Disclaimer: All characters of Final Fantasy 8 belong to Squaresoft. No infringement is intended.

Intensifying the cold borders

            The garden was still in chaos. People from both sides lay tired or injured. This has been the worst experience for the persons in the garden. And this was just the beginning. Judging from the people Galbadia sent, it the former must have only been a diversion. Another battle might break out sooner or later. It seems that the "sweet sound" of defeat was to come…all because of a single person. And she was a sorceress.

            "We have to get you out of here. REALLY far from here." Quistis said as she readied herself for battle. It wouldn't look like it, but she was feeling her adrenaline rushing --- this was the first time that she'd fight again after being appointed as headmistress. A faint smile tingled upon her lips as she wondered if she could fight like before. But time to put that aside. Focus must be set on the immediate problem, which was Maria's safety. Definitely, they had to get her out. But how?

            Maria broke from her silence and started to speak." I will surrender if I have to. I do not want to make people to suffer anymore." She said pensively as she tightened her grip on her katana. She felt almost helpless even if she could really do something.

            "No, you have to leave. That way, they'll leave as well. We can buy time that way and strike at them when we're ready. Is that what you want?" Quistis answered emphatically. Her words made almost made Maria freeze. Normally, Quistis wouldn't speak this way. Every time that they faced some sort of conflict, she always has those words of encouragement. But now, she sounded like she was using Maria as a pawn.

            "Fine."  Maria answered sharply. She put one of her hands on her waist and averted her vision from Quistis to her side. She looked easily moved by Quistis's words. True, it was better being chased than making a lot suffer for your own sake.

            Quistis turned at Squall who was looking at the scenery below them. From the window, he could see the front gate. No one was fighting anymore but the scene was stomach turning. People lay there motionless.

            Quistis then turned to Maria who still kept staring absently at her side, waiting for some sort of miracle to happen and save her from this wicked predicament.

            She sighed. This can be the only way to save all of them. The idea to her was absurd, yet effective. She only hoped for consideration. She tried to sort her mind to think of another way, but unfortunately found nothing. Nothing can really save them but this.

            "Listen well. This is the only way that I can think of to save us all." Quistis sighed and paused for a moment, finding a way to convey her message to the both of them. "Squall, Maria you will have to live as a COUPLE."

            Quistis anticipated a lot of complaints but what she only saw was some surprised faces. To her relief, no one reacted violently. Then, there was silence. The two looked at each other, sending silent questions of "What?!" and "You?!" to each other.

            She broke the blanket of silence between them and started to explain why they had to do so. "I know it's sudden and I'm sorry. But what I'm saying is that you don't need to make it real. Just live together for the meantime. You'll attract less attention that way." She explained. Still, the two looked so shocked that they even wanted to avoid each other's glance.

            Giving no attention to whatever reactions they have, Quistis continued on explaining. She could care less of what they have to say. If they wanted to get Garden out of this, they have to do it themselves.

            "There's a vacant house in Trabia. It's near a small town in the snowfields. You can use that house."

            Finally, Maria spoke in objection to her plan. Squall did not speak but he mirrored Maria's reaction silently.

            "Is it really necessary to do this? I can hide myself. There is no need to have Squall involved in my personal affairs." She said confidently. Inside her, she felt that this was a lie. She could see herself being caught by the Galbadians if she was to go alone. But it was her principle not to have anyone meddle with her, so this action was worth it. It's better of caught.

            "Don't complain! Just do it will you?!" Quistis angrily replied. It was the first time that both of them have seen Quistis this mad, and this prompted them to straighten up and listen to her. Quistis, having seen them in full attention, returned to her normal tone of speaking. " Please. They're expecting a sorceress and a knight. Not a couple. Now, do you see my point?"

            A loud explosion suddenly caused the floor to shake; Quistis hurriedly got herself up and left. But as she reached the door, she looked back at them and told a final word to them.

            "Good luck. Once everything is fine I'll tell you."

            Yeah, right. That was really reassuring. Squall whispered to himself as she watched her go away. He picked looked at the window again and checked if there were Galabadian soldiers present. The numbers have increased now. He had to do something fast to get them out. He picked up his gunblade and readied himself to flee. But Maria didn't look ready to go. She had her eyes fixed on the former position of Quistis and she looked in some sort of trance.

            Maria did not move. She eagerly wanted to do Quistis's order but a force made her freeze in her position. She had worked with Squall a lot of times, yet she has never felt this kind of uneasiness around him. It was for sure that she "liked" Squall as well. Both of them had developed some kind of mutual respect for each other , yet now she had difficulty dealing with this.

            "Let's go. They'll probably try to make way for us but I don't know until when they can hold on. Let's hurry." Squall quickly grabbed her hand and forcefully dragged her out.

            "You need not drag me out. I was about to go." Maria told him annoyingly as she rolled her eyes at him. Squall ignored her act but this prompted his malevolent stare. Her uneasiness got to a higher degree as she saw him with that look he had.

            Maria felt the urge to apologize but didn't do it. Instead, she kept her silence. But that cold look on Squall's face ate her from inside. Seeing someone look angry always made her feel uneasy even if she knew she wasn't involved.

            As the doors of the elevator opened, a rather "nice' sight welcomed them. The 2F hall was plagued with motionless bodies. The limp bodies were still alive, but they were barely breathing. Out of compassion, Maria ran to them and checked on their condition.

            "What are you trying to do?"

            "I'm trying to help them." She crouched down to one of the injured students. She put her hands over his forehead and a blue light engulfed the student. After the light died down, all the wounds and the bruises that the student had were all gone. The student regained consciousness and got up.

            Squall slapped his forehead in an act of total helplessness. "Is she trying to cure everyone before leaving? Oh, great."

            "Squall, let's go." she said as she got up from her position. This act surprised Squall.

            "I…don't want to waste yo--…time." She added up.

            "Glad you finally understood." He said coldly without even looking at her. Maria could only nod at his remark. Squall just passed by her without looking at her and led the way. With a feeling of uneasiness with her, she followed him without hesitation.

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Author's note: The reason I titled it such is for the main reason that both of them felt more irritated with each other now that they're going to live together which is not good for the both of them. I won't spoil the rest so just keep on reading and R&R!