Chapter 7 Hide and Seek
Disclaimer as usual. Squaresoft. gimme Squall. prettyplease???
Author's note: Thanx to all who requested Qualls, I shaped the next chapters to allow for character growth. er. relationship growth. I try to portray the characters as they are in the game, so as you can see, Squall's not gonna throw his heart out so fast! It's gonna take a lot of convincing. and so I try to do it as properly as possible! But I will try. thank you all!!!! One last question. should I throw Rinoa with her new knight or should I dump her with some other char?
"Wow. is this Eshtar?" Cody gawked in amazement at the sheer majesty o the place. Rinoa too gazed in wonder. She was possessed when she came here, and didn't see the sheer beauty of the place. It was so. hyper!
]She sneaked a peek at Cody and saw him staring at everything with childish wonder. He was so innocent, it was amazing that a person who knew so much was so naïve. He was almost like Squall, but there was nothing Squall about the way his eyes shone, and the way he laughed, or the way he held himself completely at ease with his surroundings. Although she could sense, under the surface, he was watching, observing, ready to move at the slightest notice.
"So, where are we going now?" Cody turned to her. She blinked, feeling a slight blush creep into her cheeks. She hoped he didn't notice her embarrassment. "Well. I guess we should head to the Presidential Palace. I mean. Squall's likely to be there."
Cody shrugged. The city was huge, and for a while, Rinoa wondered if she was ever going to find her way around. But soon she came to the front of the palace, where, judging from the many people milling around, there must be something going on. Several people turned their heads to the duo as they came nearer, and one shrieked suddenly; "The Sorceress!"
Rinoa stopped. Darn it. She knew she had forgotten something. The scream had made her the center of attention, and now she knew she was in hot soup, because a man that looked pretty high-and-mighty was running towards her, face set in anger. "Who are you? Trying to ruin the summit meeting?!"
"We want to see Commander Leonhart, if he's here," Cody interjected smoothly. The man's face screwed up more, if possible. 'Commander Leonhart is not here, now I request you to leave - "
"Cody?" A man's voice came from behind the man. Cody's eyes narrowed. A man was approaching them, and Rinoa knew him well - Wheyern Rye; The Mayor of Balamb! "You tricked me, didn't you?" Cody growled at Rinoa. Rinoa gasped. "I didn't know he was here, I was just looking for Squall - "
"Rinoa?!"
Now it was Rinoa's turn to narrow her eyes at the new voice. "General Caraway." She replied curtly. Her father gave her a frosty smile. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here. Thought you're still at Garden."
"I'm a SeeD now, and I'm looking for Squall." She replied nastily. "I don't have any intention to see you."
"Of course."
Wheyern Rye turned to Rinoa, smiling. "Thank you for completing the mission so speedily. Balamb's SeeDs are indeed great."
"I'm not going anywhere with you," Cody's voice rose. Rinoa turned to him in surprise. So far, he had seemed docile, a little excitable, but he had never used such a tone. Until now, and when she looked at him, she noticed his eyes had changed color. From a stormy gray, they were now. Blood red. "Cody?"
'Seize them!" Wheyern Rye suddenly screamed, and an army of soldiers came running. Rinoa frowned. Them? "Father?"
'You're a SeeD now, aren't you?" Caraway said. "Take care of your own self."
"Oh, I wondered what mother saw in you!" Rinoa snapped and took out her Shooting Star. Cody was eyeing the enemy calmly. "Rinoa, you might want to stand a little further."
"What for?"
Suddenly there was a rush of hot wind that threw Rinoa to the ground. She scrambled to her feet and stared in horror as a huge figure loomed over Cody - it was a figure she had seen before, but Hyne, how can it be? "Tiamat.?"
Tiamat roared and a blast of wind sliced every enemy within range to pieces. Rinoa shielded herself and watched the bloody massacre.
"Now's our chance! Shoot him!" Yelled Wheyern as Tiamat withdrew. At this point, Rinoa realized that he was in some kind of trance, and very vulnerable. And she knew why Wheyern wanted this boy back. " Ultima!" She yelled and Wheyer's men were knocked unconscious. She grabbed Cody's hand and pulled him away. "Let's go!"
Cody was confused as Rinoa tore through the city until they've exited the city. Rinoa dragged him until they came to the mountains, and soon they were in Mordred Plains. "We'll take the Trabia canyon,' Rinoa indicated. "The nearest Garden is there, and we can get help."
"Why are you saving me?" Cody suddenly blurted out. Rinoa stared at him in surprise. "Uh. you mean you want to stay there?"
