In His Eyes- Part 4
By Matoko Shizaki
Disclaimer: FF8 © Square Soft. If I could own one of them though, it would be Zell. All the way! He's entertaining and cute! Not to mention hyper… What more could you want?
Notes: Hi everyone! Sorry the third chapter took so long. Twelve or so pages IS a lot for chapters. It must be a pain for you guys to read it all. Anyway, this is the last chapter… at least I think it is. Enjoy!
ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE ME TO WRITE A FOLLOW UP THAT'S JUST A SEIFER/QUISTIS ROMANCE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!
Pairings: Quistis/Seifer, Rinoa/Squall, Selphie/Irvine.
@~@~@~@~@
"You should have been up here watching her, Seifer." Squall muttered. His words seethed with anger and worry and came out from behind a clenched jaw. No longer were his eyes dull or glazed over but piercing. That's what made Seifer not want to look at him… or maybe it was just the guilt that kept his head bent.
"I know that!" Seifer growled in response as he ran his hand through his hair, his eyes still focused on his lap.
"Obviously you don't! That's why Quistis' life has now been put in jeopardy!" Squall cried. After a moment of silence he sighed, his voice softening a little. "If they find out she's not the real Tiril, they might kill her." The SeeD commander turned to the others who were standing on the other side of the room at a safe distance from the two rivals.
"Listen up. Our mission is now not only an intelligence gathering mission but a rescue mission as well."
"So, what do you think we should do?" Zell asked, uncrossing his arms.
"We're going to have to infiltrate their hide out of course!" Irvine told the blond with a smile.
"And how the hell are we going to do that if we don't even know where she or the damned hide out is!?" Seifer shouted, jumping up off the bed.
"Tracking device." the cowboy replied coolly. "We planted one in Quistis' glasses for safe keeping."
"Really Irvy?!" Selphie cried happily.
Irvine nodded. "All we need are the orders…" He turned to Squall. "…captain."
Squall nodded. "We move out at eleven tonight. They won't be expecting an attack then."
"Right." Rinoa said with a smile. As the others filed from the room, she glanced over at Seifer who was sitting on the bed, head in his hands again.
"Don't worry Seifer. We'll get her back."
Seifer looked up and stared at Rinoa for a moment before smiling inwardly. "You damn optimists. I'll believe you… but only this time."
@~@~@~@~@
When had he gotten so weak? Worrying and moping about this way… about a woman?! Months ago he wouldn't have cared if she dropped dead. But now he couldn't even think of the rebels harming a single hair on her head. He chuckled and fell back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. 'I've grown so soft…'
There was a knock at the door and Seifer sat up with a groan. "Who is it?" he asked getting up off the bed.
"You know damn good and well who it is." and annoyed blond on the other end hissed.
Seifer swung the door open, catching Zell off guard. The door hit him right in the face sending him onto the ground.
"Ach! Seifer! By dose!" Zell squealed (while holding his nose).
"Heh sorry chicken wuss, didn't see ya there." Seifer laughed, turning away from the door and to his dresser.
"We're leaving now." Zell muttered as he go up off the hallway floor.
"I know dipshit. I'm not stupid." Seifer looked back down at the bottom draw of his dresser. In it was a clear, shatter proof glass safe. Through it he could see his gun blade… and Quistis' whip. He shook his fearful thoughts to the back of his mind and punched in the code on the keypad. "9... 28... 10." he muttered to himself. The box opened and he retrieved his trusty gun blade. Without taking Quistis' weapon, he left, following Zell to the hotel lobby.
@~@~@~@~@
Squall snuggled his face into the warm, furry collar of his coat. It was a brisk night, not unusual for spring in Castor. He smiled when Rinoa leaned against him, shivering a little. The SeeD commander opened up his coat in a welcome gesture and Rinoa spared no time in snuggling into the black leather coat along with her love.
To the side, Irvine was checking communication signals in the city. Every frequency was something different. Children who left walkie talkies on, cops, or aircrafts asking for permission to land or take off. Nothing about the rebels or Quistis. He removed the head piece and sighed. Selphie leaned towards him with a hopeful smile. "Nothing." he whispered to her.
"Drat…" Selphie muttered snapping her fingers. She jumped as the revolving door behind her moved and Zell and Seifer emerged from inside the building.
"About time you two!" Selphie squealed.
Irvine tapped his headphones as if to get a clearer signal and glared over at the two. "Ready?" he asked.
"Yeah." Zell replied cracking his knuckles. Seifer didn't say anything in response, only moved towards Squall.
"Anything yet?" the ex-knight asked.
Squall cleared his throat and Rinoa moved away from him a little. "No, nothing. Irvine," He turned to the Galbadian cowboy. "Where does the tracker say she is?"
With a frown, Irvine slid the headphones off his head so they rested against his ponytail. "Let me see…" After digging through the back pocket of his pants, he retrieved a flat screened device. "About 10 blocks from here. South I'd say…"
"That can't be right!" Selphie replied, fumbling and turning over the map of the city in her hands. "That's an abandoned warehouse! It's condemned and hasn't been used in years!"
"Of course!" Zell said, snapping his fingers. "What better place for a rebels group?"
"I could have told you that…" Rinoa muttered.
"Right let's--" Squall began. He suddenly stopped as Seifer brushed past him, sprinting across the street and down towards the industrial district. "Seifer! Where are you going?!"
"I'm going to get her back!!" Seifer called over his shoulder as he disappeared down an alley way.
Rinoa glanced up at Squall. "I can see why he failed the SeeD test so many times. Did he really qualify to have this as his test?"
Squall nodded. "I guess so."
"Hmph. That's a miracle…" Zell said crossing his arms.
@~@~@~@~@
'Ok, this really sucks…' Seifer thought, his gun blade feeling steadily heavier on his shoulder every minute. 'That stupid cowboy said 10 blocks south, right? Then it should be one of these buildings.' He hated to admit it, but he was hopelessly lost. With a loud groan, he kicked over one of the metal drums placed to his right in a stack of about ten.
"Shit!"
With a clang, his boot connected with the hollow drum, knocking it down the alley. He turned, eyes wide, as the other barrels started to rain down around him.
"DOUBLE SHIT!!!"
He dove to the side, hands over his head. Moments later, three landed only inches from his face. As soon as the clatter died down, he looked up. Where the barrels had been stacked was a rusted old door.
"Well what do ya know…" Seifer muttered as he stood up and brushed himself off. "This must be the place."
@~@~@~@~@
'Seifer… that fool! He's going to get us all killed with his heroics!' Squall thought, plowing on through the empty alleys with the rest of the SeeDs following behind.
