Nothing as It Seems

I

Summary: He knew his place in the world, or he thought he did. They were all there, then they were gone.

He doesn't know what to believe anymore, everything he thought he knew was gone. Everyone he knows... fake. His Life.... A Lie. Open your eyes Squall. Open your eyes....

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the 'Voices'

Rating: R for language in future chapters.

It was over. It was all finally over. Ultimecia was destroyed and the Galbadian army, stopped. For the first time in his life at the garden Squall Leonheart could actually relax. He had been given the position of Headmaster meaning he didn't have to go out anymore risking his life for money; he could just sit and relax. Relax. Now that's a new word, he chuckled to himself as he sat in his new office. He had so little to do the first couple weeks in his new occupation. So, as much as he hated it he started thinking recent events over. Rinoa. He's known her for two months almost, but it's felt like forever. She's annoying, whinny, and has a dog that sheds fur coats, daily. But... She put up with his... his... lonering. No. She intruded on his lonering. Forcing him into the light. Making him talk to people. He's never had a better time. He had to repay her. She changed him for the better.

"Congratulations Squall," Former headmaster Cid Kramer shook his hand at his and Rinoa's engagement party. "May you two live a long, happy life and grow old together," Well, Squall thought, at least he has good intentions. Squall looked around at all the guests and paused, watching intently as Selphie, Rinoa and Quistis smacked Zell's back while he hacked and coughed. Irvine came up beside him.

"Five Gil says it's a full hot dog,"

"Naw, it's probably the strawberry's from the strawberry cheese cake."

"Nope, your both wrong. It's a handful of corn chips," Nida smirked. "Be ready to pay up,"

"There!" Selphie squealed as the sharp edged chip landed on the table. Squall and Irvine looked at Nida who had his hand out, waiting for his winnings.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever," Irvine grumbled as he gave Nida five gill.

"Catch me when I'm in a giving mood," he walked off to see is bride to be.

"Zell isn't going to live past 20," She laughed as Zell, again, put a handful of chips in his mouth.

"Having a good time?"

"Of course," she winked and leaned up and kissed him gently. He leaned away and smiled.

"Then that's all that matter's,"

Squall went back to enjoying his Champaign and watching his fiancé meet and greet the guests.

"Excuse me Sir," one of the waiters tapped him on his shoulder. "There is a man at the door who isn't on the guest list. He demands to see you,"

Squall sighed in annoyance. "And what did this man say his name was?"

"Almasy, Sir. Seifer Almasy,"

He groaned. "Send him in but make sure he come straight here,"

The waiter nodded and walked out of view. What, does Seifer want? Squall quickly gulped the last bit of Champaign and took another glass. When he saw the tall blonde approach.

"And what brings The Almighty Almasy here?" Squall asked sarcastically, the liquor getting to his head.

"Just wondering why your life long rival and recently worst enemy wasn't invited" Seifer crossed his arms.

"No entry without a gift so leave," Squall lied, now on his third glass. He started to walk past him but stumbled onto the floor.

"How many of those have you had?" Seifer snickered. Squall stood up on shaky legs and went for another glass. "Five,"

Seifer laughed "You drunken idiot. I'm stickin' around. This'll get interesting"

Squall glared at Seifer. "You are leaving..." he stopped in mid sentence and stared at Seifer in horror.

"What? Something on my face?" Seifer asked, and then he faded out.

"Seifer!" Squall yelled. The music stopped and the entire room look him. Rinoa ran over to see what her future husband was yelling about.

"He disappeared! Seifer was there then he faded...." Squall turned to where Seifer had been standing.

"Squall, he's right there. Are you alright?" Rinoa asked in a frantic voice.

No he wasn't all right. Seifer had... had... disappeared. He looked at Seifer who was standing there, plain as day. Dr. Kadowaki came running into the ballroom with a syringe in her hand. "Squall, it's okay, just relax. Calm down,"

"No, Seifer wasn't there!" he took a few uneasy steps backward and smashed into Rinoa knocking her over. The sound of glass shattering echoed thought the room. "Rinoa! I'm sorry I just..." he stared into her eyes and watched as his lover disappeared. "Rinoa, not you too..." he whispered. What was going on! He stood up. Everything was silent. He looked around. Everything. Fading into white. Seifer started walking toward him. Vanished. Reappeared right in front of him.

"Squall, what are you on," Seifer asked demanded.

"I...I..." he couldn't say anything. His mouth went dry and his voice was cracking. But there was something else there.

"Hurry up or we'll loose him!"

"I'm going as fast as I can but it's not working!"

"Then turn up the power!"

"But..."

"NOW!"

"Ahhh! Squall clutched his head as an intense pain ran back and forth threw his head. He looked around what was left of the room and the last thing; Rinoa was the last to completely fade away.

He was conscious, he hoped but nothing was there. White everywhere. He could walk but there was no shadow underneath him. What was going on? Then the voices came back.

"We lost him."

"No we didn't. Up the power again. We cannot lose him. That is not an option"

"AAAHHHH!" Squall when down on his knees clutching his head. The pain went coursing threw his head again. He.... He couldn't handle it. Loosing.... Consciousness...

"He's threw!"

The voices were closer now, only it was all black. Nothing was there and he could hardly move. He tried to move his arms and let out a groan. There was a light; it seemed to be coming closer...closer... The white light was now on him and he had control over his eyes again. He stared to open them and stirred at the pain he suddenly felt. The voices were so close........ No. The people the voices belonged to were so close he could feel their hot breath on his cold skin. He stirred again, groaning as he slowly regained his consciousness.

"He's coming to. Shh,"

"Open your eyes Squall, open your eyes.... "

TBC...

AN: Ok, this is going to get interesting as it goes on. But I can't let out too much and I'll get that next chapter out ASAP if you guys like it.

LYLAFFR (Luv Ya Like A Fan Fiction Reader)

OceanGurl