19A/N: Hi people! I'm glad to know that people really like this fic! I hope you would continue R&R! Here the feedback from some of the reviews!
DBH: well, good question there. Let just say Selphie always told her about SeeDs in the letter, ok? About the training? Well, all will be reveal soon!
Evan'sRinoa: Hi! Thank you! I know! That's why I put Rita in here. Glad you like it. I hope you like this chap too.
Wolf of light: Thank you. Here's chapter 3!
Secret Alias.
Disclaimer: I do not own the game except the OCs here.
A friend does not walk before or after you.
But a friend always walks next to you.
Unknown
Chapter 3: The siege.
BANG! BANG!
The sounds of guns shooting was enough to get everyone attention. "EVERYONE ON THE FLOOR, NOW!" The guy who shot the gun was on top of the stairs. For their own sake, everyone follow the order and sat on the ground, covering their heads. Even though Selphie didn't like how things are going, she has to follow orders as odds were against her.
Damn! If only I brought my weapon.
They started to gather everyone to one corner. Selphie looked at Rinoa, checking to see if she's fine. To her surprise, Rinoa was still standing and she looked as if everything was fine. Her eyes show no fear or neither does any attempt of fighting back. Selphie was about to say something when one of the men came and pulled Rinoa away from the crowd.
"Let her go!" Selphie made an attempt to fight the enemy back but she got punched in the stomach. She bowed in pain and her knees gave her away and she landed on the floor.
"Selphie!" Two of the men dragged Selphie with the rest of the hostages in the corner. The woman around her quickly checked on Selphie to see whether she's alright or not. After told the lady that she was alright, she looked at Rinoa, who now tied to a chair.
"Sir! The galbadia's army already got our message." A woman came and told the guy who seemed to be their leader.
"Good. When they arrive, let go all the hostages." the woman nodded and the leader looked at Rinoa and said "Until they fulfill our request, they won't get their precious back." he cupped Rinoa's face and looked at her.
Seeing no reaction he let her face go and turned to the hostages and looked at Selphie. "You've got a lot of spunk just now, little girl."
Little girl!?Okay that was too much.
She looked him straight in the eyes with anger. "I still do." Immediately she kicked one of the guards, making him fall. Quickly she grabbed the gun that the guard drooped.
As soon as she got on her feet, the other shoots at her. Selphie did a summersault and dodged the bullets. As soon she landed on the ground, Selphie started shooting at them. Hit a few but didn't kill them. Disable your enemy. All the sudden she could feel pain surged thru her body. Wincing, she realized that she was shot. The bullets were in her legs and one in her stomach. Again, her knees gave her away and fell down to the floor on her knees. Damn! Her sights become blurry as she saw figures coming towards her. Behind the figures, despite her visions are blurry, she could see Rinoa was trying to burn the rope that is tying her.
It's going to be a while until she could burn that rope away. I needed to steal some time for her.
"Is that all you can do? You needed all your men to take down one little girl?" Selphie said mockingly to the leader. Selphie swore she could see the leader was fuming at her. "And you, little girl, got some skills there." He said, trying to calm his nerves.
"Of course I got some skill, you numbskull! I'm from Garden." Selphie spit it out loud. "So you're from Garden?" The leader sounded impressed.
"Then, you are giving the Garden a bad name." "And you're giving men a bad name. All of you! How can you attack a defenseless girl?" She said it with poison in her voice.
"Why you little twerp...I swear I would rip that tongue of yours-"
"DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HER!" Hearing the sudden outburst, they all looked at Rinoa who now rope free. "How? When?" The leader couldn't believe his eyes seeing her escape.
"You were to busy to noticed." Rinoa said coldly. "Selphie, try to protect everyone!" Selphie just nodded.
Wait!? How am I supposed to do that!?
All the sudden, she could feel something warm engulfed her from head to toe. She immediately recognized that sensation. It's her Limit Break. Quickly she selected one of her special magic, "WALL!" Instantly a magical wall appeared in front of the hostages, protecting them. Then, she cast cura on herself. Then, she quickly turned to help Rinoa when she saw the entire group was ready to shoot Rinoa. Selphie couldn't run to Rinoa as she hasn't fully recovered yet. "Rinoa! Run!" But Rinoa didn't move. Instead, she said something casually.
"Come to me, my Aids." As if on cue, shower of bullets was heading towards Rinoa. Selphie only watch with wide eyes and tears coming out of her eyes. The noise of guns subdue and there were smokes everywhere, clouding her visions, as if the tears wasn't enough.
Rinoa... Selphie cried as she bows down.
"Why are you crying, Selphie?" Selphie couldn't believe her ear. She looked up and saw her as the smokes disappear. "Rinoa!" She got up and limped towards her. Quickly, Rinoa pulled Selphie behind her. Then, she realized there were three people in front of Rinoa, with weapons, protecting her.
"Are you alright, Rinoa?" The guy in the middle turned and looks at Rinoa. To Selphie surprise, it was Connor and he was holding a sword. "I am. Thanks Connor, Elizabeth, Lee." Rinoa bowed her heads to the three. The girl in her right, who still keep her stance, turned her face to Rinoa.
She had a tanned skin and grey eyes. Her hair was the color of Deep Ocean that reaches only to her shoulder. She looked like at the early age of 17 or 18. Her weapon was a pair of twin spears. "No sweat, Rinoa" She smile at Rinoa.
"Elie, concentrate! The enemies are still here." The guy on Rinoa's left shouted at Elizabeth. He had red hair that reach all the way to the napped of his neck. His eyes colour is light blue and he has a very fair skin. His weapon was shurken, those throwing weapons that used by ninjas which look like a star. "Yeah, yeah. I know Lee." Elizabeth looks back at the enemy who now looked terrified.
