March 22nd

"That's it I don't think I can take it anymore," Leon blurted out "She's been gone for days and we don't know if she's alright or not," He paced around the cell angrily "I have half a mind to jump out the window and pray to Hyne to grow wings,"

"Well praying doesn't always help," Irvine said bluntly "If it did we'd be out of here three years ago,"

"Come on Squall, I'm sure she's fine. Maybe she hasn't even found him yet," Ellone sat on the desk chair making a paper fortune teller "Pick a colour,"

"What?"

"Come on it will distract you for a few minutes; now pick a colour, red, blue, green or pink?"

"Blue…"

"B-L-U-E. Good now pick a number, three, six, nine or twelve?"

"Three…"

"One-Two-Three, and pick another number, two, four, six or eight?"

"Four…"

"One-Two-Three-Four, Okay...'Life has unexpected surprises. Use the next one to your advantage"'

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"I dunno, I wrote them but it doesn't mean I understand them,"

"Great" he said sarcastically "…something else I don't understand"

He leant against the wall and propped his foot up. Closing his eyes he let the sound of the clock tick away. He heard Ellone run around asking the others to pick a colour, each fortune more confusing then the last. Soon they heard the metal door clang open,

Must be lunch time He thought, but opening his eyes his heart pounded in his chest.

Rinoa had appeared behind the door clutching her side. She was stumbling and holding onto the wall for support. Blood trailed from her wound,

"Rinoa!" Leon ran over to the bars and stretched his hand out. When he couldn't reach her he started shaking the bars viciously. She managed to reach the steps to her room before collapsing completely; causing a pool of blood to form. The others had now joined Leon at the bars. It took no time at all before the door opened once again and Isis and Pebble ran inside. They held Rinoa up by the arms and did their best to carry her inside her bedroom.

"Let me out of here!" Leon yelled still shaking the bars

Just then a portal formed and Maleficent stepped out looking as cold as ever.

"Oh dear, someone's not behaving," she gestured toward Leon and a blast of energy caused him to be flown back. Then with no more acknowledgements she strode into Rinoa's quarters.

Leon picked himself up and ran back to the bars. Everyone stood in silence hoping to hear the conversation and luckily for them, they managed to hear it perfectly,

"Mistress she has lost a lot of blood,"

"I see…has she mentioned anything about who did this?"

"Well she keeps on repeating the name Sora," Leon cursed himself inwardly

"Yes it would be that little twit. Well it seems like she's failed this time, but I am impressed she came out alive…watch her closely and do whatever she asks,"

"Yes madam," they heard both girls say.

They saw a long hand pull back the curtain and once again they were in the presence of the horned witch.

From behind them they heard the sound of a black crow; making them turn hastily.

"Looks like I have a new Sleeping Beauty," Maleficent said making them return their gaze "But I wonder…who will be her prince?" as she walked she kept her eyes on Leon at all time. An evil smirk pierced her lips and then without another word she disappeared into a black threshold.

For hours Leon sat near the bars trying to see into Rinoa's room. He didn't care if he got into trouble; all he wanted was to be able to be by Rinoa's side. After a while Isis and Pebble emerged;

"I never knew she was so strong," Isis said

"Well she must have something to motivate her; I don't think I could ever be as br-"

"Is she ok?!" Leon had followed them "Please, will she be alright?"

Isis and Pebble stopped. They gazed at Leon for a few seconds because looking at each other; then with a small nod Pebble started to speak;

"Angel has suffered a serious wound to her torso. She has lost a lot of blood but luckily the injury just missed her lung avoiding any puncture. Thanks to magic from our Mistress, the great with Maleficent she will recover quicker then most people in her situation but she will be bed-ridden for a few days; possibly a week. We understand your concern but please rest assured we are doing everything to make sure an ill fate will not approach and she is as comfortable as possible,"

Once again the girls looked at each other and with another small nod left Leon and the others confused as ever.

"She told you…" Quistis rose from her bed "She actually told you what's going on!"

"That's strange and unusual," Zell remarked

"Well the good thing is we know she'll be alright," Ellone walked over to Leon "Now you can relax,"

"No," Leon tightened his grip on the cell bars "I need to see her…tonight…I'm getting out of here,"

X-X-X

The clock sounded a small chime. It was seven o'clock and in the next half hour dinner would be served and Leon's plan would be held out. The others had asked him about a hundred questions but he kept everything to himself. He wasn't going to let any eaves droppers ruin his chance. So he stood resting on the cool bars…waiting.

