The Lights of Deling
By Tera
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Part Six- Finding the Fantasy
Rinoa was moving, running very fast through a thicket of the tallest trees. These trees' branches reached out clouded by shades of gray and shooting up past her vision to catch onto her frock, tugging and ripping the baby blue cloth. The forest floor was uneven and the low shrubbery that clung to the ground scarped her bare ankles until the bleed. She hoped the sky overhead was dark so the night's shadows could lapse over one another to create an illusion that nothing was there-- that the two didn't sprint through the woods for their lives. There were few lights to illuminate the journey. Including the stars, the small lantern that accompanied Onna and finally the strangely colored moon that was almost entirely blocked out by the trees.
The girl with the lantern suddenly stopped in her run as all their travel had finally been worth it. Just a paved road lied between them and the capital of Galbadia. From there they could see it as a trouble-free city with tall buildings and lights, not the doomed capital where everything was about to take place. It appeared far off to glow and attract the temporary companions.
The taller girl continued to gaze forward in awe of the city, but more in anger. She was subtly troubled like she didn't know exactly why and tried to hide it with little success. Whatever it was Rinoa could not see the disdain so it could only appear as if she was trying to hide it from only herself or whomever she answered to. Onna heard a sigh from behind her and turned around to be meet with the exhausted Rinoa.
"I hate this city." Rinoa said flatly. Onna nodded along with little conviction, looking exhausted herself. "It's evil …everything about it. The people, the way it feels, I don't like it at all." When she said all of this she seemed to stare past Onna to deliverer her speech directly to the accused city.
"Do you think something is going to happen?" Onna asked fearing the Sorceress' answer.
"I hope not. I don't think Squall could stand it. He's probably already worried sick about me. You or whoever picked the wrong girl to abduct. Who knows what's happened to him now?" She blinked several times in an effort to stay focused, or even awake. Onna gazed at her confused.
"Let's hurry…we need to stop him."
* * * *
Selphie had taken a call from Landon, she had noticed that Squall was gone and she didn't feel good. Landon had called, offering them all invitations to the Opera that he was presenting. Quistis had been very skeptical and suggested that they didn't go, but the reason he had invited them was to secure the place. So for now they were in Deling, standing idly in the backstage of the place. Squall was gone, Rinoa was gone and any organization was gone with them. Quistis had tried her best to lead them, but Seifer had tried even harder to antagonize her, which had made it impossible for her to get anything done. For now their arms were crossed and voices rose. Selphie shook her head at this and vainly grabbed onto the curtain behind her for support while the group continued to bicker.
"Yes, Quistis you know this is a great plan, I'm sure will be able to get Rinoa and Squall back by standing here, mmhmm you sure are doing a wonderful job!" Seifer argued.
Quistis replied with, "It's not as if you are helping any, Seifer!"
Selphie began to grow more lightheaded and her small body grew hotter. Her already dry throat began to burn and her runny nose began to resist her constant attempts to get it under control with the handkerchief. She knew that she must have appeared awful. Bags under her once cheery eyes, sagging cheeks red nose like an old boozer and just overall exhausted look. She staggered back a little, feet taking baby steps, but slowly losing her balance. Irvine's gaze just happened to avert to her-- instead of the argument and he caught the girl before she fell. She would've been worried, but her eyes quickly closed.
Irvine carried Selphie in his arms like a lifeless doll and held her close, protectively. He followed the others down the hall to a room they could safely attend to Selphie. You careless son of a bitch… Irvine muttered to himself. The cowboy couldn't help, but feel bad that he hadn't noticed that she was sick, not at all. It was careless on his part to hold Selphie to the same standards he held for some like Squall or Seifer. They were different; they were soldiers, cold soldiers, something like that. But, Selphie, Selphie was a small, fragile thing that he should watch out for. Now look what those actions had led him to, he thought and stared down at the green-eyed girl laid who laid on the dressing room chase lounge softly wheezing.
"Quistis, Quistis tsk tsk not even noticing that a member of your squad was ill?" Seifer shook his head mockingly, and stood over the girl with the rest of them. Quistis looked absolutely shocked and sighed, as she knew Seifer was right.
"I'm sorry." She replied, gaze fixed to the ground.
"You better be, if I had half a mind I would report you to Garden." He stated still shaking his head.
"Yeah, if you had half a mind that is…" Quistis turned her head to see Zell sitting in the corner, face turned away. What was his problem? She remembered through all of this, Zell had been there. It hadn't appeared that way though, if anything it was like a book, maybe a game and Zell certainly wasn't the star. The laid back young man had seemed like a shadow and Squall and Rinoa the light in the darkest night. But, he still sat there, excluded from everything, and yet right in the middle.
"Zell, what's wrong?" She asked leaving Selphie's side. It would be fine, she noted seeing Irvine hover over the bed fearfully: Zell didn't turn around. Her hand instinctively went for his shoulder and an overwhelming sense of pity came over her. Excluded, and yet right in the middle… She thought. Then she remembered about all the SeeDs and even cadets that had died in the Galbadia and Balamb conflict. The blonde had been right there, they all had been right there and Squall was the hero. Squall was the one that would be remembered, not them. Nobody would risk their lives for them; nobody would give up everything for them? Why Squall, what made him so different? It angered her somehow that she didn't star in the show anymore then Zell did. Really, she was the observer to all this, intervening whenever it was needed and forced to watch them day in and day out. Watch Squall and Rinoa in this game as they sealed there eternal, perfect love, they were meant to be weren't they? That's how the story went. Introverted boy meets free spirited girl who opens him up like that one girl could never do. While cute teeny bop, sensitive cowboy, and emotional guy accompany them on their journey to fill in all the blanks.
