The End Has Started

by angelic.crystal

When the fall has come... when the world has abandoned you, what will you do? no summary, just read inside. intended to be a short story, but who knows?

3. 4 years Ago: Scattered Pieces

DISCLAIMER : FINAL FANTASY SERIES BELONGS TO SQUARE-ENIX

RULE IN READING THIS: DROP YOUR LOGIC AT HOME; enter the world without questions coz THERE WOULD BE SOO MUCH (too much) odds here; just prepare!^^ coz I'm just too lazy to fix it ; no details, lack of rationale.

Author not: First, I'd like to clarify that I don't feel like to present a really twisted and dark story like I planned, nor M contents (yeah..yeah... severe twists, probs, issues, ect..ect...), thus I made a huge change. so let's just keep our innocence intact ok? (at least not corrupted by this story ^^) It was not fixed completely (since I AM lazy to do that like I said), but here we go...

Warning : this chapter contains light drama which somehow dulls at first , cliché, and without plot which I purposely did this for this chapter.

(you might want to skip and move on to next chapter)

-0.0.0-

4 years ago…

[June 1999]

I stared at the man for minutes, God knows how it's so damn disgusting… luckily I had plenty reasons not to kill this man.

"Well, but not with SeeDs involved.", he gazed to me then to the minister of Defense and Security of Dollet Dukedom "I believe this is our domestic problems, Mr. Blueweed."

"There's nothing wrong of hiring such an elite professional to make it fast, ...", Blueweed said.

"Pardon me, are you saying that our own military didn't suffice enough? I don't know… but I don't think a fine country like Dollet isn't… confident enough of its own men. What the world would be going to say? It's simply just another lowlifes criminals…depending on third party, especially such an unprincipled mercenaries… Galbadia will not allow that kind of insult. We agree to cooperate with you in one condition: no SeeDs involved. Or else, we'll better work on our own. And SeeDs…we don't know when they'd stab us anyway. They're just paid mercenaries."

Hell! He really asks to be killed.

"Commander.", Qusitis's soft voice whispered to me.

I know. I'm not stupid enough.

Dan Blueweed yelled angrily in the same time, "be careful of what you're saying, Oskman! I believe you don't want to ruin our diplomatic relationship. I can't accept you're insulting my country." he took a breath, and they gazed at each other for nearly 3 minutes. " …..but I see the point." He then gazed toward me.

"I'm sorry Mr. Leonhart. Looks like what he says is true. We, Dollet apologize for making it this way. We really appreciate your trust and service. ", he paused, "I apologize for this inconvenience. You've made this far to Dollet. We'll escort you with our private plane to Balamb directly then.", he said to me politely.

"No need. I'll take my leave then. Let's go, Quistis.", I said without returning his polite handshake. I walked out of the room calmly (just by looks) to take off with Ragnarok. I didn't even care about those whatever criminal syndicate who fled to Galbadia territory after doing their black crimes in Dollet for years and Deling recently.

Always like that… the Mining Project of some rich fellow in Galbadia…, the FH 's project in rebuilding themselves…., the Estharian Science expedition to that Trabian Great Crater…

The request of clearing away those Lunar cries monster… the mission of freeing some hostage from the resistance movement!

True, SeeDs- practically me- helped those Timber Resistance movement years ago so they had liberated when Galbadia itself had many domestic political issues, but this wicked man….. I really get a weird angst feeling toward him. He boycotts every movements of SeeDs! I believe that this man wanted to have a world without SeeDs. Not to mention how he (I conclude) boycotts our supplies in economic way. How he always stare at me like I'm some kind of corrupted lowlifes! God I hate that.

Billions gils worth projects slipped away… and now even Esthar had cancelled many important missions with us (not just that science expedition) like Researching those Shrine Magic whatever in Estharian border which logically- like usually- always involved us. How in the hell could possibly the two arch enemies country suddenly join forces for that kind of project? It's kind of mutual but not really benefits especially for those who competes each other. And even Laguna!

Not that I want some collusion here. Not that I want the mission so bad for the money. But… being done that by Laguna is just too… unthinkable. But maybe the man saw this as an opportunity and wanted me to beg to himself.

Not in the world I'd do that.

And now…

I've got a feeling that this won't be smooth either…not with that son of a bitch involved.

When General Caraway held the position, things were much easier…

Now that he's practically been appointed as transient "president" in Galbadia's emergency Transient Government , this crazy man took the position.

Couldn't this Oskman show some respect?

God! I fought hard enough to kill myself for the sake of Galbadian pople ever since that Sorcerer War! And with they're politic and security instability since then, we SeeDs provided too much helps for Galbadia civilization these whole years!- for the safety of the nations- and for the very existence of Republic of Galbadia itself. Without even paid. Ridiculous. The Galbadian has not yet recovered structurally but this old man had already showed us problems. Something's really never changed. We couldn't really trust Galbadian in any possible way.

The Centran Ruins Excavations Mission which Laguna himself signed and requested to me… let's see when this files become trash in junk files like-

"Commander. We almost arrived.", Qusitis voice halted my thought.

"Yes. I know." I could see the barren lands of Centra. Quistis had Ragnarok fly in moderate height and keep reducing the height apparently.

"Robin Oskman, isn't it, Commander? Deals with that man really is something… but don't you lose your emotion. That's what he wants."

"Whatever." And I don't like the way you call me with that formal stuffs, Quistis. Why don'tyou call me just simply by my name?

Hell. Whatever!

Robin Oskman… that's why-

"that's why this big mission … only including both of us, right?", Quistis interrupted like she could read my thought.

Yes. I only have Quistis and me myself assigned for this mission despite their request for the finest SeeDs. Two of us are enough.

"back up will be deployed as soon as it's needed, right, commander?"

I stared at her without replied and rose from my seat instead.

"I'm going to recheck out preparations below. I'll leave things and the landing here to you."

"roger! And- Commander, about that Timber request… we should- you should- reconsider it again."

"No need. We'll help them to regain its newly found independence.",

Yes…Timber which took away again their independence by Galbadian reclaiming invasion, led by none other but their General Oskman himself. Shit!

"We'll still work in our way. We're not going to show that we're afraid of them, Quistis." I finished the conversation.

"you mean him."

I pushed the button and the lift went down.

As furious as the commander could be, he didn't know that for Quistis Trepe, all was quite made her happy.

She enjoyed every moments. They're always been going together. She had become his right hand especially after headmaster Cid got illness and rest in his home back at quiet Centra Peninsula far to the south- the orphanage once all of them grew up together – with his wife. It's her, not even Xu, the Garden secretary (who's practically his private secretary), and she'd always been assigned and worked together with the Commander. The Commander trusted no one but her, and he spent most of his time with her all the time. The presence of Commander of Gardens was almost always been followed by her, Quistis.

That made her smile.

Unlike the rest of the gangs who now seldom going together in the same mission (Since they're all high rank SeeDs), she'd always been with him. In any occasions.

That made her smile again. A little guilt rose up thinking of the other girl. But hey… she's not stealing her boyfriend away…it's just because of the jobs! And she tried hard enough to control her emotion not to go to that way. Happy but a little cruel too in the same time. Always been there but couldn't be reached…

Qusitis landed the Ragnarok smoothly and another mission of her started.

CHAPTER II

"Scattered Pieces of 4 years ago"

A brunette in his early twenties was sitting in his desk, working some paper works, alone in his office. Papers were all over the place. He kept it neat though, but they were too much for that office desk. He paused from his work and scratched his forehead, rubbing his so called legendary scar which lied across his face. Then his hands ran through his brunette messy hair and swept it back just to make the bangs fell again forward naturally to his face. He felt tired. He sipped his coffee and gazed around his office. On the center of his desk, there stood his name : Commander S. Leonheart. He always cursed himself to accept that kind of position. And with that headmaster being sick, now he must double and covered the work. He always wondered why that old man didn't delegate his duty to someone else; Well, went retire and chose his successor formally. Yet he still kept his position and made Squall did the job. He had asked many times but that Cid always had answers like there was no need for a headmaster and so on. True, with current situation, Garden needed its commander, not headmaster. And the function of headmaster itself became blurry; kind of overlapping.

Being the only headmaster of Gardens without any kinds of board made Cid Kramer become the most influenced, respectful, and powerful person of entire Gardens which of course could make he can do and achieve what he wanted. He always been respected since he was the garden founder and the headmaster of the biggest garden: Balamb-G, but as the sorcerer war ended 4 years ago, he achieved more. No gardens board, no other headmasters, no other respectful figures, and officially, he had been made the only headmaster existed for entire gardens. As for Squall, he had permanently become the so called commander who commanded SeeDs of all Gardens, just like he did in the war time. In fact, he had become their first leader in the field. And his authorities and powers were equal to the headmaster himself.

He then turned off his laptop. Looking at his watch, the commander stood up. 03.00 a.m. I called this a day. He reached his gunblade and took his jacket on. Caffeine had made his alert. He wasn't sleepy although he didn't sleep at all. Now he used to it since he always had that kind of day everyday.

There, he strode off to his favorite place, the training center.

06.00 a.m..

He was quite hungry so he walked to the cafeteria. It was empty like he thought.

"Yo! Squall! Here, man!", a spiky blond male waved his hand enthusiastically in one of the tables near the pillars. Oh, looks like he was wrong; not completely empty. He then approached the table. Zell Dincht was up early in the morning was a kind of odd. But maybe he couldn't wait since he was too ambitious to grab the hot dog, which of course had not even been made yet.

Squall sat down.

"Where is Quistis?" It was a spontaneous words as he saw Zell since Squall knew that both of Zell and Quistis usually seen eating their lunch together. But before Zell could answer, Tap!, a cup of black coffee was put down near his crossed arm.

Well, black coffee, typical breakfast Quistis would choose. Following that, the owner of it with her hands holding her meals sat down next to him.

"Well, if it isn't the commander's…unusual presence in cafeteria…"

"wha-"

"whatever! *chuckle* well…, happy birthday, Squall.", she smiled.

Big sister affection, like always. Squall sighed and not even trying to smile.

"NOO… you ruined it all, Quisty! Selphie would actually angry on me!", Zell yelled on.

"What? You don't plan something childish like what I thought right? Squall won't like it… right, Squall?", Quistis said nonchalantly instead and ate her meal (just a simple sandwich).

Squall just raised an eyebrow.

He even forgot about his birthday or whatever it is.

"So, where is she? I'm not seeing Rinoa around.", Quistis said. While Zell had already moved to the food court to buy some hot dogs.

