Chasing After A Fleeting Angel


Selphie sighed and placed down her paintbrush. She looked around her and frowned. Something was not right here. Irvine stopped what he was doing and wondered what was up with her.

Bending his head down, he leaned in close to her face. Sefie, what's the matter? he whispered cautiously in case Selphie had sensed enemies nearby.

Irvine, I'm worried about Rinoa. Don't you think it's been quite a long time since she had been away? It doesn't take THAT much time to get a paintbrush don't you think?

Maybe she got lost? Irvine suggested.

No, I don't think so. She knows Timber like the back of her hands. What if... she trailed off. Her face was replaced by a look of horror. Do you think....she was?

No, of course not! There are SeeDs stationed everywhere. There's no way that the Galbadians could break through Timber without being spotted. Besides, Squalls here too. He'll never let anything happen to her.

Relief washed over the brunette. Irvine was right. There was no need in worrying about Rinoa being captured but still, she couldn't shake off the feeling the negative feeling. Then where could she have gone? She wouldn't just walk off without informing any of us...right? Lets go take a look!

Hmm...maybe we should go check it out. He turned around a called a Balamb cadet over. Sorry, I have to go run an errand. Do you mind taking over for me?

No problem.

He nodded back to Selphie and the two made a run for the hardware store. They turned right at the intersection, just like how they advised Rinoa. The path was anything but smooth. Rubble laid everywhere and the ground was filled with uneven edges and ridges. Finally after some slight difficulty, they made it pass the piles of debris and reached the hardware store.

An elderly man inside was leaning against a wrecked counter with a newspaper over his face. Various tools and equipments scattered around next to him.

he yawned? Can I help you with anything?

Did anyone happen to come in here before? Selphie asked urgently.

Uh...I don't think so. His gaze never left the papers.

Irvine shook his head and walked up to the oblivious owner. He snatched the articles away from him, which startled him immensely. Hey! This is serious here! We really need to know if a young girl in blue came by here earlier to get a paintbrush.

I said no. No body came and no one asked for any darned paintbrush. Now can I get my papers back?

Selphie whispered. Obviously, this news disconcerted her even more. Her usual hyper demeanor was now gone, replaced by fear. Where could she be?

Seifie, lets not panic. Maybe she's with the others...maybe Squall or Zell? Or she could be back at the Garden?

Without telling us? I don't think so.

Come on, we're going to ask Squall. Maybe he knows where she is. She couldn't have just disappeared like that. It's not like her. There was no explanation YET for her disappearance but Irvine was sure there had to be a good reason. He forced a smile. Truthfully, those Galbadians could be lurking around anywhere but he didn't want to upset Selphie even more. Besides, he didn't want to think of the worst outcome. Still, he could get rid of the lingering feeling inside of him that this was a bad omen.

Footsteps pounded on the ground noisily as the two SeeDs desperately tried to reach their commander and inform him about the news. Finally, they spotted him sitting on the floor with a crossed expression on his face. Zell and Quistis stood on either side of him silent. It seem as if all three of them had just gotten into an argument but there was no time to ask about that.

Selphie cried and waved her arms. She quickly ran up to the trio without even catching her breath. It caught their attention immediately for they all turned their head towards her unanimously.

Selphie, what is it? Squall asked with a hint of irritation in his voice.

Did you guys see Rinoa by any chance?

No...we haven't. I thought we agreed that she was going to stay with you guys, said Zell.

I know I know! She was but now she's gone!!

Squall immediately stood up. The word gone made his heart twist painfully. What did she mean by that Rinoa was gone? Zell and Quistis were shocked by their words too. He stayed silent, letting them ask their questions even though he wanted to burst out millions of questions running through his own head.

Quistis walked up to her friend and placed a hand on her shoulder, soothing her. Wait, Selphie explain, what happened?

She-she said she was going to get a paintbrush at the hardware store and then help us but she never came back. Irvine and I started to get worried that she was gone for a long time so we decided to go and see if we could find her. When we reached the store, the guy said no one came in! Where could she have gone?

Irvine nodded, confirming the story. Its true. She hadn't come back...Sefie even started to think that she might have been...

Zell shook his head firmly. No! There's no way in hell she could have gotten caught by the Galbadians. This place is too heavily on guard! Did you guys check Garden? Maybe she went back there!?

Squall crossed his arms over his chest and shut his eyes, turning his back on the others who were still questioning the matter. Although he didn't want to admit it, it was killing him inside. No matter how much he tried to form the barrier within himself again, he could feel it crumbling, slipping from his grasp. Rinoa was gone. Gone. That one little cursed word echoed over and over in his head. What if she's hurt right now? What if the Galbadians caught her? What if she's calling out for help right this instant and no one is there to save her? What if- All these questions and no answers.

We'll check the outskirts of Timber, said Zell determinedly. He faced his leader and shoved him, pulling him out of his thought. Look, Rinoa is gone! Do you hear me? She's gone! This is no time for you to pull your cold' act! You have to do something!

Squall pulled his arm away roughly. ......Are you CERTAIN she's not here in Timber. Maybe she went back to Seifer. His harsh words caused the others to step back in surprise. Although he regretted those words as soon as he released them, he kept a stoic demeanor. He wanted to yell, to scream out that it was killing him inside but he maintained his usual composed posture.

