Sweet Music
Chapter Thirteen: Wedding Crashers
By PasifiKStaR

All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Final Fantasy or anything associated with it.

Rinoa laid on her bed, still staring up at the ceiling. A plate of cold food was on her night stand, still uneaten. It was dark now and she had been checked on several times by Rude. She frowned. He was more attentive than usual. And she hadn't seen Tseng since that morning. Usually, he'd come and check on her, too.

'Something isn't right...' she thought to herself. She had spent the entire day not sulking, but thinking about everything. About her father, his apology, and his regrets. She thought about her wedding...it wouldn't be the big, glorious affair she had always pictured as a child. Quistis and Selphie wouldn't be there. Zell wouldn't either. None of her friends from school or work. Not even Irvine or Seifer.

Most of all she thought about Squall. I told you that no matter what, I'll still love you.

Rinoa closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Do you really mean that, Squall?" she whispered into the darkness of her room. "I didn't mean to hurt you..."

There was a quiet knock on her door and she closed her eyes. She could detect the light from the hall pouring into her room as Rude peered in. "Rinoa?" he called into the darkness. She didn't answer. She heard him let out a heavy sigh. "Just put the food on the table...try to make sure she eats."

Rinoa inwardly frowned. Who else was there? She heard soft footsteps on her floor and then the sound of her uneaten tray being replaced with one carrying warm, freshly prepared food. After a moment, she realized that her guest was not going to leave.

'Fine...see if I care.' Rinoa thought to herself. Then she felt the pressure on the edge of her bed. She felt someone's body sit beside hers and a moment later, a warm hand brushed past her forehead as it swept back dark bangs. 'Who the hell is touching me?'

"Eat." a male voice said. Rinoa frowned slightly. She had expected, if anything, Nurse Aeris. Not some man. Suddenly, arms were placing themselves around her. She was hoisted into a sitting position and her eyes flew open.

"What are you doing?" she gasped in a hoarse voice. Her eyes darted to his shadowed face and she narrowed her eyes.

He sat there calmly, sun glasses placed over his eyes. They looked suspiciously like the kind that Rude wore. Her eyes trailed down to his black dress coat and the white shirt peeking out. A black tie was neatly in place. Brown hair fell over his head and Rinoa swallowed. Her heart began to race as she lifted her hand. Hesitantly, it rose and reached for his glasses.

Pale fingers grasped the sides and slowly pulled it off. Startling blue eyes met her brown ones and the glasses fell from her hands. Her mouth opened and he lifted his finger to his lips in a motion to stop her from speaking. "They sneaked me in," he told her softly. "I'm worried about you."

"What are you doing here?" she gasped out. Memories of the night before swirled through her mind as her heart pounded against her chest. Squall smiled slightly.

"To make sure you were all right," he replied. His voice was low, probably to keep from attracting any attention from outside. Squall gently lifted his hand and stroked the side of her face intently. "I'm sorry of I seemed angry last night."

Rinoa closed her eyes and shook her head. "No, it's my fault-"

"It's not," Squall told her. "I'm not a fool, Rinoa...I know you didn't mean, to. But no man would be thrilled to see the one they loved kiss another man," Rinoa smiled weakly and opened her eyes to look at his. "I shouldn't have left you like that. Quistis just lectured me on responsibility and duty and running away from your problems."

Rinoa smiled and chuckled quietly. "Yeah, she'll do that."

"She made a good point," Squall told her. "If we didn't run from all of this...from our fathers...we might not be in this situation right now."

Rinoa tilted her head to side and gave him a questioning look. "What do you mean?"

"We can't keep running from this...It'll only get worse if we do."

"I promise to be the best crime lord I can be," Rinoa said, offering him a weak smile. Squall smiled back and scooted closer to her, gathering her in his arms as he sat next to her. Rinoa tilted her head against his. "But we have to accept it."

"You're getting married tomorrow," Squall reminded her. Rinoa cringed at being reminded. "But I want to know... are you happy with this?" He asked serious. Rinoa looked at him and shook her head.

"I'm accepting it," Rinoa said. "But I'm not happy. How can I possibly be about this?" she asked, almost shocked that he asked.

Squall nodded and cupped her face in his hands. "That's just what I needed to hear..." He smiled.

"What?" Rinoa gasped. "What do you mean?"

He leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers. He suddenly pulled away and looked at her with a slight smile. "You haven't eaten all day." he said, changing the topic completely.

Rinoa frowned. "Squall..."

"Eat," he said. "With all that's going on right now, you have to at least eat to keep up your strength." Rinoa sighed and nodded slightly. He brought her tray of food over and placed it on her lap. As she picked up her fork and began eating her meal, she paused.

She looked up at him. "I really don't feel like eating?"

"Do you feel sick?" he asked softly. He pressed his hand against her forehead. "You feel fine."

"I've been laying on the bed the whole day..." Rinoa admitted. "I guess I'm just a little sore..."

"Where does it hurt?" he asked again. Rinoa tilted her head to the side to expose her neck. "My neck kind of hurts...I might have slept wrong."

Squall gently rushed her hair aside and Rinoa moved her tray on to the other side of the bed. "Right here?" Squall asked as he pressed his hand against her neck. Rinoa winced and tensed.

"Yeah..."

He smiled slightly and lowered his head. Rinoa's eyes widened as she felt his lips slowly place themselves over her sensitive pale flesh, sending shivers down her spine. She stiffened and felt his arms winding around her waist to hold her in place. "Better?" he asked. Rinoa bit her lip as his hot breath seared past her neck and ear.