"Deling."

"Oh. Well, isn't it your birthday? You've just turned twenty one!"

"New president election. She was eager to it. Now, could we stop talking about my birthday like it was some kind of important sacred date?" he paused, "I think we need to talk, Qusitis."

"not Galbadia again?"

"The peace treaty which they offer… After this election, we should already have the answer."

"I see. It is really good if it was based on honesty. Do you really believe them personally, Squall?"

"You already have the answer."

"Coffee?"

He gestured a no.

"The election…I haven't heard Caraway's name. Doesn't he participate the election? He'd make a good candidate..."

"I wish. But, no. Things would be easier otherwise…" he's a good man.

"I see. Have you talked to Headmaster Cid? What he said about this?"

"Nope. He already knew but that what kind of person he is."

"Actually, it is quite good, Squall.", that crystal blue eyes looked directly at his now, "Look, these 4 years, it's just 'cold war' between us…we never really had a war to Galbadia-"

"-but never diplomatically related either. After this peace treaty, we should deal with diplomacy, cooperation, and another crap."

"which has its good side. More missions to accomplish, more money to accept."

"You know Galbadia… we would be forced to cooperate with them eventually. They're full of old politician while we are just some bunch of young mercenaries- for God sake!"

"and these young and inexperienced mercenaries depend on you…- are you scared, Squall?"

He didn't answer. He said calmly instead, "That's why. I think I'm going to send you out, Quistis. Spy those Galbadian for me."

"that's why you're talking to me right now?"

"Yes. And we can't just say 'no' that easily…"

Of course. Quistis felt quite disappointed. She thought she finally broken down those hard shell of her commander,-and former student. A thought of having him just opened up his mind to someone else, to her, just to ease his worries and ask about her opinions on something quite flattered her for a moment. Well, yeah, he's always like that anyway… and the thought of having him pushed away her from her usually 'his right-hand' position even only for transient time was a kind of odd and never crossed her mind. He assigned me to a separate job? Quistis screamed in disbelief in her mind.

"Where are the others SeeD? A high rank seed like me?", she asked instead.

" We're run out of SeeD. Too many missions to be held. You surely know it, Quistis."

"Yes. It's good when that Oskman don't lay his fingers on us. Things back to normal…"

"Meet me up at 8 in my office. I'll assign you officially. Kinneas or Selphie would be good."

"Can't do that."

Oh yes… Selphie was volunteered herself in rebuilding Trabia garden project and Kinneas… is up in Esthar mission at the moment… Kinneas is a perfect person for the job…

"hey-"

"No. I'm not sending you alone."

"Of course, I was going to say to have Zell. We'll make a good team. Why not Zell? You mentioned Selphie and Irvine but no Zell… strange, isn't it?"

By that time Zell had arrived with his hands full of hot dogs.

Squall eyed him in disbelief. "Zell?" not Zell…Zell was too much a ruckus with his big mouth for any kind of stealthing or spying mission.

That made Zell confused and looked innocently at both of them.

He looked dumb at the moment and honestly, Squall thought that kind of job wasn't too suitable for him despite his high rank as SeeD. Beside, Squall had another mission for him.

But he just shrugged and rolled his eyes on Quistis.

"Fine. Whatever. Just make both of you not to get killed in the process – or uncovered. Meet me at eight."

"Yes, Sir.", she gave a SeeD salute, while Zell still idly confused, "me? huh? What's this about, Quisty? Huh? Squall? Another mission?"

She nodded. Then Squall walked off from the cafeteria. He even forgot about his desire to eat.

Quistis just laughed sweetly, made her beauty radiated more. "Well, it would be a good time, like old times, Zell!"

True. Being an instructor again of course made her extremely happy like she had fulfilled her life and made up her failure in the past. But as time went off, she missed the field mission. And since she was a high rank seed, she seldom got it. As for Zell, it was also the same. Becoming instructor in hand-to hand combat made him quite bored. After all, he was a man of field. He mostly did, not thought of something (nor taught something which was incredibly far from his behavior; how he handled his class now was a big mystery). But being a high rank SeeD and after all those label as hero of late war made him rarely go out on field mission unless there was a 'difficult enough' job to do... and that kind of rare mission was assigned to Irvine lately. That made him quite envy, not because of the money, the prestigious status or what, it was just simply because Irvine had the fresh air he needed most! That's why he was happy to hear the news. Not to mention teamed up with Quistis! Now after 4 years, the orphanage gangs hardly spent time together. What family? In fact, Zell, with his innocence and naïve thought, had felt like he was totally alone and they had all gone with their own ways and been busy with their own problems; no more that sacred friendship. That made him felt like past time again, before the war. He thought, by becoming an instructor, he could spend more time with the Commander, or Quistis as she was one too. But, nope. Everybody had their own life. He sure missed those times during the Second Sorcerer war. Luckily, he always had his Ma and home in Balamb City, almost always had Rinoa to hang up with, and a lovely librarian girl to be his girlfriend. But man! He's sure really missed those times during the sorcerer war when he found the so called family, the truth of his childhood, the sacred bond which they had as they actually grew up together! And this mission with Quistis raised his hope again. He punched the air enthusiastically.

"booyakaa!", he then did his shadow boxing in the air.

"Actually, Rinoa is there. No need for him to send us. This Squall…He could directly ask as to guard the sorceress if he wants."

Zell knew that Rinoa hates to be regarded or called as sorcerer. Thus he corrected Quistis.

"Rin couldn't do anything. She wouldn't have any ideas what to do. You know her, Quis…"

Quistis realized that Zell and Rinoa had been best friend lately. Yes of course you'll defend her, Zell.

"oh yes she could. She was in timber's-"

"and she's not a SeeD.", Zell cut her.

What's with Quistis? Is she still jealous upon Rin ? no, Quistis always been Quistis, the best woman and big sister I know! Well-uh..

"Hey, Zell. Why are you staring at me like that?"

"…gotta find Belle! Tell about the mission and all!", he smiled widely and started to run. "Bye, Qusity!"

"Belle? Who's that?"

"Oh, c'mon! I already introduced her with you twice!", he shouted from the hall in front of Quistis.

Well, so Belle was her name.

Apparently, Zell found his girl there that Qusitis could hear his steps stopped and she could hear their conversation too. And when she was leaving the cafeteria door, she saw them walking in together.

"We're going to have breakfast together, Quis. come in?"

What? He's going for another hot dog? "Um, no. I already have one." And you too, Zell! She then smiled to that Belle, the ponytail librarian girl. She smiled shyly in return. Apparently she was some kind of Trepies. (The secret admirer, since she was so shy).

Zell looked at Quistis with that 'oh-so- pu-lease' eyes of him.

"I'll take my leave then. Don't forget,08.00 a.m Zell." She then lowered her voice and tone ,"Otherwise, deal with Squall yourself. I won't cover you. ", Quistis said and finished it with a smile toward Belle.

"Sure thing!"

Then she walked. As Quistis walked she could still hear their conversation.

"It's almost 8, are you sure it's ok, Zell?"

"Of course! I'm waiting for you in purpose! I wouldn't have my breakfast without you! man, now I'm terribly hungry!"

"I was going to Cafetaria to look for you. I thought you already had one like usually…"

"No…no… I wasn't! I was going to uh- the library, yes!"

Right Zell.. 3 hot dogs don't count as one so that you're terribly hungry now..

and look… now even he's not that honest again… she thought again, that's why you accepted that instructor job… Well… apparently, Zell too had already found his future. How about me? feeling the unusual melancholy, she walked directly to the commander office. Me? luckily, I always have the jobs which I needed and NEED most…

Meeting her former student and former crush everyday as her commander made her quite affected. She believed that this was another form of torture. In fact, he was the most often person she met and deal every day.

'Big sister love' was another great excuse which of course made her wearier inside. But she was a kind of though girl with clear head. So she kept moving on. And she couldn't just destroy their friendship. More than that, they were family. And she always tried her best not to envy to that new girl Rinoa and tried sincerely happy for her; for them, and welcomed that Rinoa as a part of their family too. Deep down in her heart, Quistis trepe was always that good and gentle, a kind woman, wise, intellect, and mature.

She went directly to the lift and pushed the buttons. To her surprised she found him there. (just wake up from her dreamy state and too surprise so she even forget to do that SeeD salute)

"Do you see Zell?"

"…still in cafeteria. Going up?", she finally gave that SeeD salute. As she realized how stupid her question was, she felt ashamed thus she asked, "looking for him yourself, Commander?"

(She preferred not to call his name since it'd be more –uh…- casual and personal). But he already strode off the lift even without a 'thanks'. Well, that's typically of him anyway… Quistis sighed.

But why did he search Zell directly ? He could announced Zell to get to his office with the com like always. Or use the phone, message and all. More than that, Zell would be there soon with her at eight. What was that all about ? something private? It's almost eight! And her commander whom she should meet just went off from his office. She felt quite disappointed; even now her job ran away from her and left her. Nothing to do was the most thing Quistis hate right now.

But, discipline was always been Squall type. When he said eight, thus it would be. Realized that she was 15 minutes too early, she continued her steps to the Commander room and decided to wait.

Unfortunately, not even Xu or Nida was there. Maybe they had going out to some kinds of SeeD mission again. It's actually strange… Xu told me she'd back about this day...

-O.O-

There she was, walking at the luxury halls once was home in her childhood life. Her small-red backpack Quistis gave her for her 18th birthday sat there on her back, containing just a few goods actually. But she felt the burden as if she had brought the heaviest metals on her shoulders.

Finally, back at this place…

She held her rings which hung loosely at its chain to calm herself. She touched the rough one longer. Then Rinoa Heartilly continued to walk again. She knocked at the door hesitantly. No answer. So, she just simply opened the door which was not locked. There he was, sitting in his desk, looked a little older since she last saw him directly. He looked completely aware and not disturbed by her sudden visit. Rinoa held her urgent desire to hold his hands and hug him. Then she lost into feeling of uncertainty again.

"I heard you rent a room at Galbadia Hotel since yesterday. So, what brings you here, now?", General Caraway heavy tone came first.

"What brings me, now? this is my home! And not like that I want to see you, Dad!", a hint of hurt was there in her voice.

"…So, after you bored with your spoiled little adventure games, finally you're back to me, Princess."

Princess- that nick name her friends called her during her Timber resistance movement- came out from Caraway's mouth made her ears burnt red in anger and shame.

"It's not a game!", she screamed and went to the door, which is surprisingly locked now. "oh, noo… you're not going to trap me again here! you're such a meanie!"

