Disclaimer: I have resolved to put one, big disclaimer on the author page.

Balamb

Squall came running into the stable. Crose looked over at him as Illasu rested in his lap. The commander was out of breath and had his gunblade, Illasu's pole, and Crose's weapon.

Crose: What's up?

Squall: Esthar's been attacked. Come on, Ragnarok is gonna leave without us if we don't hurry.

Crose: Illasu…wake up sweety.

Illasu's tired eyes flickered open. She rubbed them and looked around. She saw Squall throw her weapon to her and in a quick, swift movement she grabbed it. She looked at Crose as his weapon, a cable with two spear heads at the ends, wrapped around his hand. He smiled at her and picked her up, coat and all, and carried her to the giant airship. Selphie, Irvine, Trent, Zell, Shushira, Yugo, Shiro, Jakeen, Quistis, Rinoa, and Seifer were all there. They all had their different weapons with them and were seating on the floor. Crose walked in solemnly and set Illasu on the floor with him, in a corner away from them. Shushira came over and sat on her other side as she took her knife out and carved the design into the metal, very slowly.

Shushira: How do you do that?

Illasu: (without looking up) I don't know…

Illasu was worried about Rin now. They soldiers would be sent to the scene of the war right off. The carving was one way to keep her mind off of the whole mess. Her wings came out and closed around her, for it was very cold in the clouds. Shushira smiled and put an arm around her shoulders. Her mouth didn't shift from the line it was. Everyone was all stressed out…because they were all going to war. Selphie and Irvine were silently holding each other's hands. Squall was in the corner by Illasu. Rinoa still did not have a happy face. She scowled at Squall from across the room. Quistis and Zell were asleep in each other's arms. Crose looked out the windows. Yugo and Shiro were asleep on the floor and Jakeen came to sit on Illy's other side. A lot of time passed, for Illasu knew not how much exactly without a clock. She just knew she wanted Rin there, telling her how to effectively throw around a pole. Then she remembered that she didn't know what had happened. She looked to Jakeen and asked him sternly.

Illasu: What happened to Rin? Tell me…I have a right to know.

Jakeen looked away sadly. Illasu's mouth gaped open as she looked around. No one spoke up but they all averted their eyes. She began to grow angry at them. Finally, standing up, she screamed her request. Still no one answered her. She closed her eyes and belted out a high-pitched scream. They all covered their ears as the windows cracked a little. Crose walked over and touched her arm. She closed her mouth, turning to him.

Illasu: Tell me.

He looked at her blankly and shook his head. She wrenched away from him and grabbed her weapon. She looked at no one as she walked out. Squall and Crose followed but she shut the door before they could follow. They heard her slide down the other side. Looking at each other, they sat as close to the door as they could. Crose manifested a silent spell to encircle Squall and himself. Sighing, Squall knocked softly on the door. A soft knock was heard, low and faint on the other side. It made them smile a little. Crose spoke to her in his soft, reassuring voice she loved.

Crose: Illasu, we can't tell you. Rin told us not to tell you. He didn't want you to get hurt.

It wasn't a lie…but it wasn't the whole truth either. But, being closer to the truth, he decided that she might believe it more than anything else. Illasu sighed on the other side. Crose put a hand to the door and closed his eyes. Squall saw his mouth move silently and raised an eyebrow at him. In a matter of moments, Squall fell through the door. Illasu was sitting on the other side, clutching her pole to her. Crose hopped through, as if slowed by time. All of this somewhat surprised Squall but when Crose was through, the door was solid and time was once again restored. Squall had a lot of questions then, he thought needed to be answered later. Illasu looked at Crose with her heart-tearing sadness. Crose looked back in his dark shadows. She threw her arms around him softly. No tears came to her cheeks for she had nothing left to cry. Squall watched them, acting like brother and sister as Crose cradled Illasu in his arms, kneeling. Squall stayed silent thinking some more. They weren't like brother and sister. They were much more…true friends that would die for one another. Crose was so mysterious to them all so no one really knew what he was thinking. Illasu kind of wore hers on the outside…or so they thought. Squall waved it all from his mind for now.

