Problems Arise


The city of Esthar never ceased to impress Squall. It was hard to believe that just a few months ago, no one even knew this place existed. After parking the Ragnarok on the outskirts of the city, Squall looked for his car he had rented. He never bothered returning it knowing that he'll come back someday. Once he found the blue mobile, he stepped in and drove to the grand entrance. Afterwards, he was met by a hi-tech platform, which brought him up to the city itself.

Although the place was gigantic, Squall had no trouble finding the Presidential Palace. His many trips here had finally made him memorized all the routes and short cuts. Soon, he was standing right outside Laguna's office.

May I know what you're doing here? an Esthar guard asks. As always, security was kept tight.

I have a meeting with Laguna Loire.

Ah yes. Right this way Sir. The guard opened the door and gestured him inside the Meeting Room.

Thank you.

Ah! Squall, there you are!! Laguna cried. Where have you been? You're late!!

Sorry, there were some problems. So...what's going on?

Yes about that! It seems like Galbadia's up to no good. Since Sorceress Edea is no longer in possession of Deling and Galbadia Garden, they had regained total power again. Of course, their general and leader is-

finished Squall.

You bet! It seems like they're trying to take over Timber again and after they dominate Timber, they're gonna go for the other small helpless towns. This is where you come in. We have a feeling they're going to launch another attack soon so we need as much reinforcements as possible. I'm planning on using almost all the Esthar soldiers. With the SeeDs and the fighters in your Garden, we should be able to win right?

Squall shook his head. That depends on how many people they have on their side.

Laguna placed his hand under his chin and thought for a second. Well...of course they have the Galbadian Soldiers and the elite fighters from their own Garden. Plus, I'm sure General Caraway has his own army so but with you guys, we'll be sure to win!!

Again, Squall shook his head. Why are you telling me all this now? Couldn't you have told me this sooner? The Galbadians just launched an attack last night during my wedding so most of our fighters are injured and need recovery time!

At first, I contacted Headmaster Cid that we were picking up these information but we weren't sure yet so I asked you to come in two weeks...you know, just in case. When we were POSITIVE that Galbadia is trying to take over again, I didn't call you in sooner because I found out about your wedding so I thought it was only fair for you to come afterwards but then......you know.

But the Headmaster didn't say anything.

We told him not to say anything until we were sure. That way, we don't start making everyone panic over nothing. Even when we knew what was going on, we still didn't tell Cid. We planned to tell him after your wedding but I'd never thought they were going to attack you Garden.

A small gasp sounded from the corner. Ellone stepped into view, her face filled with sorrow. Oh no...is everyone alright?

Yes, all the SeeDs, including Irvine and Rinoa seem to be doing fine. He didn't bother mentioning Seifer. Just the sound of that name angered him. They sure picked a great time to attack.......they probably knew we were holding the wedding at that time and all of us was unprepared.

Whoa! But how could they have known? Are there spies? asked Laguna suspiciously.

It's quite obvious actually. Rinoa probably called her father and asked him if he wanted to attend so I guess Caraway used this information to his advantage.

Laguna looked thoughtful. I see...how many soldiers did you guys take out?

We took out the whole army but I wasn't sure how many there were. Probably around forty or so.

Well at least that takes out a few of their soldiers.

Squall, I'm so sorry that this had to happen on your wedding day, Ellone sympathized. She shook her head sadly.

Squall smiled slightly. That's all right Sis. As soon as this is over, we'll begin the preparations again and this time, I hope you can make it!

Of course!!

Laguna, what are we suppose to do now?

Well, we have a fleet of around five airships ready. We're planning on using them if the Galbadians are attacking and you are the commander of the fleet Squall.

Oh brother...commander for Garden and now Esthar?

Squall slapped his forehead. So I'm just supposed to stay here and wait until they attack?

Normally I would send them out by now but they're still in the process of going over last minute inspections, so yes. Sorry.

This is just great......I wanna go back to Rinoa but instead I'm stuck here!! This is just great!! Speaking of Rinoa, I have to inform the others about this! They still don't know!

Can I use your phone? I want to get in touch with Rinoa to tell her about this.

Sure, right here. Ellone pointed to the machine on the desk and turned it on so it was all set.

Squall dialed Rinoa's dorm number. He stood patiently, waiting for a response.



Rinoa! It's me, Squall. How are you and everyone doing?

Squall!! So glad to hear from you! There are still a lot of people recovering but everyone seems to be doing fine now. Is there a problem? she asked worriedly.

Actually, there is. It seems that Galbadia wants to take over Timber and the other residential areas again. And the head of this chaos is...Caraway...

I can't believe this!! cried Rinoa. Just what on earth does he think he's doing!? I bet he only wanted to eliminate the Sorceress all this time just to regain power! I cant believe that man would do such a thing!!

I know, me neither but I need you to do something right now.



