Author's Notes: As you know, I was out of town for two weeks for reasons I
could not control. Due to this I have a nice big chapter for you, as well
as part of one ready. It took a while to type up because it is 19 pages of
small print college ruled paper. Oy, this is officially my longest chapter
to date, over 6,000 words. And I hope that those of you that read Dealing
with It enjoyed it. This chapter is a new technique of mine, done in
flashbacks from Reyn and Corin. You'll love it, I'm sure. Odd how my story
insists that it will not go in the direction I want it to. I've decided
that next update I'll be changing the title and description. I'm going to
call it, 'Raining Down' for that keeps with the idea, but does not imply
that the story is only about Reyn. But now to the comments:
Silver-nex: Man, now you've confused me. Let's see if I can clear up our confusion. Corin has no siblings. Rhiale is Jason's sister. Corin is jealous of Rhiale. Xu and Nida had twins, Xu murdered but the premature child survives. Reyn's not related to Rinoa, she was merely the surrogate mother. Drew is the son of Squall and Seifer, more of Squall than Seifer. Just as with Reyn, Drew's surrogate mother is Selphie, there is NO relation other than that and the fact she adopted him. Xu had to die because... Well, that is secret.
Firefly-Dreams: Wait until next chapter for ANOTHER dead body. Thanks for your comments. I hope this nice long chapter will make you very happy.... Next chapter has it all... angst, incest, and a need for you to hold onto that Squall plushie...
Chapter 5: Two Attacks
{Corin}
If you ever wanted to know, being stranded amidst a sea of dancing people can be a lonely situation. And there should be a law that says a SeeD should not be forced to a SeeD Induction Ball if a close friend is murdered, they'd just been through a harsh break-up, and the world is plunging into war. Then again, one should not be allowed to leave another stuck where I am with no obvious escape. Should I explain? It all started with the announcement from the sorceresses...
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"We shall take what is ours by right, and we WILL use force if you resist! ... We shall take what is ours by right, and we WILL use force if you resist! ... We shall..." the sound of the tape was drowned out as a knock came at my door
Before the threat could be repeated again, I grabbed the remote and hit pause. From the look on my guest's face, I could tell he'd done the same thing many times, and was no closer to understanding than I. Reyn frowned and sat upon the couch beside me. Normally such a meeting would have brought soft words and sweet kisses; today was different, and he glared at the woman pictured upon the television screen. In this world there is no greater evil than Rinoa with her daughter at her right hand, Drew at her left, and the dark Darus behind them. Worst thing was that no one knew what would happen.
"Not good?" I questioned, my voice strained.
"We're not ready for this; war is coming far too soon!" Reyn growled at the TV.
Gently I placed a hand over the one he had on his knee, "We can get through this. I know you feel betrayed; she IS your mother in ways. But we all feel the same."
"She stole my brother and half of Angelus! I know I was never close to Drew, but still!" he roared angrily, pulling his hand and himself away from me. He stood and began to pace.
"She killed Xu, who was my mother for SIX years! I'm going to stop Rinoa from ruining more lives..." He kept up, pacing now.
"Like Rhiale's?"
"Yes," he said, moving back to the door, obviously having noted the bitter edge to my voice.
"Doesn't matter," I added hastily, "We still have a job to do."
"For ourselves, for our family, and for our world," Reyn finished the oath we always used before a mission. "We're going to have the SeeD Induction Ball tomorrow night."
"It is too soon!" my protest came.
"Nonetheless we won't get rid of our traditions! Deal with it. Since Nida is still in the hospital and I'm acting Headmaster, I need my SeeD Commander to help me through this!"
"Yes Sir," I sighed.
With this Reyn left the room, leaving me to my thoughts. For ten minutes I was left to review the sorceress video and the pondering of my newest problems. Yet after ten minutes Reyn returned to the room, watching me for a while. Reyn crossed to me and smiled softly. His hand reached out and caressed my cheek. It was odd for him to be so tender, so gentle, so this behavior was a lovely change, even if he had left me. Next thing I knew, the door was closed and locked, and he'd pinned me against the wall. The strong hands that were just caressing me were now at my throat, choking me. Breathing was growing hard, and I couldn't understand why he'd do this to me...
"CORIN!" a shout came as my consciousness faded.
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"He's waking up," a voice said, one that made me instantly curl up in a ball.
"Corin?" my mother's worried voice reached me and caused me to awaken fully.
"Let him breathe!" Ishuna growled, pushing Dad, Mom, and Reyn out of the way.
"Keep him away from me!" I yelled, pointing at Reyn, "He tried to kill me! He's a traitor!"
"Shhhh..." my mother said, brushing some stray red hair from my eyes and frowning as she turned my holotat projector off.
"He saved you son," Stelah cut in, smiling, "And we're thankful for it."
"He's tricked you all!" I shouted, trying to get them to understand the truth.
"All of you go away, you're agitating my patient. OUT!" the eldest daughter of Xu and Nida commanded, "Quistus, go watch over the baby. Reyn stay here... And Mister Sylum, please be kind enough to leave us be."
Though with great reluctance, my father left the room. He was always so protective of me and Quistus, as if we were all there was for him to live for. Quistus's maternal instincts must have kicked in when I was hurt, so the chance to take care of a baby instantly calmed her. To my great confusion, Ishuna whispered something to Reyn and then slipped away to tend to other patients. Him, he just stood there, that look on his face, the one Selphie called his 'thinky face'. This expression betrayed sorrow, regret and a deep love and care of my well being. After a moment his face hardened, and he looked far more like the seasoned warrior that he was.
Without a word he sat on the edge of the bed, looking over my clothes. Yes I knew my uniform was disheveled, but I could not help it or remedy it due to the IV needles in my arm. While my eyes followed the silver piping of his uniform, his eyes peered into mine. The gaze that once brought the simplest pleasures of joy now filled me with dread, and I could not meet his gaze. Rough lips then pressed against mine, and he ran his fingers through my hair. Allowing passion, need and hope to drown my fears, I returned the hesitant kiss. Sometimes I wondered how we both could be such hard-asses and tough warriors- seemingly unstoppable- in public, and yet so tender and emotional in private. It was like we were two different people. For a while I held him and the kiss, until the need for breath pulled us apart.
"It wasn't me," Reyn began quickly, hoping to explain before I yelled again.
"You were choking me. You tried to kill me!"
"No, it was Rinoa's attempt on you. You're really lucky that I was feeling bad; otherwise I'd never have gone back to your office. It's luck that you are alive right now."
"What are you talking about?"
"Rinoa must have used her magic to make another person look like me. Rinoa always knew about us, and she used it to her advantage. We don't know what happened in that room, not all of it at least. We know that when I rushed in and summoned Valen to combat the creature I was shot by it, and you were passed out on the floor. You've been here for over 20 hours now," the temporary headmaster blurted it all at once, fear for me evident in the tears brimming in his eyes.
"Do I have to go to the Dance?" I asked, joking somewhat but really trying to get out of it.
"I'm sorry. You do. But at least be sure to save a dance for me..."
