Disclaimer: SquareSoft owns Final fantasy and all related characters. I wrote this for fun, and am making no money from it.
Chapter 3: Reflections and New Beginnings
Scene: Balamb Garden Chapel
One Year Later
Squall stood there at the front of the chapel, looking down the long center aisle at the white curtain drawn across the back. He'd waited for this day for a long time, and now that it was here, he couldn't be more happy, or more nervous.
His face must have showed it, because he felt a pair of hands on his shoulders. He looked back, and saw Zell, his best man, and Irvine, his groomsman, giving him reassuring smiles. He gave them a half-grin, feeling kind of stupid to be so nervous, and did a thumbs-up before turning his attention back to the center aisle.
His thoughts drifted back over the past year. Things had sure changed.
It wasn't even that long ago that Squall was considered the loner, the guy that everyone looked up to but never approached. When he'd graduated as a SeeD, it hadn't surprised a soul, not even Seifer.
Boy, Seifer, thought Squall. I wonder where he is. No one's seen him since the Ultimecia affair. Headmaster Cid once mentioned him, but wouldn't go into details. What would I do if I ever saw him again? Is he still the knight that tried to kill us all, or was that just Ultimecia's control?
Squall tried not to think about Seifer too much. Though rivals their whole lives, they also each had had an understanding about each other, like comrades-in-arms, even though both had been, in the end, loners.
A musical flourish began playing. Squall, Zell, and Irvine straightened up. The curtain at the end of the aisle opened partway, revealing Selphie, who walked out in a wedding march, smiling more widely than he'd ever remembered. Her bright blue and yellow dress matched the flower arrangements, and the small bouquet she carried, perfectly.
Leave it to Selphie, Squall thought.
Selphie hadn't been too upset at being passed over for maid of honor, because they'd promised her she could arrange the ceremony and reception. Since throwing parties was her favorite pastime, she'd jumped at the chance.
Squall glanced over at Irvine. He wore the same tuxedo that he and Zell had on, with a black tailcoat, but had still worn that stupid cowboy hat. He had his hands crossed in front of him, and was wringing them slightly.
Probably thinking about his and Selphie's wedding, thought Squall. He remembered Irvine telling him last week that he intended to ask Selphie to marry him, but Zell and Quistis had convinced him to wait until after Squall and Rinoa's wedding was done. Didn't want Selphie getting distracted at the last minute, mused Squall.
As Selphie slowly made her way down the aisle in her wedding march, Squall reminisced about the past year. Together, they had all fought monsters, demons, and the occasional poltergeist, and that sort of thing was almost becoming routine.
Almost.
Probably his biggest shock this past year was Rinoa enrolling as a SeeD candidate. She had taken her case directly to Cid, and since Squall's position as Commander was only on an as-needed basis (for large SeeD deployments), he really didn't have a say. He tried to convince her not to do it, but she, stubborn as ever, insisted.
Squall had sworn to Rinoa that he'd keep her safe, that he'd be her knight. But he couldn't really blame her. Here he was, out risking his life whenever SeeD deployed him, and she had to wait behind, hoping he made it back in one surviving piece.
*
Rinoa impatiently paced the waiting room to Headmaster Cid's office. Squall was out on another mission, killing the Demons of Bob's Cave or something. And here she was once again, waiting on him and hoping he was ok. Not anymore, she thought. Things will be different from now on, whatever Squall says.
"Miss Heartilly," said Xu, sitting at her desk, looking up from her cadet rosters, "You're wearing a hole in our new carpet. The Headmaster will be done with his meeting shortly."
Rinoa stopped and put her hands to her hips. "Xu," she said impatiently, "you've known me for long enough now. You can call me Rinoa."
"Okay, Rinoa," ceded Xu, "but if you keep pacing like that, you'll lose all the steam you've built up for this meeting." Xu gave her a sly smile, which Rinoa couldn't help but return. Rinoa had overheard that Xu was soon to receive some big promotion in the Garden network, and she was definitely getting bolder.
"You think you'll be able to convince him this time?" asked Xu.
"If there's one thing I've learned about…older adults, it's that eventually you will wear them down."
They both chuckled. Xu, in her late twenties, had a bit of a ways to go before she considered herself anything but young. Such was her determined optimism.
