Tiny Miracle

Tiny Miracle4

By: Tori Singer

Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy and I make no profits.

Notes: The plot bubbles over. Now, cover it and let it simmer some more.^_^

Chapter Four: More Complications

(Zell)

"Ma!" I practically burst through the front door of my Winhil home. She was nowhere to be found. I glanced into the kitchen, but she wasn't in there. It was obvious that she was cooking something, though. Steam rose from the top of the oven, filling the room with a delicious aroma.

"Ma!" I hollered again, heading back through the living room and toward the stairs. Finally, I noticed her at the top of the staircase. She started down, a worried expression on her face.

"What's wrong, Zell? You look scared to death!" I quickly made my way to the kitchen, knowing she'd follow. The small bundle in my arms wiggled. What the hell was I supposed to tell Ma? That I'd found her on the train? That was the truth but. . .

"What is that?" Ma came up behind me in the kitchen. I turned to her, letting her see the baby in my arms. Ma's eyes widened and she raised a hand to her mouth.

"Z-Zell where did you. . . ?" She whispered, reaching for the child in my arms. I had let Ma take her, feeling a weight being lifted from my shoulders.

"She. . .I found her on the train." I finally just came clean; taking a seat at the table. Ma looked down at the bundle in her arms, love shimmering in her eyes. I had a feeling she was remembering me when I was a toddler. Ma laughed softly, running her finger along the baby's cheek.

"What the hell should I do?!" I felt overwhelmed. I needed to get to Garden, they would know what to do. Hell, I'd forgotten that I was headed to Garden in the first place, to report the Mafia. This. . .child. . .she was with the woman in the picture. Did that mean the Mafia were after the baby, too? What could they want with her?

"What is this stone around her neck? Here, Zell, you take it, I don't want her choking herself with it." I looked over at Ma from my seat, and she placed an object in my hand. It was a felt string, with a long, jagged crystal on the end of it. The gem looked dull and lifeless. I shrugged before putting it around my neck. It was surprisingly heavy.

"Have you thought of a name?" I gaped in surprise at Ma, who sat down across from me at the table. I waved my hands in an aggressive manner.

"Uh, No! I didn't think I should, considering I won't be keeping her." Ma looked up in disbelief.

"Zell! What else were you thinking of doing with her?! Don't you see? This little girl is a blessing." She smiled down at the slumbering child. I weaved my fingers together, looking across the table at the tiny infant.

"But, how would I explain her existence? I mean, duh, Squall and I couldn't have conceived her." She looked at me like I was stupid.

"Just tell anyone who asks that you found her on your front steps one day." I sighed, Ma really had her heart set on this. In fact. . .isn't a child what I wanted? Were Squall and I ready to be parents? I grinned a little when the baby snuggled deeper into the small blanket she was wrapped in. A warm feeling burst through my chest.

"What about...Alexandria Rose?" Ma suggested, rocking slightly in the chair. I thought a minute; I liked it, but. . . .

"Nah, I like Alexia better. . .Alexia Rose." I wanted it to be similar to Alex. . .which brought a lot of memories back. He was the other man I loved. Alex was totally different from Squall; even though they were technically the same person. Ma beamed at me, her cheeks a little flushed.

"Alexia Leonhart." She murmured, closing her eyes and humming softly. Questions kept running through my head; like am I supposed to go tell someone that I had her? Should I go to Garden now? What am I supposed to do? Ma seemed to sense my apprehension.

"Don't tell anyone unless they ask. Now, you need to go to Katy's store and buy formula and diapers." I didn't say anything, I just stood. I walked a few feet before hesitating. Duh! Katy went to Deling with me! Oh shit...I just kind of 'left' her there. Oh well, she had the jeep and Squall and Irvine were with her. She was in no danger. I just hoped she'd forgive me for breaking into her store and leaving an IOU.

