At first there was darkness. Several blinks confirmed that I was awake, and the feel of the soft mattress beneath me was proof that I was still on the train to Balamb.

-What's going on?-

Realization hit me as the darkness in front of my eyes abated. A flash of white replaced the blackness, and I batted the object away. The tight seat belt constricted movement and I unbuckled it with a shaky hand. Poor eyesight made everything appear fuzzy.

-No… I don't want to see this again.-

I tried to squeeze my eyes shut as my head moved of its own accord. There was Noah once again, blurred and unmoving. I shook his shoulders and he groaned.

"Nata?" his voice was hoarse. A few coughs shook Noah's slender frame.

-Noah, this isn't real.-

The dream continued despite my desire to awaken.

We exchanged a few words before Noah flung open his door and stepped out of the car. I pushed on my door but it wouldn't budge, and I crawled out from the passenger side.

The stench of burnt rubber violated my nose. "...I can't see a thing…" I muttered.

Noah didn't respond, and I called out his name.

His voice trembled as he responded, "Oh shit...I don't think you should see this, Natasha!"

I took tentative steps to the other side of the car, but stopped abruptly. A frigid breeze swept over the clearing.

-Please, no…-

Noah's groan shifted me into movement and I walked towards the two shadows.

"Silence!" A velvety voice was accompanied by an outstretched hand pointed towards Noah.

The woman stepped towards me and I felt myself rooted to the ground.

Noah grunted as if struggling and I was shaken from my daze. He gestured wildly with his hands and I squinted. What was he trying to tell me?

Whiteness consumed everything for a few moments and I heard a heavy thud as Noah fell to the ground.

No, please. Noah, how did you die? The whiteness failed to abate and I finally regained control of my body. Wake up, hurry! An image of a little girl flashed in my vision before I awoke.

Clarity returned in an instant as I gazed into a pair of familiar narrowed eyes.

"Nat."

I cringed at the nickname as Zell backed away.

"Uh, sorry I woke you."

I sat up, my movements robotic, and looked around the train compartment.

"where is everyone?" I whispered to mask the tremble.

Zell wordlessly pointed to the top bunk, and then at the far end of the couch, where Izzy snored peacefully in her sleep.

A warm hand gently shook my shoulder and I realized that I had been staring into nothingness. I looked up at Zell's concerned face and for a few moment struggled to find words. Zell's mouth moved but I failed to hear what he said. I blinked a few times and released a painful breath through my constricted throat.

"Hmm?" The sound came out as a grunt instead.

Zell sat down next to me and I turned to him blankly. "Did you say something?" I asked Zell after clearing my throat.

"Were you having a bad dream?"

I nodded automatically, then shook my head. "Why? What happened?"

Zell looked away uncomfortably and scratched the back of his head. "Um, you were yellin' and stuff."

"Sorry, did I wake you up?"

He nodded.

"Sor-"

"S'ok!" Zell smiled and the friendliness of the gesture caused my heart to skip a beat. This time I looked away.

I cleared my throat. "How long till we reach Balamb?" I stood and walked over to the fridge. Some cold water was exactly what I needed.

"Shouldn't be long now. We just passed Timber."

The fridge door was lined with water bottles and I grabbed one. "Do you want one?" I asked Zell.

He nodded and I grabbed another bottle.

"Nat," Zell started. He scratched the back of his head again. "I mean, Natasha." He grinned apologetically as I handed him the bottle.

I sat down on the couch and took a long sip, letting the frigidness coat my mouth before swallowing. I turned to Zell, who was also taking a sip. "Yeah?"

He capped the bottle and cleared his throat. "Who's Noah? Your-"

Before Zell had a chance to finish his thought, the train compartment door opened and a distraction arrived in the form of Squall.

His dark brown hair was disheveled and dark circles hung below his eyes. I wondered if he had slept at all.

Squall looked from me to Zell, to Rinoa sleeping on the top bunk, and finally to Izzy's curled form on the couch. "We'll be at Balamb soon. We should wake them up."

Zell nodded and stood up to face Rinoa. I turned to Izzy and gently shook her shoulder.

Izzy's blond waves cascaded over her face as she shifted her position sleepily. I shook her again and whispered her name and soon baby blue eyes opened to the world. Izzy sat up and stretched. She turned to me and for a few moments stared.

"We'll be there soon." I mumbled, uncomfortable with her scrutiny.

Izzy shook her head sharply. "Right," she replied. "Woah, I thought I was still dreaming for a few seconds." She smirked.

Despite myself, I giggled. "You'll just have to get used to me."

A loud screech was heard as the train slowed considerably. A man's voice boomed "Balamb station" over the PA system.

"Make sure you all have everything." Squall said over his shoulder as he walked out of the compartment, followed by Rinoa and Zell.

I grabbed my bag from the bed and followed Izzy out of the door. A crowd of people that had gotten on the train with us at Galbadia gathered by the exit as the train screeched to a halt.

"I hope Balamb Garden is okay…" Rinoa whispered as we gathered together on the platform.

I hope so too… Where else did I have left to go? The many questions I had for the sorceress would probably remain unanswered forever. Perhaps a better life awaited at Balamb Garden

A/N: Thanks for favouriting/alerting and the lovely reviews!

Dudemeister: I'm glad you felt that the last chapter fit better than the first version. It just seemed like the right choice. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Chapters from now on may be shorter, but updates will be more frequent. I hope you all continue to enjoy the story!

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