A/N: Well, I've been on vacation.. Actually, my muse was on vacation, I
was just waiting for it to return. Anyway, here's the long-awaited second
to last chapter of Executioner. Enjoy!
Chapter 14
The steady, thunderous thumping was the first thing she heard as her mind rose from the depths of black unconsciousness. Strong, and in perfect rhythm, it was the beat of life itself, the pulsing of the very universe, and it made her smile. There was no greater comfort.
"Hey there, beautiful," she heard a husky voice say.
She smiled and snuggled closer to his chest. "Good morning, Mr. Reaper. Did you sleep well?"
He ran a hand through her hair and laughed. "I didn't sleep much at all. You should know that."
"I love you," she whispered quietly, part of her wondering if the words they spoke last night was just part of some wonderful dream.
"I love you, too," he replied, with little hesitation. With each time he spoke his feelings, it became easier to do.
"So, what should we do now?" Rinoa asked.
"I can think of a few things," Squall began. At that moment a heavy knock sounded on the door.
"Hey Squall, you up?"
Squall sighed and stood from the bed, pulling on his boxers and staggering toward the door. "Yes, Seifer, I'm awake, and may I say, how lovely it is to awoken by your wonderful voice so early in the morning," he called, voice dripping with sarcasm as he unlocked the door and opened it. "What do you want?"
"Something odd happened last night while I was walking around the town," Seifer replied.
"You were abducted by aliens?" Squall asked with disinterest.
"Cut the sarcasm, Leonhart. I found this woman. she has the scent of death upon her, and she seems, somehow familiar. She said. she said I was her child."
Squall rolled his eyes. "Just because you stumbled across some old lunatic in the street-"
"I let her sleep in my room last night," Seifer interrupted. Squall arched an eyebrow, and he shook his head vigorously. "No, no, not like that. I took the couch. The point is, in her sleep, she was whispering the name Laguna."
"Did you ask her about it?" Squall asked.
"No. I thought it might be best if you do it. Or maybe, we could all do it together. It could be a delicate situation after all. We can meet in my room in say. half an hour. What do you think?" Seifer asked.
"Well, you just ruined my plans for the rest of the morning, but I guess so. You go get everyone else up. I've got other things to do."
Seifer snorted. "Sure thing, Mr. Ladies' Man."
Squall closed the door on his obnoxious 'friend' then turned back to the bed where his main interest was propped up comfortably on some pillows with a sheet wrapped around her. "Everything alright?"
"We have to see a lady about a killer. but we still have half an hour to ourselves."
Rinoa stretched. "I need a shower," she complained in mid-yawn. She then stood and headed for the bathroom, losing her sheet along the way, and stopped to throw a mischievous grin over her shoulder. "Care to take me up on the offer this time?"
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Nearly an hour later everyone was gathered in Seifer's room, with a very nervous stranger seated in the middle. Her faint blue eyes darted back and forth between Seifer and Squall, and a small smile touched her lips.
"I've finally found my babies. My, you've grown up so fast," she murmured.
"This is the same woman we came across the other day," Rinoa pointed out.
"Yeah. so maybe she does know something. Excuse me, Ms?" Squall asked of her. "Do you know anything about a man named Laguna?"
Her eyes widened, and she stood from her chair. "Is he here? I've not seen him in so long."
"So you do know him?"
"Yes, of course," she replied. "He is my husband after all. And you should know him as well. What kind of boy forgets his father?"
"What?" Squall choked out. "My. father?"
"Yes, he is your father. You both," she indicated to Squall and Seifer, "are his sons. My sons. I searched for you, in that darkness, and I felt you both, for a fleeting instant, and then you were gone again. Do tell me where you've been. Where I've been. How could you grow so old, in such a short time? I slept for only a night."
"Both Seifer and I have been dead for at least a century, now," Squall told her gently. "Were you our mother, you must have passed away long before that. We never knew our mother, or our father."
"I do not understand!" she cried. "What happened to my life? My family. all is lost. If it is true, that I've passed, then why am I here now? And you as well. I awoke from darkness, feeling the need to seek my children and protect them from some great evil. But why?"
"There is a great evil threatening your sons," Rinoa answered. "Your husband Laguna has been trying to kill your sons since they were just boys, and succeeded, long ago. It was because of him that Squall lost." her voice trailed off.
"Lost what?" the woman repeated. "I don't believe you. Laguna would never-"
"I lost my eyesight because of him," Squall admitted, removing his sunglasses and moving closer to his so-called mother so that she could see for herself.
