Rinoa sat in the cafeteria alone, thinking about Kira. She had been there for two days and she didn’t like it. What was she feeling now? What was making her wish they never found her in the snowfields? Jealousy? No…why should she be jealous? Kira was only an old friend of Squall right? She said it herself. So if he was only a friend, why did it feel like she was being pushed away?

She looked down at the reflective tabletop and asked herself more and more questions. Why did she come? Why was she being chased? How did she know Squall? Was she important? Did he love her?

She raised her head suddenly and thought about that. Squall…does he love Kira? I’ve never met her but Squall knows her. Did he love her before me? Is an old love more important than a new love? …What if he forgets me?

Rinoa clenched her fists and anger and felt her temper rising. Squall wouldn’t just cast her aside because of this girl would he? Would his old friendship with a girl who left Garden for ten years be more important then her love for him? She wasn’t sure but she sure as hell wasn’t ready to lose him. She felt a hatred that she had never felt, it was unlike anything she felt for Ultimacia or her father but it was still painful.

She was waiting for Squall, she remembered. She asked him to meet her for a late lunch, by himself. He said he had something to do first, something that had to do with the dorms. Probably something for Kira… She put her hand on her head and laughed softly.

“What am I doing? I shouldn’t be jealous. Squall won’t forget me. He’s probably just giving her a dorm.” She relaxed slightly and Squall appeared at the door. She waved him over and he sat down across from her, his face just as sullen as ever.

“Hey Squall.”

“Hi.” He replied, looking up at her with his cool eyes. She loved those eyes and she always would. He gave her an odd look and she laughed.

“What?”

“Nothing.” She stopped slowly and smiled at him. “So what is Kira like?”

“Hm?”

“I’m just curious. You never mentioned her before. I want to know.” Squall seemed to look away for a moment, trying to think about what she had said. Doesn’t he want to tell me?

“…She’s an old student of Garden who had to leave about…seven years ago. She was a friend of mine back then.”

“Just a friend?”

“Yeah, just a friend. Why?”

“You and her were talking for a long time that day. I thought something had happened.”

“Nothing happened Rinoa. Nothing will either. I love you…and always will” He placed his hand gently on top of hers, composed and passive. She smiled at him and just sat there in silence for a while, no one else was there now and it didn’t matter to them. Squall does love me…he wouldn’t forget me. Her violent thoughts were a mistake on her part and she placed them aside, so she could have this moment perfectly.

Rinoa walked relaxed towards the Quad. Night had fallen over the peaceful Garden and the Quad was the best place to see the stars on such a clear night. Originally, she had wanted Squall to join her, so they could stay together for a bit longer but he had looked tired when he said he wasn’t up to it. Maybe him going to the dorms was a good idea. She stood in the open Quad, the moon glinting off the floor and the wind whistling softly as the garden flew over the sea. The wind smelled of late spring itself, feeling her with a pleasing sense of ease. She turned to sit on the bench and saw her: Kira, lying on the bench, her face to the stars.

Kira turned to her and smiled. Rinoa didn’t return it and Kira expression changed drastically, making her look very much like Squall, with a defiant, dark glare on her face. It sent shivers up Rinoa’s spine to see her look so much like Squall. Maybe they had been something more.

“Hello Rinoa.” She said, turning back to the stars. Rinoa scowled angrily and stalked towards her. She had never felt this violent towards another girl associated with Squall…so why did she now? I’m not jealous. Squall loves me and this Kira can’t interfere with that.

“Hello Kira. Would you move? I’d like to sit there.”

“Hm…there is a specific word people use when they want someone to do something.” She smiled a cocky smile and closed her eyes with a pretentious scoff. Rinoa felt even angrier towards her.

“Please?” she growled and stood defiantly over her. Kira opened her eyes and stood up in one smooth vivid movement. She waltzed over to the other end of the Quad and perched on the floor.

“That’s all you have to say.” She told her as she laid on the ground and looked up. Rinoa sat on the bench and folded her arms. She knew she was sulking but she didn’t care at all. She was really starting to hate Kira. Kira with her smirk and her perfect copy of Squall’s expressions…and they’re old friendship.

