The Eyes of the Lion

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters from FFVIII and neither the story line it belongs to Square Soft.

Author's Note: Anything in bold is a sound, italics are words stressed in quotes or Laguna's thoughts. Also if you haven't all ready, please visit my web site, Dark Angel's Videogame Fanfiction

The Eyes of the Lion

By Raven the Dark Angel

Disc one

As the ice-cold rain fell from the dark sky, soaking my leather jacket, I reluctantly followed Seifer to the battleground of his choosing. He said that he wanted to practice with another gunblade master, but knowing him, this was no training session. He wanted to fight, to have a real battle.

I remembered instructor Trepe told me that today was the last day that I could undergo the prerequisite at the Fire Cavern prior to the exam. I wanted to go there, but Seifer bumped into me and insisted I "train" with him. Some how I had a bad feeling that he was plotting to hurt me bad.

He stabbed his gunblade into the ground causing the gravel to stir up, and I followed in his example. I stared at my lion key-chain as it slowly rocked back and forth like a hypnotist does with a watch - the bolts of electricity made it appear more brilliant as it shined with every flash.

"Next crack of thunder, we begin," he told me.

"Whatever," I mumbled. I just wanted to get it over with. I truly wasn't in the mood for any of his games.

The bright bolt of lightning dazzled the gray puffy sky, followed by a loud boom of thunder. We both sprinted for our blades and pulled them from the ground like any traditional gunblade fight. I held my revolver close to my heart and closed my eyes, feeling a surge of power rush through me. When I opened them, I charged at Seifer full force.

He stepped aside as if my attack was nothing. I turned around and swung my body and blade at him in a 180-degree angle. Clang. Our swords clashed together. I prepared for another assault, but he thrusted his sword at my stomach; I barely avoided the sharp cold steel. Seifer was fast and strong with a crazed rage. My heart tugged with the fear that one of us was not going to come out of this fight standing, and I feared that someone was me.

Adrenaline rushed through my body as more fear built up. Our gunblades clashed together again with a loud clang – white dazzling sparks flew from the immense friction. I swung my blade close to his thighs but with lighting speed he crashed his sword down stopping my attack. Seifer then drew up his sword knocking mine out of my hand.

I held my breath as I watched the revolver spin in the air. I quickly jumped back and caught the black leather handle. I let out my breath with relief and silently gasped for air.

Seifer smiled with surprise and motioned for me to come get him. "Come on show me what you got," he taunted.

I showed him all right. I sprinted at him with a blind rage. I was sick of this fight and sick of him. Clink-Clang. I forced my gunblade onto his with all the strength I could muster. Seifer gritted his teeth as he tried to force me back. His blue almost white eyes filled with shock and amazement. Face to face we stared at each other and kept the pressure of our blades. I bared my teeth at the pain of holding my strength. Abruptly, his lips curved to a sly evil-like smirk. What was he up to? There was no way he could win unless-

"Fire Cross!" he shouted.

God damn him! A flame of fire balled up into his hand and suddenly burst at me in a form of a cross. It smashed me back as it hit my stomach. I felt the intense burning sensation heat my skin. As my flesh bubbled, I gasped with agony. I couldn't think or see clearly for the bright light caused spots to blur my vision. I frantically felt for my revolver on the rock-like dirt. Where the hell was it?!

I looked up to expect to see Seifer laughing at my loss, but instead he spun around his gunblade ready to strike me. What the hell?! Not only did the bastard use magic during training, which is forbidden; he's going to hit a man down unarmed? My heart pounded as I scrambled for my weapon. I wanted to do something, but all I did was stare helplessly frozen with panic.

Seifer flung up his gunblade slicing me between my nose and eye. I cried out and looked away with my eyes clamped shut with pain. My whole face throbbed with torture. I felt warm blood ooze out of the wound and dribble slowly down my face. I forced myself to open my eyes and I noticed a puddle of blood sink into the dirt and mix with the rain. My heart began to pump with an overwhelming desire to kill Seifer. I reached over to my revolver and gripped it tight. He was going to pay!

I quickly stood and faced the smirking man. I sprinted at him and swung my gunblade low letting it scrape against the ground. I satisfyingly sliced open his face carving a scar the exact opposite of mine. He stumbled to he ground landing on his butt. Blood pored down his face and stained his overcoat.

He leaned back on his hands for support and began to laugh hysterically. What a lunatic. I stood there watching him dumbfounded. Why? Why didn't he get angry? How come he wasn't in pain?

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I spat at him while swinging my arm out to the side like a karate chop.

"Oh, Squall, I finally got you angry, after all of these years," he replied.

I still couldn't believe it. He was a mad man.

He stood up. "Now we have a souvenir," he pointed out to the bleeding gouge on his face with a smile.

There I was, bleeding from the back of my skull, blood pouring down my face, and enduring a pounding headache and he dares to joke!?

"No hard feelings, Squall."

No hard feelings? Ha! I had a mind to kill him right there. I didn't care what anyone would think. I was furious. I tightened my grip on my gunblade.

"Let's go to Dr. Kadowaki and have her take a look at us," he suggested and placed a hand on my shoulder. I shoved it off and marched back to Garden with Seifer close behind.

As I opened my eyes from the long nap the doctor made me take, I sat up and held my head. My migraine throbbed like a hangover and it made me disoriented. The light poured in from the open window, and the soft breeze cooled the room. Light? Wasn't it storming? I must have slept longer than I thought. I glanced at the clock on the table – just an hour left before the exam. That damn, Seifer, I probably won't have time for the pre-exam.

Dr. Kadowaki walked in and smiled warmly causing her wrinkles to deepen. "How are you feeling?" she asked.

"…okay."

"Why don't you ignore Seifer," the doc inquired.

"I can't just run away," I replied.

"Trying to act cool, huh? Just don't get hurt in the process." She examined my eyes and informed in the usual doctor tone, "Well, your eyes are focusing and your color is back. Your instructor is…Quistis Trepe?"

I nodded and she dialed the number and told her what happened. I laid back and looked to the side with my hand over my forehead. I then noticed a woman in a white skirt and blue tank top with a green shawl – she was scarily familiar.

"So we meet again, Squall," she said softly.

I focused my attention over at the door to see instructor Trepe walk in. Her silk blond hair was up in its usual bun style, and her silver glasses covered her majestic blue eyes. She had on her SeeD uniform with her instructor's badge on the side. It was odd for someone as young as her to be in such a high rank.

Quistis sighed with her eyes rolled back, but suddenly smiled, almost laughed. "Look at you. You're supposed to be in top shape for the exam," she expressed.

I said nothing so she continued, "Well, come on let's get to class."

When I stood up I realized the woman was gone. Who was she? I put the thought aside and trotted out of the infirmary to catch up with my instructor.

"Is something wrong?" she asked me.

"Not really," we both said in unison. She stifled her laughter.

"What's so funny?" I inquired rather rough.

"Oh nothing," she replied after fighting off her giggles, "I'm just finally figuring out my student."

"I'm more complex than you think," I told her as I put a hand on my hip.

"Then tell me," she insisted with a gesture.

"That's none of your-"

"Business," she finished for me. I could tell she saw my annoyance by her giggles.

As she walked off, I wondered how I got to be so predictable.

When I got to class everyone was already seated. I sat at my panel in the back next to Seifer. Quistis walked in and explained that the exam was today and blah blah blah. I hadn't been listening – I just kept replaying the fight between Seifer and me over and over again in my mind. I hadn't seen my face yet and I didn't want to. He was right, our scars would forever remind me of this day.

"And Seifer, do not injure your partner in training," I caught Quistis's embarrassing words.

He glanced towards me accusingly and slammed his fist on the panel causing a loud thud.

"Class dismissed. Squall, I need to talk with you."

Everyone left the room including Seifer who gave me a dirty look on the way out, like he always did. I walked up to Quistis and wanted to sew her mouth shut for saying that. It made me sound like a baby running to his teacher and through tears told on the bully.

"Did you go to the Fire Cavern yet?" she asked.

I shook my head.

"Do you have a good excuse?"

Yeah, I thought, Seifer and his high jinks kept me from going this morning. But instead I replied, "Not really."

"Meet me at the front gate and we'll go on ahead. Don't forget to bring your gunblade and GF."

I nodded and walked out.

In the vast halls of Balamb Garden my footsteps rhythmically echoed. I was about to turn the corner when a rather short brunette girl screaming "I'm late!" crashed into me and fell like a ton of bricks.

"Are you okay?" I asked worried I'd hurt her.

She brushed herself off, "I'm fine. Did you come from over there?" she asked me and pointed to instructor Trepe's classroom.

I nodded.

"Oh no! I missed class!" She sighed. "This Garden is way bigger than the one I came from. Could you quickly show me around?"

I folded my arms. I didn't really have the time, but she seemed desperate. "Sure," I told her.

The little woman jumped up and clapped her hands like in a jumping jack. I motioned for her to follow me. We took the elevator to the first floor and I showed her the directory. I explained what went on in each of the areas and she listened intensely.

After I was finished she told me she was taking the exam too and that we might be teamed up. As she waved good-bye, rather too cheerfully, she thanked me. What a strange girl she was.

My stomach rumbled. I hadn't eaten a thing all day; maybe if I was lucky some of the hotdogs might still be left.

In the cafeteria Seifer and his posse grouped together at the vending machine. Rajin stopped me on my way to the cafeteria lady and informed, "Since there's no more hotdogs left, Fujin is going to treat us to the restaurant in town, ya know. She'll pay for your dinner too, ya know. Want to come at eat with us?"

"RAGE!" Fujin shouted and kicked him in the shin. Seifer bellowed with amusement as Rajin cried and wined like a baby. I managed to keep my serious composure.

Suddenly, Zell dashed in the cafeteria. He leaned his tired head on the counter. He asked panting, "Do you huff have anymore puff hotdogs huff-puff left?"

"Sorry, kid just sold out," the lady answered.

"Awe man!" Zell expressed sullenly. He walked out with his back slumped and his arms hung low to the ground. I watched along with Seifer's posse as he left.

"Speeding," Seifer stated.

"We'll have to catch him, ya know," Rajin told them.

"AFFIRMATIVE," Fujin understood.

The disciplinary team ran after poor Zell to give him a detention slip.

At my dorm I lifted my black leather gunblade box onto my bed. On the front of it a metallic symbol of a lion-cross was embossed. I opened the container to reveal my gunblade. The steel on the blade glistened and reflected the sun's rays. Engraved on it was a royal and proud lion with a pair of angelic wings. Seifer's blood stained the sharp edge of the revolver.

I closed my eyes – all I could picture was him charging at me and ripping my face open with his blade. I couldn't forget the pain, the anger, and his crazed smile no matter how hard I tried. I decided to see how badly he had scarred me.

I gazed in the mirror in horror. The deep bright red cut ran from my upper forehead and slanted left along my nose stopping just below my eye. Dr. Kadowaki told me it would be there for life. Forever, I would be reminded of Seifer and his cruelty. His rashness always got him into trouble, but this time I had to pay for his mistake too.

I took one last glanced at my new facial feature and dashed out the door to meet Quistis at the front gate.

Once I got there I noticed she had changed into her usual wool peach skirt and vest outfit. Her maroon long gloves and black boots covered almost all of her limbs. Her chain-whip was tied firmly to her sloping belt that was ten sizes too big for her. Quistis brushed back a tiny strand of her hair behind her ear.

"Ready to go?" she asked.

I nodded.

We left Balamb Garden and headed northeast to the Fire Cavern. Along the way she talked on and on about today's exam and how I'm such a wonderful student. Yeah-yeah and blah, blah, blah. I frankly had absolutely no interest in her boring topics.

At the Fire Cavern, two guards from Balamb Garden stood in front of the cave entrance.

"Instructor number?" one of them asked us.

"Number 113," Quistis informed them.

"Please choose a time limit," stated the other.

"Ten minutes," I replied in the same dry tone that they gave us.

The guards parted and let us pass.

Inside, the cave's scorching heat caused the area to look hazy and blurry. The damp musty air smelt of mildew. The rock walls and flooring were shaded a deep red, almost black. The only light came from the molten lava pit ahead and sun's rays from the entrance.

"You know," Quistis began as we walked deeper into the cavern, "Most times when I bring students here they usually chicken out."

"And the point of you telling me this is?" I asked bored out of my mind.

"Just wanted to spur up a little conversation."

I shook my head. At the main pit, the hazy look of the cavern seemed to thicken. On either side of the narrow path a pool of molten lava spread out for miles. The magma churned and bubbled and once in a while splashed over onto the path. One fall and you would be melted to nothing. Sweat pored down my face and I wiped it off with my forearm. There was nothing I hated worse than heat; I much preferred to freeze than to cook.

"Well, this is it Squall," Quistis told me, "All you have to do is defeat the GF."

I ignored her and kept walking forward to the round island ahead. Suddenly the Guardian Force jumped out of the lava pit. It seemed as though it were the devil himself. The brick-red monster looked like a lion standing on its hind legs.

"I am Ifrit!" the thing shouted at me, "You dare to challenge me?"

I drew out my gunblade in reply.

"Fire!" Ifrit cast. A ball of flames formed in his hand. I squinted at the light it illuminated. The monster swung his clawed hand down and the flames shot at me.

I tumbled to the side, but not far enough. My shirt caught on fire – sweat poured down my chest even more than before. I quickly slapped the flames out with my leather-gloved hand.

I lifted my gunblade close to my heart and a surge of energy rushed though me. I sprinted at him and shouted my own spell, "Renzokuken!" A blaze of red covered my vision. I jumped up into the air ready to counterattack. Instantly, I flashed my sword across Ifrit's chest, then arm, next legs, and finally I sloped my sword down causing a diagonal slash to add to the rest of his cuts.

The GF hunched over covering his damaged body. The blood that spilled out could hardly be made out for it camouflaged in the red scenery.

Thud. My feet contacted the ground now that my first part of my limit break was performed. My gunblade let off a red glow and changed to an ice white. "Rough Divide!" I yelled and sprinted toward the monster once again to inflict as much more damaged as I could. My sword dragged against the rock floor causing sparks to fly and a piercing screech to echo throughout the cave. I flew up and sliced the cold blade through his middle.

Ifrit stumbled back and bared his teeth in pain.

"Shiva, Diamond Dust," Quistis commanded. Soon the GF appeared before the two of us in an icicle with her arms folded like a dead person does in coffin. She opened her eyes and swung out her arms causing the ice to shatter to pieces. A ball of cold energy and light formed in her hand. She lifted her arms and suddenly slammed them down. A sea of ice surged from her hands, drowning Ifrit in pure cold.

Shiva disappeared and Ifrit stood shocked. "You have Shiva?!" the GF shouted out raged.

He drew up his hand forming another ball of fire. But before he could finish the spell, I cast, "Blizzard!"

The water particles and vapor above the monster's head froze up and formed a huge bolder of ice. Abruptly, it smashed down on Ifrit freezing the fire spell and him even more.

"I give up," he complied through chattering teeth, "I'll join your party."

I almost smiled in victory. Quistis brushed back her hair.

"Come on," she said, "We don't have much time till we have to depart to Dollet."

Once back at Garden I quickly changed into my uniform for the exam. I didn't like the clothes at all. They were a plain old boring blue-gray. The only good thing about them was you blended in with everyone else. On the way out I glanced at the mirror – I was trying to force myself to get used to my scar, but I'd never would.

I sprinted toward the front gate and noticed Quistis standing at the directory. She had also changed into uniform, but in the higher-ranking black color.

"Squall, your team has already been decided," she informed me, "Your partners with Zell."

"Zell?" I asked, "but he's nothing but a loud mouth. Can't you change the groups?"

The instructor shook her head, "Headmaster Cid, precisely picked the teams."

I glanced down the hall and spotted my partner. The blond vigorously threw a volley of punches in the air like a boxer does when practicing. For a change of pace he performed a couple of spin-kicks. He then backhand springed all the way up to us and quickly gave us a thumbs up with an overwhelmingly excited smile. His unique tattoo on his face stood out brightly against his fair skin.

"Who am I with?" he asked Quistis.

She pointed to me, and Zell got even more excited if such a thing was possible.

"Hey wow, I'm partners with you?!" he beamed.

"And your team leader is Seifer," she told us.

"Seifer?!" we both exclaimed. Just great I had to have him taunt me the whole way about how he whooped my ass, even though he cheated.

"Can't it be changed?" Zell begged. He had always been bullied around by him ever since we all joined Garden. Seifer would always go out of his way to give him a detention or call him a "chicken-wuss" or anything else to get him in trouble or embarrassed.

Seifer instantly came around the corner with his posse. Speak of the devil…

"Listen up! Team work is staying the hell outta my way!" he confirmed while Rajin and Fujin nodded their heads.

"Good luck to you all," Quistis told us.

"Instructor," Seifer began, "I hate it when people wish me luck. Save it for somebody who needs it."

"Seifer, Good Luck," she retorted.

He snapped his fingers and Rajin took out a pad of paper along with a pen. "Add instructor Trepe to the list," he ordered.

List? What was that? The only thing I could think of was a hit list for the Mafia, except I don't think he was out to kill anyone; maybe ruin their lives.

Just then Headmaster Cid and Xu walked up to us. They briefly explained the mission and told us to hitch a car to Balamb and there we'll take the submarines.

We all hurried to the parking lot with Zell screaming in front of me to catch up.

Quistis went in the car first followed by Seifer.

"Come on slowpoke," Zell urged and gestured for me to come. I crammed myself into the car and he shut the door.

The driver started the vehicle and we were off to Balamb City.

At first no one spoke a word to my liking. Good solid peace and quite. I was surprised Seifer hadn't teased Zell or me yet.

I looked to my right; Zell looked completely bored and stood up. He started to punch the air like a karate boxer does when training.

"Swatting flies, chicken-wuss?" Seifer teased.

"What did you call me?!" he demanded clenching his fists and shaking with frustration.

"Settle down you two," Quistis ordered while standing in between them.

Zell plopped down in his seat, and we sat in silence again.

"Can I see your gunblade, Squall?" Zell asked breaking the peaceful quite.

I ignored him.

"Come on, please?" he begged putting his hands together over his head like he was praying.

I said nothing.

"Fine!" he groaned and folded his arms.

I didn't really care that he was angry with me. I just wanted to think to myself.

"Who was that woman in the infirmary?" I inquired to Quistis.

The three of them seemed shocked that I'd start a conversation, but I was really interested in whom she was.

"What woman, Squall? I didn't see anyone in there but Dr. Kadowaki. Maybe you imagined it. You did hit your head pretty hard," she replied.

"Great," Seifer began, "I'm stuck on a team with a guy who just reached puberty and a chicken-wuss."

Zell clenched his teeth and would have pounded him into the ground if it weren't for instructor Trepe.

The car suddenly stopped; we had finally arrived at Balamb. We got out to overlook the seaport. The many submarines were lined up and some had already left for Dollet. The sparkling blue ocean seemed to go on for miles. The waves crashed against the port soaking some unsuspecting pedestrians.

"Come on, Squall, hurry," Zell ushered and snapped me out of my daze.

I made haste into the submarine that was a camouflage blue. As soon as I was inside the thing took off. I sat down next to Quistis on the couch that faced a TV screen for battle plans.

Xu appeared, so we all stood and saluted except for Seifer who lazily didn't get up.

She turned towards him and asked, "How many times have you taken this exam now?"

Seifer smirked at her remark.

She then turned on the TV screen.

"Please be seated," Xu began, "As you all know the SeeD exams take place on the real battle field so take it seriously. Dollet has asked for our help to stop the Galbadian soldiers from taking over their city. The battle plan is as follows."

She changed the screen to show a map of Dollet's shores. "As team B all you have to do is guard the city's town square, and make sure to execute any enemy forces around the area. Wait for the signal and head back to the submarine. That is all," Xu concluded and shut off the screen.

"If you have any questions ask me," Quistis told us.

