The Protector

Harry Potter and Final Fantasy VIII Crossover.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything! Not HP or Final Fantasy VIII. If I did Ginny (scary-obsession) and Rinoa (Whinny-perky-princess) would have died a death before they existed.

Summary: Squall meets a strange boy while out training, forming a connection with him. It's a friendship that will turn the tide of war and a love that changes the world. HPxSL. Lion Pair!

Note: Harry is the GF Fallen Mage. A non-elemental based offensive attack and provides protection for the caster(s). Known to KO enemies, he also grants the use of 3rd level magics to his user with the said user not having to have the magic in stock. Eg. Use Firaga even if user doesn't have it in their magic stock.

Note 2: Looking for a Beta! To read over and correct my spelling and typos! You get the chapter before anyone else. And please, make sure you allow PMs so I can contact you.

Note : Is anyone still reading this story? I'm curious due to the lack of response I'm getting. Tell me what you think!

Warnings: Rinoa bashing, slightQuistisbashing, Boys on boys, kissing, making out. Maybe even (gasp!) sex. Swearing. Power plays. My crazy ideas...

Pairings: HarryxSquall, SelphiexIrvine, ZellxLibrary Girl, slight Irvine-being-a-manwhore-and-flirting-with-Harry...

Chapter 6

If the world ends.

~0~0~0~

Selphie sighed as she kicked the wall of the cell. There was an anti-magic field around them and she couldn't even heal Zell's injuries. It was only a few bruises but it was very likely that his ankle was sprained.

"I can't stand this!" she finally cried out. Quistis looked at her from her place by the door and Zell looked up from his position on the ground.

"We have no way out. Harry is injured or worse and he was taken by two people, we have no idea. And Squall is injured or MIA, or worse! I feel so powerless!" Selphie ranted, looking slightly better after she finished. But before anyone could say anything, Quistis moved from the door as it swung open.

A Moomba entered carrying a tray in its red paws. But it tripped, sending the soup like meal and bread to the floor. His red mane ducked as it hurried to pick up the fallen tray, trying to save the lost meal. But it was too late as voices sounded from the other side of the door.

"What was that noise!"

And he guard entered the cell. Zell took a step forward as he clenched his fists, ready for a fight if the guy would pick a fight. But that was not the case as the man stared at the Moomba with a sneer as he kicked it. "You again!"

Zell felt his blood boil as he reacted on impulse, "YO! Who do you think you are!"

Selphie also stepped forward as well, fists raised as she too yelled at the guard, "Yeah, you big MEANIE! Stop that!"

The guard eyed them with a smirk before sneering at them "You should worry about yourself and your precious leader. After your usefulness had expired, you will disposed of!"

And he left, shutting the door behind him. As soon as the door shut, Selphie was at the Moomba's side and murmuring as she tried to sooth him. She even tried to cast a cure, and even though it didn't work properly, it did help somewhat. The Moomba looked up from clutching his head and tackled her in a hug. Selphie promptly burst into laughter and Zell chuckled. Quistis shook her head in amusement.

~0~0~0~

Seifer scowled as he paced in front of Squall. "Well now, Squall. I'll ask again. What is SeeD? And why do they oppose the sorceress?" he asked, a lustful hunger in blue eyes.

Squall bit back a groan as his body ached from hanging from his arms. 'Misdirection's,' Squall remembered as he schooled his features blank before letting a smirk filter through. "How about you tell me what happened to my team and Harry."

Seifer stopped in front of Squall, anger laced in his expression as grabbed Squall's collar and shook the brunette. "Why don't you answer my question or I kill your team. It would be easy enough, seeing that they are in a holding cell in this prison."

Squall swallowed at the thought. "SeeD," Squall said slowly, " is a mercenary force trained by the Gardens for the financing of the Garden, to create peace from war and to stop any Sorceress rising to power, like Adel of Esthar."

Grey eyes stared expressionlessly at blue ones, as Seifer smirked at the answer. His grip on Squall's leather and fur jacket loosened and his hands tangled themselves in Squall's hair. Squall tensed. "But Squall," Seifer purred as he stepped closer to the SeeD, "there must be more. Something they only tell you when you become SeeD."

Their lips were, once again, a hair breathe apart. "There is nothing," Squall said coldly as he glared at his rival, "now how about you tell what happened to Harry."

Squall didn't expect the punch that hit his jaw, but in hindsight, maybe he should have. Seifer was mad and had some half-cocked idea that he loved Squall. And the fact that the blond was jealous of Harry, so asking about the green-eyed sorcerer may not have been the smartest of moves on Squall's part.

"Why," Seifer hissed as he seethed with anger, "do you keep bring up that whore? He's not worth your time! You know what? He's gone! Something came and took him away after he was struck by Edea. He's as good as dead!"

The rage that was slowly building suddenly snapped as the icy glare turned into one of hot rage. But Squall couldn't get a response out as the door burst open to reveal a panting soldier. The man saluted sloppily as he panted out the message, "Sir Seifer, the missiles targeted for the Gardens Balamb and Trabia are ready to launch. The Sorceress ordered that you over see the final preparations before joining her. "

Seifer glared at the man as he nodded. "Don't worry, Squall. I will be back for you."

Squall spat at Seifer. The blonde's expression went from furious to blank as he wiped it off. Squall let a small smirk grace his lips. "You will be mine, Squall. But for the meantime, maybe some shock therapy to save you from your delusions."

And with a casual wave of his hand, a smirk playing on his lips, Seifer's face meant little to Squall as electricity charged through him. But he refused to scream, biting his lip so he didn't make a noise. He wouldn't give Seifer that pleasure.

~0~0~0~

Harry's eyes fluttered open only for him to shut it again as he hissed at the bright lighting in the room. Groaning, Harry tried to sit up only to have a hand push him back down. Tiredly, he opened his eyes to be met with the concerned face of Siren. Harry winced at the brightness, only to have the room darken considerably, giving him a chance to look around. It was his room...

"You had us worried," came Shiva's voice, Harry turned to look at his pseudo mother. He frowned as his mind searched for answers. 'Why was she worried? Why am I here? Last I remember..'

