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Infirmary
Selphie and Irvine walked in very happily. They got numerous smiles from the seven within. Becoming frightened, they learned of Crose's findings. Selphie was now crying and Irvine was all smiles and laughs. In the midst, they had somehow found Jakeen and snagged him away for a moment.
Selphie: You know how you're always working with metally things?
Jakeen: Yeah…
Selphie: Can you help us ya think? You see…we have a bunch of raw titanium outside…and we need you to turn it into something we can use.
Jakeen: Why…
Selphie: To make Illy's weapon that she's been talking about!
Jakeen: No, I mean why do you have all that raw titanium? I have some you guys can have.
The two stared at him. Selphie about clobbered him but was held back by Irvine. When she calmed down, they decided to give him the raw for the done. They nodded and went back inside the Infirmary. Quistis had made tea, good strong tea, and was handing it out. Midnight was already past and Yugo and Shiro had gone to bed. Only the die-hards were left. Crose refused to drink any tea. He stayed sitting on the bedside, unmoving from that spot when Kuma and Ruka burst through the door. They were covered in clothes and still chattering. Everyone was surprised. They welcomed them happily. The two girls were confused, so they went to get the explaination. As small as the waiting room was, it was getting full so Irvine and Selphie headed to bed. They remembered it was Sunday…well Monday and they had to train See Ds tomorrow. Shushira and Jakeen also left when Zell had broke the tea maker. So it was down to Crose, Ruka, and Kuma. Illasu had no idea her friends were there. Crose just watched Illasu sleep. He listened to her breathing and the monitors still humming. He was tired beyond all limits but with the girls chatting, even as quiet as they were, he couldn't sleep. Kadowaki came in, looking fresh and new, and greeted them. She noticed Crose and the time. She shook her head and walked into the room.
Kadowaki: How is she?
Crose: Did you hear?
Kadowaki: Hear what?
Crose: She's gonna be ok.
Kadowaki: How do you know?
Crose: I have a gift and I used it. Somehow, I just know she'll be ok and she wants us to know that she's coming back.
Kadowaki was a bit suspicious. She tried to take it all in but in the end she gave up. She did notice, however, that Illasu was normal now. She was taken aback as Illasu opened her eyes and blinked. Kadowaki turned on the lights a bit.
Kadowaki: Welcome back.
Illasu: Hey…
Crose: Are you ok?
Illasu nodded and reached up to hug him. Crose began to cry as he hugged her close. Kadowaki poked her head out and told them she was awake. Happy cheers could be heard as three female heads poked in the doorway.
Kuma: Illy!
Ruka: You had us worried!
Illasu laughed at them gently. Then she noticed something.
Illasu: Crose, where's Rin?
He shut his eyes and lowered his head. Kadowaki noticed she was going to have to speak up.
Kadowaki: Illasu…a lot's…happened since you went into a…coma-ish thing. Um, where to start…
Illasu: How long have I been out?
Kadowaki: A few days…
Illasu: I hope I haven't missed the first snow.
She smiled, still not putting things together. Crose smiled but he let tears fall.
Crose: Illasu, um…some bad things…happened.
Illasu got worried. She sat up and stared at Crose.
Illasu: Crose…tell me where Rin is.
Crose: Rin is…away. He did a horrid thing, something you don't need to know right now. He is far away right now but he's very safe.
Illasu: What happened? Why isn't here?
Crose looked away. Kadowaki was a mess now. Sighing, Crose spoke again.
Crose: Illasu, just calm down. Know that he's safe right now. And…we're also in a war. You have to get better because…they're making you fight.
A Little Bit of Air
He awoke in his room. Trent was above him, shaking him awake. His head hurt very badly. Looking around, he wondered what had happened. He sat up as Mariko handed him some tea.
Mariko: You seem fine now.
Rin: What happened Mariko?
Mariko: We don't know. We came in after your session with Engel was supposed to be over and you were passed out on the table. You've been out for two days. It's December 17.
Rin: Passed out…
He recalled the pain he had felt before he could remember nothing. Someone had dove into his mind. He wasn't sure who it had been, but they were prodding at his thoughts now. He felt a presence there now, eerily lurking in the crevices. He downed the cup and handed it back to the nurse.
