Careworn Lives
Summary: Squall has decided to follow his so-called father back to Esthar within a few days (or so he thinks). While Laguna now has to face the high council of the Shumi Tribe over a certain dispute concerning his country. Emotions are set high now with problems being shoved forward while time begins to run out.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters that were not made by me. No canon was harmed by any of the OCs within this text. (In other words, the few OCs that are in this *aka. The bad guys* will not have any love interests, or be super omega powerful. I strictly hate any and all mary-sues and gary-sues. You will not find any of them in this story.)
While Reading: Please note that all speech will be surrounded by quotes ("") but all thought speech will be surrounded by apostrophes (''). Some people do it, some don't… I just like doing it this way.
To the Reviewers:
Angel_Wings-008 - Thank you for your review! :D I'm glad it's kept you interested. I hope to continue to portray Laguna how you like. ^^
TenshiGosuperu - First of all, I feel deeply honored that my little story was able to find it's way into your vast collection of favorites. ^^ And to me a minority at that. Thank you! :D That saddens me to hear that Rinoa is portrayed in such a way most of the time. She's such a strong willed character, she never really showed an 'immature' side all that much to me personally. After all she was the leader of a resistance group, and at such a young age. She may have been a bit naive when it came to love but that's usually typical of stories like this. I'm very happy you've enjoyed the story so far and hopefully now I can get back to working on it. I hope you enjoy the rest! ^^
angel_kamui - Well it looks like you're alerting this story has finally paid off. :D Finally another chapter after my long winded hiatus. Don't tell anyone but I discovered World of Warcraft. . lol Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the rest! ^^
-Chapter 5-
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"Well this has been quite the successful trip." Laguna mumbled sarcastically as he stomped through the cockpit of the Ragnarok towards the control panel.
Kiros stood back and sighed as he watched the president try to blow off steam. After the brief meeting with the Shumi elder in Cid's office, the two Esthar officials headed straight back to the Ragnarok to get under way. Without knowing Squall's plans, and making himself appear more like a fool than ever, Laguna was at a lose as to where to go next.
The Shumi were not a race of 'let bygones be bygones', but a race who lingers and dwells and becomes more like an annoying tic that buries deep under your skin refusing to leave. This new development wasn't going to allow itself to be handled quickly, and time wasn't what Laguna had much of.
"This couldn't have come at a better time. How am I going to deal with the Shumi? They chastised me last time on our energy needs so I had to bend over backwards to find ways to resolve that but that only took a good few years." Laguna explained to open space as he tossed his arms up in the air and slammed himself into a seat.
Kiros moved over to Laguna after he was satisfied Laguna wasn't going to hurt himself on his rampage through the cockpit. Laguna had buried his face in his hands as he tried to go over everything in his head as it slowly began to explode on him. With a gentle hand on his comrades shoulder letting him know he had help with his problems, Kiros began, "You're forgetting that you're not alone in this situation. Sure the Shumi can be difficult to deal with but we've pulled through this before. They're also very understanding as well. If they know you're ill-" Kiros paused before mentioning Squall, realizing it would be best to just leave him out of this for the moment, "-I'm sure they'll be much more lenient. The mess will be cleaned up while you focus on getting better."
Laguna still kept his face buried as he listened to his friend try to reassure him. 'Yeah, it's always easier to just burden other people.' He thought to himself as he slowly slid back into the chair and sat upright. It really wasn't just the oil spill that was bothering him. He had lived with the Shumi long enough to know they don't generally get straight to the point like that Elder had back in Cid's office. Something else was stirring that would divert his attention from Squall's needs once he went to that council meeting. Something he couldn't just toss onto his friend's shoulder to take care of. And he could assume the Elder's wouldn't allow such a thing regardless.
"Sure, Kiros. Let's just get going. Who knows how much time is going to be wasted just talking." He finally stood and headed for the controls to bring the giant airship back to life. 'By Hyne's word, please see that Rinoa can talk some sense into that boy.'
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"Will you at least just go there and talk to his doctor!" Rinoa yelled over the large bellows the giant T-rexsaur made while Squall alone beat the beast to submission. "Laguna jokes, but he's not foolish enough to joke about such things like this. A child would be more obedient."
"So now it's obedience I have to give that man? And where was his obedience as a father to see to taking care of his abandoned son and step daughter?" He argued as he let loose a few more attacks on the giant beast while trying to let loose his frustrations.