And with that, Harry bolted upright, regardless of Siren's hands trying to push him down, as he demanded, "Where's Squall? Is he alright? And the others?"

"Calm down! I just healed you!" Siren said frantically as she tried pushing the younger GF back. Harry struggled against her for a moment, only to be distracted by the ruckus by the door. In the moment he glanced there, he paused in his struggles and fell back onto the bed with an amused expression. Siren huffed and turned curiously to see what made him lie back down. Seeing the image of the other GFs all fighting to get through the one door way had even her in giggles.

"Squall and the team were captured after the failed assassination attempt. They are currently being held in the Galbadian Prison," Shiva answered levelly as she slammed the door shut, effectively locking out the other GFs. "The girl and the sniper weren't caught but I know they are planning to execute your friends and destroy the Gardens."

"What!" Harry yelped as he bolted upright, much to Siren's dismay. Casting a quick diagnostics charm, Harry pushed himself out of bed, waving off Siren's protests. "I'm fine, but I have to save them!"

And when Siren opened her mouth to stop him, Shiva laid a hand on the blonde's shoulder and shook her head. Siren's fall fell and her heart broke slightly as she thought, 'We've already lost him.'

~0~0~0~

Zell and Selphie were sitting and waiting. And it was killing them. Selphie sighed as she petted the mooba on his head.

Quistis shook her head as she studied the cell, "We can't just sit here. We have to think of a way to escape." There were no windows. The only way out was through the door. And even if they did get out of the cell they would have to escape the prison.

Zell sighed as he stood up and stretched, "We need a plan."

Selphie stayed on the floor as she nodded and looked thoughtful, "We can't use magic so we need to get our weapons back. We also need to find Squall. Though I wonder what happened to Harry and Irvine."

Zell looked down and grinned, "You two may not have your weapons but I do! These fists of mine are all I need. I'll get the weapons and come back. Then we can start the search."

Quistis looked thoughtful before nodding reluctantly, "Be careful. We may only have one shot at this. Zell nodded, blue eyes glowing in anticipation.

"I've got to pay them back for the hospitality. You two, lie down. Pretend to be unconscious and when the guard comes in... BAM! He's mine!"

The two females traded looks but did as they were told...

~0~0~0~

Harry landed in an alley near Caraway's house. It was too early for anyone to really see him but still he stuck to shadows as he made his way to the mansion. The guards were still present and Harry sighed in relief. He needed to speak to the General urgently. But, by the looks of it, it seemed the General was in a bit of a pinch himself.

The military presence around the property was thicker than before, as if they were holding someone prisoner rather than protecting them. Hell, there was even a tank parked on the grass outside the mansion.

'Edea must have somehow found out that he helped us,' Harry thought grimly, as he watched the guards. 'My only hope is that Irvine was not captured and Caraway knows where he is. '

~0~0~0~

Zell finished off the guard before he could shoot Selphie in the back. The man went down with a grunt and Zell smirked. 'Serves him right trying to shoot someone in the back!'

"We need to find Squall and get out of here," Quistis said as she folded his whip and checked her magic. Frowning, she noted that she still couldn't use magic.

Before the other two could respond, an alarm sounded. Red lights on the ceiling flashed as the intercom of the prison sounded as well, "Warning! Escapee alert! Monsters will be set loose on each floor. If escapees refuse to surrender, you have permission to kill. The anti-magic field will be lifted."

Zell looked amused as he checked his magic, healing any injuries, "Well, that's convenient. I think they keep high security prisoners on the top floor. We're on the 7th right now."

Selphie nodded as she looked around for the staircase, "So we head up and hope for the best?"

Quistis nodded grimly and made for the stairs to her left, the Moomba hot on her heals. She quickly ascended, with Zell and Selphie following behind her. But as they reached the top, they were attacked by a squad of armed guards.

"Surrender or we will use force!" the leader said as he raised his gun. Quistis wasted no time as she snapped her whip, catching his hand, only to watch the man get knocked out by Zell. The blond had jumped into the fray and the guards would not shoot at him in case they missed and shot a comrade. For Quistis and Selphie it was easy pickings from there on.

They eventually found themselves on the top floor and the door was locked. Zell cursed as he kicked the metal, only to jump back yelping in pain as he gripped his foot. The Moomba ran forward and unlocked the door.

Selphie gave a squeal and hugged the lion-like creature, "Good boy!"

Quistis entered quickly and gave a small sigh of relief when she saw Squall's form and no guards. But the relief turned to worry as she noted that he was strapped to a torture device and he was unconscious.

"Squall!" Zell and Selphie yelled as they rushed to their leader's side. The Moomba locked the door behind them. "Wake up!"

Quistis frowned and pressed the controls to let Squall down. He would have crumpled to the floor if Zell had not caught him and cast one of his few Curagas, "Come on, Squall!"

Squall stirred and his hand gripped his head. Selphie gave a sigh of relief as she helped Zell support Squall's weight. "You ok?" she asked softly.

Squall had a pounding headache as he tried to assimilate what had happened. As the memories came back, he steadied himself on his feet and merely replied, "It was hell..." Mentally, he added, 'In more than one way.'

Zell sighed but said firmly, "Let's just get the hell outta here!" He paused before adding, "I believe this is yours." And he handed Squall back his gunblade. A not-quite-there smile touched Squall's lips as he tested the balance and checked the revolver mechanism. It was all fine.

The next moment, a red streak barrelled at Squall, who stepped back to support the thing hugging his legs, "Laguna! Laguna!"

Squall frowned as he stare at the Moomba, "Laguna? I'm not Laguna." But the Moomba continued to hug him, refusing to let go. Selphie giggled, amused at the sight of her ice-cold leader being used as a teddy bear by a cute, fluffy creature.

Squall sighed and looked to Quistis, who was also watching amused. "We need to get out of here. This is the highest level so I'm guessing we need to go down to find the exit. But with the alarms on, it's going to be difficult."

"We'll use the claw," Squall replied as he pointed to the crane that transported him upwards.

"Oh yeah! I remember now!" Zell practically shouted excitedly, "We can move this arm by using the panel above and the control room. I remember Ward doing this. But we need to operate them at the same time. Someone needs to stay upstairs and control the panel..."

