A/N: Helloooooooooooooooo everyone! I just wanted everyone to know that I changed my pen name to Bubbly Blondie and then back to J-adore Dior and then to Bubbly Blondie again. So I'm sorry if I confused anyone, but I'm confused myself! Hope you like the next chapter!
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Rinoa awoke to find luxurious drapes on all of the windows. They were a crimson red color that contrasted beautifully with the French pale gold on the walls. The entire room contained maple hard wood floors, and a large decorative carpet was rightly placed on top. As if it were the crowning of a layer cake. The white sofa she sat on wrapped around the whole of the room, and in the middle stood an oversized, tufted, soft pink colored ottoman which took the place of a regular table that so many families owned. It was obvious this person wanted to stand out from the rest of his race. In the middle of the room hung a grand chandelier dripping with real crystals. The illumination could be seen from every house, and it gave the room that special glow to make it warm and cozy, yet elegant and rich. Pictures hung on the walls, as well as sconces holding an assortment of candles. A large fire place lived on the wall to the left of Rinoa. It was entirely made out of black marble, but once lit, was brought to life, instead of left dead and cold. The space next to the fire place was occupied by a white pianoforte with gold leaf trimmings. The French doors appeared to be hand crafted; they consisted of engravings of gothic patterns that crawled up and down the sides. It was an immaculate room.
As she stared awe-stricken, she began to recognize certain things in the room. Like the pianoforte, and the fireplace. This was her father's living room. She was never allowed into it as a child, but she remembered the fire place so vividly. She had snuck into the forbidden room when she was about eight and gawked at it, fearing it would take her life, for she was only a child and from a child's eyes it seemed like a mouth opening up to swallow her whole. She flew to grab the fire poker, when her hair caught the embers flying about. As she twisted to free them from her hair, it caught more fire, and slowly started to burn. That was until her father came in and prevented a major accident from occurring. She hadn't stepped foot into that room since, but for some odd reason, she loved the glow of embers. Now that she knew she was in her father's house she didn't have the fear that lived within her during the attack. She got up and walked towards the pianoforte.
Pressing her fingers on one of the keys she sat down. She glided her forefinger up and down, up and down, until her father entered. Her head shot in his direction, and she lifted herself from the piano.
Her father entered slowly and he appeared to be hunched over a bit. Coughing furiously he sat down. He seemed as if he was shivering and all together a mess.
His current state of condition prevented Rinoa from going off on him. She approached with caution, still angered by what he had done.
"What's going on?"
"I had to find a way to get you to come back somehow."
"So you DRUGGED me?"
"Be realistic Rinoa. If I had asked you to come on my own, would you? Not after our last meeting. I know you wouldn't have showed. I wouldn't have gone to these extremes if it wasn't serious." He had another coughing attack. Rinoa began to look worried.
"Are you okay?" She said walking near to him.
"My health is depleting, and rather fast may I add."
"Oh! I'm so sorry, if I had known-"
"That's o.k., Rinoa. I might not live for much longer."
"Don't say that. You can afford the best doctors, you'll be fine." She never was this concerned for her father.
"I need to ask something of you."
"Anything."
"Will you stay here with me? Until I-"
"Until you get better. I know you will. Of course I'll stay here with you."
"I know that's asking much, to leave Garden for you're father whom you aren't even fond of, but you're my only child."
"It doesn't matter, now. I'm staying."
Just then Kiki walked in. She almost dropped the tray of tea at the sight of Rinoa.
"W-what are you doing here?"
"Taking care of my father, is it any business of yours? Set the tray down and go."
She looked absolutely fuming that Rinoa had returned.
"I'll have someone drive you over to Garden to get you're belongings. I'm sorry about the way I contacted you."
She smiled at him.
"It was probably the only way to get me here. You know me better than I thought you did."
It was such a shame it took her this long to forgive her father. Why do people often wait for tragedies to bring them together? Why are people so stubborn?
Getting up, she walked out to the hallway and waited to leave for Balamb.
They pulled up to the Garden and she jumped out closing the door behind her.
First, she had to go up to Cid and tell him she was leaving.