She smiled to herself and leaned back against him. "Actually...it still hurts..."

Outside, Rude looked at his watch and frowned. Squall had been inside with Rinoa for over an hour already. Perhaps it was time to drag him out. He turned and reached for the door knob, but stopped. What if they were...? The mere thought made him both embarrassed and furious. 'He better not be!'. He reached for the door knob and suddenly it was pulled open.

Rude quickly straightened up and pretended to have been diligently guarding the door instead of wondering if Squall had done anything to Rinoa. The blue eyed man walked out and gave Rude a curt nod as he ran his hand through his disheveled hair. He reached down and fixed the knot of his tie before tugging on his mis-buttoned jacket.

Rude gave him a questioning look and Squall swallowed nervously underneath the larger man's look. "Um...I got her to eat." Rude didn't say another word as Squall looked down and quickly fixed his jacket.

"It's time for you to leave." Rude told him in a low voice.

Squall nodded and headed down the hall in the way he came. He quickly walked down the stairs, trying not to appear as nervous as a mouse in a room of hungry cats.

Just as he took a step towards the door, someone turned the corner and ran into him. Squall stumbled back and froze as he realized who he had run into. The late middle aged man was still dressed in his suit and was frowning. It was apparent from the pictures he had seen in the hall that this was General Caraway.

"Do I know you?"

Squall could've sworn he paled several shades. His mouth opened, but nothing came out. 'I'm going to die. I'm going to die...'

"Sir," a voice said by the door way. "That's a new recruit." Squall looked past the General to Rufus. The General looked Squall up and down and gave a slight grunt.

"Watch where you're going next time." the old man told him. Squall nodded.

"Yes, sir." he said, silently thanking Hyne for Rude's sun glasses. He stepped aside as General Caraway walked past him.

Suddenly, his arm was grabbed and he saw Elena ushering him towards the door. "Come on, newbie," she said. "It's time for you to do some rounds...outside."

Rinoa woke up in her bed and smiled to herself. She tilted her head to the side and saw her eaten food and the spoon that Squall had fed her with. She blushed and her hand trailed down to her neck and fingered the chain. She hooked a finger beneath it and lifted it and the two objects dangling from it up.

'At least it wasn't a dream...'

A knock sounded on her door and she immediately sat up. "Rinoa?" Elena said. "I'm coming in!" The blond stuck her head into the room as she opened the door and offered her cousin a smile. "Hey...glad to see you're awake."

Rinoa nodded. "Yeah..."

"You look better," Elena said as she opened Rinoa's blinds. Bright sunlight poured through the window. "Had a good night?" she asked, knowingly. Rinoa looked down and blushed.

"Thanks..." she whispered. Elena chuckled and sighed.

"Well, you better get up and take a shower. The seamstress is here with the dress and she might need to make some final adjustments." Elena told her. Rinoa nodded and moved her covers off of her legs. As she stood up, she heard another knock and looked towards the door.

"Good morning!" a cheerful brunette said. Rinoa's mouth nearly dropped as she saw the woman who entered.

"Tifa?" she gasped. "What are you-"

"Shhh..." Elena said as she put her hand over her cousin's mouth. "Let the seamstress do her work." she stressed. Rinoa's eyes darted to Tifa who hung up the dress on the back of the closet door. She turned around and grinned.

"I hope you don't mind," Tifa said with a smile. "I invited some friends to...help." Rinoa just stared at her dumbly. She nodded and slowly walked to her bathroom, a dazed look on her face.

As she passed, she looked at Tifa and tilted her head to the side. "Is this about tutoring your son?"

Tifa chuckled and shook her head. She leaned forward and whispered. "We've been sent for security purposes... don't be afraid."

"You better hurry up, Rin," Elena said as she looked out the window. "All of Jenova's most powerful men are down there...it might get dirty if we don't get this thing rolling."

Rinoa nodded and smiled at Tifa. "Thank you."

"Just returning the favor to a family friend." Tifa assured her. She shooed her into the bathroom and Rinoa struggled to contain her hope.

"Are you sure about this?" Squall asked. He was pacing the living room as Quistis sat calmly on the arm of the couch beside Seifer. "He said he'd come?"

"You heard him yourself, Squall," Quistis told him. "Stop worrying. Laguna will be here."

"Then why are they late?" Squall demanded. Quistis rolled his eyes.

Seifer looked at his watch. They were late by three minutes. Irvine sighed and looked out the window. He turned back in and looked at the group sitting on the couch. Reno had left the night before with Rufus and Elena. His job was to go find the still missing Tseng. "I hope they get here soon," Irvine said with a frown. "I think we're going to be cutting this quite close."

Seifer snorted. "It's probably Chicken Wuss' fault. The idiot probably got them lost," He turned to look at Quistis. "I told you not to send him to pick them up."

"Zell is more responsible than he seems, Seifer," Quistis told him. "Any minute now, they'll-"

The doorbell rang and Quistis gave Seifer a superior smirk. Selphie bounded over to the door and opened it. "Hiya, Zellie!"

"Sorry it took so long, guys," Zell said as he walked in, a bright smile on his face. "We were held up?"

After him, Laguna entered and smiled. "Sorry, it's my fault," he breathed. "I had to round up everyone."

Quistis cocked her head to the side. "Everyone?" Irvine peeked out the window and his jaw dropped.

