It's Ok to be Us Chapter 12
In the Shadows
Author's Note: I'm hoping I've had one of those special breakthroughs that shows me the direction of my story and enables me to update quickly. We'll see. Your storyteller is very bad at keeping promises sometimes. Some of you have suggested changing the rating to M and updating the description. I'm open to suggestions for the description, and the rating will change to M, as this story is about to get darker than I outlined. But that's a good thing. I think. Thank you everybody for your continued support.
There it was again. That wretched Garden command ringtone, indicating Cid was calling him on a secure line. It was worse than his alarm. It pierced the stillness and quiet as a needle would pierce a balloon.
Squall considered throwing the damn phone into the wall to shut it up. But that meant removing his arms from around the naked girl cradled in his arms.
(Just answer it,) said a voice. But his ears did not hear anything other than that horrible ringtone.
The voice in his head was certainly a new experience for him, but it wasn't so different from his trips into Laguna's mind, so he was not alarmed. On the contrary...
(I don't want to. They're going to make me get up and get dressed) he thought. She giggled aloud, broke free of his grasp, and climbed over him to reach his nightstand, knocking him onto his back as she did so.
Squall loved when she lay on top of him. Her hair was a tangled mess as she kissed him. The energy exchanged between them was so powerful; Squall wouldn't have been surprised if there were actual, literal sparks. She giggled again and held up his ringing phone. With a little smirk, she hit the answer button and handed it to him.
Squall sighed.
"This is Commander Leonhart" he said, smiling at Rinoa, who was watching him with her chin on his chest.
"Commander, our cross referencing of lists is complete. Notify Ms. Heartilly; you two are to report to my office in fifteen minutes."
"I don't think that'll be necessary Headmaster. I think she heard you."
(I guess this means we'll have to share a shower...) Rinoa said silently.
Squall choked on his laugh and coughed. Rinoa smirked. CID hesitated.
"Make it thirty minutes. Over and out" Cid said and hung up.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Rinoa had never felt more complete in her entire life. She was delighted that they could now communicate directly in each other's mind. To put it lightly, the sex had been... Enhanced as a result. Oh how she liked this new candle. It shone so bright that the darkness that had consumed her had disappeared from her mind altogether.
As for her power, she felt... Free. When she had first become a sorceress, her power had almost been a switch. Once thrown, it would take control over her, and she wouldn't be able to control the magnitude of her spells, or indeed what spell, or target she was aiming at. But now...
Now it was a whole range. There was no longer Fire, Fira, and Friaga. It was a dimmer switch for her. She could use any intensity of spell she wanted, and it came as naturally as breathing.
(You used up all the hot water) Rinoa thought. But she had an idea. An idea she knew would work.
As the rapidly cooling water cascaded over her, she raised one hand to the shower head. She closed her eyes briefly, and sent a fire spell up through the pipes into the water heater. The water of course instantly extinguished her flames, but the magical energy, and the heat remained. She cooed with delight as the water was instantly hot again.
Moments later, she emerged into Squall's room, damp, and dressed in only a towel. Squall himself was already dressed, and stood up as she approached him. Before either knew what was happening, her arms were around his neck, his on her bare hips, her towel, abandoned behind her. They shared a very sensual kiss.
"I thought you said there wasn't any hot water left. How are you so warm?" He asked.
"Well... I fixed it." She told him, showing him her memory through their bond.
"I guess that explains the steam." He said, kissing her again.
Rinoa squealed in delight as his hold on her tightened, and he threw her into the bed. He pinned her hands down above her head and gently trailed kisses down her front.
(Squall! We're gonna be late if you don't let me get dressed)
(We have thirteen minutes. Plenty of time.)
Rinoa would have argued more, but Squall's kisses had reached her midriff and were still going lower. He gently spread her legs with his hands, and she could not think of anything else.
Thirty four minutes after hanging up with Cid, Squall stood at attention in Cid's office. He was grateful his superior had neither observed the social niceties of small talk, nor reprimanded him on being late. When Cid addressed him, it was direct.
"Our search revealed four names in common with the list you brought from Esthar. One is a direct client of Garden who never had contact with Suru. In our field reports, we have records of all four being used and detonated. I think it is safe to rule that one out. The second name is Eli Tamem. He shows up on all three lists: people who bought the devices, Garden clients, and contacts of Suru. According to our reports, all of Eli's were detonated as well, but-"
"Suru is the one who submitted those reports." Squall said, filling in the blank.