Taking a sharp turn, he headed down another alley. Suddenly, he skidded to a halt to avoid tripping over several overturned metal barrels.
"Holy shit!" Zell squeaked as he slammed on his brakes to avoid crashing head long into Squall. "What's the hold up Squall?" he asked.
"Seifer must've been here…" Squall muttered stepping over the barrels.
"This looks like something he'd do…" Rinoa said, following as the others hurried after their commander.
Squall turned down the alley, past the last of the barrels, only to find a dead end. 'Where could he have gone?' he thought, tracing his fingers over the solid brick. It was as if the headstrong ex-knight had disappeared into thin air… either that or run right through solid brick.
"Hey, take a look at this!" Irvine cried. Squall turned to see the cowboy standing in the mess of barrels by an old door that was rusted. The crimson color made it blend in with the bricks perfectly.
"He must've gone in there!" Selphie exclaimed.
"Alright, let's go drag his sorry ass back!" Zell cried, dashing for the door. Irvine, who was still standing at the door, grabbed him, holding him back from his destination.
"Should we commander?" Irvine asked. There was a serious glint in his eyes, one that told Squall he must also be nervous. 'Please don't break down again Kinneas…'
Squall nodded in reply. That was all the team needed. Irvine opened the door, leading them all into immense darkness and the unknown.
@~@~@~@~@
It had just been a normal hallway. When Seifer opened the next door, he found himself in another hall, one that was clearly more clean and darker than the last. Taking one step forward, he suddenly found himself jumping back as the lights lit up.
The floor was lined with black and white tile, much like a chess board. In the middle of the pitch black walls, running the whole length of the hall, were florescent lights that had lit up with his first step.
"This is getting even weirder…" Seifer muttered. He ignored the uneasy feeling in his stomach and ran forward, determined to fix his mistakes and bring back Quistis, alive and unharmed.
Behind the next door was a large room with staircases that swept up to a nice balcony and five different elevators. Beneath him was the same tile that was in the hallway, except this tile seemed faded. There was dead silence…
That's when Seifer felt the cold hand on his shoulder.
"Fuck!" he hissed, jumping forward and then turning around. Standing behind him with his hand still outstretched was a slightly amused Irvine.
"Hey. Good to see ya too." Irvine commented. Behind him, Zell had both hands clamped over his mouth to contain his laughter. Straight faced, Squall watched as Rinoa and Selphie began to giggle too.
"That's not funny. I was just about to slit your throat…" Seifer growled as he turned around to hide his embarrassment.
"Sure… sure… what ever you say." Irvine said.
"SHUT UP!"
Squall signaled for silence. "Looks like we're in some kind of entrance…" he whispered.
"This must be their base…" Rinoa mumbled, taking in her surroundings with awe. "Why didn't Zone and Watts come up with something like this for the base?"
"Alright, I say we split up and find Quistis!" Zell said, pounding his fist into an outstretched hand.
"That's the first good idea you've had all day, chicken wuss…" Seifer muttered.
"Hey!"
@~@~@~@~@
"Where is your team hiding?"
Quistis continued with her stiff upper lip act, her back straight against the hard chair and her fists clenched where they were tied behind her back. The woman with long brown hair and an army like feel to her glared again and raised her hand to back hand her.
Closing her eyes, Quistis braced herself for the blow. But it never came. When she opened her eyes she noticed the woman's companion, a man with an eye patch and scruffy black hair, was holding back her hand with his powerful grip, a toothpick bobbling up and down in his mouth as he spoke.
"Relax… we're not going to get anything out of her anyway."
"What makes you so sure," The woman ripped her hand away and began rubbing her wrist. "That this bitch won't crack?"
"Well…" The man rounded her side, her eyes following him. "I didn't say that…" He removed the toothpick and flicked it across the room. "Let me try questioning her."
"If this is for your--"
"It's not! You have my word." He did a sweeping bow.
"Your word is worth shit…" the woman muttered as she turned on heel and left the room.
"Now…" The man rounded on Quistis, an evil grin replacing his nonchalant and frivolous one. Quistis shivered at the sudden change and, in a wave of panic, continued to yank at her bonds.
"Why so nervous beautiful?" he asked, running a finger under Quistis' chin. She immediately jerked away from the unwanted interaction.
"Heh, shy huh? Well," He pulled a switch blade from the back pocket of his jeans and flipped it open. "We're going to change that…"
Quistis closed her eyes and let out a little scream. She could feel the air stir as the blade cut through it… and whatever else she couldn't guess. But there was no pain, only a very cold sensation. She opened her eyes and realized that her shirt had been cut open revealing the lingerie beneath. This horrified her even more than the thought of being slashed. She was going to be raped.
"No! Leave me alone! You pervert!!!!" she squealed as the man opened her shirt even more.
"Shut up." With that, he back handed her, silencing her cry.
@~@~@~@~@
Up the stairs and up to the third floor by way off an elevator… that's where Zell was when he heard the scream. "Quistis!" he muttered under his breath. The scream was suddenly cut off, and everything went silent again.
His first thought was to get the others. 'By then it'll be too late…' Deciding on what he thought was the best course of action, he sprinted down the hall to a steel door that he pulled open with difficulty, and then disappeared into the unknown.
@~@~@~@~@
Shadows… nothing but shadows… Squall couldn't see, only hear the foot steps behind him that were Irvine's. He had left Seifer in the entrance room but suddenly regretted it. With no knowledge of what lay ahead of him, it would have been reassuring to have a little more power behind him… other than Irvine's 'trusty' shot gun.
Something stirred in the corner and Irvine lifted his shot gun from his shoulder and into a firing position. "What was that…?" he whispered to Squall.
"I don't know…" Squall replied in an equally hushed tone. He stepped forward toward the movement only to encourage more. "Who ever you are," he said raising his voice. "Come out now or face battle."
With a sudden rush, whatever it was shot at Squall, latching itself around his ankles. Out of shock, Squall wheeled back and tripped, falling back onto several stacks of cardboard boxes.
"Squall!" Irvine cried, taking aim at the large, dark figure situated around their captain's legs. But the thing was shaking so much he didn't have the heart. Besides, the person looked familiar… He lowered his gun as the figure started wailing.
"OH SQUALL I WAS SCARED! SOOOOOOOO SCARED!!! THAT LADY JUST POPPED OUTTA NOWHERE AND… AND…!!" Sobbing followed.