"No, but you've finished your mission. Isn't that what SeeDs are supposed to do?"
Rinoa sighed. "We're here to protect the innocent. If our client is wrong, then we can break the contract if we wish - we can afford to lose a couple thousand Gil. It's not like I'm gonna get kicked out or something"
They climbed down from the Canyon and soon saw Trabia Garden, but it wasn't what she had expected. "What's happening?" She cried in alarm as she saw people fighting - is Trabia Garden under attack?! But Trabia had just been rebuilt, and their SeeDs are not strong enough to withstand any heavy assault.
'We've got to help them." Cody jumped down from the ledge and without warning, Tiamat appeared. Rinoa could not fail to be awed by the monster's presence. Tiamat was like Bahamut - overpowering and magnificent. In the midst of it, Cody stood calmly, directing the GF in whatever way he wanted. It was amazing to see such understanding between a summoner and the summoned. It was as if he and Tiamat were one.
"Had a good trip?" Laguna asked, beaming as they entered the Ragnarok. Squall slapped his forehead in his usual gesture and Quistis smiled wearily. "We're alright, thank you Laguna."
Seifer was slumped in one of the seats, and Quistis set to removing his status ailments. Squall sat down at the pilot seat and checked the Auto- Pilot. Balamb's engineers have included a tracking system so Ragnarok could go to the Garden at any where in the world. "Balamb Garden is currently headed for Eshtar," Squall said quietly. "We'll intercept them in ten minutes."
"Great," Quistis sighed. "I really need to rest." She pushed her hair back and made sure Seifer was properly healed. "Matron would know what to do with him. I just hope he can tell us something."
Squall sat opposite her, on the other side of Seifer. "Why do you care so much for him?"
She blinked in surprise. "That's strange," She suddenly said with an amused smile. "Are you bothered?"
He scowled and shrugged. Quistis could see what was coming. "Whatever." They chorused, and Quistis chuckled. "He was my student,' She said softly. "I guess I'm still the same bossy Instructor. even after all he's done, I can't let him kill himself."
Squall scowled harder, if possible. His animosity towards Seifer was still there, and he wasn't that forgiving. But he was a leader, and leaders always take the best decisions, even if it meant sacrificing one's emotions. That, he understood.
"Irvine!" Nida's voice called over the transmitter. Irvine polished off the last of the Mages. 'What?"
"Our radar sighted the Ragnarok heading here."
"Open the hangar." Irvine instructed. Selphie came up to him. 'What's up?"
"Squall's on his way."
"Ah. we're finished already. He missed out all the fun!" She looked outside the window and saw the Mage ship latching off the Garden. Irvine rolled his eyes and tipped his hat. "Seffie, you're the only one who found anything to smile about right now."
She and Irvine hurried to the bridge, where Zell was waiting. He looked incredibly worried. "I haven't been able to contact Rinoa, guys," He said worriedly. "Where is she now?"
Nida came up from the third floor, looking worried. 'I've sent other SeeDs to track her, but so far the only thing we know is she left for Timber at eleven hundred hours, and haven't been seen since then."
Irvine whistled. "If Squall finds out we'll be minced meat."
The communication panel suddenly buzzed. "Squall to Garden, do you read me?"
"Garden here," Zell replied, his voice quavering slightly.
"I've got Quistis. Are you guys alright?"
"Yeah. The Mages are gone." He said in a rather high-pitched voice.
Squall frowned as he conversed with Zell. Quistis came and sat in the Co- pilot seat as Laguna watched over Seifer, and she too frowned. "Zell, are you sure everything's fine?"
"Yeah. Come around quickly, y'know, Squall?"
Squall blinked. Quistis tapped her fingernails thoughtfully on the control panel and spoke sharply into the microphone. "Zell Dincht, do not lie to your Commander. Now what's going on?"
Silence. Zell quirked an eyebrow and mouthed wordlessly to the others; I don't want to do this.
Selphie shakily approached the panel. "Uh, Squall?"
"What?"
"Um. we have a tinsy- weeny problem."
"How tinsy-weeny?" Squall shot sarcastically.
"Um.Oh boy. uh. we can't find Rinoa." She finally blurted out sheepishly.
"WHAT?!"
Quistis nearly toppled off her chair. 'For Hyne's sake Squall, control yourself!" Squall had gripped the steering controls so hard the Ragnarok swerved off-course. She rushed to him and pulled the aircraft back on course. "Explain, Selphie."