Rin: What time is it?
Mariko: 7 am, promptly.
Rin: I can't make calls yet can I?
Mariko: 'Fraid not.
Rin: Any messages from Garden?
Mariko: Nope, sorry Rin.
Mariko left as breakfast came in for them. Rin was going to refuse it but they left it with them and it started to fill the room with it's sickening smell. Trent attacked it.
Trent: Rin, you gotta eat. Please?
Rin: I can't…I am worried about Illasu.
Trent: I am sure she's fine.
Rin: I want to know for sure.
Sighing, she shoved a bowl of Raisin Bran under his face and nodded to him.
Trent: Eat. Now.
Rin saw her face and decided he did need to eat. He slowly picked at it then devoured it quickly. There was a knock at his cell door and in walked Andy with three familiar faces. Catty was crying and ran up to him, hugging his leg. Dara smiled at him from behind Andy. Rica was scared.
Andy: We've missed you.
Rin: I missed you guys to.
Trent smiled at them as Rin introduced her to them. He picked Catty up and hugged her close. The little girl grabbed his white shirt and sniffled hard. Rin brushed her hair out of her face and smiled at her.
Rin: No more tears ok?
Catty nodded and hugged him around his neck. He stood up, holding her with his arm, and walked out with Andy and the other two.
Rin: Be back later Trent. See ya!
Trent smiled to see he was ok. She waved goodbye to him as she did her exercises. They walked to the K.C.C. singing that silly song and when they arrived, they watched movies. Rin was like a giant kid. There was all this popcorn and lots of laughs. He loved every minute of it. When his two hours were up, Mariko came and got him. He quietly left so as not to disturb Tigger's moment on the television. But one little girl sensed him leaving and went to hug him goodbye as he closed the door. She waved goodbye as he walked down the hall. Then she went back and watched Winnie the Pooh with the rest.
In the GF Forge
Selphie had strapped on goggles and had big leather gloves on. Irvine was helping her hold the metal while Ifrit hammered away and Squall used Firaga. They had already screwed up once and now, they could afford no more mistakes. It was very hot, down in the earth Selphie found out. The pole was starting to take shape as the night dragged on. It was well into the fourth hour of the night when the weapon was ready to at least be flailed around. But it still needed the holes and the design. They decided Illasu was the only one who could do the engraving but they might as well do the holes. Measuring and drilling took another two hours. It was 6 pm when the three thanked Ifrit and walked through the portal. They arrived back and headed for bed. Squall kept the pole, Irvine saved the pictures and Selphie was to put the drawing right back just in case. They said goodbye and headed their separate ways.
Infirmary
Illasu: If it's going to save my friends…give me a weapon and I'll lead the army myself!
She smiled as Crose did too. Kadowaki had been removing most of the IV's. She left the others in for precaution. Illasu asked for a phone but Kadowaki didn't have a wireless in her office so Illasu let her wings out and flapped them around. They were all hot, sweaty, and kinked from her little event. Her body felt ten times her normal best. Her stomach growled as Ruka came in with some soup. Illasu smiled and gladly ate it. Crose filled her in on all the details of the announcement. Suddenly, she didn't want to eat anymore.
Illasu: So…we're gonna go up against impossible odds to rescue Squall's sister…
Crose: That's the gist.
Illasu: Have they already begun to train the new recruits?
Crose: Yeah, Squall was helping out awhile ago. He says they have a long way to go.
