Disclaimer: I don't own any FF8 characters, though I wish I did... I'd have a $h!t-load of money, if I did! *sigh* Oh well...

Chapter Seven
A Crumbling Tower



Late that night, I couldn't find Rinoa anywhere in the castle. Zell, Selphie, and Instructor Trepe had all gotten settled into their rooms, and it was now midnight. I was now standing near a cliff and leaning over the stone railing that had been built there. I then heard a sweet voice singing not far away. I looked around; the voice sounded like an...echo. Suddenly, I noticed a harbor that was hidden in a cave, a cave probably made by the splashing waves for it was inside the wall of the cliff the castle was built on. I saw a small path leading down to the cave, and where the lovely voice was...



"Rinoa," I whispered to myself as I made my way to the small rowboat she was sitting in. The dock's floor creaked and she abruptly stopped singing. She turned around, "Keep singing, I like it" I said as I walked up to her boat. "Okay if I join you?" She nodded. I sat down next to her, the gentle waves lapping at the boat side. "You alright?" She sighed.

"I guess so," she said glumly.

There was an akward silence. "Are you mad at me?" I asked.

She shook her head, "No, not you..." Again, there was an akward silence; what did she mean by that? Finally, she sighed, "But two of our monsters lost their lives, today. Who do we have to thank for that, Squall?" she asked me with utter seriousness.

I felt so bad about this whole thing. I felt like I had turned my back on both of worlds I loved. I turned away from Garden to be with Rinoa, and now I've accepted the murderous ways of Garden just so some old comrades wouldn't die. It was just to make sure that others wouldn't come searching, but still... I hung my head and sighed, "... ... ...I'm sorry," I said.

"Sorry?" she repeated, half confused, half outraged. "YOU are sorry? You're not the one who should be sorry, Squall." I looked up at her. "It's your comrades who should be sorry; but are they?"

I stared at her; I honestly didn't know what to say. I didn't ask them if they were sorry, though I doubt they'd be anyway... They killed monsters, like me...

Rinoa snaped me out of my daze with a harsh voice. "I said, ARE THEY SORRY?"

I looked down, knowing that she really was mad, and the only consolation was that it wasn't me she was angry with. "I heard you..."

She sighed, half exasperated, half hysterical. "Answer me, Squall. Please."

"...I don't know..." I said honestly.

"Didn't you ask?" said Rinoa, half disgusted. I shook my head. "Fine; just fine..." She crossed her arms and looked away from me.

"Rinoa..."

"Two lives were taken, today, Squall. Not one, TWO," she growled through her gritted teeth. "I don't care if they're your friends, Squall--I don't care if they were the Maester's friends; I can NEVER forgive them for that."

"I'm sorry." I truly was, too.

She stared at me as if waiting for something else. "...That's it? That's all you're going to say?"

"What do you WANT me to say?"

That did it, I thought as she snorted in disgust and got out of the boat. She kicked at the stone walls and a secret door was revealed. She walked into the door, "I'll leave it open for you," I heard her call back to me.

"Rinoa!" I called, standing up in the boat; I heard her footsteps stop. I quickly jumped out of the boat and ran over to the door. "Rinoa," I called. "Please, look at me..."

She looked at me over her shoulder, her beautiful eyes filled with tears. "Please, don't cry," I said. "We'll fix it, Rinny, I promise!" I cried in desparation. "I'll talk to them, I'll do anything, just--" She let out a breath, that was neither a sigh nor a sob. She looked up at me.

"Do you know what saddens me the most? I mean, really?" she asked. Rinoa, please don't do this to me... "That from all this...you're still the same."

"What? Rinoa--"

"That from all this, you're still one of them."

"I'm not! Rinoa, I'm not!"

"That from all this, you've learned nothing!" I stopped dead in my tracks and just stared at her. Did she really mean that? I've learned something! Rinoa, I've learned something! I've learned so much from you! ...Rinoa, please hear me...

"Rinoa..."

She looked away, tiny rivers of tears streaming down her cheeks. "I thought... I thought that you were different," she said. "I thought that you could change, but now..." She looked up. "You're nothing but a coward!" She turned and ran down the dark corrider; I could hear her sobs echoing down to me. I sighed and dropped down to my knees and beat the ground hard.