Realization dawned upon me then, like the sun powering through morning clouds and providing a beautiful day. Never before had we been open about our relationship to any but Xu and Nida. Such a proposal said we'd end out relationship with a graceful dance, one that showed everyone what we had shared for so long. It would raise questions, but then we'd both dance with another, him with Rhiale, and myself with whoever. Romantic gestures like this graceful dance really made me love him even more.
"Come one... I think Ishuna will give you a clean bill of health... She's a great temporary doc. Her mom taught her well. But still, we have things to discuss."
With a nod, I stood, legs shaking. Gently Reyn helped me remove the IVs and we slipped out of the Infirmary.
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Do not doubt that Reyn can dance. Years of gunblade training has left him a sense of grace and balance. We dance as one, his hands on my hip and shoulder (that hand lightly fingering my hair), and we are gliding along the floor. People are staring but let them stare! As the music moved into a quicker tempo, we changed our steps to match. The gathering crowd watched us intently as the circle we cut grew larger. Maybe it was out need to impress, or our need for them to understand, that gave us such a skill when we needed it. Anticipating this song's soon closing, Reyn twirled me away from his body, then back into his arms. The last notes came, hang in the air, and faded before he kissed my neck and was swept away by Rhiale for the next dance.
Ten sad minutes found me at the head faculty table, watching Rhiale and Reyn dance with a grace that was less than that in our own dance. No longer able to handle it, I glared down at my plate. I knew what Rhiale had that I didn't, but I didn't care. Together we'd survived so much, and out three year relationship had been happy. That was ruined now. Being so deep in my sorrow allowed Ishuna to sneak up on me. Smiling, she held out her hand, a silent offer to dance. Now that I had nothing to lose, why not?
Together we made our way to the center of the dance floor, which had been occupied by Reyn and Rhiale until a few minutes ago. As Ishuna and I danced for a half an hour, all but the dance became pointless. Well, until Fiera came over.
"There is a problem," the younger twin, clad in silky blue whispered to me and her sister, "Selphie wants to see us now."
With a nod, Ishuna slipped off. Frozen I watched the emerald clad sister glide over to the instructors tables on the far side of the room. Selphie and the others would be there this evening.
"What is going on?"
"Reyn has been missing for forty minutes and we just received word from the sorceresses claiming they have taken him captive," she replied simply and walked off, leaving me stranded here.
That is how I ended up alone here. Now I'm stuck here, a raft adrift in a sea of bodies. How could they keep dancing as if nothing has happened? Well, to them nothing has. With a sigh I set off resolutely through the throngs of dancers. We have to save Reyn; he's our only hope against Drew.
{Reyn}
Something inside me screams in pain, commanding my lips to part and curse all of creation. Partial thoughts run through my mind: scream, run, surrender. Pain from an electric shock flowed intensely through me. When the shock ends, I begin to laugh, thoughts clearing up. There was only once place like this left in the world, D-District Prison in Galbidia. The place had been shut down more than four years ago. Squall had been in this same place so long ago, my father smiling evilly at him, having no control over what torture he inflicted. Now my brother stood in my father's place. Yet beside him stood Rella, Rinoa and Drew... Wait, am I seeing double now?
"Seems your doppelganger worked well mother," Rella chuckled, leaning against the Drew beside her.
"You doubted it? Still, even though Corin lives, we've got what we wanted..." Rinoa said, walking over and running her fingers over my cheek. "You will be my knight, just like your parents before you."
Mustering what energy I could, I spat in her face and smirked, "Over my dead body you witch!"
"That can be arranged," the Drew standing near the controls to this damn torture device said with a growl.
"Give him time with Drake, his tune will change quickly," Rella suggested, gesturing to the 'Drew' who had just threatened me.
"Yes," Rinoa agreed, wiping the spit off of her face, "Take him out of my sight."
The one called Drake, the one who looked like my brother, moved to my side with a grin. Surely the pain I'd receive at his hands would not be enough to turn me. As Drake took me down (after casting a paralyze spell on me much to my disappointment), Drew came over to help him. Watching the traitor weakly, I tried to protest, lash out, get free. Nothing worked. Resolved to take my fate as best I could, I glared right at my brother, receiving a confusing wink. With Drew's help, the other man carried me to a cell. Knowing now that Rinoa was sick, and aware of Rella's sense of dark humor, I expected it was the one Squall had inhabited during his time here.
With specific orders to cause me no harm, Drew left the cell. Now the room was empty of all but me and the one with my brother's face. Soon I found myself pinned to a bed by the odd thing, I say thing because nothing that has a look like that is human. For the first time in my like I felt genuine fear. I could taste it in my mouth, bitter and cold, consuming me. The creature's features became like liquid, flowing over his face until I looked fearfully into my own eyes. So this was how Corin was lead to believe I'd tried to kill him. It was also how I was tricked I assumed. Again the face became like water, changing to mirror the delicate beauty of Rhiale. Next the creature donned the mask of my long time lover, and I was very tempted to give in willingly. Finally Drew again looked down at me, and again I was repulsed by this whole situation. How dare this, this doppelganger steal my brother's face, and those of my friends?
Hot breath flowed over my neck, and I cringed inwardly, still unable to move. How could I steel myself against such an assault? Already I felt used and worthless, now this. Nothing could make this moment right as the doppelganger stripped my clothes off. Soon my only comfort was in the pain, and the tears. Could my life get any worse? It's hard to think it began so well...
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"We shall take what is ours by right, and we WILL use force if you resist! ... We shall take what is ours by right, and we WILL use force if you resist! ..."
Hyne, those words were irritating I noted as I knocked on the door and Corin fumbled with the remote to hit the pause button. Just five minutes ago I'd been analyzing the same video clip, trying to figure out why Rinoa had turned against us. Nothing made me understand her mind set. Deep inside I knew my parents would have captured her, sealed her away as Adel had been. Then it hit me how I've been using GFs so many years now, but my memories hadn't seemed to be affected. In particular, I remembered a discussion between my parents, one about Rinoa's growing control over her magic and the fact that she was teaching Rella, then five years old, how to use 'nice healing magic'.
With a frown I moved to the couch and sat by Corin. This was his office now. I noted the image of Rinoa upon the television, glaring at it. She was the reason I had not brother, no happiness. That witch would par for this, I'd make her pay for this with her life, for using us all, betraying us, for murder and for all the pain she had caused this world, or would cause.
"Not good?" Corin asked me, having trouble speaking. The look in his eyes was pained, even needy.
My growl was meant for him though I looked at the TV. We were no longer one, and he was my SeeD Commander, so we needed to stay business like. "We're not ready for this; war is coming far too soon!"
With a familiar touch, his hand covered mine. I had a bit of a habit of balling my fist up on my knee when I was very frustrated or angered. Often he'd place his hand over mine to comfort me in his gentle way. Once, in a peaceful time, this office had been mine and not his, and such an attempt to comfort me would lead to love on this very couch. In fact, the green pillow behind me covered a stain from such an encounter.
