Chapter 18: Escape from Timber
A quick but thorough search of the room showed no trace of either Seifer or the mysterious woman. They had vanished completely, and that, combined with the magical blast that had blinded the SeeDs, told Squall all he needed to know about the purple-garbed woman. Whoever she was, she had been Deling's Sorceress.
As the SeeDs finished their sweep, the door Deling had escaped through burst open. The SeeDs started to draw their weapons, but then stood down as they saw who the intruder was.
"Hey!" Rinoa called. She glanced out the door, and then looked back at the SeeDs, her eyes scanning the room. Squall noted that Rinoa was fully armed now, and, he realized a moment later, accompanied by Angelo. The dog sniffed the air, her ears going flat, as if she sensed danger. Squall couldn't help but agree that this area wasn't secure.
"What are you doing here?" Squall asked Rinoa as he gestured the rest of his squad and Quistis to head for the door behind Rinoa. He joined them after checking the corridor behind.
"I saw the broadcast," Rinoa explained. She looked around the room once more, her expression turning concerned. Squall realized exactly what she was searching for, and knew what she would say before the words left her mouth.
"Where's Seifer?"
"I don't know," Squall replied. "But we can't stay here. Let's move." Rinoa reluctantly nodded and led the way out of the studio, with Squall pointedly moving up beside her.
"He'll be okay, right?" Rinoa asked quietly as they entered another hallway. Squall remained silent as they rounded a corner and passed through another empty studio. He didn't have an answer to that question, though he, too, was concerned with what had happened to Seifer - though Squall would never openly admit it.
The small group soon found their way outside. The maintenance access was still unguarded, although a squad of blue-clad Timber militia were working their way up the catwalk. For an instant, Squall thought that they would have to injure or incapacitate the militia in order to keep up appearances, but stood down at a wave from Rinoa. She conferred with the leader of the militia squad, who simply nodded and waved them on.
"They found our base while we were in the city," Rinoa commented quietly as the SeeDs and their client passed the giant television screen. "It's been completely destroyed." The news surprised the SeeDs, obviously.
"And everyone else?" Selphie asked, realizing that only Rinoa had come to meet them. Rinoa suppressed a giggle.
"Don't worry about them," she replied. "They're good at hiding. They saw the attack coming and evacuated. They even managed to get Angelo for me."
Soon the group was advancing down the alleyway, heading back through the Aphorora Pub.
"I need to get away from Timber for a while," Rinoa stated as they came into sight of the pub. "They've gotten some information from the train, and while its not enough to point to me, if I get detained . . . ."
"They'll ID you, right?" Zell finished, to Rinoa's nod.
"Is there a safe place you can take me?" Rinoa asked. Squall frowned, unsure. Obviously, Rinoa meant a Garden facility, but those may or may not be the safest locations now that Galbadia knew that SeeDs were involved. Even if Galbadia didn't attack Garden for Seifer's actions, the housing and safekeeping of someone opposed to the Deling regime might not come off well.
"This is an order. I am your client, remember?" Rinoa added to which Squall sighed and nodded. She had a point.
"All right. We'll take you back to Garden after we get out of town," he replied. Rinoa smiled and patted his shoulder in thanks. He simply shrugged as they passed through the door into the Aphorora Pub.
"Rinoa!" A rather heavyset woman called out from behind the bar, where she was mixing drinks. "Thank Hyne you're all right. Did you get your people out of there?" Rinoa nodded, gesturing to the SeeDs.
"I heard your base had been destroyed too," the woman added. She glanced at the equally heavyset owner of the pub, who nodded. The woman stepped out from behind the bar. "You and your friends had better come to my place until things settle down."
"Okay," Rinoa replied with a nod. She gestured for the group to follow her, and they quickly cleared out of the Aphorora Pub, following the woman.
They passed through the streets without incident, evading the numerous blue-uniformed patrols that rushed about, combing the city for the rebels and SeeDs. After passing through a few alleys and crossing a busy street, the group arrived at the woman's home, a two story household next to Timber's biggest newspaper and magazine publisher, Timber Maniacs. The building dwarfed the tiny house next door, Squall saw, as they entered.
"Well, this is it," the woman stated as the group entered the modest home. They passed an entry hallway and entered a mid-sized dining room and kitchen, with hallways branching off to the rest of the first floor and a staircase leading upstairs.
"I'll head out and keep an eye open," the woman added, walking to the door. "I'll let you know if anything changes. 'Til then, make yourselves at home." She then stepped into the entry hall to keep watch.
"Thanks, Chief!" Rinoa said, to which the woman simply smiled and waved the gratitude away.
"No problem," she replied as she dissappeared out into the hallway.
"Chief?" Squall asked, recalling how everyone in town was a resistance member.
"She's leader of the Forest Fox group," Rinoa replied, smiling. "You know everyone here's a rebel, though my group's the only one very active at the moment. But it would be best if we stayed here for a while anyway."
Squall agreed, and they settled in to wait, something that Squall was not very good at.
-------------------
Rinoa had, at the Forest Fox's Chief's urging, prepared some food for the SeeDs over the next hour. During that time, Squall had gone up to the second floor, taking up a watch there. Not that he didn't trust the Chief to keep an eye out, but he'd rather have two eyes scanning for trouble.
After about an hour, the Chief's daughter showed up at the house, and relieved Squall of his duty as a lookout. She had also brought word that the Galbadian army was starting house-to-house searches.
As Squall returned to the first floor, he noticed Zell was working on the water heater in the kitchen's corner, apparently out of both boredom and because the thing was malfunctioning. The rest of the group loitered about, Rinoa looking out a window while Selphie and Quistis sat at the table. Angelo was curled up in a corner, sound asleep.
"I still don't get it," Selphie said to Rinoa. "What did Seifer come here for? It was so out of the blue."
"I think I know, now," Rinoa replied. She turned around and faced the SeeDs. "He came to help us, the Forest Owls." Squall blinked in surprise for an instant, before nodding. Seifer had been the one who'd arranged for the mission, after all. It seemed obvious he would do whatever it took to see the mission complete.
"So, that was what he was talking about," Quistis murmured, nodding in her own understanding. "Seifer kept telling me he was doing it for someone."
"I talked about it a lot with him," Rinoa explained, walking across the room. Her eyes seemed to be set on a time and place far removed from the kitchen. "He agreed with me wholeheartedly. He kept saying that Galbadia had no right to control Timber, and that he'd help me someday. I knew he meant it, but to come all this way like he did . . . ." Rinoa looked around at the SeeDs. "He did it for us. Please, don't think too badly of him."
