A Little Bit of Air
Rin: Back off…
The white soldier started walking towards Rin and the kids. Rin slowly move in front of Trent as she watched, her hands shaking. Rin stood firm.
Rin: I mean it. Back off.
He still came forward. Rin's skin turned a pale silver…until it was all a deep metallic color. A metal frame ripped through the skin on his back. His toes supported his body as a blade erupted from the bone of his heels. Two blades also ripped through his lower arms. His toes became metallic claws and his face changed to look like a tiger's face somewhat. Two long and back slanted ears came out from the sides of his head, the tips curving up into slight blades as well. This all happened so fast, that Trent barely noticed the frame on his back was like wings, only without membrane or wings. The kids were screaming and Trent ran, ushering them to go in front of her. She had to pick Catty and Canin up. Canin had dropped his toy in his fit and Catty was to scared to move. They ran all the way top a safe vantage point, but Trent refused to let them watch. They didn't need to see this yet in their life. As she turned her head, she noticed Engel standing there. She was overcome with fear. Trent knew she couldn't leave the rest of the kids so she stayed with them and hoped she would come back.
Rin: I don't want to hurt you.
The man wouldn't talk. He just pointed the gun and slowly pulled the trigger. Rin rushed at him, Trent unable to see his movements. Trent was forced to scream as the soldier fell to the ground. Rin was looming over him, as he slowly turned his head their way. Trent just stared at him for a little time before Engel moved towards him. She smiled up at him and he smiled at her. Rin picked her up very gently. When Rin spoke, his voice sounded a bit like metal scraping against a cement floor.
Rin: Come on Trent. We don't have much time.
Trent was hesitant to follow him, but she saw the way he treated Engel. So she ushered them out towards the door where Rin stood looking every which way. He slowly turned back to himself. The blades sank back inside and his full feet came to rest on the ground. His metal frame of wings stayed out defensively though. They saw white uniforms everywhere…some of them covering escaped See D's. Rin and the others followed along the side of the remaining building until there was no cover left. Luckily, either no one had noticed them or was to occupied to give a care. Rin looked both ways before running into the open and stopping to look back at Trent and the kids. They were following him very close and Trent was always behind. He ran down the hill with Engel, hiding between tanks and the like. The town was just up ahead and he saw that it had already been attacked. Smoky billows were rising from many places and white uniforms streaked through the streets , running this way and that. As soon as they were within the city's cover, they sank back against a wall, hiding from the strange forces.
Rin: Trent, who are these people?
Trent: I don't know. Were in Esthar right?
Rin: Yeah…but these aren't Esthar soldiers.
Trent: Well, we need to find somewhere for these kids to hide. Then you can go out and find a See D from the rehab center. We do need to find out what is wrong.
Rin: You're right. All right, everyone stay with me and Trent. Trent, give me Catty, and Dara, come up on my back.
Dara clambered up and latched her arms around his neck. He locked his arms around her little legs as Trent handed Catty to him. Trent went to pick Rica and Canin up and noticed…the other two were missing.
Ragnarok
All three looked around frantically. Squall screamed down the hall, looking both ways. A few more feathers were drifting down to his left so he ran that way. Crose had noticed Squall and followed after him. He ran to catch up and soon was ahead of him. Oh no, he thought, as the came upon the door to the deck. Crose slammed his hand on the button as he ran past it and almost slammed into the door as it slid open. There she was, wings outstretched and arms flung out to the wind. He shut the door as Squall came running up behind him. He placed a hand on the door and told him that he would take care of her. Also, he relayed for him to go find out more about the situation in Esthar. Crose heard Squall hesitantly sigh then turn around and walked back. Turning back, Illasu was still standing there. He decided to walk up behind her without causing her to freak out. He soon realized that was a mistake. As soon as he had sighed gently, she had turned to fast and stumbled backwards. There was no railing on the top and her feet slipped. Her wings flew up but before she was over the edge, Crose had an arm around her. She latched on and he pulled her up and hugged her close. Her wings were still flaying about but her feet were on safe ground.
Crose: We were worried Illy…
Illasu: WHY! WHY DID THEY TAKE HIM!!
Crose: Illasu, please don't make me tell you…not now.
Illasu: Then when Crose?! WHEN!
Crose's face went solemn. She was smart enough to put two and two together.
Crose: Illasu, Rin killed another See D at school after you went out of it. It wasn't intentional at all, but they attacked Rin first. We all knew it was unfair to Rin but we could do nothing. Please, calm down now…ok?
Illasu: Who attacked him…
Crose: A gang of boys…we're not sure who all of them are. We got the main leader and he was dealt with along with ones we did identify. Rin was supposed to go to jail for a couple weeks but then every Garden got dragged into this stinking war. The headmaster was supposed to have sent a message for all of the See D's and adults able to fight into the battle field. I assume that message never reached the facility. Illasu…please…understand.