Immediately Irvine knelt down and pried a hysterical Selphie off of a bewildered Squall. He let her curl up against his chest, clinging to his coat and sobbing. "It's ok…" Irvine cooed, stroking Selphie's head.
"Selphie…" Squall sat up. "Where's Rinoa? I thought you went with her."
The brunette sniffed, raising her head from where it was nestled in the folds of Irvine's coat. "I… I was but… but…" She suddenly broke down again, returning to the comfort of Irvine's arms.
Irvine looked up at Squall, a look that Squall could read. It said, 'Let's just leave her alone for right now.' But Selphie's hysterics had put Squall on end.
"Selphie, where is Rinoa?"
"Jesus, just leave her alone for right now!" Irvine shouted.
"No! Not until I know Rinoa's safe."
"Dammit--"
"Stop…" Selphie sniffed, looking up at them. "It's alright Irvy." Irvine relaxed a little at her words. "S-She's… she's up on the second floor…" Selphie managed to force out. "That lady… she…"
"That's all I need to know." Squall said, standing up. He brushed himself off and laid a hand on his gun blade.
"Wait, I'm coming!" Selphie suddenly jumped up. Irvine soon followed. "It's my fault for leaving her anyway!" Selphie protested.
"Fine," Squall said, turning and heading back to the entrance room. "Just keep quiet."
@~@~@~@~@
Zell's heart raced. He could hear more screaming, the pitch resonating in his ears. Then it was cut short as if nothing had happened. But then there was talking.
"Where the hell…?" Zell muttered, turning in circles. He was surrounded by four doors, all of which could hold Quistis and her torturer. He had to think quick.
'Just say something you bastard!'
As if on cue a male voice struck up.
"Now… where are they? It's the information or…"
Another scream.
"I won't tell you! No don't!"
'That one!' Zell turned to a door to his left, one that was simple enough, like all the others. Adrenaline flooded his veins, fueling his anger and giving him new found strength. With a quick burst of speed, he rammed the door, breaking the lock.
Inside was bare like all the other rooms. But situated in the middle was a chair, Quistis tied to it. Looming over her menacingly was a tall, thin, muscular man. He had long black hair that was swept back in an uneven ponytail. He had a blue bandana tied on his head, one that reminded Zell of the one Ward always wore. Clothed in baggy jeans and a white tank top, he looked fairly normal. The only thing about him that unnerved Zell was the knife in his one hand… and the fistful he held of Quistis' open shirt.
With a shout Zell tackled his right hand, trying to wrench away the knife. In retaliation and shock, the man brought it up, cutting across Zell's cheek. But he didn't flinch. Zell gave the man a brutal shove that sent him flying against the undecorated wall. As soon as he hit, the switchblade tumbled from his grip. Another charge and Zell was face to face with the man, pinning his hands to the wall. With a side kick of his foot, Zell sent the blade to the other side of the room… far out of the reach of Quistis' attacker.
"You bastard! Nobody," A powerful blow to his left cheek. "Touches a member," One to the stomach that caused him to double over in pain, making retching sounds. "Of SeeD!!!!!" An upper cut to his jaw. Suddenly his taut and athletic body went limp, slumping to the ground in unconsciousness.
Zell wiped away the blood that had trickled to his mouth. "K.O."
"Zell! What are you…?" Quistis asked, struggling with her bonds again.
"We came to get you. All of us." Zell returned, retrieving the switch blade and cutting the older SeeD loose.
She rubbed her wrists and smile. "Thanks. I can't believe I was just nearly…" She went silent, her eyes falling on the limp man propped up against the wall.
Suddenly there were voices in the hall. "Aw shit… more of them…" Zell muttered.
"Do you have my whip?" Quistis whispered, standing up from the chair she had been bound to for about an hour now.
"No…" Zell pushed Quistis towards a back door. "Hurry and get out of here. Seifer's standing watch on the first floor. If you can make it to him without getting caught…"
"Thank you Zell."
The blond turned and flashed his old instructor a winning, fanged smile. "No problem. Just get out of here."
@~@~@~@~@
The elevator doors opened. Squall quickly checked both ends of the hallway and agreed that the coast was clear. Signaling the other two, he moved out and down the hall. Behind him was a slightly shaking Selphie and Irvine brought up the rear.
No noise other than the shaky breath coming from Selphie and their footsteps could be heard. Then there was the occasional crackle of static from the communication device Irvine had on his belt, but that was it. After three minutes of strolling down the abandoned hallway, they heard something.
Two voices…
The first was unmistakably that of a woman… but the second… definitely a man, Squall decided.
"Will he come?" said the woman.
"Of course… they will. It seems we've lost our first trick card so she," he paused and the sound of movement prevailed. "Will be our bargaining edge."
There was a low moan and then quiet laughter. Squall's temper flared. What were they doing to Rinoa? What were they planning?! He wanted to barge into wherever they were right now and beat the shit out of them, but he restrained himself. If he acted so recklessly, he could put Rinoa's life on the line. So, calming his breath, he continued to listen.
"What about that little brunette twerp?"
"The one that ran away?" He paused. "Well, we'll just capture her when she comes back…" There was the sound of someone flicking a lighter and lighting something. "Because trust me, she will. We have her little friend." More laughter.
Squall looked over his shoulder. Selphie looked ready to either cry or rush in there and kill the two herself. At her side, Irvine had a reassuring hand on her shoulder… trying somewhat to also restrain her. He had an idea of how much of a temper Selphie could get.
Suddenly, the brunette shrugged off her companion and sprang forth towards a door at the end of the hall. "No! Selphie!" Irvine hissed in a low tone. But it was too late. She threw open the doors and, noticing that Squall and Irvine were race towards her, closed them and locked the door.
"Dammit Selphie!" Irvine cried, pounding on the door. In Squall's opinion, he looked even worse that he had when they had tried to assassinate the sorceress two years ago. But he had a reason to. Squall looked back at the door.
'Good luck Selphie…'
@~@~@~@~@
As soon as Selphie closed and locked the doors, she regretted it. Two against one… bad odds for her as far as she was concerned. But what mattered was getting Rinoa back.
Before her stood the same woman who had attacked her and Rinoa earlier. She was tall with long brown, braided hair. Dressed in khakis and an orange tank top, she seemed very casual… a trait that clashed very deeply with her militarist demeanor.
Next to her was a man, even taller than his accomplice. He was lanky but muscular with a cigarette dangling from his mouth. Dressed in black pants, a trench coat, and donning black sunglasses, he presented himself as a very foreboding character. To top it all off, he had pitch black hair. A little too gothic for Selphie…
Between the two was Rinoa, dangling in mid air as if held by some invisible wires. She also had the appearance of someone who was tied tightly but… there was no rope yet her limbs contorted together. She looked miserable with her silky black tresses hanging over her face. Selphie had never seen her so pale.
