FINAL FANTASY: POINT OF INTERSECTION
BOOK 1: THE APPROACHING STORM
CHAPTER 1
With a muffled shriek, Ellone woke from the nightmare.
She was cold, so cold. Always when the dreams came, she was cold. The chill touch of death, of something beyond death. It seemed to freeze her very bones, her marrow, until she wondered if she had ever known what warmth was. Shivering, trembling like a newborn chocobo, she sat and wrapped her arms tightly about herself as her stomach twisted itself into knots.
Shadows that are not shadows. Black wings ride the wind. Death in the night.
The memory of the nightmare was fading, but fragments remained of its hellish visions. What they were Ellone could not say, nor did she want to, for to look into them too deeply was madness. Her heart beat furiously in terror as a fell chorus of harsh, unearthly voices slithered maddeningly through her mind in icy, sibilant whispers.
One is many. Many are one. The darkness stirs.
A loud, discordant buzzing, like the sound an extremely agitated bumblebee might make, abruptly blotted out the murmuring voices and jerked Ellone to full consciousness. She reached over beside the bed and almost reluctantly switched off her alarm clock, plunging the room back into an uneasy silence. As she did so, she glanced at the clock's display, which showed the time to be 5:00 a.m.
Ellone swung her legs out over the edge of the bed, put her bare feet on the floor, and rubbed her eyes wearily as warmth seeped back into her body and her trembling lessened. Though she felt as though her eyelids might slam shut again at any minute, she knew without a doubt that she would have no more sleep this morning. The dreams had seen to that.
As her sight acclimated to the gloom, she was able to make out the familiar surroundings of her guest quarters in Balamb Garden. There was her dresser, across from the bed, and above it hung a mirror within which she could make out her own darkened reflection amidst the shadows. The closet door was slightly ajar, probably from when she had hung up some of her things last night, and on the far wall was a window that looked out over the frozen snowfields of Trabia, where the Garden currently hovered.
With a weary sigh, Ellone rose and padded over to the bathroom. Flicking on the light, she glanced at herself in the mirror and froze, appalled at how haggard and disheveled she looked. Circles lay under her eyes, and her sky blue nightdress was stained with sweat. She realized then that she was covered with it, that she must have been sweating profusely in terror in spite of the bone-numbing cold that had coursed through her while she had been dreaming.
She pulled off the soaked nightdress and immersed herself in a long, hot shower, hoping that the steam and the pleasant sensation of running water against her skin might help her relax and forget for a while the nightmares that had been haunting her for the last few days. Raking her fingers through her short hair as water trickled in rivulets down her back and thighs, she let herself soak for a while as her troubled thoughts drifted aimlessly about.
When Elle had dried herself off and slipped into her bathrobe, however, she still felt uneasy. She brushed her hair almost mechanically, unable to enjoy this part of her morning routine as much as she usually did. In the back of her mind, she saw fragments of her dreams, visions of fire and darkness, of a blackened, withered Hand gripping her in its clammy, deathly cold grasp.
The brush slipped from her trembling fingers and clattered to the bathroom floor. Clutching the edge of the sink so tightly her knuckles whitened, Ellone fought desperately to calm herself. They were only nightmares, weren't they? Probably only old memories of Adel or Ultimecia, she told herself, yet in her heart Ellone knew they were not.
She dressed hurriedly, throwing on a plain white blouse and an ankle-length sky blue skirt, and as she left, she grabbed her green silk shawl and the thick winter coat Selphie had loaned her. Ellone had never traveled this far north before, and although she had taken a few warm things with her from Esthar, they hadn't kept Trabia's bitter cold from reaching her whenever she stepped outside.
Ellone's footsteps echoed softly in the nearly deserted hallways of Balamb Garden. Through the windows, Elle could see that the sky was beginning to lighten with the approach of dawn, and she could just make out the towering, jagged silhouettes of the nearby mountains that surrounded Trabia Garden within their protective circle.
Balamb Garden hovered just a mile or so away from the newly rebuilt Trabia Garden. During the second Sorceress War, Trabia Garden had nearly been destroyed by a missile salvo fired by the Galbadians under the orders of Sorceress Edea and her knight, Seifer Almasy. After the defeat of Ultimecia, a massive reconstruction project headed by Instructor Selphie Tilmitt and sponsored by Headmaster Cid Kramer of Balamb Garden had begun on the shattered remnants of Trabia Garden.