General Caraway knew better. His stubborn daughter wouldn't be back to him that way. She needed more flexibility. "no, of course I won't.", he pushed some buttons on his desk and unlocked the door.

She stared coldly at him childishly and was about going to leave. She hadn't been back there for 4 years-not even after the time compression- just for this. Nothing's changed that much. That made her disappointed.

"Fine. I don't have any father, and you don't have any daughter, General Caraway!"

She doesn't expect Caraway to stop her. After all, she thought that she had Squall and all; her life. And she'd be back very soon.

"Rinny."

…

"…I really care of you. "

"Dad…"

"Quit doing dangerous things. I really want you to settle calmly here. Back to this house. Be a good girl. Your mother had passed years ago, now it's only both of us."

"…I already have my life, Dad… But, I- I'm so sorry for being so childish. I will always visit you from now on…"

"and now that you are a sorcerers, I couldn't just sleep at ease. You are my daughter, and world will take no harms on you..!"

"I'm fine. And everybody's nice-"
"-yes. Maybe…. I'm just missing my little daughter.", he smiled.

Rinoa was felt so happy. She found her lost figure of father there again at him. She felt days ahead would be so perfectly bright and their father-daughter relationship would bloom again warmly like it had been before.

"So, will you stay here ?"

"Of course…dad. I- I'm sorry for troubles I made…"

She hugged her father tightly.

-O.O-

It was the same balcony once he first met Rinoa. But instead of starry night sky or a beautiful ocean, the scenery was just simply the Balamb Plain which pictured a hint of shore and forest to the east and city far away to the west. And it was a bright morning. Squall stood there gazing the view with his hands at back. It appears that he would attend some kind of meeting or SeeD business since he unusually wore his Seed uniform, complete with his commander insignia.

"You don't have to ruin that completely, man! What were you thinking? And it's not even 8 yet! And what's with this place? "

Squall turned his back.

"and you don't have to say that in front of her just for your lack of humor joke! Now what will Belle think of me?", Zell continued and shouted furiously.

"I'm not kidding. I'm serious when I said it. You should really loss your weight 6 kg by this week, or else, I have your rank down 3 steps, Zell. You are a SeeD. A high rank SeeD. What kind of soldier are you? You won't be a good use if you're still like this.", Squall said coldly. He was never been so opened up to anyone but Zell. Not even to Rinoa.

"wh—what? Now what's this all about? You're not coming to me purposely just to comment about my body- my health."

"I want you to take another mission."

"Huh?"

"a secret one." Squall handed a folder of files to him and a handphone.

"….man….. whatever it is…I don't feel I 'll like it…."

"Free Almasy for me."

"WHAAT?" Squall must have been crazy…, Zell thought.

"No one else know this mission but me. report directly to me, Zell Dincht."

Zell then gave him the seed salute.

"I can't reject it, can I?"

Squall just lift an eyebrow. "We'll talk later about the details. come. It's 4 minutes to 8. let's go to my office. Quistis must be… waiting for us."

"BUT it is him! Seifer, Squall! It's not even worth it! That cocky-arrogant- bastard- no good person for God sake! Now tell me your reasons! And we'll face Galbadian as consequence!"

Not just galbadia. Whole world, Squall replied in his thought.

"Well, I have things in mind."

"He almost killed us many times!"

"Now shut your mouth, Zell! Everybody would know otherwise."

Zell held his breath.

"sSo, why me? I'm not even fond of him! Yeah…we grew up together and all…but He was my enemy and always be."

Squall couldn't answer. Zell was his best friend; the only man close to him, just like a brother. That's all. As simple as that.

"I trust you.", he said instead. "now, will you do it?"

"As a best friend or subordinate?" no answer from Squall.

"or both?" Zell then gave Squall SeeD salute to conclude himself.

Squall just eyed him and started to walk. As Zell followed him, he asked again, "you don't even tell others , aren't you?, Squall? Do you think you are supposed to do this? I know you are the commander and all… but, Squall-"

"Quick, Zell! I have many things to do beside briefing you and Quistis…!"

Oh, man…!

-O.O-

[still in Caraway's room, the next morning.]

"What? you're leaving ?I thought you had changed your mind."

"After all, the election is done. I never said I'd move here again, dad. I just said I'd stay for the night. But, I'm going to visit you often till you're bored of my, face, Dad !"

"Honestly, I want you to stay here with me again. This is your home."

"I-", Rinoa halted, trying not too harsh. "I've already had my life there. Besides, I can't just-" leave him.

"hm? ... settle here, Rinny. And think about your future…. … you didn't even finish your high school, right? That Seifer… and those Timber proletarian ….*sigh*

Rinny, past had already past…. Now, if you're serious enough, I can enroll you in-"

"no need, Dad. I have already had my life there…. Like I said before.", she smiled.

"Is it? But I can't see anything clear there. Consider it, Rinny. Educated. You don't have to involve in politics. Be a doctor or something. Or even a singer like your Mom…"

"Dad!"

"Like I said, a friend of mine… offer to enroll you in Medicine. Or probably you could take Business…. Consider it. You' re still young. I don't want you to have no future. And nothing to do… have a messy life….I want you to at least become something- someone- so that I don't-."

Rinoa interrupted, "Nothing to do? no future? Become something? Dad! I'm already a SORCERRER!", she yelled spontaneously.

Brief silence.

"…ah, or Arts?", Caraway added too casually and extremely calmly. This made Rinoa bit her lips not to burst in anger. Her father was really saying that for her own goods anyway so it was just childish to do that,

Brief silence.

"…Anyway, not now…I'm going to leave tomorrow…"

"Too soon, isn't it? You don't even want to know who next president is?"

Rinoa smiled sweetly. I just want to see you Dad. I don't really care about this whole election or what. Except for my political right… and Timber.

"I promised Squall-"

"That SeeD?" Caraway's memory recalled their first meeting when Squall was in Deling to assassinate the sorcerer Edea. The way he spoke, talked, handled things, how responsible he was, and those quite impressed him. How that kid asked his daughter's card idly that time …to his formal meetings with him nowadays.

"Commander of SeeD.", Rinoa corrected. Who killed Ultimecia and saved the world. The hero of late war. My – uh- Knight. She added in her thought proudly.

General Caraway sighed.

How that kid - no- that man, not only had become a world hero but also had become a very important figure now, military and politically. An interesting young man indeed. He sighed again.

"So, what kind of life you have there?"

"It 's perfect!-", Rinoa chirped and smiled genuinely.

"I've heard that now you're together with him. So it's true then…"

Rinoa felt sudden change of atmosphere; to a tenser one. Oh, it's not going to be good…"you don't like him? I thought you two got along just fine. He even often mentioned your name in-"

"he's a SeeD.", he said firmly.

"so? A SeeD is supposed to kill the sorcerres? Is that it?"

"Is it? …then it's added more reasons. Rinny, you don't have any idea how SeeDs are. What SeeD is. I don't want you to have that kind of life. I'm concern about you.", he replied calmly.

"Oh !"

"and you are now a sorcerer. They could kill you anytime. They could use you otherwise!"

Having image of Squall killing her just made Rinoa felt nausea. It was just too unthinkable; far from reality. "OH yes, and Galbadia surely wouldn't use me!"

"You more believe in him than me? your own father?"

Now Rinoa bit her lips again.

"Aren't you too naive? that SeeD… is not worth for you. What could he provide? Consider it, Rinny. Go back here to your home and associates with whom you should. "
not worth? He even saved me during the sorceress war! "he's NOT worth enough? Dad, for god sake, he loves me! he's commander of SeeD and all!" and always protect me!

"and?"

"and-" she lost her words. And what? "and he knew how to make me happy, better than you!"

"that place-", Caraway was about to say more when he was cut of by Rinoa.

"How could… how could I know that you're not using me on Galbadia's interest?", Rinoa asked coldly suddenly.

"Look how they already changed you. now you already think like them- the gardens. *clear throat* It's not that bad actually…", Caraway couldn't hide his disappointment.

"…Dad-"

"that place is not safe for you. and I just want you to lead a happy life. You don't have any ideas how mercenaries life is. How military-"

"-you just don't know! You don't know anything about me since I was seven !"

Kriing!

A telephone interrupted their conversation before Caraway could let a word.

"I know.", Caraway said on the phone.

"I'm going to leave now. We'll catch up later.", he said to his daughter, tapped her head like she was still that 5 years old girl thus it messed her hair, and kissed her forehead. "I always love you, Rinny. Not just because I see your mother in you. You're my only daughter..."

By that, he saw a hint of another ring glistening on her daughter's chain beside the one his wife had. It caught his attention. Then he left the room, leaving still furious Rinoa.

General Caraway had never hated Squall. Even he knew that he's a good man since their first meeting at Delig that day. And the war and all had proven him right. But Caraway didn't think he's the right man for his only daughter.

He always loved her daughter although never really showed that.

"and he's NOT military! He's a SeeD, dad!", Rinoa shouted but caraway ignored her and keep going (he already left the room).

"YOU are military, general caraway!", she shouted, upset, to the already left Caraway. Being childish, Rinoa grabbed her goods, left a note "I'm going home now, Dad. Nothing to catch up between us if we never really communicate." on her father's desk, and left the Caraway mansion, her house.

+/++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++/++/++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++/+

He's SOOO meanie! Just leave me that way! And I'm not a bird in cage! But surely, she felt happy (that's why she shut her mouth and forget about her anger for a second, enjoying the touché moment she missed for) when her father kissed her forehead. We're not even finished talking! And I've just arrived last night! Ohh, how could he be so… MEAN!

Fine, he doesn't like me being with Squall, now I'm going back to him! hmph!

Everything I do always wrong, right, Dad? Now I'm almost twenty one… nothing changed, right?

OOHHHHhh! I've just arrived last night! After these 4 years! Why can't you appreciate your daughter more than your oh-so-important job? Since Mom gone…-

Rinoa walked furiously to the train station. Before that, she had taken her goods which was only small black suitcase from Galbadia hotel, and checked out.

We're not even like a normal couple…

Look at those…I'm really envy… and that sweet blond couple over there…I wish Squall and me could be like that…look at them…

OHH! And LOOK at them closer…

"Philip, hold my hands.", the beautiful blonde woman said sweetly.

"-uh err-yeah- yes of course."

"What's that? More naturally!", she said now in a much slower one and in firm tone.

The man was just as groggy as ever. "-the hotel? We better checked in soon. It's still crowded here – the election.", the woman said more, now in her soft tone again.

