Flower Field
Squall and Rinoa are a great couple. In this chapter Squall realizes he loves Rinoa, but it may be too late for him to tell her. I decided to make Dr. Odine take a different role, so he has a stronger role in Squall and Rinoa's relationship.
Chapter 6
"I like Squall.", Rinoa said.
Squall had saved Rinoa from a piece of Garden and they looked at each other.
"Squall!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"I…", Squall began, trailing off.
"Um…", Rinoa exclaimed.
"Rinoa…", Squall said. He didn't know how to respond. Squall liked Rinoa. Squall knew that because he was with someone else, he couldn't be with her.
"Squall… you are here! I'm sorry! It's completely different now. I don't… My feelings are different now… I mean… I…", Rinoa said, trailing off. Oh my gosh, Rinoa thought.
"Rinoa, I too…", Squall began. "I…", Squall began again.
"I, too?", Rinoa asked.
"I need to go.", Squall said, leaving. Squall walked away. I can't tell her how I feel, Squall thought.
"Huh? What was that about?", Rinoa asked. Rinoa left and walked around the outside of Garden. "Now Squall knows how I feel.", Rinoa said, embarrassed.
Rinoa… what should I do?, Squall thought. Squall walked around as well.
Rinoa walked around Garden. "I have to find out what he meant.", Rinoa said with determination.
"What should I do?", Squall asked. Squall liked Rinoa, but he knew he couldn't tell her. "I can't let her get hurt. I like Rinoa. I know that. Even if it kills me, I have to tell her I don't feel the same, so no one will get hurt.", Squall said.
"Squall, I know you have feelings for someone else.", Ellone said, coming up to him.
"Why would I?", Squall asked.
"You are being different. I know this. I can't be with you anymore.", Ellone said, running off.
"Wait, Ellone.", Squall said. Squall ran after her. I know I like Rinoa, but I can't hurt Ellone too, I wish I could be with Rinoa, though, Squall thought. Squall ran after her.
"I need to ask him directly.", Rinoa said, running to find Squall.
"What's with you?", Squall said.
"You never kissed me. You don't love me, Squall.", Ellone said, running.
"Why am I in this situation?", Squall asked. Squall liked Rinoa, but he couldn't just leave Ellone. Squall ran and saw Rinoa. A smile reached Squall's face. Squall liked Rinoa. Squall felt that he was falling for Rinoa.
Rinoa was so happy to see Squall. Now she could find out how he really felt. "Squall… I…", Rinoa began. Then Rinoa gasped. She watched as Squall turned away from her and walked right past her. Rinoa turned around and watched as Squall walked to that other girl and turned his back on Rinoa. He walked to Ellone, Rinoa thought. Rinoa watched as Squall began to talk to that other girl. Rinoa looked on with tears in her eyes.
"I like Rinoa.", Squall wished he could say, but he didn't. He knew what he had to do, even if it killed him. Squall walked passed Rinoa to the other girl. He closed his eyes as he walked passed Rinoa. He didn't want to walk past her, but he had to. He liked Rinoa. He liked Rinoa a lot, but had to walk to Ellone. He looked at Ellone, the one who didn't want to be with. The one he liked was Rinoa. He wished he could be with Rinoa, but he had turned his back on her and walked to Ellone. He did it because he didn't want either of them to be hurt. He couldn't tell Rinoa that he liked her.
He turned to the other girl. Squall knew what he had to tell her. Squall closed his eyes and opened them, pained. "I don't know why you thought what you thought. I know that we are arranged, but you are important to me. You helped me out a lot. Those feelings are real. Until you say you don't like it anymore, I must be with you.", Squall lied. Squall wished he didn't say that. Squall had just said that to Ellone and lied. Squall liked Rinoa. Squall wanted to be with Rinoa. He knew he couldn't though. Squall looked at Ellone as he said that. Squall knew he was lying to Ellone. Squall wanted to be with Rinoa. Squall then remembered Rinoa was watching. Squall remembered that he had just walked passed Rinoa to Ellone. He remembered that Rinoa heard every word he had said. Squall had lied when he said that to Ellone. Squall looked up from Ellone back to Rinoa.
"Rinoa…", Squall said. Squall looked up into Rinoa's eyes. Squall wished he could just say, "Rinoa, I like you. I will be with you.", but he couldn't. He couldn't say that, no matter how much he wished he could. Squall wanted to be with Rinoa, but knew he couldn't. Squall looked down. "Rinoa.", Squall said. I like Rinoa, but I can't be with her, even though I wish I could, Squall thought.
Rinoa looked on as Squall talked to the other girl. I guess it's true. I guess he likes her after all, Rinoa thought, not knowing that Squall really liked her, Rinoa. Rinoa had tears in her eyes. He said you are important to me. He said those feelings were real. He said that to that other girl, not to me. It's over, she thought. Rinoa looked back with a smile on her face. "Have a nice day.", Rinoa said, running.
"Rinoa…", Squall said, looking after her. Squall wished he could follow her, but knew he couldn't leave the person he was with.
"How could I have done that? I can't believe it. I should have thought about how that other girl would've felt. It would've caused pain for everyone. I admitted my feelings to him. Now I know how he feels.", Rinoa said, with tears in her eyes. You are important to me, Squall had said to the other girl. Rinoa remembered him saying that to the other girl. Rinoa had looked on and watched as Squall had said all those things to the other girl. Rinoa felt hurt. Tears formed in Rinoa's eyes. Squall told the other girl she was important to him. "Good bye, Squall.", Rinoa said. Rinoa entered Galbadia Garden. She ran forward. I know how Squall feels now. He likes the other girl. He likes her. He doesn't feel the same way about me. He doesn't. He stated his feelings…, Rinoa thought.
