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Author's Note: Thanks to everybody who has reviewed so far. You guys rock!

Never Free

Chapter 12- Explanations

"Irvine, I would never do anything to hurt innocent people. You know that, don't you?" Rinoa asked desperately as she faced Irvine for the first time after her true identity was revealed. Rinoa was still at the hospital and as much as she had been dreading this confrontation with Irvine, she knew that she would have to face him sooner or later. So, when Squall had come asking her if she was up to seeing Irvine, she decided that it was better to get things over with, and said yes.

"I don't know what I believe anymore. Everything that you've told me has been a lie, Rinoa! Is that even your name? Or is that a lie, too?" Irvine questioned.

"Irvine, my name is Rinoa and I never meant to lie to you. You need to understand that if anyone found out my true identity, I would be killed."

"Why are you doing this, Rinoa? Can you please explain to me what exactly is going on?"

She sighed. "Up until a while ago, I was just like you. I worked for Billows, fulfilling his demands. Every time we went on a successful mission, I would feel so proud that I was working towards bringing down such an awful organization and protecting every innocent person out there. Little did I know that instead of helping to bring down an evil organization, I was aiding it. You see Irvine, Galbadia is the enemy, not Balamb. Billows was using me, and is using you, to hurt innocent people."

"Rinoa, as much as I want to believe that you are telling me the truth, how do I know you're not lying to save your ass?" Irvine demanded.

Hurt was clearly evident in Rinoa's features. "I understand why you wouldn't want to believe me. Irvine, Billows did something terrible, and it's personal to me and my father."

"What are you talking about?"

"Billows...killed my mother. She didn't die in a car crash like I was always led to believe. Billows had her killed because she found out about my father's job."

"Rinoa, I'm so sorry...I had no idea."

"It's alright, Irvine. Now do you see why Billows and Galbadia must be stopped? If you still think that I'm lying to you, then you can walk out that door and let Billows go free. Or, if you do believe me, then join us. Help us defeat Billows and bring an end to Galbadia Garden."

Irvine was now faced with one of the toughest decisions that he would ever have to make. He closed his eyes and thought deeply to himself. After a few minutes, he opened his eyes and was ready to make his decision. "You've been lying to me for a long time, Rinoa. You just finished telling me why, and you have just asked me to make a decision that will probably affect me for the rest of my life." He paused slightly, and then began again. "But for some very odd reason, I believe you. Therefore, I am going to do everything in my power to help you."

"Thank you, Irvine!" Rinoa exclaimed as she wrapped him in a tight hug. "You are such a good friend to me." She grinned.

"Now, there's that smile that I remember!" Irvine laughed. "Don't worry, Rinoa. One day, Billows will be stopped."

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"Ah, it's so great to be home!" Rinoa exclaimed as she walked into her apartment the next day.

"Rinoa! You're finally home! How'd the vacation go?" Selphie asked.

"It was really nice and-"

"Whoa! What happened to your arm?" Selphie interrupted.

"Well, you're never going to believe how clumsy I am! I was going down the stairs at my hotel with these high heeled shoes on, and I tripped. I ended up falling and cutting my arm pretty badly." Rinoa lied.

"Mega bummer! Other than that, did you have a good time?" Selphie asked.

"I had a wonderful time." Rinoa said, her eyes sparkling.

"Oh, tell me all about it!" Selphie exclaimed as she sat down on the sofa. Rinoa plopped down beside her. "So, you went to Dollet, huh? Your father called me and said your company was sending you there for a vacation. Pretty awesome!"

"Yeah, and it was so beautiful. I was able to relax and chill by myself. Very peaceful..." Listen to myself! I'm telling one lie after another. Is Selphie really buying all of this?

"Rinoa, you're hiding something from me! It's about a guy, isn't it? That's why there's that sparkled in your eyes! You met someone, didn't you?" Selphie said excitedly.

Rinoa shrugged mysteriously, but then burst out laughing. Why not tell her about Squall? "Selphie, you know me too well! I'll just admit it to you. Yes, I did meet someone and I think I'm in love..." Ha, 'think' is an understatement!

"In love?! That's a serious thing, Rinoa. Didn't you just meet the guy?"

"It was love at first sight..." She sighed dreamily.

"Ooh, tell me all about him!" Selphie shrieked.

"Well, he's the most amazing guy. I feel like I can talk to him about anything...pour out my heart, and he'll listen." She smiled as she thought of all the times Squall had been there for her. "Not to mention that he's simply gorgeous! He has silky brown hair and these amazing blue eyes..."

"Wow...what a hunk! Does he live in Dollet?"

"Nope. He actually lives in Balamb."

"Balamb, huh? What's he do there?"

"Oh, he works at a bank, but his real dream is to become a journalist." Where is this all coming from?

Selphie sighed. "He sounds perfect. Does he have any cute friends?"

"Actually, I think that I just might be able to set you up with someone, but he's out of town for a while. Want me to give him a call when he gets back?"

"Sure, that'd be awesome!"

"Alright, you've got yourself a deal!"

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A few days later, Rinoa's arm was feeling much better and she was able to take the sling off. She still had two days remaining on her vacation time. With the help of her father, Billows now believed that Rinoa had fallen down the stairs in her apartment and as a result, hurt her arm. He had decided to give her a week off to rest. I wonder what Squall's up to today...? I wish I could go see him, but Dad said I couldn't go anywhere near Balamb Garden until I was back in the office for Billows.

"Hey, Rinoa!" Selphie exclaimed, snapping Rinoa out of her daze.

"Hmm?" Rinoa murmured.

"I was saying that I'm on my way to work, now. How's the arm?"

"Oh, much better. I don't have to wear the sling anymore, thank God!"

"So, do you have any plans for today?"

"Actually, yes. I think that I'll go and see Zell. I've been so busy lately that I haven't really been able to see him."

"Sounds good. Well, I really gotta get going. Tell Zell I said 'hi', okay?"

"I will. See ya, Selphie!" Rinoa waved. Well, I had better get myself ready to go to Zell's.

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A while later, Rinoa parked her car in front of Zell's house. She got out of the car and locked the door. Hmm...the shades are all down... Maybe he's sick...? Rinoa thought to herself as she rang the doorbell. She waited a minute, but there was no answer.

He's not working today, but maybe he went out...? She rang the doorbell again, but still, no one answered. A sudden idea popped into her head, and she decided to try the doorknob. To her surprise, the door flung open before her.

That's odd... It was pretty dark inside Zell's house, since the shades were all drawn, so Rinoa flicked on the lights. The sight before her made her want to scream. "Oh my God!"

Author's Note: For some reason, I feel like this chapter really sucks. Maybe it's because I've been suffering from writer's block... Oh well, please review!