Secrets
===============================================================
Disclaimer- I don't own Final Fantasy 8 or its characters. Damn writer's block!!!
===============================================================
Out in the Open
***Flashback***
"Laguna" Kiros sighed, wearily. "How do YOU propose we rescue Ellone from the 'Oh- so- evil' Estharian soldiers?" Laguna just smiled impishly and took out his machine gun.
"Aww man! You're back to using that piece of junk? What happened to your gunblade?" It was the other man's turn to sigh.
"I thought I told you already...It got lost with the portal that... swallowed... Raine and Squall." Ward looked at the frowning man sympathetically. He looked to Kiros to change the subject.
"SOOO...What's the plan?" Laguna grinned again.
"We're gonna break in through the front door, navigate our way through, kick some butt on our way, and bust out!" His companions exchanged glances.
"Well, Laguna...that may have been the smartest idea I've heard in a long time!" Kiros grabbed his weapons and jumped down from the cliff face . Ward hesitantly edged up near the cliff but just stands there, looking down at the short distance that Kiros cleared easily. Laguna rolled his eyes and pushed him off. He took one last peek over to see Ward land easily on his two feet. Laguna froze, suddenly afraid to leap off.
"UMM...you guys go...I'll meet up with you later." Kiros rolled his eyes. Glancing at his comrade beside him, he picks up a rock and launches at Laguna. The rock flies right past him, just over his shoulder. Unfortunately Laguna saw it coming and spun away...and off the cliff. "DDDDDDAAAAAAMMMMNNNNNN!" His so-called friends stood in shock as he landed on his back. The dark brown haired man stood up slowly and glared. "WHAT. THE. HELL?" Kiros and Ward bursted out laughing.
***
"Hey little man! How're Squall today?" A soft voice asked, peering over the sleeping child. The boy's blue eyes fluttered open.
"Matron!" He jumped out of his bed and into the woman's arms. Her thin but muscular arms carried him easily. She laughed.
"Oh Squall! It's breakfast time!" Squall's face brightened into a smile.
"Can I eat wit Sis today?" Matron frowned and shook her head.
"Well sit down Squall, I have something too tell you about Ellone." Squall nodded and sat back on the bed. It creaked slightly. "Sis was adopted. Do you know what adopted means?" His brown hair danced wildly as he shook his head. "Ellone was taken away by a good family. She will live with them from now on."
"Sis won't be coming back?" He whispered quietly, tears gathering in his eyes. The tall woman shook her head sadly and hugged the crying boy tightly.
"Don't worry about Sis. She'll be very happy with Laguna."
"Luh-L-Laguna?" The boy stuttered, looking up at her compassionate brown eyes. She nodded.
***End Flashback***
"That sure is." Laguna grinned. "Say hello to Edea. Or as you little kids used to call her, Matron." Her long dark hair was swept up into a bun. On her shoulders was a gold arch with silk flowing behind her. In this picture she was looking out on to the ocean.
"So that's who she was..." Squall muttered to himself.
***Flashback***
"It was a success!" She announced, waving her hands high. The man in the red robes took him and led him to the dimly lit altar. The boy looked back at the woman through half open eyes who smiled evilly. *Don't worry boy. Everything will be ok, as long as you don't fight it.* Squall felt a chill go through his body and jolted awake though his body couldn't show it.
***
"Oh Squall! Don't worry about Sis! She'll be alright! Laguna will take care of her!" Her warm brown eyes locked on to his eyes and he felt a wave of warmth over him.
***
"Oh Squall! I'm so proud of you! Going to Trabia Garden! But that's an awful long ways away. How're you gonna get there?" Matron asked, her face lit up with excitement, happiness and worry.
"Don't worry Matron." Squall gave a light smile. Edea almost hugged him. "Irvine and Seifer will help" He explained, grabbing his bag and gunblade.
"Ok, but make sure you never tell anyone your secret ok? Especially the people you love." Squall nodded and hugs her. Edea shocked, hugged him back and watch him part from the house.
***End Flashback***
"Squall? You ok?" Irvine asked, waving his hand in front of the still teenager. Squall blinked and looked around, blushing softly he muttered an apology.
"Awww, That's ok Squall, Even I zone out for a while!" Laguna exclaimed, grinning widely.
"Is that supposed to be a surprise?" Seifer coughed, smirking. The room bursted into laughter. Even Squall smiled. Or half-smiled. Laguna reddened, embarrassed.
