Disclaimer: WELCOME TO MY SECOND STORY!! You know the drill! ALL RIGHT! HERE WE GO!!
BEFORE YOU BEGIN:: I would recommend you read Let No Bloody Tears Fall before diving into this one. This is the sequel so it will most likely contain Illasu and Rin mostly. All right, NOW here we go.
*Rin and Illasu's Dorm*
Illasu stretched in bed and opened her sleepy eyes. Sun light filled the room as it had always done. Rolling away from the wall, she noticed Rin wasn't there. Her eyes flashed open as she sat up and looked for him. Looking over towards the window, his ghostly figure was sitting there, smiling. She laid down and laughed.
Rin: (laughing) What's so funny?
Illasu: I was so worried...(turns and looks at him)
Walking over to her, he climbed inside the covers and kissed her cheek. She rolled into him and kissed him before grabbing her clothes off the end of the bed and heading to the bathroom. Before walking in, she looked back and smiled at him laying there. She shut the door and turned on the hot bath water, throwing in some bath bubbles. Rin got up and grabbed his clothes off the bed. He waited for her to get out.
*In the Bathroom*
She threw her clothes on the floor and looked in the mirror. Squall was giving her such a workout that her muscles were showing here and there now. She flexed her arms and laughed. Then, as she looked at herself, she smiled at how wonderful the night had been. It had indeed been a very good night. Hearing water splash onto the floor, she quickly shut it off and slipped in. She jumped back out. It was freezing! She moaned and grabbed her robe. Tromping out, she opened the door and fell into bed again. She pointed a finger at him.
*The Main Room*
Rin was surprised that she was out so quick. Looking at the pointed finger, he was shocked.
Illasu: (mumbled into the covers) You...you drained the hot water...
Rin: What?
Illasu: (glaring) You drained the hot water. My bath was cold...and I don't take cold baths...
Rin: Oh...that...
Illasu shook her head and pulled the covers up over her head. Rin crawled over and pulled them back. She was face down into the pillow.
Rin: I'm sorry...
When she didn't move, he tickled her sides and she was forced to move. She was smiling. He shook his head. She always forgave him so easily. He laid himself on her softly and wrapped his arms around her. The sun was steadily rising, making the wintry Thursday morning beautiful. Remembering it was winter, Illasu hurried to the window. For five weeks, she had been hoping for snow. Since they had been married, Illasu had wanted to share Christmas with Rin. She was hoping for the perfect white one. As she descended to the window, she saw only the green, frosty grass. No snow. She felt her eyes forming tears. It was getting closer and closer. Her wings fluttered as they were born out again. She had learned how to control them from the GFs. It helped a lot. But now she was floating just off the floor. She folded her arms and let a few tears roll down her cheek before going in the bathroom again. Rin got up as he heard a splash. Walking lazily, he stayed in the doorway and saw Illasu sitting in the cold water, wings gone, crying. Looking at her, he went in and sat.
Rin: It's ok Illy. It'll be here soon. I know it will.
Illasu looked over at his smiling face.
Illasu: The water's cold still.
Rin: I know, I'm sorry. I'm gonna get dressed. Then we'll go get breakfast ok?
He walked over to the edge of the tub and poured water over her face. She smiled at him and shook her head as she took the soap and applied gobs of it to her legs. Rin left and dressed into his normal baggy pants and large T-shirt. He had noticed his hair was getting longer. He ran his hand through it and sat at his desk. He pulled out his Bio 2 book and worked out some more of the Critical Thinking problems. He worked for an hour while Illasu had shaved and showered. When she came out, he smiled at her. She was so cute. She had cut her hair like Selphie's, just above her shoulders. Illasu had put her hair in low dog ears and dressed in her baggy jeans and a tight pink T-shirt she loved. She smiled back and bounded over to him. Sitting in his lap, she leaned back and looked at the problem he was working on.
Illasu: That's easy.
Rin: I know.
He smiled as he finished it and stood up, holding her in his arms. She jumped out and headed for the door. She grabbed her sweater and tied it around her waist upon opening the door. The bright lights flooded her eyes. Rin handed her her contacts. She pushed them in and blinked. Everything came into being, not just colored blobs. She brightly smiled and put her arm around Rin's waist. No one else was up. They had always woken up before everyone else. Rin shut the door and locked it. They walked down the hall to the cafeteria. They noticed not even the cafe' ladies were up yet. Illasu snickered and looked around.
