Chapter two-Hello to an old friend
Quistis walked down the sunny streets of Balamb, and enjoyed the feeling of calmness the quiet fishing town gave her. She wondered how everyone was doing, and if they noticed her gone. She walked to the ITEM shop near the train station and thought she saw a girl with dark hair and a blue dress. Rinoa? She dismissed the thought and decided to return to Garden quickly.
Xu's voice on the announcer awoke Squall from his nightmare.
"Squall Leonheart, Quistis Trepe, Selphie Tillmit, and Irvine Kinneas, please report immediately." She was probably wondering happened to them. Squall made his way to the bridge and wondered were Rinoa had run off to. Everything came back to him, Headmaster Cid's death, Quistis strange behavior, she must miss Cid a lot. As he approached the elevator he heard a loud noise, and turned around. He didn't know whether to be shocked or surprised, there was his old rival Seifer. Fujin and Rajin were also present to make up the disciplinary committee. Seifer was talking to a disgruntled Zell which he could hear yelling as he approached the two.
"What are you doing here you BASTARD! Traitors aren't welcomed here!" Zell screamed as he punched thin air. Squall hastened his pace afraid of what Seifer might do to Zell.
"Zell, calm down. Let me handle this," Squall said.
"Well isn't my old rival, Squall! Have you missed me? I see Chicken-Wuss has but what about Puberty Boy, how's Rinoa?" Seifer said confidently.
"Seifer, back off I wouldn't regret killing you," Squall said calmly. Squall was already having one of those days and then Seifer had to show up at the blue.
"I just heard our Chicken-Shit headmaster died and thought I'd pay my respects," Seifer said with a smile. Seifer's reasons were simple he missed Garden. The only thing blocking his return was his ego and pride. He would never let Squall get him in, he could never be in debt to Squall. He just wanted his old life back.
"Squall, just let me have him, please. I'll take that smile off his face," Zell said eagerly.
"No. I don't think your worthy to attend Headmaster Cid's memorial. Seifer, give me one good reason why I should let you stay here?" Squall asked.
"Aren't you going to ask me how I found out? You're losing your touch. This is the clincher, Rinoa. I guess Puberty boy just couldn't uh uh ha ha ha," Seifer said triumphantly. He had given himself a reason to stay. He knew the key to Squall was his pathetic love for Rinoa. Rinoa his first love, but she was the past.
Squall didn't know how to react. What had he done to Rinoa? Maybe his nightmare was reality.
"Promise me you won't ever forget me. Far from now… You will pull me close, and will kiss forever…" What was the meaning of all of this.
"Where is she Seifer?" Squall asked him.
"Why should I tell you?" Seifer wanted to stay, and this was the only way in. He had seen Rinoa at the train station.
"Seifer," she said with a nod. Seifer almost feared Rinoa, if you thought about how powerful she was. She was this girl that had the love of the Commander of SeeD, the powers of Ultamecia, Adel and some other Sorceress. And Her father was an influential Galabadian general. How could someone with all that power not be evil, or corrupt? He had tried to ignore her, but she had put her hand on his shoulder. "For what it's worth, Cid died today," she said and went into the train station.
Squall's hatred for Seifer was growing, he was afraid of what he was going to do. He finally just walked away. He just had no desire to be around Seifer.
"So Squall, aren't up for a challenge anymore? Are you scarred Shit-less!? Seifer yelled after him. It felt good to talk to Squall like he wasn't a hero, just some messed up teenage boy.
"Seifer, SHUT UP!" Zell yelled at him. Zell was extremely angered with Seifer because he had betrayed all that Zell fought for, and his beliefs. Zell didn't question Squall's motives and left to ketch up with him. Seifer was once again left with Fujin and Rajin.
"RAGE," Fujin said.
"Ya know Seifer you got to do something about that Squall," Rajin said in agreement.
"At least I got us in," Seifer replied with a cocky grin on his face. Home sweet home, he said to him self as he gazed around the Garden.
Squall was the first one to arrive and Xu looked disappointed.
"Yes Xu?" Squall asked her.
"I was going to tell you all, but oh well. Squall, people are asking why there is a sorceress at Garden. Though I wouldn't worry about it too much," Xu said. Xu always had to bring other people into matters to make her opinions more valid.
"Is that what you called me here for? I wouldn't worry about Rinoa, she's disappeared suddenly," he said. He hoped Xu would be silent after that.
"I'm very sorry Squall, I guess something's aren't meant to be. I assume you were notified of Cid's death?" Xu said. She was frustrated with Squall. She had loved Cid just like a father and he was dead after saying how much he cared for Squall. She was jealous of him. To top everything off all Squall was concerned with was that little princess, and it was already affecting Garden. Garden was Xu's life and she wasn't going to have it fall apart because of one man.
