A series of unfortunate events (why does that sound familiar?) obviously occurred here…seeing that I am seriously late with this update. Some of you probably thought I died… The actual date of completion was June 13th, so I beat my little goal. This story made the summer action cut, so I've survived…now let's just see how many flames I'll get for this conclusion…I'm terribly sorry for the long wait guys, but things really have been happening to me…I ask for your support. So, umm…enjoy or…whatever, lol. And let me know what you thought of it all, eh? The Disclaimer is up...the end is here...
Between Heaven and Hell
Epilogue
Through the stormy forest I ran with Rinoa's hand in mine. We had been running for hours and getting nowhere. I could hear her gasping for air behind me beneath the heavy thundering and lightning flashes as we continued our long run, but there was no way I could slow down to check on her. I glanced back in the darkness and saw hundreds of T-Rexaurs chasing us with a immense appetites and hateful grizzly eyes, having cursed us since our arrival… When I faced forward, I saw there were even more T-Rexaurs charging in to attack us with an even greater force. With their razor sharp teeth glistening through the night, I swore I heard a hundred T-Rex bellies squirming in famine just by the sight of us, their meal. Seeing that there was no place for Rinoa and me to go, I bravely stopped my advance and pulled Rinoa closely to me as the T-Rexaurs continued their hungry rage. I wanted to say something to her, but the words just wouldn't come to me, and as I struggled to speak, Rinoa smiled and whispered softly, "…Answer it—"
The ringing cellular phone beside my bed withdrew me from my dream of despair and unreality. I muttered a few swears underneath my breath as I tried to shield my eyes from the blinding sunlight while reaching over for the tiny phone, mentally aware that it sat on the dresser which was to my left; a dresser waiting to be occupied by anything I might lazily leave there. I had cleared my throat after taking the rectangular device in hand, and pushed the talk button. After much dedication, I spoke into the phone groggily, "…Leonhart."
"Leonhart is it?" Even though the voice was undertone, I still knew whose it belonged to.
"Quistis?" I jolted up from the bed with a rush of excitement, besides, who else would have called this little phone's number?
Within my sleepy state, I had forgotten the phone had never rung until now out of three whole weeks. …For three weeks, I dreaded to hear it, and the waiting ultimately drove me insane…
"Listen to me, I don't have much time, but I'll update you with everything I can, is that all right?"
"It's fine."
"Good." It was silent for a moment; maybe she had to gather her thoughts before speaking? Quistis returned, "First thing's first, a demolition is being scheduled for Esthar's Capital Punishment program; all the forest and T-Rexaurs will be annihilated with the sending of missiles from the Esthar Missile Bases. Because of this move, Caraway was sentenced to life in the D-District Prison instead of receiving death like so many before him had."
Just because the forests will be no more doesn't mean he couldn't be sent there anyway. I smirked when the thought came to my mind…as Seifer would say, 'That lucky bastard…'
"Caraway hadn't directly caused the crimes, but he was responsible for devising most of those schemes, and as the ring leader, has the harshest sentence of all. His henchmen were charged with murder and theft, and their sentences ranged from twenty to fifty years in prison with slim chances of parole. Caraway never commented to the press or took back any of his wrongdoing; instead, the man marched into the armored vehicle with his head held high. …I guess she doesn't have to worry about him anymore."
"…Yeah, I guess not." I said, glancing behind me at the sleeping figure nestled inside lumps of her comforter.
"Oh…and the other escapee, that eighteen year old, Dincht…he was taken to the hospital moments after the vessel exploded. His condition is fair, and he is undergoing physical therapy treatment for his wounded legs. Currently, his case is being reopened in hopes of gaining a lighter sentencing. From my standpoint, I'll say his chances definitely look great, but…it's a murder case. So its expectant of him to receive more than a few years in prison still."
Anything's better than the death penalty, right? Well, at least Zell is alive so…Seifer managed to get him out of there. "…And Seifer?" Why did I even ask? I already knew the answer to that. Cid spoke about that news the day of Caraway's bust. We understood there were two people onboard and only one had escaped, running to the troops on shore. If Zell made it through, then that means…
"…His remains were found inside the exploded vessel. Immediately, the troops began to gather him…" She sighed into the phone, "…I'm sorry."
…I hadn't taken a liking to Seifer, but…hearing these things about him, and remembering the way he acted moments before we left him behind with Zell…damn, what am I trying to say? …Seifer thrived on his ways as a slick criminal. It was only natural that his career would end with him either being caught in a steal or…dying in a showdown with troops. Seifer was prepared for this outcome; he lived for it. "…There's no need to apologize, he knew what would happen…"
"Yes, well, the vessel was badly damaged in the explosion, luckily, none of your fingerprints were discovered inside. Authorities confirmed only two people had rode inside and escaped; meaning, as far as the world knows, you Squall, are deceased…only…" Quistis continued, but her voice brought about uncertainty, "Questions have risen about the capability of surviving in those forests, but most questions were dismissed by Esthar, fearing the relatives of convicts would rise and make threats against the capital punishment system like Caraway had. Even so, skepticism hasn't died down…and I'm afraid people are piecing together the truth about what actually goes on in those forests. Of course, me and any other person that has never set foot on the continent has no a clue about this possibility; however, I'm afraid no one can stop the rising curiosity."