I wont be back for awhile so I want you to go inform everyone else and the Headmaster. Make sure you set a course at somewhere near Timber so in case they attack, you guys can reach them in time.

"Don't worry! I will!

Oh and another thing Rinoa...be careful! Squall suddenly felt so relieved that he gave Eden to her.

You too! I love you!! Bye now!

That ended the conversation.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Rinoa couldn't believe this. The minute when she wasn't part of her Forest Owl rebel, her beloved town was being attacked again from her own father.

No! I don't have to call him father any more!! From now on, I have no father, she yelled angrily.

She was just about to leave and head for the bridge and inform Cid when she noticed a shiny ring placed on her desk on top of a white paper. She picked up the ring carefully and examined it. She gasped when she saw the burning red fire cross.

Seifer.......

She quickly picked up the piece of paper and turned it over, which turned out to be a short note. Her eyes wandered through the words on each line slowly. She gasped every time pang hit her heart. When she finished, she reread the whole thing again, still not believing that this was real. Did he really love her? Shock froze on her face, her hands trembling while clutching the ring tightly.

Minutes passed by until she realizes that she had to get going. Quickly folding the letter, she tossed it back on her desk but what was she going to do about the ring? He gave it to her so its in her possession now but what could she possibly do with it?

There are so many things she wanted to talk to him about but now is not the time. The only thing on her mind now was protecting Timber. She quickly searched for a place to put the ring. Her usual outfit didn't have any pockets and it was too large for any of her fingers. There was no place in the room to place it either and she really needed to be heading out. Finally, only one place entered her mine. Quickly unlatching the hook on her silver necklace, she looped the ring in along with the other two and then quickly hooking the ends around her neck again.

I just have to remember to take it out once Squall is back...but for now, I'll hold on to it.......

~*~*~*~*~*~

Are you serious? Cid asked in alarm.

Yes! I just got a message from Squall!!

Alright! I'll make the announcement right now! The Headmaster walked over to the microphone and cleared his throat. May I have your attention everyone? Galbadia is planning on taking over Timber and other residential area so therefore; they will get rid of anyone who stands in their way. I need you all to be extra careful and keep an eye out. We'll never know when they will set another ambush so be on your guard!! Nida, please set a course from Timber right now!! All SeeDs, be prepared to battle anytime!!

Rinoa looked outside at the endless ocean. This was definitely not Timber area. Where are we now?

We seem to be drifting in the water right now. Nida is trying to get us there as soon as possible. The Garden may be a little slow but it's the best we can do.

I know. I'll head over to the second floor deck now and keep an eye out for things then.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Rinoa's raven hair soared gently along the light breeze. Garden was still running on the water, trying to find land. She leaned both elbows on the railings of the deck and stared out into the distance. There was so many things on her mind and yet so little time to sort them out. They were all happening too fast. First, she and Squall was suppose to get married, then Seifer revealed his true feelings for her, then the wedding had been ruined, Galbadia attacks, Squall leaves for Esthar, found out that her father was the one who was behind this all, and now protecting Timber. All of this in just matters of days.

Rinoa watched the small waves crashed against each other. They were just like her, never running smooth or at ease. She thought that after Ultimecia and Time Compression had been stopped, things will just return to normal again but now all this? When was she going to get a break? She sighed and picked up her necklace that now held three rings.

Squall, Seifer, and me

Seifer...I wonder how he feels right now. Having to watch someone he loves marry his own rival. I couldn't even imaging watching Squall marry another woman. Maybe I should've talked to him about it.

She clutched the necklace tighter and stared beyond the horizon. Hues of orange and auburn spread throughout the sky with puffy white clouds floating above it. How she wished she could be one of them, just floating peacefully along the heavens. Towards her left, Rinoa spotted a large terrain of grass. Land was finally coming into view. She dropped her necklace, leaving it hanging down her neck and raced over to get a better look. It was actually an island, formed in a strange shape. It was actually a familiar shape too. That's when Rinoa recognized this island. They called it Island Closest To Hell'.

She remembered they came here a lot to collect items in order to remodel their weapons. It was one of the places that Rinoa hated the most. To her, it was the monster's lair in which all strongest monsters gathered only to kill. Balamb Garden was now sailing past it as a strong current picked up. Rinoa quickly brushed away the hair that was swept on her face.

Where did that come from all of a sudden?

Another strong current picked up with an incredible force, which almost knocked Rinoa over if she hadn't grasped on to the railings. Before she got a chance to get up, a large monstrous tail slammed onto the hard rails, sending Rinoa flying backwards to the doors of the deck. The whole platform shook violently. When Rinoa slowly looked up, the gigantic tail belonged to no other than a T-Rexuar who gaped violently at it's victim clad in a grey trench coat.





Author's Notes: Is Seifer gonna get eaten!? LoL, thats actually a funny thought. Well, please leave a review! I'll be adding more stuff as soon and when my highschool isn't in the way!! Thank you so so much for reading everyone! I'm so happy!! =)