Chapter 19
Life over Death
He moved over to her and picked up her cold, unmoving body. Her eyes were closed her lips were silent. Ignoring the tears that continuously slipped out onto the floor, he picked her up..
"I've had some of the best times"
He knew the explosives were going to off soon, but he didn't know exactly when. He just had no intention of being there when they did go off. Slowly he cradled her body in his arms and made his way to exit of the chamber.
" Squall, it's fading now. I don't know if I'm here…but can you still see me?"
The lights in the building fuzzed out one by one, so he carefully navigated his way through the darkness.
"I can come back for you but will you wait that long?"
The first of the explosives went off. For a moment he lost his footing, but corrected himself, fully aware of the precious weight in his hands. The explosive gave him a good advantage though. From the glow of the fire he could make his way outside into the desert, where he broke into a run.
"Will you wait that long?"Ahead he could see the ragnarok. The engines thrummed and the familiar sound echoed throughout his ears. The ship hovered above the ground slightly. He ran up the ramp, inside, just as the full impact of the last explosives hit them. The ship, it seemed, was thrown back suddenly. The passengers all jolted to the side grabbing onto whatever they could get their hands around in order to steady. The ragnarok was expertly flown in an upward motion, away from the sucking flames that erupted from the former sorceress memorial.
The gardens had long since departed from the area and were now stationed at a bay near Esthar. The ship headed for the same destination.
Everyone in the hanger let out a sigh and began laughing quietly at they're lucky escape from the explosion. But they were silenced when they saw Squall sitting in corner with Rinoa in his arms, sobbing quietly to himself. Her body was so numb, anyone would know she was dead. Quistis slowly moved over to him. He looked up at her momentarily.
" Squall…" Like the sister she always remembered herself being, she leaned down next to him, with an arm on his back, for the trip to Esthar.
Squall P.O.V
We buried her in at the flower field, next to Raine's grave. So many people came, so many. Every SeeD form every garden, including Trabia. Even most of the people from Crescent Winds. They all came to pay they're respects and say their final goodbye. I didn't want to be there. I know it sounds selfish, but I had no desire to turn up just know she really was gone. I already knew that. I just waited under the tree we had both met under every Month at the flower field. I waited until sunset, when I could go see her myself, with my friends by side.
I kept a lot of memories with me. Just like she had said, we had a lot of good times near the end. I knew she was right but somehow I just wished to change the course of how it ended. How would I survive without her? She made me what I am today; will I just shrivel up and become the Squall Leonheart that I was 2 years ago?
I remembered our time in Crescent Winds as the most…surviving…thought. The way it had all seemed so perfect on that last day there. The way the snowflakes fell down onto her hair, to make the effect that much better. We sealed our love that day. We married in the way of their people and our own. Exchanging rings. I still wear mine, and so does she. Rings made from ice to give comfort in times of peril. Rayne married us and made the dress for Rinoa. A simple white dress made from silk. But they way she looked when she wore it…I think the image will be stuck in my mind and heart for the rest of my days.
I'd end up telling everyone about us being married…eventually. But for now, it's our secret.
Lance and Quistis…they're so well suited. One was gentle and kind yet so forcive and the other was secretive yet so adventuress. When one gave up the other was willing to continue on, and thus came the beginning of their relationship. Lance wanted to travel the world with her by his side and she so eagerly came along. They were perfect together.
I wanted to keep dreaming to myself of a world with her by my side. I wanted it to go back to the way we all were. Just a bunch of teens in garden fighting for each other and our dreams…but that's utopia for us. Nothing of the sort ever happens to us anymore. It's one more miserable day after the next. I guess that's how it'll always be now.
But then there was one other thing…Lyra. She died apparently…but we couldn't find her body. The only thing left of her was her twin blades. Lying on the ground in her place. Whatever happened is a mystery to all of us. I suppose she really was a GF after all. Rinoa's GF.
Maybe I will get on ok. With my friends by my side. But who knows? I feel as empty as ever and now…she's gone. Behind me I heard Quistis walking up. And so I guessed they were all with her…my guess was right when I heard another series of footsteps.
" We knew you'd be here" They were all adorned in their SeeD uniforms. With the exception of Meryl, Lance and Rayne. I was worried. I didn't want their pity.
" Squall are you going to be ok?" I recognized Meryl's voice straight away. I didn't reply. I wasn't sure if my voice was working yet. So instead I looked up to the sky, through the pink petals of the trees branches. Not a cloud in the sky.
Someone behind me sighed and turned around, walking back. Eventually they all left. Except Meryl. She sat down next to me.
" You know…everyone is calling her a hero, a savior. And she is, she saved us all you know? She knew what she was doing and I'm sure if she had the chance she wouldn't have taken another option…" She rested her hand on mine and squeezed it slightly.
" We all know how strong you are Squall. We try not to pity you but…we just want to mourn for you I guess. Because we all miss her…we all want her back. Hey, lets start thinking about her 'life'…not her death" With that said, she also got up and began to walk back to the others.
Lets start thinking about her life…no her death.
So I did.
At sunset I walked to her grave alone. The array of flowers and gifts surrounding the grave was amazing but I took no notice. I sat down next to the flat headstone, similar to Raine's.
~Rinoa Leonheart~
Died in honor of protecting our world
Rinoa Leonheart. Rayne must have told them to put that. So they must know already. I placed my hand over the inscriptions. Tracing the delicate patterns and wording in the marble surface. My eyes were averted to a small white glowing abject down the side of the headstone.
A feather…
A/N; FIN! Well sorry about not bringing her back but…it just wouldn't suit it you know? I'm not much of a happy ending person but I do make exceptions…trust me! ooooh yeah and you can expect the sequel to be out in about…a week. I've written the first chapter! The sequel will be called Whispering Solitude My friend and I , Bridget, might be writing this together.
Special Thanks to:
The Angel of the Lion, J.Johnson/Selphie Clone, Mariko, devildragon, Yunalesca78, Renegade Seraph, inoaheartily, Dark Goddess of Good, tiger, Lady Aliena, anime-diva and winnowil.
And very special thanks to: Nuaro, for supporting me and helping me out a lot!
