You wouldn't believe it, but Squall came to my neighborhood recently. (Actually, he's still here!) Yeah, Squall and a few other wind friends of his are taking a breather at my house. I'm currently under a hurricane watch, tornado watch, and tropical storm warning right now! lol, I kid you not! However, sorry for the long delay guys, but things have been happening here! My Internet was knocked out due to the bad weather! T.T …And no, this chapter isn't that long, I'm a total motor mouth! haha

Between Heaven and Hell

Chapter 18: Escape
"Quistis, thank god." I walked toward her, but she held up a gun, pointing it directly in my face.

"Don't take another step, Mr. Loire."

"…What?" I questioned, holding my hands in the air. "Quistis, what are you doing?"

"Something that should've been done, a long time ago."

…And she pulled the trigger.

-click-

…My life ended…or had it?

I opened my eyes, which had closed instinctively as her finger pulled the trigger back. I mean Quistis had pulled the trigger, didn't she? …But the gun hadn't fired due to an empty cartridge, I guess.

She smiled, "I should've gotten you out before the trial ever started. …I'm with the Esthar Unit you see here, and I've worked for them before I became one of Caraway's henchmen. The rest of his team, including the two men who murdered Odine, has been captured." Quistis said as she reloaded her gun, putting it back onto the strap attached to her hip.

I froze, not because I escaped yet another death, but…had I heard her correctly? I stared at her quizzically as she smirked, "Quickly, follow me."

And I mindlessly followed her back to the docks where we got on the same fishing boat. We managed to escape the troops scattered about, who had participated in the capture of Caraway, unseen; all the while, I had an eerie feeling we were under some sort of disguise; after all, anything is possible now that Quistis admits to working under Estharian oath. However, my thoughts are probably inaccurate, and maybe we actually had run through without receiving any hassle from the on guard authorities.

Knowing there was no way my pondering could be answered, I continued to follow behind the hasty woman as she ran into the control room of the boat. Quistis had pulled out of the harbor and steered the large fishing cargo boat from the docks. With her eyes and body focused on driving, she spoke to me without giving any eye contact, "Caraway admitted to the crimes when you two had that little discussion back in the house, and I've got it all on tape…"

She removed her left hand and pushed a few loose strands of hair from her face as she continued, "I became interested in this case when Odine's body was first discovered in Timber. …I found it quite odd that you would take the life of a man who was just about to expand your father's magazine company, and would hopefully bring about a good future to you and your family." She turned to face me with that same smile, "Anyway, I thought I was too late in the investigation when you were shipped off to Esthar's death chamber, but it turns out, I was right on time."

Quistis took a deep breath and placed her hand back onto the steering wheel, she sure is fidgeting around a lot; maybe she's still shaken by this incident? "It seems Caraway's complaints against the continent had silenced just as soon as Odine's body was discovered. It was obvious that he had a bone to pick with Odine, but the cover up was that Caraway mostly despised the T-Rexaurs and their methods of inflicting death. Because his daughter had already been convicted, he wanted the T-Rexaurs to suffer. He also sought a way to lighten the cruel capital punishment for all convicts…I'm sure you know that already…" She smirked, "Well, to get myself deeper into the investigation, I contacted Mr. Kramer, knowing that he was an old friend of Caraway. What started out as a simple interrogation, turned into so much more. I found out about Caraway's dark past…simply because Kramer couldn't hold his water so well, and from then on, Kramer had asked that if he were to help me bring things to the surface, he'd be left alone in the future; and I agreed."

"So Kramer's in on this?"

"Yes. It's because of Mr. Kramer that I even began work for Caraway so soon. Cid introduced me as one of his best and most trustworthy employees at his establishment; of course, Caraway knew something was fishy about our approach. …Shortly after, Caraway arranged for us to meet with Kramer once Rinoa was safely delivered back to him, whenever she would escape. He wanted to be sure, since Kramer was kind enough to send me to aid him, that Cid would take and keep Rinoa out of harm's way for a while."

Now I remember just why Kramer fiddled the way he had when Caraway mentioned a rat, he seemed to be nervous and kept heaving sighs all the time. Maybe he thought Caraway had figured out their sneaky little game with him. …I guess Cid had wanted to take Caraway down from the start…but what about Rinoa? She also worked for him too, hadn't she? Shouldn't she have been affected as well? "…Why wasn't Rinoa arrested anyway?" It's a horrible question, and I'm sure Rinoa would slap me if she were here, but…it's reasonable.

