I'm falling even more
in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you
There's nothing else to lose
There's nothing else to find
There's nothing in the world
That can change my mind
There is nothing else
~Lifehouse, Hanging by a Moment
The oathA soft groan emitted from the lips of the golden-haired woman as she frowned, reaching a hand up to place onto her forehead. Crystal blue eyes opened once again to look out the window of the Esthar rescue vehicle. Quistis stared at the ground outside as it moved fast from the speed of the car. Her mind couldn't stop racing at the thought of Squall and Rinoa. Were they all right? She still couldn't believe the fact that he actually did an action like that… for her.
Shaking her head lightly, Quistis looked about the inside of the car, seeing Piet. It was just him and her that were in the pod when she came to. Her thoughts then traveled to Ellone. She wasn't with them, so what happened to her? The former instructor wasn't going to try to ask Piet, he seemed like he didn't want to be bothered. A lot has happened.
Her mind didn't stop wandering until they arrived at the Lunar Gate. The crystal blue eyes of Quistis almost sparkled when she saw her friends there waiting for them to arrive. Smiling, her hand lowered from her forehead as the car came to a stop in front of the gang. The door slid open vertically and Quistis stepped out along with the rest of the people she traveled with. As soon as she did so, she was greeted from her friends.
"Yo, instructor!" Zell threw his right fist into his left hand, giving a powerful nod towards her as Selphie and Irvine walked closer to her.
Selphie looked inside the car Quistis came out of and stood up straight afterwards, looking over to her. "Heeey, where're Squall and Rinoa?!"
"And Ellone?" Irvine adjusted his hat as Zell walked closer with a look of curiosity as well. The three oblivious to what was going on stared at Quistis for some answers. All the former instructor could say at the moment was…
"I don't know…" She looked down, crossing her arms over her chest. "But we did get Squall to Ellone and she did wake him up. Something happened to Rinoa when we were in space… it was as if she were being possessed. She released Adel's seal and was drifting off into space… Squall went after her… so I don't know their condition right now."
"Goodness gracious…" Selphie brought her hand to her mouth, frowning from worry of her friends. "Squall really went out into space to get her? So that basically means… they're still floating around up there or… they're dead!"
"C'mon! They can't be dead, Selphie! This is Squall we're talking about here, they just can't be!" Zell burst out, stomping his right foot to the ground, fists tight as well as his arms by his sides.
Irvine kept quiet for a moment until silence came over the three of his friends, and spoke out, taking this all in calmly. "An' what of Ellone?" He removed his hat for once, scratching the back of his head.
"She was with us in the escape pod, but when we landed, I was unconscious. When I woke up, she was gone. It was just Piet and I." Quistis looked up once again, letting her arms fall to her sides. "So I don't know where she is either."
"Damnit!" Zell yelled, opening his arms and hands. "What're we supposed to do?! Ellone is missing; Squall and Rinoa are still in space… Hyne knows what happened to them, and we're sitting ducks here!!"
As if on cue after Zell's words, a few Esthar soldiers ran out of the Lunar Gate station, yelling out to each other.
"Did you hear that?! The sorceress is on the famous Ragnarok with a SeeD and it's about to land south of here!"
"Yeah! She probably has him hostage! Who knows what she'll do next, she already released Adel's seal… oh man, this is scary."
"But you heard the boss, we have to seize her as soon as they land and take her to the Sorceress Memorial. She won't get away, we'll all have her surrounded."
The orphanage gang exchanged surprised glances. Quistis's eyes widened as she watched the soldiers run by. "Released Adel… that was Rinoa! I saw her with my own eyes!"
"And that SeeD?! It has to be Squall!" Selphie yelled, jumping up and throwing her arms about in the air.
Irvine put his hat back on, looking around as quick as he could until he spotted a free car parked on the side. "We have to get to them before Esthar does. They'll need all the help they can get. Come on, this way!" With that, Irvine ran for the car he was eyeing, followed by the others. Perhaps he finally learned the guts to go save his friends without a girl in light blue scratching him to do so. "Zell, you drive! Your recklessness is what we need right a'bout now."
"OH YEAH!!! You got it!" With a mischievous grin, Zell jumped in the drivers seat as the others got in the car quickly. He flicked a few switches and started up the vehicle, backing it up out of the parking lot.
