Final Fantasy VIII - Forgotten Memories
A Fan Fiction by Tarlia. Prequel to Final Fantasy VIII.
All characters and names are Copyright Square.
Chapter 1:
Night was closing in on Deling city. In the night club below Deling Hotel, people had begun to gather and order drinks. All of them were waiting for the night's big event: Julia Heartilly was going to sing her new hit, "Eyes On Me". Earlier, she used to sing there every Friday and Saturday night , but after she became popular, she'd only perform once in a while. Most of the time, she was busy recording new songs or she was traveling around Galbadia to sing in various other cities.
Julia herself was sitting by one of the tables, running the tip of her finger against the edge of her glass, which was filled with the finest red wine the place could offer. She had barely touched the expensive liquid. People didn't seem to notice how she sighed and stared emptily down at the surface of the table.
"Mind if I join you?"
Startled by the voice, Julia turned around, finding herself gazing up at a young man. She had seen him before. He used to be at the night club whenever she performed. Just like Laguna had before… But back then she had just played the piano, she didn't sing.
Laguna… Where had he gone? This gentleman here seemed to be a few years older than him… Perhaps in his early thirties. He was rather handsome and was dressed in a Galbadian uniform, one which only the higher ranking officers would be allowed to use.
"If it's a bad time, I'll leave you alone."
Julia realized she had been staring, "Oh no. I'm sorry. Please, sit down."
The man smiled and lowered to his seat on the other side of the table, "I didn't want to seem pushy… I just wanted to tell you how much I admire you. And your talent."
Shrugging lightly and smiling shyly in return, Julia leaned her elbows on the table and replied, "Thank you. This is all like a dream coming true."
"You are going to sing 'Eyes On Me' tonight, right? That one is my favorite."
The woman nodded. He really did admire her, although more for her looks than her singing. Julia wasn't more than 22 years old at the most. She had blackish brown, shiny hair and the most beautiful, brown eyes he had ever seen.
"I heard it was the first song with lyrics that you wrote… Tell me, what was it that inspired you?"
Julia looked a bit uncomfortable. She sipped her wine and bit her lower lip for a second, "Well, there was this man… a soldier. He often came to hear me play the piano.."
"Like I come to hear you sing now?"
"Yes… kind of like that. Just the way he smiled, the way he talked… the way he looked at me. His eyes…," she sighed, "But he left. Went off to war, and I haven't seen him since."
"That must be tough… Losing someone like that," the man before her offered, sincerity in his voice, "So now you're all alone?"
"Yes, I-"
"Julia Heartilly! You're up next!" called a voice behind them.
Julia slowly rose, brushing off her dress, "I have to go."
"Too bad," the man got up as well, taking her hand without warning and gently pressing his lips to it in a soft kiss, "It was a pleasure talking to you. Maybe I will see you around some other day?"
Somewhat anxiously, Julia drew her hand back and nodded, then started to leave. But after taking a couple of steps towards the stage, she stopped and looked back at him, "I didn't catch your name?"
"Phillip. General Phillip Caraway," he grinned at her.
General at such a young age? She was impressed. Smiling, more warmly than before, she said, "Yes. Maybe I'll see you around some other day."
Chapter 2:
"…And do you, Raine Leonhart, take Laguna Loire as your lawfully wedded husband, till death do you part?"
The old priest gazed at the couple before him. All of the citizens of Winhill had gathered in church today for this event, even those who disliked the young soldier that had settled down in their village. Raine looked lovingly into her husband-to-be's steel blue eyes, smiling that gentle smile that Laguna adored so much. She was wearing a simple, but beautiful white wedding dress, pink flowers adorning her dark hair. Laguna had been allowed to use the black suit that Raine's father had used when he got married. Behind them, Ellone was standing, holding a big bunch of flowers.
"I do."
"Then I announce you husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Loire. You may kiss the bride!"
Laguna smiled warmly and lowered his head, his lips meeting his new wife's in a kiss.
"Hurrah!" Ellone yelled, throwing the flowers she was holding at the newly wedded couple. The small crowd inside the church cheered.
Finally letting go, Laguna looked down at Raine. She leaned her head lightly against his chest, whispering, "A year ago, I never thought I'd do this. What's happened to me?"
"You just fell in love with my irresistible charm," he replied, grinning. She frowned at him and playfully slapped his shoulder as they started walking out of the church.
Something had happened to him, as well. Laguna, the restless soldier who had longed to travel the world, was finally ready to settle down. Or was he? He had fallen for Raine's warm personality, her caring and playful, yet sometimes deadly serious moods. The way she had bravely stood up against the Esthar soldiers and taken care of little Ellone when her parents had been killed. But still, there was this aching need inside of him to fulfill his dream: To see the world and write about it. Sure, he occasionally sent off articles to Timber Maniacs, but it wasn't the same.
When they reached the sunshine outside, Kiros walked up and patted him on the shoulder, "Congratulations, man. I never thought you'd do it."
"Well, you better start believin'. I ain't letting go of this one," Laguna answered slyly and winked.
"Uncle Laguna, Raine and Elle are all gonna be together!" cried Ellone, giggling and hugging Laguna's leg.