"My word, you have lost your eyesight!" she exclaimed. "No, this was not the way I remembered your eyes when you were born. Perhaps you are right. By why?"
"We don't know yet," Squall said. "Will you trust us, your own sons?"
"Yes," she answered quietly.
"By the way," Zell spoke up. "You got a name."
The young woman giggled slightly. "Yes, I do. My name is Raine."
"Well, what do we do?" Ifrit asked.
"From what I could see in my visions, Laguna loved you very much, Raine," Rinoa said. "I get the feeling. this may all be for you. But I don't know how, or why. I don't know what I have to do with it."
"Well, here's the deal. We'll split up into groups. Seifer, you'll take. Mom," Squall stated slowly, "to someplace safe, and watch over her. Don't let Laguna get near her, no matter what. I don't know what threat he poses to her, but I'm not taking any chances. Shiva, you'll go with him. Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid. Irvine, you take Quistis, and Ifrit and look for Laguna in Deling City. If you find him, go for it. Zell, you'll go with Rinoa and me. We'll go to the train station, too and see if we can't get a train back to Deling City, in a different car. That was where this all started. I have a feeling that's where it will end."
"Where do I take her, Squall?" Seifer asked.
Squall thought for a long moment. "The dead should not walk among the living. Lost in the darkness. she must have been in purgatory, unable to pass on."
"She couldn't pass on, because she wanted to take care of her children," Rinoa continued. "She died even before she could name one of them. Her soul was troubled, burdened with unfinished business. She must have felt them when they died, but couldn't find them because they did pass on. No, she feels a disturbance within the family she held so dear. her children are in danger, and this is her only chance to save them, to finish her business."
Squall nodded in agreement. "As soon as Laguna has been dealt with, she must rejoin the world of the deceased once more, and pass on from this world. We found her on our way to Timber, and she'd never seen Fisherman's Horizon. She must've been buried somewhere between the two towns. Find out where, Seifer, and take her to her grave. This one man has upset the entire balance of living and dead. today, it ends."
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"Where do we go once we reach Deling City?" Rinoa asked, as she lay sprawled out over the train seat.
"Where would you feel the safest?"
"I don't know. Somewhere familiar?"
"Your apartment?"
Rinoa sighed. "I really don't think it matters. I'd feel safe anywhere that you are."
Squall looked at her and smiled. "Sometimes I think you say these things just to flatter me."
She rolled her eyes. "Sorry dear, but you're not that much of a charmer." She sighed, and her playful mood suddenly turned serious. "I was wondering. what happens when this is over?"
Squall frowned, and was silent for a long moment. "I was always afraid of this happening. Of you and I getting close, then having to part when it was all over. But there's no turning back now, and I wouldn't want there to be. Once you're out of danger, I have to go back. I have a job to attend to. But. whenever you need me, I'll be there, no matter what."
"Couldn't that get you fired?"
"To be honest, I don't really care anymore. You're far more important to me than some job. And, as soon as I'm given the chance, I'm going to retire. I'll become. human, again."
Rinoa smiled and crawled into his lap. "Okay, then. We'll go to my apartment. In the mean time, why don't we. enjoy each others company, until then?"
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A few hours passed, and Squall and Rinoa found themselves at the Deling City train station once more. Ifrit, Irvine, and Quistis were already on their way out, hoping for some kind of clue as to Laguna's whereabouts, when a news report on one of the station's televisions caught their attention.
"We're standing here live in front of city hall where it is believed that a mass murderer is holding people hostage. Deling City police believe this could be the same mass murderer that struck the Deling City train station, as well as Balamb, and Dollet."
"It must be Laguna's doing this time. Perhaps he's trying to lure us out," Quistis said.
Irvine nodded. "Yeah, let's go get him. Squall's taking Rinoa to her apartment. They'll be safe."
Meanwhile, Squall and Rinoa has already taken a cab to Rinoa's apartment, and were heading up to her floor.
"Are you sure this is okay? I've got kind of a bad feeling about this," Rinoa murmured as the elevator slowly rose higher into the building.
Squally sighed. "You were the one that suggested coming here. Besides, you heard that report on the radio coming over here. Laguna's at City Hall. I'm sure Irvine and the others are already on their way. Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you."
Rinoa pushed open her door, which was still partially broken down from Laguna's initial attack. Everything seemed still and quiet. almost peaceful. It was as if the place had not been touched since they'd left that night, so long ago it seemed. Squall entered first, searching for any danger, and trusting his senses to warn him of any surprises. Rinoa walked in behind him, soundlessly, until she suddenly felt cold steel pressed against her neck, making her gasp in fear.
