Disclaimer: I do not own Squaresoft, I own my own characters.
Crose and Illasu-Friday Morning
The night had been terrible. Crose hadn't gotten any sleep just like he had thought. Kadowaki was forced to come in all night and help him after all. Illasu had gone low on her heart beats and then all of a sudden they had jumped back up to a very high point. Crose had called Kadowaki for that and then when her temperature had soared again, Kadowaki came again as well. Now, Illasu was resting again and Crose was laying on the covers of her bed, wiped out. He had put an arm around her so he could feel if she had any more 'surprises'. Quistis came in silently and woke Crose up. Squall had called her to say that they needed to report to the auditorium. Placing a hand on his shoulder, he slowly opened his eyes and frightened Quistis.
Quistis: Oh! Crose, you wake up fast. Anyway, Squall said for us to report to the auditorium. Everyone will be there, so no one will be able to look after Illasu I'm afraid.
Crose: I'm not leaving her.
Quistis: You have to come to the auditorium though.
Crose: No, I don't. Someone will come and tell me. I'm sure they know how bad Illasu is.
Quistis: Oh Crose! Fine! I'll come back and tell you!
He smiled at her as Quistis actually laughed a little. He gave her a slight hug and she left laughing. He turned his head to look at Illasu. She was doing fine, sleeping so silently. He looked around at the various monitors and they all read perfect. He stretched and snuck out of the bed. Illasu moved a little when he moved his arm. Looking at her, Crose turned the tranquilizers down so she could wake up for a moment or two. She fluttered her eyes for a moment adjusting to the sudden light from where the door was slightly open. She stretched and looked at Crose smiling.
Illasu: Oh, Rin...what happened?
Crose: Illy, it's not...
Illasu: Come here you...
Crose saw she was a bit delirious from the morphine still. She smiled at him warily and he slowly walked over, sitting down on her bedside. He moved her wet hair from her face as she placed her arms about him. Crose was surprised at this. She lightly kissed his cheek and held on tightly. Being Rin's best friend, he was slightly entitled to be there when she needed him. This was too much however, even for morphine. He took hold of her hands and lowered her back down on the bed. She murmured something about Pop-tarts and spinning tops. He smiled again, gleaming.
Illasu: Rin, where is everyone?
Crose: Illasu, it's Crose.
Illasu: Oh? Crose is here?
Crose: No...uh well, yes. It's me, right here in front of you.
Illasu: Where Rin? I can't see him.
Crose took her hand and put it to his face.
Crose: See? It's not Rin here...it's Crose.
Illasu: Nonsense Rin, it is you. Stop playing around! Silly angel!
Crose sighed heavily. Illasu was going to have to learn the truth sooner or later. He looked towards the brightening day outside and opened the window a little. The cold, winter air rushed in and filled the room with a fresh scent. Crose stayed at the window sill for a bit, taking deep breaths of fresh air, for the room had begun to smell terribly of chemicals.
A Little Bit of Air
Rin's night had been far more pleasant. He woke up in a warm bed to the daylight. He peered over his shoulder at the clock. It was about 9 am. He rubbed his eyes sleepily and looked over next to him. Trent was in a bed on the other side of the room. Her arm was drooping off the bed, a foot hanging out from under the covers and the covers themselves were about to fall off the bed. Rin threw his covers off to find he was freezing. He realized he had no shirt on. Reaching around for one, he found none there. He was sure he had fallen asleep with one on. Mariko must have taken it with her when she brought in the beds, he thought. Shaking it off for now, Rin looked around the pretty plain room. There was the clock, a small chest of drawers for each one of them and a bed. That was pretty much it. Rin fell down into the fuzzy floor and stretched out. He had a giant smile on his face as Mariko came in. She smiled warmly at him and he waved. She softly came in and handed him a baggy white shirt. Rin now noticed his pants were different too. He began to wonder. Mariko nodded towards the door. Pulling the shirt on, he sat up and walked out. Mariko shut the door quietly as he padded into the empty hall. He yawned as Mariko gave him a sheet of paper.
Rin: More papers Mariko?
Mariko: You might find this interesting.
Rin: It's more stuff on Isfrael...you know I read that stuff last night.
