A Storm Comes


I am so late!!

Squall barged out of the office as soon as possible. He didn't want to be rude or anything to Quistis but he just couldn't wait for her while she went some more things with the Headmaster. He was already more than an hour late thanks to having problems with Laguna's transmissions. It was a long time before he finally receives the message that the Galbadians was back on their feet again. This means that in a few hours, they would have to make new preparations but right now, he just need to focus on getting to the Quad.

He swiftly dodged a few people who were leaving and made a sharp turn.

he yelled. The Quad was empty except for around ten people at most and they were cleaning up the area. He looked back to the last place where he had left her but no one was there. Spotting Selphie, Zell, and Irvine, he quickly walked up to them.

Selphie had an extremely worried look on her face and so did Zell and Irvine. Once they saw their commander, they quickly rushed up to him.

Hey, I know I'm late but have you guys seen-

Squall, we can't find Rinoa anywhere!! Selphie cried.

What!? What do you mean? Wasn't she in the Quad with you guys!?

Zell shook his head. She was with you before you left!! During that time, we must've stepped out to the cafeteria to help bring the food in! When we came back, we tried looking for her but we couldn't find her anywhere.

Did she come back here?

No, we've waited. Zell was at the entrance this whole time but she never appeared. Selphie and I had the back but we didn't see her either, said Irvine. We thought that you two went out on your own or something but she wasn't with you either?

No...I was in the office with Cid the whole time. Squall closed his eyes and tried to come up with a solution. Selphie, did you check her dormitory. Maybe she went back because she was tired.

I've checked her dorm twice! Since she lend it to the Timber Residents, they are the ones who have her keycard but I did knock and one of the girls said that she wasn't there.

Now Squall was really starting to get worried. Rinoa was nowhere in sight. Random thoughts started appearing in his head. What if she left? What if she went to Timber or hell, even Deling where he had specifically told her to stay away? She could be hurt right at this moment and he was still standing here. The thing that worried him the most was that she could be killed since he just received info that the Galbadians are recovering and with a cold-hearted father like that, he wont show any mercy against a rebellion. Damnit! Where could she be? We have to go find her! I received a transmission from Laguna that the Galbadians can strike at any moment again. He explained to his friends in full detail.

Irvine staggered back. Whoa, you're kidding!!

NO! That's why I'm worried about her! Especially if she use to be and still is a rebel against her own city! They could kill her in a heartbeat!

In that case, we have to find her as soon as possible! Ok, here's the plan. All four of us will split up. Squall, you check the halls. Irvine and I will stay in the Quad and Zell, you check the second floor. Selphie had a look as if something was missing. By the way, where's Quistis.

Quistis is still in the Headmaster's office. I told her there was no rush and that she should take her time but I had to leave as soon as possible, replied Squall but he noticed something still wasn't right here. This leads me to a question......where's Seifer?

Zell's eyes widened. Oh man, his name hasn't even popped up in our head. We haven't seen him the whole night. We don't even know if he showed up here or not.

Great...Seifer is missing and so is Rinoa. Could they...?

Squall could feel his anger rising again, thinking about Seifer. How could they both be missing at the same time? Is this a coincidence or...?

Ok, we'll go with your plan Selphie. Zell and I are going to head out right now. You two stay in the Quad and as soon as you see her, come find us immediately alright?

Got it!! Don't worry about a thing Squall, we'll take care of this. The short brunette returned back to her position with Irvine while the other two SeeDs head out. Good luck!! she yelled after them.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Squall and Zell ran down the corridor until they split up and went their own separate ways. Zell quickly ran up to the elevator and tapped the button but an error message appeared. Yo Squall, the elevator seems to be locked or something.

Oh I forgot. It's locked for anyone who tries to head up. Cid made sure that the meeting had no interruptions. Here, take this. He threw him the key card and made sure he got into the elevator before taking off again.