Selphie and Quistis moved on either side of Zell. Smirking, they both tap him on the

Shoulder. Zell sighed and nodded. "Fine...I'll give you instructions from upstairs. Everyone get inside."

The girls moved, but Squall gave Zell a look, "Ward?"

Zell shrugged, "After Laguna, Ward and Kiros split up, Ward worked here. Get on the lift and I'll talk you through it."

Squall nodded and headed to the lift, with the Moomba hot on his heels.

With Zell's help, they quickly descended to the lowest level. There was nothing except for a door. Squall motioned for the girls to stay back as he pressed the button on the panel to open it. He jumped backwards when sand filled into the room.

"Buried...? You mean we're underground?" Quistis asked, slightly shocked, "In any case, we can't get out from here..."

Selphie interrupted her by asking urgently, "What was that?"

Quistis stopped and listened before answering slowly, "Gunfire?"

Squall frowned, "Sounds pretty bad..."

Quistis and Selphie both yelped, "Zell!"

Squall was one stepped ahead of her as he made for the stairs, towards the sound of gunfire. He took the stairs two by two. He finally arrived on the floor where Zell was held at gunpoint, but with several bodies lying on the ground behind him.

"DIE!" the Warden screamed, only to be hit by a Blizzaga spell from behind him. He fell like a rock and Zell sighed as he dropped his hands. "Thanks, man! I could kiss you right now!"

Squall jerked backwards, muttering, "Please don't."

Selphie and Quistis arrived and breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank Hyne you're alright."

But before they could say anything else, there was gunfire from nearby. On instinct, the group ducked. The sounds of pain followed the gunfire before they both stopped.

"There you are!" came a familiar voice, as Irvine walked down the stairs. He was followed by two men Squall didn't recognise. "Beauty sent me. Caraway sent these two to help. Now come on, we need to get out of here!"

Squall nodded in greeting, "The basement door is buried in sand."

Irvine nodded as he reloaded his gun, "Of course it is. This place is buried underground. We need to head up."

Squall nodded and motioned for Irvine to lead the way. Quietly he asked as he fell into step with the cowboy, "Harry sent you? Is he okay? Where is he?"

"He's fine, as far as I could tell. Got Caraway out of his house arrest and to Balamb Garden. He sent me here to break out you guys. He headed to the Missile Base. The Sorceress is planning to destroy Trabia and Balamb Garden. He's trying to stop that."

Squall swore as they encountered another battle before he could respond to the new information. Sure, Seifer had alluded to the Sorceress's desire to destroy the Gardens but to actually shoot at them?

The progress was slow but they eventual made it to the top floor and headed out above that. They found themselves stories above the ground with only a narrow bridge.

"Shit," Irvine swore as he saw the sight, "they emerged the prison."

Squall sighed as the Moomba locked the door behind them, "Let's just head for that structure over there."

The group crossed the bridge quickly, only to find the prison descending back into the desert as they waited on the other side. From there, Irvine lead them to the garage, where Rinoa and Zone were waiting in one car.

The two men shook hands with Squall and Irvine before getting into a black car and left. "They heading out to join Caraway. I'll take the car with the Rinoa and Zone. Follow me in the yellow one," Irvine said quickly.

Squall nodded, "We need to get away from here but we need to plan our next action."

They all piled into their cars and sped off, Moomba included. The said Moomba was currently sitting on Selphie's lap being petted by her.

~0~0~0~

They group stopped at a crossroads in the desert. Irvine pulled off to the side and Squall stopped as well. Everyone got off as they explained the situation. Selphie was pale and Zell was grim.

"So what's the plan?" Quistis asked, turning to Squall. The brunette sighed, vaguely wondering when he became leader.

"We need to head back to the Garden and warn the students," he said evenly, even when his stomach churned at the thought of the destruction that could happen. "Harry is trying to interfere with the missiles. We should split up. One group try to help with the interference and one to warn the Garden."

Selphie looked sick to her stomach as she said, "I'll head to the Missile Base. I just transferred from Trabia. I have to save it!"

Squall looked at the group and nodded grimly, "Irvine, Quistis, you're with Selphie." He turned to Quistis, "Worst case scenario and you get them out of there. If you meet Harry, join him. "

Quistis nodded.

"Zell and I will take Zone and Rinoa with us to Balamb. Hopefully we can evacuate the Garden, just in case."

They group nodded and made for the cars as Selphie gasped and shakily pointed at the sky. There were three missiles heading north in the sky. She fell to knees.

"I heard they were hitting Trabia first," Irvine murmured in shock.

Selphie let out a soft cry, "That was a miss, right? I mean, Harry would have done something, right?"

Squall was pale as he ordered, "Continue as planned. We will meet up at Balamb."

~0~0~0~

Squall watched as the soldier tried to chase down the train they just hijacked. It would have been funny if the circumstances weren't so dire. He could only hope that Harry had found some way to stop the missile. 'Harry.'

'That's a whole new can of worms,' Squall thought as he closed his eyes. He was leaning against the wall, eyes closed as his heart raced at the thoughts of Harry. 'Or, maybe it's an old can I refused to look at before?'

Zell was grim as the train raced towards Balamb and he prayed it would be fast enough.

Rinoa was crouching in the corner, watching the SeeD with interest. This was the most ruffled she had ever seen them. It was strangely comforting. It reminded her they were human and did fell; even if they didn't show it. But her eyes kept drifting back to Squall. Brown eyes softened as they took in the strong figure that carried waves of tension. She couldn't help it. There was just something about him.

~0~0~0~

Following Selphie's idea, they took the Galbadian army vehicle and drove to the base. Dressed in the uniform they found in the trunk, Selphie held her breath as the security guard inspected them before waving them through.

Parking, they jumped out of the car and heard the announcement with grim faces, "Following the launch on Trabia Garden, prepare for the launch on Balamb Garden. All personnel, take your position."

"Shit," Quistis said quietly as they walked to the door. "We need to hurry."

Selphie nodded, "These bastards won't have the chance to launch at Balamb. We have to stop the missiles! Even if it means blowing this place up!"

Irvine chuckled and nodded, "Selphie, I like your attitude."