He took her in her arms and lifted her up, giving her a hug, "That's right, honey!"
Raine smiled and held Laguna's arm, mouthing 'I love you'.
He kissed her forehead and smiled back. He was happy. He was content. But somewhere, in the back of his mind, there was this voice that kept reminding him… 'I always thought Julia would be a part of this.'
Chapter 3:
March 3, Deling city.
"She's beautiful, Julia. Just like you. I think she has your eyes," General Caraway was sitting next to his wife's bed, stroking her hair gently.
Julia smiled tiredly. In her arms, she was holding her newborn baby girl, "Yes, she's beautiful, Phillip… Our own little treasure. She shall be loved greatly."
Sighing quietly, she held the infant close to her and pressed her nose against the soft baby skin of her daughter's cheek. She was happy. She was content. Indeed, she had accomplished all the things she had hoped for in life. Julia Caraway was a famous singer, she had a caring and wealthy husband, and now she was a mother. General Caraway was taking good care of her. Still, there were a few things that annoyed her…
Like how he always saw his own job as more important than hers. Sure, he was the leader of the Galbadian army, but he didn't have to make it so obvious that he thought her singing was good for nothing. Or how he tended to treat her like a child, incapable of doing anything on her own. Like a pretty doll that was only there to look at…
But she shouldn't complain. She and her daughter were safe there, in his mansion. They were cared for, they were loved.
Laguna would never have treated her like a child… He had respect for her feelings, for her music. Somehow, when she looked at her baby, she kept thinking for herself 'I always thought Laguna would be a part of this…'
"What are we going to name her?" Caraway's sudden question made Julia snap out of her thoughts. She looked up at her husband, confused for a moment.
"Well, you said you would think of a girl's name, and I would think of a boy's name… And since it's a girl…," he said.
"How do you feel about Rinoa?"
"Rinoa?"
"Yes, I've been thinking about that name for a long time… It suits her, don't you think?"
"Rinoa… Rinoa Caraway. Yes, you're right. It sounds good," he smiled and kissed Julia gently on her lips, then took the baby out of his wife's arms and held her. The newly named Rinoa started crying softly, but calmed down quickly as her father rocked her in his arms, "Shhh… Don't worry about a thing, little one. I'll take care of you."
Chapter 4:
March 3, Winhill.
"You bastards!! Let go of me! Let go of HER!" Laguna's voice rang through the air. He kicked, struggled and squirmed, but there was no use. The four Esthar soldiers had a firm grip on him. He could only watch as two other soldiers carried his little girl away.
"Uncle Laguna! Help me!" Ellone cried desperately. Raine stood in the door, her dark eyes wide with fear as she watched. She wanted to help, but she knew she couldn't do much against the strong soldiers. And lately, she had felt so tired. Tired, and sometimes, she would feel dizzy and nauseous in the mornings. However, she hadn't dared to tell Laguna. She didn't want to worry him.
Suddenly, Kiros rounded the corner and ran straight into the horrible scene. He had been fighting a few Bite Bugs that had made their way into the village when he heard the screams. Immediately understanding what was going on, he attacked one of the soldiers holding Laguna. The Estharians were caught by surprise, and Kiros' sharp knives piercing their skin quickly had them let go of Laguna. Offering a grateful look to his friend, Laguna sprang towards the soldiers holding Ellone while Kiros tried to take care of the four others.
Seeing this could prove to be a problem, one of the soldiers blew in a whistle he had around his neck. The whining sound alerted a group of ten soldiers just outside the village, and quickly, they stormed in to help out.
Laguna had managed to knock out one of the soldiers that had been holding Ellone, but the other was running away, still holding the little girl. Laguna was quick to his feet, following. Behind him, he heard Kiros call out a scream of warning, followed by a dull 'thump'. Looking over his shoulder, Laguna felt the fear well up in him again as he saw Kiros lie lifelessly on the ground, knocked out cold, and eleven soldiers heading in his direction. They were upon him before he knew it, and without his gun, there wasn't much he could do.
Again, Laguna tried to struggle. He cursed as they held him, but was silenced when he received a hard kick in the stomach. As he tried to stand up again, another kick was delivered, and he sank to the ground in a heap.
"Laguna!" Raine yelled out behind him. The soldiers kept kicking him a few times and shoved their weapons into his back, until he lied still, groaning in pain.
Then, the light, terrified voice of Ellone stirred new life and will within him, "Uncle Laguna!" she cried, desperate and frightened beyond words. The young ex-soldier tried to gather back to his feet, "Elle!" he called. A soldier kicked him again, and he fell back down, "Son of a bitch!" Another kick.
"Shut up if you know what's good for you," the soldier growled.
"Uncle Laguna!"
Laguna could hear she was crying. He could feel the metallic taste of blood in his mouth, and his vision was blurred as he looked up, just in time to see the soldier holding Ellone disappear around the corner, out of the village.
"Let her go! Please!" Yet another time, Laguna tried to get up, and yet again, he was forced back down. Coughing, he said in a weak voice, "For God's sake, she's only four years old… She's only a little girl.. Please.." His face hit the dusty ground.