Illasu: Now what?
Rin: To the stables!
Illasu: Why?
Rin: You always hide snacks for the horses there.
Illasu: Keyword, for the horses...
Rin: Aww, Illy...please?
Illasu: No! (laughing) You ran me out of hot water!
Rin fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around her legs.
Rin: Please! Please! Please!
Illasu: (laughing) Ok! Jeez, Rin! I'm not that mean!
Rin: Yes, you are!
Illasu: RIN OGAMI!
She chased after him, sweater flying, as he ran through the doors. Upon leaving the warm, structured building, she instantly froze. Slipping on her sweater, she continued to chase him. Rin hadn't been affected by the coldness yet. Illasu forced her wings out and started to fly after him. She rounded the corner of the giant barn hallway and there he stood laughing.
*The Barn*
She alighted on the ground and stomped up to him. He wrapped her up before she could say anything and kissed her. She gave into his warmth. They stood there kissing for a long time before something fuzzy and warm rubbed against Illasu's leg and meowed loudly. She looked down and saw Atlas pawing the air. She smiled and walked to the tack room. Grabbing a giant, 20 pound bag of cat food, she walked out to the cat feeder and filled the giant drum on top with the smelly stuff. Whiteness filled the room. The black and gray ones came too! She laughed as they all found a place to eat. Taking what was left back to the room, she found Rin snacking on a bright, red apple. She shook her head as he tossed her a granola bar. She quickly grabbed it, dropping the bag. She moved it to where it was supposed to be dropped and ripped the bar's wrapper open. Sitting on a saddle, she chomped on it. She looked at the rainbows on the walls. Her ring was reflecting the light. She laughed and finished off the bar. Rin came over and sat behind her in the small saddle.
Illasu: I can't wait for Christmas! I was gone last year so I didn't get to share it...I'm still sorry about that one.
Rin: Well, (moves her hair and kisses her cheek) we get to this year!
Illasu: We've been married for a year...wow...(smiles)
Rin: You bet cha! We're gonna be together forever, won't we?
Rin put his arms around her and kissed her cheek once more before resting his head on her shoulder. She smiled greatly and shook her head yes. A lot had happened in that year. Illasu had learned her real birthday and had celebrated it with her friends. She had learned how to fly, celebrated more birthdays, and started training to be a See D. At the thought of See D, Illasu remembered her training started early. She glanced at the large clock and saw it was an hour away. She got up and stretched again. Walking out, she and Rin headed to the new Library. It was almost finished. Rin was working on the construction for money. His job status was uncertain before he had taken the job. They were hoping that the Library might take awhile. It seemed it was dragging on between the five guys working on it. The pay was great for Rin. They would be able to do a lot this Christmas. When they arrived, Rin stood there holding her for awhile until he eyed the head of the construction coming down the hall. He kissed Illasu with a nice long French kiss and smiled as he ran into the Library and waved. Illasu stood there, touching her mouth, looking shocked as he left. She blushed bright red and smiled as she walked to the T.C.
*In The Training Center*
She took her jeans off and revealed a pair of loose fitting shorts. Laying the pants by the door, Illasu took off for her mile run. Squall made her do it. She never ran the whole thing. It was a miracle if she could complete it before the ten minute buzzer went off. Yesterday, she had done it in 9.59 seconds. She had slid into the finish line. Her shin was skinned and dirty but Squall hadn't let up on her. Now, that shin was aching to be iced and left alone. She gritted her teeth and tried to time herself. It's not like the T.C. was smooth either. She was dodging trees and rocks and other things, stumbling on branches and sliding in mud. Her ribs started to burn when she was halfway through and still jogging. She threw her head and tried to keep running but she couldn't do it. She had to grab her side and walk fast. She looked around and saw Squall wasn't there yet. Bringing her watch to her face, she saw it was almost time for him to ridicule her. She smiled and let her wings come out. She slowly floated above the ground before hearing a familiar bellow.
Squall: PUT THOSE AWAY AND RUN!
She shook her head and put them away. She started to run again after walking a little more. Gritting her teeth and throwing her head in pain, she rounded the 3/4 corner. She was supposed to sprint it from there. YEAH RIGHT, she thought, LIKE I CAN DO THAT! She tried to though. She strode out and breathed deeper. Squall was at the end with his watch, timing her. She smiled and pushed herself even harder. She was flying, running so fast like that. Squall was waving his hands at her. She cocked an eyebrow at him. When she crossed the finish line, she spread her wings and let them stop her. She stumbled over a branch but flew up into a tree. Squall screamed at her.