"I have to go now, for a short time. I'll be back.", Squall said. "I can't do this again.", Squall said. Squall ran for Rinoa. He had a feeling Rinoa could be hurt. Squall saw Rinoa. Rinoa was being attacked. Squall ran towards her.
"Rinoa!", Squall exclaimed.
Rinoa gasped as she was being attacked. Squall doesn't like me. Squall liked her. He told her he did, Rinoa thought. Suddenly, a gunblade slashed up the attackers. "Squall!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"Rinoa, I'm sorry, but I am unable to tell you my feelings. I can't reply to the way you feel. I'm sorry. At least… though…", Squall began, trailing off.
"It's okay, Squall, I understand.", Rinoa said. I wish I could be the one for you, but you stated how you felt, Rinoa thought. Squall lifted Rinoa up.
Squall liked Rinoa. Squall wished he could be with Rinoa, but he couldn't, no matter how much he wanted to. I like Rinoa, Squall thought.
"Are we ready to battle the Sorceress?", Rinoa asked.
"Yes.", Squall said. "We are ready.", Squall told her. This is it, the big battle with Sorceress Edea, Squall thought. After this, I won't see any of them again, Squall thought.
We are battling the Sorceress. After this, I'll never see Squall again, Rinoa thought.
They walked back inside Galbadia Garden and saw the others.
"We will find out where the Sorceress is hiding.", Squall said. They walked through the hallway of the first room.
"It's very quiet.", Rinoa said.
"Yeah.", Squall commented. The hallways were empty. Their were many doors. The party members walked around, looking down the white hallways. They walked forward and opened a door. Inside, they received a key.
Squall exited the door and walked forward, opening a door with ice.
"There's ice.", Rinoa said. Squall, Rinoa and the others walked across the ice. It was slippery. Rinoa began to slip, but Squall caught her hand.
"You alright?", Squall asked.
"Yes.", Rinoa said. That was awkward, Rinoa thought. They continued walking passed the ice and forward toward the dark room. They walked inside another large room with many doors. They walked across that room and entered a room with many doors. They ran across those rooms. Soon they came back around more passageways. The passageways seemed endless. They came back to the original lobby and walked up the stairs.
"It's them.", Squall said. Squall saw Fujin.
"We should talk to them.", Rinoa said, approaching Squall. They spotted Raijin too.
"Let's go.", Squall said. They approached the two.
"It's all over.", Raijin said.
"What?", Squall asked.
"We're leaving Seifer up to you. We don't know what's going on. We want Seifer to return to his old self.", Raijin said.
I wish Seifer would come back too. He is under a spell. Deep down I know he wants to help us, Squall thought.
"We don't know what to do.", Fujin said.
"I wish I knew what to do. I wish we could help save Seifer.", Squall said.
"I wish that too.", Rinoa said.
"Squall, you were Seifer's best friend. Are you sure you can do this?", Raijin asked.
"Yes. I can. I wish we didn't have to fight him, but it may be our only choice.", Squall said.
"It will be very hard for us.", Rinoa said.
"Bye.", Squall said. They walked over to the reception room and inside they saw the glass table. They walked out and through a door. As they walked around, they entered another door and received a key.
Squall walked downstairs and through doors. He eventually reached a roof and jumped off. He traveled all over the Garden.
"This is amazing.", Rinoa said. Eventually, they got the last key.
Squall and the others walked upstairs, through steps and up an elevator. They arrived at the room they had been looking for. They walked inside the office. "Are you ready?", Squall asked everyone.
"I think so.", Rinoa said.
"Here goes. This may be one of the hardest things we'll have to do.", Squall explained as they entered and found Seifer. Sorceress Edea was behind him.
"Oh, you guys shouldn't have. I was going to visit you at my old home.", Seifer said.
"Seifer, this isn't you. You are a good person. Although we may have compete and may have been rivals, we were best friends. You wouldn't act like this.", Squall said.
"Squall, what a pleasure. I guess our battle must begin. We must fight and Edea's orders are my orders.", Seifer said.
"Seifer, come back to your real self!", Squall exclaimed.
"Let's see. Rinoa, why are you here? Will you fight me? Don't you remember what happened between us last summer?", Seifer asked.
"Stop! Return to your self!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"Oh, here. Selphie, why are you here? Don't you remember how we got along?", Seifer asked.
"Please return to your self!", Selphie exclaimed.
"I guess we must battle.", Seifer said.
"Please come back!", Rinoa exclaimed.
"What?", Seifer asked.
"Seifer, you are a good person and we know it.", Squall said.
"What are you talking about, Squall?", Seifer asked.
"We were best friends and rivals. So much happened. We used to sneak around Garden at night. We became SeeDs. We'd get in trouble together. Are you still going to fight us?", Squall asked.
"I don't remember any of that. I am the sorceress' knight. I must battle you, SeeDs to save the world. You are the ones who are attacking. You could join me and become followers of Edea. Yet you choose to attack us. Then battle me.", Seifer said.
"We have no choice.", Squall said as the battle begun. The battle was intense, but it ended.
