Disclaimer: I wish I could have someone a little more wittier write these...Don't own. Do own.
On the Ragnarok
Trent just sat across from Rin, staring. He didn't look at her at all. She cried some more as a light flickered on in the dark room. When Rin stood up, Trent became horrified. What now, she thought. Walking over, Rin sat beside her and looked into her eyes. Trent forced a smile and he softly spoke to her.
Rin: Are you afraid of me now?
Trent: No Rin, I will never fear you. (places her hand on his)
Rin: Why'd they make you come along?
Trent: (laughs silently) Because Horan was beat up pretty badly...and so were about half the other guys I tore into...
Rin: Where are they taking you?
She leaned back in her uniform and thought about it.
Trent: I don't know. I wouldn't be surprised if I get to stay with you.
She smiled at him and he smiled back. Holding his arms out to her, she sat in his lap and cuddled next to him. She was really scared for Rin on the inside. Rin wrapped her up in a friendly embrace and fell asleep.
Kadowaki
The poor gal almost retched. She hated this part of her job. When she had applied she hadn't read the fine print that said 'must serve as emergency morgue operator'. Slipping on a different coat, washing her hands, and putting the familiar latex gloves on, she walked to the body lain on the table. She pulled the white sheet back and saw the 8 pointed star sticking out of the back of his bloody uniform. Looking away and swallowing hard, she grabbed a small metal tool and tried to unhook the star from his backbone. Vern's paper-white face stared back at her eerily. She shuddered as Crose walked in.
Crose: Quistis told me about your morgue duties. I said I'd come help if you needed it. You don't look so good doctor.
Kadowaki: Yeah, sure...um, can you come do this? I think I'm gonna barf.
Crose came over and started working on it. Kadowaki opened a window and let some air into the room. She took her bloody gloves off and threw them away. Crose laughed a little as the she almost passed out. Finally, working the star from around the bone, Crose laid it on the table and told Kadowaki she might want to step outside. She shook her head.
Kadowaki: I have (gulp) to assess how long the victim suffered.
Crose: How do you do that? Better yet, why?
Kadowaki: The weapon type usually determines that along with where it hits. Rin's also very strong. So, all that coupled together, should equal a short, quick...(deep breath) death.
Crose: What happened to the other See D's?
Kadowaki: They were beat up pretty good, a lot of brusies and bloody noses. Some had broken fingers and split lips. Cid told us their punishment, remember?
Crose: No, I don't. Please, could you tell me again?
Kadowaki: Their See D status will be removed and they are to be expelled. So, it looks as if they'll have to go to the inn for awhile and make it on their own.
Crose: Oh...well that's gonna leave us empty handed on soldiers for a long time.
Kadowaki: Yeah, I don't think Cid realized that. You might want to note that to Squall. He mentioned something about Ellone's negotiations last week. Well, it's late. Let's close up and get something to eat. I'll go check on Illasu.
Kadowaki left as Crose washed the tool off and replaced the sheet. He closed the window as well. Locking the door, he walked into Illasu's room. It was beyond depressing. As soon as Kadowaki had checked everything and injected another substance into Illasu, Crose escorted the doctor to dinner. Quistis remarked she would watch Illasu if they brought a sticky bun back for her. Crose had smiled and softly shut the door. Going back to the desk, Quistis sat down and started filling out order forms for more supplies. Swinging her feet gently, she hit something abnormally cushy. She backed away and laying under the desk was Zell, smiling broadly. Quickly, Quistis stretched her short skirt down and looked back at him. Raising her eyebrows, Zell shifted positions and held up a hand.
Zell: Uh...hiya!
Quistis: Zell?! (laughs out loud quickly regaining a quiet voice) What are you doing under there?
Zell: I was hiding from Seifer and I guess I fell asleep?
Quistis: Well, get out of there now. Ok, that's better. What if Kadowaki had seen you?
Zell: She wouldn't have. I'm the best at hiding.
Quistis looked at him with one eyebrow cocked in mockery. He chuckled and patted his lap. She got up and sat, very straight. Zell sighed and tickled her sides. Laughing, she loosened up and laid her head on his shoulder, listening to the steady beeps and chimes of the monitors in Illasu's room.
The Cafeteria
Yugo and Shiro had seen Crose and Kadowaki. They had all moved to one tables in the back. As Yugo had been walking over, Crose had eyed the Boken sword he had at his side.
Crose: (nodding) What's that for?
Yugo: Not now Crose...please.