Illasu was silent. It wasn't like Rin to…kill someone. Crose looked up at the sky and closed his eyes. Soon, Illasu heard the cry of a familiar creature. A black crow landed on the airship and called to them. Illasu let go of Crose as he bent down to it. It hopped onto his arm as he turned to Illasu.
Crose: He'll find Rin and he'll come back and tell you if he's ok. I promise…for I do feel that you deserve to know.
He whispered something to the bird and in a flurry of flaps, it flew off calling out. Illasu watched the bird fly off and as Crose turned back to her, he saw her feet lift off from the ground. Before he could grab her ankle, she had taken a great big flap and was in the air. She twirled and flapped after the crow. Crose screamed out after her. He looked around frantically and then summed up all his energy to form black, feathered wings. He flapped after her and threw all his weight on her strong wings. Soon, she was slowly falling to the airship. Illasu of course fought him, but he held her arms and wings down so she could not catch the drifts. They were soon back down on the ground. Crose didn't let go of her until they were back inside. Then he turned her around to face him and hugged her close, his black wings disappearing in a flurry. She cried as she put her arms around him.
Crose: Please…don't do that again. Illasu, he'll find Rin…trust me.
Illasu: I want to see him…I want to see him so much…
Crose: Come on, let's go…somewhere…
Illasu grabbed one of the falling black feathers gently. She held onto it tightly as she looked at Crose's dark eyes.
Illasu: Wings…
Crose: It's a spell I have. They aren't like yours…at all.
Illasu gently smiled as he picked her up gently and carried her down the hall. They walked around and as Illasu didn't think about the war, she started to smile more. They walked from the deck to the cockpit to the small kitchen. Illasu hopped off of Crose, for he had been giving her a piggy-back ride. She rummaged through the cabinets and found that there was very little to eat. She shrugged, grabbed a glass and managed to find some juice. Crose just leaned against the counter as he sighed. Illasu turned around while drinking and cocked her head. This made Crose laugh quietly. She smiled around the edge of the glass and then turned around to wash it out. Suddenly, she felt arms around her hips and hands on her stomach. Her first reaction was turning around. As she did, Crose gently placed his lips on her neck. Illasu was frozen in confusion. She wanted to back away but her back was to the sink. His hands are so cold, she thought. Illasu calmed down and murmured his name. Crose didn't know what to do. By the time he was there, he was already to late to stop and Illasu wasn't fighting him. She seemed just as surprised as he was. Illasu put her hands to Crose's chest and closed her eyes. She was thinking of Rin the whole time. She knew not why she couldn't fight back, something inside her wanted Crose's touch. Crose never looked at her, but she eventually lowered her head.
Illasu: Crose…what are we doing?
Crose: I don't know…sorry Illy.
He slowly stopped with a last, soft kiss to her forehead. She wouldn't let him go though.
Crose: Illy…it's not right.
Illasu: I know…
She still didn't let go, and neither did Crose. Everyone was back in the holding area anyway. Illasu began to cry as she kept thinking about Rin and wanting Crose to kiss her again. Crose put his hand to her face and wiped her tears away. Illasu felt his hand gently shaking. What should I do, she thought. Crose answered her question quickly. Illasu felt her legs slowly kneeling on the floor then finally, she was sitting on the cold metal. Crose was in front of her and she noticed he was kissing her again. Her face flushed pink and her skin became very warm.
Crose: This isn't what you think Illasu. I can't stand that look of sadness on your face. I didn't know what to do…
Illasu: Then what is it?
Crose: Well… what is it for you?
Illasu knew what the answer was, but to admit it to him, it would throw her into a world she didn't want to traverse. She slowly stood and smiled gently at Crose when he stood up with her. He left his hand lingering on her hip as he was entranced by her eyes. She quickly looked away and stalked out. She traveled rather smoothly when her wings weren't there Crose noticed. He looked at the glass in the sink and smiled softly. He followed after her, knowing that they were closer now.
The Holding Area
Selphie: And then the big, scary Tonberry came up to me… WHAP! Off went the top of the bag. All the Pixy Sticks clattered to the ground.
Zell: Wait a minute Selphie… a Pixy Stick bag?
Selphie nodded as she continued her story. The eerie silence had driven her to the brink and over. The gang was encircled around her, sitting on Irvine's lap, listening half-heartedly. They were are all waiting for one of the mysterious three to come back to inform them everything was ok and that there was nothing wrong. The door opened and in walked Squall. All the See D's saluted him as he walked over to the gang. They were the only one's who had not saluted. He looked at them and sighed.
Squall: They're not back yet… and it's night. Great.
Seifer: Yeah… wonderful. Jeez, Leonhart!
Squall shot Seifer a look of utter contempt. He resumed looking around carefully, in case they were hiding in one of the corners of the rather small area.