The front door suddenly rattled as someone pounded on it roughly. The SeeDs' hands went to their weapons as Angelo suddenly awoke, rushing to Rinoa's side protectively. At the same moment, the Chief's daughter bounded down the stairs.
"The Galbad-" she began to say, but was cut of by a shout.
"Hey!" a loud, gruff shout from outside could be heard. "Anybody in here?" The Chief hurried to the door, opening a small window and glaring at the soldiers outside.
"What?" she shouted angrily, in an angry-mother-like tone, the kind one used to scold children. "What is this? I have two young children in here! Don't scare them!"
"But, ma'am-" the soldier began to protest.
"Honestly, you should be ashamed of yourself!" the Chief continued. "Big, bad soldiers, going around, frightening little children!"
"I meant n-"
"Was that what you read on the recruitment posters? That you'd spend all your time barging in on mothers and frightening babies? What kind of soldier are you?"
"Upstairs," the Chief's daughter hissed. "Hurry!" Squall nodded and waved his team up. They quickly scrambled up the stairs, but Rinoa paused at the foot of the staircase.
"Will she be okay?" she asked. The girl simply smiled.
"My mom'll be fine. The legend goes," she quickly explained, "that during the Galbadian invasion, my mother took down many soldiers with her strength, cooking, and beauty. She can keep them busy with the best of them. Don't worry."
"That beauty part sure makes it seem like a legend," Selphie commented from the top of the stairs.
-------------------
The Forest Fox Chief and her daughter kept the Galbadian soldiers busy with a withering barrage of accusations and questions while the SeeDs and their client waited on the second floor. Squall kept an eye on the small squad of men outside, who kept persistently trying to convince the Chief to let them in. Selphie was sprawled out on the single bed in that room, Angelo at her feet, while Zell continued his silent repairs on the water heater, working on the section of the device on this floor. Quistis and Rinoa continued their talk about Seifer from downstairs.
"I wonder if he's all right?" Rinoa asked absently. Quistis chuckled. "What?"
"He was so angry when he found out . . . ." Quistis explained. "When he knew it was only you three dispatched to Timber. 'They could be going up against the entire Galbadian army!' he said." Quistis shook her head. "'And they send three rookies? Hyne damn it! Let me outta here!' I never thought he was serious about it."
Squall, overhearing the conversation, shook his head. Seifer was always serious. Quistis should have realized that by now.
"What's going to happen to him?" Quistis thought out loud a few moments later. Squall glanced back at her and shrugged.
"He may already be dead," Squall deadpanned. Both Quistis and Rinoa turned their gazes his way, and a surprising degree of shock was in Rinoa's eyes.
"How can you be so casual?" she asked, her tone accusing. Squall blinked, surprised by Rinoa's outburst and protest against a simple statement of what was likely true.
"I . . . I feel sorry for him," Rinoa added, turning her gaze down to the floor as she fiddled with the ring on her necklace. "I hope he's okay."
Somehow, Squall couldn't help but imagine Seifer's reaction to her display of emotion. Likely the cadet would have been angry or even offended that Rinoa was worried about him. It was almost amusing, and Squall couldn't help but let out a quiet, if dark, laugh at the idea.
"What's so funny? You're terrible!" Rinoa snapped, her implicating tone returning tenfold. Squall was surprised by the second outburst, just as he had been the first time. Did Rinoa even know Seifer? Or maybe she was seeing him from a different angle than what Squall had always experienced.
They were quiet for a while after that, until Rinoa broke the silence again.
"So, why do you think he may be dead?" she asked Squall. He shrugged, as if it were obvious.
"The President and the Sorceress have joined forces, and it seems that the Sorceress did something to Seifer," Squall explained. "Seifer attacked the President. It's not surprising he may have been killed for it."
"Even so," Rinoa replied, almost pleading. "I still hope he's alive."
Squall audibly snorted and turned away. Rinoa could think what she wanted, it still wouldn't help at all. Reality wasn't so kind. Not everything worked out the way one wanted it to.
"A bit of advice," he stated coldly, staring out the window. "As long as you don't get your hopes up, you can take anything. You can feel less pain." He glanced back at Rinoa. "Anyway, whatever wish you have is none of my business. All I care about is fulfilling the mission."
Rinoa's expression hovered somewhere between disbelief and anger. Her jaw trembled slightly as her eyes widened at Squall's icy tone and impassive advice.
"You're . . . ." she said, trailing off. Her fists balled by her sides and shook in frustration. "You're mean! MEANIE!"
Squall blinked in surprise at the childish outburst and equally childish choice of insults. What was with her and the emotional outbursts today? Squall felt the need to actually calm her down, but he didn't know exactly what to say in response to the accusation.
"Sorry," he offered with a shrug, turning back to the window. It was the best he could come up with. He looked out the window, and was surprised to see the Galbadians were dispersing, moving on to the next house. The departing of the soldiers was accompanied by the sound of the Chief's daughter bounding up the stairs.
"The Galbadians are withdrawing. The President's headed out now," she explained, waving for them to head back downstairs. "Only the soldiers normally stationed here are going to stick around. If you're gonna leave town, now's your chance! You know how persistent those soldiers can be."
The SeeDs and their client returned to the kitchen, and there, Squall considered what they had to do next. Obviously, they would have to get out of Timber first. Even though the Forest Fox's Chief had thrown the pursuing soldiers off, it would only be a matter of time before the forces regularly stationed in Timber would find them.
"So, what's your plan?" the Chief asked, her question directed at Squall.
"We have to get out of Timber first," Squall answered. "Any way we can."
"Getting out is only the first step," Quistis commented. "We have to find safe harbor." Squall nodded, recalling that line in the Garden Code. Article Eight, Line Seven: In the event that returning to the assigned Garden is impossible, report to the nearest available Garden. In their case, the nearest Garden would be Galbadia Garden; returning to Balamb would likely be impossible, as the Galbadian soldiers would have the rail lines to Balamb closed or at least being watched.
"Didn't you say that the only rail line open was the one for Galbadia Garden's commuters?" Squall asked Selphie, who nodded. "Then that's our target. We have to get on that train, no matter what it takes." Rinoa and his fellow SeeDs nodded. Selphie, though tired, had a look of determination on her face, as did Zell, despite the normally loud SeeD's bout of silence. Quistis looked more than ready to leave, as did Rinoa, even though she wasn't a SeeD.
"Quistis," Squall asked, "You've been to Galbadia Garden before, right?"
"I've been there several times," she answered with a nod. "We'll need to get off at the East Academy Station, and head north through Yaluny Canyon to the Monteresau Plateau. Galbadia Garden isn't far beyond the forest in the canyon. It shouldn't take more than a half a day's travel."