Crose: Just don't do anything you'd regret later.
Yugo's eyes narrowed towards Crose and he stared at him. Shiro put a hand on Yugo's arm softly and smiled at him.
Shiro: Where's Trent? I haven't seen her since this morning.
Crose looked down and Kadowaki spoke up for him.
Kadowaki: Cid told me she's on the Ragnarok with Rin, heading to the prison near Galbadia. They haven't decided what to do with her. She evidently tore into Horan and a couple others pretty good. More than likely, she'll stay with Rin a couple days...maybe a few weeks.
Everything was silent at their table. Many people talked loudly about the day's events and pointed over at them. No one except Kadowaki felt like eating much so they all left and Crose decided to go stay with Illasu all night. He didn't think he would get much sleep anyway. Shiro and Yugo told Kadowaki if she needed anything to give them a buzz. They left with warm goodbyes to go to their dorm for the night. Kadowaki gave Crose the key to the office and walked off with a warm smile. He watched her go safely and eyed Squall, Selphie, and Irvine sneaking into the Library. Crose was intrigued and decided to follow.
The Library
Following much like a silent crow, Crose snuck in and out of the dark room. Selphie was standing proud but her sad, childish face made her look depressed. Irvine held onto her hand tightly and looked straight ahead with a serious look on his face. Crose hid between two bookshelves looking out the slit in-between them. Squall stopped in front of where Rin and Illasu had said an unofficial goodbye. He looked at the wall and then turned around slowly. He listened for any movement and then started to talk. Crose knew he wouldn't be able to hear in his position so he climbed the concrete shelf and cemented himself to the top. His dark hair and uniform blended well but his winter-white skin set him off badly. Still, Squall was concentrating on whatever he was going to say.
Squall: I'm afraid I have some bad news. I know this isn't exactly the night to hear it but I thought I might as well inform you, as well as finding out which one is going to tell Illasu all of this.
Selphie: What do you mean Squall? Tell her what? About today?
Squall: That and this...you both know Ellone is sort of a peaceful ambassador. She had been sent to Deling to discuss a peace lock with Esthar. I escorted her to one of these meetings when things were tense. Everything seemed to be going fine. Then, just this week, I received news that the negotiations stopped.
Irvine: So they reached a peaceful solution?
Squall: Hardly. Ellone was taken prisoner and Esthar declared war on the other. It took a few days for news to reach Deling. When it did, I think it was yesterday, they sent over a few special forces and assassinated an important official.
Irvine: What about Ellone?
Squall: They took the airship as well and the soldiers were forced to serve in their army.
Selphie: How'd you find out about this then?!
Squall: One of the soldiers was in the transmissions room and sent a brief message to my dad. He was killed on the video though and then it ended. We don't even know if Ellone is alive.
Irvine: What did you need to tell us for?
Squall: We are to assist Esthar in the war. Due to the recent events, we need soldiers. I need you two to go and search for people to help and also, all students will be enrolled in See D. We have two weeks to prepare.
Selphie: What about Illasu? She can't fight and now, Trent and Rin are going to be imprisoned and...
Selphie was pacing around holding her head. Irvine went to her and held her in his arms.
Irvine: Squall, not everyone knows how to fight. How are we supposed to train 3/4 of the school's population in two weeks?
Squall: I honestly have no idea. We'll need Rin and that transformation of his as well. I know he doesn't want to use it but he's got to.
Irvine: What kind of operation are we up against?
Squall: 200 million at least for them and for us...405 thousand...it's pretty bleak odds. Cid ordered that all surrounding schools enroll all students in See D as well and train for the two weeks. He mentioned something about phoning the prison but I don't think he's gotten around to it. Still, with all this help, their isn't much Esthar can do. But no matter what, I am going. I have to save my sister.
Selphie: We'll come with you. We won't let you do this alone.
Irvine: How come you didn't tell anyone else yet?
Squall: Rinoa is pretty depressed and she's really out of it. She was asleep when I came back form Cid's office. Zell has disappeared and Quistis was watching over Illasu. Crose, Yugo, Shushira and Jakeen will be in formed with the rest.
At this, Crose slinked off the shelf and walked to the shelf behind Squall. Walking out of the shadows slowly, he scared Selphie to where she screamed. Irvine covered her mouth and she calmed down when it was only Crose. However, Squall had pulled his gunblade and was holding it at him. Crose raised an eyebrow at him as he sheathed his sword. Irvine dipped his hat in greeting and Crose spared a glance acknowledging him. Then his attention shifted back to Squall. He saluted him and stared at him. Then, both their monotone voices softly talked.
