Love Is The Remedy
Squall tapped his gloved fingers on the railings of the Esthar hanger impatiently. He had been waiting hours after hours for the men to finish their inspection on the flee and now he was getting IMPATIENT.
How long does it take!? he nearly yelled.
Sorry! Sir Laguna's order was to have them at least inspected three times each before embarking.
Figures...Laguna's order...
Well how much longer will it take?
Well sir, we're almost done...just a couple of more minutes at most, on of the engineers replied as he gazed at the large ships again.
said Squall with a tremendous amount of relief. He wanted to get back to Balamb Garden and Rinoa as soon as possible. He'll take the fleet and fly to Timber where the Garden should have landed by now. Then, he'll have the fleet guarding at each angle, protecting Timber. Yes, that seemed like a good plan for now.
For now...we may never know whats going to happen in the future...
Sir! It's ready to go!!
Ok, I'll get on the Ragnarok. You go out and get the other flyers to have the rest of the airships to follow me ok? Oh yeah, and tell Laguna I'll update him later on!
Got it! The engineers quickly moved out of the hanger to deliver the message.
Once reaching the cockpit, Squall immediately pulled himself into the leather seat in the front. He didn't want to waste one moment. Getting back to Garden and Rinoa was the only thing on his mind. He quickly flickered on all the control buttons and the red airship slowly began to ascend. He waited until the rest of the flyers of the rest of the fleet signaled him that they were ready. Squall nodded and opened his map, navigating his way to Timber......
~*~*~*~*~*~
Rinoa realized that dawn was going to arrive soon. Arrive to take Seifer away. She looked out the dark window. Not one single star lit up to give her any source of hope. The ex-Knight only has only around one hour at most before he'll be gone forever. Rinoa still couldn't comprehend that thought. Why!? Why was Hyne doing this!?
She went back to his bedside and brushed away a couple of blonde strands that fell stubbornly on his eyelids. There were no more tears for she had felt that she had shed all of them already.
she stuttered. Her voice was weak and low. Please......I don't know how else to say this to you but...fight...this! I know you can do it...you're strong Seifer! You never let anything else have it's way so you have to fight this!! Her warm hands gently squeezed his icy cold one.
Hyne...his face is so pale...
came a tired groan.
Rinoa immediately jumped into alarm. Was he finally gaining conscious again!?
Seifer!? Seifer!?!? she yelled for him to answer. Her eyes widened as she discovered that his fingers were moving but rather weakly.
Something's happening!! I have to go get Dr. Kadowaki!! She'll know what to do! Perhaps...Seifer can live after all!!
Just as the thought of rushing out to get the doctor, Dr. Kadowaki stepped into the Infirmary.
Rinoa exclaimed. I think-
Before she could finish her sentence, Dr. Kadowaki cut her off. Rinoa!! The others need your help!! It seems like the Galbadians are back, attacking Timber! I have already sent out most of the recovered fighters. The rest of your friends and SeeDs are also on the battlefield now! Go! They need your help!!
NO!!!! Not now!! This cant be happening now!!
What!? They're attacking this soon!?
Yes!! Go!!!
Wait!!! Dr.!! Seifer!! He was responding before!! He-he...I think he moaned or something and then his fingers...they were moving!! Rinoa cried frantically.
What!? But that cant be!! Are you sure about this Rinoa? the older woman asked suspiciously.
YES!! I'm sure about this!! I saw it with my own eyes!! Please!!! Go help him!! Maybe he'll live!!! Please!! Do something, anything that can help him!!!
The doctor didn't seem like she took Rinoa's words but nodded anyway. Alright! You get to Timber now and I'll see what I can do for Seifer here.
Rinoa placed her hand against her heart and led out a deep sigh of relief knowing that she could now fight while not have to worry that much about Seifer. He'll be under the good care in the Infirmary. Thank you!!
No problem! We all want to save his life...
I'm not sure we ALL do......Squall......