Squall wheeled around, his heart seeming to stop at the sight before him. They had walked straight into a trap. it seemed so obvious now, why didn't he see it before?
"Laguna, let her go!" Squall, taking a few steps closer.
"I wouldn't if I were you," Laguna warned. "I would hate for your lovely girlfriend to go to waste. son." He spoke the last word in a mocking sneer.
"It's me that you want. Leave her out of this."
Laguna laughed. "I had always imagined you were the smart one of the two, Squall. What happened to that? She's the one I've been after all this time. Though, conveniently, hurting her will hurt you as well. Fate was in my corner this time. I can kill two hearts with one blade, so to speak."
"You were supposed to be at City Hall.. Why didn't I sense you here?"
"Distractions are easy enough to set up. I see, however, that you do not yet know the truth. You love this woman so much, yet you do not know what she's capable of. She, my boy, is the keeper of life. She can give it, and she can take it. She can see into anyone's lifetime, even if she's never known them. I've been seeking this power since the moment I learned of it. With her power, I can bring your mother to life again."
"That still doesn't answer my question."
Laguna smiled slowly. "You are a slow one, aren't you? I told you, she can give life, and she can take it. without even realizing it. You got close to her. and she gave you life, unknowingly. You are no longer among the dead, as you were. Now, your heart beats, your lungs crave air. And all your extra senses are gone. That is why, when I kill her, and steal her power, you will be left alone. Separated yet again. You will be forced to live out your life as a human, while she becomes a mere spirit. That is what I have suffered. Because of you."
"Laguna. please don't." Squall words were choked out, as he suddenly found himself reduced to pleading for the one thing he needed the most.
"Sorry, son," Laguna replied, and swiftly drew his blade across Rinoa's throat. Her body went limp in his arms, and a small, glowing orb left her body, only to be sucked into Laguna's.
Squall fell to his knees on the floor, body shaking as his mind was clouded in pain and disbelief. It felt as if someone had stabbed him through the heart. He could feel the sharp, physical pain as Laguna dropped her body to the floor and left without a word, without a single word of remorse.
Squall moved over to where Rinoa's body had fallen, and gently picked her up, cradling her in his arms, even as he was stained with her blood. He held her tightly, head rested against her shoulder as slow, warm tears feel from his eyes.
(Once you cried for me) he thought. (Now.. I'm crying for you.)
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A/N: Well, there you go. One last chapter left.
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Chapter 14
The steady, thunderous thumping was the first thing she heard as her mind rose from the depths of black unconsciousness. Strong, and in perfect rhythm, it was the beat of life itself, the pulsing of the very universe, and it made her smile. There was no greater comfort.
"Hey there, beautiful," she heard a husky voice say.
She smiled and snuggled closer to his chest. "Good morning, Mr. Reaper. Did you sleep well?"
He ran a hand through her hair and laughed. "I didn't sleep much at all. You should know that."
"I love you," she whispered quietly, part of her wondering if the words they spoke last night was just part of some wonderful dream.
"I love you, too," he replied, with little hesitation. With each time he spoke his feelings, it became easier to do.
"So, what should we do now?" Rinoa asked.
"I can think of a few things," Squall began. At that moment a heavy knock sounded on the door.
"Hey Squall, you up?"
Squall sighed and stood from the bed, pulling on his boxers and staggering toward the door. "Yes, Seifer, I'm awake, and may I say, how lovely it is to awoken by your wonderful voice so early in the morning," he called, voice dripping with sarcasm as he unlocked the door and opened it. "What do you want?"
"Something odd happened last night while I was walking around the town," Seifer replied.
"You were abducted by aliens?" Squall asked with disinterest.
"Cut the sarcasm, Leonhart. I found this woman. she has the scent of death upon her, and she seems, somehow familiar. She said. she said I was her child."
Squall rolled his eyes. "Just because you stumbled across some old lunatic in the street-"
"I let her sleep in my room last night," Seifer interrupted. Squall arched an eyebrow, and he shook his head vigorously. "No, no, not like that. I took the couch. The point is, in her sleep, she was whispering the name Laguna."
"Did you ask her about it?" Squall asked.
"No. I thought it might be best if you do it. Or maybe, we could all do it together. It could be a delicate situation after all. We can meet in my room in say. half an hour. What do you think?" Seifer asked.
"Well, you just ruined my plans for the rest of the morning, but I guess so. You go get everyone else up. I've got other things to do."
Seifer snorted. "Sure thing, Mr. Ladies' Man."
Squall closed the door on his obnoxious 'friend' then turned back to the bed where his main interest was propped up comfortably on some pillows with a sheet wrapped around her. "Everything alright?"
