Author's notes: I'm back after a month. Sorry for the delay I was caught in
my final year examinations which only ended mid October. Then
unfortunately, I found myself enjoying the game Disgaea, Dynasty Warriors
and Romance of The Three Kingdoms VIII. Then I didn't know what got into me
I started playing Final Fantasy 8 all over again until oh well..today. So I
apologize for my obsession towards games :) and I hope you readers out
there will enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoy writing it. Last but not
least thank you for reading!
Chapter 14
Disputes and bad rumors
"Make way please!!! This is an emergency!!!" Dr. Kadowaki and her two assistants were having a big trouble trying to lead the stretcher Caraway was on into the emergency room. Reporters kept blocking their way as they snapped their cameras madly at the president. "Come on!!! Don't block the way!!! He's in critical condition! Are you guys going to be responsible if anything happens to the president?!" Only after that statement from Dr. Kadowaki the reporters made a way leading to the emergency room. Sighing, Dr. Kadowaki signaled to her assistants to carry Caraway to the emergency room.
Once Caraway was lead in the emergency room door was closed leaving the anxious reporters all by themselves. Moments later, the reporters started to make a commotion once again. As a black limousine approached the Galbadia Hospital, the reporters rushed out towards it. Rinoa practically stormed out of the car pushing her way through the reporters harshly as she made her away to the emergency room. Soon after, Squall, Irvine and Selphie too rushed out of the car to catch up with Rinoa.
"What's your feeling about this?" A reporter asked as he made his way to Rinoa.
"Do you think the president will survive the ordeal?" Another reporter came and asked blocking Rinoa's way more and more.
"Is Kiros an enemy of the country or just an enemy of the president?" More and more reporters came heartlessly blocking Rinoa's way. Rinoa pushed as hard as she could but the crowd refused to yield.
"Why can't all of you just go to hell!!! What I'm asking for is just to see my father!!! Why can't all of you just fuck off and leave me alone?!!!" Rinoa shouted out loud in desperation silencing the crowd. Rinoa could not stand the pressure and sadness anymore as she sat on the floor and cried in front of the reporters. Although there were still some snapping sounds, the questions died out. Finally, Squall made his way out of the crowds to find Rinoa crying.
"Come on now. It's going to be all right," Squall consoled Rinoa as he kneeled down beside her. "We're going to go there and wait for your father okay? Now, don't cry."
Silently, Rinoa nodded and with the help of Squall she stood up once more and together they walked to the emergency room. This time the path was cleared. Some of the reporters were seen hanging their heads down in shame of their previous action.
"Hey, if you guys want some news you better go outside! The generals are here!!!" Selphie shouted near from the hospital entrance. In the speed of lightning the reporters were gone from the hospital.
"Wow! Didn't know they were THAT fast. Oh well, at least I managed to get rid of them," Selphie shrugged and made her way inside with Irvine. Inside, Selphie found Squall and Rinoa sitting outside the emergency room. Rinoa's eyes were red and slightly swollen from the previous crying. Sighing, Selphie sat beside Rinoa and placed her hands on her shoulder.
"Take it easy Rin," Selphie patted her shoulder as Rinoa mouthed a silent thank you. Irvine sat beside Selphie and the four of them waited anxiously for Caraway. Leaning her head on Squall's shoulder Rinoa prayed silently.
"Oh Hyne. Please let my father be all right," Rinoa muttered softly before dozing off into a dreamless sleep. Clearly the night had taken a lot from her.
************************************************************************
"Marvelous! This is so damn marvelous. Hahahaha!!!" Luxter laughed so hard that he nearly fell down from the chair. He had received the news of the assassination and was very pleased indeed. "At last, Kiros did something worthy!!! Now where is he by the way?" As if on cue, Kiros entered Luxter's secret office.
"Ah...you came!!! Well done Kiros!!! You proved that my money wasn't wasted on some stupid fella who do nothing but talk!" Luxter motioned Kiros to sit on the chair facing him. "What are you going to do next?"
"As I had told you. I had my own plans so don't you worry," Kiros replied coolly.
"Now, now, now. I paid YOU to work for ME!!! I don't even have the rights to know what you're going to do? How am I suppose to know if you screwed up?! How can I trust you that you won't take Galbadia for yourself?!" Luxter shouted back.
"Shut your mouth Mr Luxter Fields. Let me make it clear that YOU hired ME to help you invade Galbadia and I'll just do that. YOU don't have to know MY plans and yes you don't have the rights to know unless you want screw up my plans!!!"
"Why you..."