An enormous ship hovered just inside Earth's atmosphere. There were no lights on it; it was as if the ship had no power. Inside, in what seemed like a throne room, two creatures bickered back and forth in an alien language. They were very tall and slender. Their skin was a smooth gray; giving it a waxy appearance. One was dressed in a long white robe; it was adorned with many decorations and designs. It appeared to be someone of great importance, like the leader.

The other creature wore a dull green robe. It's bald gray head seemed slightly bigger than a human's. One red and yellow eye decorated the middle of it's forehead. Neither creature had noses; just small nostrils below their eye.

"Tuso. . .ag noamu, itsurishi crystal. . . ." The one with the white robe paced the room slowly, clenching and unclenching it's long, thin fingers. The other alien in the room seemed distraught as the globe of light overhead flickered.

"Heo, mi hada de crystal ka livera!" It waved it's long hand, pointing to the light that went out. The leader stopped it's pacing.

"De crystal diende Earth. . . ." It sat in it's large chair in the center of the room. It looked up when three more aliens entered. They seemed to be warriors, from the armor they were wearing. Their feet were dressed in long, cloth boots, and they wore thin, shimmering metal armor across their chest, arms and thighs. They knelt in front of the leader, placing their arms on their chests. The leader waved a hand at them.

"Lio ka Earth, yolate de crystal. . .extinct humans fi dey hada. Yolate Prince Mioga nd Captain Suid, yolate de crystal." They stood and pulled out their spears. The weapons extended, and a long, corkscrew shaped blade shot out from the tips. They shouldered the spears in respect before filing out of the room. The ship rumbled, losing power to run. The leader stood quickly.

"Moode de vessel n ka Earth's atmephera! Dere de vessel uill goover, tilla warriors yolate de crystal." The alien with the green robe bowed before dashing out of the room. The leader sighed, sitting into the chair once more.

"De crystal si wee fenil pobe. . . ."

The three warrior aliens made their way through the darkened ship, heading for the launch station. There, a single pod was waiting for them. Two more aliens were setting the controls on the outside of the pod. The three warriors got into the pod, strapping their selves into the seats. They were shut inside as the two aliens cleared the area. A hatch opened, and the pod was thrown from the ship, in the direction of the Earth.


(Squall)

"These are the last of the forms, Squall." I took the papers Quistis handed me. I piled them next to the papers already in front of me. I was sitting at my old desk, which was a strange comfort to me.

"Thank you." I mumbled while she walked away. I needed to think, and doing paperwork always helped me do that. Zell wasn't in his hotel room, in fact, the clerk had said he'd checked out the night before. That was odd. . .maybe he went back home to Winhil? I had decided to give him a call later, to check up on him.

Irvine and Katy seemed to be getting along pretty well. Last time I saw them, Irvine was giving Katy a tour of the Garden. Well. . .at least he wasn't after me anymore. We'd shared an awkward moment together before I'd came up to my office. He'd apologized again and asked if he was released from Garden. I was appalled, of course, that he would even suggest such a thing.

What he did was wrong, yes, but he was too valuable to SeeD to be thrown out because of our trivial encounter. He'd looked relieved, and I was glad that things were somewhat mended between us; but that still left Zell, who was probably crushed beyond repair. I needed to hurry up and finish this paperwork so I could go see him. So I could go see him and grovel on my knees.

I glanced at the form in front of me. It was a health insurance claim for one of the students who were injured in the T-Rexaur attack. I quickly signed my name at the bottom. I barely had time to put it in the out-going box before there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." I stated, feeling somewhat at home. The door creaked open, and David's long black hair came into view. It seemed that he finally broke down and cut off the remainder of the brown tips.

"Hey! What's goin' on!?" He greeted, bouncing into the room. Matt wasn't too far behind him, appearing annoyed. I didn't answer as he plopped down in the small chair in front of my desk.

"Nothing. . . ." I tried to hide the fact that I was on edge about Zell. I still wondered if he would or could forgive me. Right now. . .I thought he needed a little space.