Ok, now you really have to get going!!
Right!! Take care!! Rinoa cried as she darted out of the Infirmary. She quickly ran to her unlocked dormitory and grabbed her Shooting Star. Then she was on the run again. She didn't bother stopping to equip the weapon. Rather, she did it while she was on the run. She was already late. Without bothering to take a breath, the Angel rushed out into the cold, dark battlefield.
Timber was only a couple of feet away. She could already hear the cries and yells of anguish. Flames erupted in the air.
Damn that Caraway and his army!!
Waiting at the front entrance for her was Zell.
he exclaimed. What took you so long?
Sorry, its a long story. There's no time to explain. I'll tell you later! What are you doing? she said while gasping for air at the same time.
"I'm suppose to wait here for you and patrol the entrance in case some ^*&*^^& G. Soldiers barges in again!!
Ok, then I'll take the entrance with you. We'll move on in once we cleared this area! She flipped her bangs back and stood in her battle trance with the Shooting Star raised high. You got a GF equipped right?
Yup, Quezacotl right here, and you?
I got Eden, she replied sternly, keeping a keen eye out for any signs of intruders.
Wow, that'll really come in handy! A violent crescendo filled the air. Making their way in was the Galbadian soldiers with a dangerous artillery in back of them. Damn!! Already!? Come on Rinoa, let's take them!!
The Angel nodded and advanced towards their enemy. She decided using defensive spells would work best for now in protecting them. she called. A bright pink barrier formed around her figure. Next, she called for Protect and finally launched a Blizzaga at the her targets. Zell engaged into hand to hand combat with several soldiers, dodging and returning shots. He was going to be outnumbered if kept this up. Rinoa quickly rushed to his aid. Raising her left arm, she aimed for the fighters that were approaching them. She triggered her weapon and the powerful winged blade soared through the air, hitting a few of their foes. She caught it expertly once the blade returned to her again.
I wonder how the others are doing...we gotta move fast! She thought.
Zell, I think it's time to use a GF!!
Yeah, you're right!! Stand back and I'll summon Quezacotl!
Rinoa nodded and waited for the martial artist to call the Guardian Force. It sure was taking a long time, longer than she had expected.
Hmm...probably isn't very compatible
She managed to cast a few offensive spells when Quezacotl was finally summoned. The large thunderbird mounted to the air and gathered up all its energy, focusing it into one shot. Lighting filled the atmosphere and thus, Thunder Storm was formed. The electric blast jolted downwards, hitting all their enemies. The Soldiers immediately fell down and the artillery in the rear exploded from the immense pressure. Once the job was finished, the gigantic thunder bird soared away.
Should we move on in or should we stay here a little longer? Zell asked hurriedly.
I think moving in might be for the best. Besides, there are injured bystanders that we must help!
Right, come on! Zell quickly ran through the streets of Timber with Rinoa following close behind.
There you guys are!! a voice interrupted.
Spinning around, they were surprised to find Selphie who looked so tried and worn out. She gasped for breath before continuing what she was going to say. Whew, I ran all the way here to find you guys! We have to hurry to the train intersections and platforms now! Too many of them are advancing in from that way. Quistis is summoning her GF but I think she'll need more than that to win. Irvine is helping the injured people and the rest of the recovered Balamb fighters are battling to secure the place!!
Say what!? I thought when I left, there was only a couple of them!
Yes, but it seemed like the rest of them were hiding, waiting for us to withdraw before launching their attack!
Wait, what about Watts and Zone? Rinoa questioned. They were after all still here in Timber. What happened to them?
Oh yes, they're fighting here as well. I've only seen them once and afterwards, we just went out separate ways so I cant really say how they're doing now but don't worry Rin. They're strong, they can take care of themselves.
Yeah, I hope you're right Selphie...
Damn those bastards, Zell cursed. Come on then!! We better move it!!
The trio hurried to their new destination, eliminating anything that stood in their path.
