The Final Fantasy
Disclaimer: Me? Own Final Fantasy?… Naw. I have no connection to SquareSoft, but I'm flattered you would think so.
"Squall and Rinoa? Well I know a lot of people tend to give her a hard time. She isn't the smartest person I know, or the best fighter, and sometimes her lines are just down right annoying. She's very childish. That's what Squall needed though. Someone to love him. And to love back." -Skylla Loire (Taken from the interview in The Dollet Times.)
*****
Pearls of laughter came from the living room followed by a voice that was slightly annoyed. "Squall!" Rinoa send swinging around the door way. Radiant as ever in pale blue formal gown. Her hair pulled back and curled for this special occasion. A locket he had given to her was the only piece of jewelry she wore. A silver heart with white porcelain angel wings sprouting from the side. It commemorated their first meeting a year ago at the SeeD ball.
"You know I hate these things Rinoa. I'll never get use to them." Squall returned to tying his bow tie. The suit may have made him look incredibly dashing but to him it was incredibly uncomfortable. "I'm not going to be able to relax all evening."
"So I'll make sure you relax when we get home." Rinoa said coyly putting on her wrap.
Squall arched an eyebrow and stared at her until she looked away blushing. "Come on," He said taking her arm. "Since I don't have a choice we might as well get this over with."
Rinoa smiled and let him lead the way out.
The ballroom was decorated with flowers and lights. Waiters carried around trays with sparkling champagne. The cold air of the ballroom was warmed by the heat of the people who packed it. This the one year celebration of the defeat of Ultimecia. Entering the ballroom they were immediately surrounded by people. SeeDs, Students, even a few employers. Rinoa Made sure to stay on Squall's arm and greet each person by name dropping little hints as to what each person did. "Hello Chancellor Kilsmer. We haven't heard from you since you hired Seed for that space mission… Mayor Relis, how is the new settlement of Haven? Have anymore monster problems you need us to take care of?…" Squall never could remember who or maybe he did and just didn't care. Being a General's daughter she was use to sweet talking and had only got better at it.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Came a voice that could barely be heard over the loud speaker, Rinoa almost missed it. "I said Ladies and Gentlemen…" Came the familiar speaker's voice again. "Quiet!" Everyone turned to stare at Selphie who's voice had suddenly become largely amplified. She even looked shocked at how loud it had been.
Zell crossed over the stage, scratching his head and looking down at his feet. "It um… wasn't plugged in." He comment to Selphie, but the now working microphone broadcasted it to the entire audience. Many people chuckled, and everyone smiled.
Selphie shot Zell a look that spoke volumes. Before turning back to the audience. "A year ago, we were threatened by a sorceress who want to control the universe. Tonight we celebrate her defeat and our victory." Everyone clapped and Selphie waited to proceed. "In honor of this occasion I think it only fitting for our fearless Commander and Sorceress to have the first dance."
She help out a gloved hand towards Rinoa and Squall. Those around them backed up and applauded, encouraging them to accept. Rinoa was expecting Squall to refuse so she was delighted when he held his hand out to her. She stared at it in amazement. "What," he whispered. "You only dance with people you like? You will like me, you will like me. Come on I can't be on the dance floor alone."
Rinoa took his hand and together they took the floor as the Waltz for the Moon began. Squall lead, his every step perfection. She couldn't help but remember the first time they danced this. Bumping into people left and right. Now they danced before an audience. Squall was even grinning which was a rare thing. He must be remembering too. The song ended with fire works. This time though she didn't rush off to speak with Cid, this time she stayed wrapped in Squall's arms.
As the evening wore on not even Rinoa's presence could cheer him up. He found all this a little dull and tedious. There was plenty of work for him to be doing. Some unsettling news was coming out of Galbadia. Reports that a certain Knight was there. They hadn't heard a word from or about him in a year. Squall planned to look into it. If only her could find an excuse to leave. Every time he tried someone, usually Ivrine or Zell, dragged him over to meet someone else or dance with yet another person. He leaned back against the wall taking another drink. It was like they had a tracker on him or something. Finally having enough of it he walk towards the door. There was no surprise when Ivrine and Selphie flanked him.
"Where you going the party is just getting started." Ivrine said handing him yet another drink. He wouldn't be able to think clearly if had another.