"Oh my Hyne."

"Hmm?" Selphie stepped out of the door and her mouth dropped. Then a wide smile graced her face. "Booyaka! That's what I'M talking about right there!"

She jumped up and down as Quistis, Seifer, and Squall all looked outside. Two dozen cars were lined up, along with several dark colored SUVs and Laguna's limousine. They could only imagine how much heat was being packed inside those vehicles. Quistis grinned as Seifer gave an impressed nod. Squall just gawked. "Who...who ARE all those people?" he gasped as he turned to his father.

Laguna took his son's surprised expression as a good thing. "Just some friends," he shrugged. "So...when's the party?" He asked, rubbing his hands together eagerly.

"In a few minutes," Quistis said as she glanced down at her watch. "We better get going!"

"Sir!" Laguna turned around and looked out the door as a blonde with spiky, gravity defying hair ran up to him. "Sir! Tifa just called and she said that they're going to go ahead and get started already!"

"What?" Quistis gasped. She looked at her watch. "It's almost half an hour early!"

"Probably to prevent party crashers," Seifer said. He headed back into the house and opened the closet. "Pubes, remember how to use this?" Seifer pulled out a heavy black case and Squall's eyes widened.

"Where the hell did you get that?" Squall gasped as Seifer opened up the case and revealed a shiny silver gun blade.

"We never did settle who was better," Seifer said as he pulled out his own case and unlocked it. He lifted up Hyperion and grinned. "Let's see just how bad you've gotten."

"Will you two stop it?" Quistis shouted from the door way. Everyone had already left. "Grab your penis enhancers and get in the car!"

Seifer snorted as he ran past Quistis and gave her a quick kiss. "C'mon now, Quisty...you know I don't need one."

Squall rolled his eyes and shoved Seifer forward. "Let's go!"

"But it's thirty minutes too early!" Rinoa gasped as she looked up from her vanity. Tifa was finishing weaving white baby's breath into Rinoa's updo. Her veil had been settled against the princess tiara and fell over her bare back.

"I know, but your father wants to start it NOW," Rufus frowned. "You're ready, aren't you?"

"Yes, but-"

"Then let's GO!" Rufus said. Rinoa looked at Tifa, who was frowning. The 'seamstress' looked at Rinoa and gave her a reassuring smile.

"I'll take care of it," she assured her. "Go down there...take your sweet time." Rinoa nodded and nervously took Rufus' hand as he escorted her out of her room.

Rinoa walked down the hall and stood at the top of the stairs. She looked down at saw Rude standing there, dabbing his the corners of his eye with a tissue. "Rude? Are you okay?" she asked worriedly. Immediately, the Turk straightened up and shoved the tissue in his pocket. He fumbled with his sunglasses and gave a nod.

"He's getting all teary eyed," Rufus chuckled. He and Rude locked eyes. "Everything going according to plan?"

"Everything has arrived on time and will be here shortly," Rude replied. He looked over Rinoa as she stood in front of him and he took a deep breath. "There are a lot of dangerous people out there today. Be careful."

Rinoa closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath. "She'll be fine," a deep voice said behind her. They looked over her shoulder and saw Sephiroth walking past in a black tuxedo and a sly smile over his lips. "She's going to be family now. And we always take care of family."

Rufus and Rude regarded him guarded expressions. "You should be getting to your seat now, sir. We're about to start." Rufus said, his voice nearly void of emotion. Sephiroth nodded and glanced at Rinoa once more.

"You look beautiful, by the way," he said as he walked out towards the back, out to where the gardens were. "You remind me of my late wife."

Rinoa shivered at the implication and felt Rude's hand on her shoulder. "How's the dress?"

"Inlaid bullet proof Kevlar." Rinoa replied.

"That's my girl." Rude nodded.

"Rinoa," The young woman turned around and instantly narrowed her eyes as she saw her father emerge from the hall in his tuxedo. "You look much better this morning, my dear. Are you ready for your wedding?"

"If I wasn't, I wouldn't be here, would I?" Rinoa hissed.

General Caraway's lip twitched slightly and looked at Rude and Rufus. "I've given orders to the security to make sure no one bothers the ceremony. Since we can't find..." he paused as he glanced over at Rinoa for a moment. "Since we can't find THEM, I've ordered a complete lock down of the estate."

The two merely nodded as Caraway offered his arm to Rinoa. She looked at it, disgusted. "I'm walking down the aisle by myself."

"That's not tradition, Rinoa. You have to walk with your father." he told her. Rinoa basically translated it as that she had to walk down with her father to show that they were close and that there was strength in the merger.

She resisted the urge to scream at him. Rinoa turned on her heel and began to walk down the hall towards the estate. She pulled her veil over her face, hiding her face from the world. "As far as I am concerned, I have no father." As the echo of her footsteps faded off, General Caraway growled and turned to Rude and Rufus.

"You two, make sure no one makes it to the garden when the ceremony starts, got it? This merger will go through without ANY problems," Caraway told them. The two nodded. "And where are Tseng and Reno? I haven't seen them."

"They're working on something...security related, sir." Rufus answered. Caraway grumbled.

"To think they'd miss their own cousin's wedding..." Caraway turned around and headed towards the garden. He walked through the back doors and walked around the rows of white chairs, decorated with simple light blue flowers. There were few people on the bride's side, perhaps twenty of Caraway's highest ranking men. On the groom's side, Jenova's top men and at least fifty or so men who were allies of Jenova were present.