"Zell, what's wrong?" She asked again, trying to silence the thoughts.
"I already told you, just now." He responded staring at her curiously, she hadn't heard a word. She had been too caught up thinking about how much Zell was ignored and she had just disregarded him herself.
He laughed and she suddenly laughed with him holding her gloved hand to her mouth and covering the smile that formed on her face. She felt so strange, standing there laughing when Selphie laid unconsciousness, Rinoa kidnapped, Squall missing and an Opera about to begin. What was wrong with her?
"What is going on, trying to seduce your students again, Miss Trepe?" Seifer asked turning his stare from Selphie to Quistis and Zell.
She got up quickly coming to her senses, she thought and fetched a towel for Selphie.
* * * *
Squall had positioned the Ragnarok by Deling. He had not gotten far when he had received a call from Xu who had picked up, happy and relieved to hear his voice and he assumed that he heard Nida's voice as well in the background. He asked for Quistis after a few more questions and vague answers. Xu said they were on their way to Deling by train and he could meet them there. Her main concern however was his current state of health and she demanded that he return to Garden-- such a reckless man was not fit to command a mission as dangerous as the one they would be going on. Cid had explained this to her and instructed her to inform Squall when she got a hold of, but it was most likely that Cid was also taking orders from somebody higher up.
It was a web, a web of deceit and tyranny of fluctuating powers that could collapse, and would collapse eventually, so it was Squall's job to enforce this power SeeD, while it lasted. Squall wanted to ask what the big danger was, but Xu continued on giving him instructions and lecturing him on his behavior. She firmly insisted that this would be THE last time Garden would tolerate his actions of going out of the code unsupervised, it just wasn't done. And he was genuinely sorry; in fact as he looked back at his actions they were extremely out of character. Squall would never take the Ragnarok without thinking to go find the girl on his own.
What's happening to me?
Squall relaxed with a deep sigh, hoping that if he just got her back everything would be fine again. He had lost his head for a second, but who wouldn't in his situation? Who wouldn't feel distrait and overwhelmed-- concerned that someone you cared for might be in trouble? He had calmed down now, realized that he could get this done, he would simply have to relax a little. Go to Deling, find her and come home to another celebration under the moon, another embrace under a shooting star and that tranquil feeling he always developed in her presence. It was all very straightforward. Yes, something could go wrong, nothing ever went as smoothly as you planned, but this hero would save the world once again and his lady-- all in one night.
He gathered his supplies, carefully putting the glowing gunblade into its sheath, checking over his index of spells; just being cautious. His mind worked out the details of the mission as he entered the city, going past the familiar car rental dealership and finally trying to make his way under the odd moon to get to the presidential residence. He spotted a white Limousine that carefully passed him, following the circular drive to the arch that guarded the residence. An attendant stood watchfully, arm leaning against the brick and eyes red shoot. The man waved in the prestigious car and Squall hastily followed while the man was too engrossed spying over the next car that followed. Squall sprinted for the nearest cover, a bush and watched the door intensely searching for some opportunity and literally jumped when he felt something gently touch his shoulder.
"Squall…" Ellone whispered. Her voice was lost in the crickets and sounds from the party inside and he struggled to hear her soft voice. "Is that you?" She asked recognizing him even in the shadows.
"It's me." He assured the shivering girl.
"Great! You can accompany Uncle Laguna and I. We are here to see something called, "The Promise." I hope you like Opera, please do join us." He nodded reluctantly, the thought of sharing an evening with Laguna wasn't his idea of fun, but Ellone would be there and he needed away to get in.
"Good, just follow me."
* * * *
A plan.
The idea swelled in his head, a plan was mapped out completely. It was too easy almost like all these people, these bag of bones who continued on with their futile, boring, pointless and pathetic lives had called him here demanding he take advantage of them. Cid had asked him to go under cover for a small resistance group, Landon had asked him to kill Artemis, the resistance group had wanted to kill both of them and NORG had asked him to aid the group. That meant he had been loyal to four groups at one time, and had been able to pull all this off coming out like a hero, but really taking advantage of them all. He hadn't seen this at first; he had been blind then, worrying about what would happen at that moment and that moment alone, without direction.
Charm was one of those people, the type that would always rule the weak, always steel from the poor, and have no loyalties no friends to hold him back. He could survive on his own and he liked it that way. People could betray you, they could slit your throat while you slept or murder you in a crowded mob of people in front of a young girl's eyes… Some might interpret this as dirty or untrusting and perhaps it was, but you didn't see Charm lying six feet under. He smiled; grinning happily as he could recall everyone he had betrayed or taken advantage of. Every smile, every move he had made-- calculated.