"We can get through this. I know you feel betrayed; she IS your mother in ways. But we all feel the same," he said, not getting what he was saying or what I was feeling.
I pulled away and stood as his grip upon my hand tightened, furious, "She stole my brother and half of Angelus! I know I was never close to Drew, but still! She killed Xu, who was my mother for SIX years! I'm going to stop her from ruining more lives."
"Like Rhiale's?"
The question made me stop the pacing I had started a few moments ago. Looking down and the floor, I didn't know what to say to that. Obviously he was jealous, and it hurt to know that. It was hardest to figure out why I felt this way about her. While Corin made me feel one way, Rhiale made me feel another way altogether, but both felt right. Choosing had been hard enough, but making me feel this way was cruel.
"Yes," I said sadly, moving to the door and leaving my back to him. Seifer once said that turning your back on someone meant two things: that you were denying the person, rejecting them or what they said; and showing you weren't afraid of being stabbed in the back.
"Doesn't matter," he quickly said, afraid probably that I would leave, "We have a job to do."
Maybe I should have predicted this ploy from him. Ever since he came to Esthar that had been our motto before all serious missions. He was grasping at straws, trying to remind me of all we were. Pathetic. Time to snap him back to reality, "For ourselves, for our family and four our world." I paused, then, "We're going to have the SeeD Induction Ball tomorrow night."
"It's too soon!" he protested weakly.
"Nonetheless we won't get rid of our traditions! Deal with it. Since Nida is still in the hospital, and I'm acting Headmaster, I need my SeeD Commander to help me through this!"
Sadly he looked at the standard Garden flooring, "Yes Sir."
That sound nearly broke me. I NEEDED to turn around and comfort him, tell him I was exploring, any lie to get him to smile. No, I couldn't because I had a job, and I had Rhiale. Still, leaving that room was the hardest thing I ever had to do. The silence of the halls was total, and I was lost in it. My eyes glanced over the gleaming glass walls, ones of Estharian design that could hide what was on the other side. The carpet was set with Esthar Garden's seal, two crossed gunblades with Griever behind it. Mom's seal, Dad's seal, now mine. Once a symbol of their oneness, now a symbol of my lonely nature. Griever... What a GF, one I respected like I did Angelus. Would I end up like Griever, as lonely and confused as I was now in this picture of misery?
Very sure I'd hate myself for it in the morning, I really stop and consider going back. Corin cared for me more than he cared for his life, and that meant so much to me. Love like that came so rarely, but was he really the best for me? Resigning myself to talk with him, I glance at my watch. I've been thinking for over ten minutes. That should have been enough time for him to cool off, so I headed back. Yet oddly enough the door is locked when I try it. Corin didn't lock doors, not even his room's door. Glad of the perk of being Headmaster, I take the master key card and slide it into a slit at the top of the door's security pad, overriding the lock and causing the door to open.
The first thing I see is Corin pressed against the wall, strangled by myself. It is rather surreal to see it, as if I wasn't actually me. Needing a moment to compose myself, I summon forth Valen, all I have left, as my weapon is not present. The winged guardian appears, frowning and quickly pressing his own gunblade, though slightly too large for me, into my hands. A fatherly smile touched the angel's scarred face as he nodded to me. Those eyes, so like mine, shifted to look at the other Reyn. With a cocky smirk, an expression so unlike him (and so like what Mom called 'one of the four most dangerous parts of an Almasy') Valen formed a ball of pure radiance between his hands. A moment I was dazzled by the light that flowed from the tips of his feathers to his hands, before the brilliance forced me o look back o Corin.
"CORIN!" I shouted, racing forward and knocking my double away from him.
The other me, smirking, pushed me off of him with unnatural strength. Standing, he grabbed Corin's loaded machine gun off the table and pointed it at me with an evil grin. Two rounds are fired at me, and most are blocked as I bring Valen's larger than life weapon up between us. A few ripped into my arm, and another into my chest, but that doesn't matter. My double now noticed Valen, and his arms morphed into swords. When Valen released the orb in his hands, I slammed my eyes closed and turned away. Firs one, then two, then three moments passed before I can turn back and see the odd thing on the floor disappear before anything can be done.
"You're hurt," Valen points out in a worried manner.
"Corin..." I said, crawling over to him. Too weak to check his pulse or move any farther, I cry.
Valen's hand comes to rest on my shoulder as his other hand turns my face to look at him. Gently he plucks a downy feather from his wing and forces it into my mouth. Trusting the angel I swallow and feel odd. Warmth washes over me as I store away the memory of the creamy taste, and the sweet smell of the guardian's breath. Slowly sleep over-took me as the white angel's hand glowed and first purified then healed the wounds flawlessly. The last thing on my mind is the GF's softly whispered words... 'You've come so far my son.'
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Green. There is only green. "Is heaven green? Am I in heaven?"
"Is that the beginning of a pick-up line about seeing an angel?" Ishuna is chuckling as the room becomes visible.
"Oh that isn't nice," Rhiale said, pulling away and affording me the sight of her lovely face; for that I'd die.
While the two argued over the joke, I sat up and looked around. Warm yellow glass walls of the infirmary, thin yet unbreakable glass with holo- projections meant to comfort us, glow faintly with a tropic sunset. Soft yellow blankets and sheets are wrapped around me, instilling warmth to my flesh. Before the two can protest I grab my belongings bag, and rush to the bathroom. First thing to go on are the soft tan leather pants Irvine gave me as a birthday gift. Following that is the emerald green dress shirt. Ellone had sent me this from Winhill. Next to last was a soft tan trench coat Corin had given me for our anniversary now riddled, like my shirt, with bullet holes. Finally are my shoes, and a few necklaces: my hololocket, my father's choker, mom's Griever pendant, and two opposed wings of black and white, Angelus's Symbol. Together the GFs had given me this necklace, though Shiva often called it 'The Bane of the Loire'.
Not that I was dressed and back in sight of the females, I jokingly posed. Both Rhiale and Ishuna clapped and cheered, though quietly. Suddenly all was again silent, and Ishuna glanced toward the curtained area. Something hit me now, Corin's attack. I walked to the curtain and pushed it aside to look down upon Corin. My heart caught in my throat as I saw the sleeping face. Many nights I'd stayed up late, just watching him sleep. Now I rested my eyes on the gentle rise and fall of his chest. Just by the way Ishuna had looked over here I knew he might not make it.
"Hyne, please," I said, taking Corin's hand and trying not to let my voice crack, "Spare his life and I'll be whatever you desire me to be, our fate is in your hands."
A hand rested on my shoulder and I jumped a bit. Had my prayers been answered, was this Hyne?
Turning, I frown at the intruder, "I wasn't expecting you Rhiale..."
"He'll be fine," she said softly, as if she held all the answers.
"I love him Rhiale," I said, watching Corin with breathless anticipation of his waking.
"I know, and I think I love you for it," Rhiale said kissing me.
Dear Hyne, if this is your answer, please don't let me fail...