Illasu got out of the bed a bit unsteadily. Crose almost fell out of the chair trying to save her. She held up a hand and stood. She stretched out and popped her neck. Smiling, she walked out into the waiting room after Kadowaki removed the rest of the IV's. Crose followed behind but let her have her space. Kuma and Ruka smiled and cheered. Illasu folded her wings and walked into the halls. Everyone stared. Then, Illasu looked down. She noticed something. Crose had a hand out the door, her shirt hanging off his finger. She quickly grabbed it and pulled it over her head. Her hair was still sweaty and she smelled terrible. She just wanted to go to her dorm and flop into bed. She started walking that way when she noticed her shirt was loosely hanging off her. Her pants were also slowly sliding off her waist. Oh great, she thought, I've lost weight and now my clothes won't fit! She ran to her room, holding her pants up. Arriving at the door, she remembered she didn't have the key. Illasu placed her head on the door and hit against the cold metal a few times. Then, as if something had summoned her there, Selphie stood there holding a key with a giant smile. Illasu laughed and hugged her friend. She was so happy to see her and there was so much to explain. She slid the card through and walked in as the door slid open. It was just as she had left it that day, only one part was missing…Rin. She sighed and went to her closet. Sifting through her numerous T-shirts, she found her smallest one, and pulled it on. Now it fit very well. Her pants were already falling off, but they were very comfy, so she grabbed a belt and tied it around them to hold them up. She walked into her bathroom and slapped herself in the head. She needed a shower, bad. So, she poked her head out and told Selphie to just make herself at home while she cleaned up. Selphie nodded and sat down, turning the TV on. She flipped through all the channels before realizing everyone of them was static. So, looking around, she decided to clean up. There wasn't much to do but the bed was a bit un-kept. There were a few paper wads here and there as well. All in all, there was really nothing to do. Selphie sighed as Barney came in. She smiled at him. The cat just stared at her then jumped onto the window sill. He laid his head down and fell asleep. Selphie walked over quietly and looked outside. It was sunny. She stuck her tongue out at the window and then plopped back down onto the couch. Illasu came out soon, her hair dripping wet as she threw her clothes in the closet. Then she was marauded by cat kisses. She hugged her two pets and looked around. Selphie was bored stiff. Illasu gently smiled as she let the cats down.
Illasu: Selphie, you might as well go. I really have nothing here.
Selphie: No, I want to help you out in any way I can. You know that!
Illasu: Selph, you've really done enough. I can't ask any more of you.
Selphie: No need!
Illasu smiled and shook her head.
Illasu: Selphie, please just go. I am really in need of some alone time.
Selphie: O…k…
Selphie got up slowly and walked out, hesitant to leave still. Illasu walked over and shut the door. She looked at the empty room and slid down the door, crying. Putting her head in her hands, she sprawled on the floor in total agony. Her wings came out in an effort to comfort her, acting on their own. This only made her cry more for she began to think of when she had discovered them. She clutched her arms to her and began to slowly fall asleep again.
A Little Bit of Air
Rin walked into the crushing air of the demented Heaven again. Engel looked the exact same. He sat down and said hello again. Sighing, he went to stand up but something stopped him. The dark shadow in his mind was beginning to come out and poke around, but this time…it was being more gentle than before. It no longer felt like needles but rather like a slight pinch. He turned around and around, looking for something that could be causing him to hallucinate but his eyes were always diverted to the only other thing in the room…Engel. He looked at her suspiciously and put his arms on the table. The shadow walked around and around in his mind, nodding and prodding. Soon, it retreated back to it's deep space. Rin rubbed his head.
Rin: Ok, what is going on Engel…
The little girl's eyes flicked to him. Rin fell out of the chair. He hadn't expected her to move. She just watched him, laying on the white floor, staring. He reached for the chair and somehow scrambled into it. He slid back up to the table and looked at her eyes.
Rin: Engel, I won't hurt you…but your mind game or whatever is really hurting me. Think ya could ease up a bit?
Engel only blinked. Rin smiled a little. She had moved her eyes and blinked at least. He waited for her to make another miraculous move…but nothing more happened. Rin felt his head hit the table. He smiled up at her.
Rin: Ok…whenever you're ready…
Engel's eyes flicked to the door and then back at him. Then Rin was astounded. Engel got up and walked over to him.
Engel: Dove drown in blood.
Rin: What?
Engel stared at him. She was very thin and when he picked her up and set her on his lap, he almost dropped her. Engel huddled against him. She was icy cold. He wrapped his arms around her and rocked back and forth slowly.
Rin: Engel…what did you say?
Engel: Heaven fall down.
Rin: No…before that. What did you say?
Engel tilted her head. Rin smiled and kissed the top of her head. There wasn't much time left and so Engel slipped out of his lap and resumed her death like position in the chair. She looked as if she hadn't moved at all. Before Rin got up, Engel said one last thing.
Engel: No tell of what saw here.
