Disclaimer: I do not own Squaresoft. I own my own characters.
Rinoa
She was frantically looking for Kadowaki without much luck. No one had seen the esteemed doctor since the announcement that day. Sitting down in the empty cafeteria, she tried to calm down. Squall walked in and saw that saw was very stressed. Walking over, he sat next to her and put a hand on her shoulder.
Squall: Did you find her yet?
Rinoa: No...
Squall: Where haven't you checked?
Rinoa: The balcony, library, and the Infirmary...I think that's it.
Squall: I'll go to the Infirmary and look. I want to check on Illasu.
Rinoa: I'll go to the Library...
Squall: You can't. It's sealed off.
Rinoa: Well then, I'll go look on the balcony.
As she got up to leave, Squall pulled her into a giant hug. She cried into his shirt as he lifted her chin. Staring at his eyes, he kissed her deeply and murmured for her to calm down. She sobbed over his shoulder as he walked, holding her in his arms. Leaving her in the middle of the entryway, he sauntered off to the Infirmary. Rinoa rubbed her eyes and watched him for a moment. Then she turned and headed to the balcony.
Infirmary
Squall pushed the door open and found a rather…peculiar sight. Zell was hugging Quistis, crying. Quisti was consoling him, but she didn't appear to be crying. It was embarrassing for Squall. He slammed to door shut and sauntered into Illasu's room. Quistis realized that Squall had come in and left Zell for a moment to update him on Crose's plan. Realizing she was coming after him, he shut the door and locked it. But, looking towards Illasu's bed, he saw Crose asleep beside her with an arm over her forehead. He backed up to the door where Quistis was pounding on it. She was saying something about a plan and the GF Palace. He slowly reached out to the knob, hesitating to open it. Sighing, he unlocked the lock and opened it to where there was a slim line of light being let in. Quistis soon filled that space.
Quistis: Squall, Crose thought of a plan!
Squall: (whispers harshly) Shut up! They're asleep…
Quistis: Oh, well come out here!
Squall sighed and let himself out, silently. Quistis shoved him down into a chair as soon as his whole self was visible. She squatted down in front of him and began to seriously talk to him. He was a bit relieved it wasn't Selphie who was talking to him. He put his elbows to his knees and listened to her.
Quistis: Crose thinks the GF Palace, Shiva in particular could help us. They could at least hide her where no one could get to her except one of us at a time to check on her. It's a rather brilliant idea and I am going to summon Shiva later and talk to her about it. What do you think? You think it's worth a shot at least?
Squall: It is worth a shot but I don't think Shiva can help us. I am not sure what to do. If Illasu finds out about any of this, she'll want to fight. We all know that.
Quistis: Squall, Illasu can't even stay awake that long. The morphine is so high that she is hallucinating Crose is Rin. Crose doesn't know what to do about it.
Squall: says under his breath Hmpf, he seems to have figured something out…
Quistis: Excuse me?
Squall: He's asleep in the bed, arm on her head, in that room…with her in the bed! He seems pretty comfy so far.
Quistis; Squall, you've got it all wrong. Illasu's temperature has been fluctuating at major differences. Crose is also very tired so he laid down beside her. His arm is on her forehead in case she gets another temperature. Ok?
Squall: Oh…yeah…whatever.
Zell: Quistis…sniffle I think it's lunch time.
All three looked at the clock. It was noon and the lunch room would start to fill up. Quistis got up and dusted her knees off as Zell opened the door for them both. He looked back at Squall sitting there, looking at the floor.
Zell: You coming?
Squall: No.
Zell: You want anything?
Squall: Don't care.
Zell: Ok. I'll leave it in your room on the heater so it'll stay warm. See 'ya later.
Zell quietly walked out, shutting the door behind him. Squall didn't lift his gaze from the floor. He was astounded at all of this still. He didn't want to make Illasu fight and he sure didn't want her to get hurt more…maybe even die. He finally sighed, stood up and walked back over to where the door was open a sliver. He looked at it oddly.
