Tiny Miracle

Tiny Miracle 5

By: Tori Singer

Chapter Five: Departure

(Squall)

Those bastards were going to pay for this. They wouldn't get far. . . . The bleeding wouldn't stop, and my shoulder felt like it was on fire. I clutched the wound with my other hand, hoping to slow the bleeding. I shakily got to my feet, the movement causing more blood to gush from my bullet wound. I cringed in pain, taking a few steps toward the house.

Zell had said his ma was in the basement. I needed to see if she was injured. I headed up the porch steps, my vision blurring a bit. I stumbled, nearly falling on my face.

"Damn. . . ." I cursed that bastard with the black eye. The way he held that gun to Zell's head. . . . I just thought. . .I just knew Zell was going to die right in front of me. I closed my eyes, anger overtaking me. I would hunt them down. I would hunt every single one of their kind, and demolish them.

I briefly thought of Seifer, who once told me he would hunt down all SeeDs. I wondered if this was how he felt. I shoved the thought from my mind as I entered the darkened house. I made my way to the kitchen, unable to help the blood falling onto the carpeting in the living room. Once in the kitchen, I observed broken glass littering the floor. The table was jammed under the knob of the basement door.

I tried to move it, the action causing searing pain to run through my shoulder and back.

"Erghh..." I grunted, shoving against the table with my able shoulder. Finally, I leaned back and kicked it. It still didn't move. I put my boot on the edge of the table, pushing with all my strength. Finally, it scooted a bit. I kicked it again, breaking it free. I panted, grabbing my shoulder.

"Squall!" I whirled around at the calling of my name. The front door burst open, and my sis came running inside, looking frightened. She hesitated when she seen me.

"Squall! You are hurt!" She came running over, her white skirt flaring up behind her.

"Are you all right?!" She looked me over, running her hands over my wound. I hissed, leaning up against the kitchen counter.

"Where is Mrs. Dincht? Where is Zell? Are they all right?!" Ellone was frantic, helping me take off my jacket. I examined my wound closer once Ellone flipped the light on. Damn, it looked pretty bad.

"Zell said something about his mother being in the basement." I told her, looking over at the basement door. Ellone rushed over and yanked the door open. She called down through the darkness.

"Ma Dincht! Are you all right? Come on up! Is Alexia all right?" I cocked an eyebrow. Who was Alexia? I pondered this as I up righted the table. Mrs. Dincht scrambled up the steps, a baby car seat in her arms. I watched as she set it on the table. There was a baby inside.

"Who is that?" I asked, pointing to the child. Mrs. Dincht sniffed, tear stains on her cheeks.

"Where's my Zell? Where's my baby?!" She looked frantic. I averted my gaze, not knowing how to tell her. Ellone wrapped Ma in a hug.

"Shh. . .it will be all right. . . ." She rubbed the sobbing woman's back. I shook in my boots, a new anger swelling as I listened to Mrs. Dincht's sorrowful tears. I spotted a towel on the counter, so I grabbed it and tried to sop up some of the blood on my arm. Ellone pulled back from Mrs. Dincht. I needed to hurry and get this wound taken care of before I lost more time on those bastards.

"Ma, we have to take care of Squall, now. I am sure Zell is all right." Ma Dincht sniffed and nodded. She looked at my arm before gasping.

"Sit down! I'll take care of it!" She forced me to sit in a kitchen chair. She rushed upstairs, leaving me alone with the baby and Ellone.

"Who is this baby?" I asked again, watching as the tiny infant gurgled and cooed at me. It was kind of cute. Ellone forced a small smile, running her hand along the baby's cheek.

"This, Squall, is your daughter." I nearly fell out of my chair.

"W-What?!" I exclaimed, standing. How in the Hell could this have happened?

"But I! I never!" I tried to explain all at once. I never slept with anyone besides Zell, so how could this child be mine? Ellone sighed softly, pushing me back into my chair.

"There's a lot of explaining to do. But I think Ma knows more about it than me. So let us just wait until she comes back." I nodded, focusing my gaze on the little girl in front of me. I held out my bloodied, gloved hand; I watched as she grasped my pinky with her little hand.