Rinoa...

Squall...I cant believe you just said that! Selphie gasped. She's not here Squall! She could be anywhere right now, even in the hands of Galbadia and all you can think about is that she's with Seifer!?

Well just what am I SUPPOSE to think after she spent the night with him!?

He placed his right hand on his forehead and took a deep breath, trying to let out all the frustration but none seemed to have been let out. True he was angry with her for what happened but that didn't change the fact that he love her. He had to admit that he was more ignorant than ever but that's just how he was when it comes to these foreign situations. He didn't know any other alterneratives to handle them. The rest of the SeeDs looked at him expectantly.

Not more orders...no, this is my problem, not the others.

I have to take care of this on my own. That was his only brusque reply before he took off.

HEY!! Where are you going!? Zell yelled and was about to take off after him when Quistis pulled him back.

Let him go, she said sternly. Blinking back the tears at the corner of her eyes, she whispered, He has to take care of this on his own and I think I have an idea where he's going. Meanwhile, all we can do is help him by gathering more sources and information on Rinoa's whereabouts.

Quistis? You know where he's going?

Yes.......he's going to Seifer, she answered after reading her student's mind perfectly.

Then we have to go with him! What if another fight explodes between those two!? The martial artist gave her a desperate look and was ready to dive right into Garden if Quistis gave the word.

No Zell, I don't think Squall will let that happen this time.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Loud footsteps echoed throughout the empty Garden with each powerful step he took. He was so close to the dormitory and instantly, images of the other night played in his head again. He could take any strikes and physical pain but mental and emotional pain especially dealt by Rinoa enervated him. Standing in front of Seifer's dormitory, his heart pounded against this chest as he slowly extended his arm. Forming his hand into a tight fist, he brought it up to the door and pound fiercely on it twice before it quickly opened.

Seeing that it was his rival, he gripped on to the hilt of his Hyperion tightly in case another battle was going to erupt. Aquamarine eyes locked icy blue ones as they both stood unmoving for a moment.

Finally, Squall spoke. Where's Rinoa? It was more of a demand than a question.

What do you mean where's Rinoa!? he shot back, his voice equally as sharp but with a hint of concern.

You should put down that weapon and let me explain. I'm not going to get into another fight again. He waited until Seifer lowered the gunblade and then explained what Selphie and Irvine informed him.

So do you have any idea where she is?

She was with me this morning but then she said she said she was going to go with Selphie. I guess what Selphie said makes sense then.

The words with me made his muscles tense and he tried his best to resist the urge to act on his impulse. Instead, he forced a nod and questioned him no more. Turning around, he started to walk away. It was clear that Rinoa wasn't with Seifer. A part of him inside was pleased but then as much as he hated to admit it, he would rather have her with him then out there all by herself. If she wasn't there, there was no need to stay longer than intended. There was no time to lose. Time is an adversary and a life threatening crisis could occur within seconds.



Squall sighed and impatiently turned around. he asked flatly.

Seifer was going to tell him that he wanted to help him look for Rinoa but then thought better of it. There was no way his rival was going to let him interfere and pushing the situation could prove to be fatal. Instead, he answered, Maybe you should check your dorm. She could be looking for you since obviously she isn't here. The Ex-Knight turned his head bitterly as he said those words.

As much as I hate it, I would rather have her near Squall then missing.

Damn...I never should've let you go... he murmured under his breath.

Maybe. I'll go take a look.

I'm coming with you.

He was not going to argue seeing that it probably wont get anywhere. Instead, he walked away, not caring whether or not Seifer followed him. He kept quite a distance from him when they reached the dorm. Just as Squall reached for the door knob, he stopped when a piece of white paper on the floor beside his foot caught his attention. He hastily snatched it and opened the creased fold. Seifer peered over and read the note written by none other than Rinoa.

Squall whispered when he was done. He gripped the sheet tightly, slightly crumbling it and leaned against his door for support. Why Rinoa? What did you mean when you said those words? What made you do this? How is this for the best? How is leaving me crazy and alone here for the best!? How is putting Timber on hold for the best'? How!?

He felt a surge of pain thrust into his heart. Now he knew she wasn't captured or anything but she left on her own free will and he was the one who made her leave. Damn! Why is this always happening to the ones I love? First Ellone and now Rinoa...when will it all end? I have to find her...but where could she be?

His eyes suddenly lit up. Of course...

We have to find her and that's exactly what I'm going to do, said Seifer. He took off before Squall could say anything. And I know exactly where...

The commander shook his head. He could try all he wants but there is NO way he'll ever know where she is. Rinoa...I'm coming...

Rereading the note again, he summoned up his new strength and ran for the airship hanger. There was no time to inform the others. All that matter was Rinoa. The anger he had was now lifted. It was right then he realized that when she left, she took a part a fragment of his heart with her. It felt so empty and only she is able to heal his internal wounds.

No matter what happens, I'm going to find you Rinoa......because I know you will be waiting there'......











Authors' Notes: Wow, its been weeks after my last post and I apologize. You probably wont see another chapter soon since I have to get my Regents and finals out of the way first and then I'm free from school! =D Anyway, I hope this chapter wasn't bad and please leave a review for me! Thanks so much for reading again everyone =) Oh yeah, and things are gonna heat up next chapter!