"We have to see a lady about a killer. but we still have half an hour to ourselves."
Rinoa stretched. "I need a shower," she complained in mid-yawn. She then stood and headed for the bathroom, losing her sheet along the way, and stopped to throw a mischievous grin over her shoulder. "Care to take me up on the offer this time?"
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Nearly an hour later everyone was gathered in Seifer's room, with a very nervous stranger seated in the middle. Her faint blue eyes darted back and forth between Seifer and Squall, and a small smile touched her lips.
"I've finally found my babies. My, you've grown up so fast," she murmured.
"This is the same woman we came across the other day," Rinoa pointed out.
"Yeah. so maybe she does know something. Excuse me, Ms?" Squall asked of her. "Do you know anything about a man named Laguna?"
Her eyes widened, and she stood from her chair. "Is he here? I've not seen him in so long."
"So you do know him?"
"Yes, of course," she replied. "He is my husband after all. And you should know him as well. What kind of boy forgets his father?"
"What?" Squall choked out. "My. father?"
"Yes, he is your father. You both," she indicated to Squall and Seifer, "are his sons. My sons. I searched for you, in that darkness, and I felt you both, for a fleeting instant, and then you were gone again. Do tell me where you've been. Where I've been. How could you grow so old, in such a short time? I slept for only a night."
"Both Seifer and I have been dead for at least a century, now," Squall told her gently. "Were you our mother, you must have passed away long before that. We never knew our mother, or our father."
"I do not understand!" she cried. "What happened to my life? My family. all is lost. If it is true, that I've passed, then why am I here now? And you as well. I awoke from darkness, feeling the need to seek my children and protect them from some great evil. But why?"
"There is a great evil threatening your sons," Rinoa answered. "Your husband Laguna has been trying to kill your sons since they were just boys, and succeeded, long ago. It was because of him that Squall lost." her voice trailed off.
"Lost what?" the woman repeated. "I don't believe you. Laguna would never-"
"I lost my eyesight because of him," Squall admitted, removing his sunglasses and moving closer to his so-called mother so that she could see for herself.
"My word, you have lost your eyesight!" she exclaimed. "No, this was not the way I remembered your eyes when you were born. Perhaps you are right. By why?"
"We don't know yet," Squall said. "Will you trust us, your own sons?"
"Yes," she answered quietly.
"By the way," Zell spoke up. "You got a name."
The young woman giggled slightly. "Yes, I do. My name is Raine."
"Well, what do we do?" Ifrit asked.
"From what I could see in my visions, Laguna loved you very much, Raine," Rinoa said. "I get the feeling. this may all be for you. But I don't know how, or why. I don't know what I have to do with it."
"Well, here's the deal. We'll split up into groups. Seifer, you'll take. Mom," Squall stated slowly, "to someplace safe, and watch over her. Don't let Laguna get near her, no matter what. I don't know what threat he poses to her, but I'm not taking any chances. Shiva, you'll go with him. Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid. Irvine, you take Quistis, and Ifrit and look for Laguna in Deling City. If you find him, go for it. Zell, you'll go with Rinoa and me. We'll go to the train station, too and see if we can't get a train back to Deling City, in a different car. That was where this all started. I have a feeling that's where it will end."
"Where do I take her, Squall?" Seifer asked.
Squall thought for a long moment. "The dead should not walk among the living. Lost in the darkness. she must have been in purgatory, unable to pass on."
"She couldn't pass on, because she wanted to take care of her children," Rinoa continued. "She died even before she could name one of them. Her soul was troubled, burdened with unfinished business. She must have felt them when they died, but couldn't find them because they did pass on. No, she feels a disturbance within the family she held so dear. her children are in danger, and this is her only chance to save them, to finish her business."
Squall nodded in agreement. "As soon as Laguna has been dealt with, she must rejoin the world of the deceased once more, and pass on from this world. We found her on our way to Timber, and she'd never seen Fisherman's Horizon. She must've been buried somewhere between the two towns. Find out where, Seifer, and take her to her grave. This one man has upset the entire balance of living and dead. today, it ends."
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"Where do we go once we reach Deling City?" Rinoa asked, as she lay sprawled out over the train seat.
"Where would you feel the safest?"
"I don't know. Somewhere familiar?"
"Your apartment?"
Rinoa sighed. "I really don't think it matters. I'd feel safe anywhere that you are."
Squall looked at her and smiled. "Sometimes I think you say these things just to flatter me."