"What do you mean?"
"…Sooner or later, there will be someone to ask the inevitable question Squall. Someone will want to know how a convict like Seifer, who had been sentenced to death almost a month ago, could even survive for so long, and how he partnered with Zell to escape. How two individuals, one of which was found in a weakened state, took down a completely healthy guard and deciphered the vessels' codes all while being hounded by the T-Rexaurs and shields from the system controls. Someone will ask the right question, maybe there were more survivors than just those two, wouldn't you agree Squall?"
"…Quistis, what are you trying to say?"
She sighed into the phone; "They'll figure it out soon. There's no way two men could challenge a Warden and the A.I. system, and get as far as Almasy and Dincht. There's an investigation going on now, and things are definitely not looking good for you. Trust me when I say that I'm working with you, but understand that I can make no promises or guarantees either. I can assure you'll see your family within this same year, that can happen, but Squall, you're sitting with a hot target. Just as the Kramer's feared, people have gotten suspicious about them. Not to mention, the fact that there are witnesses who are starting to talk about the luxurious yacht that has suddenly come up missing from their port, is suddenly sparking interests. Talk about Rinoa has come up…and how the Caraway's have done business with Seifer in the past."
I looked over to Rinoa, as she lay beside me in bed, asleep and clueless that I was on the phone at all. I had stared at her comforter covered body and never moved my eyes away, "…What about her?"
"They know she's still alive Squall, and right now she's hiding away. Rinoa has become the number one wanted criminal in the world…"
"That's ridiculous. You said that he took all the blame, didn't you?"
"Yes, but the man can only say so much, the evidence and records tell a different story. It is suspected that Rinoa killed Vincer Deling and set fire to his house afterwards to cover up the scene. If his family were still home, there's no doubt that she would have struck them too."
"No!"
"I'm sorry Squall, but its true. I was able to look into the old case file and get the latest information from the detectives who are reinvestigating the murder as we speak. I wouldn't tell you all this if I knew it weren't true."
"She didn't-" I had almost yelled, but quieted my voice down. I rose from the bed and whispered, "First of all, I don't believe that evidence is right, and secondly, you said all of our files were dropped!" I was careful not to say anything that would place Rinoa at the crime scene. "You don't-"
"You probably know the story well Squall, better than I do, and I'm sure you know Rinoa quite well, but even you should be concerned that there are things you don't know about her; things she might be keeping from you."
…Hadn't I mused this scenario before? Fearing that Rinoa could be a completely different person, but even so…I know she's changed. "I'm well aware of what she's capable of, Quistis…so what is your point?"
"…If you ever want to see your family again, you'll turn Rinoa in to me. It can be done quickly and quietly, and you won't have to worry about the press or nosy neighbors. Squall, she's wanted, and if you continue to stay with her, you'll become an accessory in this case."
"…What about my family? Where are they?"
"They're doing fine, but I'm not entitled to disclose any more of their information to you."
"But they're my family! I should have a right to know about them."
"…Okay. I'll give you everything you need regarding your family and you'll give me Rinoa. It's better I take her in than an entire Estharian squadron anyway."
A deal? My family or…Rinoa? No, that's not happening. I've promised to take care of her… "…I'm sorry Quistis. I can't."
"Squall, I'll give you three hours to think about your decision. I'll call you back later, by then, you better have a real answer."
"Whatever." I said, shutting off the cell phone. I tossed the device back onto the bed and walked into the bathroom, running a worried hand through my hair. I'm having trouble settling with what she said about Rinoa. I knew that Rinoa had set fire to some man's home a long time ago, but Rinoa said she had no idea he was still inside when she committed the crime. Then again, Seifer came around and said Rinoa knew she had burned him to death in his home…
Rinoa…just who are you?
Sitting still in the darkness of the summerhouse, I rethought everything that had happened to us within the past three weeks. Before Quistis called, everything was just right…before she called, we were two ordinary people.
It's been just us two in this stone house for all these weeks, most of which Rinoa had been sick. I often thought she wouldn't last another second, but the strong survivor pulled through. As for our penicillin collection…well, one wouldn't say it's a collection now, thanks to Rinoa. The little that we have left is available for use, and since we're so close to the sea…where it gets a little chilly at night, who knows what either of us could come down with?
Speaking of cool nights…Rinoa's recently stopped having nightmares about T-Rexaurs coming back to claim her as a meal. Once, she woke up screaming beside me, and needless to say, that turned out to be an eventful night. Rinoa and I sat up playing cards until we both passed out across the bed, and sadly, I can't remember who won the last game. It seems, her nightmares have begun to rub off on me though…. Well, at least the dreams weren't as bad as when she was sick, I thank god for that… If something had gone wrong, I don't know what I would've done.
But now this of all things has come up and forced me to consider labeling her with what the rest of the world thinks of her: a murderer and escapee.