Selphie: I can go try to find them if…
As Selphie spoke, Illasu was in the doorway, her hand on the keypad still. She looked a little sad and didn't even acknowledge everyone was staring. She moped over to the nearest, darkest corner and hugged her knees to herself. She also pulled the hood connected to her black fleece vest over her face and put her head down on her knees. Her black and white tennis shoes were suddenly pulled back into her self as if she was trying disappear. She might have succeeded if she was not wearing blue jean flares. No one moved… only stared. Illasu felt her body quivering all over.
Esthar
Trent screamed but Rin quickly placed a hand over her mouth. He calmly asked her what was wrong.
Trent: Rin… the kids! They're gone!
Rin: Who? They're all here.
Trent: There were two other you pulled out! Remember!?
Rin thought about it and it only took him a second to recall that he had indeed pulled two unfortunates out with the others. He looked back at the field and placed the girls down again. He sprinted out into the middle of the gunfire and bombing field. He veered this way and that to stay out of harm's way and yet stay out of sight. Diving behind a tank, he looked around for two little white shirts. There's white everywhere… this is suicide, he thought. He stayed only a moment longer before getting up and sprinting back. As soon as he rounded the tank's track, a hand was on his shoulder and he was thrown to the ground on his back. Don't move! A muffled voice said. Rin shook his head and hopped back up before he was nicked in the arm by a bullet. He grit his teeth and held the bleeding wound. Without thinking he became the mechanical looking being again and ripped the soldiers in half, literally. Their torsos fell, lifeless, onto the ground. Rin turned back quickly and ran, blood streaming from his arm. He spied two white shirts in the middle of the field, running as well. Veering left, he was too late before the two dropped to their knees and then fell face first into the ground. Stray bullets had hit them; they were still clutching hands. Rin boiled with rage. He jogged back to Trent and half screaming, half in an agonizing howl, to the girls to get back up in his arms. Trent asked and asked about the boys but Rin wouldn't answer, only looked up and down the street, searching for soldiers. He then stalked out silently from the alley followed by Trent and the boys. She decided to drop the conversation for now. The tanks thundered through the streets which made it easier for them to move quietly from alley to alley. Engel looked around curiously at all the buildings, most of them having their windows blown out and the beams hanging down. They found a two-story building that wasn't to bad, so they all ducked inside and sat down. Rin took blankets out of the pack and wrapped the girls in one, the boys in another. Then he wrapped one around himself, Trent snuggling near him inside it's warmth. They all huddled together and slept, Rin alert and looking around at all times. When the kids were asleep, Trent woke up to find it dark. She could feel Rin, still looking around and listening.
Trent: Rin, it's ok now.
Rin: How do you know?
Trent: We're still here…
Rin: I just don't want to lose any one else.
Trent smiled and fell asleep again.
Ragnarok
The holding pen was silent, all eyes on Crose, who had just entered right after Illasu. He moved silently over to the corner on the opposite side, leaned back casually and slept. Squall looked at Selphie and exchanged glances. They shrugged and turned back to the group. A sound came over the speaker system, announcing they were upon the field of landing. Everyone got nervous and started talking again. Squall looked over at Illasu, who hadn't moved from her position in a long time. Her weapon was still on the floor where she had left it that morning. All the See D's started going for their weapons, so Squall sheathed his gunblade and grabbed Illasu's pole, leaving her alone until they had landed. Crose always carried his weapon with him. Squall walked over to the door and walked out so he could see where they were. When he looked outside, he saw the ocean in the distance and mountains surrounding both sides of the Ragnarok. They were slowly descending to the rendezvous point with the White See D ship. He pressed a hand to the glass, forming a fist. Laguna walked up behind him and placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
Laguna: We'll get her back.
Squall didn't say anything. His father nodded and walked back to the cockpit. Squall returned to the holding area, where he started to address the See D's. They all stood at attention… except for the group, who were all trying to wake Illasu, the sleeping dead. Crose had suddenly awoke when Squall had started talking.
Squall: See D soldiers, in a few minutes… we will all unload on the brink of what might possibly be the bloodiest battlefield we have seen yet. We are to assist Esthar as you have been briefed over time and time again. I have not come here to fill your hearts or your brains full of hope. You already have that. You are soldiers and have been trained to not fall when you are needed. But I can tell you this… nothing will prepare you for a real battle. If you get scared or you get hurt…
As Illasu walked up proudly beside him, she stated:
Illasu: Call on me. I will help you back to the Ragnarok or the White See D ship.
Soldier: The White See D's?!
Squall and Illasu smiled as the soft hum of chatter among the soldiers brought each other hope about their allies. Illasu noticed many were not barely above the age of 16, yet they were ready, girl and boy alike, to fight. She took her pole from Squall, twirled it onto her shoulders, lacing her arms over it and cocked her head.