Then came a magical word, Centra it floated from his lips like the leaves from the trees in autumn. "His" people had already infiltrated the whole thing and stood watchfully as more delegates shuffled in. He spotted Landon in the crowd, shaking hands kissing babies whatever it took. The older man stopped for a moment and his head nodded subtly. Another blind man… Charm commented to himself. Landon was seen to be talking to a familiar man with black hair, pulled back in a simple ponytail, streaks of gray weave through showing his age to be much older then his appearance for the most part. He wore a tuxedo, but looked extraordinary out of place, someone you might find in Winhill or something. Perhaps a farmer, a smiling man who sat back, lazily under the shinning sun and drank lemonade, carefree and laid back, or perhaps the President of Esthar? Yes now Charm remembered the face. Loire, the man Landon had talked about that one time. He sighed as he thought that more then one fool wanted to take over the world tonight. But, not more then a few feet away from the two aged men was a girl and a boy. They could've easily passed as Laguna's progeny, but the boy could also pass as the Commander of Garden. Oh shit, he commented to himself. He quickly hastened his pace to hide behind a pack of elitist who currently discussed the rumors of the town freely.
"Oh, Reynolds, have you not heard the rumors?" The young woman sighed; her slender arm came down in an exaggerated motion. Her short, blue dress hugged her tight, and her long, chestnut hair was up tight, bound in spiral that bounced when she walked.
Reynolds replied with, "Claudia, why must anyone keep up with those dreadful things you cannot believe a single word you hear from them. What is it this time? Is General Caraway planning to marry Rachel because she happens to be so similar to his late, Julia?" Reynolds was an older man in his late fifties and "Claudia" appeared to be his younger date. Claudia let out a light chuckle, and contained her contrived laugh with a well-placed hand over her ruby lips.
"No, no dear, I doubt that shall be happening anytime soon as long as Landon is around." She paused for a second and scanned the room unnoticeably, and then turning to Reynolds again, "I've heard that the sorceress is here."
"Really?" Charm intervened suddenly. He smiled at the young women who appeared with a look of appall, as if she thought she had been violated in some unwritten way.
"Excuse me!" She retorted condescendingly.
"Excuse us, for a moment," he said to the older man who nodded. He took "Claudia" by her hand and whispered something into her ear, "follow me." The girl's gray eyes widened and she looked quite frustrated now. The appealing smile was wiped from her face and replaced with a convincing scowl as Charm dragged her to a more secluded corner of the room. She continued to keep glancing back in a desperate cry for help, but no one gave her a second look, not even Reynolds who had gone to the men's room. Once in this selected spot he let go and in response to this she smiled at him longingly.
"Oh Come on it didn't even look like you were having fun." He commented glancing at the watch on his wrist.
"Well I never!" She said regretfully.
"You never what? Cut the bull shit Onna nobody is even looking." She sighed and shook her head; the truth was she had liked the dream that she was really a fair Aires who was here to enjoy an evening at the opera. Instead she was a petty terrorist, nothing in the scheme of things and couldn't trust a thing, or any person even the man she loved that stood before her. Fate was so cruel; she thought and attempted to fix her hair. "And what was that talk of the sorceress I heard?" he added
"…Sorry." She tried to explain, but turned away sheepishly.
"Shhh, the commander is here, I saw him with Loire. Besides who cares if one, two a thousand dies? Who cares about any of their lives, what about you, you told me what they did. They deserve it they don't deserve to live in all this while we suffer. You know better then that, or at least I thought you did."
She shook her head vigorously, "I do."
"Good, that's my Onna. Now did you bring the girl?" Laughter could be heard through Charm's head as the girl stood there, eyes dreaming and a smile on her face. A troubled smile he could tell, but still she would do anything for him and that made him feel better.
* * * *
Rinoa was in a crowded room. Bodies covered in the latest, exclusive styles lined the walls with various alcohol beverages in hand. They gabbed, gossiped, shook hands and kissed in a less then enthusiastic way. She sat on a padded bench, legs crossed tightly together in the back of the room or at least far from the entrance. Her cheeks couldn't help, but arch up at the thought of a boy she would soon return to and it was the only thing that kept her going. Finally, this nightmare would be over; there would be no more Charm to stare at her so transfixed, no more fear-- just Squall. It was beautiful really; the two would be reunited at an opera, her first opera with Squall, how romantic she thought. She pictured it clearly in her head; she had been picturing it for a while as little girls' dream of Princes on white horses there to carry them far away. To her that moment that embrace was just one step away from becoming a reality. Yes, dreams were a lovely thing, perhaps just a pause in your day to think about a possibility, and then becoming a sweet moment and soon a whole day of just dreaming…
Who is that?
A man in a trench coat stood far away. His arms tucked into the pockets sternly; though he only appeared to be holding his breath because she could clearly see his chest heave in a tired way. From the distance the man slumped in his posture and she was sure if she were closer she would see red eyes on a pale face. His hair tucked back behind his ears a single strand of black hair fell over his face. Medals for missions of leaving his family for long periods of time adorned the black trench coat. His gray hair could also be distinguished against all the black as well as wrinkles. So it had seemed that everyone was here, including the man she knew as her father, General Caraway. Everything had begun with that man, and wouldn't it be funny if everything ended with that man?
She didn't have much time to think as the ushers begun to guide the crowds in through the many sets of double doors and stairs Onna soon joined her.
* * * *
Quistis stepped out of the way of the two men carrying the prop. She was almost hit by the faux wall and the workman didn't even flinch. Selphie was better; lying on the lounge comfortably while Irvine guiltily attended to her. The Doorman had reported that Squall had accompanied Laguna and Ellone during the last arrivals, which she hadn't been able to over see, including Charm who was to meet them here with Onna who had Rinoa safely smuggled out of danger. Everything was running smoothly and Landon even stooped by to thank her for her hard work, she smiled despite herself. So now with everything fixed in place, the crowd in their seats and the doors guarded securely by Galbadia, Esthar and their fellow SeeDs, nothing could go wrong. It was time to relax she told herself as Landon made his way out onto the stage to the microphone.
