The End


The desert was hotter than ever with the sun burning against their skin. It was a long walk towards the prison and with focusing on not getting caught; it was even a bigger challenge. It had only been at most twenty minutes since they had disembarked from Garden but it felt like an eternity to them. The endless plain of sand seemed to stretch on forever.

This sure is taking a long time, commented Irvine. He scanned the area carefully, looking out for any threats.

We're almost there, replied Seifer. He lifted his gunblade up cautiously as they advanced further in.

Finally, they saw blue specs up ahead and quickly ducked behind a boulder. There were only a few Galbadian soldiers marching up and down guarding the outskirts. It would be pretty easy to attack them and then disguise themselves considering that there weren't many soldiers.

So what do we do now? asked Selphie.

I say we head in and attack those men! I doubt there will be alot of them since most of the soldiers are probably guarding the entrance or the prison itself, said Zell.

For once I agree with you Chickenwuss, Seifer muttered. Come on! Let's go! He stood up and ran up.

The guards immediately lifted their weapon but before they even got a chance to strike, they were met by Seifer's Hyperion. Casting a quick elemental spell, Selphie managed to eliminate the soldiers trying to head back to the complex.

Zell looked around but there were no more Galbadians in sight. That was fast...

Quistis was already on the floor trying to pull the suit off the unconscious guard. We better make this fast before they send reinforcements.

Without complaints, everyone quickly put their suits on. Seifer nodded, it all looked good so far except Selphie's suit was somewhat big on her but no one would probably notice it anyway.

He nodded and signaled for them to follow him. The walk to the prison wasn't long at all. Seifer was extremely thankful that no one heard the commotion back at the outskirts especially since the prison itself was so close to it.

There were alot more Guards here. He tried to act as normal as possible. He nodded his head to the guards at the entrance. We need to get inside.

The soldier crossed his arms and looked at the group behind the leader suspiciously.

Is there something wrong? Quistis asked while trying to hold back the nervousness in her voice.

Which squad are you from?

Squad? Damn, what squad!? Seifer thought. He could tell the others behind him were panicking as well.

Er...we're from the A squad? Zell hesitated.

Seifer held his breath. That must have been the most stupidest answer. He wouldn't be a bit surprised if the soldiers discovered they were all a fraud.

Ok, just make sure you guard the Sorceress's cell well. Go on. He moved out of the way allowing them to enter.

You know what Chickenwuss, I was gonna kill you when you said that. You could have ruined the whole mission before it even started but I must thank you and your stupidity for helping us get in.

Seifer, shut the hell up. I didn't see you coming up with anything COMMANDER! Zell hissed back.

The blonde rolled his eyes and stopped. Alright, we're gonna separate here. Everyone know what to do right?

We got it all cover, said Selphie with much more confidence than before. Her eyes wandered around the prison and surprisingly, the level they were on was actually empty. "Don't worry about us.

Ok then, everyone be careful. Irvine, Zell, Selphie, I'll see you guys later. Quistis, come on. We don't have much time. Remember, we're all meeting up at the exit at the base level. Don't be late!

The SeeDs split up with Seifer and Quistis storming up the stairs and the latter in the other direction. It was going to be a long flight up the stairs. As Quistis ran up the familiar steps, she recalled the time when they were all trapped in the prison.

She was so close to losing Squall. He was at the mercy of his rival and now she is taking commands from the one who had tortured him miserably. She remembered finding him all beaten and exhausted. The only thing she wanted to do was to run up to him and comfort him but the only concern he had on his mind was Rinoa. It killed her to witness that even though he was in such agony, Rinoa was still on his mind.

Something wrong Instructor? You look upset.

she snapped. Its just that I'm wondering why the hell I'm taking your commands after you hurt and nearly killed Squall right here.

"Don't tell me you're still not over this. It was wrong I admit but...

But what? As long as you got your revenge right?

Boy that was sweet revenge... Seifer muttered. After all the hell he had put me through.

You heartless bastard... she mumbled.