Caraway walked up to the officiate and told him to start. As Rinoa stood at the door way, she stared out into the garden and at the rows of people she'd never met before. She took a deep breath and replayed Squall's words from the night before over and over in her head. It was as if she were seeking comfort in them.

"Are you ready?" Elena asked as she fixed Rinoa's veil and dress.

"Elena," Rinoa said softly as she heard the music start. "Good-bye." Elena stiffened as she held out Rinoa's train. The material slipped off her fingers as the bride began her descent towards the altar.

Rinoa stood at the door way, her body facing the blinding sun light. Ironic, considering her mood that day. As the music sounded and she appeared, the men and women who were guests stood up and turned to look at her. She could see her father standing and waiting. She could see Sephiroth and his brood, also there. Kadaj had a smirk across his face, mirroring the looks on his father and Yazoo. Loz, of all people, was crying.

She slowly began to walk down the aisle. 'No Selphie and Quistis as brides maids...' Behind her veil she blinked back the tears. 'No Zell asking when the reception was so he can get to the hot dogs...' Her gloved hands gripped the bouquet that Elena had given her. 'No Seifer and Irvine arguing...no Reno teasing me...' Her heart clenched in her chest as she passed the scrutinizing eyes of the guests. She met the gaze of her groom and almost stopped. 'No Squall...'

The whole scene was like a dream. For a moment, it was like she was watching her ethereal image walk down the aisle instead. She could see the people around her, whispering in low voices to one another about the importance of the wedding and how lucky she was to be marrying into such a powerful crime family. But she couldn't hear their actual voices. She couldn't even hear the music any more. She just knew all of that was happening around her.

She stepped up to the altar and Kadaj stepped forward and offered his hand. She lifted her chin defiantly and grasped her bouquet tigheter. She glared at him from behind her veil as the officiate began.

"You have got to be kidding me..." Seifer said as he looked out the tinted windows of the limousine. Just driving up the street alone, there were dozens of cars already parked. They were all expensive vehicles and one could only guess that they belonged to high ranking crime members.

"You think that's impressive..." Another blond said as he closed his phone. "Tifa says that there are almost ten times the normal number of guards roaming around the estate. No one is allowed into the garden where the ceremony is taking place."

"Have they started?" Quistis asked.

"Yeah, they've started."

"So what's the plan, Quistis?" Laguna asked the brilliant young woman. Quistis blinked and stared at him.

"I thought you were coming up with the plan to get in..." Quistis trailed off. Squall suddenly felt like throwing himself out of the car.

"Ah...well..." Laguna looked around sheepishly and looked at the people who were staring at him in disbelief. His eyes darted over to Squall, who looked rather pissed off. His head went downcast and he took a deep breath. "Cloud, contact the Al Bhed and tell them to spread their men around the perimeter."

Cloud smiled and nodded. "Yes, sir!"

"Everyone in this limousine has one goal and that is to get Quistis into the garden so we can break the news. As soon as she does, all hell will probably break loose," Laguna frowned. He rubbed his chin. "Seifer, I want you, Raijin, and Fujin to stay with Quistis at all times. Guard her and make sure she keeps those papers. Selphie and Zell, make a beeline for Rinoa and make sure she gets out of the way when it gets messy."

"What about me?" Irvine asked.

"Irvine..." Laguna trailed off. "You graduated from a military school, too, right?" Irvine nodded. "How good at you with a gun?"

Irvine grinned. "Pretty damn good, if I don't say so myself."

"Tifa is upstairs...she can probably lead you to an empty room where you can see the whole garden through the window," Cloud said. "He can go up there and cover us."

"Keep your gun aimed to disarm, not to kill," Laguna instructed. Irvine nodded enthusiastically. "Squall..." The brunette perked up. "You and I are going to have to provide cover."

"What about all the other people there?" Quistis asked. "No doubt that Jenova's men and their allies are there, too."

Laguna took a deep breath. "Get Al Bhed's Machina Fraction cover our backs when we make our way through. Have the rest of Al Bhed disarm the security systems and then surround the garden for secondary back up. I want Cloud right up here with us. His mercenary skills will be needed on the front lines."

Seifer let out a content sigh. "I haven't hacked through herds of people since that final at school..." He lifted up his gun blade and kissed it's handle. "I forgot the joys of gun blading."

Quistis rolled her eyes. "I've secured SeeD forces all along the borders to assist in any backlash when word of this gets out. So we have damage control. I've sent other Vincent and Yuffie, Cid and Barrett to over see them."

"Then everything is set," Laguna said. He moved a black case over his lap and opened it up to reveal a machine gun. The limousine parked in front of the estate and he looked up. "And guys...try not to kill everyone."

Seifer opened the door and stepped out. As soon as he did, three guards were already walking towards him. Seifer lifted up Hyperion and smirked. "No promises."

The sound of gun fire could be heard faintly in the distance and Rinoa snapped her head up. Everyone in the garden paused as General Caraway narrowed his eyes. "Continue!" he ordered the officiate. The old man nodded.

On the other side, Sephiroth looked at Loz and Yazoo and gave a nod of his head. The two slipped out of the garden without being seen and Kadaj grabbed Rinoa's chin and forced her to face him. "Nothing is going to stop this." he said in a low voice.

Rinoa smirked back at him. "Whatever."