"My humblest apologies to each and everyone of you tonight," he spoke. "We have been faced with few bumps in the road as well as some unfortunate tragedies. In fact, if it is not too much ladies and gentlemen I ask that we take a moment of silence for General Lewis who's current condition is weakening and that our prayers go out to him this evening along with his wife." He paused and the audience along with himself bowed their heads for a moment. "Thank you, that was beautiful. With that said and done I invite you to take a trip into-" He paused for a moment, thinking about something with his temple wrinkled and then took a deep breath. "To another world, really."
* * * *
Rinoa sat uncomfortably in the velvet, red seat. Something inside of her told her to look for Squall now and not to wait. Onna smiled reassuring at her, almost as if to read her thoughts, but Rinoa wanted to explore. The theater was dark now so perhaps when the girl wasn't looking Rinoa could sneak off to find Squall or anyone she trusted.
"Umm, I have to go to the bathroom." Rinoa said grinning.
"But, it's just staring you don't want to miss it do you?"
"That's okay I think I've seen it before." Rinoa explained squinting in the dark.
"Well I think they already closed the doors and they're very rude about opening them up, you know." She persisted.
"I'll be fine, in fact maybe I'll go behind the stage." She tried to get up, but Onna grabbed her hand.
"You can't do that though they won't allow it."
"Look I really have to go I'll be fine, just let go of me." She demanded.
"Okay, okay I was just looking out for you…Charm might be here." Rinoa looked alarm at the mentioning of his name and sat back down.
"Excuse me ladies, you'll have to be quiet during the performance or be escorted out." Onna's already tensed position suddenly grew worse at the sound of the voice. She could've shaken right there and her eyes almost bulged. Charm was dressed as one of theater workers, hat almost drawn completely over his eyes and a long scarlet trench coat buttoned up to his collar. She could only tell by that voice.
"I'm sorry, it's my fault I'm just looking for the ladies room," Rinoa cut in suddenly. Charm gave a slight nod to Onna who returned the thought.
"Oh, then by all means let me show you were they are, it would be my pleasure." Rinoa nodded her head yes and Charm took her hand. "Just follow me Madame and we will get there in no time." They left the auditorium and returned to the large lounge.
"Thanks, you're a life saver." He laughed at this and she noted that he still held onto her hand.
"So, what is a pretty young thing like you here without a date?" The questioned stopped her and the man turned around with a light smile on his face.
"What do you mean by that?" She asked, her eyes narrowing.
"Nothing, nothing at all I was just curious. You know you have the most loveliest eyes," he said staring into her eyes still smiling.
"Have we met before your voice sounds familiar?" Rinoa had tried to get a head of the man, but he continued on dragging her hand with him until they approached a tall door.
"I don't believe we've ever met…" Charm turned around taking off his hat.
* * * *
Like a puppet on the end of her strings, Onna had run her fastest down the aisle on the left side, following the blood red carpet down almost to the orchestra pit. She followed those orders like that puppet and happily she did so even if he had given her that look. His beautiful face had smiled for that princess, brightened up for her in the middle of everything. Onna loved Charm and he loved Rinoa, and Rinoa loved Squall-- that was his name, right? She didn't want to care anymore, about anything about a cause about some man or even a Sorceress and yet she had run like the puppet she was. She had seen the boy with the furrowed brow in that seat, talked to him and coaxed him to follow her to meet up with his true love. Also, a man named Seifer had volunteered to accompany them. So instead of one man's death on her hands another one followed him through the lobby.
"So…how much is Charm paying you for all this?" Seifer asked the girl.
"If you would stop doubting my intentions maybe we could hurry before he kills her." Onna retorted walking quickly to the tall door.
"Seifer, she knows what she's doing." Squall explained his disposition lighter then usual, as if he really believed her.
"I'm just saying that it's possible, not like you would care either way though." Seifer walked past Squall who sighed. "Hmm, though I really wonder what his plan is. Let's see here puberty boy, he has a house full of delegates from around the world, a sorceress and what else?"
"I would like to know as much as you…" Onna said to the ground.
"Sure you would girly," he said his hand clasped tightly around hers, preventing her from turning the shiny door knob.
"Seifer." Squall intervened.
"What? You want her back? This is Bull Shit, why the hell should we trust her?" He explained.
"Excuse me, but even if this is a trap what other choice do you have? This is the point of no return." Onna pushed Seifer away and opened the door into darkness.
* * * *
"Did you ever have a dream? Or maybe it was something less than that, like a feeling or longing… No, you don't know what I'm saying do you?" Charm asked strutting around the chamber with a beaming grin. Lips curled up in delight, you could see the crinkles around his face as his eyes lit up in excitement. It scared her.
"What am I suppose to be afraid?" She asked staring into his eyes. The place was like a dungeon, cold, light with lanterns and made of stone. Obviously used for some sort of shelter or stronghold. She saw doors to other places and cringed and thoughts of what might be down there.
"Oh be very afraid, who knows this whole building could just go BOOM." He laughed and continued to tinker with some control panel while she just stood there.
"Is that your plan? Not very original, I would've expected more out of a SeeD…" Rinoa tried to remain calm, but she could've cried right there. She knew whatever his plan was it involved her unfortunately.