Squall: I could swear I shut that door when I walked out…
He looked through the slit to see Crose sitting in a chair, holding his head. He looked exhausted. Squall pushed the door open slowly and the room filled with an eerie glow. The smell of chemicals hit Squall hard. He staggered in the doorway a bit. Crose got up and helped him to a chair. Squall thanked him and stared at Illasu, still asleep.
Crose: She's been asleep all morning pretty much.
Squall: Are the tranqs turned off?
Crose: Their tuned down about half way. She's pretty much sleeping on her own which is what we want her to do.
Squall: I am guessing you heard…about her having to fight?
Crose: And I am guessing you heard about my plan?
They both smiled and looked back at Illasu. She was the worry of them all and a dear friend they didn't want to lose. She had no idea how much they loved her as a dear friend.
A Little Bit of Air
The had arrived at a giant door. The hallway was quite dark and the smell wasn't that great either. Rin almost retched when they got to her room. There was a little metal slider on the door which Mariko opened. Inside, the room was very, very bright. The lights were to white for Rin to look in instantly. He waited till his eyes dilated in and then proceeded to look in through the tiny slit. He couldn't really see anyone in the room, just a white table. Looking harder though, he saw a pale white face with blondish hair, covered in a white gown, sitting in a small chair across from another. The chairs were also white. It looked like it could have been a fracture of Heaven, but in reality Rin betted it was Hades. There were no toys, no books…just the three pieces of furniture. He looked away, his heart feeling pity and sorrow at the same time. Looking at Mariko, he felt himself break into a light sweat, trying to calm the beast inside him.
Rin: Why…is her room all white?
Mariko: I am not really sure why it is that way. I suppose it have to do with her mentality state.
Rin: No wonder she never moves, there is noting to do in there.
Mariko: Yes…well…anyway, let's go in shall we?
Rin: Uh…sure. And you were right, I did see why you call her Engel. Her room makes it look like she's and angel in a demented Heaven.
Mariko seemed to be saddened when Rin had said 'demented Heaven'. Rin felt ashamed but it was the truth. When they went in, the little girl didn't move…like the papers had said. The room was dreadfully cold but yet overbearingly hot. Rin felt as if his body was going to be crushed. Mariko watched from behind the door. He grabbed his arms and sat down, trying to ignore the pain. Engel's eyes were piercing…he felt as if he was being judged. But he was here to help her, so he decided to do his job.
Rin: Hi Engel…
He smiled at her but then winced in pain again from the climate. Putting a hand to his face, he looked back at the door. Mariko was gone and there was no one else around. He turned around with a sigh and put his elbows on the table, staring back at her.
Rin: It's quiet…
Still…nothing. Soon, his mind wondered. He began to think about Illasu…and the last images he saw of her scattered in his brain. His eyes filled with tears and he laid his head down, sobbing quietly. He cried for a time, eventually drifting to a somber silence.
Rin: I don't understand why you choose not to talk…everyone is capable of it. You're tests are enough to prove that you can!
Something happened that Rin regretted. His head felt as if it was splitting apart and his mind was being invaded by little spikes of torment, prodding at his thoughts.
GF Palace
Shiva: You want me to what?!
Crose: Shiva! Even for you, is it possible?!
Shiva: You intrude on my home and then throw around brash ideals! Be gone from my Palace!
Shiva stood up, pointing to the door. Crose stood his ground but soon Diablos appeared and nodded towards the door. Crose reluctantly left. Outside the great crystal doors, Quistis was waiting. He said nothing and walked into the portal room. Glaring, Ifrit nodded and sent them home. Arriving back, he kicked the door to the Infirmary. He noticed the door was ajar and peeked inside. Squall was standing in Illasu's doorway, watching her. Rinoa was standing by the desk, peering at the files. Selphie and Irvine were sitting in a chair together. Shushira, Jakeen, Yugo, and Shiro were also there, to Crose's surprise. He sighed, opened the door, and walked in. All eyes were on him. His eyes flicked up at them and then back down, as he gently put his hands in his pockets and sauntered past Squall.
Selphie: I guess that Shiva didn't want to help.
Irvine: Really Selph…not now…
Selphie: I didn't mean it that way.
He lightly smiled at her and rubbed her hair. She laughed a bit and smiled, leaning her head on him. Zell burst through the doors.
Zell: WHERE'S CROSE?!