I sat silent and listened to the soft soothing sound of the ocean. The exam was going to be easier than I thought. Maybe even Seifer could pass this time.

"My first real battle," Zell stated to no one in particular, "I'm getting kinda nervous."

"Better not piss in your pants," Seifer wisecracked.

Zell snarled and was about to punch his lights out when Quistis stood in-between the two.

Zell sat down and Seifer teased, "Hiding behind women's skirts now?"

"That's enough!" Quistis scolded.

"Go look outside, Squall," Seifer commanded.

I nodded and got up. "Good, I'm glad you're cooperating, since I'm your leader and all," he went on.

On my way out I noticed Zell roll his eyes.

The wind whipped my hair back and chilled me to the bone. I looked down at the map of Dollet with the battle plan on it, and then gazed at the shore. I saw that all the subs already had landed; we were the last team to hit the beach. I felt a rush of excitement shoot though me. This was it.

We scrambled out of the submarine and Quistis shouted to us, "Be careful and don't forget to equip your GF!"

"Awe man!" Zell whined, "I forgot mine back at Garden. Can I borrow one of yours, Squall?"

"Sure, which one?" I asked, "I've got Shiva, Quezacotl, and Ifrit."

"Hey you have Ifrit!" Zell beamed, "Can I use him?"

I handed him the GF and realized Seifer was gone.

"Hey where'd he go?" Zell asked scanning the beach.

"Never mind that, let's just leave," I urged him.

We sprinted across the sands and headed up the metal stairs. Another team guarding the steps had told us Seifer had gone ahead without us. Just great, our leader was doing such a wonderful job. No wonder he never passed the exams.

At the top of the staircase, two Galbadian soldiers greeted us.

"Battle time!" Zell announced while I unleashed my gunblade.

We couldn't afford to waste too much time on the soldiers; we had to catch up with Seifer.

Zell threw a barrage of punches at the guard to the right, while I handled the one on the left. The Galbadian soldier's sword clashed against mine. Clang. They were tougher than they looked. I quickly glanced to see how Zell was holding out. He was having more trouble than I was.

I swung my gunblade at the soldier violently and knocked the sword out of his hand. I quickly jabbed my revolver into his heart and pulled the trigger. Bang. The guard fell backward and as he hit the ground, blood splashed everywhere staining my shoes.

Zell quickly gave a spin-kick to the other soldier's head knocking him unconscious and most likely shattered his jaw. He turned to me and smiled. "Victory!" he shouted.

"Not yet," I told him pointing with my gunblade to three more soldiers heading for us.

"Where the hell is Seifer when you need him?" he cried out.

The soldier in the middle began to cast a spell. "Thunder!" he yelled.

A bolt of lighting crashed down from the smoggy skies and electrocuted my partner. He convulsed as the lightning rushed through him. He shook his head and swallowed his pain.

"Duel!" Zell shouted, casting his limit break. He clenched his fists tight with his head bent down, channeling his energy.

He then dashed up to the soldier and yelled, "Punch Rush!" Zell speedily threw a combination of uppercuts and jabs.

"Booya!" He next preformed a combination of boxing punches and karate kicks against the other soldier.

"Mach Kick! Heel Drop!" Zell spin-kicked the third. Next he lifted his leg high in the air and slammed his heel onto the soldier's head. I swear it left an indentation.

"Burning Rave!" Zell yelled and clenched his fists once again. Suddenly he jumped into the air, in between his hands formed a ball of energy. I shielded my eyes from the bright light. Zell then threw the ball of fury at them. The three Galbadians were smashed back by his powerful explosion it caused and lay dead.

Zell gave me a thumbs up.

"Good job," I praised and he smiled wider. It was truly rare for me to ever give a complement to anyone, but he had done wonderfully.

We ran down the city's streets and found Seifer battling with two soldiers.

"There you are!" Zell exclaimed.

Seifer ignored him and slit the two guards' stomachs with ease. Blood dipped of his blade and speckled the ground. It looked like he was way more used to real combat than us.

"I thought you'd never catch up," Seifer told us with a bored look.

I kept silent.

"Come on you Galbadian wimps!" Seifer shouted causing his voice to echo along the deserted streets, "don't give up now!" He then sprinted down the avenue to the Town Square.

"Is he serous?" Zell asked me.

I shrugged and chased after him along with Zell tailing me.

We stopped to find him at the square. In the middle lay a beautiful water fountain. Surrounding it were various stores and a hotel. I also noticed a tan Retriever sitting quietly.

"Go see if there's any enemies around," Seifer ordered and pointed to the alleyway with his gunblade.

"Yes master," Zell replied sarcastically and playfully bowed.

As if our squad leader predicted it, a Galbadian soldier was hiding in the alley.

"Draw Cure!" Zell yelled. The spell was drawn from the enemy and cast on Zell. A bluish light surrounded him and his cuts and scraps closed up.

I took my blade and slit the soldier's stomach like Seifer had done. I realized our leader's trick; it was a quick fatal move, ideal for such battles. The Galbadian fell to the ground. I had killed another…Why was I feeling guilty about this?

"Having fun yet?" Seifer asked when we returned from battle.

Oh yeah, so much fun! I rolled my eyes.

"Now all we have to do is wait," Seifer announced, "Wait: such a boring word."

In a moment, I heard the faint sound of gunfire in the distance. An occasional whistle of missiles could also be distinguished. The war had begun.

I shook my head. We didn't even know why we were fighting. Sure we knew our enemy was the Galbadians, but we were killing them for stupidity. Why couldn't this war have been settled with a treaty? No…they had to have bloodshed. I realized some of the soldiers I killed could have families and they'll never go home to their kids, or to their parents.

Seifer here loves war and all of its glory, but war is ugly, there's nothing glamorous about it. I can't even remember why I joined the military in the first place; I was so little…

"How dare they make us wait like this!" Seifer screamed and swung his gunblade nearly killing me.

Suddenly around the corner five soldiers marched up, and we quickly hid behind one of the statues.

"Come on, to the communications tower," one of the soldiers ordered, "SeeD is too busy with our distraction so it'll be a piece of cake to take over."

Distraction? They were tricking us the whole time. Their target wasn't the city, but the satellite ahead!

"Let' s follow them," Seifer suggested.

"We can't, we have to stick to orders!" Zell insisted.

"Well, how about you, Squall? We don't need boy scouts to boss us around, right?" he asked me and put a hand on my shoulder.

I didn't know what to do. I just couldn't kill anymore innocent people in war that I didn't even care about. But, then again I would be saving the people of Dollet. And here children could be killed not just adults. I made up my mind and pushed his hand off me. "Sure let's go!" I agreed, "Seifer, thanks to you, I feel like I can kick anyone's ass! Even if they fight dirty like you…"

"Hey wait a sec!" Zell shouted, "I thought you guys hated each other, and now you're acting all buddy-buddy."

"We can just leave you behind," Seifer told him casually.

"I'm telling you we should stick to orders!" Zell argued.

Seifer walked off and I followed. Zell didn't know what to do. He kept looking at me as if I would decide to stay behind.

"Tch Fine, I'm coming…wait!"

We left the city and followed the soldiers up the mountain to the tower. On the way we came across one of Dollet's soldiers. He was lying on the ground for he had been wounded.

"M-m-monsters!" he stuttered to us, "This is a breeding ground for monsters. Be careful!"

Great. Not only did we have to worry about the Galbadians, but monsters too. Suddenly, a loud fierce roar echoed through the mountains causing the ground to shake. Whatever it was certainly was big and not very friendly.

Suddenly from under the ground popped out a Snake Horn. Rubble and dirt splattered everywhere. The lime-green monster had a long body and its head appeared like one of those frilled dragon lizard's. Various sizes of spikes covered the monster's body throughout.

"Wow, what is that?" Zell questioned amazed at the size of it.

"Who cares?" Seifer stated, "Let's just kill it and get this over with."

Zell sprinted up to the Snake Horn and slammed his metal armored shoe into the monster's side in a spin kick. The attack didn't seem to cause any damage – all it did was infuriate it. Zell slowly backed up, shocked.

"Leave it to me, chicken wuss," Seifer announced, "Fire Cross!" A ball of flames formed in his hand and surged at the monster in a form of a cross. Upon contact an immense explosion occurred. Fire and smoke blocked our view from seeing the damage.

"That's how it's done," he exclaimed triumphantly.

But when the smoke cleared the Snake Horn stood without a scratch.

I narrowed my eyes in thought. If humans couldn't kill it then why not send another monster after it?

But before I could summon the GF, the Snake Horn hissed and slithered around Zell. He cried out from shock and pain. The monster began to crush him, digging its spikes into Zell's body.

"Quezacotl, Thunder Storm!" I ordered desperate to save my partner.

Suddenly, almost black colored clouds covered the clear skies. It began to lightning and one of the bolts came crashing down in-between the monster and us. From the lighting, Quezacotl formed and then swung out its wings. The snakebird GF examined its opponent and tilted its head back. A bright light of energy and lightning formed at its beak. It then crashed the lightning energy down onto the Snake Horn. The energy caused a brilliant explosion and the force of it caused a blast of wind to almost knock us to the ground.

"Wow…" Zell exclaimed now free from the monsters grip.

Nothing but ashes were left of the monster. I knew I could always count on my favorite GF to do the job.

"Well, let's get a move on," Seifer commanded.

I began to follow him, but I noticed Zell was still in a daze of amazement. I grabbed his shirt collar, "Come on!" I urged and dragged him up the mountain.

We reached the peek and quickly hit the ground so not to be seen by the soldiers below. I couldn't quite make out the battle plans. Once they were inside the tower Seifer stood up along with me.

"Do you have a dream?" he asked me.

"Huh?" I said confused.

"You know, a dream. I want to become a knight." He glanced down at the soldiers. "What's your dream?"

I folded my arms and looked away. "I'd rather not talk about it."

"Hey!" Zell whined, "Let me in on the battle plan!"

Suddenly, from behind we noticed a tiny brunette girl standing at the top of the cliff. She waved at me and instantly fell from imbalance. She crashed to her knees and stuck out her tongue. As she giggled her green eyes shimmered with a carefree sprit. She then brushed herself off and fixed her short bob hair cut. The woman then checked the bottoms of her large boots and removed a rock that was stuck in the heel.

"Hey are you the B squad?" she asked us.

I was about to reply and noticed Seifer was missing again. I looked down the cliff and saw him look up at me.

"Someday I'll tell you about my ROMANTIC dream," he called to me stressing the word romantic so the woman could hear it loud and clear. Romantic dream, ha! He just told me he wanted to become a knight.

"Hey, I know you!" the woman pointed to me. She did look familiar…

"You're the guy who showed me around Garden," she told me and I recognized her right away. "Thanks for the help. My name's Selphie. I didn't catch yours though."

"Squall," I told her.

She then waved at my partner, "Hey Zell, are you guys squad B?"

"Yeah, and there goes our squad leader," he said pointing to Seifer entering the tower.

She sighed. "I've got to give him a message." Selphie then jumped off the cliff to the entrance of the communications tower.

"Come on," she beckoned.

I looked down the cliff; it was a long way down but Selphie made it in one piece so what the heck?

I was about to dive down when Zell asked me nervously, "Yo, you're not really going to jump that are you? That's a cliff, man!"

I managed not to laugh and jumped down. I looked back up to see him still up there.

He looked down and hesitated. "Come on, chicken wuss," I teased, so he would jump to prove himself.

He shrugged and dove off the cliff screaming, "Geronimo!"

He then slammed to the ground on his knees and fell over on his face. Selphie giggled and I gave him a helping hand up.

"Hey, Squall, you really don't think I'm a chicken wuss, do you?" he asked a bit hurt.

"No way," I assured him, "I just said that to get you to jump."

"Actually he does look like a chicken," Selphie commented.

"What the…why is everyone...? I am not a chicken!!!" Zell screamed.

"Well in that case," Selphie began, "How about a pig…well he looks more like a chicken though-"

"Chicken, pig, whatever…Call me what you want! I don't care anymore!!!" he shouted with his arms folded.

Just then a herd of scared Galbadian soldiers rushed out of the tower followed by a crazed Seifer swinging his gunblade at them.

"Run you little wimps!" he shouted at them and he disappeared back into the tower.

Selphie sighed. "Bringing this message is harder than I thought."

We followed the squad leader into the communications tower.

Inside the building was completely made of metal. Our footsteps clunked against the metallic floor. All the guards had been chased out earlier by Seifer. On the other side of the dark room sat a platform elevator.

"He must have went up there," Selphie pointed.

We stood on the elevator and I noticed there were no safety bars. All well…I pushed the switch.

The elevator lifted with a jolt nearly knocking Selphie off.

"Don't fall," Zell warned.

"Like I was going to," she replied sticking out her tongue at him.

When we reached the top, there was a lone Galbadian commander fiddling with a control panel. Suddenly the ground began to shake. The commander's wrench fell off the tower. Instantly, a metal pole shot up from behind us. I turned around and watched it unfold into a huge satellite.

"Hey what are you kids doing here?" the commander demanded.

Selphie smiled and smacked him with her flail. "Get out of Dollet territory you Galbadian scum!" she ordered him and smacked him again.

He covered himself with his arms. "Hey, cut that out…Wedge take care of these brats!" He looked around as if he had lost something. "Wedge?"

There was no one else but him. Whoever he was calling wasn't here at the moment.

"Uhh…I think I'll be going now," the commander said and tried to escape.

From out of no where, Seifer swung his gunblade at him. "No you don't!" he warned.

The commander backed up a bit. He then aimed his gun at us and fired. The mass of bullets sprayed everywhere rendering it impossible to dodge. Each bullet that punctured my chest felt like a hot poker jabbing into me. Out of each wound, I could feel my warm blood slowly ooze out.

Everyone was down, including Seifer. My stomach ached and I realized I was bleeding to death. Everything started to blur.

"Slot!" Selphie shouted her limit break and spun her nunchakus in a hypnotic motion, "Full Cure!" She lifted her arms up into the air and a bright white light surrounded each of us individually and healed our wounds.

When I stood up I saw a Galbadian soldier solute to the commander. "Wedge reporting for duty, Commander Biggs."

"Finally, where have you been? No pay this month!" Biggs told him.

"I should've stayed home," Wedge sighed.

"No Mercy!" Seifer shouted another one of his limit breaks. Two swords of fire lashed at the two, sending them flying back. The flames licked their clothing giving the cotton a charcoal appearance.

I sprinted towards Biggs with my gunblade ready to attack. I then slammed my blade into his shoulder and pulled the trigger. He cried out and clutched his wound.

"Draw Siren!" Selphie shouted and obtained Wedge's GF.

"Hey you little brat, give that back!" Wedge demanded.

Biggs aimed his machinegun at her and pulled the trigger. Each bullet that made contact with Selphie's body pushed her back. Her legs then buckled under her and she crashed to the ground. She placed her hands in a pushup like position and tired to get up. Her arms shook from her weight and she then slammed back down on her face. She was unconscious. No! I had to save her.

But before I could do anything Zell ran over to her with a bottle of phoenix down. He opened Selphie's petite mouth and forced the concoction down her throat. Her carefree eyes then fluttered open and she stood up. She was all right and ready to fight.

Clang. Seifer clashed swords with the Galbadian soldier. My squad leader then applied more strength to the attack. Wedge and Seifer drew near their blades becoming face to face. Seifer narrowed his eyes in anger; he just couldn't beat the guy.

"Siren, Silent Melody!" Selphie commanded her new GF.

A scene of an ocean appeared before us and Siren sat upon a rock in the middle of it. She spread apart her multi-colored wings and revealed her harp. She stroked it causing a lovely soothing melody to be heard amongst us. From the harp a tan colored mist spread to Biggs and Wedge. They were stung with a silence attack rendering them useless of magic.

"Good work, Wedge, carrying a silencing GF with you!" Biggs scolded.

Zell pounded his fist into his hand ready to attack. He then quickly sprinted at the commander pulling back his fist ready to damage. Suddenly Zell's fist rammed Biggs's face like a wrecking-ball smashes a building down.

Next, Selphie spun her nanchakus around like a martial artist does. Abruptly she swung the wood piece of her flail onto Biggs's skull.

Biggs swayed with dizziness from the blow. Taking the opportunity, I gripped my gunblade tight and loaded the metallic bullets. After I raced at Biggs and swiftly sliced the cold blade across his stomach and pulled the trigger. Bang. The commander fell backward and lay limp.

I glanced over to see Seifer and Wedge still battling. I was about to help him out when Seifer punched him in the face. Wedge was stunned. Smirking, Seifer took the handle of the gunblade and smashed it onto the soldier's forehead. His eyes rolled back and his legs slipped out from under him.

In victory, Zell flexed his arms, Selphie spun around her flail, I swung my revolver craftily, and Seifer tapped his blade against his shoulder.

"Oh yeah," Selphie suddenly remembered her message, "You're the squad leader, right?"

Seifer nodded, "Why do you ask? And why aren't you with squad A like your suppose to?"

"I was sent to give each squad leader a message," she began.

"Well, spill it!" he ordered her annoyed.

"I was going to!" Selphie yelled back. "Anyways, the signal couldn't be carried out so I was to inform each leader that we are to depart at 19:00 hours."

"What?!" Seifer exclaimed, "That only gives us thirty minutes to get back to shore!"

"Let's get a move on," I ordered, taking command.

We all boarded the elevator and sprinted out the tower. The ground began to rumble and shake. I look up to notice a gigantic spider-like robot. It jumped from the top of the tower behind us. I stopped dead in my tracks along with Selphie and Zell.

"It's a X-ATM092!" Selphie announced, "Run!"

Figuring she knew what she was talking about, we dashed out of there and up the mountain. I couldn't spot Seifer again and I hopped he was way ahead of us for his safety.

As we passed the cliff the robot jumped onto it nearly crushing us. Selphie screamed in fear and began to run faster. We sprinted as quickly we could and made it back to the town square. The robot was gaining on us. We had to fight it.

"Go on ahead," I ordered them, "I'll take care of it."

"But, Squall!" Zell cried.

"Just go!" I yelled at him and pushed him forward down the street.

They dashed for the beach and every now and then Zell looked back.

"Thunder!" I cast the spell. A bolt of lightning emerged from the sky and hit the machine dead on causing it to disfunction a bit.

The robot then opened up its spider-like jaws and bright orange beam of light emancipated out and sliced my chest open.

I gasped with pain and clutched my bleeding body. I coughed and blood spilled out of my mouth. I had to distract it a little longer for Selphie and Zell to make it to safety.

"Thundaga!" I shouted the most powerful lightning attack. A black cloud loomed overhead and suddenly a huge bolt of light slammed down onto the robot. Sparks of electricity flew off it in every direction. The robot's legs crashed from under it and the thing smoked.

Quickly taking the opportunity, I began to sprint towards the shore disparately trying to catch up with my friends. The robot behind was closing in on me fast. I looked behind and watched it smash a parked car to bits.

Once on the shore I saw Zell in the sub and Selphie looking back at me with an expression of worry. She got into the submarine and it started to drift away.

No! I had to make it. I ran faster and gasped for air. Zell left the sub's door open and watched in dismay as I hurried to catch up.

"Come on, Squall!" he shouted with nerves cracking his voice.

Suddenly from above the submarine Quistis belted the robot with a spray of bullets from the attached machinegun.

I then jumped into the air, praying to God that I make it. I clenched my teeth in exhaustion, and felt my chain rise into the air. I then realized my jump was too short. Zell suddenly grabbed my wrist as I broke the water. The sea soaked my uniform and chilled my body.

"Hang on, man!" Zell told me.

He next pulled me in and slammed the sub's door shut. I heard a loud explosion and assumed Quistis had destroyed the robot.

The submarine proceeded back to Balamb.

At the seaport Rajin and Fujin waited for us. Seifer emerged form the sub first and walked proudly up to them. Quistis got into the rental car along with Seifer and his posse. The car started and was off to Garden.

"Hey!" Zell yelled, "That was the last car."

