CHAPTER ONE: THE LONG NIGHT
Rinoa Heartilly woke up sweating, she could feel her heart pumping hard as she wiped her brow dry. She had the nightmare again, a dream that she would rather soon forget. She was in Lunatic Pandora struggling against Seifer Almasy as he threw her into the waiting arms of Adel. She could feel Adel's thoughts creeping into her mind, controlling her when they were merged. Her self-will lost in the sea of darkness, lost in waves of violent emotions, of vengeance, of revenge.
Although this event happened a year ago, she remembers every detail of it. She felt ashamed of being so easily succumbed to Adel's will. She tried to fight her, especially when she was fighting against her friends and Squall - her love, but even her self-will was not enough to break Adel's hold.
Angelo, her lifetime companion licked her face, returning her thoughts back to reality. With great enthusiasm she greeted her old friend.
"How are you, old friend?" Rinoa asked smiling. Angelo sensing relief in his master's feelings barked twice. "Quiet!" She forcibly hushed her friend. "You'll wake up, Ward and Zone." Angelo whimpered when he heard his master command. "That's okay, I understand you were just worried about me." Rinoa said massaging Angelo behind his right ear. Feeling better Angelo continued to lick Rinoa's face. Rinoa quietly laughed as her dream slowly degraded into her subconscious.
She walked to her C.D. player and pressed play. Her mother's voice filled the room, which give her some comfort from her dream. Julia Heartilly-Caraway was once a very popular performer, but to Rinoa she was just mother. Hearing her voice again brought back the memories of nostalgia, where everything that she knew was safe. Her mother's voice always had a soothing effect on her soul.
She waltzed to her nightstand and picked up a framed Triple Triad Card of Squall. The Card Queen's father, the great artist made an excellent rendition of her love's counterfeit. She traced the counters of her love's face with her fingers and she felt compelled to kiss it.
She leaned back against the headrest of her bed and remembered being held in his strong arms while they were on the Ragnarok returning slowly back to Earth. She felt safe, perhaps the first since her mother's death. She wanted that moment in her life to last forever, but sadly, all good things, must come to an end. She tattooed that moment into her mind so she could remember forever the closeness she felt with Squall. She lived in that memory most of the time, that is, when her hectic schedule would allow her to daydream.
She also remembered how they parted uneasily when their adventure ended. Shortly after the defeat of Ultimecia and their return from the time compressed world. Rinoa and Squall shared a short time together, but when the euphoria and the adrenaline faded so did their love. Their love was like a summer storm, strong and passionate, but quickly subsided.
Reality threw a wrench into their plans - their dreams. Squall had to command the floating Balamb Garden while she had to return to Timber to ensure its liberation. She made a promise to Ward and Zone, to the people of Timber and most importantly to herself to see that Timber was liberated. Squall couldn't return with her because of his new found responsibilities and she understood it. So they compromised their hearts for the greater good and parted ways.
Rinoa left giving her beau a kiss because she feared that it would be a long time between the next one. She could still feel his champaign stained lips in her mouth where they spent their last night together. Upon her arrival to Timber she dissolved the Forest Owls rebellion faction and with the help of Cid, General Caraway, her father and Irvine Kinneas and Squall Leonhart of Galbadia and Balamb Garden respectively, backing Rinoa's petition for succession opened a dialogue with the Galbadian Government. With the pressures of two Gardens, her father the retired General, and the civil uneasiness of Timber the Galbadian Government was compelled to begin talks of succession.
It has been a year since talks began and finally Timber has been declared independent. Tonight, on the eve of their victory, Rinoa didn't think about this brave new world. Nor did she think of the fact that her dear friends Zone has been declared President after she abdicated the position and gave it to him and Ward, the Secretary of Information and vice-president.
Rinoa decided that she didn't want to be apart of the Timber government because she was passionate about someone else. She wanted to take some time off and be with Squall - that is if he still feels the same way she does about him. She has been debating on a visit to Balamb Garden to see her beloved, but she was afraid. Did he find someone else? Or would he be just too busy to see her?
Suddenly, something interrupted her thoughts. It was a strange feeling that she felt before in another life, something familiar like an echo from a distant world. It was something in the magical realm, something she felt before when she was a sorceress. It then dawned on her - there was a sudden shift of magic - a strong shift, but as quickly it came it was gone. What could be so strong that it could shift the balance of the magical realm. She shook her head and held her necklace feeling Squall's ring wondering what he would do. Her head started to pound harder as she got off her bed. She staggered towards the terrace to get some fresh air to alleviate her pain.
The faint sounds of celebration were still heard throughout Timber. It was almost dawn, but they had a right to celebrate. Timber has finally succeeded from the Galbadian Occupation. The last of the Galbadian troops left Timber earlier that day and the citizen threw an impromptu party for their departure. She should have been proud of her accomplishments, but instead of indulging in her accomplishments she scanned the horizon hoping that the feeling would return. It did and in the distant she saw a violet object in the sky. It was magical all right, but she didn't know what it was, but she knew who could help her find out...Squall.
* * * * * * * * * *
President Loire sat at his desk reading the latest report from the various department heads of his cabinet. He thought how spontaneous life can effortless change. Once upon a time, he was a solider, a protector, an actor, a journalist, a slave, a rebellion leader and now he's the president of the biggest continent in the world.
A year ago he approved of an Esthar Garden. The Gardens has declared independence from all nationality soon after the defeat of Ultimecia and became an independent military force for anyone in the country they resided in. Being the military stronghold for the world, the Minister of Defense, and the general of the Estharian Army was a bit concern of this development, but President Loire reassured the general that he was very acquainted with the commander of Balamb Garden - Squall.
Laguna was lost in thought thinking of him - he never had the conversation he wanted to have with him last year, before they went into the time-compressed world. He wanted to talk to him every day since their return, but never had the time, nor the courage to do so. He was so deep in thought that he didn't hear his old friend Ward come in. His big strong hand rested on his shoulder that pleasantly surprised him. He looked at his friend's face and returned his smile.
Ward's face was full of concern - Laguna never forgave himself for Ward losing his voice all those years ago. If he were a little bit more responsible maybe Ward would be joking with him now today. He looked into his eyes and found forgiveness.
"I'm okay, old friend, just old memories haunting me." He smiled trying to reassure his old friend. "What are you doing up so early in the morning?" Ward's eyes diverted from Laguna's face and replaced it with a report and threw it in front of him. "What is this?" Ward's eyes told him to read it as he started to groan. The one thing Laguna hated about being president is the endless paperwork he has to read. He was about to start when Kiros entered.
"President Loire, Dr. Odine is here to see you."
