Disclaimer: I don't own FF8...

Author's Note: Wow, I got 100 reviews (eight got deleted from chapter one)! Thank you all SO much! I've never gotten 100 reviews before and it's really amazing for me to know that people actually like my writing. This chapter is dedicated to every single person who has reviewed this fic. Thanks again!

Never Free

Chapter 15- Take Down...?

"Is everyone clear on what the plan is?" Cid asked the next day.

Everyone nodded in unison. A wave of excitement seemed to filter through the room. If Balamb's plan was successful, by the end of the day Galbadia Garden would be no more. Everyone would be relieved once Galbadia garden was demolished, but Rinoa believed that she would be the happiest of all. No more Billows, or going on hate missions. No more sneaking around and lying to my friends. Best of all, I won't have to keep Squall a secret. She smiled.

"Alright, then. You all know what you have to do. Remember, the fate of many innocent people rests in all of your hands. Good luck." Cid saluted.

Everyone in the room returned the salute and filed out the door. The other members of Balamb Garden kept on walking, but Squall, Rinoa, Seifer, Quistis, and Irvine stopped in the hall.

"This is the end, you know." Quistis announced.

"Those words sound so strange and foreign to me." Rinoa said. "I mean, I just don't believe that Galbadia Garden will be gone."

"No offense you two, but you're speaking like Galbadia Garden is already gone, which isn't the case." Squall said sternly. "There will be plenty of time for celebration later, but in the meantime, you should all be on your guard."

"We should all be on our guard? What about you!" Rinoa asked playfully. "Or are you saying that you're already one-hundred percent prepared?"

"Absolutely!" Squall said and everyone started laughing.

"Seriously, though. Squall is right. Galbadia Garden is still out there. It's too early to be celebrating. So let's keep all of our attention on the mission and kick some Galbadian ass!" Seifer exclaimed.

"I'm with you, Seifer!" Quistis exclaimed. "Hey, why don't we make a pact? One that says that we'll always remain in touch, even after this whole ordeal is over with, and we all go our separate ways."

"That sounds great! I'm in." Rinoa said as she put her hand on top of Quistis' in the middle of the circle.

"Me too, definitely." Irvine said, as he, too, placed his hand in the middle.

"Okay." Squall grumbled. "I'm in."

"So am I." Seifer said.

All five friends had there hands in the middle of the circle, promising to remain that way forever. However, the moment was broken when Caraway came storming up to them. "What is the meaning of this nonsense? Cid wants you in your positions now."

"Yes, Sir. Sorry about that." Irvine mumbled and walked off. The others mimicked his action, accept for Rinoa and Squall.

"Dad, what's your problem?" Rinoa asked.

"I'm sorry, Rinoa. I know that sounded a little rough, but I have to admit that I'm nervous."

"You, nervous? Mr. Nerves-of-Steel?" Squall asked incredulously.

"Some could say the same for you." Caraway told him. "I want this mission to go off without a hitch. Most of all, I want you to be able to live a normal life and be happy, Rinoa."

"Thanks Dad." Rinoa said as she embraced her father. "I will be happy. This will all be over soon."

"Yes, it will." Caraway agreed. "Now then, I believe that there is some place where we are supposed to be...?"

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Nobody could have planned a worse day for a take down. It was pouring rain and you could barely see because the clouds were so dark. I guess that the rain does have it's advantages, but I still don't like it... Rinoa grumbled to herself. She wasn't exactly in the best of moods since she was crammed into a van with Squall, Irvine, Quistis, Seifer, Caraway, and a few other people from Balamb Garden that she didn't recognize. There was one other van behind them that was also filled with recruits from Balamb Garden.

Their mission was very ironic; plant a bomb in the basement and get the hell out. The thing was, they had to be careful and get all of the files in Billows' office before they destroyed the place. Balamb agents would be posted outside of the building as back-up. A few would even be posted inside the building. Rinoa and Quistis were to get the files and Squall was supposed to plant the bomb. Irvine and Caraway were to secure the outside and Seifer would be in the van as back-up. Here we go... Rinoa thought nervously.

Quistis, Squall, and Rinoa got out of the van. They began walking towards the building when Squall stopped suddenly.

"What is it?" Rinoa asked.

"Uh...I just want to ,et you know that no matter what happens, I'll always love you." Squall told her as he gave her a quick kiss.

"Me too, Squall. Never doubt that." Rinoa told him firmly.

"Alright you two lovebirds, let's go. We do have a mission to carry out." Quistis smiled.

"Right, let's go." They entered the building and Squall took the stairs to the bottom floor, while Quistis and Rinoa headed up. They got out of the elevator and headed towards Billows' office, Quistis kept watch while Rinoa snuck into his office. Why does this seem so easy? Rinoa thought worriedly. She located the files and crept out of the office.

"Here's the files." She handed them to Quistis and contacted Squall. "Squall? We have the files. You can plant the bomb now."

"Roger that. Five minutes before the explosion. I'll notify the others in the building. Get out of there now. I'll see you outside."

"Okay, bye." Rinoa put the walkie-talkie away and turned to Quistis. "Does this seem too easy to you?"

Rinoa never got a chance to hear her response because something conked her on the back of her head and everything went black.

Author's Note: An evil cliffhanger for you all! Stay tuned for the final two (I think) chapters and don't forget to review please!