"A SeeD, I'm not a SeeD. Never a part of that filth. I can't wait until they arrive I have the best surprise for them-- and you." He continued to be occupied by the gadget and didn't pay much attention to her.
"Hmm what was I saying…Oh yes dreams. Dreams are a wonderful thing, even more so when they come true. And if you had the power you would make yours come true. Rinoa, you have that power and I'm going to use it." He smiled at her like a child would to their favorite toy. She started to try to pull off the Odine's bangle more forcefully, trying her hardest to unclip or pull the thing off of her pale arm, but nothing worked and she began to feel more helpless.
* * * *
"I told you we're almost there." Onna explained holding the lantern. The narrow corridors were dark and smelled of sewer. The lantern tried to illuminate the smooth walls, but only weakly reflected off the walls a few feet ahead of her shivering body. It was cold and trudging in the ankle deep water probably did not help anything, she noted.
"Are you cold?" Squall asked from behind. She stopped a second and stared at him as if he had said something completely unexpected. His simple concern was different, foreign to her and she couldn't help from smiling. He had noticed her… What was she to do now?
"Hey! What's the hold up?" Seifer commented frowning at the stop.
"She's cold." Squall stated pointing to Onna.
"So what?" Seifer asked staring at Onna.
"Here," Squall exchanged the lantern for his jacket. She blushed and put the black leather on, draping it onto her shoulders sheepishly. Seifer laughed.
"What's so funny?" Squall asked.
"Nothing, nothing at all Senor Pussy Pants." Seifer said continuing to snicker.
* * * *
Zell began to squirm in his seat. He had never been one for Opera and not understanding a word of it didn't help any. He was just happy that everything was working out-- only moments ago he had seen Squall who was going with Onna (the girl that had rescued Rinoa from Centra) and Seifer who didn't trust anyone to get Rinoa.
Personally, he always liked Rinoa; she was so nice and thoughtful in his opinion. Such an opposite to Squall, but even he had to admit that in a way they complimented each other and had to meet somewhere in the middle. That was the beauty of it all as how gentle and light she was to Squall's darkness and sometimes irritability. He laughed remembering the fights they had gotten into and how happy he was when Rinoa stood up for him as well as seriously embarrassing him in her sweet way. He wished them the best and for them he didn't mind not being in the spotlight, he was just happy to be included in something. And he knew that all this had to make his Grandfather proud.
He rubbed his face and eyes in an effort to stay awake and breathed a few heavy breaths just waiting for the music to end so he could get out of there and be with his friends. Something tapped him on the shoulder and he looked up to see Quistis with an alarmed look on her face. Her temples wrinkled and gloved hands carrying something tightly, a manila folder.
"What's that?" Zell asked curiously. On one hand he was relived to be pulled away from the opera that he was expected to follow, but then again what could it possibly hold?
"The second team of SeeDs reported some activity in the dungeon, something's down there and it's making noise. One member reported a sound similar to human voices. I've already assembled the group minus Selphie and I don't know if Irvine can go…" She said shaking her head and showing Zell the contents of the file.
Something's down there…
The thought made him cringe along with the opera, which reached an unprecedented pitch. He handed the folder back to Quistis, "So what's the plan?"
* * * *
"I here footsteps," she said thoughtfully.
"Of course you do, the guests are coming, Rinoa." Charm responded with his same casual attitude. He was happy, no matter what this moment had made him happy, so happy that even her frown couldn't bring him down.
"Onna will almost be here, with that boy, what was his name again…?" He said looking away to the direction of where the steps could be heard.
"But Onna-- This was all a trick." She said desolately. "And when he tries to save me, you'll get him and then nothing can stop you. You'll kill him and you'll kill me too." She didn't want to be strong; she wouldn't remain calm and composed. The final trick had been played; the cat had caught the small mouse. Rinoa's eyes grew weary and she closed them. She wouldn't cry in front of him, she had to be strong even when he approached her.
He took his hand and raised her chin up to his eye level. Then he leaned in so close he could feel the heat from his body, his mouth only inches from her face, finally he whispered, "I would never kill an angel." She pushed him away as hard as her petite frame would allow and he frowned.
"Don't touch me, don't ever touch me again!" She yelled. Rinoa wiped away the tears that built up in her eyes.
"You don't have to like it, but you will learn. You will have to learn." Charm said with a sneer. He sighed and quickly returned to configuring the settings on the panel while a noise could be heard that grew closer. The man sat down on the chair where Rinoa carefully tried to approach him from the back.
"So… What will you do with him? Just kill him like that, or something more I mean this is the Squall Leonhart." Her eyes rolled to the ground and her arms remained behind her back.
He turned his head, "The Squall Leonhart, eh?" The man lauged at the remark he found absurd. "Perhaps, I'll rip out his heart, right there and then. Or maybe just shoot him. Why, what do you think I should do, Rinoa?" She crept closer and put her hands on his shoulders, massaging them gently.
"He's not just anyone. He's special, you know. I noticed him the first time I met him, at the ball. He stood out even in the SeeD uniform of his." She said smiling remembering the memory so fondly when one shooting star past over their heads and their eyes met. It was something written in fairy tales and dreamed about by mortals trying to escape their dreary lives. Perhaps even now he would save her she just had to…
"They will forget about him soon enough when he is dead-" Swiftly Rinoa took the chain she had found and put it around Charm's neck. "You little bitch!" He yelled yanking the chain away from her. He pushed her back with such great force that her small frame was thrown onto the cement floor. Charm tossed the chain onto the ground and his face became more enraged, eyes squinting, brow creased and face red. "Fine, you want to get tough," he lifted her up by her arm and took her to the chair where he bound her hands behind the back of the chair.