Squall: Attention! I know you are all reveled to hear of their presence, but now we are going to spilt you all into two different groups. One will go through a pass Lieutenant Marain has uncovered on the map. You will be led by Lieutenant Suganuro. The other will be led by Illasu directly onto the battlefield. Some of you will be mounted on chocobos. Others will stay back and summon their GFs. Then they will ride upon them, asking them to attack when and where. You all are equipped with weapons. Use them wisely. Last but not least, I wish you all safety and care. Illasu, anything to say?
Illasu looked over the young kids, not much younger than herself. She smiled softly and sighed.
Illasu: Remember what your are fighting for. Believe in your cause and that may aid you. Take care of your fellow soldiers… no… not only soldiers. Take care of your family, for we all are family. One often finds more strength when someone close to them is in danger. My own husband is somewhere out there, in that battlefield. I not only fight for him, but I fight to protect all of you. So I ask you, if you will not follow me… then follow your heart and fight with the courage you all have been endowed with.
The students eyes were wide. She knew her words had touched them very gently then they became more powerful at the end. The Ragnarok came to a soft halt as Laguna's voice sounded over the intercom:
Laguna: We are now in the unloading spot. Commander and Lieutenants, please assemble your armies and unload in an orderly fashion. Everyone… GOOD LUCK! Also, we know you are human and do get hungry. Food will be served on the deck of the White See D ship… although you know it will be rationed food and terrible. Anyway, on with it then. May we all fight like lions and be as just as owls.
Squall and Illasu laughed a little and took half of the large army in the holding area onto the ramp as it began to lower. They were about 40 feet off the ground and would have to hop down a little ways. Crose and his army followed close behind. He, himself, was strapping his whips on in the odd way he carried them. They wrapped over his shoulders, but when he needed them, they whipped out faster than lightning. Illasu's boots clanged on the metal in a steady rhythm with the rest off the thousands of See D's. Her white wings appeared as she near the edge. She held a hand out to them. She peered over the edge. They were about 50 feet higher than expected. She turned to Squall.
Illasu: Let me go down and check it out first. I'll call the chocobos if it's safe. ALL GF EQUIPPED SEE D's, PLEASE BEGAN SUMMONING YOUR GFs ON THE GROUND NOW.
She hopped over the edge, her wings flying up as she freefell through the air. When she was ten feet above it, she spread them and alighted, kneeling on one knee, her head snapping up and her eyes surveying the oddly quiet glen. She made no movement for five minutes, while they all watched from above. Then she whistled loudly and stood. She looked back between the mountains. A soft thundering could be heard. It became louder and louder and soon a trickle of chocobos came over and through the mountains. The trickle soon turned to a steady stream of multicolored chocobos, each with different abilities. They assembled themselves in lines and chirped loudly. She motioned for the GFs to be summoned as Nida brought the Ragnarok down slowly. The ground rumbled under Illasu's feet, so many GFs were being summoned. Soon, out of the air, from the sea, up from the ground, and out of the mountains, GFs roared and thundered under the ramp. The summoners each hopped off as their respective GF came under them and received them, placing them comfortably on their shoulders or between wings. Illasu turned around as her army jumped onto the ground and stood in lines, weapons drawn. See D's scrambled onto the chocobos and placed saddles and bits on them in a matter of minutes. Squall was the last to jump down and turned around to wave Crose off. The dark haired teenager nodded as Illasu turned and watched him go. She was fearful she would never see him again. Placing her fingers to her lips, she gently kissed them, then threw her hand out towards the airship. Crose smiled and the Ragnarok silently hummed to the mountain pass, leaving the vast army in the quiet. Illasu looked at her army as Squall sauntered up beside her.
Squall: You ready?
Illasu: In a minute… I wanna let them have a moment.
Squall nodded as Illasu did something unexpected. She kneeled on one knee and placed her arm on her knee, bowing her head. The chocobos and GFs dipped their heads as did the See D's. Illasu prayed that they would all be safe but was vastly interrupted by gunfire behind her.
Squall: HERE THEY COME! SOLDIERS READY?!
Soldiers screamed and hollered in pride for their respected Gardens. They all ran forward, Squall leading them. Illasu could only stand and watch, her eyes becoming blurry.
Illasu: They weren't supposed to be here yet…
On the inside, Illasu was a mess. She soon regained her composure and in a flurry, she unlatched her arms from her pole and flew up high. She twirled her weapon in the air in an odd pattern. Everything seemed to cease… all eyes upon her. She wove circles with it and twirled about as she flew higher. A name flashed in her mind and she lightly breathed it's silent lament.
Illasu: Zoda! Hear me! I name my valiant weapon after you! Give us your aid in our time of need!