Hey, look this is not about me or Squall right now OK? This is about Rinoa. I thought you were concerned about your friend Quistis or don't tell me something is hindering you from trying to help her.

Shut up.

It's Squall, Seifer stated without even the confirmation from Quistis.

"What's that suppose to mean? I'm helping Rinoa because I want to, because she's my friend.

Or do you wish otherwise so you can have Squall.

Quistis gasped. "I'm not selfish like you Seifer. I know some people will do anything for love but at the expense of someone else's life? Even if Squall doesn't return his feelings for me, I don't want to stop him from finding happiness with someone else though I do get jealous alot. He finally found what he has been missing all his life and I guess that's all that matters.

But you're not content.

No I'm not but I should be. I don't know when I'll ever be content... Quistis whispered.

Having nothing more to say, the two ran up the rest of the flights. Breathing was now becoming difficult at the intense energy they were using to run up. Sucking in sharp breaths, they forced themselves all the way to the top and then collapsed near the last few steps to the top level. The intake of fresh air instantly nourished their dried throats.

So...where...do we go now? Quistis asked breathing heavily.

Seifer stood up, helping his partner to her feet at the same time. He looked around and found that there were barely any soldiers near the north division where the activation key was located. He assumed they were probably all swarmed around Rinoa's cell.

Ok, this is what we're going to do. You'll run down to the north there and at the end of the hall, there should the activation site. Activate the switch and then try to find a back way to the cell. Meanwhile, I'll try to find an entrance up at the front but it'll be suspicious if I went in with all the soldiers guarding the cell so I'll try to distract them if I fail to enter. Try to get Rinoa out as soon as possible. We might have to cause a ruckus but lets hope this wont happen. He handed her a small stack of clothing. Get her to dress up in this Galbadian uniform and try to escape as quickly as possible.

Alright. Be careful, I'll see you back down there.

You too.

Quistis made her way down the hall. She felt as if her hear was going to leap out if it continued its intense beating. She finally found the blinking light of what seem to be the source for the activation site. Carefully, she opened the lid and pressed a blinking green button labeled ACT. She hoped this was it. Closing the lid, she made sure no one had spotted her and then selected a random path down another intersection. Rows of doors came into view.

She groaned. All the doors were identical. She was going to have a hard time figuring out which one was Rinoa's or if her room was even here. Just when she was about to move forward, slight footsteps came from one of the cells. With quick reflexes, she ducked behind a wall and peered over. Two Galbadian soldiers were talking vigorously as they exit a cell.

Damn her...stubborn bitch. At least we don't have to deal with her anymore after tonight.

They were talking about Rinoa! They had to be!

She silently thanked Hyne that this mission was running smoothly. So far, they had dodged every obstacle in the way and she hoped their luck will stay with them to the end. When the two men were out of view, the SeeDs carefully abandoned the wall and ran to Rinoa's cell.

At least she hoped it was Rinoa's.

She gently knocked on the door.

Go away! A voice yelled.

she hissed hoping she would be able to hear her through the door. It's me Quistis!

A pause followed before she answered. Quistis!? What are you doing here?

We're trying to get you out! She whispered back. But I need to find a way in.

Rinoa began. I think you should all get out of here while you can.

WHAT!?

Before they catch you. Get out before it's too late.

Rinoa! We can't leave you! Not when we made it this far already. You're telling us all to go back after we risked our lives to get in here!? Look, I'll go try to find a key or something. I'll be right back!

You don't have to. I have the key right here. Here...

A shiny object slipped through the door. Quistis stared at it in disbelief. She had it all along so why didn't she get out? Grabbing the key, she turned it into the hole and slid into the room.

Rinoa! You had this all along!? Why didn't you try to get out!? Quistis exclaimed while holding the piece of metal in her hand.

I tried believe me I tried but it was too risky. I was waiting for the right moment to use it because there are guards everywhere. If they saw me, it would have ruined my only chance to escape. I kept waiting for the perfect timing.