Rinoa suddenly realized all wasn’t quiet anymore. Kira had started humming a melody, one that was very familiar. It was beautiful and she must’ve had a good voice for it sounded like Siren on her best day. That GF and this girl could probably sing duet but Siren did have a problem sharing the spotlight.

“…Am I annoying you? Or do you just like to stare?” Kira asked, her face glowing with the radiance of the moon. She looked almost angelic with that shimmer…or it could have been demonic. Rinoa scowled again and sat straight.

“I was only going to say that it sounded nice.”

“It…did?” she turned her head to Rinoa, her eyes suddenly wide and surprised. Rinoa saw another side of her for a brief moment…something that looked like herself. So she acts like Squall and is a little like me? What an interesting combination... “You aren’t playing a trick?”

”No trick…what was it though?”

“The only song I can remember the words to…a nice sappy romance song about a woman who remembered a man who watched her from a far. I like it…but I can’t remember the name.”

“Eyes on me?”

“Yes…that was it. Do you know it?”

“Yeah…I know it…” she sat and thought deeply. She likes the song that Squall and I relate too. The song that brings us closer together. Could she mimic us anymore? No it’s just a coincidence. And I’m turning into Squall…I’m thinking too much.

“So…are you and Squall…close?” Kira asked with a fake unperturbed tone. She was trying too hard to not show that she cared. She was being nosy and Rinoa wanted her to regret it.

“Not that’s any of your business…but we are close. Very close.”

“…To die for close?” she asked, resting her head on her hand and leaning against the wall now. She seemed suddenly distant and almost angry.

“You could say that.” She watched Kira stand suddenly and walk towards the stairs to the hallway. She had pushed the right buttons and Kira was feeling regret. Good. What am I saying?? Good???? Oh no, what is wrong with me? I’ve never done this before. She suddenly stood and walked towards her. “Kira!”

“Rinoa I have one thing to say.”

“And that is?” Kira looked back for a moment, her eyes suddenly glossy with tears and Rinoa stepped back. Kira’s voice was harsh but at the same time, very graceful.

“Don’t keep him wrapped around your finger. Don’t be the jealous girlfriend that sends the entire relationship downward on a spiral. Let him be what he wants and be with who he wishes.” She kept on her same path and soon disappeared towards the lit hallway. Rinoa stood alone.

Her fists suddenly clenched and her eyes narrowed. She wasn’t controlling Squall and she wasn’t jealous and she was certain she wasn’t stopping him from talking to who he wanted. That’s it. No more. I will make sure she knows that I’m not controlling…and what is up with her constant mood switches? Looks like I’m going to be keeping my eyes on her.

Kira tossed gently in the bed she slept in. She couldn’t sleep right, her mind wandered. Squall was kind to her still and gave her a dorm for her stay but Squall was always like that towards her. But despite the fact that this was the first real bed she had slept in God knows how many years, she couldn’t sleep.

Rinoa was on her mind. She couldn’t hide her contempt towards Kira and Kira knew that. Rinoa hated her, for some reason, and wanted her out. But it felt amplified thousands of times and it really bore into her. It isn’t like this never happened before right? Hadn’t other women found Squall handsome and tried to love him?

A ringing was in her head and at first she thought she was tired. She pulled the blankets over her head but it persisted. My earring? Oh no… Timidly Kira turned onto her back and placed her hand by her ear and pressed the center of the cross. The ringing was replaced by static and she spoke in a low voice.

“Yes?” she whispered and faked sleepy yawn. The male voice she had heard over and over spoke into her ear. She shuddered.

“Echo…I’ve been worried. You are a beautiful woman…someone may try to take you from me…in more ways then one.”

Kira sighed heavily and placed her hand on her forehead. Oh yes, someone might try to be more intimate with me than you are. You use me…and I can’t stop it.

“What is it?” she asked coolly, her hand covering her eyes.

“How goes the mission?” Kira sat straight up and frowned. Mission? I was never given a new mission.

“…I wasn’t aware that you assigned me to a new mission.”