"Hi. . .Alexia, I'm Squall. . . .Your father, I guess." I introduced myself, feeling stupid. Ellone sniffed as she rested her hand on my shoulder.

"Don't worry, she's not your biological daughter." I cocked an eyebrow. Then what. . . ?

"Sorry it took so long." Ma came running back into the kitchen, her arms full of medical supplies. I almost groaned to myself. I didn't need to be patched up like a mummy. I needed to prepare for my journey. No, I was not contacting Garden. This was between me. . .and them. They would be sorry for ever laying a hand on Zell. I swore, if one hair on his head was messed up, they would all die slowly and painfully.

"Squall. . .where is Zell?" Ma whispered, unrolling a package of gauze. Ellone brought over a tool box. I watched as she took out a pair of pliers. She grabbed the bottle of alcohol and the pliers and went over to the sink.

"They took him." I admitted, hating the sound of the phrase coming out of my mouth. I clenched my hand into a fist on the table, wincing when Ma Dincht put antiseptic on my wound. I took off my shirt, the once white material was more of a red, now. Zell's ma's hands trembled against my skin.

"You. . .you have to save him! You have to, Squall! He doesn't deserve this!" She sobbed, rubbing my wound with alcohol. I nodded, glaring at the table in front of me. They would all pay. I was pretty sure they were taking him back to the boss' estate. I believed it was in Deling, Timber or Dollet. I would have to find out, and fast.

"Here." Ellone handed Ma the sterilized pliers. My (sister) walked around the table, gripping my right hand. Ma Dincht started looking at the wound on my left shoulder, trying to find the bullet. I grit my teeth, accepting the towel Ellone offered me. I stuck a corner of it in my mouth, biting down on it. I let Ellone grip my hand tightly, the pain overwhelming when Ma dug around in my shoulder.

I just let the pain fuel my fire, giving me more reason to hunt those bastards down. They would be sorry they didn't just kill me when they had the chance.

"What were they after? I thought I heard them say something about that crystal." Ma tried to keep conversation, probably to keep from breaking down. I thought a bit, trying to think around the pain in my shoulder.

"The necklace Zell was wearing?" Ellone asked, placing her other hand on top of mine, sandwiching my hand between hers. I nodded around the towel, remembering the necklace Zell was wearing. It was a dull crystal. What could the Mafia want with it? It was probably some priceless gem or something.

"Why didn't they just take it? Why take Zell, too?" Ma asked more out of desperation than anything else. Her hands shook as she gripped the small pellet with the pliers. I cried out around the towel in my mouth when she pulled the bullet from my shoulder. She dropped it on the table, the bloody pellet rolling across the wooden surface.

I took a deep breath; at least the worst was over finally. I pulled the towel out of my mouth, laying it in my lap.

"One of them said something about making us pay for the trouble we've caused." I told them, looking over at Ma as she started re cleaning my wound.

"Trouble?" Ellone asked, caressing my gloved hand. I shrugged my right shoulder.

"Yeah. . .I have no idea what he was talking about. However, I met those people before, on the road. They showed me a picture of a woman and asked if I knew her. I told them I didn't. . .which was the truth. I'm taking it that this baby belonged to that woman?" I had put two and two together. I was guessing Zell found the woman. . .and this baby. . .and the necklace.

"It makes sense. Zell just came home with the baby. She was wearing the crystal around her neck. It's. . .my fault. I told Zell to take the necklace so she wouldn't choke!" Ma covered her face with her hands, tremors vibrating her body. I wanted to say something, anything to comfort her, but I couldn't find the words.

"Don't worry, Ma! Squall will save him, I am sure!" Ellone encouraged her, leaving me to wrap her arms around the large woman. I flexed my arm; Ma did a good job at dressing the wound. It still hurt like Hell, but it would have to be dealt with.

"I'll leave immediately." I left the kitchen, heading toward the stairs.