"Dr. Odine?" Laguna asked with a hint of surprise. "Please Kiros send him in." Dr. Odine wobbled into the room full of excitement and glee. It seems that he's found a new toy that he is interested in. Laguna thought to himself. The last time he saw Dr. Odine this excited was with Lunatic Pandora and then with Ellone so many years ago.
"Ah I zee that you have zee report." Dr. Odine said gleefully.
"Yes, I was about to read it. Though if you could save me the trouble. I would be much in your debt." He turned and saw the expression of Kiros' face - anything to get out of reading it. Which was in itself true.
"There iz a zpacial anomaly in the ionzphere of zee planet."
"What is it?" Laguna asked impatiently.
"Do not interrupt!" Dr. Odine cautioned his president. "It iz a vortex, perhapz to another world! I zuggest we obzerve it for zcientific reazons to find out for zure."
"Very well." Laguna sighed. "Dispatch the Ragnarok as soon as -" Laguna didn't have the chance to finish his order when a communique came in from Lunar Gate. It was Dr. Odine's assistant. He was frantic saying that something was coming out of the phenomenon.
"Switch to the Lunar Base Cameras!" Laguna ordered. Dr. Odine's assistant nodded and in a few moments the screen in his office turned to view the Earth's atmosphere. The vortex was like a funnel in space a vibrant warm colour of purple in the darkness of space. A sliver tiny ship was jettison through the vortex and moments later dark ships followed it. They were dark, black, and mysterious and looked rather like spiders with bat wings. There were at least two dozen of them, following this tiny silver ship. Suddenly the black ships attacked the silver ship shooting their red laser beams.
"Mr. President, we receiving an audio hail from the ship. It's under attack." Kiros said.
"Put it through speakers." Laguna said turning to Kiros.
Kiros pressed a few buttons on his consul and the speaker came alive with static. "To anyone out there. This is Lieutenant Vesper...in command.... Starship Destiny, we are under attack...We acquire assistance. To anyone out there, this is Lieutenant..." Kiros closed the channels.
"It's a recording." Kiros explained.
"What's that?" Dr. Odine asked pointing to a dull white speck coming up on the screen. It was tiny compared to one of the big black ships. Laguna asked that part to be magnified, but he feared he already knew what it was. The magnified picture confirmed it. It was Balamb Garden.
Kiros and Ward looked at Laguna with silent awe. He returned the look to his old friends as he saw in horror the ships opening fire at Balamb Garden.
"Contact the Estharian Air Force, we're going in and contact the Headmaster of Esthar Garden and apprise them of our situation." Laguna ordered. Everybody rushed out of the office leaving Laguna alone for the moment. He went to the screen and touched the image of Balamb Garden on the screen. "Squall." He whispered under his breath.
* * * * * * * * * *
"I want that ship in our docks!" Squall yelled as the bridge of Balamb Garden shook from being attacked from the lead ship. They were outnumbered perhaps twenty to one, but the only thing on his mind was to get that ship to the safety of their docks.
Balamb Garden wasn't ready for this sort of confrontation. Squall wished that he prepared Balamb Garden with offensive weapons when he had the chance, but he thought that it was the wrong time to do so. The world for the most part is at peace and no one would dare attack any Garden, but he never put this scenario into account. This was one contingency that he failed to conceive; then again the odds of this happening, whatever it was were astronomical.
"Hard to port!" Squall ordered.
"Aye sir!" Nida acknowledged the simple command.
"Sir?" Xu asked in confusion.
"We're out numbered! We must evade and stall until reinforcements come." Squall said. Xu didn't say anything else and continued to be battle ready. She trusted Squall and knew that she would give her life to protect her commander's - as were all the other people in Balamb Garden. His next order frightened her, for she knew that Squall was willing to sacrifice their lives for the safety of the planet.
"Quistis, evacuate all junior classmates and civilians to safety." Squall ordered through the intercom to hear Quistis' voice back to confirm the order. Squall sighed as his life flashed before his life. There were many holes, because of the usage of the Guardian Forces, but he remembered everything about last year - of Rinoa, and the year since.
Since then he has continued his command of Balamb Garden, while Xu became his executive officer and took care of the administration of Balamb Garden and saw that everything was running effectively.
"We're getting a communique from Superintendent Cid."
(What now?) He sighed bitterly. "Put it through!" Squall barked. "What is it superintendent, we're a little busy now?" Squall said bitterly. Over the pass year, Cid removed himself as headmaster and became the Superintendent of all the Gardens and Commander-in-Chief of all SeeD. He now lives with Edea, his wife, at the orphanage. The house has been fixed up over the year and has become the permanent residence for the Kramers.
"Garden is aware of your situation, at this moment all available Gardens is en route. We realized that you're the only ship there right now, but keep the line, the other Gardens will rendez-vous at your position very soon - along with the whole Estharian Air Fleet." Squall acknowledged his order and looked at his opponent. The ships were like from the deepest recess of his nightmares come to life.
"Sir, the vessel is secure and in our docking bay and I'm getting a communique from a Miss. Rinoa Heartilly. She's asking to come aboard." Xu said quickly as she looked at the instruments of her consoles. Squall was shocked to hear the news. (What the hell is she doing here?) He thought to himself. (Why now?)
"Sir?" Xu waited impatiently.
"Have Dr. Kadowaki and Zell Dincht go to the docking bay to check on casualties on the silver ship and have someone get Rinoa up here quickly!" Squall ordered.
"Aye sir!" Nida and Xu said in unison.
* * * * * * * * * *
Irvine Kinneas looked towards the horizon as he saw the early morning sky light up with red lasers hitting a target and he knew that Squall was there and hoped that they weren't too late to help his old friend. A lot has happened to Irvine that year, he returned to the Galbadia Garden crashed site near the orphanage to repair it and return it to it's natural home. He worked hard with his new Headmaster and with Cid and the other Garden Headmasters to make Garden into an independent nation. A nation where they own no land except the small area in which each country allowed the Garden to be placed.
With the defeat of Ultimecia and his role in the whole ordeal his name was quickly well known in Galbadia Garden and was quickly promoted to instructor. The women that lived in Garden fancied him greatly, but he had eyes for only one person, but that never stopped him in enjoying the attention. Irvine chuckled to himself. The relationships with his fellow crewmate were shallow and mainly platonic and he longs for something more.
Shortly after their returned from the time-compressed world and the declaration of Garden's independence, he came to the realization that he has grown up. Something he dreaded for a long time.
A black ship screamed by as it hit the hall of Galbadia Garden with a red laser, waking him up from his daydream. "Damn" He swore to himself. He got himself back inside and headed for his room. He looked out of his window and saw the much smaller Trabia Garden floating to the far west. "Selphie" He whispered to himself remembering the time they spent together last year.