'Well. we last received word that she went to Timber, but she's vanished. we don't know where she is now." Selphie said miserably. Squall covered his forehead, shaking with disbelief. Quistis bit her lip. 'Where could she be.?"
"Wait!" Nida's voice suddenly rang out. "A SeeD reported seeing her at Fisherman's Horizon at thirteen hundred hours, boarding a train to Eshtar."
"She must have been furious that we were leaving her." Selphie giggled. Then her face changed back to solemnity as she heard Squall curse. "Continue to Eshtar. But first, open the hangar."
The hangar was added after the Ultemecia adventure, where the Ragnarok would be docked. Several cadets awaited their commander as the Ragnarok slowly came down, but didn't dock. Irvine held on to his hat tightly as the wind howled in the hangar. Selphie jumped up and down in excitement while Zell was visibly down. The door opened and Squall's face appeared. "Irvine, you're staying here," He shouted over the din. "The rest of you, come with me."
He motioned to the cadets and handed Seifer over. Irvine's eyes narrowed. 'What's he doing here?"
"Take him to Cid and Matron," Squall instructed as he helped Selphie aboard the Ragnarok. Irvine cursed softly as the Ragnarok left the hangar once more. Turning to the fear-stricken cadets, he motioned for them to bring Seifer to Matron.
They had been fighting for almost half an hour now, and Rinoa was getting tired. She could see Cody was tired too, but he kept on summoning Tiamat.
"This is - pointless," Rinoa gasped as she and Cody held up the front gates. She had told a cadet to call for Squall, and right now, she was wondering if he would be in time. Just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, there was a roar and a huge craft appeared over their heads. Cody's face hardened as his eyes fixed on the giant craft. "Rinoa, you'd better run." 'Why?" Rinoa half cried, warding off one blow. Cody furiously struck the attacker. "My father's coming. Run!" "I'm not leaving you," Rinoa said stubbornly. Cody uttered a cry of frustration. "What kind of a fool are you? Go and save yourself!" Rinoa refused to budge. "I'm a SeeD. I'm not leaving comrades!" She shouted. Maybe if she wasn't so caught up, she would have seen a Mage aim an Ultima at her, but Cody saw and his eyes widened in horror. "Rinoa!!" He pushed her away. Rinoa didn't really understand, but she didn't know - the world suddenly went white and she passed out.
Selphie anxiously peered at the radar on the Ragnarok's control banks. "Approaching Inner Eshtar."
"Land outside the city," Squall directed. "Returning to Eshtar after taking Laguna isn't a good idea."
Quistis sighed as she stared out of the window. The sun was about to set, and it threw a warm red glow over the sky. "This is going to be a long, long day."
"Is he hurt badly?" Edea anxiously peered at Seifer in the Infirmary. The former knight was lying on the bed, bandages covering his head and chest. Dr. Kadowaki shook her head. "He was hit with all status ailments, and a little cut here and there, that's all. But - "
"What is it?"
"We found traces of a drug in his blood. it's not poison, but I'm still working on it. Maybe I should have it sent to Eshtar to be analyzed when we dock?"
"You're the Doctor," Edea smiled. She turned back to Seifer. "Poor boy. look what the years have done to him."
"He's all skin and bones, that's what you mean."
Edea shook her head. "After three years, how did he end up meeting them again?"
Dr. Kadowaki smiled bitterly. "Maybe this is what is called fate, Edea. This boy can't run from the others, because he's destined to be with them, no matter what."
"Maybe." Edea placed a hand to Seifer's forehead. "He chose the wrong path, but it's not too late to turn back."
Irvine was back at the bridge with Nida, receiving reports from the departments. Apparently Garden did not suffer too much damage from the attack. He was surprised with himself. Three years ago he wouldn't even think of doing this kind of work. Now he's actually sitting here, reading reports, arranging things on behalf of the commander - the Sorceress War had indeed changed him. What happened to the irresponsible cowboy, the sharpshooter? A vision of a giggling girl in yellow came to his mind and he grinned inwardly. Yeah, Selphie was partly responsible for this change. He was willing to change, if it meant keeping her. As a matter of fact, he wondered what would she say if he wanted to keep her forever.
Nida suddenly appeared, carrying a sheet of paper and looking extremely worried. "I received a call from Trabia Garden. They said Rinoa ordered them to contact Squall, but - "
"Rinoa's in Trabia?"
Nida nodded. Irvine slapped his forehead. "Darn it." He tapped his transmitter. "Squall?"
"Here."
"Are you in Eshtar?"
"Entering the elevator."
"Back up, I received news that Rinoa's in Trabia Garden."
"WHAT?!"