Assured that Laguna wouldn't be able to cause any more trouble, the Esthar soldiers left him. Raine, who had been helping Kiros get back up, quickly ran over to her husband the moment the soldiers were out of sight.
"Laguna… My God, are you okay??" she asked, flopping down on her knees next to him. Shortly behind her, Kiros appeared. Laguna blinked a couple of times, slowly, and with great effort, lifting his head from the ground. Blood was dripping from his nose, "Those bas.. bastards.. they took her… I tried, Raine, I tried…," he whispered. Kiros rubbed the back of his head where a huge bump was located, frowning, "It wasn't your fault, man. They were too many."
Raine lowered her head against Laguna's back and started sobbing. Laguna closed his eyes again and, painfully, rolled over to his side, "I swear… I'll get her back. Raine, you hear me? I'll get her back."
Chapter 5:
"Promise me you'll be careful."
Raine looked deeply into Laguna's eyes, her arms holding him so hard he hardly could breathe. He smiled weakly, kissing her cheek, "I already told you, about five times, that I'll be careful. Relax, honey. You know me. I'm always careful," he winked.
Not impressed by his attempt to be cool, Raine continued, her expression stiff and concerned, "Promise me you'll be back."
"I will come back, and I will bring Ellone with me. I promise," Laguna said quietly, sincerely, his playful smile having disappeared.
"Hey, Laguna. We have to go. We were supposed to meet Ward by the river by sunset, and if we don't leave now, we're not gonna make it in time," Kiros' voice came from the doorway downstairs. Laguna sighed, and with one last, tender kiss to Raine's lips, he left her. 'I promise' he mouthed.
"Coming, Kiros!" Raine watched as Laguna disappeared down the stairs of their house. She walked over to the window and saw her beloved husband and his companion walk out of town. What she didn't know then, was that this was the last time she would ever see him…
"Edea?" the young man called gently as he made his way up the stairs of the old stone building, heading for the door. In his arms, he carefully held a small bundle of soft, light blue sheets.
"Matwon! 'ewe's someon' at de doow!" one of the younger children in the orphanage called. He was about three years old – a bright and happy boy that didn't cause much trouble. Edea regretted that he was to be adopted next week.
"Who is it, Stephen?" came Matron's calm voice from further inside.
"Som' man!" was the immediate reply. The man waited patiently by the entrance, already smiling as Edea appeared. She was holding two children, both less than six months old, one on each arm, "Cid!" she cried as she saw her husband stand there.
"Edea, my love!"
Edea set the two babies, a blonde girl with ice blue eyes, and a blonde-reddish haired boy with blue-green eyes down on the floor, and headed to her husband to hug him. However, Cid stopped her before she could crush the precious little thing he was holding, "Careful, dear… I've got something for you."
"Another one?" Edea peered down at the piece of clothing in Cid's arms, obviously containing something far more unique inside. He nodded, gravely, "As our ship traveled past Galbadia, we stopped in Dollet to buy some extra food. An old woman came to me and asked me if I was Cid Kramer, then gave me this. She told me she had found him in an abandoned house. His parents were probably killed in the war," Cid explained, and handed the baby to his wife.
Edea took the small boy, unwrapping the sheets so she could see his face, "Oh my… he's so little. He can't be much more than a few weeks old," she whispered. The child was indeed small, even small for his age. His hair was a light blonde and his eyes a pale, sea blue with a tint of green.
Cid nodded again, "It's a shame, with all these orphans… Oh, and I hear Stephen is up for adoption?"
"Not so loud," Edea whispered, "He's right behind us. …Yes, he is. So I guess he won't be sent to Garden. But I'm hoping Marion and Peter will be able to. They're soon eight and nine years old, and it's rare people are willing to adopt children that old."
"I suppose so… They're old enough to start training soon, then," Cid hesitated, "Are you sure you want to do this, Edea?" he sounded concerned, "The Garden is soon finished, and if everything goes well, our first SeeDs will be ready in a few years. Are you sure that…"
"Cid, dear. Don't worry. They aren't going to fight me," Edea giggled a little. The man before her frowned and started to say something, but then the baby in her arms started crying, and in another room, they could hear Stephen argue with some other child over a toy. Sighing a little, Edea tried to soothe the baby boy, "Sorry, darling. Work is calling for me. …Oh, and does this kid have a name, or do I have to give him one myself?"
"Hmm. The old woman named him 'Zell', after her own son who died in war. Maybe you should rename him, though."
"Zell… No, Zell is a perfect name for him," Edea decided, as she started walking further into the house, Cid following her, "How long are you able to stay?"
"Just a couple of days. Garden needs me," he replied.
Nodding, Edea didn't get the chance to answer. A loud cry was heard from within the other room.
"Stephen, let go of Seifer's toy!" they heard Marion scold. As the couple stepped inside, they saw Marion trying to drag a teddy bear out of Stephen's hands. Little Seifer was sitting on the floor, crying more out of anger than sadness. Quistis, the baby girl just two months older than Seifer, had started whining as well. Peter was trying to comfort her. In Edea's arms, Zell kept crying. Sighing, Edea and Cid exchanged a look, "Gotta love them."