In the spacious living room, I sat on an old wooden bench with its back to the wall. I sighed, knowing that Quistis would call in less than a few minutes to ask me my answer to that same ridiculous question. And I heard Rinoa walking through the house in slippers from the bedside she had found the first day we came here. I haven't seen her since I got off the phone with Quistis hours ago.
Trying to hide my distress from Rinoa, I smiled as she stood in the doorway of our bedroom. I could tell she had gone through Edea's closet for the new clothes again. She wore a long black skirt with a blue tank top over it, and as the days passed us by, she wore a couple of other colors as well. It's not like I can blame her because I've stolen a t-shirt and some black slacks from Cid's drawers…today and other days before. Thinking about our attires had brought a true smile to my face; we were stealing from old people all this time…
Even as I smiled, Rinoa hadn't seemed to be delighted by it. She just stood in the doorway giving me the most depressing face I haven't seen from her in awhile. "…What's wrong?" I asked, sitting up right from my seat on the bench.
"…I had to do it…I had to torch his house. If I hadn't, both my father and me would be dead by now." She leaned against the closed door and slid down its frame. "…Deling is dead because of me…and all those articles about me are right; I'm reckless and homicidal…and I deserve to be imprisoned. Don't you think?"
"Rinoa, where is this coming from?"
"I heard you talking with Quistis, Squall. I heard the entire conversation you had with her, or at least, most of it."
"…So you know?"
"…Squall…if she's already sold me out to the public…then I guess there's no point in keeping me here." Rinoa sighed and looked away from me. "…I know you want to see your family…"
What? Is this the same Rinoa from the forest? The one who did anything and everything to survive, to get off of that continent alive? She's giving up already? "…Those articles are all some people can base from you. Rinoa, I don't believe any of those stories I hear about you. I've gotten to know you too well for myself, and I know you couldn't have wanted to kill that man. Sure, the evidence places you at the scene and you may have lighted the torch, but I know you were being deceived by your father."
She placed her hands on her face, and I could hear her whimpering into her palms. "…I bet you turned down an opportunity to have true freedom because of me, didn't you?"
I didn't answer…I didn't want to.
"Squall!"
"…She said that you still face a couple of charges, arson and murder…and that Esthar knows you're still alive. If I were to hand you in, I could escape with my life and be allowed to live with my family once again."
Rinoa looked at the floor, tracing a pattern with her eyes that were hiding away behind her fingers, "…Squall, as much as you've talked about your family these weeks we've shared together, you'd…throw away a chance to see them again…for me?" She asked, bringing her eyes from the floor and directing them to me. I had swallowed my breath and planted myself into my seat, fearing god only knows what…
Seeing that I became speechless, Rinoa removed her hands from her face and stood from the floor. She walked toward me slowly and took a seat beside me on the bench. "…I know you won't agree with me, but just listen anyway. These past weeks have been wonderful. I was able to be my own person without having to hide from anyone. I was free. But…I can still see that burning house every time I close my eyes. I'm haunted by what I've done, and I won't have peace anywhere I go from now on. Squall, like I told you before…I just want to be safe."
"But Rinoa, we don't have to stay here. We can go somewhere, anywhere else and be safe." I said, turning to her and taking her hands into mine.
"It will be just like we're back in the forests. We'll have to run every time danger comes our way."
"I don't care; I know we can make it. We survived the forests together, Rinoa, we can easily escape Esthar too."
"That's not the point, Squall. If we run now, we'll run for the rest of our lives."
"So? We'll be together… I won't let them take you away from me, not now or ever. I know my family is waiting for me and they need me, but…I need you more."
"…Squall."
"I knew from the first moment I saw you that I could never leave you. We managed to survive T-Rexaurs together…so I know my family wouldn't mind if I stayed with the woman who saved my life…so many times. I'll always be in their hearts, but…you're always in mine, and I…I just can't turn you in to Esthar. Please, let's just get out of here…let's get away while we still have time."
Rinoa hadn't said anything, but her mouth opened as if she could speak a million words at once. I smiled, knowing it would take a moment for her to register all that I just spoke.
The first thing she did was move her arms around my neck, beaming with grace, then our lips joined together and we kissed softly…undisturbed by the world. Rinoa smiled after our kiss and rested her forehead with mine. "But right now I like it here…with you."
Right now? Right now? What does she mean?
She stood from the bench and grabbed my hands to pull me up and join her. "Squall…I wish I could've met you before all this…you know?" She was smiling, but I could see her eyes were beginning to water. "Then maybe you could…you could've stopped me sooner. We would've taken trips together and saw the world…" She sniffled, "Wouldn't that have been fun?"
I squeezed her hands and pulled her body against mine.
Rinoa cried out and wrapped her arms around my waist. "Squall." She muffled into my chest.
I had immediately closed my eyes, hoping to close the image from my mind and heart. Hearing Rinoa's voice in such distress…I felt helpless… What could I do to put her heart at ease?