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The 20th hour came, and Corin still slept. Fear gripped my heart, and time I should have spent upon preparations for the dance was spent by his bed, worried. Rhiale and I had come to an agreement, I could give Corin one last grand romantic gesture and I'd then give myself totally to her. Half of me hoped that Rhiale and I did not work out so I could find comfort with Corin. I... I love him. Gods, what was I doing? I love him, I can't leave him. Excited with my decision, I grabbed Corin's hand and kissed it before standing and walking over to Quistus and Stelah, smiling. The two looked at me, rather confused at my behavior as I hugged them. So what if I was breaking my promise to Hyne?
"I love him," I announced happily.
"Reyn... You love..." Quistus started but was cut off by a groan in Corin's direction.
Quickly I bounded over to him and watched his love's eyes flutter open, "He's waking up."
While I noted how he curled up into a ball, Quistus came over and spoke, "Corin?"
Ishun swept over and frowned at them, "Let him breathe!"
While Ishuna pressed us away from Corin, the man put in his two cents, "Keep him away from me! He tried to kill me! He's a traitor!"
His finger pointed at me, and I took a step back. One word can be used to describe my feeling: shattered. Maybe I would go to Rhiale, if this was how he felt. His life depended on me, and I came through for him. And how could he not know it had not been me? Corin knew me more intimately then any other, and knew not an imposter? Actually, I'm tempted to just walk away right now, just leave. He isn't that important, even if I was swearing moments ago that I loved him.
"Reyn, snap out of it. You've missed the whole conversation. And get rid of the thinky face, it creeps me out," Ishuna said before strolling away.
The 'thinky' face was a joke of Selphie's, a description of how my face looked when I was deep in thought. Corin had often said it only appeared when I didn't like what I thought of. With a deep breath I willed a colder look upon my face. The intensity with which Corin watched me felt like a knife plunging into my chest. Without a word I sat down beside him on the bed. My eyes, flowed over his body, shaped as any good male should be. Then my eyes looked onto his, though he'd not meet my gaze. Only one way to get his attention now, though it's not help the idea of us breaking up.
A rough kiss that was meant to merely waken him to words became far more far too quickly. One of my hands ran though his hair unbidden as the other cupped his face, thumb caressing where holotats would be. Now an edge was added, Corin pulled me close and added his own passion to the mix. Soon my longs burned with a thirst for air... Would it be so horrible to die like this? At last Corin broke the contact, and I pulled away to breathe.
"It wasn't me."
"You were choking me! You tried to kill me!" his shouts echoed off the walls at me.
"Now," I shook my head, "It was Rinoa's attempt on you. You've really lucky that I was feeling bad, otherwise I'd never have gone back to your office."
"What are you talking about?"
"Rinoa must have used her magic to make another person look like me. Rinoa always knew about us, and she used it to her advantage. We don't know what happened in that room, not all of it at least. We know that when I rushed in and summoned Valen to combat the creature I was shot by it, and you were passed out on the floor. You've been here for over 20 hours now," my words were rushed, betraying my emotions.
"Do I have to go to the dance?" he questioned.
"I'm sorry, you do. But at least be sure to save a dance for me..." I pronounced and stood.
The boy grinned at the prospect as I continued, "Come on... I think Ishuna will give you a clean bill of health. She's a great temporary doc. Her mom taught her well. But still, we have things to discuss."
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There are far more parts to Garden then one can be led to believe. One of these lesser used parts is the two story ballroom. The bottom floor holds the less formal area for graduations and the Garden Festival. The top floor is a marvel and used mainly for balls. Due to the distance between the capital and Garden, the skylight gives a wonderful vision of the night sky through crystal window panes. Even when the celestial bodies are not visible they can be seen here through the ever present use of holograms in Esthar. The floors here are made of nearly indestructible imitation crystal. Making the place seem to have the beauty of what was once the Centra cavern. This place could double as a bomb shelter for most of the school populous but it was meant only for dances such as the SeeD Induction Ball. Now it was dressed in its finest ornaments, waiting, though none of it, or the guests, knew.
At my earlier request, the bad struck up a lively tune. We were at an intermittent point between early speeches and dinner, a time for dancing, a time to make a final moment and a new beginning. It was a custom here for the Headmaster to lead in the first dance. I had no clue how mom did it before him and dad were public, or how Seifer managed to get it to be two couples leading, Squall and an instructor, and Seifer with Xu. It was time to amend the tradition for one evening. Standing, I smile at the gathered then let a serious edge come to my face as I make the final minor speech of the night that I was responsible for.
"Were this like any other year, Nida and Xu lead in the first dance, with myself and my latest fling beside them. This year neither of those will happen. As you know, Doctor Xu was murdered by the Sorceress Rinoa, whom many of us knew and respected. The Headmaster suffered a major heart attack when he found her dead, and myself barely clinging to life. Because of that, he has suffered paralysis from the waist down, and will never dance again. Now in the face of the THIRD sorceress war in a century, the leaders of the other Gardens have finally given me the place my beloved parents prepared me for. First I mirrored my father's role in being SeeD Commander, now I follow Squall Leonheart-Loire as Headmaster, though it may be temporary. You all know Corin Sylum, the son of another well known warrior in the last war, Quistus Trepe. He shall be my SeeD Commander. But instead of us leading with others in the dance, we'll have something a bit different. Maybe then all of us will understand the unity all people need in this latest fight..."
Here came my final gesture. Corin stood and held back a smile. Hesitating a moment, I took his hand and kissed it. Many would think back to my parents, who they didn't know well, who never shared the first dance, even though they'd been married two years. Tonight's actions would appear to be hasty, but they had to happen. There was an audible gasp, and even a whoop of joy from Nida, who out of the hospital for the evening, was in a wheelchair at the teacher/staff table, near my own seat. The man had always been suspicious of us, and loved to be right.
Together Corin and I walked out onto the dance floor as a more somber slow dance swept us up into its pace. Casually, as if slow dancing with another man was an everyday thing, I rest a hand on his hip and the other in his open hand. Gracefully we moved together, testing. Gradually the music sped, the tune becoming hopeful. Corin pulled me nearly against him and I shifted a hand to his shoulder. Like this we could be one for the public, we could be honest. The song blends into a waltz and we change our steps to move in a circle. Some people watched us with pride, some indifferent, some disgusted, and some glad to see this period.
Second melt into minutes as we dance. Everything is a fluid dance, is totally us. The only accurate way to describe us two is an intricate dance that leaves one as satisfied as they need to be. While the music began to fade, I spun Corin away from me, tired of this prolonged goodbye. Finally he span back into my arms and we stood like that a while. A few people shook their heads, but many clapped for us. Frown upon my face I kissed Corin's neck and whispered my goodbye against the tender flesh and was pulled away. It was but an instant until Rhiale swept over in her new Esthar Garden uniform and pulled me away into a dance.
"Rhiale!" I grumbled under my breath while forcing a smile, "I wanted to talk to him before we danced!"
She did not reply, but only pulled me into a faster pace while dancing. This is when I noticed her uniform... Rhiale is a Trabia SeeD, why is she in an Esthar uniform? After a dance, she pulled me off the floor and to a balcony. The way she moved wasn't really her, to hesitant. Then the double of me that I saw earlier attacking Corin came to my mind. Quickly I pulled away and backed up a step, only to receive a punch to my gut, the cold press of the floor against my cheek and darkness.