Tomorrow night a celebration was to be held to mark the completion of the reconstruction efforts, and dignitaries from around the world had come here to Trabia to officially recognize the rebuilt Garden's restoration. Elle was here representing Esthar along with Kiros and Ward, her uncle's two closest friends and advisors. Uncle Laguna was the president of Esthar and would have been here himself, Ellone knew, but for duties elsewhere.
Elle herself had no real standing in the Estharian government, but as the president's adopted daughter, she was usually listened to. Kiros and Ward, however, did hold official positions as Laguna's top aides and so he had sent them with her to Trabia to give her official as well as moral support. She was nervous about her part in the ceremony, as she had never had to make a speech in front of what would likely be a very large crowd before, but having Kiros and Ward there with her would help, she knew.
A light tap on her shoulder brought her abruptly out of her thoughts, and she looked to her left to see that Squall, the young man she cared for as a little brother, had fallen into step beside her. He wore his favorite fur-lined black leather jacket over a gray shirt tucked into a pair of black pants, and from his brown leather belt hung his gunblade, the Lionheart.
It was still hard for Ellone to believe sometimes that he was a man now, and not the little boy she had been forced to leave behind so long ago. It saddened her that she had missed so much of his life, that she hadn't been there for him when he had needed her most. He was what, nineteen now? A good five years younger than her, and yet in command of the most prestigious military school in the world.
Morning, Sis, the brown-haired, blue-eyed youth greeted her with a slight nod of his head. You're up early today.
This was her third day aboard the mobile Garden that had brought her here from Esthar, where Squall and Headmaster Cid had been negotiating with Uncle Laguna and other officials in the Estharian government about the possibility of setting up a Garden facility there. That, among other things, was what had kept Uncle Laguna from coming here to Trabia, so Elle had agreed to go instead as a favor for him and as a chance to visit with Squall, whom she had rarely seen much of lately.
She sighed. some bad dreams, that's all. They're probably nothing.
Are you sure? Squall asked. It doesn't sound like nothing to me.
I'm fine, Squall, really. It's nothing to worry about.
if you insist. I'll still worry, though, Sis. You know that.
Elle managed a small smile. Some things never changed. Of course you will. You always do.
Abruptly, Squall stopped and put a hand on her arm to bring her to a halt. His typically distant expression was gone, replaced by one of concern. It's just I don't want to see anything bad happen to you. You've been through enough already.
I know. Ellone gently squeezed his other hand. But please, just trust me, okay?
He sighed and nodded. Alright, but if anything else strange happens, I want you to tell me.
I will. By the way, what brings you out here so early yourself?
It's sort of part of the job description, I guess. One of the burdens of command, having to be up well before everyone else, but it's the only way I can keep up with all the paperwork I thought I'd never have to do, not to mention that it's just about the only time I have to myself during the day. But I've had a few other things on my mind, myself, Sis, now that you mention it.
Oh? Tell me.
It's nothing all that serious, really, Squall said. He sighed and leaned tiredly against the wall. It'll probably just bore you.
After all that's happened recently, I don't think I'd mind a little boredom. Things have finally calmed down now. I'd like to think that they would stay that way.
I guess I'll tell you. Do you want to talk about it over breakfast? The cafeteria should be open about now, I think.
Elle smiled. I'd like that. I didn't know the cafeteria was open so early, though.
They sort of have to be, Squall remarked as he and Elle began walking again. The breakfast rush is almost as bad as the rush for hot dogs later on. All those students coming in from early morning drills in the quad, you know. We'll probably have about an hour or so to ourselves before it hits.
That ought to be enough, I think.
They reached the cafeteria after a few moments and walked up to the counter, where two middle-aged women were busily setting up platters and dishes in preparation for the inevitable morning rush of which Squall had spoken. Ellone's stomach rumbled at the fragrant aromas emerging from the kitchen area, smells of muffins and bacon and other such goodies.
She selected a half of a fresh cantaloupe, a pair of hot blueberry muffins smothered in melted butter, and a glass of cold orange juice, then followed Squall to one of the tables across the room. They sat down across from one another and began to eat, but though the food was as good as it looked, the fruit filling Elle's mouth with its sweetness, it failed to lift her unease completely.