At that moment, the double doors to Cid's office opened, and out stepped three Garden Faculty members. Rinoa strode into the office after they left, trying to avoid looking at them. The Faculty members always wore a full robe and hood that completely covered their bodies, and that had always spooked Rinoa. Especially considering that, at one time, they were involved in a coup to try to oust Cid from command of Garden.
She caught a glimpse of Cid shaking his head, with a frustrated half-smile on their face. "Arrogant bastards," muttered Cid, after the Faculty members had disappeared into the elevator. "One of these days I'll get rid of them all and put SeeDs I can trust in their place."
He gave a start as he pretended to suddenly notice Rinoa hearing him, but it was no secret to her that he didn't trust the cryptic Faculty. After Cid had bought out the late NORG's claim to Garden, the Faculty seemed to treat Cid like a usurper of command. She knew Cid would only keep them around until enough SeeDs had been commissioned to take over their functions. She could only wonder what they'd do to try and stop him.
"Funny you should mention Seeds, Headmaster," said Rinoa, as the doors automatically closed behind her.
"Right, right," said Cid, gathering up his strength. "I've gone over your petition again, and I can't say I approve of your desire to enroll as a cadet. You know that you're still a client, don't you?" He motioned for Rinoa to sit down in one of the plush leather seats in front of Cid's desk. Seconds after she sat down, Cid settled into his own seat.
"Technically, yes," said Rinoa, "but it won't be much longer. Since my…" still can't call him Dad… "Since Caraway took over the Galbadian government, he's pledged to liberate all of Galbadia's captured territories, including Timber. He may have been a horrible father, but in matters of politics, he was always a man of his word."
Cid shook his head slightly. He obviously did not have enough energy for this argument again. "I still don't like it, Rinoa. There are a lot of cadets that wash out of here with more experience than you in combat."
"But combat isn't everything," countered Rinoa. "Quistis, Selphie, Zell, and Irvine can all vouch for me. Besides, I've had more experience with GFs and magic than most of your final-year candidates. Furthermore, Dr. Odine from Esthar has confirmed that my sorceress powers were sealed after we defeated Ultimecia. So it's really a win-win situation for you and me. You get a skilled fighter who already gets along with many of your best people, and I get a new home where I'm more than just a fifth wheel."
Cid rubbed his temples. She had made several good points, and he did agree that she probably wouldn't leave Garden unless she were thrown out, which Cid wouldn't dream of doing. Reluctantly, he sighed.
"Ok, Rinoa, ok," said Cid. "You wore me down. I'll have Angela in admissions get you the paperwork. I want you to take some make-up classes in history, combat and ceremonies, calisthenics training, and I'll vouch for you to take the final written and field exams."
Rinoa jumped out of her chair. If Cid hadn't been sitting down on the other side of his oak desk, she'd have hugged the middle-aged man. "Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I promise you won't regret it!"
"I'm sure I won't, my dear," said Cid. "If you'll excuse me, though, I think I need a break. Too much excitement for one day."
Rinoa cheerfully walked out of Cid's office, getting a congratulatory wink from Xu (who overheard Rinoa's excitement). As she got in the elevator to go tell her friends the good news, Rinoa started humming to herself.
*
Squall smiled. Cid had described the meeting exactly to him. Although he disapproved at first, he decided that Rinoa really was qualified, and he had, in all honesty, hoped he could find an excuse to spend more time with her.
Selphie had reached the center of the aisle. Irvine, trying not to miss a beat, started marching to meet her when she got three-quarters of the way toward the front. As Squall looked at Selphie's slightly teary-eyes gaze at Irvine, he glanced around to see everyone that was there. Most of Garden was in attendance, to see their beloved Commander's most important day since his SeeD graduation.
He noticed Headmaster Xu sitting near the aisle. She wore her dress uniform, but her hair was done in fancy curls instead of the regular tight braid she usually kept tied around her head. She'd been Headmaster of Trabia Garden for about seven months now, after the old Headmaster retired from too much stress during the rebuilding. Now, Trabia Garden was probably the most advanced and luxurious Garden in the world.
Then his eyes fell on his father, Esthar President Laguna Loire. Laguna had been watching Squall the whole time, and smiled when he saw that Squall had seen him. Squall gave a small smile and nodded to him. Although Laguna had worked to make amends with Squall, there was still a long way to go before Squall would truly accept him as his father. He still felt the bitterness of being abandoned at such a young age, even though it had led to his meeting all his friends, and especially the woman he was marrying today.