"As part of Kramer's bargain: He's provided me with as much evidence about Caraway as he possibly can, and in doing so, it was enough to cover Rinoa's charges as well. However, every record on Rinoa and even you has been destroyed. You'll not find any piece of record relating to you or her at this present day. Rinoa's criminal records have been dropped, and so have yours. I just needed to get her out of there alive for Kramer's sake. Caraway fits into every charge that was given to Rinoa, and will now take the blame for everything."

I sat silent for a while thinking about all that Quistis had just told me. I leaned against the back wall of the Captain's room and covered my face with my hands, sighing at the unbelievable truth. We were finally off the hook; tables were turning for the best…but somehow, emptiness loomed over my soul. Quistis allowed me some time to myself and hadn't bothered me with anything further information.

"We're here." She said, and I looked up and through the windows to see the deck outside.

Along with the darkness, the air was misty and heavy…a disturbing atmosphere in our case. It reflects what I feel within, fully aware that I'm boundless and free, yet so clueless of where to go…because my path is so foggy. We were in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by water…surrounded by despair.

"…Where are we?" I asked, scratching the back of my head and walking toward Quistis as she headed for the door that led us to the deck.

"You'll see." …See what? I don't see anything. Maybe I shouldn't get my hopes up too soon…the worse things always happen at the best of times, right? So, what if I can't trust her either? What if this is still some type of game- "Mr. Kramer?"

"Quistis!" A voice sprang from nowhere, and I ran out to the deck to see, but still hadn't noticed anything. Suddenly, a white yacht appeared from thin air just a few yards ahead, and I saw Cid standing on its deck, eye level with us. "Quistis, I think he knows what's happened!" The old man panicked.

"Even so, you won't ever have to worry about him returning for unfinished business. Caraway was captured and is currently being taken away by those soldiers we encountered."

"…Yeah, but he has outside contacts. He's never finished…"

"Mr. Kramer, please don't try to make this situation to be worse than what it actually is. I can guarantee your safety, and I will personally take part in your defense."

"Ms. Trepe, thank you for understanding...but…" The old man sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Within the darkness, I could make out his plump figure. He had turned his face to the side and looked out into sea, staring at some unknown image lingering in the graying waters. He seemed to have wandered from his words… Cid's probably going through hell right about now: betraying his best friend and having the nerve to take the man's daughter in his keep. Yeah, anyone can be a bit shaken after screwing around with a tyrant's daughter.

…I guess that explains why Quistis knew so little about the entire situation. She had become familiar with her role in all this madness only recently. Caraway hadn't told her what was next because he didn't trust her just yet; she was still the newest member. Come to think of it, he had sound a bit unsure when it came to her…

-------

After a few minutes passed, we had joined Kramer's yacht and took a seat on the deck. I resumed my taciturn manner even as Quistis gave me a reassuring smile that everything would be all right. Cid chuckled, "…I guess I should apologize about what happened in FH." He had turned to me, "You don't have to worry about Rinoa, she's asleep below deck." …Asleep? Isn't she always…?

I sighed in relief and nodded my head while muttering, "Thank you for looking after her." I had thanked him for his help from not only today, but before I even met Rinoa as well. It was because of him that Rinoa hadn't completely lost her mind or the will to live for her own person, when growing up with her father I bet. But when I think about the fact that she had tried to help her father by cleaning the crime scene…I realize no matter how heartless Caraway might appear, Rinoa still has love for him.

"It's quite alright, Mr. Loire. Even though she's in no condition to walk around now, Rinoa will be fine. I know you're concerned about her health."

"Squall?" Cid looked back at a woman with long black hair who had just called to me, and smiled. For a slight moment, she mirrored Rinoa. The woman walked over, her long black skirt sweeping the floors and her hands zipping up the dark jacket that wrapped tightly about her being. She possessed a friendly smile of her own, and I felt at ease when she neared me. "Edea, dear, meet Quistis Trepe and Squall Loire." Cid said, motioning his hand from Quistis to me.