This time his eyes were constantly on the metal door separating them from the rest of the castle.

Just as he suspected soon he saw the handle push down and the sound of a wheels clanked across the ground. An elderly Zoric was pushing a metal trolley. On the top shelf was a broth pot with five bowls and spoons next to it. Underneath on the other two shelves were five plates filled with food and sheltered with plastic covers. Leon stood fairly close to the door but far away enough so it didn't look suspicious. He watched as the Zoric stopped outside the door, produced a key and slid the door open. He waited for her to enter and placed the meals on the desk. As she handed out the bowls and used a large spoon to serve the soup, Leon slipped his hand into his trouser pocket. Inside was a thin piece of paper. He folded it a few times and then without anyone noticing he propped it inside the door latch. Then he casually walked over waiting for soup. He tried hiding a small smile as he watched the Zoric walked away none the wiser. Then he ate his food just like any other night and he knew all he needed to do was wait until the lights were dimmed and the castle was at slumber.

X-X-X

He watched as everybody climbed into their beds. He was still in his everyday clothes and not saying anything. Everyone kept a close eye on him and then finally he knew it was time and stood from his bed. He felt the others eyes on his back but it didn't stop him. He strode over to the cell door and with no struggle at all slid it open quietly.

"How did you do that?!" Zell asked

"I put a piece of folded paper in the door latch stopping it from locking,"

"Where do you learn to do that?"

"Who do you think?" Leon said crossing his arms

Everyone looked at each other,

"Yuffie," they all said in unison

Leon nodded. He then turned to the opening and took a step out. He paused and looked around, when he felt all was clear he turned around and closed the door.

"Wait!" Quistis flew to the bars "what if you can't get back in?"

"Rinoa has a key; if it comes to it I'll use hers,"

Quistis nodded slowly and walked back to her bed. Everyone waved and then lied back down.

Leon took a deep breath and then quietly walked toward the room. As he reached the steps he held his hands out forward remembering the barrier that the others had told him about the last time someone tried to approach. As he walked he imagined he must have looked like a zombie but nothing distracted him from his determination. It now wasn't just a visit, for him it was need to fulfil the desperation he felt. He needed to see her, he needed to feel her, smell her but most of all he needed to taste her. He wanted to be able to place his lips upon hers and let her know no matter what, he still loved her despite everything they'd been through.

When no barrier through him aside he placed his hands on the velvet curtain and held his breath, slowly he pulled it back and stepped into the room, expecting the worst.

But when he walked in he immediately felt at ease. The room was big and elegant. There was a large window to the left from ceiling to floor. There were ruby drapes that were open and the full moon was shining in casting light and shadows. A small side window was opened and a small breeze wafted in. He saw the windows opened up to a balcony. On the wall directly opposite to him next to the window was door. It was wide open and he saw a few clothes avalanching out. He gave a small smile,

No matter where she is she's always the same, he thought, she always could put her clothes away neatly.

He saw along the wall next to him was a dressing table. It had various make up and brushes on the desk. He walked over closely and saw that on the mirror was a picture. It was slightly torn and of him and Rinoa on their wedding day. Her dark eyes stood out amongst the white of her dress. He stood next to her in his SeeD uniform. Their arms were linked and she was holding onto a bouquet of roses and irises. She had a silver tiara on her head and the veil was pushed back. Half of her hair was up in a fancy bun whilst the other remained down. Leon smiled once again and placed his hands over the picture, he was amazed that she even had such a thing and even more amazed that she had it where she'd see it everyday. Now he looked to the left and that's when he saw it. A large, circular king sized bed was surrounded in burgundy covers. On each side were bed side cabinets and on both were lamps switched on dimly. And there sleeping in the middle of the bed breathing softly was Rinoa.

He clenched his fist in nerves and then quietly walked around the bed to the end farthest away from the door. As he approached he could see her face was not covered. He paused and squinted is eyes shut,

Now or never, today's the day I found out why she's changed so much

Slowly he took a few steps forward and then her face was in view. What he saw surprised him but not because she had sort of deformity but because to him she was the face of heaven. Just one mere glance sent his heart soaring. Her long black hair was resting beside her. But as he got closer he saw why she hid her face.