"Yes, and you still haven't danced with me." Selphie pulled on his arm trying to drag him to the dance floor.
"Um excuse me?" Selphie dropped his arm as Rinoa came over. Irvine tipped his hat. Amazingly it was a top hat instead of the cowboy one, then again that really wouldn't have gone well with the tux. "Squall, I was so excited when left I forgot to let Angelo out and well… would you mind going back and seeing to it?"
Squall almost gave it away by smiling. He knew very well she hadn't forgotten about Angelo. It was just the excuse he needed. "Sure."
"Thank you. Selphie will you please go dance with Zell before he gives the caters a heart attack., and Irvine would you mind giving me the honor of dance."
Selphie was in charge of planning so seeing to the cater was her responsibility and Irvine couldn't resist a Lady even if she was taken. Just like that she had freed him. Squall made quickly for the exit but stopped when he caught sight of Quistis. She was trapped in the corner by a couple of Trepies. She looked as bored and miserable as he had been a moment ago.
"Professor Trepe," Squall spoke coming over to her. "I need your assistance with my report."
"Yes Commander. You'll have to excuse me, duty calls." She said almost a little to enthusiastically to the men she left behind. "Thank you Squall. I'm not one for these type a gatherings."
"Same here." Quistis looked a bit nervous and followed him a step behind. "What is it?"
"I was just wondering…it's been so long since everything happened and I hardly get to see you. I know you are very happy with Rinoa…no that sounds wrong, of course you are… I just mean I'd like to get caught back up…" Squall stopped and turned around. Studying her. "If your worried about what happened in the Training Center a year ago I guarantee this is nothing of that sort…" She was at loss for words. "I just don't really want to be alone right now is all. I don't care if we sit in a booth and don't say a word. I just don't want to be alone."
Squall almost refused but her last words stopped him. How many times had he wished not to be alone? To many to count. He would have given anything for just someone to be in the same room. "Okay, let's go into Balamb. There's a bar at the hotel."
Rinoa danced with both Ivrine and Zell plus a few others. It was good to see her friends again. There hadn't been much time. The evening was like a dream, even though her prince had left at the stroke of midnight. After a bit she parted from the group and went out on to the balcony. Leaning up against the rail she traced the lines in the marble with her fingers. A year ago her and Squall had shared their first kiss here underneath the stars. At the thought she gazed up at them once again. A streak flashed across the sky. Rinoa smiled at first thinking it was another shooting star. She even almost pointed up at it out of habit…but taking a closer look she dropped her hand to her side. This star was streaking across the sky but it did not burn out. It and it's trail kept going. Confused by what she saw she looked around for an explanation. She spotted another one to the far right, though it was just a trail. Having becoming very uneasy she turned to go back to the ballroom. A minute later there was a noise so loud it made her eardrums ache, everything became fire crashing down around her as missiles struck the Garden. There was a moment of pain and alarm, followed by regret, then peace.
Quistis smiled a bit as they drove across the field to the town of Balamb. Surprisingly her and Squall were talking. Reminiscing about old battles. It was actually fun and comfortable. Soon both were laughing and enjoying themselves. He had changed a lot in this past year, everyone had. They all seemed to be moving on with their lives. Unlike her. The others had all found something or someone else to believe in. The Garden was no longer the center point of their existence. For her, life was the Garden. She had no family other then her students and friends. She envied all of them and as Squall talked about a vacation with Rin she wished desperately that it was her.
A flash of light, as if someone had turned their brights on, cam from behind them, followed by a noise louder then thunder. A wind swept past them, so strong it lifted the car off it's hind wheels pushing them forward like a toy. Quistis grabbed unto Squalls arm as he fought with wheel. The car rolled over several times before coming to a stop upside down.
Quistis moaned and unhooked her seatbelt falling to the ground which was now the roof of the car. "Squall?"
She reached over and felt him beside her, but he didn't respond to her voice. The smell of fire hung it the air. Worrying that it was the car she freed Squall. They had to get out of the wreck before it became their tomb. Kicking out a window, she dragged him away from the vechile. However when she looked back she realized the smell wasn't coming from the car. The Garden that had shown so bright over the plain was now a burning wreck. She covered her mouth in horror at the devastation, unable to look away as she watched her home, her life burn to the ground.