"Um...Let's just continue on with the briefing."
"Wait!" Rinoa interjected. "I didn't know Matron but since all of you do, does that mean you grew up together?" Irvine nodded.
"We were all at the orphanage when we were kids. Zell was adopted first, then Selphie, Quistis, then us." Seifer glared at the cowboy, recognizing the lie. Irvine took of his hat, clicked his tongue then put his hat back on, the signal to 'KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!!' This was done inconspicuously so everyone was oblivious to it. Even Seifer was, unfortunately.
"Actually, Irvine, Squall and I weren't adopted. We left the orphanage when we were about 15, 16 years old." Irvine groaned and rolled his eyes.
"Let's just go back to the briefing again." Kiros cut in.
"Great Idea Kiros." Laguna sighed, pressing the next button. "Edea, of Matron is, at least we think..."
"is a sorceress" Kiros interrupted. The president nodded.
"Because of this, we think she is a danger. We have found out from Dr. Odine that she may be under the control of the more powerful sorceress, Ultimecia. We don't know her plans but all we know is that she's up to something. Odine says that she's not strong enough to conjure up her own body." The room was silent for a moment.
"How do you know all this?" Rinoa asked. Laguna looked down at his feet.
"We had someone spy on her. Her own husband in fact. You should know him. Headmaster Cid?" Squall closed his eyes and opened them again to see Rinoa gazing at him. When he caught her eyes, she smiled and turned back to the conversation.
"Why do you need us?" Squall interrupted suddenly, leaning back in the chair. Every one looked to stare at him.
"Because we need to find the 'Children of Fate' and you are going to find them. But we have reason to believe there only 1-6 of them." Kiros answered, clicking the button for the slide to change. Each slide showed a small child at the age of 6. "These were taken about 12,13 years ago.
"Y'know, that kid with blond hair reminds me of me when I was 6. I've seen pictures." Quistis nodded.
"That girl with the blond hair looks like me. And the other ones look like...damn. They all look like us!" Laguna chuckled in disbelief.
"You can't be sure! I mean...is it possible?" The president asked. Kiros looked at each of them. His eyes settled on Squall.
"You." He pointed at him. "Cannot be the kid in that picture." Seifer laughed.
"Who else would he be!!? That's him when he was 6!" Reluctantly, the brunette nodded and turned away from Kiros' piercing glare.
"So wait! Let me get this straight!" Laguna exclaimed. "All of you are the so-called 'Children of Fate'?"
"It appears so." Rinoa confirmed, studying Squall carefully as he avoid her eyes. She and Selphie shared a look. Quickly all three girls noticed something was wrong with his nervous and abnormal behaviour. A light tune broke through the brief silence.
"Is that 'Eyes on me' by the late Julia Heartilly?" Selphie asked, while Laguna answered the phone. Kiros nodded.
"Yup! He's a BIG fan." Rinoa stiffened up in her seat.
"What's wrong?" Squall asked the first one to notice the girl's reaction. A tear glimmered in her eyes.
"Julia Heartilly was my mother..." Rinoa sobbed out before storming out of the room. Impulsively, Squall ran after her, leaving a very confused and quiet room behind him.
***
"Rin! Hey stop!" Squall shouted, grabbing her by the shoulder.
"WHY? WHY do YOU care?" Rinoa raged, tears falling down her face.
"Because...I...care..." Her face softened lightly but her eyes still seemed to cry out in pain.
"You are really good with words aren't you?" She noted, smiling lightly through her tears. Squall smirked, and instinctively put his arm around her shoulder.
"So...if you want to...you can...uh...tell me about why you're so upset." Squall said lightly. Rinoa nodded and looked up into his blue eyes.
"My mother was such a beautiful woman. I loved it when she sang to get me to sleep. She'd always try to get the best for me. Always. But...my father...General Caraway." She paused, taking a deep breath.
"You mean General Caraway of GALBADIA?" Rinoa nodded and continued on.
"He didn't like that she spent so much time with me. He always fought with her, complaining that he never got to have quality time with her. I never doubted that they loved each other. But My Father..." She spat out bitterly. "Always told me that I was trying to steal Mom away from him." She smiled sadly. "I would just run to my mom and complain that she should have a 'Deeevorse'!" Squall chuckled.
"So...she did. Hyne, she loved me so much, she was willing to divorce the man she loved." A single tear started to fall down her pink cheeks. "So when she was driving to the courts and she was...in an accident."