He grabbed his Exeter from the wall and loaded it with Armour Piercing bullets and ran back out to see the hideous black ship coming back for more. He took aim and fired a round of Armour Piercing bullets. He took aim at the engine core and whispered to himself. "It's only a symbol."
The first round of the bullets broke through the ship's shields and the second round damaged the engine core sufficiently for the ship to explode from the impact. Irvine covered his eyes from the explosion and when the bright light succumbed into the dark morning sky, he looked down and saw the fragments of the ship falling into the ocean - The first fatality for their side. "Yes" He rejoiced and kissed his chrome gun as he thanked it for all its help.
He then continued to take aim at the next ship. He took aim as three ships screamed past him and Galbadia Garden and headed towards the west. Apparently Galbadia Garden has become too much of a threat. "Selphie." He whispered to himself praying that nothing happened to her.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Irvy." Selphie whispered to herself as she saw Galbadia Garden to the east. The explosion of the black ship scream painfully as it died. The eerie sound brought back nightmares from her childhood. She had a feeling that Irvine was the catalyst that destroyed that ship. Selphie was thinking the very same thing Irvine was - they were worried about each other, but she quickly set her mind on the present situation and concentrated on her duties.
Like Squall and Rinoa, her relationship with Irvine did not continue after the final confrontation with Ultimecia. She returned to Trabia and helped the other student there to restore the Garden back to her former glory. With hard work and the income of the other Gardens helping Trabia out the Garden was back to life and ready to serve in less then eight months.
She now serves as an instructor in Trabia Garden, but with all the ordeals that she had to go through she has never loss her child-like innocence, but she has become a little jaded - a feeling that she keeps hidden deep within. She looked ahead and saw Balamb Garden it was like a diamond in the sea of darkness. She didn't worry; she had faith in Squall and in his abilities.
Yet she had very little time to think of her old friend. Three black ships screamed towards Trabia as the Garden changed speed and course to intercept the three ships. With her peripheral vision she saw the escape pods jettison into the night. It must be the civilians and the junior class members. Which means one thing, they were willing to fight to their deaths. She held onto her nunchaku tighter ready to fight.
* * * * * * * * * *
Zell Dincht ran towards the docking bay as per his order from Squall. Like Selphie and Irvine, Zell too had quickly became an instructor under the command of Quistis Trepe. He rushed towards the second floor where a small docking bay was put in for small aircrafts. He waited impatiently as a small plane landed next to the small silver craft.
"What in the world?" Zell asked himself as he rushed to the ship. The bay doors of the ship opened and from within a person from his past.
"Rinoa!?! Whatcha doing here?" Zell said.
"I need to see Squall now." Rinoa said unapologetically. She wanted to catch up with Zell, but she needed to talk to Squall. She knew what this vortex was and knew one thing: it must be destroyed.
"This is not a good time." Quistis said interrupting their conversation. She met Dr. Kadowaki en route and decided to accompany her to the docking bay. She wondered why Rinoa has made herself vulnerable to her own demise. The enemy fleet has darkened the sky so no one could see the moonlight or any stars and still Rinoa risks her life to come here. After her return from the time-compressed world Quistis was promoted to her present role as head instructor of Balamb Garden, which fit well to her elderly sister demeanor.
"It is a matter of life and death." Rinoa protested. Quistis sighed as she remembered that tone of voice before. It was the night of the failed assassination of Edea back in Deling City over a year ago. She knew no matter what she said Rinoa would force her way up to the bridge regardless. She sighed in defeat.
"Zell execute your previous orders and I'll accompany Rinoa to the bridge. The four of them parted ways. Zell quickly lead Dr. Kadowaki towards the chrome, silver ship. He quickly searched around the hanger door looking for a trigger of some sort to open it. He found it to the right and started to pick it.
"Are you sure you can open it?" Dr. Kadowaki asked.
"Don't worry." Zell said nonchalantly. "I have an affinity with mechanics." Zell sighed.
"Hurry up, Zell there may be injured inside." Dr. Kadowaki rushed.
"Hang on." Zell sighed. He didn't want to admit it, but the circuitry was out of his league. He has never seen anything like this before. "That should do it." Zell said connecting two loosed wires which produced a spark. The door did not open. "Oh com'on." Zell sighed as he punched the panel. The hangar door slid open. "See I told ya, I'll get it opened." Zell smiled.
Dr. Kadowaki rushed into the silver ship and with her peripheral vision saw a couple adolescents on the ground. She checked their pulses and sighed. "They're dead." She sighed. "What's wrong?" Dr. Kadowaki asked looking at her teenaged escort.
"It's nothing, it's just that those uniforms...they look familiar." Zell sighed with frustration as he tried to remember where he last saw them. There was only one inauspicious matter with using Guardian Forces the severe taxation of memory it requires to be used. (Could I have forgotten this?) Zell thought.
"I'm not familiar with this sort of uniform." Dr. Kadowaki observed.
"It can't be that important." Zell lied. "Let's check ahead." Zell said leading the good doctor into the next corridor. The door slide opened and the bridge were filled with smoke and electrical sparks sprouting randomly.
Dr. Kadowaki quickly checked all the bodies. She went from body to body checking their status. Zell explored the bridge looking over the wreck. "My God." Zell gasped. "They're all teenagers." Zell observed with terrifying awe. "Hey Doc!" Zell called her full with fright.
"What's wrong?" Dr. Kadowaki said anxiously.
"I'm not sure, but is this..."
"Ellone." They said in unison.
* * * * * * * * * *
The bridge rocked again and smoke filled the room. Squall knew that they were losing this war and that reinforcements may be too late. He took a deep sighed and was about to give the order to ram Balamb Garden into the most densely part of the invasion force. If Balamb was going down she's taking most of the enemy down with her. Squall opened his mouth and was about to give the order until Xu interrupted him.
"Sir a report coming in from Galbadia Garden. They said that Irvine Kinneas destroyed one of the black ships with his gun and Armour Piercing bullets. The report said that he needed at least two rounds to penetrate their shields to produce an engine breach." Xu reported quickly.
"Order every available SeeD who knows how to use a gun to report to the armoury for debriefing. Give orders to the rest of the Garden fleet to do the same."
"Aye sir." Xu said as she quickly sent the commands to the other Gardens. Squall's breath was taken away when he saw Rinoa and Quistis saunter onto the bridge.
Squall pressed the general announcement chime. "All SeeD who is proficient with the gun, please see Lieutenant Commander Xu Tseng and Head Instructor Quistis Trepe in the armoury." Squall said looking at the two women in question. Quistis and Xu understood Squall's command and gave him a nod and left the bridge.
