Part 2 : The Stars are Crossed
Now old desires doth in his death-bed lie
And young affection gapes to be his heir;
That fair for which love groan'd for, and would die,
With tender Rinoa match'd, is now not fair.
Now Squall is belov'd, and loves again,
Alike bewitched by the charm of looks;
But ti his foe suppos'd he must complain,
And she steals love's sweet faith from fearful looks:
Being held a foe, he may not have access
To breath such vows as lovers use to swear;
And she as much in love, her means much less
To meet her new-beloved any where;
But passion lends them power, time means, to meet,
Tempering extremities with extreme sweet.
Squall, Irvine and Zell were walking on a road close to Caraway's mansion. The young man shut his eyes then started running away fromhis friends. Taken by surprise, Irvine and Zell looked at each other, wondering what has goten to him all of a sudden. Then they went after him but he wasn't listening. Around the corner, he ended up behind the mansion, in front of a wall, higher than him.
How can I leave? I... I want to see her again!
He grabbed the edge of the wall and climbed it. Then he jumped in the yard, disappearing.
Irvine and Zell arrived from the corner.
"Squall!" Irvine called. "Where are you, man?"
"Do you think he went back hom
alone?"
"I don't think so. I'll bet
after he came here, he jumped over this wall. Call him Zell. He's your best
friend, he'll answer."
Zell punched the ground.
"Fool... Squall! Come back, stupid! Come here right now! Show me your face over that wall and that will be enough! For the eyes of Quistis, her long hair, her cute feet, her nice legs, her fair thighs and what they hide! He's deaf or what? Come here you fool!"
"If he hears you, he'll be mad."
"This can't make him mad. I'm calling in the name of the girl haunting his heart."
"Come-on! If he came here, it's because another girl haunts him!"
"Damn! I was hoping you wouldn't say it..."
Zell turned his back on the wall.
"Good night then, stupid. I hope you know what you're doing... I'm going back to Balamb. I don't want to sleep here and wait for him, it's too cold. You coming?"
"Yeah. It's no use looking for him if he doesn't want to be found..."
They walked away to the entrance of town where they went seperate ways. One headed for Galbadia Garden, the other to Dollet to take a ferry heading for Balamb.
In the yard, Squall found his way under the wondow to Rinoa's chamber. He clenched his bruised hand from the contact with the stone wall.
"This is nothing compared to the pain I feel..."
Then he noticed Rinoa appeared in the window. She opened it and looked at the sky like she was daydreaming.
There she is! He's brighter than the sun! It's not the night anymore. She's brighter than stars. How she rests her cheek on her hand... I wish I was the glove of this hand, I could touch her cheek!
"Why..."
She talked... Speak again sweet angel, you shine over my head.
"Squall, Squall... Why are you Squall? Reject your father and forget your name! If you don't want to, swear you'll love me and I won't be a Caraway anymore!"
"Should I keep listening or answer?" Squall asked himself in a whisper.
"Only your name is my enemy. You're not a Loire, you're... you! Why... why do you have to be a Loire? Oh, Squall forget your name and in it's place, take me all!"
Squall came into view under the full moon's light.
"I heard that!" he said pointing at her. "Call me love and I won't be Squall anymore."
She startled and frowned, not seeing who was the man spying on her.
"What kind of man are you to stay out of sight and listen in silence?"
"I'm not sure how I can introduce myself to you. My name, sweet angel, is a shame to myself because it's your enemy."
Rinoa brought her hands to her heart.
"I barely heard that voice but I still recognize it. Aren't you Squall? A Loire?"
"I'm neither if you hate both."
"How did you make it here? There are guards and the walls are high! Please! Considering who you are, this place is your downfall if one of my relatives find you here!"
She seemed scared and worried. But that wouldn't discourage the young man.
"I climbed this wall thinking about you. Your wings, sweet angel carried me over and close to you. Nothing could have stopped me. So your parents won't be a problem for me."
"But if they see you, they'll kill you!"
"With you gentle eyes on me, I can resist them."
"I would not want them to see you here."
"I got the night to hide me," he said going back in the shadows. "See?"
"You're a sneaky lion hiding in the dark."
"I am, alone for too long. If you refuse me, let them find me here! I'd rather die from their hatred than die out of your love."
"What kind of guide did you follow?" she asked in bewilderment.
"Love called me here. I never thought I could react to it like this but if I had to swim to the next continent just to see you, I'd do it."
Rinoa blushed. She was glad it was dark he couldn't see it. Just to think he heard what she said!
