Hey everybody welcome to my new story I hope you all like it. This one is in the same vain as my The Advent Children series. If you've read it before you'd like this. I you haven't read it then you should check out my Final Fantasy 7 The Advent Children series. This story is about the children of the characters from the orginal game and feature the original charaxters as well. I hope you all like my story and please send me any reviews, thoughts, questions, suggestions, ideas you have I love recieving them.
Final Fantasy 8
Heritage
Chapter 1: The Father, The Son
2 years after the end of Final Fantasy 8
A small eight year old boy sat in the back of a moving car. The tears that had been streaming from his eyes had all but dried up by now. He sat there still as could be, still broken hearted over the death of his parents. When the car had stopped the two men in the front opened the back seat and helped the small boy out. He looked around frightened as could possibly be. Everyone was dressed long flowing white robes, the boy watched them closely as they shuffled him about finally bringing him to a secret under ground passage. The boy pulled back slightly as the passage opened. An elderly man came out of the entrance, and placed a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Welcome, I know how hard it's been for you. But it will get worse. You parent's wanted this for you. It was their wish that you join. And you will……you will be great. You just have to suffer for it first." Smiled the man
Two of the nearby robbed figures grabbed a hold of the boy. The boy began to scream in fear, trying to wiggle himself free. The figures pulled the boy into the passage as the man closed it behind him. Shutting the door to the outside world.
22 years later…….Balamb Garden
The noon sun shone down on the glimmering Balamb Garden. Inside the Garden a man dressed in a sharp black suit, waited to be called into the office of Balamb Garden's Director of public relations. The man wanted to discuss some business with the legendary Seeds, after a few minutes the secretary waved to the man and told him to go in. The man walked through the door trying to remain as calm as possible, it was rumored that the director of pr was a tough customer.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Leonhart." Said the man sheepishly
The woman in the big black chair turned around to reveal herself as the 41 year old Rinoa. Rinoa smiled at the man and motioned for him to sit down.
"Welcome Mr. Barret." Smiled Rinoa
"You can call me Martin." Answered the man
"I think I'll keep things professional Mr. Barret. How can Balamb Garden help you?"
"Well I've been having some problems lately and I wanted to hire the Seeds."
"What kind of problems Mr. Barret?"
"Well you see, my company is doing some construction near Timber. And unfortunately during work we hit a nest of these monsters. According to our people's research they should be no match for the famous Balamb Garden Seeds, but the thing is time. We need the monsters cleared out as soon as possible it's a matter of danger to the project really. I don't want my workers hurt and we can't let the project fall behind anymore. Can you help us Mrs. Leonhart?"
"I don't know we're really busy. Everyone is vying for our help and we have so much man power."
"I know, but…..:
"Don't worry Mr. Barret we'll take care of it I'll send our best people, ok."
"Thank you so much."
"You're welcome, good day sir."
Rinoa helped the man out the door then flopped back into her chair. She sat there for a while then erupted in a fit of giggles.
"I like messing around with people like that. I seemed so serious….oh well." Sighed Rinoa
Rinoa stood up the informed her secretary that she was heading out and began walking toward the head master's office. Rinoa walked through the door to find Xu standing at the front desk.
"Is the "High Commander" in?" chuckled Rinoa
"He's up there as always." responded Xu
"Thanks.' Replied Rinoa
Rinoa boarded the lift and headed up to the office of the Seed High commander. The Seed High commander was in charge of all Seed Gardens spread through out the world as well as the headmaster for Balamb Garden. Rinoa walled in to the office to find the commander standing infront of his massive office window, looking over the latest reports from the other gardens.
"Hard at work as always." Smirked Rinoa
"You know me." Chuckled the commander as he turned around
The High Commander turned around to reveal himself as the 41 year old Squall Leonhart. Squall smiled slightly at his wife, over the years he had grown out of his old ways but he still was the same Squall he had always been. Rinoa walked up to him as he took her in his arms. They embraced in a passionate kiss, then settled down with Rinoa sitting on Squall's desk and him sitting on his desk chair.