"Okay, then," Squall said with a nod. "Let's go." He turned to the Chief and gave her a nod of thanks.
"You kids be careful, now!" she called as the SeeDs, along with their client and her dog, left the house.
-------------------
Watts met the SeeDs outside the Chief's house, though his chosen dress nearly got him killed. The Forest Owl was defiantely a master of disguise; they didn't recognize him in the uniform of a Galbadian soldier. Squall had almost chopped him in half before Watts had cried out a warning, stopping the SeeD's weapon.
"Good disguise," Selphie commented as Squall sheathed his gunblade.
"Thanks," Watts replied, smiling. "Anyway, I've got some new info, sir! It turns out that they're shutting down all the rail lines out of Timber."
"Mega-bummer!" Selphie replied, her words echoing the sentiments of the rest of the SeeD group.
"Not necessarily," Watts said quickly. "They're letting one last train out, the one headed for Galbadia Garden and Dollet."
Squall nodded. "We're getting on that train," he said, as much an order as a statement.
"Rinoa, you're going with them?" Watts then asked, his voice low and a bit sad. He already knew the answer to the question.
"Yeah," she replied, sadness creeping into her voice as well. "What about you?"
"Don't worry about me!" Watts said, with a crisp and very Galbadian salute. "I'll gather more info! Knowledge is power!" Rinoa smiled at Watts' chipper attitude.
"I promise I'll be back," Rinoa told him. "You take care, okay?"
"I will," he answered. "Squall, you'll take care of Rinoa, right?"
"Yeah," Squall responded, nodding. "Client's orders. Rinoa's safe with us."
"'Til we meet again, sir!" Watts said, smiling once more. He saluted, then strode away purposefully, appearing as if just another patrolling soldier. Within moments he was gone, and Squall led the group away toward the northern section of the city.
A short time later, the group was passing the Aphorora Pub once more. Without warning, an old man who was loitering around suddenly stepped into their path.
"Squall, Rinoa!" he called, his voice definately not that of an old man. Both the SeeD and his client recognized the voice.
"Zone!" Rinoa called, running up to the "old man." Zone smiled behind a huge, bushy gray mustache.
"You're headed for the train departing for Galbadia Garden, right?" he asked. Squall and Rinoa nodded. "Bad news, then," Zone reported. "There's no more tickets left."
"Super-duper-mega-bummer!" Selphie complained, attracting everyone's attention for a brief moment.
"We'll do whatever it takes to get on that train," Squall stated. "Even if we have to cut our way on board."
"You won't have to do that," Zone replied, his smile growing.From his pants pocket the Forest Owl produced a handful of tickets. "Lookie what I've got here! Someone bought these tickets up so no one else could get on the train. What a coincidence I happen to have them."
Zone handed one to Rinoa, and then three more to Squall, for his team, leaving one ticket in the rebel's hand.
"This last one's for me . . . ." Zone began to say, but then paused, looking at Quistis. With startling speed, Zone stepped up to her and put the ticket in her hand. Quistis's mouth opened in surprise, and she attempted to give it back to Zone, but the Owl would hear nothing of it.
"Take it," he said quickly, and then backed away, clutching his stomach. "Ow, my stomach . . . just get going, the train's leaving soon."
"Thank you," Quistis said, nodding her sincere thanks for the oddly selfless act.
"Yes, Zone," Rinoa added. "Zone, you keep out of trouble, okay? You have to survive. We've got to liberate Timber together."
"I know, I know," Zone replied, still holding his tummy. "I'll go hide in a bathroom or something. Now get moving. And you," Zone looked at Squall. "If anything happens to Rinoa, I'll kill you."
In response to Zone's threat, Squall simply shrugged, not menaced at all by someone who he could break in half even without junctions. He then led his team and their client to the train station, where the vehicle waited. The conductor glanced at the SeeD's tickets and quickly waved them on board.
The SeeDs entered the last car, and Seplhie immediately ran to the door leading to the SeeD's private cabin. The intercom sounded with an announcement of the departure, and the train shuddered as it started moving. Squall took a quick inventory of his group. They were all tired, but Quistis and Rinoa appeared to be relieved to be out of Timber. Zell, however, seemed very anxious as he stood away from the group, staring out a window at the passing city.
"We'll," Squall began to say, but was interrupted.
"Open, open, OPEN!" Selphie shouted while waiting impatiently by the door between cars.
". . . make it," Squall finished.
"Please," Selphie shouted. "Open up!" Squall sighed, realizing that Selphie was shouting as much to him as to the door. He'd best let her have her way. Squall quickly scanned the ticket across the reader, which then beeped in confirmation. the door slid open, and Selphie tittered, smiling. She thanked Squall and then scrambled toward the SeeD car.
"So, weren't you saying something?" Rinoa asked as the door shut. Squall nodded.
"We made it," he said. "We're out of Timber. We have a couple of hours between now and our arrival at the East Academy Station."
"We'll have to thank Zone for that," Quistis responded. "I wish I could pay him back, though."
"He's into naughty magazines," Rinoa commented with an embarassed giggle.
"I'll keep that in mind," Quistis replied as Timber passed beyond the windows, the cityscape giving way to rolling plains and forests.
-------------------
As Squall had predicted, the train dropped them off at the eastern station near Yaluny Canyon a couple of hours later. The SeeDs picked up their gear and disembarked quickly, stepping out onto the empty platform. Well, everyone except Quistis. All she had to carry were her knives, belt, and rante.
"You're a bit light on equipment," Squall commented as the group headed north. The towering peaks of the mountains bordering Yaluny Canyon could be seen in the distance, a good hour's walk from the station.
"I came light," Quistis replied. "I was following Seifer from Balamb, I didn't think I needed to carry a lot of equipment for a long stay. I suppose I was mistaken."
"How did you meet up with him?" Rinoa asked, adjusting her pack as Angelo followed. Quistis let out a laugh and tapped the side of her head, where there was a small, shrinking bump.
"He jumped me on the train," Quistis replied, shaking her head. "Locked me in the cabin and took my Guardian Forces."
"You don't have any GFs?" Squall asked, surprised. Quistis confirmed his question with a nod. Squall paused, and focused. Blue energy played down his arm, solidifying and forming into a small blue gemstone.
"You can use my Shiva stone for now," he explained, handing her the gemstone. Quistis nodded her thanks, and then stopped as Selphie handed her a pink stone as well.
"What's this?" Quistis asked, confused.
