A/N: I'll be working on this story along with Melted Ice Queen! I'd
like to see what you guys think of one of my own characters traveling to
Gaia (Balamb to be specific) and meeting up with the gang. It will
eventually be a Zell/Original character and while I love Quistis/Zell
relationships, I think any Zell fans out there would love to be able to
travel through the game and be with him! So, I'm writing this for all those
girls (and guys) who would kill to be in that position (myself included).
Also, I'll pair Quistis up with Seifer, 'cause while I think she and Zell
are good for each other, she and Seifer are pretty good too! Anyways, I'm
yakking on here! Please read and review!
Genre: Adventure, Romance, and Action.
Disclaimer: Dang Nam it, I don't own any of the Final Fantasy characters that I will be mentioning in this fic so don't through a freaking' lawsuit at me. 'Cause I wont wear it ^_^ Leona is mine though so muhahah!
~ = Thoughts
**********************
'Leona, you JUST got paid and you've gone and blown nearly forty dollars on a video game? Ugh, I cant believe you sometimes!'
'Mom, it's the newest Final Fantasy! You know that's my fav game series!' I whine back, closing the front door behind me. Somehow I had a feeling my mother would be breathing down my neck as soon as I stepped through the door. She didn't like how I was so 'free' with my money, but hey, I was like any normal eighteen year old, if I saw something I wanted, I would get it. Anyways, I earned it so I decide how to spend it.
'What was that?'
~Shit, did I just say that out loud? ~
'Uh, nothing mom,' I pull off my sneakers, pushing the long curls that fell out of my visor out of my face. Damn it, curly hair could be such a pain in the butt. I stand back up and sniff the air, 'is something burning?'
'My roast!!'
I shake my head at my mom. Don't get me wrong, I love her to bits but I had to get her off my back somehow and her cooking was the one thing she prided herself most in. I'm telling you, a tiny imperfection on anything she cooked drove her up the wall.
~Almost as much as your Final Fantasy obsession~
Yeah well, not like I could do much about that. Lets admit it, those games ARE addictive and the storylines? Fan-tab-u-lous! Not to mention the characters were usually pretty cute. I start ripping at the plastic covering madly to my game, just itching to see what other characters there were besides the two hunks and the pretty girl on the front cover. I had a feeling they were probably going to be the main char-
'Ouch, damn it!' I curse as I start thumping down the stairs.
'Leona? What happened? I heard a loud noise.'
I look up from the bottom of the basement stairs to see my mom leaning over the railings, a kitchen towel in her hands. I roll my eyes at my clumsiness, allowing an annoyed groan escape my lips as I jump back up. 'Just the daily plunge down the stairs mom, nothing new,' I said casually. I was used to falling down the stairs, it happened quite often. I thought my mom would have been used to it by now but I guess it still frightens her every now and then. She nags me sometimes because I could get seriously hurt and that it was sad that I'm not 'coordinated' to manage a couple stairs. A couple? There were like.fifteen! And trust me, falling down those is not my cup of tea, but hey, I'm a natural klutz.
'Hi piglet.'
I pop my head into my dad's office that is located under the stairs. Of course, he's busy with work but after taking a peek at my watch I realize he would probably be done whatever he's doing soon.
'Hi dad! Heard the equivalent to an elephant stampede?' I asked referring to my fall down the stairs.
'Yes, I did. Leona, you have to be more careful you could~'
'Get seriously hurt. Yes I know dad, don't stress about it though ok? I've got me a tough hide!' I said, slapping his shoulders and giving his cheek a kiss, 'oh yeah, I got the newest Final Fantasy.'
'Oh? Let me have a look then,' my dad said, taking the game from my hands.
'Daaaaad, I wanna play it!' I moan, getting more and more anxious to pop the game into my PlayStation. My dad smiled at me the handed the game back to me.
'I'm sure your mother wasn't too happy about it now was she?' he asked, knowing mom didn't like me 'blowing all my money on junk like video games' as she would say sometimes.
'Of course not but it was my hard earned money,' I said, starting to walk out of the office.
'If it makes you happy,' my dad said and then turned back around and got to work. I smiled and shut the door and practically ran to the other end of the basement, nearly tripping on my own feet. Finally I slid on the carpet and stopped right in front of my Playstation, completely ignoring the burning pain in my knees.
'hehehe,' I giggled and open the box and pull out the first disc, 'Final Fantasy Eight, here I come!' I cry joyously and pop the disc into my PlayStation, pressing the 'Power' button. While I waited for the game to load I opened the little booklet and turned to the characters page.
'ah, so the chocolate colored hair dude is Squall and.' I turn the page, 'And the blonde scarred one is Seifer and the girls Rinoa. Ohhh, Quistis looks cool, Hehe, Selphie looks adorable! hello!'
I look up at the TV screen to see black and white slides of obviously the characters showing. Names of the producers and such are also showing but I ignore that and turn back to the little booklet and start reading Zell's profile.
'Zell Dincht, Age seventeen, height five foot five,' Heh, he's kinda short but I don't really mind, 'A Garden Cadet with unsurpassed martial arts skills. Aspiring to become like his grandfather who was once a soldier, Zell entered the Garden at the age of thirteen. not being one to think matters through, he is known to act on impulse rather than reasoning. At heart however, he is an honest, dedicated young man.'