* * * *
Squall, Seifer and Onna approached a corner. The girl stopped, putting her arm against the wall and slightly bending her knees. Seifer sighed at this and frowned at the girl. He didn't trust her. In fact, as he thought about it more he trusted Squall more then he trusted her. The same insolent rival whom had scarred him, but at least he was reliable. Or perhaps it came out that she was nothing more then a traitor, she had betrayed Charm, as evil as he was so what stopped someone like that from doing it again? He could've laughed at this because he knew that was what everyone thought of him ironically enough.
The corner, what was around that corner?
Seifer Almasy turned to his rival for help, but the boys face was fixed on Onna who drew in deep breaths as if she were preparing for something.
"So Senor Pussy Pants, ready to go home yet?" He asked trying to get Squall's attention. Squall continued to ignore him, the back of his leather jacket that Onna had returned still staring at Seifer. "Yo Squall, hello?"
"Okay, Zell." Squall retorted turning around.
"At least I got your attention I guess that's why Chicken-Wuss says that all the time?" He shrugged his shoulders, but tried to focus more on having a serious conversation with Squall, which was almost impossible. Seifer was fun, he was never so serious and Squall's solemn demeanor was amusing; he could never take a joke.
"What is it?" Squall asked apathetically. Seifer raised an eyebrow and started to walk away, expecting Squall to follow-- he didn't.
"Where are you going? We just came from there." Onna stated looking up.
"None of your business." Seifer said, Squall got up and followed him until they were out of Onna's vision.
"I don't trust her." Seifer said, trying to keep his voice low.
"What do you mean?" Squall asked half curious. He knew that he might be over looking something, that a part of him wanted to believe everything would work out and he could trust everything. In his eyes he saw Rinoa waiting for him around the corner, a near by embrace and kiss and that was it.
"She's leading us down to nowhere, completely defenseless. Look, I know Charm." Seifer glanced past Squall trying to keep his stare carefully fixated on Onna.
"I'm getting her back-- with or without you. Do you know what she's had to go through?" Squall said and for a moment the poker face was dropped and Seifer could see everything. He's really upset… Seifer nodded remorsefully and followed Squall around the corner.
Onna stood patiently as Squall and Seifer walked past her. She sighed a regretful sigh and almost pitied the men. Yes, she would be responsible for their deaths and even now she still suffered from that sickening feeling at the bottom of her stomach. Dirty. She wouldn't be the one to take their lives-- hopefully.
No, Charm please. Don't make me, I've done everything you asked of me, no second-guesses. Just not this, I brought them here.
She stared at the ground searching for peace, knowing that she was about to walk into the middle of a storm.
* * * *
A Sorceress bound in a chair, a man tinkering with controls, two men shocked beyond belief and an Orphan about to cry as she readied her Crossbow. The man put the panel down and looked up with a beaming smile, radiating with poise, confidence and insanity. The men quickly turned their heads in the direction in which they came to see a Crossbow. The Sorceress had tears streaming down her face and even in her helpless appearance still formed a hopeful smile.
"Squall!" She yelled in surprise.
"Honey, would you like to greet the guests?" Charm asked turning to Rinoa mockingly.
"Let her go." Squall spoke calmly, his gazed fixed on Rinoa who wasn't more then six feet away from him.
"Oh and your in such a great position to demand that!" Charm laughed at this and then regained his composure. "Meet the lovely Onna, tour guide, friend, did I mention terrorist?" The two men's glances turned around quickly to be greeted by Onna's Crossbow held poised in their direction.
"Shit, I knew it! Dammit, Squall what did I say!" Seifer shouted at Squall whose happiness sank into a bitter scowl.
"You knew this was a trap?" Rinoa asked from behind enemy's lines.
"And that's not the best part! Perhaps you've also overlooked the fact that I have a 2,000 pounds of explosives hooked up to the cellar of this grand old place. They could go off now, but I figured that I would at least kill THE Squall Leonhart first. I mean what's a world without a hero? Don't forget about the lovely sorceress here, oh I have plans for her. Join me or die, simple as that! Now, does anybody have any questions?"
"Yeah when does the evil, I'm-going-to-take-over-the-world-music start blaring in the background?" Seifer asked sarcastically.
Charm narrowed his eyes, "Onna, please assist me." Onna walked forward until the Crossbow was right against Seifer's throat. Squall unsheathed his Gunblade and held it level.
"No matter, she's disposable. But, our little Sorceress friend isn't, is she?" Charm pulled Rinoa forcefully out of the chair, undoing her wrists and shoving her into his grip where he held her with his left arm. In his right he held a loaded pistol pressed against her head. She remained still and her heart raced.
"Rinoa!" Squall yelled running, Charm shook the gun contemptuously, and Squall backed up.
"Here's the deal, Rinoa gets to chose. Just a simple choice of the Grasshopper and the Scorpion… Grasshopper, I blow everything up there with them. Scorpion, I let them all live, but you and I will live to rule over the new Centra. Get back what they rightfully deserve and do away with all the corruption that lives up there. What will it be Sorceress, live your life with me or send them to their graves?" Charm asked shaking the girl. Her eyes became increasingly puffy and water coursed down her red face. Squall reached his arm out pathetically.