"Don't ask me how, just go there," Irvine groaned. This was becoming a hide-and-seek game.
Squall furiously tapped the transmitter. "Rinoa's in Trabia."
"How'd she get THERE?" Selphie groaned. Quistis too wanted to groan. "What happened to her transmitter?"
She wasn't carrying it," Squall said through clenched teeth. They ran all the way back to the Ragnarok with growing anxiety and fear. Dusk had fallen, and with it monsters came out to play. Or to die, as with Squall's case as he vent out his anger on anything that dare cross his path. Selphie winced as a Behemoth suffered a particularly violent demise.
Laguna looked up in amazement as they entered the cockpit once more. "Did you get her?"
"She's in Trabia Garden," Squall said surly as he switched on the communication channel. He fiddled for a minute, and then scowled. "Their systems must be down due to the attack."
"We'll just have to go then." Selphie sat in the pilot seat and soon the ship roared to life. "We'll be there in two hours."
Squall nodded and exited the cockpit.
Quistis rubbed her aching head. Selphie turned to her. "Mind telling me what's going on?"
"Ask Squall."
"As if he's going to answer," She snorted. "Come on."
Sighing, Quistis recapped everything, and when she's finished Selphie giggled. "It's just like old times, huh? Only old times were worse."
"I don't know," She rubbed the base of her neck. "Ultemecia was hell bent on conquering time.but right now, we're facing politics, not magic."
"We still have to fight," Selphie said stubbornly. "It's what we do, right? SeeDs have to fight evil."
Quistis sighed and stepped on the elevator, thinking of some rest in the lounge downstairs. But when she got there, she knew there would be little rest.
Squall stood with her back to her, facing the windows. The thing is, at night, there's nothing to see. He flinched when the door opened, indicating he knew she was there.
Quistis shook her head. 'Don't mind me, I'm gonna sleep."
Silence as Quistis comfortably settled into a chair and closed her eyes.
"I'm worried."
"Mmm-Hm. We're worried too, Commander."
"It's not like her to run around. First she's in Eshtar, and then she runs to Trabia. I don't get it."
Suddenly Quistis didn't get it either. All thoughts of sleep vanished. True, Rinoa would not run across the continent for no reason.running from them! If she knew they were going to dock at Eshtar, there's no reason for her to run to Trabia Garden. If she ran there, it means she's looking for help.
"She's in trouble." Quistis muttered. "What's going on, Squall? Why can't she wait for us?" "If I knew I wouldn't be worrying here," He retorted. He sighed in exasperation. "I shouldn't have left her."
"NO, you can't say you've done wrong," Quistis shot back. 'Stop thinking she's so fragile, Squall. She's just as capable of taking care of herself as I am - " She bit her tongue "Maybe someone else would be a better example."
A smiled tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Nah, you're okay. Maybe you're right."
"I'm seldom wrong," Quistis sighed and bit her lip. "What mission was she sent on?"
"She's supposed to go look for a missing boy. But it's no big deal."
"Who?" Quistis frowned.
"Wheyern Rye's son - Cody Rye."
"Cody Rye?" The name rolled off her tongue. "Wasn't he in Instructor Aki's class a few years ago?"
"Instructor Aki?" Squall frowned. "You mean he was at Garden?"
"Of course, you wouldn't know," Quistis remarked dryly. She cast her mind back. "Quiet, almost like you, but he was really shy. strange though, his father pulled him out just after the Ultemecia business. wonder if he has got something to do with Rinoa missing?"
Squall felt a massive migraine coming on. "I don't get it." He repeated.
Quistis chuckled. "Really, I almost expected you to say 'whatever'. things change, huh?"
Squall nearly smiled. Rinoa had changed him. Even if it meant going through the whole world for her, he'd do it. And he knew, his friends would too. But. why didn't he feel as anxious as he did? The feeling that he was about to lose a piece of himself. he pictured Rinoa and her beautiful smile, and with a sinking heart he realized the magic in them was gone. What was left? Why is he still trying to believe nothing has changed?
Maybe your heart doesn't belong to her any more.
He smiled wryly. He had accepted Rinoa to be his soul mate, and that was that. No matter how many doubts circled in his mind, he was forever hers.
Or is he?
Stop it, he shook his head. No more thinking.
"We'll find her," He said determinedly. When Quistis didn't answer, he knew she had fallen asleep.
Well???? It's a little long, but I try to minimalize chapters, that's why! Don't worry, more to come! I hope you guys can review and tell me what you want to see in the fic. nothing else makes me happier than to try and please readers! Reviews. Feed me.
