His figure bolted up abruptly, coated with perspiration. Glancing around, he struggled to catch his breath, but all he could manage was to choke on the air surrounding him. He was finally able to focus enough on his surroundings, despite the foggy darkness, and found he was back in his own room, in his bed. Was it over . . . ?

Thankful that he seemed to have returned to reality, he collapsed backwards onto his pillow. The thoughts clouding his mind continued to swirl endlessly, making him more aware of the painful headache that had resulted from the two dreams -- or whatever they were. It was still dark outside, and it felt strange because it had been morning in those visions . . . Visions that someone had to cause him to see. That someone had to be Ellone, even though he had never known her to make people dream about something that hadn't even happened.

Standing to his feet, he yanked on his clothes all over again. He was positive there would be no sleep until he discovered the hidden meaning behind what he had seen, and the only way he'd ever be able to figure it out would be to ask Ellone herself. But where was she? He remembered talking to her before he left the party, so she must have remained at Garden for the night.

He wasn't the slightest bit sure where to start his search. She could be virtually anywhere. Stepping out into the hallway, he cradled his pulsating forehead in one hand. There was only one thing he was sure of -- he wasn't going to run around knocking on everyone's door during the after-hours. Heh, and that really narrowed his search down a hell of a lot.

Glancing up, he tried to determine which way to go first -- and then he really couldn't believe his luck. Was that her? He walked briskly in the direction of the figure sitting on a bench down the hall, nearly unbelieving. Never had he expected finding her to be anywhere near this easy. He saw her raise her head to look at him as he approached, and he stopped a few feet away from her.

"Ellone, I need to talk to you about-- . . ."

"I know exactly what you want to know. That's why I waited out here. I knew you'd come looking for me."

He sighed, glad he didn't have to explain himself, and then stared down at her with a rather harsh expression. "Then tell me. What in the hell is this all about? Why are you messing with my mind again? And since when can you make me dream about . . . That?"

"You need to understand something first, Squall. I only did this to make your life easier, and I know you don't realize that yet. I know how you feel about both Rinoa and Quistis, and you're confused about your feelings, right?" she replied patiently, used to his attitude. He was a little worse than usual, since he was especially tired and confused.

"I . . . How do you know?" he responded, lowering his voice and sitting on the bench beside her.

"It'll just take longer if I try to explain . . . It's even hard for me to comprehend sometimes. In both of those dreams, you were shown two different paths you could take. One or the other could happen, and maybe neither of them will. It's your choice."

" . . . How is seeing that going to help me?" he questioned, resting his head in his hands.

"Well, let me ask you this . . . Who did you feel more comfortable with? Rinoa or Quisty?"

The question startled him. He hadn't really considered that thought -- who had he felt more comfortable with? Rinoa had teased him and seemed rather in charge of him, while Quistis had been more down to earth and reasonable. Something about Quistis had calmed him, and he had felt the need to apologize to her because of the way he had yanked away from her so suddenly. Rinoa had . . . Well, confused him further and didn't seem to take him seriously.

" . . . Quistis . . . ," he whispered quietly, never intending to actually reveal it to her. He shook his head when he realized he had.

Ellone stood. "You know, Squall . . . She cares for you a great deal. Don't forget it."

He glanced up. "Wait, Ellone . . ." But she was already gone.



***


Whoa, I'm back. I know I haven't updated in FOREVER. I'm really sorry, guys! My computer crashed and I finally got it fixed. Besides that, I've been out of town and busy with school, too. I'll try to get the next chapter out ASAP. I know this one was pretty short, but I wanted to hurry up and get out another one really quick so you guys wouldn't think I had given up or something. Anyway, I'll appreciate any reviews, and thanks a tonberry for reading! :D