“Now Echo, don’t play games.”

“I’m sorry…I’m still half asleep. I don’t remember.”

“Your astuteness to say you forget is starting to ware my patience.” She could her the sound of his fingers running up and down a handle…the whip. Her arm suddenly burned and she felt like crying. She held her tears and kept herself calm.

“I’m very sorry but I really don’t remember. Would it trouble you to remind me?”

“You’re forgetfulness will cost you time with me when you return.” She heard his leering laugh and she knew what he meant. She shuddered again and tried to remain composed but this conversation was turning gruesome. Her silence made him continue.

“Very well, I’ll humor you. You know that our time is almost at hand.”

“Yes…you have said so many times.”

“Well we are almost ready…one thing remains undone. The Seeds…”

“What about them?”

“They need to be dealt with…”

“Yes…but what does that have to do with me?” Kira sat on the edge of the bed, her legs over the side and her elbows on her knees. She prayed he wasn’t serious about what she thought he would say. She prayed to high heaven he wasn’t.

“You’re in Balamb Garden correct?”

“Yes.”

“And all the Seeds are there. Originally I was thinking off sending a group to deal with those six but since you’re there and you are one of my best fighters…I want you to deal with them…permentaly.”

“I see…”

“You understand this takes priority and must be done quickly. If no answer is from you in one week…I will send a group to take on the Garden and aid in the assignment, I may come as well.”

“I understand…I’ll get on it right away…Echo out.” The ring started and stopped and she was alone again. Her hand slid from her ear to her mouth. She pressed it over her mouth and muffled a gasp. I just agreed to kill them…Zell, Quistis, Selphie, Irvine, Rinoa…Squall. Oh god what have I done?

“…This isn’t happening.” She whispered and found herself dressing in her clothes, black leather pants and black shirt. Her sword rested by the door and she lifted it into her hands. You have shed so much blood…could I bare it if you were to be stain with theirs? She had to think and found herself wandering towards the training center in the dull hallway.

She entered and let the surroundings feel her senses. She heard the occasional rustle of leaves and the smell of water rushed at her. She saw the world around her like a dome, trapped in one moment and she felt the cold feeling of her sword in her hands. She made her way to the back, past the metal beams that lay carelessly in the middle of the floor and sat at the walls of stone, slumping against them with her sword across her lap.

“What am I gonna do?” she asked herself, her eyes closing and she heard it suddenly, the sound of a screech and the flap of wings. Her eyes opened to the sight of two Granaldos, rushing at her, a course that could kill her. “Ahhh!”

Squall sat on the beach beside Rinoa near the orphanage, where he had promised to meet her always. He knew he was dreaming but this was one of those dreams where it’s just too peaceful to really register it as a dream. The sun glinted off the sea like paint and highlighted the sea with vibrant hues of oranges and reds. It was perfect.

Rinoa sat beside him, hugging her knees in that white dress he had seen her in the first time they met. Her eyes were fixated on the colors and her hair shimmered with the light of the sun. This was absolutely perfect…weird. His hand wrapped around her shoulder and his eyes seemed to be closing slowly. The scene was slowly fading into nothing.

“What?” he murmured, blinking as he watched as the blackness surrounded them both. He turned quickly, looking to Rinoa, to find she faded into the blackness as well.

“Rinoa!!!” he called into the abyss, his voice echoing eccentrically, his body turning constantly, looking for an up or down or anything else. It was a void…like the void he had got lost in after Ultimeca’s defeat…the same void that nearly cost him her.

He froze, suddenly numb, feeling closed in, trapped. His head rested in his hands and he sank to his knees in vain. Rinoa wasn’t here now…he didn’t know if he could escape. But this is a dream right? Can’t I wake myself up?

“Squall?” a hand appeared on his shoulder. His head shot up and he turned anxiously, hoping to see Rinoa behind him, hoping that this wasn’t a nightmare. Kira was kneeling behind him, her face glowing with a white light that couldn’t be found. She smiled sweetly and stood with him.

“Kira?”