Once inside, they found another door, but this one needed an ID card. Quistis sighed in frustration as she shook her head, "We can't get in."

Stepping forward, Irvine offered a card, "So like...I found this in the car. Give it a try."

The card worked and Selphie lead the way. They were in a corridor of sorts with guards stationed at the door. Selphie gulped but held her head high and walked normally; well, normal for someone in the military.

They kept walking towards the end of the hallway and found themselves in the Missile Launcher section. Selphie's fists were clenched as they watched the other soldiers load the missiles. Somehow, they got a duty to deliver and message and ended up getting entrance to the Circuit Room.

Selphie entered with a gleeful expression on her face as Irvine and Quistis watched her with amusement. They could practically read her thoughts, which probably went something like 'Blow this place to smithereens!'

"Irvine? Selphie? Quistis? What are you guys doing here?" came a voice behind them. They whirled around to see a Harry standing by a computer.

"Harry!" Selphie exclaimed as she rushed forward for a hug. Harry returned it awkwardly.

"We had to stop the missiles," Quistis explained. Harry nodded as Selphie jumped backwards.

"I changed the co-ordinates so the missiles would hit the mountain range near Trabia. I'm changing the ones for Balamb now," Harry replied.

"So Trabia is safe?" Selphie asked hopefully and Harry gave her a smile and nodded.

"Thank Hyne," Selphie said in relief. Harry looked amused for a moment before looking at Quistis, "It's a basic system. Lend me a hand. Irvine and Selphie, you're on lookout."

They quickly worked on the computers before Harry locked his settings with a password. Quistis was still adjusting hers. She swore, "They preset these co-ordinates and its password protected! I can't change them!"

Harry frowned as he leaned over her shoulder, "Trabia's was also preset. But if you increase the error margin and edit the minutes and seconds, it will miss the Garden."

Quistis shook her head, "I can't change the co-ordinates at all!"

Harry swore, "Edea! Trabia's not her main target but Balamb!" Harry paced before turning back to Quistis, "Do what you can and put a password on the settings. Then get out of here. I'm going to see if Trabia's alright. I'll head to Balamb after that."

Irvine and Selphie gave his strange looks. "Harry," Selphie said slowly, "you won't make it in time." Harry gave her a sad grin.

"I'm a sorcerer. Instantaneous transportation is a perk," he replied. The three were gobsmacked at the reply and could barely register as Harry disappeared with a crack right in front of them.

"Sorcerer?.." Irvine said weakly. Selphie was nodding dumbly.

"Well," Quistis stated weakly, "that does explain his skill." And she forced herself to turn back to the computer and finish her job.

~0~0~0~

Quistis, Irvine and Selphie stood and watched as explosions rocketed through the base. The main gate had closed and there was no way out. They had set the self-destruct timer of the base, only to be caught in a battle with another mechanical spider-thing.

Now there was no way out and the missile had been fired. And the base was going to explode. Quistis sighed, "I hope the Gardens are okay."

Irvine nodded, "Harry would have made sure."

Selphie said nothing as she stared at the fallen machine.

The self-destruct blast of the Missile Base could be seen from the very edges of the desert."

~0~0~0~

Squall arrived at the Garden and sighed as he saw it still standing. Turning to Zell, Rinoa and a nervous Zone, he said, "We have to report to the headmaster. The missies might still be coming. Come on."

Once they got inside, Squall frowned at the chaos that reigned. Students were running around and there were more Garden Faculty people than he's ever seen at once.

Garden Faculty was ordering, "Find the headmaster!"

Zell looked around confused, "Are they evacuating?"

"I don't think so," Squall replied quietly as he watched, and heard, the Garden Faculty yelled out, "Seize him! Kill him if you have to!"

Zone moved closer to Rinoa, as he weakly joked, "I think we get into move trouble with you guys than by ourselves."

Before Squall could retort, the Garden Faculty turned to them and asked, "You three, which side are you on?"

The group stared at him, bewildered.

"Answer the question! Are you with the Garden Master, or are you with Cid!"

Squall shook his head, as he replied, "I don't understand what you're talking about."

Garden Faculty pressed on, "Do you swear you allegiance to Garden Master Norg?"

Squall traded looks with Zell, whom subtly stepped in front of Rinoa and Zone. 'Who the hell is Norg?' Squall wondered but asked, "Can you tell me what's going on?"

Garden Faculty looked at them before he furiously said, "I'm the one asking the questions! You're just supposed to follow orders! Hey! What kind of attitude is that! You're with Cid, aren't you!"

He blows a whistle. "Norg is the true ruler of the Garden!"

Squall pulled out his gunblade as monsters appeared from nowhere. Zell let out an exclamation before they dismissed the relatively weak monsters.

"We need to move on. Maybe someone can tell us where Cid is and what the hell is going on," Squall said as he started towards the reception area of the Garden. Zell followed with their 'clients'.

A SeeD cadet saw them and rushed over, "Hey, Squall. The Garden is in chaos. The monsters from the training centre are everywhere. The members of the Garden Master's faction set them free. They are trying to take over the Garden, saying this Norg is the true ruler and that all SeeD must be killed. Cid is being hidden by the SeeD. Everyone is siding with a side."

Squall frowned and rubbed his forehead. "You need to spread the word. There are Galbadian missiles heading towards the Garden. We need to evacuate." The cadet looked shocked and Squall swore, "I need to speak to the headmaster!"

The cadet nodded, "I'll do what I can but if you need the headmaster, you should look for Xu. She's heading the resistance. I think she was heading towards the emergency exit."

Squall nodded and muttered his thanks. The cadet took off immediately, stopping anyone in his way to pass the message one. Zell lead the way to the emergency exit and garage area. The cadet had been right. They found Xu who immediately went on guards.

"Whose side are you on!" she demanded.

Squall shook his head as he answered seriously, "Neither. We have urgent news. We need to see the headmaster now. Where is he?"

Xu frowned and said, "I'm listening..."

"Galbadian missiles may be heading this way."

Xu swore, "Here! Alright. I'll inform him right away. Follow me."

Squall had to admit that Xu was somewhat of a tactical genius as she led them to Cid: he was in his office. With urgency, Squall and Zell entered his office, leaving Rinoa and Zone with Xu outside.