That had been the last thing I remembered before waking up by torture. Here I was now, being used in such a way that I wept openly. Oh Hyne... Let me die here tonight.
Silver-nex: Man, now you've confused me. Let's see if I can clear up our confusion. Corin has no siblings. Rhiale is Jason's sister. Corin is jealous of Rhiale. Xu and Nida had twins, Xu murdered but the premature child survives. Reyn's not related to Rinoa, she was merely the surrogate mother. Drew is the son of Squall and Seifer, more of Squall than Seifer. Just as with Reyn, Drew's surrogate mother is Selphie, there is NO relation other than that and the fact she adopted him. Xu had to die because... Well, that is secret.
Firefly-Dreams: Wait until next chapter for ANOTHER dead body. Thanks for your comments. I hope this nice long chapter will make you very happy.... Next chapter has it all... angst, incest, and a need for you to hold onto that Squall plushie...
Chapter 5: Two Attacks
{Corin}
If you ever wanted to know, being stranded amidst a sea of dancing people can be a lonely situation. And there should be a law that says a SeeD should not be forced to a SeeD Induction Ball if a close friend is murdered, they'd just been through a harsh break-up, and the world is plunging into war. Then again, one should not be allowed to leave another stuck where I am with no obvious escape. Should I explain? It all started with the announcement from the sorceresses...
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"We shall take what is ours by right, and we WILL use force if you resist! ... We shall take what is ours by right, and we WILL use force if you resist! ... We shall..." the sound of the tape was drowned out as a knock came at my door
Before the threat could be repeated again, I grabbed the remote and hit pause. From the look on my guest's face, I could tell he'd done the same thing many times, and was no closer to understanding than I. Reyn frowned and sat upon the couch beside me. Normally such a meeting would have brought soft words and sweet kisses; today was different, and he glared at the woman pictured upon the television screen. In this world there is no greater evil than Rinoa with her daughter at her right hand, Drew at her left, and the dark Darus behind them. Worst thing was that no one knew what would happen.
"Not good?" I questioned, my voice strained.
"We're not ready for this; war is coming far too soon!" Reyn growled at the TV.
Gently I placed a hand over the one he had on his knee, "We can get through this. I know you feel betrayed; she IS your mother in ways. But we all feel the same."
"She stole my brother and half of Angelus! I know I was never close to Drew, but still!" he roared angrily, pulling his hand and himself away from me. He stood and began to pace.
"She killed Xu, who was my mother for SIX years! I'm going to stop Rinoa from ruining more lives..." He kept up, pacing now.
"Like Rhiale's?"
"Yes," he said, moving back to the door, obviously having noted the bitter edge to my voice.
"Doesn't matter," I added hastily, "We still have a job to do."
"For ourselves, for our family, and for our world," Reyn finished the oath we always used before a mission. "We're going to have the SeeD Induction Ball tomorrow night."
"It is too soon!" my protest came.
"Nonetheless we won't get rid of our traditions! Deal with it. Since Nida is still in the hospital and I'm acting Headmaster, I need my SeeD Commander to help me through this!"
"Yes Sir," I sighed.
With this Reyn left the room, leaving me to my thoughts. For ten minutes I was left to review the sorceress video and the pondering of my newest problems. Yet after ten minutes Reyn returned to the room, watching me for a while. Reyn crossed to me and smiled softly. His hand reached out and caressed my cheek. It was odd for him to be so tender, so gentle, so this behavior was a lovely change, even if he had left me. Next thing I knew, the door was closed and locked, and he'd pinned me against the wall. The strong hands that were just caressing me were now at my throat, choking me. Breathing was growing hard, and I couldn't understand why he'd do this to me...
"CORIN!" a shout came as my consciousness faded.
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"He's waking up," a voice said, one that made me instantly curl up in a ball.
"Corin?" my mother's worried voice reached me and caused me to awaken fully.
"Let him breathe!" Ishuna growled, pushing Dad, Mom, and Reyn out of the way.
"Keep him away from me!" I yelled, pointing at Reyn, "He tried to kill me! He's a traitor!"
"Shhhh..." my mother said, brushing some stray red hair from my eyes and frowning as she turned my holotat projector off.
"He saved you son," Stelah cut in, smiling, "And we're thankful for it."
"He's tricked you all!" I shouted, trying to get them to understand the truth.
"All of you go away, you're agitating my patient. OUT!" the eldest daughter of Xu and Nida commanded, "Quistus, go watch over the baby. Reyn stay here... And Mister Sylum, please be kind enough to leave us be."
Though with great reluctance, my father left the room. He was always so protective of me and Quistus, as if we were all there was for him to live for. Quistus's maternal instincts must have kicked in when I was hurt, so the chance to take care of a baby instantly calmed her. To my great confusion, Ishuna whispered something to Reyn and then slipped away to tend to other patients. Him, he just stood there, that look on his face, the one Selphie called his 'thinky face'. This expression betrayed sorrow, regret and a deep love and care of my well being. After a moment his face hardened, and he looked far more like the seasoned warrior that he was.
Without a word he sat on the edge of the bed, looking over my clothes. Yes I knew my uniform was disheveled, but I could not help it or remedy it due to the IV needles in my arm. While my eyes followed the silver piping of his uniform, his eyes peered into mine. The gaze that once brought the simplest pleasures of joy now filled me with dread, and I could not meet his gaze. Rough lips then pressed against mine, and he ran his fingers through my hair. Allowing passion, need and hope to drown my fears, I returned the hesitant kiss. Sometimes I wondered how we both could be such hard-asses and tough warriors- seemingly unstoppable- in public, and yet so tender and emotional in private. It was like we were two different people. For a while I held him and the kiss, until the need for breath pulled us apart.
"It wasn't me," Reyn began quickly, hoping to explain before I yelled again.
"You were choking me. You tried to kill me!"
"No, it was Rinoa's attempt on you. You're really lucky that I was feeling bad; otherwise I'd never have gone back to your office. It's luck that you are alive right now."
"What are you talking about?"
"Rinoa must have used her magic to make another person look like me. Rinoa always knew about us, and she used it to her advantage. We don't know what happened in that room, not all of it at least. We know that when I rushed in and summoned Valen to combat the creature I was shot by it, and you were passed out on the floor. You've been here for over 20 hours now," the temporary headmaster blurted it all at once, fear for me evident in the tears brimming in his eyes.
"Do I have to go to the Dance?" I asked, joking somewhat but really trying to get out of it.
"I'm sorry. You do. But at least be sure to save a dance for me..."
Realization dawned upon me then, like the sun powering through morning clouds and providing a beautiful day. Never before had we been open about our relationship to any but Xu and Nida. Such a proposal said we'd end out relationship with a graceful dance, one that showed everyone what we had shared for so long. It would raise questions, but then we'd both dance with another, him with Rhiale, and myself with whoever. Romantic gestures like this graceful dance really made me love him even more.