When did you get this?

I get alot of visitors from these guards and one of them accidentally dropped it on his way out. Oh Quistis, I'm so glad to see you! She ran up the to the blonde and gave her a tight hug.

She returned the hug, glad to see her friend again but she slowly pushed her away. Look Rinoa, we don't have much time. We need to get out of here NOW before they realize what we're up to. Seifer is up at front distracting the guards so we have to move fast.

What!? Seifer's here!?

Everyone's here so please Rinoa, we have to leave now, Quistis pleaded. She handed her the set of Galbadian uniform. Put this on.

I-I can't do it... Rinoa whispered.

What!? What are you talking about? We have to get out of here now!

Quistis, I cant. There's too much at risk here. Everyone is here because of me and I'm so grateful for that but I don't want everyone to die because of ME.

The blonde sighed. She was getting impatient by the minute. She knew Rinoa meant well and all but why was she backing out when they were so close to escaping. For Hyne's sake they were risking the protection of Garden to save her and she's objecting. Look Rinoa, she said more sharply this time. Everyone might die because you're dragging this on. Like I said before, we don't have alot of time. If the others are caught it WILL be your fault because you're lagging behind.

The Sorceress was taken back by Quistis's rather harsh words but she nodded slowly. I-I...guess you're right... She took the clothes from her friend and quickly jumped into it. It was definitely loose but it wasn't so bad since she had her own clothes on inside. She put on the headgear and prayed she wasn't making a mistake. She had a feeling something was going to go horribly wrong with this and the conversation she had earlier with the other Soldiers only justified that this was a huge mistake.

Quistis placed the key into the keyhole slowly and then pushed the door opened.

Where do we go from here? Rinoa asked.

Before the Instructor got a chance to answer, the sound of footsteps from the other side of the hall seemed to be arriving closer.

This way. She turned at the same corner she came from and ran down the corridor. They passed the activation device and Quistis was relieved to see that it was still on. Everything was running smoothly so far and she hoped Zell, Selphie, and Irvine didn't have much trouble with their mission.

Ok, act normal now. There are alot of Soldiers ahead, Quistis whispered.

Rinoa stood up tall and tried to hide the fear as she followed Quistis. When they were at the main intersection, she could see four squads of Galbadians guarding the entrance of her cell.

Hey you two! What are you doing there!? a Soldier suddenly spoke up from the crowd.

Rinoa froze but she was relieved when Quistis took the initiative. We were told here to inspect what was going on here. We'll be leaving now.

Yes, these were the two I was talking about. I'm their squad captain. The tallest Galbadian Soldier excused himself from the crowd he was talking to and joined the two women.

Alright then!

That was way close. Thanks Instructor for coming up with something fast, Seifer said.

It was nothing. We better get out of here. The trio quickly dashed down the stairs.

Rinoa, are you OK? What the hell happened that you got yourself caught up in this mess? Seifer asked hastily.

It's a really long story but I'm sure you all heard it on the news by now. I'll try to fill you in as soon as possible.

Seifer nodded. Sure. There's no rush because we'll have all the time once we get out of here.

Thank you all for coming......

I'm your Knight remember...... Seifer whispered even though the Sorceress couldn't hear him through his headgear. His heart was finally content after all the hysteria he had been through for the past few weeks.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Where are they? Selphie cried worriedly. Do you think they were captured?

Captured? This is Seifer we're talking about. Even if they do find out, do you really think that he's gonna let them have it their way?

No...I guess you're right, the brunette agreed. But I just can't help feeling anxious. I mean we're so close to getting out of here but yet so far too...

I know what you mean. Lets hope Zell found the last activation site. I can't believe it wasn't there. They must have moved it somewhere else.

Do you think they might be on to us?

I don't know Selphie...I don't know but lets just hope that this is just a coincidence. We should be grateful right now that there are no Soldiers on this floor. Who knows when they will be piling in?

Suddenly their full attention was turned to the three figures heading down the stairs. Seifer pulled out his gunblade as a sign of recgonition.