"I'm so sorry Rinoa but...it wasn't your fault." Rinoa jumped up and away from him.
"Don't you see Squall? Because my mom went to get a divorce, she got in the accident! WHY did she want a divorce? ME! I TOLD HER TO!! Don't you get it? It's my fault!!" She cried, tears flowing freely from her face. He stepped toward her but she backed away.
"I understand what you mean..."
"NO YOU DON'T!!!" Squall turned away.
"Do you think you're the only one who lost someone? The only one who lost their mother? Seifer, Irvine, Selphie, Quistis...ALL of them lost their mother. What's even worse is that none of them have ANY parents! YOU have your father! You have someone!"
"Yeah I know but-"
"No you don't know! I get that you feel guilty about your mother's death but you were only a kid!" A thick blanket of silence covered over them. Rinoa ran over and hugged Squall. Surprised, he just stood there before hugging back. She looked up at him.
"What about you? Did you lose someone?" His eyes clouded and he stepped away.
"Yeah..kinda...I'll see you later" Squall managed to speak and he turned to walk toward the meeting room.
"WAIT!!" She called. He turned around and Rinoa kissed him.
***
"Ho-ly SHIT!" Seifer exclaimed, his eyes widening at the sight of Rinoa kissing Squall.
"Damn!" Irvine said, watching Squall kiss her back.
"Don't they look cute together?" Selphie whispered, above her to Quistis.
"I can't believe it! Squall finally grew up!" Seifer commented, drawing Everyone's attention. Even Rinoa and Squall. Immediately, Squall blushed and ran away leaving poor Rinoa, red like a tomato.
===============================================================
Author's Note- FINALLY!! WRITER'S BLOCK IS GONE!! I CAN WRITE!!! Sorry if this chapter really sucked, I had some tough time thinking. I also added some stuff to chapter seven to hold up the claim of 'Squinoa'. So check it out.BTW-A reviewer brought up an interesting suggestion. Should I change the genres from Supernatural/Romance to Romance/Supernatural? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Review please. My thanks to:
dfourthhorseman
StephyBear
&
DBH –for reviewing. (Hopefully I didn't miss anyone who did Review.) 'Till Next Time!!!
===============================================================
Disclaimer- I don't own Final Fantasy 8 or its characters. Damn writer's block!!!
===============================================================
Out in the Open
***Flashback***
"Laguna" Kiros sighed, wearily. "How do YOU propose we rescue Ellone from the 'Oh- so- evil' Estharian soldiers?" Laguna just smiled impishly and took out his machine gun.
"Aww man! You're back to using that piece of junk? What happened to your gunblade?" It was the other man's turn to sigh.
"I thought I told you already...It got lost with the portal that... swallowed... Raine and Squall." Ward looked at the frowning man sympathetically. He looked to Kiros to change the subject.
"SOOO...What's the plan?" Laguna grinned again.
"We're gonna break in through the front door, navigate our way through, kick some butt on our way, and bust out!" His companions exchanged glances.
"Well, Laguna...that may have been the smartest idea I've heard in a long time!" Kiros grabbed his weapons and jumped down from the cliff face . Ward hesitantly edged up near the cliff but just stands there, looking down at the short distance that Kiros cleared easily. Laguna rolled his eyes and pushed him off. He took one last peek over to see Ward land easily on his two feet. Laguna froze, suddenly afraid to leap off.
"UMM...you guys go...I'll meet up with you later." Kiros rolled his eyes. Glancing at his comrade beside him, he picks up a rock and launches at Laguna. The rock flies right past him, just over his shoulder. Unfortunately Laguna saw it coming and spun away...and off the cliff. "DDDDDDAAAAAAMMMMNNNNNN!" His so-called friends stood in shock as he landed on his back. The dark brown haired man stood up slowly and glared. "WHAT. THE. HELL?" Kiros and Ward bursted out laughing.
***
"Hey little man! How're Squall today?" A soft voice asked, peering over the sleeping child. The boy's blue eyes fluttered open.
"Matron!" He jumped out of his bed and into the woman's arms. Her thin but muscular arms carried him easily. She laughed.
"Oh Squall! It's breakfast time!" Squall's face brightened into a smile.
"Can I eat wit Sis today?" Matron frowned and shook her head.