Just then, the phone began to ring in the bedroom. I glanced toward the door and to then to Rinoa. She looked at me and released her hands from my sides, knowing that I would have to tell Quistis my decision. "Rinoa…"
"Go on." She said, turning away from me and wiping her face. I had taken a deep breath and forced myself to take on the caller, who was undoubtedly Quistis.
When I reached the phone, I ripped it from the bed and answered it without saying anything. Quistis immediately took the initiative that I didn't want to be bothered. "…Have you decided?"
I cleared my throat, but never answered her.
"Squall, I'm warning you. If you deny this request then I can't guarantee your safety."
I felt myself smirk, smiling at the truth. "…I don't care what happens to me…"
"…So you're not going to turn her in?"
"My decision hasn't changed, Quistis."
"…Very well." She said and terminated the lines. As soon as I felt the emptiness of the phone, I groaned and threw it down onto the floor. I ran both of my hands through my hair and cursed myself for deceiving Rinoa once again. I told her I would agree with Quistis but I hadn't…
Whenever I act on my emotions, I am not to be trusted by anyone…
"You really are crazy, you know that?" Rinoa said from behind me. Crazy…yeah, I've been crazy since day one, since I first met her. Sacrificing myself to a T-Rexaur just before it devours her…sticking with her since the beginning… "Why Squall?"
Why? Why am I risking my life for her again? Haven't I always placed myself in this position?
Or…am I really that selfish?
There's something I discovered about myself since I had first met the others in the forests. I'm a fool… …Once again, Seifer was right…I am a fool, but then…I had promised so many times before that I would take care of this woman… So it's not really like I had choice, right?
"Squall?" Dammit, she's still there?
"…Don't make me repeat myself, Rinoa. It wasn't right... " What the hell? My voice sounded all shaky, and my throat feels like it's caving in and sore…
Besides…the entire deal was useless…Quistis can't be trusted anyway. She would probably have turned in both of our names and made us out to be killers…or something else negative.
…Rinoa hasn't done anything worth this…
I could feel my eyes watering…
Rinoa walked around and saw my face, and she feathered my cheek with her fingertips. She hadn't said anything, but moved her hands to my eyes and smiled. From then on, I lost control of myself by closing the gap between us, and kissing her lips with ardor. When she moved her hands underneath my shirt, I knew I would give in…
I had taken Rinoa's body into my arms, and lifted her from the floor to carry her to the bed, laying her across with care and crawling on top of her. She caressed my face as I stared at hers beneath me. "Squall…" She whispered, searching my eyes with her own for some understanding. And I softened mine, as if answering her question… When Cid had taken her away from me in FH, I knew it was more than those promises that forced me to run after her before her father stopped my pursuit.
And I knew it was more than the need to live that caused me to stay with her in the forest. If I had died anytime in the forest or on the vessel with her by my side, I would have died happy and content… That's why…I can't just give her up to Quistis like some prize, no…because I… "…I'm in love with you, Rinoa."
With a smile brighter than the moon and stars combined, Rinoa pulled me closer and kissed me again… From then on, I had lost myself in the intimate glory of her heart, body, and soul…
Her cries were silenced, my worries had subsided, and every anxiety we both might have had, had been extinguished with the immense heat that expended from within us combined…
I've never felt this way about anyone before…not even Selphie.
Throughout our room, the evening sun shone inside from the window with peach and orange gleams of soft light that transformed the stony gray walls into a tropical utopia. I smiled, relieved that I could be here with her to see this, to experience this.
Rinoa had fallen asleep with her arms around me, resting on my chest, and I had placed my arm around her, keeping her close to me, never wanting to let go. I allowed myself to sleep in her warmth as well…
When I woke up, the sun had just begun setting. I kissed Rinoa's forehead and eased out of the grip she held around me, quietly standing from bed. After managing to sneak away, I straightened my boxers and walked toward the opened window, pushing aside the draping curtains that blocked the amazing ocean view. I could see the lighthouse at the far end of the miniature peninsula, the seashore, and a few children playing in the water with their pants' legs rolled up, cuffed to avoid getting soggy edges of cloth. I smiled, taking in all the life that surrounded me in this perfect peace. I could only wonder how long it would all last…
When we were free…I took it all for granted, and now that this could be my last day experiencing every single detail here, I'm beginning to appreciate it more with each passing second. Knowing that you could face death at any given moment will greatly affect your heart; I guarantee it.
"…Squall, what are you looking at?" Her voice crept behind me, and her hands and fingers gently feathered across my bare back, sliding around to my chest; so much for sneaking away.
"Compared to you, nothing…" I whispered.
As she pressed her lips against my back, I felt them form into a smile, and a soft laugh followed.
Even though this little summerhouse probably doesn't quite feel like a place anyone else would call home, it was more than comfortable and welcoming to us. The exotic atmosphere brought about a sense of peace in my heart, and I no longer had to fear the wraths of others. The town folk nearby all welcomed us with opened arms whenever we needed some supplies, mostly because they have no idea who we are. I had silently said goodbye to its heavenly atmosphere.