Squall: Crose? What are you doing here? I thought the Library was empty. I didn't even see you come in.
Crose: I was up.
Squall: You heard everything?
Crose: Yes Commander.
Squall: What do you think?
Crose: Whatever I'm told to.
Squall and Crose stared at each other and finally looked back at the other two. Irvine had an eyebrow lifted at the both of them and Selphie was just terrified.
Irvine: We should get back. It's late and Selphie needs sleep...along with me. I'll talk to you in the morning Squall. Crose...
Crose slightly nodded his head as the two left silently. The Garden was lit still as it always was but it was well into the night. Crose peered at the clock placed crookedly on the wall. Almost 11:45, he thought, I had better go switch shifts with Quistis.
Crose: Commander, we should talk tomorrow. This was all very disturbing news...especially on a day like today.
Squall: Yes, well tomorrow everyone will find out.
Crose: Understood sir.
Squall: Easy Crose, we're not on duty now. I get enough of that sir trash when I am on duty. Let's go grab some coffee...that is if you're staying up.
Crose: I am. I was going to stay in Illasu's room to watch over her during the night. Although coffee isn't my thing, some tea sounds great and I have to get Quistis a sticky bun.
Squall chuckled as he started walking out. Sticking his hands in his pockets of his baggy black jeans, Crose took his uniform jacket off and ran his hand through his hair. His black shirt made it seem that only his face was the only thing in the room. He walked after Squall in the small shafts of moonlight. He looked up to see if it was snowing yet but it hadn't even dusted the glass. He sighed and kept walking.
The Ragnarok/Prison
Rin and Trent had slept the rest of the way. When the See Ds threw the door open, Trent was the first to wake up. They grabbed her arms softly and led her away. Rin was still sleeping but as soon as Trent's body heat was gone and the cold air hit him, he woke up with a start. The kindest See D there was to escort him. He grabbed the chain the was secured to the floor and unlocked it. Leading him out, the boy led him inside. Trent was in front of him. She was arguing the whole time with the guys, trying to make Rin laugh. But it was no use. Trent knew there was really nothing funny about being locked away so she stopped. As soon as they stepped through the doors, Rin heard the leader shout something. When he looked around, he saw pink...everywhere. He brought his face out from under his hair as he looked around. The females in front of him smiled brightly. Trent backed away. She looked terrified.
Rin: Trent...where are we?
Trent: No...not this place.
Rin: Trent! What do you mean?
Trent: There must be some mistake. We were to go to a low security prison! Not a rehabilitation center for the morally corrupt!
Rin looked straight at all the bright white uniforms of the nurses. He shuddered on the inside but he smiled his sweet smile. They all tittered with laughter as the See D took them to their 'cell'. Trent went crazy. The room was empty...but it was yellow and fuzzy, even the floor was. Rin sighed. He just wanted to sleep. He wanted to think things over, run his heart out and kiss Illasu. A nurse came in and welcomed them. The young See D left with a small laugh.
Nurse Mariko: Irasshaimase Chotto o kuuki! {Welcome to A Little Bit of Air}
Rin: Hanashimasu English. {I speak English}
Mariko: Oh! (bows) Mush apologies!
Rin: It's all right. A Little Bit of Air?
Mariko: Yes, I would like to welcome you here. I am Mariko, your nurse, Rin. Your Garden's headmaster called and told us you were coming.
Trent: I hate this place...
Mariko: Oh? You've been here before?
Trent: (sneers) Yeah, and I hate it.
Mariko: Now that's just the attitude that will get you thrown in confinement.
Trent: I am not leaving his side.
Mariko: Yes, well if you need anything, don't hesitate to call.
Rin: Call?
Mariko: Yes, there's a phone there. I see you are still confused. Come with me. Young lady, you are to stay here. The appointed nurse for you will be here shortly.
Trent shuddered as the small nurse unlocked all of Rin's chains. They fell to the floor in heaps as Rin followed Mariko. He looked back at Trent, sitting in the corner far away from the door. He smiled at her as she sarcastically smiled back. Rin shook his head laughing. Mariko locked the door. This was the only military thing about the whole place so far. The door was an airlock and then covered by a thick metal door. Mariko turned to him and swept her hand for him to follow her 'this way'. Rin shoved his hands in his pockets and sauntered on. As they were walking along, Mariko started explaining more in depth as Rin looked around.