"Come one... I think Ishuna will give you a clean bill of health... She's a great temporary doc. Her mom taught her well. But still, we have things to discuss."
With a nod, I stood, legs shaking. Gently Reyn helped me remove the IVs and we slipped out of the Infirmary.
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Do not doubt that Reyn can dance. Years of gunblade training has left him a sense of grace and balance. We dance as one, his hands on my hip and shoulder (that hand lightly fingering my hair), and we are gliding along the floor. People are staring but let them stare! As the music moved into a quicker tempo, we changed our steps to match. The gathering crowd watched us intently as the circle we cut grew larger. Maybe it was out need to impress, or our need for them to understand, that gave us such a skill when we needed it. Anticipating this song's soon closing, Reyn twirled me away from his body, then back into his arms. The last notes came, hang in the air, and faded before he kissed my neck and was swept away by Rhiale for the next dance.
Ten sad minutes found me at the head faculty table, watching Rhiale and Reyn dance with a grace that was less than that in our own dance. No longer able to handle it, I glared down at my plate. I knew what Rhiale had that I didn't, but I didn't care. Together we'd survived so much, and out three year relationship had been happy. That was ruined now. Being so deep in my sorrow allowed Ishuna to sneak up on me. Smiling, she held out her hand, a silent offer to dance. Now that I had nothing to lose, why not?
Together we made our way to the center of the dance floor, which had been occupied by Reyn and Rhiale until a few minutes ago. As Ishuna and I danced for a half an hour, all but the dance became pointless. Well, until Fiera came over.
"There is a problem," the younger twin, clad in silky blue whispered to me and her sister, "Selphie wants to see us now."
With a nod, Ishuna slipped off. Frozen I watched the emerald clad sister glide over to the instructors tables on the far side of the room. Selphie and the others would be there this evening.
"What is going on?"
"Reyn has been missing for forty minutes and we just received word from the sorceresses claiming they have taken him captive," she replied simply and walked off, leaving me stranded here.
That is how I ended up alone here. Now I'm stuck here, a raft adrift in a sea of bodies. How could they keep dancing as if nothing has happened? Well, to them nothing has. With a sigh I set off resolutely through the throngs of dancers. We have to save Reyn; he's our only hope against Drew.
{Reyn}
Something inside me screams in pain, commanding my lips to part and curse all of creation. Partial thoughts run through my mind: scream, run, surrender. Pain from an electric shock flowed intensely through me. When the shock ends, I begin to laugh, thoughts clearing up. There was only once place like this left in the world, D-District Prison in Galbidia. The place had been shut down more than four years ago. Squall had been in this same place so long ago, my father smiling evilly at him, having no control over what torture he inflicted. Now my brother stood in my father's place. Yet beside him stood Rella, Rinoa and Drew... Wait, am I seeing double now?
"Seems your doppelganger worked well mother," Rella chuckled, leaning against the Drew beside her.
"You doubted it? Still, even though Corin lives, we've got what we wanted..." Rinoa said, walking over and running her fingers over my cheek. "You will be my knight, just like your parents before you."
Mustering what energy I could, I spat in her face and smirked, "Over my dead body you witch!"
"That can be arranged," the Drew standing near the controls to this damn torture device said with a growl.
"Give him time with Drake, his tune will change quickly," Rella suggested, gesturing to the 'Drew' who had just threatened me.
"Yes," Rinoa agreed, wiping the spit off of her face, "Take him out of my sight."
The one called Drake, the one who looked like my brother, moved to my side with a grin. Surely the pain I'd receive at his hands would not be enough to turn me. As Drake took me down (after casting a paralyze spell on me much to my disappointment), Drew came over to help him. Watching the traitor weakly, I tried to protest, lash out, get free. Nothing worked. Resolved to take my fate as best I could, I glared right at my brother, receiving a confusing wink. With Drew's help, the other man carried me to a cell. Knowing now that Rinoa was sick, and aware of Rella's sense of dark humor, I expected it was the one Squall had inhabited during his time here.
With specific orders to cause me no harm, Drew left the cell. Now the room was empty of all but me and the one with my brother's face. Soon I found myself pinned to a bed by the odd thing, I say thing because nothing that has a look like that is human. For the first time in my like I felt genuine fear. I could taste it in my mouth, bitter and cold, consuming me. The creature's features became like liquid, flowing over his face until I looked fearfully into my own eyes. So this was how Corin was lead to believe I'd tried to kill him. It was also how I was tricked I assumed. Again the face became like water, changing to mirror the delicate beauty of Rhiale. Next the creature donned the mask of my long time lover, and I was very tempted to give in willingly. Finally Drew again looked down at me, and again I was repulsed by this whole situation. How dare this, this doppelganger steal my brother's face, and those of my friends?
Hot breath flowed over my neck, and I cringed inwardly, still unable to move. How could I steel myself against such an assault? Already I felt used and worthless, now this. Nothing could make this moment right as the doppelganger stripped my clothes off. Soon my only comfort was in the pain, and the tears. Could my life get any worse? It's hard to think it began so well...
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"We shall take what is ours by right, and we WILL use force if you resist! ... We shall take what is ours by right, and we WILL use force if you resist! ..."
Hyne, those words were irritating I noted as I knocked on the door and Corin fumbled with the remote to hit the pause button. Just five minutes ago I'd been analyzing the same video clip, trying to figure out why Rinoa had turned against us. Nothing made me understand her mind set. Deep inside I knew my parents would have captured her, sealed her away as Adel had been. Then it hit me how I've been using GFs so many years now, but my memories hadn't seemed to be affected. In particular, I remembered a discussion between my parents, one about Rinoa's growing control over her magic and the fact that she was teaching Rella, then five years old, how to use 'nice healing magic'.
With a frown I moved to the couch and sat by Corin. This was his office now. I noted the image of Rinoa upon the television, glaring at it. She was the reason I had not brother, no happiness. That witch would par for this, I'd make her pay for this with her life, for using us all, betraying us, for murder and for all the pain she had caused this world, or would cause.
"Not good?" Corin asked me, having trouble speaking. The look in his eyes was pained, even needy.
My growl was meant for him though I looked at the TV. We were no longer one, and he was my SeeD Commander, so we needed to stay business like. "We're not ready for this; war is coming far too soon!"
With a familiar touch, his hand covered mine. I had a bit of a habit of balling my fist up on my knee when I was very frustrated or angered. Often he'd place his hand over mine to comfort me in his gentle way. Once, in a peaceful time, this office had been mine and not his, and such an attempt to comfort me would lead to love on this very couch. In fact, the green pillow behind me covered a stain from such an encounter.
"We can get through this. I know you feel betrayed; she IS your mother in ways. But we all feel the same," he said, not getting what he was saying or what I was feeling.
I pulled away and stood as his grip upon my hand tightened, furious, "She stole my brother and half of Angelus! I know I was never close to Drew, but still! She killed Xu, who was my mother for SIX years! I'm going to stop her from ruining more lives."
"Like Rhiale's?"