"I lost?", Seifer asked.
"Battle me below, SeeDs.", Edea said. Edea vanished and went through the floor.
"You guys can't beat her.", Seifer said.
"Let's go.", Squall said.
They walked to the auditorium. They heard voices and noises as they walked toward the stage. They heard chants.
... What's going on?, Squall thought.
It's the Sorceress, Rinoa thought.
Suddenly, a loud crash was heard as Sorceress Edea fell through the glass ceiling.
"Sorceress Edea!", Squall exclaimed.
"It is nice to see you all.", Edea said.
"What are you doing?", Squall asked.
"So the time has come. You're the legendary SeeD destined to face me?", Edea asked.
What is she talking about?, Squall thought.
"That's right, you are to face me.", Edea said.
"What?", Squall asked.
"I must say I am impressed. An impressive obstacle, SeeDs. Your life ends here, SeeDs!", Edea exclaimed.
"I'm back.", Seifer said.
"What are you doing?", Edea asked.
You're not our Matron, Squall thought.
"All SeeDs must perish!", Edea exclaimed. The battle began.
"I'm the Sorceress's Knight.", Seifer said. "You'll never… get past me.", Seifer said.
"I don't want to fight you.", Squall said.
"I can't afford to lose.", Seifer told him.
"Seifer, we are on your side. We can't fight you.", Squall told him.
"The battle begins here.", Seifer said.
"I don't want to do this.", Squall said. The battle began. After the fight with Seifer ended, Edea stepped up.
"I shall now battle the SeeDs!", Edea exclaimed.
The battle soon ended. Edea let out an aura.
What's going on?, Squall thought. "My body can't move.", Squall said. Squall watched as Rinoa began to move. Rinoa, Squall thought. Squall watched as Rinoa walked over to Seifer and put her face by his. Squall watched as Rinoa revived Seifer. Rinoa… what's happening? It's me, Squall… Seifer… what's going on?, Squall thought as he watched them. Squall watched as Seifer stood up. Squall gasped as Rinoa fell.
"Rinoa!", Squall exclaimed.
"Everyone, you have all grown up and become so strong. I feared this day would come. Have I protected everyone? Where is everyone?", Edea asked.
What's going on?, Squall thought.
"Squall, something's going on with Rinoa!", Selphie exclaimed.
Rinoa… What's happening to Rinoa?, Squall thought.
Squall ran back to Garden and ran into his dorm room and went to sleep. The next day, Squall got up.
Is it over? What happened….? Rinoa… What happened to Rinoa……?, Squall thought. Squall got up and went to the infirmary. Squall walked in and saw Rinoa's still body. Squall walked over to Rinoa.
"Rinoa! Rinoa, can you hear me? Rinoa, what's happened to you?", Squall asked. Squall went up to Rinoa. Squall went to Rinoa's side. Squall touched Rinoa's still hand. Her hands were cold. "Rinoa, what happened to you?", Squall asked. I can't believed this happened. After all those things I said. I thought I did it so no one would get hurt. It didn't turn out that way. It's all my fault. I broke Rinoa's heart, Squall thought. Squall remembered how in front of Rinoa, he told Ellone that she was important to him. Squall cringed as he remembered that Rinoa heard him tell Ellone that he would be with her. Squall lay his head down, wishing Rinoa would know how he felt. Squall thought by not telling Rinoa his feelings, she could forget him. Squall didn't want to hurt Ellone. That's why he said all those things to her. It ended up hurting Rinoa. Now Squall would never be able to tell Rinoa how he felt. "Now Rinoa will never know how I feel.", Squall said.
"Squall, report to Edea's house.", a voice said.
"Rinoa, I'm so sorry.", Squall said.
"Squall, it's a nice time to see you.", Ellone said.
"Hello.", Squall replied.
"Thank you for telling me what you think.", Ellone said.
"Oh.", Squall replied. "I need to go to Edea's house.", Squall said. Squall walked outside to Edea's house.
"Hello, Squall. Edea is back to being her old self.", Cid said.
"Please forgive me for what I have done.", Edea said.
"We forgive you.", Squall told her.
"You are SeeDs and cannot back out of a battle. I was possessed by Sorceress Ultimecia. I surrendered my body to her. Ultimecia is trying to take over the past from the future. Ultimecia appeared inside of me. Ultimecia wants to go inside Sorceress Adel and use her body. Adel will not hesitate to use her powers. The world could end if Ultimecia combined with Adel."
I've heard enough. I understand what Edea is saying, but Rinoa… Rinoa is all that's on my mind. I like Rinoa. I broke the heart person I cared about most just because I didn't want to hurt someone else and made Rinoa think I liked someone else, Squall thought.
"Matron, what's going on with Rinoa?", Squall asked.
"Rinoa, the girl in light blue. I remember her. What happened to her?", Edea asked.
"She was with us when you fought you. After the battle, her body turned cold.. she didn't move…", Squall said.
"Did Rinoa die?", Cid asked.
"NO!", Squall exclaimed.
"Forgive me Squall, I don't know if I can help you.", Edea said.
"…It's all right.", Squall said. This is all my fault, Squall thought.
"Squall, you have responsibilities as a leader. Rinoa is in a dangerous position, but you must tell the outcome of the battle. We are deeply sorry about Rinoa. We need to concentrate on the battle.", Cid said.
"I understand… But…", Squall said.
"A leader shouldn't say that.", Cid told him.