Edea held out her hand and shook Quistis' and then mine. I was confused as to how she had known my name, but then again, since I'm some type of celebrity, I guess more people know me by my first name now. She held my hand in hers for a bit longer, squeezing it within her grasp. I looked down at our hands and then to her eyes, and was about to pull away from hers until she whispered, "She asked about you several times before going to sleep. She really admires you." And with that, Edea let go of my hand. By 'she', Edea obviously meant Rinoa… Of course I'm worried about her, but…there are other matters at this moment too. "Ms. Trepe, Quistis…we'd like for you to take us back to Balamb. We wouldn't want anyone to become suspicious of our sudden absence at such an early hour."

"Oh, Mrs. Kramer, your husband has—"

"Quistis, I'm afraid Edea is correct. We've businesses to attend to, and I'm sure uncertainties will arise when everyone learns that Caraway was captured just the same morning we had gone missing." He smiled and looped an arm around Edea's waist. "Please get us out of here."

"…Yes, sir." Quistis muttered, saluting them in full Esthar honor, and then turning to me she said, "There's a cell phone in the deck down below which I've purposely left behind for you. I'll call you whenever the disturbances have settled and it is safe to return."

Safe to return here? "I don't understand…are you leaving me here?"

"I have no other choice. …All you have to do now is get far away from the Galbadian and Estharian district, and hide amongst the alienated counties to avoid all publicity. Though you are not on the line for any charges, it's a good idea to wait until the media settles; otherwise, you'll never be allowed peace. …Mr. Loire, if you want, you could go back with us; however, there is a chance you can be arrested, and will wait in jail until further evidence liberates you."

"…Do I take this yacht?"

"Afraid so." Cid had cut in with a chuckle, but his face became stern as he continued, "It's the least I can do for Rinoa since she can't be seen with us. As much as Caraway might have hoped I could shelter her, it's futile to think that plan is possible. Should Rinoa come with me, I'll risk her to be bombarded by the press and have my past dug up. So it is necessary that we get her away from this area, immediately."

"…Please, Mr. Loire. Look after Rinoa, she's like a daughter to us." Edea added, squeezing her husband's shoulder.

I looked down at the wooden deck's floor of the yacht and took a deep breath. After allowing the thought to set in that I would be responsible for Rinoa from this point on, I smiled, "You don't have to worry, I will."

Quistis nodded to me and began to climb aboard the fishermen's cargo boat. Edea followed behind her with the help of Cid lifting her from the floor and over the railings. As Edea safely made it across, he turned to me and whispered, "We've got enough fuel to go around the world twice if we wanted, but there's one place we've always wanted to take Rinoa, and I'm sure she'll love it there. …There's a map downstairs in a box I keep underneath the bed with the location's coordinates… It was the special place Edea and I'd go to whenever our lives were at the best or sometimes even at the worst. I'm sure you'll love it there too; that's why you can have it, the summerhouse, along with this yacht."

What the hell? He's giving me these luxuries…? This is unbelievable... "…Are you handing out these charities just to keep yourself safe from Caraway?"

"…That's part of the reason why, but I only want what's best for little Rin."

"Mr. Kramer, sir, we need to hurry before sunrise!" Quistis called from the cargo boat.

"Ah, I understand Quistis, I'm climbing aboard now." Cid said to her, looking back for a mere second. He slapped his hand on my shoulder and turned around to climb over the railings and into the cargo ship. As he reached the boat, he faced me once more. "I trust you'll look after her with your life, son. Rinoa assured me that much… Just be sure to get out of here before you're discovered." He smiled, "And Mr. Loire, I know your family misses you dearly…"

I'm sure they do, but I miss them terribly. If it were possible to take back my past faults, I would do so in a heartbeat.

Quistis looked at me and smirked, "We'll be in touch."

I simply nodded to her and watched as she disappeared into the Captain's room to take control of the boat once again. She steered the large craft into the fogginess of the seas until I could see her and the fishermen's cargo boat no more. It had sailed toward land once again, undoubtedly bound for Balamb to bring home the Kramers.