"Oh Zell. . .please! Please be all right!" Ma sobbed against Ellone's shoulder. Those were my thoughts exactly as I headed to my room. I banged the door open, ignoring the small hole in the wall where the knob had hit. I couldn't have cared less. I yanked open the door to my closet, my gaze stopping on Revolver's case.

I laid it on the bed, unsnapping the latches. The silver gun blade gleamed up at me from it's resting place. I picked it up, almost surprised at it's weight. I hadn't held it in so long. . . . I laid it back in it's box, grabbing the belt harness. I wrapped it around my waist, filling one of it's pouches with bullets. I quickly sheathed Revolver, letting it hang around my hip.

I decided it would be wise to take my back up weapons. I holstered my silver pistol before packing extra bullets. My small defense knife had it's place on the side of my boot. Then, I grabbed my large hunting knife and stuck it in it's place on Revolver's harness. My leather pants felt hot and heavy as I walked over to my closet once more. These pants would just have to do.

I grabbed another white shirt, this one sleeveless. I quickly put it on, mindful of my wound. Then, I snatched my long sleeved red flannel shirt. I tied it around my waist; I could find uses for it. I opened the top drawer on my dresser, my black leather gloves staring up at me. I grabbed the left one while unsheathing my knife.

I cut the fingers off the left glove before putting it on. I wanted to be able to see my wedding band at all times. I put the right glove on as well, but I didn't alter it in any way. As I left the room, I made sure I had my junction card. Shiva was with me, and I made sure I had plenty of magic. Let's see. . .fifty firagas, blizzagas and thundagas. Not too bad considering I didn't have time to stock up on more.

Ma and Ellone were still in the kitchen when I came downstairs. Ellone was cleaning blood off the table as Ma held the baby. The little girl looked upset, wailing around her bottle.

"She OK?" I asked, looking at the infant in Ma's arms. Mrs. Dincht looked up at me, her eyes unfocused and dull.

"Mm hmm." She hummed, focusing her attention back to the baby. Ellone came over to me, clasping her hands in front of her.

"Squall. . .be very careful. I will contact Quistis and let her know what is going on." I shook my head.

". . .No. . . ." I paused, putting my hand on her shoulder.

"I don't want official interference. Besides, they would lock me up for murder." Again. I almost wanted to smile at the shocked look on her face.

"Just. . .just be careful." She warned, offering me a small smile. I turned to leave.

"Is it wise to leave in the middle of the night?" Ma asked me. I thought about her question. It would be wise to wait for light. . .but. . . .

"I can't loose the trail, otherwise. . . ." I trailed off, not even wanting to finish the sentence in my head. If I lost the trail. . .Zell would be doomed. I couldn't let them get too much of a head start on me. I left the house, the moonlight illuminating the driveway. Good, a full moon; I wouldn't have too much trouble following their truck's tracks.

"What the. . . ?" I looked around when I heard a tune playing in the night. It was nearby.I thought it sounded like the theme from James Bond or something. Finally, my gaze fell on a small black object on one of the porch steps. I picked it up, the front of it flashing. It was a cell phone. I flipped it open. I listened to the breathing on the other end.

"Who is this?" I finally asked, irritated. Finally, I heard a dark chuckle. It was a man's voice.

"I see you found my phone. Take care of it, Scarface." Then he hung up. It must have been one of the kidnappers. I snapped the phone back shut before sticking it in my belt. I could find uses for it. I made my way to the shed, bright moonlight preventing me from tripping over the lawnmower. The shed was dark and dusty. I squint my eyes, finally spotting the tarp in the corner.

I yanked the tarp off, revealing my transportation. I pushed the black and silver motorcycle up to the front of the house. I'd also brought a long hose. I parked the bike beside the truck. I opened the gas tank of the truck, sticking the hose down into the opening. I sucked on the other end of the hose until' I heard a gurgle. I took it out of my mouth, watching as gasoline started coming out of it.

I quickly put the end into the motorcycle's tank. I transferred the gasoline from one vehicle to the other before tossing the hose to the side. I stopped when I spotted the bloody forget me nots on the ground next to the truck. My wrapped package was also laying on the ground. I picked them up, fingering the bloody objects in my hands. I stuck the package in my pocket before walking off toward Ellone's Pub.