I nod slightly to myself and then look up at the TV and pressed the 'X' button to start a new game. I try to look back down at the little booklet but its suddenly not there.. I look around at my surroundings to see everything turning black.
'what the hell?' I cry as I feel myself spinning, the dizziness getting the best of me. Things start to spin so bad I feel myself getting light headed and then everything went black.
~Final Fantasy Eight, spinning, spinning, Squall, spinning, Zell Dincht, spinning, spinning. ~
'I think she's coming round!'
'what?'
'look!'
'spinning. ' I hear myself mutter and open my eyes. Everything's blurry but I can make out a couple shapes in front of me. I reach up and try to touch the yellow shape and feel stiff hair scrunching in between my finger tips.
'Gah! She's messing up my spikes!'
the voice.its masculine.
'oh shut up Zell, she most likely cant even see what she just touched! She's probably grossed out!'
that voice is feminine.
'ugh, my head,' I groan and try to sit up but someone gently pushes me back down. I remember the name the female voice said, 'Zell.'
'whoa!'
'does she know you Zell?'
again I hear the masculine voice but there's another voice. It's a mans but its more.serious. I weakly lift a hand to my forehead and start rubbing it as my vision slowly clears. I can make out the figures pretty clearly.
'I don't know Squall, why don't you ask her!'
~Squall..~
'we'll wait till she's woken up fully, she has been in a coma for nearly three weeks now.'
~three weeks? What? Where am I.?~
I blink my eyes a couple times, determined to be able to see properly. After about five minutes my eye sight has returned to its normal shape and for the first time I see the people around me clearly.
'oh my god.' I mutter, putting a hand to my mouth.
'what? What's wrong?' a girl with brown flicked up hair asks, concern clear in her voice.
'Selphie.' I mutter softly. I know these people. well, I don't KNOW them but god, its them! The Final Fantasy Eight characters! I look behind Selphie to see the cowboy, Irvine, behind her and then to his right Quistis. I turn my head to my other side and see Rinoa and Squall. Zell's also there, looking just as concerned as the rest of them.
'she said my name too, ' Selphie said, amazement permeating her voice.
~ I must be dreaming. I-I cant be here. Maybe I hit my head falling down the stairs? Yes, that must be it! What other reason would I have this.. Realistic dream? ~
'who are you?'
I look up to see squall sitting down on my bed, his weight causes it to sink slightly. I take a deep, shaky breath and look at my arms and feel my face.
~ no bumps or scrapes.what the hell? What IS this? ~
'I asked you a question,' squall says, leaning closer to me. His weight causing a groove to be made in the bed and I feel myself slowly slipping towards him. I put my hands to my side to stop my body from moving and while I succeed, I still feel horribly weak. I swallow hard and nod my head.
'My names Leona.'
'Leona?' Squall turns and looks at the others for a second then turns back around and looks at me again, 'where are you from Leona?'
'Uh, Earth,' I said, a little boorishly. The confused look everyone in the room gave me confirmed my fears that I was no longer on earth but in~
'Leona, you are in Gaia.'
'No, no, that's not possible!' I cried, jumping up to my knees suddenly. The abruptness caused me to get dizzy again and I fell back against the headboard, my skull smacking it, 'ow, god damn it!'
'Are you ok?' asks Zell asks, his hand reaching out to grab my arm.
I rub the back of my head frustratingly and then attempt to get up again, I had had enough of this little joke.
'All right, Alison, Audra? You guys come out! Haha, you got me! The jokes not funny anymore, so get your asses out here!' I said, knowing this must have been one of my friend's jokes. but still, these people looked A LOT like the characters..
'Alison? Audra? Who are they? And whose god? Why did you damn him?'
I put my hands into my hands and then look through my fingers at the perplexed faces surrounding me.
'This isn't a joke, is it? I'm really here. in Gaia,' I stammer, taking my hands away from my face. Everyone nods and I feel my stomach do a back flip. OK Leona, this could be a very good thing or a very bad thing. A good thing because well, you finally have what you want, your in a Final Fantasy. Now, this is a very bad thing because you know nothing about this game and what's going to happen in it and Gah! This is so out of this world! I suddenly remember reading something on a fan website about Final Fantasy Eight, something about the end boss being some hard ass sorceress called Ultimecia.
'I think she still has a slight fever,' I hear Quistis say and then she reaches out and puts a soft hand on my forehead, 'yes, she's rather hot. I think it would be best if we left her to rest.'
NO!' I yell. 'I'm fine. see? Look, I'm jumping!' I said, bouncing on the bed. I see Selphie, Rinoa, Zell and Irvine all biting back giggles while Quistis and Squall give me stern glares. I allow my bouncing to slowly stop until my butt is in complete contact with the mattress and then smile gingerly at Squalls severe face. Obviously he's taking this very seriously. oh yeah! Ask about Ultimecia, stupid!
'Who's Ultimecia?' I blurt out. I see Squalls face become intrigued and he squints his eyes incredulously in my direction.
'How do you know about her?' he asks. I start to shrug but realize I'm going to have to explain to them where I'm really from. and how I know whom they are. and whom Ultimecia is. I sigh to myself and move my hands around as if I were about to give a speech.