"Ack! Now, we have to walk," Selphie whined.

We trotted down the streets of the humble Balamb. Unlike this city, the streets of Dollet were usually jammed pack with traffic and littered with people. Here, you'd be lucky to see one car. The population normally walked thus making the air cleaner and quieter.

We passed a rather husky woman sweeping her doorstep. She instantly began to smile.

"Zell! How are you? Did you pass the exams? Who are your friends? Introduce them will ya. Oh better yet have them come inside. They can have a home cooked meal-" the middle-aged woman chattered.

"Ma! Slow down," Zell told her, "This is Squall and Selphie. And we don't get the exam results until we get back."

"Oh come in, you three must be famished," Mrs. Dincht ignored her son and dragged Selphie and me into the house.

"Ma, we have to get back-" Zell explained.

"What's a few minutes going to do?" she asked, "Besides I never get to see you anymore. Every time you come home, you go to sleep or you eat."

I watched Mrs. Dincht clean the dirt off of him who was trying to pry her off. Zell was lucky to have a family. Even though I could tell he thought of his mother as a nuisance and embarrassment, he had someone who cared for him. Parents are there to take care of you all of your life, even when you're too old. You can always come to them when you're in need and they'll welcome you with open arms. I never had any parents…I was an orphan.

"Have your friends stay," Zell's mother argued.

"Ma, we have to go. I'd stay I really would, but we have a time limit to get to Garden and we're already late."

"Oh in that case take this," Mrs. Dincht handed him a wad of Gil to pay for a rental car.

"Thanks ma!" he exclaimed in gratitude.

At the city entrance a rental car booth stood without a single person in line. The clerk behind the counter had fallen asleep and the other worker was under a rental car fixing it.

"Excuse me," Zell shouted and banged his fist of the glass window to wake him up.

"Huh?" the clerk asked confused.

"We'd like to rent a car," Zell told him.

"Huh? What? A car? Sam, we have a customer!" the clerk shouted excited, "What will it be? A limo perhaps?"

"Nah, just the cheapest you got," he told him.

"Are you sure you don't want to arrive to your destination in class with one of our finest limos?"

"No, I just want a car!" Zell argued.

"Come on, everybody loves limos," the clerk insisted.

"Forget this guy, let's just walk," I told Zell.

"No, no, wait stay," the clerk begged, "Here I'll give you a car." He handed Zell the keys and he gave him the money.

The other worker came around the corner with a car.

"'Bout time!" Zell shouted.

We scrambled into the car and headed out for Balamb Garden.

On the way to my dorm, I noticed Quistis, Xu, and Headmaster Cid discussing the exam.

"Come here, Squall," Quistis beckoned.

I reluctantly walked over.

"This is my best student," she told them, "but he's not much of a conversationalist."

"What did you think of the battle?" the headmaster asked, "Exciting? Scary? What?"

I hated it. All you do is kill people in war you don't even believe in for money. How do you know that you're on the right side? You're just doing it for the Gil. I would have voiced my opinions, but this was the headmaster, the man who founded this place. "Whatever," I replied dryly.

He smiled. "You were right, Instructor Trepe."

I decided to make my getaway and sprinted down the hall. There I bumped into Seifer. He looked depressed, which was unusual for him.

I was about to ask what was wrong, when he replied, "We would have been heroes if we hadn't gone back. I was just doing what I thought was best to lead my team-"

Xu cut him off, "Calling yourself a leader is a disgrace!"

"You should have stuck to orders like you were told!" Quistis added.

"You could have ended up killed or jeopardized the whole plan of attack." Xu continued.

"Your suspended until further notice for your vital mistake in disobeying orders," Quistis informed him, "You are to be under watch and are to never leave Garden without an instructor."

I felt bad for him. He really was doing the best for his squad. SeeD would have never found out about the Galbadians' plan to take over the satellite if we hadn't followed them. It wasn't fair! I know I would have done the same thing if I were in his shoes.

"Report in the main hall for the test results," one of the Garden faculties ordered Seifer and me.

We took the elevator to the second floor and waited in the hall with the rest of the students. I watched Zell pace and Selphie twirl her hair with her finger.

Suddenly, from around the corner a faculty member came up to us with a clipboard.

"Those of you, when I call your names please step behind me," he informed, "Dincht, Leonhart, and Tilmitt."

Zell, Selphie, and I stood behind him. Were we the ones to not pass? Surly, twenty-five people couldn't have failed.

"You three have passed the exam," the faculty member told us to my amazement, "please proceed to Headmaster Cid's office."

Seifer stepped forward from the crowd; he looked as though we were going to get an earful of his teases. Instead he began to clap. Rajin and Fujin followed in his example and soon the whole hall was filled with cheers. I felt the urge to run and hide. I hated too much attention.

The faculty guy then brought us to Cid's office on the third floor. The headmaster was talking with another faculty member and it seemed they were in an important conversation.

"Make this quick," I heard the member say.

The headmaster handed each of them diplomas and whispered a little something in their ears.

When he came up to me he said excited "Finally, a gunblade master."

He stepped back and gave us a short speech I didn't care to listen to. I caught the part where we had to attend to a party and that we should change into our new SeeD uniforms.

In my room I changed into my SeeD uniform. It was a sleek black color, the collar was decorated with a golden pattern on velvet blue, and the cuffs were a deep blood red trimmed with gold. I combed my messy hair back into place and stared at my scar. I traced the scab with my finger and winced with pain; it still hadn't healed.

The fight played in my mind over and over again, taunting me. I didn't know whether to hate Seifer or feel sorry for him. What Xu had done was unfair. But what Seifer had done to me was sheer cruelty. I shook my head of the thought and made my way to the party.

Garden's ballroom was jammed pack with people. All members of Garden were invited, from cadets to the headmaster himself. The SeeDs could easily been recognized for it was mandatory to ware the uniform. I leaned against a wall and watched the people dance the night away. I knew how to dance, but I didn't care to. It was very un-Squall like.

Zell suddenly noticed me and ran to greet me.

"Yo, 'sup Squall?" he asked just bouncing with energy, "I guess we're SeeDs now…" He brushed his filthy hand clean and extended it out for a handshake. I ignored the gesture and sipped from my glass of wine.

He hunched over in disappointment. "Even as a SeeD you're still the same."

I watched him run off and bump into Selphie.

"Oh Zell, want to join the Garden festival committee?" she insisted more than asked.

"Uhh…Ya know, I just remembered I have to go some where bye, Selphie," he squirmed his way out.

Selphie then tried her luck with me. "Want to join the festival? You can work on it whenever you have the time."

Festivals are things I do not do. They attract way too much attention. I decided to ignore her in hopes she would bother some other unsuspecting peer, she did.

I finished my wine and looked up into the night's sky. So much had happened to me today, what else should possibly come my way? A shooting star flashed across the sky in a brilliant spectacle. I stared at it in amazement.

I turned my gaze back to the dance floor and right away noticed the most gorgeous woman in my life. She was a bright angel radiating an aura of light and beauty. Her white dress reflected her angelic composure, and her black, brown streaked hair fell gracefully just below her shoulders. Around her delicate neck hung a silver chain with a ring attached to it. Her fair skin was nothing short of perfection.

She then turned her stare from the sky to me. Her lovely deep brown eyes stung my heart with a feeling I never felt before. She smiled a mischievous smirk and pointed to the star. The beauty then walked up to me.

"You're the cutest guy here," she told me with a voice of an angel's harp, "Dance with me?"

I didn't know what to do. I really didn't want to turn her down, but dancing? I hated it. No way, I couldn't do it. I'd have to think up some really good excuse and maybe she would stay and talk with me. I failed miserably and said nothing.

She stood in silence with her hand on her hip – she seemed to be thinking of a way to get me on that dance floor. The angel then clapped her hands together, "I know, you probably only would dance with someone you like." She then hypnotically twirled her hand close to my face and chanted, "You-will-like-me. You-will-like-me." She smiled and cocked her head. "Did it work?"

I shook my head and lied, "I can't dance."

Her eyes lit up with mischief. She grabbed my hand and pulled me to the dance floor and said, "I'm looking for someone, and I can't be on the floor alone."

The angel took my hands and placed one on her tiny hip and the other she clasped with her own soft palm. I wanted to hold that hand forever, but my thoughts were interrupted.

"Its easy," she assured me and began to lead.

I stumbled and tripped as we waltzed around the dance floor. Oh God, I was making a complete fool of myself. I then caught on to her rhythm. Good if we just did this I'd be fine. Nice and simple.

She then spun out of my grip and back, smashing into me.

"Oops, I forgot you were a beginner you were doing so well," she told me.

She quickly placed my hands into position and we began to dance once more. We waltzed with ease but then crashed into another couple. Oh no, just what I feared.

"Watch where you're going," the man told us annoyed. She stuck out her tongue at him in response, "Meanie!"

I had it. I wasn't going to take anymore of this humiliation, not even for a pretty girl like her. I began to march off the dance floor and she caught my wrist.

"Oh no, you don't!" she scolded and yanked me back.

I glanced back at her and she smiled innocently and batted her eyes. Fine. I'll dance with the girl. Boy, was she persistent.

I took her hand and showed her how much of a wonderful dancer I was when I put my mind to it. She was shocked at how good I could be. I knew each step and performed it perfectly to her enjoyment.

The music ended and we gazed into each other's eyes. A serene grin floated across her beautiful face. I was about to give her a warm smile back when fireworks exploded in the sky. They lit up the night in various colors and patterns.

I gazed back at her and noticed she was staring behind me.

She looked up at me, "Thanks for the dance. I found who I was looking for, good bye."

Good bye? I was just starting to enjoy dancing with her and now she wanted to leave? She trotted off in the direction to the group around Headmaster Cid. I wanted to follow her, to tell her to stay with me, but I just watched in dismay. I didn't even know her name and she probably wasn't a member of Garden either by her outfit. I sighed to myself and trudged to the balcony to think.

I leaned my head on my hands and my elbows onto the balcony. Good work, Squall, I scolded myself. I just let the perfect woman slip right out of my grasp. I then heard someone's foot steps from behind me. I turned around in hopes it was that bright angel, but it was Quistis.

"You're a wonderful dancer," she commented.

No, way if she thought I was going to dance anymore tonight she was crazy. I made too much of an idiot out of myself already. The things men do for pretty women…

"Thank you," I replied to her comment. It was so weird to have your teacher casually talking to you. What was up with her?

An awkward silence filled the night air.

Suddenly she grew angry. "You'd dance with a stranger and yet you hate to be around me!"

"It's not that," I told her, "It's just strange to have your teacher talk with you like this."

She seemed to understand. "I'm sorry I was the same way…What's to become of me?"

Huh? What did she mean?

"Squall, for my last order please meet me in the 'secret area'."

"What's that?"

"It's in the training center, it's where people meet after lights out-"

"If were going to tell them their violating curfew, leave that to the disciplinary committee."

She stifled her laugh and shook her finger. "No, get changed and meet me there at 11:45."

"What do you mean by 'last order'?"

"Just meet me there, Squall," she commanded.

Whatever. I couldn't understand why she just couldn't tell me what she wanted to now.

At my room I changed back into my leather pants, white T-shirt, and leather jacket with the soft wolf-fur lining the collar. I met up with Quistis at the training center. She looked like she was waiting for quite some time.

"Have you ever fought T-rexuar?" she inquired. Before I could answer she went on, "He's really easy to beat if you junction sleep or blind to your weapon."

"I know." I told her.

"Well, lets go to the secret area," she urged.

We entered the training center and encountered two Grats. Their vines swayed to some sort of rhythm that couldn't be heard. I remembered fighting them as a child, I thought they were the toughest monsters ever. Now, they were a piece of cake.

I took my gunblade and chopped the monster plant in half with ease. A greenish fluid secreted from the halves and formed a puddle below its corpse. Quistis snapped her chain-whip at the other plant causing it to crumple to bits. The victory was no big deal and we made our way to the secret area that she talked of so much.

The place was just a balcony littered with couples. Two lovers that stood in the corner were enjoying a passionate kiss while anther couple sat on the ground cuddling. The balcony overlooked the beautiful lights of Balamb Garden. The blue rays shimmered so brightly I had to squint to look at them.

"I haven't been here in a long time," Quistis mumbled to herself.

I leaned my elbows on the balcony, putting my back to the lights. She on the other hand gazed out at them.

I stared at the glowing red exit sign. You couldn't imagine how much I wanted to leave.

"What time is it?" she asked me.

"Midnight," I replied.

She sighed. "As of now, I Quistis Trepe am no longer an Instructor."

Did she quit? Why would she? She loved teaching…

"They said I lacked leadership qualities," she told me and leaned her head on her hand.

They fired her…Seifer…I remembered his words "Add instructor Trepe to the list." Had he gotten her fired? There was no way to tell.

"Who knows," she began, "Maybe we'll even be assigned to the same mission someday."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Didn't you ever need someone to talk to? I just want you to listen."

"Then go talk to a wall," I retorted blankly. I just wanted to go back to my room. I was never good at solving anyone's troubles. She of all people, the one who knew me the best, should have known better than to cry on my shoulder.

I walked back out to the training center and Quistis followed. I wonder if I had hurt her feelings. Too late now…

Suddenly we heard a woman scream.

"Come on, Squall," Quistis urged and ran towards the direction it came from.

It was the woman I saw in the infirmary. A Granaldo flew just above her head ready to devour her.

"Squall? Quisty?" the woman called inquisitively. How did she know us?! But there was no time for such questions; we had to kill the thing.

I drew out my sword and Quistis snapped her whip in the air, ready to fight. The demented oversized dragonfly turned towards us. Instantly it screeched a high pitch wail and its minions, the Raldos, came tumbling at us. Four rock-like creatures stood in-between the Granaldo itself and us.

"Let's take care of the Raldos first," Quistis instructed.

I nodded.

One of the four Raldos tumbled at us and ran over Quistis. She stood up and counter attacked it with a crack of her chain-whip. The metal chain chiseled away bits of the monster, but it wasn't powerful enough. The rock monsters were fast; we had to kill them quickly.

I sprang into the air and shouted, "Fated Circle!" I spun my gunblade in a complete 360-degree rotation. A mass of my energy in a brown-gold color smashed each Raldo into nothing but sand. It was as if they self-destructed. Now we had to take care of the Granaldo…

Quistis clamped her whip to her belt and yelled her limit break, "Laser eyes!" She removed her glasses and her once gentle blue eyes glowed with a vengeful green. Two beams of light emancipated from her fatal eyes cutting one of the Granaldo's pair of wings. It swayed from the lack of balance and flew a bit lower.

She'd had weakened it and I took advantage of the moment. I dashed towards the dragonfly monster and ripped its body apart with a sloping slash of my gunblade. It cried out one last ear-piercing screech and disappeared into nothing but dust.

Winning, I swung my revolver like a hot shot cowboy does in a Wild West movie with his gun. Quistis brushed back a loose strand of hair with a smile.

We then turned toward the woman we had just rescued. Instantly two white uniformed men huddled around her.

"It's not safe here," one of them told her.

"But…" she trailed off and was taken away by the two. Who was she?! I was really interested now. I glanced at Quistis, but she appeared just as confused. No such luck in asking her. Perhaps I should ask the headmaster himself…

When Quistis and I reached the training center halls she narrowed her eyes and gave me her long awaited retort, "Squall, it's not like anyone can get along on their own." With that she trotted off.

"Says who?" I mumbled to myself. I get along just find by myself I don't need anyone! I lived my life alone and I plan on leaving it that way. People just complicate your life. You're better off alone.

I then marched off to my room. When I got to the dormitory halls Zell looked as though he had been waiting for someone, impatiently I might add. He glanced up and me with a frustrated look.

"There you are!" he exclaimed, "I was looking everywhere for you."

Why was that? What could he possibly want with me?

"They gave us our own rooms, baby! Now that we're SeeDs we get the full benefits of Garden," he informed my with an ecstatic grin, "Your room is right across from your old one."

I yawned and groggily and strolled to my new room. When I opened my door, I noticed all my stuff had been transferred to here.

"I guess I'll just go to sleep," I absently said out loud.

Knock. Knock. In the morning I awoke to the sound of pounding at my door. "Squall!" Selphie shouted, "Our first mission is today, meet at the front gate."

I slowly opened my eyes. I just wanted to stay in bed; yesterday had taken a lot out of me. I sat up and held my forehead with my hand – another migraine pounded at my brain. I stood up and fumbled through the bureau's draws for the painkillers Dr. Kadowaki gave me. At last I found them and downed the pills with a glass of water.

I quickly got dressed, hooked my gunblade to my belt, and was off.

Just before the front gate, Selphie, Headmaster Cid, and a member of the faculty waited for Zell. Selphie had changed into her casual clothing consisting of a tight pale yellow mini-dress with overall-like straps and a pair of brown knee-high boots. I stood next to her with my arms folded. She then lifted her feet and checked the bottoms of her soles, and removed a pesky rock.

"One more minute," the member of the faculty confirmed while tapping his foot on the floor.

Ten seconds later, Zell Dincht flew up to us on his T-board. He too had changed to casual attire. He wore a pair of baggy shorts that stopped at mid calve, a tight black T-shirt, over it was a black short-sleeve jacket with a red fire-like stripe lining the bottom and a blue Japanese symbol covered the sleeve, black fingerless gloves, and a pair of bright red sneakers. Zell hopped to the ground and held the board still. "Made it!" he announced.

"Have you forgotten? T-boards aren't allowed in Garden. Just because you're a SeeD doesn't mean you can do what you want. You are still a student at Garden," the member stated, "And further more since you are a SeeD you must be extra obedient to set an example for others."

"Woe, wait, this could come in handy for a SeeD mission," Zell told him, desperate to keep his board.

"I'll be the judge of that," he told him while handing Zell's new toy to another one of the faculty, "Confiscate it." Zell slouched over in disappointment.

"Your mission," the headmaster began, "is to help out a resistance faction."

"Wait," Zell said looking from left to right, "Just us three?"

Headmaster Cid nodded, "They can't pay us much, so we can only give them very little help."

"Yes," one of the faculty agreed, "We wouldn't normally accept such an offer, but we're running short on Gil."

"Enough of that," Cid told him gesturing, "Squall, you are the leader for this mission. Selphie and Zell, you are to support Squall to the fullest. Just carry out the factions plans."

"When you arrive in Timber by train," began the faculty member, "There will be a person who asks you, 'The forests of Timber sure have changed.' You are to reply, 'but the owls are still around.' That's the password; don't forget it."

"Oh and Squall," the headmaster remembered, "take this."

It was the guardian force, Diablos. I heard that this GF was one of the most powerful if you had a high compatibility with it. What luck, I didn't even have to draw or battle it.

Once at the train-station in Balamb we paid for our tickets with our first paycheck. Zell and Selphie almost killed me when I told them how much I was getting paid (it was double the amount they were getting). They only reason I could think of was because I was their "leader", or maybe I passed the Fire Cavern exam better than they did.

We boarded the train and Selphie just absolutely lit up. "I love trains!" she exclaimed.

"This one's intercontinental, baby!" Zell informed as the train started, "It also runs underwater! Isn't that cool, Squall?"

"Sure is," I replied dryly.

Zell slouched over and shook his head. "Guess, you're not interested…Well you have to insert the ticket to get in the next boxcar."

I unfolded my arms and walked up to the computer. I took out the ticket and opened the door. Selphie ran to the door and shouted, "I'm going to check out the front!"

"Me too!" Zell agreed and followed Selphie. I shook my head. I never had seen people as excited as they were about trains.

I walked in the next boxcar to find them staring out the window. It truly was a spectacle. Like Zell said, it was underwater. Fish of all shapes, colors, and sizes swam about, contrasting against the deep blue sea. Bright peach coral littered the bottom. Differently shaded seaweed delicately floated towards the top, pulling against their roots. The scenery would have been more delightful if the train wasn't going so fast.