"Rinoa, what are you doing here?" Squall barked. He wanted to rush over there and gave her a kiss and hold her tight, but they had other priorities that needed his attention much more.
"We need to destroy the vortex and stop the reinforcements from coming through." Rinoa returned.
"How?"
"I'm not sure, but I know that it's a powerful spell of some sort from another world or something like that. What's worse is that it's drying up this world's magic to maintain it." Rinoa sighed.
"Meaning what?"
"All I know is any spells will not work when cast, nor our Guardian Forces summoned unless the vortex is destroyed." Squall was surprised with the news and wanted her to explain how she knew this, but he didn't have the time. Something in his heart told him to trust her.
"This vortex, it's too high in attitude for any Garden to climb." Squall said looking at the data of the violet vortex. Gardens were marvel feet of engineering genius - a tribute for the engineers that created it, but it lacked the ability to go higher into the atmosphere.
"Sir!" Nida said directing their attention to the bridge's window. Three fleets of Estharian airships came rushing through the dark sky, marking the dark sky with their blue laser beams and guns ports on high. A series of orange explosions and screams rang through the air. The hairs behind Squall's neck began to stand up at the sound of the unholy symphony.
Squall looked at Rinoa who was standing very close to him. Her eyes were transfixed at the horrors outside. Squall looked at her and thought how beautiful she looked, especially with the explosions of the enemy ships high lighting the counters of her face. Rinoa was right, as long as the vortex is still open they were susceptible to an oncoming invasion. The only way to stop this was to stop this spell. Squall thought to himself.
Squall with this insight rush to Xu's console and raise communication to the Ragnarok. Rinoa followed him and held him tightly around his abdomen and pressed her body against his back. She placed her head on the naked of his neck. Rinoa wanted this to be their last moment she remembers if they were to die. Squall on the other hand, thought that this was very unprofessional. "Not now Rinoa, I'm busy." He said plainly.
His statement and his attitude towards her hurt Rinoa. She wanted to cry, but she was disturbed by a beeping sound emanating from the panel that Squall was playing with. "What are you doing?" Rinoa asked, her voice cracking.
"Contacting the Ragnarok." Squall said emotionless.
* * * * * * * * * *
Laguna was involved with the extermination of the invasion fleet when Balamb Garden hailed his ship. One of his crew handed him a report. Laguna smiled reading that the invasion fleet is retreating.
"This is Commander Squall Leonhart of Balamb Garden. We require your assistance." Squall's voice came through the intercom.
Laguna took a deep sigh. Squall's voice always reminded him of the past. He looked at his ring on his left hand and remembered Julia his first love and Raine, his true love. He lost both of them to death, and he missed both of them. "This is President Laguna Loire in command of the Estharian Airship Ragnarok. How can we help you Balamb Garden?" He said still looking at his wedding ring.
Squall quickly explained Rinoa's plan to the President. Upon hearing the news Dr. Odine responded with frustration. He wanted to examine the vortex, not destroy it. Laguna sighed and weighed both arguments, but one thing he knew: Squall needed the Ragnarok to get up high enough in the atmosphere to reach the vortex. Laguna agreed under the condition that they were to examine the vortex first and then find a way of closing it. Squall reluctantly agreed and Laguna suggested a rendez-vous in fifteen minutes.
* * * * * * * * * *
"The last ship has been destroyed." Nida reported with great joy. Squall looked at the navigator and smiled nervously at her. He knew that this victory would be short live because at any moment the fleet from the other side of the vortex could be sending reinforcements.
"Good work, Nida." Squall sighed. He looked at Rinoa and he noticed that she was still holding on to his arm. "Contact Xu and tell her that I will be leaving Garden and that she'll be left in command, Nida you will be her X.O." Nida saluted her commander and returned to her duties.
Squall looked at Rinoa and smiled. "I have to be going." Squall whispered.
"Not without me you're not." Rinoa demanded.
"It'll be dangerous."
"I'm going with you!" She insisted even the more. Squall looked at her and knew that there was nothing in the world that he could say that would change her mind.
"All right, just stay close to me." Squall sighed as they made their way to the docking bay.
The Ragnarok brought back memories for the young lovers. It was the place where they first admitted their feelings towards each other. They looked at each other and walked through the bay doors of the Ragnarok. The two of them entered the Ragnarok and reported themselves to the bridge where they greeted the President.
The Ragnarok engines roared as it prepared for space flight. Squall looked out the window and marvelled at the tiny blue planet. He saw on the night-side of the planet a purple whirlpool that covered the greater portion of the planet.
"It's beautiful." Rinoa gasped.
"Well it's now or never." Laguna said. "Dr. Odine are you ready?"
"Do not interrupt!" Odine's familiar accent came roaring back as he tapped the recording instruments on the bridge. "Oh no." Odine sighed disappointingly.
"What's wrong?" Laguna asked.
"The vortex is shrinking." Rinoa said with awe. All eyes darted at her. "The balance of magic is slowly shifting back to normal." Rinoa explained.
"Ah, you can zenze thiz? How intrezting?" Dr. Odine said ignoring the vortex as he gave Rinoa a sight examination. "How can you zenze this?" He asked holding Rinoa's chin with his hand.
"Dr. Odine, the vortex?" Laguna asked.
"Ah." Dr. Odine went back to his instruments.
"Don't worry about Dr. Odine." Laguna smiled at Rinoa. "He's a true scientist, always interested in new toys and the unexplainable." Laguna jested.
"Be quiet!" Dr. Odine rebuked with his arms waving in the air.
"And demands on total silence." Laguna whispered. Rinoa chuckled at the remark, but stopped abruptly when Odine looked sharply at her. She sighed and walked towards Squall. She wanted to hold him, but was prevented by her earlier experience.
"What are you thinking?" Rinoa whispered.
(I don't know.) Squall thought to himself. (Perhaps our visitors from the vortex down in Balamb Garden or their attackers or the meaning of the vortex or my people down there or our relationship.) "Nothing much." Squall sighed. "I'm just worried that's all."
"So am I." Rinoa sighed as she placed her head on his shoulder. "I'm also very tired." Rinoa whispered quietly.
"I know, I know." Squall sighed holding her gently. "It's been a long night for us all." Squall comforted. Rinoa gave a gentle murmur and fell asleep in Squall's shoulder. "But I have a feeling that this is far from over." He sighed to himself. He watched slowly as the vortex shrank and finally disappeared. (What's going to happen now?) Squall thought to himself.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Writers Note: The names of persons, places, and events pertaining to the Final Fantasy Genre (specifically Final Fantasy VIII (game)) is not my invention and is the property of Square - no profit was made from the writing of this fan fiction. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents the product of the author's imagination (i.e. The black ships, Vesper, Tseng (Xu's last name)) and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Rinoa Heartilly woke up sweating, she could feel her heart pumping hard as she wiped her brow dry. She had the nightmare again, a dream that she would rather soon forget. She was in Lunatic Pandora struggling against Seifer Almasy as he threw her into the waiting arms of Adel. She could feel Adel's thoughts creeping into her mind, controlling her when they were merged. Her self-will lost in the sea of darkness, lost in waves of violent emotions, of vengeance, of revenge.