Mariko: Did you? Wonderful! Well, off to breakfast I guess. While we're there, I'll explain more about your day.
Rin: How'd I get into these pants?
Mariko: Oh, we had to use magic on you. Your pockets were full of things, so I put them inside your dresser.
Rin: Thanks...and for the bed too.
Mariko nodded happily as she turned into a busy little room. There was the murmur of patients chatting away and the smell of cafeteria food. Rin's stomach did a flip and he felt sick. Mariko walked on. He followed her into another room. This one was full of See Ds. A couple of them looked up at Rin and smiled. Others, didn't move. Mariko walked over to the more decent looking food as Rin was allowed to pick from two choices: cereal or a couple of breakfast burritos. He chose the mystery cereal due to his stomach. He took a giant red apple as well. Mariko led him to a table that was empty and sat down. Rin sat down and ran his hand through his hair. Mariko produced a number of things from invisible pockets. Rin was amazed at much she was carrying. She smiled at him again when she caught him staring at all the things.
Rin: (swallowing) What's all this?
Mariko: Oh, you know...schedules, ID cards, my breakfast!
Here, she chuckled a little at the granola bar on the table. Rin smiled warmly as she tore the wrapper off and scarfed it down with a drink of chocolate milk from a carton nearby. She had evidently grabbed that when I was looking among the food, he thought as she readied herself for a talk.
Mariko: Rin Ogami, you will be awakened every morning, except for special occasions, promptly at 7am. You are allowed to go to the Recreational Room for a two hour period at any time you choose. You are also allowed to visit the Library...well I already explained that last night. You are assigned to Engel...
Rin: Engel? I thought I was with Isfrael.
Mariko: Oh, forgive me. We call her Engel here. Wait till you see her, you'll agree. Anyway, you'll be with her for a long time, most of your day. There's a place here...a two hour period that's free. You can fill that in with anything you wish.
Rin: What do you have here?
Mariko: Hmm...it says you were taking Advanced Biology and few other classes at Balamb. We offer the same courses, if you would like to keep up with those studies.
Rin: Yes, please, could you put the Bio class on there please?
Mariko: Of course! You sure are polite Rin! I don't think you need to be here really. I don't see why you are.
Rin looked down into his bowl and remembered the unfortunate events. Mariko saw this saddened him for some reason. She looked for a way out. Luckily, the bell rang abruptly and the See Ds left. Rin was startled by the sudden sound. The small nurse showed him what to do after breakfast, lunch or dinner. It was basically like the Garden, except you cleaned your own tray. Rin didn't mind. Mariko took her leave, handing Rin the paper schedule. After that was done, he was allowed to go to the Library, Rec. Room, or go outside. Engel wasn't up with the rest of the children. Technically she was, but Mariko advised against seeing her this early. Rin wanted to avoid the Rec. Room for now. He didn't feel great at the moment. Outside was cold and he had just finished reading a huge book on the Relative Effect of Winter on Birds. It was for Illasu's sake. He stood there scratching his head and wondering what to do when few young kids ran by. A nurse younger and smaller than Mariko was chasing, hurriedly, after them. They giggled to themselves and hid around the corner. Rin smiled at the wall and poked his head around the corner. The small kids held a finger to their mouths giggling loudly. They weren't much older than seven or six. Rin smiled and snuck around the corner with them. He squatted down and asked them what their names were.
Catty: I'm Catty...and this is Rica.
The small, brown haired boy with a thumb in his mouth, smiled. Rin loved kids. He smiled back and told them his name. He especially liked Catty. She was a little blued-eyed, blond cutie. She, too, was sucking her thumb. They were all dressed in white just like Rin was and were about as tall as his knees. A third child came up and hugged him. She had black hair and dark brown eyes. Her name tag said 'HI! I am Dara.' Another little boy protruded from the quite short crowd and stared at Rin. His red hair didn't match his dark blue eyes. He held a plastic toy and was clutching it rather harshly. About the time Rin got them quiet and they were hiding together, the nurse came out from the long hallway to round the corner. She stared at Rin who was hugging all the kids to him. She marveled at how calm they were. They tittered with laughter when she said nothing. Rin did too.
Andy: (smiling and rather confused) C'mon kids, let's leave this young man to his business.