Zell turned towards me, put his hand on his hip, and crossed his legs. "Ya know SeeD has their own private cabin," he told me. My was he just full of information…

He opened the cabin and stepped back in amazement. As he shut the door I could hear him shout at the top of his lungs, "WHOA! OH YEAH! AWESOME!!!"

What could be so interesting? I had to find out. I walked in the cabin to find him bouncing up and down on a white luxurious couch. "Heh-heh this is sooooo cool!" he exclaimed ecstatic.

The room was finely decorated with beautiful peach wall to wall carpeting. Rugs weren't quite often seen anywhere around the world, only the very rich had them. To the right were two bunk beds with the covers neatly placed upon them. A few plants decorated blank counters here and there. Finally in the middle of the room sat Zell, bouncing, on the white L-shaped couch.

"I'm glad you're so excited," I replied and folded my arms. He stopped bouncing at that and I took a seat near him.

"This is pretty damn, amazing. It pays to be a member of SeeD," Zell told me while still looking around, "Do you know anything about Timber?"

"I don't care."

"C'mon, Squall. Don't be like that. I wanna tell you!"

"Fine," I complied.

He perked up and folded his arms in triumph, "Yep that's what I wanted to hear. Allow me to explain briefly. Timber used to be a country surrounded by deep forests, but eighteen years ago, Galbadia invaded. Timber fell quite easily to Galbadia. So now Timber is under Galbadian occupation. It's said there's a whole bunch of resistance factions big and small."

He said nothing more. Was he waiting for me to say something? "…And?" I assumed there was something else.

"Nope, that's it!" he told me and gestured with his fist in the air.

"Thank you Mr.-know-it-all-Zell," I stated sarcastically.

"Hey, no prob!" He then slightly saluted.

Just then Selphie walked in. She was pale and her eyes were drooping. She looked sick. "I'm not feeling well…" she told us swaying from dizziness.

"You should get some rest if you're tired," I suggested a bit worried.

"I'm really sleepy…" She rubbed her eyes and tried to keep awake. It looked like she would fall over any second.

"You okay?" I asked her, now completely concerned.

"Hey, huh?" Zell stuttered standing with panic. He yawned, too. "What the…something's wrong with me too…I feel…sleepy."

The two of them flopped on the couch and quickly fell asleep. What was going on?! Suddenly, I started to feel dizzy, tired, and weak too. My knees buckled under me. What was happening?! I couldn't stay awake. I fell flat on my face and everything went black…

The next thing I knew, I was standing in a forest. A thin path led the way to some unknown destination. The grassland on either side was on fire in patches. The burning of the land filled my nose with the smell of smoke. A light wind flew through the air, but it didn't affect me.

I looked down, and noticed I was wearing a Galbadian uniform. What the hell… I felt the back of my head and clump in my hand a mass of hair. I knew I had long hair but not that much…

"Uhh, Laguna are you sure this is the right way?" An African man asked me, also in a Galbadian uniform. The name Kiros some how came to mind. Behind him stood a tall muscular English man; his uniform seemed to bust at the seams he was so big. This was Ward…How did I know?! This must be a dream…It had to be…

We ran down the narrow path, but were suddenly stopped by a pair of Funguar. The umbrella-shaped orange fungi seemed to rock to a beat that I couldn't seem to hear. Ward slammed down his harpoon, while Kiros swung his Katals (long blade that is griped in the hands with no handle). I took out my machine gun.

Kiros ran up to the first monster and sliced it with each Katal. The Funguar counter attacked with a sleep spell. I quickly cast Ensuna on Kiros to awaken him. A blue light surrounded him and he was cured.

Ward then swung his harpoon at the weakened monster. The fungus cried out in pain and shriveled up with death. The other Funguar didn't seem happy about that and with haste cast Fire against me.

I wasn't able to dodge the attack like I usually could and fell back. I shook my head of the pain, got up and aimed my gun. I pulled the trigger causing a mass of bullets to fly at the monster. Like the other it screeched and shriveled up like a prune.

Ward swung his harpoon over his head in victory, while Kiros bowed with honor. I on the other hand jumped up in down with excitement, holding my gun high in the air. How embarrassing…I couldn't exactly control myself… for it was a dream…

We ran down the path and came across a beautiful stream. The soft rushing sound of running water made me tranquil. We trampled onto a log that connected the two sides. When we were well passed the river Kiros and Ward stopped.

"Hey aren't we here to fight a war against the great Timber army?" Ward asked.

"Yeah," Kiros agreed, "Why are we wasting time with all these animals? Laguna are you lost again?"

I placed my hand on the back of my head and laughed nervously. "Well, you see I uhh…" I stuttered. We were lost all right.

"Oh boy, not again," Ward sighed.

"Well, who cares," I began, "We're on our way home to Deling City!"

We scrambled through the woods a bit longer and came across a Galbadian vehicle. What luck…

When we arrived in Deling City it was well after midnight. The bustling city was jammed pack with cars and transportation busses. The bright lights gave it a Las Vegas appearance. Deling is the second most populous city in the world, and it showed by the sidewalks crawling with people.

I parked the car in the middle of the road next to a gigantic water fountain.

"You can't park in the street!" Ward told me.

"Chill man, it's cool," I assured him. We got out of the car and I asked, "How's about we have a drink?"

"Are all we here for is the booze? Laguna, we have a war to fight," Kiros reminded.

"So we'll get smashed and then we'll charge," Ward said.

"No you guys misunderstood. I just want to share a friendly drink with you two," I told them.

We walked down the side of the busy streets and made our way through the crowds of people. I stopped at a hotel. The bright luminous sign lit up the words "Hotel Galbadia". I could tell that this was a real ritzy place, and only the rich stayed here.

Inside a bellman and a clerk at the desk stood chatting. To the right of them was a staircase, I had the feeling it lead to a bar…

We dashed down stairs and the site was as breath taking as the personal cabin on the train. A red wine carpet completely covered the floors. To the right of us was a bar counter with a sharp-looking bartender behind it. The room was quite dark for the only light source was one kindled candle in the center of each table. A couple of fellow Galbadian soldiers sat at the booths and another at the bar.

Instantly a waitress asked me, "Ready to be seated at your usual spot, sir?"

"Yeah," I replied.

The waitress sat us at the table in the far corner of the room. Suddenly everything grew hush and the spot light landed on a half Asian woman. She slowly walked to the piano and began to play a lovely melody. The pianist wore a long red dress with black heels. She looked strikingly like the woman I saw at the ball, but she was more Asian, had thinner hair, and she wasn't as gorgeous. No one could compare to that angel's beauty…

Ahh, to be close to Julia…Huh? Oh no, I could actually hear this guys thoughts. Just wonderful.

"Hey, Laguna, are you gonna go for it tonight?" Kiros asked.

"Yeah," Ward agreed, "go wave to her."

"But she's working," I told them reluctant to go.

"Don't chicken out on us. Go!" Kiros urged.

I got up and walked up to the piano. I felt a sharp pain in my leg. Oh no! My leg's cramping up! Gee, this should be good.

I tried to rub it to make it go back to normal but it just wouldn't work. I walked around in hopes, but to no avail. The whole time the girl I was trying to impress watched me. I looked at her strait in the eyes and waved still holding my leg. Sad…

I limped back to the table and took a seat.

"Great job, I didn't think you'd do it man," Ward congratulated, "Our popularity just went up a point."

"Yeah, but you cut a pretty pitiful act up there. I'd say you're a –3 on the manliness scale," Kiros teased.

"Man, Julia sure is pretty…" I sighed. Whatever.

A moment later, Kiros and Ward said that they had to leave and just disappeared. What was up with that?

I turned around and there was Julia. I was taken a back a bit. I felt my leg cramp up again. We both took a seat.

"Is there something wrong?" she asked.

"Huh? Oh no," I replied, "My leg just cramps every time I get nervous." I coughed the last word. I can't believe it's her! Julia the one I've dreamed about is here talking to ME! Oh God, Kiros, Ward, HELP! Oh, this must be a dream…Whatever.

"I'd really like to get to know you better," Julia told me, "but it's hard to talk with everyone listening in."

I looked around. The whole bar seemed to have shifted to hear us.

"Why don't you come up to my room?" she suggested.

"Your room?!" I asked shocked. Oh boy Julia really must like me! This can't be happening. This must be a dream! This is a dream. This is a dream…

"I'll met you there," she told me and winked. As she left, the soldiers looked longingly at her.

I'm not going to mess up this time and talk all about myself. Tonight I'm gonna be all ears for Julia! Gosh, this guy talks to himself too much.

I walked up the stairs and asked for Julia's room number. I took the elevator up and met her at her room.

"Glad you could make it," she told me smiling, "Have a seat."

I sat at the bed. I can't be here, Julia might think of me the wrong way. I quickly got up and sat on the chair at the opposite end of the room. This is no good either; I'm too far to talk. I stood again and walk up to her. She began to giggle.

"You don't have to be nervous around me," she assured.

I placed my hand on the back of my head and told her, "It's just that I'm a real big fan of yours."

"Really?" she asked.

"Yeah," I nodded and began to go on and on about how I traveled the world as a Galbadian soldier and that I didn't like killing as much as traveling. So much for all ears on Julia. This guy was such a gossip.

"So my dream is to become a journalist and write about all the places I've seen," I told her, "What's your dream?"

"Mine? Well, I've always wanted to sing-"

"Really?" I had cut her off, "I'd love to hear you!"

She sighed, "The problem is that I can't seem to write any lyrics…"

I folded my arms and nodded. "Yeah, that's real tough."

"But," Julia began and took my hands, "I think I might be able to come up with something because of you."

"Me?" I put my hand on the back of my head and laughed nervously.

"Yes, all the feelings you've shone me. Times when you hurt and times that you were sad. Yes, I think I can come up with the perfect song. Thank you."

Just then someone knocked on the door. "Laguna, new orders," my commander informed, "We have to go now."

I turned back to Julia. I don't want to go now! Not just when she was finally starting to like me.

I smiled and waved her goodbye.

I slowly opened my eyes to see Zell and Selphie looking down at me. I stood up and shook my head of any cobwebs.

"Is everyone okay?" I asked, "Anything missing?"

We fumbled for our weapons and money. Nothing was taken, and everyone was in good health.

"Maybe someone flooded the train with sleeping gas," Zell assumed, "a lot of people resent SeeD."

If that was the case, someone could be after us…We can't let our guard down like that again.

"I had the most wonderful dream," Selphie began. I had a dream too but mine wasn't nice…I dreamt I was a moron.

"Sir Laguna was so cool!" she continued. Did she say Laguna?

"Hey!" Zell exclaimed, "There was a Laguna in my dream too! He was a Galbadian solider right?"

"Laguna, Kiros, and Ward?" I asked.

Zell looked at me shocked. "Yeah!" head replied as he sat and slammed his hand on his crossed leg.

"That's so weird!" Selphie thought aloud.

"What could it mean?" Zell inquired.

I shook my head, "Forget it for a now. We have a job to do. Let's ask Headmaster Cid when we get back."

The two of them nodded.

The train then came to a stop. "All that are departing for Timber please step off at this time," the announcer proclaimed.

We were here. Our first SeeD mission.

"Alright, physic yourself up, baby!" Zell cheered while getting up, "Let's go!"

We tumbled out of the train and on to the streets of Timber.

The city was extremely old fashioned. It was as if they didn't know anything about new technology. The houses appeared like those in England in the Elizabethan time. One of the only luxuries they seemed to have were mass amounts of trains. Timber was the capital of train transportation.

A surfer-looking teenager from below the steps to the town called to us, "Boy the forests of Timber sure have changed."

"But the owls are still around," I stated the password.

The guy seemed to light up. "This way, sir! Please follow me, sir!" he spilled and dashed down the street.

We managed to keep up with him and he led us to a train stop. Not long after a yellow locomotive came up. On the side I noticed a skull was painted on it with the word "Raiders" written above.

We boarded the train and it began running again. Another teen was inside. He had on a blue shirt and long shorts. The only thing that wasn't blue was his shoes, which were a clashing orange.

"Hi, I'm Zone, The leader of The Forest Owls," he introduced himself. He held out a hand to shake but I just folded my arms at the gesture. He shook Selphie's. Zell quickly rubbed his hand clean and extended it but the guy ignored him.

"What do you want us to do?" I asked him, very impatient.

"Woe, I haven't introduced everyone yet," he protested, "Well, you already met Watts. All there is left is our princess."

Watts tapped his shoulder and informed, "but, sir, it's the princesses nap time."

"Oh no! We'll have to wake her," he expressed a bit afraid. What the heck is so frightening about waking someone?

"Um, Squall, could you go get the princess for us?" Zone begged.

I lifted one eyebrow. He had to be joking. "Is this what we're here for?!" I asked outraged, "To run errands for you?!"

Zone backed up, "No, no, it's just that…Please don't be mad."

"This is the last time for this sort of thing, got it?" I told him sternly.

"Yeah okay," he complied. What was with that guy so scared all the time. Maybe I was a bit rude…Too late now. Better off keeping them afraid than ruthless.

I trotted down the hall to this "princess's" room. Some how I had a feeling that this group of rebels had no clue what they were doing. I entered the room to the left. The room was an off pink color almost red. Opposite of the doorway was a bed the same color with a woman sleeping on it. She wore a long sky-blue sleeveless coat, black tank top, black shorts and a blue miniskirt over the shorts.

She groggily sat up and my heart was stunned. It was the angel at the party. I thought I'd never see her again.

"Hey, you're a SeeD?" she asked equally excited, "You're…you know from the party…"

She then jumped from her bed and onto me. She held her hands onto my shoulders and I spun from imbalance. I grabbed her by the waist and put her down. Boy, was she full of spunk…

"Oh sorry," she apologized. Like I cared though, I actually enjoyed her in my arms.

"I'm just so happy that SeeD is here," she explained, "I've been sending in requests forever. I didn't think they'd help such a puny group like us. I'm glad I talked to the headmaster directly."

"Oh, so that's why you were at the party."

She nodded, "You know Seifer?"

Yeah, I know him…He's the guy who generously gave me this lovely scar. I nodded.

"He's the guy who introduced me to Headmaster Cid. The headmaster is such a nice man. I think talking to him got him to better understand our situation."

She then gracefully walked to the mirror and began brushing her mane. I watched her stroke each clump of that beautiful silky hair. How I yearned to touch that hair, that woman.

She turned towards me and I informed her, "My name's Squall; there are three others with me."

"Is 'he' here?" she inquired.

"He?"

"You know Seifer," she told me bending with her hands on her knees.

I shook my head. "He's not a SeeD."

"Oh," she paused and brought another subject up, "SeeDs are pretty good dancers huh?" She cocked her head.

"Approach your target inauspiciously at a dance. There may be missions requiring this subterfuge."

"Oh, so it's required."

"SeeDs have many skills."

She smiled, left the room, and quickly sprinted back, nearly smacking into me. "Oh, my name is Rinoa."

Rinoa…such a beautiful name for such a beautiful woman. I would have told her that but then her collie came bounding in.

"This is my partner, Angelo," she introduced, "He's really smart. I always have him with me when I battle. He knows a lot of tricks. You'll see if we get into any trouble."

"Let's go," I gestured and she followed me down the hall.

Once back, I noticed Zell in his usual time killing practice punches. Selphie seemed to be daydreaming about something.

"This is Zell," I informed, "and Selphie."

"Hi, everyone," she greeted and slightly waved, "Well, let's get started."

We entered another room with a table that had models of trains on it. The shades were shut so not to let anyone see what we were doing.

Zone began, "We heard from a VIP that President Vinzer Deling is coming to town by train,"

"Pres. Deling isn't actually a president," Watts told us, "He's more of a military dictator, sir. He isn't even popular with the Galbadian army that he runs."

Zone nodded. "He's the key to our independence."

Zell seemed to be getting as impatient as I was. "Get to the point already!" he shouted at him, shaking his fist.

"Oh yes," Zone remembered, "we have to stop that train by-"

"Blowing it to smithereens?" Selphie asked overly excited by the thought of explosions.

The two backed off from Selphie. At this rate we'll just scare our clients to death. "Not quite," Zone told her gesturing no frantically.

"If you would refer to the model," Rinoa told us.

We took a closer look at the train set. It was an exact duplicate of Timber's train tracks.

"This is our locomotive," she pointed out, "and in front of it is the fake president's boxcar. Over here on this track is Deling's train including the locomotive, first escort, his boxcar, and the second escort."

"You see we plan to replace the fake president's boxcar with the real one, sir," Watts explained.

Rinoa continued, "To do that we have to uncouple the first escort from the president's car. Then, our train will merge with theirs when the tracks come together. That will replace the president's car with the dummy's."

"Next," she went on, "We have to uncouple our locomotive from the dummy and Deling's from the second escort. At the split of the tracks we'll go off into the other direction taking the president with us and he will be replaced by the dummy."

"We have five minutes to complete the task," Zone told us, "any more and we could crash."

"That's it?" Zell asked, "are you sure that's enough time?"

"According to the sim we ran it should only take three minutes," Rinoa assured.

"Question!" Selphie announced, "I thought you couldn't uncouple trains when they're in motion."

"You can't," Rinoa agreed, "but by inserting certain codes into the mechanism it'll jam and cause the trains to uncouple."

"What about any soldiers?" I asked, "shouldn't there be people guarding him?"

"Oh that's right, sir," Watts remembered, "There are guards on the first and second escort. They each have a tracker one for heat-sensing the other for noise. To avoid them stop when you see the blue guard and run when you see the red. There are no sensors on the president's car."

"Well, that's it," Zone told us.

"Hey you know the president's car looks really shoddy," Selphie criticized. It did look pretty dumpy.

"That's because Rinoa made it," Zone answered, "the rest is from a gift shop."

"Wow, I thought some kid made it," Zell put in, "even the paint job is horrible."

Rinoa placed her hands on her waist and grew angry. "That's because it expresses my hatred for Deling; it's supposed to look that way!" I almost cracked up. I had to put my hand over my mouth to cover my smile.

"Wow, you must really hate that guy, it's the most ugliest model I've ever seen," Selphie expressed.

"Oh enough of that," Rinoa protested, "Let's get ready."

The four of us, Rinoa, Zell, Selphie, and I crouched on the top of the fake president's boxcar. The wind was blasting and was powerful to knock you off if you stood. On the sides of us sat Timber's famous forests. The lush green seemed to go on forever. I looked strait ahead and noticed we were advancing to Deling's train. A rush of adrenaline shot through me. I never had done this "train hopping" thing before and I prayed that I'd make the jump.

Rinoa turned around and shouted over the wind, "Carefully time your jumps, but hurry; we only have five minutes starting now." She then jumped onto the next train with ease.

Selphie made the jump and so did I. I looked back at Zell. He was a bit panicked. He hated doing dangerous stunts.

"Come on!" I beckoned, "I won't let you fall."

He looked at me and reluctantly sprang from the train to the other. Once he jumped I realized he hadn't made a wide enough leap; he wasn't going to make it!

"Zell!" I cried out and reached out to catch him. I grabbed a hold of his forearms. He filled with more fear and tightened his grip on my wrists.

"Hey, pull me up already!!!" he screamed.

I dragged him up onto the train and whispered to him, "Now, we're even."

He nodded and thanked me.

"Come on!" Rinoa yelled at us, "We now only have four minutes left!"

We dashed to the other side were the two girls squatted.

"Okay, let's uncouple the first escort," Rinoa instructed, "Zell, Selphie, be a lookout for the guards. Let us know when they're coming early. Squall you insert the codes."

She handed me the safety wire. The question that came to mind was why me?

I tied the orange rope around my waist and hopped down the side of the train. The mechanism was at the bottom of the train and I had to be careful not to let my legs hang too low.

"Ready?" Rinoa asked and I nodded, "Once you insert the code you can't stop, if a guard comes, you have to come up in-between codes," she paused, "The code is 1, 4, 3, 1."

I quickly punch in the numbers. The screen displays the words "access granted".

"2, 4, 2, 2."