"Sir." Squall saluted, with Zell following in suits.

Headmaster Cid looked weary as he replied, getting straight to the chase, "Xu has told me about the missiles. The intercom is down so we can't announce the order to evacuate."

Squall nodded, "The cadets are spreading the news. Xu, Rinoa and Zone will help."

Cid sighed as he took a seat at his desk. "There's two courses of action we could take. One, we evacuate and leave the Garden. But, the sentimental part of me can't leave my home."

"And the second one, sir?" Squall asked. He could empathise with Cid. The Garden was his home too.

"There still may be a way to save the Garden," Cid replied, "This building used to be a shelter, long before it was remodelled into the Garden as we know it. There's a lower level that supposedly has some sort of control system. That may save us from the missiles."

Squall saluted again, "I understand. We'll find the control system and check it out."

Cid looked at them with a grateful smile. He tossed Squall a set of keys, "Use those use the elevator to head below the MD level. Good luck to all of you."

~0~0~0~

Once Zell and squall got the MD level, they had to face off a few monsters. Grunting, Squall got irritated as Zell yelled, "We don't have time for this!"

Deciding to end it quickly, Squall summoned Ifrit to due HellFire against the monsters weak against fire. The fire giant didn't disappear after the battle but transformed into the familiar figure of Harry's father.

Squall eyed him but greeted him nonetheless. Ifrit was serious, for once, as he said, "You need to go to Trabia after this mess. Harry stopped two of the missiles that almost hit the garden. He's currently injured and in their care."

Squall nodded, eyes wide and his stomach plummeting at the news. Zell was watching with a slack jaw.

"Go to the valve room and there will be a ladder going lower. When you get to the lower basement, go to the control room. This garden was built against the Sorceress Adel. It had a mobile function but you don't have a lot of time," Ifrit continued.

Jerkily, Squall nodded, trying to get his mind back on track and away from Harry. Ifrit regarded him for a moment before smiling slightly.

"So, you have finally realised it, huh?" Ifrit asked quietly. Squall met the Gfs gaze, slightly confuse. "Shiva didn't believe your bond was that deep but I could always see it in Harry. How much he felt for you. Don't you dare hurt him again Squall Leonheart, or you will wish you died in a missile attack."

And he was gone.

"Was that...? Wait?... Ifrit?..." Zell spluttered in shock as Squall forced himself to move. All the while his heart pounding at the implications of what Ifrit had been alluding to.

They moved quickly, following Ifrit's instructions. And when they found the control, Squall stared blankly at the panel.

"So," Zell said slowly, "What do we do now?"

Squall looked around and tried turning the valve. Considering that everything else was not on, it was the only thing he could do. Zell followed his lead and helped. They heard a rumbling noise and stopped. Turning, they could see the turbines spark and spine.

The ground beneath them began to shake and rise. Squall and Zell steady themselves as the platform rises until they are in Cid's office. Looking outside, Squall stared in awe as the propeller moved from above the Garden to below it. The building seemed to groan and shudder.

Cid stepped up behind them and watched in shock. "Missiles incoming!" he cried as he spotted the missiles in the distance. Suddenly, the Garden jerked and moved. Cid stumbled, only to be steadied by Squall and Zell. They watched as the Garden travelled across the Balamb plain, leaving the missiles to descend in the mountain range behind Balamb once was.

"...This is amazing..." Cid stuttered as the wind blew at them. The platform had risen above his office and created a bridge. "So this is the secret.'

Zell interrupted them from their admirations of the view, "Er, Squall. We have a problem."

Squall turned, and raised an eyebrow at the blond.

Zell merely pointed in front of them. They were heading straight for Balamb.

"Fuck," Squall cursed. "Sir! The town!"

Cid looked panicked as he stepped up to the control panel. He tried pressing the buttons but to no avail.

"The controls aren't responding! Squall! Do something!" Cid said, panicked. Squall glared at the man, 'what the hell can I do?'

"Man...! This can't be happening!" Zell moaned.

"Squall!"

The brunette stepped forward and hit the controls, praying that they would work. The Garden shuddered again before it slowly, very slowly started turning.

Squall left out a sigh of relief as he closed grey eyes. It was a wonder he wasn't grey yet. 'I wish Harry was here,' he thought. Only to be brought out of his musings by Zell.

"AHH...! We're gonna crash into the sea!"

They barely had anytime to brace themselves as the Garden hit the ocean and steadied itself in water as it sailed.

Headmaster Cid let out a breath of relief, "...Phew. Squall, everyone, a job well done. I think the worst is behind us for now."

~0~0~0~

Squall lay on his bed unable to sleep. He kept tossing and turning before giving up completely and just lay there thinking. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts with no end. He had lost track of how long the Garden had been drifting in the sea. And there was no word from Selphie, Quistis and Irvine. 'Quistis is with them,' he thought resolutely, 'she has the most experience. They will be fine.'

But, there was also no word from Harry. And his heart skipped a beat at that as he felt his stomach fall. His room seemed so empty and lifeless, as a small part of him expected Harry to be storming into the room at any given second.

He was pulled from his thoughts as the door slid open. Startled, Squall turned to the door, half expecting to see a curtain of red and black hair paired with mischievous green eyes. He was disappointed to see it was only a Garden Faculty.

"Student ID No. 41269, Squall Leonheart?" he asked from below his hood.

Squall sat up and nodded, "Yes."

"The Garden Master wishes to see you. Report to the Master's Room right away, the B1 level. You have permission. Just swipe your student card in the elevator."

Squall sighed and nodded. The Garden Faculty left, forcing Squall to up from his bed and report to the 'Garden Master'. Getting ready, he re-equipped his gunblade and magic.

'Something doesn't sit right with this Garden Master. He was the one who ordered SeeD to be captured and killed,' he thought as he left the room. On the way to the elevator, he ran into Zell.

"Hey man! Where are you off to? Training area?" Zell asked, still exuberant as he fell into step with Squall. Squall frowned and shook his head.

"The Garden Master summoned me," Squall replied before pausing, "where's Rinoa?"

