Flower Field
Welcome to Chapter 5. When I wrote this chapter, I was still writing chapters 4, 6 and 7 at once, so I could update quickly. The thing is, because I was writing the chapters all at once, before I got to read some reviews, the chapters were already written. I really appreciate everyone whose taken time to review my stories. Thanks so much. In this chapter, Squall prepares to leave and find himself. Squall realizes that he likes Rinoa a lot and is falling for her. Rinoa's feelings for Squall grow stronger. They both like each other a lot. After Squall's secret is revealed, many events occur. When I wrote this chapter, I finished it before I read the other reviews. Because of the new comments, I decided to follow the advice and edit a bit of the story, but a lot of it I left the same.
Chapter 5
Rinoa sighed as she woke up. She stayed in her dorm room. She wasn't in the mood to leave. Rinoa felt a tear go down her eye to her cheeks. Rinoa wiped the tear away. The tears kept coming though. "I can't believe I had such hope.", Rinoa said. I can't believe it, Rinoa thought. "They are getting married.", Rinoa said, sadly. Rinoa began to cry. The tears wouldn't stop. Rinoa shook her head and lay down on her bed.
"The secret is out.", Squall said as he woke up. Rinoa knew now. Squall shook his head. She likes someone else, right?, Squall thought to himself. Squall looked down. He felt disappointed that Ellone had to mention that very thing to Rinoa. Squall wished he could tell Rinoa the truth. It was an arranged marriage. Laguna had done it for Ellone. It did not make it good for Squall, who wanted to be with Rinoa. Squall looked down at a pamphlet. "A trip. I can clear my mind on a trip.", Squall said. Squall decided he would do it. Squall was going to take a two month trip. He needed to clear his mind. He wanted to forget everything. He was going to visit the deep sea research center to try and figure things out. Squall nodded his head.
Rinoa sat in her bed. She had been there all morning and the afternoon was passing by. She kept thinking of Squall. Squall was on her mind again. Every time she tried to think of something else, an image of Squall's face would appear in her mind.
"Why can't I forget him?", Rinoa asked aloud. Rinoa sighed. As she sighed, she remembered Squall again. "I keep crying.", Rinoa said. The tears kept coming down Rinoa's face. Rinoa wiped the tears away. She went to her bathroom and washed her face. She looked in the mirror and it reflected her face. Her face was covered in tears. Rinoa wiped the tears away. "I have to be strong.", Rinoa said. I need to forget this, Rinoa thought. "I'll use this day to cry. I'll be all freshened up by tomorrow.", Rinoa said. Rinoa nodded.
Squall walked through Garden.
"Have you seen Rinoa?", Irvine asked him.
"No, no I'm afraid I haven't.", Squall said. Rinoa, Squall thought. Her name made him smile. Now, though, he felt upset. Squall walked off.
Rinoa rested on her bed. Rinoa began to remember her times together with Squall. "We had so much fun together.", Rinoa said, smiling at the memories of all their times. Then Rinoa felt tears in her eyes again. She wiped them away. "I have to be strong.", Rinoa said. She remembered everything they'd been through. Now it was coming to an end. It was about to be over. She couldn't hold out any longer for Squall. She had to forget him.
Squall walked to the center of Garden and picked up a brochure about the deep sea research center. He was going to go there for two months to study. To take things off his mind and try to figure out things. It seemed like an interesting place. He decided to leave as soon as possible. I need to go, Squall thought.
Rinoa sat in her room as she went through all the time they had together. The day passed by. Rinoa kept thinking of Squall. "How can I make this feeling go away?", Rinoa asked aloud.
Squall sighed as he walked back to his room.
"Hey there, Squall.", Ellone said.
"Hi.", Squall replied.
"I see you have a brochure over there.", Ellone said.
"I'm going to the Deep Sea Research Center to study for a month there.
"Good for you.", Ellone said.
Rinoa looked around her room. She felt hungry. She kept some snacks in her room and began to eat.
"Here's some food.", Squall said.
"Thanks.", Rinoa said.
"You're really eating fast.", Squall said.
"Hey!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"I'm just joking.", Squall told her.
"I keep thinking of him.", Rinoa said, as she remembered that time all too well. Rinoa shook her head.
The day passed and it soon became night. Squall walked back to his dormitory. He had booked a flight to the deep research center.
As it was night, Rinoa was in her room. "I stayed in here all day.", Rinoa said. "I guess I should go to sleep.", Rinoa said.
Rinoa woke up the next day. She was still upset about the situation. Rinoa sighed. "I am going to get up today.", she said. Rinoa got up and walked around Garden. She saw Squall.
"Hey Squall.", Rinoa called out.
"Hey Rinoa.", Squall replied.
"What are you holding?", Rinoa asked. Rinoa felt nervous. I have to relax, Rinoa thought.
"I'm going to the Deep Sea Research Center for two months.", Squall said.
"Oh…", Rinoa said, trailing off.
"I gotta go.", Squall said.
"Good luck.", Rinoa told him. He's going away, Rinoa thought sadly. "Now I won't even get to see him.", Rinoa said. It made her feel even more upset. Rinoa walked forward and spotted him with that girl. Rinoa walked back. Rinoa decided to go to the cafeteria. She walked there and sat down at an empty table to think. Two months, Rinoa thought. Squall was going away for two months.
Squall began to walk back to his dorm to pack up.
"Go get ready.", Ellone said.
Rinoa looked around the cafeteria. She wished to see Squall, but didn't. Two months. Rinoa shook her head.
Squall decided to tell Cid. Squall walked up to the top of Garden and saw Cid.
"Cid, tomorrow I am leaving here. I'll be back in two months.", Squall told her.
"Two months? Squall, you are a leader. You can't leave.", Cid told him.
"I have to leave.", Squall said.
"Squall, you can't.", Cid said.
"I'll make it up to you. I need to leave.", Squall told him. Squall walked back to his dorm room to think.
Rinoa left the cafeteria and walked back to her dorm room. That night, she decided to go back to the place where she had danced with Squall and look outside the balcony. She got ready and left that night. Yesterday she had spent the whole day in her room. Now she was going to look around. At night, she arrived there. She looked outside at the balcony. "I spent all day yesterday in my room. I should've done something else. I'm glad I went somewhere today.", Rinoa said.
"Hey Rinoa.", Squall called.
"Squall?", Rinoa asked. She saw Squall beside her on the balcony.
"Hey.", Squall said.
"Hi.", Rinoa replied.
"Well, it's the night before I leave.", Squall said.
"Yeah… I guess so.", Rinoa replied.
"Cid's mad at me.", Squall said.
"Well, you are a leader.", Rinoa told him.
"I know.", Squall said.
"I understand, though. We need to get away from it all at times.", Rinoa told him.
"Thanks for understanding. I'm glad you can understand.", Squall said. It was late at night.
"It's okay.", Rinoa said.
"It's okay.", Squall teased.
"Squall! Stop mimicking me!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"Sorry, I had to tease you at least one more time before I left.", Squall said.
"I guess.", Rinoa replied. A few minutes of silence passed as a breeze went over them.
"I'll be back in two months.", Squall said.
"I know.", Rinoa told him.
"Yeah, I guess I told you, huh?", Squall asked.
"Yeah.", Rinoa replied.
"I guess I'll just say, good luck.", Squall told her.
"You too. Have fun.", Rinoa said.
"Thanks.", Squall told her. "I come to this balcony at times to think. I guess I have a lot in my mind.", Squall said.
"You always do.", Rinoa told him.
"What do you mean?", Squall asked.
"You always seem to be thinking of things. I can tell.", Rinoa said.
"I guess you're right.", Squall said.
"I hope you have a great time.", Rinoa said. Rinoa looked away. She felt too nervous to look Squall in the eye.
"Rinoa, why are you looking away?", Squall asked.
"I'm sorry, Squall.", Rinoa said.
"Look at me.", Squall said.
"Yes.", Rinoa said, looking over at Squall. She looked into his eyes. Rinoa felt nervous. Her heart began to beat faster. She tried to look down.
"Rinoa, you can look at me.", Squall told her.
"Okay.", Rinoa said. Rinoa looked deep into Squall's eyes. Each time she felt like looking down, she was nervous that when she looked into his eyes, her feelings would come out.
"Is something wrong?", Squall asked.
"No, nothing is wrong at all.", Rinoa said.
"Do you not like being with me?", Squall asked.
"No, it's not that. I… I like being with you.", Rinoa said.
"Then why won't you look at me?", Squall asked.