"Liar. . .we heard what happened from Katy." I shot a glare at Matt, who leaned up against the wall. David sighed and twirled his hair with his fingers. I'd forgotten that the three were friends from Winhil.

"I. . .I'm working on it." I tried to get them to drop it, but David, as usual, didn't know how to shut up.

"I can't believe you kissed Irvine! Yeah, he's a hottie, but Zell's the sweetest guy ever!" I winced at David's words, pretending the paper in front of me was extremely interesting. David continued.

"If I were you, I'd be running home bearing gifts while groveling until' my face was blue!" I almost laughed, because that was precisely my plan.

"I will, once this work is done." It was the closest thing to a promise that I could give them. David still looked unconvinced.

"Be sure to get him his favorite flowers! Oh! And candy! And pizza! I know that Zell loves pizza!" I pretended that he's annoying me, but I was actually listening intently. Matt sighed before thwacking his lover on the head.

"OK! I think he gets the picture! Now come on! Quistis wanted to see us in her office." I looked up in surprise.

"Oh?" It was a word meant to ask a million questions. They seemed to understand. . .Matt did anyway.

"Yeah, she asked me, David and a few other students to meet her in her office. I think it's some sort of mission, though she wouldn't say. . .anyway, we better go." Matt practically dragged a still spouting David out the door. I furrowed my brow. . .why wouldn't Quistis inform me of this? I immediately phoned her.

"This is Quistis Trepe, can I help you?" I heard her sweet voice on the other end. Suddenly, I didn't know what to say.

"Quistis? It's Squall. . . .," I paused, trying to find something to say.

"Uhh. . . ." I bit my lip, shy of the question. She didn't answer at first, but when she did, she sounded embarrassed.

"Is this about the meeting? I didn't mean to go over your head, but you seemed so busy with the paperwork that I didn't think you'd mind." Damn, how did she always know what I'm thinking?

"What is it about?" I couldn't help myself from asking. I heard muffled voices in the background.

"It's about to start, how about I send you a report once it's done?" I nodded. . .mainly to myself.

"Sure. Thanks." I hung up, feeling a little apprehensive about the whole thing. I worked faster, itching to get out of Garden. I wanted to make up with Zell as soon as possible. But then again, if this mission thing was important, I'd have to stay and discuss it with Quistis. . .figures. I always screwed myself over in the end.

Finally I decided to just give Zell a call. It wasn't as personal, but it would have to do until' I could beg in person. I picked up the black phone before I could loose my nerve. I dialed my own number, appalled that my hands were shaking slightly. My heart flip flopped when it started ringing.

I let it ring five times before the answering machine kicked on. Zell's voice sounded through the receiver.

"Hey! It's Zell and Squall! We're not around. . .or we're just ignoring you. Anyway, call back, man!" It beeped, and I took a deep breath.

"Zell? Are you there? It's Squall. . .please pick up. I know. . .I know I screwed up. . .I'm sorry. . .could you just. . .(sigh). . .pick up if you're there?" I paused, but nobody answered the phone.

"All right. . .I'm coming home soon, after I finish here at Garden. I'll see you tonight. Bye Zell. . .and I am sorry." I hung up, clutching the phone in my hands. Dammit. . .was he just ignoring me or was he really not there? Well, where else could he be? Duh, what about his Ma's house in Balamb? I quickly phoned there, distraught when nobody answered there either. This was crazy. . . .

"No. . .we still haven't found the rock. . .Professor Herring is dead. Heh heh. . .no the wench got away with the stone. . .we'll find it, but you better have my money!" A large, dark headed man hung up the phone, his large ruby ring glistening in the sunlight. He sat back in his leather chair, playing with his mustache.

He was heavy set and in his fifties. His thinning black hair was slicked back with oil. He waved his chubby hand at the two men at the door.

"Find her this time! Bring me that damn stone!" He barked, and the two men at the door cocked their guns and left.