"I... I would like to deny what I said tonight but that would be lying to myself! Hell! Do you love me? I ... I kinda know you'd say yes but don't swear it. I don't want you to think I'm easy but believe me, I'd be faithful. It would have been different if you wouldn't have heard my confession..."
Squall was moved. He had completely forgottne about Quistis. Never he heard her speak the way Rinoa did.
"Dear, I swear on the moon..."
"No, don't! Don't swear on the moon! It changes every months and I fear my love would do the same!"
"Then... on what should I swear?"
"Don't. You don't need to swear at all or of you insist, on yourself."
"Then from the bottom of my heart..."
"No, don't! I'm glad to see you, but it's too sudden, too rash! Like Quezacoatl's lighning coming and going. It's getting late... we should stay on this and you should leave. Good night now."
"Oh! Are you going already?" Squall asked with deception making a step closer to the window.
"What else could I do?" she asked.
"Well...we could exchange our feelings."
"I gave you my love before you even asked. And I wish I could give it again and again..."
"Oh, Rinoa..."
He oustretched a hand towards her. She bent over her balcony, trying to reach his hand.
"Rinoa!" Edea's voice called from inside.
Both startled and looked at the window.
"Oh, Hyne, help me... wait a second."
She disappeared inside. For a moment, Squall feared she was gone and that he would never see her again.
"Please, was it all just a dream?"
Rinoa came back and Squall had a sigh of relief.
"We must hurry then we'll leave each other... But if you wish to see me again, the only way would be marriage so I could stay with you forever! If that's what you want, give a message to the person I'll sent to you tomorrow. Let me know where and when you want the ceremony to occur. Then I'll place my life in hands and I'll follow you to the end of the world!"
"Lady Rinoa!" Edea called again.
"I'm coming!" she answered turning her head nervously.
Then sh eturned back to Squall.
"But if it's not what you want, then I beg you..."
"Lady Rinoa!"
"Be right there! ... to stop seeing me and leave me with my pain. I'll send someone tomorrow."
"I can barely wait," Squall said placing a fist on his heart.
"Good night again."
She left the window and Squall seemed in distress.
"How dark the night is without your light..." he whispered slowly starting to leave.
Rinoa suddenly came back on her balcony.
"Squall!"
Squall came back and his face lightened up.
"My soul's calling my name! What a sweet sound is the voice of my beloved."
"Squall?"
"Angel?"
"Rinoa!" Edea called again.
"When will I send to you?"
"Nine o'clock."
"I won't forget... it seems so long. I forgot why I called you back."
"Then I'll stay until you remember."
"I'll forget again for you'd always stay here only to remind me how I enjoy your company."
"And I will stay for you'd always forget. For myself will forget my home's elsewhere."
Rinoa looked at the sky which was slowly clearing the night away.
"The day's coming," she said. "I would like you to be gone but not too far, like a pet bird always flying free but coming back to it's master."
"I wish I was your bird."
"Friend, I'd wish too but I'm afraid I'd kill you with force caresses. Good night. I'm sad to leave you but I know it's not forever. I could say good night until the day comes..."
With a last smile, she left. Squall left alone, turned around to leave.
"Sleep peacefully, sweet angel... the time has come for the lion to leave. I'll go consult a friend of my family to ask for his help and tell him of my happiness."
And he left the yard, jumping the wall into the empty street.
Back in Dollet, up the stairs of the pub, there was a man wearing a long robe with the colors of Esthar. He was just sitting there, watching people drink and gamble. It was easy to spot him because of his dark skin. Sometimes, he liked just to sit and watch people live. Few years ago, he became a man of faith but he never forgot his origins or his friends so he was often travelling to Esthar to see his friend Laguna and his family.
He was sipping a glass of clear wine when a warning voice shouted from downstairs.
"Hey, you!"
It was the voice of the bartender.
"Someone leaving without paying, maybe," the dark man supposed.
"You're underaged," the bartender continued. "You're not allowed to be here!"
A young man's voice coming from the stairs answered.
"I'm not here to drink or gamble, I came to see a friend," he assured.
"They always say that," the bartender said under his breath.
Steps came up the stairs. The dark man had a smile, his back turned to the stairs.
"That voice sounds familiar to me," he said outloud. "The voice of a young friend if I'm not mistaken."
He turned around and saw Squall walking to him. He looked as grave as usual except for his eyes: they were shining like they never did before except when he was talking about Quistis maybe.
"If it isn't young Squall."
"Hi Kiros... I mean, friar..."
"None of that, Squall. I'm a friend of your father before being a man of faith. Now tell me what is making you so happy so early in the morning. And can I soppose you didn't sleep?"