As I insert the numbers I heard Selphie and Zell shout, "Both guards are coming!"

I finish the code and jumped up. The guards walked by and I barely missed getting caught. I sighed a relief.

"Close one huh?" she told me with a smile. She seemed to love danger.

I leaped back down and finished the last uncoupling code. We sprinted to the president's train and watch the trains come apart and our train couple with theirs.

"Selphie," Rinoa began, "Take this code and uncouple the fake president's train from the locomotive. Squall and I will uncouple the second escort from the president's."

She took the slip and I watched Zell beg Selphie to insert the codes. I glanced back at Rinoa and we made our way to the escort.

I inserted the numbers and came up a couple of times avoiding the soldiers. Our train uncoupled and we escaped to the next train track. The plan had surprisingly worked.

Once inside, where it was safe, I watched with amusement as Zell panted with fear.

He looked up at me and affirmed, "I'm never ever doing that again!"

"Alright! Time for some serious negotiations with the president," Rinoa proclaimed rubbing her hands together.

I placed my hand on my forehead and shook my head. Why did I have a bad feeling about this?

We followed her into the president's boxcar. The dictator sat on a booth facing the opposite direction of us. The decorations in the car resembled those in SeeDs' private cabin.

"President Deling," Rinoa began walking up to him, "You are now under the custody of the Timber Owls. We won't hurt you as long as you cooperate."

"Cooperate?" the president asked in an almost sinister voice, "My dear child, haven't you heard of a body double?"

Rinoa was stunned. She gasped and covered her mouth while backing up.

The body double advanced. "Spill a little fake information and they buy it. Deling heard about all the little rebel groups here. You people are pathetic. Now you shall pay for your crime!" The double lifted a hand to hit Rinoa and she ducked down protecting her head with her hands.

He swung his hand and I sprang in-between the two drawing out my gunblade.

The double backed up, while Rinoa stood up behind me. "I don't have my weapon with me or Angelo; I can't fight," she whispered. I nodded and assured, "Don't worry we'll protect you."

Zell and Selphie assumed the attack position and I kept Rinoa behind me. The double just smiled. "Prepare for your end!" he shouted.

The double suddenly melted. His skin and muscle slowly dripped off him forming a puddle at his feet. The suit he had worn mixed with the boiling hot concoction. The liquid bubbled fiercely, almost vengeful. Suddenly, a skeleton emerged from it, coated in the melted tissue. The liquid dried onto him and it had rubber-like appearance. His blue beady eyeballs starred at us unblinking. What kind of body double was this?!

Selphie held her flail tight and studied the monster; she was thinking which tactic she should do first. She then, spun her nunchakus and belted the double with all the strength she could muster. The rock-hard wood made contact with the monster's skull. Normally the blow would have knocked anyone out, but somehow the thing was unharmed. Selphie gasped and looked at Zell for help.

He cracked his knuckles, preparing them for impact. He next, sprinted at it, and clutched his fingers together forming a tight powerful fist. He pulled back his metal-knuckle and slammed his fist into the monster's chest. Zell gasped in anguish and shock. He quickly withdrew his hand and shook it in pain. While retreating he clutched his wound like a pirate protecting his chest of gold.

I stood there amazed. That thing must have been tough. No one, I mean no one escapes Zell's attacks unharmed. I glanced back at Rinoa. She was completely shaken. She knew if we, SeeDs couldn't stop it, there'd be no hope, but there wasn't much I could do. The only option was to fight. There was no place to run.

I held my gunblade tight and loaded my bullets into it, so my attack would be more powerful. I then dashed at the monster and swung my revolver back preparing for the blow. Immediately, I crash my revolver into the monster's shoulder and pull the trigger. Bam. The piercing steel bullet broke apart the monsters hard exterior, letting my blade easily slice him in half like a hot knife through butter.

Zell and Selphie cheered with excitement.

"Great going!" Rinoa congratulated.

But they're celebration was too soon. The bony monster's two halves pieced themselves together and the wound quickly healed. The thing cackled- his laugh boomed against the boxcars walls. A bittersweet smile played across its face.

"You think that puny toy can stop me?" the monster taunted.

My God! Nothing could stop him! I quickly thought of the new GF that the headmaster gave me. Maybe I could use him or cast a spell. Everything had one elemental weakness. I just had to figure out his.

As I was about to cast Blizzara, the monster shouted to my dismay, "Silence!" He cast the dreaded spell and we were rendered useless of magic. No! That was our only defense left!

An evil smirk formed on what was left of his face. "Thundara!" he boomed as he lifted his arm into the air. He dropped his hand and three bolts of lighting crackled to the ground. The flash of light blocked my vision.

The powerful blow slammed us back against the wall of the boxcar. Instantly I was overwhelmed by the shock of electricity. I cried out in pain and clutched my stomach. I felt dizzy and my vision blurred. I quickly look behind me to see if Rinoa was all right, but she was gone. Panic filled my heart. Was she okay? Was she hurt? I had to know!

I glance to my left and saw that she was fine. Rinoa squatted down beside Zell and Selphie. She was revitalizing them with an elixir.

The two stood up and she quickly trotted to my side.

"Drink," she instructed and handed me the bottle of the medicine. I downed what was left of the liquid, and felt the power of magic wash through me again. The pain that I had endured was stripped away – I was ready to fight. I looked up and watched Zell and Selphie defend themselves from the monster.

"Fira!" Zell shouted, as if to say stop extended his hands out with his fingers half bent. A majestic tornado of fire spun at the monster. The flames lashed at him leaving nothing but ash and a gapping hole in its stomach. The monster squatted to the ground and moaned in pain. That was it! Zell had figured it out. Fire was his weakness!

I junctioned the spell, Firaga to my gunblade and prepared for the limit break.

"Let's triple team him!" Selphie declared. Zell and I agreed.

Selphie held the two ends of her flail together and announced, "Slot!" She next spun her nunchakus in a hypnotic motion and waited for the right combination of spells to come up. Satisfied she yelled, "Cast triple Fira!"

Three tornadoes of fire surged at the monster eating away more of his rubber-like flesh. Its legs were now nothing but ash. We were going to beat it!

Zell then took his turn. He clenched his fists in rage and shouted, "Burning Rave!" He sprung into the air and a ball of flames and energy formed between his surging hands. The energy was so bright and powerful it was almost like he had a piece of the sun in his grasp. He then ruthlessly crashed the ball of energy at the skeleton blob. One more blow and he'd be finished.

I gripped my gunblade with my eyes clenched shut. "Rough Divide!" I blasted out my limit break. I then felt a red-hot power rush through me. The energy radiated all the way to the tip of my gunblade. I opened my eyes and sprinted at the monster. I took the revolver and rammed my blade up his middle. A high pitched wail emancipated from the monster and he soon deteriorated to nothing but ash.

I couldn't believe it. We had defeated the monster.

Zell and Selphie cheered and jumped in victory. I wanted to shout and smile as well. We had survived. Knowing better to keep my emotions inside I turned around to check if Rinoa was okay. She was our client and it was our duty to protect her. I didn't care if she lived or not. She was just the next paycheck.

Rinoa smiled warmly at me; her eyes almost clenched shut. "Thanks for the save," she told me filled with gratitude.

"No big deal," I assured her, "Just doing my job. Besides without your help we may not be living now." It was true she had saved our lives. But it was probably for some selfish reason.

She sighed. "I was hoping we could finally have Timber's Independence. Well there's always next time."

I nodded and we followed Rinoa back to the Owl's base.

We gathered in the planing room and heard out Watts's new information.

"The real reason behind Deling coming here was to broadcast a live speech using radio waves, sir," Watts informed.

"So that's why Galbadia was after that satellite in Dollet!" Zell concluded.

"Yeah," Zone agreed, "that's the only place that has a radio wave satellite. And the television station here is ideal for such a broadcast. But what could he want to tell the world?"

Selphie then opened her arms, rocked back and forth on her heals and shouted, "Everybody, love and peace!"

Zone shook his head; "He probably wants to threaten us for all we done."

"I'm not sure broadcast will work, sir," Watts thought aloud, "Radio waves haven't been used in seventeen years due to interference in the atmosphere."

"That long?" Rinoa asked. That was around the same year all of us were born. It was quite some time…

"It'll be live too, sir," Watts told us.

Rinoa suddenly clapped her hands together and blurted out, "Wouldn't it be great if we could do our own broadcast declaring Timber's Independence?" She turned towards us SeeDs, "Give us a minute to think up a plan."

The three of them then plopped on the floor in the corner, discussing tactics. Oh God, I never saw such a pitiful group of rebels. They had no idea what they were doing. They had good intentions and all but lacked the military experience. The most frightening part about it was whatever they commanded us we had to obey.

"Shouldn't we check their contract?" Selphie asked.

Zell seemed shocked. "They call that a meeting?"

I walked up to the three and knelt down. "Can I see the contract?" I asked Rinoa.

"Oh sure," she stated and handed it to me.

"What's it say?" Zell asked.

I read it out loud, "Balamb Garden (here after referred to as Party A) acknowledges the Forest Owls (here after referred to as Party B) SeeD (here after referred to as Party C) shall be dispatched upon signing of this contact. Party C shall operate under the supervision-"

"The hell…" Zell stated completely confused.

"Oh yeah that one's pretty confusing," Rinoa remembered and handed us another, "When I told the headmaster I didn't understand he gave me this one. Cid is such a nice man."

Annoyed I snatched the paper from here. Why didn't she just give us this the first time?

"Now what does it say?" Selphie questioned.

"To the Timber Forest Owls," I read out loud, "This SeeD deployment contract will last until Timber's achieves independence. Please make good use of each member. I wish the best with your objective. Please understand that this contract is an exception, and no replacement of any SeeD member can be made. Sincerely, Headmaster of Balamb Garden, Cid Kramer."

"Until Timber reaches Independence!" Zell exclaimed.

That could last for months, years! We could be fighting this war forever, for life! No replacements either…So that's why she saved us. She knew that they wouldn't send anymore members here. I knew there was some benefit for her. No one does anything for others. There's always a reason for yourself…

I handed the contract back to Rinoa.

"Well, we have a plan, all we have to do is make it to the television station and I'll let you know then."

We traveled back to the main city of Timber and hopped off the train.

Watts walked out with us and said, "I'll search for more information." He glanced back and watched in dismay as the train took off without him.

"SIR!!!" he shouted running down the track, "Sir, wait for me! SIRRRR!"

The others laughed up a storm as poor Watts galloped after the locomotive like a racing greyhound. Whatever. I couldn't see what was so funny.

I turned my attention towards our mission. Where to begin... They didn't exactly remember where the station was, so we had to guess. I sighed.

"I think it's behind Timber Mechanics," Rinoa thought out loud.

She led in the direction of huge structure. It was the biggest office building I'd ever seen. I heard about this place before. It was where the Galbadian newspaper was published, along with other famous magazines such as "Pet Pals" and "King of Fighters".

"This way," she instructed as her collie nudged against her. I was almost hypnotized by the way the wind whipped her hair back. Each strand curved around her petite round face accenting it to make her even more beautiful.

Zell snapped his fingers in front of my face. "Hey! Wake up!" he chastised and I quickly returned to the harsh reality. He grabbed my wrist and yanked me in the direction the girls had headed.

We reached a stairwell that lead down to a pub. My stomach tightened as I caught a whiff of blood. Galbadian soldiers patrolled the streets and knew about the rebels; maybe they were beating suspected teenagers…

We raced after Rinoa. She stopped at the foot of the steps and was greeted by a trio of soldiers.

"Get away from him!" she ordered them and I noticed an innocent teen clutching his bloody stomach. If we were quick we might be able to save him.

"Oh please little girl," one soldier began sarcastically with his hands in a prayer, "Don't hurt me."

The trio began to hysterically laugh at their pathetic joke. Rinoa clenched her fists in anger. She narrowed her eyes and extended her equipped arm. She closed one eye and aimed her blasters edge at the joker. He soon wouldn't be laughing.

Rinoa fired the sharp blade at the soldier and the cold metal sliced through his stomach. The laughter abruptly stopped. The blood covered blade then returned to Rinoa's arm like a boomerang.

With eyes still narrowed she warned calmly, "Unless you have a death wish, I suggest you leave that man alone."

Everyone stared at her wide-eyed including me. Zell gulped and held the back of his neck. Selphie just kind of chuckled. I didn't think she'd kill the guy. She was more serious about protecting her people than I thought.

The two soldiers held out their swords and Angelo jumped in front of Rinoa, growling.

"Angelo, strike!" she commanded her collie.

The dog sprinted at one of the soldiers, pounced on the guy, in the air flipped him upside-down, and slammed him onto the hard cement floor. The soldier didn't get up.

"Good boy!" Rinoa praised her dog and treated him with a doggie-biscuit.

The remaining soldier threw down his sword and ran away in a panic. Our attention shifted to the wounded man.

"Are you alright?" Rinoa asked as she knelt down beside him.

The man didn't answer. He was dead…Those soldiers had actually killed an innocent man. It wasn't my concern though. I was just here for the money. It was Rinoa's people who were dying, not mine.

Rinoa slowly rose to her feet with eyes closed. It was as if she lost a best friend. What did she care? She didn't know him.

"Let's go," she told us gravely and we followed her into the pub.

Inside the place looked more like a disco than a bar. The lights around made every color a shade of purple. The booming speakers blasted the number one dance hit in Galbadia. A quite husky woman walked up to us. She reminded me of Zell's mother.

"Aren't you under aged?" she asked.

Rinoa stepped in-between us, "No need to worry," she explained, "We just want to use your back door."

The woman glanced to the back of the room. "If you want to get out that way you'll have to get passed him."

I gazed in the direction to where the woman pointed. A drunken man sat on the floor, leaning against the backdoor.

Rinoa marched over to him and politely asked, "Sir, could you please move?"

The man groggily looked up at her, "Huh?" he said, "Just great, first I get kicked out of the hotel because of some revolution. Next I have to stay in Timber because of the blockade. Third I lose my rare trading card, and now some punk kid wants me to move? No way!"

Rinoa glanced up at me. "Do something Squall!" she begged.

I kneeled beside the guy and inquired, "Did you lose this card?"

He snatched the Tonberry card from my hand.

"Hey this is mine!" the guy protested, "Where did you get it?"

"…I found it," I lied. I actually just picked-pocketed it from him…

"Well, in that case I'll let you pass," the guy answered. He snapped his fingers at the bartender. "Hey! Little help! I can't move!"

The annoyed bartender shoved the drunk out of our way.

We entered the alleyway, only to see another drunk lying on the floor, bombed. I rolled my eyes. What was with this town?

Various cats patrolled the stairway to the television station. We shoved the broken creaking gate open and ran up the stairs. We stopped and gazed up at the big-screen television that displayed in front of the whole city. Nothing but snow danced across the screen.

"Hey cool! An outdoor TV!" Zell exclaimed amazed.

"Well the place is swarming with guards, so we can't just storm in there," Rinoa thought a loud, "What do you think?"

"Whatever," I told her, "It's your call. You order us and we do it. Simple as that. Even if it means losing a battle or walking to our deaths. We don't have a choice."

Zell and Selphie nodded.

"How sad," she expressed, "Well, it must be really easy to just follow orders..."

I folded my arms and mumbled to myself, "Our duty is to help you fulfil your mission, but I find it hard to believe you can do it though..."

"What was that?" Rinoa asked me.

"Nothing," I replied, looking away.

"No tell me, what did you say?"

Great, me and my big mouth. "It was nothing!"

"Tell me. That's an order!" she yelled at me.

Fine, I'd tell her! "How serious are you? Really? The three of you plop on the floor to discus strategy? On top of that you can't make a decision without our input, right? How do you think we feel working for such an organization?!"

Zell put a hand on my shoulder and whispered, "Don't you think you're being a bit hard on her?"

I folded my arms and turned away. I'd leave it at that.

Rinoa stared at me with tear filled eyes. Her bottom lip pouted out in a frown. She looked as though she was about to cry. I didn't care though. She deserved it. She needed to be shown reality, even if it did hurt, even if it wasn't so nice.

"Maybe we shouldn't do this at all…maybe…" Rinoa trailed off. She instantly ran down the steps and back to the pub. As she left I could hear sobs. I had hurt her…

Suddenly, a picture formed on the television. A podium stood as the focus of the attention. On either side of it sat two Galbadian flags. The backdrop behind everything was a deep red curtain. Next, a suited blond haired man stood at the podium.

"People of the world," he began, "Can you hear me? Can you see me? This is no recording. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is a live broadcast. The first in over seventeen years! Now I'd like to introduce the president of Galbadia, Vinzer Deling."

The man stepped down from the podium and a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper black hair took the microphone.

"Greetings," the dictator started his speech, "I'm Vinzer Deling, life long president of Galbadia. Today, I stand before you to make the following proposition. We the people of this world have the power to end all wars."

"See I told you it was about peace!" Selphie declared.

We continued to listen, "Unfortunately, there are some trifling problems standing between Galbadia and other nations and they must be resolved. I plan to convey with other nations' leaders immediately to resolve these problems. At this time allow me to introduce the ambassador who will be my representative for the conference."

"All this to introduce an ambassador?" Zell asked shocked.

I listened to the president again, "The ambassador is the sorceress."

The sorceress? But-

My thoughts were interrupted when I noticed the camera smash down. It lay on its side causing you to see everything in a crocked angle. Suddenly, Seifer appeared and grabbed hold of the president. What in the hell was he think he was doing?! I then saw Quistis instructing the guards to back off.

"You'll only provoke him!" she told them pushing the soldiers back.

"Should we go in?" Zell asked.

"What's the plan, Squall?" Selphie questioned.

"Well, we should stay here," I told them, "it's not our job to go after Seifer, we don't have the clearance."

As if Quistis could read my mind she shouted at the camera, "Timber team, you have permission to help."

We then sprinted into the television station, being stopped by no guards since they were all after Seifer.

We made it to the studio and found Seifer backed into the corner with his gunblade at Deling's throat. Quistis glanced at us nervously.

"You stupid idiot!!!" Zell yelled at Seifer.

"What do you think you're doing?!" I demanded.

"Helping Rinoa out in Timber's independence, what does it look like?" he replied.

"Oh I get it," Zell realized, "You're Rinoa's-"

"Shut up!!!" he cut him off.

"What are we waiting for?" Zell asked, "Let's take this scum back to Balamb Gard-"

"No!" I screamed swinging my arm out. It was too late.

"Should anything happen to me," Deling warned us, "the entire Galbadian military will surely crush Garden…you can let go of me now."

Zell then realized what he had done. He'd endangered every member of Garden…Now who was the idiot?

He hunched his back over and let his arms hang limp.

"Nice going, chicken wuss! You and your big mouth!" Seifer told him and back into the next room. We ran after him.

Once I ran into the room my body froze; I was paralyzed by some sort of spell. I then noticed the wall next to Seifer began to ripple like a lake does when a rock is thrown in. The sorceress emerged from it with a sleek noble smile crowning her pale face.

"You poor, poor, boy," she told him in a excruciating familiar voice, "Such a confused little boy. Are you going to step forward? Retreat? You have to decide."

"Stay back!" Seifer warned.

The sorceress went on, "The boy in you is telling you to come. The adult is telling you to back off. You can't make up your mind. You don't know the right answer."

"Stay back!!!" he warned again.

"You want me to help, don't you? You want to be saved from this predicament. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Besides, you're only a little boy," she told him.

"Shut up! I'm not a BOY!" he yelled at her drawing the blade's razor sharp edge closer to Deling's neck.

"You don't want to be a boy anymore?" the sorceress asked, "Then come with me, to a place of no return. Bid farewell to your childhood."

Seifer then let go of Deling; his eyes seemed out of focus, hypnotized. The sorceress then disappeared back into the wall along with Seifer. Once the concrete stopped rippling, we could move again.

I instantly ran up to their exit and felt it to see if I could go through too. I knocked on it to see if it was hollow, but it wasn't; it was just an ordinary wall like before. I held my forehead in utter concentration. Where could they have gone?