So what was it you were going to tell me? she asked.
Squall paused in the act of chewing and sighed. it's about Rinoa.
Oh? How are you two doing?
Alright, I suppose. She's taking her field exam today to be a SeeD. I can't share any details with you, since it's classified, but I'm a little worried about her.
Elle gave his hand a gentle squeeze. I'm sure she'll be fine, Squall. She fought at your side against Ultimecia, right? I don't think you have too much cause for concern.
I hope you're right, Sis, he replied. It's just that we had an argument before she left. We didn't really make up.
Is it something you can tell me?
Squall looked away, his expression growing distant again. I'd rather not.
I understand, and I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I was just concerned, that's all.
It's okay, Squall reassured her, his countenance softening as he met her gaze. I'm still trying to get used to opening up to people again. So far, you and Rin are the only ones I can really talk with, but there are still some things I'd rather not speak of yet even to the two of you, if you can understand. They're just too difficult, right now.
Elle nodded. Of course. I didn't mean to pry.
It's okay, Sis He broke off, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment in obvious pain and bringing his hands up to rub at his temples.
Elle asked him in alarm, what's wrong?
My head. It's been hurting like hell ever since I woke up this morning
Have you taken anything for it?
No, not yet. Squall rubbed his forehead above the bridge of his nose with the first two fingers and thumb of his right hand. I was hoping it would go away, but it hasn't.
Maybe you should have Dr. Kadowaki take a look at it, Elle suggested.
I think I will in a little bit, Squall agreed, if it doesn't stop.
Is it the scar?
He nodded. It's been aching a lot lately for some reason. Maybe I just took a few too many hits in the Training Center.
Without quite knowing why, Ellone reached out and touched her fingertips lightly to the angry, livid slash that ran from Squall's forehead down across the bridge of his nose to just under his left eye. She felt in her blood the familiar tingling of her power, yet at the same time it was distinctly different, though she could not have said how.
Squall's face was a picture of confusion. Sis? What---
Ellone shushed her younger brother, her concentration solely on the scar. She ran her fingers lightly along it, tracing it, probing, but for what, she did not know. Pulled along by an incomprehensible yet undeniable sense of intuition, Ellone continued to search, her eyes fixed intently on the bright red gash that had become as much a part of her brother as his arm or hand.
There. Her fingers ceased their questing and fixed themselves in certain spots along the scar's length. It was there, she knew. She could almost see the pain, not only the insistent throbbing inside her brother's head, but the pain of the scar itself, of the unhealed skin and tissue that not even junction magic could ever completely heal. The tingling in Ellone's blood intensified for a moment, and she felt a slight surge as she suddenly released her power. Yet what she released then was not the power she knew, not the burden she had carried for so long, had wished so many times that she could have been born without.
It was something different.
From her fingertips came a flash of pure white light that illuminated the scar on Squall's forehead and then faded with a small rush of wind. Ellone slowly pulled away, her hands beginning to tremble as she tried to understand what had just happened. As she looked back up at Squall, her eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat.
the scar, it she breathed, hardly able to believe what she was seeing, it's gone
He stared at her as if he had never seen her before.
Does your head still hurt?
Squall paused a moment, then reached up and tentatively felt his forehead, his fingers encountering smooth, unmarked skin where the scar had once been. no, it doesn't. What did you do, Sis? What just happened?
I don't know it was my power, but at the same time, it wasn't She averted her gaze, not wanting to meet those cold blue eyes that looked at her so strangely. it's been feeling different lately like it's changing somehow but I don't know how or why
The power she possessed, the burden she bore, was her ability to send a person's consciousness into the past, into a sort of dream where she and the person sent might see what had already happened through the eyes of a participant in those past events, be they twenty minutes or twenty years ago. Ellone had been hunted and sought after for most of her life because of her power, her curse, as she saw it.
Why didn't you tell me? Squall asked.
Ellone sighed bitterly. I thought I thought I was just imagining things.
he replied, you should have said something.
I'm sorry. I've just been distracted, lately. Those dreams I mentioned before
She shivered, suddenly afraid. Afraid of the nightmares, of the twisted, terrifying visions that still hung in her mind even now, of the chill, hollow voices that spoke to her in the dark. Afraid of herself, of the power that seemed to be somehow changing within her, expanding almost, growing into something she did not know or understand. No that's not it it's not growing, it it's
It was awakening.