As she made her way to the third floor, she looked at her surroundings, what she would be leaving behind. All her friends, everything she had come to know as home. She entered the elevator and was soon brought to the third floor.
She approached Cid.
"Hello Rinoa, what can I do for you?"
"I've come to tell you I'll be leaving the Garden."
"Are you transferring?"
"No, sir. I'm leaving to go home."
"Why?"
"It concerns my father's health."
"I see, family problems. Well, if you must, I'm quite sad to see you go."
"As am I, sir."
"You can finish out the week. Have you're room cleared out by then."
"Yes, sir."
As she walked back to the elevator, she heard the headmaster's voice.
"Rinoa. Are you sure this is what you want to do?"
She turned and forced a smile indicating it was what she had to do, not what she wanted to do.
She floated throughout the Garden as if a ghost, not wanting to return to her dorm.
"Rinoa." She heard a familiar voice call out to her. She knew who it was without even turning around.
She felt his hand upon her shoulder, and she could feel him bringing himself closer to her. He was so close she could feel the warmth his body gave off, and the ends of his trench coat sweeping the sides of her legs. She leaned the back of her head onto his chest, and wrapped both his arms around her body. She wanted to cry, but she didn't. She turned around and looked up into his eyes. He knew there was something wrong with her. She couldn't conceal it from him.
"What's wrong?" He asked, still holding her in his arms.
"I'm leaving Balamb."
"For how long?"
"I don't know. It's my dad. He's very sick, and he wants me to stay with him. I don't know how long that could be." Her eyes started burning from holding in the tears. She knew she wouldn't be able to see Seifer any more, not as long as she'd be living with her father. He wouldn't have it, not even in his sick state. The thought of being away from him was tearing her up inside. She studied his face intently. She would never see those eyes she found herself getting lost in almost everyday. Nor the scar that, in her opinion, he couldn't be without.
"I'll be finishing the week here."
"Well, then in that case, we should have as much fun as possible." He said changing his tone of voice to upbeat. He was only doing it for her, to make her last week pleasurable, instead of melancholy.
"Let me call him first, let him know I'll be staying for the week."
"Chop, chop princess, we haven't got all day." He said laughing at her and clapping his hands as to tell her to move faster.
"We've got all week!"
"Minus packing, which, with you, could take god only knows how long. Then spending time with you're 'other' friends, and then just a whole bunch of crap that girls like to do. We might only have a few hours." He said teasingly.
"Oh you just exaggerate everything to an extreme, don't you?"
Grabbing her hand he made his way to her dorm.
"Sorry, but you just wouldn't stop blabbing on and on, I had to get you moving somehow." She forgot how much fun she used to have with Seifer. He was such a spontaneous guy. One minute they'd be eating ice cream, the next they're jumping into the water. She loved how free spirited he was. And when they were together, he'd take her to all sorts of crazy places, and do insane things. She missed that more than anything. Being free and having fun. In a way, he taught her how to live life to the fullest.
They reached her dorm at last. Upon entering she went to call her father.
"Hello?" His tired voice answered at the other end.
"Caraway?"
"Rinoa, what are you still doing at Balamb? You should be on you're way."
"I have to finish up the week."
"No you will not! You're coming home right now, I can't risk-" He cut himself off. It was as if all his strength had been returned. He was yelling as loud as his voice allowed. Rinoa was quite taken.
"I thought you were sick? You sure sound fine to me."
She glanced at Seifer who was looking at pictures she had displayed. Then he looked at her, his eyes asking if everything was o.k. Her facial expression told him her father was up to something.
"I want you home right now, do you understand?" She didn't respond, but he sounded better than fine, he sounded as if he was in the best of health. Was he messing with her? Why? She slammed the phone down on the receiver.
"What happened?"
"I have no idea. I don't know what's up with my father, but he doesn't sound sick at all."
"Are you still going?"
"I don't know. I guess, but I'm not packing. Not until I find out what he's up to. I have to leave now, though."
"I'm coming with you."
"No you're not. You'll just start my father up and I won't find out anything."