This remote continent drastically separates itself from Esthar; so much as the need for television isn't all that extreme. Every once in a while, a television would come into our path, but Rinoa and me quickly learned that these people prefer to remain independent and are not likely to meddle in the affairs of other districts and continents… So usually, a television's prime use would be to show a movie or video from a couple's vacation or wedding… In any case, that's a perfect use of a television…I was no longer a victim to its broadcasting. For once, I saw my life and myself for who I actually was as an individual, without the need to compare myself to others and contrast. I had finally given up TV…
As for the children here, well…they usually found other ways to entertain themselves too…
Rinoa laughed as a little girl pushed her friend into the sandy shoreline of the ocean. The others that were playing around in the sand, immediately splashed her with puddles of water and thus, caused a play fight between all the kids. I even laughed at this. "Look at them go. Hyper cases…"
"Hey!" Rinoa gave my chest a thump with her fist and I fought back a laugh of my own. "They're only kids, Squall; they're always full of energy." We had continued to watch the children running around each other causing mischief, and Rinoa clubbed her arms under mine and murmured, "I can imagine living here…"
I smiled and answered, "…So can I."
But inside…we both knew that could never be possible.
"Squall, why don't you get in the shower? I'll make you something to eat."
"…Sounds good to me."
Living like we had all the time in the world, Rinoa cooked in the kitchen as I took a shower and dressed myself in clothes that became my daily uniform. I could smell frying food throughout the house, and by then, my stomach had begun to growl hungrily.
After putting on my socks and shoes, I walked into the kitchen with Rinoa. She looked at me and smirked, "What a late breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner this is…right?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "You're right."
"Oh…this will be a few more minutes. There's tea on the stove to keep you busy. Go on, drink it up."
"Tea?"
"Drink, drink, drink!"
I sighed, seeing that I had no way out… "Fine." And I had a glass of tea, just as Rinoa suggested. But only seconds after my first sip, I began to feel woozy, just like I felt back in that damned bar. "Rin…"I put the glass onto the table and turned toward her, "Rinoa…?"
She didn't answer me; in fact, Rinoa was nowhere in sight. "Rinoa!" I yelled out and stood to my feet, only to feel my body crash into the floor. Gradually, I had lost consciousness and faded away…
I don't know how long I had been out, but I awoke to glass shattering around and people talking over me, but I couldn't do anything to respond to them. I felt paralyzed… And then I heard a woman's voice…the sellout…Quistis.
"He's the only one here..."
Would you believe that I'm going insane?
I think so…
And apparently, Esthar thinks so too…
…Three months ago, I was strapped in a chair and interrogated for twenty-four hours about the whereabouts of Rinoa Caraway. After a day of rest, I was interrogated again…and again…and again. It wouldn't end until someone finally pulled the plug on the entire investigation, and till this day, they won't tell me why I was released and left alone as if I was now useless…and would forget all the hell they put me through.
Nevertheless, I was sent home to my family where I had lived up until a month or so before moving on with my life… I couldn't take it. Sure, it was great to see them again, but I felt like something was missing…
Well…like Quistis said, the forests had undergone demolition; Ellone held my hand when we watched it on television, broadcasted all over the world. Somehow, I felt a piece of myself die with the razing of that continent. Fujin, Raijin, Seifer, and all the others who died or were dying because of that place…I wonder where they are now…
Those people were responsible for having an impact on my life…the life I fled from…
The irony of it all; why I had been chosen to have my life thrown away and stained as that of some murderer's, why I looked down on convicts as if they were lower than dirt and gave no remorse, even after watching them take their last steps in shame…all was to show me the less life I had for myself. Why would I thrive on another man's pain? It was because I had no life of my own. Everything I worked so hard to achieve had been predestined before my birth. Yes, my dad wanted me to write for him, and eventually I would take over Timber Maniacs.
Of course Ellone also took an interest in journalism, but she wanted no part of Timber Maniacs; actually, he preferred his son to overtake the company, and Ellone decided to take her own path. Something I truly admired her for.
I felt trapped, knowing that my future would be at Timber Maniacs, and I would probably never be able to travel the world and write… Yeah, there were times when I felt secure and even happy that I was always with my dad, but all those were facades to hide how I truly about felt my life. Even so, I still love him and everyone else; I could never resent them for simply…loving me.
However, I was given the opportunity to have my life turned upside down, and end up at the last place I ever wanted to be: taking the walk of shame on live TV. My trials were what I deserved, what I needed to hear and to experience; it would be the only way to liberate myself from my own shell.
Through my weaknesses and fears, I've discovered formidable strength and durability. I no longer need to live in my father's shadow, and for the first time, I've taken control of my own life. It took an accusation, a death ride by dozens of beasts, and extreme convicts, who I am truly thankful to have met and will always remember, to open my eyes and realize what I had before wasn't a life. How many words could a person produce if nothing ever happened to them? Therefore I'm grateful, grateful for having to live through hell…and what's more rewarding is that, I can say that I made it through…I lived through it all.