She rolled her eyes. "Sorry dear, but you're not that much of a charmer." She sighed, and her playful mood suddenly turned serious. "I was wondering. what happens when this is over?"
Squall frowned, and was silent for a long moment. "I was always afraid of this happening. Of you and I getting close, then having to part when it was all over. But there's no turning back now, and I wouldn't want there to be. Once you're out of danger, I have to go back. I have a job to attend to. But. whenever you need me, I'll be there, no matter what."
"Couldn't that get you fired?"
"To be honest, I don't really care anymore. You're far more important to me than some job. And, as soon as I'm given the chance, I'm going to retire. I'll become. human, again."
Rinoa smiled and crawled into his lap. "Okay, then. We'll go to my apartment. In the mean time, why don't we. enjoy each others company, until then?"
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A few hours passed, and Squall and Rinoa found themselves at the Deling City train station once more. Ifrit, Irvine, and Quistis were already on their way out, hoping for some kind of clue as to Laguna's whereabouts, when a news report on one of the station's televisions caught their attention.
"We're standing here live in front of city hall where it is believed that a mass murderer is holding people hostage. Deling City police believe this could be the same mass murderer that struck the Deling City train station, as well as Balamb, and Dollet."
"It must be Laguna's doing this time. Perhaps he's trying to lure us out," Quistis said.
Irvine nodded. "Yeah, let's go get him. Squall's taking Rinoa to her apartment. They'll be safe."
Meanwhile, Squall and Rinoa has already taken a cab to Rinoa's apartment, and were heading up to her floor.
"Are you sure this is okay? I've got kind of a bad feeling about this," Rinoa murmured as the elevator slowly rose higher into the building.
Squally sighed. "You were the one that suggested coming here. Besides, you heard that report on the radio coming over here. Laguna's at City Hall. I'm sure Irvine and the others are already on their way. Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you."
Rinoa pushed open her door, which was still partially broken down from Laguna's initial attack. Everything seemed still and quiet. almost peaceful. It was as if the place had not been touched since they'd left that night, so long ago it seemed. Squall entered first, searching for any danger, and trusting his senses to warn him of any surprises. Rinoa walked in behind him, soundlessly, until she suddenly felt cold steel pressed against her neck, making her gasp in fear.
Squall wheeled around, his heart seeming to stop at the sight before him. They had walked straight into a trap. it seemed so obvious now, why didn't he see it before?
"Laguna, let her go!" Squall, taking a few steps closer.
"I wouldn't if I were you," Laguna warned. "I would hate for your lovely girlfriend to go to waste. son." He spoke the last word in a mocking sneer.
"It's me that you want. Leave her out of this."
Laguna laughed. "I had always imagined you were the smart one of the two, Squall. What happened to that? She's the one I've been after all this time. Though, conveniently, hurting her will hurt you as well. Fate was in my corner this time. I can kill two hearts with one blade, so to speak."
"You were supposed to be at City Hall.. Why didn't I sense you here?"
"Distractions are easy enough to set up. I see, however, that you do not yet know the truth. You love this woman so much, yet you do not know what she's capable of. She, my boy, is the keeper of life. She can give it, and she can take it. She can see into anyone's lifetime, even if she's never known them. I've been seeking this power since the moment I learned of it. With her power, I can bring your mother to life again."
"That still doesn't answer my question."
Laguna smiled slowly. "You are a slow one, aren't you? I told you, she can give life, and she can take it. without even realizing it. You got close to her. and she gave you life, unknowingly. You are no longer among the dead, as you were. Now, your heart beats, your lungs crave air. And all your extra senses are gone. That is why, when I kill her, and steal her power, you will be left alone. Separated yet again. You will be forced to live out your life as a human, while she becomes a mere spirit. That is what I have suffered. Because of you."
"Laguna. please don't." Squall words were choked out, as he suddenly found himself reduced to pleading for the one thing he needed the most.
"Sorry, son," Laguna replied, and swiftly drew his blade across Rinoa's throat. Her body went limp in his arms, and a small, glowing orb left her body, only to be sucked into Laguna's.
Squall fell to his knees on the floor, body shaking as his mind was clouded in pain and disbelief. It felt as if someone had stabbed him through the heart. He could feel the sharp, physical pain as Laguna dropped her body to the floor and left without a word, without a single word of remorse.
Squall moved over to where Rinoa's body had fallen, and gently picked her up, cradling her in his arms, even as he was stained with her blood. He held her tightly, head rested against her shoulder as slow, warm tears feel from his eyes.
(Once you cried for me) he thought. (Now.. I'm crying for you.)
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A/N: Well, there you go. One last chapter left.
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