'Well.where I come from,' I rub my forehead and then drop my hands into my lap, 'your not going to believe this, but where I come from you guys are all video game characters and your world has other games about it but with different characters. That is, if you know what video games are.'
'Tch, of course we do, I play video games all the time,' Zell said, he too now taking a seat at the end of my bed, ' I just find it hard to believe that we are all characters in one from your world. I mean, how would anyone know about Gaia? Hell, US!'
Everyone else nodded they're heads, also curious to know who anyone in my world would know about them and they're world. My shoulders drooped a bit; I should have known they'd be all confused. Maybe even a little frightened. I looked up at everyone and noticed how Rinoa seemed to be in deep thought, her hands clenching slightly and then suddenly her eyes widened, like she'd figured out the answer to a huge riddle.
'I know! If Leona's managed to get here, who's to say someone else from her world hasn't already been here?' she said excitedly.
Squall shook his head.
'Maybe, I mean, since Leona has made it here, she's proof the travel between the two worlds is possible.'
'If not a little unexpected,' I said under my breath.
'Alright, so I understand that now this person knew about our world and its history, but how did they know about us?' Quistis inquired. It was a good question and it seemed like all of us were pretty stumped, but then an idea came to my head.
'Have you guys beaten Ultimecia.?' I asked.
Squall nodded.
'Yeah. it's been, what, three years guys?' he asked, turning to the others. They all nodded.
'Well, in the game I have that you guys are in. it has the last battle of you fighting her. Now, I don't know much about the game because I just got it and I got sucked into your world a couple seconds after I turned it on, but did you guys fight anyone called the Galbadians?' I asked. Everyone nodded they're head.
'Ok, how 'bout Sorceress Edea?' I asked, trying to remember everything I had read on the back of the games case and the tiny instructions book. When everyone had nodded yet again, my suspicion was confirmed. even if it was a little unbelievable.
'Then maybe, maybe the producer. Hironobu Sakaguchi came here and saw it all,' I guessed.
'Yeah it's possible but. how was he able to see all of our battles, especially the one with Ultimecia?' Irvine asked. I thought the question over and tried my best to give a reasonable answer.
'Maybe. maybe he wasn't in human form, maybe he was something else,' I offered, I saw Selphie's eyes open wide and she jumped up.
'Maybe he was in the form of one of our GF's!' she said.
'Yes! That must be it!' I agreed enthusiastically.
I looked back at squall to see him nodding slowly.
' It makes sense, I mean, I'm not sure exactly what GF he was but either way, he would have been with us the whole time,' Squall said.
'Then that clears that subject up, now all we have to do is find a way to get her back home,' Quistis said.
'Hey wait Quisty, how do we know she doesn't wanna have a look 'round?' Zell said, flashing a toothy grin at me. I blushed slightly, realizing how yummy he looked in real life compared to his polygon forms.
'How do we know she wasn't sent here for a reason?' Rinoa piped up. Zell opened his mouth; obviously about to answer but then shut it, looking at Rinoa thoughtfully.
'I never thought of it that way, Rinny,' he said and then placed his chin in his hand.
'Well. if I WAS sent here for a reason, wouldn't it make even more sense as to why the producer of the game series came here in the form of a GF? Don't GF's assist you in battle?' I asked.
'Well yes but then why didn't you get sent here in the form of a GF?' Quistis pointed out.
'Maybe I've been sent for something else?' I pondered out loud.
'Perhaps she's a sign? Maybe something will be happening soon and she was sent as a warning or. as help' Squall said. Everyone else looked at Squall considerately, obviously thinking that he could very well be right. I couldn't help but start chuckling at the idea of me being of any help in a battle. The others looked at me, bemused as to why I was laughing. I finally was able to stop myself and held up an arm apologetically.
'Sorry, I was just thinking why anyone would be stupid enough to send ME for help,' I said, giggles attacking me again.
'Why wouldn't they? You do know how to wield magic or a weapon, correct?' squall asked. I laughed even harder.
'Yeah, ok! I'm the clumsiest girl in the world and you expect me to be wielding a weapon? Or magic? Hehe, I laugh at the mental image!' I giggled. I looked up to see a grin crack the sides of Zell and Selphie's faces, even Rinoa's but everyone else seemed deadly serious.
'Maybe your powers are hidden,' Irvine said, starting to pace.
I was about to answer but my tummy suddenly growled.
'Um. do you think I could get something to eat?' I asked sheepishly. Finally a smile cracked Squalls serious face and he called for someone called Dr. Kowadaki. A slightly plump woman in a white lab coat waddled in. she looked super nice.
'Hyne, you six have been interrogating this poor girl for nearly an hour now,' she walked over to me and pulled open my eyelids gently, 'sorry dear, just have to check and make sure your fit to walk around,' she explained and then started feeling my legs and arms. Finally when she seemed satisfied with my condition she smiled at everyone.
She can go, but keep an eye on her, she hasn't been on her legs for over three weeks,' she smiled at me again and then left the room.
'OOOOH YEEEAH!' Zell cried, thrusting a fist into the air. I was a little stunned by his happiness but meh, he was a cute guy and not only that, and she seemed super nice.