"I…", Rinoa began. I can't tell you why, Rinoa thought. Rinoa closed her eyes.
"Will you miss me when I'm away?", Squall asked.
"I'll miss you so much I'll cry each day.", Rinoa teased, remembering the last time she said that.
"I'm going to tell Cid you said that and get you in trouble.", Squall teased back, remembering the last time they said that.
"We said that before, remember?", Rinoa asked.
"Yeah.", Squall said.
"I guess this'll be our last time together… for awhile.", Rinoa said.
"I guess so. Good luck in Garden. I know nobody gets why I'm leaving, I don't even know why. I promise I'll be back.", Squall said.
"Have fun.", Rinoa said, looking down. I'll miss you so much, but I can't tell you that, Rinoa thought.
"Bye.", Squall said.
"See ya.", Rinoa told him. Rinoa stood at the balcony, watching outside after Squall left. Rinoa went back to her bed.
Squall walked back to his bed. "I like Rinoa.", Squall said. Squall nodded his head as he went to bed. "I know what I must do, though.", he said. Squall woke up the next morning.
Rinoa woke up. Often, she admitted that she'd get up late. Today was different though. She got up to see Squall off. After she got dressed, she ran to the infirmary to see Dr. Kadowaki.
"Hi, um, when does Squall leave?", Rinoa asked.
"He left twenty minutes ago.", Dr. Kadowaki said.
"Where?", Rinoa asked.
"He went to Timber to take a train to an airport.", Dr. Kadowaki said.
"Thanks.", Rinoa told her. Rinoa ran through Garden. She spotted Selphie. "Hey.", Rinoa said.
"Hey, Rinoa.", Selphie replied.
"Are you going anywhere?", Rinoa asked.
"Hey.", Zell said, appearing.
"Thanks for coming.", Selphie replied.
"I guess I better go.", Rinoa said.
"Rinoa, what's the rush?", Irvine asked.
"Do you know someone who can drive that's not busy?", Rinoa asked.
"I'll take you.", Irvine said.
"Wait! I can talk to Balamb and take the train from there.", Rinoa said.
"Thanks.", Rinoa called, rushing out. "I have to meet him.", Rinoa said. "One please.", Rinoa said, as she received a ticket. The Balamb Train station led her to the Timber Train station and drove her to the airport. Rinoa got in as it drove to a nearby airport. "I'm here, bye!", Rinoa called, running. It was an unknown airport. Rinoa ran to the airport.
"I guess she's not coming.", Squall said.
"Were you waiting for someone?", Ellone asked.
"No, it's nothing.", Squall said, leaving.
Rinoa ran towards the airport. She was beginning to get close. Suddenly, she saw a plane leaving. She heard that Squall's plane left at this very time. That must've been the plane. Rinoa walked down, looking out at the plane. "Bye for now.", Rinoa said, watching as the plane left. Rinoa looked at the plane and looked down. I guess I'll go back, Rinoa thought, sighing. Rinoa walked back to Timber train station. She asked if they could get her to Balamb. As she got back, she went to Balamb Garden. She sighed and walked back to her dorm. "I'll meet you in two months.", Rinoa said.
Rinoa walked back to her dorm room. She sighed. The next day when she woke up, she knew Squall wasn't going to be there. She went to the cafeteria. Squall entered her mind. "He's getting married. Why can't I forget him?", Rinoa asked. "Why must he enter my mind?", Rinoa asked.
Squall walked around the Deep Sea Research Center. He looked around. "I came here to study.", Squall said as he entered. He saw the place populated by various people. They all seemed interesting. Rinoa kept entering Squall's mind. I keep thinking of Rinoa, Squall thought. Then Squall remembered what she had said the other day. Of course, she has someone, Squall thought. Squall didn't know that he was the one Rinoa liked. Squall looked around.
"They say a legendary Guardian Force lived here once.", someone said.
"Bahamut.", Squall said. Squall knew the legend all too well and wanted to study it. Squall walked around. Rinoa entered his mind again.
Rinoa looked around the cafeteria. The day was so lonely without Squall. I miss Squall, Rinoa thought. She knew it was only going to be two months. Two months was still a long time. "I must deal with this for two months and it's only been a day.", Rinoa said. Rinoa sighed. "I keep thinking of him.", Rinoa said. "He's going to be living a new life. I have to forget him.", Rinoa said. Rinoa sighed. This was only the first day without Squall. She walked out of the cafeteria to the library.
Squall nodded his head as he listened to someone speak of the history of the Deep Sea Research Center. His mind wandered to Rinoa, though. Squall wondered where she was and how she was doing.
Rinoa looked through some books in the library. She sat down in the desk in the back of the room. Squall wandered onto her mind again. She remembered all the times she went through with Squall. "I miss him.", Rinoa said. Rinoa put her head down. Soon, the day had passed and it was night. Rinoa walked to the balcony where she had her last conversation with Squall. Rinoa looked outside the balcony. A breeze blew past her as she sighed. "I wish I could see you.", Rinoa said.
Squall rested in a nearby hotel. He thought of Rinoa before going to bed.
The next day, Rinoa woke up. It had been two days since Squall had left. It was late in the afternoon. "I missed the morning.", Rinoa said. Rinoa got up and walked around Garden.
"Hey Rinoa..", a voice called.
"Hi.", Rinoa said.
"Nice to see you.", the persons aid. Rinoa looked at the person. It was Xu.
"Same here.", Rinoa said.
"It's kind of lonely in Garden lately. You're usually so full of life and you seem upset now.", Xu said.
"It's nothing. I'm fine.", Rinoa told her.
"You sure?", Xu asked
"Yes, I'm completely sure.", Rinoa said, walking off. I just miss Squall, Rinoa thought. Rinoa walked upstairs, to the top of Garden. The air was fresh. She felt a longing for Squall. "Why do I keep thinking of him?", Rinoa asked.
Squall smiled as he looked around the Deep Sea Research Center. They were going to be given a tour. Squall had signed up for the tour and was ready. Squall took a deep breath as he arrived at the area where the tour would begin. "I'm ready.", Squall said.
Rinoa walked back down. "I have an idea.", Rinoa said. Rinoa liked Squall, but knew she had to forget him. "I miss you, Squall.", Rinoa said. Rinoa decided to go to see Cid.
"Hi, Rinoa.", Cid said.
"Hi Cid.", Rinoa said.
"What's up?", Cid asked.
"I was wondering if I could go to Timber for some time.", Rinoa said.
"You'll return, right?", Cid asked.
"Yes.", Rinoa said.
"We shall go.", Cid told her.
"Thanks.", Rinoa replied. I need to do this, Rinoa thought. She decided to go back to Timber. She liked Squall a lot and being in Garden brought back memories of him. Maybe in Timber, things could change. Rinoa took a deep breath and took her things from her dorm room as the Garden traveled to Timber. It was late at night when they arrived there.
"When shall we pick you up?", Cid asked.
"Maybe a month.", Rinoa said.
"A month it is. Have a nice time.", Cid told her.
"Thanks.", Rinoa called out. Rinoa walked to Timber and went into a building.
"Hi, Rinoa.", a person said.
"Hi, I'd like to go to my room.", Rinoa said.
"Very well.", the person said.
"Thanks.", Rinoa told her. Rinoa walked to a building and entered her room. "He's getting married. This is for the best.", Rinoa said. Rinoa felt a tear drop down her face and brushed it away. "This is for the best.", Rinoa said.
Squall went to bed and began to think of Rinoa. "She's still on my mind.", Squall said.
Rinoa woke up the next day. She looked around the room and then remembered she was back in Timber. "I guess I'll visit some people.", Rinoa said. It had been awhile since she had been around Timber the way she used to be. She walked around the town.
"Hi.", Zone called.
"It's been a long time.", Rinoa said.
"It sure has.", Zone told her.
"I decided to come back for a bit, but I'm going to return to Garden.", Rinoa said.
"Good. It's nice to see you again.", Zone said.
"Thanks. You too.", Rinoa said as she walked around. She walked over to the hotel.
"Hi, Rinoa.", the manager said.
"Hi, I thought I'd visit you again.", Rinoa said.
"It's always nice to see you.", the manager told her.
"Thanks.", Rinoa said.
Squall looked around the Deep Sea Research Center. Today he'd be exploring the secret paths beneath the center.
"Are you ready, Squall?", someone asked.
"Yes, yes I am.", Squall told the person.
"Then let's go.", the person said.