"Shut you big mouth when I am talking!!! Last but not least don't you worry cause I have absolutely no interest in taking over a country!!! Do I make myself clear?" Kiros hissed dangerously at Luxter as he held his gun out pointing towards Luxter's head.
"All right, all right!!! Now cool it!!! You better make sure you don't screw up and I want the president to be dead!!!" Luxter spat.
"I won't screw up. As for the president, I won't rest until he's sleeping in his coffin," Kiros turned and walked out of the office leaving Luxter alone again once more.
************************************************************************
Rinoa felt some movement on her 'pillow' as she groaned in annoyance. Cuddling the 'pillow' closer she tried to continue her disturbed sleep. 'Wait a minute. Why is the pillow feeling so similar to a...an arm?' Rinoa opened her eyes to find herself not in her room. Instead she was looking directly to a white wall that looked terribly unfamiliar.
"You're finally up?" A voice asked startling Rinoa. Looking to her left she found a pair of deep blue eyes staring at her intensively.
"Where....where am I?" Rinoa asked.
"The hospital," Squall replied. It was then Rinoa finally remembered what happened.
"Where's my father? Is he all right? What did the doctor said?" Rinoa asked anxiously.
"Calm down. He's not out yet. It's been three hours though. The operation's still on. A nurse came out not long ago. She said that the bullet was being taken out and it might take another three hours," Squall explained softly. Sighing, Rinoa slumped back to her seat and leaned against the cold wall. "And Rinoa?" Rinoa turned her head and shot Squall and quizzical look. "Can I have my arm back?"
"Huh?" Rinoa looked at Squall for a moment before realizing she's still clinging on to his right arm. "Oh, sorry. I'd been clinging on for hours?"
"Three in fact. But don't worry, just a little numb. Nothing much," Squall shrugged simply.
"Sorry,"
"You don't have to," Squall replied. Soon both of them found the clock on the wall somewhat interesting as they stared at it hoping for the time to past quickly. Selphie had already lost in her dream world as she leaned against a sleeping Irvine.
************************************************************************
Suddenly the emergency room door was opened waking up Selphie and Irvine. The four of them held their breath as Dr Kadowaki walked out of the room.
"Doctor, how's my father?" Rinoa rushed toward Dr Kadowaki. Fear was clearly written all over her face.
"Please be calm dear. The operation was very successful. I must say, the president is a very tough man. He made it through the critical stage so don't worry," Dr Kadowaki explained.
"Thank you very much doctor!" Rinoa exclaimed as Squall and the others sighed in relief. However, their joy was short-lived.
"But," Dr Kadowaki find it very hard to explain.
"But what doctor?" Rinoa asked as fear struck her once more.
"The president...he...he is unconscious for the moment. We do not know when he's going to be conscious once more. It may take up a day, a week, a month, a year, or...."
"..Eternity," Rinoa found herself muttering the word out. Tears flowed freely from her brown eyes as she stood there lost. Squall gathered her in his arms as Selphie and Irvine looked at Rinoa sadly.
"He'll be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. You may visit him later. I'm sorry Miss Heartilly," Shaking her head sadly, Dr. Kadowaki walked away leaving the four of them.
************************************************************************
At 8.30 am Rinoa was back once more at the presidential palace. She had visited her father but he was unconscious and showed no sign of waking up. After spending two hours there, Squall succeeded in persuading her to go back to the palace and take some rest. How quickly things can change. 12 hours ago, she was at the same place talking to her father and now she find herself walking to the palace entrance without her father.
Quistis caught the sight of Rinoa and Squall coming in and as fast as the lightning she ran towards them.
"Rinoa! Rinoa!" Quistis shouted as she sprinted towards the entrance.
"Why are you here? What's the problem?" Rinoa asked. Quistis was practically panting in front of her as she held on to her faithful organizer.
"Sorry, I just came from the garden. I thought you'll be there. Anyway, we have a big problem Rinoa," Quistis managed to mumbled out from her panting.
"I...I don't understand," Rinoa was getting more blur as moments past.
"The ten generals of Galbadia. They are inside waiting for you," Quistis answered.
"The ten main generals? Why are they here?"
"I don't know but they are waiting for you to hold a meeting. They claimed that if you refused to go they will force you to go,"
"What?"
Moments later, Quistis, Rinoa and Squall were heading to the meeting room beside the president's office. Rinoa held her breath as they reached the door. Two soldiers standing at the side of the door saluted as she stopped there.
'Why are they holding a meeting at a time like this?' Finally, Rinoa pushed the door opened. There they were, sitting on their chair looking very impatient as Rinoa walked in with Squall behind her.