"So how was your day?" asked Squall turning back to his files
"I had a meeting with a Martin Barret he works for a construction company near Timer."
"And?" asked Squall
"They ran into a monster problem and hired us to clear it out."
"What's the threat level?"
"Not that bad, but time is a factor they need done ASAP."
"Who do you think we should send?"
"How bout Helen's team?"
Squall raised an eyebrow and sighed. Squall started to rub his temples as he looked up at his wife.
"What about Brandon, he's on that team?" sighed Squall
"Well…..what about Brandon?" quipped Rinoa
"He's on probation."
"Yeah so, he's a good kid. He just gets carried away sometimes. Not everyone can be the great Squall Leonhart."
"Yeah….great. Call in Helen and tell her to bring in her team."
"Including Brandon?"
"Including Brandon."
Rinoa smiled and gave her husband a peck on the cheek then headed out to assemble the team.
In his room Brandon Leonhart had received the order to assemble with his team and was preparing. He was wearing a plain white shirt and black pants. He put on his Griever necklace, then slipped on his short sleeved leather jacket with red wings on the back (his mother's symbol) and the Griever symbol on the left sleeve( his father's symbol). He took one last look at himself in the mirror, when he was satisfied with the way he looked, he grabbed a hold of the famous Lion Heart gunblade and sheathed it.
Brandon headed out of his room walking down the halls of Balamb Garden with his usual smirk. He strolled down the hallways waving at everyone along the way. Some pretty looking girls passed by him and Brandon turned around to give a short whistle of appreciation. Brandon headed up the stairs to the elevator where he was greeted by his friends and team mates.
Brandon stepped up to Nathan Kinneas and greeted him first. Nathan was the best sharp shooter in the Garden, after his father. But Nathan's true skill lied in his unremarkable talent for the quick draw. He had the reputation for the fastest and most deadliest guns in the Garden. Nathan even went as far as developing his own style of double-gun fighting.
Brandon greeted Sabin Dincht next. Sabin was a martial arts master. And the resident goofball. He sat on the railing over looking the garden hanging out until Brandon showed up. Brandon then greeted his best friend Marco Valns, one of the best swordsmen in Balamb garden.
"Hey guys, How's it going?" chuckled Brandon as he leaned back on the railing
"Not bad." Replied Nathan as he tipped his cowboy hat at his buddy
"Just great, we're still waiting for "Captain Almasy"." Remarked Sabin sarcastically
"Helen's not here yet?" asked Brandon
"No, she's upstairs receiving or mission." Replied Marco
'Hope it's good. They have let me go on a mission since…" chuckled Brandon
"Since you accidentally wrecked that drain in Dollet." Laughed Sabin
"No since I had to save your pathetic ass from that Ruby Dragon on a certain mission." Shot back Brandon
"At least I'm not on probation." Replied Sabin
"Drop it ok, the most important thing is we got a mission. We're back in the saddle." Stated Brandon
"He's got a point. Going on a mission sounds better than just sitting around doing nothing." Added Marco
" Besides afterwards we can go into Balamb and celebrate. Mission Accomplished." Said Brandon
"Sounds good to me. I'm in." smirked Nathan
"You just want to go so you can talk up that chick who works at the supply shop. Every time we head over there you spend hours talking to her." Smiled Sabin
"What can I say." Replied Nathan with a slight blush
"Are you ever gonna ask her out?" asked Marco
"Hey I have a system." Replied Nathan
The door to the elevator opened to reveal the blonde haired beauty known as Captain Helen Almasy. Head of Balamb Garden's most elite unit of Seeds. She was wearing a long flowing coat same as her father's, but with short sleeves, complete with an orange vest underneath and a pair of tight black pants, that fit her form perfectly. Helen's beauty was so renowned in the garden that she had her own fan club of sorts.
Helen raised an eyebrow at the group of misfits that was know as her team. Brandon leaned back a little more and smiled at her.