Her lips shone navy and around her face and neck were blue patterns resembling fire. Her eyelids had black streaks permanently tattooed; making her look like she was constantly wearing eyeliner. Her skin was tinged azure. He hadn't seen someone with such exotic markings since Ultimecia and Adel; the sure signs of a sorceress with a dark heart.

"Oh, Rinoa," he whispered as he sat softly on the bed next to her.

He sat watching her. Her arms were placed over her stomach and the blanket snugly fit between the two. He looked down to her hands and saw that whilst they were gripping onto each other they were also holding onto the handkerchief he gave her to wipe her eyes. Subconsciously he reached forward and held her hands with one of his. He could feel her stomach rise and fall with the dance of breath. A soft wind blew her hair in front of her face causing it to rest gently over her nose. Automatically he stroked her face; pushing the hair away. He heard her moan softly and her eyes started to flicker. Slowly she opened them dully. It took her a while to register everything in her mind. Leon's hand was now on her neck. The skin marked with patterns didn't feel any different but it was slightly colder. He watched her look up at him. Her eyes were not the chocolate brown he remembered but a golden, amber. When she saw him she gave him a small smile but when she realised he was looking directly at her face, in her bedroom, sitting on her bed she panicked. She gasped loudly threw her hands to her face covering them up. She tried to sit up but then screamed in pain as the agony groped from her side.

"Don't try to move," he told her gently pushing her back, he heard her start to cry quietly. Her hands were still over her face, he held her wrists and pulled them away. She turned her head trying to hide,

"Please, Squall don't look at me,"

"Why…?" he placed his hand on her cheek; forcing her to look at him "You're still as beautiful as I remember,"

Her eyes showed shock and fear. She opened her mouth as if she was about to say something but then broke down again. Leon looked to her stomach where the hanky sat and he used it to wipe the tears himself.

"I'm a monster,"

"No you're not…how did it happen, Rinoa?" she held onto his hand tightly "How did you get like this?"

"It happens when a sorceress is away from her knight," she sobbed

Leon turned away and closed his eyes.

"Rinoa, I'm so sorry. I should have searched more; I shouldn't have stopped until I-"

"Squall don't, it's not your fault. I've seen what you and the others are doing for Radiant Garden. Its more important…" she stopped as she pushed herself up slowly ignoring the pain "I just wish I was as strong as you, I gave in and now I've ruined so many lives and-"

"Shhh, Rinoa it's not how you see it. You're protecting the others by doing everything you can," As she sat up the duvet fell. A bandage was wrapped around her torso multiple times covering her breasts and stomach. She gripped onto Leon's shoulders for support and even though her nails were long and dug into his skin he liked the feeling that she still needed him and trusted him enough to hold him. She coughed as she adjusted her position and Leon saw a pitcher or water and a glass next to her lamp. He leaned forward and then instead of handing her the glass he held it to her mouth. He waited for her to gulp it down and then put it back on the table. He scooted forward so now instead of Rinoa holding onto his shoulders her arm was wrapped around his neck. She placed the other arm on his leg for aid. Leon; although he was in an uncomfortable position took her arm and scooted forward once again, he placed her arm around his neck with the other one and then put one of his hands around the left side of her waist pulling her close.

"Ouch" Rinoa squeaked but still tightening her grip on Leon's neck.

"Is it really bad?" he cursed himself for asking such a stupid question

"I've had worse before, this is just in an awkward position," he heard her sniff deeply "…you smell nice," Leon laughed slightly

"You do too…" he felt her remove her arm and start to stroke his chest. He nuzzled into her hair and played with the ends. He closed his eyes tightly "Rinoa, I need to let you know, I didn't have the chance to say it before, so I'll say it now. Despite everything, the years we've been apart, where we are now, it doesn't matter to me…Mrs Leonhart, I love you more then I ever have before" he felt her grip harden.

"I love you too, Mr Leonhart,"

Leon tingled…he wasn't really Mr Leonhart anymore but to her he was and around her he was. To her he will always be Squall no matter what the situation. He pulled out of the embrace and used his free hand to pull her face close. Then his heart leapt out of his chest as for the first time in three years he placed his lips upon his wife's and kissed her passionately exploring every inch of her mouth.

Leon stayed during the night. When Rinoa asked him he didn't need to think twice. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep in her condition despite trying to fight it. Leon had to do his best to convince her and in the end he managed to get make her sleep by stroking her hair and arms. For ages he stayed watching her until his own fatigue took over and he settled down with her in his arms.