"What did you do to Rinny?!" Selphie blurted, whipping out her nun-chaku. She ignored the shouts for her on the other side of the door, keeping her focus on her friend in need.
"Oh… you again…" the woman said with a mock yawn. "I thought we scared you away for good."
"I told you she'd come back for her friend." said the man in black as he took another long draw on his cigarette.
"I said," Selphie hefted her weapon of choice dangerously. "What did you do to Rinny?!"
"Nothing my dear… unless you consider poisoning something to worry about." She laughed as she produced a smile vile from inside her shirt. "And this is the only antidote. What a shame."
"Gimme that!" Selphie ordered, outstretching her hand.
"Why would I make it that easy?" The woman snickered and tossed the bottle to her male companion who caught it without even looking.
He unwrapped his black gloved hands from the vile and stared at it for a moment before looking back up at Selphie. "Do you want it that bad little girl?"
"Yes! And I'm not a little girl!" Selphie stamped her foot, which somewhat argued with her last statement.
"Then," The man in black tucked it into one of the myriad pockets on his trench coat. "You'll have to take it from me."
Her pulse quickened. She felt as if her heart was going to burst from her chest. It was a feeling she wanted to forget, one that made her want to run away right now. But she wouldn't. She couldn't leave Rinoa now, not like this.
Taking a deep breath, Selphie slid into her stance. "Alright then! I will!"
There was a pause followed by laughter… laughter that made Selphie shiver.
"W…What's so funny?" Selphie stammered. She could feel her palms begin to sweat and gripped her nun-chaku tighter.
"Foolish little girl…" the man muttered. He flexed his hand expertly, producing four claws situated near his knuckles. The metal pierced his gloves with a rip and he looked back up at Selphie with a smirk. "You had better practice you scream."
@~@~@~@~@
Irvine could feel himself break out into a cold sweat. She was in there… alone. A wave of panic spread over him as he heard Selphie's yelp and the sound of steel on steel. Why wasn't he in there with her?! He pounded his fists on the door again/
"Squall," he said, turning to his somber commander. "Help me break open this thing…"
Squall gave a curt nod and turn with his shoulder towards the door in a ramming position. "On the count of three."
"On the count of three." Irvine agreed, taking up the same stance.
'I'm coming Selphie! Just hold on!'
@~@~@~@~@
Silently cursing (in a childish manner) her slow reflexes, Selphie jumped to the side, her opponents claws scraping against steel wall. She slid back into her stance, trying to keep her knees from knocking together.
"Ah, a quick little girl… Well…" He flexed his other hand, producing several needles that stabbed up out of his glove. "Dodge this."
@~@~@~@~@
"One…"
Irvine tensed, laying all his weight forward. 'For Quistis.'
"Two…"
He grunted and lowered his shoulder. 'For Rinoa.'
"Three…!"
His ankles snapped as he and Squall lurched forward towards the door. 'For Selphie!'
Under their combined weight, the lock broke off and the door opened. In the split second, Irvine could see Rinoa and a female rebel in the back. Before him was Selphie, her nun-chaku raised. Across from her was a man brandishing claws and several needles… acupuncture needles he guessed.
"Selphie!"
"Irvine! Stay back!" Selphie threw her hand back as a caution… and didn't even see her opponents move.
It was fast, but to Irvine it seemed like it was in slow motion. His arm curling in and then flung out, the needles leaving his grasp. There was a shout and they buried themselves in the delicate flesh on Selphie's neck.
"No!" Irvine rushed forward, catching her as she fell. Squall held his ground, not taking his eyes off the attacker.
@~@~@~@~@
"Selphie… Selphie…" Irvine shook her, hoping for a response but there was none. In desperation, he ripped the needles from her neck. But still… she didn't move.
"Don't even bother with her… She's poisoned…" her attacker announced as casually as if they were talking at a café over a cup of coffee. "And only I have the antidote that will save her… and the other…" He motioned to where Rinoa was bound in the back of the room.
"You bastard…" Squall muttered, taking a step forward. "What have you done…?"
The man only smirked and shrugged. Laying a heavy hand on his gun blade, he sunk into a stance.
"No… Squall…" Irvine laid the motionless Selphie on the floor gently and got up. "I've got him. I'm going to get back that antidote! I swear!" He clenched a fist and held it forward in a gesture Squall had often seen from Zell.
"…" With a silent nod, Squall backed down.
"Damn, and I was so looking forward to facing Mr. Gun Blade… Elsie!" He looked over his shoulder at the woman near Rinoa. "Take the antidote. You fight the cowboy." He looked back at Irvine and grinned. "Nothing personal." Without looking back, he flicked the vile of antidote over his shoulder. Behind him, "Elsie" caught it with no effort.
"C-cowboy?!" Irvine hissed under his breath.
"Don't worry, I'll play with you…" Elsie chuckled. Usually if he was in another situation, this would have been a good comment for Irvine. But now… Funny how things can reverse themselves…
"As for you…" The black clad man turned to Squall. "I'll take you on. But not here."
When all he received from Squall in return were dirty looks, he laughed. "You looked like a worthy opponent. Hopefully you're as deadly as you are recluse." He began to walk across the room as Elsie and Irvine squared off, signaling for Squall to follow. Squall silently wished Irvine good luck and followed into the unknown… and possibly into danger.
@~@~@~@~@
BWAHAHAHA!! The evil cliffhangers!! Figured this was a good note to leave off with. Heh, sounds like a Rurouni Kenshin episode. You want more but it just… stops. Heh, good idea! How about a preview?
"Next time on 'In His Eyes' (sounds like a soap opera…), Squall vs. the mysterious rebel leader! Zell falls down the stairs! Fluffy moments! Grand escapes! Don't miss it!
And kids, don't forget to stay tuned after the episode (only if it's the end though…) for extra special bonus footage such as…
CAST PARTY!
'SQUALL GETS DRUNK'
AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS RANTS!!!
This program is brought to you by the severely screwed up, lazy, and spasmodic Toko-chan…"
LMAO. Sorry, couldn't resist.
TO ALL LIVING WITHIN A REASONABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE FROM BOSTON!!! There's going to be a convention again this year at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. You know artist's alley? I'm going to be there! YAY!! Not that anyone cares… anyway, look me up if ya go! I'm thinking of doing art for this fic… Hehehe. Sorry, don't mind the freak!!!