"You could've been a LITTLE more subtle Seifer!" Quistis shouted as she gripped a folder against her chest and snapped her whip around a guard's neck.

"Where's the fun in that?" Seifer laughed. "Stay in the formation, people!" he ordered his 'team'.

Ahead of them, Laguna was holding a walkie-talkie to his ear. "The whole estate knows now! Move in!" he ordered. "You two! Get those gates open so back up can get in and secure the area!"

Cloud nodded and looked at Squall. There were half a dozen men running towards them, guns extended. Squall skidded to a stop and lifted up his gun blade. Half a dozen rounds were shot back at them, wounding three, but not stopping the other three from shooting back. Cloud stopped next to him and lifted a massive sword in the air. He grabbed it's handles and snapped it apart.

Squall saw a flash of silver in front of him as one of the body sized blades was imbedded into the ground in front of him. He glanced over at Cloud who looked back at him. "You haven't been a mercenary for very long, have you?"

"I'm not a mercenary," Squall said as he reloaded his gun blade. He lifted it up and aimed at three men still shooting. "I'm his son!'

As they fell, Squall leapt up from behind the sword and rushed forward. Up ahead he could see the guards running towards them. "They've sealed gates off!" Cloud shouted.

Squall took a deep breath and gripped his gun blade. As he rushed forward, the blade began to glow a hazy blue. He let out a scream as he unleashed a series of attacks on the gate.

The powerful blows blew through the iron gates and sliced across the manicured lawn, tossing security forces left and right. "How's that?" Squall asked.

"Not bad," Cloud smiled slightly as he ran after the younger man. "You know my son's been wanting to learn the gun blade."

Squall nearly stumbled. "You have a SON?"

"Yeah, I'm married, too!" Cloud yelled over the gun fire as guard after guard fell at their swords. "I know...I know...I look young, right?"

'Why am I having this conversation in the middle of a battle?' Squall thought to himself as he slammed his gun blade against a guard's skull. "How old are you?"

"Thirty-five!" Cloud sent a blast form his sword across the lawn.

"You can't possibly be thirty-five...you look so...so..." Squall shouted as he jumped over the now destroyed fountain and brought his sword down on shocked looking guard.

"Young?" Cloud asked.

Squall winced as a bullet nearly grazed his shoulder. "Short!" he shouted. He looked over his shoulder and saw the others arriving. "Hurry up!"

"Cloud!" a voice screamed up ahead of them. Both men looked up as a guard screamed and flew over their heads. Squall's jaw dropped.

"What was that?"

"Tifa!" Cloud shouted. He blushed and waved as a woman ran through, slamming her fist and kicking anyone who came in her way. Cloud's eyes widened. "Tifa, behind you!"

The brunette whirled around and let out a low growl as she round housed a guard and sent him flying against one of the columns at the front of the house. Irvine caught up with the two men and stared. "Who is she?" Selphie slapped him upside the head. "Ow...it's just a question..."

"Who's going upstairs with me?" Tifa shouted.

Irvine immediately raised his hand up. "Me! ME!"

"Take him upstairs and make sure he covers us!" Cloud said. Tifa nodded and waved for Irvine to follow her into the house.

"Let's go!" Seifer shouted as he ran past them. "They'll take care of out here!" He pointed over his shoulder and Squall glanced back and saw the group of weapons baring men and women who were now pouring out of the cars that had lined the drive way.

"Squall! Come on!" Laguna shouted. The brunette shook his head and ran in after them. Just as Tifa and Irvine disappeared into the house, two figures appeared in the door way, closing it off. The group came to a halt as two silver haired man appeared.

"Oh great..." Zell said. He cracked his knuckles and was about to jump forward, when Quistis held him back.

"You and Selphie go around back and make sure Rinoa is okay." she said in a low voice as her eyes studied the two men.

"Look what we have here, Loz...wedding crashers." Yazoo said smoothly.

Squall growled and lifted up his sword. "I don't have time for this!" He flew forward and metal banged against metal as Yazoo whipped out a smaller gun blade and grinned. Squall's eyes widened with surprise before he was thrown back out into the front yard.

He landed on his feet and grit his teeth as Yazoo came flying out towards him. He barely managed to get his gun blade up before Yazoo's cut him half. The sheer force of the hit drove his feet deeper into the ground.

"Seifer! Get Quistis in there!" Laguna yelled.

"I'll get the big guy!" Cloud said. The other silver haired man grinned as he locked a metal device over one arm. He slowly walked down the front steps, making others move as he approached.

"This is going to be fun..." he smiled as he cracked his knuckles.

Quistis felt her arm being pulled and looked up to see Seifer dragging her into the house. The sounds of people grunting and gun shots going off were heard from within as Fujin and Raijin cleared the path for her.

Outside, Cloud and Squall leaned against each other, back to back, as they faced their opponents. "We don't have time for this..." Squall growled through heavy breathing. "We need to get in there."

"Then hurry up and beat him!" Cloud replied.

"You first!" Squall retorted. They pushed themselves against each other and attacked the two men. Squall darted Yazoo's bullets as he rushed forward, using his gun blade as both a weapon and a shield.

Cloud found himself on guard with two swords, one in each hand, as Loz disappeared and reappeared all around him. Suddenly, he was hit in the jaw and flew back against the house. Squall's body soon joined him as Squall slammed into the brick, loosening a few from their places.

"That hurt..." Squall mumbled.

"I've had worse," Cloud grumbled as he shook himself out of his stupor. "Ever held the hand of a pregnant woman during her labor? MUCH more painful."