I walked around back, locating the grave behind the building. My mother's headstone glowed in the moonlight. I stood before her, not knowing what to say.

". . .I don't visit often enough, and I have no excuse." I paused, placing one of the flowers in my harness.

"If you can hear me, mother, help me." I laid the rest of the flowers upon her grave, hoping she could hear me. I looked back once before leaving the area. I was answered with silence. I sighed, heading back to the house. I entered it for the last time that night.

"I'm heading out." I announced to the women in the kitchen. Mrs. Dincht came over and stood before me in the living room. Her eyes shimmered as she flung herself at me. I grunted, letting her sob against my chest.

"Please!" She begged, clutching my shirt tightly. Feeling a little awkward, I placed my hands on her arms.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Dincht, I'll find him, and bring him back with me. Until' then, I want you two to find someplace safe. I'm counting on you, Ellone." I told them before pulling away from Ma. She sniffled a few times. I looked at the baby in Ellone's arms. I waved at her slowly.

"Sorry, Alexia, but I'll be back later." I nodded to them all before leaving the house. I'd no sooner than sat down on my bike when the cell phone rang. I grabbed it out of my harness before answering it. I could hear a truck in the back ground.

"Greetings Scarface." It was the man from before. I guessed it was the man with the blackened eye.

"Zell better not be harmed in any way." I threatened, listening as the man laughed.

"Oh don't worry about kid, he's alive, for now. The boss has something special for him to do." I did not like the way that sounded. I wanted insurance.

"Let me talk to Zell." I demanded, causing the man to laugh again.

"That would be kind of hard, considering he's in the back. How about this?" I heard a pause before,

"Hey kid! Are you havin' fun yet?!" I listened before faintly hearing Zell's voice.

"Piss off!" I trembled slightly on my bike. I didn't have time to waste. The man chuckled again before speaking to me.

"I trust you've departed from Winhil? Heh heh, have fun on the road ahead! Ha ha ha!" The phone went dead, then. I growled and stuck it in my harness. At least Zell was OK, for now. I kick started the bike, the motor roaring to life. The sound pierced my eardrums. I turned the headlights on, illuminating the tire tracks on the road.

"Mother fuckers. . . ." I twisted the handles, the bike taking off into the night. I'd only traveled a short distance when my eardrums seemed to pop. The explosion knocked me from my bike, sending me flying into nearby bushes. The deafening roar pierced my ears, causing me to cover my head with my hands. Debris landed all around me, and a large board cracked against my back.

I waited, the last of the wood littering the ground. I got to my feet, noticing my bike laying a short distance away. I gaped in disbelief at what was left of the grocery store. Fire lit up the town like a sick candle. I kicked at a piece of wood in front of me, snuffing the small flames.

"God. . . ." I took a step forward, taking in the sight of Katy's store. There was nothing left except flames and debris. I suspected the kidnappers had set a bomb inside. I clenched my hands into fists. Those bastards. . . . I remembered Katy saying that this building was her life. It had belonged to her Grandfather, and now there was nothing left of it.

I swore to avenge the old building, for Katy's sake, at least. I hurried to my bike, pulling it back onto it's wheels. I hopped on and restarted it. I'd have to be careful; who knew what other 'surprises' the Mafia had set up. I wasted no more time in departing from the old town. I had no idea when I would be back, if ever.

(Zell)

"Hmph, you're wasting your time. I ain't gonna play your stupid games!" These assholes just didn't get it. I wasn't gonna play by their rules.

"I would expect nothing less from you, kid. But be aware, with every game there are penalties. And. . .you don't want to know what they are." The blond with the black eye looked at me from the front seat. I could see him through the small window on the back of the cab. I glared at him; was he threatening me?

"Jim, over there." The dark headed man who was driving hit Jim on the arm.

"What is it?" The blond asked, pulling out his binoculars. I didn't know what they thought they were doing; it was still pretty dark outside. Suddenly, the driver pulled over.