Irvine sat on the passenger's side, leaned on his right side a bit, unclipping something from the back of the belt of his pants. He smirked and laid the long silver instrument upon his lap, looking down at it with amazed eyes. Sliding his hand across the smoothness and the design, he looked up and forward out the window.
"Time to boogie."
~~~~~~~
It has been an hour.
The duo was still rested on the floor of the Ragnarok.
Rinoas eyes remained closed, dry tears made a path down her cheeks. Her right cheek rested upon the front of Squall's left shoulder and her knees were bent, over his upper legs that supported him upon the floor. His left arm was supporting her back, holding her close to be comfortable in her position with him. The back of Rinoas right hand was resting under her chin as her arms were bent, and the other rested on her lap. Squall's free hand lay at his side for the moment, feeling useless.
Those big grayish-blue eyes of his stared forward, his mind racing and fast as his heart. They would be home soon, and he knew it. Options continued to come to mind, but the one he agreed to the most was the option to protect her and keep Esthar away… maybe run away, when they arrived. Why seize Rinoa? Sure she freed Adel but Edea, when possessed, spoke to a crowd of thousands of people in Deling telling them that she would kill them all. How come Esthar didn't try to seal her?
Squall frowned as he stared forward, his eyebrows downcast near his soft-squinting eyes. That was his decision… his oath to her. He wouldn't let Esthar get their hands on her. No way in hell.
Lowering his head slightly, he felt Rinoa breathe upon him from her stomach going in and out, the unique routine for survival of a human being. Yes, she still was human to him. She would always be.
Squall turned his head to his left and down gently to look at her as her head rested upon his shoulder. She was facing him with content closed eyes and a peaceful, angelic look upon her face. He stared at her every detail. How round and perfectly shaped her eyebrows would look above her closed eyes, thick in the middle but smoothed to pencil thin as they ended; how her closed eyes would look just as beautiful as open because of her long, dark lashes concealing the attachments of her eyelids, giving off a beautiful view; how her nose seemed to form from the middle of both of her eyebrows, sliding down in a perfect slope between those closed brown eyes to stop in the middle of her smooth pale cheeks; and how those lips had an image of their own, giving off a unique dark pink glow, having delicious-looking creases that provoked him to touch with his own.
Keeping his eyes on her with a sincere look coming over his own features, Squall's free hand raised, wrapping around her slightly to get to his other hand. With the help of his left hand, he slipped the glove off his right, exposing it. With that, his bare hand traveled closer to Rinoas face, sliding his fingers gently over her left cheek as her other leaned against his shoulder. Softly, his fingers traveled over her forehead, eyebrows, and eyelashes, down the side of her nose, cautiously stopping over her lips. But they slowly left her lips as her eyes began to open softly.
Rinoa's opening brown eyes met Squall's sincere expression, his eyes staring right back into hers. She blinked gently, leaving her gaze focused on his. Their faces were only several inches apart… so close, yet so far away.
They remained like this a few moments, staring into each other's eyes. It seemed like each moment was full of an eternity, going by so slow. But that's what they wanted, wasn't it?
Rinoa sat up some, giving Squall's supporting arm a break from her back. She looked around a bit, seeing outside the window, noticing they were still in space. Squall watched her every move. After looking around, her eyes met his again. They both blinked softly, getting lost inside of each other. A moment went by and Rinoa, after all that she has been through, managed to smile softly at him. She slowly withdrew her legs that rested over him and place her feet on the floor, pushing herself to stand. Squall watched her stand and turn around to face him, holding out her hands to help him up. He took her hands and stood up with her, almost blushing from the fact that his free hand's glove was off.
Without saying a word for now, Rinoa turned towards the window and looked out to the moon that was getting slightly smaller by the second. Squall watched her, putting his glove back on his hand, and walked to stand next to her, looking out at it as well.
"Finally…" She spoke out softly, releasing a gentle sigh.
"…….?" Squall looked over at her questioningly.
Rinoa smiled a little, keeping her eyes on that moon. She knew he was looking at her, so she continued. "I wanted to watch the moon with you… every night I wished you'd be able to see it again… with me."
"……." Squall stared at her for a few more moments before turning his gaze back at the moon. Rinoa turned her head to look at him, her smile slowly fading into a sincere expression forming on her face.
"I was really scared when you were in a coma… I thought you would never wake up. I… stayed by your side every day, hoping those eyes would open again…"
Squall turned his head to look at her looking at him. Their eyes never stopped ceasing to meet. The expression on his face became soft, caring… as thoughts began to run through his head.