"I'll keep that in mind." Squall hissed out.

Wiping the blood from his mouth, Cloud jumped up just as Loz slammed his fist down where he was sitting. The lower half of the brick wall tumbled around his arm as Cloud landed on his shoulders and jumped off him, pushing Loz against the wall in his wake.

Against the wall, Squall grasped his side and swore at the throbbing pain there. He saw a glitter of light off a blade and whirled to his left. Squall gripped his gun blade and brought it up as Yazoo came flying out at him. The spark of metal grating against each other sounded just inches from his face as he grit his teeth. He lifted his leg and shoved his foot against Yazoo's stomach, making the silver haired man stumble backwards.

Squall stood up and attacked furiously. "Cloud!" a voice said behind them. "Long time no see, buddy!" a loud male voice said from the house. "What are you guys doing out here?"

Squall resisted the urge to turn around as he swung hard at Yazoo, sending the man flying across the war torn front lawn. Yazoo's body slammed into the stone wall, making it crumble around in on impact. Cloud stabbed his sword into the cement as Loz's fist met it. As soon as contact was made, Cloud jumped out from behind it and slammed another sword against the man, sending Loz flying into the crumbling fountain.

"That should've taken care of them..." Squall said as he leaned against his gun blade and took a deep breath.

"Don't be so sure." Reno said as he ran past Squall. The reached into his jacket and pulled out a baton as the pieces of the fallen wall began to move.

Suddenly, the pieces flew off the body as Yazoo leapt out of the pile, grinning madly as he ran forward. "You're kidding..." Squall breathed as he winced.

Behind him, he heard the sound of rubble being moved and saw Loz emerge, apparently unhurt, from the fountain. Cloud was about to attack, but Rude stepped in front of him. "You two are needed in there," he said in a low voice. "I have...personal issues with the man who wanted to marry my cousin."

"I've got this one!" Reno shouted as he ran forward and threw a punch at Yazoo. Before it hit him, Yazoo jumped and over Reno. "Eh? What the - AH!" A kick to the back side sent Reno flying towards the wall.

Squall lifted up his gun blade as Yazoo landed and slowly began walking towards him. "I can't let you stop that wedding." Yazoo said.

Squall narrowed his eyes and prepared to fight when a metal rod slammed into Yazoo's head. The silver haired man grunted and whirled around with a kick just as Reno jumped into the air and landed in front of him.

"What are you waiting for? Go!" Reno said. He turned back to Yazoo. "I'm your opponent now. How about that?"

"You're not worth my time."

"I'm not worth your...?" Reno stuttered in shock. "Oh, NOW I'm mad!"

Squall was running towards the house as Reno's war cry cut through the air. A second later, it changed into a scream as his body flew across the lawn. Cloud was already at the top of the steps and in his place, Rude was grappling Loz on the ground. It looked like a wrestling match rather than a fight. Rude grabbed Loz by the legs over his shoulders and slammed him down on the ground before turning and slamming his elbow down on the man's stomach.

A gun shot rang through and suddenly a scream cut through the area. Squall's face paled as his blood froze in his veins.

"RINOA!"

"Now the couple will sign the documents," the officiate said above the sounds of fighting and gunfire from within the house. He winced as he heard someone scream out in pain. "And the bond has been sealed."

Kadaj glanced over at his father, who nodded. He dropped Rinoa's hands and lifted up the pen to sign the merger. He put it down and looked at Rinoa. The bride stood there, staring at the paper. "Sign it." she could hear her father's low voice hiding an threat.

"Is there a problem?" Sephiroth sounded.

"No," Caraway answered immediately. His eyes settled on his daughter and glared. "Rinoa, sign it."

Her friends were so close. She just needed a few more moments. Suddenly, she felt Kadaj grab her arm forcefully and pulled her closer to him. He seemed to be giving her a hug, but Rinoa felt the barrel of the gun pressed against her dress. In truth, she didn't know if Kevlar was that effective at gun point.

"Sign it," Kadaj hissed in her ear. "Or else." He hissed, pressing the gun against her rib cage. Rinoa whimpered as she was turned towards the document. The officiate handed her the pen and with shaking hands, Rinoa bent down.

Rinoa gasped as he grabbed her hand and forced her to place it on the document. 'If I can just hold out for a few more seconds-"

"Sir! Security has been breeched!" Rinoa stiffened as she felt Kadaj's grip momentarily loosen. She looked over her shoulder as her father stood up and looked towards the house.

"Get all the guards into the house! Don't let anyone through!" Caraway ordered.

Sephiroth stood up as well. "Seal off the garden area. We're not leaving until that merger is signed." He ordered. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a gun.

All around her, Rinoa heard the sounds of cloth moving and guns being cocked in preparation for whoever would come out of those doors. "What are you waiting for?" Kadaj hissed. "SIGN IT!"

Suddenly, the sounds of gun fire and shouting died from within the house and Caraway frowned. The tension in the garden had risen. No seemed to even dare to breath. Rinoa watched the doors to the house. "Put your weapons down!" a female voice ordered.

"Quistis!" Rinoa gasped. A wave of relief flooded through her. It lasted only a split second before fear replaced it.

"I said, put your guns down!" Quistis ordered once more. They couldn't see anyone from inside the house. "We have you surrounded, so put them down!"