Connor glared at them. "Come out everyone!" All the sudden, 18 people came out of no where and armed with various weapons. Only two people armed with machine gun.
They were outnumbered. Yes, but they're not afraid. They outnumbered by the enemies by 1:3. Rinoa and Selphie were guarded by the two guys who used machine guns. Rinoa aided Selphie wounds by using curagas. Selphie only watched the fighting that was going on in front of her eyes. Connor one by one slashed his enemies. His victims' blood was all over him. So does everyone else who was fighting.
"Are you feeling better now?" Rinoa's question knocked Selphie out of her reverie. "Yeah, I feel much better. Thank you." She smiled and Rinoa look at the situation in front of her.
"Get out of the way." Rinoa shouted to the people who are on their side. Instantaneously, all 20 people went behind Rinoa along with Selphie.
"PETRIFY!" Rinoa cast and everyone, minus the hostages, turned into stone statue. All, except the leader. After casted the sleeping spell on the guests, Rinoa slowly walking towards him, followed by Connor. The leader was so terrified that he was shacking on the floor. Rinoa lowered her head until they were the same level with his head.
"How dare you defy me? Don't you know you would be facing death if you try to do anything to me?" Selphie heard what Rinoa had asked him and she knew he replied but couldn't hear what he was saying.
"JUST KILL ME!" All the sudden he shouted. Selphie surprised to hear that and hoped that Rinoa would not do that. Rinoa stand up straight and said "I am not that cruel to do that you." she casted a sleep and turned towards the others
"Thanks everyone, for saving us." "Ah... no sweat. Besides, it's our job to protect you." Elizabeth said as she giggled. The others were muttering something in agreement.
"I make sure that you all rewarded greatly. I'm sure that 'woman' would." Rinoa said as her features darkened. All the sudden everyone was gloomy.
"I wish we could do more than this." Connor said as he rubs Rinoa's head. "Yeah, I wish we could-" Elizabeth was cut off when she realized that Selphie is still there. Before Selphie could say anything, a group of soldiers entered the hotel, fully armed.
"Quick everyone, thru the back door." Connor ordered every one to go and he grabbed Rinoa and Selphie along.
"Where are we going, Connor?" Elizabeth asked as they run to the back door. "To our hide out." He said quickly and Elizabeth nodded and shouted to everyone where they destination are.
What is happening? Who are this people? Why those people are are going after Rinoa? Selphie wondered as she slowly loses her consciousness.
"Wake up!"
Huh? Who's that?
"Selphie, Wake up!"
Selphie fluttered open her eyes slowly and quickly closed back since rays of light blinding her. She pulled the blanket that was covering her to her head. "Ten more minutes, please." Selphie said as she trying to go back to sleep.
"Selphie!" The voice shouted. Selphie was getting very irritated. It must be Lina or Daniel.
"Later guys." she said sleepily and waving her hands signaling to go away to whoever trying to wake her up. "I'm very tired, guys. I've just had a fight with a group of meanies and I got.." Selphie stopped halfway as she recalled what.
I was attending a launching, then a group of meanies came and crashed the dinner, they took Rinoa as hostage... Rinoa!
Selphie bolted upright and immediately looked around only to found Rinoa looking at her with a worry face. She looked at herself to find her legs were covered with bandages.
"You're alright! I thought you're already gone." Rinoa hugged Selphie around the neck and cried. Selphie was surprised how worried Rinoa is considering today was the first time they met after exchanging letters for 2 years. "There, there Rinoa. I'm fine." She said softly and patted Rinoa's head.
"Yeah Rinoa, she's fine. Now, let her go before you strangle her to death" Hearing this, Rinoa quickly let Selphie go. Selphie turned around to see all 20 people gathering around her. The person who spoke was Elizabeth. It took a while for Selphie realized that they were no longer in the hotel's pub. In fact, they're in a large room. There were sofas all over the place; she was on one, and a 28" T.V, and a classic piano at one corner of the room, and a large rectangular table in the middle of the room. She counted the chairs and noticed there are 21 chairs, 10 on each side and 1 at the end. There are also a few computers at one corner, two shelves; one full of books and one half filled with files, and lastly there were also a glass cabinet. At the other side, there was a door while behind a sofa opposite from hers is a stair case. Next to the stair case is another doorway to what looked like a kitchen.
"Where are we?" Selphie asked. "This is my house." She looked around and saw who were talking. "Your house?" "Yes." Connor confirmed. Selphie sat herself properly before the 21 people around her.
"What happened after the soldiers went in the hotel?" She asked Connor who seemed to be the leader of the group. "They arrested the group that attacked the pub. But unfortunately, the leader got away." He explained casually while sipping a beer.
"Then why did we run away?" Instantly, everyone froze. Even Rinoa, who looked quite pale. Hearing no answer, she continued on. "Who are you people? The people who Rinoa called 'my Aids'?" Still no answers, she pressed on. "If you're Rinoa guardian, why did you disguised as a waiter? And this place looked like some kind of a headquarter?" Finally found his voice, Connor reply back.
"What make you think that it looked like a headquarter?" Selphie arched one eye brow to Connor. "Duh, it's very obvious. The rectangular table can fit you all for a meeting, the computers for multiple research for information, the books and files for backup and lastly; your glass cabinet is full of weapons that you just used." Everyone looked surprised at her answers. Seeing this reaction, Selphie give her last deduction.
"And you Connor, is the leader of the group." After she finished, everyone was quiet.
"Hahahahahahaha." Selphie surprised to see Connor laughing and Rinoa giggled while the others just smiled widely. "You got looks and brain. You are from Garden. 'Look around and find the situation at hand.' That's what Rinoa told me." He said as he winked at Rinoa.
"Yes, what you said is true. This is a headquarter and we are called 'Rinoa's Aids.'" Elizabeth said as she smiled at Selphie. "Why?" She asked back.