~ All of them are... ~
'Thank you everyone but ah.' I blushed slightly, 'I don't have any clothes other than this patient gown.'
Rinoa shook her hands, flashing me a smile.
'No worries, the girls and I here took the liberty of buying you a wardrobe and also Squall was able to get you a uniform for when you're here in Garden,' she said, tucking her hands behind her back. I smiled thankfully but then my eyes widened.
'How did you know what size I was?' I asked?
Selphie shrugged.
'Doctor Kowadaki gave us the measurements, so don't stress about it, ookies?'
I chuckled a bit and put a hand to my hungry stomach,
'Ok.'
'Right well, I'll go grab her clothes and then I guess one of us can wait here for her and then meet the rest of us in the Caf,' Quistis said, starting to walk out of the small room but stopping in the doorway in order to wait for a response form someone.
'I'll wait here for her, you guys go on ahead,' Zell said.
The growling in my stomach was replaced with butterflies.
'You ok with that, Leona?' Squall asked, 'one of the girls could wait here with you if you like,' he offered.
I put a hand up and shook my head.
'Nah, its not a problem. I'm used to being around guys anyways,' I said and smiled.
Everyone else nodded and began to leave, all of them waving good-bye. I smiled, glad I had made friends with these people I didn't even know before. not to mention thankful they had found me, I didn't even ask where I had landed from my tumble through portals.
So. Leona, care to tell me what your worlds like?' Zell asked, gingerly sitting down closer to me. I ran a hand through my lo-
'Where's all my hair?!' I shrieked, running both my hands through my now short curly blonde hair. Zell blushed and fiddled with his sneaker.
'Well, ah, when we found you. you had fallen into a thorn bush and your hair had gotten horribly tangled in with all the thorns and the only way we were able to get you out of it safely was if we cut your hair. So squall took out his gunblade and sliced it,' Zell looked up and smiled, 'of course, since you've been in a coma the girls have sat here and styled it for you, Rinoa actually cut it a little.'
I appreciated they're concern and efforts but I couldn't help but groan in annoyance.
'What? What's wrong?' Zell asked.
'Its nothing personal Zell but I cut my hair short like this before and I hated it, also, it took me five years to get the amount of hair I had before. Five GRUELING years,' I stressed. Zell flashed me an apologetic look and I calmed down, 'but its ok, I'm really thankful you guys found me.'
'Yeah, we saw this bright flash of light in the sky and then what looked like a comet falling to earth. We climbed on board the 'Rok, one of our ships,' Zell explained when I looked at him quizzically then he continued, 'so we flew out to where we saw it land and low and behold, there you were, a little scratched up but entangled in the thorn bushes.'
'Ah, I see, 'I said, nodding slightly.
We heard a knock at the door and saw Quistis walk in, but there was another person with her. He was tall, blonde hair, a scar across the bridge of his face.
~ Seifer. ~
'Bonding with the Alien, are we Chicken-Wuss?' Seifer teased Zell.
'I'm not an alien thank you very much,' I said crossing my arms. Seifer turned and glared at me with his deep jade eyes, I felt a little uncomfortable and fidgeted around in my bed to show it. Finally he tilted his head back and laughed loudly.
'Quit it, Seifer,' Quistis scolded as she walked over to the side of my bed, placing a folded uniform on the table beside my bed.
'Aw, come on, I was only having a little bit of fun baby,' Seifer mock pouted.
~ Ah, so Quistis must be with Seifer. ~
Quistis turned around and gave him a 'don't push me' look and then motioned for he and Zell to leave the room. The two obliged but before Zell left the room he poked his head back in.
'I'll wait out here ok?' he said. Quistis and I nodded then he left and closed the door behind him. Quistis smiled towards the door and then turned back to face me, the smile still in place.
'I'm sorry about everything that's happened to you, and we have all decided we will do what we can to get you home,' she said.
'That's very kind of all of you,' I said but then smiled, 'although. I wouldn't mind that while I'm here, I learn a couple skills, you know, in case I'll need them.'
'Of course,' Quistis said then leaned over and picked up the uniform, 'here, everything you need to wear is here, I know its a little embarrassing but you don't have to worry about the sizes of anything, the doctor helped us out a bit with that. You also have your own dorm room now where you will sleep and such for as long as you are here. Garden is now your home and we want you to be as comfortable here as possible.'
'that's great, thanks,' I said and then felt something nag at me, 'um, Quistis. that guy you came with, who is he? That is, if you don't mind me asking,' I stammered.
Quistis smiled.
'That was Seifer, my husband; we only got married a year ago. Of course he had caused many, many troubles but we realized the sorceress had possessed him so it wasn't his fault. Of course, at first when he came back we didn't really click and at the time I had been with Zell, but then after Zell and I discovered it would be better if he and I just stayed friends.' she smiled to herself, 'lets just say Seifer began to get friendly. I'll tell you all the other details later.'
I smiled and gave Quistis a hug. I think she was slightly surprised by my actions but I soon felt her hug back.
'Thank you,' I said, ' its nice to know that I've come to be with such kind people and that you are open with me.'
Quistis chuckled.