"…Just go with him." Onna said looking down.
"Rinoa, you have to, I'll be okay." Squall said his face equally red and hair out of place. He looked depressed, literally as if someone had sucked everything from him and he just slumped there trying to control it, but for once in his life he couldn't control anything. Rinoa's breathing became heavier and Charm wiped her tears with his hand, trying to calm her down.
"I said, don't touch me." She whispered. Charm squeezed her gently, "Shhhh it will be alright, my angel. I just can't do this." He threw her to the side in a quick motion and just as Squall went to come to her side with a shaky hand Charm pulled the trigger of the black 38 semi-automatic right into Squall's chest. The blood began to soak into his clothes and then the scarlet dripped onto the cold gray floor. Squall pressed hard against the wound, trying to suppress the crimson that flowed effortlessly from his body. He staggered and Rinoa wrapped her arms around him trying to gently help him down. She cradled his body in her hands and time seemed to stop for a moment as he wiped away her tears with his familiar gloves and brushed her hair from her face.
"You won't be okay, will you?" She asked staring into his eyes. They appeared oddly blue, more so then usual and stood out strongly on his pale face along with the scar across his nose. "Well say something dammit!"
"It was worth it." He muttered, more unconscious. His eyes suddenly shut in a peaceful way like he was sound asleep.
"Squall, Squall, don't leave me, please don't go don't go…" She shook him gently and rocked his body like a mother would to her child, looking for any response.
Seifer tried to rush over to them, but Onna pointed the Crossbow closely in her shaking hands. He didn't care though and brushed it away forcefully. "Get the fuck away from me, Bitch." He said to her his voice low and harsh. She stood back and started crying herself.
Charm began to laugh as Seifer and Rinoa tried to waken up the unconscious Squall. It sounded horrible, like he was choking and it continued. "Oh no, is he dead? Well we didn't want that did we?"
"You asshole, you low, cowardly fucking asshole!" Seifer screamed at the man. He felt like he could rip out his throat with his bare hands and laugh a little himself.
"Now Sorceress I do believe there is only one choice." He bent over, gently lifting her cheek staring lovingly into her red face. She shook her head losing his grip and slapped him as hard as she could, he cowered back holding his cheek and rubbing it. He picked up the control panel and held it high into the air. "Do you see what I can do, I can kill them all. All of your friends, gone in a flash turned to rumble along with all the leaders of the world. Then I can take over I can be free ruling everything and happy. Don't you at least want to live?" Rinoa still held Squall's body rocking it back and forth, Seifer stood over her shoulder with his head bowed. "Well do you!?"
"You're the lowliest of them all, Charm." Seifer said shaking his head.
"Why thank you Sorceress' Knight, I'll be sure to improve on that. But, for now she has a decision."
"What decision? You killed him and now you expect that I will go with you? You sick bastard, how dare you!" Rinoa stood up; the frock she wore now covered with blood along with already being ripped and her hair a mess.
"Get away from him!" Charm demanded of the girl. He walked over swiftly and pushed Seifer over who gave him a look of contempt, but still couldn't do anything with Onna behind him. "Stand up!" She stood crying, hands over her face because she didn't want to see his face, but he pulled them away. "He's dead, you can't love him!" He demanded and kicked the body. "You have to love me!" Suddenly he grabbed the weeping girl tightly and kissed her forcefully on the lips, clumsily as she attempted to heave away from his embrace.
"Rinoa…"
Blood on her hands became stained on Charm, but he didn't care. When she finally broke away his only thought was how much he deserved her. Her innocence would belong to him, those brown eyes, the legs the porcelain skin and that smile, those powers…his. Charm wanted it all so badly, he would be dedicated to her, he could protect her just as well and give her everything. So then, didn't he deserve her?
"Stop it!" Onna screamed. The three turned around to see her raise the Crossbow. "Stop it, stop all of this!" She commanded. "You're going to kill her!" Onna's face just like the others in the room had a full flushed face and appeared to be in agony. Her eyebrows rose in alarm, her body quivering as she spoke the words. Charm looked onto her with all the hate he had ever felt, pure disgust as if she had committed the ultimate betrayal. She cared for him so much; she just wanted the best for him right?
* * * *
"Zell!" Quistis shouted to get his attention. She stood there like brittle stone, reflecting a well-prepared stiff exterior that was still fragile under pressure. Her nerves had been rubbed the wrong way, it was late there was lack of sleep or any rest and food to go along with a stressful atmosphere. She had thought she could handle everything, just like she did before when she was an instructor, but nothing to seemed to be working out.
Just like you could handle Seifer…
It was so easy to make the past out into whatever you pleased; people twisted it all the time to make them feel better about the present. Politicians did it to reflect their careers in a different light and Quistis did it now for comfort. And it was just as easy for her to claim that she was invincible as she often tried to say to herself and reflect in the past. She thought about it sometimes as if you could try hard enough and after so many times you she said she was invincible she could become it or at least not feel so weak. For now she was like an ordinary human being, her legs ached her hair was out of place and her body felt faint without food.
"Hey, you sure we're goin' the right way?" Zell asked studying the map in his gloved hands. Quistis walked over to examine his suspicion and could've laughed at the confused boy.
"Zell, you're holding the map upside down." His arms went up in an exaggerated way, not unusual for Zell, but were raised high in the air almost as if he was giving up to someone.