Zell frowned in return, "Princess and Zone are in the guest quarters by the infirmary. The doc asked them to help out with the injured. But are you seriously going to meet the guy that ordered the SeeD to be captured?"

Squall merely replied, "I'm equipped, aren't I?"

Zell stopped in his step for a second, shocked, before he grinned and punched his fist upwards. He jogged to catch up to Squall, "Well, I'm going with you! Back up can't hurt if things go south, ya know?"

Squall said nothing, even if he was slightly shocked that Zell would watch his back. 'Then again, after everything we have been through...' Squall reasoned, even is his lips twitched upwards slightly.

Zell saw the twitched and grinned; but said nothing.

~0~0~0~

Zell and Squall walked into the Infirmary, as Xu had said that was where the Headmaster was. They had questions and it was high time for answers. 'Not to mention,' Squall added mentally, 'I still have a report to give.

The two had gone to the B1 level and overheard the Headmaster fighting with Norg, the Garden Master. It seemed that Norg had some sort of influence over the Garden for some reason. He had wanted to know what had happened on their mission and was furious at it. Martin had tricked them into taking the mission. And, thereby, placing the blame on Balamb Garden. The missiles were retaliation.

But Norg was more interested in placating the Sorceress by handing SeeD over. And somehow the whole discussion had crumbled to where Norg had co to the conclusion that Cid and Edea were trying to take the Garden from him.

Squall sighed at the memory of what had occurred. Norg had attacked and they had to fight him; in the end killing him. During the battle, Squall had gained Leviathan, the Water Dragon GF from Norg. That was about the only good thing that had occurred.

"Squall!" came the familiar voice of Rinoa, as the girl popped out from behind a curtain. She was grinning, "I thought you forgot about me!"

Zell snorted as he stepped back, letting his leader handle this one. Squall froze for a second as he recalled that she and Zone were helping out in the Infirmary. "I'm here to see the Headmaster. Is he here?"

Rinoa's smile dropped at that as she blushed lightly. Her eyes conveyed her hurt and slightly angry emotions but she nodded. "Over there."

Squall nodded, "Thanks." And he walked away. Zell waved as he too walked away, leaving a fuming Princess.

Headmaster Cid was wiping his eyes as he motioned for them to come closer. He was in a small, private room. Sighing, he noted that the two had averted their eyes and were waiting on him to speak first. Gathering himself, Cid asked, "What shall we talk about?"

Squall stepped forward and said the thing that had been irritating him for a while, "I want to make a report."

Cid shook his head and smiled weakly, "No, no. It's not necessary. I can guess what must've happened."

Squall nodded, slightly perturbed by his Headmaster's actions. Zell spoke up then, and asked, "Sir, can you tell us about Sorceress Edea. I mean, Harry told us she is your wife and all..."

"You're quite right..." Cid said wearily as Zell listened, "She had been a sorceress since childhood. I married her, knowing that. We were happy. We worked together, the two of us. We were very happy. One day, Edea began talking about building the Garden and training SeeD. I became obsessed with that plan. But I was very concerned with SeeD's

goal, that one day SeeD might fight Edea... She laughed and told me that would never happen..."

Cid gave a bitter laugh and Zell shifted uncomfortably at that.

"What about Master Norg?" Squall asked, shifting the conversation. Zell shot him a grateful look.

"He is from the Shumi tribe. A black sheep of the tribe, one might say. We met while I was running around trying to raise funds to build the Garden. He became interested in building the Garden, and we hit it off. Thanks to his funding, it was completed. However, we needed an enormous amount of funds to run the Garden. So we began dispatching SeeDs around the world as a means of supporting the Garden. Norg's idea was right on the money. An enormous amount of capital began flowing into the Garden. And the Garden began to change. Lost sight of our high ideals, the truth was covered up... In the end, it was my fault, for giving up control."

Squall sighed and asked, "What should we do now? Selphie, Quistis and Irvine are still missing after trying to stop the missiles. And Harry too."

Headmaster Cid nodded before he too sighed, "There's nothing we can do until we stop drifting around. We are going to hit land, sooner or later. We can tackle getting all the SeeDs back then."

Squall nodded but they were interrupted by the Doctor who walked in. She shooed them away, citing the Headmaster needed rest. Walking away, they could hear the tongue lashing the man got for disregarding his health.

~0~0~0~

Leaving the infirmary, Squall was almost run over by Xu. She looked panicked. Steadying herself, she looked relieved when she saw Squall.

"Squall! Go to the 2nd deck! There's a ship heading for us! It could be Galbadians or worse: the sorceress might be aboard, coming to attack us! I have to tell the headmaster right away. Hold them off!"

Zell and Squall traded looks before nodding. She ran for the Infirmary and the two ran towards the elevator. They dodged in between students as they made their way to the emergency door on the second floor that acted as the 2nd deck. Squall went ahead as Zell dropped back. Squall turned his head in question, only to see Zell telling the students to evacuate the area.

'He's immature at times but he can be serious,' Squall mused as he stepped out onto the desk. He saw the ship as it pulled next to the Garden. Three men, dressed in white stood on their deck. Squall drew his sword.

"Is Headmaster Cid here!" The one demanded.

"No, he's not here," Squall replied slowly, "Are you from...Galbadia?"

"We are SeeDs! This is Edea's ship. We are Sorceress Edea's SeeD!" the man replied.

Squall faltered at that.

"We're coming aboard! We're unarmed!" he yelled as they jumped onto the Garden's deck. Squall stepped back as he gripped his sword.

"Please. We come in peace," the leader said, "We wish to speak to Headmaster Cid. Where is he?"

"I'm right here." Squall turned around to see Cid standing by the door with a serious expression. "You're here for Ellone? I know it's getting too dangerous here for her."

The man nodded.

The Headmaster turned to Squall, "Squall. You know who she is? Please go find her. She's here somewhere in the Garden, probably the library."

Squall saluted, "...Yes, sir."

~0~0~0~

Squall found himself, once again, brooding in his room. Just earlier that day he had found Ellone sitting the in the library. She had been the one responsible for their random trips into Dream world. Dream world, it turned out, was actually the past. Ellone was trying to change something in the past and she was using them. Squall bit back a growl at that. He hated being used. HE hated being lied to.