By Matoko Shizaki
Disclaimer: FF8 © Square Soft. If I could own one of them though, it would be Zell. All the way! He's entertaining and cute! Not to mention hyper… What more could you want?
Notes: Hi everyone! Sorry the third chapter took so long. Twelve or so pages IS a lot for chapters. It must be a pain for you guys to read it all. Anyway, this is the last chapter… at least I think it is. Enjoy!
ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE ME TO WRITE A FOLLOW UP THAT'S JUST A SEIFER/QUISTIS ROMANCE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!
Pairings: Quistis/Seifer, Rinoa/Squall, Selphie/Irvine.
@~@~@~@~@
"You should have been up here watching her, Seifer." Squall muttered. His words seethed with anger and worry and came out from behind a clenched jaw. No longer were his eyes dull or glazed over but piercing. That's what made Seifer not want to look at him… or maybe it was just the guilt that kept his head bent.
"I know that!" Seifer growled in response as he ran his hand through his hair, his eyes still focused on his lap.
"Obviously you don't! That's why Quistis' life has now been put in jeopardy!" Squall cried. After a moment of silence he sighed, his voice softening a little. "If they find out she's not the real Tiril, they might kill her." The SeeD commander turned to the others who were standing on the other side of the room at a safe distance from the two rivals.
"Listen up. Our mission is now not only an intelligence gathering mission but a rescue mission as well."
"So, what do you think we should do?" Zell asked, uncrossing his arms.
"We're going to have to infiltrate their hide out of course!" Irvine told the blond with a smile.
"And how the hell are we going to do that if we don't even know where she or the damned hide out is!?" Seifer shouted, jumping up off the bed.
"Tracking device." the cowboy replied coolly. "We planted one in Quistis' glasses for safe keeping."
"Really Irvy?!" Selphie cried happily.
Irvine nodded. "All we need are the orders…" He turned to Squall. "…captain."
Squall nodded. "We move out at eleven tonight. They won't be expecting an attack then."
"Right." Rinoa said with a smile. As the others filed from the room, she glanced over at Seifer who was sitting on the bed, head in his hands again.
"Don't worry Seifer. We'll get her back."
Seifer looked up and stared at Rinoa for a moment before smiling inwardly. "You damn optimists. I'll believe you… but only this time."
@~@~@~@~@
When had he gotten so weak? Worrying and moping about this way… about a woman?! Months ago he wouldn't have cared if she dropped dead. But now he couldn't even think of the rebels harming a single hair on her head. He chuckled and fell back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. 'I've grown so soft…'
There was a knock at the door and Seifer sat up with a groan. "Who is it?" he asked getting up off the bed.
"You know damn good and well who it is." and annoyed blond on the other end hissed.
Seifer swung the door open, catching Zell off guard. The door hit him right in the face sending him onto the ground.
"Ach! Seifer! By dose!" Zell squealed (while holding his nose).
"Heh sorry chicken wuss, didn't see ya there." Seifer laughed, turning away from the door and to his dresser.
"We're leaving now." Zell muttered as he go up off the hallway floor.
"I know dipshit. I'm not stupid." Seifer looked back down at the bottom draw of his dresser. In it was a clear, shatter proof glass safe. Through it he could see his gun blade… and Quistis' whip. He shook his fearful thoughts to the back of his mind and punched in the code on the keypad. "9... 28... 10." he muttered to himself. The box opened and he retrieved his trusty gun blade. Without taking Quistis' weapon, he left, following Zell to the hotel lobby.
@~@~@~@~@
Squall snuggled his face into the warm, furry collar of his coat. It was a brisk night, not unusual for spring in Castor. He smiled when Rinoa leaned against him, shivering a little. The SeeD commander opened up his coat in a welcome gesture and Rinoa spared no time in snuggling into the black leather coat along with her love.
To the side, Irvine was checking communication signals in the city. Every frequency was something different. Children who left walkie talkies on, cops, or aircrafts asking for permission to land or take off. Nothing about the rebels or Quistis. He removed the head piece and sighed. Selphie leaned towards him with a hopeful smile. "Nothing." he whispered to her.
"Drat…" Selphie muttered snapping her fingers. She jumped as the revolving door behind her moved and Zell and Seifer emerged from inside the building.
"About time you two!" Selphie squealed.
Irvine tapped his headphones as if to get a clearer signal and glared over at the two. "Ready?" he asked.
"Yeah." Zell replied cracking his knuckles. Seifer didn't say anything in response, only moved towards Squall.
"Anything yet?" the ex-knight asked.
Squall cleared his throat and Rinoa moved away from him a little. "No, nothing. Irvine," He turned to the Galbadian cowboy. "Where does the tracker say she is?"
With a frown, Irvine slid the headphones off his head so they rested against his ponytail. "Let me see…" After digging through the back pocket of his pants, he retrieved a flat screened device. "About 10 blocks from here. South I'd say…"
"That can't be right!" Selphie replied, fumbling and turning over the map of the city in her hands. "That's an abandoned warehouse! It's condemned and hasn't been used in years!"
"Of course!" Zell said, snapping his fingers. "What better place for a rebels group?"
"I could have told you that…" Rinoa muttered.
"Right let's--" Squall began. He suddenly stopped as Seifer brushed past him, sprinting across the street and down towards the industrial district. "Seifer! Where are you going?!"
"I'm going to get her back!!" Seifer called over his shoulder as he disappeared down an alley way.
Rinoa glanced up at Squall. "I can see why he failed the SeeD test so many times. Did he really qualify to have this as his test?"
Squall nodded. "I guess so."
"Hmph. That's a miracle…" Zell said crossing his arms.
@~@~@~@~@
'Ok, this really sucks…' Seifer thought, his gun blade feeling steadily heavier on his shoulder every minute. 'That stupid cowboy said 10 blocks south, right? Then it should be one of these buildings.' He hated to admit it, but he was hopelessly lost. With a loud groan, he kicked over one of the metal drums placed to his right in a stack of about ten.
"Shit!"
With a clang, his boot connected with the hollow drum, knocking it down the alley. He turned, eyes wide, as the other barrels started to rain down around him.
"DOUBLE SHIT!!!"
He dove to the side, hands over his head. Moments later, three landed only inches from his face. As soon as the clatter died down, he looked up. Where the barrels had been stacked was a rusted old door.
"Well what do ya know…" Seifer muttered as he stood up and brushed himself off. "This must be the place."
@~@~@~@~@
'Seifer… that fool! He's going to get us all killed with his heroics!' Squall thought, plowing on through the empty alleys with the rest of the SeeDs following behind.