But even after forgiving them, I felt like something was missing…and so I moved away. I moved to a place in Dollet where the sun sets on the sea's horizon…it mirrors the sunset at the summerhouse, the one Rinoa and I saw after we made love… I will never forget that sunset, and I will never forget Rinoa. I sometimes feel like I see her walking amongst the people in Dollet, carrying on in a daily routine. Even worse, I thought I had smelled her scent mixed with the salt water near the shoreline… I know, I've lost my mind…
…Two weeks after I moved, Selphie called me up and we had talked for sometime, mostly about the recent things, never about our past. Before, I wished for the sound of her voice, but after I had talked with her for less than five minutes, I realized I could never feel the same way about her again.
It seemed she had moved on with her life too, and she's doing well. I'm happy for her, really I am, but I've been so bitter about everything in my life again…
And now, somehow, it feels like I'm right back at square one…falling into a pattern that will ultimately lead me to something horrific, just as before. But I feel as though it could be prevented, if just one little thing happened… Rinoa…
I pulled a mug of warm cocoa toward my face, delighting in its warmth; who knew a cup of hot chocolate could be truly missed?
There in my villa in Dollet, I can isolate myself from all my troubles and try to relax, at least, that was the idea. My dad said he would be happy if I had started writing stories, following in his and my old dreams, but…when I think about the fact that I could be copying his footsteps, the thoughts of writing seem to demolish and I'd spend the entire day wishing I could do something else with my time.
I heard the wind chimes, a silly thing my mom bought for me when I announced my moving away again, chiming as the wind gusted by. I figured, I may as well go outside to catch a light breeze instead of staying inside wishing I were…well not dead, but close to it. However, I have to admit that Caraway was right about one thing. I'm already dead so to speak. I'm dead to the world and to her in a sense.
I opened the door and stepped onto the porch, inhaling a deep breath and exhaled, watching my soul soar through the wind. And as I watched it glide gracefully, my eyes had caught a slip of paper attached to the porch railing.
"…Where did this come from?" I yanked it from the railing and pulled the card to my face to read the first thing I saw.
Another day…
I nearly died standing, something I just wished for a short while ago, right? Shaking my head in disbelief, I read again the first line I saw on the card, "Another day…" Who else would use those words but…her…?
I read the entire card, and dropped the mug in my hand onto the porch. It shattered instantly, but I couldn't care less. "…Rinoa."
Bliss
…Squall risked so much when he decided to protect me… We both knew what would've happened had I still been inside with him that night… Just like my father, my name would've been in the headlines for centuries…it probably is, somewhere…
But thanks to Quistis, I was able to make it through without the slightest detection.
Watching Squall being taken away had been the worst thing to face, but not knowing what would happen to him later on had bothered me further. I realized one way or the other, one of us would not be happy. I had held closely to my heart, the same cell phone Quistis used to contact us before with, and I held onto it tightly.
Three days later, it rang, and Quistis knew that I would be at its end. She consoled me, something I hadn't expect from a soldier of Esthar, especially to someone like me… So there I was, crying… "I can't take it anymore. …I can't hide forever." Seeing that I was distraught and overwhelmed with despair, Quistis agreed to keep my capture a secret… She told me that Squall was being tortured and interrogated repeatedly because of me…but after I had turned myself in, the investigation ceased and Squall was released.
In my orange slacks, (my prisoner outfit) I had something to smile about.
Some weeks later, Quistis worked a deal out so I could visit my father in the D-District Prison. I was flown from Esthar's penitentiary and landed at the dusty D-District Prison where I met with my father for the second time in a while. Knowing that our conversation would be monitored, he set me up into a trap where I hadn't confessed to the arson and murder, but rather he had, and was there at the scene… Later on, I found out he was charged with another count of murder. My father had taken back all the pain he caused me throughout my entire life…but I still wanted to have him as my father…
Shortly afterwards, I was able to make an appeal and given a reasonable bail, which was paid by none other than my birth mother. That's what I was told anyway…I don't know if it's true. I…wondered if I would ever see her, or I still wonder, rather…
Well, all that brings me here… Quistis gave me a tip, and from that tip, I've met the wonderful family of Squall Leonhart. They were kind enough to tell me where I could find him, of course, they wouldn't let me leave until I gave them proof that I knew their son personally. I mean, I don't blame them for being so paranoid; the things some people will do for a story…those journalists are amazing… As my proof, I simply quoted Squall's dad saying; "Dreaming about the future…will only scare you today." Words I will never forget…
Needless to say, I was on my way to find him again.
I had identified his house from a row of many, and approached it with caution. I sneaked onto the porch, a skill I've gained from the many weeks in that dreadful forest when hiding away from T-Rexaurs. I had carefully tied the loose thin string on the wooden rail and made my way away from his house.
I wanted to surprise him…yeah, that was the excuse, but in reality…I was scared to face him directly. Who knew what would do to me if he ever saw me again? What if he had forgotten about me after all this time?
Just as I had questioned myself about Squall, he appeared on the porch of his house, emerging from his country style home. He held a mug in his hand, and at that moment, I smiled. He looked like some old nosy man peeping on everybody else in the neighborhood.
