Of Love And War
Seifer clutched his radio communicator tightly against his ears. His brows narrowed in anger and slight confusion as he listened to the Headmaster giving out commands on the other line. Not long after Rinoa finally dozed off and they were inching closer to Shumi village, Cid had immediately contacted the Seifer, giving him rather ominous news about their current situation.
So what the hell am I suppose to do now? he hissed, trying not to wake the sleeping woman in his arms. He embraced her tighter in fear that he might lose her again if he didn't. The news scared him to a certain degree although he tried to hide it behind his calm and composed demeanor.
Get out of here! You have to head as far away from Garden as possible. We're also planning on taking off. It would be too risky if we waited for you. If we both depart now, we might still have a chance to evade their attack. I'll speak with you later. Seifer, please follow these instructions. Rinoa's life may depend on it.
With that, the two were disconnected. Annoyed, Seifer shoved the communicator back into his pocket beneath his trench coat and gently pulled himself away from Rinoa. He immediately banged on the glass window, trying to get Nida's attention. Upon hearing the urgency, he abandoned the steering wheel and casually walked to the older man, wondering what was so important.
What is it? We're gonna prepare to land right now.
Peering over Nida's head, sure enough, coming into focus was the small village of Shumi just a couple of feet away and anchored beside the village was Garden. It's giant blades were discharged on all sides as the military school slowly became mobile. Leaving behind a cloud of thick smoke and fog, the Garden ascended lightly into the air, taking upon its aerial attribute.
Nida turned around and cursed at the sight. What the hell is going on!? Why are they leaving!?
Look, I just got an urgent message from Cid that the Galbadians found out our locations. We have to abandon this area at once before they come. Cid also said that there would be no time to retrieve us because they already caught the Galbadians on radar and they are just around this area. We have to leave NOW!
Before either of them could utter another word, the whole vessel rocked, throwing the two man nearly off their feet of they hadn't grabbed onto the walls for support. A strident crescendo erupted surrounded them as the ground in front of them exploded sending rubbles and rocks in all directions.
Look out!! Seifer shouted as he pushed Nida out of the way just in time as a shower of stones and debris landed on the window in front of them, shattering the transparent shield. Glass shards instantly bolted in all directions. Giving a quick check to make sure his companion was all right, Seifer helped him to his feet as the two backed away into the small room where Rinoa was. She dashed right into them just as they entered.
Seifer! What's going on? I was asleep and then I heard this loud crash and you werent beside me! Her voice was filled with trepidation and panic.
The Galbadians found us and it's too late for us to get away. They already destroyed half of the vessel which means we gotta get out there and hope that we can reach Garden in time. He said hastily and kicked the damaged door beside him. The dented metal fell apart as he exited the ship first and keenly observed their surroundings for Galbadians. Finally, he extended an arm and helped Rinoa out with Nida trailing closely behind them.
This way, he ordered. Taking her hand, he immediately headed toward the forest, expertly dodging the remnants of the earth from the earlier explosion. We'll go through the forests. It's too dangerous out here in the open.
Rinoa nodded, her heart beating heavily against her chest as she gripped tighter on to Seifer's arms, letting him use his best knowledge to take them all to safety. Her mouth was dry and she was breathless and exhausted from the intense running but knew that they could not afford to waste a single minute. She could almost see the exit of the forest which gave her newfound energy. Pale gray smoke surrounded the village and she could only assume that they were getting closer to the Garden. A small grin crept across her face as she planted her first step outside of the forest. While she leaned against the rough edges of the tall mountains to rest and take a breath, Seifer took this chance to examine their surroundings again. His eyes darted in all directions, making sure there were not any enemies in sight.
A loud yelp broke his focus.
A thin Galbadian soldier clad in a white suit stepped up from behind the crevice of the mountains and grabbed the Sorceress's wrist tightly. He motioned and a swarm of soldiers followed their leader from behind. They were all heavily equipped with light armor and either rifles or a long sword. Nida grabbed the arm of the leader, trying to pry his grasp off of Rinoa but two of the soldiers behind him brutally kicked him in the sheens and one sent a fist towards his head, immediately knocking him down to the cold ground.
With a single fluid motion, Seifer whipped out his Hyperion beneath his trench coat and held the deadly gunblade in an offensive position; as if it was silently threatening the enemies to back off or else they would face unimaginable consequences. The leader of the squad only scoffed at his move, gripping Rinoa's wrist tighter.
I suggest you lower your weapon if you wanna see Caraway's daughter alive, he sneered as the men behind him chuckled, obviously proud that they had the advantage now. Boy is Caraway gonna give me a raise when he realizes that I found his daughter.
No, I suggest YOU let her go or else there's gonna be hell to pay, Seifer spat. His emerald orbs burned with a heat of passion to eliminate the threats. Don't make me repeat myself. Let her go or else.