"Well sit down Squall, I have something too tell you about Ellone." Squall nodded and sat back on the bed. It creaked slightly. "Sis was adopted. Do you know what adopted means?" His brown hair danced wildly as he shook his head. "Ellone was taken away by a good family. She will live with them from now on."
"Sis won't be coming back?" He whispered quietly, tears gathering in his eyes. The tall woman shook her head sadly and hugged the crying boy tightly.
"Don't worry about Sis. She'll be very happy with Laguna."
"Luh-L-Laguna?" The boy stuttered, looking up at her compassionate brown eyes. She nodded.
***End Flashback***
"That sure is." Laguna grinned. "Say hello to Edea. Or as you little kids used to call her, Matron." Her long dark hair was swept up into a bun. On her shoulders was a gold arch with silk flowing behind her. In this picture she was looking out on to the ocean.
"So that's who she was..." Squall muttered to himself.
***Flashback***
"It was a success!" She announced, waving her hands high. The man in the red robes took him and led him to the dimly lit altar. The boy looked back at the woman through half open eyes who smiled evilly. *Don't worry boy. Everything will be ok, as long as you don't fight it.* Squall felt a chill go through his body and jolted awake though his body couldn't show it.
***
"Oh Squall! Don't worry about Sis! She'll be alright! Laguna will take care of her!" Her warm brown eyes locked on to his eyes and he felt a wave of warmth over him.
***
"Oh Squall! I'm so proud of you! Going to Trabia Garden! But that's an awful long ways away. How're you gonna get there?" Matron asked, her face lit up with excitement, happiness and worry.
"Don't worry Matron." Squall gave a light smile. Edea almost hugged him. "Irvine and Seifer will help" He explained, grabbing his bag and gunblade.
"Ok, but make sure you never tell anyone your secret ok? Especially the people you love." Squall nodded and hugs her. Edea shocked, hugged him back and watch him part from the house.
***End Flashback***
"Squall? You ok?" Irvine asked, waving his hand in front of the still teenager. Squall blinked and looked around, blushing softly he muttered an apology.
"Awww, That's ok Squall, Even I zone out for a while!" Laguna exclaimed, grinning widely.
"Is that supposed to be a surprise?" Seifer coughed, smirking. The room bursted into laughter. Even Squall smiled. Or half-smiled. Laguna reddened, embarrassed.
"Um...Let's just continue on with the briefing."
"Wait!" Rinoa interjected. "I didn't know Matron but since all of you do, does that mean you grew up together?" Irvine nodded.
"We were all at the orphanage when we were kids. Zell was adopted first, then Selphie, Quistis, then us." Seifer glared at the cowboy, recognizing the lie. Irvine took of his hat, clicked his tongue then put his hat back on, the signal to 'KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!!' This was done inconspicuously so everyone was oblivious to it. Even Seifer was, unfortunately.
"Actually, Irvine, Squall and I weren't adopted. We left the orphanage when we were about 15, 16 years old." Irvine groaned and rolled his eyes.
"Let's just go back to the briefing again." Kiros cut in.
"Great Idea Kiros." Laguna sighed, pressing the next button. "Edea, of Matron is, at least we think..."
"is a sorceress" Kiros interrupted. The president nodded.
"Because of this, we think she is a danger. We have found out from Dr. Odine that she may be under the control of the more powerful sorceress, Ultimecia. We don't know her plans but all we know is that she's up to something. Odine says that she's not strong enough to conjure up her own body." The room was silent for a moment.
"How do you know all this?" Rinoa asked. Laguna looked down at his feet.
"We had someone spy on her. Her own husband in fact. You should know him. Headmaster Cid?" Squall closed his eyes and opened them again to see Rinoa gazing at him. When he caught her eyes, she smiled and turned back to the conversation.
"Why do you need us?" Squall interrupted suddenly, leaning back in the chair. Every one looked to stare at him.
"Because we need to find the 'Children of Fate' and you are going to find them. But we have reason to believe there only 1-6 of them." Kiros answered, clicking the button for the slide to change. Each slide showed a small child at the age of 6. "These were taken about 12,13 years ago.
"Y'know, that kid with blond hair reminds me of me when I was 6. I've seen pictures." Quistis nodded.
"That girl with the blond hair looks like me. And the other ones look like...damn. They all look like us!" Laguna chuckled in disbelief.
"You can't be sure! I mean...is it possible?" The president asked. Kiros looked at each of them. His eyes settled on Squall.
"You." He pointed at him. "Cannot be the kid in that picture." Seifer laughed.