"Got it.", Squall replied. Squall walked down the paths.
Rinoa walked to the home of the woman she visited before. The woman was a member of the Forest Fox, an ally of the Timber Owls.
"Hi.", Rinoa said.
"It's been so long.", the woman told her.
"Yes. It really has.", Rinoa said.
"Come on in, I'll make some dinner.", the woman said..
"It's dinnertime already?", Rinoa asked.
"Time flies.", the woman said.
"She went back to Timber.", Zell said.
"She didn't mentioned anything about it.", Irvine mentioned.
"Well, he didn't either.", Selphie said.
"Everyone seems to be going.", Zell mentioned.
Rinoa smiled as she finished dinner. She walked back to her room. She smiled again. It's better to be happy then sad, Rinoa thought. As she entered her room, she felt tears in her eyes again.
"Why do I keep crying?", Rinoa asked. "It's all over.", Rinoa said. Rinoa lay down in her bed. She wished things could go back to normal.
Squall looked at the clock next to his bed.
"Time to get to bed.", Squall said. Squall rested in his bed. He remembered Rinoa. I've been thinking about her a lot, Squall thought.
Rinoa woke up the next day and opened her eyes.
"It's only been a few days.", Rinoa said. She wish time would speed up. "He's engaged. Why do I want to see him?", Rinoa asked. Deep in her heart, Rinoa knew he was on her mind again. She needed to find out if he felt the same way. Even if he was engaged, he could still like her. It was possible. Rinoa decided to visit some of the buildings in Timber again. I need to think of something else, Rinoa thought. "I'm ready.", Rinoa said.
"Rinoa, how is it?", Zone asked.
"Things are going well.", Rinoa said.
"Rinoa, what's going on? You are acting different.", Zone said.
"Everything's fine.", Rinoa told him.
"You can tell me.", Zone said.
"I like Squall.", Rinoa said.
"That's great. You both have a lot of chemistry together.", Zone said.
"There's more to it.", Rinoa said.
"What?", Zone asked.
"I can't tell you.", Rinoa said.
"Rinoa, you can tell me.", Zone told her.
"It's a long story.", Rinoa said.
Squall walked around the Deep Sea Research Center again.
"Are we going somewhere new tomorrow?", Squall asked.
"We'll be exploring more layers.", someone said.
"After that?", Squall asked.
"We'll take a trip to some island.", the person said.
"Got it.", Squall replied.
"I'm sorry I told you all of this.", Rinoa said.
"It's fine. I understand. You and Squall will get together, Rinoa. You both like each other a lot. We know things will work out. Good luck, Rinoa.", Zone said.
"Thanks.", Rinoa said. Rinoa left and looked around Timber some more. Rinoa went outside and walked to the Timber beachside. The ocean tides gently brushed up and down. Rinoa sat down on the beach. She watched as the tide brushed up. Rinoa sighed and began to think. She began to think of all her times with Squall. I want to see Squall, Rinoa thought. Rinoa shook her head. She decided to take a walk by the beachside.
Squall walked around and nodded. He began to think of Rinoa. He followed everyone down to the research center.
"Hey, Squall, right?", someone asked.
"Yes, I am Squall.", Squall told them.
"You're the famous SeeD, huh?", they asked.
"Yes I am.", Squall said.
"Do you have a busy life?", the person questioned.
"Yeah… yes I do.", Squall said. He looked ahead and pictured his life at Garden a week ago.
Rinoa walked back to Timber. It had gotten late. That night Rinoa went to sleep. When she woke up the next morning, she rested in bed some more. She wanted to have a nice day. She closed her eyes and began to dream. When she woke up, she tried to remember that sweet dream. It was a dream of Squall. They talked together by the sunset. Rinoa sighed. She got up and decided to visit some of the buildings. A few hours later, Rinoa walked through some of the buildings in Timber. She smiled at the fresh breeze. She decided to take a trip to Balamb. Rinoa walked up the train station.
"I'd like to go to Balamb.", Rinoa said.
"Do you have a ticket?", the conductor asked.
"Yes.", Rinoa said. Rinoa boarded the train to Balamb. As she arrived in Balamb, she looked around. "It's a bit chilly.", Rinoa said. Rinoa began to walk around Balamb. She walked over to the hotel. She remembered the fun she had there with Squall. Rinoa shook her head. Forgetting Squall was hard when they spent so much time together.
Squall walked down to the next layer of the Deep Sea Research Center.
"After this, tomorrow we shall go to a new island.", a person said.
"That'll be nice.", Squall mumbled.
"Hmm?", the person asked.
"Yeah. It seems like a good idea.", Squall said.
Rinoa looked around each house. The town was fresh and relaxing.
"I should go back soon.", Rinoa said. Rinoa walked over to the dock. The same dock she and Squall had talked together on. Rinoa smiled sadly. "Memories.", Rinoa said, nodding.
Squall walked upstairs and went back to his hotel. He began to pack for tomorrow's trip. Squall was trying to find himself during this trip. Trying to discover his identity.
Rinoa decided to go on a train back to Timber. It was getting late. As she arrived back in Timber, she went back to her room and went to bed. "Good night.", Rinoa said.
Squall had woken up the next day and was on his way to a special carrier that led to a different island. Squall carried his luggage onto the carrier and walked on. About a half hour later, they had begun to head to there. Squall was excited. He began to think of Rinoa again and smiled. As the carrier was closer to the island, the sights were breathtaking.
"This is a great view.", Squall said.
"It sure is.", a person next to him mentioned. Soon, they arrived in a new area.
"We shall now board.", an announcement said.
"Got it.", Squall said. As they entered, Squall looked around.
"Please gather your luggage and enter.", a voice said.
"Alright.", Squall said.
Rinoa woke up. She looked at the clock. "It's late!", Rinoa exclaimed. She didn't realize how late it was. Rinoa smiled. It was a little too late to worry about that. Rinoa lay in her bed and began to think. After she got up, she decided to take a nice trip outside.
"Another day.", Rinoa said. She walked around Timber some more.
Squall began to walk around the island. "This is amazing.", Squall said, looking around. It was going to be a long day.
A month and a few weeks passed. Rinoa was back at Garden. Squall's trip was ending.
One morning, Rinoa woke up.
"It's almost time for Squall to come back.", Rinoa said happily. She walked outside. In only a few days, Squall would be back. It had been a long time since she's seen him. She decided to go to the library to pass time. She walked to the library and began to read. After awhile, she went to the quad and then back to the library. Soon, it was getting late. It was sunset.
"It really is getting late.", Rinoa said. Rinoa walked outside. The day had went by fast and it was almost night. Suddenly. She felt somebody reach out behind her. "Ah!", Rinoa screamed. Rinoa took a deep breath and took out her weapon and tossed it right in the face of the attacker. Rinoa smiled as it ran off. "Bye bye.", Rinoa said. Then she felt a number of arms reach out to take her. Rinoa took a deep breath. She couldn't attack them all at once. I need to survive this, Rinoa thought. Rinoa closed her eyes. She wanted to survive this. She had to see Squall. Her arms were held by someone behind her. She wished she could attack. Her limit break was about to be reached. She couldn't call on Angelo. Her arms were tied behind her back. "What can I do?", Rinoa asked.
"Let go of her.", a voice said. A gunblade came up to the face of someone.
"Someone's here?", Rinoa asked. She saw a gunblade being swung behind her, at the attacker. The attacker ran back and began to attack the person who rescued her. The person who rescued her pushed the attacker off. The person went up to Rinoa. "Are you alright? You need to be careful.", the voice said. Rinoa looked up and gasped.
"Is this really happening?", Rinoa asked. Rinoa looked up at the person and saw Squall's face. Squall's back, Rinoa thought. Rinoa saw Squall next to her.
"Rinoa, you can use your weapon now.", Squall said. The ones who were the attackers were still trying to attack Squall. Squall used Lionheart and Rinoa used her weapon at the same time.
"We did it!", Rinoa exclaimed. Rinoa sat down.
"Rinoa.", Squall said.
"Squall… you're back.", Rinoa said.
"I came back a few days early.", Squall said. Squall went next to Rinoa. Squall sat down next to her.
"Thank you so much.", Rinoa said. A few minutes passed as they sat down.
"You're welcome.", Squall said. Squall lifted Rinoa up.
"I guess we should head back.", Rinoa said.
"Can we wait outside a little longer?", Squall asked.
"Yes. That'll be fine.", Rinoa said. I am so glad Squall's back, Rinoa thought.