Rinoa just sighed and shook her head as the T-rexsaur finally fell to the ground in defeat. Without another word Squall moved past her back towards the main hall. He didn't like these types of confrontations and Rinoa always seemed to be able to bring out these sides in him that he tried to always mask. He enjoyed his time being a loner and not having to depend on others. Who needed to know his opinion? It didn't matter, however it seemed everyone wanted his opinion regardless. He was never anyone special. Never anyone of importance or chose to be. People were just needy and demanded leadership or they'd stumble and get lost without their bread crumbs.
Reaching the main hall, Squall was hit with the usual loud banters of the newly acquired student body of Trabia Garden. You could hardly move through the large garden anymore with it's overflowing capacity. Feeling much too exposed to an oncoming onslaught of questions and concerns he hid as much as he could of his face and made a B-line for the dormitories. Perhaps a little sleep and he could work off this new headache.
"One never fails if they want to find Mr. Squall Leonhart."
Squall didn't even look up from his stone gaze to the floor as he moved past his old professor who stood leaning against the side wall.
"Is that really how you should treat someone who just cleaned up a few dead ends you had been dealing with on the Trabia case?" Quistis played as she looked over her recently manicured nails.
Squall slowed his steps but didn't look up, "Leave a report on my desk. I'll see it in the morning." Was all he put forth, which Quistis simply nodded to as he retreated off to his room. She couldn't really ask for much more from him. After all, he only was just told today he had a father all along who brought with him news of Squall's possible early release from life.
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"President Loire. You have been brought before the high council on charges of continuous destruction of the Great Mother. How do you plea?"
Laguna stood on a center podium surrounded by ten of the Elder Council of the Shumi Tribe. When Laguna and Kiros had landed back in Esthar, Laguna met with the Elder that had been waiting for his return and learned more of the recent casualties. It seemed that the oil that had leaked was not some accident but an act of sabotage. However there were no reports of seeing the vandalism being committed. Thus Laguna had to take the blame until something surfaced.
"Not guilty. You can't just sum all of the charges into one category. I may be guilty of a few accounts but my country has taken leaps and bounds in the way of protecting the Great Mother's well-being. These recent events were not caused by any of Esthar's troops or civilians. I believe this was an act committed by an outside party. Someone seems to still hold a vendetta against Esthar."
"We thought your human wars had ended, Mr. President. After the fall of Sorceress Adel there seemed to be a time of peace." One of the Elder's spoke.
"Human wars never end. They more or less take some time off from all the fighting and then begin again. I do not run an aggressive country. I strive for this country to do nothing more but to serve and protect the well-being of the rest of the world. After serving for years with the Galbadian Army, I've seen both playing fields and I like the side I'm on now." Laguna stated. Even under the deep gaze of the Shumi, Laguna stood strong and in command of his post. He only wished somehow Squall could see him. To show him he was more than what Squall saw of him when he was still a foolish youth. Did he believe his father gained the Presidency of Esthar on a whim? Well- it was a bit of an accident, however, over the years he proved that he could be a leader. He could lead a country into prosperity. After Moon's Tear and the unleash of all of those monsters Esthar was now clean and free.
"We have found your leadership to be a strong one and has been one for the better for the Great Mother. We do not deny your feats. You have brought much good to this crippled world and we Shumi acknowledge this."
"Then why do you sentence everything that has recently happened on Esthar? Why do we not hunt down the perpetrators?" Laguna demanded. Time wasn't standing still for him even as much as he wanted it to. He had to get to Squall. Already this hearing had taken too long.
"Someone must answer the Great Mother for her pain now. Until those responsible for these crimes are uncovered, you will be taken into custody to pay the time."
"Great Elders, I do not wish to repent against your laws. I lived for a long time with your people and I believe it changed me for the better. However, I only ask for an appeal for a set amount of time. My son is deeply sick and I must see to his care." Laguna stated, not backing down from his sentence. He didn't care for whatever he had to do to make the Shumi happy. But this was not the time.
"These are certainly new circumstances, President Loire. Since when was there a new child born under the Great Mother? There has neither been a ceremonial joining under your divine deity, Hyne, to you, President Loire. Have you brought forth a bastard child?" One of the Elder's spoke, concern in his voice. Due to the Shumi being so entwined with the life of the planet, they can also sense new flows that enter the life-stream.