I had been standing far away in the distance as I watched him spot my letter, and as he read from it, I saw the mug he was carrying drop to the porch. Quite frankly, I had gotten his attention, and I was surely missed…
Forcing my body to move, I made my way closer to Squall and watched as his brown hair swayed with the blowing wind. Even from this distance, I can tell Squall looks even more attracting without the mess and dirt from the forests' mud covering his features. He had always held a soft spot in my heart…since I too had first encountered him. I realized even more after we had separated that I was in love with him as well… Always…
I neared the porch and stared at Squall as he continued to read from my letter, savoring every last word… And as he mouthed those words silently, I had recited along with him, the words of my letter.
Another day…
Just another day we should appreciate being alive…
Alive and well…
Between Heaven and Hell
The End
Author's Conclusion of Total Delusion (eheheh…)
Oh yeah, and forgive me…I really didn't want to overdue the ending…eek! I hope it's worth the wait, the time, and the read…
-sings- Near…Far…Wherever you—lol, I'm just kidding! T'is over…the journey and thrill ride is over! Unbelievable…! Guys, this has been an incredible adventure for me, and there are so many shout outs and thank yous I have to make… Where to start? I do not know… -All the cast of this story rise and bows, (all of them! lol) –a round of applause-
(And following the thank yous are the EXTRAS! So skim or skip on down there to find out the details, or hilarities, about the story while it was under development! lol)
Anyway, the weather was bad again, and knocked me off the Internet for a longer time than expected. I can't stand being behind schedule! .
Flame if you will but this was only a conclusion! I hope anyone wasn't expecting action from this chapter, but I guess…watching the girls and boys play fight was all the action it needed, right? Lol Whatever, just go back and read the action filled chapters from before. (And I'll go through and take down those annoying typos for you! I hate typos, but they just love me! )
Well, I had fun writing. Catch my next action adventure some time later, right now I'm working on a drama, Damaged Hearts, I'll have some action involved, but nothing drastic. However, the story following it, will more than make up for my drought.
And now, the Final Thank You list: (Already? ….Awww! So this one goes out to EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER REVIEWED!)
In order of appearance:
Naysayfire Lady Rinoa Blue Doom18769
Jen Yuleen75Orestes666 Kitsu Kurasei
Sylin Pretty LikeDrugsArkv01 Silver-nex
Skydream YaeTsuki Leonhart
IttanMomenAyatoBlackWind92
And two others…grrrr!
Wow, it was so few people that contributed to those reviews, you guys are great!
Anyways here's my reply list for chapter 19:
BlackWind92: I know, this update came too late and its definitely too long, right? –cries in agony- I'll make it up to you with another story, sounds good? Thanks for your reviewing, seriously, they encourage me so much! And you've written some stories too? I shall make time to read them and compliment! Thanks!
Yae: Yeah, Yeah, you were right. I had always loved the idea that Cid and Edea's orphanage seemed more like a vacationing place (well…when it was all fixed up in the past.) And so I decided to have Squall and Rinoa go there to stay… I hope you enjoyed the conclusion…and I really hope it wasn't a drag. But regardless of how this one goes, I'm going to really miss your motivating reviews! They helped out so much and I couldn't be happier, trust me, its good to know that someone somewhere appreciates my work. Thanks again, Yae, and take care!
Yuleen75: I couldn't agree with you more, they should be banished from this site! Lol Ahh, I had a difficult time with the storms passing through, but I managed to survive. It's horrible that you have to face everyone that goes through, though. Geez, I just wish we'd have a peaceful hurricane season for once, eh? Anyway, I know this one doesn't have too much action, but its just a conclusion right? I wished I could turn it in sooner, but things just kept happening again and again. I just hope I haven't disappointed with this one. Thanks for everything Yuleen, you've truly been helpful to me. I'm just going to miss this… -runs away crying- Oh yeah, not to worry, I've got info about a new fic I'm working on at the bottom, check it out!
Blue: Whoa! I have lost the rambling contest for sure…lol. Everyone, Blue is the true 50th reviewer and deserves cookies too. Ah, never fear, I'm sure Squall will take up the sword in their little home sometime, you know? But there's even more sword play in the fic to follow so stay tuned. (Of course, you should've figured that out by now. I've been throwing hints like crazy, lol) Oh uh…Squall glared intensely and raises his gunblade high…he looks at your petty mountain ranges and summons meteor showers to knock down the walls. Squall approaches you with smoldering eyes and heaves clouds of aggravation from his mouth. He glares at you and then suddenly, drops the act. He turns his back and mutters, "I'm sorry, okay…?" Squall flees from the scene. (lol) Thanks Blue!
Silver-nex: Whoa, Thanks so much for reading. You're tackling all of my projects I see, this is wonderful! Say, why weren't you around sooner? It would've been fun to have someone else to kid around with along with the usual crazies around here during my usual updates from long ago. Hehe, I hope you've enjoyed this chapter as it was the final and all… -sighs- Thanks for reading, its really appreciated. –sends cookies to you- lol
Tsuki Leonhart: Thanks so much Tsuki, I hope your new home is great. I wanted to update sooner… Anyways, I'm going to catch up reading your story too, so don't worry. You haven't seen the last of me. Good luck, and thanks again!