"Exactly. Perhaps that is a good place to begin your investigation. The remaining two matches are both possibilities, but less likely and harder to track down. Zeke Arbin was a client, who, to our knowledge, never had direct contact with Suru. He hired us to take care of a particularly nasty infestation of Armadodos. But Garden had to withdraw SeeD support before the job was finished. Perhaps he is vindictive against us, but it still doesn't explain his connection to Suru or the events at Trabia. The last name on the list is Kaysa Radson. She is the sister of a Galbaldian official who turned spy for us. She would often submit her information to Suru. The strange thing in this case is why she would buy one in the first place. She lives in Deling City, which is a safe zone, and she has no motivation to attack Garden, because she is being paid a small fortune for her information. As of this moment, the attack on Trabia is being treated as an isolated incident of terrorism, so be thorough, but don't jump to conclusions without further evidence."
"In summation," Squall said, "Three possible accomplices. Eli Tamem bought the devices and used them directly with Suru. Zeke Arbin, no contact with Suru, but purchased the devices in bulk and has a motive. And Kaysa Radson, a Galbaldian informant who purchased one for reasons unknown."
"That's correct. I will send the addresses and case files we have to your mobile. Be sure to review them before talking to each suspect. And remember, Commander, this is going to take tact and subtlety. I leave it in your capable hands." Cid said.
"Sir, I request Rinoa accompany me. In addition to our mutual decline when isolated from one another, our proximity has granted us a few unexpected abilities that may prove advantageous during the investigation."
"What kind of abilities?" Cid asked.
"Synchronized thoughts, shared combat abilities, and telepathic communication." Squall and Rinoa said together.
Cid was speechless for a moment.
"Permission granted. Report your findings after each interview. I know this isn't the way you wanted to spend your midterm break, but unfortunately this cannot wait. And try not to get... carried away with each other. A lot can happen in four minutes, Squall."
(Yeah. A lot can happen in four minutes, Squall.)
(Are you complaining?)
(No)
They both saluted Cid and headed for their rooms. After they had independently but simultaneously packed their bags, and met in the Ragnarok's hanger.
"I feel kinda bad." Rinoa said. "I told Selphie we'd go shopping this week."
"You are not under orders. I'm sure if I move fast enough I could complete the mission myself. You could stay if you like." Squall replied as they made their way to the cockpit.
"Do not play that game with me, mister! I do not stay by your side because I am commanded to, nor because of some sense of duty. I stay with you because I would not be parted from you."
"I know, Rin. I know. Let's hurry this up so we can still have a few days to relax before classes resume."
"Haste makes waste, Leonhart."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
(Master Power, fuel...)
"Fuel ninety four percent. Navigation online. Where are we going first?" Rinoa asked aloud, after hearing him mentally go through the preflight checks.
"Set course for Dollet." Squall said, checking his mobile. "Let's go visit Mr. Tamem and try to find out if all those devices were detonated, or if perhaps one escaped his attention."
Rinoa plotted the course in the navigation system. He continued, meticulous as ever.
(autopilot disengaged, radar online, satellite uplink, comms up, main engines, thrusters, stabilizers, disengaging landing gear...)
"...and ignition. She's all yours Commander." Rinoa said, finishing his thoughts with words again and flipping a switch on the console.
"I kinda like having you in my head. I've never been very good at talking."
"I don't think that's true, Squall. I think you've really come a long way from when we met. I'm so proud of you," Rinoa said, smiling at him. He returned it and she felt a brief rush of affection from him.
"I hope you're right. This whole mission would be easier if we could read their minds, but as it stands, we'll have to get them to talk."
"How do you want to handle it?" Rinoa asked.
Squall withdrew his phone and sent the case files to the Ragnarok's computer. Rinoa pulled up the file.
"I've actually met Eli Tamem, unlike the others. We completed our mission to the letter, and received payment in full, if I remember correctly. Remind me of the details."
Rinoa skimmed through the case file, knowing Squall would hear her.
(Request for aid during the repair of a section of local train tracks. 3 SeeD dispatched... Suru Macenneth, Bavent Herelson, and team leader Vance Despo. Rendezvous with project supervisor Eli Tamem... Discovered upon arrival four nests of bite bugs within the damaged area. Team leader Despo gave the order to attack the nest head on, resulting in six minor but noteworthy injuries, and three to civilians. Macenneth then named team leader... And suggested setting traps. Contact Eli Tamem supplied explosives, and all three remaining nests were destroyed simultaneously and without further incident. Macenneth promoted to rank 6.)