Rin understood rather oddly. She didn't want them to know. He smiled and nodded to her. Engel's flat line of a mouth was drawn up into a slight smile then it fell back. Mariko opened the door and Rin stepped out. He watched as the door was shut and put up a hand to say goodbye. Mariko shook her head.
Mariko: You're giving it your all Rin. There's nothing more you can do.
Rin smiled on the inside as the shadow poked it's head out then retreated. They walked back to the fuzzy room. Rin walked in as Trent was getting ready for bed. She smiled as Rin back-flipped onto the floor, rather in slow motion, catching himself before he hit the ground. He laughed and then stood up, falling into bed. He turned to look at Trent, who he could see was sitting on the end of her bed.
Rin: What's wrong Trent?
Trent: I'm scared.
Rin: Scared of the dark?
Trent: No! Scared…I won't get to spend Christmas with Crose. Aren't you scared you won't get to spend it with Illasu?
Rin smiled and laughed.
Rin: I'm not scared…because I know that I'll be there on Christmas.
He looked over at her and opened his arms in a giant hug. She walked over and slid in as he wrapped her up in a warm embrace. She smiled.
Trent: Thanks Rin.
Rin: You're wel…
Rin had fallen asleep as Trent turned into him.
Monday Morning
Illasu awoke to a bright light shining through the giant window. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and stretched her wings just a little. Her face was all puffy from crying. She felt like crying again though. But, in an effort not to, she got up and took a warm shower. She grabbed clothes from her closet, which would have been all black except she didn't own a black pair of pants. So she settled for her dark jean flares. She shut the door to the bathroom and turned the water on scalding hot. The room was soon full of a warm mist until she turned the cold on just to make it tolerable. She stepped in and began to softly sing. She always sang here because no one could really hear her. Her voice squeaked from crying last night but with the warm air, her throat soon softened and she let a wonderful, wordless song fill the room. In doing so, she didn't hear the dorm door open. Nor did she hear the people coming in. She washed her hair, face and wings. Shutting off the water, she looked down and let her hair drip all over her. Choking back more tears, she grabbed a towel, dried off and dressed. She opened the door as she was rubbing her eyes. The mist filled the room as the two sitting in front of her waited for her to look up. When she did she saw Crose and Squall. They both let a little smile escape them as she ran to them and they both hugged her tight. Her wings faded as she felt warm arms close around her. She grabbed handfuls of Squall's shirt as he hushed her and let her get his shirt all salty and wet.
Squall: Illasu…come on now…no more tears…
Illasu: I can't…help it…
Squall smiled and pulled her up onto the bed. Crose wiped her tears as Squall rocked her back and forth.
Crose: Hey Illy, black really isn't your color. What'd ya say we get you some brighter colors huh? Might make you feel better. Then we'll go get some Lucky Charms with Selphie and the gang. What'd ya say?
Illasu nodded with a bit of a smile. The boys smiled as Crose went and searched through her closet. Then Squall remembered.
Squall: Illasu, stay here for a moment ok. I just have to get something by the door.
Illasu nodded softly again, sitting up and rubbing her tears as they came. Squall walked to the door and grabbed a very long object. She couldn't quite make it out without her contacts. When Squall sat down and put an arm around her, he set it across her lap. Her mouth gaped open. Illasu let her hands run over the perfect-ness of the smooth metal. She started a whole new wave of crying. She hugged Squall tighter. He chuckled as Crose came out with a bright yellow shirt and white baggy pants. He laughed and sat down by her.
Crose: So you like it huh?
Illasu cried and nodded.
Squall: I know you probably wanted to make it on your own but…well…we didn't know if you were going to be ok or not. So we made it as a surprise. It's to all your specifications, except you have to do the design. No one can draw like you Illy.
She smiled as she kissed his and Crose' cheeks. She sniffled again, and grabbing the clothes as she bounded off the bed, she went and changed. Walking back out, not a moment later, she looked like herself. The boys stood up as she grabbed the pole and her pocket knife. Her hair was up in a half ponytail as well as her face being dry. She smiled a little as they opened the door. Crose handed her her contacts. She put two different colors in and walked out as they locked her room for her. She hoisted the pole on her shoulders, finding it was defiantly light. Selphie and Irvine were waving to her as Ruka and Kuma ran to her and offered warm smiles.
