Desire
Broadcasters with their cameras quickly moved into the prison once the tiny door was opened. They all swarmed the General with their microphones with hopes of getting him to say a few words before the execution began. The soldiers desperately tried to pry the broadcasters away from the General but Caraway did not seem to mind. He took one of the microphones and stepped up to the podium.
Can you all hear me? He looked directly into the camera and cleared his throat. Tonight, you shall all witness the execution of the Sorceress.
General! Can you please tell us your feelings towards the Sorceress's execution? She is your daughter after all! Please! Tell us! A reporter quickly shoved the microphone in front of Caraway's face but he pushed it away.
I do not wish to discuss my personal thoughts. All the world has to know is that with the Sorceress gone, there will no longer be fear. I would like to present my second in command, Chris, to say a few words. With that, he stepped off the podium and another younger man took his place.
He was dressed in a formal navy suit with a messy tie dangling from his neck. Waiting until the crowd of people quiet down, he began to speak. As we all know, the Sorceress had pulled an attempt to kill the General. You might ask why Mr. Caraway is willing to kill his own daughter. You might think he is heartless but the real question is why did his own daughter try to kill HIM that night!? With the Sorceress gone, the world would be a much safer place.
Taking a pause, he locked his eyes on the crowd. Making sure he had every single one of their attention, he pulled the red curtains behind him revealing the execution bed in the back. A soldier brought in a tray with a single needle on it.
In just a matter of minutes, you will all witness the death of the Sorceress. Do not be afraid. Galbadia is here for YOU and we will not let you down.
A cheer rang out after Chris departed from the cameras. The lens now focused on the execution chamber which will soon no longer be vacant.
Chris signaled for the guards. It's time. Bring her in.
~*~*~*~*~*
Rinoa jumped when the doors of her prison were kicked opened. With fear evident in her eyes, she began to back away when one of them violently grabbed her arm.
It's time Sorceress! he sneered.
Hyne no!
The other taller soldier remained at the doorway. He also came over and grabbed Rinoa's other arm when she began to struggle to break free.
Let me go!! she yelled. Tears spilled out of her eyes as she was being dragged out of the cell. Her mind raced. She knew the time was going to come sooner or later but now that it had really arrived, she was scared to die.
Really scared.
Hey! I got her. Why don't you go on ahead and inform Chris that we're about to bring the Sorceress in, said the taller soldier.
You sure about that? This woman can be pretty tricky. You better keep a close eye on her.
His partnered nodded. I know. I could take care of her. Go on and tell everyone that the time has come.
He released his grip on her and ran on ahead. When he was completely out of sight, the other guard released his hold on the prisoner as well. Checking to make sure no one was around, he hastily pulled her behind a corner.
What are you doing? Rinoa asked, bewildered of his actions. She gasped when the man beside her started to lift his mask. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the visible blonde strands and a pair of striking emerald eyes.
she squealed out loud.
he covered her mouth with his gloved hands and checked the area to make sure they weren't heard. Rinoa, we gotta get out of here. Look, I'll explain everything later but it'll be any minute before they realize that something is wrong. You can ask me anything later, right now, we just gotta focus on escaping.
The Sorceress was still dazed. She couldn't believe that she might not die after all. She instantly snapped out of it when she heard footsteps approaching their hiding place. They're coming!
Seifer grabbed her hand and starting leading her towards a nearby door. He thanked Hyne that it wasn't locked. The pair dashed down the long flight of stairs only to arrive at another flight. It seemed to go on forever but luck was on their side when they failed to bump into any enemies.
They must have used all the men to secure the execution room...
He suddenly felt invigorated with renewed energy when an exit started to come into view. He checked on his partner who was trailing behind him closely. She fell to the ground and gasped for air. Her lungs were burning and she felt her head spinning.
Hey! Are you OK?
Yeah...just...need...to rest... she wheezed. Her body froze when a bright red alarm started flashing within the room.
The Sorceress has escaped!! Close all entrances and exits! I repeat! The Sorceress has escaped!! Close all entrances and exits!
Seifer cursed. Rinoa, we gotta move before they lock us in!
A loud rumbling sound startled them both as a shutter started to descend from the exit. His eyes widened as it dropped lower and lower. Their only source of escape was being barricaded. He jolted for the shutter and gripped his palms under it to prevent it from plunging further. His arms shook vigorously and sweat rolled down his forehead.
he grunted. Go under it and open the door. I don't know how...much I can hold on to this thing.