Mariko: You see, this is a low security prison. While we are called a rehab center, we do try to operate like a military canter. I heard of the crime you're here for and though it really makes no sense to me why they sent you here, you are to receive or most strict counseling. Headmaster Cid tried to explain to me the reason why he sent you here. Something to do with your past he said...I think. Well, anyway, lunches will be served to you in the room. You will only be able to be outside for short periods of time if you even wish to go out in this weather. We don't provide many extra activities. The only ones are of course the Training Center and a Library...though I doubt you'd like that much.
Rin: (looks surprised) Now why would you think that?
Mariko: It hasn't had a visitor in over ten years. I was just assuming...
Rin: (smiles kindly) It's all right. Um, Ms. Mariko, that phone...can it make distanced calls?
Mariko: Well, with your sentence, you won't be able to for awhile I'm afraid. Here's the Training Center and right here is the Library. If you ever want to check something out, just feel free to ask and I'll escort you here. Now, I must warn you. If you pull any stunt here, I shall have to report you and you will be put in confinement.
Rin: I understand. I have no intentions of pulling anything. I just need some time to think.
Mariko: That's what we're here for. Come, this way.
Mariko led him down a hall surrounded by the metal doors. Right before they got to the end, she turned into an office.
Mariko: (shuffling through papers) Oh, where is it?
Rin: Um, do you want some help?
Mariko: No, no I'm fine. Ah, blast! Where'd I put it?
Rin walked around and looked at the pictures tacked up on the walls. Some were of Mariko and a bunch of horses. Others were maps, charts and See D reports. Among the mess was Mariko's degree and a note. Mariko waved a paper around and came over to him.
Mariko: I found it. Ok, you're to help patient number...
Rin: What?
Mariko: Oh! Forgive me again. All right, what we do here is that as soon as you came in we assessed your physical, mental and social status. Now, if you are up to speed on all of these, then we assign you to help one of the less...well, stable patients.
Rin: O...k...
Mariko: You have patient number 326, Isfrael Ranma.
Rin: Chaotic horse?
Mariko: Yes, although she is not very chaotic.
Rin: How?
Mariko: You'll see. Please, come with me.
Rin: Ms. Mariko, it's almost 11 pm. Do we get to sleep?
Mariko: Oh! Is it really that late? I'm sorry, I didn't realize that. Yes, I'll take you back. Tomorrow, we'll go see Isfrael.
Rin: Do we get to wake up on our own?
Mariko: Not for your first week, but since I kept you late, I'll let you sleep tomorrow. I'm pretty sure you had a hard day today.
Rin smiled and followed the short nurse back to the fuzzy yellow room. Trent was still in the corner but she had nodded off to sleep.
Mariko: Oh dear, it seems Nan didn't bring you any beds.
Rin: We'll be fine for tonight. Don't worry about it.
Mariko: Oh Rin, I wouldn't if I didn't have to. I'll be right back shortly. Here are the papers on Isfrael. You might want to look them over.
Rin took the papers and walked over beside Trent. Sliding down, she opened a lazy eye at him and smiled. She leaned on his shoulder and fell back to sleep. Rin was intrigued about this whole thing. Opening the folder, he saw a picture of a little girl. Looking it over, he read everything he could:
Isfrael Ranma
Age: 7
Blood Type: A
Rin: Great, she's anti-social...(keeps reading)
Height: 4'' 8'
Weight: 72 - pending
Eye Color: Icy Blue
Rin kept reading to find out why a seven year old would be here. It just didn't fit. He skipped the rest of the physical part until he came to illnesses. Looking at it, Rin wondered what wasn't listed here. There were numerous things. Rin was a little disheartened. He flipped the page and started reading the mental papers. She was listed as 'pure genius'. All her I.Q. tests had proved that she was perfectly, if not way above normal. Moving onto the social sheet, Rin lost heart. It said she hadn't moved, eaten, or moved her eyes for over a two year period. They had lists of medications they had tried. Now they were using IVs. Morphine had once been tried to get her mind to manipulate itself into moving parts of her body. It said it had failed along with all the others. Now, they were just using the necessary ones to keep her alive and healthy. Rin closed the file and thought what the little girl might look like. Pretty soon, he nodded off with Trent still leaning on his shoulder.