I sighed heavily and ran my hand through my hair, this was just great... Sure, I was glad to see some part of my first home for a while, but now my girlfriend was completely pissed at me! Not that I blame her, though... She thinks of humans and monsters as equals to each other. But it's more than that to her, personally. As far as she's concerned, all girls and women are sisters, and all boys and men are brothers. All men are fathers, all boys are sons, all women are mothers, all girls are daughters, we are all family, including the monsters. They are brother and sister to Rinoa, and so much more.

I sighed, man, I hate this... I'm finally happy with someone, and now it's all screwed up! Why does it always have to be this way? Why can't I have at least one ray of sunshine in my life? I slowly got up and walked through the stone door, seeing that it was a tunnel which led up to the castle courtyard. Maybe in the morning things will get better...



When morning came, I noticed that my comrades from Garden had slept in. Rinoa made breakfast early and went off to put the monsters through their paces, and go do a memorial ceremony for the Glacial Eyes that had been killed the day before. I hadn't seen either her or Eiri all morning; I wasn't surprised that Rinoa hadn't spoken to me...

When I got dressed in my valley clothes, I noticed that my old clothes were now on the dresser. I reached out and touched the leather with my fingers, feeling an icy chill call out to me, saying 'Come back home, come back home! There's no place for you here!'

No! My mind screamed in desparation. I'm here! I belong in Madao Valley! I belong with Rinoa! The voice called out to me again. 'She doesn't love you anymore,' it said. No... Rinoa loves me... She's just...angry.

I sighed and sank to my knees. "Why...? Why me...? Why does it always have to be me...?!" I pounded my fist into the floor. "Dammit! I should have killed them! I should have never let them come!" I beat my fist at least three more times into the floor before finally breaking down. "Why...?" I choked through my sobs. This was so hopeless, I thought. Rinoa was so mad at me she probably can't even see straight... There's no more left for me here... Just leave me to die...



"Yo! Squall, how are ya?" I turned around in my chair to see Zell, Selphie, and Instructor Trepe coming into the kitchen.

I took a bite out of my toast, "Fine," I said. A lie; I wasn't fine... Rinoa wouldn't speak to me, not even Eiri had spoken to me since yesterday.

They all sat down at each place Rinoa had set for them before we all woke up. The food was still hot; Zell rubbed his hands together. "Man, this looks great!" Soon everyone was eating the great breakfast Rinoa had made, and I was long finished when Zell finally said, "So, how's Rinoa doin'? She still pissed at you, or what?"

I glared at him as Selphie gulped down some freshly sqeezed passion fruit juice. "YOU guys are the ones she's pissed at! I am not the one who killed a member of our family!"

Everyone looked up at me as if I were insane. "Squall, what are you talking about?" Zell asked.

"Ever since we've gotten here," Quistis added. "You've been very hostile towards us."

"Yeah, Squall," said Selphie. "Sre you okay?"

I stood up and pounded my fists against the table. "No, I'm NOT okay! The murder of monsters in unforgivable!" I shotued.

"Squall, calm down," said Instructor Trepe. "You're talking nonsense."

"Yeah, man," Zell chimed in. "They're just monsters."

That was it! "Just monsters?" I repeated in disgust. "Just MONSTERS?!!! Those monsters as you so patronizingly call them just so happened to be like family to me! You murdered two of our best guards and you dare to come into our valley and just strut around like you're kings?! What the hell is wrong with you that you could be so arrogant?! And you say that I am talking nonsense?! The only reason they attacked you was because you are not welcome here! And don't you dare say otherwise if you value your breath!"

I stormed out of the kitchen, hearing the others call to me from behind. I didn't care... I knew that part of me knew that I was making no sense at all, but then again, the other part of me couldn't stand the thought of them calling them 'just monsters.' That same part of me now understood Rinoa. I cared for the monsters in the valley, like they were loyal animals, like friends...




After about an hour of cooling off at the cliff where Rinoa and I had had our first kiss, I decided to head back to the village. When I was about halfway there, I ran into Zell. "Yo, Squall, I've been lookin' for ya all morning! You okay?" Before I could answer, he cut me off. "'Cause if you aren't, I totally understand. I mean--I ran into that Village Shaman dude and he explained everything. I mean, I had no idea that monsters were like your friends. Still pretty wierd though... Uh--not that I don't respect that, it's just that I'm not into all that tree-hugger, hippie stuff. But I totally understand if you're pissed at me, dude."

"Zell, calm down, would ya?" Man, I didn't know that he'd be like this...