I can't stop thinking of Rinoa, Squall thought.
"Ultimecia has an important objective."
First time we met was the day I became a SeeD. We met again...in Timber..., Squall thought.
"Ultimecia is hungry for power."
We had a lot of arguments at first. But in time, things began to change, Squall thought.
"Ultimecia wants to come to the past."
You were looking at me...You smiled when our eyes met, Squall thought.
"She wished to achieve time compression."
It made me feel calm, tranquil. I teased you. You'd get angry. We'd fight and argue. We then got close. You helped me open up. We'd talk a lot and joke around. Then you found out that I was going out with someone. I liked you, but I thought you liked someone else. When I found out you felt the same about me, I didn't know what to do. I lied to you. I walked passed you and told the other girl that she was important to me and that I'd always stay with her, when I really liked you. I miss you, Rinoa. I like you. Why can't we be together?, Squall thought.
"Past, present and future all combined."
Rinoa...Give me another chance, Squall thought.
"Squall?", Quistis asked.
"Basically, all we need to do is stop Ultimecia.", Squall replied automatically.
"I know but…", Zell began.
"We're worried about Rinoa too.", Irvine said.
"Then why don't you… Oh, forget it.", Squall said, ready to break down. "I need to go.", Squall said. Squall went back to Garden.
"That about covers the update. Sorceress Edea is back. We must stop Ultimecia at all costs.", Squall said.
Squall walked to the infirmary to check on Rinoa. Squall saw Rinoa's body. Her body lay there. Squall closed his eyes, pained and sat right by her.
Rinoa...You feel so cold. Are you going to be like this forever?, Squall thought."... Isn't there anything I can do? You were so full of life. Now you don't even make a sound... I want to hear you voice.", Squall said. I want to hear Rinoa, Squall thought. "Rinoa...Call my name."Squall said. ... Rinoa… I'm so sorry… I didn't know what to do… Now it's too late to tell you…, Squall thought. Squall collapsed next to Rinoa.
"I am here to drop someone off. This is Raine's child. Raine's gone now. I wish I could hear her voice, but I can't.", Laguna said.
I want to hear Rinoa's voice, Squall thought.
"Very well then, we shall take him in.", Edea said.
I don't care if it's in the past or what. I want to hear Rinoa. I want to see Rinoa. That way, there might be a chance to save her, Squall thought.
"I shall care for the boy.", Edea said.
I want to hear Rinoa's voice, Squall thought. Squall woke up.
"I like Rinoa. I got another memory I got that I don't know about. All I can think of is Rinoa. I don't know what's going on with these memories, but the only person I want to see is Rinoa.", Squall said.
"I can see you if we go back in time! Maybe even change things!", Squall exclaimed. "Send me back to the moment Rinoa went into a coma!", Squall exclaimed. Squall looked at Rinoa's body. Squall sat near Rinoa's bed. "What can I do?", Squall asked.
Squall left the infirmary. He wanted to see Rinoa. Squall ran to his dorm room. Squall went to his bed and closed his eyes. He went to sleep. He couldn't go through the rest of the day. He couldn't handle it. The next day, Squall woke up very late. Squall dreamt of Rinoa.
Squall ran to the center of Garden.
"Squall.", Ellone said.
"Rinoa is in a coma, Ellone. I don't know what's happened to Rinoa. She fainted. What can I do?", Squall asked.
"You seem so concerned about Rinoa.", Ellone said.
"Yes I am. I mean… I told you all those things, but… Rinoa… I can't stop thinking of Rinoa.", Squall said.
Squall ran to see Xu. "Is there anything I can do to help Rinoa?", Squall asked.
"Go to the White SeeD ship. They can help you find out how to get to Esthar. There is a professor named Dr. Odine. He may know how to help Rinoa.", Xu said.
"Got it.", Squall told her. Squall piloted to Edea's house. "Do you know where the White SeeD ship is?", Squall asked Edea.
"They may be around the Centra island. Here, I have a letter for you.", Edea said, handing Squall a letter.
"Thanks.", Squall said. Squall went back to Garden. He visited Rinoa again.
"Rinoa, we will help you, I promise we will.", Squall said, near tears. Squall watched Rinoa. A few hours later, Squall went to the control room of Garden. It was near sunset. He spent the day thinking of Rinoa. They soon arrived at the white SeeD ship and entered.
"My name is Squall.", Squall said. "We wish to speak to you. We were sent here by Edea.", Squall said.
"Thank you for coming, but we have no reason to believe you. Please leave.", a crew member said.
"You heard our leader. There's nothing more to discuss.", another member said.
Squall walked forward to see the two people who helped Rinoa.
"It's me, Zone! Hey, how's Rinoa doing?", Zone asked.
"Rinoa fought with us against Edea. She's unconscious now. For some reason, she went unconscious after the fight. She's resting in Garden. I'm sorry, I couldn't protect her. I'm… I'm sorry…", Squall said.
"You son of a bitch! I said take care of her! Scumbag! You lying scumbag. You're Pathetic.", Zone said.
"You're not the only one whose hurt, here!", Squall exclaimed. "I have feelings for Rinoa, stronger then yours! I'm in more pain now then you are. The pain is getting stronger. I can't go on. I need to help her.", Squall said.
"I came off a little harsh. I didn't think about your feelings. If you love her... you'll save her.", Zone said.
"L-l-love?", Squall asked, blushing a strong shade of red.