“Who were you expecting?” she laughed and her hair swished lightly. Her jade eyes seemed to glow with an angelic radiance. Her hand slid off his shoulder and she gave him a more serious look. “You alright?”

“Yeah…” I don’t think I ever had a dream so…normal and real. What’s going on?

“Squall?”

“Yes?”

“…Do you trust me?” She gazed up at him with a serious and sullen look. Where is this coming from? What is she after?

“Yes…”

“Would you protect me…if I needed it?” Squall suddenly thought about that. Would he? Would he protect her and Rinoa the way he said he would?

“…If you needed it…” he replied. Kira smiled quietly and looked down. Her hair blocked her eyes now, strands flapping in front of them when she moved. Squall stood in silence and watched her.

“…Please…remember that…I may need it.” She whispered and suddenly it felt like the world was spinning. Images and faces blurred together and ran past him faster than lightening. He looked about and saw certain ones brighter. A jealous girl, another girl simply loyal to more than one, a battle, a betrayal, a base hidden in sand…and Kira before another man.

“Kira…” he turned to her and saw a shadow of red surround the space behind her. “Kira!”

“Squall…don’t forget me.” A flash of scarlet and a scream that was his own and nothing more.

“Ahh!” Squall shot awake, his face glistening with sweat and his breathing fast. He couldn’t remember the last time he woke up like this but he didn’t like it. He felt drained…his strength next to nothing and his head spinning in a pool of dazed and blurred visions. Kira…blood? What was that? It was too real to be a dream, much like with Laguna. Could Ellone…no. She reveals pasts not make dreams. So what was that? What was it saying?

He felt the urge to move and slowly got out of bed. He forgotten how tired he had been…he fell asleep in his clothes again. The dawn wouldn’t come for another few hours but Squall wasn’t ready to try and sleep again. Slowly, he lifted his Lionheart and walked to the training center. Maybe I’ll just sit and think for awhile…

The walk to the training center was harder than he expected. His feeling of being drained wasn’t in his mind and he thought his knees would give. The hall seemed to stretch forever and he almost felt winded. He was glad to see the water in the training center and the dock. He sat down and looked down at his pathetic reflection, tired and shaken. What’s wrong with me? I’ve never felt like this before…not since Kira came back.

“Kira…” he murmured and closed his eyes. Now that I think about it, everything is starting to change. Rinoa is acting really weird…jealous or something. Why the hell should she be jealous though? Kira’s just a friend…nothing more right? Yeah…Kira’s just a friend. Squall fell on to his back, the sound of the water licking the dock mesmerizing him and almost making him drowsy. Never realized how peaceful it was here…a jealous girl…

“Ahh!” the cry roused him from his actually comfortable position, sprawled on the dock. Squall looked around nervously, not aware that he had feel asleep, unsure of how long. Not long enough. He thought, his head still dizzy and his body numb. He stood clumsily, looking around for the sound. Near the wall he saw a flash of wing.

“Now what?” he snapped and half ran to the walls. There were two Granaldos flying ahead and Kira was curled up in a ball, sword a good distance away.

“Kira!!” her head shot up and she stared at him, tearing stains down her face.

“Help me Squall!!” she cried. “Would you protect me?” Her words echoed inside his head. He couldn’t just let her die.

Swiftly, Squall casted Meteor, pummeling the monsters to the ground till there was nothing left. Too easy a feat for his own liking and he kept wondering why Kira didn’t fight them herself. He stepped over to her, kneeling beside her, hand outstretched.

“You alright?” she sat up, her eyes down at first, ashamed? She smiled shyly and looked at him gently, lovingly.

“That’s the second time you saved me from them.”

“Yeah…you know, you’re a lot stronger than them by now. You could’ve beat them.”

“Yeah…” she stood quickly and went to reclaim her sword. She held it, her back to him and she lifted her head to the ceiling. “But…well old fears don’t die very easily. I just can’t…won’t fight them.”

“You’d win.” He repeated standing, still tired and partially numb but energized too. Kira turned back and smiled at him. Her face was innocent…he missed her. He felt drawn to her suddenly…strangely. Kira looked at him and turned away. “What?

“Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t think of me…not like that. R…Rinoa loves you and you should stay hers.” Squall stepped back lightly. Kira felt unreachable even more now, even though her hand was less than a foot away from his. Kira was loyal…even if it meant being defiant.

“…whatever.” He replied mechanically. Kira turned back to him, her eyes cool and caring.

“Don’t be like that. You’re…more like a brother than anything else. It doesn’t mean I don’t care.” Squall watched her walk away, sword in hand and her pace a quick stride. Squall followed behind, thinking about the hidden meaning in her words. Stay loyal to Rinoa? But…I wasn’t trying to be intimate with her…was I? Man what’s wrong with me. Loyal…a girl loyal to more than one…

You were so close and you blew it! You could have kissed him and kicked Rinoa right where it hurt and you didn’t. No, you say “Stay loyal to Rinoa”. What’s wrong with you? You loved him first! And you’re letting some girl walk in on your relationship. Kira you’re nuts.

“Maybe.” She answered herself. She was leaning over the rail outside the Quad, thinking and pouting. It had been almost three days since then. She was avoiding Squall now, trying to help him stay loyal to a girl who absolutely hated her. And now her own head was saying she was dumb and stupid and a nutcase.

“Well maybe I am nuts. But it’s better this way. Yeah. Squall loves Rinoa and as much as I may hate to say this…they deserve each other.” She sighed and closed her eyes. “I don’t even buy it. But that’s the way things are.” Suddenly the ringing started again. Kira jerked around anxiously, making sure no one was there. Certain she was alone, she pressed the cross. “Echo here.”

“Echo…look out at the horizon.”

“What?”

“Go on…” Kira peered out to the horizon and saw them, like a sea. They were coming.

“You said you’d give me a week!” she cried desperately. Her hand gripped the rail.

“Yes well I thought I’d bring you back early. The attack starts in five minutes. Be ready to take them out.” Nothing more was said. Kira stood gapping. Now she had to do it. She had to end their lives or else she’d be killed.

“Well now or never.” She watched the grapplers take aim. “Time to end this.”

“Squall!!!!!!!!” Selphie screamed. Squall looked up from the hotdog he was going to eat. Rinoa was sitting across from him and nearly fell off her chair at the sound of Selphie’s scream.

“What Selphie?” Rinoa asked, panting. Squall shook his head and pushed his food away. Suddenly he didn’t feel hungry.

“Someone’s—” the intercom rang and Quistis was heard then.

“Squall?! Report to the headmaster’s room immediately!”

“Now what?” he sighed as he stood and ran to the elevator. Why do they always call me? I never wanted this job. Stuck with it I guess.

“Squall! Slow DOWN!!! WAIT!!!” Rinoa cried after him. He stopped and waited by the elevator. Rinoa caught up with him, panting and scowling. “Why are you running from me?”

“I wasn’t. Quistis sounded anxious, I wanted to find out.” He replied. Rinoa looked violently at him, a way he had never seen her look at him. Subconsciously, he pressed the door button while meeting her gaze. The elevator dinging made him blink.

“…Alright.” She finally said and entered the elevator with him. He gave her a short sidelong glance. Since when does she think I’m running from her? Maybe she is jealous of Kira…or maybe I’m thinking too much. He followed her into the old headmaster’s office, where Quistis was pacing furiously.

“Squall!” she cried and rushed to him. Her hair was disarrayed and her eyes distressed. “Thank god. Go up and talk with Nida. There is something you must see.”

“Alright.” He sighed slowly and stood on the platform. God what’s going on? This is getting weirder by the second…it’s driving me mad.

“Squall.” Nida cried as Squall shifted his weight in front of him. The view from the glass was beautiful but he didn’t focus on it for long.

“What’s happened Nida?”

“Take a look.” Nida replied, handing him some binoculars. Squall took them hastily and fixated onto the horizon. “Look out to Northwest.”

“…what?” his hands gripped the binoculars harder as he peered out into the sinking sun. A massive group stood on the edge looking towards the garden as it slowly moved about. I don’t see any weapons that could reach us…but they might be hiding it.