Squall: If you guys would like to come along, I have a meeting to attend. I would rather…have friends there to help me. Illasu, you need to be there anyway. We need you to help us in planning how you think you can help us with all of your unique powers. Rin will should also be on an airship as of now. We'll see them on the battlefield, though we'll be lucky to see them before battle.

Illasu let go of Crose as he helped her stand. She grabbed pole and twirled it over her neck and wrapped her arms over it in one motion.

Illasu: Lead on…commander Leonhart.

She smiled an odd smile of friendliness and obedience. Squall laughed a bit as did they. The three went to the meeting together, Illasu walking in the middle.

A Little Bit of Air

Rin's eyes flashed as they passed over the army in white suits and masks. He shaded his eyes as they approached carefully with guns pointed. The one in front of them had a hand out in peace…but Rin spotted a syringe in his other hand. Engel was clinging to his shirt, both of them dusty from the explosion. Then, as Engel's shadow in his mind shook behind it's crevice in fear, he thought of Trent and the others. His eyes went wide. He turned quickly and ran, protecting Engel under him. The army began to fire a hail of hot lead at them. He scrambled under fallen walls to get out of the fire. Engel was scared but she didn't cry. He looked at her as she buried her face in his shirt.

Rin: Engel, hold your ears.

She nodded softly and clamped her hands over her ears as Rin slowly stood up, his eyes swirling in color. His purple-silver eyes went ice crystal white as her turned to the men. They started walking towards him again, slowly. He narrowed his eyes and lowered his head a bit. Shutting his eyes gently, he uttered a few words unknown to anyone present and then breathed out a horrifying roar. It wasn't high-pitched but it's sonic powers were unmatched. White bodies flew up and over the pile of rubble that was Engel's room. Rin stood in the doorway and roared at them, his skin turning a bit silver. He forced the demon within him to calm down once they were all obliterated…or at least out of his sight. He turned and ran swiftly to the K.C.C. This place had also been hit. Rin set Engel down and told her to stay close. He walked in among it all and listened for breathing or crying. His transformation made his ears sharper and he listened intently. Over in the corner, he caught the sound of faint breathing. He walked over, Engel trailing boldly, and began to throw huge pieces of rubble away from the pile. Pulling off one of the sheets strained his arms and cut his hands but he managed to pull it off to the side. As he dug with his hands after the big pieces were gone, Engel also helped with her little hands. He looked at her and smiled, finding new hope. She smiled a bit at him and then returned to working. Soon, Rin saw Andy's face. He told Engel to look away. Andy had been crushed but, in her arms was the little red-haired boy, clutching the plane to him and crying softly. Rin wrapped his arms around him and pulled him out, dusting him off lightly. The little boy stood beside Rin, rather afraid of Engel. He looked in the hole for the others but found no one. He turned to the little boy and asked him.

Rin: Where are the others Canin?

Canin pointed to the middle of the room. Rin looked as he took his hand and walked over with Engel, looking and listening. He turned to Engel.

Engel: Little savior saves all she can…though not…all.

Rin's eyes went wide. He began to dig, Engel helping him. He tore at the sharp metal beams that were now crushed and torn. Plaster chips fell off the sheet of crumbled walls. Rin's hands were cut and bleeding when he finally had a small hole. He saw beanbags moving and heard screams. He lowered his upper body down and called for Catty, Rica and Dara. Catty's little head poked up, all tearstained. He anchored his legs under the heavy sheets and reached both arms down to her. Catty reached up as Rin's arms wrapped around her. He pulled himself up, straining with his muscles. He felt a hand on his arm, pulling him up. He came face to face with Trent. He smiled and was going to say something when she told him to get the kids first. He went down for Dara and Rica. When those three were up, a few more were left. The others…were dead. Either crushed…or suffocated. It broke Rin's heart. Andy's death panged his heart hard. He sat, on his knees, weeping a bit. Trent and the little ones all wrapped him up in one, giant hug. Wiping his tears, he asked Trent if there was anyone left. She told him most of the See D's were gone, either fleeing or fighting against the white clothed army. Doctors and nurses had fled to…though some parts had collapsed and killed some. Rin was worried about Mariko. He stood up, carrying Catty and Engel, Dara getting a piggyback. The two boys were picked up in Trent arms. The three that were alive also walked in between the two See D's. They followed Rin to where Mariko's office was. She was halfway under rubble but was greatly happy to see them.