(Zell)

"She's so adorable!" Ellone cooed over the tiny baby in the car seat sitting on top of the bar. Ma and myself were sitting on bar stools. I held my head in my hands.

"Yeah, she is. Ma here thinks I should keep her." I was secretly hinting for advice, and I was hoping Ellone would see that. She appeared to.

"I think it's a lovely idea! I'm sure Squall will be thrilled!" I tried to share her enthusiasm about Squall, but I can't bring myself to. I wondered if he would come home soon. Would he come home to make up. . .or pack his bags? I wasn't sure, and my heart itself seemed to sigh in despair at the thought of Squall leaving.

It was my fault, too. I said things. . .that didn't need to be brought up. I hoped he did come home soon, so I could apologize; but, if it was true and. . .he didn't love me anymore, what would be the point? I sighed, staring at the bar in front of my face.

"You don't think so?" Ellone cocked her head to the side, eying me with intense observation. I shook my head quickly.

"O-Oh, no it's not that! I was just thinking. . . ." Ma placed her hand on my shoulder.

"He and Squall had a spat." I looked at Ma in surprise. She tried to look innocent.

"You can't hide anything from your Mama, you know that. I'm sure it'll be fine. These things tend to work out if you put effort into your apology." She offered me a reassuring smile, and it brightened my mood. Suddenly, Alexia started whimpering, before full blown wailing.

"She's obviously had enough of the conversation. I bet she's hungry. Zell, feed her her bottle." Ma instructed me. I reached for the bottle in the side of the Winnie the Pooh diaper bag. Ma picked Alexia up out of the seat. She handed her to me as I sat back down at the bar. Her body weighed practically nothing in my arms. Her little face was scrunched up with sobs.

She perked up, though, at the sight of the bottle in my hand. I watched as she latched onto the nipple, her little lips sucking greedily. I couldn't help but feel. . .awesome. I broke my gaze from her little eyes to look out the window. The sun was setting; it was nearly dark. We'd been at Ellone's for quite a while, and I knew we needed to get home soon.


(David)

"This has to be the dumbest thing I ever heard of!" Matt just didn't understand how much that place gave me the willies! Matt snorted beside me and the two other students walking down the hall.

"That's just cause you're scared." Damn. . .maybe he did understand.

"I think it's the perfect opportunity to test out our skills." Brad piped up, the cocky look on his face was obvious.

"Says you! I don't think we need to go to that place just to test our skills, thank you!" I argued. Maybe I was just being a baby. I didn't know about the rest of them, but I did 'not' like the idea of going to the Deep Sea Research Center. Matt ruffled my hair.

"It's just a simple gopher mission. Apparently, these scientists at the research center are looking for something, and they want to hire us SeeDs to find it. It's that simple. Find the thing, and then come home." I envied Matt's optimism. The third student, Leo, had yet to say anything. It was bugging me.

"Hey! How come so quiet?" I asked, bounding back to him. He looked up in embarrassment.

"I. . .I just don't feel comfortable with all this." I understood, he was just as worried as I was. Brad snubbed us as he walked by.

"I can't believe you two are SeeDs who are afraid of getting your hands dirty. I don't see how you even made it to SeeD in the first place." That had hurt my feelings, but I didn't say anything. Leo hung his head once more. Matt fell in step next to Brad.

"Nah, they're just 'sensitive'." They shared a laugh. I narrowed my eyes at Matt. Why didn't he stick up for us? Asshole. . .I stuck my tongue out at his back, causing Leo to laugh softly. The action caused his blond hair to fall around his ears. We exited the Garden, heading for the green and yellow van waiting outside. It would take us to Dollet, where we would ride on a boat to Balamb, and from there to Timber. Then, we would rent a car and drive to the southwest coastline, where SeeD issued boats would be waiting in the secret cave docks.

I had such a bad feeling about this it wasn't even funny. . . .

(Squall)

Just a simple gopher mission, that didn't sound too hard. I couldn't believe I was worried. . .and I couldn't believe Quistis was still pestering me about it.