Suddenly, Rinoa came around the corner. "Where's Seifer?" she asked full with panic and concern.

I shook my head in reply.

She then clasped her hands together. "I hope he's alright."

Whatever. Seifer could handle this himself. God only knows how he managed to escape Garden. All those guards Balamb has – he must have killed them…

I shook my head at the thought. Rinoa was so concerned for him…why? Like Zell said, Rinoa must be Seifer's girlfriend. But why? Seifer was nothing but a cold-hearted snake in the grass waiting to bite you when you're down. He's a back stabber and will do anything to get what he wants. But then again, maybe that's why Rinoa likes him…For his crazy I'll do anything attitude. It would serve quite useful for her revolution…

Once back in the alley, Rinoa stopped in her tracks. She turned around and informed, "Squall, our base was destroyed, so we have no place to hide. No need to worry about Watts and Zone; they made their getaway." Not that I cared about them. She continued, "It's not safe for me to stay here anymore. I want you to take me with you."

I held my forehead with my hand. I didn't know where I could take her. Did she mean back to Garden?

"Squall," she said catching my attention, "that's an order from your client."

I nodded. "Yeah, fine," I told her dryly.

As she smiled she placed her arms on her chest with her hands near her neck and began to bounce with excitement. I rolled my eyes. I must say this is the craziest woman I have ever known.

We entered the pub and that same husky woman came up to us.

"Hey Rinoa, I heard about your base," the woman told us, "Why don't you stay at my place till you can figure out what to do next?"

Before I could say anything everyone began to follow her. After twisting and turning around the streets, we made it to a humble little two-story home. Despite its horrible condition, it was one of the best houses in the town.

Inside a pot of stew filled the room with a delicious smell. My mouth began to water – I hadn't eaten since the ball yesterday… At the stairway stood a girl about fifteen years old.

"You can stay here," the girl said to us.

Rinoa turned toward the woman, "Thanks Chief."

"Chief?" I asked aloud.

Rinoa nodded, "Yep, she's a member of Forest Fox, another resistance. The Owls are the only one's that are active, though. The rest just help us out."

The girl smiled at the thought of the revolution. "Legend says that my mother," she began proudly, "battled off thousands of Galbadian soldiers using her strength, cooking, and beauty."

"Wow…" Selphie exclaimed, "The beauty part sure makes it sound like a legend!"

Knock. Knock. "Open up!" a soldier shouted at the door, "It's the Galbadian military and we want to make sure you don't have any of those Owl punks hiding in yer house."

"Don't do anything dangerous," the chief warned, "I've got small children here and if you do anything to harm them-"

I shifted my attention to the girl.

"Go up stairs," she told us, "We'll hold them off here."

We did as we were told. In the next room it was obvious that it belonged to a small child. A tiny bed, which Selphie now lay, sprawled on, sat under an open window. The breeze flowed in brushing against the tied back curtains. A toy box at the other window over flowed with toys. A heat radiator blocked a corner and Zell sat on the ground near it facing away from us. In the middle of the room a round self-made carpet covered the wood floor. Quistis stood in the middle of it thinking about what happened. On the ground at the foot of the bed sat Rinoa hugging her legs.

"Seifer was so mad when he found out that only you three were going to Timber," Quistis told us pacing back and forth, "His words were, 'What!? They might end up fighting the whole Galbadian force! And all they dispatched are three rookie SeeD members?! Damn it! I'm going to Timber!' He broke out of Garden injuring many in the process…" She trailed off.

"It's my fault," Rinoa told us, "I always talked about the revolution with him…so don't think too badly of him."

"What's going to happen to him?" Quistis thought out loud.

"He may already be dead," I told them.

"How can you be so casual?" Rinoa asked hugging her legs tighter, "I feel…sorry for him."

Feel sorry? Ha! Seifer would love that! I began to laugh hysterically. I just couldn't hold it in. Everyone stared at me.

"What's so funny?!" Rinoa demanded now standing, "You're terrible!"

I abruptly stopped laughing.

"So why do you think Seifer may already be dead?" Selphie asked me, sitting up.

"The president and the sorceress joined forces," I replied, "Seifer attacked him. No surprise if Seifer may be killed because of it."

"Even so!" Rinoa expressed, "I still hope he's alive." She bent forward with her hands on her knees. She cocked her head at me as if she could read my thoughts.

Think what you want. Reality isn't so kind. Everything doesn't work out the way you want it to. That's why…

"As long as you don't get you're hopes up," I told her, "you can take anything…you feel less pain. Anyway, whatever you wish is none of my business."

She narrowed her eyes. "You're mean!" she stated matter-of-factly, "MEANY!!!"

She turned her back toward me and placed her hands on her hip.

What's with her?

"Sorry," I apologized.

Instantly the chief then came up stairs and informed, "You better leave soon, those soldiers may come back."

We trotted down the steps and I was about to open the door when Quistis questioned, "Do you have any idea where to go?"

I thought for a moment. All the trains here have stopped except for the one going to East Academe near Galbadia Garden, but we weren't allowed there.

"Garden Code Article 8, line 7." Quistis stated.

8:7…In the event that returning to the assigned Garden isn't possible report to the nearest Garden.

"We'll head to Galbadia Garden," I told them.

We stepped out of the home and walked to the front of Timber Mechanics. There stood a lone Galbadian soldier. All five of us assumed the attack position.

"Ack!" the soldier cried out, "It's me, sir, Watts!"

We all lowered our weapons.

"It's not safe here anymore," Rinoa told him, "You should leave."

He shook his head, "Don't worry, princess, I have my disguise. I'll get some more information instead." He turned towards me, "Be careful, sir. And please take good care of Rinoa."

"I have my orders," I told him blankly.

We then made our way to the train station, avoiding the Galbadian soldiers.

At the station an old man came up to us.

"It's me," he said. It was Zone in disguise; "The tickets to that train are sold out."

Selphie swung her hands down and exclaimed, "Super duper mega bummer!"

"We have to get on that train no matter what!" I told everyone.

"You won't have to. I've got five tickets right here," Zone informed flashing them around.

He then gave one to Rinoa and three to me for Selphie and Zell. He then glanced at his ticket. "Here take it," he told Quistis.

"Oh, no I couldn't," she stuttered waving around her hands in a negative way.

"Take it," he insisted and she finally obtained it.

"Be careful, Zone," Rinoa told him, "Don't die on me. We have to liberate Timber together. I'll be back. Take care."

He nodded, "Yeah, I'll just hide in a bathroom or something. Just hurry the train's leaving."

We boarded the train and spread out in the boxcar. This train wasn't as nice as the last one, but I was glad that we didn't have to stay stuck in Timber until things calmed down.

"We'll, we-" I began but Selphie cut me off.

"Open, open, open!!!" she declared jumping up and down at the boxcar door. I opened the door and she smiled. "Tee-hee, thanks!" She ran into the next boxcar and stared out the window, singing a soft melody.

"What were you going to say?" Rinoa asked me.

"Huh? Oh it's not important," I told her and she sighed with frustration. What was her problem?

"I'll have to thank Zone for the ticket," Quistis told Rinoa.

"He's into dirty magazines," she told her off the subject.

Quistis smiled and put her hand on her hip. "I'll keep that in mind."

I walked over to Zell. He glanced at me and turned away. Wow, Zell was sure depressed. I've hadn't seen him this bad since…since never.

"Attention passengers, Next stop East Academe, all passengers depart."

We boarded off the train. I hadn't realized that East Academe was in the middle of no where. I wasn't sure where we were…

"Head through the forest," Quistis instructed. How did she know? She sure knows a lot about the Galbadian continent.

We proceeded into the woods.

Unlike those in Balamb this forest was almost tropical like. The trees were normal pines, but the flowers and the colors seemed off, too pastel. It was well, different. Also familiar…wait a second. This forest is just like the one in that Laguna dream…

"We're not too far from Galbadia Garden now!" Quistis told us with a smile.

"Hey I was just thinking," Selphie began, "There might be some bad news from the Galbadian government. What if we get caught and-"

Zell interrupted her clenching his fists, "Whatever happens, happens! Now come on! Let's keep going!"

He abruptly hunched his back over and let his arms dangle. "I'm worried about Balamb Garden," he sighed, "If anything happens to Garden it's all my fault. I'm the one who said we were all from Garden…"

Zell swung his arms open in a gesture. "You think the president will retaliate on Garden?"

I looked strait into his eyes. He was completely full of guilt, and he expected me to tell him everything would be all right. But that was just it. He made a stupid mistake that could cost us our lives. It wasn't his fault though. He didn't know…

"Maybe," I replied honestly.

He slumped over again. "Figures." Suddenly he turned around, grabbed my waist, and began to shake me.

Selphie gasped at Zell's action. Do this to me when I don't understand and you're dead.

"B-B-But we have a whole bunch of SeeDs at Balamb Garden! They wouldn't lose to the Galbadian army, would they?"

"Depends on how strong the army is," I told him truthfully.

He finally stopped shaking me and let go. "I know but-"

Rinoa cut him off and marched up to me, "Oh you're just a great leader, aren't you? Do you actually have fun acting so callus towards your comrades?"

Not again!

She continued, "Zell wants your support."

I knew it was going to be something like that.

She put her hand on her hip and tilted her head. "Any kind of encouragement will make-"

Yeah, yeah. I wasn't listening. That kind of stuff is just to ease your mind. Am I the only one who thinks that? No I'm sure Seifer…

I decided to listen to her bickering, "Don't you ever worry about or even think about the well being of your friends?!"

I don't believe in relying on others.

"Don't you understand!"

Whatever!

"Are you listening, Squall?"

Suddenly a surge of pain ran through my body. I clutched my forehead with my hand and cried out it agony. I fell to my knees. It was that sensation again…

"Squall?" Rinoa yelled, panic filling her voice, "Squall?!"

I then fell flat on my face. As Rinoa kept shouting my name everything began to blur…

I opened my eyes to gaze down a cliff that lead on to what seemed like forever, for the hazy fog blanketed the ground. Far distances were difficult to make out which contributed to my strong feeling that I was lost. Behind me was a huge rock wall. As I glanced down at the floor I stood on, I realized I was on a path that circled this mountain. Mountain? How on earth did I get here?

"Kiros, you sure this is the place?" I turned around and saw him and Ward discussing where we were. Oh no, I was Laguna again…

"Positive," Kiros replied.

Ward sighed, "I don't want to be patrolling the wrong place like last time." He then glanced accusingly at me.

"Uhh, sorry this isn't the place," I told them.

The two of them gestured and sighed.

"This is it. Let's go commander," Kiros insisted.

I took out the map that I had taken with me. I placed my hand on the back of my head and began to laugh nervously. "I brought the wrong map!"

Kiros rolled his eyes and Ward shook his head with his arms folded.

"Anyways, I have a bad feeling. You know what the old folks say: The unfamiliar always happens."

"You mean 'unexpected', right?" Kiros corrected.

"You only got the 'un' part right," Ward added.

My eyes narrowed. "Stop your clamorin' and move out!" I ordered them.

We marched down the dirt road and came across a huge structure. It looked like a construction site. To the left was some sort of contraption spilling out rubble and rocks down the cliff. Straight-ahead was a metal bridge that connected to the building.

"But seriously," I began, "This place sure is strange. What the heck is this big pile of rocks? You think these are natural rocks used for carving tombstones?"

"Who knows," Kiros stated, "or cares."

"Speaking of strange," Ward said, "Why have you been running so strange?"

"Strange?" I asked oblivious of my idioticness, "What do you mean strange? Just being cautious. That's the basic rule thu-"

An Esthar soldier approached us. The guy was almost robotic like because of the armor metal he wore, and the helmet made the man look like one of those bug-eyed aliens. He held some sort of gun that had a blade attacked to the top that looked like a boomerang.

"Looks like we've got company!" I told the others, "Esthar soldiers still wearing those flashy uniforms."

"Laguna!" Ward cried out trying to get my attention. I was completely unaware of the three other soldiers behind us.

"Don't be such a weenie," I complained thinking there was only one.

I turned around and saw the other three. "What the-"

Before I could finish my sentence the soldiers aimed their weapons on either side of us; we couldn't run.

"Boomerang!" shouted one of the soldiers. He then pressed a trigger on his weapon and the upper portion of it flew off and swung at our heads.

"Duck!" I warned the others.

The sharp blade sailed over Ward and Kiros's heads. As it came around to me I stupidly forgot to dodge. At the last second, I dove to the ground and the boomerang cut a portion of my hair. The thin strands of my ink-black mane fell slowly to the ground like angel feathers.

Hey my hair!!! That's it, now those Esthar soldiers are going to pay! Beware of Laguna Loire! Oh no, not his ridiculous thoughts again!

Suddenly, I took out a chain and swung it over my head and flung it at the pipe above us. It wrapped around the pipe with a clink. Next I jumped up on the chain and whirled out my machine gun as I swung back and forth over the Esthar soldiers.

"Cover me," I told my comrades. They nodded and held them back for my limit break.

"Desperado!" I yelled. Kiros and Ward dashed out of the way and I pulled the trigger of my gun. As I swung back and forth over the soldiers I showered down a rain cloud of bullets at them. I picked each of them off except for the one remaining one that tired to run away.

I jumped down from the chain while Ward spun his harpoon over his head. He then aimed it at his target with his arm pulled back. Ward next tossed the harpoon at the remaining soldier. The sharp edge pierced right through the Estarian's back and out his stomach.

Ward shuffled to the body and pulled out his weapon.

"There's more coming," he informed.

"There's no end to this," Kiros sighed.

"Better make a run for it!" I suggested already ahead of them.

We sprinted across the metallic bridge. Once we passed the overpass, the bridge extended out in all directions; it was no longer a bridge but a platform. I had no idea where to go so I picked straight-ahead. We felt our way through the fog – the platform rounded out the edge. We found a ladder in the hole leading down.

We climbed down it and were taken back at the beauty of the place. The building was an underground cave completely covered in aqua colored crystals. They glistened like the fluorescent moon in the night's deep sky. Water droplets fell gently to the cave's crystal floor making a soft quite splash.

Ahead of us I noticed an air-vent with a small old key lying just before it. I sprinted for it and satisfyingly put it in my back pocket.

Huh? I feel a draft on my butt… Yeah it was cold. I looked behind me and noticed a great big hole in my pocket. Ack! I lost the key!

I dove to the floor praying that I'd be able to find it again. As I scrambled for it, I felt my hand smack something. Oh no! It went down the vent! Oh gee, such good work!

"Oh well," I sighed, "There's nothing cheaper than something free."

"Nothing cheaper?" Kiros asked.

"Than something free?" Ward finished.

I stood up and looked at them confused. "What? Is it something I said? C'mon, let's go!"

We then proceeded down the hall. The ceiling above seemed to drift farther and farther away from us, expanding the room. Our boots hit the metal hatches below us.

Clang.

Clang.

Clack. Huh? Why the sudden change in noise? I bent down and investigated the hatch, while Kiros and Ward looked down at me impatiently waiting. Ah ha!

"Hey you guys, I've got a plan!" I told them.

"What?" Kiros asked very interested.

"Something stupid I bet," Ward commented.

I made a face. "No way!" I argued, "This here hatch is loose. So if we loosen it more, anyone who steps on it will surly fall!"

"Oh I get it!" Kiros understood, "Any solider won't be able to pass here without falling."

"Right!" I confirmed and untwisted the hatch more, "but we won't be able to come back here. It would be idiotic to fall into our own trap." Why do I have a feeling Laguna might be that stupid?

"Only a genius could think up such a plan!" I finished.

"Yeah, but which one of us is the genius?" Ward teasingly asked.

"Oh shut up!" I shouted.

We then ventured farther down the hall.

"Ah, ha!" I shouted and dove to the ground. I had found the key I lost earlier. Kiros and Ward looked at me as if to say, I don't know him.

I promptly put the rusty piece of metal in my shirt pocket.

"Now, I can't loose it!" I exclaimed triumphantly.

Suddenly I felt an itch at my nose. "Ahhchoo!" I sneezed and the key flew out of its place. Ack! The key! I lost it again! I heard Laguna's thoughts as I frantically search the ground. Well, it's not like I'm going to die or anything…

I stood up and watched my comrades shake their heads.

"What?" I asked unaware of my actions.

Ward rolled his eyes and Kiros sighed. I must say I couldn't blame these guys for being embarrassed, I sure was…

"Quit standing there and let's get going!" I yelled at them.

In the next room, the crystal hall seemed thinner and a lone detonator lay in the path blocking our way. It had two fuses: a short blue one and a long red one. Oh no, bombs and Laguna…I'm afraid to find out what will happen.

"Hey what's this?" I asked pointing to it.

"A detonator…you know?" Kiros told me.

"Hmmm, let's see…oh this short fuse is for that rock there and this long one is for the one we saw earlier," I explained like I was some kind of genus.

"Hey man, are you crazy?" Ward asked sharing my fear, "You don't know how powerful that is."

I frowned and said, "I bet it's not all that. The detonator is right here as long as we stay behind it, we'll be all right."

Ward replied, "Well-"

Before he could finish his sentence I recklessly lit the red fuse. I turned to Ward and smiled so wide my eyelids clamped shut.

BOOM! A loud explosion occurred causing the cave to shake; little pieces of sawdust-like crystal fell from the ceiling and landed on us. I scrapped the particles off of me nonchalantly.

"That was loud," Kiros stated.

"Good thing we were here," Ward added.

"That's what I told you before," I yelled at them, "You should always check how powerful it can be before fooling around!"

"Wasn't that me?" Ward asked.

"Uh…ah…um…anyway we're still alive right?" I told them while I had my hand on the back of my head and laughed nervously.

I then bent down to light the other fuse, when Ward exclaimed, "Not again!"

"Run!" I shouted as I sprinted to the next room, "It's gonna blow!"

We dashed to the next room, anticipating a loud explosion but instead heard a faint thud. We peeked around the corner and watched the rock lazily roll to the other room.

"See!" I exclaimed, "I told you it wasn't that powerful."

We next headed down the hall and came across one of the most spectacular rooms in the cave. The aqua colored crystal changed slowly to a rich pink – they glistened with everlasting beauty. The room extended as far as the eye could see. In front of us was a metal bridge too thin for more than one person to go across it at a time.

We walked slowly across the bridge taking in the scenery as long as possible. Our boots clunked against the metal breaking the silence. No one spoke until we entered the next room.

Here, I examined a huge bolder. What if I push it…? I then slammed my fist into it and recoiled my hand back shaking it.

"Ouch!" I moaned clutching my wound. Stupid bolder, I'll teach you!

I then kicked the thing causing it to roll down the hall. Two Esthar soldiers screamed and ran in the other direction in hopes to escape the path of the rock. Smack. The bolder hit the wall, crushing the poor soldiers with it. Oops…

"Jeez," Ward expressed, "You have to touch everything like some kid."

"Yeah, Laguna," Kiros put in, "Chill out."

"Whatever, man!" I responded with a gesture, "Thanks to me those Esthar soldiers and rock are history. It's like killing two pigs with one stone. I'm just so awesome; Genius, I tell you!"

"Pigs?" Ward inquired completely puzzled. Hell, I sure was…

"Don't you mean birds?" Kiros assumed.

"Bird, pig, whatever, I'm still a genius," I beamed.

"A mentally insane one if that," Kiros teased.

I ignored his comment and marched into the next cave dwelling.

Instead of being welcomed by mass amounts of crystals we overlooked the ocean atop a cliff. The salt air filled my nose and I grew more excited. We're almost home…

I turned around and was greeted by a pair of elite Esthar soldiers. Their helmets and armor differed from the others. The "eyes" were a blue color instead of red and the overall metal on the armor was a darker shade of gray. The blades on their weapons, to my dismay, were much larger.

"Don't tell me," I exclaimed.

Kiros sighed, "Of all the worst possible-"

"Predicaments?" Ward finished.