Just then, he caught a flash of spiked blonde hair in the very back. He looked again, but it was gone. He shook his head slightly. No, couldn't be. There's no way he could get into Garden, thought Squall. Not after everything he did a year ago. If he did come, it would probably be just to embarrass and try to fight me.
Squall kept looking, hoping for a better memory. Instead, his eyes fell on President Caraway from Galbadia. Even though Squall knew that Selphie and Irvine had decided to invite Rinoa's estranged father, he was hopeful that they'd asked him to stay out of Rinoa's sight. Squall knew how much animosity she held toward the man, and didn't want anything to ruin this day for her. With all the pain and tragedy she'd suffered since they knew each other, he wanted them to have just one day where everything was right.
Then, he saw Matron Edea Cramer, sitting very near to him. She gave him a proud, motherly look and smile. Squall returned the smile. She had been the only mother he'd ever really known, even if he could only remember bits and pieces of the time she'd taken care of him and his friends.
Squall glanced back at Selphie and Irvine, noticing that they'd almost made it to the front of the chapel. Selphie caught his eye, and winked at him before continuing on. He had some trouble understanding why everyone was winking at him today.
The curtain at the back opened again, and Quistis, the maid of honor, appeared. She, like Selphie, had on a blue and yellow dress, and carried a bouquet of yellow flowers. Selphie had told him the name of the flowers, but he couldn't remember for the life of him what it was. A consequence of being a man, he supposed. Quistis' long golden hair was exquisitely done, probably by a professional hairdresser. Rinoa had saved up almost all her SeeD salary since she graduated, wanting to spare no expense for their wedding. Squall blushed slightly at the thought.
Quistis looked at Squall, not wanting to take her eyes off him. She was so unbelievably happy for him and Rinoa that she couldn't stop the tears from filling her eyes. And yet, she still felt that small pang every time she saw Squall, and wished for an instant that she were wearing the white dress and veil for this ceremony, with Squall as the groom.
No, she thought. This is their day. She would be happy for them, and do everything she could to make sure it was the best wedding such a cute couple could have,
To Squall, Quistis looked to be even more teary-eyed than Selphie. As she walked down the aisle, she never took her eyes off Squall. Squall could only imagine that the woman who felt like an older sister to him was so happy for him. For a fleeting second, he wondered what it would be like if the circumstances were different, and she were wearing the white dress and veil, with him still as the groom.
No, Rinoa's my soul mate, and my one true love. Besides, Quistis never felt that way about me.
When Quistis reached the center of the aisle, Zell took off, a bit too excited. He reached her well before he should have (not that they hadn't seen him do the same at the rehearsal), and as her right arm took his left, he looked forward proudly with head held high.
Quistis shook her head slightly, rolled her eyes, and chuckled, despite herself. Zell, Mister Energy himself, had probably worked up a nervous fury having to stand still with Squall. Quistis looked at Squall, who was smiling at her. He probably saw her reaction to Zell and got a kick out of it. She gave Squall a wink, which caused a tear to roll down her right cheek. She quickly swiped the tear away with her left hand.
Squall almost laughed out loud when he saw Quistis' reaction to Zell. He couldn't stop smiling at it. If anything helped to break my tension today, that was It, he thought. As he thought that, Quistis winked at him, causing a tear to roll down her right cheek. She quickly brought up her left hand to wipe it away.
Why's everyone winking at me today, thought Squall. Must be some wedding code or something. Whatever. Guess I'll figure it out.
As Quistis and the zealous Zell reached their places in front of the chapel, the musical flourish came to an end. Squall waited patiently for the next movement, which seemed to take longer than needed. They're doing it on purpose, he thought. Building up the suspense. Must be fun to torture the groom.
After what felt like an hour, the band began playing the wedding fanfare. Squall straightened up. This was it.
The white curtain opened. At that moment, Squall's heart began to flutter, and his mouth dropped open.
There stood Rinoa, wearing a gown more beautiful than he could have imagined. She told him he'd like it, but he'd never expected…
Her black hair was silky and sparkled, like the starriest of nights. In it, he could see the blue flecks of forget-me-nots, expertly adorning her.
Something blue.