"Hey…hey… look what we have here…hmm, what a nice couple, right, Zell! *giggles*",Rinoa soft voice greeted the blonde couple cheerfully.

"Look at your face!", she said more to the man who apparently was Zell. Yes, Zell without his spiky hair. He had his hair combed neatly to one side just like some young executive. Somehow, he had hidden his tattoo with whatever technique the Seed use. Oh, and likely, he also had that gel on his hair to make it neat, and glasses on his eyes to add the effect. And the effect was quite dramatic. What Rinoa saw was a young executive in black suit and tie with clever looks instead of SeeD Zell.

"Oh, man! ", he shouted ashamed.

"Good to see you, Quistis!", Rinoa greeted the woman more cheerfully. Rinoa noticed her appearance and honestly she thought that Quistis was so… stunning. Her hair was down and she used contact lens instead of glasses, dressed in unusual simple pastel pink color girly dress which looked expensive, made her looked younger, more carefree and beautiful. She's so… pretty…the dress was just passed her tight but not yet reach the knees and made her pretty and fair legs framed beautifully. I heard she had fell for Squall, fortunately, it was only as big sister.. I wonder why she's still alone…-

"The election, Rinoa?", Quistis's voice woke her up from her thought.

"-uh, yes. Now, what are you two doing here? SeeD business?"

Quistis nodded. "Lower your tone, Rin. Don't say about it…"

"oh- sorryyy… so what is it about ? huh? Tell me…tell me…"

"SeeD business.", quistis replied firmly. "means only for SeeD to know."

Quistis and Zell gazed each other, and then zell spoke up, "Sorry, rin… not meant to be harsh. –but- yeah- you're not a SeeD.", Zell knew that those words hurt Rinoa most.

"I know! I understand! I'm just kidding…", she forced a laugh.

"Hey, I'm going to check the hotel first…kay, Quisty?", Zell said.

"Sophia.", she corrected. "I'm handling things here."

Zell raised his thumb in agreement and went away.

"Well, isn't it funny, Quis- Sophia?"

"Are you in hurry?"

"No. I'm just going home… , haven't buy the ticket yet…and Squall could wait, hehe…"

"You don't have to worry, he's away. Anyway, let's have some coffee there first. The journey wasn't that comfortable…" beside, Quistis was waiting for the appearance of some Galbadian elite guys whom would be arrived there shortly. But of course she didn't tell Rinoa.

"Fine, I'd love too."

...and there it went. Rinoa's dominating the conversation with her stories and all. She started complaining about her father, and when she come to Squall she forgot to stop.

Quistis was always the kind of person who good at listening people (that's why everybody liked to share with her, including Rinoa) but she had already tired hearing Rinoa babbling, moreover, her target hadn't appeared yet..

Yeah..yeah… how he is as arrogant as ever… cold and inhuman… and your lack of relationship or what…

And where's the heck that man?

The Galbadian elite hadn't appeared yet and it made Quistis restless.

"He even never sees me lately! I feel he's more far and far…I've started to doubt, Quistis!- I, I'm scared he'd run away from me…"

"he's just busy…", Quistis replied, still trying to locate the galbadian elite.

"…oh, Quistis! Hear me out… you're not even listening anymore!", Rinoa yelled in disappointment. she took a deep breath and continued, "-he never showed that he loves or care about me lately. " he even never did say he love me or what. How about if it's only me?

"-and he ...never seems to attract to me in that way- you know that- and never does uh- you know what,Quistis- to me lately…" rinny…rinny… such a big liar, aren't you? the truth is he never did that even just for once. These past 4 years, he only did no more than a kiss. And that was only once too, on that time at the party after we defeated Ultimecia in that balcony... he only kissed me once for godsake! "-I don't want to be left by him. No, Quistis, I can't imagine that. And he's-"

Now Quistis was totally restless and was about to act something about her mission (she's always professional) and annoyed by Rinoa so she said,

"-Wine. He needs to loosen a bit." By this time, Quistis had sent message to Zell and still holding the gadget when Rinoa responded in doubt,

"Wine..?"
"Oh, c'mon! like what you did at that seed inauguration party… give yourself… so he won't run away. Aren't you expert in that?", Now quistis said angrily.

But Rinoa missed the hint. She didn't think Quistis was angry and mocking her.

"ok, Rin? I'm going to leave. Have a safe journey home.", Quistis stood up and left.

As she left, Rinoa saw Zell waved his hands from a far and approached her.

"Going home, right? Safe journey, Rinny! …here, I just bought these…. Well everything's priced lot in galbadia but hell yeah they are just so… interesting and good.! Look, this cake too is extremely delicious and this kitchen knife and- " Rinoa started to giggle, stopping zell to euphorically describing his shopping goods. "could you please give them to Ma?", zell continued.

Rinoa nodded and smiled. "Sure, no problem…"

"Oh, and if you like it, you could take too. Anyway …what did you buy for Squall? I'm really curious! I won't tell anyone, please? Just give me a hint…" "or a peek..?"

"Huh? what's?"

"Oh, you DON'T know?"

She just stared him with questioning eyes.

"Yesterday is his 21st birthday!"

"OHH…,Zell!... how could I-? thanks.." these 4 years, I even don't know his birthday! But I thought he's an orphanage…and that's quite sensitive matters…and Mr. Loire -

"Don't worry… Selphie and the rest of the gang had already planned something. I'll make sure you got the right special task, Rin! now, go! And-" tit tit! "yes, Quis- Sophia! Be there!" then he faced rinoa again "-and don't tell me you know it from me…"

"Yes, Sir!", she joked and laughed.

"uhh… gotta go, Quisty called me."

Rinoa smiled and nodded. Zell then turned his back to leave. But then he hesitated and spoke again.

"Hey, didn't Quisty mention it?"

"What? About Squall's birthday?"

"…never mind." , then he grinned widely "later then.., got a job to do!"

+/++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++/++/++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++/+

Having bought two books about war strategy and an inspiring book about communication after 2 hours thinking and finally decided, Rinoa walked to the train station to buy the ticket. 20 minutes to go, and she felt extremely hungry. Thus she went to the shopping arcade again. (She never liked waiting in the train station, or ate food sold there. This is Deling, and she surely knew good places to eat or not.) it took 7 minutes by bus. So, she just bought a hot fresh-oven cheese cake and a sandwich and had it wrap to eat there in the train.

"Thank you.", She said to the clerk.

Going out from the store, she saw it there showed on the store display. It looked luxurious even for the bottle. Then she turned her head to stop the bus which unfortunately not there yet.

"OH! Now, where is the bus? I'm going late for the train…", she looked at her watch.

"Say… young woman, you're going to the train station too?", an old woman beside her asked.

"Yes. Going to balamb. And you?", she smiled.

"Timber."

Rinoa nodded politely and then she looked again through the glass window of the store. How attractive it was for her that time. And she had saw the brand with golden fonts on it somewhere, must had been her dad's.

"…hm… wine…?...why not…"

Then she entered the store again and packaged the expensive wine with cute red ribbons on its neck.

A bus horned outside, and that old woman now yelling at her.

"wait for that young woman there first…"

Rinoa rushed to the door.

"Oh, yes! I'm in!", she said and jumped in to the bus in a hurry. She couldn't help but giggle.

"Sorry…"

Everybody looked at her irritably. Nevertheless, she felt extremely happy. She had bought the presents and eager to know his reaction.

I'm back a day too early. But it's already evening… there's a good chance he'd already back at the garden…He's the commander, right? He wouldn't leave the garden that long…

She giggled to herself again and walked with light heart to the train station and set off for Balamb.

But sitting in the train alone, made her thinking again. Rinoa looked at the window and ate her last bite of cheese cake.

… well, aren't I a fool? How could I be so certain? I defend him infront of dad for god sake! I'm not even sure… I'm not even confident….

'know better to make me happy? Better than you!' ?...

She sighed. I wish it was true…

No…no… I'm just too spoiled! I don't have to doubt him.

… but he might not even love me… or care about me…

What am I doing there in the garden? I throw away my life.. yes just to be there in the middle of strangers and unknown circumstances which I don't belong. Not that he's always there for me either.

I'm just a typical-common- NORMAL- girl in my age! I'm not a SeeD! And I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING to do there! Just sit there dumbly waiting for him who doesn't even care about me. oh, c'mon! where is my dignity?

And after this 4 year… we're going nowhere. Yeah, if that relationship even exist. Maybe dad's true.

Tat tat tat yeaah!, a shocking extremely cheerful sound with a shameful 'yeah' voice ringtone woke up her from her thought. Well, it's hers. (in fact, it was Selphie who gave her the ringtone and insisted to be used). Feeling ashamed, she quickly took the phone.

And the name there made her smile. "yeah, Squall?"

"Where are you, Rinoa?", his voice reflected obvious concern.

Well, seems like I've been too spoiled…*giggles* see? Nothing to worry about!

"What's so funny?", he said again.

"…no.. nothing. *giggle*. Train. Will be in balamb soon. Where are-"

"-Ok, take care then." He hung the phone. Tiit…..

WHAT- WAS- THAT? You're SO MEAAAN! Rinoa furiously called back to burst out her anger. She didn't even care what the heck important meeting or mission that mean-arrogant-cold-inhuman guy had right now.

"What?", his cold voice came first. Thus Rinoa's lost at words.

"…Uh… no, I mean, you'd be back tonight, right? Where are you?",

God! Doesn't she realize how important business I'm in the middle of right now? *Sigh*, Squall thought. But he said instead, "Do you call me back just to ask that, Rin?", his voice heard annoyed.

"Well, I'm just thinking… maybe we could have a dinner together this night? Well, if you don't mind…but of course you're busy right? Ah! Never mind that! I'm not going to disturb you…just be sure go home safely!"

He didn't reply first. But to Rinoa surprise, then he spoke in a different tone, a much calmer one.

"I'll be at Balamb around…. 8. Do you ok with that?"

WHAT? Did he just say agree? Oww… c'mon!

"Sure! So, I'm going to book at Seaside Restaurant about 8.30, ok?"

"…"

"Heyy… no answer…..I take that as a yes! Thank you, Squall! Oh, I love you soo much! you know that! *giggle*"

"just be careful.", he said and hung the phone.

Rinoa filled in joy. It was good, no, perfect. And she felt nothing but ashamed and guilty to have ever thought anything like that. She'd like to scream in joy but of course she didn't do that. Still smiling, she closed her eyes at ease and decided to sleep.