Orestes666: Yeah, sadly this is the final… I'm glad everything was cleared, but I hope this chapter kinda…answers the remainders and more…you know? It wasn't too dramatic was it? Lol. Say, your reviews have really gotten me to pull through, and I thank you for that. How much mushier can I get in this note box? –cries- Thanks so much! Lol Oh, and I hope you had a great trip. Geez, it's been ages since I've updated, hasn't it?
Lady-Rinoa: Haven't I always said that I'm a sucker for romances? I hope this chapter made you smile, as I had promised! No worries about the late review, you review whenever you feel like it, but I'm glad you did. Aww! You've walked through another story with me, and I'll be there to do the same for you. Thanks always, StardustRay.
Okay Everyone…there were a few reviews I received throughout my story that just made me feel…Great! I can't express how thankful I am to have you guys write what you write to me, you don't know how hard it is to do this sometimes. In the beginning, it was posted out for fun and a little joke…but it became one of the best things I've even decided to do. On this note, I've decided to continue to write any idea that might suddenly come to mind from now on. Now don't expect me to post up stories all year round, but I will be back during the summer mostly and sometimes during the school breaks. I thank you all so much for your patience and continuous support, I assure you, I couldn't have done this without any of you. Thanks again, and again. So please, let me know what you thought overall, I want to hear from you.
And now…
-Extras- :D
(Keep in mind that I'm a tad bit sarcastic with this list…Enjoy!)
Did you know? …Hmm?
This story wasn't supposed to be told in Squall's view!
It was never intended to be this long! (It the story, the A/Ns, the TYs, everything!)
Nida was supposed to have a huge role! Oops…
Zell wasn't supposed to live; he originally died in the third chapter! (It's true…sadly T.T)
Fujin didn't have any lines before! (She was supposed to be a mute!)
Squall's experience was to be a dream!
After the fifth or sixth chapter, everything was improvised!
Raijin ditched the others and the storyline then reappeared for—wait a minute…that actually happened! O.O (okay, okay, so Raijin WASN'T supposed to ditch anything…and so on…)
Squall was only supposed to be in the forest for several chapters! (But because you guys liked it so much, I added on! So, nah!)
Rinoa originally hadn't been in the forest at all!
Caraway wasn't supposed to go to prison, he was going to meet an angry Squall…guess where…the Forests!)
Quistis is crazy! She pretended to shoot Squall; she pulled the trigger and everything! (Yeah, I find that to be really psycho…lol) No surprise there. Enough said.
Cid and Edea originally found Squall floating in the water… alone! Oops…
The T-Rexaurs ran on Double-A Batteries! (Sorry Ittan-Momen, these babies come with a price. Haha) One of them broke down on set too…chewed a tree stomp, poor thing, haha.
Between Heaven and Hell is short for The Island Closest to Heaven and ditto-Hell, I spent most of my time there, and it was Fab-u-lous! Lol Although the orphanage is not exactly between those two islands, the story symbolized Squall's struggle with his faith and fate! Hehe.
All the cookies you guys gave me went directly to Selphie's Save-A-Chocobo campaign, she's currently receiving high ratings, as well as becoming most wanted…err, better pass that one by, right?
Speaking of Chocobos, yes Yae, Chocobos were originally in the story! (I kid you not!) They were….-drum roll- …food shipments for the T-Rexaurs whenever criminal activity was at the lowest and no convict had been sentenced there! I know, it was heartless, that's why I didn't put them in. No worries though, support Selphie's campaign and they'll be ready for action next time. By the way, they were actually the original escape plan to Squall and anyone else who might have been interested.
And finally, this author merely ate twizzlers and PB& J sandwiches while listening to hard rock and random game music as she wrote this fanfic! (True Story!)
So… Did you know? …Of course not!
There were more did you knows- but…I cut it short, lol. Action/Comedy is my favorite Genre! Oh, the second disk of FF8 is my all time fav! Lol
And umm…Ease up on the flames, I'm under another Hurricane Warning…T.T
ANYWAYS…
-Curtsies- Thank you much and much for your support and patience! Again, I am terribly sorry for the long wait…
You know me well by now right? …Let me have it! Talk to me!
A sweet goodbye to Between Heaven and Hell, much frustration and fun created this enticing story, so I do hope you guys have enjoyed yourselves as much as I have had fun writing. Thanks again!
StardustRay has left the building…(not quite…)
Please be on a lookout for my newest story (Not Damaged Hearts, good heavens no!) called Eternal Breath. It's a fantasy/action/and romance adventure from yours truly, Moi! Filled with bizarre plot twists and such. It was inspired by the game's sorcery themes, a long devastating battle with Ultimecia/Griever, (which I won of course!) and you all for encouraging me to keep writing. Thanks so much! So even if this story's ending was sucky and whack (or maybe not), I'd like to make it up to you with another that's good, hehe. And just incase you don't want it to be sucky again, give me a few pointers or suggestions, I'll think over and consider your ideas.
Much Love and Dedication,
StardustRay