Author's Notes: Because of my recent slack in updates, I am making up for it by posting two chapters. I apologize again for the slack, I have been dealing with other things.

The True Lion

Chapter Five: Exposure

The train rode smoothly down the tracks towards Esthar. In the recent year, the path linking this continent to the rest of the world had finally been repaired. Still, of course, we sat in the SeeD cabin. Word of who I was hadn't escaped just yet.

At least I'm not alone this time. I have her with me. Rinoa. She refuses to leave. It scares me, though. She isn't safe with me.

She sighs, "I hope Zell is okay."

Ahh, Zell. I had almost forgotten about him. Not that I don't like him or anything. The moron got himself into a bad situation. I swear, he has a death wish.

"Yeah." I reply, "I hated to do that to him."

She shook her head, "We had no choice. He has to be kept quiet long enough for you to escape. By now, I'm sure he knows what you are."

What I am. A freak. A genetically modified killing machine. Why can't I just be normal?!

"Squall?"

I shake my head, "Sorry, just thinking."

"As usual."

I give her a look, "At least I'm thinking."

She giggles. Then turns serious again. This is no situation for laughter.

"You're worried."

I sigh, "About you, yes."

"Me? Why me?"

"Rinoa, come on. Think about it."

She folds her arms, "It isn't about me."

"Yes it is. This puts you in a heck of a lot of danger. You could be killed…"

"I could be killed anywhere." She interrupts

"Not like this. Never like this Rinoa. Look, if you are killed because of me, I'll never forgive myself."

She gets up and sits down by me.

"But it won't be your fault."

"What?"

"Squall, if I die, it won't ever be your fault. It isn't like you forced me to come with you. It was my decision. If I die, I die. It's that simple. But at least I'll die loving you. I won't die alone. I want to be with you forever. I love you. You need support now, more than ever. I can support you. We can show everyone that it's okay to be different. Our love is a symbol of hope to the transgenics. I'll never leave you. You're stuck with me, no matter what. Even if it means my death. If I die, it's my own fault for coming. But I want to be there."

I sigh, "I know. I just worry."

"I know you do, and it's okay. But I want to be a part of this. It's my duty to you."

I shake my head, "You owe me no duty."

"I know," she laughs, "but I have to be there. Always. I want to be with you."

I close my eyes.

"Thank you." I whisper.

She hugs me softly.

*************************'

Back at Garden

Zell's POV

This closet is all cramped and dark. I hate this. I know I shouldn't have spied, but still. Putting me in a freaking closet!

I wonder where they are now. I know they were talking outside, but I couldn't tell what about. They're probably on the next bus out of here.

But Squall being one of them. A Tranny. That was the last thing I expected. I guess I should have seen it all along. His solitude. But I didn't.

And Rinoa, what's with her? Is she one of them? Or is she just sticking with him?

I guess I'll find out soon.

Footsteps, I hear footsteps.

I start banging around as loud as I can, hoping to attract the person's attention.

The door opens. Thank goodness.

Selphie and Quistis look shocked. The quickly pull me out and get me untied.

"What happened?" Quistis asks.

I shake my head, "Squall and Rinoa did this."

"What?" Selphie cries

"I think Squall's a transgenic, guys. I saw him hacking into Garden's systems and sending weapon deliveries to Terminal City."

"Terminal City?" Quistis asks

"Yeah. It's in Esthar. There was a chemical spill out there. Bad radiation effects. The place was abandoned and has been ever since. Humans get sick there."

Selphie shook her head, "So why is Squall sending weapons there?"

"Transgenics aren't affected by the radiation because of their blood. I hear Terminal City is the main transgenic headquarters. Makes sense too. No human goes in there. It's against the law."

"Wait." Quistis says, "Rinoa went with him? How will she hold up?"

"A simple blood transfusion every once in awhile. She'll be fine."

Selphie shakes her head, "But how?"

"I don't know. But it makes sense. Look at the details guys. Look at the way Squall has always been."

"True." Selphie agrees.

Quistis looks at me, "Did Rinoa go willingly?"

"Yeah. She was willing. But I think she's a human."

Selphie sighs, "This is bad. Not only are there a bunch of them, but one of our friends is one. What do we do?"

I sigh, "There's only one thing we can do. Call off the hunt. We know the truth now."