Disclaimer as usual. Squaresoft. gimme Squall. prettyplease???
Author's note: Thanx to all who requested Qualls, I shaped the next chapters to allow for character growth. er. relationship growth. I try to portray the characters as they are in the game, so as you can see, Squall's not gonna throw his heart out so fast! It's gonna take a lot of convincing. and so I try to do it as properly as possible! But I will try. thank you all!!!! One last question. should I throw Rinoa with her new knight or should I dump her with some other char?
"Wow. is this Eshtar?" Cody gawked in amazement at the sheer majesty o the place. Rinoa too gazed in wonder. She was possessed when she came here, and didn't see the sheer beauty of the place. It was so. hyper!
]She sneaked a peek at Cody and saw him staring at everything with childish wonder. He was so innocent, it was amazing that a person who knew so much was so naïve. He was almost like Squall, but there was nothing Squall about the way his eyes shone, and the way he laughed, or the way he held himself completely at ease with his surroundings. Although she could sense, under the surface, he was watching, observing, ready to move at the slightest notice.
"So, where are we going now?" Cody turned to her. She blinked, feeling a slight blush creep into her cheeks. She hoped he didn't notice her embarrassment. "Well. I guess we should head to the Presidential Palace. I mean. Squall's likely to be there."
Cody shrugged. The city was huge, and for a while, Rinoa wondered if she was ever going to find her way around. But soon she came to the front of the palace, where, judging from the many people milling around, there must be something going on. Several people turned their heads to the duo as they came nearer, and one shrieked suddenly; "The Sorceress!"
Rinoa stopped. Darn it. She knew she had forgotten something. The scream had made her the center of attention, and now she knew she was in hot soup, because a man that looked pretty high-and-mighty was running towards her, face set in anger. "Who are you? Trying to ruin the summit meeting?!"
"We want to see Commander Leonhart, if he's here," Cody interjected smoothly. The man's face screwed up more, if possible. 'Commander Leonhart is not here, now I request you to leave - "
"Cody?" A man's voice came from behind the man. Cody's eyes narrowed. A man was approaching them, and Rinoa knew him well - Wheyern Rye; The Mayor of Balamb! "You tricked me, didn't you?" Cody growled at Rinoa. Rinoa gasped. "I didn't know he was here, I was just looking for Squall - "
"Rinoa?!"
Now it was Rinoa's turn to narrow her eyes at the new voice. "General Caraway." She replied curtly. Her father gave her a frosty smile. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here. Thought you're still at Garden."
"I'm a SeeD now, and I'm looking for Squall." She replied nastily. "I don't have any intention to see you."
"Of course."
Wheyern Rye turned to Rinoa, smiling. "Thank you for completing the mission so speedily. Balamb's SeeDs are indeed great."
"I'm not going anywhere with you," Cody's voice rose. Rinoa turned to him in surprise. So far, he had seemed docile, a little excitable, but he had never used such a tone. Until now, and when she looked at him, she noticed his eyes had changed color. From a stormy gray, they were now. Blood red. "Cody?"
'Seize them!" Wheyern Rye suddenly screamed, and an army of soldiers came running. Rinoa frowned. Them? "Father?"
'You're a SeeD now, aren't you?" Caraway said. "Take care of your own self."
"Oh, I wondered what mother saw in you!" Rinoa snapped and took out her Shooting Star. Cody was eyeing the enemy calmly. "Rinoa, you might want to stand a little further."
"What for?"
Suddenly there was a rush of hot wind that threw Rinoa to the ground. She scrambled to her feet and stared in horror as a huge figure loomed over Cody - it was a figure she had seen before, but Hyne, how can it be? "Tiamat.?"
Tiamat roared and a blast of wind sliced every enemy within range to pieces. Rinoa shielded herself and watched the bloody massacre.
"Now's our chance! Shoot him!" Yelled Wheyern as Tiamat withdrew. At this point, Rinoa realized that he was in some kind of trance, and very vulnerable. And she knew why Wheyern wanted this boy back. " Ultima!" She yelled and Wheyer's men were knocked unconscious. She grabbed Cody's hand and pulled him away. "Let's go!"
Cody was confused as Rinoa tore through the city until they've exited the city. Rinoa dragged him until they came to the mountains, and soon they were in Mordred Plains. "We'll take the Trabia canyon,' Rinoa indicated. "The nearest Garden is there, and we can get help."
"Why are you saving me?" Cody suddenly blurted out. Rinoa stared at him in surprise. "Uh. you mean you want to stay there?"
