The trek through the Timber forest was uneventful, and Squall, Zell, and Selphie arrived in the town by late afternoon. It looked much as they had left it; Galbadian soldiers were no longer patrolling the streets, but there were still guards posted at every corner. While Squall was fairly sure that they hadn't become notorious enough to be identified on sight, his hand nonetheless hovered near his gunblade as they made their way through the city. However, they did not have any problems.
As they passed the old Timber Maniacs building, they were approached by a short young man in a yellow shirt and blue cap. Instead of their code phrase, he burst out, Is it really you, sir? This is great, sir! Come with me, sir! and set off down the street. Recognizing him as Watts, one of Rinoa's resistance members, Squall followed him, despite his lack of stealth.
Watts led them down a set of stairs to a bar, which seemed to be hidden behind a set of small shops. Squall noted the glowing magenta fountain signifying a draw point, but he saw no rush to stock up on magic just yet. Instead, he followed Watts inside.
Immediately upon crossing the threshold, Squall was struck by a fast-moving object, which proceeded to wrap its arms around him, tightly enough to nearly force the air out of his lungs. After a moment of surprise at the unexpected assault, Squall gently pushed the form away from him. When she had consented to standing on her own, he stood at attention, offering the traditional SeeD salute. Reporting as ordered.
Oh, stop that! Rinoa Heartilly playfully slapped the hand away from his face. Surprising himself, Squall could not help a small smile.
So, ah.... Squall saw Zone, the supposed leader of Rinoa's resistance group standing uncomfortably by the bar. Outside of gunblade range, he noted. Last time we met...I was a little upset. I want to say I...didn't mean...you know, all the stuff I said.
He was referring to his very nearly attacking Squall upon learning that Rinoa had slipped into a coma. Squall had never planned to hold that against him; he wondered if he might have done the same thing.
Forget about it, he said, gesturing dismissively. Zone's face immediately flooded with relief, which disappeared just as quickly, as he collapsed to the ground, moaning about his stomach. No one paid him any attention.
Come on! Rinoa said, motioning to a table in the back of the bar. We've come up with a great plan!
Squall raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. Having seen one of their planning sessions,' he found it difficult to take any of their schemes seriously at face value. Nonetheless, their plan to kidnap the Galbadian president would certainly have proven a good one; if they hadn't targeted an undead body double instead of the real president.
So what's the plan? Zell asked, plopping down in the chair and crossing his arms.
Well, we haven't quite gotten it all worked out yet, Rinoa admitted, but here it is. The Galbadians really took a beating, what with summoning the Lunatic Pandora and the fight with Esthar, right? Well, we were thinking that if we could, maybe, capture all the guards stationed here, then we might be able to use them to negotiate for Timber's release.
There must be hundreds of guards stationed in Timber, Squall thought. Thousands, even. You want us to capture all of them? he asked.
Rinoa shrugged. Well, I guess we don't need them all.
Idea, sir! Watts exclaimed. The Galbadians' commander is living right here in town! Maybe we could capture him, sir!
Selphie exclaimed, bouncing up and down in her chair. We capture their commander and hold him for ransom! And if they don't give us what we want, BANG!
Zone cringed.
Rinoa added after a beat. So it's agreed! We go after the Galbadian commander, and we hold him for ransom while we negotiate Timber's independence!
I'll take care of the intelligence, sir! Watts exclaimed, and rushed off. Zone simply collapsed again, moaning holding his stomach.
Squall pressed a gloved hand against his forehead, which was suddenly throbbing. Man, I hope these wackos don't screw up.
The thought was rudely interrupted by a sharp tugging at his leg. Quickly standing, he saw a large brown-and-white dog trying to devour his pants.
Rinoa exclaimed, hurrying over and shooing the dog away. Go play with the kitty down the street! When the dog had gone, she turned to Squall. I'm sorry, she said, though her smile was more amused than apologetic.
Forget about it, Squall said.
Rinoa then clasped her arms behind her back and balanced on one foot, tilting her head at him expectantly. she asked after a moment.
Squall frowned.
Aren't you going to say something?
About what?
she exclaimed, throwing her arms apart. I just want to hear what you're thinking!