"I'll wait outside for you. He doesn't even have to know I'll be there. But something tells me this ain't right. I won't let you go alone."
"Seifer this is my father we're talking about. He wouldn't do anything to hurt me."
"I'm still coming, Rinoa." She looked down and then back at Seifer.
"You're driving." She said tossing the keys to him.
They pulled into Delling city. The sun was setting, and people we're either sitting on their front steps or walking home. He parked across the street from the house.
"I'll be right out."
He watched her walk up to the iron gates and soon disappear out of view.
The sun had gone down by now, and no one was out. The streets were empty as he waited in the car. Then he heard ringing. It sounded as if it were coming from behind. He turned. But saw no one. There wasn't a soul around. A light coming from Rinoa's back-pack in the back seat of the car caught his eye. He took it into his hands and opened it up. Spotting her cell phone, he took it out. The caller ID read 'Laguna'. What did he want?
"Hello?" He answered.
"Where's Rinoa!" His voice was raised to the maximum. He sounded frantic and eager to hear Rinoa's voice.
"Calm down Laguna, it's just Seifer."
"Seifer! Where's Rinoa, I need to speak with her right now! Before she does something stupid."
"What are you talking about? I just dropped her off at her father's house. I'm wait-"
"DAMN IT!!!"
"What's going on?" Seifer was starting to become concerned. This didn't sound like stupid, klutzy Laguna talking, it sounded like a very serious and worried Laguna speaking.
"Listen to me, Seifer. Do everything in you're power to get her out of there! Do you understand me?"
"Just tell me what the hell is happening?"
"I don't have time to explain. Just try and get her out of there, and quick. I'll be there as fast as I can."
"What! Laguna! Laguna? Damn!" He said throwing the phone to the ground. As he got out of the car he heard a screech come from the house. It was Rinoa for sure. What the hell was going on, he wondered. He had no time, though. He ran down to the gates. He had no choice but to jump them. Falling on the hard, cobble stone ground, his pants ripped at the knee. He watched as the blood oozed out over the clothing. Picking himself up, he ran to the side of the house. A large window was what stood there. How was he going to break it without anyone hearing? There was no way, he had to do it, weather it made noise or not. He made a crash landing on the floor, with shards of glass falling around him. As he went to get up, he felt a piece of glass dig into the palm of his hand. He bit his lip to prevent himself from screaming. Now with a cut up knee, and gashed hand, he would have to find Rinoa and get her out.
He made his way through the maze of a house as sneakily as possible. He then heard Rinoa calling out for help. It was coming from down the hall. He ran in that direction, and slowed down as he reached the door. Trying hard not to make a sound, he peeked his head into the door to see Kiki, the servant, standing beside a bound up Rinoa. As quietly as he could, he entered, and picked up a vase next to the door. Rinoa had seen him at this point but didn't make it obvious. She watched as the pink ceramic vase shattered over Kiki's head. She fell to the floor unconscious.
Rinoa had tear streaks upon her face, and more proceeded to fall. Seifer, rushing to her side, began untying her hands and feet from the ropes that restricted her. Once she was loose, she swung her arms around Seifer's neck and wouldn't let go.
She wouldn't budge when he tried to remove her arms from his neck so he went to the next best thing. He lifted her into the air and carried her out of the doorway.
As he made his way downstairs Caraway popped up, blocking his exit.
"You didn't think I was going to make it that easy, did you?"
"Listen, Caraway, I know we never like each other, but I think you should cool down a bit."
"Ha, you think that idiot, Caraway, would have brains enough to devise such a plan? Stupid boy." Seifer looked baffled as he watched the imposter remove his skin from his face revealing a rather hideous one underneath. The man had a scar running from his right eye down to the bottom of his chin. The eye was replaced with a hauntingly disturbing blue glass eye. He smiled a wicked grin, allowing for his crooked teeth to peek out. He was literally a monster.
"Hand her over, boy, and I'll let you go home in one piece." He said holding out his boney hand.
"You're a screw ball if ya think I'm letting her go again."
"Ahh, young love. If I remember it's quite blinding."