"Yeah, but I still feel rested up."
"Dear Hyne!" Kiros exclaimed. "Have you been with Quistis?"
Squall arched an eyebrow and shook his head.
"Quistis? Hell, no, I forgot all about her."
"That's good," Kiros said nodding in approval. "Well, where have you been then?"
"I'll tell you everything and save you the trouble of asking other questions. Last night, I went to a ball at my enemy's house and then, it hits me. I got deeply hurt by my enemy and I did the same. Our only way of healing depends on you, Kiros."
"Speak clearly, Squall or I won't be of much help."
"You asked for it: I fell in love with the daughter of Caraway and I know she feels the same. The only way for us to live our love freely is to get married. So I'm asking: can you marry us right this day?"
Kiros looked shocked.
"You know, it hasn't been for a long time since marriage were done in front of priests again. Ago, it could have been don only in front of witnesses. Aren't you a little young for this? Marriage at 17? Squall, you're still a kid!"
Squall looked around but no one was paying attention to them. They were too drunk and too busy focusing on which card to play.
"It's the only way! Our families are enemies for generations there's no way they'd allow us to see each other! If we get married, they won't be able to say a thing!"
"And what about Quistis? I remember how desperate you looked just thinking about her!"
Squall looked away.
"My feelings were not returned. Unlike this girl: she loves me too. And besides, she agreed. And why's that? You always disapproved my feelings for Quistis and told me to bury that love!"
'To bury it, not dig out another."
"Please, Kiros! We love each other!"
Kiros smiled then sighed and got up.
"I don't know why but I want to help you. Your union could end the never ending war between your families."
"Thank you so much!"
"Save you thanks for later."
They went downstairs and left for Kiros's little church down the street where they would plan everything.
Meanwhile, Zell and Irvine were walking in the streets of Dollet.
"Where the Hell is Squall?" Zell asked. "He didn't went home last night, did he?"
"Not at his father's at least," Irvine answered. "I called him earlier."
Zell punched the ground.
"Damn to hell, that cold-hearted girl, that Quistis! She'll drive him nuts, I tell you!"
"Hey, I learned from Laguna that Raijin, Caraway's nephew, sent a letter to Squall."
Zell got up and turned to Irvine.
"A challenge, I bet!"
"Squall will answer it."
"Anyone can answer a letter," Zell said.
"It's not what I meant, I mean he will answer the challenge."
"He's dead," Zell said. "A man haunted by a girl is in no shape to answer a challenge."
"Hey, is Raijin so strong?"
"He's brave and moves like the wind. But he way be a little too confident of himself. That could be his weak spot."
"Oh? And what's your weak spot?" Zell asked.
"Girls of course," Irvine answered with a wink.
Down the street, Squall appeared walking towards them, daydreaming.
"Look!" Irvine said. "There's Squall!"
Both hurried to join him.
"My, you look awful!" Zell exclaimed tapping Squall's shoulder. "Hey, thanks a lot for yesterday!"
"Hi, guys! What are you talking about?"
"Oh, you don't get it?" Zell continued frowning. "You left us out there!"
Squall scratched the back of his head.
"Sorry, Zell but there was something important I had to do. In this case, there was no need for formalities."
"Better say a man can leave his friends worrying..."
"To ease his own pain," Squall finished.
"You can say that."
"That's all I have to say."
"That's all you ever say," Zell teased shrugging.
"Let me say this..."
"Say, say!"
"You're annoying me."
Zell shrugged again.
"Keep joking around and you won't have anymore friends to say anything to."
"Joker...'
"Oooh! Irvine, help!"
"I could already claim victory over you."
"If you're talking about a chocobo race, I'm up. Or are you taking me for a chocobo?"
"I never saw you differently."
Irvine laughed heartedly but Zell cracked his knuckles.
"One more like that and I swear I'll..."
"You can't, chocobos aren't violent."
"You're in a real good mood today!"
"Isn't it what's best to ride a chocobo without any trouble?"
Zell had a smile.
"Why you!! Are you done, yet?"
"I'll be done when you are... chicken-wuss."
They stared at each other for a while then bursted out into laughter. Zell placed an arm around Squall's shoulders.
"See? Isn't it better to laugh like this than cry for love? Now that's the Squall I know. Believe me that's for the best. You could only lose yourself to love instead of winning it."
"Come on, stop it already," Irvine interrupted.
Zell turned to him.
"What? You don't want me to keep going?"
"I was afraid it would be endless."
"It would have been short, I'm tired."
"That's perfect," Squall said.