A huge span of white wings filled the sky as an angelic voice rang out. Black hair streamed down like rain clouds as a huge figure of a black robed woman appeared in the giant sky. Her eyes were ice blue and her lips as white as snow. Her sword was so thin you could barely make the blade out. Zoda came to fly beside Illasu, making her look like a doll to the giant GF. Illasu's eyes searched for Squall amid the onlookers. The angel's head turned with Illasu's and made every movement she did. A white Dollet soldier screamed a war cry and fired off another gun. The fighting commenced once more. Illasu dove into the frontline, twirling Zodai with Zoda not far behind. Together, they slashed the frontline of the army to shreds. As she did, blood covered the end of Illasu's weapon and she almost fell faint, if not for Squall's ingenious plan to keep her awake. He began hollering a song and the See D's, GFs and chocobo's all joined in.
Sing of a time
When angels rose high
And sang a gallant song!
It touched the hearts
Of many men
And made their auras strong
ANGELS COME!
Break the line
And fill our hearts with glee
As we sing our gallant song
In our time of NEED!
Enemies fled
To the fields and the hills
With no one to save them at all
As the soldiers watched
And cheered out loud
At their enemies fall!
ANGELS COME!
BREAK THE LINE!
AND FILL OUR HEARTS WITH GLEE!
AS WE SING OUR SONG
IN OUR TIME OF NEED!
AS WE PRAY AND SUMMON
BOW TO YOU
IN OUR TIME OF NEED!
Illasu soon joined in. Zoda mimicked her, but her voice was heavenly and soothed the soldiers from the Gardens, allowing them to fight better. Illasu fought gallantly, as the whole army repeated the song over and over. The other army was not weakening, however… they never seemed to end.
Crose and his army
The airship maneuvered about the mountains until they saw the opening 50 feet up in the mountainside. The soldiers seemed to be discouraged but Crose had a plan. He cast his wing spell and flew onto the ground, while Nida tried to maneuver the Ragnarok in the tight space. Crose closed his eyes and looked to the sky. Soon the sky was black… the sunlight muted by the presence of black wings… and white heads. Crose smiled and waved down the giant army of Ealets. They were like eagles with their dark feathers and white heads, but their wing span was bigger and they had four feet underneath them. They had ears on their heads as well that twitched continuously, catching every sound. Their beaks were longer and more curved than that of a regular eagles. The darkest one greeted Crose with a bow of his regal head. The See D's in the airship gaped open mouthed as the Ealets flew underneath the ramp. Crose signaled for Nida to hover 40 feet above ground. Two by two, the massive army of Ealets was mounted by See D's. GF summoners brought forth their GFs to ride upon instead of burdening the birds with a GF's weight. Crose swung up onto Horac's back, the leader of this particular band. He turned to face the growing ranks of mounted soldiers. Crose spoke louder than he ever had in order for all the soldiers to hear him.
Crose: This was something that was unexpected and I had all but forgot these masters of the skies. They are honorable and will not fail you in their duty. Should one fall, you must alert me at once.
Soldier: What if we can't get to you sir?
Horac shifted his weight as he waited for Crose to answer.
Crose: You will. Now move out! Single file, fly up and over the mountains and use the clouds as protection.
Crose signaled for the fist flight to take to the air. It was magnificent to see these birds leap into the air off their powerful hind quarters. The See D's held on tight when the bird's massive wings began to pump up and down. A GF and it's summoner were situated in-between every bird. Soon, Crose lifted into the air effortlessly on Horac. The blackness of their feathers once again filled the sky as they flew through the pass. It got a little wider between the high walls as they flew in. Crose surged to the front and took the lead. The pass was quite handy as they saw no one in it yet. But Crose knew Illasu had not been planning on this. He motioned for a GF to come forward to him. A small girl riding on a Quezocotol came up beside him.
Crose: Soldier, I need you elsewhere.
Soldier: You name it sir, I'm there. Ingr can handle it.
Crose: Take your GF and fly fast to see Lieutenant Marian on the south eastern side. She should be advancing to the battle field to meet us. Take heed that there might be Dollet soldiers in your path. So, be silent and swift. Now go and be safe.
The girl nodded and spoke to her GF which in turn pumped his wings harder to fly silently. They were soon banking the many turns and twisting the air to make haste. The girl had prepared many times for this flight but she had never actually experienced it. It made her heart swell with joy. It seemed forever till they reached the other side. Ingr stopped abruptly and listened. The girl also heard it too. Weapons were clanging and firing, chocobos were chirping madly and GFs were roaring loudly. They GF under her dashed to where they now started to hear a song, quiet at first then a great thunderous melody. As they rounded a corner and flew up high, the girl saw the giant GF fighting with the Lieutenant and the Commander. She urged her GF into a downward spiral and began to feel hot lead from a gun pour around her. The GF dodged gracefully. Then, the giant GF looked up to see the bird coming at her. She smiled as Illasu did. Ilasu flew up to meet the girl, leaving Zoda to fight with her swift motions. The girl bowed as Illasu shielded them from the bullets and had Zoda cleave the gunman down. Illasu then stood with her weapon ready as the soldier addressed her.