"Check the sales records. Confirm that Tamem bought three Pulse Generators." Squall said aloud.
"That's correct. He bought three of them... Two months ago. That lines up with our report."
"Let's just go talk to him, Rin. We can't assume he had anything to do with it. We'll just ask him about the mission, and the actions of all three SeeDs."
"Ok. I don't see a problem with that."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Squall knocked on Tamem's door, and, after a beat, the townhouse door opened.
"Can I help you?" Said the man standing in the doorway. He was short and bald, perhaps in his late forties, with a reddish complexion, as though he had worked in the sun for many years.
"Yes sir, I believe we met several months ago. My name is Squall Leonhart, Commander at Balamb Garden." Squall said, extending his hand and shaking Tamem's very briefly. "This is my associate-"
"Rinoa Heartilly, pleased to meet you" Rinoa said, stepping forward and shaking hands also.
"What can I do for you? Please forgive my rudeness, but I'm afraid this is terrible timing, I have only a moment to spare." Eli said.
(A lie? Is he concealing something?) Rinoa asked.
(I don't think it's a lie, but I agree there may be something we're not seeing)
"I assure you this will only take a moment. I'm simply here to ask you some questions about your contract, the quality of the service provided, and any opinions you may be willing to give." Squall said. "Ms. Heartilly here is-"
Squall hesitated for the briefest of moments. Just as he had a valid reason for her to be here, but before he had found the words, she spoke up. Less than a second had passed, in fact Squall was amazed at how natural it sounded.
"I'm here as a civilian overseer and consultant on behalf of the Balamb city council. They want to make sure the soldiers are up to the lofty standards Garden sets, and behave in a courteous and respectful manner. The current Garden administration will be graded on the results of our inquiries."
(That was perfect Rinoa. Well said)
(Thanks for coaching me through it. I hope you don't actually have to deal with people like that.)
(More often than you think)
"First, we've read your contract, but why don't you tell us what happened when the SeeDs arrived?"
"Well, one of 'em introduced himself as the leader. I told him about the nests, and he was trying to charge in all guns blazing. I've dealt with these damn bugs plenty o' times, but you don't wanna go charging into a nest. It's not the one messing with you that you gotta worry about, ya know? It's the ones that are all pissed and escape before you can do shit about it. So that's kinda what happened. Two members of my team an I all got minor bites or stings. No big deal, but that's not quite what I was going for." Eli recalled.
Rinoa had pulled out her phone and was recording Eli's story.
"Please go on. What happened next? What did they say to you? How did they behave around each other?"
"They fought pretty well, considering how many of 'em bugs there was. Next I seen 'em, a different one said he was taking control of the situation. Told me to order some kinda trap from Esthar, so I did. They came in next day. Next thing you know, they're setting 'em up and boom! Track was gonna be torn out anyway, so no worries about that, and there were no bugs. And for the price I paid, I'd say I was pretty ok with the job overall."
"You mentioned these traps, these explosives from Esthar. How many of them did you buy? How many explosions?" Rinoa asked him.
"Three. Definitely three. They came in a set. Cheaper that way. And we only had three nests left anyway."
"Did all three detonate properly? Were there any other mistakes or flaws in the plan that you can think of?" Squall asked.
"I'd say they all went off. Could only see one explosion from where I was, but the nests were gone an the track was fucked up in all three places. Like I said, we were gonna do that anyway, so it's ok. Is that all? I'm afraid I don't have anything else to say, or any more time to say it in."
"No, that's all. Thank you for your time-" the door slammed in Squall's face.
(Let's go check out those train tracks) Squall told her.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
They walked in silence. Rinoa no longer needed to ask any questions or wonder about his feelings, and for this, she was ecstatic. It seemed all she had to do to hear her knight's thought process was listen. Any thought he wished her to hear would come through loud and clear, but by paying attention, she could catch most of it.
This was how she knew where the repaired section of track was, and how to get there; he had looked it up on his cell as they neared the city center.
As they waited for the appropriate bus, Rinoa voiced her concerns aloud.
"You seem pretty ok with me invading your privacy. I mean, it's already proven to be useful, but Squall, what if this takes a long time to go away? What if it NEVER goes away? Would you really be okay with that?"
"I think you already know the answer to that. It's a two way street, Rin. I'm in your head too."
"Can we just talk for a minute? Humor me." Rinoa said, mentally adding (Meanie). Squall laughed.