"Its a GF I drew during the exam a few days ago," Selphie replied, shrugging. "Her name's Siren, but I haven't been doing too well junctioning her. Maybe you'll do better?" Quistis nodded, thanking Selphie as well, as she junctioned the two Guardian Forces. The stones dissolved, and she sighed, feelling the alien but familiar thoughts of Guardian Forces in the back of her mind. After a moment of arranging her magic, Quistis nodded to Squall, and the group continued on.
"So, that's your source of power?" Rinoa asked a couple of minutes later, to Squall. He nodded. During the train ride, she had calmed down a bit, and was less angry at Squall for his remarks about Seifer. Perhaps it had been saying farewell to her friends, but for whatever reason, Rinoa was less cold to Squall now.
"Guardian Forces are SeeD's primary source of strength," Squall replied. "They are the primary weapon SeeD employs during its missions and the reason why Balamb Garden and SeeD are the most respected mercanary force in the west."
"You sound like a training manual," Rinoa commented. She was quiet for a moment, before continuing. "How, exactly, do you do it?"
"Its similar to casting magic," Squall responded, shrugging. "If you can cast spells, then junctioning a Guardian Force is no different than simply stocking a spell. If you want, I can show you when we stop to rest."
"You'd show me?" Rinoa asked, surprised. "Isn't that breaking protocol?"
"No," Squall replied, shaking his head. "Garden doesn't prohibit us from explaining or teaching others how to use GFs."
"But I thought that Guardian Forces were some big secret Garden kept protected," Rinoa said. "I thought that was why only SeeDs from Balamb used GFs."
"No," Squall said, again shaking his head. "Balamb Garden makes extensive use of Guardian Forces, but Trabia Garden avoids arming SeeDs with them and Galbadia Garden outright refuses to use them. Most world militaries avoid use of Guardian Forces as well, despite their power and the ease in which one can be trained in their use."
"Why?" Rinoa asked, curious. She supressed another comment at how Squall was sounding like a training manual again.
"Other militaries are hesitant to use them because of mental effects," Squall explained. "Guardian Forces inhabit a section of their host's brain, and the effect of this is unknown. Most militaries refuse to use the GFs until they know more about the effect that they would have on their soldiers, but Balamb Garden research indicates there is no irreparable brain damage resulting from their use."
"So they're safe?" Rinoa asked, to which Squall nodded.
"It does take getting used to," he added. "If you're not careful with the junctioned magic, you may hurt yourself."
"I see," Rinoa replied, nodding. "I'd like it if you showed me." Squall shrugged and nodded.
"It's practical," he replied. "If you have Guardian Forces you can defend yourself better. We won't worry about having to protect you."
"I figured you'd say something like that," Rinoa replied, shaking her head.
An hour later, the SeeDs and their client had passed under the boughs of the small forest nestled between the rock walls of Yaluny Canyon. They made good time through the forest, using a well-established trail made by Galbadia Garden's students as they passed through the forest. Another hour later, and the group had reached the northern edge of the forest.
"We're almost to Galbadia Garden now," Quistis commented as the group paused for a break. Everyone sat down for a breather, excepting Zell, who paced nervously.
"Heeey," Selphie said, her expression suddenly mirroring Zell's. "I was just thinking . . . ."
"What is it?" Squall asked.
"We're passing into Galbadian territory," she said. "There might be some bad news from the Galbadian government." She grabbed her throat and made choking sounds. "What if we get caught and then get broadcast to the whole world?"
Zell snarled and turned to face Selphie.
"Whatever happens, happens!" he said quickly, his voice anxious. "C'mon, let's keep going! I want to get to Galbadia Garden. I . . . I'm worried about Balamb. I need to know they're all right. If anything's happened, its my fault." He hung his head low, shaking it. Then, Zell glanced up at Squall.
"Squall, do you think Deling will retaliate on Garden?" Zell asked, his eyes needing an answer.
Squall shrugged, not knowing how Deling would have taken the attack. He'd threatened to assault Garden, but he had to understand what it meant to go up against SeeD, both the expert soldiers in Galbadia Garden and the SeeDs in Balamb.
"Maybe," Squall answered honestly. Zell sighed and looked down, shaking his head.
"Figures," Zell muttered. he then turned back to Squall, a sudden hopeful look on his face. "B-B-But, we have a whole bunch of SeeDs at Garden! They wouldn't lose to the Galbadian army, would they?"
"It depends on how strong the army is," Squall replied, again honestly.
"I know, but . . . ." Zell shook his head and looked away, still anxious and not at all comforted by Squall. The SeeD leader yawned as Zell turned. The long walk and the equally long day had taken its toll on him.
"Oh, you're just a great leader, aren't you?" Rinoa accused sarcastically. Squall turned to face her, surprised by her continued scolding. Not again . . . .
"Do you actually enjoy acting so callous to your comrades?" she demanded, putting her hands on her hips and giving Squall a very Quistis- like look. "Zell needs your support," she stated. Squall sighed in vexation, knowing Rinoa was going to say that before she'd even spoken.
"Any kind of encouragement will make-" Rinoa began, but stopped as Squall turned away, blatantly ignoring her. Whatever she was suggesting was just to ease the mind, and otherwise was completely useless. Squall preferred it that way, honesty over meaningless words. He wasn't the only one who thought that way, though. Surely Seifer would have agreed with him.
"Don't you ever worry about, or even think about the well-being of your comrades?" Rinoa asked loudly to his back. Squall clenched his teeth but didn't answer. He didn't believe in relying on others, but that was answer that would only get Rinoa angrier at him. Squall blinked for a second as he thought that. His eyelids were getting heavy. He must be really tired . . . .
"Don't you understand?" Rinoa asked from behind him, but Squall shook off the question as he suddenly recalled a similar sensation from just yesterday, the sudden tiredness. "Are you even listening?"
Squall ignored her, feeling the wave of sleepiness sweep over him. He grabbed his head, and turned to face Rinoa, who was shocked by the sudden appearance of both exhaustion nd confusion in his face.
"Squall!" Zell shouted, jumping to his feet and scanning the surrounding area. "Again?" he asked quietly, as Selphie and Quistis began to mirror Squall's expression.
"Augh!" Squall muttered, dropping to his knees. The blackness swept over him, despite his best efforts to stay awake. The flattened grass of the trail rose up to meet him, but it never connected with Squall's face as he lost conciousness.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Argh. I can't believe how long it took me to slough through this chapter. This particular part of the Timber arc was especially boring during the game, but now, for another of my favorite parts of the game: a Laguna interlude! Yayness! Expect me to make up for the lack of action in this chapter with piles of combat in the next. The whole chapter's gonna be one long running gun battle!