“Well?” Nida asked. Squall lowered the binoculars and scowled.

“I don’t know. Wouldn’t they have attacked by now?”

“No…” Kira appeared behind him coolly, “They’ll attack when they’re ready.” Squall turned quickly and watched Kira. She folded her arms and gave Nida a scowl. “And don’t try to out run them.”

“You know what they are?” Nida asked.

“Some what. I saw them before, in the snowfield. They’re powerful…very powerful. They destroyed an entire mass of dragons in less than five minutes.”

“What?” Squall murmured.

“I wouldn’t lie.”

“So what do we do?” Suddenly Kira’s eyes widened and she looked terrified.

“Duck!” she cried, shoving Squall into Nida. Nida and Squall collapsed onto the metallic floor as the grappler shattered the glass around them. Glass rained down on them and Kira was on her knees, covering her head as the glass crashed. The Garden wasn’t being stirred and the impact as it hit the solid earth shook the school. Squall gripped the rail and waited for the vibrations to stop.

“Everyone alright?” he asked, his voice slightly shaken. He stood slowly and helped Nida to his feet. Kira brushed the glass from her hair and glanced at the grappler. I never thought we would have another battle so soon. Well you can’t pick your enemies.

“Squall, we should prepare for battle.” Kira said.

“Yeah…Nida, is the intercom still working?”

“Barely but—”

“Save it Squall. When they come, they will know to fight. No one’s coming through here, the grappler missed. We should go meet them.” Kira’s eyes were much colder than before. Squall didn’t say anything but merely nodded and followed her down the platform to the office. Quistis, Zell, Irvine, Selphie, and Rinoa were waiting for them.

“What happened!” Selphie cried.

“We’re under attack.” Squall stated simply. “The intercom is down and we should be in battle soon. Zell, I want you and Quistis to go down to the Quad. Keep them from coming. Get support.”

“Yeah baby!!!” Zell yelled and ran off. Quistis sighed and followed slowly down the elevator.

“Selphie, Irvine, I want you to get help as well and keep them from coming to the front.”

“Yessir!” Selphie ran down with Irvine, leaving him, Rinoa and Kira alone.

“Squall, what about the younger classmen?” Kira asked.

“Can you handle it?”

“I’ll lead them to the upper classrooms.” She saluted smoothly and turned to run off.

“Good luck…” he murmured. Rinoa was scowling at Kira’s back, her arms folded. What is she doing? “Rinoa?”

“Yes?” she answered tensely. Squall had never seen her like this and he didn’t like it.

“You alright?”

“Yeah…I’m fine.” She gave him a small smile and he nodded.

“I’ll need help. We’ll take the top floor; keep the soldiers out of the classrooms. Ready?”

“Always.” He and Rinoa walked out of the office and into the elevator. For some reason, it felt like it was miles till the second floor. Squall leaned gently against the wall, listening to the gentle humming of the elevator descending. After what felt like hours, the bell sounded and they stepped out into chaos.

“Hurry! Into the classroom!” Kira shouted. She was waving students into the classroom. “Come on! Quickly now.” Three older classmen were with her, two outside the door, one bringing more students in. Kira turned to the two at the door.

“No one comes into this room other than me understand? Squall put me in charge.”

“Yes mamm!” one said. Kira turned and smiled as Squall walked towards her. “Everything under control here.”

“And inside?” he asked cautiously.

“Two more, three altogether counting myself incase they come through the windows. We should be safe.” She lowered her voice. “You be careful. These guys are ruthless and I don’t know how many are coming.”

“We figured that.” Rinoa snapped. Kira didn’t reply but turned away.

“I’m going to tell the kids to duck under the desks.” She walked into the classroom, leaving them in an almost deserted hallway.

“Ok, Rinoa what the hell is wrong?” He glared at her. Rinoa stepped back suddenly.

“What?”

“Why are you acting like this? Why are you doing this?”

“Doing what?”

“Forget it…let’s just go meet them.” He scowled and kept ahead of Rinoa as they traveled up the stairs. Why is she doing this? Why is pretending not to know? What did Kira ever do? I don’t get it…I just don’t. But I’d better stay focused on the battle…a battle?