"Rinoa's father is one of the Generals of Galbadia. Concerning her safety, he hired us to take care of her." Lee answered as he run his hands thru his hair. "And I am Rinoa's guardian. Too busy with his work, he hired me to take care of Rinoa. It's been ten years since I started working. I was only 17 when I started working for little Rinny here." Connor patted Rinoa head gently as Rinoa purred in delight, like a cat. "But I only worked with her as a part time job. My real job is in the Presidential palace; work in one of the office in the service for Sorceress Adel to take care her successor, Adeline." He explained.
"Then what's with all of this?" Selphie stretched out one of her hands. "This all for us to keep in touch with General Caraway. Giving us orders and details." Connor explained as he took another sipped from his beer.
"This is Zone." Rinoa introduced. Zone bowed down. "Like Connor, we all work part time for the General." The guy next to Zone said and salute at Selphie. "My name is Watts, sir. Nice to meet you, sir." Selphie only smiled.
"Then, why we ran away from the soldiers when they arrived?" She asked again. This time, Rinoa answered her. "This is because my father wants to keep me in low profile. He doesn't want me to get involved in what he's working." Rinoa looked sad by her question. Seeing this, Selphie stopped asking questions. "Can you forgive me for keeping these secrets?" Rinoa asked her as Selphie got up from the sofa, stretching.
"Of course. Everyone has a secret or two. Even me. You have all the right to keep secrets." She smiled at Rinoa, who looked relieve.
"What time is it?" Selphie wondered. "It's already 2 am, sir." Watts said after he checked his watch. "Oh..." Is all she said.
Hm...
"WHAT! IT'S ALREADY 2 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING!?" Selphie voice was so loud; it made everyone fell on the floor (comically). Getting up, with her hand cupping her ears, Rinoa sweat dropped seeing Selphie sudden reaction.
"Why the hell did you scream that loud? Do you want us to get caught?" Connor got up suddenly and was angry at Selphie for damaging his ears. Selphie turned around, facing Connor. To his surprise, to see Selphie's tears welled up in her eyes.
"W-what's wrong?" Connor asked with pure concern in his voice but afraid that she might break anytime soon.
"I was not supposed to go out, since I'm here on a field trip to Galbadia. But, I got special permission, with curfew of course. Sob. I was supposed t-to be back at midnight... Now I'm going to get punished from my, sob, scary instructor... sob- I rather face a group of T-rexaur than get on her b-bad s-s-side." She was sobbing now. On the verge of crying.
"Selphie?" Rinoa sounded worry.
"Wha-what am I supposed to do now..? WAHHHHHHHH!" Selphie cried and sat on the floor. The others panicked, don't know what to do. Even with her wailing she could heard her surrounding. "Connor, come on." She heard Zone voice telling Connor to calm her down.
"What do you expect me to do?" Connor sounded panic. "I don't know. Do something." Zone replied. "Rinoa, she's your friend. Try to calm her down." Connor said as he covered his ears, couldn't stand the noise.
"I don't know how! You guys usually calm me down when I cried." She said as she was on her knees next to Selphie, trying her best to calm Selphie down.
"You guys are useless!" Said Elizabeth as she knelt next to Rinoa, asking her to move. "There, there Selphie. We find away to get you out of trouble." her words make Selphie's crying reduced to sobs.
"Sob. P-promise?" She lifted her head to come face to face with Elizabeth. She wiped the tears with the back of her hand. "We promise. Right, guys?" Elizabeth looked up to the others to agrre with her. The others was startled with Elizabeth sudden approached.
"Y-yeah, yeah. We will." Lee immediately agreed with Elizabeth after she looked at him. She then glared at everybody and they immediately agreed with her. All of them answered her in shuddering words except Rinoa and Connor. After seeing they all agreed to helped her getting out of trouble, she stopped crying and smiled at everyone.
"Thank -sob- you!" She cheerfully got up and wiped all the remaining tears. Seeing this reaction, all of them smiled with relieved. She looked around and noticed that all the windows were closed with curtains. "We still in Deling City, right?" She asked just in case she was so astray. "Well, yes we are, sir." Watts now afraid to answered Selphie, just in case s he decided to cry again.
Selphie wandered around as the rest started to relaxed around her. Lee was watching TV, Elizabeth was playing a game on the computer with Watts; she could hear Watts screaming accusing Elizabeth cheating (Sir! You're cheating!); Connor disappeared into the kitchen, Zone was reading a book and the others just spread around the house. Selphie went to one of the windows and looked outside. It was raining. Selphie sighed and turned around and see Rinoa face to face.
"Are you alright now?" She asked seeing Selphie wouldn't stay still. "Yeah, I'm alright. It's just I don't like to stay indoor too much." She sighed and Rinoa just smiled wearily. "If you have nothing to do, how about you come with me?" Rinoa suggested. Selphie just shrugged in agreement. Rinoa pulled Selphie to the piano that was tucked away in one corner. Rinoa sat down in front of the piano while Selphie stand next to her. She looked at Rinoa as she stationed her fingers at their rightful positioned on the piano's keys.
"This is the first time I played the piano to someone else besides my aids." She said, smiling at Selphie. "Oh, well here we go." She started playing a sweet song. Selphie felt tranquility swept thru her body. She smiled as the song absorbed in to her brain. For the first time in, who knows how many years, Selphie felt so relaxed.
This is quite nice.
She opened her eyes and looked at Rinoa, who were smiling sweetly as she played the keys softly. Then Selphie realized how quiet the room was.
Is it me or the room all the sudden have become so quiet?