Although this event happened a year ago, she remembers every detail of it. She felt ashamed of being so easily succumbed to Adel's will. She tried to fight her, especially when she was fighting against her friends and Squall - her love, but even her self-will was not enough to break Adel's hold.
Angelo, her lifetime companion licked her face, returning her thoughts back to reality. With great enthusiasm she greeted her old friend.
"How are you, old friend?" Rinoa asked smiling. Angelo sensing relief in his master's feelings barked twice. "Quiet!" She forcibly hushed her friend. "You'll wake up, Ward and Zone." Angelo whimpered when he heard his master command. "That's okay, I understand you were just worried about me." Rinoa said massaging Angelo behind his right ear. Feeling better Angelo continued to lick Rinoa's face. Rinoa quietly laughed as her dream slowly degraded into her subconscious.
She walked to her C.D. player and pressed play. Her mother's voice filled the room, which give her some comfort from her dream. Julia Heartilly-Caraway was once a very popular performer, but to Rinoa she was just mother. Hearing her voice again brought back the memories of nostalgia, where everything that she knew was safe. Her mother's voice always had a soothing effect on her soul.
She waltzed to her nightstand and picked up a framed Triple Triad Card of Squall. The Card Queen's father, the great artist made an excellent rendition of her love's counterfeit. She traced the counters of her love's face with her fingers and she felt compelled to kiss it.
She leaned back against the headrest of her bed and remembered being held in his strong arms while they were on the Ragnarok returning slowly back to Earth. She felt safe, perhaps the first since her mother's death. She wanted that moment in her life to last forever, but sadly, all good things, must come to an end. She tattooed that moment into her mind so she could remember forever the closeness she felt with Squall. She lived in that memory most of the time, that is, when her hectic schedule would allow her to daydream.
She also remembered how they parted uneasily when their adventure ended. Shortly after the defeat of Ultimecia and their return from the time compressed world. Rinoa and Squall shared a short time together, but when the euphoria and the adrenaline faded so did their love. Their love was like a summer storm, strong and passionate, but quickly subsided.
Reality threw a wrench into their plans - their dreams. Squall had to command the floating Balamb Garden while she had to return to Timber to ensure its liberation. She made a promise to Ward and Zone, to the people of Timber and most importantly to herself to see that Timber was liberated. Squall couldn't return with her because of his new found responsibilities and she understood it. So they compromised their hearts for the greater good and parted ways.
Rinoa left giving her beau a kiss because she feared that it would be a long time between the next one. She could still feel his champaign stained lips in her mouth where they spent their last night together. Upon her arrival to Timber she dissolved the Forest Owls rebellion faction and with the help of Cid, General Caraway, her father and Irvine Kinneas and Squall Leonhart of Galbadia and Balamb Garden respectively, backing Rinoa's petition for succession opened a dialogue with the Galbadian Government. With the pressures of two Gardens, her father the retired General, and the civil uneasiness of Timber the Galbadian Government was compelled to begin talks of succession.
It has been a year since talks began and finally Timber has been declared independent. Tonight, on the eve of their victory, Rinoa didn't think about this brave new world. Nor did she think of the fact that her dear friends Zone has been declared President after she abdicated the position and gave it to him and Ward, the Secretary of Information and vice-president.
Rinoa decided that she didn't want to be apart of the Timber government because she was passionate about someone else. She wanted to take some time off and be with Squall - that is if he still feels the same way she does about him. She has been debating on a visit to Balamb Garden to see her beloved, but she was afraid. Did he find someone else? Or would he be just too busy to see her?
Suddenly, something interrupted her thoughts. It was a strange feeling that she felt before in another life, something familiar like an echo from a distant world. It was something in the magical realm, something she felt before when she was a sorceress. It then dawned on her - there was a sudden shift of magic - a strong shift, but as quickly it came it was gone. What could be so strong that it could shift the balance of the magical realm. She shook her head and held her necklace feeling Squall's ring wondering what he would do. Her head started to pound harder as she got off her bed. She staggered towards the terrace to get some fresh air to alleviate her pain.
The faint sounds of celebration were still heard throughout Timber. It was almost dawn, but they had a right to celebrate. Timber has finally succeeded from the Galbadian Occupation. The last of the Galbadian troops left Timber earlier that day and the citizen threw an impromptu party for their departure. She should have been proud of her accomplishments, but instead of indulging in her accomplishments she scanned the horizon hoping that the feeling would return. It did and in the distant she saw a violet object in the sky. It was magical all right, but she didn't know what it was, but she knew who could help her find out...Squall.
* * * * * * * * * *
President Loire sat at his desk reading the latest report from the various department heads of his cabinet. He thought how spontaneous life can effortless change. Once upon a time, he was a solider, a protector, an actor, a journalist, a slave, a rebellion leader and now he's the president of the biggest continent in the world.
A year ago he approved of an Esthar Garden. The Gardens has declared independence from all nationality soon after the defeat of Ultimecia and became an independent military force for anyone in the country they resided in. Being the military stronghold for the world, the Minister of Defense, and the general of the Estharian Army was a bit concern of this development, but President Loire reassured the general that he was very acquainted with the commander of Balamb Garden - Squall.
Laguna was lost in thought thinking of him - he never had the conversation he wanted to have with him last year, before they went into the time-compressed world. He wanted to talk to him every day since their return, but never had the time, nor the courage to do so. He was so deep in thought that he didn't hear his old friend Ward come in. His big strong hand rested on his shoulder that pleasantly surprised him. He looked at his friend's face and returned his smile.
Ward's face was full of concern - Laguna never forgave himself for Ward losing his voice all those years ago. If he were a little bit more responsible maybe Ward would be joking with him now today. He looked into his eyes and found forgiveness.
"I'm okay, old friend, just old memories haunting me." He smiled trying to reassure his old friend. "What are you doing up so early in the morning?" Ward's eyes diverted from Laguna's face and replaced it with a report and threw it in front of him. "What is this?" Ward's eyes told him to read it as he started to groan. The one thing Laguna hated about being president is the endless paperwork he has to read. He was about to start when Kiros entered.
"President Loire, Dr. Odine is here to see you."