Squall never even reached the door handle before something flew at him. Toppling back down the stairs, he glared up at something, unsure of what it was. It could fly, apparently, and it looked almost human but the wings…reminded him instantly of a dragon.

“What is that!!” Rinoa cried. Someone walked down the stairs behind it. A tall man, face hidden by a black mask stood behind the creature. A double-ended sword rested at his side and gave a sly smile from behind the mask.

“Just a little friend of mine Seed. You guys are more trouble than your worth.” His fingers snapped and whatever that was lunged at Squall. He rolled to the side and up, Lionheart firmly grasped within his hands. He waited, watching it hover over the ground. Why aren’t those Seeds down here? It screeched and lunged at him, fangs visible within its human mouth. He stepped sideways and slashed, dark blood spraying him. It felt like fire against his hands and flesh. He sank and desperately wiped it off skin.

“You like that?” the man asked. Rinoa was at his side, glaring at him while Squall tried to clean the blood. “That blood’s acidic on the human flesh, and it’ll pass through any cloth. Even if you kill it, it’ll kill you.”

“Cura.” Rinoa whispered and magic wrapped around Squall. He felt the blood vanish and the pain diminish. A vivid new scar was on both his hands. Squall stood again and tensed. Rinoa aimed her Shooting Star at the man, his head in its path.

“You’re a dead man!” Rinoa yelled. She fired, the blade whizzed through the air. The man closed his brown eyes. Was he anticipating his own death? Before the blade struck, it stopped in midair, like it hit a solid wall and clattered to the floor. “What!?”

“Really…is that it?” he smirked at her. What is this guy? How…can he do that? “Let me show you a real attack girl.”

“Rinoa run.” Squall whispered but Rinoa wasn’t moving. Her eyes were wide and terror stricken. She gasped and her hands went to her throat, grasping and invisible hand that clamped itself around her. “Stop!”

“What do you plan to do Seed?” he was mocking Squall…a mistake that Squall was going to make him regret.

“Leave her alone!!!” leapt at him, sword fronting. His aim was to kill, to free Rinoa. His opponent met him and brought his sword up to block the blow, releasing Rinoa. He heard her body fall to the floor, still. He wavered a moment and felt his opponent kick him back. He crumpled to his knees.

“You’re not as strong as they say.” He could see Rinoa struggling to kneel. Squall turned his eyes back to him as he stepped forward then suddenly back. “Well I see you’re still willing.” Of course I’m still willing. What is he blind? “Take care of him.”

“Yes…” a dark female voice sounded behind him. Squall tensed and suddenly felt it, steel against his back. White flashed before his eyes and the last thing he could hear was someone screams. Either him…or Rinoa.

“Squall!!!” Rinoa shrieked. Kira stood over Squall’s limp body, her sword dripping blood onto the gray floor. Kira eyed Rinoa coldly then to the other man. He smiled from under his mask and extended his hands.

“Bravo Echo.”

“Yeah…but they’ll be coming to check soon. Get going. You still have to finish.”

“Can you-”

“I can do this myself.” She tensed and held her head high. “I’ll meet back.”

“Very good.” He turned to Rinoa. “Farewell lady Sorceress.” And with that he disappeared up the stairs. Kira clutched her sword awkwardly and stared down at Squall’s body. She killed him…she murdered him…she’ll pay. Suddenly Rinoa grabbed her blade. She placed it in her shooter and aimed at Kira.

“You’re dead!!!!” Kira jumped back in surprise.

“Rinoa…”

“Squall, they’re gone!!!” Selphie’s voice was heard from the elevator. Selphie ran around the corner with the others and skidded to a stop. She passed a look from Kira to Rinoa then to Squall. “What…what happened?”

“Is he…” Zell murmured. Irvine and Quistis were speechless.

“He’s dead!” Rinoa yelled, her eyes blazing. She pressed her hand against the shooting star. “And Kira killed him!!”

The silence was deafening. No one moved, no one spoke. Rinoa’s breath was coming out in quick gasps and that was the only sound. Rinoa watched as Kira shifted uneasily under her stare. I know she was dangerous.