I sighed and lost myself in the abyss of fog and sea, having an unnerving feeling that I would never be welcomed anywhere, especially not Timber after this day. I'm dead now…and I have to make it official by disappearing and never seeing the world again. But…

Rinoa's below deck, isn't she? I guess it would be okay if we were together. It seems as though our promise is still on. I hadn't killed her father, as much as I wanted to…instead, I wished him life. I put aside my selfish desires to wish him life, and hoped that he could see his daughter alive again someday. Which reminds me, I have something of hers in my possession… that ring.

I headed below deck and into the cabin looking for Rinoa's room, which happened to be the only bedroom room on the yacht, despite its vastness. I opened the door to the incredibly spacious room, taking note of the maroon carpeted floors and curtained window above the bed. Only for a second I forgot I was on a boat. In the darkness, I was able to identify Rinoa's figure on the bed. She had obviously been tired, and just as last time…I could hear her breathing above the almost silent creaking from the yacht rocking side to side.

I watched Rinoa inhaling rhythmically with the sea's natural unsteadiness, and exhaling as if it were her last breath. I propped my arm against the door seal and rubbed a hand into my hair; completely unaware that I had held my own breath… When staring at her on the bed, I mused myself with ridiculous questions.

…Who is this woman I've accompanied for only a short period of time? I realize now, I know nothing about the real Rinoa Caraway. I've met the strong willed Rinoa, the one who wanted nothing more but to live for another day, the survivor. And I've met the lonely Rinoa, the other side of her that needed comfort and shelter…but I hadn't… I hadn't met the Rinoa who wished her house were a mansion…

I'm worried I'll probably never get to meet her simply because that Rinoawill spend the rest of her life, worrying about her father's fate. She'll probably question if she had disappointed him with her clean and inexperienced hands…

But why should I worry about that? Rinoa hasn't even awakened yet, she isn't aware I'm here with her, nor does she know about her father's bust. At this point, she doesn't even care what might be happening in the outside world simply because she only needs rest…

…I had watched her for some time, unable to take my eyes away from her face, for some indefinite reason. A glimmer or glow, something about her attracted me… A shade of peach illuminated her exquisite features, and I realized the sun was preparing to rise.

How long had I been here studying her?

I turned from the doorway, walking into a room across from the bedroom, and opened the slim wooden white door. It was a restroom; I noticed such because the toilet sat against the back wall, and a mirror and sink were set on the wall beside it. There, on the pearly white sink bowl, I saw a phone charger had been plugged into an electric socket below the sink, and the cell phone occupied its base. "This must be the phone Quistis told me about."

I removed the phone from its charger and held it tightly in my hand as I let the restroom be. I had begun to pace the walkway between the restroom and the bedroom pondering when Quistis would call me as she said she would. I wished she had told me just when she would call… But who was I kidding? They probably hadn't even docked yet.

…Cid… Cid said he'd left something inside a box for Rinoa and me, didn't he?

After forcing myself farther into the bedroom, I crouched beside the bed and looked underneath. Sure enough, there was a black shoebox underneath the bed, closed with a taped edge. I undid the tape and peeled back its cover, bracing myself for the sight of the map Cid told me about in its hold.

When my eyes lay upon the circled area on the map, I nearly dropped it in disbelief, "But that's so far away…"

…It suddenly dawned on me that I would probably never see my family again. Who knew how long it would take Quistis to contact me? I knew for a fact she wouldn't reach me within the next few days, but what if…what if it were never safe to return home? What if we were stuck out in the middle of nowhere and had no right to come back?

I leaned my head back against the bed and into the satin sheets that lay across it, sighing despite my current progress. Even though I didn't know what to expect this time, somehow I knew that no T-Rexaur would stalk Rinoa or me…

Ever since arriving in the forests, we had partnered up and helped one another through the most troubling times. We've become so close since…

I see that there is no way I can crawl back to Selphie now, not that I wanted to. Even hearing her name doesn't send me down memory lane; that road is closed for good. All those times we shared together have faded with the wind. Not completely gone, but for the most part, I'm over it, I'm over her. It was because of Selphie that I even left to the bar that day, and she was the reason I contemplated murder. It was thoughts of her, which caused me to lose control of myself, and I was thinking of her when I first met Rinoa.

In a way, I had compared Selphie to Rinoa…unintentionally, but every day. No, I hadn't come out straight and said she reminded me of Selphie, but I silently took note that Rinoa resembled Selphie in some fascinating way. …Might have been that sharp enthusiasm about life, about living…about the world and its problems, but facing everyday problems first. Selphie was so confident, just as Rinoa, but Selphie was weak. She needed constant attention…or perhaps she wanted more freedom?