Or else what? The leader challenged. He sneered, obviously enjoying the upper hand.
Before anyone else got a chance to respond, a huge strident thunderbolt ripped throughout the air and then in a flash of bright white light, it struck the ground, instantly obliterating the grounds beneath. Seifer had to shield his eyes from the intensity of the flare. After the coils of smoke dispersed however, he was shocked to see that half of the troops were sprawled on the field, immensely injured from the surprise attack but who could have summoned it? He surely didn't and neither did Rinoa. The leader twisted cruelly as he looked all around him for the intruder. He glanced behind the trees, over the mountains, behind him, to either sides and finally, on the peak of a small cliff, he spotted a girl in a yellow dress smiling right back at him.
Seifer shouted. What are you doing here!?
The hell do you think YOU are doing!? The leader screamed, trying to hide the fear that half of his team were goners.
We're here to help of course! another voice answered. A streak of blue and red whizzed in front of him followed by a round house kicked. The martial artist grabbed Rinoa's arms and whipped her away from the Galbadian as he slumped to the ground.
Thank you Zell. She bowed her head gratefully but there was no time to discuss anything else. She barely had a chance to strap on her pinwheel when a shower of bullets was directed at her. Faster than lightening, Seifer rushed over and pushed her into the snow layered. They fell to the cold soft earth just in time as the bullets struck the surface of the mountain behind them.
From the top of the cliff, Selphie had a panoramic view of the entire battlefields. Closing her eyes, she silently whispered a few words. A bright green aura surrounded her as she summoned her next spell. Finished chanting, she grinned as a large ice crystal encased with the Guardian Force Shiva towered above the fighters. Her lucid blue eyes snapped open in the same instant as the stasis around her shattered into tiny pieces of ice shards. Her hands gracefully formed a white beam in which she released. Frigid air permeated the already freezing area as abysmal icicles materialized whereever the ray of light touched. All at once, the icicles exploded, eliminating those who faced the Guardian's cold wrath.
Seeing that their surrounding was clear for the time being, Seifer quickly helped Rinoa up to her feet as Zell and Nida jogged over. Both of them seemed to be all right, a few minor scratches but nothing a cure spell couldn't heal.
Where are the others? I thought you guys were getting the Garden out of here. What happened? Seifer demanded. Although he tried to hide it, there was still a hint of concern in his voice for the other SeeDs and even...Squall.
We were but then we saw you guys on the shore and knew that you wouldn't have gotten away fast enough so it looks like we came through at the last minute. We divided the group up. Squall, Quistis, and Irvine are on the other side where there seem to be more Galbadians.
Rinoa's hand unconsciously grasped the chain around her neck. She touched the rings lightly at the mention of Squall's name. It wasn't fair that everyone had to figher just because of HER father. She didn't know how she would forgive herself is something happened to one of her friends. It would be all her fault. Are they all right!?
I'm not sure... Zell honestly admitted. I didn't get a chance to speak with them at all but let's find out. Come on, it looks like we're done here.
Oh you are far from done... A masculine voice threatened from the skies.
All attention was faced towards the man at the deck of a small airship looming above them. Clad in an expensive navy Galbadian suit was none other than General Caraway. His dark eyes were locked deadly on his daughter and his lips curved into a menacing smile. Rinoa...I never thought you would be able to do all this....defying me, your own father. Must you throw everything away just to help that wretched Timber!? His voice boomed over the loud roaming engines.
I would rather die than let you become a ruthless dictator. And I still cannot understand why you are doing this!? she admonished. She clenched her fists tightly against her sides, anger instantly rising. Seifer laid a hand on her shoulders, sensing her tension and then stood in front of her defensively while raising his gunblade, directing it towards the General. We're gonna finish what we started two years ago. We're gonna liberate Timber. I made a promise to Rinoa that I will help her do it and there is NO way I'm gonna go back on that promise. Deep down inside, he knew it was more than just a devotion to help her free Timber. There was a more profound meaning behind that promise. It held unspoken words and emotions for the past two years. He had performed some stupid and irrational actions in the past that had hurt not only the Sorceress but everyone around him and perhaps fulfilling his commitment would be a way to repent for all those sins.
The General remained silent. Finally, with a sigh, he waved his hand and headed back inside the ship as it took off into the horizon. Rinoa stood there, shocked and dumbfounded. She was so sure that he was going to retaliate with a long speech of his own but he didn't. He just took off. Something didn't feel right. You don't think he...he's heading to Timber now do you? I mean...the place is unguarded. She gulped, cold fear washing over her, chilling her spine. Now would be the perfect time to strike the vulnerable town.