"Is he coming, still?" Jim chuckled as he asked, getting out of the truck. I made my way to the back, watching out the bars as the two stood in the road behind the truck.

"I think so, look and see if you can find him." The driver told Jim before leaning up against the back door of the truck. I looked down at him, wanting to find a way to wrap my fingers around his freaking neck.

"Heh, if he is coming then you'd better let me go. You don't want him catching up to you when he's pissed." I was hoping to intimidate them, but I was sure it failed miserably. I got that hint when they laughed at me.

"Yep, that's Scarface all right. Louie, call Russ and the boys, tell 'em to get ready." Jim waved at the dark headed guy, but didn't look because he was watching something in his binoculars.

"Heh, let the games begin." Louie, the driver, headed back up to the cab of the truck. I could hear him talking to someone on a radio.

"Hmph, I'm surprised he lived through the explosion! Guess he didn't need anything from the store, right?" Jim laughed at me, shooting me a cruel grin. I glared back, knowing he was talkin' about Katy's store. Those bastards were unbelievably cold hearted. I'd find a way to break free, and then I'd kick all their asses!

"Hurry up! And bring the kid a pair of binoculars, I want him to see this!" Louie came around the truck, sticking a pair of binoculars up to the bars. I snatched it with my hands, my wrists still cuffed. I peered through the device through the bars. At first, I saw nothing but darkness. I adjusted the knob on the top, causing the lens to glow green.

I peeked through again, this time I could see something in the distance. It was hard to tell what it was in the green light. Finally, I made it out. It looked like Squall's motorcycle. My heart leaped up in my throat. He really was coming for me!

"You guys are so dead." I sneered at them, looking back in the binoculars. Suddenly, my happy expression fell, replaced with total devastation. . . .

"President Callaway, I have terrible news." General Calgrand marched into the president's office, a worried expression on his chiseled face. His large stature almost dwarfed Callaway. The salt and pepper haired president looked up from his desk.

"I know. I already received word from Professor Kirt. But that was forty eight hours ago. I have not heard from them since; and efforts to contact them have failed." The Galbadian General stood before the president's desk.

"Satellites indicate a large unidentified ship hovering just inside our atmosphere. They don't seem to be preparing for an attack." The president looked up at him, fingering the pencil in his hand.

"They have no reason to invade, they already know we have the crystal. Which means they have no power to launch an invasion. I believe they will only send a few, if that. The only problem is. . .I've been informed that the stone is gone." The general stepped back.

"What do you mean? I thought those Etharian scientists were still researching it at the Deep Sea Research Center? What the hell happened?" The president turned in his chair, crossing his hands under his chin.

"One of the scientists, Professor Herring, took the stone and fled. They have not yet located the crystal, though they say they have men looking for it." The general didn't look convinced.

"I don't like it. I smell a double cross. Let me take my men and investigate, Mr. President." He waved his arm, clenching his hand into a fist. The president made no move, but he seemed to be deep in thought. The general tried again.

"I don't trust those white coats, especially Etharian scientists, and from what I've seen so far, the martians have probably already sent a task force to search for their crystal. I say we should infiltrate the Research Center and find out what the hell is going on!" Finally, the president spoke.

"We can't risk this being leaked to the public. I trust that you will 'take care' of anything you find at the Research Center? Bring back the crystal. We will hand it over to our own scientists here, where we can keep an eye on them." The general saluted before turning to leave.

"Oh, and General. . . ." He turned, looking back at the president. President Callaway glanced at him with a serious expression.

". . .Make sure nothing survives. . .nothing or nobody." The General didn't say anything, but his face showed his true thoughts. Hesitation. He nodded and left the room, leaving the President to his own musings. He picked up his phone and dialed in a secure number.

". . .Then again. . ."


(Squall)

Even after an hour or so had passed, I hadn't caught up to the truck. I was hoping to reach them before they arrived in a town.

The tracks didn't veer off anywhere; they seemed to be headed straightforward. I wasn't sure where they were going, yet. They could turn on the fork and head for Galbadia, or Timber. I wasn't sure which. My shoulder throbbed with a dull pain, but I forced myself to hold onto the handle bars of my bike.