Nida was at the helm like normal, listening to everything. Nida had always thought of Squall as that General who cared for his comrades earning their respect so he could take on any evil. He looked up to Squall and wished he could be special like him. To Squalls delight Quistis walked in before things between him and Xu could get any worst.
"Quistis, are the others coming soon?" Xu asked. Xu always did respect Quistis, she was honest and kind hearted.
"Selphie and Irvine in just a little while. Zell was just behind me," Quistis said. Sure enough Zell arrived promptly, with Selphie and Irvine a few minutes later.
"I called you all here for two reasons. First we need to discuss Headmaster Cid's funeral. And, there was a communication from Esthar, from a man named Kiros," Xu finished. "We need to decide who's going to be the head of Cid's funeral arrangements, Selphie? Will you do it? Squall I think you can handle making party's to go to Esthar." Xu took her place at the side of the helm.
"Is that a yes Selphie?" Squall asked the girl.
"It would be an honor, but can Irvine stay here to help?" Selphie asked hopefully.
"Irvine, you can stay if you want," Squall said. The truth was he wanted Irvine to come so he wouldn't have to deal with Zell, but Selphie was probably in a very shaken state.
"I'll help you Selphie. Good luck Squall," Irvine said. Irvine didn't really like Laguna, from the little he knew about him that is. Laguna was one of those sweet, but very unreliable guys. He was happy to stay with Selphie he was her apple pie. He would always be there for Selphie, always. He smiled at her, and she smiled back.
"Then it's settled. Irvine and Selphie will stay here to arrange the memorial for Headmaster Cid. Then Instructor Trepe, Zell, and I will go to Esthar," Squall said in a responsible manner. Everyone nodded in compliance. He was going to have to go see Laguna.
Squall, Zell, and Quistis boarded the Ragnarok, it hadn't changed a bit. Squall took the helm, which felt like a very unnatural thing to do because Selphie always was there sitting cheerfully. Zell sat at the weapons station and Quistis communications.
"Quistis, contact Kiros and inform him we're on our way," Squall gave the order and regretted the words right after they were out of his mouth. He wished he never had to return to Esthar again. So many question, so many different possibilities, he thought. Were was Rinoa, anyway? Why did he walk away from Seifer? And why did Laguna need SeeD? Then Laguna was going to want to have their little "talk", which he had no desire to stick around for. What about Cid's death? Once again everything was unknown and confusing. He felt like a pawn in some sick game on him.
"Squall, Squall?" Quistis sounded annoyed.
Rinoa brushed the hair away from her face and starred at her hometown. It was spectacular, the city of lights they called it. It may have been night, but it seemed almost as light as day. Right ahead of her was the main gate that led to the Presidential Statehouse. She wondered what had happened to the city since the absence of their Dictator Vincent Deling. She turned and headed in the direction of General Caraway's Mansion, once her home and the General her father. She hoped Squall was ok, he could take care of himself like he did before. He didn't need her? Take care Squall, don't worry we will see each other soon? She grew closer to the intimidating building. She always did love that house. It occurred to her how funny things had turned out. The girl had always been loved and liked by the people around her, how strange it felt to be completly alone. She thought about her "father", how many things had changed between them since her mother's death.
She could almost remember when she was really little how her mother would tell her to sit with her while she played the piano.
"Whenever sang my songs, on the stage on my own," Julia, her mother would sing.
Then little Rinoa would sing, "Whenever said my words, wishing they would be heard."
She always did wonder whom her mother had written the song about and when she asked her mother she responded, "For a soldier who went off to war and never returned."
"Daddy?" the little girl asked. General Caraway was always usually away at war. Julia pulled her daughter closer. She was saddened by her daughter's remark.
"No, not Daddy," Julia said with a sigh.
"Oh," the small girl giggled in her carefree manner and looked at her Mother again.
"Sweetie, if anything ever happened to me, promise me you'll look after your Daddy, ok?" Julia asked her, stroking her daughters hair gently.
"Why, Mommy, is something going to happen to you?" She asked.
"No, nothing's going to happen to me. Don't you worry about that either."
Rinoa still hated her father because of how he had treated her mother, how he would leave them for so long. She hated how weak he was, how easily he would bend to the all mighty Galabadia. Though she knew he could keep her safe in the mean time. The guard let her through, recognizing who she was. The door opened to her house, General Caraway was there standing in the door way.
"My angel, you've returned at last?" General Caraway looked at her hopefully. Rinoa walked past him with out even an acknowledging glance, and headed to her old bedroom. "Not even a hello? Where is Leonheart?" As much as General Caraway was happy to see his daughter, he also felt concerned.