Squall: Illasu! Come here!
Illasu: Why? (smiles) So you can make me do it again?
Squall: No, I think you're hurt.
Illasu floated down and sat on a tree trunk lazily. She was breathing harder and trying not to barf. She caught a glimpse at the watch and saw the time of 9.45 flashing. Smiling, Illasu let Squall feel her muscles out. She had probably pulled something again. I have to remember to stretch, she thought.
Squall: Well, you're gonna be sore. Good job on your time though! (offers a hand to her)
Illasu: What's next? More torture?
Squall: Yep, and lots more running. Here, take a few drinks and WALK.
Illasu took two or three gulps and threw the water bottle at Squall. It hit him square in the back as he turned on her. She smiled and let her wings fan her. He smiled as he went and retrieved his gunblade. She walked and walked until she was lost and out of sight. Then she lay down and rested. She never could walk after running long distances. She kicked her shoes off and stretched to her full capacity, drawing huge breaths. A sour taste formed in her mouth and she sat up as she barfed out a clear liquid.
Squall: Lactic acid...tsk tsk Illy.
Illasu: (coughing) Well, I'd like to see you run that!
Squall: All right.
Illasu: You know what I mean.
Squall: Take it easy Illy. I'll let you lay there for a bit. All right here's today's plans. Stretch out, INTFS (initial fighting sequence), then we'll fight in the air. After that, we'll go from there.
Illasu: (laughing) All right. Hey, I got a new weapon idea. I made up some scientific sequence and applied it to a weapon's angle of strike zone, aerodynamics and speed. Therefore, I had to pick a long pole.
Squall: To much info, but what are you saying? You wanna make a weapon?
Illasu: Yeah, (breath) I have the drawings for it. I just need a forge, materials and time. I've got time and possibly materials, but no forge. You think you can provide that for me?
Squall: Possibly...might wanna talk to Ifrit about that.
Illasu: Yeah...maybe.
She scooted away from the reeking pile of goo. She closed her eyes, trying to calm the dizziness in her head. After about ten minutes, Squall was looking at her. He smiled as she slowly stood up, trying to regain her composure. She took the metal pole she used as a practice weapon as she drew her wings in. It was about a foot taller than she was and made of titanium. It was extremely light but durable. When Squall brought his weapon at her, she quickly held her weapon up and met his blade with a clang. And so began the fight. Squall was defiantly a formidable opponent. He met her every attack with a counter blow. Finally, when she was mad at being tired and wanting to collapse, she knocked his feet out from under him while blocking in one swift blow. Squall was lying on the ground shocked, his gunblade thrown aside. Illasu flew up into a tree and let her feet dangle. She rested the pole across her stomach and napped. Squall was saying un-polite words and shaking his head. Illasu snickered at him. She was then hit in the head by an armband. It was more of a bracer that covered her whole forearm. It was ornately designed. She inserted her left hand into the four loops at the front. Strapping it on, she noticed it covered her hand as well. Her fingers were free, but her arm was perfectly covered. She smiled and looked down at Squall smiling at her.
Squall: That's your reward for this month. So far, you've managed to beat me at our INTFS and run a pretty good time. Just wanted to let you know how proud I am. Remember Illy, I am your friend too!
She alighted out of the tree and hugged him. She smiled as he looked stern again. Her body was beginning to calm down and focus on the fight. He cast 'float' on himself and flew up into the big, empty dome. Illasu drew her wings out again and flew up slowly. They were kinked up so she flapped really fast to loosen them. By the time she was up with him, she was ready to go. Flying and fighting had posed a challenge for her. She was the worst multi-tasker ever. She tried hard to concentrate on what moves to dish out and how to maneuver around him. Squall came under her and she flipped around, twirling her pole in a circle with her right hand. She blocked his hit and lashed out at him with her left hand. She flew directly at him and veered away at the last moment, knocking his balance off. She twirled around and threw her pole at him. She sped after it as it flew past him. When she was just beside him, in one, swift movement, she grabbed the pole and knocked him in the back. He dropped his gunblade and flailed his arms about trying to get steady. She held the pole with her hand and steadied him with her other.
Squall: Wow, you've been practicing.
Illasu: Nah...you just need to work on your 'float'. You're really unsteady.
Squall: I know.