"I just wanted to say that I'm really, really, very sorry." He clasped his hands together over his head as if saying a prayer. "I talked to the Shaman guy in the village--since he was the only one that wasn't glaring at us--and I understand now. Well, I don't really, but I know what kinda society it is here, and...uh... Well, I apologize if I behaved 'inapropriately' in the presence of tree-huggers." That's Quistis's speach coaching if I've ever seen it...

I shook my head, "No, I'm the one who blew up like that."

Zell lit up, "I'm glad to hear you say that, man. I'd hate to be fighting with you all the way home." Huh? What's he talking about?

"...What do you mean 'all the way home?'" I said.

Zell looked just as confused as I was as he scratched the back of his head, "Well... We're leaving for Garden tomorrow afternoon." ...What? "...Did you hear me?"

I nodded, "Yeah, I heard..."

"...Look, I don't want to go back with us mad at each other." I was still confused, but part of me knew what he was talking about. There was a long pause. "... ... ...You ARE coming back with us, right?"

"...Coming back?" I repeated in slight shock. "As in...go back to Garden?"

"Well--yeah. Are you okay with that?"

No, I'm nowhere near okay! I wanted to say that, but I couldn't. I mean, I missed Garden and I knew that it was my home, but... If I go back, then I would have to give up Rinoa. Is my first and only home worth giving her up? "Uh... I gotta go somewhere, I'll see you later, alright?"

"...Yeah, sure." I walked off, and climbed up to the cliff where I stood watch over the valley.



I sat at the edge of the cliff that looked over the whole vale and ran a hand through my hair. ...I don't know what to do... I sighed, this is just another crossroad in my life, but for the first time...I don't know what to do...

I felt a gentle wind ruffle through my clothes and I rubbed the back of my neck. Why does this have to happen? Go back to Garden, or stay with Rinoa? Garden was my home, the place where I grew up. But, then again, Rinoa was some one I loved more than anything in the world! She's beautiful, smart, talented, and I love her! How could Garden replace her? ...My home and friends, or my girlfriend and new life?

I sighed, all of my life I had always been alone, doing my job, following everyone's orders... I liked it, no one ever singled me out; I was alone to do my job. When I was doing my job, I felt like I had it all figured out, that I wouldn't ever have to deal with anymore heartache that my sister had left me with.
I was glad that I was too busy to worry about it, also glad that my work kept me busy enough to keep my feet on the ground and not worry myself with useless dreams of adventure and travel and romance. Then, the night I became I SeeD, I met a skinny, beautiful girl that was full of dreams. Dreams enough for the both of us...

I silently laughed to myself thinking about all of this. My seventeen years of hard work of turning a scrawny, wide-eyed child into the iron-hearted teenager he was now had all gone completely upsidedown in one night. After that dance, she left and I thought I would never see her again. Then, a week later, I had been scarred by my rival, Seifer, and he pushed me off a cliff. I thought it would all be over, then. That I would die by the hand of my rival. But I was wrong.

A day later, I woke up to the same angel from the inaguration ball, nursing me back to health. I smiled warmly at that thought; when ever Rinoa and I were together, it all felt so right... She's the only reason I'm alive to this day, the reason I draw breath every morning. The only reason I've come this far is I've...fallen for you................Rinoa............

I frowned and rubbed my forehead, feeling the rough scab the scar had left; all of my bandages were gone now, I sighed once more. Rinoa... Now... Am I just supposed to let you go? I thought for a long moment. No, I realized. I can't let her go! If I felt this awful just when we weren't speaking... I can't even IMAGINE what it would be like if she lived halfway around the world from me... I can't live like that... I can't survive knowing that she's so far away. But what about Garden? Was I just about to let Seifer win and take over? Absolutely not! But, to be with Rinoa...

I sighed with frustration. She knows me like no one else does, which is more than I could ever ask from anyone. Garden is home, the place where I grew up! I couldn't replace that... If only she could come with me... My heart ached with frustration; the thought of leaving my home was devistating, but losing my love, Rinoa? I'd die.

I slowly stood up, perhaps all I need is a good night's sleep? ...Yeah, that's what I need. And in the morning, I'll know exactly what to do.



As I walked through the village, I noticed a distinct change in the atmosphere--and it was all coming from the people. I looked around at them; they stopped their work to glare at me. Deep down, I wasn't surprised--I knew that I had committed a great sin against the village by letting outsiders into our homeland, when I was an outsider myself.