Selphie: Good job Squallie!
Crose: It wasn't that hard Selph.
Illasu: Thanks guys. I really…didn't expect this.
She smiled as they all walked into the cafeteria. Illasu looked down and sighed. She looked towards the school doors and a few more tears fell.
Illasu: (mutters) Come home angel…I need you.
Crose: Illy? You ok?
Illasu: I miss him Crose. I want him home!
She dropped her pole and cried into him again. He looked back at the others and shook his head. Then, he led her outside, wrapping her up in his black coat. It was raining hard and the sky was dark. He took her to the stables and picked her up, sitting her on one of the saddles. He climbed up as well and let her lean into him. She pulled his coat over her arms and cried.
Illasu: I'm sorry. I know…you wanted me…to smile.
Crose: It's ok. Illy, you have nothing to apologize about.
Illasu: I didn't want this to happen.
Crose: I know…I know.
He put a hand to her face and smiled a little.
Crose: You can cry all you want.
She leaned into him and cried her heart out.
A Little Bit of Air
Rin had had visits from the shadow in his head all night. Now that shadow was talking. He knew it was Engel. But she was still a child and her psychic powers hadn't been trained so she felt like little needles. He tried to coax her out, but she just retreated to the corner. Now, waking up, he was thinking more clearly. He saw it was very early so he went to his door and it opened. That was weird, he thought. But, he walked out anyway and went to Engel's room. He looked in and there she sat. The shadow came out again and walked towards his mind being. He opened the door and walked in. The shadow sat down in his mind and so did he. Then it started talking but Rin waved it away.
Rin: Engel, talk to me. Talk to me directly please.
Engel: Talk cannot surpass those which do not understand.
Rin: See, you can talk.
He smiled at her and her beautiful face smiled back. He talked to her and she talked back to him in her weird little sentences. She was very intelligent. He asked her all sorts of things.
Rin: Have you ever heard music Engel?
Engel: Dove minds hear angelic songs.
Rin: What kind of songs…like do they have words?
Engel: Angels chorus says wonderous metaphors.
Rin: Ok…uh…do have a question for me?
Engel tilted her head and spoke again. But this time it was different.
Engel: Rin, where is your angel?
Rin's eyes went wide. She blinked at him waiting for an answer. He swallowed slowly and put his arms on the table.
Rin: My angel is a long way from here.
Engel came over and stood in front of him. He turned to her and opened his arms to her. She clambered up into his giant lap and curled up.
Engel: No one has ever held me. It's warm…and nice.
She smiled a little up at him. He laughed a little and hugged her gently. She giggled and asked him more about Illasu.
Engel: Is she happy like you?
Rin: Oh, Illasu is always laughing and smiling. And if you don't smile…oh boy, she'll try so hard to get a little smirk out of you.
Engel: She sounds wonderful like you Rin. I wish I could meet her.
Rin: Maybe you can one day.
Engel's little face brightened up. Rin smiled at her.
Rin: Hey…are you hungry?
Engel's eyes shifted nervously. Rin took an apple from his pocket and offered it to her. She took it and stared at it.
Engel: What is this?
Rin: It's an apple silly. I know you knew that.
She smiled and took a bite. Chomping on it, she smiled and wiped the sweet juice from her mouth. They talked and talked for a long time again. When she had finished the apple, she set the core on the table as a siren went off. Rin picked Engel up and stood. He looked around as people screamed and ran around outside. He took Engel's IV's out, knowing she didn't need them. She was scared and buried her face in his shirt. He shushed her softly as he looked through the little slit in the door. The nurses and everyone were running around. Then Rin heard it. But before he could open the door, the force of the collision knocked him to the ground. He held on tight to Engel and curled around her as he fell to the ground. Rubble flew everywhere and light flooded the room. Rin could hear more explosions as he stood up. Behind him, his ears caught the sound of heavy breathing.
Woo HOO!! Chap 7 done! Well…I will try to get to work on 8 but until school's over I don't know when I'll be able to get it done. So! Anyway…I hope I start getting some reviews. Please R&R peoples!