Quistis: Zell…let me talk to you outside please…
Zell: WHY!? I WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENED!!
Quistis gave him a glare that could've very well killed him. He cowered and slowly backed out. She followed at a brisk pace and almost slammed the door. Everyone but Squall turned around.
Squall: You might as well go.
Selphie: I'm not leaving.
Irvine: Yeah, me neither.
Rinoa: (after a few moments of silence) Ok.
The two lovers in the chair looked at Rinoa with wide eyes. She turned and left slowly. But before she walked out completely, she stopped and raised her head.
Rinoa: Come find me when you want me again.
Selphie: Rinny!
Her black haired friend left. Selphie looked at Irvine and he unwrapped his arms. The tiny figure scrambled off his lap and managed to stand. Irvine smiled sweetly and leaned back in the chair. Selphie pulled her dress over her butt more and sprinted after Rinoa.
Irvine: What was that about?
Squall: You tell me.
Irvine: Let me guess. Ms. Jumper is out for your blood. You've been spending more time at the Infirmary than with her…
Squall: Illasu's my friend. Rinoa will have to understand that.
Irvine: The way she said want though…that makes me think…uh…you know.
Squall stayed silent.
Irvine: I know Rinny's not a bad person Squall.
Squall: We need to get to work on that weapon. Go get Selphie and meet me in the Training Center.
The two walked out as Crose took Squall's place. The other four in the room found places to sit. Shushira walked into the room and looked down at Illasu. He knelt by her side and let his hand brush her cheek.
Shushira: Crose, shouldn't she already be ok?
Crose: When Rin pulled that stunt…he put her in more danger. Kadowaki says she doesn't know now.
Shushira: Well, what do you think? You've always had that weird ability to tell.
Crose: I haven't tried for fear of false hope or bad news.
Shushira: C'mon Crose! We are all dying on the inside because we don't know if she is dying right now or if she is coming back. You're the only one that can tell us something. You have to believe that whatever news you get will be the right one, no matter what. Please Crose, I'm begging you…try…please.
Crose looked at Shushira and sighed. He slowly walked over and sat on the bedside. Staring down at her, he made no sound and no movement. Shushira watched, worried sick. After a short time, Crose looked back at him. A very small tear ran down his face. Shushira lost all hope.
Crose: Get the others that are here.
Shushira: What's going on inside her?
Crose: She's ok and she wants us to know, she'll be back…
He smiled a bit and laughed too. Shushira stumbled out and the others came rushing to him. He told them and there was gasps and hugs flooding the air. Crose smiled and looked back at Illasu.
Crose: You had us worried girl. Now, don't go breaking your promise.
She smiled a little and then resumed her sleep.
Portal Room at the GF Palace
Selphie: Ifrit, we need your help…or advice maybe…
Ifrit: What is it?
The three had teleported to the Palace and were now talking to Ifrit himself. He wasn't to happy to be teleporting people twice in one day.
Selphie: Can you help us make a weapon?
Ifrit: Huh?
Irvine: We need you to find a forge that can craft this.
He handed Ifrit the plans. The GF stared wide-eyed at them. He himself had never seen such delicate plans for such a simple weapon.
Ifrit: Who made these?
Squall: Illasu did…
He smiled as the GF grinned.
Ifrit: How much?
Squall: What?
Ifrit: How much titanium have you got?
The three shuffled there feet and looked down. The GF growled and resumed looking at the plans.
Ifrit: I know of a forge that could make this…my personal forge. You did right coming to me, but I regret to tell you that I know not where to get titanium for this. It is expensive and not to mention, hard to find. Come back when you have more than enough of it.
He handed the plans back to Squall. The commander did not budge, only scowled at him.
Ifrit: Commander, you would do wise not to anger me or you can consider the GF's not helping you in your upcoming war.
Squall hastily took the plans back. He turned his back as Selphie tried to get some more help.
Selphie: Is there a GF who might know of a mine or something that would have some titanium?
Ifrit: Hmm…Quezacotol might know of some. He has flown over all your lands. I would try him.
Selphie bowed and opened the big doors of the room.
Selphie: Well don't just stand there boys, come on!