"Dr. Odine?" Laguna asked with a hint of surprise. "Please Kiros send him in." Dr. Odine wobbled into the room full of excitement and glee. It seems that he's found a new toy that he is interested in. Laguna thought to himself. The last time he saw Dr. Odine this excited was with Lunatic Pandora and then with Ellone so many years ago.
"Ah I zee that you have zee report." Dr. Odine said gleefully.
"Yes, I was about to read it. Though if you could save me the trouble. I would be much in your debt." He turned and saw the expression of Kiros' face - anything to get out of reading it. Which was in itself true.
"There iz a zpacial anomaly in the ionzphere of zee planet."
"What is it?" Laguna asked impatiently.
"Do not interrupt!" Dr. Odine cautioned his president. "It iz a vortex, perhapz to another world! I zuggest we obzerve it for zcientific reazons to find out for zure."
"Very well." Laguna sighed. "Dispatch the Ragnarok as soon as -" Laguna didn't have the chance to finish his order when a communique came in from Lunar Gate. It was Dr. Odine's assistant. He was frantic saying that something was coming out of the phenomenon.
"Switch to the Lunar Base Cameras!" Laguna ordered. Dr. Odine's assistant nodded and in a few moments the screen in his office turned to view the Earth's atmosphere. The vortex was like a funnel in space a vibrant warm colour of purple in the darkness of space. A sliver tiny ship was jettison through the vortex and moments later dark ships followed it. They were dark, black, and mysterious and looked rather like spiders with bat wings. There were at least two dozen of them, following this tiny silver ship. Suddenly the black ships attacked the silver ship shooting their red laser beams.
"Mr. President, we receiving an audio hail from the ship. It's under attack." Kiros said.
"Put it through speakers." Laguna said turning to Kiros.
Kiros pressed a few buttons on his consul and the speaker came alive with static. "To anyone out there. This is Lieutenant Vesper...in command.... Starship Destiny, we are under attack...We acquire assistance. To anyone out there, this is Lieutenant..." Kiros closed the channels.
"It's a recording." Kiros explained.
"What's that?" Dr. Odine asked pointing to a dull white speck coming up on the screen. It was tiny compared to one of the big black ships. Laguna asked that part to be magnified, but he feared he already knew what it was. The magnified picture confirmed it. It was Balamb Garden.
Kiros and Ward looked at Laguna with silent awe. He returned the look to his old friends as he saw in horror the ships opening fire at Balamb Garden.
"Contact the Estharian Air Force, we're going in and contact the Headmaster of Esthar Garden and apprise them of our situation." Laguna ordered. Everybody rushed out of the office leaving Laguna alone for the moment. He went to the screen and touched the image of Balamb Garden on the screen. "Squall." He whispered under his breath.
* * * * * * * * * *
"I want that ship in our docks!" Squall yelled as the bridge of Balamb Garden shook from being attacked from the lead ship. They were outnumbered perhaps twenty to one, but the only thing on his mind was to get that ship to the safety of their docks.
Balamb Garden wasn't ready for this sort of confrontation. Squall wished that he prepared Balamb Garden with offensive weapons when he had the chance, but he thought that it was the wrong time to do so. The world for the most part is at peace and no one would dare attack any Garden, but he never put this scenario into account. This was one contingency that he failed to conceive; then again the odds of this happening, whatever it was were astronomical.
"Hard to port!" Squall ordered.
"Aye sir!" Nida acknowledged the simple command.
"Sir?" Xu asked in confusion.
"We're out numbered! We must evade and stall until reinforcements come." Squall said. Xu didn't say anything else and continued to be battle ready. She trusted Squall and knew that she would give her life to protect her commander's - as were all the other people in Balamb Garden. His next order frightened her, for she knew that Squall was willing to sacrifice their lives for the safety of the planet.
"Quistis, evacuate all junior classmates and civilians to safety." Squall ordered through the intercom to hear Quistis' voice back to confirm the order. Squall sighed as his life flashed before his life. There were many holes, because of the usage of the Guardian Forces, but he remembered everything about last year - of Rinoa, and the year since.
Since then he has continued his command of Balamb Garden, while Xu became his executive officer and took care of the administration of Balamb Garden and saw that everything was running effectively.
"We're getting a communique from Superintendent Cid."
(What now?) He sighed bitterly. "Put it through!" Squall barked. "What is it superintendent, we're a little busy now?" Squall said bitterly. Over the pass year, Cid removed himself as headmaster and became the Superintendent of all the Gardens and Commander-in-Chief of all SeeD. He now lives with Edea, his wife, at the orphanage. The house has been fixed up over the year and has become the permanent residence for the Kramers.
"Garden is aware of your situation, at this moment all available Gardens is en route. We realized that you're the only ship there right now, but keep the line, the other Gardens will rendez-vous at your position very soon - along with the whole Estharian Air Fleet." Squall acknowledged his order and looked at his opponent. The ships were like from the deepest recess of his nightmares come to life.
"Sir, the vessel is secure and in our docking bay and I'm getting a communique from a Miss. Rinoa Heartilly. She's asking to come aboard." Xu said quickly as she looked at the instruments of her consoles. Squall was shocked to hear the news. (What the hell is she doing here?) He thought to himself. (Why now?)
"Sir?" Xu waited impatiently.
"Have Dr. Kadowaki and Zell Dincht go to the docking bay to check on casualties on the silver ship and have someone get Rinoa up here quickly!" Squall ordered.
"Aye sir!" Nida and Xu said in unison.
* * * * * * * * * *
Irvine Kinneas looked towards the horizon as he saw the early morning sky light up with red lasers hitting a target and he knew that Squall was there and hoped that they weren't too late to help his old friend. A lot has happened to Irvine that year, he returned to the Galbadia Garden crashed site near the orphanage to repair it and return it to it's natural home. He worked hard with his new Headmaster and with Cid and the other Garden Headmasters to make Garden into an independent nation. A nation where they own no land except the small area in which each country allowed the Garden to be placed.
With the defeat of Ultimecia and his role in the whole ordeal his name was quickly well known in Galbadia Garden and was quickly promoted to instructor. The women that lived in Garden fancied him greatly, but he had eyes for only one person, but that never stopped him in enjoying the attention. Irvine chuckled to himself. The relationships with his fellow crewmate were shallow and mainly platonic and he longs for something more.
Shortly after their returned from the time-compressed world and the declaration of Garden's independence, he came to the realization that he has grown up. Something he dreaded for a long time.
A black ship screamed by as it hit the hall of Galbadia Garden with a red laser, waking him up from his daydream. "Damn" He swore to himself. He got himself back inside and headed for his room. He looked out of his window and saw the much smaller Trabia Garden floating to the far west. "Selphie" He whispered to himself remembering the time they spent together last year.