"It's obvious by the tone of your voice. You're on the verge of breaking down.", Zone said.
"We've come hear to learn about Esthar. If we can find Odine, we can help her… I know it!", Squall exclaimed. "I will save her. We will find out about Esthar and help her.", Squall said. Squall walked into the cabin.
"Yes?", a crew member asked.
"Here, a letter written by Edea. We need to find out about Esthar and the way to get there.", Squall said. "I was raised by Edea too. Edea is back to being her old self.", Squall said.
"Squall, thank you. We owe you and Balamb so much.", the white SeeD said, saluting.
"Even our salute is the same.", Squall said.
"It hasn't changed since SeeD was established. You need to speak with Dr. Odine. We're not exactly sure how Dr. Odine will help. We're sorry. Esthar can be gotten to a number of ways. Odine is there. Dr. Odine may know how to help that girl. If you go to Esthar, there's a laboratory. Take the girl with you.", the cadet said.
"Thank you for your help.", Squall said. Squall want back to Balamb.
"Have you decided on a destination yet?", Nida asked.
"Set a course for Esthar.", Squall said.
"The area's not suited for flying Garden.", Nida said.
"Set a course for Esthar.", Squall said.
Squall walked to the infirmary. Squall saw Rinoa's body.
"Rinoa…", Squall said. Squall touched Rinoa's face. Squall touched Rinoa's hair and put her hand to his face. "Please, wake up.", Squall begged. Squall looked at Rinoa. Squall put his head down. Rinoa… please come back to me, Squall thought. Squall picked up Rinoa and carried her on his back through Garden and outside. Let's go, Rinoa. Let's go to Esthar. We can find a way to help you. Dr. Odine might help us. He can bring us together, Squall thought. Squall carried Rinoa outside the emergency exit.
"Rinoa. I want to hear you. I want to see you laugh. I want to see that look on your face when I tease you. I want to see the look on your face when we argue. I want to see your smile. I want you to be with me again.", Squall said. Squall continued carrying Rinoa. …Sorry everyone… I can't go on like this, Squall thought. Squall walked down and carried Rinoa as he walked to the dock.
"I miss you so much. You always made me smile. When you'd laugh, smile, even when you'd get angry. Everything about you made me change.", Squall said. It was sunset outside. The sun was setting. It was getting very late. "It's a bit far, but we'll make it.", Squall said. I want to be with Rinoa again… I need to go ...It's pretty far... Didn't think it would be this far... What am I doing...? Go to Esthar… Find Dr. Odine… Help Rinoa… Ask him a way I can save Rinoa…But there's no guarantee everything will be solved when I get to Esthar… Even so, I'm... I...sure have changed, Squall thought. Squall carried Rinoa as he walked forward, into the sunset.
Squall gently lay Rinoa down and sat next to her, looking toward the sea. "Oh, Rinoa. I want to talk to you. I miss you so much. I want to hear you. I want to tell you how I feel. I never got to tell you that I feel the same. I want to take you in my arms. I just want to talk to you again, the way things used to be.", Squall said. "I never thought this could happen. There's a saying that goes, you don't know exactly how much you treasure something until it's taken away and you've lost it. I know how that feels. Please, Rinoa. Please wake up. I miss the times we'd love to talk, argue, tease each other and have fun. All those times we had together. Being with you was the best time of my life and now you're gone.", Squall said.
I wonder what everyone's doing...? They're probably laughing at me. Or maybe they're angry..., Squall thought. "What do you think?", Squall asked. "To tell you the truth...I worry too much about what other people think of me. I try to hide that side of me. That's why I'd act the way I do. I wanted to be with you so much. I was engaged though. I had to lie to you. I told you I didn't feel the same way you did. I made you think I liked someone else. I didn't want to hurt anyone. I tried to hide the way I felt. I'd either be quiet or joke around. I'd try to hide the deep thoughts inside of me and come off all cool. In fact, I was insecure. I was worried. When I met you, I felt relaxed. I was able to be me and laugh, instead of pretending to be someone I wasn't. I wanted people to think I was secure, when I often wondered if I was truly happy. It made it easy when I was perceived a certain way. I didn't want to hurt anyone, so I did what I thought I should do, instead of what I wanted to do. When I met you, my life changed. My world changed. I was able to be me. That's a secret between you and me, got it?", Squall asked.
Squall kneeled next to Rinoa. "Rinoa…", Squall said. Squall picked up Rinoa and walked forward. He walked toward another dock. A song was playing nearby quietly. Squall recognized it.
Whenever sang my songs… On the stage, on my own. Whenever said my words… wishing they would be heard.
Squall listened to the lyrics as he looked at Rinoa. Squall began to remember his times with Rinoa as the music played. As each lyric entered his soul, the times flashed by him.
I saw you smiling at me. Was it real or just my fantasy? You'd always be there in the corner… Of this tiny little bar.
Squall remembered their first meeting, at the dance.
Squall had seen Rinoa. Their eyes met. Rinoa smiled at Squall and lifted one finger.
"You're the best looking guy here.", Rinoa said. "Dance with me?", she asked.
"Um…", Squall said, trailing off.
"Let me guess… you'll only dance with someone you like?", Rinoal asked. She smiled. "Ok then. Look into my eyes…", she said. She put a finger in front of Squall. You're-going-to-like-me… You're-going-to-like-me. Did it work?", she asked.
"...I can't dance.", Squall said.