"Something just doesn't feel right. I have the sense that something is amiss. So, I gave David a radio so that he can keep in contact with me at all times." She held up the small radio; it looked like a kid's walkie talkie. I nodded to her, making sure all my papers were in order. I was trying to drop the hint that I was done and wanted to get the hell out of there, but for once she didn't seem to notice.

"How's Zell? I kind of heard through the grapevine. . . ." She followed me to the elevator. I sighed, wasn't anyone's life private anymore? Apparently not, because Quistis got into the elevator with me.

"You going home? Tell Zell I said hello, and that he needs to come in and fill out his Instructor Evaluation form." When I didn't answer, she gently touched my forearm.

"Some advice? Zell is probably feeling like he wasn't enough for you. You need to show him that he's still your numero uno." She smiled at me, and I crossed my arms in front of my chest, causing her to move her hand from my arm.

"I know." I tell her. It was true, it was what I'd been thinking about all day. . .and everyone seemed to be in the mood to keep reminding me of my ass being on thin, thin ice. The bell on the elevator rang as we reached the first floor. Quistis stepped out ahead of me before turning around.

"Forget me not." She said coyly before walking away, her boots clicking on the tile. I pondered her words. Forget me not. . .I knew she was talking about Zell's bouquet, the one from the wedding. He'd had Forget me nots. . .that had been my choice, for good reason. Maybe some of those would help soften the blow?

I realized how stupid I looked, just standing in the elevator while the doors were open. I quickly exited, hoping no one seen me. I was in luck, the hallway was empty except for Quistis's retreating back. I made my way out of the Garden, intending on going to Deling for some gas. I needed to fill my truck up and take it home. While I was in Deling, however, I would pick up a few gifts for Zell. I just hoped he was home.

(Zell)

I'd forgotten how much females liked to talk. . . .

"Ma, we should really be getting back to the house." I told her, setting the baby into her seat. Ma and Ellone shared a soft laugh. I looked at them irritably.

"What?!" I stamped my foot softly. I hated it when I couldn't understand women. Ellone came over from behind the bar and gave me a hug.

"Don't worry, I'm sure you have ten messages from my (brother) by now. . .if he isn't already there." I felt a blush creep up my neck and face. This made them laugh more, and I looked away.

"That's not why I wanna leave! I just, I think it's time for Alexia to go to sleep." I attempted to cover my ass, but I failed miserably. Ma picked the car seat up before following me toward the door.

"Sure it is, Zell. Thank you, Miss Ellone. I'll come visit when I get the chance!" They said their goodbyes before we left. The street light over by the store was on. It was the only one in town that worked. I needed to get off my ass and fix the others, because it seemed that if I didn't, it would never get done. As we walked toward the house, I noticed a black car sitting in front of the store.

I had squint my eyes, trying to make it out. I grabbed Ma's arm softly before quickening my steps toward home. It looked like someone had broken into Katy's store. Ma was looking at them, too.

"Who are they? Is it. . .those men?" My eyes widened, I'd never thought of that. I tried not to look suspicious as two men in tuxedos exit the store. They spotted us about halfway to the house.

"There's the baby! Get 'em!" I broke out into a run, dragging Ma and the baby along with me. We reached the front steps as shots rang out in the night.

"Run to the basement, Ma!" I pushed her through the front door. By this time the baby had woken up and was crying. We had barely made it to the basement door when the front door banged open.

"Don't move!" We were caught. I couldn't let them hurt my family. I turned and growled, pushing Ma and the baby behind me. They advanced on us, their guns aimed at me. Suddenly, I recognized one of them from Ma's house.

"Long time no see, kid. I knew you had to be lying about that wench! Now, hand over the crystal nice and slow. . . ." What? They were after this stupid necklace? I made no move to take off the necklace. The man came into the moonlight, his blackened eye coming into view.

"On second thought. . .the boss would probably like to have some fun with you." He smirked at me before his gaze fell on the picture sitting on the microwave. His eyes widened as he dashed over to it and picked it up.