Whatever her reasons were…she still had no right to go and sleep with someone else. She took the idiot way out of our relationship…and I was angry that she betrayed me… I wanted nothing to do with her, yet I wanted all of her. I was selfish and had sheltered her… I'm so confused about why she even stayed with me for so long…

All this time I've been thinking about my own needs, and myself when I've never looked at the world through Selphie's eyes. I put her through so much, and she hadn't complained at all. Once I had wished death upon her, but I see now…there's only one thing I need to do. Selphie freed me from my misery by doing the only thing that would provoke me to make a move faster…

She gave herself away so that I could find myself…a life for a life, so it seems.

I looked down at the cell phone in my hand and smirked. After punching in some numbers, I eventually pressed the small device against my ear until I heard the phone ring, each ring as mellow and as sluggish as possible. It was forever before someone picked up the phone on the other line and spoke through, "…Hello." Her voice was as simple and childlike as always, but somehow it intimidated me. I felt myself at a lost of words when she answered, but I also felt the need to get my purpose across. I had to tell Selphie the one thing that nagged at the back of my mind throughout my stay in the forests. The one thing I denied owing her every single horrifying day, and finally…I forced it from my own mouth, "…T-thank you Selphie." Without waiting for her response, I terminated the lines. I didn't know what to expect from her…and as soon as I ended our one sided conversation, I regretted ever calling her.

What would she do if she recognized my voice? Would she tell someone about me? Would she spill that the late convict had suddenly risen and harassed her? Or had my calling simply haunted her to the peak?

I sighed and tossed the phone onto the floor, trying to forget about the phone call; wanting to push it from my mind as I had Odine's murder.

Rinoa stirred in her sleep, coughing lightly while turning over to face the wall behind the bed. I rose from the floor and sat beside her, sinking into the mattresses' softness. It's no wonder she's asleep so soundly. I think anyone could easily fall into a deep slumber after taking one sit on this soft bed.

As I nestled beside her, I realized the phone call I made was worth it. I had thanked Selphie for giving me a second chance at life; …something I silently wished I could do a thousand times before. In all honesty, I gave my life for a new one, one that wasn't completely perfect and hadn't promised a meal the next day, a life that I could cherish even when times grew blue, one that I had to go through hell to reach.

I rested behind Rinoa's warm body and eased my face between the core of her neck and shoulder. The intense heat emitting from her body had worried me, but I pushed my fears aside as I reassured myself that her rest would make up for it in the end. With one soft sigh and a tug on her shoulder, I had closed my eyes and muttered, "We've come too far to die now, Rinoa… We have to make it…we have to see what Cid has in store for us."

I left a soft kiss on her cheek and pulled her closely against me. Even if she were conscious, I would want her to know that I was near, that I was still here, and that I would always protect her from any endangerment.

After all, we had made that promise before… And as abnormal as it may sound, our next destination was, according to Cid's map and Rinoa's shooting star, south…

Author's Shelter: (hiding from Squall!)
Well, I'm not kidding about the storms I'm currently facing, and just so you'll know, there were more than a few squalls around my house too! lol

Okay…so things didn't go how I planned… I realized I couldn't connect this chapter with the epilogue because it's somehow independent. I feel confident that it can stand alone, so I'll let you decide if its good or not. So tell me, Good, the Bad, or the Ugly:p (You know what, don't tell me if its ugly, be constructive! lol )

Speaking of telling me if its good or not, I've received two very interesting reviews. (One of which I barely understood a word of, and the other…well I'm not even sure why that person bothered to say anything at all, lol) Keeping to my word, I'll never leave a soul out of the thank you list, but when I'm brainstorming or in the midst of writing a chapter, reviews like those sidetrack me from my story. After recovering from mild blows below the line (And blows from the wind!), I have summed up all my defense power and answered these people with all the honesty and dignity in my soul. I'm fully aware that they're unlikely to return to read what I have to say, but who cares? I'm going to shoot! (Though I highly doubt some have the patience to actually read it all…hint, hint! …hehe) And now, the thank yous…

Ittan Momen- I really feel sorry for Selphie, lol, the poor thing! I apologize a million times about the long delay! I had this chapter ready to fire, but then…weather happened! And in case you're still wondering, I'm a she. And by Brad Pitt, I will have the last chapter up, with the help of everyone's input. (That is…if you guys haven't lost interest with my long disappearance, lol) And ow, that lick hurt. Okay, okay, I'll stop saying that it sucks and start being more confident, happy! lol (Also, I really hope things are okay...the news has been crazy lately...take care.)