Kadowaki's Office
Crose had opened the door and there n the desk was Zell and Quistis. She was laughing as Zell held her down and kissed her cheek. Quistis' head turned towards the door and saw Crose. He closed the door and walked into Illasu's room. As Quistis tried to explain, he held up a hand and shut Illasu's door. Zell had retreated to the chair behind the desk as Quistis had busied herself with the orders again. Pretty soon, Zell started whistling and wouldn't sit still.
Zell: Quistis, could you please hurry up?
Quistis: (still looking down, pen flying) Zell, I have to do these tonight. (looks up smiling) Why don't you go to bed? It's really late.
Zell: No...that's...
He had already fallen asleep. Quistis went and laid a blanket over him.
Squall
He had gotten a brilliant idea. Now, he was heading to the girl's dorms with his coffee in hand. Selphie was walking around the hall with Irvine. Upon eyeing Squall, they headed over.
Selphie: What cha doin' Squallie?
Squall: Can you help me get into Illasu's dorm?
Irvine stared at Squall. He shook a finger at the commander.
Squall: Not like that you perv! It's for Illasu!
Selphie: Do you have Cid's card key?
Squall fished out a different colored key and smiled. Grabbing it, Selphie found he door and slid the key in. It didn't open. Sliding it again, it still didn't open. Finally after being very frustrated, she jammed the card in the slot and kicked the door. Selphie's foot met the door with a ringing sound, causing her to grab her foot and hop up and down. Squall shook his head and took the card out. Sliding it in gantly, the door slid open silently. He looked at Selphie and smiled.
Squall: Okay, will you help me calmly look for some papers Illasu wrote?
Selphie: Hey, what am I getting out of this anyway!?
Squall: Helping two friends at the same time?
Selphie: Oh, right...ok...
They walked in and Irvine slowly shut the door. They were in pitch black darkness. Selphie clapped her hands thinking the light was a fancy 'clapper'. When a light didn't come on, she shook with anger and beat her hands together. Irvine scrambled for the light. When he switched it on, Selphie smiled and started doing her impression of James Bond.
Squall: Ok, we're looking for a stack of papers, possibly a single one.
Irvine: What kind of info is that?!
Selphie: (humming James Bond theme song, forming a gun with her hands) The best...AH HA!
Selphie was by the couch. On the table in front of it, there were stacks of miscellaneous papers. She dove into the pile as Irvine sat down and started looking. Then it hit him.
Irvine: What are we looking for exactly?
Squall: We're looking for weapon plans. Scientific equations, drawings, anything! This is Illasu after all.
Irvine: Ah, right.
Selphie: (turning a paper around and around in her hands) Um, Squall...
Squall: Did you find it?
Selphie: I don't know...here.
Squall took the paper and looked. It was a homework paper over the anatomy of bubble gum. Squall looked up, non-amused. Selphie smiled at him and quickly returned to the pile. When the papers were all sorted through, Squall was beginning to think that Illasu had discarded the drawings or even the idea itself. He looked on her desk. It was a mess. He sighed and picked up a few of the papers. They were just drawings. Irvine walked into the bathroom and looked around. There wasn't much in there. Irvine looked in the cabinet and saw numerous things thrown inside. Then he saw it. On the cabinet door, a crumpled piece of paper was taped up. Numerous post it notes were stuck around it and equations were carved into the door. The trashcan was full of crumpled balls and pens were where toothbrushes went.
Irvine: Uh, guys?
Selphie: Irvine! Get out of there! Who knows what's in there!
Irvine: It's her drawings.
Squall: Do what!?
Squall came over and peered in cautiously. Indeed, it was the drawings. Midnight, he thought, have to sneak out with them. Then, he thought of a flaw in his perfect plan. He couldn't take the plans down. Before he said anything, Irvine snapped a few close-ups and Selphie carefully put all the papers into a folder. Handing it to Squall, she smiled.
Selphie: When do we start?
Squall took the plans and kept staring at the both of them.
Irvine: We'll need a forge, and some titanium. We can surprise her.
Squall: Yeah...
Selphie: You ok Squall?
He was looking a bit dazed. Not sure he could hold all this in, he sat down on the couch. Looking at the drawings more carefully and the photos Irvine was printing out form his camera, he saw the intricacy of the whole thing. A tiny, weaving design was to be carved on the pole with certain air holes of different sizes. This would allow the pole to be swung faster therefore applying a harder hit. Squall was amazed. She had put a lot of thought into the whole thing. He smiled and walked out. Selphie followed him as Irvine shut and locked the door.
Yipee! Chappy 4 is done! Ok, I'm gonna start chappy 5! Please R&R!