As this was said, he took his eagle cane and jabbed it into Seifer's wounded knee. Twisting and turning it within his skin. Grinding away at the exposed bone. He howled from the pain that was sent throughout his body, but refused to drop Rinoa. Pulling his leg backwards with the cane jammed inside, he managed to get it away from the disfigured man. He gripped onto the cane and forced it to release itself from his almost numb leg. Swinging the cane in the air he sent the man plummeting to the floor. He set Rinoa down on the ground as well.
"Listen to me. I want you to run outside and wait in the car. Laguna is on his way, now just go!"
Without question she flew out of the room, leaving Seifer to battle the crazed man.
She ran with all her might until she reached the gates. Punching in the code to open them they wouldn't budge. Someone had messed with them. She than caught site of a car almost speeding down the rode. She screamed for help, until it felt as if her lungs would crack, but they were going to fast. Backing away from the gates, she observed the stone wall.
"I can do it." She said to herself. She was going to jump it, as Seifer did upon his arrival.
Just as she was about to run toward the wall she heard another car. She rushed to the gates, and to her surprise it was the same car that had left her behind when she yelled for help.
The man slammed the car door and ran towards the gates.
"Laguna!" She yelled. He clenched her hands in his as he stared at her entrapped behind the gates.
"Seifer's inside! You have to help him!"
"I have to get you out first. I want you to climb the wall and jump into my arms. O.k.?"
She nodded her head yes in a panic, for she wanted Laguna to get in there and help Seifer as soon as possible.
She backed up as before, and ran towards the wall. He watched as she struggled to lift her body onto the surface the top of the wall provided. After making it, she looked down at Laguna, who was waiting for her landing.
"Come on, I'll catch you."
Taking a deep breath she dove into his arms.
"Wait in the car!" She sprinted in the direction of the car, and climbed inside. Locking all doors, and closing all the windows. When she turned back to look at Laguna he was already over the gate. She shoved herself in the corner of the back seat, cradling her knees as she rocked back and forth. She waited and waited, but no one came out. She was getting scared, what if he killed them? No that was impossible. She then saw two people standing by the gate. It was them! She unlocked the doors and zoomed over to them.
"Seifer!" She said at the sight of his face. His scar had re-opened and the wound in his leg now looked like a hole. You could see the bone and marrow and blood. It was a ghastly sight. His face was bruised, as was Laguna's. He didn't look as bad, though.
"My father. We have to find him."
She yelled before they could climb over.
"Check the shed!"
Laguna bolted for the shed, yelling to Seifer to get out.
"Seifer please, just come back over. I don't want to loose you again." She said with her hands gripped around the iron gates. He moved closer to her and kissed her delicate fingers that were so tightly wrapped around the iron. She pushed her hand further through the opening, touching his dirty face, tears living within her eyes. Grabbing her hand, he kissed her palm, and shot towards the shed.
"Damn it, Seifer! Come back!" But he was gone. She didn't know what to do. So she did the only thing she could think of, run back to the car. Locking herself once more inside, she waited.
"Rinoa!" She heard her name coming from across the street behind the stone wall.
"We found you're father! He was bound up and left for dead!"
She then saw Seifer place himself on top of the wall. She got out of the car and ran to him.
"Laguna's gonna pass him up to me, then I'm gonna give him to you. Can you handle his weight?"
"Yes, just hurry!" She watched as Seifer received her bruised father into arms. He probably would have rather died than be saved by Seifer. But he was unaware of his surroundings and couldn't prevent it from happening.
"Ready?" Seifer asked, skeptical of her being able to support him.
She shook her head yes, and prepared herself for the load.
He slowly held him up by his upper body as Rinoa clung on to the lower part.
"I'm going to let him go."
"Okay."
Slowly he slipped into her arms, and then he came crashing down. She lost her balance for a moment but strained herself to hold him up. Getting him into a standing position she leaned him up against the wall.
She pulled something in her arm, she could tell, but said nothing of it.
Seifer then jumped down followed by Laguna.
Both men held Caraway up, as Rinoa opened the car door. Looking at the house one last time she saw the grotesque looking man storm out.
"Hurry, hurry, he's coming!"