"You'll be fine. Come on.", Rinoa said. "I'm looking for someone. I can't be on the dance floor alone.", Rinoa said.
Squall remembered the dance they had. The song continued.
My last night here for you. Same old songs, just once more. My last night here with you? Maybe yes, maybe no.
Squall remembered their meeting on the balcony. Their last night together before he left.
"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'll be back in two months.", Squall said.
"I know.", Rinoa told him.
"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.
Squall remembered pieces of their time together on the balcony.
I kind of liked it your way, how you shyly placed your eyes on me. Did you ever know, that I had mine on you?
Squall remembered their conversation as they traveled to Shumi. He gazed at Rinoa.
"Hey Rinoa.", Squall said, smiling. Squall looked at Rinoa happily.
"Ready to go to Shumi?", Squall asked.
"Yes.", Rinoa replied. Together they walked to the top of Garden.
Squall looked over at Rinoa and smiled.
Rinoa looked over at Squall. She smiled at him.
Darling so there you are, with that look on your face. As if your never hurt. As if your never down.
Squall remembered Rinoa's smiling face as he showed her around on their tour.
"Do you love arguing with me?", Squall asked.
"Huh?", Rinoa asked.
"I'm just kidding, Rinoa.", Squall said.
"Squall, you tease me too much.", Rinoa said.
"I can believe it.", Rinoa said. Rinoa began to laugh.
"What's so funny?", Squall asked.
"Nothing. It's just when you explain it that way, you sound so serious.", Rinoa said.
"You're the one who asked me to show you around.", Squall said.
"Oh, I'm sorry… You don't have to get mad like that.", Rinoa said.
"You bet I'm mad.", Squall teased.
Squall remembered Rinoa's smile as they were together at the concert.
"Squall, you can be funny at times.", Rinoa said.
"That's it!", Squall exclaimed.
"Come on! I'm sorry. What I was saying was, well, you can't handle things on your own. You may get confused with this knew role and withdraw yourself. Even if you don't think it may happen, it can. I want you to know that we'll be here to support you and be by your side.", Rinoa said.
Squall remembered Rinoa's smile as they were together on top of Garden.
Squall saw Rinoa. Rinoa looked outside and smiled as she turned to Squall. The breeze gently blew her hair as she smiled gently at Squall. Rinoa pushed her hair from her face and looked up. Squall's eyes were still on Rinoa.
Shall I be the one for you, who pinches you softly, but sure
Squall walked over to Rinoa and touched her arm.
"I'll help you up.", Squall said.
"Thanks.", Rinoa replied.
If frown if shown then, I'll know that you are not dreaming
"Squall, you can be funny at times.", Rinoa said, laughing.
"That's it!", Squall exclaimed.
"Come on! I'm sorry.
So let me come to you, close as I wanna be
Squall remembered the time fighting the sorceress.
"Just stay close to me.", Squall said.
Close enough for me, to feel your heart beating fast
"Squall… you're back.", Rinoa said.
"I came back a few days early.", Squall said. Squall sat down next to Rinoa.
"Thank you so much.", Rinoa said.
"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.
And stay there as I whisper how I love your peaceful eyes on me. Did you ever know That I had mine on you?
"You seem down today. Usually you're so full of life.", Squall told her.
"Well, I'm a bit upset. It doesn't matter though.", Rinoa said.
"I count on you to cheer me up and now I have to do the job of cheering you up.", Squall said.
"You don't have to.", Rinoa told him.
"I guess.", Squall said.
Darling so share with me, your love if you have enough. The tears if you're holding back or pain if that's what it is.
"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.
How can I let you know I'm more than the dress and the voice Just reach me out and I will know that you are no dreamer
Squall listened as the song ended. Squall felt tears enter his eyes. A tear gently dripped down his face. Squall was crying "Rinoa… Come back to me… Am I… crying?", Squall asked as he wiped a tear from his face. Squall touched Rinoa and held her in his arms. "Rinoa!", Squall called, burying his face on her neck. Squall closed his eyes and began to sleep. He woke up the next day. As he opened his eyes he looked around. He saw Rinoa next to him.
"Rinoa… we'll help you.", Squall said. Squall picked Rinoa up and began to walk forward when he saw the other party members.
"Squall, you were here all night.", Zell said.
"Oh.", Squall replied.
"Come on, let's go.", Zell said. Squall lifted Rinoa onto his back as they walked forward and escorted Edea.
"I am going to Esthar as well.", Edea said.
"Squall, you like Rinoa, huh?", Zell teased. Squall, you're blushing.", Zell said.
"We have to go help Squall.", Selphie said.
"Let's just go.", Squall said.
They walked forward towards the salt lake.
"We're going to bring Rinoa back.", Selphie said.
"Yes. We must help Rinoa. We must save Rinoa. We will bring Rinoa back, no matter what.", Squall said as they walked forward. They continued walking through the ice. They soon arrived on an elevator.
I don't know what I'm doing or if we'll ever get to Esthar. I don't care. I need to save Rinoa. I have to save Rinoa, Squall thought. "I can't turn back now.", Squall said. Suddenly, the elevator stopped.
"It stopped.", Zell said.
I don't care. All I care about is Rinoa. I want to save her, Squall thought. Suddenly, they entered the city. Squall began to collapse. "No… not now…", Squall said. Squall stood up as they saw a car. The car took them into the city. "I need to see Dr. Odine. I need to save Rinoa. Where is Dr. Odine?", Squall asked.