At the end of the street, a woman dressed in black appeared, a galbadian soldier accompanying her. She had long black hair and she seemed to be looking for something. Her age couldn't be guessed because she seemed young despite the wisdom in her eyes.
Zell put his fingers in his mouth and whistled at her.
"Wow!" he exclaimed.
"It's a shame I don't like elder women, I'd gladly go out with her," Irvine said.
[This part was changed a lot because in Romeo and Juliet, Romeo and his friends insult the nurse fo she is ugly. But here, they can't possibly insult Edea: she's far from ugly!]
"Pier," she called.
"Yes, m'am," the soldier answered.
"Give me my fan please."
"No don't," Zell objected. "Don't hide yourself from us!"
Edea bowed in front of them, her hands joined on her skirt.
"Good day, gentlemen. Hyne blesses you."
"Hyne gards your looks for eternity," Irvine stated with a wink.
"My, what kind of man are you?" Edea asked with a warm smile.
"Just a mortal," Squall answered. "A mortal created by Hyne to insult herself."
"Well said, to insult herself..."
Zell and Squall smiled to Edea but Irvine frowned.
"i didn't mean to intrude but can any of you tell me where I can find young Squall?"
"Well I can," Squall answered. "For I am young and my name is Squall."
"Hyne be blessed to let me find you so quickly. I have something to tell you."
"She's gonna invite him somewhere, maybe," Zell whispered to Irvine.
"Lucky..."
Squall turned around, amused but annoyed they kept interrupting.
"Hey, Squall," Irvine called. "Are you going home? We'll eat there."
"Right behind ya."
Zell waved at Edea and Irvine took off his hat at her.
"Good bye, sweet lady, good bye," Irvine said.
Zell and him went to the port, leaving Squall behind with Edea.
"Good bye. Tell me, who's this joyful young man?"
"Don't bother him. He's all talk and that's about all he is."
"He doesn't seem like a bad person. But he better be all talk and never try anything funny on me, I may be getting old, I ain't no getting stupid. Don't you think so, Pier?"
"I've never seen anyone do what he pleases with you m'am," Pier said. "Would anyone try, he would be in big trouble."
He went to Squall and whispered in his ear.
"You see, my mistress is a Sorceress..."
Squall widened his eyes in surprise more than horror.
"What?"
'Pier!" Edea exclaimed looking around nervously. "You're not supposed to tell anyone!"
Pier looked ashamed.
"Sorry m'am. But this young man looked like a trustful person."
Squall turned to Edea, curious.
"A Sorceress... Like the one there was in that war 17 years ago?"
Edea nodded, knowing perfectly well who Squall was talking about: Adel, the tyrant ruler of Esthar who brought terror on the world. The one to finally bring an end to her reign of tyranny was none other than Laguna, Squall's father which added to his popularity.
"But don't get it wrong," Edea cut in. "I'm no evil. I'm not even using my powers. Most people ignore I am a Sorceress. Would it be known, it would bring shame to the Caraway for whom I work."
"Your secret is safe with me," Squall assured.
"Thanks. My mistress asked to search for you, but I must warn you: I love her as if she was my own flesh and blood so if you ever hurt her... She's still so young... I could make an exception and use my powers on you."
"I would never hurt and angel like her!"
"Good," Edea said with a smile. "She'll be very happy."
"What are you gonna tell her?"
"I'll tell her you swear to cherish her forever."
Squall took her apart to tell her of the plan he came up with with Kiros.
"Tell her to find a way to go confess herself this afternoon. It's at priest Kiros she'll be confessed and married. Here, for the trip."
He handed her a purse full of gils but Edea shook her head, refusing it.
"I'm not taking a single gil from you."
"Come on, you came all the way here."
"My payment will be to see my mistress with a wedding ring, her arm on yours."
Squall took back his money.
"This afternoon you said? She'll be there."
"And you will hide behind the church. I'll send you a friend of mine with a ladder made of rope. Because only in the secret of the night will I be able to reach my happiness. Bye now, and tell your mistress I can barely wait."
"I'm certain she feels the same. Hyne blesses you, young man."
She started leaving but came back.
"One more thing. Is your friend discreet? It would be a shame to be discovered so close to our goal."
"He is, don't worry."
"Good. My mistress is so fragile I wouldn't want to see her heart break. I still remember when she was but a baby. Oh! There's some important young man in town called Seifer Almasy. I know he wants her for himself but it's like she'd better want to see a malboro than see him. She got mad when I said Seifer would be a good man for her... But as I see the look in her eyes when she talks about you I change my mind."