Taking a sharp turn, he headed down another alley. Suddenly, he skidded to a halt to avoid tripping over several overturned metal barrels.
"Holy shit!" Zell squeaked as he slammed on his brakes to avoid crashing head long into Squall. "What's the hold up Squall?" he asked.
"Seifer must've been here…" Squall muttered stepping over the barrels.
"This looks like something he'd do…" Rinoa said, following as the others hurried after their commander.
Squall turned down the alley, past the last of the barrels, only to find a dead end. 'Where could he have gone?' he thought, tracing his fingers over the solid brick. It was as if the headstrong ex-knight had disappeared into thin air… either that or run right through solid brick.
"Hey, take a look at this!" Irvine cried. Squall turned to see the cowboy standing in the mess of barrels by an old door that was rusted. The crimson color made it blend in with the bricks perfectly.
"He must've gone in there!" Selphie exclaimed.
"Alright, let's go drag his sorry ass back!" Zell cried, dashing for the door. Irvine, who was still standing at the door, grabbed him, holding him back from his destination.
"Should we commander?" Irvine asked. There was a serious glint in his eyes, one that told Squall he must also be nervous. 'Please don't break down again Kinneas…'
Squall nodded in reply. That was all the team needed. Irvine opened the door, leading them all into immense darkness and the unknown.
@~@~@~@~@
It had just been a normal hallway. When Seifer opened the next door, he found himself in another hall, one that was clearly more clean and darker than the last. Taking one step forward, he suddenly found himself jumping back as the lights lit up.
The floor was lined with black and white tile, much like a chess board. In the middle of the pitch black walls, running the whole length of the hall, were florescent lights that had lit up with his first step.
"This is getting even weirder…" Seifer muttered. He ignored the uneasy feeling in his stomach and ran forward, determined to fix his mistakes and bring back Quistis, alive and unharmed.
Behind the next door was a large room with staircases that swept up to a nice balcony and five different elevators. Beneath him was the same tile that was in the hallway, except this tile seemed faded. There was dead silence…
That's when Seifer felt the cold hand on his shoulder.
"Fuck!" he hissed, jumping forward and then turning around. Standing behind him with his hand still outstretched was a slightly amused Irvine.
"Hey. Good to see ya too." Irvine commented. Behind him, Zell had both hands clamped over his mouth to contain his laughter. Straight faced, Squall watched as Rinoa and Selphie began to giggle too.
"That's not funny. I was just about to slit your throat…" Seifer growled as he turned around to hide his embarrassment.
"Sure… sure… what ever you say." Irvine said.
"SHUT UP!"
Squall signaled for silence. "Looks like we're in some kind of entrance…" he whispered.
"This must be their base…" Rinoa mumbled, taking in her surroundings with awe. "Why didn't Zone and Watts come up with something like this for the base?"
"Alright, I say we split up and find Quistis!" Zell said, pounding his fist into an outstretched hand.
"That's the first good idea you've had all day, chicken wuss…" Seifer muttered.
"Hey!"
@~@~@~@~@
"Where is your team hiding?"
Quistis continued with her stiff upper lip act, her back straight against the hard chair and her fists clenched where they were tied behind her back. The woman with long brown hair and an army like feel to her glared again and raised her hand to back hand her.
Closing her eyes, Quistis braced herself for the blow. But it never came. When she opened her eyes she noticed the woman's companion, a man with an eye patch and scruffy black hair, was holding back her hand with his powerful grip, a toothpick bobbling up and down in his mouth as he spoke.
"Relax… we're not going to get anything out of her anyway."
"What makes you so sure," The woman ripped her hand away and began rubbing her wrist. "That this bitch won't crack?"
"Well…" The man rounded her side, her eyes following him. "I didn't say that…" He removed the toothpick and flicked it across the room. "Let me try questioning her."
"If this is for your--"
"It's not! You have my word." He did a sweeping bow.
"Your word is worth shit…" the woman muttered as she turned on heel and left the room.
"Now…" The man rounded on Quistis, an evil grin replacing his nonchalant and frivolous one. Quistis shivered at the sudden change and, in a wave of panic, continued to yank at her bonds.
"Why so nervous beautiful?" he asked, running a finger under Quistis' chin. She immediately jerked away from the unwanted interaction.
"Heh, shy huh? Well," He pulled a switch blade from the back pocket of his jeans and flipped it open. "We're going to change that…"
Quistis closed her eyes and let out a little scream. She could feel the air stir as the blade cut through it… and whatever else she couldn't guess. But there was no pain, only a very cold sensation. She opened her eyes and realized that her shirt had been cut open revealing the lingerie beneath. This horrified her even more than the thought of being slashed. She was going to be raped.
"No! Leave me alone! You pervert!!!!" she squealed as the man opened her shirt even more.
"Shut up." With that, he back handed her, silencing her cry.
@~@~@~@~@
Up the stairs and up to the third floor by way off an elevator… that's where Zell was when he heard the scream. "Quistis!" he muttered under his breath. The scream was suddenly cut off, and everything went silent again.
His first thought was to get the others. 'By then it'll be too late…' Deciding on what he thought was the best course of action, he sprinted down the hall to a steel door that he pulled open with difficulty, and then disappeared into the unknown.
@~@~@~@~@
Shadows… nothing but shadows… Squall couldn't see, only hear the foot steps behind him that were Irvine's. He had left Seifer in the entrance room but suddenly regretted it. With no knowledge of what lay ahead of him, it would have been reassuring to have a little more power behind him… other than Irvine's 'trusty' shot gun.
Something stirred in the corner and Irvine lifted his shot gun from his shoulder and into a firing position. "What was that…?" he whispered to Squall.
"I don't know…" Squall replied in an equally hushed tone. He stepped forward toward the movement only to encourage more. "Who ever you are," he said raising his voice. "Come out now or face battle."
With a sudden rush, whatever it was shot at Squall, latching itself around his ankles. Out of shock, Squall wheeled back and tripped, falling back onto several stacks of cardboard boxes.
"Squall!" Irvine cried, taking aim at the large, dark figure situated around their captain's legs. But the thing was shaking so much he didn't have the heart. Besides, the person looked familiar… He lowered his gun as the figure started wailing.
"OH SQUALL I WAS SCARED! SOOOOOOOO SCARED!!! THAT LADY JUST POPPED OUTTA NOWHERE AND… AND…!!" Sobbing followed.