The question made me stop the pacing I had started a few moments ago. Looking down and the floor, I didn't know what to say to that. Obviously he was jealous, and it hurt to know that. It was hardest to figure out why I felt this way about her. While Corin made me feel one way, Rhiale made me feel another way altogether, but both felt right. Choosing had been hard enough, but making me feel this way was cruel.
"Yes," I said sadly, moving to the door and leaving my back to him. Seifer once said that turning your back on someone meant two things: that you were denying the person, rejecting them or what they said; and showing you weren't afraid of being stabbed in the back.
"Doesn't matter," he quickly said, afraid probably that I would leave, "We have a job to do."
Maybe I should have predicted this ploy from him. Ever since he came to Esthar that had been our motto before all serious missions. He was grasping at straws, trying to remind me of all we were. Pathetic. Time to snap him back to reality, "For ourselves, for our family and four our world." I paused, then, "We're going to have the SeeD Induction Ball tomorrow night."
"It's too soon!" he protested weakly.
"Nonetheless we won't get rid of our traditions! Deal with it. Since Nida is still in the hospital, and I'm acting Headmaster, I need my SeeD Commander to help me through this!"
Sadly he looked at the standard Garden flooring, "Yes Sir."
That sound nearly broke me. I NEEDED to turn around and comfort him, tell him I was exploring, any lie to get him to smile. No, I couldn't because I had a job, and I had Rhiale. Still, leaving that room was the hardest thing I ever had to do. The silence of the halls was total, and I was lost in it. My eyes glanced over the gleaming glass walls, ones of Estharian design that could hide what was on the other side. The carpet was set with Esthar Garden's seal, two crossed gunblades with Griever behind it. Mom's seal, Dad's seal, now mine. Once a symbol of their oneness, now a symbol of my lonely nature. Griever... What a GF, one I respected like I did Angelus. Would I end up like Griever, as lonely and confused as I was now in this picture of misery?
Very sure I'd hate myself for it in the morning, I really stop and consider going back. Corin cared for me more than he cared for his life, and that meant so much to me. Love like that came so rarely, but was he really the best for me? Resigning myself to talk with him, I glance at my watch. I've been thinking for over ten minutes. That should have been enough time for him to cool off, so I headed back. Yet oddly enough the door is locked when I try it. Corin didn't lock doors, not even his room's door. Glad of the perk of being Headmaster, I take the master key card and slide it into a slit at the top of the door's security pad, overriding the lock and causing the door to open.
The first thing I see is Corin pressed against the wall, strangled by myself. It is rather surreal to see it, as if I wasn't actually me. Needing a moment to compose myself, I summon forth Valen, all I have left, as my weapon is not present. The winged guardian appears, frowning and quickly pressing his own gunblade, though slightly too large for me, into my hands. A fatherly smile touched the angel's scarred face as he nodded to me. Those eyes, so like mine, shifted to look at the other Reyn. With a cocky smirk, an expression so unlike him (and so like what Mom called 'one of the four most dangerous parts of an Almasy') Valen formed a ball of pure radiance between his hands. A moment I was dazzled by the light that flowed from the tips of his feathers to his hands, before the brilliance forced me o look back o Corin.
"CORIN!" I shouted, racing forward and knocking my double away from him.
The other me, smirking, pushed me off of him with unnatural strength. Standing, he grabbed Corin's loaded machine gun off the table and pointed it at me with an evil grin. Two rounds are fired at me, and most are blocked as I bring Valen's larger than life weapon up between us. A few ripped into my arm, and another into my chest, but that doesn't matter. My double now noticed Valen, and his arms morphed into swords. When Valen released the orb in his hands, I slammed my eyes closed and turned away. Firs one, then two, then three moments passed before I can turn back and see the odd thing on the floor disappear before anything can be done.
"You're hurt," Valen points out in a worried manner.
"Corin..." I said, crawling over to him. Too weak to check his pulse or move any farther, I cry.
Valen's hand comes to rest on my shoulder as his other hand turns my face to look at him. Gently he plucks a downy feather from his wing and forces it into my mouth. Trusting the angel I swallow and feel odd. Warmth washes over me as I store away the memory of the creamy taste, and the sweet smell of the guardian's breath. Slowly sleep over-took me as the white angel's hand glowed and first purified then healed the wounds flawlessly. The last thing on my mind is the GF's softly whispered words... 'You've come so far my son.'
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Green. There is only green. "Is heaven green? Am I in heaven?"
"Is that the beginning of a pick-up line about seeing an angel?" Ishuna is chuckling as the room becomes visible.
"Oh that isn't nice," Rhiale said, pulling away and affording me the sight of her lovely face; for that I'd die.
While the two argued over the joke, I sat up and looked around. Warm yellow glass walls of the infirmary, thin yet unbreakable glass with holo- projections meant to comfort us, glow faintly with a tropic sunset. Soft yellow blankets and sheets are wrapped around me, instilling warmth to my flesh. Before the two can protest I grab my belongings bag, and rush to the bathroom. First thing to go on are the soft tan leather pants Irvine gave me as a birthday gift. Following that is the emerald green dress shirt. Ellone had sent me this from Winhill. Next to last was a soft tan trench coat Corin had given me for our anniversary now riddled, like my shirt, with bullet holes. Finally are my shoes, and a few necklaces: my hololocket, my father's choker, mom's Griever pendant, and two opposed wings of black and white, Angelus's Symbol. Together the GFs had given me this necklace, though Shiva often called it 'The Bane of the Loire'.
Not that I was dressed and back in sight of the females, I jokingly posed. Both Rhiale and Ishuna clapped and cheered, though quietly. Suddenly all was again silent, and Ishuna glanced toward the curtained area. Something hit me now, Corin's attack. I walked to the curtain and pushed it aside to look down upon Corin. My heart caught in my throat as I saw the sleeping face. Many nights I'd stayed up late, just watching him sleep. Now I rested my eyes on the gentle rise and fall of his chest. Just by the way Ishuna had looked over here I knew he might not make it.
"Hyne, please," I said, taking Corin's hand and trying not to let my voice crack, "Spare his life and I'll be whatever you desire me to be, our fate is in your hands."
A hand rested on my shoulder and I jumped a bit. Had my prayers been answered, was this Hyne?
Turning, I frown at the intruder, "I wasn't expecting you Rhiale..."
"He'll be fine," she said softly, as if she held all the answers.
"I love him Rhiale," I said, watching Corin with breathless anticipation of his waking.
"I know, and I think I love you for it," Rhiale said kissing me.
Dear Hyne, if this is your answer, please don't let me fail...
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The 20th hour came, and Corin still slept. Fear gripped my heart, and time I should have spent upon preparations for the dance was spent by his bed, worried. Rhiale and I had come to an agreement, I could give Corin one last grand romantic gesture and I'd then give myself totally to her. Half of me hoped that Rhiale and I did not work out so I could find comfort with Corin. I... I love him. Gods, what was I doing? I love him, I can't leave him. Excited with my decision, I grabbed Corin's hand and kissed it before standing and walking over to Quistus and Stelah, smiling. The two looked at me, rather confused at my behavior as I hugged them. So what if I was breaking my promise to Hyne?