The people in the garden looked around warily, still hesitant to put down their guns. Suddenly, a high pitched female voice shouted. "Didn't you hear what she said? Put down the guns! Al Bhed has surrounded you and we're not afraid to make our point!"

Sounds could be heard moving through the garden and suddenly, a fence of human bodies seemed to enclose around the garden. In each one, a gun was held, aimed and ready to go. Rinoa's mouth dropped as she saw the blonde girl who was off to the side. "Rikku?"

"Hi, Rinny!" she waved cheerfully. "My daddy's leader of the Al Bhed," she frowned slightly. "How come you didn't invite me to your wedding?"

"Guns down!" A deeper male voice ordered. All eyes went back to the house as the entrapped men lowered their guns. Slowly, Seifer emerged with Raijin and Fujin flanking him. Behind them was Quistis, looking stern as ever. Beside her, Laguna Loire.

"You!" Caraway growled. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I was invited," Laguna retorted. He lifted his hand. "Fellow leaders, I'm afraid you came here today for nothing. There will be no merger between Jenova and Caraway."

Instantly, a series of murmurs swept through the crowds and Rinoa closed her eyes and let out a relieved breath. "What are you talking about?" Caraway barked. "You think you're going to stop us?" Sephiroth looked at his son and gave a nod.

Suddenly, Rinoa's hand was grabbed and dragged across the paper. "What are you doing?" Rinoa screamed as Kadaj moved her hand over the paper to spell her name. "Let me go!"

"Signing the paper won't get you anything." Quistis said.

"They are married now. There is nothing you can do stop it!" Caraway yelled.

Quistis grinned. She lifted up an envelope. "These is Julia Heartilly Caraway's complete living will she put in the hands of her lawyer, Edea Kramer upon the birth of her daughter, Rinoa. In it is stated that if Rinoa marries to anyone with formal ties to a crime organization upon the date of the marriage, she will be disowned."

Rinoa let out a sharp gasp as her eyes widened. Caraway narrowed his eyes. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"If Rinoa is disowned, she looses all ties she has to the Caraway and Heartilly money, property, and power, including the organization rights," Quistis said as her eyes moved over to Sephiroth. "In short...you married your son off for nothing."

Sephiroth glowered and turned to Caraway. "Is that true?"

"No! No, it can't be! I never heard of a living will! It's got to be hoax-"

"I will not stand here and be insulted by you!" Sephiroth growled. "How dare you try to humiliate me and pawn your worthless spawn off on my organization!"

"It isn't like that!" Caraway said. He moved forward and stood beside Rinoa. He grabbed her arm. "Rinoa is not disowned-"

"Do you think they would go through attacking an estate filled to the brim with security just for a joke?" Sephiroth scoffed. His eyes narrowed dangerously. "She's worth NOTHING to me now! You've wasted my time and my effort to come and save this pathetic organization of yours! And then you add insult to injury by deceiving me?" He sneered disgustedly at the old man. "Kadaj!"

The silver haired groom nodded and pulled out the gun. Caraway's eyes darted downward just as he lifted it up and grabbed Rinoa against him as he moved her body behind his.

The gun shot rang out in almost utter silence. Rinoa's eyes widened as blood splattered across her pure white dress. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion.

She felt her father grab her and pull her away. She saw the flash of horror on his face as he shielded her body was his, holding his daughter firmly in front of him as Kadaj pulled the trigger and sent the heated bullet into his back. In the distance, she heard someone screaming and then another gun shot. She saw the streak of silver fall as Kadaj grasped his bleeding shoulder and stumbled back against the altar.

In front of her, her father's weight became apparent as he legs gave out beneath him. Her arms automatically grabbed on to him as she fell down with him, landing on the steps of the altar. Her father's body landed against her legs as he looked down, shocked, at the bullet exit hole in his stomach. She could see the fear in his eyes as he looked over at her and placed a shaking hand across her blood soaked stomach.

The bullet was lodged into Kevlar behind white lace. An elated smile graced his face as he ran his finger over the bullet. Blood poured out of the wound as his hand fell cross his stomach, bathing it in red liquid.

"Dad?" Rinoa screamed as her arms gathered her father's fallen body.

"Rinoa! Look out!" She looked up as she heard Zell's voice screaming somewhere. Her eyes widened as she saw the gun pointed at her and Sephiroth's impassive green eyes locked on her head.

Her eyes widened as an arm flew up and shoved her down. Blood exploded over her face as she screamed. General Caraway's body fell back against her, a bullet shot dead center in his forehead. "DAD!"

"Shit." Sephiroth frowned and aimed for Rinoa once more. Rinoa looked up at the killer.

Squall ran through the doors and his eyes immdiately zoned into the bride in the blood stained gown on the altar. Her eyes were wide open and he followed her gaze. "RINOA!"

Another gun shot ran out and Sephiroth dropped his gun before he had a chance to squeeze the trigger. He whirled around and grasped his shoulder as a huge, gaping wound began to drench his tuxedo in blood. He saw the furious looking brunette storming across the gun fire, seemingly untouched by the fighting around him.

"Squall! Get Rinoa!" someone screamed. Another gun shot rang and Sephiroth felt the slice of a bullet on his leg.

Sephiroth hissed as members of both sides began fighting. He ducked down, trying to avoid the gun fire, and quickly headed towards the house. He pasted himself against the wall as guards ran by, ignoring him to try to get to the fight in the yard. He stumbled to the front of the house where a woman was about to get into a car.