"I left him, daddy," daddy was said in a sneer. She closed the door not wanting to have anything to do with the man. She lied down in her antiquated canopy bed, and feel asleep watching the news.
"Today, the successor for our beloved deceased president was decided. Our lieges' kind and true wife, Christine Deling."
Chapter three- Mendings of Broken Hearts
Laguna had the palace and Esthar closely guarded because of the rumors of Galabadian infiltration. He knew it was only a short solution though, because if the Galabadian's wanted something badly enough they would try anything to get it. Laguna starred at awe at his city. Everyday felt like a dream because of how unbelievable it was for Laguna to be President of a city. Once long ago he was just a simple Galabadian army and now all of this. Esthar looked like a barrage of blue crystal towers that shimmered in the sunlight. The roads looked like concrete rivers that stretched onward to what looked like forever. He needed Squall to arrive with the other SeeDs. He was beginning to fear what was going to happen. And he finally needed to talk to Squall.
"Mr. President, I've been told to inform you that the Galabadians have given you a gift," the Squire said. Laguna looked at the boy, he couldn't have been more than thirteen.
"Notify Kiros and Ward, and keep the package closely under guard in till I arrive in the Greeting Hall," Laguna said.
"Sir, the "package" is a rug," the boy said waiting for a response.
"Watch it 'anyways', you never know what those Galabadians are up to," Laguna felt stupid, he needed Kiros and Ward by his side. Laguna ran to the Greeting Hall, it was capacious. The room was lavishly decorated, for a reason. It played host to a lot of important gatherings. With vineing and exotic plants lining the wall along with decorative tapestries depicting Esthar's history. There was a grand blood red carpet that spanned all the way to five seats, and above them was Esthar's symbol. Everyone was waiting on him, but all eyes were focused on the rug. He sat down in the middle seat as the guards unrolled the rug. At first the rug was a work of art, with tulips lilacs, and baby's breath. The colors were of springtime light and effervescent, Laguna smiled. Then as the rug unrolled he saw a woman. She was wearing a long light blue dress with darker flowers stitched into it, strapless with a high slit on the side.
"Mr. President," she said and nodded in respect.
Laguna was shocked to say the least. She had beautiful eyes in the shape of large sparkling ovals the color of sea foam green, and long lashes to go with her long legs. Her nose was small and slender like her body. And her lips seemed to form a pout, but appealing look on her face. She had light hair that gently fell over eyes. Laguna couldn't help but stare at the young women, so this was Vincent Delings trophy wife. The guards tensed up ready for their orders.
"Mrs. Deling." It was all Laguna could think of to say. Laguna's leg started to cramp as it always did when he got nervous. He looked at Kiros and Ward, their gaze fell onto the figure as well.
Christine got up, her plan was working out perfectly. She would have Laguna wrapped around her little finger soon. Though he was very handsome though, it was a big change for her. Deling had been so grotesque, she had barley been able to handle it. But this man made her heart flop in mid-beat. His hair was black as night and pulled back in a simple ponytail. His features were soft and a smile that made her forget all those years of suffering with Deling disappear in a second. His eyes seem to express every emotion they felt, and were the color of emerald green. Now this would be an alliance she would agree with. She casually approached Laguna as if what she was doing was perfectly normal, with a smug smile on her face.
"Forgive my intrusion, Mr. President," Christine said in a silky voice. She gazed at the powerful men around her their mouths were open. She ignored them and took Laguna's hand and motioned to him to follow her outside.
Squall shifted in his seat as the Ragnarok approached Esthar. They landed at the airport, and made their way to the presidential palace. An aid showed them to the room where they had first met Laguna in person. Squall looked around and was surprised not to see Kiros or Ward. Instead he noticed a beautiful woman by Laguna's side.
"Squall, Zell, Quistis great to see you guys!" Laguna said in good spirits.
"President Laguna, may we please get to the matter at hand, wasn't this an urgent call?" Squall tried to be strait forward and ignore the women next to Laguna.
"Just call me Laguna. Oh you don't need to worry about that anymore. Uh, this is Christine Deling," Laguna said.
"If there is nothing further then will leave now," Squall asked impatiently, maybe he could avoid their talk all together. Squall began to walk away from Laguna.
"Christine could you excuse me. Yeah, umm Squall about that talk. Can we have it now, if that's ok with you? " Laguna pleaded. Squall nodded at his friends to follow Christine. He was alone with Laguna.
"Why now, After so many years? Do you think it would really change anything? Maybe I don't want to talk to you, did you ever think of that?" Squall didn't care anymore.