"Hey Helen how are you doing today?" asked Brandon
"I'm fine how are Mr. probation." Replied Helen with a smile
The other guys started up with their oohs. Brandon gave Marco a light shove. As Helen held up the mission specs to read to her group.
"Okay guys. Our mission is simple. We have to protect a construction site from monster attack and clear out all the creatures. Our priorities are the safety of the workers and the construction site. The faster the better. Is that clear?" stated Helen giving Brandon a look
"I'm hurt that you would think I would intentionally cause trouble, Helen. Truly hurt. You just might have to go out with me to make up for it." Stated Brandon with mock hurt
"Dream on. Brandon we have work to do. Now get serious." Smirked Helen
"I am serious." Smiled Brandon
"Brandon I don't want you getting in any more trouble. Please try to do your best." Stated Helen earnest
"Sure thing Helen." Replied Brandon as he gave her a slight wink
Helen headed out first toward the vehicle bay with Brandon hanging behind. Just before he could head-out with the rest of them the elevator doors opened to reveal Xu.
"How's it going today Brandon." Asked the senior officer
"Fine." Replied Brandon
"Stay out of trouble, okay. We're all counting on you to live up to your father's legacy." Replied Xu
Brandon looked a way from the senior officer as his smile faded into disdain to the same old lecture he had been given since the day he was born.
"Yeah I know about my father. He is great." Replied Brandon disheartened
"You have a lot of potential don't let it go to waste. See you later." Said Xu as she walked off
Brandon stood there for a while trying to keep his composure. He looked up at the front entrance of the Garden to see the massive statue of Squall Leonhart that was built there in his honor.
"I know. I know." Muttered Brandon under his breathe as he headed off after the others.
The vehicle bay doors opened and the heroes walked through a short tunnel entrance that lead them to the outside hanger where the found their main mode of transportation. The Ragnarok Mark 2, the fastest most powerful airship in the Garden's fleet. The heroes pilled into the ship where Nathan assumed his role as the pilot. Helen took her seat in the captain's chair as everyone else took their places.
Brandon showed up last still alittle bummed from his conversation with Xu. Helen looked up at him and decided not grill him for keeping everyone behind schedule. Brandon took his seat next to Marco and prepared to head off. When the ship was ready to go Helen ordered it's take off and they headed for their destination.
"What's wrong with you?" asked Marco
"Nothing. Let's do this thing. Then afterwards it's nothing but party time." Said Brandon as he shook off everything and tried get into the moment
As the ship flew off into the distance a figure dressed in a all white robe wearing a white battle helmet, watched the heroes leave through his binoculars. The figure then pulled out it's communicator.
"Sir a ship has left the Garden." Stated the figure
"Do nothing until we hear from our man. Return to meeting point and wait for the signal." Replied a sinister voice from the other end
"Right." Replied the figure as he headed off
1 Hour later
The group had cleared out most of the monsters from the construction site. Brandon found himself up against a Grendel. The Grendel lunged at Brandon who leaped out of the way. The monster crashed into the nearby building knocking down the wall. Brandon cursed under his breathe, then leaped up pointing his Lion Heart Gunblade at the beast. The monster turned around and charged at Brandon fangs barred. Brandon leaped onto the creature's back then drove his blade into the Grendel's skull and pulled the trigger sending shockwaves of pain into its brain. The creature fell to the ground as Brandon swiped the blade across the back of its neck severing its spinal cord.
Brandon leaped off the dead beast and headed back over to the group who were awaiting him. Helen was standing in front of the fuming construction site foreman, furious over the damage to the building. Helen desperately tried to calm down the foreman. Helen looked over at Brandon and mouthed the words don't worry as the foreman continued to yell at her. Brandon flopped against a wall and took a deep breathe.
"Don't worry about it mistakes happen. If anyone knows that its me." Said Sabin
"I know." Groaned Brandon
"Come on man, when we get back it will all be fine. And we'll just go out." Chimed in Nathan
"You're right." Stated Brandon staring to shake it off
"Let's head back to the ship." Smiled Marco
The guys started heading back to the ship, when Brandon was stopped by Helen.
