Authors Note: I'm really surprised at the amount of attention this fanfic is getting, it's a rarity I get this many reviews--and on only two chapters! I really, really appreciate your taking time to review my story. It is a little action for you, but it means so much to me. Ahem. This is the chapter we have all supposedly been waiting for, the chapter where Rinoa meets Squall. It's going to be semi-long, I hope, so I suggest getting your soda and popcorn now. I'll stop now, I'm probably annoying the hell out of you.


Bond of Dignity, CH3 - - gateway to the soul



 The words hit him like a pile of bricks. Why in the name of god was Caraway sending missiles to Balamb and their allied gardens? That was ridiculous. It was a stupid action of impulse, one that could easily cost him his rule over Galbadian armies. And Squall intended to make sure that happened. Even still, the idea of targeting missiles at any garden was completely ridiculous. Everyone knew that Gardens were mobile, but did Caraway?


How does Caraway expect the missiles to hit--we could just as soon go to Centra, away from the Balamb fields target, Squall said, giving Seifer a questioning look.


He supposedly has been working on these missiles for quite some time. They are supposed to follow the garden's square in their tracks--kind of like a magnet. Seifer's voice was calm, as if he, too, sensed the idiocy of the situation. Couldn't Heartilly fend for herself? Couldn't she take care of garden affairs?


Squall found this to be a problem. If what Seifer was saying was true, then there was no way any of the gardens could avoid being hit.


So, how are we to avoid them? asked Squall, his heart beginning to pound a bit more rapidly than he would have liked.


Seifer paused, a slight sign of conceited being pursed on his face. Squall knew from this expression that the attack could be stopped; his muscles eased out of their tension, and his heart gradually began to slow.


Turn off the power. The missiles are attracted to the energy that fuels the Gardens, Seifer said, shrugging as he did so. Well, that seems easy enough, squall thought. It seemed a little too easy.


It's that simple? Squall allowed his thoughts to come out into words.


Well, atleast Seifer was relaxed about the whole situation. He seemed to know exactly what he was doing, and why he was doing it. Perhaps, when this was all over, Squall could appoint him Commander. Even after a year, Squall was getting as tired as could be with the job.


Well, if that's all we need to do...then we still have a problem. A thought crossed his mind, thankfully enough. There was one set back. They were in the middle of the ocean, on their way to Esthar. If they were to stop power, they could not continue.


How so? Seifer frowned at this, unwilling to believe that his seemingly perfect plan had a fault.


How the hell are we supposed to get to Esthar? Heartilly demanded a meeting, remember?


No problem, man. I have this all taken care of. Seifer grinned, which caused Squall to wonder what the hell this guy was plotting. What was he going to do? Have someone pick them up? The other allies were all targeted by missiles, as well.


Look, just trust me, ok? Seifer said, noticing the look of worry on Squall's features.


The commander did not trust people easily. This was a known fact. He didn't want his life in other peoples' hands...and he didn't want other people's lives in his own. He debated whether or not to give in to Seifer's plan. Normally, he would be all for it, but Seifer was not telling him all. It seemed the man wanted to surprise him. He didn't find this shocking.


Quistis, alert Kinneas at Trabia, and Demming at Centra. Tell them missiles are headed towards them. Tell them to turn of their power, and hurry up. He paused, and after a moment of unidentifiable looks, he spoke. Seifer, you better hope for your sake we have a way to get to Esthar.


____________________


Quistis walked over to her desk, pulling out a filing cabinet on which the needed phone numbers rested. She did not like the fact she had been ordered to take action, Squall should have been doing that himself. She was not a slave. She did not work for him. She worked with him, or so she thought.


She quickly dismissed the thought as the phone began to ring.


said a hoarse, young voice.


Quistis Trepe, second in command at Balamb Garden. I need to speak to Commander Kinneas immediately. Her voice was firm, yet polite. She had learned through her experience that the quickest way to gain access to someone in authority was to state your place.


Yer talkin' to him, said the voice, who was apparently Kinneas.


Turn off your power. Caraway has launched missiles at Centra and Trabia gardens, they are like magnets--attracted by the power source. Turn it off, now.


There was a moment of silence.


You serious? asked Irvine on the other line, his voice sounding a little skeptical.


Of course I'm serious, now do as I tell you unless you want to be fried. I must go alert Centra, I shall see you at the meeting this afternoon. Transportation will be provided, be prepared to embark at twenty three hours.


With that, she hung up. She had never been one to like Commander Kinneas much, he had always seemed rude and arrogant to her. He was a queer man, always putting himself before others. This was probably why she had been so shocked when he agreed easily to break his neutrality and side with Balamb. Seifer probably threatened to kill him, she thought, grinning. She wouldn't put it past him, Seifer Almasy was a sneaky one. She sighed, and dialing, prepared to tell Commander Demming the news. All the while, she wondered what Seifer was plotting in means of transportation...