She looked around and found the answer to her mystery of the sudden silence that swept thru the house. Everyone, and I MEAN everyone was listening to the tune. They all closed their eyes and let the tranquility of the music swept thru their bodies. They all looked calmed and relieved. Connor walked out of the kitchen and moved towards Rinoa. He too, was smiling. Selphie looked at Connor who now standing next to her. They looked at each other and smiled. Connor looked very proud at Rinoa. Selphie didn't take a chance of missing this feeling and continued on enjoying this moment of tranquility.
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Selphie woke up late the next morning. Seeing it's impossible to get to the Garden as it was so late already, she decided to stay here for the night. It was nice enough of Connor to let her stay. She shared the bedroom with Rinoa, sleeping on the couch. She looked around and realized that Rinoa is already up, since the bed is all tidied up. She looked at the clock on top of the bedroom door and noticed how late she is.
Hum... It's already 11 am... If this was garden, I would be dead by now.
Selphie get off the couch and started to fold her blanket and put it on the bed. Selphie noticed there were a yellow T-shirt and a three-quarter, dark blue jeans on the bed with a towel next to it. Rinoa must have left it here. She picked up the towel and took a shower.
After freshen up and dressed, she went down to greet everyone. Selphie wasn't the only one stayed for the night. The whole group decided to stay too. "Hi..." Then, she noticed that the house was empty. She looked at the door and noticed that only her sandals were there. There were only two bedrooms, and Rinoa wasn't there. So Selphie only guessed that she was alone in the house. She walked toward the rectangular table and noticed something that covered in a piece of clean cloth. She lifted the cloth and saw it was a medium size steak, with vegetables and french-fries. To top it off, a black pepper sauce covering the steak.
I wonder who is this for?
Selphie then noticed a note slipped under the plate. She picked it up and immediately recognized Rinoa's and writing. Selphie looked at the food and started reading the note.
Selphie,
sorry to leave you alone. But the group and I
have some things to do. Connor left this meal
for you, just in case you're hungry. (It's
delicious, believe me.) We will be back at 2 pm.
Just stay inside the house, don't go out until
we come back.
Rinoa. ^-^
She smiled to see how considerate Rinoa is. Selphie always afraid that her pen-pal is a liar, since in this world, it's hard to find anyone you could trust. But, after meeting Rinoa last night, Selphie convinced that Rinoa is everything that she is in the letter. Everything that she wrote is true. Selphie relived, knowing she wasn't the only one who is writing the truth.
Selphie was about to start eating when she noticed someone else's writing below the Rinoa's writing. Selphie wondered who hand writing it is is. It says:
Please don't touch anything. After
Finished eating please put the plate
in the sink. If your bored, there's
some books for you to read. There's
also some computer games if you're
bored reading those books.
DON'T TOUCH ANY OF THE FILES ON
THE SHELVES OR IN THE COMPUTER.
I hope you will enjoy the meal I have prepare.
Connor.
Selphie sweat dropped knowing how a control-freak he can be. I guess he don't trust me as much as Rinoa is. Selphie doesn't blame him for that. This world is dangerous. You can't trust people easily. Well, she put down the note and prayed before she started eating her meal. Wow, Connor is a great cook. This is delicious. She finished of the steak and put the plate in the sink like Connor asked her to. After that, she sat on one of the sofas.
"Waahhh. That was delicious. Note to self; thank Connor for the meal." She patted her now full stomach. She looked around and wonder what she could do. She got up and walked up to the shelves full of books. She scanned the title on the books that was neatly in the shelf. After finished scanning the title on at least a dozen books when she realized, most of them are about sorceresses, their powers and their histories. Some of them are about were about magic and the use of monsters. But, two books got her attention. There both about weapons. She took one out and read the title properly.
WEAPONS THRU OUT THE CENTURIES.
BY ADAM ARSENAL.
She sat down and started to read book. The first weapon that was written is the Gunblade. Selphie was amazed by the gunblade. This is actually the first time I've seen a gunblade. She read it through and through. She smiled once in a while to see that hers and her friends' weapons pop up sometimes in the book. After finished reading that book, she took out another book that was also about weapon. She read the title and sweat dropped when she realized what the title is linked to.
WEAPONS OF THE SORCERESSES' KNIGHTS.
BY JONATHAN EDWARD.
What is it with these people with sorceress?
She opened the book and again the first weapon that was written is the gunblade. She read them through and noticed, beside the machine gun and the gunblade, every weapon that Rinoa's Aids used are mentioned here. She was so absorbed into that book that she didn't realize some one else's present in the room.
Weird... Why is it all here?
Selphie continue on reading the book as the figure behind her getting closer and closer. The figure was right behind her and Selphie still didn't realized the figure's present.
Coincidence, maybe? Connor did say they work for Adel. Maybe- "AAAHHHHHH!" She screamed as she was tugged at the shoulder. She looked at her back and saw who it was.
"RINOA! DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT!" Her chest heaved up and down as she was out of breath. Then she realized that everyone is back and laughing.
"Hahahaha." Rinoa too was laughing. "Sorry, Selphie. I don't know that you would freak out like that." She wiped away tears of laughter. Selphie looked around to see that they all dressed up in working clothes. Connor was wearing a black butler suit, his bow was loosed. Lee was wearing a normal working suit like everyone else except Elizabeth, Watts and Zone. Elizabeth was wearing a black maid outfit while Zone and Watts wore the Galbadia army outfit.
"You guys back already?" She said as she looked at her watch. "Of course. I told you that we would be back at 2 pm." Rinoa giggled as she started walking towards the staircase. Then, Selphie realized something.
"Rinoa, why are you wearing that dress?" Selphie's question make Rinoa stopped halfway thru the stairs. Rinoa was wearing a light green dressed that was off her shoulders and had a scarf that tied a round her left wrist. Her back still facing Selphie, she said.
"I-I have a lunch ball I have to go on behalf of my father just now." She didn't turn her head around but Selphie can still tell she was sad.