Don't worry, Zell, I'd get you out, safely. I was on my guard, glancing on each of my sides. I couldn't see anything in the darkness. I was praying for dawn. The moonlight only lit up so much of the barren plains on each side of the dirt road. I barely had time to acknowledge the small object in the road before it went off.

I swerved to the right, the mine's exploding power sending my bike into a three sixty spin. I lost control, my bike falling over to the side, pinning my leg under it's weight. Small patches of flame billowed around the area. I used my other leg to shove the bike off of me. I set it up on it's wheels, quickly taking cover behind it as gunfire showered my position.

"Damn." In the darkness, I couldn't pinpoint the exact location it was coming from. I peeked over the edge of the bike when the gunfire paused. I could barely make out a few jeeps and trucks parked up the road a ways. I ducked back down when they shot again. I couldn't find a way to get any closer to them. There was no cover on this small road. I knew time was running out when I smelled gasoline coming from my bike.

Then. . .I'd have to make some cover. I delved deep into my own mind, searching for Shiva. I found her, and silently asked for her assistance. She had nothing to say, but she came to the surface for me. As she rose above my bike, I reached into my harness, grabbing a grenade. I'd only have a short time frame, so I had to make this count. I needed to get close enough to get this grenade in their center. But, Shiva's ice would only freeze them for so long.

I shielded my eyes when Shiva set off a wave of ice crystals. They crackled and popped as they rained on the offending gunmen. I looked around the bike, rushing to my feet as Shiva disappeared. As I thought, the men were temporarily stunned. I pulled the pin on the explosive before throwing it with all I had. I dove to the ground, covering my head with my hands when the whole ground shook from the exploding grenade.

I glanced up slowly, mindful of the debris falling around me. The vehicles were on fire, but I could see that a few men had survived. I jumped to my feet, grasping my pistol in my hand. I charged, returning gunfire as one or two of the men resumed their onslaught. The nearest cover was a jeep on the far right; it didn't seem to be too badly damaged. Diving behind it, I summoned a fire spell.

I waited until' my victim came into sight before letting the fire blaze from my fingertips. His screams echoed against the roar of the fire. He fell to the ground, his burnt body smoking furiously. I ducked down as more gunfire penetrated the vehicle I was hiding behind. I got down onto my stomach, crawling under the jeep.

I reached the other side; I could see the man's feet underneath the next truck. I couldn't see anybody else, but I was on guard nonetheless. He was still shooting toward the jeep I'd left behind. I reached down, grabbing my hunting knife. I glanced around from under the truck, but I still found no other Mafia members.

I crawled up close to the man's legs, listening as he stopped to reload. I lashed out, slicing into his left calf. He screeched, falling to one knee. I rolled out from under the truck, quickly grabbing the back of his hair. I leaned his head back, letting my blade slide across his neck. The blood oozed over my fingers, and he looked up at me as he took his last breath.

"Jack?" I quickly ducked down as another man's footsteps sounded from the other side of the truck.

"Jack? Russ?" I grabbed a large rock laying next to me before hiding in front of another truck. My target was in my sight; he was heading over to the other man's body. He knelt beside him, taking in the slit throat.

"I'll get you, you son of a bitch!" He yelled, shooting his gun skywards a few times. I grasped the rock tighter in my hand, watching as the man rushed in my direction. I crouched lower, swinging my arm back. The rock connected to the man's face as he ran around the truck. He fell to the ground, his face quickly becoming covered in blood. I stood over him, pulling my pistol from it's holster.

He glared up at me as I cocked my gun. I aimed it at his head.

"Go ahead, but they'll kill that kid anyway." He laughed low, his eyes wild as blood ran down his face. The corner of my mouth raised slightly. I squeezed the trigger, letting the blood splatter on my hand. I wiped my gloved hand on my pants, not surprised when the cell phone rang.

"You still alive Scarface?" I walked along the road, the cell phone pressed to my ear. Dawn was approaching, a hint of orange on the horizon. I put my pistol back into it's holster before chuckling at the man on the other line.

"Unfortunately for you."