A quick but thorough search of the room showed no trace of either Seifer or the mysterious woman. They had vanished completely, and that, combined with the magical blast that had blinded the SeeDs, told Squall all he needed to know about the purple-garbed woman. Whoever she was, she had been Deling's Sorceress.
As the SeeDs finished their sweep, the door Deling had escaped through burst open. The SeeDs started to draw their weapons, but then stood down as they saw who the intruder was.
"Hey!" Rinoa called. She glanced out the door, and then looked back at the SeeDs, her eyes scanning the room. Squall noted that Rinoa was fully armed now, and, he realized a moment later, accompanied by Angelo. The dog sniffed the air, her ears going flat, as if she sensed danger. Squall couldn't help but agree that this area wasn't secure.
"What are you doing here?" Squall asked Rinoa as he gestured the rest of his squad and Quistis to head for the door behind Rinoa. He joined them after checking the corridor behind.
"I saw the broadcast," Rinoa explained. She looked around the room once more, her expression turning concerned. Squall realized exactly what she was searching for, and knew what she would say before the words left her mouth.
"Where's Seifer?"
"I don't know," Squall replied. "But we can't stay here. Let's move." Rinoa reluctantly nodded and led the way out of the studio, with Squall pointedly moving up beside her.
"He'll be okay, right?" Rinoa asked quietly as they entered another hallway. Squall remained silent as they rounded a corner and passed through another empty studio. He didn't have an answer to that question, though he, too, was concerned with what had happened to Seifer - though Squall would never openly admit it.
The small group soon found their way outside. The maintenance access was still unguarded, although a squad of blue-clad Timber militia were working their way up the catwalk. For an instant, Squall thought that they would have to injure or incapacitate the militia in order to keep up appearances, but stood down at a wave from Rinoa. She conferred with the leader of the militia squad, who simply nodded and waved them on.
"They found our base while we were in the city," Rinoa commented quietly as the SeeDs and their client passed the giant television screen. "It's been completely destroyed." The news surprised the SeeDs, obviously.
"And everyone else?" Selphie asked, realizing that only Rinoa had come to meet them. Rinoa suppressed a giggle.
"Don't worry about them," she replied. "They're good at hiding. They saw the attack coming and evacuated. They even managed to get Angelo for me."
Soon the group was advancing down the alleyway, heading back through the Aphorora Pub.
"I need to get away from Timber for a while," Rinoa stated as they came into sight of the pub. "They've gotten some information from the train, and while its not enough to point to me, if I get detained . . . ."
"They'll ID you, right?" Zell finished, to Rinoa's nod.
"Is there a safe place you can take me?" Rinoa asked. Squall frowned, unsure. Obviously, Rinoa meant a Garden facility, but those may or may not be the safest locations now that Galbadia knew that SeeDs were involved. Even if Galbadia didn't attack Garden for Seifer's actions, the housing and safekeeping of someone opposed to the Deling regime might not come off well.
"This is an order. I am your client, remember?" Rinoa added to which Squall sighed and nodded. She had a point.
"All right. We'll take you back to Garden after we get out of town," he replied. Rinoa smiled and patted his shoulder in thanks. He simply shrugged as they passed through the door into the Aphorora Pub.
"Rinoa!" A rather heavyset woman called out from behind the bar, where she was mixing drinks. "Thank Hyne you're all right. Did you get your people out of there?" Rinoa nodded, gesturing to the SeeDs.
"I heard your base had been destroyed too," the woman added. She glanced at the equally heavyset owner of the pub, who nodded. The woman stepped out from behind the bar. "You and your friends had better come to my place until things settle down."
"Okay," Rinoa replied with a nod. She gestured for the group to follow her, and they quickly cleared out of the Aphorora Pub, following the woman.
They passed through the streets without incident, evading the numerous blue-uniformed patrols that rushed about, combing the city for the rebels and SeeDs. After passing through a few alleys and crossing a busy street, the group arrived at the woman's home, a two story household next to Timber's biggest newspaper and magazine publisher, Timber Maniacs. The building dwarfed the tiny house next door, Squall saw, as they entered.
"Well, this is it," the woman stated as the group entered the modest home. They passed an entry hallway and entered a mid-sized dining room and kitchen, with hallways branching off to the rest of the first floor and a staircase leading upstairs.
"I'll head out and keep an eye open," the woman added, walking to the door. "I'll let you know if anything changes. 'Til then, make yourselves at home." She then stepped into the entry hall to keep watch.
"Thanks, Chief!" Rinoa said, to which the woman simply smiled and waved the gratitude away.
"No problem," she replied as she dissappeared out into the hallway.
"Chief?" Squall asked, recalling how everyone in town was a resistance member.
"She's leader of the Forest Fox group," Rinoa replied, smiling. "You know everyone here's a rebel, though my group's the only one very active at the moment. But it would be best if we stayed here for a while anyway."
Squall agreed, and they settled in to wait, something that Squall was not very good at.
-------------------
Rinoa had, at the Forest Fox's Chief's urging, prepared some food for the SeeDs over the next hour. During that time, Squall had gone up to the second floor, taking up a watch there. Not that he didn't trust the Chief to keep an eye out, but he'd rather have two eyes scanning for trouble.
After about an hour, the Chief's daughter showed up at the house, and relieved Squall of his duty as a lookout. She had also brought word that the Galbadian army was starting house-to-house searches.
As Squall returned to the first floor, he noticed Zell was working on the water heater in the kitchen's corner, apparently out of both boredom and because the thing was malfunctioning. The rest of the group loitered about, Rinoa looking out a window while Selphie and Quistis sat at the table. Angelo was curled up in a corner, sound asleep.
"I still don't get it," Selphie said to Rinoa. "What did Seifer come here for? It was so out of the blue."
"I think I know, now," Rinoa replied. She turned around and faced the SeeDs. "He came to help us, the Forest Owls." Squall blinked in surprise for an instant, before nodding. Seifer had been the one who'd arranged for the mission, after all. It seemed obvious he would do whatever it took to see the mission complete.
"So, that was what he was talking about," Quistis murmured, nodding in her own understanding. "Seifer kept telling me he was doing it for someone."
"I talked about it a lot with him," Rinoa explained, walking across the room. Her eyes seemed to be set on a time and place far removed from the kitchen. "He agreed with me wholeheartedly. He kept saying that Galbadia had no right to control Timber, and that he'd help me someday. I knew he meant it, but to come all this way like he did . . . ." Rinoa looked around at the SeeDs. "He did it for us. Please, don't think too badly of him."