"No, but you've finished your mission. Isn't that what SeeDs are supposed to do?"
Rinoa sighed. "We're here to protect the innocent. If our client is wrong, then we can break the contract if we wish - we can afford to lose a couple thousand Gil. It's not like I'm gonna get kicked out or something"
They climbed down from the Canyon and soon saw Trabia Garden, but it wasn't what she had expected. "What's happening?" She cried in alarm as she saw people fighting - is Trabia Garden under attack?! But Trabia had just been rebuilt, and their SeeDs are not strong enough to withstand any heavy assault.
'We've got to help them." Cody jumped down from the ledge and without warning, Tiamat appeared. Rinoa could not fail to be awed by the monster's presence. Tiamat was like Bahamut - overpowering and magnificent. In the midst of it, Cody stood calmly, directing the GF in whatever way he wanted. It was amazing to see such understanding between a summoner and the summoned. It was as if he and Tiamat were one.
"Had a good trip?" Laguna asked, beaming as they entered the Ragnarok. Squall slapped his forehead in his usual gesture and Quistis smiled wearily. "We're alright, thank you Laguna."
Seifer was slumped in one of the seats, and Quistis set to removing his status ailments. Squall sat down at the pilot seat and checked the Auto- Pilot. Balamb's engineers have included a tracking system so Ragnarok could go to the Garden at any where in the world. "Balamb Garden is currently headed for Eshtar," Squall said quietly. "We'll intercept them in ten minutes."
"Great," Quistis sighed. "I really need to rest." She pushed her hair back and made sure Seifer was properly healed. "Matron would know what to do with him. I just hope he can tell us something."
Squall sat opposite her, on the other side of Seifer. "Why do you care so much for him?"
She blinked in surprise. "That's strange," She suddenly said with an amused smile. "Are you bothered?"
He scowled and shrugged. Quistis could see what was coming. "Whatever." They chorused, and Quistis chuckled. "He was my student,' She said softly. "I guess I'm still the same bossy Instructor. even after all he's done, I can't let him kill himself."
Squall scowled harder, if possible. His animosity towards Seifer was still there, and he wasn't that forgiving. But he was a leader, and leaders always take the best decisions, even if it meant sacrificing one's emotions. That, he understood.
"Irvine!" Nida's voice called over the transmitter. Irvine polished off the last of the Mages. 'What?"
"Our radar sighted the Ragnarok heading here."
"Open the hangar." Irvine instructed. Selphie came up to him. 'What's up?"
"Squall's on his way."
"Ah. we're finished already. He missed out all the fun!" She looked outside the window and saw the Mage ship latching off the Garden. Irvine rolled his eyes and tipped his hat. "Seffie, you're the only one who found anything to smile about right now."
She and Irvine hurried to the bridge, where Zell was waiting. He looked incredibly worried. "I haven't been able to contact Rinoa, guys," He said worriedly. "Where is she now?"
Nida came up from the third floor, looking worried. 'I've sent other SeeDs to track her, but so far the only thing we know is she left for Timber at eleven hundred hours, and haven't been seen since then."
Irvine whistled. "If Squall finds out we'll be minced meat."
The communication panel suddenly buzzed. "Squall to Garden, do you read me?"
"Garden here," Zell replied, his voice quavering slightly.
"I've got Quistis. Are you guys alright?"
"Yeah. The Mages are gone." He said in a rather high-pitched voice.
Squall frowned as he conversed with Zell. Quistis came and sat in the Co- pilot seat as Laguna watched over Seifer, and she too frowned. "Zell, are you sure everything's fine?"
"Yeah. Come around quickly, y'know, Squall?"
Squall blinked. Quistis tapped her fingernails thoughtfully on the control panel and spoke sharply into the microphone. "Zell Dincht, do not lie to your Commander. Now what's going on?"
Silence. Zell quirked an eyebrow and mouthed wordlessly to the others; I don't want to do this.
Selphie shakily approached the panel. "Uh, Squall?"
"What?"
"Um. we have a tinsy- weeny problem."
"How tinsy-weeny?" Squall shot sarcastically.
"Um.Oh boy. uh. we can't find Rinoa." She finally blurted out sheepishly.
"WHAT?!"
Quistis nearly toppled off her chair. 'For Hyne's sake Squall, control yourself!" Squall had gripped the steering controls so hard the Ragnarok swerved off-course. She rushed to him and pulled the aircraft back on course. "Explain, Selphie."
'Well. we last received word that she went to Timber, but she's vanished. we don't know where she is now." Selphie said miserably. Squall covered his forehead, shaking with disbelief. Quistis bit her lip. 'Where could she be.?"