Everyone in the bunch moaned, even Rin. Catty wouldn't let go of him so as Rin stood up, he hooked an arm under her and lifted her up with him. The other three crowded around him and clutched his legs. Rin smiled at the nurse and introduced himself with Catty hiding her face in his hair.
Rin: (puts a hand out) Hi, I'm Rin.
Andy: I'm Andy. Nice to meet you. The kids seem to like you. I can't ever get them like this. Do you mind helping me get them back to the K.C.C.?
Rin: K.C.C.?
Andy: Kid Care Center, where all the kids are. They live there basically, except for Engel and a few others.
Rin: Oh, sure. C'mon guys!
Little arms clutched tightly around Rin's legs. He shrugged and walked on like normal. Andy marveled at him. The kids were laughing and he was lifting two kids on one leg easily.
Andy: Sorry for them bothering you. I am sure you were going somewhere rather important!
She smiled and rubbed the red head playfully. He smiled up at her and laughed. Rin began a silly song and marched down the hall, holding Catty and Dara. The girls were blushing by the time they reached the room. It was full of laughter. There weren't as many kids as Rin had thought there would be. There was only about five others. When Rin came into the room, he slowly set Dara and Catty down. They rushed to their friends and began a game of Ring-Around-the-Rosy. Rica and the little red head went over and zoomed planes about. Rin shook his head. Andy laughed. Turning to go with a sigh, Andy stopped him short.
Andy: Thanks again. There was no way I could have drug them all back here!
Rin: No problem...it's just that I really have nothing to do today! I feel kind of sick so I'm not going to the RR yet.
Andy: Oh! Would you like to help me here?
Rin brightened up and laughed himself. Catty had magically appeared beside him. She was holding her arms up and smiling. He picked her up and trumped over to the other kids. Andy got everyone to pay attention as Rin sat down in a bean bag and said hi. The three children in the hall came up. The red head stayed playing with the planes.
Rin: Hey guys, I'm Rin! Uh, looks like I'll be helping out here today. Uh, let's see...I've met Catty here and Dara and Rica. Why don't you guys tell me yours?
There was a roar of names and laughter as they all raced to tell him their names. Rin laughed and explained a little bit better. Pretty soon, all the kids were named and Rin was going around, playing with different groups of them. Andy did too. She quite liked the help and liked having company as well. Rin's smile brightened the place up a bunch. Catty never left Rin's side. She was sucking her thumb and helping him put a puzzle together when Mariko came for him. She looked exhausted. Rin turned around from where he had Catty sitting in his lap on the floor. He smiled and scratched his head.
Rin: Uh...I didn't have anything to do so I came here to help Ms. Andy.
Mariko: Oh it's all right Rin! I was just worried about you. It's time for you to meet Engel now.
Rin: Oh...ok. Catty, I got to go but I'll come back if I can, ok?
Catty smiled up at him through her thumb and hugged him quite tightly. Rin hugged her softly and preceded out of the room. All the kids moaned and ran to the door to watch him leave. Dara started to cry but Andy patted her shoulder a little. Rin looked back at the multiplying faces in the doorway. He waved with a giant smile. This improved things. They all said goodbye and ran back inside playing, except for Catty who stood there. Rin had already turned around and didn't see her little hand waving back.
Auditorium
Everyone had gathered and was filling the giant room. When the line was but a trickle, Cid came up to the microphone and began.
Cid: Everyone please be quiet. We have a situation at hand that is of terrible news. Three weeks ago, negotiations between the province of Esthar and Deling City were taking place to ensure peace between the two. You all are familiar with the territories, I am sure. Well, I am afraid I have disturbing news. This week, the ambassador was taken captive in Deling City, along with another negotiator. We have attained the information as to whom the ambassador was. It was Ellone Lorie. The province of Esthar declared war on Deling and the battles rage over open territory. We received a call from the President himself. He stated that all the Gardens are too train every student in the ways of See D. We are to assist Esthar in this matter. Everyone will fight in the battle.
There were numerous gasps and whistles from the students. One jumped up yelling.
Student: Let them fight it on their own!
Cid: We cannot do that. We have orders to...
Student: No! We won't lose our lives in this matter! We won't go! We won't go!