-O.O-

[30 June 1999]

Squall was sitting in the Ragnarok cockpit, deeply thinking. He still wore his SeeD regalia after attending important meeting due to Reestablishment of Trabia Garden in Trabia. He had also checked the progress directly. 4 years had passed, and it almost finished. Now Esthar-G was in the list.

The rebuilding of Trabia sure needs a lot of funds… and with that Norg gone, we don't have any sponsor…

No business with Galbadia government either…..

Shit! I shouldn't take care of this! For god sake, I'm just a SeeD… not a headmaster or economic geezer!

Now his eyes were busy looking at the monitor of pocket TV which broadcasted the current Galbadian election. Nida was sleeping there in his seat.

Selphie was also there, piloting the Ragnarok like usually. She was about going back to Trabia after dropped Squall to Dollet to attend an important meeting of World Leader gathering in anticipation of Galbadia presidential election. She didn't bother to initiate conversation (after her failure attempts during the flight), looking at her friend's unfriendly expression.

Dollet had appeared in sight.

"Here we are! Later, Squall! Nida!", Selphie chirped. "Hey, about the meeting just now…, you know he was that kind of person. Don't bother him, ok?"

"Whatever….inform me about the progress. And take care,"

"Yes, sir!", she gave the seed salute. Squall went down, followed by Nida (with his sleepy eyes) and walked directly to the white grand building.

And….- How about Irvine? He had not been back yet…

But then suddenly his private phone rang. Squall frowned. He only gave that number to Rinoa. Sure he missed her but sometimes the girl didn't know the right time to call for unimportant matters. It's kind of annoying. To annoy people was really her other specialty beside magic. People were curious how he ended with her and some didn't agree with that. True, she's beautiful, kind, a rich girl of famous General Caraway and all… but those weren't count as enough for their so called hero -not with her personality; not with her circumstances and backgrounds. The girl was just too contrast for a fine man like him. Everybody said that the childish Rinoa didn't suit him. And their relationship was rather odd and unnatural despite a hint of whatever cliché fairytale in that Sorcerer War. But Squall wasn't bothered by that. He insisted on their relationship (which Rinoa REALLY eager to) and regardless what they said (which sometimes true), he loved her and felt complete by her.

"Commander Squall Leonheart, isn't it?", a deep baritone familiar voice was there instead of Rinoa's soft-high pitch one. Squall couldn't replace the man, but he's sure he had met this person before.

"…"

Squall frowned again and Nida saw that.

His eyes asking Squall for explanation. But Squall dismissed him with his hands. Nida nodded and went to the building (where the meeting held) with questioning expression while Squall went to the opposite side. (he's decided to walk out first and joined the meeting later.)

"…Well… not even a praise to someone who had broken your so called famous SeeD security and information system? I guess, you're like what I've heard then."

"Whatever. Who are you? What the hell do you want?"

"Very impolite. You should be thankful I, not my subordinate, directly talk with you. First, I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Kurt Deling. You must have heard my name. And you better not to tell anyone… you don't have to worry to be stealth right now. I have handled things fine."

Squall thought flew to certain man. He had met this guy many times in many important occasions before. Kurt Deling. A man only famous because of his late name. No military background, just simply economic; a very fine rich businessman who active politically. The only President candidate -beside that jerk Robin Oskman- from opposition party. He has his mass. But hell, everyone knew that this man is way too un-famous around the public. "What-the-hell do you want?" , now he screamed. "I'm not interested to be involved in your political game."

"Meet me at Timber inn now-"

"-I can't and don't want. And you're not going threatening me."

"-ok, after whatever secret meeting you're attending right now… we're gonna talk about something interesting if,", he paused, "you are interested. Consider this as a friendly invitation of a man who broke your security system, Commander.", he hung the phone.

Shit!

Squall turned off the phone and went back to the building where the famous leaders (including that Estharian moron man who called himself his father) gathered to attend the meeting.

"Commander, Sir! The meeting was not going to start without you. They're not letting me in instead. Come, hurry!", Nida welcomed him in front of the building.

Squall nodded and entered.

"… Uh, Squall, is it… Rinoa again?", Nida asked suddenly.

Before Squall could answer, a Dollet guard interrupted politely, "Excuse me, Sir. No weapon here. High level security.", he said to Squall who like usually had his lionhart on his back, perfectly sheathed.

"Yes, it's her.", Squall gazed Nida instead, ignoring the poor guard and walked in to the conference room while Nida stopped to take a guard position outside, joining Kiros who had already stood there. Nida just raised an eyebrow to response the poor guard while Kiros smiled to himself.

Little that Squall knew that the meeting which was about to begin would take too long…

-O.O-

Now….what dress I'm going to wear?

This…? Or this?

07.00 p.m. Rinoa was there alone in her room, checking her wardrobe. She had spent about 2 hours doing this but yet she hadn't prepared yet. And her room was messy with her dresses everywhere in her bed. There on the table below the window, sat nicely a blue birthday present. She looked extremely gorgeous with that ocean blue dress she put on right now, but as she looked at the mirror, she realized it was too much. Thus, she searched again to a simpler one. And finally, at 07.50 p.m, she went out her room in extreme happiness.

It's just a simple dinner! Aren't I too exaggerating….*giggle*

She decided to wear a simple white blouse with a knee-length skirt with whitish stripe accent on it. Simple and cute. And she looked prettier with natural make up on her face (usually she just put on simple and basic make up, never really did the make up like most girls use to be). She tried to call or send message to Squall, but apparently his phone was still turned off. But she didn't mind. He probably still busy and couldn't be disturbed. And when he said 8 at Balamb, it would be 8. He was such a punctual man, unless there were conditional problems. And she would gladly wait. Thus without hesitating, she drove the car (which she had rent when he arrived by train at Balamb that day) to Balamb city and parked there at the Seaside Restaurant. (she didn't want to bother fighting the enemies along the way, thus she rented a car, not with current outfit and make up).

There, she sat on her reservation table. (instead of 09.30 p.m like she said, she decided to book for 08.00 p.m). She ordered a cup of tea. 5 minutes later, the drink came. She sipped the tea very slowly for almost 10 minutes. Now it's already 08.20 and there's no news form Squall. So she called him but unfortunately failed.

Still inactive…God… where is he?

Look… don't you forget about this! She looked at her empty mug irritably. But then her phone suddenly rang. And his name appeared. Look…how silly I am… proven wrong again…she smiled.

"Squaaall!", she greeted warmly and excitingly.

"Look, rinoa. There's something I must do right now. It's important. I'm sorry, I can't make to Balamb. Do-", he said but then he was cut off by another voice in back.

"Commander Leonheart. Excuse me, but-"

"Yes, I know.", he said.

What? WHAT?it's reaaally unfair!

"Rinoa, are you still with me?", he said again. "I'm sorry. You haven't been there yet right? I called you as fast as I could. I'm seeing you after this has settled, ok?

"of course. I haven't gone yet. It's 10 minutes again… "

"commander-"

Rinoa could hear Squall sighed. "I'm not going to turn off my handphone this time. See you again, soon, Rin."

"ok."

Well, I'm not a happy schoolgirl who was in love right? I'm with that so important commander of SeeD….wake up, girl! Arrgh…!

Rinoa went home in big disappointment, and she cried alone in her room that night. Then she woke up, washed her face and stopped crying. She washed again her face and tried to think a more positive way.

Just go home safe, you idiot! Don't you dare give me a bad news like you dead or something!

Without changing her clothes, she fell asleep.

-O.O-

[30 june 1999, night at Dollet]

It was already night. The sea was dark, glistening by occasionally lamps from the ships. They were at the harbor, and the Garden vessel was there and ready to escort them back to Balamb City anytime. The steel door was opened as their arrival, and a man with black suit and golden lines –the seed uniform- appeared. He gave Squall the SeeD salute. "Ready to depart, Sir."

Then Squall jumped in, followed by Nida. But something bothered him.

"Nida, go back to the garden. I'm going to …check on something first."

He jumped out of the vessel.

"and you're going to Galbadia alone, Sir?", Nida replied with question.

"….yes."

+/++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++/++/++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++/+

+/++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++/++/++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++/+

[01 July 1999, house near ocean, 00.30]

"…then spill out everything you know. I hear about it... you were his closest person", Squall said.

"He was my best friend. But only during the military academic. Nothing more. …

I warn you, never trust the man. You never know what that snake capable of. If he became the president…, well…

But none of my business anyway."

"…"

"but maybe Galbadia Nation will rise again, as super power militaristic country."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Many people was lost when he was still active as the first general of Galbadia. The dessert prison? It's his idea. But during Vinzer regime, he's not used. Off in every part of political play. Now he's back…and as much as he himself, Galbadia citizen loved him to be their president."

"I heard that he had worked for Galbadian Intelligent for several years, before he made first general. Is it true then?", Squall asked more.

"Maybe you should ask President of Esthar about that. I heard they were in same year as Galbadian soldier."

"He knew Laguna?!"

" Laguna? ..-as Galbadian soldier in field I presume. Ironically, he's the man behind couples of murder plans toward President Loire years ago. How do I know that?... don't ask me."

"…where the hell this man went during the Ultimecia war? He's not even-"

"never mentioned? Never appeared? I told you, he's off and not know where about during Vinzer Deling's regime. And the sorcerrer… well, that orthodox man hates sorcerer.", Martin pressed his intonation on last word and gazed Squall directly. Sorcerer. That caught Squall's attention. and I'm a sorcerer knight…

He suddenly worried about her. Rinoa.

"… you know the R virus?", Martin continued.

"Yes. the one that had become epidemic in Trabia decades ago so that now no more Trabia city?"

"The one that make the Trabian suffered and economic collapse, depending on Galbadian's vaccine. And the one who infected the poor FH people so that they became more and more famine as the contract with Galbadian military confirmed 10 years ago. Practically, they are just a part of Galbadia imperialism… have you ever wondered where the tanks, missiles, and all high tech military equipment Galbadia has? The tanks and all!"

"…So they moved here to FH and cut off the relationship. The climate is hot too, the virus couldn't survive. The FH's people aren't as fool as Trabian. They could make their own vaccine at last.", Squall concluded.

" Yes, with their technology stolen. But I'm not going to tell you more…"

Squall sighed. "Fine. I understand. Now, may I ask you something?"

"What?"

"Go back to Galbadia Garden. You are the most suitable person for that."

"…after what I have done?"

"Yes. You've changed."

"You've changed as well, Squall. …nope. Not interested."