"Rinoa, it's been so long.", Squall said.
"I know. It really has.", Rinoa told him.
"Take it from me, it's more exciting here then it was there.", Squall said.
"Then why did you leave?", Rinoa asked.
"Personal reasons.", Squall told her.
"I understand.", Rinoa said.
"It's getting really dark.", Squall told her.
"Yes. It is.", Rinoa said.
"I'd like to stay out here a bit longer. I need to catch my breath.", Squall said.
"I'm really glad you rescued me.", Rinoa told him.
"No problem.", Squall said.
"Tell me how you knew to take a trip back exactly when I needed you.", Rinoa said.
"I saw you being attacked. I was really worried.", Squall said.
"Thanks.", Rinoa said.
"So, what happened at Garden while I was gone?", Squall asked.
"I left for a month.", Rinoa said.
"You left?", Squall asked.
"Yes.", Rinoa said, looking down.
"Why?", Squall asked.
"You left too, Squall.", Rinoa said.
"I guess I shouldn't ask then, huh?", Squall asked.
"Well… I'm really… glad… you're…", Rinoa began.
"Hmm?", Squall asked.
"Nothing.", Rinoa said.
"I see.", Squall told her.
"Is there something you wanted to ask me?", Rinoa asked.
"Not really. I'm glad everything is okay, though.", Squall said.
"I missed you.", Rinoa said quietly.
"What was that?", Squall asked.
"I'm really glad to see you again.", Rinoa said.
"It's nice to see you too.", Squall said.
"You haven't changed much.", Rinoa said.
"What's that supposed to mean? Are you mocking me?", Squall asked.
"Nope, I'm just glad to see you.", Rinoa said.
"We haven't changed at all.", Squall sat, gently patting Rinoa on the head.
"Well, I'm really grateful to you.", Rinoa said.
"It's nice seeing you again.", Squall told her.
"Squall…", Rinoa began.
"Rinoa? Are you… crying?", Squall asked.
"I'm sorry… it's nothing.", Rinoa said.
"It doesn't look like nothing. Look at me, Rinoa. Look at me.", Squall said. Squall gently cupped her face in his hands and turned her to face him.
"Squall!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"Nothing's changed.", Squall said, laughing.
"I guess things haven't.", Rinoa said.
"Let's head back.", Squall told her. Squall and Rinoa walked back to Garden together.
"We're back.", Rinoa said, smiling. I can't believe it, Rinoa thought.
"What are you smiling about?", Squall teased.
"Nothing.", Rinoa said.
"I know you have a reason.", Squall said.
"I just feel really good right now.", Rinoa said. Rinoa laughed happily.
"I guess we gotta go. Bye.", Squall said.
"Bye.", Rinoa told him. Rinoa ran up to her room happily. "Squall is back.", Rinoa said, smiling.
"I'm back and I still haven't come to a resolution. I know I like Rinoa. Rinoa is the one I like. The thing is, I have been arranged to someone.", Squall said.
The next morning, Rinoa got up. She walked around Garden.
"What's going on, Rinoa?", Squall asked.
"Hi Squall.", Rinoa said, smiling. I'm so happy he's back, Rinoa thought. Then Rinoa remembered he was engaged. Rinoa sighed.
"What's with the change?", Squall asked.
"It's nothing.", Rinoa said.
"Everyone wanted to throw me a "Welcome back Party", Squall said, laughing.
"That'd be cool.", Rinoa said.
"Anyway, I said we should continue our mission. We are heading to Winhill tomorrow.", Squall said.
"Winhill?", Rinoa asked.
"It seems like a nice town.", Squall said.
"Then Winhill it is.", Rinoa told him.
"Alright then.", Squall said, smiling. They began to walk outside, when they felt something.
"What is this?", Rinoa asked. Suddenly, an image appeared before them.
"Hey, I'm back.", Laguna said.
"You understand? Go to your room and play.", Raine said to a little girl.
"I got in trouble.", the girl said.
"Too bad.", Laguna said.
"Laguna! Speak more properly!", Raine exclaimed.
"It's been awhile Laguna.", Kiros said entering. "Oh, you moved on I see.", Kiros said.
"What? Raine and I aren't…", Laguna began.
"Whatever you say.", Kiros said.
"Hey, Raine, how are you?", Laguna asked.
"Aren't you going to talk to your friend?", Raine asked.
"Yep.", Laguna said.
"What happened?", Kiros asked.
"I was bed ridden for six months.", Laguna said.
"I nursed him back to health.", Raine explained.
"Are you just hanging out then?", Kiros asked.
"That's a harsh thing to say. For your information, I have a very productive life.", Laguna said.
"I'll bet.", Kiros mumbled.
"How's Julia doing?", Laguna asked.
"Well…", Kiros began.
"You mean Julia, the singer?", Raine asked.
"That's right. Laguna admired her and visited her a lot at a night club.", Kiros said.
"So what if I did?", Laguna asked.
"Julia used to sing at a night club?", Raine asked.
"She played the piano.", Laguna explained.
"The first song she released was Eyes on Me, right?", Raine asked.
"W-what is the song about?", Laguna asked.
"You don't know?", Raine questioned.
"You never let me hear it.", Laguna told her.
"I didn't think you listened to music. The song's about being in love… I really like it.", Raine said.
"She got married.", Kiros said.
"Yes. To some Army General. General Caraway.", Raine said.
"Oh.", Laguna said.
"I read in a magazine that her love went off to war and never came back. General Caraway comforted her while she was upset. That's how they got to know each other.", Raine said.
"Laguna got to know Julia really well. Perhaps he was the one she sang about.", Kiros suggested.
"Oh… I see.", Raine said.
"It doesn't matter! As long as she's happy, right?", Laguna asked.
"Laguna and Raine are…", Kiros began.
"What are you talking about? We are acquaintances.", Laguna said.
"I guess we should go.", Kiros said.
"Bye for now.", Raine called.
"We need to exterminate monsters and report to the commander.", Laguna said.
"Commander? That woman?", Kiros asked.
"Her name is Raine. Raine, got it? She saved my life.", Laguna said.
"She seemed nice.", Laguna said as they continued walking. Eventually, they arrived back. Kiros walked up.
"Raine, are you going to live with him?", Kiros asked.
"What?", Raine questioned.
"Are you going to be with each other?", Kiros questioned.
"A guy like that? He came in here lying there and I had to take care of him. His crude way of speaking, I don't know about the way his dreams and aspirations will fit into this life. When I try to have a serious conversation, he avoids it. Then he keeps snoring.", Raien said.
"You seem to have a good bond.", Kiros said.
"You know, I think eh wants to travel around the world. I don't think he wants to live in a town like this. Some people are like that. Oh, it makes me so mad.", Raine said.
"Do you not like him?", Kiros asked.
"No, it's not that. In fact, I like him a lot. I want to live that lifestyle with him.", Raine said.
"You want to?", Kiros asked.
"Yes I do.", Raine said.
"I'm back.", Laguna said, running up.
"Welcome back.", Raine said.
"I exterminated a lot of monsters.", Laguna said.
"All right! Thank you. Shall we eat before the next patrol you have? I'll call you when the food is ready, go on to your room now.", Raien said.
"Bye.", Laguna said.
Laguna went to his bed.
"What's wrong?", Kiros asked.
"I'm scared. Scared of not waking up in this room.", Laguna said.
"Scared of not seeing Raine?", Kiros asked.
"I need to be here.", Laguna said.
"You've changed.", Kiros told him.
"Please let me be in this room when I wake up.", Laguna said.
Squall and Rinoa woke up.
"It's that guy again.", Squall said.
"Yes, it's the second time we were given these images.", Rinoa said.
"This time a girl named Raine was in them.", Squall said.
"It mentioned that Julia married my father. It was the same Julia.", Rinoa said.
"Do you know Raine?", Squall asked.
"No, I never heard of her. I guess that's the way my mom and dad met.", Rinoa said.
"Did your mom ever mention Laguna?", Squall asked.
"No… she never did. I guess it was because she didn't want to upset father. She wanted to forget about Laguna.", Rinoa said.
"I was that guy in the dream again.", Squall said.
"I was that girl this time.", Rinoa said.
"What does all this mean?", Squall asked.
"I don't know. These are flashbacks to the past. I guess Raine ended up with him. We are given these images for a reason, but I don't know why.", Rinoa said.
"It must be for some reason.", Squall said.
"I think I figured it out.", Rinoa told him.
"What is it?", Squall asked.