Ok, everything is working. See you in a bit! Zell stepped in and the door closed. Satisfied, Squall started to eliminate the areas where Rinoa wouldn't be. I doubt she would be in the training center, the cafeteria, or the parking area. The library is closed right now so that leaves the dorm and the infirmary. The infirmary...she could be there...after all, she does need the cast removed by tonight.

That seems to be the best place to start. To his surprise, Dr. Kadowaki was already there by the entrance.

Ah Squall, I just came back. Do you need anything? Please come in.

Squall accepted her offer and entered the Infirmary.

Have you seen Rinoa? I thought she might have been with you. In fact, she was supposed to come here tonight to have her arm treated.

No, I'm looking for her as well. I came here because I thought she might have been here with you. The others said they can't find her in the Quad anywhere.

Oh dear...where could she be at this time?

Do you think she's in Timber right now?

No, thats not possible. Cid had me lock all the doors before the party began so no one could get in and no one could get out.

Squall sighed with relief. At least he knows that she's still here in this Garden.

Dr. Kadowaki pulled out a clipboard and took her seat in front of her desk. Hmm...yes...Rinoa was scheduled to be here tonight and as for Seifer Almasy.

Seifer? I can understand Rinoa but why would Seifer be here?

Oh...you must've forgotten dear. After all, I don't blame you for being so busy with so many issues. Here, then let me refresh your memory from the start. After Rinoa and the SeeDs rescued Seifer, he was severely injured due to the monsters that have attacked him. Rinoa stayed by his side for the whole night, wishing him a quick recovery but his health just kept deteriorating until he was on the brink of death! I'm sure you weren't pleased when Rinoa told you that Seifer pulled her into somewhat of a farewell kiss but I think that was just what he need to help him recover! Afterwards, Rinoa was so upset with the fact that we could lose him that she helplessly cried for him to come back and I think that's what hit him. Just when she was called out to Timber, she was able to revive him. Dr. Kadowaki took a deep breath and continued. However, her eyes laid on the paper in front of her, not on Squall who was fuming with every word she was saying. I stayed with him until he was on his way on to making a full recovery and he told me that when he was unconscious, it was Rinoa's pleads that got him through. Squall, I know that you're not pleased to hear this again and all so I'm sorry for bringing it up but I'm sure even you don't want to lose Seifer right? I just thought maybe things had worked out between you and him. The important thing is that he's well now. I'm sure you must have been mad at Rinoa at first but when I saw how close you two were at the party tonight, I guess you worked things out, correct? I need him to come back so I can make sure everything is good with him.

The commander clenched his left hand in a tight fist and the other around the hilt of the gunblade. He could feel his back tense as his brows knit in a mixture of rage, confusion, and hurt. He turned his head away, far from the doctor's gaze. His long locks covered his face and the cold pair of piercing eyes.

Squall? What's wrong? the doctor asked in concern. Is something the matter?

Whyy? Why didn't she tell me? he growled to himself, not caring whether the woman beside him heard him or not. Why didn't I know any of this!?!? he screamed.

The doctor gasped and covered her mouth. Oh my god...I had no idea you didn't know...I thought...I thought Rinoa must've told you by now. Oh Squall, I'm so sorry, please don't-

Without another word, Squall instantly drew out his gunblade that was in the sheath and kicked opened the doors of the Infirmary and stormed out like a possessed demon. He was going to take care of this now! Seifer must know where Rinoa is. He highly doubt that it was a coincidence that they were both missing. Luckily, there was no one else in the hallway. Everyone must have been asleep by now and the Garden faculties are focusing on all the entrances of Garden to care what's going on in the hallway.

Why? Why didn't they all tell me!? No, maybe I shouldn't blame the other SeeDs...they were out there fighting the whole time and had no idea that all this was going on inside Garden...but Rinoa. DAMN THIS! Rinoa knew!! She knew all this and all this time, she has been keeping this from ME!! WHY?! Doesn't she trust me!? I cant...I cant believe what she's doing!! And Seifer...I'll take care of him. He had gone too far this time!! First the wedding and now he goes and pulls something like this!? I'm not going to hold back! THAT BASTARD!!