Thank Hyne it's you guy, Selphie cried. She ran up to Rinoa and hugged her. Are you alright? What happened?

I missed you too Selphie...I missed all of you. Thank you so much for doing this.

Selphie relax. They'll be plenty of time to talk once we leave, said Seifer. He looked around and it immediately came to him that something was wrong. "Aren't we missing Zell?

There seems to be a problem, stated Irvine.

Damn. Not when we're so close!! exclaimed the Ex-Knight. What did he do now?

He didn't do anything wrong. We went to all the activation sites you had told us but unfortunately we're missing one more! They must have moved it. It's either that or they're on to us. I hate to think of the latter...but it is possible.

What if they did move it? Rinoa thought.

Her heart was pounding heavily against her chest. Wait, you guys said Zell went to find the last activation device. So then where's Squall!?

Everyone turned to Seifer. Feeling a bit angry that everything had to lead up to Squall, he dismissed it with a wave of his hand. I'll tell you later. Right now WE have to focus on getting out.

Zell's voice echoed throughout the room as he came storming down the stairs.
He felt relieved that Seifer and Quistis managed to get out with Rinoa.

Did you get it? Seifer cut in before the martial got a chance to say anything.

No I didn't COMMANDER!! You must have forgotten where the hell it was because I couldn't find it anywhere. If I had snooped around some more, I would definitely have looked suspicious.

Commander? What's going on? Rinoa asked confused.

Rinoa, let me tell you what this ass-hole here did, said Zell.

Irvine pulled him back before he could start up a commotion. Give it a rest Zell. We can talk about it once we leave. It looks like we can get out from the secret passage.

What about the front entrance? Zell suggested.

Are you serious? I really don't know how you became a SeeD Chickenwuss. Don't you think it will be a bit too obvious if all us came rushing through the entrance? We'll have the whole army after us! There's no way we're going to make it back to Garden. Who knows what kind of artillery they're going to send out after us.

Well unless you got a better idea here? Zell challenged. I thought so. We can't just stand here until they find us. We're running out of time. I say we run through the entrance. It's a risk we'll have to take.

Or we can try to go through the tunnel like we had planned from the beginning. Who knows? Maybe by some sheer luck we didn't need that last activation key, said Seifer. Come on. Follow me, we have to give it a try.

Or we can just be buried by the sand, muttered Zell.

Quistis turned back to Rinoa who was trailing behind. We have to hurry Rinoa.

Why is she doing this? We all went through so much to try to get her out so why is she hesitating to get out?!?

Save for the footsteps, the silence in the room was broken by a sounding alert. Sirens flashed throughout the halls causing everyone to halt in their steps turning sharply around listening to the new commands being given.

ATTENTION!! THE SORCERESS HAS ESCAPED!! SEND ALL UNITS TO SECURE ALL EXITS! I REPEAT THE SORCERESS HAS ESCAPED! SEND ALL UNITS TO SECURE ALL EXITS!!

Damn it! They're on to us! How did they find out Rinoa was gone? Seifer yelled through the loud sirens.

How DID they find us? Quistis tried to think back of all the possible mistakes they could have made. Rinoa's cell instantly flashed through her mind. She let out a cry of disbelief when the realization finally hit her. How could she have been so careless back there?

Oh my god! Quistis cried in horror and grabbed the Sorceress's arms. Rinoa! We left the door of your cell opened WITH the key in it!! Those Soldiers who were making their way to your cell must have seen it!!







Author's Notes- Hey everyone! I know its been a long time since I had last updated...actually I haven't updated at all since school started because I was really really busy and swarmed with work but since I have this Monday off, I definitely had to take advantage of it and update. The title as you see actually didn't have anything to do with the ending and I know you're all probably groaning right now =p I honestly don't know when I will make the next update but hopefully it will be soon depending on the amount of work I get. I know this was a pretty long chapter so thank you all so much for sticking with it to the end. As always, thank you for reading!