(That's right… she was there with me… every day. I saw it.)
Rinoas brown eyes traveled about his face, seeing that soft expression form on his handsome features. Her lips opened slightly as she observed him, loving to see that he was awake and able to look back at her.
(How could someone… she…)
Squalls grayish-blue eyes looked to her lips, slowing lifting again to look into her eyes.
(…care so much about me?)
Not noticing or having control of himself anymore, Squall slowly began to move closer to Rinoa, never taking his eyes from hers.
(So full of life……. and love…)
Rinoas heart began to beat fast, noticing he was getting closer to her face. As if some unidentified force caught hold of her, she felt herself slowly move closer to him as well.
"Rinoa….."
The few inches their lips were apart slowly reduced, and as they were about to touch as the two closed their eyes, a rude awakening of a siren going off inside the ship startled them both. The two withdrew quickly, looking to the flashing red button on the control panel only a few feet in front of them. Squall threw himself down on the seat he sat before and looked it over. "We're about to enter the earth's atmosphere, sit down and put your seatbelt on."
Rinoa nodded once, obeying his command, and took the seat next to him putting her seatbelt on. As Squall placed his around his waist, he looked over at her, the realization hitting his mind like a gunshot. He almost kissed her.
The girl looked to her right and over at him. A sad frown formed on her features, and he saw it. He knew why she was getting upset. They were about to land, and no one knew what was going to happen next.
As the Ragnarok entered the earth's atmosphere, a violent vibration took over the whole ship. Squall and Rinoa held onto their seats tightly, bracing themselves for the landing. But surprisingly, the landing was soft, unlike the landing in the escape pods.
Thanks to Esthar's technological advancements, they knew exactly where they were going to land. Esthar soldiers and sorceress researchers watched as the legendary ship landed before their eyes thirty feet away. Upon seeing it land, they made their way closer.
Squall unbuckled his seatbelt, standing up quickly as that determined frown appeared on his features, staring out the window. He leaned on the control panels as he watched as the Estharians got closer, his mind racing. This was it.
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard her…
"Squall…."
The commander looked over to his love, seeing that she was standing as well. Rinoa looked down at the floor of the ship, raising her left hand to her necklace, touching it with her fingertips, speaking out softly. "Thank you… for everything. But I have to go. I have to do this." She raised her head to look up at him, lowering her hand from her necklace once again. Sadness was filled in her eyes, and he could see it. "But I'm glad… I'm so happy you're awake and all right. Just knowing that… I can continue to live."
Squall took a hesitant step towards her, stopping in the middle of it. He stared into her eyes, not knowing what to say.
(Rinoa….)
The girl in light blue turned, looking out the window with sad brown eyes at the Esthar crew waiting for her. Soldiers, researchers, the works. Rinoa was determined and ready to give herself over to them, feeling it was the right thing to do. She was a dangerous person—sorceress now. Anything could happen if she were free. She believed that.
On the other hand, Squall did not believe that.
"I.. should go now, Squall. They might get suspicious outside….."
Turning his head to face the lift that would lead them out of the ship, that determined frown appeared upon his handsome features once again. Rinoa saw this, not wanting to say anything about it, but the curiousity was killing her. What was he up to?
Without saying a word, Squall made his way towards the lift followed by a silent Rinoa. She wondered why he was so quiet; it made her feel horrible and meaningless. No last words or confessions to her? Her life would end soon and he didn't have anything to say at all?
The two made their way down the seemingly endless halls, coming to a stop once they arrived at the door of the exit. Squall turned around and looked at Rinoa as his gloved hand was placed over the button to open the door. She looked up and into his eyes once again, almost holding in her breath to stop herself from getting emotional.
(I don't know what to do…)
Squall applied pressure upon the button, letting the door slide open behind him. He hated the sound of it… if only he could think of something quicker…
(I've come this far because I've… fallen for you.)
Rinoa watched the door slide open behind him, soon bringing her eyes to his face once again. Curiosity was killing her still, watching the thoughtful expression take over his expression.
(Now… am I just supposed to let you go…?)
"Squall…."
The commander turned around, making his way outside and down the long stairs that lead to the ground. Rinoa followed closely behind, looking all around at the people that were there… all for her. Squall growled under his breath as he observed them as well, balling his fists tightly. Whatever his decision was, it had to be quick.