"The village in the dream was Winhill. We are going to Winhill. It must be a message.", Rinoa said.
"I guess this is a sign. We should go to Winhill and find out if Raine is still there.", Squall said.
"Yes, we should.", Rinoa told him.
"I'll go get the others.", Squall said.
"Alright.", Rinoa said. Rinoa waited and saw Squall come down wit some people.
"Raine was a good friend of mine.", Ellone said.
"You knew her?", Squall asked.
"Yes, Laguna cared for me.", Ellone explained.
"I see.", Squall said.
"You can help us find out what happened.", Rinoa said.
"Raine died.", Ellone said.
"What?", Squall asked.
"She died carrying Laguna's child.", Ellone explained.
"That's so sad.", Rinoa said.
"Let's head to Winhill and find out what's going on.", Squall said.
"Oh, let's go.", Ellone said.
"Oh…. I guess so.", Rinoa said.
"Rinoa, do you want to come along?", Squall asked.
"No… it's alright.", Rinoa said.
"Rinoa, please come with us.", Ellone said.
"Alright. I'll come.", Rinoa said.
"Alright, let's head to Winhill.", Squall said.
"Yes. I'm excited.", Rinoa told him.
"Laguna seems nice.", Selphie said.
"Don't forget me.", Zell said.
"This will be a lot of fun.", Rinoa said happily.
"Then let's go. I'll tell Cid.", Squall said. They walked up.
"Let's head for Winhill.", Squall explained.
"Winhill?", Cid asked.
"Yes.", Squall replied.
"I'm a little worried.", Rinoa said.
"Don't be.", Squall told her. As they arrived, they all walked out and entered Winhill.
"Wow, this town is like it was in out dream.", Rinoa said.
"Yeah.", Squall replied.
"There's the pub!", Rinoa exclaimed, running over.
"Rinoa, wait!", Squall exclaimed.
"Huh?", Rinoa asked.
"We don't know who lives there.", Squall said.
"Oh, I see.", Rinoa said.
"Raine lived there.", Ellone explained.
"I wonder who lives here now.", Rinoa said. As they walked inside, they saw an image.
"That ghost! It must be Raine!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"Let's go upstairs.", Squall said, walking up.
"Who are you?", a woman said.
"Do you know Raine?", Squall asked.
"I've been living in this house for awhile and don't know who you are speaking of.", the woman said.
"Oh.", Rinoa replied.
"Well, I have seen images of ghosts around here.", the lady said.
"I see.", Rinoa replied as they walked downstairs. "So much for that, but what's that building over there?", Rinoa asked.
"That's a building for the rich. I never went there.", Ellone explained.
"Shall we look inside?", Rinoa asked.
"Yes. Let's go look.", Squall said.
"Right.", Rinoa replied. I can't believe it. He's finally back. It's only been a day, but it feels like old times, Rinoa thought happily.
"I'll go in.", Squall said as Rinoa followed him. They got to be alone there.
Rinoa walked over to a statue that collapsed.
"Rinoa, you're in trouble.", Squall said playfully.
"Oops.", Rinoa said. Squall and Rinoa laughed.
"Hey! A piece of something fell.", Rinoa said, reaching down.
"It looks like glass.", Squall said, picking it up. They went upstairs.
"Please help us find the vase pieces.", someone said.
"Got it.", Rinoa said.
"Let's go.", Squall told her. They walked outside.
"Well, we found one piece.", Rinoa said.
"When I saw the ghost I found another piece here, Squall said, picking up a piece.
"We can all find pieces.", Ellone said.
"Let's go for it.", Rinoa said.
"Are you sure we can find them? I mean, they could be anywhere.", Squall said.
"I know, but we could try.", Rinoa said. They walked around the village.
"It's so interesting, seeing a village from our dreams.", Rinoa said as they walked around.
"Hmm?", Squall asked.
"It's really… peaceful.", Rinoa said.
"The fresh breeze…", Squall said, trailing off.
"It's really nice.", Rinoa mused. They walked around the village. As they left, they returned to Garden.
"I guess it'd time to go back.", Squall said.
"Bye for now.", Rinoa said. Rinoa watched as that other girl put her arm through Squall's and walked off with him. Rinoa watched them and then turned around. "I wonder what will happen tomorrow.", Rinoa said. Rinoa walked into her dorm room. Soon it became night. Rinoa walked to the quad.
"Rinoa!", a voice exclaimed.
"Squall! We ran into each other again at night!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"Are you stalking me?", Squall teased.
"Squall!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"Just teasing.." Squall said, smiling.
"Well, it's been a day since you've come back.", Rinoa said.
"It feels like I never left.", Squall said.
"I'm still really glad you've returned.", Rinoa said.
"We are out after hours.", Squall said.
"Yeah.", Rinoa told him.
"Wanna sneak into the classroom?", Squall asked.
"Well, it's against the rules.", Rinoa said.
"I'm the one who enforces rules most of the time, but we can break them once.", Squall said.
"Then once it is.", Rinoa said, smiling.
"Here, let's go.", Squall told her. Squall and Rinoa walked upstairs. I always wanted to do this someday and I'm glad I can do this with Rinoa by my side, Squall thought.
Rinoa's heart raced. This is very sneaky and I'm nervous, but it's exciting, Rinoa thought. Squall led Rinoa up a path. Garden faculty members guarded most of the hallways. Squall was a SeeD, so he could get away with it. Rinoa knew that she might get in trouble, but being with Squall was great. When they saw someone coming, Squall and Rinoa backed up. Rinoa went behind Squall. Squall put up a hand. "Can we go?", Rinoa asked.
"Coast is clear.", Squall said. The only other person I'd done this with was Seifer and now Rinoa and I can try this, Squall thought.
"Thanks.", Rinoa said. Rinoa's heart beat quickened as she followed Squall up the stairs. The hallways were dark. Rinoa ran after Squall as he walked upstairs. They heard a screech. Rinoa's heart stopped.
"It's alright.", Squall said. They waited for the person to pass as they ran up. Finally, they entered the door and arrived inside the classroom. Squall and Rinoa breathed deeply.
"Now that was scary.", Rinoa said.
"Come on.", Squall said. Squall gestured to Rinoa to follow him. Squall turned on the computer at his desk.
"What are we going to do?",Rinoa asked.
"I don't know. Here's the message board.", Squall said.
"Is anyone on?", Rinoa asked.
"Yes, people are. Oh, someone asked if anyone wants a lovin' time.", Squall said.
"Hee.", Rinoa said.
"That must be your message.", Squall teased.
"It is not!", Rinoa exclaimed, laughing.
"Let's see, I'll write, "Yes, meet me in the training center in two hours, signed, Sexy One.", Squall typed. Squall and Rinoa laughed.
"Oh, they wrote something.", Rinoa said.
"They asked if we have a picture.", Squall said.
"What do we do?", Rinoa asked.
"I got one.", Squall said. Squall loaded a picture of someone from a magazine.
"Squall, where did you find that magazine?", Rinoa asked.
"On the floor.", Squall said.
"They responded!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"They wrote, 'You are amazing, I can't wait until I can see you up close and personal, I'm jumping for a chance to have a night out with you'.", Squall read.
"They seem a bit excited.", Rinoa said.
"Their loss.", Squall said, as they ended the message.
"Squall, that is so naughty!", Rinoa said, laughing.
"I got an idea, here's some other student's computers, let's put this magazine right here.", Squall said, loading the magazine into a different desk.
"Squall!", Rinoa exclaimed. They began to laugh together. Ten minutes later, they decided to go back.
"Guess it's time we head back.", Squall said, after logging off.
"Yeah.", Rinoa said, giggling. They walked back together to the center of Garden.
"Shall I walk you to your dorm?", Squall asked.
"Yes, I'd like that.", Rinoa said.
"We're almost there.", Squall told her.
"Squall, I was wondering why you didn't choose to go with that other girl.", Rinoa said.
"She'd probably get all shocked that I'd break a rule.", Squall said.
"Oh.", Rinoa said as they walked through the halls.
"Well, this is it. Bye, Rinoa. Sweet dreams.", Squall said.
"Thanks.", Rinoa said as she walked to her room.
"Good night.", Rinoa said, going to bed. The next morning she woke up. She walked down the halls happily. Then she saw Squall with that other girl. The other girl was taking him somewhere. Rinoa looked on as they headed toward the dormitory. Rinoa's hands shook a bit. "I guess I won't get to talk to Squall today.", Rinoa said, turning around.
Later that day, she walked through Garden.