'Your very welcome and don't worry, as far as I know, everyone likes you,' she said and then stood up and headed towards the door, 'I'll make sure Zell waits for you and then once your ready just let him know and you two can meet us n the Caf,' she said and then after I nodded, left. I unfolded the clothes in front of me to see everything a girl needed and took off the patient's robe.
******
Genre: Adventure, Romance, and Action.
Disclaimer: Dang Nam it, I don't own any of the Final Fantasy characters that I will be mentioning in this fic so don't through a freaking' lawsuit at me. 'Cause I wont wear it ^_^ Leona is mine though so muhahah!
~ = Thoughts
**********************
'Leona, you JUST got paid and you've gone and blown nearly forty dollars on a video game? Ugh, I cant believe you sometimes!'
'Mom, it's the newest Final Fantasy! You know that's my fav game series!' I whine back, closing the front door behind me. Somehow I had a feeling my mother would be breathing down my neck as soon as I stepped through the door. She didn't like how I was so 'free' with my money, but hey, I was like any normal eighteen year old, if I saw something I wanted, I would get it. Anyways, I earned it so I decide how to spend it.
'What was that?'
~Shit, did I just say that out loud? ~
'Uh, nothing mom,' I pull off my sneakers, pushing the long curls that fell out of my visor out of my face. Damn it, curly hair could be such a pain in the butt. I stand back up and sniff the air, 'is something burning?'
'My roast!!'
I shake my head at my mom. Don't get me wrong, I love her to bits but I had to get her off my back somehow and her cooking was the one thing she prided herself most in. I'm telling you, a tiny imperfection on anything she cooked drove her up the wall.
~Almost as much as your Final Fantasy obsession~
Yeah well, not like I could do much about that. Lets admit it, those games ARE addictive and the storylines? Fan-tab-u-lous! Not to mention the characters were usually pretty cute. I start ripping at the plastic covering madly to my game, just itching to see what other characters there were besides the two hunks and the pretty girl on the front cover. I had a feeling they were probably going to be the main char-
'Ouch, damn it!' I curse as I start thumping down the stairs.
'Leona? What happened? I heard a loud noise.'
I look up from the bottom of the basement stairs to see my mom leaning over the railings, a kitchen towel in her hands. I roll my eyes at my clumsiness, allowing an annoyed groan escape my lips as I jump back up. 'Just the daily plunge down the stairs mom, nothing new,' I said casually. I was used to falling down the stairs, it happened quite often. I thought my mom would have been used to it by now but I guess it still frightens her every now and then. She nags me sometimes because I could get seriously hurt and that it was sad that I'm not 'coordinated' to manage a couple stairs. A couple? There were like.fifteen! And trust me, falling down those is not my cup of tea, but hey, I'm a natural klutz.
'Hi piglet.'
I pop my head into my dad's office that is located under the stairs. Of course, he's busy with work but after taking a peek at my watch I realize he would probably be done whatever he's doing soon.
'Hi dad! Heard the equivalent to an elephant stampede?' I asked referring to my fall down the stairs.
'Yes, I did. Leona, you have to be more careful you could~'
'Get seriously hurt. Yes I know dad, don't stress about it though ok? I've got me a tough hide!' I said, slapping his shoulders and giving his cheek a kiss, 'oh yeah, I got the newest Final Fantasy.'
'Oh? Let me have a look then,' my dad said, taking the game from my hands.
'Daaaaad, I wanna play it!' I moan, getting more and more anxious to pop the game into my PlayStation. My dad smiled at me the handed the game back to me.
'I'm sure your mother wasn't too happy about it now was she?' he asked, knowing mom didn't like me 'blowing all my money on junk like video games' as she would say sometimes.
'Of course not but it was my hard earned money,' I said, starting to walk out of the office.
'If it makes you happy,' my dad said and then turned back around and got to work. I smiled and shut the door and practically ran to the other end of the basement, nearly tripping on my own feet. Finally I slid on the carpet and stopped right in front of my Playstation, completely ignoring the burning pain in my knees.
'hehehe,' I giggled and open the box and pull out the first disc, 'Final Fantasy Eight, here I come!' I cry joyously and pop the disc into my PlayStation, pressing the 'Power' button. While I waited for the game to load I opened the little booklet and turned to the characters page.
'ah, so the chocolate colored hair dude is Squall and.' I turn the page, 'And the blonde scarred one is Seifer and the girls Rinoa. Ohhh, Quistis looks cool, Hehe, Selphie looks adorable! hello!'
I look up at the TV screen to see black and white slides of obviously the characters showing. Names of the producers and such are also showing but I ignore that and turn back to the little booklet and start reading Zell's profile.
'Zell Dincht, Age seventeen, height five foot five,' Heh, he's kinda short but I don't really mind, 'A Garden Cadet with unsurpassed martial arts skills. Aspiring to become like his grandfather who was once a soldier, Zell entered the Garden at the age of thirteen. not being one to think matters through, he is known to act on impulse rather than reasoning. At heart however, he is an honest, dedicated young man.'
I nod slightly to myself and then look up at the TV and pressed the 'X' button to start a new game. I try to look back down at the little booklet but its suddenly not there.. I look around at my surroundings to see everything turning black.