He grabbed his Exeter from the wall and loaded it with Armour Piercing bullets and ran back out to see the hideous black ship coming back for more. He took aim and fired a round of Armour Piercing bullets. He took aim at the engine core and whispered to himself. "It's only a symbol."
The first round of the bullets broke through the ship's shields and the second round damaged the engine core sufficiently for the ship to explode from the impact. Irvine covered his eyes from the explosion and when the bright light succumbed into the dark morning sky, he looked down and saw the fragments of the ship falling into the ocean - The first fatality for their side. "Yes" He rejoiced and kissed his chrome gun as he thanked it for all its help.
He then continued to take aim at the next ship. He took aim as three ships screamed past him and Galbadia Garden and headed towards the west. Apparently Galbadia Garden has become too much of a threat. "Selphie." He whispered to himself praying that nothing happened to her.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Irvy." Selphie whispered to herself as she saw Galbadia Garden to the east. The explosion of the black ship scream painfully as it died. The eerie sound brought back nightmares from her childhood. She had a feeling that Irvine was the catalyst that destroyed that ship. Selphie was thinking the very same thing Irvine was - they were worried about each other, but she quickly set her mind on the present situation and concentrated on her duties.
Like Squall and Rinoa, her relationship with Irvine did not continue after the final confrontation with Ultimecia. She returned to Trabia and helped the other student there to restore the Garden back to her former glory. With hard work and the income of the other Gardens helping Trabia out the Garden was back to life and ready to serve in less then eight months.
She now serves as an instructor in Trabia Garden, but with all the ordeals that she had to go through she has never loss her child-like innocence, but she has become a little jaded - a feeling that she keeps hidden deep within. She looked ahead and saw Balamb Garden it was like a diamond in the sea of darkness. She didn't worry; she had faith in Squall and in his abilities.
Yet she had very little time to think of her old friend. Three black ships screamed towards Trabia as the Garden changed speed and course to intercept the three ships. With her peripheral vision she saw the escape pods jettison into the night. It must be the civilians and the junior class members. Which means one thing, they were willing to fight to their deaths. She held onto her nunchaku tighter ready to fight.
* * * * * * * * * *
Zell Dincht ran towards the docking bay as per his order from Squall. Like Selphie and Irvine, Zell too had quickly became an instructor under the command of Quistis Trepe. He rushed towards the second floor where a small docking bay was put in for small aircrafts. He waited impatiently as a small plane landed next to the small silver craft.
"What in the world?" Zell asked himself as he rushed to the ship. The bay doors of the ship opened and from within a person from his past.
"Rinoa!?! Whatcha doing here?" Zell said.
"I need to see Squall now." Rinoa said unapologetically. She wanted to catch up with Zell, but she needed to talk to Squall. She knew what this vortex was and knew one thing: it must be destroyed.
"This is not a good time." Quistis said interrupting their conversation. She met Dr. Kadowaki en route and decided to accompany her to the docking bay. She wondered why Rinoa has made herself vulnerable to her own demise. The enemy fleet has darkened the sky so no one could see the moonlight or any stars and still Rinoa risks her life to come here. After her return from the time-compressed world Quistis was promoted to her present role as head instructor of Balamb Garden, which fit well to her elderly sister demeanor.
"It is a matter of life and death." Rinoa protested. Quistis sighed as she remembered that tone of voice before. It was the night of the failed assassination of Edea back in Deling City over a year ago. She knew no matter what she said Rinoa would force her way up to the bridge regardless. She sighed in defeat.
"Zell execute your previous orders and I'll accompany Rinoa to the bridge. The four of them parted ways. Zell quickly lead Dr. Kadowaki towards the chrome, silver ship. He quickly searched around the hanger door looking for a trigger of some sort to open it. He found it to the right and started to pick it.
"Are you sure you can open it?" Dr. Kadowaki asked.
"Don't worry." Zell said nonchalantly. "I have an affinity with mechanics." Zell sighed.
"Hurry up, Zell there may be injured inside." Dr. Kadowaki rushed.
"Hang on." Zell sighed. He didn't want to admit it, but the circuitry was out of his league. He has never seen anything like this before. "That should do it." Zell said connecting two loosed wires which produced a spark. The door did not open. "Oh com'on." Zell sighed as he punched the panel. The hangar door slid open. "See I told ya, I'll get it opened." Zell smiled.
Dr. Kadowaki rushed into the silver ship and with her peripheral vision saw a couple adolescents on the ground. She checked their pulses and sighed. "They're dead." She sighed. "What's wrong?" Dr. Kadowaki asked looking at her teenaged escort.
"It's nothing, it's just that those uniforms...they look familiar." Zell sighed with frustration as he tried to remember where he last saw them. There was only one inauspicious matter with using Guardian Forces the severe taxation of memory it requires to be used. (Could I have forgotten this?) Zell thought.
"I'm not familiar with this sort of uniform." Dr. Kadowaki observed.
"It can't be that important." Zell lied. "Let's check ahead." Zell said leading the good doctor into the next corridor. The door slide opened and the bridge were filled with smoke and electrical sparks sprouting randomly.
Dr. Kadowaki quickly checked all the bodies. She went from body to body checking their status. Zell explored the bridge looking over the wreck. "My God." Zell gasped. "They're all teenagers." Zell observed with terrifying awe. "Hey Doc!" Zell called her full with fright.
"What's wrong?" Dr. Kadowaki said anxiously.
"I'm not sure, but is this..."
"Ellone." They said in unison.
* * * * * * * * * *
The bridge rocked again and smoke filled the room. Squall knew that they were losing this war and that reinforcements may be too late. He took a deep sighed and was about to give the order to ram Balamb Garden into the most densely part of the invasion force. If Balamb was going down she's taking most of the enemy down with her. Squall opened his mouth and was about to give the order until Xu interrupted him.
"Sir a report coming in from Galbadia Garden. They said that Irvine Kinneas destroyed one of the black ships with his gun and Armour Piercing bullets. The report said that he needed at least two rounds to penetrate their shields to produce an engine breach." Xu reported quickly.
"Order every available SeeD who knows how to use a gun to report to the armoury for debriefing. Give orders to the rest of the Garden fleet to do the same."
"Aye sir." Xu said as she quickly sent the commands to the other Gardens. Squall's breath was taken away when he saw Rinoa and Quistis saunter onto the bridge.
Squall pressed the general announcement chime. "All SeeD who is proficient with the gun, please see Lieutenant Commander Xu Tseng and Head Instructor Quistis Trepe in the armoury." Squall said looking at the two women in question. Quistis and Xu understood Squall's command and gave him a nod and left the bridge.