"Wait!" Nida's voice suddenly rang out. "A SeeD reported seeing her at Fisherman's Horizon at thirteen hundred hours, boarding a train to Eshtar."
"She must have been furious that we were leaving her." Selphie giggled. Then her face changed back to solemnity as she heard Squall curse. "Continue to Eshtar. But first, open the hangar."
The hangar was added after the Ultemecia adventure, where the Ragnarok would be docked. Several cadets awaited their commander as the Ragnarok slowly came down, but didn't dock. Irvine held on to his hat tightly as the wind howled in the hangar. Selphie jumped up and down in excitement while Zell was visibly down. The door opened and Squall's face appeared. "Irvine, you're staying here," He shouted over the din. "The rest of you, come with me."
He motioned to the cadets and handed Seifer over. Irvine's eyes narrowed. 'What's he doing here?"
"Take him to Cid and Matron," Squall instructed as he helped Selphie aboard the Ragnarok. Irvine cursed softly as the Ragnarok left the hangar once more. Turning to the fear-stricken cadets, he motioned for them to bring Seifer to Matron.
They had been fighting for almost half an hour now, and Rinoa was getting tired. She could see Cody was tired too, but he kept on summoning Tiamat.
"This is - pointless," Rinoa gasped as she and Cody held up the front gates. She had told a cadet to call for Squall, and right now, she was wondering if he would be in time. Just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, there was a roar and a huge craft appeared over their heads. Cody's face hardened as his eyes fixed on the giant craft. "Rinoa, you'd better run." 'Why?" Rinoa half cried, warding off one blow. Cody furiously struck the attacker. "My father's coming. Run!" "I'm not leaving you," Rinoa said stubbornly. Cody uttered a cry of frustration. "What kind of a fool are you? Go and save yourself!" Rinoa refused to budge. "I'm a SeeD. I'm not leaving comrades!" She shouted. Maybe if she wasn't so caught up, she would have seen a Mage aim an Ultima at her, but Cody saw and his eyes widened in horror. "Rinoa!!" He pushed her away. Rinoa didn't really understand, but she didn't know - the world suddenly went white and she passed out.
Selphie anxiously peered at the radar on the Ragnarok's control banks. "Approaching Inner Eshtar."
"Land outside the city," Squall directed. "Returning to Eshtar after taking Laguna isn't a good idea."
Quistis sighed as she stared out of the window. The sun was about to set, and it threw a warm red glow over the sky. "This is going to be a long, long day."
"Is he hurt badly?" Edea anxiously peered at Seifer in the Infirmary. The former knight was lying on the bed, bandages covering his head and chest. Dr. Kadowaki shook her head. "He was hit with all status ailments, and a little cut here and there, that's all. But - "
"What is it?"
"We found traces of a drug in his blood. it's not poison, but I'm still working on it. Maybe I should have it sent to Eshtar to be analyzed when we dock?"
"You're the Doctor," Edea smiled. She turned back to Seifer. "Poor boy. look what the years have done to him."
"He's all skin and bones, that's what you mean."
Edea shook her head. "After three years, how did he end up meeting them again?"
Dr. Kadowaki smiled bitterly. "Maybe this is what is called fate, Edea. This boy can't run from the others, because he's destined to be with them, no matter what."
"Maybe." Edea placed a hand to Seifer's forehead. "He chose the wrong path, but it's not too late to turn back."
Irvine was back at the bridge with Nida, receiving reports from the departments. Apparently Garden did not suffer too much damage from the attack. He was surprised with himself. Three years ago he wouldn't even think of doing this kind of work. Now he's actually sitting here, reading reports, arranging things on behalf of the commander - the Sorceress War had indeed changed him. What happened to the irresponsible cowboy, the sharpshooter? A vision of a giggling girl in yellow came to his mind and he grinned inwardly. Yeah, Selphie was partly responsible for this change. He was willing to change, if it meant keeping her. As a matter of fact, he wondered what would she say if he wanted to keep her forever.
Nida suddenly appeared, carrying a sheet of paper and looking extremely worried. "I received a call from Trabia Garden. They said Rinoa ordered them to contact Squall, but - "
"Rinoa's in Trabia?"
Nida nodded. Irvine slapped his forehead. "Darn it." He tapped his transmitter. "Squall?"
"Here."
"Are you in Eshtar?"
"Entering the elevator."
"Back up, I received news that Rinoa's in Trabia Garden."
"WHAT?!"