'what the hell?' I cry as I feel myself spinning, the dizziness getting the best of me. Things start to spin so bad I feel myself getting light headed and then everything went black.
~Final Fantasy Eight, spinning, spinning, Squall, spinning, Zell Dincht, spinning, spinning. ~
'I think she's coming round!'
'what?'
'look!'
'spinning. ' I hear myself mutter and open my eyes. Everything's blurry but I can make out a couple shapes in front of me. I reach up and try to touch the yellow shape and feel stiff hair scrunching in between my finger tips.
'Gah! She's messing up my spikes!'
the voice.its masculine.
'oh shut up Zell, she most likely cant even see what she just touched! She's probably grossed out!'
that voice is feminine.
'ugh, my head,' I groan and try to sit up but someone gently pushes me back down. I remember the name the female voice said, 'Zell.'
'whoa!'
'does she know you Zell?'
again I hear the masculine voice but there's another voice. It's a mans but its more.serious. I weakly lift a hand to my forehead and start rubbing it as my vision slowly clears. I can make out the figures pretty clearly.
'I don't know Squall, why don't you ask her!'
~Squall..~
'we'll wait till she's woken up fully, she has been in a coma for nearly three weeks now.'
~three weeks? What? Where am I.?~
I blink my eyes a couple times, determined to be able to see properly. After about five minutes my eye sight has returned to its normal shape and for the first time I see the people around me clearly.
'oh my god.' I mutter, putting a hand to my mouth.
'what? What's wrong?' a girl with brown flicked up hair asks, concern clear in her voice.
'Selphie.' I mutter softly. I know these people. well, I don't KNOW them but god, its them! The Final Fantasy Eight characters! I look behind Selphie to see the cowboy, Irvine, behind her and then to his right Quistis. I turn my head to my other side and see Rinoa and Squall. Zell's also there, looking just as concerned as the rest of them.
'she said my name too, ' Selphie said, amazement permeating her voice.
~ I must be dreaming. I-I cant be here. Maybe I hit my head falling down the stairs? Yes, that must be it! What other reason would I have this.. Realistic dream? ~
'who are you?'
I look up to see squall sitting down on my bed, his weight causes it to sink slightly. I take a deep, shaky breath and look at my arms and feel my face.
~ no bumps or scrapes.what the hell? What IS this? ~
'I asked you a question,' squall says, leaning closer to me. His weight causing a groove to be made in the bed and I feel myself slowly slipping towards him. I put my hands to my side to stop my body from moving and while I succeed, I still feel horribly weak. I swallow hard and nod my head.
'My names Leona.'
'Leona?' Squall turns and looks at the others for a second then turns back around and looks at me again, 'where are you from Leona?'
'Uh, Earth,' I said, a little boorishly. The confused look everyone in the room gave me confirmed my fears that I was no longer on earth but in~
'Leona, you are in Gaia.'
'No, no, that's not possible!' I cried, jumping up to my knees suddenly. The abruptness caused me to get dizzy again and I fell back against the headboard, my skull smacking it, 'ow, god damn it!'
'Are you ok?' asks Zell asks, his hand reaching out to grab my arm.
I rub the back of my head frustratingly and then attempt to get up again, I had had enough of this little joke.
'All right, Alison, Audra? You guys come out! Haha, you got me! The jokes not funny anymore, so get your asses out here!' I said, knowing this must have been one of my friend's jokes. but still, these people looked A LOT like the characters..
'Alison? Audra? Who are they? And whose god? Why did you damn him?'
I put my hands into my hands and then look through my fingers at the perplexed faces surrounding me.
'This isn't a joke, is it? I'm really here. in Gaia,' I stammer, taking my hands away from my face. Everyone nods and I feel my stomach do a back flip. OK Leona, this could be a very good thing or a very bad thing. A good thing because well, you finally have what you want, your in a Final Fantasy. Now, this is a very bad thing because you know nothing about this game and what's going to happen in it and Gah! This is so out of this world! I suddenly remember reading something on a fan website about Final Fantasy Eight, something about the end boss being some hard ass sorceress called Ultimecia.
'I think she still has a slight fever,' I hear Quistis say and then she reaches out and puts a soft hand on my forehead, 'yes, she's rather hot. I think it would be best if we left her to rest.'
NO!' I yell. 'I'm fine. see? Look, I'm jumping!' I said, bouncing on the bed. I see Selphie, Rinoa, Zell and Irvine all biting back giggles while Quistis and Squall give me stern glares. I allow my bouncing to slowly stop until my butt is in complete contact with the mattress and then smile gingerly at Squalls severe face. Obviously he's taking this very seriously. oh yeah! Ask about Ultimecia, stupid!
'Who's Ultimecia?' I blurt out. I see Squalls face become intrigued and he squints his eyes incredulously in my direction.
'How do you know about her?' he asks. I start to shrug but realize I'm going to have to explain to them where I'm really from. and how I know whom they are. and whom Ultimecia is. I sigh to myself and move my hands around as if I were about to give a speech.
'Well.where I come from,' I rub my forehead and then drop my hands into my lap, 'your not going to believe this, but where I come from you guys are all video game characters and your world has other games about it but with different characters. That is, if you know what video games are.'