'But most of all,' Squall thought as he turned onto his side, curling slightly. 'I hate being alone.'

"Hello everyone. This is the headmaster speaking. The lines have been fixed, and I'm glad to be back on the air. Hurrah!" The voice came over the intercom. Squall rolled his eyes, as he listened,

"WHOA! Brace yourselves!"

Squall sat up at the shudder that went through the Garden. 'It feels like we hit something!' he thought as he got up and strapped on his boots and sword.

"Squall! This is the headmaster speaking! Please come to my office!" The intercom alerted him, "Repeat. Please come to my office right away!"

Squall wasted no time as he exited his room. He paused only briefly in front of Harry's, before continuing. Squall had an idea of what the Headmaster wanted him to do and the announcements kept going on.

"Everybody, please remain calm. Also, please do not leave the Garden under any circumstance until you are permitted. We will try to get things back in order A.S.A.P. Thank you for your cooperation."

Squall walked into Cid's office slash bridge. The headmaster turned to him, with his ever-present smile. But Squall frowned as he saw beneath that. Cid Kramer was tired, over-worked and emotionally off the bend. The man was barely keeping it together. Squall could pick up on the strain.

"Ah Squall, thank you for coming. Here are your orders. We've landed on Fisherman's Horizon. Please go ashore with Zell and Rinoa. Find the local mayor and apologize for this accident. Tell them that we come in peace," he said, his mask in place.

Squall sighed as he quietly said, "...Yes, sir."

~0~0~0~

Squall had to resist the urge not to kill the Mayor of Fisherman's Horizon. 'Remember the order,' he chanted mentally as the man's prejudice overwhelmed any logical reasoning. The presence of Martine of Galbadia Garden was annoyance. The man had used Squall's team instead of his own.

"Violence only leads to more violence." The man went on and one, "We believe your presence here will attract violence. That's why we want you to leave as soon as possible."

Squall sighed as he nodded. "Very well,. We will be out of here ASAP."

Squall motioned for Zell and Rinoa to follow, "Let's go back to Garden." They were finally able to get out of the house. Once outside, Zell pulled the zap sign at the closed door and finally dropped his calm mask. He was downright angry.

"Man, that geezer pissed me off! Squall, why didn't you tell him off!" Zell asked, turning on Squall. Squall sighed again and shook his head in response.

"You can't expect everyone to welcome us." Squall replied, "But we got help with the Garden, that's all that really matters at this point."

They walked up the stairs leading to the harbour only to stop by cries. Rinoa turned around confused as the yells got louder...

"Galbadian soldiers!"

The brunette found herself being pushed out of the way by a man as he ran towards the Mayor's house. Rinoa let out a huff of indignation. "How rude!"

Squall frowned, "Galbadian soldiers?"

Zell grinned as he punched his two fists together. "Perfect timing! I need to let off some steam!"

"This is not our battle," Squall cut him off, "They may be here for other reasons. We will only step in if they endanger the civilians."

As if on cue, the mayor and his wife came into view. They stopped when they saw the SeeD. The woman sneered at them, "The Galbadians are here because of you, right? They're after you."

Squall looked at her blankly. In truth, he had no idea why the Galbadians were at Fisherman's Horizon.

The woman's face distorted into disgust as she practically screamed, "You'd better take full responsibility! It's your fault!" Rinoa stepped backwards. She was not used to people treating her this way. Squall sighed, he really didn't like her tone.

Mayor Dobe shook his head and said, "We mustn't rely on them. They won't be able to do anything without fighting. I'll go talk to them."

Squall sighed as he watched the man walk off. He turned to his team, "Rinoa, you head back to the Garden and report to the Headmaster what's happened. Zell, you're with me."

Rinoa huffed and stomped her foot, hands on her hips as she glared at Squall, "No way! Chances are things are going to turn ugly and you will need me as back-up!"

Squall sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Rinoa. You ordered us to keep you safe. You are not up to par with SeeD fighting standards. As leader, I am ordering you back to the Garden and to report to the Headmaster. He needs to organise a defence if the Galbadian soldiers are after the Garden. This is not a game!"

Rinoa flinched as she dropped his gaze. "I know it's not a game but I can fight!"

Zell sighed as he replied, "Rinoa. Everyone plays their part in battle, even messengers."

Rinoa sighed as she looked at Squall, her eyes teary. "You just don't get people's feelings, do you?"

Squall looked over at the way the mayor went. They didn't have time for this. "I do. But sometimes personal feelings don't matter when making decisions. Zell, come one. We have to move now!"

And he left, hoping that Rinoa would be responsible for once and actually listen to orders.

Zell caught up with Squall as they came into view of what appeared to be the train station. Squall let out a small sigh of relief when he saw the man was still alive. It would be difficult to negotiate if he was dead.

"It kills me to help that old fart," Zell muttered as they crouched low, trying to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"I already told you." The mayor pleaded, "I've never heard of this girl Ellone. There is nobody here by that name."

Squall stiffened at the name.

"Fine," the Galbadian soldier said irritated before getting a sadistic smile on his face, "We'll just have to torch this city."

"Wait a minute! I'm telling the truth! I've never seen this girl!"

"It doesn't matter, old man. We're gonna burn down this place anyway. Edea's orders. Ha ha ha."

"No, please! I beg of you! Don't!" The mayor pleaded.

Squall's eyes narrowed as he motioned for Zell to follow his lead.

"I'll start with you.."

Squall leaped over the railing and into vision range of the soldier. The man, who had his sword pointed at the mayor yelled, "Who the hell are you?"

Squall walked forward as he answered simply, gunblade drawn, "We're SeeDs."

Zell, in the meantime, grabbed the Mayor and muttered an apology before pushing away from the area. If things were going down, always get rid of civilians first. SeeD code 7.

Galbadian Soldier stepped back at the answer, "SeeDs! Get the Iron Clad over here!"

Squall leaped forward and engaged the man in combat. Within two minutes, the soldier was dead on the floor. He turned his head as Zell shouted at him. Grey eyes widened as he watched a metal spider robot fall down behind him.