Immediately Irvine knelt down and pried a hysterical Selphie off of a bewildered Squall. He let her curl up against his chest, clinging to his coat and sobbing. "It's ok…" Irvine cooed, stroking Selphie's head.
"Selphie…" Squall sat up. "Where's Rinoa? I thought you went with her."
The brunette sniffed, raising her head from where it was nestled in the folds of Irvine's coat. "I… I was but… but…" She suddenly broke down again, returning to the comfort of Irvine's arms.
Irvine looked up at Squall, a look that Squall could read. It said, 'Let's just leave her alone for right now.' But Selphie's hysterics had put Squall on end.
"Selphie, where is Rinoa?"
"Jesus, just leave her alone for right now!" Irvine shouted.
"No! Not until I know Rinoa's safe."
"Dammit--"
"Stop…" Selphie sniffed, looking up at them. "It's alright Irvy." Irvine relaxed a little at her words. "S-She's… she's up on the second floor…" Selphie managed to force out. "That lady… she…"
"That's all I need to know." Squall said, standing up. He brushed himself off and laid a hand on his gun blade.
"Wait, I'm coming!" Selphie suddenly jumped up. Irvine soon followed. "It's my fault for leaving her anyway!" Selphie protested.
"Fine," Squall said, turning and heading back to the entrance room. "Just keep quiet."
@~@~@~@~@
Zell's heart raced. He could hear more screaming, the pitch resonating in his ears. Then it was cut short as if nothing had happened. But then there was talking.
"Where the hell…?" Zell muttered, turning in circles. He was surrounded by four doors, all of which could hold Quistis and her torturer. He had to think quick.
'Just say something you bastard!'
As if on cue a male voice struck up.
"Now… where are they? It's the information or…"
Another scream.
"I won't tell you! No don't!"
'That one!' Zell turned to a door to his left, one that was simple enough, like all the others. Adrenaline flooded his veins, fueling his anger and giving him new found strength. With a quick burst of speed, he rammed the door, breaking the lock.
Inside was bare like all the other rooms. But situated in the middle was a chair, Quistis tied to it. Looming over her menacingly was a tall, thin, muscular man. He had long black hair that was swept back in an uneven ponytail. He had a blue bandana tied on his head, one that reminded Zell of the one Ward always wore. Clothed in baggy jeans and a white tank top, he looked fairly normal. The only thing about him that unnerved Zell was the knife in his one hand… and the fistful he held of Quistis' open shirt.
With a shout Zell tackled his right hand, trying to wrench away the knife. In retaliation and shock, the man brought it up, cutting across Zell's cheek. But he didn't flinch. Zell gave the man a brutal shove that sent him flying against the undecorated wall. As soon as he hit, the switchblade tumbled from his grip. Another charge and Zell was face to face with the man, pinning his hands to the wall. With a side kick of his foot, Zell sent the blade to the other side of the room… far out of the reach of Quistis' attacker.
"You bastard! Nobody," A powerful blow to his left cheek. "Touches a member," One to the stomach that caused him to double over in pain, making retching sounds. "Of SeeD!!!!!" An upper cut to his jaw. Suddenly his taut and athletic body went limp, slumping to the ground in unconsciousness.
Zell wiped away the blood that had trickled to his mouth. "K.O."
"Zell! What are you…?" Quistis asked, struggling with her bonds again.
"We came to get you. All of us." Zell returned, retrieving the switch blade and cutting the older SeeD loose.
She rubbed her wrists and smile. "Thanks. I can't believe I was just nearly…" She went silent, her eyes falling on the limp man propped up against the wall.
Suddenly there were voices in the hall. "Aw shit… more of them…" Zell muttered.
"Do you have my whip?" Quistis whispered, standing up from the chair she had been bound to for about an hour now.
"No…" Zell pushed Quistis towards a back door. "Hurry and get out of here. Seifer's standing watch on the first floor. If you can make it to him without getting caught…"
"Thank you Zell."
The blond turned and flashed his old instructor a winning, fanged smile. "No problem. Just get out of here."
@~@~@~@~@
The elevator doors opened. Squall quickly checked both ends of the hallway and agreed that the coast was clear. Signaling the other two, he moved out and down the hall. Behind him was a slightly shaking Selphie and Irvine brought up the rear.
No noise other than the shaky breath coming from Selphie and their footsteps could be heard. Then there was the occasional crackle of static from the communication device Irvine had on his belt, but that was it. After three minutes of strolling down the abandoned hallway, they heard something.
Two voices…
The first was unmistakably that of a woman… but the second… definitely a man, Squall decided.
"Will he come?" said the woman.
"Of course… they will. It seems we've lost our first trick card so she," he paused and the sound of movement prevailed. "Will be our bargaining edge."
There was a low moan and then quiet laughter. Squall's temper flared. What were they doing to Rinoa? What were they planning?! He wanted to barge into wherever they were right now and beat the shit out of them, but he restrained himself. If he acted so recklessly, he could put Rinoa's life on the line. So, calming his breath, he continued to listen.
"What about that little brunette twerp?"
"The one that ran away?" He paused. "Well, we'll just capture her when she comes back…" There was the sound of someone flicking a lighter and lighting something. "Because trust me, she will. We have her little friend." More laughter.
Squall looked over his shoulder. Selphie looked ready to either cry or rush in there and kill the two herself. At her side, Irvine had a reassuring hand on her shoulder… trying somewhat to also restrain her. He had an idea of how much of a temper Selphie could get.
Suddenly, the brunette shrugged off her companion and sprang forth towards a door at the end of the hall. "No! Selphie!" Irvine hissed in a low tone. But it was too late. She threw open the doors and, noticing that Squall and Irvine were race towards her, closed them and locked the door.
"Dammit Selphie!" Irvine cried, pounding on the door. In Squall's opinion, he looked even worse that he had when they had tried to assassinate the sorceress two years ago. But he had a reason to. Squall looked back at the door.
'Good luck Selphie…'
@~@~@~@~@
As soon as Selphie closed and locked the doors, she regretted it. Two against one… bad odds for her as far as she was concerned. But what mattered was getting Rinoa back.
Before her stood the same woman who had attacked her and Rinoa earlier. She was tall with long brown, braided hair. Dressed in khakis and an orange tank top, she seemed very casual… a trait that clashed very deeply with her militarist demeanor.
Next to her was a man, even taller than his accomplice. He was lanky but muscular with a cigarette dangling from his mouth. Dressed in black pants, a trench coat, and donning black sunglasses, he presented himself as a very foreboding character. To top it all off, he had pitch black hair. A little too gothic for Selphie…
Between the two was Rinoa, dangling in mid air as if held by some invisible wires. She also had the appearance of someone who was tied tightly but… there was no rope yet her limbs contorted together. She looked miserable with her silky black tresses hanging over her face. Selphie had never seen her so pale.