"Out of everyone, you're the only one I'd trust in my head. But fine. Yes, I think eventually it would bother me. So... Let's keep our own thoughts to ourselves and just use our bond to communicate and listen in during critical situations."
(I agree. We stay out unless it's absolutely necessary. And we trust each other to share important thoughts the rest of the time. No digging.) Rinoa sent him.
(Right. Only the important stuff.)
(I love you)
Squall leaned in and kissed her briefly. She delighted in the sparks that still flashed at the tender, intimate touch.
(Your hair is getting long; it's nearly shoulder length now.) Rinoa sent him, running her fingers through it.
Squall leaned into her hand. "Should I cut it?" He asked.
"No you should not. It's beautiful."
At that moment, their bus arrived.
For the next one and a quarter hours, they practiced their nonverbal communication, until finally, they arrived at the train station.
"Hope you're up for a hike" Squall said over his shoulder.
"Squall, you can't just-"
But he had just jumped down from the platform onto the tracks.
(Come on,) he said. (Nobody is here, it's dark, and the last train won't be here for another hour. Let's go, we've got about two miles to cover)
Damn him. It was pointless to argue when he had his mind set to something like this. So she simply walked to the edge of the platform, and in one fluid motion, pivoted one hundred eighty degrees, and fell backwards off the platform. He caught her, as she knew he would, and together they set off down the tracks.
Rinoa followed close behind him for over half an hour in silence. He moved at a brisk pace, but not yet a run.
"How-" she began to ask aloud, but Squall shushed her silent. Leave it to this man to figure out a way to irritate her without ever having to do anything or say anything.
(We're here. And we're not alone. Off the tracks, now. Stay in the shadows)
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Squall could hear them. Could see their silhouettes through the darkness. At least two were on the tracks in front of them
He remained in a prone position, Rinoa mimicking him on his left side. Both were silent
The others were speaking in hushed voices. Squall could hear them speaking but struggled to hear what they were saying.
Rinoa took his hand in hers. Squall could feel her summoning her power. He was about to reprimand her, until he realized what she was doing.
An aero spell so gentle, it was hardly more than wind. Yet it grabbed at the whispers and carried them back towards Squall and Rinoa.
"...how sure can you be though?"
"It'll work. Shut up"
"Why today, of all times? How did they know?"
"It doesn't matter. If we see them again I'll kill them myself. Now shut up. Five minutes."
(Rinoa, they're talking about us. Either this is Eli and an accomplice, or two people who knew we were there today.)
(What happens in five minutes?) Rinoa sent back.
(The train. They're going to board it- Or...!)
Squall met Rinoa's eyes, and through the dark he saw the expression of horror as realization passed between them.
These people were going to bomb the train.
(The device! We have to find it. The Estharian weapon, or anything they might have planted) Squall said silently. He made to get up, but a hard elbow to his ribs made him hold. Rinoa's wind picked up again.
"This is it, little brother."
"This is what? The end of the plan?"
"No, no. This only the beginning of the plan."
Rinoa jumped in alarm and nearly gave them away as a gunshot tore through the night air.
"Just the end of your involvement."
The dark silhouette turned its head to look in their direction before speaking again.
"Right on time." It said as it left the tracks at a run.
The shadows were quickly abandoning their position, as the train came around the bend in front of them. Its light now shining on them, and its might now shaking the very earth beneath their feet. Off in the distance Squall could hear a car zooming away from the scene.
Time to move. Squall stood and sprinted to where he knew the body would be. The face had a large gunshot wound and was unrecognizable. Squall could only confirm that it was neither Eli nor Suru.
There was not an explosive device on the body. He had only seconds. He looked up at Rinoa, who had run past him. She was now standing between him and the oncoming train. Worse yet, she was reaching down between the tracks, surrounded by...
Bite bugs? A whole nest?
"Rin!" He dashed, grabbed her, pulled her up, held her to him and leapt from the tracks, just as the train rushed through the spot she had just occupied.
They lay crouched and huddled together, but nothing happened. Just as Squall raised his head to see if the coast was clear...
There was a loud bang, and a shockwave hit them hard.
So did one of the train cars that had been blown off the track.
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Author's note: Thanks again for reading. This will be the last 'Teen' rated chapter, and don't forget to leave suggestions for an updated summary in your review.
Happy New Year, and I hope 2014 brings with it new memories and experiences that will be valuable to you and your loved ones for a lifetime.
-Noble Falcon