"Brandon, look I…" Helen was trying to be comforting
"I know, its ok. I'm ok, its fine. I appreciate you trying to cover for me."
"You did your best, just try to be more careful next time."
"You know me, careful is my middle name."
"Let's head back.' Smiled Helen as she walked off
"Right behind you." Chuckled Brandon
When the group returned to the Garden Brandon was called up to the High commander's office. Brandon trudged over to the elevator and headed into his father's office. Squall was waiting for his son and motioned for him to sit down.
"I heard you had some trouble today." Said Squall calmly
"It was nothing." Replied Brandon
"I know, but they're making a big stink over it. Your mother's trying to work things out."
"Then why was I called in here?"
"You're off probation."
"Cool."
"Now listen Brandon. I'm not doing this because you're my son, but because we all believe in you. You have a lot of potential…."
"I know I have a lot of potential. I get told so on a daily basis."
"We're just concerned. You've been on probation twice, and have at least 5 disciplinary notes on your record. I just want you to get your act together. I believe in you Brandon, you have it in you to be the greatest Seed ever."
"Right after the great Squall Leonhart, right."
Squall frowned at his son.
"That's not what I meant."
"I gotta go. Thanks dad."
Squall sat there and sighed as he watched his son leave. When Brandon was alone in the lift, he closed his eyes and banged his head against the metal door. He then took a step back and remembered that tonight would be about having fun.
A while later Brandon, Sabin, Marco and Nathan had arrived in Balamb and were all ready in a partying mode. As they guys started heading over to the bar to get some drinks and have some fun, Nathan looked over at the supply store to see that it was still open.
"Hey guys go on ahead I catch up to you later." Shouted Nathan
"Awww come on Nathan let's have some fun." Shouted out Sabin
"Wait he's gone try to get himself some that shop girl." Laughed Marco
The guys started laughing, then waved off Nathan and headed for the bar. Nathan shook his head then headed for the store. He walked in quietly, the girl was standing behind the counter reading a magazine. She was beautiful in Nathan's opinion. She was a brunette and had the great smile Nathan had ever seen. Nathan approached the counter quietly, he smiled slightly as he leaned on it looking over her beauty.
"I'd like two packs of gum, a lighter and your number." Nathan was trying to be smooth
The girl looked up at him with a smile. She was Jillian Powell, every time Nathan came to Balamb he stopped by. She enjoyed it some what.
"Are you going to buy anything this time." Chuckled Jillian
"Hey. I'm the customer you got to treat me nice."
"Okay then if you're the customer. Then what do want."
"I think that's pretty apparent."
She smiled at him and he smiled back. This was his moment, he fantasized about this for a long time. He was going to ask her out and nothing could stop him. Nathan straightened up and tried to put on his best cool face. But as he took that step back he stumbled on his feet and fell flat on his ass. Jillian couldn't contain her laughter. Nathan just looked up at her embarrassed and tried to dust himself off.
"Barring another accident, would like to go out. Sometime……soon……please." Stumbled Nathan
"I would….." Jillian was interrupted by her cell phone ringing
She took the phone and answered it. Her smile slowly faded as she listened to the other line.
"What's wrong?" asked Nathan
"It's nothing. But I can't go out with you. Now leave I have to close." Said Jillian as she rushed Nathan out of the store
Nathan stood there confused before he head over to the bar with the others. When he entered the bar he saw the guys hanging out at one of the tables having some drinks and an all around good time. Nathan sat down as the guys welcomed him in.
"How'd it go man?" asked Marco
"I honestly don't know." Replied Nathan
"Don't worry about you can always try again." Added Sabin
"Yeah, I guess." Answered Nathan
"For get about it for now. Tonight we party. Tonight we can just relax and let all our problems slip away." Smiled Brandon
"Here, here." Everyone cheered
They all clinked their glass together in celebration and decided to kick back.
To be continued…………….
I hoped you all liked my story. Send me your reviews so know you all like it and I'll continue.