Disclaimer: I don't own any character that I didn't come up with. It's all Square Enix.
Chapter Six:
Johann stopped attacking.
"What are you doing!" Gabriel shouted just as another light flashed. Everyone's eyes were drawn to a teenage boy next to Squall's body. A hood hid his face but something was familiar about him. He knelt next to Squall examining him.
"Who are you?" The old man shouted from behind. The teenager allowed some hair to fall out of the hood as he stood. A mixture of jet black and chestnut brown, Rinoa noted.
"I'm called Rinehart" he said "And I'm here to help" he pulled out the Lionheart gunblade and lunged at Gabriel.
"RENZOKUKEN" he shouted. It was executed with perfection that they had only seen Squall do. Raine smiled, she knew who it was but she couldn't tell them, they had to find out. Rinehart landed gracefully on to the floor, the next second Gabriel fell to his knees. He faced Rinoa and the others.
"Ready Johann?" he asked. Johann nodded. Yet another flash came and went, but Johann was standing directly the injured old man with his sword out. With one thrust he stabbed the man, killing him instantly. He smiled a satisfied smile saying;
"I'm free again Raine" He said disappearing. Raine smiled and went over to Squall's side again.
"Everything will be as it should be" Rinehart said. He began to press buttons on an arm consol.
"Wait! Will we meet you again?" Rinoa asked. He smiled a little.
"Sooner than you think" and with that, another flash of light, he was gone. Raine was touching Squall's cheek again. She looked up at Rinoa and smiled a sad smile as her body started disappearing.
"Take care of him" was the last thing she said. A final flash of light came and went and Raine was gone. Without a second thought Rinoa was kneeling by Squall. Some color was returning to his face along with body heat and a soft pulse.
"Rinoa he's bleeding" Irvine said calmly kneeling on his other side. "Sefie, got the bandages?" the gunslinger asked. The bubbly brunette ran right up to him with a kit and helped wrap the stab wound. Like Rinehart had said; Everything was how it was supposed to be.
He was surrounded by nothing. He didn't know what was going on and for some reason his body wouldn't let him open his eyes.
"What's going on?" he asked himself. "I'm not dead, right?" he didn't receive an answer, but he didn't think he was either. Suddenly he felt and warm hand on his cheek and someone whispered.
"Time to go back darling"
Rinoa walked happily down the familiar halls of the staff apartments. She passed several before stopping at one in particular and opening the door. Irvine and Selphie were watching late night movies on the television from the couch not paying her any mind.
"Hi guys" she said setting her purse down. Both of their heads turned to look at her. Selphie gave the usual huge smile and Irvine gave her a nod. "How is he today?"
"Fine. He's sleepin'" the cowboy answered. Rinoa nodded and walked to his door quietly opening it. Like Irvine had said; Squall was sleeping soundly on his bed. She closed the door behind her walking a few steps to the bed and sitting softly on the side. She smiled. It had been a little over a week since Squall was released from the infirmary for the stab wound. She ran her hands through his soft hair making him stir a little but not waking him, that is, until she gently kissed him. His eyes opened and seeing Rinoa he smiled a little.
"I didn't mean to wake you" Rinoa said. Squall sat up and grabbed something out of his drawer.
"Can I ask you a question?" he asked softly.
"You just did" she smirked at her little joke but noted the serious look on his face. "What is it Squall?" Rinoa asked.
"This isn't what I planned for you" he said. She tilted her head a little. Squall took a deep breath and opened a small box. "Rinoa Heartilly, will you marry me?" Rinoa tackled him saying yes in between the kisses she was planting all over his face.
"Need. Air." He managed to get out. The ebony haired girl laughed and loosened her grip.
"Scoot" she said gently pushing him. He complied and they lay by each other.
"You know, two weeks you bragged about that dress, and I never got to see it" she laughed.
"No I guess you didn't, but you know Selphie will want to throw an engagement party" Rinoa knew that he had cringed slightly. "So, I guess you'll se it then" she added. They lay in silence for a long time, both staring at the ceiling.
"Raine told me to watch over him" she thought noticing he had fallen asleep. Rinoa smiled a little looking at his profile. "Don't worry Raine, I intend to do just that" she thought happily falling into a deep sleep by the one she loved.
THE END