"Please consider it."

"I thought now there's no need of headmaster… since the Ultimecia war… since you officially command them all. No Trabian too as such I heard. Is it Cid Kramer's wish, then?"

"No. I want you to become the Galbadia-G headmaster again, Martin."

Martin let a bitter laugh.

"I'm already old. Let me live peacefully here… not too much longer likely."

Brief silence.

"…fine. Thanks for your information.", Squall nodded and left the small house.

"Squall."

Squall turned his head toward him.

"…never mind. Be careful. Maybe you should leave things as they are…

And Galbadia Garden-"

"What's about it?"

"Robin Oskman will reclaim it as soon as he's elected. He's prepared for years…"

"Go back to it, then."

"NO!... NOT with my life at sake! Please understand…I- I don't want to be involved with that kinds of things anymore. My family's gone. My life's gone. I sucked at the war. Many sins I have done.", he yelled emotionally. He sighed quite too dramatically for Squall's disinterest. "Let this old man rest here and live peacefully, young commander.", he smiled at last.

He's not even fifty…

But hell, whatever…

"Fine. I won't disturb you anymore. You seem have become a good major of FH, Martin. Farewell then."

"Please protect Galbadia-G, Squall. The SeeDs, children, and all. I trust you."

Squall didn't reply and walked outside. He felt quite exhausted and sleepy. But hey, an important leader like him got plenty responsibilities to do. What a day. Going to Trabia…, then Dollet, than caught off in unexpected circumstances in Timber then ended up in Fishermen Horizon in almost a same day. It's already 01.10 a.m and Squall wished to go back to Balamb as fast as he could but of course he couldn't. He's going to go to Deling directly for that important formality he had to attend- the election things- and find any secure ways to contact the garden later.

Tit tit!

A message… from Xu?

Then Squall walked directly to the harbor. He's not expected to this.

"Good night, Commander. I came back from my mission just yesterday and I've heard the situation. That's why I'll escort you back fast. It's tomorrow.", Xu greeted him near the ship.

I wish. But It's already 1.17 in the morning…

"Yes. It's actually today. And much to talk and consolidate among us. I'm glad you're here now, Xu."

Xu, the best Garden Secretary Squall could have, gave the SeeD salute and Squall jumped in to the famous- limited series- high-speed boat the garden proud at.

"How could you find I'm here?"

"SeeD level 29 at your service, Commander.", she smiled.

Ok, that means I have to take a more precaution next time…

-O.O-

[1 july 1999]

A doubt knock on her door. Rinoa moved her body.

She rose up and looked at the mirror. Good, not too messy. She stared at her beautiful figure and brushed her hair.

Opening the door, she was then surprised. He was there, looked terrible. He must have been through something.

"Squall."

"It's not appropriate this late…but I just want to see you. Is everything ok?"

"Of course.", Rinoa answered lazily. And he gave away his rare smile. "How about your business?"

"Fine." Squall could see her puffy eyes but he didn't want to push it out.

"See you tomorrow then, Rin."

Just… 'fine' ?

"Wait! c..can I be a….- you know…- SeeD too, Squall?", her eyes pleaded for any kinds of hope. She had thought about this for hours.

He gazed her with his deep steel grey eyes. So uncomfortably piercing.

He remained silent for a moment and Rinoa knew the answer.

"It's already late. Good night, Rin."

Rinoa cleared her throat. "Well, yeah, you've just disturbed my sleep, you know that… it's 03.00. a.m…!", she then said playfully.

"Sorry. Later then."

"Later then? Oh, God! That means, don't leave so soon after you disturb my beauty sleep, Squaaalll! …ohhh! almost forget…" she ran to the corner of her room and made Squall followed her inside. "here, happy birthday, Squall! 21… well, is there anything you wish for? C'mon! *smile*"

"…"

"Smile for me, aren't you too unfair?"

"Thanks, but you don't have to-"

"OH!of course I do! now open it!"

Now she had sat on the corner of her bed, smiling all the time, watching Squall and was eager to know his expression.

Communication book? What the hell? Squall frowned.

"You don't like it? It'll help you! trust me!", still smiling genuinely she said.

He didn't agree but he said instead "…well, looks like it, but I don't think I need it, rin"

"OH, REALLY?", she rolled her eyes cutely.

…war books… these are just trash, believe me! Nothing good on it. theoretical, impractical. And if everybody read this, so will everybody knows this and shoot you directly.

"Thanks. They look… …..- pricey."

"Sure they are. But it's ok if they're for you…"

"Better go. See you tomorrow."

"Where are you going now?", she gazed him deeply.

Damn… she looks extremely beautiful…

And the skirt fit her well. and…-. "my office. I'm going now. it's already late."

"Your office? God! You look terrible now! you should rest, Squall! Oh, where is that Cid?"

He just remained stoic and walked off. But then Rinoa hesitated. She grabbed his hands just like she did at that Seed party and hugged him from the back.

Brief silence then he pushed her hands away gently. Squall really knew what Rinoa was going about; what she was thinking right now. He couldn't deny that he also already felt the heat. And he knew that he must go out of the room before he did something unrespectable on her, the woman he loved; something he's sworn not to do.

"Continue your sleep, Rin. You must be exhausted after your visit to Galbadia this day, we could talk tomorrow."

He turned his back and proceeded toward the door, avoiding her eyes.

"Squall… kiss me.", she said softly.

Squall stopped, holding his breath and tried to control his emotion, then turned back for her and kissed her forehead instead.

"It's already late. good night, Rin." , he gazed her and closed the door.

And he left Rinoa in her dorm, in her big disappointment.

-O.O-

It's really sad when you wake up everyday just to find nothing to do. Nothing to fight for. Nothing to work hard enough to gain some kind of progress.

No aims. No vision.

When everybody is struggling at their best to be better, there's no space for me to fit in.

I'm going nowhere. No achievement.

Not even functioning.

Nothing's false to be evaluated.

Nothing's wrong to be corrected.

No failure to be leftover of something

Can't be bad enough to be critiqued.

If I leave, I don't have any plans ahead too – anything about my future…

.

Well, yes, maybe…

Because my future is here.

It was the next day. Rinoa was walking to the third floor of B-Garden. She wondered what expression Squall would give her this time. Probably still the stoic one. If he had any kinds of expression… she giggled.

But then Rinoa was surprised that she couldn't found Squall there in his office. Thus she went to the bridge… just to found no one but her like always.

"Where is he?", Rinoa asked Xu who apparently had already come home from her mission.

"FH. I handle things here meanwhile. Is there anything you want Rinoa?"

"Well, could I know then?"

She had already known the answer actually. Seed business only for seeds.

"… No. sorry, Rin."

"It's ok."

Then she strode off to the library. When you didn't know anything, you'd better learn. That's what she thought. She tried as much as she could to understand Seeds these past 4 years. Learning what they learn could be a nice first steps. And she was not going to give up.

True, I don' understand anything about them. And they are full of secrets!

Rinoa read the book and now unfolding the paper boringly.

Several books lied on her table.

"Oh, Seed…..", she yawned sweetly , tired of reading, when suddenly a voice alerted her.

"Rinoa, DEAR! Glad to see you again!"

She gasped and shocked. "how—"

"ssst…", the man gestured a silent plea.

"Mr. President, how could you?"

"oww…., just call me Laguna, dear!"

Well, she always liked Laguna Loire.

At least, this day wouldn't be boring that much…

-O.O-

OOOO

-O.O-

Rinoa was walking along the street to her house, the Caraway Mansion. She was wondering what she'd say to his father. She certainly didn't want his dad know what's the actual reason she's there in the first place. Her father would become more disagree with their relationship. She wished Squall was there with her. she's really like to bring him along to meet her Dad. To convince him…anything!

Something- someone caught her attention.

Hey… isn't it Squall?

"SQUALL!", Rinoa called and waved her hand in excitement. I thought you're still in FH… GREAT! I've just- thinking about you!

"SQUALL!"

But he ignored her which of course made her annoyed and ashamed. Squall walked instead with those important looking guys in black suit and ties toward the black car. They really looked in a hurry but that didn't count as 'reason' for Rinoa to be ignored. Then their car passed Rinoa as she witnessed how Squall caught her eyes for a second without any emotion like she was just some kind of ordinary girl who stood there in the street whom he didn't know and talked again to the man beside him, while holding his phone. totally ignored.

Oh, and he's holding the phone! ACTUALLY busy TALKING to whoever it is!

While Rinoa always been difficult to contact him, and always got his phone turned off whenever she tried to call him.

WHAT WAS THAT?

That minute, she was certain that she didn't want to go back to the Garden ever again in her life. But going home to Caraway is not really an option either… at least not now. She cancelled her visit to her father's. What I'm going to say if he talk about that topic again? That he's true and I'm wrong again? I'm not going to let you laugh at me, Dad!

Then like usually, she checked in at Galbadia Hotel.

Trying to sleep but she couldn't, then she realized something.

I've been sooo childish… he's WORKING! He's busy!

Not even a single greet? That's- Can not be accepted!

He's a SeeD.

That SHOULD be accepted then… but HEYY! I'M REAAALY furious now! you'd pay for that you meaniiiiie! But you're lucky since I'm learning to accept that!arrrgh!

She sighed.

Forgive me, Squall.

Feeling silly, she rose from her bed and went out from her room. She's already there at Deling which was not that close from Balamb-G so she's going to at least have a walk on Deling City in that bright afternoon. Shopping arcade in Deling was what she needed right now.

Having satisfied her self, Rinoa walked in to the 'Pastries n Beverage Bakery' (where she bought her meal last time she's in Deling) to bought some cheese cake. Actually, she was about to entered the famous coffee shop – a fine luxury café actually- but she suppressed the urge and walked directly to Pastries n Beverage (which was located just in front of it) instead. The expensive coffee was told to be so delightful and popular among all rich young Galbadian. But Rinoa didn't want to deal with any kinds of awkward feeling of entering that café alone.

That's practically a perfect place to date anyway… and my-

She caught his figure in the crowd of shopping arcade, with his ordinary clothes.

-is THERE!oh, God… what's a coincidence!

Unlike when she met him hours before, Squall was now walking calmly instead of hurry and not wearing his SeeD uniform. He was looking at the weapon store, relaxed, just like some other tourist. Then his figure disappeared in crowd.

He's seen again, now looking at some other stuffs,

She ran following him. She's certain he knew she's there. But he ran instead. this, made Rinoa furious again.

They arrived at a dark-narrow alley.

