Think Squall and Rinoa simply jogged out of that field in the middle of nowhere and back into Garden? I have a different opinion.
Squall and Rinoa walked quietly through the flowery field that showed no sign of ending, staring out to the unbroken horizon. Theyd been walking like this for some time now, attempting to find the edge, or a sign, or
Something.
But there was naught but flowers and grass and wavy, rolling hills as far as the eye could see in every direction on Squalls compass. Still, this was better than the barren plain Squall had been wandering on after the battle with Ultimecia and the subsequent time decompression. Hed walked and walked and walked some more, until he finally collapsed with exhaustion, an exhaustion so deep it had nearly killed him.
Hed been searching for her. His sorceress.
But she had found him, instead. It had almost been too late; her Full-Life spell had barely caught him before his soul had slipped away. Once hed come to and realized where he was and who he was with, his relief at finally finding her had wiped the skies clear of the dark, dreary overcast and transformed the barren rock plain into a lush, green paradise.
A paradise that now threatened to smother them. Theyd gone over, around and once, compliments of Rinoas growing powers and desperation, straight through hill after hill after beautiful, horrible hill. They were growing tired (second time around for Squall), hungry, and lonely. They both missed their friends. Now it seemed theyd never see them again.
Lets stop for a little while, Rinoa suggested. Were both tired. We need to rest.
Squall simply nodded. He picked a spot on top of one of the irritatingly ever-present hills and sat. Rinoa could only giggle at his rigid demeanor. Even the way he sat screamed SeeD. Still smiling, she lowered herself to the ground next to him, leaning against his shoulder.
You think were in the field near the orphanage? Rinoa asked, more for the sake of hearing something than because she felt like talking. Damn, she was tired.
I doubt it, Squall said in his quiet voice. I spent many days in that field, and it wasnt this big. I feel like were walking the same patch of land over and over again. A pause. I I dont know where we are.
Rinoa closed her eyes on the tears that threatened with that statement. Shed been lost for hours, but shed held onto the hope that he, at least, had some idea where they were. Now she thought it was hopeless.
not hopeless
What? she asked.
Hm? Squall returned, perplexed. I didnt say anything.
Must have been the wind, she concluded quietly.
sleep
dream
Just as they drifted away, the thought occurred to them both that in all the time theyd been walking, the air had been perfectly still.