Zell wasted no time in summoning the lightening Gf to pound the robot. Squall, eyes narrowed at the familiar machine, threw his own spells at it. The battle was somewhat short as they pounded the machine with its weakness and tried to stay out of the way of its missiles.

Finally, the machine stumbled backwards, small explosions erupting from it as it fell into the sea. But not before four figures bailed. Squall raised his sword to attack but dropped it as he recognised the yellow blur that tackled him.

"Squall!"

Squall muttered an 'oof!' as he awkwardly patted the girl on her shoulder as she tried to hug the life out of him, "Hey, Selphie. Quistis. Irvine. It's great to see you guys." There was a tug on his pants before he added, "Moomba too."

Quistis blurted out their main concern, "The Garden? Is it safe?"

Squall nodded, "Both Gardens are safe."

Selphie let out a yell as she let go of Squall and jumped for joy, "Really! Whoo-hoo!"

Squall sighed at her, wincing slightly at the loudness, "Let's head back to the Garden. We can report to the Headmaster everything that has happened."

The group nodded. They slowly made their way back, taking time to check Fisherman's Horizon for any left over Galbadian Soldiers.

~0~0~0~

Squall resisted the urge to hurt his Headmaster. The man had turned to him, him!, to sort out the Garden. He placed him in charge of the Garden's repairs. 'Isn't this Xu's job or something?' he thought irritably. 'Oh well, at least he actually allowed us to give our report this time.'

"And the missile base team?" Cid questioned, Selphie stepped forward and saluted.

"Selphie Telmit, Captain of the Missile Base Team. We infiltrated the base and met up with SeeD Medic Harry Mage. We were too late to stop the launch at Trabia but Harry assured us he changed the co-ordinates. Balamb's co-ordinates were locked in so we tried to change the settings for the missiles to miss."

Cid nodded and motioned for her to continue.

"Harry left, stating he was going to check Trabia Garden. He will report to you personally," Selphie said steadily. Irvine and Quistis traded looks. They had agreed on that. Harry would tell the Headmaster if he wished to reveal his secret. "We initiated the self-destruct sequence and were caught trying to escape. The lockdown proceeded and the only way to survive the blast was to store-away in the machine. That was how we came to be in Fisherman's Horizon, sir!"

Cid sighed as he rubbed his face tiredly, "Harry left and is hopefully at Trabia Garden. Galbadia is searching for Ellone on the Sorceress's orders. They also had orders for the burning of Fisherman's Horizon. She won't stop, then."

The group stayed quiet as they watched their headmaster sag under the weight of what seemed to be the world. He looked at them and gave them a stirred smile. "Go and rest up. Dismissed."

They saluted and left the office. Sighing, Quistis stretched. She nodded at the group. "I will be in my rooms. I need a shower and a nap."

Zell waved them off, running out the door as he yelled something about hotdogs. Squall rolled his eyes. Some things never changed. Selphie bounced out the door, pulling a stumbling Irvine behind her.

At that, Squall shrugged. He had no idea where she was heading, and on seconds thoughts, he didn't want o know if she was dragging Irvine with her. And with that, he headed to the Training area.

After letting off some steam by killing some monsters, squall headed for the engineers that were working on the Garden. He descended into the basement levels and met with the men. They, at least, were grateful for SeeD's actions in saving their town. It would be a few days but they could fix the Garden.

Making his way towards the Quad, Squall was still frowning. The headmaster had requested that they also fix up the quad area, including the stage for the concert. He rounded the corner to see Selphie standing there with Irvine, looking heartbroken.

"Whew...this is so bad," she said quietly. Irvine hugged her gently, and tried to cheer her up.

"Don't worry about it," Squall said impulsively. The two jumped away from each other, blushing slightly. Squall refused to smirk. Okay, maybe he did, just a little. "The Headmaster commissioned it to be repaired. They are going to start tomorrow."

Selphie turned to him with large eyes, "Really?"

Squall nodded, "Yeah. Irvine, help her out with organising this. I've already spoken to the engineers."

Irvine grinned like Christmas came early. Selphie squealed and hugged him tightly. Over her shoulder, Irvine grinned at Squall, who merely rolled his eyes at the playboy cowboy.

"Squall, this is the headmaster speaking. Please come to my office." The intercom sounded, forcing yet another sigh out of Squall.

"I better go," Squall said, catching Selphie's attention. She pulled away from Irvine and studied him for a moment, head cocked to one side.

"You're really lonely without him, aren't you?" Selphie asked quietly. "Kinda sad too."

Squall's eyes jerked to her. He didn't need to ask who 'him' was. Because he already knew that. The loneliness already crept in and the slow heartache descended like a fog on a cold day. Squall said nothing as he turned and walked away.

Selphie sighed.

~0~0~0~

Headmaster Cid was pacing his office when squall walked in. Squall saluted and stood in attention. Cid looked at him and sighed.

"At ease. Most likely, the sorceress will not stop this onslaught until Ellone is found. She will continue to hunt her, and burn everything in her path," Cid said tiredly before continuing, "We can't wait any longer."

Squall said nothing but was mentally relieved, 'So he's finally going official. About time.'

Cid turned to the intercom microphone and flipped the switch. It beeped, indicating it was one. Cid cleared his throat as he started talking. "This is Headmaster Cid. I have an announcement to make. I have important news that I must share with all of you. The Garden is being repaired right now. We'll leave FH immediately after it's finished. We're going on a journey. This is a journey to defeat the sorceress. Garden will now be used as a mobile base. The administration of Garden will be run by myself and the staff, as usual."

Squall frowned at that. 'Why would he say that?...'

"This journey will involve many battles. A well-qualified leader is needed for this. Therefore, I am appointing Squall as your new leader. From now on, Squall will be the leader. He will decide our destination and battle plan."

Squall stepped back in shock. 'He can't be serious?'

"Everyone, please follow his orders."

'No fucking way!'

"If there are any objections, please come see me in person. Squall, we're under your command from now on."

'He's lost it. He's finally gone senile!'

~0~0~0~

Feeling a bit unloved and abused here due to the lack of reviews for the last chapter. Or, as Shakira says, 'Abused like a coffee machine in an office.'

Oh, and the romance should be in the next chapter...

Please leave a review!

Amira Devant