'Tch, of course we do, I play video games all the time,' Zell said, he too now taking a seat at the end of my bed, ' I just find it hard to believe that we are all characters in one from your world. I mean, how would anyone know about Gaia? Hell, US!'
Everyone else nodded they're heads, also curious to know who anyone in my world would know about them and they're world. My shoulders drooped a bit; I should have known they'd be all confused. Maybe even a little frightened. I looked up at everyone and noticed how Rinoa seemed to be in deep thought, her hands clenching slightly and then suddenly her eyes widened, like she'd figured out the answer to a huge riddle.
'I know! If Leona's managed to get here, who's to say someone else from her world hasn't already been here?' she said excitedly.
Squall shook his head.
'Maybe, I mean, since Leona has made it here, she's proof the travel between the two worlds is possible.'
'If not a little unexpected,' I said under my breath.
'Alright, so I understand that now this person knew about our world and its history, but how did they know about us?' Quistis inquired. It was a good question and it seemed like all of us were pretty stumped, but then an idea came to my head.
'Have you guys beaten Ultimecia.?' I asked.
Squall nodded.
'Yeah. it's been, what, three years guys?' he asked, turning to the others. They all nodded.
'Well, in the game I have that you guys are in. it has the last battle of you fighting her. Now, I don't know much about the game because I just got it and I got sucked into your world a couple seconds after I turned it on, but did you guys fight anyone called the Galbadians?' I asked. Everyone nodded they're head.
'Ok, how 'bout Sorceress Edea?' I asked, trying to remember everything I had read on the back of the games case and the tiny instructions book. When everyone had nodded yet again, my suspicion was confirmed. even if it was a little unbelievable.
'Then maybe, maybe the producer. Hironobu Sakaguchi came here and saw it all,' I guessed.
'Yeah it's possible but. how was he able to see all of our battles, especially the one with Ultimecia?' Irvine asked. I thought the question over and tried my best to give a reasonable answer.
'Maybe. maybe he wasn't in human form, maybe he was something else,' I offered, I saw Selphie's eyes open wide and she jumped up.
'Maybe he was in the form of one of our GF's!' she said.
'Yes! That must be it!' I agreed enthusiastically.
I looked back at squall to see him nodding slowly.
' It makes sense, I mean, I'm not sure exactly what GF he was but either way, he would have been with us the whole time,' Squall said.
'Then that clears that subject up, now all we have to do is find a way to get her back home,' Quistis said.
'Hey wait Quisty, how do we know she doesn't wanna have a look 'round?' Zell said, flashing a toothy grin at me. I blushed slightly, realizing how yummy he looked in real life compared to his polygon forms.
'How do we know she wasn't sent here for a reason?' Rinoa piped up. Zell opened his mouth; obviously about to answer but then shut it, looking at Rinoa thoughtfully.
'I never thought of it that way, Rinny,' he said and then placed his chin in his hand.
'Well. if I WAS sent here for a reason, wouldn't it make even more sense as to why the producer of the game series came here in the form of a GF? Don't GF's assist you in battle?' I asked.
'Well yes but then why didn't you get sent here in the form of a GF?' Quistis pointed out.
'Maybe I've been sent for something else?' I pondered out loud.
'Perhaps she's a sign? Maybe something will be happening soon and she was sent as a warning or. as help' Squall said. Everyone else looked at Squall considerately, obviously thinking that he could very well be right. I couldn't help but start chuckling at the idea of me being of any help in a battle. The others looked at me, bemused as to why I was laughing. I finally was able to stop myself and held up an arm apologetically.
'Sorry, I was just thinking why anyone would be stupid enough to send ME for help,' I said, giggles attacking me again.
'Why wouldn't they? You do know how to wield magic or a weapon, correct?' squall asked. I laughed even harder.
'Yeah, ok! I'm the clumsiest girl in the world and you expect me to be wielding a weapon? Or magic? Hehe, I laugh at the mental image!' I giggled. I looked up to see a grin crack the sides of Zell and Selphie's faces, even Rinoa's but everyone else seemed deadly serious.
'Maybe your powers are hidden,' Irvine said, starting to pace.
I was about to answer but my tummy suddenly growled.
'Um. do you think I could get something to eat?' I asked sheepishly. Finally a smile cracked Squalls serious face and he called for someone called Dr. Kowadaki. A slightly plump woman in a white lab coat waddled in. she looked super nice.
'Hyne, you six have been interrogating this poor girl for nearly an hour now,' she walked over to me and pulled open my eyelids gently, 'sorry dear, just have to check and make sure your fit to walk around,' she explained and then started feeling my legs and arms. Finally when she seemed satisfied with my condition she smiled at everyone.
She can go, but keep an eye on her, she hasn't been on her legs for over three weeks,' she smiled at me again and then left the room.
'OOOOH YEEEAH!' Zell cried, thrusting a fist into the air. I was a little stunned by his happiness but meh, he was a cute guy and not only that, and she seemed super nice.
~ All of them are... ~
'Thank you everyone but ah.' I blushed slightly, 'I don't have any clothes other than this patient gown.'
Rinoa shook her hands, flashing me a smile.