"Oh, okay." Rinoa was about to continue on walking up the stairs when Rinoa she stopped again.
"Oh, we called the Garden and talked to your instructor. She will not punish you as she already informed what happened. And plus, I asked whether if she let you stay here for another night and she allowed you to." Hearing what Rinoa said just make Selphie jumped up and down with joy.
Before Selphie could say 'thank you' to Rinoa, she already went upstairs. Selphie then looked around and saw the whole group was about to leave. They all were at the door. Selphie could barely hear was they were saying
"-would noticed that she's missing." She heard Connor said to Elizabeth. Elizabeth said something back but Selphie could only heard some of the conversation. "-it covered." Was all she heard from Elizabeth. Connor smiled even though he looked sad. They all said their goodbyes to Connor as they exited the house. He turned and saw a smiling Selphie.
"I hope you enjoyed your meal?" he said as he walked towards the staircase. She nodded "Hm. Thank you!" Selphie swear she saw Connor smile. He then went up and once again left Selphie all alone.
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"Come on! Let's go shopping, Selphie!" Rinoa was walking ahead of Selphie and Connor. They decided to go walked around the town square and maybe shopping a little bit. Rinoa really trying to make up after what happened in the pub. Selphie only sighed at her friend who was exited to do some shopping. Selphie looked at Connor, who was looking at Rinoa and smiling to see how happy Rinoa is.
"Okay, Rinoa!" Selphie ran to Rinoa to catch up with her. When she did, she took Rinoa's hand and started to walk towards the shops around there. "Let's go!" She started to run and pull Rinoa with her. Connor was surprised and ended up running after them just to catch up with.
They went to all the stores that opened on that day. They bought a few dress, a few accessories and some other stuff. Rinoa even bought a white cream turtle-neck, long-sleeve shirt for Connor, much to his annoyance. Rinoa just smiled at his antics. But to Selphie, no matter how annoyed he looked, he seemed quite happy. Rinoa didn't see it though. Selphie realized that Connor always looked around their surroundings, as if someone is about to attack them.
He's like a bodyguard. But, more like a big brother who's taking care of his sister.
"Selphie, look!" Selphie quickly responded and looked at what Rinoa was pointing at. Another store, a shoe store. "Let's go!" Rinoa pulled Selphie and started walking towards the store.
It's going to be a great afternoon.
After five hours of shopping...
"Wahhhh, I never bought so much stuff." Rinoa sighed happily as she sat down and stretched her hands a little bit. "Well, this is going to burn a hole in my bank account." Selphie grumbled as she checked her now empty wallet. Rinoa looked at Selphie almost immediately that it makes Selphie startled a little bit.
"You have a bank account?" She sounded surprised. "Yeah, of course. You still have some one to pay for your education, but I'm an orphan. The Garden has a way for students who have financial problems." Selphie explained all this with one breath. Rinoa only nodded. Selphie take in another breath and continue on.
"Therefore, Garden offered financial program to help you. Students, who are an orphan in the other hand, have a bonus. They will received monthly allowance to buy what they need like clothes, weapons and essentials stuff." Rinoa just nodded.
"How much do you have now?" Rinoa sounded concerned.
"Well... I've been saving lately but last time I checked I have about 5000 Gil. And now I only have 1587 Gil." Selphie sighed, looking a little sad. Rinoa felt bad for going shopping that Selphie have a financial problems.
"Well, then. Since this is the last night you'll be here, dinner will be my treat." Rinoa smiled as Selphie gaped at her. "Waiter!" Rinoa called and immediately a waiter comes and gives them a menu. Connor excuse himself as he went for the rest room.
"Rinoa, is it me or Connor looked kinda worried?" Selphie asked Rinoa as they both order something. "Really? Well, I'm not surprised." Rinoa just shrugged. Selphie amused how Rinoa can sound so calmed and happy. "Why?" Selphie put down the menu and come face to face Rinoa.
Well, not actually. Rinoa still hold the menu up so Selphie couldn't see her face. "Rinoa?" Rinoa sighed as she ordered want and gave the menu to the waiter. Selphie followed suit. After a few seconds of eye staring competition, Rinoa finally sighed and surrender.
"Well... Connor... he didn't quite agree for us to go shopping." Selphie only nodded as she tried to sound okay. "Aaahhh, is that so? Mind telling me why?" Rinoa smiled wryly. "Oh, no reason." Selphie only sighed.
Why is she always hesitant to tell me something that is related to her?
"Rinoa, please tell me what's bothering you." Rinoa was uncomfortably fidgeting in her chair, biting her lower lip. Selphie hold her hand, which felt cold, and smiled warmly. "Rinoa, I'm your friend. You can trust me." Finally, Rinoa unwind a little bit.
"The reason why is because the leader of that siege got away and now roamed freely in the city. Connor worried that the leader will come and get me." She told Selphie this in whispers.
"How do you know that he's still in the city?" Selphie wondered how this girl can know so much. "After realized the leader has escaped, they blocked all the city entrance. No one is allowed to go in or out." Selphie just nodded when she realized something.
"Wait, if all the city entrance is blocked, then how am I supposed to go back to the Garden?" Selphie now worried that she will miss her ride home.
"That's the reason why you're allowed to stay here for one more night and will not be punished for breaking your curfew, because you can't get out." Rinoa quickly explained. It took Selphie a few seconds to register what Rinoa had just said.
"Seriously... how am I supposed to go back?" Selphie now really worried. "D-don't worry. I already got you a special pass so you can go thru the security and a car will send you back." Rinoa explained as she worried that Selphie would cry again. Selphie was relieved to heard that and slowly sit down again.
"Huh, you got me worried there. But why didn't you tell me?" Selphie looked at Rinoa with a puzzled look.