The faceless guards then aimed the gun portion of their weapons at us. The bullets sailed from the chamber and at us quicker than lighting. Kiros and Ward slammed to the ground and I just stood there stupidly.

The bullets pierced my armor and my skin. I cried out in pain as I fell to the ground. Thud. My head hit the rock hard mountain floor. I could feel blood slowly ooze from out of my skull. I couldn't move all I did was cry like a baby.

Ward rushed to my side as Kiros called upon his GF, "Diablos, Dark Messenger!"

"Take this," Ward ushered while literally forcing the liquid down my throat. I coughed and gagged at the taste of the potion. It must have gone bad lying on the shelf too long.

"What are you trying to do? Kill me?" I protested and stood up, with my wounds partly healed.

Before I could say anymore the sun seemed to dim. Wait…sun dimming? How can that be? Suddenly I heard a faint sound of screeching. It came closer and louder. I covered my ears from the agony of the high-pitched noise. A huge flock of bats circled the area. Instantly, they huddled together so closely they seemed like a blob of black.

A few seconds passed and a dark GF emerged from the liquid bubble. His hands and wings were placed on his chest as if he were dead. Suddenly, he spread his wings wide open removing any remaining goop on him from the blob. He examined the stunned soldiers and shot his hands into the air. Immediately he swung his arms down and the huge blob slammed onto the soldiers. The ball split into six spheres upon contact. Each had their own unique cursed symbol illuminating with power.

The devil-like GF spun into the air and with a flash of light turned back into the group of bats. The sky lit up once more and we turned to investigate the soldiers.

One of them was indented in the ground in a bloody mess. The other groggily looked upon us; he would die any second.

"Soul Crush!" the soldier cried and dashed at Kiros and Ward with his remaining strength. He sung his knife blindly and sliced Kiros in the stomach. My comrade went down as Ward screamed if he was all right. The crazed soldier then slashed at Ward. Blood trickled down from his neck and his cries became gagged moans.

Hey that bastard! I'm gonna kill him! But before I could react the soldier fell to the ground. He lay limp and I noticed he wasn't breathing.

I bent down next to my wounded friends and gazed out at the open sea.

"Look the ocean," I pointed out to a none too thrilled Kiros and Ward, "We're saved! Lady luck is on our side. We can escape to Galbadia!!!"

"One would say we've been run down," Kiros managed to speak, "That's what they'd normally say…"

I stood up and glared at him. "Don't say that. It might come true. Didn't your grandmother tell you that?"

"If you say something bad," he recited, "It might come true…Yeah I think she did."

I heard a mumble come from Ward.

"What did you say?" I asked him.

"I think his throat was injured," Kiros told me, "he lost his voice."

Ward looked up at me bleeding at the throat. "It…wa…fu…you…" he mumbled.

I was taken a back a bit. Did he just curse at me? "Say again," I told him.

He gasped for air and managed to speak the last words he'd ever say, "It…was…fun. Laguna…Kiros…it was fun."

I understood what he said but Laguna had no clue. "Ward, that's way uncool," I told him, "It's not cool to say that, you're getting the cuchi-cuchi treatment!"

I bent down and tickled the injured man he doesn't laugh but his smile spoke volumes. What was Laguna thinking tickling a wounded man? Frankly, I don't want to know…

I got up and looked down the cliff. The fog had now cleared and the bottom could be visibly seen. The sea's majestic waves crashed against the mountain's rock walls. A few feet away from the rocky shallow water floated two Galbadian boats.

"Whoa!" I expressed, "Check it out, a boat! We're getting on!"

Kiros looked up at my jumping figure. "A vessel they'd normally call it."

I frowned and rolled my eyes. "Boat, vessel, whatever. We're going to Galbadia!"

I then waddled over to Kiros and picked him up. With a light swing I thew him off the cliff. A few seconds later I here a loud splash. Ward looked at me with puppy-dog eyes. If he could speak I know he'd beg me to not throw him off.

I grabbed the back of his uniform and attempted to lift him. Wow! Ward sure is heavy!

I folded my arms in thought and came up with a "brilliant" plan. It was more idiotic than brilliant…

I stood behind Ward and pushed on his feet. He slid towards the edge and I gave him a final shove. Splash!

"You guys sure have guts," I exclaimed to no one, "You know how high this cliff is?!"

I glanced down again and wished I hadn't. All well to late now. I had to follow them.

I inched myself towards the edge and slowly slid off. I hung onto the cliff as I looked down. Ack! Too far…I can't do this! Maybe I'll just climb back up and-

I stupidly lost grip of the cliff. Oh GOD!

"No way!" I screamed on my way down, "AHHHHHH! Oh shi-"

I slowly opened my eyes and my blurred vision came into focus. All I could see was a pair of beautiful brown almond-shaped eyes staring back at mine. Rinoa backed up from my face and smiled. She seemed relieved that I was okay.

I sat up and turned my head to see Selphie and Quistis standing up. They both looked tired from our little dream adventure.

"Was it Laguna again?" Zell asked helping Selphie up.

"Sir Laguna is in big trouble!" Selphie announced, "I hope he'll be okay!"

Quistis closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. "Doesn't seem like the first time for you all. What is this?" she asked.

If it were just me I could tell the others it was only a crazy dream…

"We'll be wasting our time trying to figure it out," I told her, "Let's keep going."

"Yeah," Zell agreed, "Let's go! I think we're almost there."

With that Zell marched off followed by Selphie and Quistis. I turned towards Rinoa. Her gorgeous face was streaked with worry and guilt.

"Ummm…" she trailed off looking down and fidgeting. She wanted to tell me something serious; something was troubling her… "I think I may have said too much. I'm sorry."

She flashed me a weak smile. I shook my head. Forget about it…

Once out of the forest Galbadian Garden could clearly be seen. At the gates a mass amount of cadets trained on flying robotic suits. Rhythmic counting boomed through out the air. The commander of the group strictly kept the students in line. From the look of things, the rules here were tight any mess up and you'll surly pay for it. The Garden itself was painted a deep red and took on the shape of a semi-circle. I noticed the front gate was ten times bigger than the one at Balamb Garden.

Inside, a huge SeeD symbol was placed above the inner gates. Not many students scurried about the halls and no one dared to run. All that could be heard was the faint thudding of footsteps against the gray tiled floor. It was like a library. The circular courtyard passed the gate was absolutely huge. The ceiling stretched at least twenty feet over my head. In the middle a giant SeeD symbol was imprinted on the tile. From all directions a mass of halls spread about. You could get lost in this place forever!

We stood at the gate amazed at the contrasts between this Garden and our own.

Selphie with jaw dropped exclaimed in awe, "Wow, completely different from both Trabaja or Balamb Garden!"

"Sure is quiet," Zell put in with a whisper. I could tell he hated the place already.

With my hand on my hip I commented, "I like it."

Rinoa began to laugh hysterically. What was so funny? I lifted up one eyebrow at her in question. She just clutched her stomach with the pain of her giggles.

"Could you leave this up to me?" Quistis asked, "I've been here several times and I know the headmaster pretty well. I'll go and explain our situation."

Whatever. I didn't care as long as we were safe…for now. She walked off leaving the four of us behind to explore the huge new Garden.

I pushed open the gate's door with the others close behind.

"Where are we supposed to go?" Selphie asked me like I would know.

Instantly, the announcer over the intercom answered, "Attention, SeeD party from Balamb Garden, Please wait in the second floor reception room."

"Where's that?" Zell asked me.

I violently sighed and shook my head with my hand on my forehead. How was I supposed to know all these things? I've never been here before –

I then noticed Rinoa walking strait ahead. "Come on," she gestured for us to follow. Well, she seemed to know where to go. Oh yeah, that's right. She's probably been here before, asking for assistance for the Forest Owls.

We continued down the hall passing an instructor that wore a pair of gray pants and a skin-tight black T-shirt. He stood so perfectly strait he appeared to be a statue. Rinoa then lead us to a more brightly-lit hall and to the right of us sat a staircase curving to the second floor. Rinoa ran up the steps followed by Zell and Selphie; I walked up.

At the top of the stairs another instructor, guard, or whatever stood beside a door with an interesting decor bordering it. Rinoa opened the door and we entered the reception room.

The first thing I noticed were the two white leather couches in the center of the room facing each other with a glass coffee table in the middle. To the right of the door sat a very attractive wood bureau. Above a mirror in a wooden frame hung and reflected the light. Behind the right couch were two full-length windows that stretched all the way to the ceiling. I glanced out; the marching students below looked like a colony of ants heading back to their nest.

Everyone spread out, Selphie peered out the window, Zell sat on the left couch, and Rinoa stood passed the table, staring at the wall.

"So Quistis attended classes here?" Rinoa absently said out loud.

"I wonder if they have a Garden festival too," Selphie asked to know one in particular.

I gently placed my hand on my hip. What could be taking Quistis so long?

"How long are they gonna make us wait?" Zell groaned sharing my boredom.

As if on cue, instructor Trepe walked in. Everyone turned to face her.

"How did it go?" I asked. She folded her arms.

"They understand our situation," she told us, then walked over to where Zell was sitting and bent forward, "And Balamb Garden is safe."

Zell stood up with pure excitement. A huge smile beamed across his face. His eyes clamped shut with his grin. I could definitely tell he was relieved, I sure was. Balamb Garden is my home. I've been there since as long as I could remember. If something should happen to it, I'm not sure what I'd do…

Quistis went on, "The attack on the president in Timber was classified as an independent action. There was an official notice from the Galbadian government saying that Balamb Garden is not being held responsible."

"So Seifer's taking all the blame?" Zell asked with a touch of melancholy.

An expression of pain cut Quistis's fare face. "The trial's over," she told us in a shaky voice, "and the sentence has been carried out."

Rinoa gasped and her beautiful eyes began to fill with bitter tears. Selphie's eyes grew big and she remained unusually silent. Zell jumped back as if he had seen a ghost. His mouth hung open with shock.

"…He was executed?" Rinoa's voiced cracked and she squatted on the ground, hugging her legs, "Of course he was. He attacked the president," She stood up and wiped away a salty tear that had drizzled down her soft cheek. "He sacrificed himself for the Forest Owls…"

Quistis walked up to her. "It was your group that got Seifer involved with this?" she asked almost accusingly, "You're a resistance faction, right? You must have been prepared for the worst. I'm sure Seifer was prepared too. So don't think of it as Seifer sacrificing himself for you." She then sighed and sat on the couch next to Rinoa. "I'm sorry, I guess that wasn't much consolation."

An awkward moment of silence filled the room. I slightly shook my head. What the heck was everyone's problem? You should always be prepared for a situation like this. We're in the military and Rinoa's apart of an antigovernment agency…You should know someone might die, and be ready for it. I sighed. Never get your hopes up; they'll just be shattered later on. That's the way life is. Once you think you got something good, fate throws you another obstacle. If you don't expect anything good to happen, and don't get close to people, nothing can hurt you.

Selphie broke the quiet, "You really hated Seifer didn't you, Zell?"

He frowned and cast his eyes downward. "Yeah but…He was from Garden. He was one of us… If I can, I wanna get revenge." He then held up a clenched fist and shook it angrily.

"I…really liked him," Rinoa stated absently, "Always full of confidence, smart. Just by talking to him I felt I could take on the world." A small smile warmed her face as she thought of him.

"Your boyfriend?" Selphie inquired.

"I don't really know," she sighed and sat on the couch next to Quistis. "I…I think I was in love. I wonder how he felt…"

I frowned and placed my hand on my hip, shifting my weight. I guess there's no point in trying to bother with winning her heart. Of course SEIFER was her boyfriend. Besides what idiot would go for a guy like me? I…What am I thinking?! I shook my head of the thought of getting close to someone. No…not after what happened with Sis. I can't… Why am I thinking this anyway? I don't even LIKE her never mind love her… She's the exact opposite of me. And she hates me. So why do I have to keep reminding myself?

"Do you still like him?" Selphie asked.

"If I didn't," Rinoa began her face glistened from tears, "I wouldn't be talking about it." She hugged her legs. "It was last summer…I was sixteen. Lot's of fond memories." She then weakly smiled.

"I don't have any good memories of him," Quistis told us, "I've seen some troubled children, but he was beyond troubled," she shifted her thought, "Well, he wasn't really a bad guy."

"Kinda sad…" Selphie mumbled. She didn't know him that well, but she had a very strong amount of empathy. It was as if she too lost a close friend. Even though I wouldn't even call him my friend…

Zell shook his head; "I didn't like that guy, but executed?"

I liked him…wasn't really a bad guy…He was one of us… Seifer you've become just a memory. Will they…Will they talk about me this way if I die, too? Squall was this and that. Using past tense, saying whatever they want. So this is what death is all about…Not for me! I won't have it!!! A burning rage filled my heart and soul. I closed my eyes in hope that it would pass, but the wild fire stayed inside of me.

Quistis stood up and questioned with concern, "What's wrong, Squall?"

"I won't have it!!!" I shouted and swung my arm out with authority. Everyone then stared at me.

"W-what?" Zell asked a bit frightened and shocked by my anger.

"Are you MAD?" Selphie asked and swung down her arms almost like a shrug.

I ran to the door. "I'm not having anyone talk about me in past tense!" I exclaimed and ran out the door.

I sprinted down the stairs trying to out run Zell who had followed me. I screeched to a halt and began to walk when I saw one of those instructors. The man eyed me, but shifted his attention towards Zell who clumsily ran down the staircase shouting my name.

I walked passed the instructor and Zell bumped right into him. He fell strait to the ground and looked up at the instructor with a nervous grin. The blow didn't even phase the middle-aged man. He was like a brick wall.

"One hundred push-ups now!" he ordered, "The rule is NO running in the hall."

"But…" Zell attempted to explain.

"Don't give me any pitiful excuses cadet! You know the rules."

Zell grumbled and assumed the push-up position.

"Now count, you good for nothing scum bag!"

"1…2…3…" Zell counted as he did his task.

"You call those push-ups?" the instructor yelled.

I shook my head with a smile and exited the hall. Poor Zell.

Upon reaching the courtyard I heard a familiar voice call out, "Yo, Squall!" I turned around; it was Rajin and Fujin from the balcony of the second floor. The two hurried down.

"What are you doing here?" I asked them gesturing by moving my hand slightly away from my leg in question.

"What am I doing?" Rajin repeated, "I'm a messenger, ya know?"

Rajin and Fujin nodded at each other.

He went on, "Brought you a knew order from Headmaster Cid, ya know?"

They nodded towards each other again.

"What kind of order?" I inquired.

Rajin bent forward and put his hand near his mouth and shook it as if to tell a secret. "I dunno. Gave it to the head honcho here. Just did what Headmaster Cid wanted, ya know?"

They nodded in approval.

"EXPLAIN," Fujin stated in her usual robotic tone.

"We were supposed 'ta go to Timber. But the trains have stopped, so we had no other choice but to come here. Kinda relieved to see you guys here."

They nodded yet again.

"SEIFER?" Fujin asked.

Damn! I was hopping to avoid this…I didn't want to be the one to tell them that their "leader" was killed.

"Oh yeah!" Rajin exclaimed, with remembrance, "Wasn't Seifer with you?"

I sighed and informed them casually as if it were nothing, "I believe Seifer may be dead."

Fujin gasped and held a hand to her heart. Rajin seemed to be in a state of disbelief.

I continued, "I heard he was tried in Galbadia and then executed."

Fujin narrowed her eyes. "LIES!"

Rajin then hysterically laughed. "That's gotta be a lie, ya know?" He then shook his hand in front of his mouth. "There's no way he'd put up with a trial, ya know?! Or an execution for that matter! It's just so not Seifer, ya know?"

"FIND!" Fujin exclaimed.

Rajin looked a bit confused by Fujin's statement. "O' what…! We're gonna meet up with Seifer?" He then turned back toward me. "Well, see ya Squall. We're gonna head off to Galbadia to look for Seifer."

They then scramble to the exit of the courtyard. What do they mean find Seifer? His body? I held my forehead with my fingertips. I hope they'll be okay. They'll be so devastated when reality hits them-

My thoughts were broke by the intercom, "Attention SeeD party from Balamb Garden. Please assemble at the front gate."

Once at the gate I found Zell shadow boxing as usual, Quistis pacing back and forth with impatience, a smiling Selphie rocking back and forth humming a tune, and Rinoa sitting on the ledge with her feet dangling.

I walked up to her. As she looked up at me her eyes stabbed my heart with that same high-like feeling. Her glassy almond orbs hypnotized me. I stared into them and she looked back into my own blue eyes. I observed every movement of her eyelashes as she slowly blinked.

"Oh I think that's him," Rinoa thought out loud snapping me out of my daze. She glanced up at me again. "Just pretend I'm a SeeD, too. It'll be less complicated that way."

The five of us stood in a line and awaited the car before us. The yellow and blue car stopped just ten feet in front of us. The Headmaster of Galbadia Garden emerged and strode toward us. We all stood at attention and saluted. Rinoa glanced at us and quickly did the same. The headmaster saluted back.

"Good day," Headmaster Martine greeted and began to pace examining each of us. "I have official orders from Headmaster Cid addressed to you. Following regulations, I have gone over these orders. After careful consideration of our options, we have decided to fully assist and cooperate with Headmaster Cid. Actually, we too have been planning for this for quite some time now." He stopped pacing and continued, "In order to stress the importance of this mission, I must first brief you of the current situation."

"At ease," he commanded and we loosened up.

"You all know about the sorceress being appointed as the peace ambassador for the Galbadian government," he began, "However, this ambassador thing is just a cover up. There will be no peace talks, only threats. The sorceress creates fear among people. Therefore peace talks are impossible. Galbadia is planning to use this fear to negotiate favorable conditions for itself. It's clear that Galbadia's ultimate goal is world domination. Garden is no exception, either. In fact that the sorceress is planning to use this Garden as her base."

Headmaster Martine paused briefly, "We have very few options available to us. We entrust world peace, and the future to you."

We all saluted with Rinoa quickly following our example.

"Details of the mission are enclosed in these official orders," he informed and handed me the paper. I quickly skimmed it over. Assassinate the sorceress…blah blah blah… oh what's this? Sniper? I've shot bullets out of my gunblade but there's no way I could do that.

"Any questions?" the headmaster asked.

"The orders say by means of 'a sniper'," I stated, "We have no one with that skill."

"Don't worry about it," he replied, "Let me introduce an elite sharpshooter from Galbadia Garden." He then shouted toward the field, "Kinneas! Irvine Kinneas!"

I looked out into the grassland and my eyes caught onto a small delicate pale yellow butterfly. It fluttered its wings and landed on the tip of a finger. The fingerless-gloved hand was held as if it were a gun, and jolted back like it just shot the butterfly. The insect flew away and the man stood up from his relaxed laying position.

His brown overcoat rippled in the soft breeze. He turned toward us and rested his shotgun on his shoulder. He wore a pair of cowboy boots with his chaps covering his black jeans. On his upper half he wore nothing but a bold purple vest clearly showing his chest and Indian-like necklace. A sly Cheshire cat grin crowned his face. He tossed his long ponytail aside and tipped his black cowboy hat in greeting.

He paced back and forth examining each of us thoroughly especially the female members of the group.

"This is Irvine Kinneas," the Headmaster introduced, "He will be your sharpshooter. Leave whenever you're ready. Failure isn't an option." With that he left in the car. As he took off our new member of the group pointed his hand like it was a gun at the car. "BANG!" he stated in a very slight southern accent.

I shook my head. I had a bad feeling about this guy…

"So what's the orders?" Zell asked extremely impatiently.

"This is no ordinary mission," I told them, "It's a direct order from both Balamb and Galbadia Garden. We're to assassinate the sorceress."

Zell was taken a back a step and Quistis covered her mouth. I glanced at Irvine and he seemed to be in his own world pretending to shoot things.

I went on, "We're to shoot from afar. Kinneas will be our sniper. We're to support him to out fullest." I walked up to him to catch his attention. "Should the sharpshooter fail, we are to attack head on."