_______________________





Aright, let's get this frickin' show on the road! Seifer yelled as he rubbed his hands together. The tall man had a look on his face that clearly showed he was proud of himself for something. What it was, Squall wasn't so sure he wanted to know. Seifer had little restraint. Squall would not have been surprised if he forced a ferryman all the way out here under death threat. He nearly laughed at the thought of Seifer sticking his hyperion under another man's throat, ordering him to drag his ferry out to Balamb Garden.


Quistis grumbled, placing a delicate hand on her forehead.


Here we have it!


Squall turned to where Seifer was pointing in the sky, and nearly toppled over. He didn't know whether it was because of shock or the wind gusts, but either way, he was completely baffled. There in the sunlight, a large, red ship flew. The ship was in the shape of what looked like a Lion or a Dragon, Squall could not tell. It was flying at a relatively high speed, he suspected this was the cause of the seemingly random wind storm. The ship looped several times in the air, and slowly landed on the port Seifer had docked at Balamb.


They call it the ragnarok, he said, his eyes glowing with pride at the ship. Had Laguna send it over from Esthar. She's pretty nice, eh? he said, slanting his hand and placing it over his eyes, so as to get a better look at the ship ahead of them. This, Squall found amusing. The clouds had covered up the sunlight for the time being. Seifer had nothing to be shielding his eyes from.


Hyne, Seifer. You come up with the strangest ideas. Quistis tried to conceal a smile. She was actually finding it to be a relatively bright idea, but she thought it best to not let Squall be aware of this. He looked as though he was rather skeptical.


Who's flying that? asked Squall, squinting at the airship.


That hyper kid, Dincht. Seifer had never liked Zell, which was surprising. Everyone always said that opposites attract. Those two were polar opposites.


he replied, trying to hide his forehead with his hand. With Zell flying the ship, it would be a long and somewhat dangerous trip.


Have they got Kinneas on board? Squall asked, looking at Seifer.


It would be more convenient if Kinneas were already on board. This would spare him a lot less time in getting to the meeting. He wanted to get in there, quickly, and get out. It was a dream, he knew, for these things tended to take a lot longer than expected. He knew that it would last several hours - but at the same time, he was willing to wait that long. If it meant peace for Balamb, he was willing to wait however long it took.



It was then that Seifer gestured for them to board the ship. Squall followed the man in the gray trench coat, still unknowing of what to expect. It was liable that they would all die in a crash--with Zell driving. Had it not been so late, he would have asked to learn the controls himself. Atleast then his life would be... in his own hands.


______________________


Rinoa tapped her finger nails against the transparent blue top of the Esthar meeting table. She had not argued when President Loire had security at every inch of the building, searching her for any explosives or unnecessary items. She hadn't approved, however, when a male guard had touched her in an inappropriate manner. She hadn't snapped at him, she hadn't even said anything. This was surprising, Rinoa was usually the type of women to put someone in their place. She had her reasons, and the others thought it best not to question them.


She was growing impatient. Neither Commander Leonhart or Commander Kinneas had arrived. Had she gotten the dates wrong? No, she was specifically told that it would take place on this date. The guards would not have allowed her passage, anyway. She sighed, and sat erect, momentarily turning towards Laguna.


They are not here yet. Is there a problem? she tried to sound as polite as she could. But not too polite--this was her opposers father, for hyne's sake. She knew her question was inane, certainly, but she was beginning to get angry. This was no hospitality--or maybe that was it. Maybe they were doing it to spite her.


Well, uh..ma'm...it seems that uh...Garden was having some problems. They had to find other means of transportation.


She was puzzled by his words. Both gardens were having technological malfunctions? That seemed highly unlikely. Laguna had probably sensed her puzzlement, for he spoke again.


Well, it would seem that your father dispatched missiles to the gardens...they had to shut down power and find another way to get here.


The words struck her like a slap in the face. Emotions began to rush through her veins. Betrayal; annoyance; hatred; embarrassment; fear. They were coiling inside her, unknowing of how to escape. The only thing she could do was scream.


she shrieked--but was cut off by Laguna's assistant, Kiros.


They're here.. he said shyly. His voice was anxious.


Rinoa felt her adrenaline begin to pump. She would meet these people, these people she very well may winde up killing. She, in a way, wanted to become bonded with them, so she would have an excuse to not fight the war properly. She wanted to meet a mutual agreement. War was not her choice. She was forced into it. Looking back on her orders, she wished she had revolted.


The door opened, which broke her train of thought. A man with red hair, who, much to her surprise, was dressed like a cowboy, strutted through the door.


Kinneas, Irvine Kinneas. You can call me Irvine. He stuck out a hand for her to shake. She did so, surprised at his gesture. Awful friendly, she thought. They were at war--but now, they all felt they were trying to make peace. Perhaps that was his reason for being so relaxed.


