Disclaimer: FF8 claims I don't own it. I claim FF8 doesn't own me…

Alternate Fantasy

By Draic

Chapter Eight: Memoreal

Julia Caraway smiled as her daughter came running from the doors of the mansion where they lived. Julia lived for her little girl, and loved to take her for outings such as this. But whether they went to the theatre (as was their destination this night) or the zoo or the museum, the only things that the 28-year-old woman saw were the expressions of amazement and wonder that lit up her daughter's face and warmed her own heart.

Rinoa nearly stumbled over the hem of her pretty new blue dress, embroidered by hand with pink and white flowers. "You shouldn't run so fast," Julia called out, but her teeth flashed in a smile. She opened the passenger door of the car, but Rinoa launched herself at her mother, wrapping her arms around the woman's legs and getting tangled in the long red gown her mother wore.

"Come on, Rinoa, we're going to have a wonderful adventure tonight, but not if you don't get it the car," her mother cajoled as she disentangled her daughter from her skirts. Rinoa giggled and leapt into the car with one gigantic jump. Julia walked around the front of the car and stepped into the driver's seat somewhat more gracefully, then leaned over to do up Rinoa's seatbelt.

"I'm a princess tonight, Mama!" the little girl decreed, and squealed with delight as her mother tickled her nose.

"You certainly are, Princess Rinoa," Julia replied. She turned back and twisted the key in the ignition.

"Is Daddy coming this time?"

The car stalled.

"N…no, honey," Julia managed, flashing her daughter an apologetic smile, which faded as she looked ahead through the windscreen. "He's…"

Working, studying, filing, in a meeting, military inspection, training, recruitment, on a diplomatic mission, business with the President, formal dinner, expected to be there, the President needs to be seen to have the full backing of the military, cannot turn him down, Rinoa will understand, she's only four for Hyne's sake, she wouldn't know if I was there or not.

"…He's busy," she finished, as the engine roared to life.

"Oh," said Rinoa, and turned to look out the window at the passing trees. Julia had to force herself not to stop the car and take her daughter in her arms right then and there, and cry to her that everything was going to be all right. If only someone would return the favour.

"Hey, come on now, Rinoa. Your father has an extra special surprise waiting for you when you get back…" Assuming the poor thing's still alive. "…and we always have fun together, don't we?"

"Yeah," Rinoa admitted, and slumped back into her seat. Julia reached over with one hand to give her daughter's a squeeze.

"So have you had a good birthday?" Julia asked, glancing over to her passenger, who didn't reply. "Rinoa?"

"What?" the girl asked, jumping a little in her seat and turning to look wide-eyed at her mother.

"Are you enjoying your birthday?" Julia repeated, watching Rinoa anxiously in the mirror. Was she feeling alright?

"Oh. Yeah!" Rinoa replied, and her impish grin slipped back onto her face, to her mother's relief.

"And how old are you again?" the older woman prompted.

"I'm five now!" Rinoa replied, one hand held with fingers spread above her head, as she strained to reach the roof.

"Really?" her mother cried, acting shocked. "You can't be five already, can you?"

"Yeah!" Rinoa reminded her, outraged and giggling, "I've been five all day!"

Julia added her own soft laughter to Rinoa's higher squeals. "I think you're right, my angel. You're-"

There was a movement in the side of Julia's vision, and a sudden breeze whipped her hair over her face. She pulled it back into place with one hand and glanced over at her daughter. The door on the passenger side was open and Rinoa was leaning out the gap. As Julia watched in horror, Rinoa leapt from the car.

"No! Rinoa!"

Julia slammed her foot down on the brakes, and a truck lurched out of the darkness. The tyres squealed horribly as Julia swerved to one side. The impact ripped through the car and it's lone occupant…

The car horn screamed through the darkness; the woman inside lay unmoving against the steering wheel.

Mmm-hmmm. Hands up who spotted the differences? All will be revealed… in time… heh heh heh. So here goes!

AUTHORS:

Lucentia (thank you!)

Cute Mooglez (you make me smile J )

Quall Goddess (like the new Squall better? Heresy! If you mean the way I write them, that's okay.)

Vick330 (That's exactly right. Different timelines, not completely AU)

ANONYMITES

Kitty (AAH! Anonymite! Um, sorry, it's not your fault. Oh, simple answer to your problem: it didn't happen. Whole dream sequence was wrong and bad. So it's not there anymore)

Sidheranma (yes, I still live… probably)

Dark Phoenix (Roneo? Yeah, it does sound like ice-cream. Dunno why…)

Squall's gal (Aichie! Woah, I can't believe I didn't notice that! Thanks for pointing it out - all fixed up now.)

Thanks a lot, guys! Watch out for the next few chapters - some nasty twists coming up. In the meantime, the 3Rs! Read, Review, and… "DON'T SAY IT!!! AAAARRGHH!!" (Sorry, miss teacher person)

Draic

Now, this chapter - THIS chapter, is proudly represented by Ashbear's "Castles In The Sky"

A wonderful place for an exciting, refreshing, dramatic and romantic getaway.

(Go there. Go there now)

http:?storyid=276798

And also by Dark Phoenix's "Leave of Absence"

A story for people who don't really write stories.

(Yeah. Just you try to find it)