“You…killed him?” Quistis asked, her voice breaking and shaking. Kira started to quiver.

“I didn’t kill-”

“Didn’t you sneak up on him! Didn’t you slash him!! Do you deny it!” Rinoa demanded. Kira scowled at her and sheathed her sword violently.

“No…I don’t. Yes I did sneak up on you, yes I did attack but he isn’t dead!” Before she could say anything else, Rinoa fired. The blade shot past Kira, slicing her shoulder and returning to Rinoa. Kira sank and whimpered.

“I knew you couldn’t be trusted.” Rinoa whispered.

“Please let me explain…”

“There isn’t anything to explain.” Rinoa snapped. The others moved around Kira, weapons drawn and seething. “You murdered the Commander of Seed and you admitted it. You’re as good as dead.”

“Listen to yourself! Just give me a chance to explain damn it!”

“…You don’t deserve it.” Rinoa lowered her weapon, thinking she won. You’re gonna rot in hell Kira. That’s what you’ll get…that’s what you deserve.

“Fine…” Kira murmured. Her hand slipped into her pocket and before anyone could stop her, she threw a sphere on the ground. Mist surrounded them and Kira disappeared. But Rinoa heard the footsteps up the stairs before the mist lifted.

“You’re mine.” She ran up the stairs.

Kira ran through the door at the top of the stairs onto a slanted platform. The sun was setting and she could see the forces were gone. Damn you…I hate you… She had been forced to do the one thing she never wanted to do, attack Squall.

I remembered very vividly even though blood was draining through her shoulder. I had been instructing students to cover their heads under desks. I made sure the others in the room went to find more students. Outside I heard the familiar shriek of a Dethan, his cruel mixture of a human and a dragon. They were dangerous, acidic and deadly. I had wondered who would be fighting it but remembered Squall was out in the hall, stopping forces from coming through the door. ‘Wait here kids’ I had said and slipped quietly into the hallway. The other two Seeds were on the floor, eyes wide from being choked by his magic. I peered up the hall.

Squall had beaten the Dethan but was burned by its blood. Rinoa casted a spell to heal the wounds and she had watched as Rinoa tried to attack but failed. Rinoa was soon drowning in his magic, forcing Squall to attack to break her free. Squall couldn’t defeat him and was on the floor. My eyes passed over the Masked Man’s face and I could see him smile. I had to…

My sword seemed to unsheathe itself as I walked quietly down the hall behind Squall. I heard ‘You’re not as strong as they say’ then he looked passed Squall and to me. He said ‘Well I see your still willing.’ My sword was glinting in the light, blinding me. I had to fake my loyalty to get him to go, so he wouldn’t kill them himself. ‘Take care of him.’

I forced my arm to move, to slash at defenseless Squall. His head snapped back and his blood spilled onto my blade but…yes on the duller edge. He was cut just enough to look dead but not be dead. Rinoa’s shrieking was echoing eerily as he congratulated me. ‘Get going’ I said ‘You still have to finish.’ I let him go and escape when I probably could have ended the nightmare. Then Rinoa...dear good she looked vile. She attacked me, turned me into the murderer I am…and then I ran.

“Oh Squall.” Kira sobbed. “Please forgive me.” She crumpled against the rail and cried. She had done what he wanted and destroyed the man she loved. I don’t deserve life for hurting you.

“Found you.” Rinoa snapped. Kira turned suddenly, shocked and alarmed. Rinoa’s blade was already fired and she felt it hit her other shoulder, knocking her over the edge of the grounded garden. Rinoa’s shocked but still angry face looked over the edge as Kira fell. Other faces appeared beside her. One was yelling.

“What are you doing?! Squall isn’t dead!” Rinoa looked away and vanished. So Squall isn’t dead? That’s good. Maybe he’ll forgive me in the after life. She fell into the sea close to the garden and floated to the shore, eyes open but suddenly drooping as the sun faded into abyss black. Voices sounded suddenly very far away and everything suddenly went quiet. Maybe this is the real goodbye Squall…