"W-we'll take you to him.", the driver said, startled.
"Squall, calm down.", Edea said.
They soon arrived at the laboratory and saw someone.
"Where is Dr. Odine? We have to bring Rinoa to him! We need to see him, now!", Squall exclaimed.
"You shall.", an aid said.
"If don't I'll…", Squall whispered something.
"You want to take me hostage? Hold on, I'll get him.", the aid said.
"Hello.", Dr. Odine said.
"I need your help now!", Squall exclaimed.
"Calm down, are you a fool yelling?", Dr. Odine asked.
"I don't care! Just help me save Rinoa!", Squall exclaimed.
"First, you must let me observe her.", Odine said.
"What?", Squall asked.
"Only I can help her. Meet us at the Lunar Gate", Odine said.
"You better not do anything to Rinoa.", Squall said. They arrived to meet him.
Squall saw Angelo enter. It's gonna be ok. I'll take care of Rinoa, Squall thought. He followed the others to enter the ship.
"You must enter this shuttle. The doctor shall meet you there. You will go into space.", the aid said. "There are risks involved. Will you still go?", the aid asked.
"I'll do whatever it takes to save Rinoa.", Squall said.
"The girl in blue is in a cold sleep. We have taken her in.", the staff member said.
"Let's go.", Squall said. Squall entered the chamber. The ship took off. Rinoa, everything will be alright, Squall thought. Suddenly, Squall and Rinoa levitated. They reached the ground.
"Wow… she's a teenager, right? Is she dead?", a staff member asked.
"Don't touch her! Rinoa is alive. Be more respectful when you talk about her.", Squall said.
"Let's get her to the med lab", a guy named Piet said.
Squall picked up Rinoa and carried her to the lab. Squall gently placed Rinoa onto a bed nearby. "You better not do anything to hurt her.", Squall said.
"Alright, you're her knight in shining armor. Got it.", a staff member said.
Saving Rinoa is more important then my dignity, Squall thought. Squall ran upstairs and opened a door. "Ellone.", Squall said.
"Squall, there you are.", Ellone said.
"Oh. How did you get here?", Squall asked.
"I needed to come here.", Ellone said.
"Why are you here?", Squall asked.
"I came to see you and tell you that I will let you go.", Ellone said.
"What?", Squall asked.
"Go to Rinoa. I will not be with you anymore. Sorry for all the trouble.", Ellone said.
"Really? Are you sure?", Squall asked.
"Yes. Good luck with her.", Ellone said.
"Thank you. Sorry about everything. Rinoa is so important to me.", Squall said.
"I know.", Ellone told him.
"Thank you for understanding. I have to save her now.", Squall said.
"Go find Rinoa and save her.", Ellone said.
"Thanks. I will save Rinoa.", Squall said. Squall ran back down to Dr. Odine.
"Yes?", Odine asked.
"Now, help me save Rinoa!", Squall exclaimed
"It's a difficult procedure.", Odine said.
"You have a machine that can take you to the past. I need to save Rinoa.", Squall said.
"I need to see her.", Odien said.
"I brought her in the lab. Please come with me.", Squall said as they walked to the lab.
Rinoa's bed opened. Squall heard an alarm.
"What's that? The med lab… Rinoa.", Squall said.
Squall ran to the med lab and he saw someone being flung out. Squall watched as Rinoa walked out of the med lab. It wasn't Rinoa. Rinoa looked different. She moved around as if in a trance, as if something was controlling her. White surrounded her. This wasn't the real Rinoa. Squall approached her and was flung back against the wall. "Rinoa?", Squall asked. Rinoa…What happened to you?, Squall thought. That isn't Rinoa. Something's taken control of her. I need to find her, Squall thought. Squall followed Rinoa. As he approached her again, he was flung back. Squall approached Rinoa again and again and was flung back each time. Squall followed Rinoa as she walked around each room.
"What's going on with Rinoa?", Squall asked a staff member.
"She is opening secret seals. Adel's seals are being unsealed.", they said. Squall saw Rinoa again.
"Rinoa! This isn't Rinoa. Something's controlling her!", Squall exclaimed. Squall approached Rinoa and was blown back again and fell. He watched as Rinoa entered a room. Squall followed her.
"Adel is being unsealed. The next seal is in space.", Piet said.
Squall ran forward. "Have you seen a girl come by?", Squall asked someone.
"Yes, she went there. She is going into space.", the person said.
Squall ran forward. He was going to get her. Damn! I need a space suit, Squall thought. "Rinoa!", Squall exclaimed. "I'll save you, Rinoa!", Squall said. Squall watched as Rinoa walked forward. Squall went behind and found a space suit and put it on. Rinoa, Squall thought.
Squall began to float up into space. He floated higher, suddenly, he had to go back. The top wouldn't let him in. I need to go back, Squall thought, going down.
"We need to evacuate!", a voice called.
"We must leave!", people exclaimed.
Rinoa had been possessed by Ultimecia. Rinoa floated toward Adel. Ultimecia made Rinoa unlock the tomb of Adel. After the tomb was activated, Rinoa was pushed far away.
"Rinoa!", Squall exclaimed.
"Come on! We need to evacuate, now!", Piet said. Piet and the others ran off. Squall saw Ellone.
"Squall, you must protect Rinoa.", Ellone said.
"I know. I will.", Squall said.