"Don't ask me how, just go there," Irvine groaned. This was becoming a hide-and-seek game.
Squall furiously tapped the transmitter. "Rinoa's in Trabia."
"How'd she get THERE?" Selphie groaned. Quistis too wanted to groan. "What happened to her transmitter?"
She wasn't carrying it," Squall said through clenched teeth. They ran all the way back to the Ragnarok with growing anxiety and fear. Dusk had fallen, and with it monsters came out to play. Or to die, as with Squall's case as he vent out his anger on anything that dare cross his path. Selphie winced as a Behemoth suffered a particularly violent demise.
Laguna looked up in amazement as they entered the cockpit once more. "Did you get her?"
"She's in Trabia Garden," Squall said surly as he switched on the communication channel. He fiddled for a minute, and then scowled. "Their systems must be down due to the attack."
"We'll just have to go then." Selphie sat in the pilot seat and soon the ship roared to life. "We'll be there in two hours."
Squall nodded and exited the cockpit.
Quistis rubbed her aching head. Selphie turned to her. "Mind telling me what's going on?"
"Ask Squall."
"As if he's going to answer," She snorted. "Come on."
Sighing, Quistis recapped everything, and when she's finished Selphie giggled. "It's just like old times, huh? Only old times were worse."
"I don't know," She rubbed the base of her neck. "Ultemecia was hell bent on conquering time.but right now, we're facing politics, not magic."
"We still have to fight," Selphie said stubbornly. "It's what we do, right? SeeDs have to fight evil."
Quistis sighed and stepped on the elevator, thinking of some rest in the lounge downstairs. But when she got there, she knew there would be little rest.
Squall stood with her back to her, facing the windows. The thing is, at night, there's nothing to see. He flinched when the door opened, indicating he knew she was there.
Quistis shook her head. 'Don't mind me, I'm gonna sleep."
Silence as Quistis comfortably settled into a chair and closed her eyes.
"I'm worried."
"Mmm-Hm. We're worried too, Commander."
"It's not like her to run around. First she's in Eshtar, and then she runs to Trabia. I don't get it."
Suddenly Quistis didn't get it either. All thoughts of sleep vanished. True, Rinoa would not run across the continent for no reason.running from them! If she knew they were going to dock at Eshtar, there's no reason for her to run to Trabia Garden. If she ran there, it means she's looking for help.
"She's in trouble." Quistis muttered. "What's going on, Squall? Why can't she wait for us?" "If I knew I wouldn't be worrying here," He retorted. He sighed in exasperation. "I shouldn't have left her."
"NO, you can't say you've done wrong," Quistis shot back. 'Stop thinking she's so fragile, Squall. She's just as capable of taking care of herself as I am - " She bit her tongue "Maybe someone else would be a better example."
A smiled tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Nah, you're okay. Maybe you're right."
"I'm seldom wrong," Quistis sighed and bit her lip. "What mission was she sent on?"
"She's supposed to go look for a missing boy. But it's no big deal."
"Who?" Quistis frowned.
"Wheyern Rye's son - Cody Rye."
"Cody Rye?" The name rolled off her tongue. "Wasn't he in Instructor Aki's class a few years ago?"
"Instructor Aki?" Squall frowned. "You mean he was at Garden?"
"Of course, you wouldn't know," Quistis remarked dryly. She cast her mind back. "Quiet, almost like you, but he was really shy. strange though, his father pulled him out just after the Ultemecia business. wonder if he has got something to do with Rinoa missing?"
Squall felt a massive migraine coming on. "I don't get it." He repeated.
Quistis chuckled. "Really, I almost expected you to say 'whatever'. things change, huh?"
Squall nearly smiled. Rinoa had changed him. Even if it meant going through the whole world for her, he'd do it. And he knew, his friends would too. But. why didn't he feel as anxious as he did? The feeling that he was about to lose a piece of himself. he pictured Rinoa and her beautiful smile, and with a sinking heart he realized the magic in them was gone. What was left? Why is he still trying to believe nothing has changed?
Maybe your heart doesn't belong to her any more.
He smiled wryly. He had accepted Rinoa to be his soul mate, and that was that. No matter how many doubts circled in his mind, he was forever hers.
Or is he?
Stop it, he shook his head. No more thinking.
"We'll find her," He said determinedly. When Quistis didn't answer, he knew she had fallen asleep.
Well???? It's a little long, but I try to minimalize chapters, that's why! Don't worry, more to come! I hope you guys can review and tell me what you want to see in the fic. nothing else makes me happier than to try and please readers! Reviews. Feed me.