Chapter 8

Squall was heading off to the Tv station with Rinoa. She was going to announce to the world the declaration of Timber's Independence. And stop the president of Galbadian from whatever wicked idea he was planning on broadcasting over the air. Henry was enjoying his time being Squall but was getting bored at times. He wanted to fight than be a baby sitter for this resistance faction group. Then that when the game started to glitch. Everything goes black. Henry wasn't sure what was happening, but this glitch wasn't from him. He was playing the game according to the rules. So why did the game glitch? Then he heard a voice, and it wasn't the voice he wanted to hear. It was Scarmiglione. Why was she here? She had no reason to be here unless she was telling him that Clayton was coming back.

"Hello, Henry. Sorry to interrupt your vital mission." Henry didn't have time for sarcastic remarks. He wanted to get on with the game instead of standing here looking her in the face.

"We want to change something around in the game. It seems to us the way your playing it is lame." Henry was playing the game the way she told him to. If she wanted it different, that should have been said earlier in the introductions.

"How about being my friend here? That would make the game interesting."

"Sorry. No can do on that one. This is what has been decided. We're going to make you a player in the game." Make him a player in the game? Was that even possible? Henry was already this far in the game. Wouldn't that cause a problem if he (Henry) showed up in the game? He thinks that they would think he's a spy and kill him on sight.

"Yeah, we know it might cause a shock at the most, but we think doing it this way would be so much fun. Be yourself and help them as though you would be playing the game." Before Henry can even consider this idea, what kind of background would he have? How would he be able to make Squall and them not think that he is a spy?

"Hey, Scar. Your idea sounds ok and all, but if you'll plop me right into the game. Won't they think I'm some spy?

"You don't have to worry about that. We give you a little backstory, and they shouldn't be anyone being suspicious about it."

"What kind of backstory?" What could they know already? Henry had never played this game before. Scarmiglione went up to the system, pressed a button, and slid a photo of a lady and some kids.

"This is Sorceress Edea, or as Squall know her as Edea Kramer. You will encounter her in the game, but let me get to the real reason I am showing her. Beside her are Squall, Quistis, Zell, Sephie, Seifer, Irvine, and Ellone. All these kids she took care of. Let's say that you were one of those kids but got adopted from the orphanage before they got older. So they might remember. But that is all we can come up with now." Henry had to pretend that he was from this orphanage manage by this lady named Edea. But Squall and them won't remember him since Henry was adopted a year after being there. Henry thought long and hard. Would this story work? They had nothing to use. So he had only this choice.

"So, how are you going to get me back in the game? I can't drop in."

"We already came up with an idea. We know you were leaving with Rinoa to head to the station. We were going to rewind and restart we she exits off the train with Squall and Zell. They will run into a store and in front of that store stood a boy. But he won't be there next time. We will teleport you to that spot. Then after that, you're on your own. Try and find a good opportunity to introduce yourself to the group." Henry didn't know if he had it in himself to do this. If Clayton was here, he could do it. He had the courage to look danger in the face. Henry wanted to find a corner and stay there.

"Henry, you can do this. We believe in you. I believe in you." For Scarmiglione to say, that made Henry almost like her. Almost. Henry siked himself and said that he could do this. He was ready. Gave Scarmiglione the heads up. She rewinds the game to ten minutes before, and Henry walks toward the portal. He takes a deep breath and then falls through the portal and into the game. Then he finds himself in front of the store. Then Henry sees the train pass by, and he knows that there is no time to waste. The train stops in front of the store, and Rinoa and Squall emerge out. Henry decides it's best if he keeps a low profile but follows them. They run into a pet store. No reason for him to go in there. So he waited until they came out and then would proceed to follow. He keeps a somewhat close distance, but to not be noticed, he ducks behind a trashcan and observes as they look at the trains not running. He tried to hear what they are saying but can only get bits and pieces. Then they take off again. Following as close as he can, he notices they pass by some shops. Henry follows behind them as they go into a hotel. Squall walks up to a lady admiring a train model set. Henry listens in on the conversation.

"Excuse me, Miss. I see you looking at this train."

"Yeah. It's ok." Henry could see what Squall was getting at. He was making fun of Rinoa's train that she had illustrated. Rinoa kneels. Puts her head between her knees.

"Miss, I know what you mean. I have seen one that was worst than this one."

"Really, Squall. I tried really tried at drawing that train." Squall felt bad he made fun of Rinoa's train. So he apologizes to her as Henry follows them out of the hotel. The groups run into Galbadian soldiers. It seems the soldiers on high alert. Henry can hear a little of what the soldier was saying.

"Keep alert. If we let any of those resistance members escape. That will be the end of you." Henry overheard Rinoa telling Squall they better hurry and get to the station before something bad happens. Henry saw them approaching and hid behind in the alley. He waited until Squall and then passed by him. Then follow them again. Henry didn't know he would find any more spots to hide from the group. It was not or never. Henry was going to introduce himself as soon as the opportunity presented itself. The opportunity happen. The group was approaching a building. It was a called Timber Manics. It must be a magazine company. Henry ran to get in front of them. The group stop. They all starting looking at each other. Probably wonder who the heck this guy was that was stopping them.

"I know ya'll are in a hurry, but I was sent to help you." Henry couldn't believe he said that. These guys don't need his help. So why would they listen to him?

"It's good you know that. So if you excuse us." Rinoa was trying to push Henry out of the way. But he stood his ground.

"Ok. I can see this isn't working. Squall, you seem like an understanding person. Can you and I have man to man?" Henry didn't know if Squall would listen to what he had to say, but Squall would have to be his best shot at getting the other two to trust him.

"I'm not sure either. You could be a spy for the Galbadian's?" Squall just looked at Henry. It really looked like he was trying to find something that would help him decide if he could trust.

"You don't know me. Where I come from. Or even my name. But trust me, if I help you, then I can finally go back home." Henry didn't have any more information to give them. He had to wait for one of them to make the first move. Squall looked Henry up and down. Rinoa was getting anxious and wanted to speed this up. So she made the first move.

"Well, right now, we don't have time to mess with you. But you stay with us until we can get to the bottom of who you are. So you have a name?"

"My name is Henry."

"Well, Henry, stay close. We don't want to be responsible for you getting killed." That's right, Henry thought to himself. Scar never gave him a weapon. So what was he going to use for protection? Then everything froze.

"Henry. It's me. I forgot to give you something. It would help if you had a weapon. Here are your choices. You can use this staff, or you can use one of the swords."

"Is that all?" Henry took the staff and was given the scabbard to hold it.

"No. There is something else. If you need a shield, you can grab one too.

"Really? A shield? And where do I put that? You know I have to run, and that would slow me down. I"ll take the sword." Henry was given a sword made out of light with a sheath.

"Ok. If you change your mind about the shield, you can get it later on."

"Oh, ok. I'm ready now. Let's go."