Disclaimer: I don't own FF8; It belongs to Squaresoft and all the great workers for that company. But I do own the plot. It's all mine!

A/N: So, this is my second story. Unfortunately, this story will not be based upon the actual game. Many things will be different to the point that the only things you'll really need to know about the game are the characters and the world map. This story will be different from my other one; it'll be in first person! I hope you enjoy my story as much as I enjoyed writing it. ^_^ On with the story!

Chapter one:

The Oath

Bianka-chan.

Rinoa's POV.

I stood there, before the windy town of what I had been told was Balamb. Waving my hands frantically at my side, I could feel Angelo's tense muscles as she impatiently waited for me to move. Obediently, I traveled forward slowly, careful of my invisible obstacles that I guessed were before me.

On a gloomy day five years ago, I was riding in the car with my mother, the famous singer and pianist, Julia Heartilly. We were riding down a dark street when all of a sudden, a painfully bright light came into view. My mom screamed and swerved, but I already knew that it was too late. My mom could only be described as...dead.

I was woken up by a solicitous doctor, who kindly shook me awake. However, I couldn't help but believe that it had all been a dream. Everything was dark, and the only thing I could scarcely see was the mirror on the back wall. My face was bruised and showed dried blood. But even that soon faded away. As I screamed in terror, the nurses explained to me what my problem was, the predicament that would haunt me for the rest of my life.

I was then claimed blind. Not legally, because then I would be able to see with the help of glasses. But no, nothing could help me see the beautiful sunset again.

And, from then on, I struggled by myself. I couldn't go back to my father, he was already having money troubles, and having me around blind and all could only be detrimental. So, my struggle was all my own.

Maybe I could get healed, just maybe, but without any money it's hopeless.

That's why I've come to Balamb. I heard about some rich guys on this town. And maybe one might be kind enough to take a blind woman into their house. Putting a finger to my lips, I pondered over the names that I'd gathered information about.

" Seifer Almasy...and Squall Leonhart," I whispered.

Squall's POV

Planting a hand on my head to settle my unruly hair, I sauntered down my lawn. Today will be a long day, I thought. I've got a few people that want to offer their services to me. Who cares about services, though? I just want company other than my father, The Idiot.

The front of my house had long, rolling grasses. It took me at least ten minutes to get to the end of it each day. Upon reaching the end, I found myself gawking at what was before me. There was a gorgeous, raven haired young lady with hair that cascaded down her shoulders and ended at her mid-back. She wore a blue cape that rounded itself about her and a small, blue skirt. Underneath those garments, she covered herself in black and wore knee-high black boots. (A/N: my attempt at describing the outfit she wore in the game. I would describe it more thoroughly, but I don't want to bore you more than I already have.^_^) It seemed as if she was being scolded. A man stood before her, wearing the apparel of a police officer. His screaming was exaggerated and he pointed his finger directly in her unwavering face.

" That sign says PRIVATE... PROPERTY...! Can you not read, little missie?"

She was startled, obviously, and took a step back as if she was hardly noticing that he was there. Her dog snarled and looked as if he were ready to lop of the police officer's head at any given moment.

" Um... excuse me, sir.... I came here to look for a job...." She spoke with a voice so saintly I hadn't thought it was possible.

" All of the people here that are employing want literate people. I'm sorry, but you're gonna have to look somewhere a little less... sophisticated."

I don't know about anyone else in this town, but that was about as much as I could take of that low-income police officer. Storming in, I thrust my finger in his face.

" Listen, I'm the one that makes those decisions here. Who do you think you are, trying to make this lovely lady reconsider coming to me for help?"

The officer merely shifted his head backward and shrugged.

" I was only doing what was in your best interest."

That only infuriated me more.

" Listen, you're not my mama. Now go and harass someone else."

He left then, taking a few steps backward solely to glare at me and then turned fully around to walk angrily away. I took this as my cue to talk to this mysterious woman. Moving swiftly, I made a full circle with my hand and smirked contentedly.

" So, what's your name?" I asked, my cheerfulness more than evident.

" Rinoa Heartilly."

I stood flabbergasted. This woman wasn't even looking at me, it's as if she couldn't see me at all.

" What's a pretty girl like you doing out here?"

" I'm pretty?"

If possible, this remark astonished me even more. This girl didn't know she was pretty? It was almost as if she didn't know how she looked like at all.

" O-of course."

Her cheeks turned a bright, crimson color. She groped the air nervously and found her dog's head beside her.

" Her name's Angelo. She's my... seeing- eye dog."

My eyes widened and I folded my arms. So, she really can't see herself.

" So, you're blind. And you're looking for a job?"

She altered her right arm into her left arm's grasp and let it hang.

" Y-yes. I was hoping that you would help me...."

I subconsciously waved my hands frantically in the air.

" Of course I'll help you!"

As I said this, her mouth curved upward to smile beautifully. I hadn't known her long, but I had already come to one, sole conclusion. I'd help her be able to see again; it was a shame that someone so attractive couldn't even see herself. This was my oath: to let Rinoa see the beauty of the world, and of... herself.

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A/N: So, that's it! I hope I didn't bore you in the beginning with all of my description, and then not offer enough description in the end. Wish you liked it! Please review! ~Bianka-chan 3/05/03