"I'm sorry." They say you never can escape the past, that it only comes up from behind to bite you on the ass. Laguna looked at his son, his deep brown hair that lightly flopped down covering his striking blue eyes. Then a scar across his nose, he reminded Laguna of Raine so much he would have cried. He wanted to hug him and rite all the wrongs he had committed in the past.
"Whatever," Squall said to the man. What did Laguna expect to come from this?
"I'm sorry, I know I have neglected this for way too long. Is there anything you want to ask me?" Laguna was trying his hardest.
"I don't know, isn't obvious? You left Raine when she was pregnant, seventeen years ago, to go rescue Ellone from Esthar. You over through Adel, and stayed in Esthar to become president, which you still are. You sent Ellone back to Raine alone because you were too busy. Raine died so Ellone and the baby were sent to Cid and Edea's orphanage. Then what really ties everything together was when Kiros and Ward tell me "You look a lot like your mother." "And it's a good thing you don't look like your father." Then you want to "chat". I don't know what to believe anymore." Squall finished. He felt so alone in the room he wished desperately that Rinoa was standing with him, maybe then he wouldn't have to stare back at Laguna.
"Raine and I were married you know. I loved her very much, despite my actions. I love you too, son." Squall turned away unable to face the man anymore.
"Don't call me that," Squall said in a low voice. What did Laguna want from him? As far as Squall was concerned he had no father.
"I didn't know she was, pregnant. I shouldn't have left anyway. But we both knew we couldn't leave Ellone in Adel's hands. I still don't know why she didn't tell me. I think she wanted me to go and she knew I would never leave her alone like that. I loved her so much, everyday I struggle with her loss because I know I will never be able to see her, to touch her, or speak to her again. Please don't hate me," Laguna stopped because his emotions were causing him to ramble. "I sent Ellone back alone thinking she would be safe because Adel was gone. When I didn't hear from Raine I went back to Winhill, but she wasn't there, and I didn't know where to look. Like you I only recently found out about Ellone being on the White Seed Ship. And that I had a son, and you were-" Laguna paused as he felt his leg cramping up. He bent over from both the pains of his leg and inside. He felt is body getting hot, and looked up at Squall. He looked so much like her, it was like he saw a part of her in his eyes. Squall closed his eyes and the frown on his lips made Laguna choke.
Squall put his hand against his head, an under statement. How could this be happening to him? It seemed only a moment ago he was holding Rinoa close, never to let her go. And now this. Squall raised his head once more to look at Laguna, his father. Laguna looked as if every bit of strength that had been with him was gone. But before the cold silence between the two could last any longer, Quistis and Zell came barging in.
"Oh sorry, didn't mean to interrupt. Ha ha ha ha. Yeah, umm Squall cold we talk to you?" Zell asked.
"Whatever," Squall started to leave but was again stopped by Laguna.
"Can we talk again?" He asked.
"….Whatever," Squall said as he followed Zell and Quistis out.
Christine entered the room brushing against Squall to get in.
"Excuse me," she added politely. Laguna looked at her with his sad eyes. "Who's that, he's a cute one. Is he your son or something? She asked jokingly.
"Yeah, he kind of is," Laguna said sheepishly.
"I'm sorry. You just look so sad, your eyes remind me little puppy dog's eyes. What's wrong?" Christine asked sympathetically.
"He didn't know he was my son in till recently. I don't think there is anyway to get him back," Laguna said while he sat and cradled his knee.
"I wouldn't know, but I bet I can help," she said sitting down with him. She put her head against his in an offer of comfort. Christine felt her whole plan coming together as she sat there with Laguna. Soon everything would be hers, though a part of her felt sorry for the man she held in her arms.
Laguna felt his body shaking, but he felt at peace in her presence. He had always done his best to come off as a sweet man, but he didn't feel so sweet now.
Zell was impatient as he dragged Squall out of the presidential office.
"What is you two?" Squall asked. He was for once happy for Zell's intrusion.
"He heard everything, man. Messed up stuff. Never figured Laguna your-" Zell stopped because he didn't want to anger Squall even more.
"Squall, you we're here for you." Quistis said in a voice of concern.
Squall once again put his hand against his head. He couldn't believe they had been listening to everything. He was and didn't need them around. "Whatever…" Squall said dismissing his friends.
"Squall, I'm worried about you. I like to think that because we all have been through so much that we can take on almost anything, but sometimes things come up. Since Rinoa you opened your self up, but now you're just turned your back on everything." She put her hand on his shoulder and looked up. Please Squall, I don't know now to reach you anymore.
Author's note: Despite making up a whole story for Laguna I still hate his character. More to come soon!