"Squall! Hey! Look at me you meanie! Wait for me!"

"Rin! Not now, ok?", he finally faced her and talked.

"WHAT WORDS are those? Now not another excuse! After what you did to me this day!"

He just stared her briefly and walked away calmly.

"DO YOU love me, Squall? Oh, God! You even never mentioned that!"

Great, not another melodrama of some cheap soap opera. "…"

"Squall, face me!"

"God! Not now, Rin!", he yelled furiously.

"WHAT'S NOT-"

"the target got away.", Squall whispered to whoever it was on the phone and hung it. He looked frustrated for a second and worried. "Damn it!"

"now, what is it, Rinoa?"

Rinoa realized her stupidity. "Squall, sorry…I-"

Squall exhaled heavily and scratched his forehead. Then to Rinoa surprised, he spoke gently instead, "it's ok…I'm not …officially in the middle of my job anyway. Don't think about it. but, what are you doing here in Deling, Rin?" he demanded for explanation. "... …let's go to a more comfortable place…"

"…Why are you here, Squall? I was told you're in FH."

"And you? What you're doing now in Deling, Rinny? You know that this is the announcement day of election… it's clearly not safe for you. Everything could happen to you- you're a sorcerer! Go back to the garden, Rin!"

"Easy… publics don't know that I'm a sorcerer…never been exposed… never been exclaimed… and thanks to you, Commander, just they who involved in the last sorcerer war who-"

"-yes. Exactly. But not the government! And dozens of important figures and whom who obsessed with power, Rin! It's not safe! Go back to the garden! Let SeeDs protect you there!"

Rinoa couldn't help but giggle. "…not safe even for having a great general as my father?"

"No."

Still smiling, she took his arms and walked. Since Rinoa was checked in Galbadia Hotel, they walked back to the shopping arcade (where the hotel was).

"So? What you're doing here now? after dealing with those important mean guys this morning?" Rinoa knew better not to dig up whatever business Squall had that morning when they met or what he did just now. SeeD business is only for Seed afterall.

"I'm going to attend the election announcement this evening. Kind of formalities as commander of whole garden- damn it!"

Rinoa smiled soothingly. "So, you're free now?"

"Yes, until 4 apparently. They provided me nice hospitality too."

"So you won't be back to garden this night…"

"It's conditional. I'd prefer to go home of course. But you should be back, now. Rin. It's really… not safe, trust me." he gazed her in concern.

Rinoa chuckled, "Well…, just one more thing, and I promise I'll walk directly to the train station!"

A receptionist greeted them politely as they entered. The receptionist, who was tall, had black hairs, and extremely neat and sleek type, eyed the couple suspiciously, especially the young man. He only let them in just because the girl was actually looked appropriate. He still looked at them in details as they sat and ordered the food, especially for the young man who's looking at the price list in disbelief look. Honestly, the black hair man was really doubt they could pay for it. but the too ordinary young man was somehow… familiar to him, just missing in some places… and the ponytail raven girl… but no… such a beautiful girl with Deling accent (which means she's Delings) couldn't be forgot if he had seen her…

"OOHH! Finally! I'm soooooo happy, Squall! Thank youuuu!", she sipped her coffee enthusiastically. She's extremely happy right now. Not only the most café she's always longed for years! But… with Squall! Not even a single hint of her dreams.

"you sure you don't want to order something… Squall?"

"Yes…I already had my meals."

"Oh…c'mon! what's fun about this if you're not enjoying this with me? look… the coffee is just too delicious…. I thought you love coffee, Squall. Let me order it for you."

"No."

"Then anything… this spaghetti tastes great too. look-"

"Relax, Rin. You don't have to worry about whatever they think."

Rinoa bit her lip.

Squall in the other hand was looking at the bald guy over there who caught his attention for some times. Kinda looked suspicious…

"It's just kind of odd to see, Squall…me eating alone while you- Sooo? What's the real reason is?", she still bounced happily. "not because of suddenly you have problems with your stomach or heart, right?*giggle*"

"The price is too unreasonable. I'm not interested."

"Wh-WHAT?*chuckle* God! there's gotta be a real reason beside that!"

"…"

"Oh, you should really taste it once in a while."

Squall was about to say no but Rinoa had already called the servant and order another cup of coffee.

"Rin, I said that I don't want to… Why did you?"

The coffee came.

"Oh… c'mon, just loosen a bit… you're extremely rich, Squall! What's wrong with tasting something new? some luxury? Treat yourself nice once in a while."

"Whatever… I just don't want to start to taste those luxuries. It's better not dealing with them before you trapped in. I don't want to add more 'not necessaries' in my life.", he said just a matter of fact then held the cup casually, still uninterested.

Little Squall knew that his words pierced Rinoa in the right part. He hadn't even tasted the coffee when suddenly she yelled.

"IS IT? so… you're think I'm just another rich-spoiled-fool-girl who carved for money? I'M NOT SUITABLE FOR YOU, RIGHT? Aren't we too contrast? Aren't I always wrong?

You meanieee! I won't seeing you again ever in my life!", she yelled out furiously, ignoring the looks of the surrounding and stood.

"Rin!"
but she had already stormed outside. Squall sighed and stood. And it's already 10 to 4 p.m. .. the event is held on 5, I should hurry…

Watching all the drama from the very beginning, the receptionist yelled "hey! You haven't paid, Miss! Guard!" The receptionist was about to call the security guard again after the girl stormed out without paying. But before he could do that, the poor looking young man had already stood in front of him. "you wouldn't want to do it.", the brunette young man said coldly. To his top surprised, the poor-too ordinary man opened up his wallet and paid the bill. Then he's too stormed outside . As he exit the door, two men in black suit and tie ran approached him and called his name. thus he stopped.

"Commander Leonhart! excuse me, Sir… we're here to escort you."

"…I'm going to the train station first."

The men nodded and that too ordinary looking young man got in the luxury silver car and went off.

Commander Leonhart…

The real Commander Leonhart!

The receptionist couldn't believe what he heard.

-O.O-

OOOO

-O.O-

Rinoa was having her dinner alone in her favorite café, Fish o' Fish in Balamb city that night. Apparently, Laguna was just dropped by that morning and had come back to his country. She copped the steak lazily, staring at the public TV, cursing herself for rejecting Laguna's generous offer to visit Esthar and met Ellone. She had nothing to do, and left again by Squall without any communication. Thus she went to Galbadia to visit her father again and was about to have fun just to accidentally found Squall there and extremely mad by him. Now she's extremely hungry since she ended up didn't eat anything practically; not her lovely cheesecake which she must be dropped along the way when she found Squall, or that heavenly delight expensive coffee and spaghetti.

Yeah… FH, and now you're there, Squall! And not even calling me after that! Damn you! What's so difficult just to phone me? or let me phone you?

She felt disappointed seeing Squall ( who unusual more charmingly handsome right now on the tv screen, thought Rinoa) in his full SeeD uniform and regalia, stood there proudly, giving some kinds of speech in wooden luxury podium.

I always last to know whereabouts you, damn you! and 'what's talk tomorrow'? You left me again you meanie!

She ate the steak, staring dreamily at his figure on tv to satisfy herself.

And I shouldn't left you just like that…! God…

Realization struck. Then she felt regret for leaving him like that childishly. She cursed herself not to be able control her emotions upon silly matters. Always acted first then thought later…

She cursed herself to easily throw away her quality moment –which is rare- with Squall just like that.

I just want to talk to you, Squall… anything.

So close yet too far…

-O.O-

"Don't you think it's odd? We're instructed to go back directly this day to the garden. 'Pending mission'… what word is that?"

Quistis and Zell was walking in shoping arcade of Deling city. They had just checked out from the hotel and walking toward the train station. Just ordinary Zell and Quistis, without any disguise; Quistis in her clipped hair and Zell in his spiky head and boxer- his ordinary clothing style. They did that after the checked out procedure of course, and the hotel people didn't realize that they're actually same persons.

"Xu, right? But I got message directly from Squall. And… the garden is empty of SeeD, just Xu. Even Nida had already went off somewhere. And all of missions, ours is the most unimportant one. And this transition time is full of possibilities of havoc.", Zell said while busy reading some kind of files. He was holding a folder just like Quistis,

"Wow…. You're so rational, now, Zell! *chuckle*. And our young and pretty sorceress couldn't be left alone, right? Hey, what's about Selphie?"

No answer since Zell was now very seriously looking at his tiny gadget monitor, reading another files.

"Hey, we better put this off and worked again later in the seed cabin on the train.", Quistis said more.

"….Quis…."

Then Quistis also looked on the tiny monitor and read the name mentioned on it. "Yes…, Galbadia military expansion…."

"Should we trust General Caraway then?"

"…just keep an eye on that Robin Oskman."

Suddenly Zell's phone rang.

Hope not Squall… man! I haven't doing anything about that uh- secret mission.

Not that I'd risk my life for Seifer. But maybe he'd stop calling me chicken wuss. He grinned at that and took the phone while Quistis gazed around. Shopping arcade at Deling… place where those glamorous disgusting aristocrats and rich people spent away their money, Unlike most of woman, Quistis weren't attracted to it. so crowded… it even made her felt uncomfortable. Then the big screen tv on the townsquare caught her attention..

Zell eyes widen as he answered the phone. He didn't even realize that it's not the personal phone Squall gave.

Martin was murdered…

"Q-Quis!", he shouted to Qusitis, still shocked.

"Zell, Look… Oh my God! I can't believe it! He's here! Why did he sent us if he's here anyway?", Quistis said boringly without looking at Zell, still unaware.

"Wh-WHAT DID YOU say…?Squall is-?", Zell saw Squall's image on tv which broadcasting live events of final election situation from the Presidential Place. He was giving some speech there after Robin Oskman officially announced as the winner. "Arrgh! Damn it!" Zell yelled in panic. His mind started to register things. "Damn! SQUALL's there, Quis!"

To Quistis confuse, he ran fast while pressing the buttons to call Squall.

"So? …hey! What's this about! Zell!", Qusitis demanded explanations while trying to follow Zell.
"Squall is there, QUIS! THE PALACE! It will be BOMBED, QUIS! Xu-"

"Oh my God…..", she gasped. "-when?"

DUARRRrrrrrrrr!

To Zell's surprise, the bombed exploded.

It exploded, but… in the shopping arcade which they had just left instead. What the-?We… we're almost died!

"The hotel! They bombed the hotel, Zell!", Quistis yelled in horror.