The front door suddenly rattled as someone pounded on it roughly. The SeeDs' hands went to their weapons as Angelo suddenly awoke, rushing to Rinoa's side protectively. At the same moment, the Chief's daughter bounded down the stairs.
"The Galbad-" she began to say, but was cut of by a shout.
"Hey!" a loud, gruff shout from outside could be heard. "Anybody in here?" The Chief hurried to the door, opening a small window and glaring at the soldiers outside.
"What?" she shouted angrily, in an angry-mother-like tone, the kind one used to scold children. "What is this? I have two young children in here! Don't scare them!"
"But, ma'am-" the soldier began to protest.
"Honestly, you should be ashamed of yourself!" the Chief continued. "Big, bad soldiers, going around, frightening little children!"
"I meant n-"
"Was that what you read on the recruitment posters? That you'd spend all your time barging in on mothers and frightening babies? What kind of soldier are you?"
"Upstairs," the Chief's daughter hissed. "Hurry!" Squall nodded and waved his team up. They quickly scrambled up the stairs, but Rinoa paused at the foot of the staircase.
"Will she be okay?" she asked. The girl simply smiled.
"My mom'll be fine. The legend goes," she quickly explained, "that during the Galbadian invasion, my mother took down many soldiers with her strength, cooking, and beauty. She can keep them busy with the best of them. Don't worry."
"That beauty part sure makes it seem like a legend," Selphie commented from the top of the stairs.
-------------------
The Forest Fox Chief and her daughter kept the Galbadian soldiers busy with a withering barrage of accusations and questions while the SeeDs and their client waited on the second floor. Squall kept an eye on the small squad of men outside, who kept persistently trying to convince the Chief to let them in. Selphie was sprawled out on the single bed in that room, Angelo at her feet, while Zell continued his silent repairs on the water heater, working on the section of the device on this floor. Quistis and Rinoa continued their talk about Seifer from downstairs.
"I wonder if he's all right?" Rinoa asked absently. Quistis chuckled. "What?"
"He was so angry when he found out . . . ." Quistis explained. "When he knew it was only you three dispatched to Timber. 'They could be going up against the entire Galbadian army!' he said." Quistis shook her head. "'And they send three rookies? Hyne damn it! Let me outta here!' I never thought he was serious about it."
Squall, overhearing the conversation, shook his head. Seifer was always serious. Quistis should have realized that by now.
"What's going to happen to him?" Quistis thought out loud a few moments later. Squall glanced back at her and shrugged.
"He may already be dead," Squall deadpanned. Both Quistis and Rinoa turned their gazes his way, and a surprising degree of shock was in Rinoa's eyes.
"How can you be so casual?" she asked, her tone accusing. Squall blinked, surprised by Rinoa's outburst and protest against a simple statement of what was likely true.
"I . . . I feel sorry for him," Rinoa added, turning her gaze down to the floor as she fiddled with the ring on her necklace. "I hope he's okay."
Somehow, Squall couldn't help but imagine Seifer's reaction to her display of emotion. Likely the cadet would have been angry or even offended that Rinoa was worried about him. It was almost amusing, and Squall couldn't help but let out a quiet, if dark, laugh at the idea.
"What's so funny? You're terrible!" Rinoa snapped, her implicating tone returning tenfold. Squall was surprised by the second outburst, just as he had been the first time. Did Rinoa even know Seifer? Or maybe she was seeing him from a different angle than what Squall had always experienced.
They were quiet for a while after that, until Rinoa broke the silence again.
"So, why do you think he may be dead?" she asked Squall. He shrugged, as if it were obvious.
"The President and the Sorceress have joined forces, and it seems that the Sorceress did something to Seifer," Squall explained. "Seifer attacked the President. It's not surprising he may have been killed for it."
"Even so," Rinoa replied, almost pleading. "I still hope he's alive."
Squall audibly snorted and turned away. Rinoa could think what she wanted, it still wouldn't help at all. Reality wasn't so kind. Not everything worked out the way one wanted it to.
"A bit of advice," he stated coldly, staring out the window. "As long as you don't get your hopes up, you can take anything. You can feel less pain." He glanced back at Rinoa. "Anyway, whatever wish you have is none of my business. All I care about is fulfilling the mission."
Rinoa's expression hovered somewhere between disbelief and anger. Her jaw trembled slightly as her eyes widened at Squall's icy tone and impassive advice.
"You're . . . ." she said, trailing off. Her fists balled by her sides and shook in frustration. "You're mean! MEANIE!"
Squall blinked in surprise at the childish outburst and equally childish choice of insults. What was with her and the emotional outbursts today? Squall felt the need to actually calm her down, but he didn't know exactly what to say in response to the accusation.
"Sorry," he offered with a shrug, turning back to the window. It was the best he could come up with. He looked out the window, and was surprised to see the Galbadians were dispersing, moving on to the next house. The departing of the soldiers was accompanied by the sound of the Chief's daughter bounding up the stairs.
"The Galbadians are withdrawing. The President's headed out now," she explained, waving for them to head back downstairs. "Only the soldiers normally stationed here are going to stick around. If you're gonna leave town, now's your chance! You know how persistent those soldiers can be."
The SeeDs and their client returned to the kitchen, and there, Squall considered what they had to do next. Obviously, they would have to get out of Timber first. Even though the Forest Fox's Chief had thrown the pursuing soldiers off, it would only be a matter of time before the forces regularly stationed in Timber would find them.
"So, what's your plan?" the Chief asked, her question directed at Squall.
"We have to get out of Timber first," Squall answered. "Any way we can."
"Getting out is only the first step," Quistis commented. "We have to find safe harbor." Squall nodded, recalling that line in the Garden Code. Article Eight, Line Seven: In the event that returning to the assigned Garden is impossible, report to the nearest available Garden. In their case, the nearest Garden would be Galbadia Garden; returning to Balamb would likely be impossible, as the Galbadian soldiers would have the rail lines to Balamb closed or at least being watched.
"Didn't you say that the only rail line open was the one for Galbadia Garden's commuters?" Squall asked Selphie, who nodded. "Then that's our target. We have to get on that train, no matter what it takes." Rinoa and his fellow SeeDs nodded. Selphie, though tired, had a look of determination on her face, as did Zell, despite the normally loud SeeD's bout of silence. Quistis looked more than ready to leave, as did Rinoa, even though she wasn't a SeeD.
"Quistis," Squall asked, "You've been to Galbadia Garden before, right?"
"I've been there several times," she answered with a nod. "We'll need to get off at the East Academy Station, and head north through Yaluny Canyon to the Monteresau Plateau. Galbadia Garden isn't far beyond the forest in the canyon. It shouldn't take more than a half a day's travel."
