Rinoa sat back down on the cold, featureless floor. Mist surrounded her the way honey attracted bees. She huddled in one corner, her back against the wall. She folded her arms amidst the shivering cold. It was quite sometime since she was here, and the thought of Squall coming to her rescue was appealing, but having him to risk his life made her disapprove of his actions. The crystal ball on the floor was suddenly just another normal crystal anyone could purchase in a simple gift shop. This was the only pathway to connect to the real world. The power of the crystal. Now, the power was gone, for it needed to recharge.
Rinoa had traveled through the eyes of her best friends and her lover though the power of this very crystal. Every time the energy was consumed, Rinoa felt weaker. She was almost certain that after a few more visits to the real world would cost her life. Or her soul. The space in front of her suddenly vibrated, and a portal materialized. An old and ragged man stepped out, a shepherd's staff in his right hand, a brown book in his left.
"Rinoa. It is time for you to leave this place. " the old man said in a kindly voice. Rinoa looked up.
"Please sir, give me a few more days." Rinoa begged, her eyes teary. The old man sighed.
"Rinoa, even if I gave you a few more
days, you would still eventually have to come with me." He said.
"Come, Rinoa. It is time." The old man repeated. Rinoa
shook her head.
"Sir, my friends will rescue me out of this place." She whispered, this time tears on her face. The thought of not seeing Squall or any of the rest for eternity was too much for her to bear.
"Rinoa, my dear girl. Crying would not help you, neither would your friends. Not that they could. It is a different kind of world. Squall wouldn't be able to reach here on time. This is a place where only spirits may ascend to, and even if he committed suicide this instant and reunite with you in the same land, you cannot see each other, what more unite with you? Only those who view through the eyes of God may be granted the power of seeing spirits."
Rinoa buried her head into the arms. She was too aghast to react. The old man stepped towards her.
"Well, since you refuse to come with me, I shall grant you your desire to spend a few more days here. But bear in mind, that The next time I come, I shall not hesitate to remove you by force, which I can assure you, is not very pleasant. Also bear in mind that it is the way of Hades to use female souls to appease the demons. I can guarantee you that will not be very pleasant."
The old man shook his head in disapproval. He turned away from Rinoa. Raising his staff, he chanted a few words, and the crystal atop the staff glowed green. He waved it. A bolt of lightning struck the crystal ball that was nearest to Rinoa.
"Visit them for a last time." He said quietly, before stepping into the portal. The portal closed, and the old man was no more. Rinoa picked up the crystal. It was snowing inside.
"This call is for all Members and Cadets of SeeD. This is an emergency situation, Defcon 1. All officers please assemble at the Quadrangle for an emergency briefing. Members and Cadets are to assemble in their units in their pre-assigned locations. Instructors please co-ordinate the movement." Quistis spoke through the intercom. Navigator Nida jabbed the "off" button. Captain Quistis replaced the microphone and sat down. She turned to face the SeeD leaders.
"The territory we are going to tread on is one where the enemy is strong and unknown. Our leader has already left Balamb on the Annihilator." There was an uneasy silence.
"Our motion sensors indicate Squall as heading in the direction of the Ultimecia Portal. In five minutes he would have entered the area. I suspect he is going to have a little chat with Alexandria. Remember Ultimecia's daughter?" The leaders nodded their heads. Quistis turned to Nida.
"Number one. Set a course to the portal. Run all scenarios on possible routes. Get the communications officer to announce the transfer of personnel to the Stargazer. "
"Aye." Nida saluted and scurried off to bridge.
"Leaders, gather your men and ready them for combat. We have to get ready to intercept the X-Com. Gather your men at the Stargazer at 1400 hours. The ship will take off immediately. I expect no delays. Questions?"
The leaders shook their head mechanically again. Quistis sighed. She stood up and walked out of the Oval Room. She was pissed.