She carried a bouquet of pure white roses; so large it almost completely covered her hands and chest. However, he could still see the necklace hanging from her neck, the only thing covering the skin above her dress' low bust line. On that simple chain, she wore the replica Griever ring that Zell had made her, using Squall's own ring.
Something borrowed.
Matron Edea had given her the veil she wore now. The same one Edea had worn in her and Cid's wedding; it was adorned with shimmering white lace and preserved white daisies. A thin white mesh only slightly covered Rinoa's face.
Something old.
On her ears, she wore the diamond earring Squall had given her last night, as an early wedding gift. The diamonds caught the sunlight coming in from the huge windows of the chapel, and added to Rinoa's glowing radiance.
Something new.
Squall glanced at Headmaster Cid, whose left arm was held by Rinoa's right. Cid had been honored to give the bride away; it was something he'd never thought he'd have a chance to do. Squall felt a slight pinch of guilt, imagining how President Caraway would be feeling, seeing his daughter being given away by another man. Then again, Caraway probably expected no less, as he'd resigned himself to being hated by his own daughter.
Squall's eyes went back to Rinoa. Her eyes, also filled with tears, had never looked happier. She gazed at Squall, and Squall swore he could hear her thoughts.
This is the man I love. We will spend the rest of our lives together. God, I love him so much!
Rinoa smiled even wider when she finished that thought. She couldn't have imagined a happier time for her. Squall had been so amazingly supportive of her, even when she became a SeeD against his wishes. He had done his best to make her happy, to help her when she needed it, and to back off when she needed it. He'd given her a sense of purpose, and a true reason for living. She felt more tears in her eyes, and her smile widened even more, as she saw his gaze upon her. She could almost hear his thoughts.
This is the most beautiful woman in the world. I could never love another. She is my life, and my reason for living.
And Squall meant it. He swore that he would always be there for her. He would die for her, but more importantly, he would live for her. His thoughts drifted back to the times they'd shared together.
Their dance just after his SeeD graduation.
The day they met, during his first mission, where she introduced herself to him.
How he had saved her from the lizard creatures after she'd been mesmerized by Edea, during their assassination mission.
The concert she and their friends had thrown him that night in Fisherman's Horizon.
His worry and fear for her as he carried her, unconscious, on his back for the daylong trip to Esthar.
How he had jumped out into space, without a second thought, to save her after she'd been released from Ultimecia's control.
The first time she sang to him, in the Ragnarok's cockpit. Eyes On Me, by her mother, Julia Heartilly.
His rescue of her from the Esthar sealing chamber.
Their first kiss, that night after she'd rescued him from Time Compression.
His thoughts were interrupted as he realized she had reached the center of the aisle. He started marching toward her and Cid, trying to keep an even pace.
Once he reached them, they all stopped. Rinoa released Cid's arm as Cid gave Squall an excited handshake, with both hands.
"Congratulations, son," said Cid. "I mean it. I always thought of you as my son. And I am so very proud of you."
Squall returned the double-handed handshake, and said, "Thank you, sir. For everything."
Cid smiled and nodded. "It's time, Squall."
Squall offered Rinoa his left arm, which she gingerly took in both hands, still supporting her bouquet in one of them. Squall put his right hand on top of hers, and looked deeply into her eyes.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yes," Rinoa said, nodding lightly. The couple continued down the aisle, Rinoa leaning her head against Squall's shoulder. She had truly never been happier.
*
Twenty minutes later, they stood at the altar, having heard the chaplain's sermon about marriage, and the lifelong devotion married couples share with each other. They had exchanged rings and vows, and were clasping each other's hands, gazing deep into each other's eyes.
The chaplain continued, "If there is anyone that objects to the marriage of this man and this woman, let him speak now, or forever hold his peace."
No one spoke.
"Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
That was the moment they'd been waiting for. Squall and Rinoa drew themselves together in an embrace and kissed very passionately. Their kiss was met by cheering from all corners of the chapel, especially from their friends standing with them at the altar.
After about twenty seconds, the couple separated from each other, again looking deeply into each other's eyes. Again, they took each other's hands, and walked back down the aisle, as the chaplain said, "I now present to you, Mister and Missus Squall and Rinoa Leonhart!"
The two were met with more cheers and applause as they made their way down the aisle toward the back of the chapel.