A short man with black hair and a pointy nose followed him. This, she guessed, was Dempsey, his second in command. The man said nothing, but instead stuck out a shaky hand. She shook it, and forced a small smile. He returned it.


This is it, she thought, Leonhart and company are coming in next.


A very tall, blond man stood at the door. His chin was held up proud, and she was not surprised at this. He wore a gray trench coat, with the mark of power running up his sleeve. He was, indeed, very handsome.


Seifer Almasy. Leonhart's partner. He made no gesture to greet her, only saluted Laguna and took his place at the other end of the table. At first, she had thought he was Leonhart. She sighed in relief--if he proved to be that good looking, a war would be a lot harder. She was still hoping he was...homely. Attraction would be a killer.


The next to enter the room was a very ravishing women, with long, golden locks. Her make up was dark and seductive, (but of course not to Rinoa.)


Quistis Trepe, second in command at Balamb Garden. She shivered. Was everyone there that good looking? She inhaled deeply, trying to get rid of the queazy feeling in her stomach. Leonhart was coming in next. She looked up slowly, and nearly melted at what she saw. A slight gasp escaped from her lips; but no one seemed to notice.


What stood before her was the single most beautiful thing she had ever seen. He was tall, but not overly gigantic. His silky hair fell before his face, accentuating his perfectly formed facial structure. A scar was across his forehead--much like Almasy's. She took a mental note to ask about that. His eyes were---his eyes? She couldn't see them, he was looking downward. His pale eyelids covered them.


He stood there for a moment, finally looking up. Rinoa nearly died. Just when she thought he could not get better looking, she was a victim to his eyes. They seemed alive in their own. The blue pools captivated her, and she thought then that she could die right then and there--and feel happy, for nothing she had seen before had ever been that beautiful. They were more than just eyes; they were the gateway to his soul. She was somewhat disappointed to see that they were so...cold. They were still beautiful, none the less.


How am I supposed to go to war with this?


The thought echoed in her mind. Surely, something this fascinating should be preserved. She wanted no harm to come to him. Hyne, she wanted him for herself. He was so perfect, everything about him only made him more attractive. She hoped to hyne that he was a jackass, for if he was not, there was NO way she was going to be able to carry on with this war. Even if he were a complete jerk, she would still have difficulty. That's just the effect he had on people. And for that, he remained grateful.


Squall Leonhart, Balamb Garden Commander. Much to the rooms' surprise, and his own, he stuck out a steady hand for Rinoa to shake. She cautiously returned the shake, only as an excuse to gaze into his eyes. For a minute, their eyes were locked; unaware of anything around them. Blue met gold as, at the same time, their world's collided. The shake slowed, until gradually, they were simply holding hands, still lost in one another's gaze. It was Selphie that broke the two apart.


she cleared her throat.


Rinoa blushed furiously, but Squall remained calm. Years of practice gave him complete control over his emotions. It was then that she remembered she forgot to introduce herself. No matter, she thought, it had become quite apparent that he knew exactly who she was.


she began, her voice trembling. We're here to discuss the Balamb/Timber war, and the neutrality you have broken. She finished her sentence by gesturing towards Kinneas. He looked blankly at her.


If I may, why have you decided on supporting the Balamb function, Commander Kinneas? she asked, now back on task. As long as she did not look at Leonhart, everything should run as planned--but that was difficult. He was right across from her at the head of the table.



Like, Balamb needs us. I've known Squall for a while now, see, so I figured he needed a favor.


Squall said nothing. He was waiting for the right moment to pin down the facts one by one, and make Heartilly wish Timber had not declared war in the first place. He felt his heart soften as he looked at her, and could not understand how something so beautiful; so peaceful; so soft, could be involved in something so harsh. There were many things he did not understand, and thought it best to leave it at that. He could not afford to...love her. He jolted at the thought, and quickly dismissed it.


I strongly urge you, Mr. Kinneas, to reconsider your decision. Her voice was emotionless; and she did not look at Squall.


There was silence, then much to her surprise, Squall spoke.


There is no reason for Mr. Kinneas to leave our side in battle. You have your allies. You are basically asking us to win you the war. I don't know about you, Ms. Heartilly, but I won't allow the people of my Garden to be slaughtered. Your father is General Caraway, you should not be worried about our affairs. I'm quite confident in saying that he will ensure your safety. Squall's voice was calm, relaxed, as if he were a professional at this kind of speaking.. His outer shell displayed this, but inside, his heart was beating rapidly; his blood rushing too fast. He wasn't a natural, and everyone that knew him also knew it was true. For some reason, this women calmed him; it made him feel tranquil.