"Hey, Rinoa.", Squall said.
"Hi.", Rinoa said, looking up at Squall.
"We had a fun time last night, huh?", Squall asked.
"Yeah.", Rinoa said, blushing.
"So, want to talk?", Squall asked.
"Uh… sure. About what?", Rinoa asked.
"Hey, I just feel like talking.", Squall said, smiling.
"Sorry, I just… wasn't sure if you really wanted to.", Rinoa said.
"Of course I do.", Squall told her.
"So, what do you want to talk about?", Rinoa asked.
"Well, you always like to get me to talk, so I thought I'd try a bit. It used to be you trying to get me to talk and now I feel like I'm doing your part.", Squall said.
"Oh.", Rinoa said, as they walked through the halls.
"Well, anything you want to discuss?", Squall asked.
"I don't know.", Rinoa said.
"Rinoa, you got me to talk more, so I want to do the same for you.", Squall said.
"Okay, then, ask me anything.", Rinoa said, smiling.
"Well, what about that "Eyes on Me" song?", Squall asked.
"Hmm?", Rinoa questioned.
"Your mom sings it, right?", Squall asked.
"Yes… she does.", Rinoa said.
"Well, do you like it?", Squall asked.
"Yes, I love it.", Rinoa said, smiling. Rinoa looked over at Squall. He seemed to be genuine. Squall could joke around at times and tease her, but right now he had this genuine look on his face.
"What was it like growing up?", Squall asked.
"Well, I was a bit lonely as a child. My mother died when I was young and ever since then, my father separated from me. He changed a lot. I began to argue with him. Not the way I'd argue with you. My father seemed to do things that I'd disagree with. I felt like rebelling. My father would take me places and all the people we'd meet would be phony. They'd pretend to be nice, but end up talking about me behind my back. I had overheard them. It really hurt me. People pre-judged me because of my father.", Rinoa said.
"Really?", Squall asked.
"Yeah, a lot of kids assumed I had the same personality and I was picked on a lot because I was rich. My dad kept me inside his house and didn't let me really hangout. I wanted to be like everyone else. My dad wouldn't accept it. As I became a teenager, I began to rebel and the Timber Owls was formed. Now I'm 17 and we lead different lives. My father tries to make it up to me, but my father sees me as his daughter, rather then me as a person. He wants me to live the way he thinks is best.", Rinoa said.
"Wow, I never knew you had that kind of past.", Squall said.
"Well, I guess I should be lucky to have had a family. I mean, everyone around you seems to come from an orphanage.", Rinoa said.
"Well, at least in the orphanage we were all close and happy. I'm really sorry you had to go through that.", Squall said.
"It's okay, Squall. Sorry I'm talking so much.", Rinoa said as they walked together. She realized that they didn't have a particular destination. "Tell me about your past.", Rinoa said.
"Well, like I said, I don't remember much. I grew up in the orphanage and all. I hangout with the others, you know. Seifer was my best friend and rival. When got to Garden, people seemed to talk to me a lot and everyone began to admire me.", Squall said.
"You're so lucky you're popular. I wish I was as well liked as you.", Rinoa said.
"It's not all it's cracked up to be. I mean, my life's certainly not perfect.", Squall said.
"You should be glad you have such a great life. I wish my life was as great as yours.", Rinoa said.
"What's with that?", Squall asked.
"Sorry. I just feel a bit upset, you know? I wished I could be like you. At first we may have had lots of arguments, but I, like others, really admired you. I was hoping I was more then just another admirer of you, since so many people talk to you.", Rinoa said.
"Rinoa, I never really knew this side of you.", Squall said.
"Sorry. I try to be the one to cheer you up and make you more talkative and right now you're doing it to me.", Rinoa said.
"This is one long walk.", Squall told her.
"I guess it is. You've been back for only a few days and it feels like you've never left.", Rinoa said.
"Same here. It does feel like I've never left.", Squall said. They smiled as they walked around Garden.
"It was really nice talking with you.", Rinoa said.
"Same here.", Squall told her.
"Bye.", Rinoa said, walking off.
"Bye.", Squall said, watching her leave. Squall walked around. He saw someone.
"Let's go have a nice time.", Ellone said.
"Where?", Squall asked.
"We can just look around.", Ellone said.
Rinoa felt good as she walked through the halls. Rinoa really liked that conversation she had with Squall. It put her in a good mood. The rest of the day went well for her. When she saw Squall with that other girl, she was still upset, but was really glad about how well her conversation with Squall went. They really had a fun time talking. Rinoa was glad he was back.
The day passed and soon it was night. Rinoa went to bed. She woke up the next morning. It was late. Rinoa got up later and walked around Garden. Rinoa saw Squall with that girl. They walked out to her.
"Rinoa, we are going to take a look at the building where the orphanage was today, okay?", Squall told her.
"Okay.", Rinoa said.
"Come to the top.", Squall told her. The Garden was pedaled over to the place where the orphanage was.
"I guess we should go.", Rinoa said. As they walked outside, they noticed the orphanage looked closed.
"I remember this place.", Squall said.
"It's getting late.", Rinoa said. "I guess I woke up late.", Rinoa confessed.
"The seems to be going by quick.", Squall told her. They went back inside Garden. Rinoa looked at the ring Squall was wearing. She really liked it. She wondered if she could have a ring like that. It might make her feel better. She didn't want to impose on Squall. She just thought the ring looked really cool. She didn't want to bother Squall though. She felt nervous about who to ask. Rinoa walked to the cafeteria and saw Zell.
"Hey.", Rinoa said.
"Hey, what's up?", Zell asked.
"You know Squall's ring?", Rinoa asked.
"Yeah?", Zell said.
"It's really nice. I was wondering where he bought it.", Rinoa said.
"Squall's ring? I don't know.", Zell said.
"I want the same one. Is looks really cool, doesn't it?", Rinoa asked.
"That one with the creature on it, right?", Zell asked.
"YEAH!", Rinoa exclaimed. Then she looked around. "Oops.", she said, laughing.
"I'll try to make you one, okay?", Zell asked.
"Really? Sure, okay!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"You can get Squall to show you the real thing.", Zell said.
"…I can't do that.", Rinoa said.
"Why not?", Zell asked.
"…It's embarrassing.", Rinoa said.
"Oh?", Zell asked.
"It's not what you're thinking!", Rinoa said, embarrassed.
"Bye.", Zell said.
"Oh great. Now I got myself into another situation.", Rinoa said. "What should I do?", she asked. She began to walk around. She walked through the hallway and ran into Squall.
"Rinoa.", Squall said.
"Sorry.", Rinoa told him. Then she blushed, remembering what might happen.
"Anything wrong?", Squall asked.
"Nope.", Rinoa said, smiling.
"That was a lot of fun last night, huh?", Squall asked.
"Yeah.", Rinoa said.
"I guess I'll see you around.", Squall told her.
"See ya.", Rinoa called. She walked over to the library.
Squall began to think. He wasn't sure what to do. He always ended up in complicated situations. He then went up to the top, where Garden was piloted. He noticed Galbadia Garden was close to Balamb.
"Squall, take a look!", Nida said as Squall entered the bridge.
"Alright.", Squall said. Squall looked through the binoculars and saw Galbadia Garden. It was heading towards Balamb Garden.
"What do you think?", Nida asked.
They probably know were here, if not, we'll have to make the first move, Squall thought. "The battle seems inevitable.", Squall said.
"The sorceress must be with them.", Nida said.
"It seems so. A big battle is probably approaching us. What should I do? I have to give orders to everybody. It's my responsibility. If I mess up, complete chaos will result. What should I say? Come on, think. There's no time!, Squall thought. "This is Squall speaking.", Squall began. "We are approaching a battle with Galbadia Garden. As you may know, Seifer is with them. We plan to settle everything now. Garden will proceed straight ahead. If your student I.D is even, report to the quad, if it's odd, report to the front gate. Those who I've been working with, come to the bridge.", Squall continued. A smile crept to Squall's face. "Cafeteria team, collect all the hot dogs and store everything in the secret shelter. Don't leave anything for the enemy.", Squall said. Squall smirked.
"I think that was a bit unnecessary. People just need to know what's necessary.", Nida said.
"Sorry, sorry. I just had to get that out.", Squall said.
"We're here, Squall.", some of Squall's teammates said.
"Okay.", Squall replied. "Where's Rinoa?", Squall asked.
"She's in Garden.", Irvine replied.
"What about Zell?". Squall asked.