"There you are. Come now, please be seated," General Martin stood up and walked towards Rinoa.
"Where am I supposed to sit?" Rinoa asked softly as she looked around. Clearly all the seats were taken except one.
"You shall sit at the.."
"I beg your pardon General Martin! Are you sure she can handle THAT seat?!" General Fred spoke up. Martin glared at him before turning his attention back at Rinoa.
"Don't worry. Please, you can have the president's sit," Martin motioned her towards the seat. Once Rinoa sat down, a number of dissatisfying grunts were heard. The general who previously spoke up scowled. Ignoring that, Martin sat at his place while Squall stood behind Rinoa silently.
"Now gentlemen, and a lady...we are here today to discuss the current situation of Galbadia. Before we start, have you read today's newspaper Rinoa?" Martin asked as the others glared at her. Slowly, Rinoa shook her head. A general sitting near her handed her the papers.
"We have the Galbadia Times, Deiling News, Timber Times, Balamb Today and others from all over the world. Different newspapers but with one similar headline; they are claiming that this mad guy Kiros and succeeded in his attempt to assassinate the president and although the president is not dead he was badly injured. Thus, they made the conclusion that we Galbadia is now open to the outside threat," Martin concluded.
"This one is worst!!! It said : The Galbadia armies have no sense of security. If they can't protect the president, how can they protect the citizens?" This time, General Keith exclaimed angrily and threw the paper onto the floor. "We must not let this continue!"
As the generals were arguing, Rinoa looked on the newspaper silently, the picture of Caraway lying unconsciously in the ballroom were shown.
"The problem now is, with the president temporary gone who is going to be his successor?" Martin sighed. His question made Rinoa looked up towards the generals.
"Who else? We the ten main generals of course!" General Bill shouted out.
"Yeah who else?" General Fred agreed as he glared at Rinoa.
"Well that is quite impossible. This is an independent country and thus the citizens and the world council wouldn't like the idea of having ten rulers and the usage of armies," Martin protested.
"Then who will it be?" General Keith spat back. Martin smirked before answering.
"I shall say the best candidate for the presidency is non other than Rinoa Heartilly Caraway,"
"What the fuck," General Bill and the others looked at Martin shocked before looking at a very shocked Rinoa with fuming eyes.
My neck is really stiff now. So I had to stop. I hope everyone likes this chapter please R+R. This is the longest chapter so far.Geez I really got nothing else to say. Anyway, as usual, thank you for reading and supporting my fiction. Keep the reviews coming!!! :P
Chapter 14
Disputes and bad rumors
"Make way please!!! This is an emergency!!!" Dr. Kadowaki and her two assistants were having a big trouble trying to lead the stretcher Caraway was on into the emergency room. Reporters kept blocking their way as they snapped their cameras madly at the president. "Come on!!! Don't block the way!!! He's in critical condition! Are you guys going to be responsible if anything happens to the president?!" Only after that statement from Dr. Kadowaki the reporters made a way leading to the emergency room. Sighing, Dr. Kadowaki signaled to her assistants to carry Caraway to the emergency room.
Once Caraway was lead in the emergency room door was closed leaving the anxious reporters all by themselves. Moments later, the reporters started to make a commotion once again. As a black limousine approached the Galbadia Hospital, the reporters rushed out towards it. Rinoa practically stormed out of the car pushing her way through the reporters harshly as she made her away to the emergency room. Soon after, Squall, Irvine and Selphie too rushed out of the car to catch up with Rinoa.
"What's your feeling about this?" A reporter asked as he made his way to Rinoa.
"Do you think the president will survive the ordeal?" Another reporter came and asked blocking Rinoa's way more and more.
"Is Kiros an enemy of the country or just an enemy of the president?" More and more reporters came heartlessly blocking Rinoa's way. Rinoa pushed as hard as she could but the crowd refused to yield.
"Why can't all of you just go to hell!!! What I'm asking for is just to see my father!!! Why can't all of you just fuck off and leave me alone?!!!" Rinoa shouted out loud in desperation silencing the crowd. Rinoa could not stand the pressure and sadness anymore as she sat on the floor and cried in front of the reporters. Although there were still some snapping sounds, the questions died out. Finally, Squall made his way out of the crowds to find Rinoa crying.
"Come on now. It's going to be all right," Squall consoled Rinoa as he kneeled down beside her. "We're going to go there and wait for your father okay? Now, don't cry."
Silently, Rinoa nodded and with the help of Squall she stood up once more and together they walked to the emergency room. This time the path was cleared. Some of the reporters were seen hanging their heads down in shame of their previous action.