'No worries, the girls and I here took the liberty of buying you a wardrobe and also Squall was able to get you a uniform for when you're here in Garden,' she said, tucking her hands behind her back. I smiled thankfully but then my eyes widened.
'How did you know what size I was?' I asked?
Selphie shrugged.
'Doctor Kowadaki gave us the measurements, so don't stress about it, ookies?'
I chuckled a bit and put a hand to my hungry stomach,
'Ok.'
'Right well, I'll go grab her clothes and then I guess one of us can wait here for her and then meet the rest of us in the Caf,' Quistis said, starting to walk out of the small room but stopping in the doorway in order to wait for a response form someone.
'I'll wait here for her, you guys go on ahead,' Zell said.
The growling in my stomach was replaced with butterflies.
'You ok with that, Leona?' Squall asked, 'one of the girls could wait here with you if you like,' he offered.
I put a hand up and shook my head.
'Nah, its not a problem. I'm used to being around guys anyways,' I said and smiled.
Everyone else nodded and began to leave, all of them waving good-bye. I smiled, glad I had made friends with these people I didn't even know before. not to mention thankful they had found me, I didn't even ask where I had landed from my tumble through portals.
So. Leona, care to tell me what your worlds like?' Zell asked, gingerly sitting down closer to me. I ran a hand through my lo-
'Where's all my hair?!' I shrieked, running both my hands through my now short curly blonde hair. Zell blushed and fiddled with his sneaker.
'Well, ah, when we found you. you had fallen into a thorn bush and your hair had gotten horribly tangled in with all the thorns and the only way we were able to get you out of it safely was if we cut your hair. So squall took out his gunblade and sliced it,' Zell looked up and smiled, 'of course, since you've been in a coma the girls have sat here and styled it for you, Rinoa actually cut it a little.'
I appreciated they're concern and efforts but I couldn't help but groan in annoyance.
'What? What's wrong?' Zell asked.
'Its nothing personal Zell but I cut my hair short like this before and I hated it, also, it took me five years to get the amount of hair I had before. Five GRUELING years,' I stressed. Zell flashed me an apologetic look and I calmed down, 'but its ok, I'm really thankful you guys found me.'
'Yeah, we saw this bright flash of light in the sky and then what looked like a comet falling to earth. We climbed on board the 'Rok, one of our ships,' Zell explained when I looked at him quizzically then he continued, 'so we flew out to where we saw it land and low and behold, there you were, a little scratched up but entangled in the thorn bushes.'
'Ah, I see, 'I said, nodding slightly.
We heard a knock at the door and saw Quistis walk in, but there was another person with her. He was tall, blonde hair, a scar across the bridge of his face.
~ Seifer. ~
'Bonding with the Alien, are we Chicken-Wuss?' Seifer teased Zell.
'I'm not an alien thank you very much,' I said crossing my arms. Seifer turned and glared at me with his deep jade eyes, I felt a little uncomfortable and fidgeted around in my bed to show it. Finally he tilted his head back and laughed loudly.
'Quit it, Seifer,' Quistis scolded as she walked over to the side of my bed, placing a folded uniform on the table beside my bed.
'Aw, come on, I was only having a little bit of fun baby,' Seifer mock pouted.
~ Ah, so Quistis must be with Seifer. ~
Quistis turned around and gave him a 'don't push me' look and then motioned for he and Zell to leave the room. The two obliged but before Zell left the room he poked his head back in.
'I'll wait out here ok?' he said. Quistis and I nodded then he left and closed the door behind him. Quistis smiled towards the door and then turned back to face me, the smile still in place.
'I'm sorry about everything that's happened to you, and we have all decided we will do what we can to get you home,' she said.
'That's very kind of all of you,' I said but then smiled, 'although. I wouldn't mind that while I'm here, I learn a couple skills, you know, in case I'll need them.'
'Of course,' Quistis said then leaned over and picked up the uniform, 'here, everything you need to wear is here, I know its a little embarrassing but you don't have to worry about the sizes of anything, the doctor helped us out a bit with that. You also have your own dorm room now where you will sleep and such for as long as you are here. Garden is now your home and we want you to be as comfortable here as possible.'
'that's great, thanks,' I said and then felt something nag at me, 'um, Quistis. that guy you came with, who is he? That is, if you don't mind me asking,' I stammered.
Quistis smiled.
'That was Seifer, my husband; we only got married a year ago. Of course he had caused many, many troubles but we realized the sorceress had possessed him so it wasn't his fault. Of course, at first when he came back we didn't really click and at the time I had been with Zell, but then after Zell and I discovered it would be better if he and I just stayed friends.' she smiled to herself, 'lets just say Seifer began to get friendly. I'll tell you all the other details later.'
I smiled and gave Quistis a hug. I think she was slightly surprised by my actions but I soon felt her hug back.
'Thank you,' I said, ' its nice to know that I've come to be with such kind people and that you are open with me.'
Quistis chuckled.
'Your very welcome and don't worry, as far as I know, everyone likes you,' she said and then stood up and headed towards the door, 'I'll make sure Zell waits for you and then once your ready just let him know and you two can meet us n the Caf,' she said and then after I nodded, left. I unfolded the clothes in front of me to see everything a girl needed and took off the patient's robe.
******