"What did you do to Rinny?!" Selphie blurted, whipping out her nun-chaku. She ignored the shouts for her on the other side of the door, keeping her focus on her friend in need.
"Oh… you again…" the woman said with a mock yawn. "I thought we scared you away for good."
"I told you she'd come back for her friend." said the man in black as he took another long draw on his cigarette.
"I said," Selphie hefted her weapon of choice dangerously. "What did you do to Rinny?!"
"Nothing my dear… unless you consider poisoning something to worry about." She laughed as she produced a smile vile from inside her shirt. "And this is the only antidote. What a shame."
"Gimme that!" Selphie ordered, outstretching her hand.
"Why would I make it that easy?" The woman snickered and tossed the bottle to her male companion who caught it without even looking.
He unwrapped his black gloved hands from the vile and stared at it for a moment before looking back up at Selphie. "Do you want it that bad little girl?"
"Yes! And I'm not a little girl!" Selphie stamped her foot, which somewhat argued with her last statement.
"Then," The man in black tucked it into one of the myriad pockets on his trench coat. "You'll have to take it from me."
Her pulse quickened. She felt as if her heart was going to burst from her chest. It was a feeling she wanted to forget, one that made her want to run away right now. But she wouldn't. She couldn't leave Rinoa now, not like this.
Taking a deep breath, Selphie slid into her stance. "Alright then! I will!"
There was a pause followed by laughter… laughter that made Selphie shiver.
"W…What's so funny?" Selphie stammered. She could feel her palms begin to sweat and gripped her nun-chaku tighter.
"Foolish little girl…" the man muttered. He flexed his hand expertly, producing four claws situated near his knuckles. The metal pierced his gloves with a rip and he looked back up at Selphie with a smirk. "You had better practice you scream."
@~@~@~@~@
Irvine could feel himself break out into a cold sweat. She was in there… alone. A wave of panic spread over him as he heard Selphie's yelp and the sound of steel on steel. Why wasn't he in there with her?! He pounded his fists on the door again/
"Squall," he said, turning to his somber commander. "Help me break open this thing…"
Squall gave a curt nod and turn with his shoulder towards the door in a ramming position. "On the count of three."
"On the count of three." Irvine agreed, taking up the same stance.
'I'm coming Selphie! Just hold on!'
@~@~@~@~@
Silently cursing (in a childish manner) her slow reflexes, Selphie jumped to the side, her opponents claws scraping against steel wall. She slid back into her stance, trying to keep her knees from knocking together.
"Ah, a quick little girl… Well…" He flexed his other hand, producing several needles that stabbed up out of his glove. "Dodge this."
@~@~@~@~@
"One…"
Irvine tensed, laying all his weight forward. 'For Quistis.'
"Two…"
He grunted and lowered his shoulder. 'For Rinoa.'
"Three…!"
His ankles snapped as he and Squall lurched forward towards the door. 'For Selphie!'
Under their combined weight, the lock broke off and the door opened. In the split second, Irvine could see Rinoa and a female rebel in the back. Before him was Selphie, her nun-chaku raised. Across from her was a man brandishing claws and several needles… acupuncture needles he guessed.
"Selphie!"
"Irvine! Stay back!" Selphie threw her hand back as a caution… and didn't even see her opponents move.
It was fast, but to Irvine it seemed like it was in slow motion. His arm curling in and then flung out, the needles leaving his grasp. There was a shout and they buried themselves in the delicate flesh on Selphie's neck.
"No!" Irvine rushed forward, catching her as she fell. Squall held his ground, not taking his eyes off the attacker.
@~@~@~@~@
"Selphie… Selphie…" Irvine shook her, hoping for a response but there was none. In desperation, he ripped the needles from her neck. But still… she didn't move.
"Don't even bother with her… She's poisoned…" her attacker announced as casually as if they were talking at a café over a cup of coffee. "And only I have the antidote that will save her… and the other…" He motioned to where Rinoa was bound in the back of the room.
"You bastard…" Squall muttered, taking a step forward. "What have you done…?"
The man only smirked and shrugged. Laying a heavy hand on his gun blade, he sunk into a stance.
"No… Squall…" Irvine laid the motionless Selphie on the floor gently and got up. "I've got him. I'm going to get back that antidote! I swear!" He clenched a fist and held it forward in a gesture Squall had often seen from Zell.
"…" With a silent nod, Squall backed down.
"Damn, and I was so looking forward to facing Mr. Gun Blade… Elsie!" He looked over his shoulder at the woman near Rinoa. "Take the antidote. You fight the cowboy." He looked back at Irvine and grinned. "Nothing personal." Without looking back, he flicked the vile of antidote over his shoulder. Behind him, "Elsie" caught it with no effort.
"C-cowboy?!" Irvine hissed under his breath.
"Don't worry, I'll play with you…" Elsie chuckled. Usually if he was in another situation, this would have been a good comment for Irvine. But now… Funny how things can reverse themselves…
"As for you…" The black clad man turned to Squall. "I'll take you on. But not here."
When all he received from Squall in return were dirty looks, he laughed. "You looked like a worthy opponent. Hopefully you're as deadly as you are recluse." He began to walk across the room as Elsie and Irvine squared off, signaling for Squall to follow. Squall silently wished Irvine good luck and followed into the unknown… and possibly into danger.
@~@~@~@~@
BWAHAHAHA!! The evil cliffhangers!! Figured this was a good note to leave off with. Heh, sounds like a Rurouni Kenshin episode. You want more but it just… stops. Heh, good idea! How about a preview?
"Next time on 'In His Eyes' (sounds like a soap opera…), Squall vs. the mysterious rebel leader! Zell falls down the stairs! Fluffy moments! Grand escapes! Don't miss it!
And kids, don't forget to stay tuned after the episode (only if it's the end though…) for extra special bonus footage such as…
CAST PARTY!
'SQUALL GETS DRUNK'
AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS RANTS!!!
This program is brought to you by the severely screwed up, lazy, and spasmodic Toko-chan…"
LMAO. Sorry, couldn't resist.
TO ALL LIVING WITHIN A REASONABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE FROM BOSTON!!! There's going to be a convention again this year at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. You know artist's alley? I'm going to be there! YAY!! Not that anyone cares… anyway, look me up if ya go! I'm thinking of doing art for this fic… Hehehe. Sorry, don't mind the freak!!!