Soldier: Lieutenant Marain, I bring word. Lieutenant Suganuro has assembled a huge army of Ealets and is flying to the rendezvous point. We did not expect you to be attacked so suddenly. What are you orders or messages for me to relay back.
Illasu: Seeing as your GF is very talented and you are fine in your duties, I appoint you to be the messenger between us if you wouldn't mind.
The girl nodded, approving undoubtedly.
Illasu: Tell Crose to bring his army here. We'll force them back. Also, when you can after you tell him that, inform Nida and the Ragnarok crew to head to the rendezvous point to take over there. Have them go to artillery mode and hold off the pass until we reach it. They are, however, to try to hide the pass. We may need it later.
The girl nodded and as she started to lift away, Illasu nodded to her.
Illasu: Tell me, do you have someone you are fighting for?
The girl smiled back and nodded.
Soldier: My Ingr.
Illasu smiled as the GF hummed with pleasure. The two took off, a huff of wind blowing past Illasu. She returned ferociously to battle twirling and spiraling, once again setting Zoda into a frenzy with her sword.
Rin
He was still awake in the dark night. It was no use to sleep through all the racket outside. Rin didn't see how the kids could sleep. Numerous flashlights searched through the streets but the soldiers never really peered into the buildings. Rin found this odd. They were searching at night. Were there no rules to this war? If so, then the coming armies would be in danger. They would battle day and night. He had to reach the See D's ships. A sudden hope rose in him, but in an instant it turned to dread. What if Illasu had come? What if she… no. He drove the thought from his mind. His eyes searched for the heartbeat he sensed outside. He crouched low over Trent and the kids. His eyes started to turn colors but it was just a crow. Rin cocked his head and wondered what a bird wanted here.
Rin: You alone to huh?
The bird stared at him and whistled low. It hopped around then looked back at Rin. He just cocked an eyebrow, suspiciously. The bird hopped onto the window frame then glided over onto his shoulder. Rin noticed it's wing had been hurt by a stray bullet but he didn't get to see much as it glided back to the window. Finally Rin go the idea. He remembered Illasu's cats when they wanted them to open the door to let them out. They would go back and forth from the door to one of them, staring and clawing the door or their leg. Rin held up a hand and the bird seemed to wait patiently. Rin gently shook Trent awake. Trent moaned and barely missed his face when she lurched out with a punch. Rin stroked her cheek gently and her eyes opened slowly and sleepily. It was getting colder and she pulled the thin blanket around her tighter as her eyes adjusted, even though there was barely any light.
Trent: What is it?
Rin: That crow… I am pretty sure he wants us to follow him.
Trent: Rin… you woke me up because of a stupid bird…wait. It's a crow?
Rin nodded and Trent rolled over. There was the bird staring back at her. She sighed and got up.
Trent: All right bird, we'll follow. Just hold on a minute. We've got to load the little ones up. Trent went to the boys and picked one up in each arm, their little white clothed bodies still covered in the blanket. Rin Picked up the girls, but he saw Engel looking back at him.
Rin: Couldn't sleep huh?
She shook her head and clambered up onto his back. He held her legs to him as she laid her little head on his back. Rin stuck his head out and nodded. The crow lifted off silently. It flew into the fairly clear sky and darted in between the clouds trying to stay visible to them but appearing to be just a wild bird. They walked up what had been possibly a street but was now to torn up, they had to climb over huge sheets of asphalt. A few soldiers stormed past, but the group was dressed in white so they didn't pay them much heed. He group silently tried made their way to the southern field, following the main road. Esthar was a bigger town then they thought. The crow had to go into the clouds for a bit and Rin tried to find him by sound. They turned down a street and came face to face with a Behemoth. Rin and Trent were already sneaking along quietly and the monster seemed to be eating a corpse rather noisily. It's giant tail, however, was swinging around. Rin watched to see if there was a pattern. It kind of swung it lazily in circles, like a big jump rope. Rin had never jumped in though. Trent looked to him.
Trent: What do we do…
Rin: Jump rope.
Rin smiled at her slightly. Trent smiled back as Engel slid down and stood by Rin.
Rin: Can you make it holding them?
Trent jumped in place, though her feet barely came off the ground. She shook her head. Rin looked around. The crow was still flying above them. He could make out the hazy image darting about in circles. Rin set the girls down, who were still asleep pretty much. Trent gave him the two boys and she silently ran up to the giant tail. She put her hands up and followed the tail with her eyes, her hands moving with the tail. She didn't jump over however. She quickly darted under and quietly rolled to the other side, the tail brushing against her face. The Behemoth stopped eating, it's mouth dripping blood and it's eyes glinting evilly in the pale moonlight. It looked around in front of itself then seemed to resume eating. The two See D's had tensed up then both sighed as it resumed eating. Rin looked for Trent and didn't see her, until he looked at the middle of the street. She stood in the middle of the street, weapon drawn. WHAT'S SHE THINKING? He immediately thought. She stared at the Behemoth then looked at Rin with steady eyes. Rin's eyes were worried and his whole body trembled. She couldn't take it on by herself. When he made a motion to set the boys down, she shook her head. Trent whistled to the animal and it whipped it's head around, looking for the source. She whistled again and the Behemoth placed it's eyes hungrily on her. She held her sword in front of herself. The bloody animal stomped over hungrily, ignoring the body and Rin's group completely. She meant for them to sneak by. Rin quickly put two sets of kids in each arm, with Engel close behind him. His eyes never left the monster, which forced Engel to stand between the building and Rin, protecting her. They made it to the other side and Rin balked, waiting for Trent to run with him. She blocked a big paw as she turned back, tears in her eyes.