"Well, because I don't want you to worry too much. A worry face is not suitable at all with you." Rinoa smiled as Connor came back from the restroom. They started talking about what happened today and Connor has been complaining that Rinoa bought too much stuff. Rinoa just pouted and sulking with Connor. Connor, realized what Rinoa is doing, quickly say sorry. Selphie only smiled seeing their antics.
After waiting for 10 minutes, their food came and they all eat their meal happily and chatted along with it each other. Connor once in a while checked their surrounding. After finished their desserts, Rinoa gave Connor her credit card and asked him to go and pay while they wait outside. At first Connor refused, but after convinced him that she'll be fine and after she glared at him as a bonus since he still refuse. Connor quickly went in to do the business as the girls wait outside and sat on the bench.
"Huh, I feel sooo full." Selphie patted her stomach and giggled along with Rinoa. Rinoa just leaned on the bench and looked up at the dark sky. Selphie checked her watch when she realized that it's already 9.30pm. Selphie looked around and saw someone who she will not forget in a long time.
"Rinoa..." Selphie whispered but Rinoa didn't hear her. "Rinoa!" She tried again but a little louder this time. Rinoa head quickly snapped back to its position. Selphie winced a little bit at the slight cracking sound of the neck.
"What is it?" Rinoa sounded a little irritated, maybe because Selphie ruined her moment of peace. "Look. Does that guy look familiar to you?" Selphie whispered and pointed to one direction. Rinoa looked at what Selphie was pointing at and gasped. "It's... It's him!"
The person that Selphie pointed to was the leader of that siege the other night. The leader escaped, remember? Anyway, like Rinoa said the leader is still in the city. Rinoa panicked a little bit and about to run back to the restaurant to get Connor but Selphie stopped her.
"We don't need to call Connor." Rinoa only gave Selphie a puzzle look. "Why not?" She asked Selphie who is looking at the leader, eyeing him. "He didn't see us. See? He didn't even looking at us and he's going away." Rinoa relieved that everything is fine. But, how wrong can she get when Selphie all the sudden stand up and took Rinoa's hands and pulled her by surprise. When she realized it, they where running after the guy.
"What are we doing?" Rinoa tried to catch up and stumbled a little bit. "Follow him." Selphie replied while try not to bump into anyone, with the skills she learned in Garden she hardly run into anyone. "Yeah, I know that. But, why? Connor will be worry about me." Rinoa almost bump into a little girl.
"If he got reinforcements, one day he will try to kidnap you again." Selphie said as they stopped at a corner and spied on the guy. "So? What does that have to do with us?" Rinoa follow suit and gasping for air while she's at it. "We, Rinoa, are going to get him." Rinoa's eyes widened when she heard that.
"What!? Are you crazy?" She hissed at Selphie. "No, I'm not." She calmly said, eyes still spying that guy. "What are we supposed to do? What if he has a weapon? Let the army handle this, okay? Now, let's go back." Selphie looked at her.
"Rinoa, come on. We both from Garden and we both know what our instructors said in this situation. 'Kill your enemy before they kill you.' One day he will come back and do more than kidnapping you. One day this will be our job as SeeD. Consider this is a hands-off experience before the real thing, okay?" Rinoa just sighed and said "Okay, okay. But from the looked of it, you're going to do more than this."
Selphie smiled again, but this time, her smile gives Rinoa the creeps. Usually her smiles are sweet and nice, but this smile almost looks like evil and full of mischievous. And there's an evil glint in her eyes.
"Hell, yeah. He shot me all over my legs last night. It's going to a while until my legs will worked properly again. It's time for revenge." Selphie all the sudden start running again. "Selphie, wait..." Rinoa just sighed and follow suit.
They've been following that guy for almost 30 minutes. Selphie looked at Rinoa. All this sneaking around and following people in secret looked easy on her. Well, she is from Garden. Selphie thought as they once again turned around the corner.
I think she already forgot about Connor. He would kill me if Rinoa get any injuries.
The guy they've been followed turned and entered an alley. They follow suit and only to find the alley empty. Selphie and Rinoa were surprise since the alley is a dead end. They looked around to see if there's a place for that guy to hide but nothing. It's impossible for that guy to climb in to a window, since there's isn't any! They looked at each other with surprise and astonishment written all over their face. "Where did he go?" Rinoa finally found her voice.
"I don't know. I swear I saw him went in here" Selphie put her hand on her chin. "And you're right, I did." They almost jump when they heard that voice. They looked around to find the owner of the voice, but no one was in sight.
"Well, isn't it the spunky little girl." This time Selphie knew where that voice came from. She looked up and saw the guy floating 12 feet from them. Damn! He used float.
"Yeah, and I'm going to payback all the things you did to me, ten times more!" Selphie bend her body on one side and put her hand on the other hip while looking at the guy.
The guy only smirked, "Really? And how are you supposed to do that?" He all the sudden snapped his fingers. In seconds, about 10 or 12 people came in the alley in various ways. The alley was getting cramped. Rinoa's eyes went sharp, looking at everyone and then looked at Selphie, who still looking at the leader. Selphie just smirked and started counted the people with mock in her voice.
"Only 10? Who do you think we are? We're not children you know." Selphie runs her hand thru her hair. "Really? I thought you're still 6 years old." He smirked at his own remark.
"ATTACK! Kill the girl but I want Caraway's daughter alive!" All 10 people attack Selphie and Rinoa. But, they both jumped a good 10 feet.
"Rinoa! Kick me!" Rinoa hesitate at first but did it anyway. She expected to hit a soft spot on Selphie's stomach, but it never came. Instead she felt something hard. It seems that Selphie did the same thing and kicked her. Their foot met and the both thrown off by the momentum. Selphie and Rinoa both turn their bodies toward the wall of the building. Rinoa found something sticking out from the wall and grab it. She defensively put her arm on her chest and her head behind the other arm, the one that holding the ledge. Her body slammed on the wall, but the pain was minimized by her arms.