"Who else would he be!!? That's him when he was 6!" Reluctantly, the brunette nodded and turned away from Kiros' piercing glare.
"So wait! Let me get this straight!" Laguna exclaimed. "All of you are the so-called 'Children of Fate'?"
"It appears so." Rinoa confirmed, studying Squall carefully as he avoid her eyes. She and Selphie shared a look. Quickly all three girls noticed something was wrong with his nervous and abnormal behaviour. A light tune broke through the brief silence.
"Is that 'Eyes on me' by the late Julia Heartilly?" Selphie asked, while Laguna answered the phone. Kiros nodded.
"Yup! He's a BIG fan." Rinoa stiffened up in her seat.
"What's wrong?" Squall asked the first one to notice the girl's reaction. A tear glimmered in her eyes.
"Julia Heartilly was my mother..." Rinoa sobbed out before storming out of the room. Impulsively, Squall ran after her, leaving a very confused and quiet room behind him.
***
"Rin! Hey stop!" Squall shouted, grabbing her by the shoulder.
"WHY? WHY do YOU care?" Rinoa raged, tears falling down her face.
"Because...I...care..." Her face softened lightly but her eyes still seemed to cry out in pain.
"You are really good with words aren't you?" She noted, smiling lightly through her tears. Squall smirked, and instinctively put his arm around her shoulder.
"So...if you want to...you can...uh...tell me about why you're so upset." Squall said lightly. Rinoa nodded and looked up into his blue eyes.
"My mother was such a beautiful woman. I loved it when she sang to get me to sleep. She'd always try to get the best for me. Always. But...my father...General Caraway." She paused, taking a deep breath.
"You mean General Caraway of GALBADIA?" Rinoa nodded and continued on.
"He didn't like that she spent so much time with me. He always fought with her, complaining that he never got to have quality time with her. I never doubted that they loved each other. But My Father..." She spat out bitterly. "Always told me that I was trying to steal Mom away from him." She smiled sadly. "I would just run to my mom and complain that she should have a 'Deeevorse'!" Squall chuckled.
"So...she did. Hyne, she loved me so much, she was willing to divorce the man she loved." A single tear started to fall down her pink cheeks. "So when she was driving to the courts and she was...in an accident."
"I'm so sorry Rinoa but...it wasn't your fault." Rinoa jumped up and away from him.
"Don't you see Squall? Because my mom went to get a divorce, she got in the accident! WHY did she want a divorce? ME! I TOLD HER TO!! Don't you get it? It's my fault!!" She cried, tears flowing freely from her face. He stepped toward her but she backed away.
"I understand what you mean..."
"NO YOU DON'T!!!" Squall turned away.
"Do you think you're the only one who lost someone? The only one who lost their mother? Seifer, Irvine, Selphie, Quistis...ALL of them lost their mother. What's even worse is that none of them have ANY parents! YOU have your father! You have someone!"
"Yeah I know but-"
"No you don't know! I get that you feel guilty about your mother's death but you were only a kid!" A thick blanket of silence covered over them. Rinoa ran over and hugged Squall. Surprised, he just stood there before hugging back. She looked up at him.
"What about you? Did you lose someone?" His eyes clouded and he stepped away.
"Yeah..kinda...I'll see you later" Squall managed to speak and he turned to walk toward the meeting room.
"WAIT!!" She called. He turned around and Rinoa kissed him.
***
"Ho-ly SHIT!" Seifer exclaimed, his eyes widening at the sight of Rinoa kissing Squall.
"Damn!" Irvine said, watching Squall kiss her back.
"Don't they look cute together?" Selphie whispered, above her to Quistis.
"I can't believe it! Squall finally grew up!" Seifer commented, drawing Everyone's attention. Even Rinoa and Squall. Immediately, Squall blushed and ran away leaving poor Rinoa, red like a tomato.
===============================================================
Author's Note- FINALLY!! WRITER'S BLOCK IS GONE!! I CAN WRITE!!! Sorry if this chapter really sucked, I had some tough time thinking. I also added some stuff to chapter seven to hold up the claim of 'Squinoa'. So check it out.BTW-A reviewer brought up an interesting suggestion. Should I change the genres from Supernatural/Romance to Romance/Supernatural? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Review please. My thanks to:
dfourthhorseman
StephyBear
&
DBH –for reviewing. (Hopefully I didn't miss anyone who did Review.) 'Till Next Time!!!