Rin: It's gonna be ok Mariko. Trent, take the kids for a moment.

He set them down and hopped into the deep rubble. He waded over to her and put his back against the giant wall. Heaving with all his might he tried to budge it. It slid a few inches, enough for her to slide out before Rin had to drop it. He went to her and put a hand on her shoulder.

Rin: Are you ok?

Mariko: My ankle's broken. Other than that, I'm fine.

He softly picked her up and walked over the doorway. Jumping up with all his might, they landed on the floor. Looking around, he knew they couldn't stay.

Mariko: We need to get to the Infirmary here. Where is that?

She led them along the battered and dusty halls that still stood. When they got to the Infirmary, Rin set her down while Trent watched outside. They had had to come up a flight of stairs and Rin was worried. He ran to the cabinets searching for bandages and something to bind it with. He only found glue. He grabbed it and went to the chair with Mariko.

Rin: Mariko…bite this.

He gave her a thick piece of rolled gauze. She knew what was coming and therefore put it in her teeth. Rin told the kids to go and find everything they could in here. They all dispatched, except for Engel. She watched Rin without his knowing. He felt along Mariko ankle, gently and with his eyes shut. Mariko stared at him as his skin grew a definite silver color and his eyes went a soft blue. When he came to it, he looked to Mariko. She grasped the chair arms and closed her eyes. Rin did it quick. She screamed out in pain and soon quieted with a fierce look of worry from Rin. He wrapped it and cemented it the best he could with the glue. Telling Mariko to stay there, he turned around. Engel was there, standing with no expression. Mariko saw her and smiled.

Mariko: You saved her?

Rin: Of course!

Mariko: To bad she can't say thank you…

Rin sighed.

Rin: Engel, it's safe now. You can be yourself.

He knelt in front of her and looked at her icy blue eyes softly. He smiled as Mariko watched her hug him lightly and smile.

Mariko: Oh Rin…you did it…

Rin: No, I didn't do anything more than talk to her about other things. I treated her like a kid, not an experimental subject.

He didn't look at Mariko as he took her hand and joined the other children. They all dumped what they found onto the padded bed in the room. Rin sifted through it and found a pack that looked ok to hold things. He filled it with the good medical supplies and gave the kids warmer clothes. He found his old clothes and stuffed them inside too. Slinging the pack over his neck and across his chest, he hoisted the three girls into his arms and one on his back. Trent had the boys hold her hands and stay in front of her. Rin walked back down the stairs hurriedly. He had told Mariko he would come back for her when he could…but the children came first. Now, tromping down the metal steps, he frantically looked for the front door. Trent took the lead and led them through the dusty halls. Everything was covered in dust and they were starting to leave footprints. Rin watched behind them. Dara was now walking with the boys. Rin covered Engel's and Catty's eyes when they passed a fallen wall. They were almost to the door when Trent stopped in her tracks. Rin's eyes started to glow as he placed the two girls on the ground.

The Ragnarok

The meeting room was small and cramped. The president, a White See D and a couple others were inside. Illasu felt she would collapse from lack of space. She set her pole down and leaned on it heavily. Crose noticed and kept an eye on her. President Lorie began the meeting.

Laguna: We all know why we are here… to fight in a war we possibly can't win. My son, Commander Leonhart is going to be leading the giant army of See D's. Crose Suganuro will be alongside him. Now, what we have come here to do now is for our very own winged wonder (gestures to Illasu) to help us.

Illasu was freaking out. She had said she wanted to save her friends but she didn't want to use her wings for evil like war.

Illasu: I won't be using my wings, President.

Everyone stared as Illasu boldly hid them behind her back. She stood firm on the matter.

Squall: Illasu, please…this is already a battle we can't win. We need you.

Illasu: No, you just need my wings.