"She's calling out to you.", Dr. Odine said, entering from behind. "You are the only one on her mind.", Odine said.
"You can take me to the past, right? Take me to Rinoa! Now!", Squall exclaimed.
"I don't know if I can do that.", Dr. Odine said. "I'll try.", Odine told him.
Squall ran forward.
"The life support system is running out. There is nothing we can do.", Piet said.
"GOD! Rinoa is gonna die!...I can't take it. Please, Dr.. I've never felt this way in my life.", Squall said. Squall was on the verge of crying. "Take me to Rinoa… take me to her past.", Squall said.
"I shall see what I can do.", Odine said. He used a spell. An image entered Squall's mind. An image of Rinoa's past.
"Irvine, go back to the desert prison!", Rinoa said.
"No, it's your father's order. I'm taking you back to Deling City.", Irvine replied.
"We have to go back and help everybody!", Rinoa said, kicking Irvine. Rinoa jumped out.
"I'm sure they can get outta there when the time comes.", Irvine said.
"You don't know for sure. Squall might say 'but no one has ordered me to escape', and end up staying in there. We can't have that! We have to go help them! I don't care if I have to force you back.", Rinoa said.
Another flashback occurred.
"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.
"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.
Squall awoke.
"That wasn't it. That was too far back.", Squall said.
"I apologize.", Odine said. Another flashback entered Squall's mind.
Where am I...?
The battle at Galbadia Garden was shown with Seifer.
You're...
Squall watched as Rinoa approached Seifer. Squall saw someone else in Rinoa's body.
Rinoa...
Squall watched as Rinoa had bent down to Seifer's body.
This isn't Rinoa!, Squall thought.
"Oh, my loyal knight, Seifer. The sorceress is alive...The sorceress demands."
Ultimecia? The future sorceress is inside Rinoa?...Transferred from Edea?
Where's Rinoa?, Squall thought.
"Find the legendary Lunatic Pandora, said to be hidden beneath the ocean. Only then shall the sorceress provide you with dreams again."
Rinoa! Where are you? Answer me!, Squall thought. He watched as Seifer stood up.
"As you wish, Ultimecia.", Seifer said.
Squall began to hear Rinoa's thoughts.
...Squall...I'm scared, Rinoa thought. He watched as Rinoa fell and the sorceress left her.
Rinoa!, Squall thought.
"Who's there? Get out!"
Squall awoke.
"Rinoa!", Squall exclaimed. He watched as Odine collapsed. His spells were nearly used up.
"Did you find the girl?", Odine asked.
"I couldn't do anything…. What should I do?", Squall asked. Squall looked at Ellone.
"You look so scared. You looked at me with those eyes when you were little, now you look at Rinoa with those eyes.", Ellone said.
"All those times are in the past.", Squall said.
"What's important is now. You must save her. Talk to Odine for help.", Ellone said.
"I have to help Rinoa now. That's the only thing I can do, right?", Squall asked.
"Squall, you must talk to her. Your voice may not reach her, but your heart will reach her.", Odine said.
An image of the past entered Squall.
Squall saw Rinoa floating in space.
"Am I...gonna make it...? How? I can't do anything... Drifting... endlessly. I'm helpless...", Rinoa thought. Her thoughts echoed as words to Squall. The life support system had lowered.
"No... I'm... That's it. I'm gonna... I'm gonna...die.", Rinoa thought. Her thoughts became words in Squall's mind.
The life support system had terminated.
"Good bye. Squall...", Rinoa thought.
"Rinoa! No! Don't give up!", Squall thought. His thoughts transmitted as words as they entered Rinoa's mind.
"……", Rinoa thought.
"Can you hear me? It's Squall...Rinoa! Rinoa!", Squall thought.
Rinoa was in space. Her breaths became heavier as she breathed for air. Her eyelids moved.
"Squall…? Is it you?", Rinoa thought.
"Rinoa, come on! Try to remember!", Squall thought. His thoughts entered Rinoa's mind again.
"Squall… I think I hear his voice. Could it be him? Could it be Squall?", Rinoa thought.
Rinoa continued breathing. Her eyes closed as she began to stop breathing. She breathed a bit more and more but began to stop.
"Rinoa, I'm right here with you! Listen to me!", Squall thought.
"Squall? Is it Squall? Can Squall hear me? I keep hearing Squall's voice.", Rinoa thought.
Rinoa lay in her space suit. Rinoa floated through space. Rinoa continued to float through space.
Rinoa was in space. Rinoa's eyes opened. Squall's ring floated by her face. She looked at the ring sadly, but had a bit of hope in her eyes. She smiled as she reached toward her helmet.
"I'm...still... ...alive? Squall...?", Rinoa thought. Rinoa touched a button on her space suit. Oxygen entered her helmet as her hair blew gently.
Squall awoke. "I'm going to go save Rinoa.", Squall said. Squall grabbed a lever as he was pulled up.
"What's he doing? There's no way he can get back. E's insane. They're going to fund out of fuel in no time. They're both gonna die.", Piet said.
Squall floated up into space. "I love Rinoa.", Squall said. "Tonight I realized that I love Rinoa and I will save Rinoa, even if it costs my life.", Squall said.
To be continued in the next chapter. This chapter was originally very long, but I cut it down and deleted the descriptions. In the next chapter, Squall and Rinoa get together as Squall confesses his feelings for Rinoa. Squall and Rinoa become a couple.