"Okay, then," Squall said with a nod. "Let's go." He turned to the Chief and gave her a nod of thanks.
"You kids be careful, now!" she called as the SeeDs, along with their client and her dog, left the house.
-------------------
Watts met the SeeDs outside the Chief's house, though his chosen dress nearly got him killed. The Forest Owl was defiantely a master of disguise; they didn't recognize him in the uniform of a Galbadian soldier. Squall had almost chopped him in half before Watts had cried out a warning, stopping the SeeD's weapon.
"Good disguise," Selphie commented as Squall sheathed his gunblade.
"Thanks," Watts replied, smiling. "Anyway, I've got some new info, sir! It turns out that they're shutting down all the rail lines out of Timber."
"Mega-bummer!" Selphie replied, her words echoing the sentiments of the rest of the SeeD group.
"Not necessarily," Watts said quickly. "They're letting one last train out, the one headed for Galbadia Garden and Dollet."
Squall nodded. "We're getting on that train," he said, as much an order as a statement.
"Rinoa, you're going with them?" Watts then asked, his voice low and a bit sad. He already knew the answer to the question.
"Yeah," she replied, sadness creeping into her voice as well. "What about you?"
"Don't worry about me!" Watts said, with a crisp and very Galbadian salute. "I'll gather more info! Knowledge is power!" Rinoa smiled at Watts' chipper attitude.
"I promise I'll be back," Rinoa told him. "You take care, okay?"
"I will," he answered. "Squall, you'll take care of Rinoa, right?"
"Yeah," Squall responded, nodding. "Client's orders. Rinoa's safe with us."
"'Til we meet again, sir!" Watts said, smiling once more. He saluted, then strode away purposefully, appearing as if just another patrolling soldier. Within moments he was gone, and Squall led the group away toward the northern section of the city.
A short time later, the group was passing the Aphorora Pub once more. Without warning, an old man who was loitering around suddenly stepped into their path.
"Squall, Rinoa!" he called, his voice definately not that of an old man. Both the SeeD and his client recognized the voice.
"Zone!" Rinoa called, running up to the "old man." Zone smiled behind a huge, bushy gray mustache.
"You're headed for the train departing for Galbadia Garden, right?" he asked. Squall and Rinoa nodded. "Bad news, then," Zone reported. "There's no more tickets left."
"Super-duper-mega-bummer!" Selphie complained, attracting everyone's attention for a brief moment.
"We'll do whatever it takes to get on that train," Squall stated. "Even if we have to cut our way on board."
"You won't have to do that," Zone replied, his smile growing.From his pants pocket the Forest Owl produced a handful of tickets. "Lookie what I've got here! Someone bought these tickets up so no one else could get on the train. What a coincidence I happen to have them."
Zone handed one to Rinoa, and then three more to Squall, for his team, leaving one ticket in the rebel's hand.
"This last one's for me . . . ." Zone began to say, but then paused, looking at Quistis. With startling speed, Zone stepped up to her and put the ticket in her hand. Quistis's mouth opened in surprise, and she attempted to give it back to Zone, but the Owl would hear nothing of it.
"Take it," he said quickly, and then backed away, clutching his stomach. "Ow, my stomach . . . just get going, the train's leaving soon."
"Thank you," Quistis said, nodding her sincere thanks for the oddly selfless act.
"Yes, Zone," Rinoa added. "Zone, you keep out of trouble, okay? You have to survive. We've got to liberate Timber together."
"I know, I know," Zone replied, still holding his tummy. "I'll go hide in a bathroom or something. Now get moving. And you," Zone looked at Squall. "If anything happens to Rinoa, I'll kill you."
In response to Zone's threat, Squall simply shrugged, not menaced at all by someone who he could break in half even without junctions. He then led his team and their client to the train station, where the vehicle waited. The conductor glanced at the SeeD's tickets and quickly waved them on board.
The SeeDs entered the last car, and Seplhie immediately ran to the door leading to the SeeD's private cabin. The intercom sounded with an announcement of the departure, and the train shuddered as it started moving. Squall took a quick inventory of his group. They were all tired, but Quistis and Rinoa appeared to be relieved to be out of Timber. Zell, however, seemed very anxious as he stood away from the group, staring out a window at the passing city.
"We'll," Squall began to say, but was interrupted.
"Open, open, OPEN!" Selphie shouted while waiting impatiently by the door between cars.
". . . make it," Squall finished.
"Please," Selphie shouted. "Open up!" Squall sighed, realizing that Selphie was shouting as much to him as to the door. He'd best let her have her way. Squall quickly scanned the ticket across the reader, which then beeped in confirmation. the door slid open, and Selphie tittered, smiling. She thanked Squall and then scrambled toward the SeeD car.
"So, weren't you saying something?" Rinoa asked as the door shut. Squall nodded.
"We made it," he said. "We're out of Timber. We have a couple of hours between now and our arrival at the East Academy Station."
"We'll have to thank Zone for that," Quistis responded. "I wish I could pay him back, though."
"He's into naughty magazines," Rinoa commented with an embarassed giggle.
"I'll keep that in mind," Quistis replied as Timber passed beyond the windows, the cityscape giving way to rolling plains and forests.
-------------------
As Squall had predicted, the train dropped them off at the eastern station near Yaluny Canyon a couple of hours later. The SeeDs picked up their gear and disembarked quickly, stepping out onto the empty platform. Well, everyone except Quistis. All she had to carry were her knives, belt, and rante.
"You're a bit light on equipment," Squall commented as the group headed north. The towering peaks of the mountains bordering Yaluny Canyon could be seen in the distance, a good hour's walk from the station.
"I came light," Quistis replied. "I was following Seifer from Balamb, I didn't think I needed to carry a lot of equipment for a long stay. I suppose I was mistaken."
"How did you meet up with him?" Rinoa asked, adjusting her pack as Angelo followed. Quistis let out a laugh and tapped the side of her head, where there was a small, shrinking bump.
"He jumped me on the train," Quistis replied, shaking her head. "Locked me in the cabin and took my Guardian Forces."
"You don't have any GFs?" Squall asked, surprised. Quistis confirmed his question with a nod. Squall paused, and focused. Blue energy played down his arm, solidifying and forming into a small blue gemstone.
"You can use my Shiva stone for now," he explained, handing her the gemstone. Quistis nodded her thanks, and then stopped as Selphie handed her a pink stone as well.
"What's this?" Quistis asked, confused.