Squall have never been this angry his whole entire life. Not even when the wedding was ruined. Rinoa was there to help him through it but now all this time when she was AGAINST him, he's more lost than ever without her. How could she? Didn't she trust their love enough? And Seifer, what the hell does he think he's doing!? Squall tightened the grip on the Lionheart and stopped in front of the dormitory. His rival has to be in there. No one else had seen him anywhere else. He's almost feared entering his dorm. If he's right about what Seifer is doing in there then he will literally pierce his heart with the gunblade right this instant. He was going to end all of this here and now.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Rinoa groaned. She opened her eyes but only the darkness welcomed her. Where was she? Wherever she was, it was some place really warm. Her hands wandered around the surrounds and came across some extremely soft materials. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. It was then when she realized she was on a bed. What had happened? She couldn't recall or remember much. She was still in her party dress and the Shooting Star was still equipped on her good arm.

You're awake? a voice in the dark asked.

The figure stepped closer to the window where the pale light revealed who he was.



"Don't worry, you're in my dormitory right now. I couldn't get you back to your dorm so I let you stay here.

What happened? How did I get here? she asked groggily.

You really don't remember?

No...not really...the last thing I remember was that I somehow blacked out.

Right, you must've had an overdose of that wine. It's one of the strongest alcohols here. Anyway, I tried looking for your friends thinking that maybe they can help you but I couldn't find any of them so I brought you out of the Quad. I wanted to tell Squall but the elevator to the Headmaster's office was locked. I tried Dr. Kadowaki but she wasn't there. There was no where else to bring you so I let you rest here in my dormitory.

Ugh...I see...thank you Seifer, whispered Rinoa. She laid her head back down on the pillow. She was just so tired.

No problem...

I...just need to rest...and then I can go and meet Squall again...I'm sure...he's not back yet...

Seifer cleared his throat. Rinoa...can I ask you something?

Mmm...hmm...what is it?

You're going to tell Squall what happened right? About the kiss and all? I know it's in your goodness that you have to be honest with him and all. I just want to let you know that if you want, I will be there with you and we can explain this to him together...

Thanks Seifer and yes, I'm going to tell Squall. In fact, I'm going to come clean and tell him EVERYTHING that happened after he gets back from his meeting. I think I can handle this myself. I'll bring him somewhere quiet and we'll talk then. I'm sure he will understand...

I see.

Mmm...you should go back...to the party if you want now...it's still early isn't it? Rinoa yawned sleepily and tossed her body to the side to get into a comfortable position.

Seifer sighed. The party's over babe.

Rinoa shot up, alarmed. What!? What do you mean!? Squall...he only left me for a few minutes before I was with you and blacked out!! What time is it now!?

Its around two in the morning. The party ended unless you want to go back and help clean up...they're still doing that but its almost done anyway, he smirked. You were out for almost two hours.

What!? Hyne! All this time, Squall and everyone must've been looking for me!! I have to leave now!

Before Seifer can say anything, there was a furious thud on the door.

What was that? Rinoa asked quietly.

I have no idea...why can't they just knock?

They waited for a few seconds but there wasn't another thud. Instead, there was a sound of a weapon being drawn out.

Whoever this person is, he's armed. Seifer quickly grabbed the Hyperion besides him and lunged forward just as the door was sliced open by a transparent cerulean blade that was too familiar to both of them.








Author's Notes: Yes, its all out!! Now Squall knows everything!! Whew, glad I got this scene done. Again, I apologize for the delay. I have some spare time right now from studying for my finals so I decided to write the next chapter!! I hope you all liked this chapter and I'm sorry for the cliffhanger but I really had to end it here because I have to go somewhere now! Thanks for reading everyone and please leave a review!!

So sorry for the delay!! Hopefully I can get the next chapter out the week after next week which I have off! =D