Upon reaching the bottom, Squall felt helpless. A number of Esthar soldiers were there, so if he tried something he would not have anything to defend himself with, let alone Rinoa. If only he had his gunblade… things would be much easier.
Rinoa stood behind Squall closely, almost peeking over his left shoulder like a little girl. She was scared beyond belief. One of the sorceress researchers stepped forward, with the attire of the robe of the Estharian uniform, and spoke up… unafraid of the threatening look that Squall was giving.
"Sorceress Rinoa. Hyne's descendant."
The girl in light blue took a deep breath and stepped out from behind Squall. He watched her as his eyes widened slightly; she really was going with this…
"Come with us. We must seal your power for the sake of the world."
Breathing in deep, Rinoa suppressed a frown from her features and lowered her head to look at the ground. "…….All right."
"No."
The sorceress researcher turned to face Squall, a little surprised at his objection. Rinoa raised her head, a look of slight shock forming on her face as she turned around to face Squall, blinking softly.
"Excuse me, sir..?"
Having that determined, angry look upon his face once again, Squall took a step closer to Rinoa, taking her wrist in his left hand and pulling her closer to him. Rinoas soft brown eyes widened in shock as she stared at him, releasing a gasp when he pulled her closer. "Must I repeat myself? You're not taking Rinoa."
Esthar soldiers prepared their guns after Squall's oath. Rinoa was speechless; so that's what he was up to. "The real sorceress you want is Ultimecia. She was using both of us for her destructive plans. Go after her."
The commander wrapped his left arm around his sorceress, holding his gloved hand firmly upon her lower back to keep her against him. Rinoa abided by his action, leaning against him with her arms bent, her left hand resting upon his chest right above the famous Griever. Over her left shoulder she stared at the sorceress researcher as her head rested upon him, with a mellow expression crossing her slightly nervous features.
Just as the Esthar soldiers began to make their way closer, Squall growled under his breath. How could he protect her with no weapon?---
"Yo Squall!!!!"
Hearing his name, the commander quickly turned his head to where it was heard, making the Estharians look around frantically. That voice… it was…
"CATCH!" Just then an instrument was thrown into the air and a gunshot pierced it with an eerie ring, making it fly towards Squall and Rinoa, landing right into the ground in front of them. Almost smirking, Squall leaned forward a bit, grabbing the handle with his free hand, and quickly pulled the instrument out of the ground, pointing it out towards his Esthar enemies. His trusty gunblade.
Zell, Selphie, Quistis and Irvine ran towards the couple from the side, weapons at hand and ready to fight. Irvine stood beside Squall and Rinoa, aiming his shotgun towards the Estharians to keep them from getting closer. Selphie ran up the stairs of the famous ship with Zell, making her way quickly towards the control room to see if she could get it started as soon as possible. Quistis stopped in the middle of the stairs, turning around towards Squall and Irvine as Rinoa ran up the stairs as well, making her way back onto the ship.
"All right, let's go guys!" The Ragnarok began to start up, making a loud noise from within. Squall withdrew his guard and began to run up the stairs with Irvine following. As Quistis, Irvine and Squall ran inside, the stairs slid back up to prevent the Estharians from following. The legendary ship lifted off the ground.
As Squall stood in front of the door that closed behind him, Rinoa stood there staring at him with happy, tear-filled eyes. She smiled helplessly and ran towards him with open arms. Squall, with eyes full of compassion, opened his arms as well, allowing her to fall in as he dropped his gunblade to the floor, hugging her close to his body—his heart. The two lovers closed their eyes, enjoying the warm embrace with each other.
Irvine and Quistis witnessed this event, staying silent but smiling to each other. If Squall's personal wall were visible, they would have seen it shatter before their eyes when Rinoa fell into his arms. But they knew it did, not needing any vision to see it happen.
Removing his hat and placing it on his chest, Irvine nudged Quistis and began to walk to the control room to leave the two alone. She soon followed, leaving them to be.
With his heart beating fast, Squall slid his gloved hand over Rinoas hair, softly kissing her forehead with closed eyes. This was his oath to her: to never have her leave his sight.
(I won't… let it happen again…)
_______
God! Look how I changed the game! I can't believe myself, what have I done? x_x Please review, I wanna know what you guys think. ::slaps herself:: And my italics for this chapter doesn't seem to be working…