"I love him," I announced happily.
"Reyn... You love..." Quistus started but was cut off by a groan in Corin's direction.
Quickly I bounded over to him and watched his love's eyes flutter open, "He's waking up."
While I noted how he curled up into a ball, Quistus came over and spoke, "Corin?"
Ishun swept over and frowned at them, "Let him breathe!"
While Ishuna pressed us away from Corin, the man put in his two cents, "Keep him away from me! He tried to kill me! He's a traitor!"
His finger pointed at me, and I took a step back. One word can be used to describe my feeling: shattered. Maybe I would go to Rhiale, if this was how he felt. His life depended on me, and I came through for him. And how could he not know it had not been me? Corin knew me more intimately then any other, and knew not an imposter? Actually, I'm tempted to just walk away right now, just leave. He isn't that important, even if I was swearing moments ago that I loved him.
"Reyn, snap out of it. You've missed the whole conversation. And get rid of the thinky face, it creeps me out," Ishuna said before strolling away.
The 'thinky' face was a joke of Selphie's, a description of how my face looked when I was deep in thought. Corin had often said it only appeared when I didn't like what I thought of. With a deep breath I willed a colder look upon my face. The intensity with which Corin watched me felt like a knife plunging into my chest. Without a word I sat down beside him on the bed. My eyes, flowed over his body, shaped as any good male should be. Then my eyes looked onto his, though he'd not meet my gaze. Only one way to get his attention now, though it's not help the idea of us breaking up.
A rough kiss that was meant to merely waken him to words became far more far too quickly. One of my hands ran though his hair unbidden as the other cupped his face, thumb caressing where holotats would be. Now an edge was added, Corin pulled me close and added his own passion to the mix. Soon my longs burned with a thirst for air... Would it be so horrible to die like this? At last Corin broke the contact, and I pulled away to breathe.
"It wasn't me."
"You were choking me! You tried to kill me!" his shouts echoed off the walls at me.
"Now," I shook my head, "It was Rinoa's attempt on you. You've really lucky that I was feeling bad, otherwise I'd never have gone back to your office."
"What are you talking about?"
"Rinoa must have used her magic to make another person look like me. Rinoa always knew about us, and she used it to her advantage. We don't know what happened in that room, not all of it at least. We know that when I rushed in and summoned Valen to combat the creature I was shot by it, and you were passed out on the floor. You've been here for over 20 hours now," my words were rushed, betraying my emotions.
"Do I have to go to the dance?" he questioned.
"I'm sorry, you do. But at least be sure to save a dance for me..." I pronounced and stood.
The boy grinned at the prospect as I continued, "Come on... I think Ishuna will give you a clean bill of health. She's a great temporary doc. Her mom taught her well. But still, we have things to discuss."
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There are far more parts to Garden then one can be led to believe. One of these lesser used parts is the two story ballroom. The bottom floor holds the less formal area for graduations and the Garden Festival. The top floor is a marvel and used mainly for balls. Due to the distance between the capital and Garden, the skylight gives a wonderful vision of the night sky through crystal window panes. Even when the celestial bodies are not visible they can be seen here through the ever present use of holograms in Esthar. The floors here are made of nearly indestructible imitation crystal. Making the place seem to have the beauty of what was once the Centra cavern. This place could double as a bomb shelter for most of the school populous but it was meant only for dances such as the SeeD Induction Ball. Now it was dressed in its finest ornaments, waiting, though none of it, or the guests, knew.
At my earlier request, the bad struck up a lively tune. We were at an intermittent point between early speeches and dinner, a time for dancing, a time to make a final moment and a new beginning. It was a custom here for the Headmaster to lead in the first dance. I had no clue how mom did it before him and dad were public, or how Seifer managed to get it to be two couples leading, Squall and an instructor, and Seifer with Xu. It was time to amend the tradition for one evening. Standing, I smile at the gathered then let a serious edge come to my face as I make the final minor speech of the night that I was responsible for.
"Were this like any other year, Nida and Xu lead in the first dance, with myself and my latest fling beside them. This year neither of those will happen. As you know, Doctor Xu was murdered by the Sorceress Rinoa, whom many of us knew and respected. The Headmaster suffered a major heart attack when he found her dead, and myself barely clinging to life. Because of that, he has suffered paralysis from the waist down, and will never dance again. Now in the face of the THIRD sorceress war in a century, the leaders of the other Gardens have finally given me the place my beloved parents prepared me for. First I mirrored my father's role in being SeeD Commander, now I follow Squall Leonheart-Loire as Headmaster, though it may be temporary. You all know Corin Sylum, the son of another well known warrior in the last war, Quistus Trepe. He shall be my SeeD Commander. But instead of us leading with others in the dance, we'll have something a bit different. Maybe then all of us will understand the unity all people need in this latest fight..."
Here came my final gesture. Corin stood and held back a smile. Hesitating a moment, I took his hand and kissed it. Many would think back to my parents, who they didn't know well, who never shared the first dance, even though they'd been married two years. Tonight's actions would appear to be hasty, but they had to happen. There was an audible gasp, and even a whoop of joy from Nida, who out of the hospital for the evening, was in a wheelchair at the teacher/staff table, near my own seat. The man had always been suspicious of us, and loved to be right.
Together Corin and I walked out onto the dance floor as a more somber slow dance swept us up into its pace. Casually, as if slow dancing with another man was an everyday thing, I rest a hand on his hip and the other in his open hand. Gracefully we moved together, testing. Gradually the music sped, the tune becoming hopeful. Corin pulled me nearly against him and I shifted a hand to his shoulder. Like this we could be one for the public, we could be honest. The song blends into a waltz and we change our steps to move in a circle. Some people watched us with pride, some indifferent, some disgusted, and some glad to see this period.
Second melt into minutes as we dance. Everything is a fluid dance, is totally us. The only accurate way to describe us two is an intricate dance that leaves one as satisfied as they need to be. While the music began to fade, I spun Corin away from me, tired of this prolonged goodbye. Finally he span back into my arms and we stood like that a while. A few people shook their heads, but many clapped for us. Frown upon my face I kissed Corin's neck and whispered my goodbye against the tender flesh and was pulled away. It was but an instant until Rhiale swept over in her new Esthar Garden uniform and pulled me away into a dance.
"Rhiale!" I grumbled under my breath while forcing a smile, "I wanted to talk to him before we danced!"
She did not reply, but only pulled me into a faster pace while dancing. This is when I noticed her uniform... Rhiale is a Trabia SeeD, why is she in an Esthar uniform? After a dance, she pulled me off the floor and to a balcony. The way she moved wasn't really her, to hesitant. Then the double of me that I saw earlier attacking Corin came to my mind. Quickly I pulled away and backed up a step, only to receive a punch to my gut, the cold press of the floor against my cheek and darkness.
That had been the last thing I remembered before waking up by torture. Here I was now, being used in such a way that I wept openly. Oh Hyne... Let me die here tonight.