She then looked at Selphie who kicked the wall and headed towards the people below and started to kicked and punched some of them. They instantly fall to the ground with the helped of the momentum. Selphie didn't stop there. When she reached the wall under Rinoa, she kicked it again, doubling the momentum. Selphie did a summersault and landed on one of the man's shoulder. She looked down at the men while balancing herself and smiled before she jumped again and hold on the ledge on the wall that was facing Rinoa.
"Rinoa! I knocked out 5 people already! You want to take the rest?" She asked as she smiled with victory in her eyes.
"Sure! Why not?" Rinoa was about to let go of the ledge when Selphie spoke. "Okay! I'm going for that flying chicken over there." She smiled when she heard that guy growled from above.
"On my signal!" Selphie put up her finger and started a silent count down.
1, 2...3!
Together, they let go of the ledge and kicked the wall. Rinoa went downward while Selphie went up. The guy was ready for an attack from Selphie. She did a front summersault and gave the guy a downward kick on the head. The summersault gives the kick an extra momentum. But he was still floating because of the spell. She stands on his back when he crouched and holds his head in pain.
"Aww.., did I hurt the flying chicken." She giggled and jumped as the guy try to hit her. "Why don't you cast a 'float' on yourself and we have a one to one battle, huh?" He looked at Selphie as she went to ledge on the wall.
She didn't grab the ledge, but instead she kicked it again as she twist her body to her opponent's direction. "Let me think..." She said as she lunged at him. He was about to punch her right on her face but missed as she quickly grabs his shoulders and stand on him with her arms.
"Nahh... I don't think so." She then landed both her feet on his back. Her back facing his while her hands still holding his shoulders.
"I can win without using magic OR weapon." She said as she let her hand go and kicked his back for momentum to reach the roof's ledge. She grabbed it and hauled herself up. Selphie sat down on the ledge, her one leg on the other and put her hands her on lap. She looked down and saw Rinoa was finished with hers and was tidy herself up. Selphie then looked at her enemy and panicked to see he was gone. She got up and scanned the area.
It took her a few seconds to find him. And when she did, he was creeping up to Rinoa. She quickly positioned herself and jumped off.
"Rinoa, get out of the way!" Rinoa and the guy looked saw Selphie falling. Rinoa reflexes were quick enough to run but he wasn't. She landed on the guy's back with both her knees, causing him to lose his breath.
"Selphie, you're crazy. Do you know that?" Rinoa stand next to Selphie who just smile.
"Get off me!" Selphie looked at the person beneath her. "Oh, shut up!" She said as she put both of her hands on her hip. "Rinoa, find something to tie him up." In a few seconds, Rinoa gave her one and she tied him up. "Now, for proper revenge." Rinoa sweat dropped when she heard that.
"Wait, you beat him up quite badly. Isn't that enough?" She asked. "Yeah. But I already said that I was going to pay 10 times more." Rinoa just sighed and excuse herself to find any Galbadian soldiers who patrolling that area, while Selphie volunteer to 'baby sit' the group. After Rinoa gone, Selphie turn around to face him. She lowered herself until her eyes was the same level with his.
"You injured my legs badly. It's going to be a while until it properly functions." When she finished saying that, he looked at her with a surprised look. He must thought it was ridicules since she used most of her legs to fight just now. If her legs weren't function properly then, imagined if it was fine.
"So? What are you going to do?" Selphie smiled at this reaction. "You've got guts. Not a lot of people like to pick a fight with a Garden student."
"And why is that? They're just a bunch of kids." Selphie just smirked at him as she takes one of his legs and snapped its bone as easily as snapping a twig.
The guy just screamed in pain as she smirked, as if enjoying the screaming. The guy looked at Selphie with fear in his eyes as she leaned closer and out her mouth next to his ears and whispered.
"We were trained to fight, but will kill if needed." She then looked at the guy eyes to eyes, giving him deadly glare. "Even my juniors can kill you." She was about to walk a way and 'baby sit' them at the entrance of the alley when two soldiers came in.
"Hold it right there!" Selphie thought the soldiers was sent by Rinoa, until they came and arrest her! "Wha-?" One of the soldiers was putting a cuff around her wrist while the other one was checking at the people on the ground.
"You have the right to remain silence." Selphie then started to resist the soldier and kicked him right in the stomach. "What the hell are you doing? You're supposed to arrest him! Not me!" The soldiers looked at each other and wonder what really happened. "We saw you broke his leg. Surely you're not claiming that he attack you?" Selphie sighed as he glared at the soldiers.
How these two idiots can became soldiers?
"You numbskulls! Do you see how many people here? How can I beat 11 people all by myself?" She said as she wildly trashing around to let herself go from the hold of the men behind her.
"I don't know, but we'll find out. But until then you better behave young lady!" Selphie glared again as she heard the word 'lady'. It sounded as if she has been doing something bad and again she glared in response.
Man, I've been glaring too much. That's going to leave wrinkles. Selphie was about to kick the guy's ass when Rinoa came in with 5 or more soldiers.
"What are you doing?! Let her go!" Rinoa ordered as the soldier behind her started to pick up those who are unconscious on the floor. The two soldiers immediately let Selphie go, confuse written all over their faces. Selphie straighten herself up and walked up next to Rinoa.
"Capture all these men. Don't let that one escape again." Rinoa ordered them as they salute her. Selphie looked at the street and saw three military vans and one small medical van. Guess one is for the prisoners, while the other two is the soldiers' transportation. She heard weird sounds coming for above and looked up. She regretted that as a white light blinded her. It was a helicopter hovering above them.
Wow, she asked a small part of army here.
