Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story...except Zell. He IS mine! *cough*
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Squall's Diary - Prologue
"Squall...", Rinoa cried as she stared into the oak casket, where her husband lay. "How could you do this to me? Why'd you have to go and die on me!?"
"Rinoa," Zell patted her on the back, "Come n'sit down now. The funeral's gonna start".
Zell led the heartbroken Rinoa to a seat in the front row of the chapel. The two former friends of Squall sat beside Selphie, Quistis and Irvine. They said nothing to each other. Their tears spoke louder than any words could. The five teenagers wore all black; even Selphie.
Headmaster Cid approached the podium at the front of the room. "Hello all; Garden students and friends. Today, we're here to mourn the death -and celebrate the life- of Squall Leonhart, a former student at the Garden. He was a noble young man and died in the course of duty".
Five years after the battle against Ultemicia, Squall - now a teacher at Balamb Garden - was asked to battle, one last time, with Seifer. The two rivals headed out to the beach beside Balamb. With no spectators, they battled. For hours on end, they fought; neither man giving up. At long last, the two males grew tired; Squall more so than Seifer. He fell to the ground slowly and Seifer, letting his competitiveness get the best of him, slashed Squall across the chest. Squall struggled to stand up, but Seifer attacked again, leaving an bloody 'X' soaking through Squall's white shirt. He walked away, caring not about Squall's health but only that he had won. He had finally won...
After Squall's body was lowered into the ground, everybody started to leave while his closest friends remained.
"Rinoa," Selphie asked, "Are you alright?"
Rinoa shook her head, "No. I loved him. He's gone now".
"Yo, I hate to bring this up now, but what about Seifer?", Zell asked, looking into the cloudy sky.
"He won't be persecuted. Squall entered the battle willingly", Quisis explained.
"But it wasn't fair!" Selphie cried.
"Yes...I know, but that's the law".
"So, there's nothing we can do?", Irvine asked.
"No".
Zell kicked the grass and cursed under his breath.
"Maybe we should get back to the Garden, guys", Selphie suggested.
Rinoa nodded.
* * *
The group gathered in the large dorm Squall shared with Rinoa; their 'apartment'. Irvine sat in a small chair as Selphie placed herself on his lap while Quistis and Zell sat on the couch. Rinoa wandered about the kitchen, shaking and knocking various objects to the floor.
"Maybe you should take a seat", Irvine said.
"I'm just...looking for something!", Rinoa called as another unknown item fell to the ground. She then ran to the only bedroom. Five minutes later, she returned to the small living room with a little, ragged booklet.
"Uh...What's that?", Zell asked, skeptically.
"It's Squall's diary. I always wanted to take a peek inside, but he never let me".
"Are you sure you should be looking in that now?", Quistis asked.
"Yes! Come on, guys, lets just take a look."
The group nodded.
Rinoa opened the book to the first page and started to read...