Irvine followed with a smile as Squall sauntered after them. Selphie found the balcony and called out in her silly voice. Soon, a misty green GF came through the clouds and hovered above them. Selphie laughed and the GF seemed to laugh back.
Selphie: Quezi! We need your help! Have you ever seen a titanium mine anywhere around here?
The GF flew in two more circles then made an eerie chiming noise. Quezacotol nodded lightly.
Irvine: Uh, Selph? How's he gonna tell us where it's at?
Selphie: He just…can!
He flew off into the clouds and soon returned with a parchment. He dropped it into Selphie's hands and chimed again. She waved and thanked him as he flew back into the mist. She looked at the paper and laughed.
Selphie: Your not gonna believe this…but our Garden is hovering over a mass of raw titanium.
Squall: Great, now we just need someone who can turn it into something useful.
Irvine: What about Jakeen? He works with metal all the time.
Selphie: What a great idea!
Squall: Ok geniuses, who is gonna get it out of the ground? It's not like we can zap it out!
Selphie: Hmm…
They had to think on this one. Selphie paced around while Irvine scratched his head.
Irvine: I got it! Carbuncle!
Selphie: Yesh! He lives underground!
The two smiled at the astounded Squall. He was standing there, gaping mouth. He threw his hands up and walked down the great hall to the end. The doors were made of earth as well. When they walked in, the strong smell of soil hit them. Selphie plugged her nose. The air was a foggy brown. Something was digging in the middle of the room. A red light was on the ground in front of it.
Selphie: Carbuncle! (cough) Can we talk to you for a moment?
The green creature smiled and went to hug Selphie. She hugged him as well and patted his head.
Selphie: Ok, we need you to dig up some stuff for us ok?
The happy creature saluted and nodded. Selphie handed him the paper from Quezacotol. He placed his goggles on the top of his head and scratched his head. Squall was kicking himself on the inside. He wondered why he came here when Carbuncle smiled at Selphie. She clapped and nodded to Squall.
Selphie: He says it's a go. Just, don't tell Shiva.
He nodded and they all walked out, Carbuncle hopping along trying to put his goggles back on. When they were back in the portal room, Ifrit was surprised.
Irvine: We'll have that titanium for you! See ya in a couple hours!
Squall: Guys, it's almost 9 pm.
Selphie: Oh my gosh! What day is it today!?
Irvine: Let me see, it should be December…uh…16?
Selphie: Ok, I need to go shopping soon!
Squall: The war will be here for Christmas…yay.
Squall walked into the portal and disappeared. The two left looked at each other and sighed. He was right. Carbuncle ushered them into the portal. They disappeared only to come back in a mass of people.
Training Center
Squall: What's going on?
Student: Training is starting sir. Didn't you know?
He had totally forgot. He shoved the plans in Irvine's arms and walked up to Cid. Seeing as he was going to be busy, the three hurriedly went outside. Carbuncle wrapped a scarf around his neck and rubbed his paws together. Selphie had run to change while Irvine did anything he could for Carbuncle. The GF just dove at the ground and started to burrow. Irvine held the plans so he could pop out, study, then continue digging. Irvine was amazed at the rate he was going. Then again, he was a GF. Selphie soon came out in jeans and a sweater. Selphie looked around. No snow yet. It was disheartening to them all. She shook her head and watched the hole. Soon, it got quiet. They were afraid the hole had caved in on the poor GF, so they went to the edge and peered in. It was pitch black. Selphie called out and waited for an answer. They waited for what seemed like hours until a red glow was coming towards the top. He poked his head up and smiled. Placing his goggles on his head, he brought forth a shiny rock. Selphie and Irvine hugged and then he went down and started throwing out more and more to the surface. Soon, they had a huge pile of raw titanium. Carbuncle bowed when he had filled the hole and then disappeared back to the Palace. It was well into night now. Almost 11:30, they headed back inside to tell Jakeen that they needed him.
Well, it's Feb.7, I have been up all night to finish this chappy…and I am searching for ideas in my head! So, I am hoping chappy seven will get done faster. There have been no reviews so far vv. That's a little disheartening…and the other's haven't had one either. So…who knows when I will get this done…at this review rate…