"Hey, if you guys want some news you better go outside! The generals are here!!!" Selphie shouted near from the hospital entrance. In the speed of lightning the reporters were gone from the hospital.
"Wow! Didn't know they were THAT fast. Oh well, at least I managed to get rid of them," Selphie shrugged and made her way inside with Irvine. Inside, Selphie found Squall and Rinoa sitting outside the emergency room. Rinoa's eyes were red and slightly swollen from the previous crying. Sighing, Selphie sat beside Rinoa and placed her hands on her shoulder.
"Take it easy Rin," Selphie patted her shoulder as Rinoa mouthed a silent thank you. Irvine sat beside Selphie and the four of them waited anxiously for Caraway. Leaning her head on Squall's shoulder Rinoa prayed silently.
"Oh Hyne. Please let my father be all right," Rinoa muttered softly before dozing off into a dreamless sleep. Clearly the night had taken a lot from her.
************************************************************************
"Marvelous! This is so damn marvelous. Hahahaha!!!" Luxter laughed so hard that he nearly fell down from the chair. He had received the news of the assassination and was very pleased indeed. "At last, Kiros did something worthy!!! Now where is he by the way?" As if on cue, Kiros entered Luxter's secret office.
"Ah...you came!!! Well done Kiros!!! You proved that my money wasn't wasted on some stupid fella who do nothing but talk!" Luxter motioned Kiros to sit on the chair facing him. "What are you going to do next?"
"As I had told you. I had my own plans so don't you worry," Kiros replied coolly.
"Now, now, now. I paid YOU to work for ME!!! I don't even have the rights to know what you're going to do? How am I suppose to know if you screwed up?! How can I trust you that you won't take Galbadia for yourself?!" Luxter shouted back.
"Shut your mouth Mr Luxter Fields. Let me make it clear that YOU hired ME to help you invade Galbadia and I'll just do that. YOU don't have to know MY plans and yes you don't have the rights to know unless you want screw up my plans!!!"
"Why you..."
"Shut you big mouth when I am talking!!! Last but not least don't you worry cause I have absolutely no interest in taking over a country!!! Do I make myself clear?" Kiros hissed dangerously at Luxter as he held his gun out pointing towards Luxter's head.
"All right, all right!!! Now cool it!!! You better make sure you don't screw up and I want the president to be dead!!!" Luxter spat.
"I won't screw up. As for the president, I won't rest until he's sleeping in his coffin," Kiros turned and walked out of the office leaving Luxter alone again once more.
************************************************************************
Rinoa felt some movement on her 'pillow' as she groaned in annoyance. Cuddling the 'pillow' closer she tried to continue her disturbed sleep. 'Wait a minute. Why is the pillow feeling so similar to a...an arm?' Rinoa opened her eyes to find herself not in her room. Instead she was looking directly to a white wall that looked terribly unfamiliar.
"You're finally up?" A voice asked startling Rinoa. Looking to her left she found a pair of deep blue eyes staring at her intensively.
"Where....where am I?" Rinoa asked.
"The hospital," Squall replied. It was then Rinoa finally remembered what happened.
"Where's my father? Is he all right? What did the doctor said?" Rinoa asked anxiously.
"Calm down. He's not out yet. It's been three hours though. The operation's still on. A nurse came out not long ago. She said that the bullet was being taken out and it might take another three hours," Squall explained softly. Sighing, Rinoa slumped back to her seat and leaned against the cold wall. "And Rinoa?" Rinoa turned her head and shot Squall and quizzical look. "Can I have my arm back?"
"Huh?" Rinoa looked at Squall for a moment before realizing she's still clinging on to his right arm. "Oh, sorry. I'd been clinging on for hours?"
"Three in fact. But don't worry, just a little numb. Nothing much," Squall shrugged simply.
"Sorry,"
"You don't have to," Squall replied. Soon both of them found the clock on the wall somewhat interesting as they stared at it hoping for the time to past quickly. Selphie had already lost in her dream world as she leaned against a sleeping Irvine.
************************************************************************
Suddenly the emergency room door was opened waking up Selphie and Irvine. The four of them held their breath as Dr Kadowaki walked out of the room.
"Doctor, how's my father?" Rinoa rushed toward Dr Kadowaki. Fear was clearly written all over her face.
"Please be calm dear. The operation was very successful. I must say, the president is a very tough man. He made it through the critical stage so don't worry," Dr Kadowaki explained.
"Thank you very much doctor!" Rinoa exclaimed as Squall and the others sighed in relief. However, their joy was short-lived.