"He's taking a nap.", Selphie said.
"What are you talking about?", Squall asked.
"What about Rinoa?", Irvine asked.
Rinoa…, Squall thought. "You guys take care of her.", Squall said. I like Rinoa. I want to see her before this battle. I need to find everyone, though, Squall thought.
Squall ran around Garden. He had to figure out where to go. It was chaos everywhere. People were running around. It was crazy. People were running everywhere, falling down.
Rinoa was nervous. She didn't expect Garden to be under attack now. Rinoa had to find Squall. Rinoa walked through each area. "It's so chaotic here.", Rinoa said. "Where do I go?", Rinoa asked.
Squall ran to the platform and saw Zell. Squall sighed. After asking him what was going on, Zell approached him with a question.
"Give me your ring, I need to borrow it.", Zell said.
"Why do you need it?", Squall asked.
"No time, I need to borrow it.", Zell said.
What the hell? I like this ring. I guess it's all right if I'll get it back, Squall thought.
"Don't lose it.", Squall said.
"Thanks. Rinoa is gonna be so happy!", Zell said.
"Rinoa?", Squall asked.
"Leave this to me.", Zell said.
"Zell, there you are.", Selphie said.
"Guys, I'm gonna fight too. I don't wanna just hide. I know I can fight. I wanna fight alongside everyone.", Rinoa said.
"Rinoa…", Squall said.
"I can do it.", Rinoa told Squall.
"Rinoa, this is a big battle. It may be life or death.", Squall told her.
"I know, but I can fight if I'm with you. I may have been unsure before, but we've fought many battle together.", Rinoa said.
"Rinoa, this isn't any ordinary battle. It's a bigger battle then we have ever fought. Are you prepared for that?", Squall asked.
"I don't know. I didn't think of it that way. I know, though, that if I'm with you I can do it. I want to do it. I can do it together with all of you.", Rinoa said.
"I trust you. I believe in you. I won't try to stop you because I have trust in you that you can do it.", Squall said.
"Thanks, Squall.", Rinoa told him.
"Rinoa… be careful.", Squall said.
"I will.", Rinoa said.
"Okay.", Squall said.
"I have to fight. To prove to myself I can do it… That I belong with you guys.", Rinoa said.
"…Take care of yourself.", Squall said.
"Squall! Get back to the bridge right now!", an announcement said.
"I'm counting on you all. Good luck, everyone!", Squall said.
Squall ran upstairs.
Squall watched as Galbadia Garden approached. Squall saw Seifer. Seifer had a smile on his face. Seifer was Squall's best friend. Even though Squall and Seifer were rivals, they had still been best friends. Seifer understood Squall. They had been through a lot together. Now, Squall knew, he must fight him. Squall wasn't sure if he was ready for it. Squall knew he had no choice.
"Seifer is in charge over there. They're heading right for us.", Nida said.
"Just keep going.", Squall said. I hope Seifer can join us again and come back. I don't know if I can fight him, Squall thought.
Seifer looked over at Squall from where he was and stood.
"I guess this is a battle we must do.", Squall said. Balamb and Galbadia Garden came up close. Rockets flew into the sky. Galbadia's motorcycles plunged onto Balamb Garden.
"We're gonna crash!", Nida screamed.
"Pedal that way!", Squall said, gesturing. "They are right by us.", Squall announced.
Rinoa was watching from where she was. "I can do this.", Rinoa said.
"Oh yeah, Rinoa, here you go.", Zell said, showing her Squall's ring. "I got it from Squall. I'll make you one just like it, till then, hold onto it.", Zell said.
"What did you say to him?", Rinoa asked.
"I just told him to hand it over.", Zell said.
Rinoa looked at the ring. "It looks cool, but it's too big.", Rinoa said. The ring reminds me of Squall. Even now, I think of him. I wonder what Squall is doing. He has a lot of tough things and responsibilities on him, Rinoa thought. Suddenly, Balamb collided with Galbadia. The quad was rocked. Rinoa was standing in the quad. The ground began to break. Rinoa was standing on the piece of Garden that broke off. Rinoa slid down on the soil. The ground was far below. Rinoa gripped a piece of the ledge. Rinoa looked down. She watched as pieces of the ground fell down into the propeller. Rinoa looked up. Oh no, Rinoa thought. I need help. What do I do?, Rinoa thought. Rinoa's heart pounded.
"I can't reach her.", Zell said.
"We have to get her.", Selphie told them.
"Rinoa, hold on! We'll be right back!", Zell yelled.
Rinoa looked down.
"Come on, isn't there something we can use?", Zell asked.
Rinoa looked down at the cliff. Rinoa was worried. Her life was on the line. Rinoa closed her eyes. What could she do? Please, I can't die, Rinoa thought.
Squall stood on the bridge.
"They're coming through the front gate.", Xu said.
"Squall! Rinoa's in trouble!", Zell exclaimed.
"Rinoa!", Squall exclaimed.
"She's going to fall off Garden.", Selphie said.
Damn!, Squall thought. What can I do? Rinoa's life is in danger. I need to help her, Squall thought.
"Squall, listen up! We are being attacked.", Nida said.
Rinoa… I have to help her. I also have to help everyone here, Squall thought.
"Galbadia is ehading this way!", Xu called.
"Squall, did you hear me?", Zell asked.
"Yeah! I'm really worried about her. She's not the only one in danger, thought. I want to save her. Lots of people here are in danger. I don't know what to do!", Squall exclaimed. I need to save Rinoa, but as a leader, what should I do?, Squall thought.
"Squall, are you heartless? Rinoa might die!", Irvine exclaimed.
Rinoa… What should I do? I have to save Rinoa. I want to save Rinoa. I need to be in charge. What do I do?, Squall thought. "Zell, you help Rinoa.", Squall said. I want to help Rinoa. I want to be the one to help Rinoa, but I need to be a leader, Squall thought.
"Leave it to me.", Zell said.
"I want to save her. I want to help her.", Squall said. Squall ran upstairs to a classroom. The glass broke as Galbadia Garden members charged in and began attacking the students.
"Squall! Come to the bridge! Dr. Kadowaki is here!", an announcement called after Squall had helped the others. What does she want?, Squall thought, running up. In the hallways, people were on the floor. In classrooms and hallways, everyone was in chaos. People had fallen down. "Get up.", Squall said to a child, pulling him up. Squall ran to the bridge.
"What's going on?", Dr. Kadowaki asked.
"We stopped the first wave of attacks. Many are injured. I need to go help someone.", Squall said. "I must save Rinoa.", Squall said.
"Seifer is with them, right? It seems it is your destiny to face him. You've come this far already. Are you thinking of turning back?", Dr. Kadowaki asked.
"Seifer was my best friend. Now we are battling. I can't run from him. I only have one choice.", Squall said.
"How will we board their Garden?", Dr. Kadowaki asked.
"We have to crash into their Garden.", Squall said. Squall watched as Zell entered the room.
"Where's Rinoa?", Squall asked.
"I can't get into the quad. I can't do anything. The only way to get there is to fly through the roof.", Zell said.
……Rinoa, Squall thought.
"You just gave up on her, didn't you? Listen, do me a favor, You go help Rinoa. It may be to late, but don't give up until your certain there's nothing you can do.", Irvine said to Squall.
"I want to help Rinoa… I need to save her… I… I have to lead the attack.", Squall said
"That doesn't matter! Do it… please! For Rinoa!", Irvine said.
"What are you waiting for? It has to be you. You're the only one that can save her.", Zell said.
"Squall, you're forgetting something important.", Dr. Kadowaki said.
What?, Squall thought.
"Talk to everyone, encourage them as a leader. You may not know this, but everyone in Garden looks up to you. They like you.", Dr. Kadowaki said.
Squall began to make a speech. "...Everybody. This is Squall. How's everyone doing? You're all probably too tired to even stand up after all the fighting. But I want everyone to listen to me...We still have a chance to win, and I need your help. SeeD was formed to fight the sorceress; at least, that's what I heard. And Garden was created to train SeeDs. So this battle is Garden's destiny and also our destiny. It's a grueling battle, and I'm sure you guys are all exhausted. But I don't want to have any regrets. I don't want anyone to look back and regret this day. So just this once, I want you guys to give everything you've got! For yourselves and for me!", Squall said.
"That was wonderful.", Dr. Kadowaki said. Nida began to steer into Galbadia Garden.
"I want to save Rinoa.", Squall said. Squall ran to the second floor.
"Please help me find this boy.", a voice said.