Crose: True…we do need your wings, but Illasu you are the one slinging a pole around either with or without your wings.

Illasu looked at Crose. He looked at her solemnly. Illasu lowered her head. She knew he was once again right.

Illasu: All right…

Laguna: All right…here is a map of the area we will be fighting on.

A computer graphic, 3D map flickered into being on the huge round table. Illasu watched with wide eyes as the map slowly darted northwest. Laguna hit more keys on the keypad near him and asked Illasu to come stand by him. She hesitantly left her friends and walked over. Three airships appeared in the sky on the hologram. One was white while the other two looked like Ragnarok. Then, on the ground, colored squares popped up. On the console, the colors were listed by a different school. Then, a wave of black came on the other side…the enemies' numbers. Illasu heard Laguna softly sigh.

Laguna: All right, here is what the battlefield will most like look like. As you can see, there is a lot more black than there is anything else. That is Deling's forces. The colors are to represent the approximate forces of the different school's assisting Esthar. We have no choice but to just meet them head on. There is no way we could…

Illasu interrupted the esteemed President.

Illasu: What is that there?

She pointed on the map to a small pass. The map zoomed in and she stepped back, not ready for it to move at that dizzying speed. She quizzically looked at the mountain side. Testing the zoom capabilities, she moved the map to where she was forming a plan. Everyone watched her, especially Crose. She typed on the keypad after studying it for a time. Things started moving around and popping up. She moved two armies to the back of a small pass and one in the airship. Typing away more things happened. She rearranged the remaining army on the field, accounting for the GF forces. Laguna stared as she placed some of the army on chocobos. She stopped typing a moment. A thought of Rin having a spear stabbed through his chest struck her mind. She clenched her eyes tight and gritted her teeth for a moment. Crose noticed but decided to leave her alone for now. She saw that the ocean was fairly close when she opened her eyes again. She placed a few of the Garden's ships on the big blue space. Pressing another button, she transformed the Ragnarok a bit. It was now equipped with the weapons system. A page of artillery popped up on the console. She examined it and arranged the orders. The other people in the room were now just marveling at her military planning. When she paused again, she thought of where she would place herself…and Rin. She knew Laguna would want them to fight because of their abilities. She placed herself first. Typing slowly and with slow breaths, a small figure with white wings appeared…in the very front on land. Hesitantly, she placed Rin in charge of the mountain pass soldiers. She had wanted him by her side, but she knew that she would need him there. She finally dropped her hands to her sides and stepped back. Laguna once again resumed the platform.

Illasu: Mr. President, this is what I have in mind for the battle. I just had a couple thoughts, but you surely don't have to use them.

Laguna: Commander Leonhart, do you think you would be able to carry out the orders this young lady would give without hesitation?

Squall: Oh course sir.

He smiled at Illasu and noticed she looked scared and was holding her head. Laguna nodded as a young, short See D came in and frantically whispered to Laguna. His eyes went wide. He looked at Illasu and the two boys. He swallowed hard and looked back towards the front. He called attention to the room and everyone watched him.

Laguna: I have received…possibly…the worst news we could endure. The Deling forces…have attacked Esthar. They fired on the rehab center where our See D's were stationed. A…See D sent for help by com-link. It was a very weak signal and we don't know how many are alive. Please…(he nodded to the others in the room) leave me for a moment with the Commander and his assistants.

They nodded as the air locked door slid open. When it was shut, Laguna turned around and started apologizing.

Laguna: I'm sorry Illasu…I'm so sorry…all of you.

Squall: Dad, what's wrong?

Laguna: We never sent Rin to…

Crose's eyes went wide. He nudged Squall hard in the side. Squall got the hint and asked a different question.

Squall: Dad…how many of our forces have we lost…if none of them made it out?

Laguna: See for yourself. Illasu can show…

They all looked around. Illasu…was gone. All that was left was a few white feathers drifting to the ground.

Chappy 8 is DONEIO!! I love writing this thing! I put me heart and soul into it…and still no reviews…oh well. It's March 10 at aboooouuutt 8pm…so I will start chappy 9 right now!