"Don't worry about it, everyone makes mistakes. I think it's just around the corner." Once again calm Quistis took over. He handed the map to her, still upside down. She folded it up and tucked it under her shoulder.
"I just want everything back to normal," Zell said unusually depressed. He sounded so young then to her, just a boy wanting his best friends back. And she realized something; SeeD's or not her students had still been children trying to handle all this, she had still been a child.
"Me too, Zell." She said as they rounded the corner of the dark passageways. Zell carefully trudged through the ice, shallow water to follow Quistis. He tried to smile, but the smell and the darkness continued to dampen his spirit.
* * * *
"I can't take this anymore, please, please I beg of you…" Onna tried to stand tall with the weapon pointed high, but it everything about it felt completely wrong.
Look at his eyes, those sweet-honest eyes filled with hate for you.
It was true Charm was shocked, frozen in his stance with Seifer standing protectively over Rinoa who was a mess of hair, blood and blue. But, Onna was resilient.
"Oh come on Onna, don't do this, we've worked so hard and you're just going to throw it all away? What about are dream? What about what they did to you, orphaning you so young all you've been through? What about me?" Charm coaxed as he calmly walked forward. He took nothing more then baby steps trying to gracefully walk over and disarm the girl.
"No! Your dream, this is not mine this is a nightmare. I was dragged into a nightmare when I first met you. You're eyes, the way you walked, so commanding so powerful. I wanted to be a part of that power; I wanted to feel in control so badly I wanted love so badly, for it to complete me and rid me of the emptiness I felt inside. But, this is wrong. All of this and I won't let you kill her!" Onna shouted with tears running down her red cheeks. She couldn't wipe them without lowering her defenses so they continued to stream down her face not unlike Rinoa. Charm was just within arm reach and stopped just as the Crossbow was head steadily against his torso.
"Poor, poor, Onna." He said gently whispering. Charm pulled her hair back so it was out her eyes and wiped the tears away like he had done with Rinoa. Only this time the girl embraced it with open arms and felt her defenses weakening. "You should've told me how you felt, Onna. What if I love you too…?" The manipulative Charm pushed the Crossbow aside and placed his arms around the shaking girl.
"But, what if I don't love you…" Her lips muttered as they kissed his cheek. She fired the weapon with unstable hands and it went with ease into his flank. And then she realized what she did and grabbed onto the man with any strength she had left to realize what the fallen Charm had pushed. A bright red button flashed to say the bomb was armed. She slowly laid him down, his eyes wide with pain and disbelief and he grabbed onto her arm pathetically.
"Squall!" Quistis shouted suddenly from afar and Zell quickly followed. They ran to Seifer and Rinoa who stood over Squall, Quistis looked on hysterically, but Seifer only pointed to Onna and Charm.
"There's a bomb." Seifer said calmly. Quistis' gaze shifted over to Onna who just nodded.
"We have to get out of here then, come on help me with his body," Quistis said taking charge. She knew he was dead, he had to be and it felt so odd to handle everything detached like she would, but if she didn't how would she be able to take another step? Zell just stared at her, and Seifer tried to talk to Rinoa who just sat there silently.
"You have to hurry, I think it says only thirty-eight minutes." Onna said with Charm still holding onto her tightly.
"What about you?" Seifer asked with Rinoa buried into his shoulder.
"I'm going to try and disarm it, or at least give you more time. Just go I-- I'll be fine." She said cracking a weak smile.
"But what if you die?" Zell asked innocently.
"Just go." From the look on her face no one dare questioned her further. Seifer and Zell grabbed onto Squall's body and began to carry him and Seifer smiled as he thought he could sense a weak pulse. Quistis coaxed Rinoa along who just walked like the undead.
* * * *
"You know you're going to die," Charm whispered to Onna seeing them leave. He gasped for breath and was becoming weaker by the moment and his body weighed her down considerably.
"Anything for you, love." She said into his red eyes. Charm attempted to laugh at this, but instead coughed up blood onto his chapped lips. He struggled to sit up, arms reaching back to the frigid ground and for a moment he got his torso up, but quickly fell down to Onna's lap where she carefully petted his hair lovingly. Onna knew he wasn't perfect, far from it in fact, but it's what she deserved. He had done so much, used her, but if she had been as useless as she thought she was all this time he would not have used her. None of this would have been possible without her, so in some twisted way he had needed her like the thick air she ingested heavily. This monster that she stood by all this time was as close as she had come to love and she wouldn't give it up so easily.
"I used you so much, I took advantage of you and yet you still stand by me? What kind of person are you to do this when you thought nothing will change, love?" Charm asked the girl. She smiled at him staring to those dark eyes and for now he was here, he could not run away from her.
"Shhh… Don't try to think about what you could not possibly comprehend. Save your strength, Charm." Her voice sounded so different to him, it was relaxed and soothing not scared and timid. Everything was comfortable and peaceful and he was so tired that maybe he would fall asleep in her arms. The one girl that had cared for him and loved him, if only he had more time to discover if he could love her.
"What a couple we are, two sinners about to die who find love in this Nightmare." He smiled back at her and she continued to stroke his hair while he held her hand. Words were what he had used to manipulate and betray, so for once perhaps silence would mean more then what any words could say.
FIN
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Author's Note: The Epilogue will be around soon to explain what exactly happens later on all the details. For now this is pretty much the end that's taken me forever.