Disclaimer: Me? Own Final Fantasy?… Naw. I have no connection to SquareSoft, but I'm flattered you would think so.
"Squall and Rinoa? Well I know a lot of people tend to give her a hard time. She isn't the smartest person I know, or the best fighter, and sometimes her lines are just down right annoying. She's very childish. That's what Squall needed though. Someone to love him. And to love back." -Skylla Loire (Taken from the interview in The Dollet Times.)
*****
Pearls of laughter came from the living room followed by a voice that was slightly annoyed. "Squall!" Rinoa send swinging around the door way. Radiant as ever in pale blue formal gown. Her hair pulled back and curled for this special occasion. A locket he had given to her was the only piece of jewelry she wore. A silver heart with white porcelain angel wings sprouting from the side. It commemorated their first meeting a year ago at the SeeD ball.
"You know I hate these things Rinoa. I'll never get use to them." Squall returned to tying his bow tie. The suit may have made him look incredibly dashing but to him it was incredibly uncomfortable. "I'm not going to be able to relax all evening."
"So I'll make sure you relax when we get home." Rinoa said coyly putting on her wrap.
Squall arched an eyebrow and stared at her until she looked away blushing. "Come on," He said taking her arm. "Since I don't have a choice we might as well get this over with."
Rinoa smiled and let him lead the way out.
The ballroom was decorated with flowers and lights. Waiters carried around trays with sparkling champagne. The cold air of the ballroom was warmed by the heat of the people who packed it. This the one year celebration of the defeat of Ultimecia. Entering the ballroom they were immediately surrounded by people. SeeDs, Students, even a few employers. Rinoa Made sure to stay on Squall's arm and greet each person by name dropping little hints as to what each person did. "Hello Chancellor Kilsmer. We haven't heard from you since you hired Seed for that space mission… Mayor Relis, how is the new settlement of Haven? Have anymore monster problems you need us to take care of?…" Squall never could remember who or maybe he did and just didn't care. Being a General's daughter she was use to sweet talking and had only got better at it.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Came a voice that could barely be heard over the loud speaker, Rinoa almost missed it. "I said Ladies and Gentlemen…" Came the familiar speaker's voice again. "Quiet!" Everyone turned to stare at Selphie who's voice had suddenly become largely amplified. She even looked shocked at how loud it had been.
Zell crossed over the stage, scratching his head and looking down at his feet. "It um… wasn't plugged in." He comment to Selphie, but the now working microphone broadcasted it to the entire audience. Many people chuckled, and everyone smiled.
Selphie shot Zell a look that spoke volumes. Before turning back to the audience. "A year ago, we were threatened by a sorceress who want to control the universe. Tonight we celebrate her defeat and our victory." Everyone clapped and Selphie waited to proceed. "In honor of this occasion I think it only fitting for our fearless Commander and Sorceress to have the first dance."
She help out a gloved hand towards Rinoa and Squall. Those around them backed up and applauded, encouraging them to accept. Rinoa was expecting Squall to refuse so she was delighted when he held his hand out to her. She stared at it in amazement. "What," he whispered. "You only dance with people you like? You will like me, you will like me. Come on I can't be on the dance floor alone."
Rinoa took his hand and together they took the floor as the Waltz for the Moon began. Squall lead, his every step perfection. She couldn't help but remember the first time they danced this. Bumping into people left and right. Now they danced before an audience. Squall was even grinning which was a rare thing. He must be remembering too. The song ended with fire works. This time though she didn't rush off to speak with Cid, this time she stayed wrapped in Squall's arms.
As the evening wore on not even Rinoa's presence could cheer him up. He found all this a little dull and tedious. There was plenty of work for him to be doing. Some unsettling news was coming out of Galbadia. Reports that a certain Knight was there. They hadn't heard a word from or about him in a year. Squall planned to look into it. If only her could find an excuse to leave. Every time he tried someone, usually Ivrine or Zell, dragged him over to meet someone else or dance with yet another person. He leaned back against the wall taking another drink. It was like they had a tracker on him or something. Finally having enough of it he walk towards the door. There was no surprise when Ivrine and Selphie flanked him.
"Where you going the party is just getting started." Ivrine said handing him yet another drink. He wouldn't be able to think clearly if had another.