Why is my father doing this? No!! He isn't my father!! I have no father...why is that MAN doing this!?! Why!? Does he know how much people will die!?
After many twists and turns in the dark, they had finally reached their stop. Sure enough, standing a few feet away was Quistis in her usual peach battle uniform. Loose blonde strands fell from her neatly clipped hair and small beads of sweat rolled down from the side of her head. She cracked her whip again and struck it at the first enemy in her range. Then she moved on to the ones near the end. Releasing her grip on the Save The Queen, she extended both her arms and concentrated on a spell.
she yelled. A hot blazing flame drowned the squad.
Quistis!!! We're here!! Zell cried out. The three quickly rushed to her side and readied their weapons.
It doesn't look like this is going to end soon, she said as another group of Soldiers suddenly appeared in back of them.
I got this one! said Selphie determinedly. Then clutching her nunchaku tightly, she called for Quake. The earth rumbled beneath their foes for a series of three times before knocking them all out at once from the impact.
Just as they disposed of the last squad, four more groups challenged them.
Where are they all coming from? Quistis whispered, gripping her whip in defense.
I have no idea... Rinoa whispered back and readied her pinwheel as well. Lets all take one swarm then, she said tactically.
Zell, Selphie, and Quistis agreed and each went fought using their own skills and techniques. GFs were too destructive and caused too much time to summon so using offensive spells was their best chance at winning. Firing one spell after another, the restless SeeDs refused to give up no matter how weary they were.
For Timber! Rinoa thought as she called upon a Meltdown spell, relinquishing the Galbadian's vitality. Now's my chance! The deadly pinwheel fluttered through the air, its razor edge slicing the enemies clean. Just as she was done with one set, another swarm came rampaging into the battlefield...
When will this end!?
~*~*~*~*~*~
Seifer slowly opened his eyes and tried to bring his vision into clear focus. A dim light lighted the room. It was still a bit dark outside. He could tell from the window next to him that it wasn't quite dawn yet.
Seifer! You're awake!! Take it easy now... a soothing voice replied. Here, take these... Soft hands met his lips as he did what he was told. He devoured the pills slowly while gulping down the cup of cold water.
Well well well! Dr. Kadowaki smiled and helped the Ex-Knight sit up straight. What happened? This is truly a miracle that we must all thank Hyne for! We thought you were a goner but then Rinoa came over to me and started saying how she saw you move! I thought she might have went crazy watching over you!!
How long was I asleep? he asked tiredly with a sleepy yawn and kicked off the top sheets. It was really getting quite warm in the small Infirmary.
You were out for quite a long time...but you should take it easy now. These pills should make the recovery much go much faster. I would've given them to you last night but you just couldn't seem to get them down your throat...
Dr. Kadowaki asked with extreme curiosity, So...tell me, how did you suddenly snap back to all of us?
Seifer tried to think back to the last thing he remembered. He saw an image of him and Rinoa kissing running through his head. Ugh don't know...quite hard to explain...I heard someone calling me, someone calling me to come back...
Hmm...well the only person that was in here besides me was your friend Rinoa, the old woman said thoughtfully.
She was here...all along? he asked, unable to comprehend what he was hearing. Why should she be here by his side after he had drawn her into that deep kiss. He would've thought she would slap him or run away in horror but instead...she stayed by him?
Yes...you should have seen her! Poor girl...mourning for you to come back...to all of us...
Yes...that explains it.... Seifer mused.
Explain what?
Well then that someone calling me must have been Rinoa! It has to be!! Every time he heard that voice calling him while he was unconscious, a strange and enigmatic feeling would rush through him. Love. Yes, it felt so much like love that perhaps it was. Perhaps it was her love that had brought him back...back to her...
Author's Notes: Well, Seifer's back!! Sorry to all the people who were looking forward to getting rid of Seifer but he is needed for this story to go on! Thank you all so much for reading!! Next chapter will be done soon so please be patient and please leave a review for me!! Thanks!! =)