They quickly pushed the father in, getting in themselves. Closer and closer he got until Laguna put the peddle to the floor and took off. Leaving the nightmare behind.
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Rinoa awoke to find luxurious drapes on all of the windows. They were a crimson red color that contrasted beautifully with the French pale gold on the walls. The entire room contained maple hard wood floors, and a large decorative carpet was rightly placed on top. As if it were the crowning of a layer cake. The white sofa she sat on wrapped around the whole of the room, and in the middle stood an oversized, tufted, soft pink colored ottoman which took the place of a regular table that so many families owned. It was obvious this person wanted to stand out from the rest of his race. In the middle of the room hung a grand chandelier dripping with real crystals. The illumination could be seen from every house, and it gave the room that special glow to make it warm and cozy, yet elegant and rich. Pictures hung on the walls, as well as sconces holding an assortment of candles. A large fire place lived on the wall to the left of Rinoa. It was entirely made out of black marble, but once lit, was brought to life, instead of left dead and cold. The space next to the fire place was occupied by a white pianoforte with gold leaf trimmings. The French doors appeared to be hand crafted; they consisted of engravings of gothic patterns that crawled up and down the sides. It was an immaculate room.
As she stared awe-stricken, she began to recognize certain things in the room. Like the pianoforte, and the fireplace. This was her father's living room. She was never allowed into it as a child, but she remembered the fire place so vividly. She had snuck into the forbidden room when she was about eight and gawked at it, fearing it would take her life, for she was only a child and from a child's eyes it seemed like a mouth opening up to swallow her whole. She flew to grab the fire poker, when her hair caught the embers flying about. As she twisted to free them from her hair, it caught more fire, and slowly started to burn. That was until her father came in and prevented a major accident from occurring. She hadn't stepped foot into that room since, but for some odd reason, she loved the glow of embers. Now that she knew she was in her father's house she didn't have the fear that lived within her during the attack. She got up and walked towards the pianoforte.
Pressing her fingers on one of the keys she sat down. She glided her forefinger up and down, up and down, until her father entered. Her head shot in his direction, and she lifted herself from the piano.
Her father entered slowly and he appeared to be hunched over a bit. Coughing furiously he sat down. He seemed as if he was shivering and all together a mess.
His current state of condition prevented Rinoa from going off on him. She approached with caution, still angered by what he had done.
"What's going on?"
"I had to find a way to get you to come back somehow."
"So you DRUGGED me?"
"Be realistic Rinoa. If I had asked you to come on my own, would you? Not after our last meeting. I know you wouldn't have showed. I wouldn't have gone to these extremes if it wasn't serious." He had another coughing attack. Rinoa began to look worried.
"Are you okay?" She said walking near to him.
"My health is depleting, and rather fast may I add."
"Oh! I'm so sorry, if I had known-"
"That's o.k., Rinoa. I might not live for much longer."
"Don't say that. You can afford the best doctors, you'll be fine." She never was this concerned for her father.
"I need to ask something of you."
"Anything."
"Will you stay here with me? Until I-"
"Until you get better. I know you will. Of course I'll stay here with you."
"I know that's asking much, to leave Garden for you're father whom you aren't even fond of, but you're my only child."
"It doesn't matter, now. I'm staying."
Just then Kiki walked in. She almost dropped the tray of tea at the sight of Rinoa.
"W-what are you doing here?"
"Taking care of my father, is it any business of yours? Set the tray down and go."
She looked absolutely fuming that Rinoa had returned.
"I'll have someone drive you over to Garden to get you're belongings. I'm sorry about the way I contacted you."
She smiled at him.
"It was probably the only way to get me here. You know me better than I thought you did."
It was such a shame it took her this long to forgive her father. Why do people often wait for tragedies to bring them together? Why are people so stubborn?
Getting up, she walked out to the hallway and waited to leave for Balamb.
They pulled up to the Garden and she jumped out closing the door behind her.
First, she had to go up to Cid and tell him she was leaving.
As she made her way to the third floor, she looked at her surroundings, what she would be leaving behind. All her friends, everything she had come to know as home. She entered the elevator and was soon brought to the third floor.