Zell stopped running and confused, looking at the fire, the low magnitude explosion far ahead. Why?And? Isn't it too small?

"Probably just a threat! QUICK, Zell! The real bomb is there! We should warn him!"

"uh, right!"

"SQUALL! GET OUT OF HERE!", Zell tried to grab Squall's attention.

Squall looked startled.

They were blocked by the securities.

"Look, this place would be bombed soon! It's the next target!", Quistis yelled. "we're SeeD-"

"Yeah, and tell it in the police office, Miss.", he arrested her arms.

"WE'RE really SeeD! Now trust me! or everybody gonna die! Including your new president!" then she shouted to the public, "this place would be bombed soon!"

Then the ruckus happened. Bomb in shopping arcade must had been affected them. The elite security staffs expelled all of the reporters.

The audience was looking at Quistis and Zell then to Squall.

"Ok, maybe not police office…. You'll deal with Galbadian soldier for-"

Another elite security guard tapped the man's shoulder and whispered something. Then he used his com. Probably rescuing their president just in case.

"SQUAAAAAAALLL!", they both shouted again.

A high rank Galbadia soldier approached Squall, "Excuse me, Sir Commander," and politely whispered to him something, pointing to where Zell and Quistis stood .

"Well… that's all I can say. Thank you, " Squall looked irritable yet alert . "- and,"

-and he approached Quistis and Zell instead.

"Oh, man! It's not use Quisty!" Zell loosen himself from the security – which was easy for him actually- and disappeared. "HEY, ZELL! Where're you going?"

By the time Squall had run outside the gate.

"Oh, shit! Now tell me what is it? What the hell is it? What do you think you're doing?", Squall yelled angrily toward Quistis.

"NO TIME!" Zell reappeared and was back with motorcycle. He did his best crazy maneuver.

About three minutes, then the big bomb really exploded.

Hope Quisty make it…..

Meanwhile, back at Balamb city, Rinoa was annoyed and stared at the screen tv idly, waiting impatiently for the screen to change. She's enjoying watching his figure there but hey! Her enjoyments disturbed suddenly! What is it? sorry for technical problems? What's excuse is that? C'mon! move…move! Rinoa's big eyes became bigger as she shouted, watching the TV as the screen back with a Balamb Flash News reporting the latest event happening there with actual horrible scene on that. An unknown fat man instead of Squall was there (the scene behind was apparently changed too, looks like now was took outside of the place) and he was about to say something when it happened. Just 2 second exclusive recording of some kinds of big explosion with indistinct people shouting and the screen when black.

All was live event and likely the poor man who was the reporter died too with all of the crews. She felt nauseated in an instant and couldn't swallow her already copped steak. The fork fell as she yelled,

"NOOOooo…. It.. it can't be! He's there! oh, GOD! Nooo!"

As she kept yelling hysterically and won lot of attention from surroundings, she grabbed her purse and went to certain place: train station.

-O.O-

OOOO

-O.O-

[present day]

…..4 years ago? Nothing… just fuzzy linear scenes. What's important? Squall tried to remember, not to answer this man's question, but he'd just been trying to challenge his brain to recall. He looked at Seifer -who apparently still waiting for his answer-, could not believe he met this Seifer again and the fact that had indeed saved by him. 'Seifer…', his brain unwillingly trailed off to certain unimportant memories during those 4 years. "Go find that Seifer!", I yelled to her.

A faint memory, in September 1999 at his dorm.

[why would I yell? …we had a fight before?why?]

"twenty one. Young?"

"Yes.", I said firmly.

[…oh, right. Just forget this crap. Focus to Dollet, nothing matters in those 4 years.]

"OHh! So, when? what am I to you? your little sister ? Squall?When? You're not even serious on me?"

"You don't have to bother. I'm not interested in marrying low girl like you. you don't even have respect… dignity on yourself. I don't want to see you again."

And I went through the door.

"Go find that Seifer. "

"Having found out yet? Or the GFs make you slow?", a sneer from Seifer alerted Squall. He just stared back at that jade challenging eyes.

[before that… ]

-O-

[30 September 1999]

"…how about Galbadia? I heard from Quistis…"

"Yes. The president died unexpectedly. But actually it's dollet…"

"Wanna talk?"

"…No, it's ok."

"C'mon? it wouldn't hurt to tell me. I know I'm not a SeeD. But can't you trust me?"

"…"

"You looked terrible."

"What did you mix in your cook ?"

"What?"

I feel dizzy…

Now Rinoa poured the wine (which was meant for his birthday party months ago) to glasses.

"I don't drink."

"You do... on that seed inauguration party, remember? And thousands formal parties you attended…"

"Yeah. Formally. But just formally."

"It won't hurt trying to loosen a bit. You looked… depressed. Just regard this as another formal party then."

"I'm not depressed. Well, Dollet… made a nuclear weapon."

"What?"
"Now, I must take a right steps. Otherwise…"

"Otherwise what?"

"Rin, I'm worried about you."

"You don't have to. I'm a sorcerer, right?"

"That's why."

"Drink? For me?"

Squall hesitated but then he grabbed the glass. First glass and unfortunately he wanted more.

Shit! I'd rather go! Wine never solve problems… and too much wine will always means bad thing.

Much to Squall dismay and surprised, Rinoa did something rather unrespectable. She started to unfastened her buttons, made her looked more attractive. And as she went on, she was more and more looked bitchy. And she forced to pressed her lips on his. Being slightly delirium due to alcohol, Squall couldn't avoid and thought clearly.

But then he realized and broke off the kiss.

"What the hell are you doing? I can't believe it!", he shouted angrily and was about going to go. But then as bitchy as ever, Rinoa took off all of her clothes.

Damn!

He was about going to go. Although stiff and cold as ever, he couldn't stand looking at such a beauty figure. His instinct as a man took over his already cloudy brain. But before that could happened, he thought clearly again and tried his best to suppress the urge of his hormones.

He stood up and went to the door.

Stop…I'm not going to…

She's insane! What the hell does she-? But suddenly, his mind was blurrier and he swore he could hear her voice. "no, I'm not Squall. And I want you. look at me… you're going to…"

He cursed mentally but then he felt the urge stronger and he got confused for a second. There, he lost his brain completely. Squall was chanted by the sorcerer, literally.

-O.O-

[1 November 1999]

It was the same suit room it had always been. The commander room, made two years ago especially for commander Squall Leonhart. He actually preferred the old seeds room he had. but this too big room, which was in the north part of seeds dormitory, the one that a bit separated from others had been his home these years due to respect for others.

The door to the balcony was opened, and white transparent curtain was blown by the wind. The air was cold. At the balcony, there he stood, gazing at the dark glistening water. B-garden was now floating at the sea, so he could at least try to calm his mind. At his hand was cigarette, and he exhaled the smoke forcefully.

Sheet…

He turned his head spontaneously, and grabbed his weapon by instinct. Who would the hell open my room? Got my keycard.

"Squall.", there she was, appearing with a stack of papers. Important files Squall presumed.

"You're doing a great mistake now. Who do you think you are?" he turned to look at her. "congratulation for your sliding down rank. It's 3 rank down due to breaking rules and stealth at me. Where did you got my key? Now out. It's not exactly what I expect from an intellect woman like you, Quistis."

"…"

"out in count three."

"…"

"Ok, whatever... Have you called Dollet?", he asked.

"…"

"I take that as a no. Anyway, I'm going to do my own research about this Deling's death. It's already made us as suspect and we can't afford that. And news from timber, Galbadia had started its expansion-"

"-you're totally messed up! It's already three days you lock yourself in your room!"

"What? It's not that I throw away my responsibilities. I also have my right to take a little rest. I haven't slept for God knows how long! Now get out. Don't you ever heard of privacy? Or is this stupid garden really could do nothing without me? Damn it!"

"…..Is it about Rinoa?"

"what? You know that Kurt Deling sudden death and Dollet nuclear weapon, right? Why should I think of that silly matters? Huh? Oh, hell whatever Quistis, I don't really care about damn things you think about me."

"good that you do remember about these important issues." But she was ignored by Squall who took a deep smoke instead and gazed at the sea. Clearly this man wanted to be left alone. "Rinoa is missing and you're affected by that."

When will this girl go? "damn it! whatever theories you have, Quistis, now could you just give me my copy card and go away?" he smoked again.

She threw away his cigarette which made Squall furious.

"You just don't smoke! Now you're killing yourself!"

"…Can you mind your own business?"

"…CID IS DYING! Don't you know THAT? Now you're just- oh!", she had just left squall in the balcony and went inside the room, switched on the lamp.

"WHAT? Wines?Alcohols?"

Squall Quistis knew was always the preserved type, the perfectionist who had everything done well, extremely neat, always did anything due to rules, health freak and all. Now what she saw was extremely a messed person in messed room.

Now she looked at him in eyes. "Can't you take aside your own private matters? And God! This is Rinoa we talk about! You barely know her! She's just- argh!"

But Squall just ignored her and that was his specialty.

"It's really great thing what she did to you. You've opened up and all! But believe me, your old aloof self was MUCH better than now! I always know you for years, since we were little kids! And you know what? Rin-"

"STOP IT! OUT! Now you're talking nonsense!"

"-Rinoa did nothing but destroyed YOU! She just popped into our lives, and here it-"

"I said out! And I'm not talking about Rinoa or whatever here. I'm going to call Esthar! Damn it! Now, go!"

"..fine.", she said firmly.

"and you know what I hate most about you, Quiistis? You're so damn bossy, always want to act wiser and as if you knew more, as if you knew me. True hypocrite."

"right. So get your ass back to your office and solve the problems!", she said yelling and throwing all the files to Squall's face. Then she strode out the door.

Squall, who was extremely furious, kicked his wooden desk. He threw away those papers. Looking at his desk, he hit it hard, punched it, and threw away his coffee cup so it fell to the floor with a loud prank.

"damn it!"

He destroyed more.

And he started to throw away his wines and liquors too.

Outside his room, Irvine and Zell were talking silently.

"so… what d ya think? It's really…"

"bad. I've never seen Squall so emotional like that, man. He may be rude, but he is the most cool, calm person I've known; the most rational. Stiff but mature."

"and he's clean like baby. Now y'see that? He desperately needs our help."

"I don't think he likes it."

"GO AWAY YOU TWO! Don't you think I DON'T KNOW YOU'RE THERE AT MY DOOR!"

Prank! Prank! Prank!

"See? We better go, Irvine."

-O.O-

Author note: I chose randomness for opening and well, thanks for reading this randomness crap.