Chapter 3: Renewed

"Thank you." Cid shouted over the noise of the audience discussing what had just been said.

"In that case, I would normally sentence the defendant to twenty years to life. However," Cid shouted, then noticing the instant silence, lowered his voice, "the victim has just come out of rehabilitation, therefore, I will not sentence the defendant as if the victim wasn't in need to rehabilitation previously, so my sentence is 2 years, as well as demotion from Commander to SeeD."

Several cheers could be heard all over the room. Seifer screamed and swore numerous times, but I had to stop myself from hugging Rinoa. I got off with only 2 years and a demotion!

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I received frequent visits from my friends, but never from Quistis or Rinoa. Rinoa's lack of appearances disappointed me, but hey, I got lucky for such a short sentence.

At last, I was free to go! Time to quit this damn garden and start a life in Balamb!

As the door opened, I walked back to the elevator. I used my keycard, and went first of all to the third floor. I wasn't going to stay in a place that had this kind of pain thriving in it. Using the interest that collected in my account from the some 2000 gil I had left in there I would buy a small house in Balamb. But I had to tell Cid that I was leaving.

As the elevator door opened, I asked the secretary "Is the Headmaster busy?"

"No, go right on in! I'll let him know you're here." She replied politely.

I opened the door and walked in.

"Ahh, Squall. What's it like to be free again?" He said in his usual cheerful tone.

"Feels great, Sir." I said, saluting him. "Umm... Sir? About the trial... What would you have done in my situation?" I asked cautiously.

"I would've done probably the same, except I would've tried not to attack Almasy. But I do see you're reasoning behind it and I don't hold it against you." He replied.

"Thank you, Sir."

"Now, now. That couldn't have been what you came here to ask me. What can I do for you?"

"First, I'd like to know my account balance."

"Ahh, curious to see how much accumulated since you were thrown in? Let's see..." he said, typing things into his computer. "607 540 gil."

I gasped, and broke out coughing. "What?!?! How... did I...... get...... that much?" I managed to say between breaths.

"Well, first off, 2 years ago, you had 2 076 gil. Interest took its toll."

"But that much?"

"Ahh, you seem to have forgotten you're salary! You're demotion was to SeeD. You were a Rank A when you became Commander. You are a Rank A right now. You're salary accumulated while you were imprisoned, you know."

"Wow...."

"Anything else I can do?"

I thought of what to say. "Sir, I would like to quit the SeeD Mercenary Organization."

His cheerful attitude immediately faded. "What a loss...... a loss we will suffer greatly... Sorry to lose you." He said in a monotone voice.

"Sorry sir, it's just-"

"No, no, I'm sure you have a good reason. Just do what you think is right." He interrupted.

"Thank you, sir." And with that having been said, I left.

I walked down to my dorm and packed all my things. I was supposed to clear out and return my keycards to the headmaster's secretary within the hour. Once I was done packing, I looked at the mirror one final time.

I left and went to the Cafeteria. It was just after noon, so I assumed everyone was eating lunch. Sure enough, there they were, at the usual table. All five of them. I walked up to the table casually, trying not to be noticed. Succeeding, I took a seat next to Irvine.

"Hey." I said as if I never was in jail.

Selphie, Irvine and Zell stopped their jokes. Quistis and Rinoa stopped their conversation. They all just stared. "What's wrong? You all look like you've seen a ghost!"

Rinoa got up and left. Quistis resumed eating.

Selphie was the first to come out of shock. "SQUALLY!!!" She jumped up and gave me a bear hug.

"IRVINE! GET HER OFF!" I screamed quickly, trying it breathe.

"Sorry about that, Squall." He said, chuckling. Then he literally pried her off and grabbed my shoulder. "How've ya been, bud? It's been 2 years, man! You're 19!"

Zell finally realized what was going on. "Squall! Shit man, you scared us! Yeah, How are you?!?!"

"....."

"What's wrong?" Irvine asked me.

"Rinoa..."

"It wasn't you're fault! You were busy!" Zell shouted.

"I know, but still..."

"You miss her?" Selphie finished my sentence for me.

"....."

"Don't worry about it." She tried to cheer me up.

"Yeah, she'll realize she screwed up sooner or later!" said Zell.

Quistis said nothing. She ignored me altogether.

"Yo Squall! What's with the bags? Vacation?" Zell said enthusiastically.

"Oh yeah, that's why I came here. To say good-bye."

"How long are you gonna be gone?"

"Forever. I'm quitting."

Everyone went silent. The whole cafeteria. Everyone stared at me, even Quistis. Even Rinoa from across the room.

Irvine was the first to talk. "What?!? You can't go! You're the best SeeD in all Garden! Where are you going?!?"

"I'm going to live in Balamb, and open a small piano bar. I'm gonna start a Band." I said, nearly whispering, hoping they would catch on.