"Rinoa, what are you doing here?" Squall barked. He wanted to rush over there and gave her a kiss and hold her tight, but they had other priorities that needed his attention much more.
"We need to destroy the vortex and stop the reinforcements from coming through." Rinoa returned.
"How?"
"I'm not sure, but I know that it's a powerful spell of some sort from another world or something like that. What's worse is that it's drying up this world's magic to maintain it." Rinoa sighed.
"Meaning what?"
"All I know is any spells will not work when cast, nor our Guardian Forces summoned unless the vortex is destroyed." Squall was surprised with the news and wanted her to explain how she knew this, but he didn't have the time. Something in his heart told him to trust her.
"This vortex, it's too high in attitude for any Garden to climb." Squall said looking at the data of the violet vortex. Gardens were marvel feet of engineering genius - a tribute for the engineers that created it, but it lacked the ability to go higher into the atmosphere.
"Sir!" Nida said directing their attention to the bridge's window. Three fleets of Estharian airships came rushing through the dark sky, marking the dark sky with their blue laser beams and guns ports on high. A series of orange explosions and screams rang through the air. The hairs behind Squall's neck began to stand up at the sound of the unholy symphony.
Squall looked at Rinoa who was standing very close to him. Her eyes were transfixed at the horrors outside. Squall looked at her and thought how beautiful she looked, especially with the explosions of the enemy ships high lighting the counters of her face. Rinoa was right, as long as the vortex is still open they were susceptible to an oncoming invasion. The only way to stop this was to stop this spell. Squall thought to himself.
Squall with this insight rush to Xu's console and raise communication to the Ragnarok. Rinoa followed him and held him tightly around his abdomen and pressed her body against his back. She placed her head on the naked of his neck. Rinoa wanted this to be their last moment she remembers if they were to die. Squall on the other hand, thought that this was very unprofessional. "Not now Rinoa, I'm busy." He said plainly.
His statement and his attitude towards her hurt Rinoa. She wanted to cry, but she was disturbed by a beeping sound emanating from the panel that Squall was playing with. "What are you doing?" Rinoa asked, her voice cracking.
"Contacting the Ragnarok." Squall said emotionless.
* * * * * * * * * *
Laguna was involved with the extermination of the invasion fleet when Balamb Garden hailed his ship. One of his crew handed him a report. Laguna smiled reading that the invasion fleet is retreating.
"This is Commander Squall Leonhart of Balamb Garden. We require your assistance." Squall's voice came through the intercom.
Laguna took a deep sigh. Squall's voice always reminded him of the past. He looked at his ring on his left hand and remembered Julia his first love and Raine, his true love. He lost both of them to death, and he missed both of them. "This is President Laguna Loire in command of the Estharian Airship Ragnarok. How can we help you Balamb Garden?" He said still looking at his wedding ring.
Squall quickly explained Rinoa's plan to the President. Upon hearing the news Dr. Odine responded with frustration. He wanted to examine the vortex, not destroy it. Laguna sighed and weighed both arguments, but one thing he knew: Squall needed the Ragnarok to get up high enough in the atmosphere to reach the vortex. Laguna agreed under the condition that they were to examine the vortex first and then find a way of closing it. Squall reluctantly agreed and Laguna suggested a rendez-vous in fifteen minutes.
* * * * * * * * * *
"The last ship has been destroyed." Nida reported with great joy. Squall looked at the navigator and smiled nervously at her. He knew that this victory would be short live because at any moment the fleet from the other side of the vortex could be sending reinforcements.
"Good work, Nida." Squall sighed. He looked at Rinoa and he noticed that she was still holding on to his arm. "Contact Xu and tell her that I will be leaving Garden and that she'll be left in command, Nida you will be her X.O." Nida saluted her commander and returned to her duties.
Squall looked at Rinoa and smiled. "I have to be going." Squall whispered.
"Not without me you're not." Rinoa demanded.
"It'll be dangerous."
"I'm going with you!" She insisted even the more. Squall looked at her and knew that there was nothing in the world that he could say that would change her mind.
"All right, just stay close to me." Squall sighed as they made their way to the docking bay.
The Ragnarok brought back memories for the young lovers. It was the place where they first admitted their feelings towards each other. They looked at each other and walked through the bay doors of the Ragnarok. The two of them entered the Ragnarok and reported themselves to the bridge where they greeted the President.
The Ragnarok engines roared as it prepared for space flight. Squall looked out the window and marvelled at the tiny blue planet. He saw on the night-side of the planet a purple whirlpool that covered the greater portion of the planet.
"It's beautiful." Rinoa gasped.
"Well it's now or never." Laguna said. "Dr. Odine are you ready?"
"Do not interrupt!" Odine's familiar accent came roaring back as he tapped the recording instruments on the bridge. "Oh no." Odine sighed disappointingly.
"What's wrong?" Laguna asked.
"The vortex is shrinking." Rinoa said with awe. All eyes darted at her. "The balance of magic is slowly shifting back to normal." Rinoa explained.
"Ah, you can zenze thiz? How intrezting?" Dr. Odine said ignoring the vortex as he gave Rinoa a sight examination. "How can you zenze this?" He asked holding Rinoa's chin with his hand.
"Dr. Odine, the vortex?" Laguna asked.
"Ah." Dr. Odine went back to his instruments.
"Don't worry about Dr. Odine." Laguna smiled at Rinoa. "He's a true scientist, always interested in new toys and the unexplainable." Laguna jested.
"Be quiet!" Dr. Odine rebuked with his arms waving in the air.
"And demands on total silence." Laguna whispered. Rinoa chuckled at the remark, but stopped abruptly when Odine looked sharply at her. She sighed and walked towards Squall. She wanted to hold him, but was prevented by her earlier experience.
"What are you thinking?" Rinoa whispered.
(I don't know.) Squall thought to himself. (Perhaps our visitors from the vortex down in Balamb Garden or their attackers or the meaning of the vortex or my people down there or our relationship.) "Nothing much." Squall sighed. "I'm just worried that's all."
"So am I." Rinoa sighed as she placed her head on his shoulder. "I'm also very tired." Rinoa whispered quietly.
"I know, I know." Squall sighed holding her gently. "It's been a long night for us all." Squall comforted. Rinoa gave a gentle murmur and fell asleep in Squall's shoulder. "But I have a feeling that this is far from over." He sighed to himself. He watched slowly as the vortex shrank and finally disappeared. (What's going to happen now?) Squall thought to himself.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Writers Note: The names of persons, places, and events pertaining to the Final Fantasy Genre (specifically Final Fantasy VIII (game)) is not my invention and is the property of Square - no profit was made from the writing of this fan fiction. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents the product of the author's imagination (i.e. The black ships, Vesper, Tseng (Xu's last name)) and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.