Laguna sighed knowing this would be more knowledge he didn't want put against him right now. "I had a child many years ago to a women whom I loved dearly. However, at the time we were still facing the Sorceress War. I had been away from my love and I ended up taking lead of Esthar at this time. The need of the people of Esthar was so great that I ended up getting wrapped up with it all. And in the end- I lost those who were dearest to me. Only recently have I been in contact with my son, which hasn't gone as well as I had hoped." Laguna trailed off, feeling the doubt rush over him again. Matters of the state and his personal life should have remained separate in any other court case, but with the ways of the Shumi, everything can be brought forward in one hearing.
The elders remained quiet as they discussed this matter amongst themselves. Laguna was so far below their high seats it would be impossible to try to overhear their conversation. There was no need to convene to another room.
Finally, the head Elder turned to address Laguna with their final verdict.
"Under these new circumstances concerning your son, the Great Mother grants us your leave to see to his condition. However you have but twenty-four hours before you must return to us and begin your reprisal to the Great Mother until the perpetrators are found." The lights immediately darkened behind the Elders heads signaling the end of the hearing.
Laguna turned, and ran.
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The Ragnarok's engines moaned as Laguna forced it to velocities it hadn't used since before it's long sleep in space. The flight to Balamb had taken a good five hours from the Shumi Village, and that only left him with nineteen hours remaining. He had to find Squall and get him back to Esthar for treatment. If they didn't leave now, they wouldn't make it back in time, and he had to report back to the Shumi otherwise he'd have more than just an oil spill to worry about.
Finally landing, Laguna rushed to the front of the building. Kiros was still tagging along, knowing all too well that if he let Laguna to roam freely he'd probably end up in worse trouble than things already were.
The two men's approach was cut short when a swarm of students were seen running from the Garden.
"What in Hyne's name is going on?" Laguna questioned as he looked back to Kiros. Kiros ran a cautious eye over the structure and then noticed a plume of smoke coming from the far end near the training grounds.
"Looks like something may have blown up."
"Shit!" Laguna was in a flat out run now as he finally got inside the academy, only to be quickly slowed by the abundant student body that ran about in chaos. Simply stunned by the masses but hearing a familiar voice crying out over the noise, Laguna moved towards Xu as she dictated directions.
"Xu! What is going on? Where's Squall?" Laguna demanded, quite out of breath and trying to regain his composure.
"Why are you asking me? You're country was the one who fired that missile at us." Xu said, anger buried deep in her face as she moved away from him towards a junior class man who looked injured.
Laguna stood there as if the world has stopped spinning. Xu's words pushing the nail further into his heart. His country, firing a missile at Balamb? Under who's orders, and how was it possible. He had ordered the missile base be shut down as a sign of peace.
Kiros walked up to him and brought Laguna's gaze to rest on him. "You need to find Squall." Laguna, still in a state of shock, forced himself out of it with Kiros' words and nodded.
"But I can't let these issues go un-checked. Head back to the Ragnarok and get in contact with Ward. Find out what has happened, and have them send supplies, a clean-up crew, and medical teams to Balamb Garden." Laguna ordered.
Kiros nodded, "Yes, sir." And with a salute was running back to the Ragnarok at the President's command.
The students were beginning to lessen as they made their way outside, so Laguna was able to break into a run again to start looking for his son. 'If he's anywhere, he'd be at the sight of the impact.' Laguna thought to himself as he zeroed in on the Training Area.
As he made his way down the corridor, he ended up having to pull out his machine gun at the sight of the escaping fiends. Taking out a few, he finally reached the source of the chaos. Just as he had thought, Squall was in the midst of the fighting next to Selphie, Quistis, Irvine, Zell, and Rinoa. Fiends were roaming everywhere. The Training Center was completely destroyed, and the fiends found every opening they could to head further into the garden, or to exit where the large gaping hole in the large structure now was. Laguna's rage began to peak even further when he noticed the remaining bits of the missile that had done the damage. The seal and colors of Esthar, decorated the side of the missile. Balamb Garden's attacker, was clearly labeled.
"Squall!" Laguna cried over the raging battle. His voice went unheard as the roar of the two T-rexsaurs pummeled down on the two groups in front of them. They were weakening, so Laguna took aim with his machine gun and fired round after round into the two large beasts. Finally taking them out and bringing the area into a little less hectic scene.