She approached Cid.
"Hello Rinoa, what can I do for you?"
"I've come to tell you I'll be leaving the Garden."
"Are you transferring?"
"No, sir. I'm leaving to go home."
"Why?"
"It concerns my father's health."
"I see, family problems. Well, if you must, I'm quite sad to see you go."
"As am I, sir."
"You can finish out the week. Have you're room cleared out by then."
"Yes, sir."
As she walked back to the elevator, she heard the headmaster's voice.
"Rinoa. Are you sure this is what you want to do?"
She turned and forced a smile indicating it was what she had to do, not what she wanted to do.
She floated throughout the Garden as if a ghost, not wanting to return to her dorm.
"Rinoa." She heard a familiar voice call out to her. She knew who it was without even turning around.
She felt his hand upon her shoulder, and she could feel him bringing himself closer to her. He was so close she could feel the warmth his body gave off, and the ends of his trench coat sweeping the sides of her legs. She leaned the back of her head onto his chest, and wrapped both his arms around her body. She wanted to cry, but she didn't. She turned around and looked up into his eyes. He knew there was something wrong with her. She couldn't conceal it from him.
"What's wrong?" He asked, still holding her in his arms.
"I'm leaving Balamb."
"For how long?"
"I don't know. It's my dad. He's very sick, and he wants me to stay with him. I don't know how long that could be." Her eyes started burning from holding in the tears. She knew she wouldn't be able to see Seifer any more, not as long as she'd be living with her father. He wouldn't have it, not even in his sick state. The thought of being away from him was tearing her up inside. She studied his face intently. She would never see those eyes she found herself getting lost in almost everyday. Nor the scar that, in her opinion, he couldn't be without.
"I'll be finishing the week here."
"Well, then in that case, we should have as much fun as possible." He said changing his tone of voice to upbeat. He was only doing it for her, to make her last week pleasurable, instead of melancholy.
"Let me call him first, let him know I'll be staying for the week."
"Chop, chop princess, we haven't got all day." He said laughing at her and clapping his hands as to tell her to move faster.
"We've got all week!"
"Minus packing, which, with you, could take god only knows how long. Then spending time with you're 'other' friends, and then just a whole bunch of crap that girls like to do. We might only have a few hours." He said teasingly.
"Oh you just exaggerate everything to an extreme, don't you?"
Grabbing her hand he made his way to her dorm.
"Sorry, but you just wouldn't stop blabbing on and on, I had to get you moving somehow." She forgot how much fun she used to have with Seifer. He was such a spontaneous guy. One minute they'd be eating ice cream, the next they're jumping into the water. She loved how free spirited he was. And when they were together, he'd take her to all sorts of crazy places, and do insane things. She missed that more than anything. Being free and having fun. In a way, he taught her how to live life to the fullest.
They reached her dorm at last. Upon entering she went to call her father.
"Hello?" His tired voice answered at the other end.
"Caraway?"
"Rinoa, what are you still doing at Balamb? You should be on you're way."
"I have to finish up the week."
"No you will not! You're coming home right now, I can't risk-" He cut himself off. It was as if all his strength had been returned. He was yelling as loud as his voice allowed. Rinoa was quite taken.
"I thought you were sick? You sure sound fine to me."
She glanced at Seifer who was looking at pictures she had displayed. Then he looked at her, his eyes asking if everything was o.k. Her facial expression told him her father was up to something.
"I want you home right now, do you understand?" She didn't respond, but he sounded better than fine, he sounded as if he was in the best of health. Was he messing with her? Why? She slammed the phone down on the receiver.
"What happened?"
"I have no idea. I don't know what's up with my father, but he doesn't sound sick at all."
"Are you still going?"
"I don't know. I guess, but I'm not packing. Not until I find out what he's up to. I have to leave now, though."
"I'm coming with you."
"No you're not. You'll just start my father up and I won't find out anything."
"I'll wait outside for you. He doesn't even have to know I'll be there. But something tells me this ain't right. I won't let you go alone."
"Seifer this is my father we're talking about. He wouldn't do anything to hurt me."