Yuleen75- -accepts cookies and stashes on the side- Thanks! These cookies kept me warm when it was all cold and windy outside! Lol

Yae- lol, Bad Quistis! Lol I hope this chapter holds you until the next follows. (I'm really behind schedule here, T.T) Woo! Faygo! Yay!

Arkv01- Really? Wow, sometimes I wish I weren't the writer here. You guys get the best view of the story! lol, (My thanks list seems a bit lamer today, probably because I've been gone for so long. Everything I wanted to say to you guys before has been forgotten, sadly… T.T)

Lady-Rinoa- All things must come to an end some time, and this…I'm afraid is one of those things. –sighs- It's been fun, that's why I have to go out with a satisfying ending! Oh yeah, I'm keeping clear of dating right now. The last guy was a total jerk, so I need some fresh air:p You know? lol

Blue- You're right, Squall wasn't spanked enough. I tried to tell him otherwise and look at what happened, he took out my power for one whole frickin week! Lol. And yeah, if I ever post up my other stories, I'd be glad to have you as my beta reader. Till then, Rinoa sends her love to you, but beware, Squall is standing behind her glaring at you! lol

Orestes666- I'm glad you liked that last chapter. Yeah, I know…I had to be sure the plot was still there! haha. Oh yeah, this one should clear up most of the remaining questions. I'm confident to that much. But now…I have to worry about this and the next chapter! T.T

BlackWind92- I'm really sorry about the cliffies, lol. And this one might have been dreadful because I got knocked out. But now that I'm back, this story should be finished before next week ends! Promise!

Tsuki Leonhart- Nah, that chapter was just right, no worries. I hope you've updated since I've been away, man…it sure feels great to be back. Anyways, I hope you enjoy the end of my story, (Finally!) whenever I can post it up next time.

And now…for the pointless rambling and complaining I'm about to as a result to coming back from fighting a hurricane, and reading those pointless rambling and complaining reviews…lol …I'm a little upset, I suppose, but my goofy side humors me, and so did they, lol.

--Hehe, I asked for it, and I got it. …Flames…or somewhat… (In this case, people who chose to wait till I post the last chapter to give me ideas for plot twists and such, or just to tell me that the story is boring… lol! It's not cool, but it's a sign of the real world…things aren't always so good, eh?) Now, Just as they've reviewed me honestly and without remorse, here I respond, ditto: (Honestly, it's stuff I needed to get off my chest anyway…sorry if it's a tad bit harsh…) lol, tell you the truth, I like flamers…they're funny. And besides, I've brought it upon myself by saying that my fic was disappointing me sometimes anyway, lol. --

anGool Bebii- hahaha! No offense…But when you say that it's too descriptive, that means my job is done; Thanks for the compliment! (People told me that I needed to include even more descriptions, so I'm sorry you had to suffer.) A story like this needs more description anyway; otherwise the readers won't know what's happening. (Think about it…If I minus the description, it'll be a script only; Plain, dull, and boring with no life or flow whatsoever! lol) Anyway, thanks for being honest, but I'd appreciate if you'd at least skipped forward and not judge the entire story by the first couple of chapters. lol. Thanks for your honesty, the review, the time, and the effort to actually speak up:D

MysticSuperSaiyanGohan- thanks for reading anyway, and I'm glad you enjoyed chapters 1-10:)

All right…No more! …It's horrible, receiving stuff like that in the midst of writing the final chapter…it's a real mood killer! Especially when going through a storm! I could've finished days before…had it not been for these -shuts herself up- haha, I'm kidding… Yeah, I deleted it away for good.

So yeah, I'm done with my smack talk, now talk to me. The good, the bad, or the ugly, tell me how it was, and I'll finish up the true conclusion!

StardustRay (woo, I'm back, Finally!)