Trent: GO! Don't worry! I'll catch up!
Rin: But…
Trent: RIN! NOW!
Engel scrambled up on his back and he ran as fast as he could. He looked back to see Trent and the Behemoth circling each other. The crow darted out and flew ahead. Rin could see the field, but wasn't sure if the battle had already passed, was still being fought there, or if it was coming. He ran into the space anyway. He nearly lost his balance dodging a dagger.
Crose's Army
Ingr and his owner had reached Crose and were now on their way to the Ragnarok. Crose and the Ealets with the See D's sped ahead to get there. They were rounding the corner and Illasu looked up as ferocious cries broke the night. What seemed like black water streaming out from the pass, was their saviors. Crose screamed as Horac dove down and Crose's whips sent soldier falling to their knees. Zoda and Illasu stopped fighting and the giant GF turned to Crose who was smiling and coming for Illasu. The Ealet army dispersed helping weaker sections, GF's powers raining down. Illasu reached up for Crose's hand as he sped over her head on the ground. He grasped it and he pulled her up onto Horac. She nodded to Zoda who remained fighting. Over the loud noise of the battleground, Crose turned back to her as she watched below her for arrows.
Crose: WHAT IS THAT?!
Illasu: THAT'S ZODA. SHE'S A… GF! I AM NOT SURE HOW I KNEW ABOUT HER. SHE DOESN'T EVEN EXIST IN THE GF STANDINGS AS FAR AS I KNEW.
Crose: WELL I AM GLAD YOU FOUND HER THEN!
Illasu: WHERE'S THE CROW?
Crose looked at her as she parried a few arrows with a twirl from Zodai. Illasu nodded and jumped off, spreading her wings wide. She reeled in a spiral as she drew Zodai out in front of her, breaking a few legs. She flew a foot above the ground on her back, flapping backwards, and twirled her weapon above her. Squall wasn't far away so she brought her feet down, stood up and pushed off powerfully, twirling back around in the air and speeding to his side. This army they were fighting seemed to be fairly small, yet they couldn't seem to get enough down. She landed behind Squall folded her wings and went back to back with him. As the twirled and slashed with their weapons, Illasu talked with him.
Squall: What do we do? They never seem to end, and now a few are trying to summon.
Illasu: Ragnarok is coming in artillery mode and another ship from Galbadia. They will be here shortly. Crose and his huge flying army arrived.
Squall: Flying?
Illasu: Surprise surprise! Not even I know what they are.
Squall: Well thank goodness then!
An Ealet flew over head and Squall looked up to see yet another difference. It's belly was black. It perfectly seemed to blend into the night sky above them. Illasu heard horrendous screams as a soldier came to her.
Soldier: Illasu! One of the Ealets has been hit! I can't find Crose and he said to tell him!
Illasu surged into the air and tried to find Crose. She couldn't find him. She flew over head as arrows wheeled past her. She spotted Selphie and Irvine fighting side by side. Quistis reeled by on an Ealet as she caught a soldier by the neck and he strangled to death. Illasu had been singing the Gallant Angel Hymn when she wasn't talking and took it up as they started it again. She spotted Zell fighting on the ground with his fists flying. Illasu left Zoda to fight as she saw many wounded soldiers. She dove and sheathed her weapon behind her back. She scooped a boy up who was wrenching in pain. He wrapped his hands around her and she closed her eyes, bowing her head so her face touched his shirt. He was still holding his weapon in his hands.
Soldier: Lieutenant, I have to fight.
Illasu: No, you're hurt.
Soldier: There are others…
Illasu: I will send the winged army to help.
She signaled to a nearby Ealet and told the boy aboard to inform them to bring the wounded to the White See D ship, which stood a few yards back from the field. The boy nodded and the Ealet reeled as it flew to a mass of black, the boy screaming the orders. The winged soldiers stopped fighting and dove for the wounded. The birds gently plucked them up in their feet and took to the air again, clutching the soldier it held close to it's body. One of Illasu's friends on an Ealet with a wounded soldier came to her side.
Illasu: Kreer, what are you riding?
Kreer smiled and chuckled a little.
