Notes: Hopefully this one is better…
Chapter 23: Woe
REVISED!
Squall awoke to find himself on a mossy bed. On a small wooden chair next to it sat a sleeping Oceania. She had a bloody rag in her hands from his injuries, and slept from sheer exhaustion. He sat up, and noticed the bandage on his arm. He looked under it to find it was almost healed. He looked at his leg to find it only a small scar. He rose to his feet, almost losing his balance from the blood rushing from his head. He got lightheaded, and Oceania awoke. She rubbed her eyes, and yawned. She noticed his lack of balance, and helped him back onto the bed.
Oceania: You're awake? I should have made something for you to eat. Sorry.
Squall: What am I doing here? ….
Oceania: Do you remember anything?
Squall thought for a moment until the wave of nausea passed, and remembered the gruesome scene. He tried to keep himself collected, but he was barely able to do so. Oceania looked worriedly at him, and frowned.
Squall: …Rinoa's dead.
Oceania: ...Yes.
He thought for a moment more, and looked at her in confusion. The memory that flooded his mind made little sense to him.
S: And the sorceress…collapsed.
She looked silently on the ground, afraid to answer. She knew exactly what had happened, and didn't want him to know too much right now. Squall looked gravely upon her, and she finally spoke, not being able to handle the silence any longer.
O: Anything else?
He thought for a moment more, but realize that he must have passed out, or something.
Squall: Nothing after that. How long have I been out? My wounds are almost better, so it's been a long time hasn't it?
She rose to her feet, and looked out the cave opening, the sun streaming onto her face. A small breeze whisked her hair from her neck, revealing a claw mark. She smiled, and turned to him, leaning on the side.
O: Not really, though it has seemed so. You have been under my care for three days.
Squall: Where are the others?
O (frowning): I do not know.
He stared at her coldly, and remarked. He knew she was lying, and wanted to catch her. He wondered why she would lie, and commented.
S: I doubt that.
O (looking out at the horizon): You have every reason to.
S (annoyed): Where are they?
O: Wait three more days, my voel. Wait until the moon is full, and then we'll act. Until then rest while I work. Please.
S: I have a feeling you're hiding something, but what, and why?
O: I need more information before I can hire your SeeDs.
He frowned as he remembered the gruesome scenes of slaughter. It haunted his mind like a bad song, and he desperately tried to remain calm. He knew most of them, and even taught a class. One of his star pupils died before his eyes, only a few feet away.
S: They are dead.
O (turning to him, smiling): Some, but not all… Breakfast? You haven't eaten since then. I have only been able to get water down you. I will go make something. (Goes to another part of the cave)
Squall looked around, and noticed he was in a cavern, its walls covered in moss, and algae. The bed he had been sleeping on was wood, and its mattress was a blanket of wet, blue moss. The air was humid, and his shirt stuck to him. Realizing he hadn't his gunblade, he looked for it after he got onto his feet.
Soon flowery vapors filled the air, and he noticed he was in fact starving. Oceania placed a plate of odd food on a small stone table, and bade him eat. The food appeared to be various aquatic plants turned into an odd soup. The colors were very weird, and bright, but not bright enough to cheer him up at all. His love was dead. He felt dead. He saw her die, and could do nothing to save her. Guilt plagued his fragile mind.
Oceania grabbed a blanket of a silvery blue cloth, and placed it on a chair next to him. She stared at him, and entered his mind once more. She was quickly shut out, however.
Squall (playing with his food): Cut it out. Isn't it obvious what I'm thinking?
Oceania (frowns, and blushes): Not always… Your pain is easily felt, but your mind is not easily found. I will leave you rest alone for now. I shall be in the washroom should you need me. It's through that door.
S: …Whatever.
O: When you are finished, get me, and I'll finish tending to your injuries for today. It will get cold in here soon, so there's a blanket for you to wrap up in. (exits)
S: What are you hiding?