"Tell Rinoa she's in my heart," Squall said.
"I will," Edea assured with a smile.
Squall waved at her then left.
"I'd tell her a thousand times, she'd never get tired of it."
She turned to Pier.
"Let's go Pier. Back to Deling."
"Yes, m'am!"
And they went to the entrance of the town.
Later at the Caraway mansion, Rinoa was looking at her watch, walking around in circles in the backyard.
"It was nine o'clock when I sent her and she promised to be quick... Alright Dollet is not close by and Edea's not young anymore but still... All those people calling me an angel, I wish I really was so I could have flied to Dollet and find him myself. Oh, Edea, Have you found him?"
As she was praying to the sky, someone entered the garden behind her. She spun around and saw Edea with Pier. Her eyes lightened but she looked concerned seeing Edea's face.
"You're finally back! Oh, have you found him? Dismiss this man, please."
Edea turned to Pier with a smile.
"Stay out, Pier."
He bowed and left. Rinoa hurried to Edea, taking her hands in hers.
"Please, Edea, as the second mother you are to me, what news do bring? But why do youk so sad? Bad news? Or good news?"
Edea was catching ehr breath.
"Please, my child, I'm exhausted. I might not look old, I'm still not young."
"I wish you were my age so you could speak. Sit here."
Rinoa took Edea to a bench. Even though she looked tired, Rinoa's nurse still looked peaceful as she always did.
"Speak, please!"
"By Hyne, what haste!" Edea said with an amused smile. Can't you see I'm out of breath?"
"But you still have enought breath to tell me you're out of breath. This excuse takes more time to tell than what you bring me that you keep for yourself! It's unfair! Are you bringing good or bad news?"
"I must say your choice is a great one but you didn't chose a man. Squall is not a man, his face is the most handsome I ever saw, he got better legs and his hands though hidden under gloves are pure. I'm certain he's gentle... Did you eat here?"
"No, no. But I already knew all that, but what about our wedding? What did he say about this?"
With an amused smile, Edea took her hands in hers.
"Oh, my head.... to go faster, I had to use my powers. I have not done it for a long time but I would do anything for you, my child."
"I'm grateful you do this for me, tell me, what did my beloved say?"
"He speaks as a gentleman, I swear. He's courteous and graceful too... Where's your mother?"
Rinoa appeared shocked.
"Where's my mother? Inside of course, where do you think she'd be? You talk nonsense: He's courteous and graceful too, where's your mother?"
"Dear Hyne, are you that burning, Rinoa?"
Rinoa kneeled down in front of Edea and looked at her a pleading way.
"Please, please for Hyne's sake what did Squall say?"
"Do you have permission to go to church today?"
"Yes?"
"Then hurry to the church in Dollet see Priest Kiros. A husband awaits you there. Hurry there and look for the ladder you beloved will use to reach you at nightfall. I was supposed to do it but I'm afraid I can't. Run, fly little angel. I'll go eat now."
"Edea!"
"Go," she said with a smile.
Rinoa got up, smiling, her face shining more than ever.
"Thank you, Edea! Let's hurry to happiness! See ya later!"
Rinoa ran out of the garden to go rent a car at the city's entrance. Edea smiled to her back then got up and went inside.
In the small church of Dollet, Squall was nervously waiting, getting impatient by the minute. Kiros was standing by his side.
"May Hyne smile on this joyful day and not bring us any sorrow."
Squall joined his hands together and closed his eyes.
"Hyne be blessed. No sorrow could be big enough to soil the happiness I feel close to her. Join our lives with the power bestowed to you."
"Too much koy knows a violent end and die fast. Be careful not to consume your love in the fire of your passion."
The door was opened, dragging the men's attention. Rinoa entered the church, looking around like she was impatiently waiting for something. Then she placed her eyes on the duo. Her face lightened up and a big smile appeared on her face.
"Squall!" she called starting to run.
"Rinoa!" Squall called making a step forward.
Then Rinoa seemed to remember she was in a church and just walked quickly towards him. Then she hugged him and he hugged her back. Kiros coughed.
"Forgive my rudeness, children but this is not the place."
They released each other and bowed in front of him as an apology.
"Once I give you Hyne's blessing and join your lives, I'll leave you alone."
Squall and Rinoa looked at each other, smiling and blushing slightly.
"Follow me," Kiros said inviting them to the back of the church.
Squall and Rinoa looked at each other then followed him, hand in hand to have their lives tied to each other's forever.
Note: How was that part? The next is coming soon I hope and it will be the end of happiness! Now sadness will come and fights, and deaths! Look forward to it!