"Yes, and you still haven't danced with me." Selphie pulled on his arm trying to drag him to the dance floor.
"Um excuse me?" Selphie dropped his arm as Rinoa came over. Irvine tipped his hat. Amazingly it was a top hat instead of the cowboy one, then again that really wouldn't have gone well with the tux. "Squall, I was so excited when left I forgot to let Angelo out and well… would you mind going back and seeing to it?"
Squall almost gave it away by smiling. He knew very well she hadn't forgotten about Angelo. It was just the excuse he needed. "Sure."
"Thank you. Selphie will you please go dance with Zell before he gives the caters a heart attack., and Irvine would you mind giving me the honor of dance."
Selphie was in charge of planning so seeing to the cater was her responsibility and Irvine couldn't resist a Lady even if she was taken. Just like that she had freed him. Squall made quickly for the exit but stopped when he caught sight of Quistis. She was trapped in the corner by a couple of Trepies. She looked as bored and miserable as he had been a moment ago.
"Professor Trepe," Squall spoke coming over to her. "I need your assistance with my report."
"Yes Commander. You'll have to excuse me, duty calls." She said almost a little to enthusiastically to the men she left behind. "Thank you Squall. I'm not one for these type a gatherings."
"Same here." Quistis looked a bit nervous and followed him a step behind. "What is it?"
"I was just wondering…it's been so long since everything happened and I hardly get to see you. I know you are very happy with Rinoa…no that sounds wrong, of course you are… I just mean I'd like to get caught back up…" Squall stopped and turned around. Studying her. "If your worried about what happened in the Training Center a year ago I guarantee this is nothing of that sort…" She was at loss for words. "I just don't really want to be alone right now is all. I don't care if we sit in a booth and don't say a word. I just don't want to be alone."
Squall almost refused but her last words stopped him. How many times had he wished not to be alone? To many to count. He would have given anything for just someone to be in the same room. "Okay, let's go into Balamb. There's a bar at the hotel."
Rinoa danced with both Ivrine and Zell plus a few others. It was good to see her friends again. There hadn't been much time. The evening was like a dream, even though her prince had left at the stroke of midnight. After a bit she parted from the group and went out on to the balcony. Leaning up against the rail she traced the lines in the marble with her fingers. A year ago her and Squall had shared their first kiss here underneath the stars. At the thought she gazed up at them once again. A streak flashed across the sky. Rinoa smiled at first thinking it was another shooting star. She even almost pointed up at it out of habit…but taking a closer look she dropped her hand to her side. This star was streaking across the sky but it did not burn out. It and it's trail kept going. Confused by what she saw she looked around for an explanation. She spotted another one to the far right, though it was just a trail. Having becoming very uneasy she turned to go back to the ballroom. A minute later there was a noise so loud it made her eardrums ache, everything became fire crashing down around her as missiles struck the Garden. There was a moment of pain and alarm, followed by regret, then peace.
Quistis smiled a bit as they drove across the field to the town of Balamb. Surprisingly her and Squall were talking. Reminiscing about old battles. It was actually fun and comfortable. Soon both were laughing and enjoying themselves. He had changed a lot in this past year, everyone had. They all seemed to be moving on with their lives. Unlike her. The others had all found something or someone else to believe in. The Garden was no longer the center point of their existence. For her, life was the Garden. She had no family other then her students and friends. She envied all of them and as Squall talked about a vacation with Rin she wished desperately that it was her.
A flash of light, as if someone had turned their brights on, cam from behind them, followed by a noise louder then thunder. A wind swept past them, so strong it lifted the car off it's hind wheels pushing them forward like a toy. Quistis grabbed unto Squalls arm as he fought with wheel. The car rolled over several times before coming to a stop upside down.
Quistis moaned and unhooked her seatbelt falling to the ground which was now the roof of the car. "Squall?"
She reached over and felt him beside her, but he didn't respond to her voice. The smell of fire hung it the air. Worrying that it was the car she freed Squall. They had to get out of the wreck before it became their tomb. Kicking out a window, she dragged him away from the vechile. However when she looked back she realized the smell wasn't coming from the car. The Garden that had shown so bright over the plain was now a burning wreck. She covered her mouth in horror at the devastation, unable to look away as she watched her home, her life burn to the ground.