"Its a GF I drew during the exam a few days ago," Selphie replied, shrugging. "Her name's Siren, but I haven't been doing too well junctioning her. Maybe you'll do better?" Quistis nodded, thanking Selphie as well, as she junctioned the two Guardian Forces. The stones dissolved, and she sighed, feelling the alien but familiar thoughts of Guardian Forces in the back of her mind. After a moment of arranging her magic, Quistis nodded to Squall, and the group continued on.
"So, that's your source of power?" Rinoa asked a couple of minutes later, to Squall. He nodded. During the train ride, she had calmed down a bit, and was less angry at Squall for his remarks about Seifer. Perhaps it had been saying farewell to her friends, but for whatever reason, Rinoa was less cold to Squall now.
"Guardian Forces are SeeD's primary source of strength," Squall replied. "They are the primary weapon SeeD employs during its missions and the reason why Balamb Garden and SeeD are the most respected mercanary force in the west."
"You sound like a training manual," Rinoa commented. She was quiet for a moment, before continuing. "How, exactly, do you do it?"
"Its similar to casting magic," Squall responded, shrugging. "If you can cast spells, then junctioning a Guardian Force is no different than simply stocking a spell. If you want, I can show you when we stop to rest."
"You'd show me?" Rinoa asked, surprised. "Isn't that breaking protocol?"
"No," Squall replied, shaking his head. "Garden doesn't prohibit us from explaining or teaching others how to use GFs."
"But I thought that Guardian Forces were some big secret Garden kept protected," Rinoa said. "I thought that was why only SeeDs from Balamb used GFs."
"No," Squall said, again shaking his head. "Balamb Garden makes extensive use of Guardian Forces, but Trabia Garden avoids arming SeeDs with them and Galbadia Garden outright refuses to use them. Most world militaries avoid use of Guardian Forces as well, despite their power and the ease in which one can be trained in their use."
"Why?" Rinoa asked, curious. She supressed another comment at how Squall was sounding like a training manual again.
"Other militaries are hesitant to use them because of mental effects," Squall explained. "Guardian Forces inhabit a section of their host's brain, and the effect of this is unknown. Most militaries refuse to use the GFs until they know more about the effect that they would have on their soldiers, but Balamb Garden research indicates there is no irreparable brain damage resulting from their use."
"So they're safe?" Rinoa asked, to which Squall nodded.
"It does take getting used to," he added. "If you're not careful with the junctioned magic, you may hurt yourself."
"I see," Rinoa replied, nodding. "I'd like it if you showed me." Squall shrugged and nodded.
"It's practical," he replied. "If you have Guardian Forces you can defend yourself better. We won't worry about having to protect you."
"I figured you'd say something like that," Rinoa replied, shaking her head.
An hour later, the SeeDs and their client had passed under the boughs of the small forest nestled between the rock walls of Yaluny Canyon. They made good time through the forest, using a well-established trail made by Galbadia Garden's students as they passed through the forest. Another hour later, and the group had reached the northern edge of the forest.
"We're almost to Galbadia Garden now," Quistis commented as the group paused for a break. Everyone sat down for a breather, excepting Zell, who paced nervously.
"Heeey," Selphie said, her expression suddenly mirroring Zell's. "I was just thinking . . . ."
"What is it?" Squall asked.
"We're passing into Galbadian territory," she said. "There might be some bad news from the Galbadian government." She grabbed her throat and made choking sounds. "What if we get caught and then get broadcast to the whole world?"
Zell snarled and turned to face Selphie.
"Whatever happens, happens!" he said quickly, his voice anxious. "C'mon, let's keep going! I want to get to Galbadia Garden. I . . . I'm worried about Balamb. I need to know they're all right. If anything's happened, its my fault." He hung his head low, shaking it. Then, Zell glanced up at Squall.
"Squall, do you think Deling will retaliate on Garden?" Zell asked, his eyes needing an answer.
Squall shrugged, not knowing how Deling would have taken the attack. He'd threatened to assault Garden, but he had to understand what it meant to go up against SeeD, both the expert soldiers in Galbadia Garden and the SeeDs in Balamb.
"Maybe," Squall answered honestly. Zell sighed and looked down, shaking his head.
"Figures," Zell muttered. he then turned back to Squall, a sudden hopeful look on his face. "B-B-But, we have a whole bunch of SeeDs at Garden! They wouldn't lose to the Galbadian army, would they?"
"It depends on how strong the army is," Squall replied, again honestly.
"I know, but . . . ." Zell shook his head and looked away, still anxious and not at all comforted by Squall. The SeeD leader yawned as Zell turned. The long walk and the equally long day had taken its toll on him.
"Oh, you're just a great leader, aren't you?" Rinoa accused sarcastically. Squall turned to face her, surprised by her continued scolding. Not again . . . .
"Do you actually enjoy acting so callous to your comrades?" she demanded, putting her hands on her hips and giving Squall a very Quistis- like look. "Zell needs your support," she stated. Squall sighed in vexation, knowing Rinoa was going to say that before she'd even spoken.
"Any kind of encouragement will make-" Rinoa began, but stopped as Squall turned away, blatantly ignoring her. Whatever she was suggesting was just to ease the mind, and otherwise was completely useless. Squall preferred it that way, honesty over meaningless words. He wasn't the only one who thought that way, though. Surely Seifer would have agreed with him.
"Don't you ever worry about, or even think about the well-being of your comrades?" Rinoa asked loudly to his back. Squall clenched his teeth but didn't answer. He didn't believe in relying on others, but that was answer that would only get Rinoa angrier at him. Squall blinked for a second as he thought that. His eyelids were getting heavy. He must be really tired . . . .
"Don't you understand?" Rinoa asked from behind him, but Squall shook off the question as he suddenly recalled a similar sensation from just yesterday, the sudden tiredness. "Are you even listening?"
Squall ignored her, feeling the wave of sleepiness sweep over him. He grabbed his head, and turned to face Rinoa, who was shocked by the sudden appearance of both exhaustion nd confusion in his face.
"Squall!" Zell shouted, jumping to his feet and scanning the surrounding area. "Again?" he asked quietly, as Selphie and Quistis began to mirror Squall's expression.
"Augh!" Squall muttered, dropping to his knees. The blackness swept over him, despite his best efforts to stay awake. The flattened grass of the trail rose up to meet him, but it never connected with Squall's face as he lost conciousness.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Argh. I can't believe how long it took me to slough through this chapter. This particular part of the Timber arc was especially boring during the game, but now, for another of my favorite parts of the game: a Laguna interlude! Yayness! Expect me to make up for the lack of action in this chapter with piles of combat in the next. The whole chapter's gonna be one long running gun battle!