A chant started to fill the room. Many students stood shaking their fists as Cid scrambled to regain control. Squall who was brooding over the matter suddenly stood up and walked on stage. Rinoa was scared. Squall pushed Cid away as he stood in the center of the stage under the blackness of the shadows. He looked sadistic. He slowly looked at everyone. They all stopped chanting and looked to him.
Squall: (murmuring at first, his voice growing till he screams) Look at you...you all are a bunch of cowards. That is my sister out there! We WILL go save her! All the See Ds and you...(points to the crowd) we will fight with Esthar! If anyone dare back down or does not follow an order, they will answer to me! Now SIT DOWN!
Squall breathed out hard. Rinoa was covering her ears. She was crying as well. Squall looked at the Headmaster, cowering away as well. Everyone sat, thinking it over a bit more clearly now. Squall leaned in the corner and tried to keep his mind straight. Cid walked up to the center and began again.
Cid: We will all be under Commander Leonhart's orders. The jail where our See Ds are held will be evacuated and they will assist us. I have sent word for them today. Everyone will be issued a weapon best suited to their abilities and trained in it's use. You will also be trained in the magical arts and almost half will begin training in GF Summoning. The number of Deling City soldiers multiplies quicker than we may count and they were already ahead of Esthar at the beginning. Even with our added help, Esthar might not have a good chance. You are all asked to recruit people from towns and villages nearby. Also, since some of you may not return, the day before we go into this war you will all be allowed to go to your families and say goodbye. Esthar is quite a ways away. The White See Ds will be in charge of the full mission. Commander Leonhart has command over all the Garden's military again.
Here, Selphie couldn't stand it anymore. She was jumping around in her seat, raising her hand. Cid called on her.
Selphie: When you said all students, does that include those in the Infirmary?
Cid: I am afraid so. Sorry Selphie, but Illasu will be fighting with us...
Irvine: (stands up) That's not fair! She's on the brink of death!
Cid: I know. But she has to fight. Rin and the others will be helping as well.
Student: (mumbles behind Irvine) Huh...what a better way to get rid of the freaks...
Zell: What!
Zell completely lost all his calmness he might have had. He jumped the seat in one leap and began punching on the student behind him. His pals joined in, beating on Zell. Irvine jumped into it as well. They were a mass of screams and bruises. The girls joined in as the rest of the students chose sides. The room became a giant fighting ring. Squall walked up to Cid, watching the fight.
Squall: They'll never work together.
Cid: We have to try. Where's Crose?
Squall: He refused to leave Illasu alone. Cid, we can't make her fight, not in her condition.
Cid: Quistis has informed me that Illasu's condition has remained stable for quite sometime. Last night she seemed to have a few problems, but those are now taken care of. She is strong. She will be able to fight.
Cid left the stage as Squall fired off a round of Gunblade bullets into the ceiling. Everyone stopped fighting and crouched down, thinking they were already under attack. Squall had the D.C. dismiss the students to their dorms peacefully. When everyone was gone except Rinoa and Seifer, Squall sat down and started to cry. He didn't want to do any of this. Rinoa ran on stage and comforted him. Seifer said nothing but he guarded the door for them. Squall let his Gunblade drop and embraced Rinoa as she hugged him close to her. She cried a little herself. She wondered what they were to do. She would have to talk with Kadowaki she concluded. It was the only possible way.
The Infirmary
Quistis walked in holding her head and plopped down in a chair. Crose came out of the room and handed her a glass of water. He waited for her to drink it all and start talking.
Quistis: We have to get Illasu away from here...far away.
Crose: Why? What was the announcement?
Quistis: We're in a war. Everyone is to fight. Even Rin was sent for...along with all the convicts around. This is horrible.
Crose was taken aback and sat down himself. He ran his hands nervously through his hair and stared into Illasu's room. She lay sleeping again. He looked back to Quistis.
Crose: The GF Palace...
Quistis: Huh?
She had been crying and hadn't heard him. Crose went to her and put a firm hand on her shoulder. With a dry smile, he told her the GF Palace might be able to hide her. Quistis nodded and decided to ask Shiva. Crose retired, once again, back to Illasu's room.
I wasn't sure when to end this chapter. But, I decided that the announcement was made so yeah... ANYWAY! I'll get started on the next one! Okie! Byah!