Kreer: They are called Ealets, friends of Crose's. He asked them for their help when he noticed the pass was high up and rocky. Without them, it would have taken us days.
Illasu nodded as the bird bowed it's head back. The soldier in Illasu's arms buried his face into her warm shirt. Illasu had noticed the winter night was growing colder. She hoped the sun would rise soon. She looked back and a vast sea of black feathers was behind her loyally. The White See D ship was within range and the crew was ready, waving their hands in curing manners. Some of the soldiers rejuvenated within seconds. Others, like the one Illasu held had to be taken to the deck. She noticed there were more Ealets on deck than there were with two soldiers going back. She started to help the healers, but they stopped her and said she needed to go help the others. She nodded and left the boy, but before she could take off, he latched onto her wing. Illasu bent down and smiled.
Soldier: Thank you angel.
Illasu: I am no angel, but you are very welcome. Thank you for doing your duty soldier.
Illasu slowly caught an updraft and rose quickly, facing the soldier. She turned and went to help again. Ealets were coming and going. She stopped on an outcropping in the mountains and surveyed the battle now. It seemed they were winning. She still did not see Crose but she reasoned there were so many, he could be anywhere. She would have to find him later. She saw no other forces coming to aid the small one they now faced. Illasu had a thought and decided to try it. She swooped in and looked for a white clothed soldier. She came upon a very, very badly wounded boy and she tenderly picked him up. He didn't refuse her, even though he saw the symbol on her shirt.
Dollet Soldier: Why are you doing this?
Illasu: You are hurt and you need help.
Dollet Soldier: But am I not your enemy?
Illasu: You had no choice. I give you one now. Join us, for we only fight to gain back our Commanders sister.
The soldier seemed to be a little lightheaded and closed his eyes before answering.
D Soldier: Who are you?
Illasu: I am Illasu, from Balamb.
She smiled and the boy smiled weakly back. She hurried to get him to the See D's ship and the passing soldiers on Ealets were amythed at who she was carrying. It wasn't until she reached the deck did she learn who she had saved.
Healer: A Dollet soldier?!
Illasu: He needs your help. Help him, now.
Healer: He's the Commander woman! Are you crazed?!
The healer threw his arms about as Illasu bent down.
Illasu: Is this true?
The soldier nodded smiling a little. Illasu took out a healing card of her own. She applied it and the rip in hi skin repaired itself.
Commander: Why did you help me, even knowing that?
Illasu: I hope you'll make the right decision to join us.
Commander: You saved my life Lieutenant Marain. I have heard about you.
He stuck his hand out and she shook it. Illasu offered her arms out to him and she lifted off as the Commander hopped into her arms. Illasu flew over the battle over to Squall. Hovering above him, she screamed out to him.
Squall: Wha… ILLASU!!
Illasu: IT'S OK! HIS ARMY IS GOING TO HELP US! WE JUST HAVE TO LET HIM TELL HIS SOLDIERS.
Illasu landed beside him and the Commander turned to his nearest soldier. He ordered them all to stop fighting and spread the word quickly. Illasu flew overhead and Zoda looked to her. Zoda resumed mimicking her.
Zoda: SOLDIERS, STOP FIGHTING.
The voice echoed and all the soldiers stared. The message soon reached all that was left of the Dollet soldiers and they sheathed their weapons. The Garden's soldiers, hesitated but saw Illasu flying with Zoda. They all sheathed their weapons and the soldiers seemed to have an understanding, maybe even remembering they were friends. Illasu landed, and Zoda stood still, smiling. The See D's and soldiers lined up in ranks and stood quietly as the Commanders walked to the front. The Ealets hovered in ranks in the air. Illasu did not see Crose and her face turned white. She quickly turned to Zoda again, speaking through her.
Zoda: Everyone, take the wounded to the White See D's ship, no matter what uniform they wear now. If anyone finds Lieutenant Suganuro, lease tell me!
A crow flew down on Illasu shoulder and she looked at it, surprised. The crow looked her in the eyes… then to the left. Hurrying over were six white forms… one with silver hair. Illasu couldn't move. Squall wondered what she was looking at and followed her vision. He smiled and nudged her back to reality. Illasu jolted back and bent her knees, pushing off in a flurry of white feathers. They drifted down in front of Squall as he watched her speed along the ground silently on her wings, screaming Rin's name. She threw open her arms and when she reached him, he wrapped her up and held her tight, swinging her in circles. They were crying into each others hair and hanging onto each other tightly. Illasu finally gained her sense and stood, her hands softly touching his face and smoothing his skin with her fingertips. Rin ran his hands gently through her tangled hair. He could hardly believe it.
Illasu: Rin… I…Rin: I thought you would be here.
He smiled sweetly in the cold, dark night as Illasu hugged him tightly around his waist. He placed his arms gently around her and laid his head on hers. Engel stood, looking wide eyed at the creature before her.
Chapter 9 finished on 4-27-04