Laguna could tell that the familiar sound from his weapon had announced his arrival. Squall stood stiff with his back still towards him. The others all had turned to see who had come to their aid. Rinoa's face brightened slightly but was still unsure, considering the recent events.
Rinoa then moved towards Squall to get his attention. Speaking to him quietly, Squall's stoic figure made no move. Rinoa stepped back and with a sigh and a shake of her head, began to walk over to Laguna.
"What happened?" Laguna asked as she neared.
Rinoa was quite for a moment and began, "Shouldn't you know? That's one of your missiles, correct."
"Yes, but I never issued such an order! I ordered the missile base to be taken out of commission a long time ago. This was not an act by the city of Esthar. Someone else must have-"
"Trabia and Galbadia Gardens were also attacked."
Laguna stopped in his protest. Words failed him as the world around him crumbled. What had happened? How could this all happen?
"Laguna?" Rinoa said trying to snap him out of his trance.
Raising a hand to his head he asked, "When did this happen?"
"About three hours ago. All three gardens were hit at the same time. All origins pointed to the Esthar missile base." Rinoa said sadly.
"Are there many injured?"
Rinoa simply nodded, which was more than enough for an answer.
"I'm sorry, Laguna. We know you couldn't be the one behind this."
Laguna just shook his head. Things were spiraling out of control and there wasn't time for it. Already, he had even less time now to get back to the Shumi tribe. He'd be imprisoned until a solution was found. Laguna was fine with that because he knew Kiros and Ward could handle things. However, if Squall didn't go with him now to Esthar to seek treatment, he might not make it, and the prospect of being put into confinement while his son was in danger was enough to make him a felon.
"I'm not the one who ordered such attacks, but I will take full responsibility until we find those who have committed these atrocities." Rinoa smiled slightly at this but was caught off guard when a hand gripped her wrist and pulled her away from Laguna.
"I don't care who did this." Squall interrupted as he held his fiancée away from Laguna. "I just know it needs to be fixed, and the families of all that have died need to be consoled." Squall added sternly.
"Squall, I know this has been a terrible tragedy, and I have already seen to sending in assistance from Esthar, but, I need you to come with me." Laguna tried.
"That is not possible. Too many people are suffering right now, and being the one in charge, I can not leave my people." Squall than turned to look Laguna in the eyes. "Much like what you should be doing for your own."
Squall let go of Rinoa and moved up close to the man who claimed to be his father. "I will not abandon the people who need me most." And with that, Squall turned and walked off back into the Garden. Laguna stood there as another nail was driven into him. He watched with a blank gaze as Selphie, Irvine, Quistis, and Zell followed their commanding officer, shooting sad glances at the beaten man before them.
Rinoa was the last to remain. She had watched as her friends left without any words, and then turned to the man who looked like he had just aged way beyond his years.
With a gentle touch, she took his hand in hers. Attempting to gain his attention onto her.
"I don't know what is going on." She began, "But I know in my heart, that things will turn out for the better." Laguna simply continued his absent gaze to the floor. "Squall doesn't hate you. He never has, and has always been impressed with how you have managed your city. After his first visit, and seeing how much your people love you, he knows that you care." Bringing her other hand over she clasped it strongly over the hand she held. "I'm just as worried about Squall as you are. However, he will not go to Esthar with everything that has happened, nor will you be able to persuade him in anyway."
She then moved over in front of him, and lifted his face up to finally look into hers. The strength she had within her began to lift Laguna's spirits ever so slightly.
"You need to return to your people and see to them. Squall will come to you, in time."
With a sigh, Laguna finally gained back his composure enough to speak, "But by then it may be too late."
Rinoa shook her head. "It won't be. He already has realized the danger he is in."
Laguna seemed to regain the life back in him in a flash as he took Rinoa by her shoulders and looked deep into her eyes as they began to well with tears.
"What do you mean!" He said sternly.
Rinoa bit her lip as she tried to look away. "I've seen him coughing-" Rinoa paused as she brushed away a tear. "-and the blood."
End Chapter 5-
Author's Note: Hello! I am so sorry about the extensive delay on this chapter. D: However, now that I've broken past the writer's block, I should be able to finish this. :) I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please let me know what you think on your way out. ^^