Quistis finally spoke. "Oh, Hi Squall! Bye Squall!" and went back to eating.

Selphie elbowed her hard in the ribs. "Aww, Squall, you can't go!"

"Well I am." By now, everyone had resumed what they were doing. "Will you guys visit?" I asked hopefully.

"Of course!" They all said in unison.

"Then I should be on my way. I'll call Cid and give him my address and phone number, so he can give it to you."

"Bye Squally!"

"See ya, man!"

"Bye!" I replied.

Irvine said nothing, but followed me to the secretary and to the door. "Well, I guess this is goodbye, man."

"Yeah..."

"Hey, can I be in your band? Zell and Selph, too! That way we could see each other all the time!"

"We'll see. Bye, then!" I said one last time.

I walked through the main gate of serene Balamb. This was it. There's no turning back now.

I saw that there was a lot for sale as I walked all over town, and stopped at the harbor. The sign said, `1 350 square feet for sale, call 287-4389'. So I did. I dialed the number on my cell phone, and a strong male voice answered.

"Balamb-Dollet Real Estate."

"Hi, I saw a lot at Balamb harbor, and I'm interested in buying."

"Hold on a minute. I'll connect you with the Balamb purchase booth."

"Ok."

I heard a faint click, and a weird, soothing music came on. After a few minutes, the song was cut off.

"How may I help you?" an annoyingly high pitched voice answered.

"I'm standing at the lot for sale in Balamb Harbor. I'm interested in buying."

"Let's see...." There was a number of sounds as if she was typing something into a computer. "Ahh, here we are. Lot number 7?"

I was confused at first, but then I realized there must have been a lot number on the sign. "Yeah, that one."

"The fee is 93 000 gil with a monthly fee of 70 gil."

"I'll take it. Is there a vertical restriction?"

"Hmm......" More typing could be heard. "One basement level, 12 feet below the surface, and 2 floors up, no more than 32 feet, with roof."

"Thank you. How can I pay?"

"We'll send someone out to find you. I'll need your address and phone number."

"My cell is 228 9089."

"I'm sorry, I'll need your home phone number."

"I don't have a home, or a home phone number."

"This could be a problem..." She said confused. This world is filled with idiots. No shit my lack of a house is going to be a problem!

"Could you wait at the harbor? I can have someone there in 20 minutes."

"Sure."

"Name?"

"Squall Leonhart."

A small gasp was heard at the end of the line.

"The Squall Leonhart? The one who saved the world?"

"....." I was so pissed at this anonymous bitch I nearly hung up. "Just send someone here already!" I shouted, losing my patients.

"Y-yes sir! Hey Crystal! You'll never guess who I'm-"CLICK. I hung up on her.

So I waited. And waited. And waited some more.

2100. 9:00 p.m. I left in search of a hotel. I would call those real estate bastards later. Finding none, I decided that I would take a last resort.

I knocked on the door. Hopefully I wouldn't have to wait for nearly 10 hours like I did for... whoever was coming. "Yes? Squall! Good to see you! Is Zell with you?"

"No. I'm sorry, Ms. Dincht, I need to ask a big favor."

"What is it?" she asked curiously.

"I need to stay the night somewhere, because the real estate people who were supposed to sell me the lot never showed." I asked hopefully.

"Oh dear. I'm sorry, Squall, but I haven't got anywhere to put you. You see, Zell's sister came in, and she's staying in his room." She said sympathetically.

"Zell has a sister?" I asked, shocked.

"Oh yes. Emily is only in for a week or so, and I thought that Zell wouldn't mind her in his room for a while. Since he's never home anyways."

"Oh..." I was screwed. I could either live in the streets for a night, or go back to hell.

"I'm so sorry, dear. I'd help you out if I knew what to do." She said softly.

"Bye then." I left. I had only once choice left.

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"I see. This is interesting, now isn't it?" Cid spoke quietly.

"Sir, this is my last resort. I'm sorry." I said.

"Don't call me sir. You're a civilian. Call me Cid." He said sternly, but still maintained his cheery attitude.

"Alright. Do you think you can help me out then?"

"Yes, but there's only one room available. It's a dormitory double in the female section. It's all we have. I'm sorry."

"I need it though. Just until I have my place in Balamb."

"Alright. I'll give you 2 weeks. I start the arrangements."

"Thanks Cid." I said, with gratitude. "What number?"

"Ah yes. You wouldn't be able to do much without that now, would you?"

"No."

"Number 463 on the east wing."

"Thanks." I said again. With that, I left and headed for the east wing. 463? That sounds familiar.

After a fair walk, I stood at number 463 EF. I cautiously slid my keycard and opened the door.

"CHRIST! Would it kill you to knock?!?!?!" An angered voice erupted out of nowhere.

"Oh shit...." I knew that this WAS the end.

"I mean, seriously. Some peop-"She stopped dead in her tracks as she turned the corner and saw who I was.