"Damn! We were fooled twice! Here, look." He threw the picture at his buddy, who caught it with his free hand. It was the picture of me and Squall on our wedding day. He laughed, long and hard.

"So, this freak here is your hubby? Hah! If I'd known that, I would have shot him down in the road!" I grit my teeth, they better not have done anything to Squall!

"The boss will want to toy with them a bit. Take him, kill the woman and the baby." I gasped, and Ma whimpered softly behind me.

"No! You won't touch them!" I stood ready, ready to take them down at a moment's notice. The man seemed to contemplate this, before laughing.

"I wonder how long they'll survive without water? Let's find out." He pointed his gun at Ma, waving for me to get out of the way. I didn't, and I'm knocked to the ground by the handle other man's gun.

"In here." He grabbed Ma's arm, dragging her and Alexia over to the basement. He swung open the door and flipped on the light. He pointed the gun at her back.

"Go, and don't try anything funny." Ma sniffed as she wobbled down the stairs. The other man had his gun on me, so I couldn't move from my position on the floor. The man by the basement slammed the door shut. He walked over to the table after holstering his gun. He swiped the vase off the table, and shards of glass went everywhere.

He tipped the table on it's side before angling it to fit under the door handle, preventing it from being opened from the inside.

"Now then, kid, let's go." The man with the black eye waved his gun at me, signaling for me to get up. The other man brought a radio to his mouth.

"Bring the truck, we got it." He held his gun on me while the other one handcuffed my hands behind my back. I could do nothing as I was pushed out of the house. The porch light was bright to my eyes. I gasped when Squall's truck pulled up into the driveway. Suddenly, the gun was shoved against the side of my head.

I watched helplessly as Squall got out, flowers and something else in his hands. He evaluated the situation in seconds before taking a step forward.

"Well well well, if it ain't the freak from the road!" The one with the blackened eye had his gun to my head, while the other one advanced on Squall.

"Nah! Leave him, the boss would like it that way. . .just slow him down a little." Squall narrowed his eyes.

"Let him go." My body tingled at the malice in Squall's voice. Our attention was drawn to the truck that backed into the driveway. It looked like an armored car, but there were bars for windows on the back door. I did 'not' like the looks of it. That truck was probably where I was headed.

"Now, why would I do that? After all the trouble you two have caused, I'm sure the boss would love to have compensation besides the crystal." Squall looked confused, but finally his stare landed on the necklace around my throat.

"I said, let him go." Squall took a step forward, ignoring the gun pointed at him. The other man on the porch shot his gun, flattening the tires on Squall's truck. Then, he shot at the grill until' oil started leaking from under the truck.

"Squall!" I hollered as the gun was pointed at my husband. The shot rang, and my heart stopped in my chest. The forget me nots fell to the ground seemingly in slow motion, along with splatters of blood.

"Squall!" I struggled against my handcuffs before I was beat in the head with the butt of the pistol. I felt dizzy, my head feeling like it would split in two. I was thrown into the back of the truck. I ran up to the bars, looking out at Squall, who was kneeling on the ground with his hand on his shoulder.

"The boss will be waiting for you. Come get him if you can. We shall see if you truly love this little shit. Personally, I don't think you got what it takes. Oh. . .and by the way. . .gays should rot in hell." The man with the blackened eye mocked my best friend. Squall's eyes flared with rage when he looked up at the Mafia member.

"I will kill you." He promised. I leaned my face against the bars, catching Squall's eyes.

"Ma's in the basement!" I all but wailed as the truck sped away. My heart beat quickened as Squall sat down on the ground. He faded from view as the truck left town, and my hope died.


Notes:REVIEW!!! Sorry about how short it is, but I gotta get to bed. Got donuts in the morning. 4-8AM.

>_< Then I gotta go back at noon.....*sigh*

Anyway, leave a REVIEW! PLEASE!!!

~Tori Singer