"But," Dr Kadowaki find it very hard to explain.
"But what doctor?" Rinoa asked as fear struck her once more.
"The president...he...he is unconscious for the moment. We do not know when he's going to be conscious once more. It may take up a day, a week, a month, a year, or...."
"..Eternity," Rinoa found herself muttering the word out. Tears flowed freely from her brown eyes as she stood there lost. Squall gathered her in his arms as Selphie and Irvine looked at Rinoa sadly.
"He'll be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. You may visit him later. I'm sorry Miss Heartilly," Shaking her head sadly, Dr. Kadowaki walked away leaving the four of them.
************************************************************************
At 8.30 am Rinoa was back once more at the presidential palace. She had visited her father but he was unconscious and showed no sign of waking up. After spending two hours there, Squall succeeded in persuading her to go back to the palace and take some rest. How quickly things can change. 12 hours ago, she was at the same place talking to her father and now she find herself walking to the palace entrance without her father.
Quistis caught the sight of Rinoa and Squall coming in and as fast as the lightning she ran towards them.
"Rinoa! Rinoa!" Quistis shouted as she sprinted towards the entrance.
"Why are you here? What's the problem?" Rinoa asked. Quistis was practically panting in front of her as she held on to her faithful organizer.
"Sorry, I just came from the garden. I thought you'll be there. Anyway, we have a big problem Rinoa," Quistis managed to mumbled out from her panting.
"I...I don't understand," Rinoa was getting more blur as moments past.
"The ten generals of Galbadia. They are inside waiting for you," Quistis answered.
"The ten main generals? Why are they here?"
"I don't know but they are waiting for you to hold a meeting. They claimed that if you refused to go they will force you to go,"
"What?"
Moments later, Quistis, Rinoa and Squall were heading to the meeting room beside the president's office. Rinoa held her breath as they reached the door. Two soldiers standing at the side of the door saluted as she stopped there.
'Why are they holding a meeting at a time like this?' Finally, Rinoa pushed the door opened. There they were, sitting on their chair looking very impatient as Rinoa walked in with Squall behind her.
"There you are. Come now, please be seated," General Martin stood up and walked towards Rinoa.
"Where am I supposed to sit?" Rinoa asked softly as she looked around. Clearly all the seats were taken except one.
"You shall sit at the.."
"I beg your pardon General Martin! Are you sure she can handle THAT seat?!" General Fred spoke up. Martin glared at him before turning his attention back at Rinoa.
"Don't worry. Please, you can have the president's sit," Martin motioned her towards the seat. Once Rinoa sat down, a number of dissatisfying grunts were heard. The general who previously spoke up scowled. Ignoring that, Martin sat at his place while Squall stood behind Rinoa silently.
"Now gentlemen, and a lady...we are here today to discuss the current situation of Galbadia. Before we start, have you read today's newspaper Rinoa?" Martin asked as the others glared at her. Slowly, Rinoa shook her head. A general sitting near her handed her the papers.
"We have the Galbadia Times, Deiling News, Timber Times, Balamb Today and others from all over the world. Different newspapers but with one similar headline; they are claiming that this mad guy Kiros and succeeded in his attempt to assassinate the president and although the president is not dead he was badly injured. Thus, they made the conclusion that we Galbadia is now open to the outside threat," Martin concluded.
"This one is worst!!! It said : The Galbadia armies have no sense of security. If they can't protect the president, how can they protect the citizens?" This time, General Keith exclaimed angrily and threw the paper onto the floor. "We must not let this continue!"
As the generals were arguing, Rinoa looked on the newspaper silently, the picture of Caraway lying unconsciously in the ballroom were shown.
"The problem now is, with the president temporary gone who is going to be his successor?" Martin sighed. His question made Rinoa looked up towards the generals.
"Who else? We the ten main generals of course!" General Bill shouted out.
"Yeah who else?" General Fred agreed as he glared at Rinoa.
"Well that is quite impossible. This is an independent country and thus the citizens and the world council wouldn't like the idea of having ten rulers and the usage of armies," Martin protested.
"Then who will it be?" General Keith spat back. Martin smirked before answering.
"I shall say the best candidate for the presidency is non other than Rinoa Heartilly Caraway,"
"What the fuck," General Bill and the others looked at Martin shocked before looking at a very shocked Rinoa with fuming eyes.
My neck is really stiff now. So I had to stop. I hope everyone likes this chapter please R+R. This is the longest chapter so far.Geez I really got nothing else to say. Anyway, as usual, thank you for reading and supporting my fiction. Keep the reviews coming!!! :P