Rinoa slapped her hand to her forehead, in an obvious imitation of Squall's classic thinking pose. This caused her face to disappear behind her long, raven-black hair. I don't believe this, she said, bruising the hair away from her face. I leave for what, half a day, and you're already back to your old, closed-off self.
This is how I am, Squall thought. What do you want from me?
And don't tell me you don't know any other way, she warned, leaning forward conspiratorially. After last night...you better not dare tell me that.
I knew I was going to regret that. I'm on a mission now. You're my employer.
Well then, Rinoa started, a mischievous glint in her eyes, As your employer, I order you to tell me what's on your mind.
The wound across Squall's forehead was throbbing again. Why is everyone so concerned with me opening up? N — he began.
And don't say Rinoa said at the same instant.
Squall turned away, not liking the reminder that he was so — how had Quistis put it? — predictable.
Come on, Rinoa urged. I just want to hear what you're thinking!
I'm thinking about how we should get into the Galbadian barracks, Squall said. It's pretty heavily guarded; we can't just bust in from the front door.
Rinoa made a frustrated noise. Do you always have to be so serious? Come on, we're going to liberate Timber! This is fun!
If you don't take things like this seriously, you might overlook something. I don't want anything to go wrong.
Glaring at him, Rinoa placed her hands on her hips. Neither do I! Are you trying to tell me that I'm not taking this seriously enough?
Maybe.
You still think this is some kind of game to me, don't you? she demanded. That I'm only doing this to get at my father? That's it, isn't it?
I never said anything about her father, Squall thought. She must be having thoughts about that herself, and using me as a symbol. Why can't people just admit they have doubts?
Say something! Rinoa demanded. After another instant, she stormed over to the back exit, where Zell, Selphie and Zone had positioned themselves.
Now what did I do? Squall wondered.
- - = = = = - -
The first thing Quistis noticed upon stepping off the elevator onto the Garden's bridge' was the strange beeping sound. She had never heard it on the bridge before.
Hi, Quistis. Xu, in full uniform as always, smiled and saluted.
What's going on? Quistis asked, returning the salute.
You're not going to believe this, Xu said, motioning to a small box behind the pilot's column, which seemed to be the source of the beeping.
A thought struck her. Is that...a radio signal? she asked.
Xu nodded. A distress signal, actually. From Galbadia Garden.
Quistis blinked. Before now, she hadn't given very much thought to the fate of Balamb's companion Garden. The future Sorceress Ultimecia — controlling the body of Cid's wife, Edea — had wanted Galbadia Garden because of its close affiliation with the Galbadian military, giving it Garden's equivalent of an army, which was better equipped than the Galbadian forces themselves. Balamb Garden had fought a pitched battle with them, and finally managed to drive Sorceress Ultimecia from Edea's body. Afterwards, Galbadia Garden had simply...disappeared. Quistis hadn't thought much of it, as more urgent matters had kept springing up to occupy her attention.
The signal's coming from somewhere off the Timber coast, offered Nida, the Garden's pilot. Just south of Shenand hill. The message itself is just a repeating distress code.
What should we do? Quistis asked.
I've called Headmaster Cid, Xu said. He should be here soon.
Quistis nodded. What do you think happened over there after the battle? she asked.
Xu shrugged. With Edea and Seifer gone, they probably didn't know what to do. I wouldn't be surprised if they had their own civil war, like we did when NORG tried to take over.
They're using a Garden code, Nida said. They might be asking for us, specifically.
With Master Martine and most of the students banished, I wonder who took charge, Xu continued.
The soldiers we captured knew less about what was going on than we did, Quistis mused. Perhaps one of the faculty?
Or the Garden Master, Xu offered.
I could send my minions to kill each and every one of you.
Wasn't Martine the Garden Master as well? Quistis blinked. Hm? What did you say, Nida?
He shrugged.
A faint whirr signaled the elevator's return. All three SeeDs turned and saluted as Headmaster Cid arrived on the bridge. I understand our fellow Garden is in need of some help, he said.
They're certainly asking for it, Xu replied.
Could it be a trap? Nida asked, rather loudly.
Ultimecia is defeated, Cid reminded him. What would they have to gain? He looked at the three. Do any of you think we shouldn't try to help? Silence. Well, then. Nida, take us to Galbadia Garden, if you please.
Nida nodded.