She took him back down to the ground and took a swig of water. She leaned the weapons against a tree and watched Squall. He was quite a looker. Rinoa was really lucky. He took off his jacket and hung it on a branch as he stretched and looked around thoughtfully.
Squall: We just might be able to do it here...
Illasu froze. She looked at him, scared.
Squall: What's the matter? Don't you want to practice with your GFs?
Illasu let out a sigh and stood up. She walked over and smiled up at him. He took her hands and formed them into the funny signs. She was to call Quezacotol first. She concentrated and stood straight. Drawing in her wings, she made the funny little sign and threw her hand out. A light shimmered on the ground and then faded. Squall laughed at her. She glared at him as he went quiet and she tried again. She concentrated harder until she could visualize the form of the GF. Squall saw her muscles tensing and walked over to her. Putting a hand on her shoulder, she flinched in surprise.
Squall: Illy, take it easy. Your tense all over. Ok, now when you draw, can you visualize what you're gonna draw?
Illasu: Usually if I go from a picture or if I've thought about it, yeah I can. But if I am just going out on a limb from boredom or an incomplete idea, then it just comes as I go. Why?
Squall: All right, let's try this. Pretend you're gonna draw Quezacotol's image. Try not to worry so much about the sign as much as just trying to get him here.
Illasu: Then why do the sign?
Squall: So it's a fair fight? Actually I have no idea.
Illasu: What if I just don't do the sign?
Squall: For now, let's go with that. I'll check on the sign thing. All right, try again.
He walked away and sat. She stood there, still and relaxed. She could see the soft, feathered wings and the whitish green color. His head became that which it was and a light shimmered before her. She flinched, wanting to look at it, and lost it. She stomped her foot and looked back at Squall with a scowl. He shook his head.
Squall: You can't look! Silly, just try to get him here. Classes are about to start.
Illasu looked back at the clearing and tried to visualize it again. She was so worked up now that nothing was coming. She was also worried about the time and getting back to Rin. She opened her eyes and in frustration, walked over, grabbed her weapon and stomped out as the hallways flooded with noise of students. Pulling on her jeans, she hoisted the pole on her shoulders and walked out. Squall looked after her and smiled. She was quite a piece of work. Grabbing his jacket and sword, he also left.
*Illasu*
Everyone walked around her like usual. She smiled through her frustration as Selphie rushed up to her, dragging Irvine with her. She smiled at her and walked alongside Illasu. Trent also came up. The two friends looked at each other and nodded.
Together: WHAT'S WRONG ILLY - NILLY?
Illasu: (scowling face) I couldn't do it.
Irvine: Couldn't do what?
Illasu: Call up Quezacotol...
Selphie: That's no so bad.
Illasu resumed the mean look and sauntered on. Selphie and Trent left for their class as Irvine accompanied Illasu to their first class. Illasu would have to meet Rin there. She leaned into Irvine. He put a friendly arm around her.
Irvine: C'mon, what's really wrong Illasu?
Illasu: How come I can't do it!?
Irvine: You will in time. It does take time like all things to learn.
Illasu: Well, I wish it would hurry up...
She shifted the pole to her right shoulder and put her arm around Irvine. Her muscles were beginning to tense up real bad. Her legs were stiffening with every step. She was tired and felt like barfing again. Then, feeling the bridge of her nose, she noticed she didn't have her glasses.
Illasu: Oh, this is just great...
Irvine: What?
Illasu: Squall still has my glasses. I'll have to sit in the front...ugh. I felt like sleeping.
Irvine: I'll get them for ya. You think you can get to class by yourself?
Illasu: Yeah, thanks Irvine.
He slowly let her go and watched her walk a bit unsteadily. Soon enough, she was walking fine enough using the pole for support. Irvine ran back down the hall to retrieve her 'eyes'. She was blind as a bat without them. Then, as she looked out at the hall, Illasu remembered she had worn her contacts today. When she turned to tell Irvine, he was to far away to hear her.
Illasu: (mumbles under her breath) Sorry Irvine...
She sauntered on to class.
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Well! The first chappy! I am excited, oh so excited! I can't wait to really get going on this one. Well, I'll try to whip out the chappies as fast as I can. Please read this one! This will be more of a story based on my characters. It's not humorous (I stink at those anyway) but it's hopefully gonna be written good! Well, I'll try to shout out to my reviewers! Please R&R! Is much appreciated, as long as it's positive criticism.