No, not now, dammit, Squall thought.
"Please.", the person said.
I guess I have no choice, Squall thought. "Wait here.", Squall said. Squall saw the child. "Hey there, kid. Are you alright?", Squall asked, lifting him up. "There's a person down the hall whose waiting for you. I want you to go to her, ok?", Squall asked.
Suddenly, a machine crashed through the door.
What should I do?, Squall thought. Squall walked backwards, passed the armed person. They were approaching Squall. Squall walked back and tapped the emergency exit button behind him. Squall and the person tumbled out of the door. They were both hanging onto a slide. Below, people were running. Squall and the person began to fight. Squall blocked and then charged as the other person fought as well. Eventually, Squall knocked them down. Squall was headed toward the propeller and steered his machine upwards. Squall climbed the rope from the machine. Squall saw Rinoa. Squall steered the rope towards Rinoa. Rinoa was about to fall. Rinoa saw Squall and the rope. Rinoa grabbed onto the rope and swung forward. Rinoa felt excitement as she swung by the rope. Rinoa smiled, happy Squall had helped her. Squall and Rinoa landed on the ground by Garden, which was now a battlefield. People were fighting everywhere.
"Over there! There's the entrance!", Rinoa called. "Run to the left!"
Squall and Rinoa ran together. They watched the sight of people battling at Garden. People flying off bikes and fighting. All over Garden people were fighting. The battle seemed endless. Squall and Rinoa walked toward the back entrance.
"Squall! Thank you.", Rinoa said. Rinoa looked at Squall. I can't believe I'm alive. Squall saved me, Rinoa thought.
"It was, ah...don't worry about it. It was my job. We're still under contract. And it was everybody else's idea, too. And I just happened to find you. That's all. So like I said, don't worry about it.", Squall said, blushing. I'm so glad Rinoa's alright, Squall thought.
"You know something, I couldn't afford to fall off that cliff and die. I have something very important that belongs to you. I can't die until I give it back to you, right? Zell gave it to me, see? I've been holding onto it.", Rinoa said.
I'm gonna kill him, Squall thought. "That's my favorite ring. You better give it back.", Squall said.
"Squall!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"I'm serious.", Squall said.
"I'm sure it is. It's a cool-looking ring. What's this monster on it anyway?", Rinoa asked.
"It's not a monster. It's a lion. Lions are known for their great strength and pride.", Squall said.
"Hmm… great strength….. pride…. Kinda like you, Squall.", Rinoa said. Rinoa looked at Squall.
"I wish…", Squall said.
"Hmm… so this L I O N of yours… does it have a name?", Rinoa said playfully.
"Of course. It's named Griever.", Squall said, a bit embarrassed.
"So that's what you call it. You know Zell said he'd make me one just like it. Who knows? Maybe I can become like a lion, too. That'd be crazy, huh? I mean, everyone might, y'know, get the wrong idea about us.", Rinoa said. Ah! I'm so embarrassed! I can't believe I said that out loud!, Rinoa thought. I'm so embarrassed. I can't believe it. I forgot about out whole situation. Ah, I wish I could just get out of this, Rinoa thought.
If it's so crazy, why do you sound so delighted?, Squall thought. I better ask that, Squall decided, playfully. "If it's so crazy, why do you sound so delighted?", Squall asked.
"What are you saying? I was only… kidding, Squall.", Rinoa said. I can't believe I said that, Rinoa thought.
I remember when we first went on a mission together. Before some people knew about my situation. Everyone was trying to get us together. It was so obvious, even I could tell. I began to like it. I liked it a lot. I want to get together with you. At first I was nervous about it. Then I realized I like you. The thing is, I am arranged to be with someone else, so I can't be with you, even though I wish I could be with you. Once everyone else found out about the person I was with, everyone stopped. I wish I could be with you, Rinoa, Squall thought. "You sound like you want everyone to get the wrong idea.", Squall said playfully.
"No-no-no-no-no!", Rinoa exclaimed. I need to find a way to change the subject, Rinoa thought.
"I know you want me.", Squall teased.
"Right. Whatever you say.", Rinoa said. I don't want him to know the way I feel because of his situation, Rinoa thought. I can't tell him the way I feel until it's resolved. It may never be resolved. They're engaged. I wish I could tell him how I feel. I wish I could just take my feelings and tell him the truth/ I wish it could be just us, Rinoa thought. Rinoa took a deep breath and began to walk away.
"Rinoa, what's going on?", Squall asked.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry about everything. I was joking around, you know? About the ring being fitted and everything. It's fine and all. Everything's fine. I was only kidding about everything.", Rinoa said.
"Huh?", Squall asked.
"Thank you so much for saving me and I'm sorry.", Rinoa said.
"Why are you saying you're sorry?", Squall asked.
"It's nothing.", Rinoa said. Rinoa looked up. She decided to smile. Forget the situation. A battle was going on now. "Well, we are in for some battle. Are you ready?", Rinoa asked.
"Oh yeah. We are going to rule.", Squall said.
"This is a battle that determines everything. Don't mess up.", Rinoa said.
"That's my line.", Squall told her.
"I got it.", Rinoa said, smiling. I need smile instead of being all worried, Rinoa thought. "We can do this.", Rinoa said.
"I know. We can do this together.", Squall said.
"I'm glad you saved me and I'm ready to do this.", Rinoa said.
"Well… everyone's waiting. ", Squall said.
"Yeah.", Rinoa replied.
"Rinoa, let's go.", Squall said.
"Ok!", Rinoa said, stepping in front of him. "Squall, let's go!", Rinoa said.
"Yes, I shall.", Squall said, following Rinoa into Garden. It was getting very late.
"I'm a bit nervous.", Rinoa said.
"It's fine. You don't need to worry.", Squall told her. This is it, the big battle. I'm so glad Rinoa's here, with us. I'm so glad Rinoa's safe, Squall thought. They entered the Garden to see everyone.
"Rinoa!", Selphie said.
"You're here!", Zell exclaimed.
"Thanks. Squall helped me a lot.", Rinoa said.
"Good for Squall.", Quistis said.
"It's nothing, really.", Squall said.
"I'm really grateful.", Rinoa said.
"The sorceress is here.", Irvine said.
We can't turn back now, Squall thought. "Forget about the past! Don't think twice for a second! We have no choice. I'd like to think so. She chose her path.", Squall said. Seems I'm the only one whose worried, Squall thought. "We've come this far. I guess there's no need to say anything.", Squall said.
"We're still listening. Squall, we want to know how you feel.", Rinoa said.
"I'll tell you later… after we all get out of this. Let's go.", Squall said.
"Alright.", Rinoa told him.
"Wait… I think we should go back to Garden for a bit.", Squall said.
"Why?", Rinoa asked.
"I need to see how everyone's holding up.", Squall said.
"Oh, alright. I'll come too.", Rinoa replied. The others followed Squall back to Garden. Rinoa decided to walk to a separate area outside. "This is a hard situation. I wish I knew what to do. I'm so confused. I wish I knew if we could be together. I know it's going to be hard. I know for sure that I will try to deal with it.", Rinoa said.
Squall had been watching for some time. I guess she's thinking about that person from before, Squall thought.
"I like Squall.", Rinoa said.
Squall gasped. What?, Squall thought. It can't be! The person she was walking about from before was… me? No way, Squall thought.
"I hope he's alright. Whatever happens will be fine. I know that I like Squall though and I accept it.", Rinoa said.
It can't be, I'm the one she likes?, Squall thought. Squall looked on. He was shocked. Squall liked Rinoa. He thought that Rinoa liked someone else, from that conversation on the bench he overheard. Squall had no idea that he was the one she liked. Squall thought he'd walk away, but then saw a piece of Garden beginning to fall. It was headed toward Rinoa. Squall ran forward and pulled Rinoa out of the way as the piece landed.
"Why couldn't you see that piece falling?", Squall asked.
"Sorry, I didn't notice it, thanks-", Rinoa began, then she suddenly turned around and saw it was Squall she was talking to. She gasped. She had just mentioned his name.
"Squall!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"I…", Squall began, trailing off.
Here's the end of chapter 5. I made this another long chapter. By the time I was finished writing it, I saw some more reviews. I wished I could've written the chapter after I saw the reviews so I would be able to make them better. Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed my story! I appreciate the help and comments! Thanks for the advice about the joking part. I may have been repetitive in some of my chapters. Once I've uploaded more chapters, I'll do a remake and edit some chapters from before. Thanks so much for the reviews.