Argumentative type, she thought. This oughta be fun. Rinoa suddenly released from her trance. She would not be weak at his hands, she would struggle and persevere. There was something about Squall Leonhart that captivated her. Perhaps it was the eyes. She did not know. Love at first site? She shrugged off the thought, but it was not out of whack. It was almost as if she had known him for quite some time--as if she knew him before all this war mumbo jumbo. She knew, of course, that was not true - and yet..

She felt....as if she had loved him...

From what she could analyze about him, he was very cold. He seemed the type to keep in his emotions; and she knew this was no good. He did not seem self-absorbed; but he did seem absorbed in making one think he was conceited. Arrogance was a nice shell. He was not approachable by a commoner, but to Rinoa Heartilly, he was the most approachable of all the people in the room.


Mister Leonhart. As you know, with the help of Esthar, Balamb is the most technologically advanced military academy on the earth. You have Centra on your side, as well as the Estherian soldiers. We are a humble garden, probably the most humble of them all. Even with all our allies, the advantage is still in the hands of yours. We need Trabia to even out our chances. That is all. Satisfied with her answer, she sat back in her chair, and folded her hands across her abdomen.


Squall nodded at her, seeming to acknowledge her ideas and perspectives. He thought them somewhat bold; here she was asking her enemy to help her add to Timber's chances of winning? Warped. It was several minutes before he spoke again, and nobody interrupted the silence.


Out of curiosity, Ms. Heartilly, from a Timberian's perspective... he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. Why are we at war?


The question took her aback. This was the one question she could not answer. This was the one question she did not know herself. She suddenly felt intimidated. He apparently could see right through her; he could see what she did and did not feel comfortable answering. It was as if he were in her mind; reading her thoughts; rummaging through filing cabinets that contained them.


She cautiously ran through what she was going to say in her mind, and spoke.


We...are at war because of the unnecessary casualties placed on Timberian cadets. Such occurrences were in the fault of Balamb.


There is no evidence tying Balamb to the deaths! Indeed, it is more suitable to say the acts were individual. This should be settled in court, not through war! Think straight, Commander!

He suddenly was filled with frustration...and annoyance. He wanted an argument. He would have one. Squall would defend his purpose until he won. And he was right. Damn right. And he knew it. Hell, so did everyone else with him at the time. Rinoa was a proud women; she considered herself very smart. But she could see that Squall was no one to argue with. In a game of wits, he would emerge the winner. She could not afford that.

Who else could it have been!? These individual acts were CLEARLY committed by a SeeD or Cadet. No average person could so...so brutally destroy our people! They are trained every bit as well as yours! she countered.


What the hell? Talk about mood swings. One second he was calm, relaxed. The next he was on the edge of his seat glaring at her with that piercing blue. Dear hyne, what had she triggered? Where had she went wrong? Perhaps Leonhart was not the man she had made him out to be. Perhaps he was, in fact, a complete and utter imbacil.


How do you know we ARE dealing with an average person?! For all you know, it could be another sorceress! he spat, now becoming red in the face.


She didn't know how to counter this. She decided to B-S her way through.


That's not the point. It is not my place to say why we are going to war, and it's not my place to question it--


You're the damn commander, Heartilly! IT IS your place! Why don't you get that? If what you say is true, and you aren't allowed your thoughts through council on this matter, THEN LEAVE TIMBER. YOU'RE ONLY HURTING YOURSELF.

From this, she was puzzled. Hurting....herself? What did he care? He was only interested in winning the war for himself. He was only interested in pissing her off. He was an ass. Why was he so adimate about winning? Well of course, she knew, he didn't want to lose. He was the commander, after all. But there must have been a secondary reason. Was it for his ego? Certainly such a win would boost it...but that was besides the point. She shook her head to empty it of such thoughts.

I'd like to speak with Mr. Leonhart alone, please, she said, gaining her calm. Everyone, looking quite dazed, left the room momentarily. Squall himself looked a little baffled.


Mr. Leonhart. I don't have the information you are looking for. I do not have authority to call off the war, as I'm sure you know. She paused. If..if I were to find the person who has recklessly been committing these crimes, I am sure I could convince the council to put an end to this idiocy..


Well, that was dramatic, Squall thought to himself. He did not know what to make of it. What was she getting at?

Good. Glad to hear it. Now If you'll excuse me, I have an immobile garden to take care of. He turned and left.

What a bitch.


Those were his only thoughts.


What an...asshole!

Any attraction Rinoa had managed to dig up had been tossed away. That was it, he had proved it. He was an arrogant, egotistical, rude, S.O.B with nothing better to do than keep his reputation. She wouldn't deal with it. She wouldn't deal with him.


This was going to be one hell of a war - with or without the gardens involved.




Authors Note: holy god, that was long. XD took me like--three hours. O_O Please read and review, and tell me if that was sufficient. If not, I'll rewrite it. Oh, and don't worry, PLENTY of arguments...as well as sappy apologies...are coming.