Without a second thought, she immediately ducked under the shutter and fiddled with the lock on the door.
It's stuck! she exclaimed while tugging on it. What are we going to do now?
Ugh...use...my gunblade.
She took the gunblade from his sheath and lifted it with both her hands. Her arms immediately tensed up at the weight.
Hyne...this weights a ton!
How do you...think...I feel? Seifer muttered back. He gritted his teeth as the pressure became more intense. A few drops of sweat trickled onto his hands as he watched his companion struggling with the Hyperion.
I think I got it... Bringing it up to the level of the lock, she attempted a swing. To her joy, the lock instantly snapped and a nice cold breeze flowed in when she opened the door.
Seifer rolled over just as the shutter hit the solid ground with a booming thud. He took a moment to catch his breath. The thought of them with the risk of being crushed beneath the shutter made him appreciate even more at the fact that they were safe.
Are you alright?
Fine...it looks like it's my turn to catch a breath. He managed a weak smile and them pulled himself up. We may be out of the prison but we're not out of the woods yet.
Where are we heading now? Garden?
No. To the vessel. Nida is waiting for us.
Looking back one more time at the D-District Prison, Rinoa ran after Seifer who was leading the way to the vessel. Never had the wind felt so nice against her warm skin. She had been imprisoned for so long that she almost forgot how good it felt to not be restricted. The sun was setting and she could see the stars beginning to fill the dark skies. She was grateful that they were somewhat concealed, being blended in with the night.
Nida waved from the coast when he spotted his friends running towards him.
Seifer! Rinoa! I was beginning to worry that you guys weren't going to make it! Thank Hyne you are both safe! He quickly opened the door of the vessel allowing the two to crawl in.
Thanks Nida. It was too close, replied Seifer once they were inside. He briefly explained what had just occurred before.
Nida shook his head. Man...that must have been awful.
Well the important thing is that Rinoa is alright. You better get going before they sent the Galbadians to check the outskirts of the prison.
Yeah. I'm on it. He left the room and pretty soon, the engine rumbled and the vessel started pulling away from the shoreline.
I can't believe what had just happened... Rinoa whispered. Seifer...I really thought it was the end for me. There was so much that I wanted to do in my life and-
he soothed. It's OK...you don't have to think about that because it will never happen.
She threw her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulders.
The Ex-Knight returned the embrace. He gently stroked her long raven hair. They remained like that for awhile until Rinoa gently pulled away.
Thank you...you don't know how much this means to me. More than what words can say.
You don't have to thank me for anything. I did this because I WANTED to. Not because I feel obligated to do it. Rinoa, I sworn to you that I would never break our promise.
Her rapid heartbeat slowly declined. Soon, her own rhythm matched his. Tranquility washed over her just being in the arms of her savior. She no longer felt weak and inferior. Instead, being with Seifer made her feel formidable and determined just like in the past.
I'm sorry I dragged you into this. They probably know I'm gone now. What if they go after the Garden for all this? What if they raid Garden just to get to me!? What are we going to do?
I honestly don't know. I told Cid about my plan that I was gonna barge in as a Galbadian Soldier once more to save you. After they dropped me off, I told Cid to get the Garden to Shumi Village. I'm sure they'll be hard to discover within the mountains. In the meantime, the other SeeDs are contacting Laguna to get reinforcements from Esthar just in case anything happens. Of course they all objected when I told them to stay on board but they eventually realized it would be useless they come with me.
And...what about Squall?
The name made his blood boil but he replied back in his calmest voice. He's still in Garden right now. I didn't hear about him because I was so engaged in finding a way to save you. If you want to see him, we'll be arriving at Garden soon.
He noticed that the temperature within the vessel had dropped and the window panes were fogged up from the cold now.
Yeah...won't be long before we're back at Garden.
I really can't wait to see everyone. I have to thank them for all they have done for me...but for now...I just want to live this moment with you Seifer.
Me too Rin.
She smiled and her eyes slowly closed as her limp body fell against his. The fatigue had finally caught up to her. Her chest heaved up and down with each inhale and exhale of air. He studied her sleeping form. She was even more beautiful than before, not only on the outside but inside as well.
For the rest of the journey, he just held her. Finally, something he had wanted to do for two years was granted.
Author's Notes: Well, this is Seifer's chapter. I'm really not used to writing alternate chapters so if you spot any contradictions, please tell me so I can fix it. Once again, thank you all so much for reading! Squall's chapter is next!