I haven't told anyone else, she explained. I didn't want to worry anyone, but I guess it's too late for that now.
Elle felt a slight pressure on her hand and realized that Squall had placed his own over it. Being with Rinoa must have rubbed off on him more than I realized. A small, rueful smile worked its way onto Elle's lips at the thought. Tentatively, she brought her gaze back up to her brother, whom she now saw was looking at her with concern.
You know I'll always worry about you, Sis. It's just that I don't want to lose you again.
I understand, but you're going to have to let go of me someday, you know, Elle gently reminded him. You have your own life to live, too.
Now it was Squall who looked away, seeming to suddenly find keen interest in his plate, before gazing back up at Elle. I know. I just don't think you should go through this alone. Let us—let me—help you, Sis. You don't have to be by yourself anymore.
I'll be fine, Squall, but if it would make you feel better, I'll talk about this with Matron. She might be able to help me, if anyone can.
Squall nodded. Good. Don't wander too far off, though. Remember what happened in the Training Center? Quistis and I had to help you out.
Two years ago during the struggle with the future sorceress Ultimecia, Ellone had tried to reach Squall and the others aboard Balamb Garden. She had come in through the Training Center, not knowing at the time what it was used for, and encountered an angry, flying insect beast known as a granaldo. Fortunately, Squall and Quistis had arrived and disposed of the creature before it could hurt her.
I remember, Squall, she replied, grinning slightly. Did you really think I would forget being attacked by a five hundred pound bumblebee?
No, not really. But try to be careful, okay?
Elle nodded. I will. I think I'll visit Selphie later and see how she's doing with all the preparations for tomorrow night. It might help me cheer up and clear my head a little.
That might not be a bad idea, Sis. I'm sure she'd be glad to see you, and if I know Irvine, he'll probably be down there with her.
More people were beginning to filter into the cafeteria now, and the lines were already snaking their way almost to the entrance. Elle finished the last of her juice and disposed of her tray, then walked with Squall out into the Garden's main hall. Before long, they had reached the central elevator that connected Balamb Garden's four main floors.
Squall turned to her. I've got to get going, Sis. Duty calls. If you can call paperwork duty, that is. Did you know I actually have an office now? I never wanted a desk job. I almost wish we had some crisis on our hands, so I could be out fighting monsters instead of upstairs fighting boredom.
You know the saying, Squall, Elle teased. Be careful what you wish for you may just get it.
Rinoa told me the exact same thing the other day in almost exactly the same words. Saving the world once is enough, though. For me, anyway.
I'm sure. Will I see you later on?
Squall nodded. I'll stop by later after I let my students out of class.
You teach a class?
Gunblade fighting. It seems like everyone wants to learn how to use one nowadays. Even a few girls, too, if you can believe it.
Elle smiled. I bet they all want to be just like you, the famous commander and war hero.
Or maybe Seifer, Squall grunted. The sorceress' knight.
Little had been heard from Squall's longtime antagonist since the end of the war. Seifer and his posse, Fujin and Raijin, had gone into a self-imposed exile from Garden, living in Balamb and sometimes Fisherman's Horizon. The trio had been tried by a SeeD tribunal and acquitted of all charges due to the strong influence Sorceress Ultimecia had exerted over them in her attempts to use them for her own ends. Although Seifer, Fujin, and Raijin might all have been accepted back into the Garden, they had chosen, for their own reasons, to stay away.
I wouldn't count on it, Squall, Elle countered. You're the one they look up to, not him.
Squall sighed and shrugged his shoulders indifferently. Whatever. All that hero worship just gets on my nerves anyway.
The elevator chimed brightly as the door slid open, and Squall, after nodding to Elle, moved to enter. Halfway inside, however, he stopped and looked back at her, his expression more serious. Remember, Sis. Be careful, and let me know if anything else happens. I probably don't have to tell you this, but try not to use your power again until we can figure out what's happening to it.
I understand, Elle agreed.
Squall nodded wordlessly and the elevator door closed behind him. For a few long moments after he had gone, Elle remained where she was, seeing again in her mind the flash of light and Squall's unmarked forehead. The tingling in her blood was still there, as it always was, a subtle reminder that she was and always would be different from everyone else.
A long, weary sigh escaped Elle's lips as she walked away..