"Selphie please go to the medical van as I handle this." Rinoa asked as she saw blood oozing out of the wounds in her legs. Selphie smile and went to the van. I guess I use my legs too much. But, I didn't have a choice. Selphie knew she didn't have much of a chance fighting all of them if she didn't have her weapon or equipped a GF, so she have to use her surrounding as an advantage. Bouncing off wall like a ricochet ball and use the momentum to knocked them out. It was a fool-proof plan, but all that jumping will take their toll on her legs.
That's it. I'm never leaving my Leviathan ever again. The day I left him is going to be the day that I die.
The medic cast curaga and wrapped the wounds with fresh bandages. She only smiled, never did flinched. But, it was worth it. A few minutes later they all went to write a report and stayed at the hospital as Rinoa called Connor. Selphie could hear Connor voice through the phone. He sounded panic as if it was the end of the world. A few minutes later, he arrived at the hospital. Seeing him, Selphie all the sudden wished that she wasn't here. Connor came in with worried and angry expression plastered on his face. She swears she could see 5 veins popped out on his head. But Rinoa wasn't afraid at all. He drove them back to his house, not uttering a single word to us as he mumble to himself. When they reach home, Selphie and Rinoa quickly went in and was about to escape to Rinoa's bedroom when Connor stopped them.
"What the hell were you guys thinking!? Follow that criminal with out even telling me!?" He said it out loud as he looked at Selphie and Rinoa. "You guys might have gotten kill! And you Rinoa, you know better than to ran off like that. Luckily Jason called and told me that you just call asking for a backup!" He glared at Rinoa as Rinoa just look at him, without any expression on her face.
"Selphie, can you go up first?" Selphie was startled hearing Rinoa's request but follow anyway. "Connor and I have to talk." She looked at Selphie apologetically as Selphie nodded. She was barely at the top of the stairs when she heard two loud voices as they exchange words with each other. Selphie could only hear a few of the conversation.
"You know I'll be worry sick!"
"That's the problem! You worry too much!"
"We all try so hard for you, at least you could do is be cooperative!"
"I know! And I never forget what you all did. But I want to pay you back!"
"We did this for you to be happy, that's enough for us!"
"I just want to help!"
"You can but not like this."
"Stop being overprotective!"
"Rinoa... if anything happen to you, we all will pay the price."
"I know!"
"And you know the price."
"...yes..."
"Rinoa, we don't mind got punished if you're safe. You meant so much to us."
"..."
"We can't bear to see what you're going through."
"I want to fight along with you; I don't want to be the one who always need protection."
"You fought a lot and long enough, let us do the rest."
"But..."
"No buts, it's painful to see you suffer. We...I, don't want to lose you."
"But you are..."
"No! I won't lose you. We'll try. So, don't you give up."
"Who says I am."
"Heh."
"I'm your friend that will never give up."
"Friend or not, I'll always think you as my own little brat sister."
Selphie smiled as she heard things went good in the end. She sat down and waited for Rinoa. They're really close. Almost like a family. A few minutes later she heard another conversation started. But, this time it was softer and she can't hear most of it.
"Sorry."
"-s.. -kay. Elie... called."
"-eally?"
"She said... tomorrow...fast... realized."
"Then... after... at ... here..."
"I tell... right away...everyone..."
Selphie don't understand a single thing since can't hear very well as the voice was really soft. But still, she waited for Rinoa. A few minutes later, she heard Rinoa excused herself and bid Connor good night. Selphie then heard footsteps as Rinoa ascendant the stairs. Rinoa was surprised to see Selphie sitting at the top of the stairs.
"Selphie! What are you doing there?" She asked as Selphie got up. "Waiting for you." Selphie and Rinoa together go to Rinoa's room.
"Did you hear us?" Rinoa asked as she closed the door. Selphie nodded and Rinoa blushed at the answer. "Sorry for eavesdropped on you guys." Rinoa only shook her head. "It's okay. We were too loud anyway." Rinoa then landed on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Selphie couldn't help but felt guilty for being the root of their fight.
"Sorry." Selphie looked at her feet. "I was the reason why you guys fight." "It's okay. Everything's fine now." Selphie still stared at her feet.
"But, I'm glad." Selphie surprised to hear that and looked at Rinoa, who now in a sitting position but still staring at the ceiling.
"Excuse me?" Selphie cocked her head to one side. Still staring at the ceiling, Rinoa answered. "I finally know how much I meant to Connor. I have been wonder for all these years..." she than turned her head to Selphie and, for the first time, Selphie saw a true smile.
"...and now I know and I'm glad. Thank you, Selphie." Selphie couldn't help but smile. "Don't mention it." They laughed as they know how crazy these two days.
"Now let's enjoy your last night here, okay?" Rinoa started as she changed into fresh clothes. "Um!" Selphie nodded and they started to go down stairs to be greeted by Rinoa's aid. They played all night, Elie and Lee bought some snacks and they all enjoy themselves. After a few hours, they decided to hit the sack.
"Uhm..., Selphie?" Selphie turn his head and stopped walking. They were going up stairs to sleep. "What is it?" Rinoa started fidgeting and said
"One day, we meet again, okay?" Selphie smiled as she saw how worry Rinoa can be about small things. "We both from garden surely we meet again." They both smiled and continue on walking.
To be continued...
A/N: Okay people, this is the end of chapter 3! Tell me what you think. Next chapter is coming! I don't know what the title is next of my new chapter but here a glimpsed of it:
Squall jumps of his bed and grabbed his gunblade. Quickly and swiftly, he make a sideway slash movement towards the intruder's neck. He heard a familiar voice gasped and stopped just before he cut the intruder's neck. He held the gunblade's edge at the intruder's neck; threaten to kill at a sudden move. Squall, eyes not leaving the intruder, switched on the lights and surprised to see who it was.
E.N