"Okay, Lina, it's like this," Rinoa started. "You very well know you're my sister? Well, we were separated when you were born. I can't remember much, but I was told that a sorceress called by Gorld claiming to come from the future came in with some lady at her side and singled you out among the other babies. They told me she threw you through a portal. I don't know what happened to you then, but I grew up with that story in mind.
"Since whenever, you traveled the world, searching for me based on a picture and well... sheer intuition. Actually, not long ago, you found me and together we formed a small kind of family. Don't ask about Dad though. He's just a bastard and we don't get along.
"Apparently, while I was in a coma from possession by Ultimecia, you became Zell's girlfriend. From what I hear, you two were amazingly in love," she said. Lina caught out of the corner of her eye Squall nodded in agreement. "I really only caught a glimpse of it, coming out of possession and I was too scared to concentrate on anything.
"Following quickly my awakening was our mission through time compression. For some reason, you didn't make it in time and during that period I believe you were possessed by that very Sorceress Gorld.
"She controlled you in your body. Then again, at that time you had already become a sorceress yourself and were stronger than her. Lina, in the past, one of her victims had died immediately following or was it... even during the time she was possessed, but you made it out alive.
"Look, I'm really confused on the next part, but she used your own powers against you. Somehow, in the time compressed world, we had to fight you. Basically Sorceress Gorld and... you stood in our path to clear the destruction of the future. I'm sorry, I really am, but no matter how we urged, Zell would not hurt you.
"He ran off to the side and watched the battle from a distance. It was just then that Squall got his Lionheart and he fought you with it. You couldn't take it, but you've seen him use that attack during training--it's brutal. Anyways, with the sorceress being defeated, she lifted you into the air and light exploded everywhere. That's about all of that I can remember.
"And from that light explosion, you dropped. Yes, as yourself--not a sorceress or anything. Then you know, Zell out of no where came running in and caught you right before you were about to hit the ground. Aw, Lina, it was so romantic. You two embraced, but then you passed out. We knew somehow it wasn't actually you thought--we were in time compression and things were messed up. We knew something must have happened to you in our past. As we progressed with our mission into the mansion, you faded--I'm not sure, but you just suddenly disappeared.
"Upon returning, we found you chained in a room, completely knocked out. Then before the celebration dinner, we sent you to the Infirmary where the doctor informed us that you had amnesia.
"It's my fault really. I told everyone not to tell you. I thought you wouldn't be able to take it. Zell was heartbroken. He argued with me for hours on end and it was so annoying, that guy just won't drop it--even after I'd given direct orders. He did everything possible to get to you, but I wouldn't let it.
"Then, when Zell was depressed, that girl... what's her name? Sadie something popped right in and asked to be his girlfriend. Zell refused, but I told Squall to assign him to her so she would prevent him from helping you remember too quickly. You haven't lost Zell at all. He still loves you.
"Afterwards, I hired specific trainers to help you. Like Cloud and them," Rinoa sighed. "Now that you've heard the full tale of it, what do you think?" Lina just stared at her, mouth slightly open as if she were asleep with her eyes open. A "tale"? Is that what her life was to Rinoa? Just a tale--a tragedy? A story some playwright could conjure?
"What?" Lina asked. It seemed like some surreal tale. All she could remember from that mess of words and declarative sentences was Rinoa and Squall's faces lingering over her she day she'd woken up in the hospital trying to say hi and asking how she was feeling. "It's... not... it's too hard to believe that I've been... literally.... I've been literally living a lie for the past few months and you never told me anything."
She stood and quickly opened the door, letting Zell and Irvine tumble inwards. She looked shocked, but refused to accept anything, stepping quickly over them. This was OUTRAGEOUS! She just didn't know! Who the hell was she?!