Damn...you're right. I think that's exactly where he is heading but we can't do anything about it now. Squall and the others are still in trouble. They need our help. Zell readjusted his Ehrgeiz and motioned for the others to follow him. I know the way. Come on.
Sighing, took off after him. I can't believe I'm taking orders from the Chicken-Wuss. Since when did I take orders from anyone?
His eyes widened as his boots were braced from taking another stop with a spray of snow. An idea suddenly came to him. He was always hungry for honor and pride and now was the chance to prove that he is a worthy Knight for his Sorceress. His aquamarine eyes glimmered in a slight mischievous manner. You guys go on ahead. I have something else I must do.
Rinoa shot him a questioning look but he just shook it off.
he whispered while taking his hands into hers. His warm orbs penetrated her's as if they were staring right into her soul. She found herself mesmerized in his light grasp, unaware of anything else around her besides the man who was starting to make her feel slightly uncomfortable. Just remember...I never break a promise. I'll be back soon.
For one last time, he stared at her hard before letting go of her hands. Take care of her Zell.
Before the martial artist or the Sorceress could get a chance to reply, Seifer had already dashed off into the endless snow fields, too far out of range to hear their calls. The tail of his gray torn trench coat billowed rapidly from the wind and the intense speed.
Zell cupped his mouth and shouted. He recieved no response as the man didn't even bother turning his head. The hell was all that about!?
I'm gonna go after him, Rinoa stated. She was about to take off in his direction when Zell grabbed her wrist, pulling her back.
Don't. Knowing him, he probably has his own plans. You know him, he never follow orders. We gotta get to Squall and the others now.
She gave in with a sigh. Yeah, you're right but it's just that...what he said to me kinda freaked me out.
What did he say?
He said he never breaks a promise.
Any idea on what he meant by that?
The Sorceress shook her head. She had not a single clue on what he meant by those words although she still couldn't shake off the bad feeling that it was a dark omen. Not really...but I'm sure we'll figure it out later. Come on, let's go.
The sound of a gunblade piercing a fallen enemy silently alerted them that Squall was nearby. Behind the tall barren trees in the forest, Quistis and Irvine were on either side of Squall, defending his flank while launching an offensive with every open chance they had. Neither of the three looked even a bit exhausted which impressed Rinoa for she was already worn out from the frenzy chase and she didn't even get a chance to fight yet!
From the corner of the Commander's acute eyes, he instantly caught an article of blue clothing swaying back and forth from the wind. Whipping his head around, he faltered a bit when he saw the Sorceress staring right back at him at a far distance with Zell, Selphie, and Nida behind her. She remained frozen, unsure of how to react since she wasn't prepared at all for this sort of meeting. Hyne, it had been so long that she had seen him and there was so much she wanted to say.
If it hadn't been for Quistis urgent cry, Squall would have never sensed one of the soldiers diving down towards him from a tree. He instantly torn his gaze away from the woman and raised the gunblade just in time to parry off an attack from the soldier. Luckily, he received nothing more than just a small scratch on his arm before eliminating the Galbadian in a single blow. If he wasn't warned, he might not have been so fortunate. He had to stop looking at her and concentrate on the battle but no matter how hard he tried to, she still held an invisible force that kept drawing his full mind and attention back towards her.
Finally, Rinoa shook out of her trance as she jogged up to the rest of the SeeDs with Nida, Zell, and Selphie following close behind her. It has been so long since she has seen all of them, especially Squall but there would be plenty of time later to talk. Right now, they had a battle to fight. As a quick polite gesture, she smiled at the trio, which was quickly returned by Irvine and Quistis who, from the looks, were glad that she was unharmed. Squall, however, just nodded curtly in a cold manner. It made Rinoa feel a bit uncomfortable but she reminded herself again that there will be time later on to discuss everything. At least he and everyone were safe and that was all that mattered for now. A pang of worry hit her when her mind raced back to the moment when Seifer departed. Unanswered questions swarmed her. What was he doing? Where was he going? Why would he just leave them? What confounded her the most were his abrupt words before he ran off.
Suddenly, the wind started to pick up above then as a streak of red glided across the sky. It's engines roared to life, zooming at maximum speed. Eyes widened, the SeeDs rushed to the edge of the field in confusion, watching their airship being controlled by an unknown person.
Selphie jumped and waved her arms despite the fact that it was futile for the ship to turn back. Hey! Don't tell me that was the Ragnarok! Get back here!! Who the heck are you!?
It was almost out of the eyes' range when it combusted into a huge ball of flame.
Author's Notes: Sorry, again, long update! Ack...well the good news is that the endings are coming up. This is my plan so far and I think I will stick to it. Squall's chapter is next followed by Seifer's ending and then Squall's ending. I've decided I don't want to drag this fanfic on any longer since it has already been two years already. Well once again, thank you for your time and for reading this. Your kind reviews are what keep me going!