I realized the effect it would have on not only my reputation and trust, but Rinoa's. She was the one who let me in in the first place. By letting me in, the villagers had already become hostile to her; it was far worse for me, because I was now seen as an arrogant ousider like all of them for thinking that it was alright. Sure, they were my old comrades from Garden, but I was still their guardian.

I looked around; judging by the sneers and glares I was given, they were just waiting for an excuse to throw rotton fruit at me. I tried to give a courteous nod to Majji, but she simply sneered and closed the curtain on her tent/stall. I sighed and continued walking back to the castle.

I heard the sound of stretching rubber behind me. I quickly spun around and caught a small rock that was headed straight for my head. A village boy ran into the shadows, sheathing his slingshot. I frowned and threw the rock to the ground. I knew this was only the beginning. If I stayed much longer, they would be pinning me up to that post and burn my flesh off my bones.

I turned and sighed in realization that I couldn't stay here. The village hated me--and just as I was beginning to be liked and fully trusted like a member of the family, too. I go and blow it all... God, I am such and IDIOT!!! I angrily kicked a rock down the path.

"Hey! Watch where your temper flies, outsider!" I spun around to see Mushin, a village merchant I traded with once.

"...What did you call me?" I asked as calmly as I could.

"You heard me!" he called, shaking his fist. "Why don't you just go back to where you came from and take your murderers with you?!"

"I am not a murderer!" I shouted.

"Really?" I spun around at the venomous tone behind me. There she stands, the red-haired woman who hated Rinoa, Nicola. She slowly walked towards me and circled me like a vulture circling round an animal's corpse three days dead.

"Well, outsider, you've done it," she said. "You've finally proved to our dear little princess what you really are. A backstabbing coward."

"That's not true!" I said.

"Oh, isn't it?" I could almost see venom dripping from her tongue. "You may have fooled everybody else around here, but I am not fooled by your little act."

"Act?"

"Yes, outsider, act. You know, the act you put on to make the princess fall in love with you? I'll bet you were trying to get the Dragon's Eye, weren't you?"

I swung out my arm in anger. "What are you talking about?! I didn't imake/i Rinoa fall in love with me! Her eyes wouldn't have changed if this wasn't real love! I love her more than anything--I don't even know what the 'Dragon's Eye' is!"

"Liar!" she screamed, her voice shrill and harsh. "For two generations, now, outsiders have been interfering with what was once so great! Our legacy is falling because of you and your outside world!" The villagers all cried in agreement. I backed up slightly. "First, that Heartilly girl coming in and poisoning my chance at royalty, and now you poisoning the chance of my son!"

I took a step back. "Nariko is your son?"

"What's going on here?!" Zone and Watts came rushing through. "Alright, everyone, go on about your business," Zone said. "It's not his fault with what happened."

"You can't protect him forever!"

"Nicola," Watts said. "I don't appreciate how you've treated him; since he got here he's been a walking target for you. Are you so bitter as to do that? He's still a guardian to the valley--have you forgotten all he has done for us?" He looked around at the faces of the villagers. "Look, I know he was an outsider before, but he became one of us--he is living proof that we can live in harmony with everyone."

"He is living proof that the outsiders will bring our death!" she shouted. "He comes, and more come to find him. Soon, we will be killing our own monsters!" The village erupted with whispers.
"That's not true!" I said. "They didn't come looking for me--they just stumbled in here by chance. They are my old friends--though they kill, I cannot forget my past and those who have helped me."

Nicola sneered. "Yes, those who have helped you stain your hands with blood!"

"Nicola, that's enough!" Zone shouted. "Everyone, go back to your business. What ever happens, you either deal with it or leave the valley!" He looked directly at Nicola. "And if I hear one more word out of you, I'll sacrifice you to Odin myself." She sneered and walked away, the villagers following suit. I felt worse than ever. The village has turned its back on me.
"Hey, c'mon," Watts said. "Let's go back to the castle, okay?"

"You aren't mad?" I asked as we walked.

"Of course we're mad!" shouted Zone. "But, for Rinoa's sake, we'll forgive ya." I sighed. I had to go back to Garden. If everybody hated me, I could never show my face in the village again. They would never accept me back. This is what I get for relying on others--more pain. I should go back to Garden... I have to... There is no other choice... I have no one, now. Someone... Please, tell me what do to. ...Someone? ...So, I'll end up relying on others, after all...



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Sorry it's been so long, but I think that I'm just about half done with this. However, I don't really know for sure. Anyway, I hope you liked it. R&R, PLEEEEAAASSSSE!!!


Kayli