He growled and grabbed her shoulders, shoving her violently aside as he got into the car and slammed the door. "DRIVE!" he ordered. "Take me to the airport immediately! I have a jet waiting!" The driver remained quiet as he drove out of the estate and into the street. Sephiroth frowned. "The airport is the other way, you imbecile! I need to go to Deling International!"

A mocking laugh came from the front seat and Sephiroth lifted his head as he clutched his bleeding shoulder. His eyes widened as he saw the reflection of the man's eyes in the rear view mirror.

"Hello, Sephiroth..." the man said in a low, dangerous voice. "I've been wondering...what did you ever do to my sister's body?" The doors locked.

"Dad! Dad?" Rinoa screamed as she cradled her father against her and shook his body. His eyes were open, clouded with blood, as he looked up at her. Rinoa was bathed in red as tears streamed down her blood soaked face. "Dad!"

His hand rose slightly and Rinoa glanced down and instantly clutched it. "OhmiHyne, General Caraway!" Quistis gasped as she arrived with Selphie and Zell.

His mouth opened, but no words came out. Blood trickled from the corners of his lips and Rinoa choked back a painful sob. "I'm..." Selphie said, reading his mouth. "Sorry..."

Tears colored red fell from her father's eyes as the man's body went limp. Rinoa's eyes widened. "Dad?" she gasped out. "Dad...dad, wake up!" she screamed.

"Rinoa..." Quistis whispered. Rinoa gripped her father's body and shook it. "Rinoa, stop."

"Dad, wake up!" Rinoa demanded. "I'm angry at you! I can't be angry at you if you're gone!" she sobbed violently. "WAKE UP!"

"Rinoa, he's gone-" Zell said softly. She shook her head violently.

"No! He can't be gone! He's...he's...no..." Rinoa couldn't stop shaking. Strong arms wrapped around her shoulders and she grabbed on to the arm that went around her desperately. Her chest was rising and falling with uneven breathing.

"Let him go, Rinoa..." Squall whispered gently as he began to pull her away. "It's over now..."

Rinoa closed her eyes tightly as Squall pulled her away. Rufus and Elena appeared and swore as they saw their fallen leader in his blood soaked tuxedo. "Rinoa..." Rufus said softly. He trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Squall closed his eyes tightly and gathered her against him. "Rinoa...I'm sorry."

Rinoa stood in front of the mausoleum where both her parents were now buried. She was wearing a long, black dress and a black scarf around her neck and head. Her umbrella kept her dry from from the heavy drops that were falling all around her.

She replayed the earlier moments in her mind. Rude, Rufus, and Reno had been amongst the pall barera at her father's funeral. Tseng was still confined to a wheel chair. He was found beaten and tied up in Sephiroth's closet. His legs had been broken. Elena had been pushing his wheel chair.

It was a small, somber ceremony. Very private. Her friends were all there, if only to help her out. She was glad that they had stayed with her long enough to bury her father. They would leave that day and return to their lives while she started another there in Deling City.

She remembered Rufus' proclamation that if Rinoa accepted, she would become the new leader of the Caraway Organization. Amongst the leaders of her father's group, she ascended to the podium and accepted the position without hesitation.

Rinoa heard footsteps behind her. The sound of fine dress shoes sinking into the grassy mud. A figure, also beneath an umbrella of his own, stood beside her. For a moment, they stood there silently. Alone in front of the stone structure that bared the name Caraway across it in large Latin letters.

"Sephiroth has disappeared." he told her in a low voice. Rinoa closed her eyes and slowly nodded.

"I know," she replied quietly as she opened her eyes. "I accepted the position."

"I know," he answered. "It's time we both stopped running and take control," He turned his head towards her. "I still love you."

Rinoa closed her eyes tightly, to hold back the tears. She bit her lip. "I'll always love you, Squall."

She felt arms wrap around her slender shoulders as she turned and buried her face against his chest once more. A familiar hand stroked her hair comfortingly. They stood there silently, just savoring the moment.

"Squall!" a voice shouted from a waiting car. "We have to go! We're scheduled to take off!"

Squall took a deep breath and nodded. He gently pushed Rinoa away. His hands cupped her face and once more, he caressed her soft features. She looked back at him with equally regretful eyes as he lowered her head and kissed her.

"Squall!"

She pulled back and turned her head away. "You better go...you'll miss the plane." Rinoa whispered breathily.

Squall nodded, disappointed, and stepped back. "Rinoa, I..." he trailed off and gripped his umbrella tightly. "Good-bye."

Rinoa nodded and kept her eyes focused on the tomb as Squall turned and headed to the awaiting car. Rinoa closed her eyes and started to cry. "Good-bye..."

The car door slammed closed and Squall settled in his seat inside. "Are you sure about this?" Laguna asked as he sat next to his soon. Squall nodded. Laguna pulled out a folder from the brief case beside him. Hesitantly, he handed it to Squall. "Welcome to the Loire Organization."

De corde totaliter Et ex mente tota, Sum presentialiter Absens in remota.
(With all my heart/And all my soul/I am with you/Though I am far away.)

A.N. - Hello! Well, I finished this chapter just hours after I finished the last one. The last few chapters had all been written down for a while. Hehehe...This chapter has been made longer to incorporate the ending I wanted. Sorry about the fight scene, I'm not good at action. X.x :evil laughter: How's the ending:::more evil laughter: Questions, comments, concerns, and angry emails can be emailed to me! THANK YOU FOR READING!