"I'm still coming, Rinoa." She looked down and then back at Seifer.
"You're driving." She said tossing the keys to him.
They pulled into Delling city. The sun was setting, and people we're either sitting on their front steps or walking home. He parked across the street from the house.
"I'll be right out."
He watched her walk up to the iron gates and soon disappear out of view.
The sun had gone down by now, and no one was out. The streets were empty as he waited in the car. Then he heard ringing. It sounded as if it were coming from behind. He turned. But saw no one. There wasn't a soul around. A light coming from Rinoa's back-pack in the back seat of the car caught his eye. He took it into his hands and opened it up. Spotting her cell phone, he took it out. The caller ID read 'Laguna'. What did he want?
"Hello?" He answered.
"Where's Rinoa!" His voice was raised to the maximum. He sounded frantic and eager to hear Rinoa's voice.
"Calm down Laguna, it's just Seifer."
"Seifer! Where's Rinoa, I need to speak with her right now! Before she does something stupid."
"What are you talking about? I just dropped her off at her father's house. I'm wait-"
"DAMN IT!!!"
"What's going on?" Seifer was starting to become concerned. This didn't sound like stupid, klutzy Laguna talking, it sounded like a very serious and worried Laguna speaking.
"Listen to me, Seifer. Do everything in you're power to get her out of there! Do you understand me?"
"Just tell me what the hell is happening?"
"I don't have time to explain. Just try and get her out of there, and quick. I'll be there as fast as I can."
"What! Laguna! Laguna? Damn!" He said throwing the phone to the ground. As he got out of the car he heard a screech come from the house. It was Rinoa for sure. What the hell was going on, he wondered. He had no time, though. He ran down to the gates. He had no choice but to jump them. Falling on the hard, cobble stone ground, his pants ripped at the knee. He watched as the blood oozed out over the clothing. Picking himself up, he ran to the side of the house. A large window was what stood there. How was he going to break it without anyone hearing? There was no way, he had to do it, weather it made noise or not. He made a crash landing on the floor, with shards of glass falling around him. As he went to get up, he felt a piece of glass dig into the palm of his hand. He bit his lip to prevent himself from screaming. Now with a cut up knee, and gashed hand, he would have to find Rinoa and get her out.
He made his way through the maze of a house as sneakily as possible. He then heard Rinoa calling out for help. It was coming from down the hall. He ran in that direction, and slowed down as he reached the door. Trying hard not to make a sound, he peeked his head into the door to see Kiki, the servant, standing beside a bound up Rinoa. As quietly as he could, he entered, and picked up a vase next to the door. Rinoa had seen him at this point but didn't make it obvious. She watched as the pink ceramic vase shattered over Kiki's head. She fell to the floor unconscious.
Rinoa had tear streaks upon her face, and more proceeded to fall. Seifer, rushing to her side, began untying her hands and feet from the ropes that restricted her. Once she was loose, she swung her arms around Seifer's neck and wouldn't let go.
She wouldn't budge when he tried to remove her arms from his neck so he went to the next best thing. He lifted her into the air and carried her out of the doorway.
As he made his way downstairs Caraway popped up, blocking his exit.
"You didn't think I was going to make it that easy, did you?"
"Listen, Caraway, I know we never like each other, but I think you should cool down a bit."
"Ha, you think that idiot, Caraway, would have brains enough to devise such a plan? Stupid boy." Seifer looked baffled as he watched the imposter remove his skin from his face revealing a rather hideous one underneath. The man had a scar running from his right eye down to the bottom of his chin. The eye was replaced with a hauntingly disturbing blue glass eye. He smiled a wicked grin, allowing for his crooked teeth to peek out. He was literally a monster.
"Hand her over, boy, and I'll let you go home in one piece." He said holding out his boney hand.
"You're a screw ball if ya think I'm letting her go again."
"Ahh, young love. If I remember it's quite blinding."
As this was said, he took his eagle cane and jabbed it into Seifer's wounded knee. Twisting and turning it within his skin. Grinding away at the exposed bone. He howled from the pain that was sent throughout his body, but refused to drop Rinoa. Pulling his leg backwards with the cane jammed inside, he managed to get it away from the disfigured man. He gripped onto the cane and forced it to release itself from his almost numb leg. Swinging the cane in the air he sent the man plummeting to the floor. He set Rinoa down on the ground as well.
"Listen to me. I want you to run outside and wait in the car. Laguna is on his way, now just go!"
Without question she flew out of the room, leaving Seifer to battle the crazed man.
She ran with all her might until she reached the gates. Punching in the code to open them they wouldn't budge. Someone had messed with them. She than caught site of a car almost speeding down the rode. She screamed for help, until it felt as if her lungs would crack, but they were going to fast. Backing away from the gates, she observed the stone wall.
"I can do it." She said to herself. She was going to jump it, as Seifer did upon his arrival.
Just as she was about to run toward the wall she heard another car. She rushed to the gates, and to her surprise it was the same car that had left her behind when she yelled for help.
The man slammed the car door and ran towards the gates.
"Laguna!" She yelled. He clenched her hands in his as he stared at her entrapped behind the gates.
"Seifer's inside! You have to help him!"
"I have to get you out first. I want you to climb the wall and jump into my arms. O.k.?"
She nodded her head yes in a panic, for she wanted Laguna to get in there and help Seifer as soon as possible.
She backed up as before, and ran towards the wall. He watched as she struggled to lift her body onto the surface the top of the wall provided. After making it, she looked down at Laguna, who was waiting for her landing.
"Come on, I'll catch you."
Taking a deep breath she dove into his arms.
"Wait in the car!" She sprinted in the direction of the car, and climbed inside. Locking all doors, and closing all the windows. When she turned back to look at Laguna he was already over the gate. She shoved herself in the corner of the back seat, cradling her knees as she rocked back and forth. She waited and waited, but no one came out. She was getting scared, what if he killed them? No that was impossible. She then saw two people standing by the gate. It was them! She unlocked the doors and zoomed over to them.
"Seifer!" She said at the sight of his face. His scar had re-opened and the wound in his leg now looked like a hole. You could see the bone and marrow and blood. It was a ghastly sight. His face was bruised, as was Laguna's. He didn't look as bad, though.
"My father. We have to find him."
She yelled before they could climb over.
"Check the shed!"
Laguna bolted for the shed, yelling to Seifer to get out.
"Seifer please, just come back over. I don't want to loose you again." She said with her hands gripped around the iron gates. He moved closer to her and kissed her delicate fingers that were so tightly wrapped around the iron. She pushed her hand further through the opening, touching his dirty face, tears living within her eyes. Grabbing her hand, he kissed her palm, and shot towards the shed.
"Damn it, Seifer! Come back!" But he was gone. She didn't know what to do. So she did the only thing she could think of, run back to the car. Locking herself once more inside, she waited.
"Rinoa!" She heard her name coming from across the street behind the stone wall.
"We found you're father! He was bound up and left for dead!"
She then saw Seifer place himself on top of the wall. She got out of the car and ran to him.
"Laguna's gonna pass him up to me, then I'm gonna give him to you. Can you handle his weight?"
"Yes, just hurry!" She watched as Seifer received her bruised father into arms. He probably would have rather died than be saved by Seifer. But he was unaware of his surroundings and couldn't prevent it from happening.
"Ready?" Seifer asked, skeptical of her being able to support him.
She shook her head yes, and prepared herself for the load.
He slowly held him up by his upper body as Rinoa clung on to the lower part.
"I'm going to let him go."
"Okay."
Slowly he slipped into her arms, and then he came crashing down. She lost her balance for a moment but strained herself to hold him up. Getting him into a standing position she leaned him up against the wall.
She pulled something in her arm, she could tell, but said nothing of it.
Seifer then jumped down followed by Laguna.
Both men held Caraway up, as Rinoa opened the car door. Looking at the house one last time she saw the grotesque looking man storm out.
"Hurry, hurry, he's coming!"
They quickly pushed the father in, getting in themselves. Closer and closer he got until Laguna put the peddle to the floor and took off. Leaving the nightmare behind.