Irvine gestured with both of his arms like a shrug. "Thanks for the support, but I never miss my target," he told me with full confidence.

Gee, he sure wasn't modest… I ignored my thoughts and continued my briefing, "Eliminate the sorceress. That's our order. We're going to head to the capital of Galbadia, Deling City. There, we'll meet up with General Caraway." Rinoa seemed to cringe at the name of the man. What was up with that? Must be my imagination. "We'll go over the details for the plan with him. Let's get going."

"Well then," Irvine began, "Come on, don't want to be late." With that he lead us out of Galbadia Garden.

We boarded the train at Galbadia Garden station. The ticket was so expensive, three thousand Gil, but there was no other way to Deling in such a short amount of time.

I inserted the ticket into the computer on the train. I didn't go into the next boxcar for I knew Selphie would throw a fit.

"Tee-hee, you caught on!" she exclaimed and dashed to the next compartment. She's so full of energy and so carefree. I used to be like that once…a long long time ago…

"This train, bound for Deling City, will be departing shortly," the speaker over the intercom announced. Suddenly, with a jolt the train began to move with a toot of the horn.

"This is the only train bound for Deling anyway," Rinoa informed.

"Hmm…Perhaps it's fate?" Irvine mumbled to himself and trotted off to the next boxcar.

Zell squinted in anger and shook his fist. "So what do we do about him?"

Quistis expression abruptly changed to concern. "Irvine just kind of went off…shouldn't you check?"

I sighed and made my way to the next boxcar. What was the big deal? He wouldn't do anything.

In the next compartment, I found a smirking Irvine with an unsure Selphie.

"Selphie, we're destined to be together!" Irvine exclaimed mellow dramatically.

"Y-yeah right!" she stuttered with her cheeks burning red. She then deeply sighed.

"A sigh of love?" Irvine asked hopefully.

Selphie smiled nervously. "No…no," she affirmed and jumped adding more meaning to her words.

Irvine then noticed me and made his way out. As he passed me he tipped his hat and said, "Pardon me."

I walked up to Selphie.

"My heart's pounding. What's this I'm feeling?" she asked, taking in deep breaths.

I knew that feeling… It always comes around when I'm with Rinoa…"It's an important mission," I told her, "Get used to handling pressure while you still can."

She sighed. "How much longer 'til Deling City?"

I shook my head in reply and left her alone.

As I entered the original boxcar I saw Zell completely ticked off. I glanced to my right and noticed Irvine bothering Rinoa.

"Rinoa!" Irvine cried out as she hid behind Quistis.

"Irvine Kinneas!" Quistis berated, "You're playing a major role in this mission. Now, behave yourself!"

"No one understands me," he expressed, "Snipers are loners by nature…We hone our instincts, pour our whole being into a single bullet. The pressure of the moment…An instant of tension…That's what – That's what I have to face alone. It's not easy. So like, just do me a favor, and let me be! You get my drift?" He then sort of saluted with two fingers.

I shifted my gaze to Zell. He stood there both fists clenched and he shook with pure annoyance.

WaBAM! He slammed his fist into the floor with all his might. The whole entire train shuttered and almost tilted off the track from the blow.

Instantly the announcer informed, "Err, there was no damage to the train from that, err, minor vibration."

I stepped out of the train. We had arrived in Deling City at night. The station was as busy as ever. Mass amounts of locomotives arrived and took off on different tracks. The speaker over the intercom announced arrivals and departures. An attendant stood by one train shouting for all passengers to board. The tiny yellow lights lit the subway-like station just enough to make out where you were going.

I lead the group to the escalators. I stood on the back rubber surface and waited for it to lift me up. Rinoa on the other hand sprinted up it. When I reached the top I took in the scenery of the place.

Just ahead of us laid the cluttered streets full with all kinds of busses. Right away I recognized the beautiful water fountain where Laguna had parked his car. It wasn't there now though… The streetlights filled the roads with a Las Vegas glow. I closed my eyes and for some reason the word "home" came to mind. So this is where Laguna's from…

I glanced at Rinoa and she had this tiny serene smile adding more beauty to her face. She seemed to be remembering something… Abruptly her smile changed to an annoyed frown. Why? What was wrong?

"We're going to Caraway's Mansion, right?" she told me, "Just take bus 08."

Irvine's eyes grew wide with shook. "Exactly," he stated, "You're pretty familiar with this place."

Whatever, it doesn't matter as long as we get this mission over with and successfully.

We boarded the bus and were taken to one of the biggest houses I've ever seen in my life. Painted a light blue shade, it stood three stories tall. The rounded edges and parapet gave it a castle appearance. In one window at the top a green plant sat upon the windowsill. A seven-foot stone wall led to the entrance and boxed out forming a porch. At the entrance of it stood a Galbadian soldier on guard.

"General Caraway's mansion is right through this gate," the guard began, "but I can't just let you walk in."

"I believe he's been informed of our arrival," I told him.

"Yes, indeed," he replied, "but I was ordered not to let you through until your skills have been tested."

Rinoa let out a loud annoyed breath. "He's still so skeptical of people."

"Test our skills?" I asked, "What does he want us to do?"

"The Tomb of the Unknown King is to the northeast…Bring back proof you were there, a code number."

"A code number?" I repeated in question.

"Yes," he answered, "there once was a student who entered there and never returned…He left his student ID behind. It still remains there today. Just bring me back the number."

I turned back toward the others. Zell had been shadowboxing, Quistis tapped her foot with arms folded, Irvine tried to convince Selphie of his undying love (more likely lust) for her and Rinoa…wait where'd she go?

"How dare General Caraway bring us all the way out here for a stupid test of courage!" she screamed at the soldier, "You go in and tell him that Rinoa Heartilly is here! And if he thinks we're going all the way to that freaking tomb, tell him he's got another thing coming!"

The soldier stared at her with wide eyes. "Yes ma'am!" he exclaimed with a salute and headed inside the mansion.

She shook her head and waited impatiently for his return. What difference would it make if he were told her name?

The soldier returned and informed, "General Caraway will see you now."

Huh? Why? What's so special about her? She's just like once of us…not even a SeeD…I don't get it.

The soldier stepped aside and I lead the group to the porch. Everyone went inside except Rinoa and me. I ignored her and held my forehead with my palm.

Both Balamb and Galbadia Garden are joining forces with the general from the Galbadian army…why? No point in me thinking about it. SeeDs aren't meant to question why.

"Umm…" Rinoa caught my attention, "Is my contract still in effect?"

I nodded. What is it this time?

"Don't leave me in this house, okay? Want me to explain why?"

I wondered, but this might take a while…

"You should know by now," I replied, "Just tell us what to do and we'll do it."

She didn't answer at first and held her left elbow with her right arm across her stomach. Finally she smiled warmly making me melt. "Okay then, thanks," she told me with gratitude.

Inside the mansion, the first room appeared like a study instead of a living room. At the far end stood a wooded desk in front of a ceiling-high bookcase. Before the desk a coffee table was the focus of the room. Surrounding it were two Elizabethan-age plush red chairs. A third seat directly to the left of the table matched the other two chairs but could fit two people. Behind that was three windows half covered by tan shades.

To the right of the entrance sat a built in china-cabinet filled with various types of wineglasses. Further right, next to the windows stood a white statue of a woman. Her hands were in such a way it appeared that she would be holding something but she held nothing.

The guard told us that we should wait here, but it had been twenty minutes now. Irvine sat back in the desk chair with his boots casually lying atop the important papers that scattered around the desk. Zell impatiently paced back and forth in front of the table with his hands in his pockets. Selphie gazed out the window examining the night's glorious stars. Quistis and Rinoa each took a seat on one of the chairs.

"Hmph…He always does this! So discourteous, making people wait!" Rinoa expressed and stood up, "I'm gonna go complain. Everyone wait here."

She stormed off passed me and opened the door. "Oh by the way," she stated remembering, "this is my house, so don't worry."

Zell jolted back with shock.

I just hope this doesn't lead to any trouble but knowing her…

A few seconds later a middle-aged man came into the room. I could tell by his uniform that he was General Caraway. His strait black hair had steaks of white and his eyes reflected a caramel color, but he wasn't at all from an Asian descent. I waited for Rinoa to come out with him, but she didn't.

"Where's Rinoa?" I asked partly because it was an order to protect her and partly because of my concern.

"She has not received the type of training you all have and may become a burden," the general replied, "It's for the best that she stays out of this operation."

Selphie tore her gaze from the window and eyed Caraway. "So you're Rinoa's father?" she asked.

His expression seemed to sadden. "I can't remember the last time she called me that…"

Zell's eyes grew big with shock. "So the father's a top military officer, and the daughter's a member of an anti-government faction?! That's bad…really BAD!" he expressed with emphasis.

"Yes indeed," General Caraway agreed, "It's a serious problem." He then walked over to one of the windows and looked down at the busy streets below. "But it doesn't concern you. It's our problem," he told us firmly so we'd drop the subject. "Besides," he began to change the topic, "we have far more important things to worry about."

I thought about Rinoa. She didn't want to stay in this house… Garden's directive and her orders have the same value to us. I couldn't decide.

"Once our mission is accomplished here," I told Caraway, "we're working for Rinoa, as per our contract," I shook my head to add more emphases to my words, "I don't know what your situation is, but please don't interfere when the time comes."

"And if I do?" he asked.

Was he threatening? No body threatens me…and walks away. I held my anger in and stated calmly, "We're all SeeDs here. We'll act accordingly."

Irvine then gripped his hands on the chairs arm rests and shoved himself over the desk with sheer grace. He leaded against the desk with arms folded. "Hey, hey, hey, fellas," he caught everyone's attention, "We're here to knock off the sorceress, right? So let's get down to business."

Thank you Irvine, for breaking that tension. I felt relieved as General Caraway began to brief us.

"Okay, let me explain the plan," he then walked out the front door.

On the way to the street he continued, "I'm sure you know about the Galbadian government reaching an agreement with Sorceress Edea."

So that's her name…

"There plans to be a ceremony tonight to commemorate the event. It'll be held at the Presidential Residence," he went on as he led us there.

We came to an open road with a huge gate down the strait-a-way.

"During the ceremony," Caraway started, "you will split up into two teams and get into position. The gateway team will enter the gateway and stand by. The sniper team will stand by at the front of the Presidential Residence until the ceremony is over. This is where the sniper team will wait, right here where I'm standing."

He stood in front of a gated building with a huge red digital clock at the top.

"That's the Presidential Residence. Once the ceremony ends, a parade for the sorceress will begin. That's when the gate will open. Lay low until then. The parade may be canceled if there is any commotion. We must avoid that at all costs. Once the gate opens the sniper team will move out. With the parade drawing the crowd and the guards' attention, it should be rather easy to move about. The sniper team will head for the roof of the residence. In the corridor by the sorceress's room, there is a hatch that leads to the clock tower. There you'll find a carousel clock. You'll find the sniper rifle there. Stand by in the tower until exactly o' twenty hours."

He began to walk in demonstration and continued, "The parade will begin by the gate. The sorceress will be riding on the parade vehicle. After it leaves the gate, it will turn left like this," he ran in the parade's pattern, "The parade will circle once around the city along the outer road and return to this space. It will return on this side. Then it will return on this side. Then it will turn right and head this way. Here's where the gateway team comes into play."

After Selphie asked him to demonstrate it again he led us to the gateway.

"At exactly o' twenty hours, the parade will pass under here. At this point, the gateway team will operate the console to drop the gates. The sorceress will be trapped inside the gateway. At o' twenty hours the carousel clock will rise out of the roof, carrying the sniper team up as well. There will be no obstruction between the sniper and the sorceress. Take the open shot…"

"BANG!!!" Irvine shouted with enthusiasm.

General Caraway annoyed by Irvine's immaturity ignored him and finished, "That is all. No we wait. You're free to go anywhere. Go check out the city if you wish. Just one thing, stay out of trouble."

Who does he think we are? We're not like his daughter…

"We are SeeDs," I stated firmly. We may be young but that doesn't mean we don't know how to act mature. I then glanced at Irvine who pretend his hand was a gun and began aimlessly shooting as Selphie giggled and jumped with excitement. Well, some of us were mature anyway…

"Report to my residence when you're ready. We'll hold a final meeting then. After that, we'll proceed with the operation," General Caraway informed, "Dismissed."

Caraway trotted off to the mansion and left the five of us to the city.

"Let's split up!" Selphie declared.

She and Quistis headed off down the road together leaving us boys behind. Irvine glanced at us and tipped his hat, "Later, guys."

He then ran after the two woman and put his arm around each one, "Ladies," he began in his best charming voice, "off with out me?"

Selphie laughed with her cheeks burning red. Quistis on the other hand shoved his arm off.

"Well it looks like it's just you and me, Squall," Zell told me with a thumbs up and eyes sparkling with excitement. He always admired me and thought it was the most wonderful thing to be with me as if I were a god.

"Yo, let's go to Hotel Galbadia and see if Julia is still playin'," he suggested.

I shrugged not showing as much enthusiasm as he was. "Whatever," I stated dryly.

Upon arrival of the hotel we made our way down stairs and were greeted by the usual décor. Like before Julia's piano sat on the semi-stage facing the tables and chairs.

A waitress walked up to us. "Can I help you?" she asked.

Zell noticed I wasn't going to do the talking and questioned, "Is Julia playing here tonight?"

The lady gave us a look as if she seen a ghost. "Julia?" she inquired, "Julia Heartilly? She died about ten years ago and hasn't played here in fifteen years."

So it looks like whoever Laguna is, he's someone of the past…

"What happened to her?" Zell went on with his curiosity.

"Well, during the war with Sorcerer Adel a Galbadian soldier inspired Julia to sing. She was a huge success. Later, after the war, she met the Galbadian General, Caraway. She waited around for the original solider to return but he never did. She said he was her first and only love. Caraway comforted her and they later got married. Around seven-teen years ago she had a daughter."

Rinoa…Rinoa Heartilly…She was Julia's daughter. I knew they resembled each other too much.

"Around eight years later, she died in a terrible car crash," she finished.

Zell shook his head in disappointment.

The waitress then eyed us more carefully. "Say, aren't you guys a little too young to know about Julia and too young to be in this bar!"

Zell looked up and grabbed my wrist. "Uhh, we'll be going, now."

We ran out to the street almost getting run over by the people speedily walking by.

"Where to now?" Zell asked me.

"Do you have enough parts to tune up your weapon?" I wondered.

Zell shook his head.

"Well, let's head to the shopping center anyway. I want to pick up some potions and phoenix downs. I have a bad feeling about this operation."

We boarded the next bus that came by and made it to the shopping center. Here the sidewalks were absolutely crawling with people. Above attached to the streetlights were flags advertising for tonight's parade. We squished our way to the item store.

Relieved that no one seemed to be here, I a waited the desk clerk.

I glanced around the counter and found a bell. Before I could ring it, Zell pounded it with this palm until the clerk came.

"What will it be?" the very old man asked. He looked around ninety.

"How much are potions and phoenix D's?" I asked.

The old bat scratched his head. "You remind me of someone…It seems like yesterday…"

I sighed. Another stupid story by a boring adult.

The old man rattled on, "He was so full of dreams... I also had lots…"

Now, he won't shut up about his dreams: this morning's dreams, yesterday's dreams, childhood dreams… I sighed with boredom as Zell began to fall asleep standing. This is so typical. Adults reminiscing and talking on and on about things they couldn't do or didn't do…I hate it.

"Look," I told him roughly and cut him off, "All I asked was how much for potions and phoenix downs. Can you please answer the question."

Zell woke up from his snooze and it finally dawned on the old man.

"Oh! Well, why didn't you say so!" he declared and took out the merchandise.

Zell gave me a can-you-believe-this-guy look and spun his finger next to his head implying the word crazy.

I covered my smirk with my hand, but Zell already saw it. It was truly rare to get me to smile, and everybody knew it.

"These here are 1000 gil each," the store clerk informed.

"1000 gil!?" Zell exclaimed, "That's way too expensive!"

The old man squinted at him. "Well, sonny, next door they're selling the same thing for 3000 gil. I have to make a living, ya know."

I shook my head at Balamb it was 500 gil at the most.

"Forget it, Zell," I told him and walked out with him following behind.

Zell glanced down at his watch. "Awe man!" he expressed, "That old geezer took up all our time. We have to go back to the mansion now or we'll surly be late."

Once we entered the study, I noticed everyone was already gathered around. Quistis sat on the chair with her hands folded in her lap, Irvine leaned against the desk, and Selphie stood near General Caraway.

Caraway began the final briefing; "It's time to form the teams. The sniper and the leader of this operation will form the sniper team," he held his chin in thought, "The leader's role is vital."

What does he mean?

He pointed to assure that we were paying attention, "If the plan fails for some reason…or the sniper misses." He glanced toward Irvine who slightly saluted in a yeah-yeah attitude. He then faced Selphie. "The leader must carry out a direct assault against the sorceress. The plan was devised carefully, because we intend this to be a covert operation. But our ultimate goal is to eliminate the sorceress, and we must achieve this at all cost." He next faced Quistis. "Even if they uncover our identities. So who's going to lead the operation?"

With my eyes down cast I still felt everyone glance at me. I looked in the General's eyes and stated confidently, "I will."

"Fine," Caraway agreed, "I'll leave the rest up to you."

Well, the sniper team is decided.

"Irvine and I will make up the sniper team," I told the general, "The gateway team will be," I looked around at Quistis, Selphie and Zell.

"Whoo-hoo!" Selphie cheered with an enthusiastic jump.

"Roger," Quistis acknowledged and stood up.

"Let's DO IT!!!" Zell shouted shaking his fists with an itchiness to fight.

"So who's gonna be the leader of the gateway team?" Selphie asked with a shrug.

Zell began to shadowbox with excitement. He wanted me to pick him…But I couldn't, he's way too reckless to be leader…maybe later on. Sorry Zell, I apologized in my head.

"Instructor Trepe. Quistis Trepe, you're in charge."

Selphie let out a laugh as Zell hunched over in disappointment. He shook his head and let his arms dangle.

"Okay, leave it to me," Quistis agreed feeling confident again by taking a leader role.

General Caraway left for the Presidential Residence and we followed close behind.

I turned toward Irvine as we made our way, "I'll make the first charge when we make the full-on attack. I'll try to buy some time."

He frowned. "That won't be necessary, I'll get the job done," he assured me almost too confidently.

After a long pause Irvine asked, "So like…Is it true that SeeDs aren't supposed to question their mission?"

There are times I'd like to know myself. Like now for example. I gave him silence, and took in how crowded the streets were getting.

"What do you care?" I asked him back. He wasn't a SeeD…just part of this operation because of his skills.

"So like," Irvine explained, "if you knew that your enemies were pure evil, you'd get more fired up to fight them, right?"

An enemy that's pure evil? Right and wrong are not what separate us and our enemies. It's our different standpoints, our perspectives that separate us. Both sides blame one another. There's no good or bad side. Just two different sides holding different views.

I looked in the opposite direction of the gateway. Thousands and thousands of people had gathered around for this occasion… They had no idea what will happen…

"The gateway team will wait inside the gate until 20:00," General Caraway reminded, "You can enter through this door. The sorceress will pass through the gateway at exactly 20:00. In that instant, lower the gates using the control console located on the top floor and trap her inside the gateway."

Quistis and the others went inside and Irvine and I followed General Caraway to the sniper team point.

We squished our way through the crowed and made it near the presidential gate.

"You two wait here," Caraway instructed.

Irvine and I looked up at the digital clock. One hour…

"General, why has the sorceress decided to have such an extravagant parade?" I asked him.

"She wants to establish her place in Garden because she has chosen it as her base," he replied.

So that's why Galbadia Garden wants her out…

"It's starting," he informed, "I'm returning to my residence. Good luck."

He then disappeared into the crowd.

I glanced over at Irvine.

"Squall, So like," he stated mischievously, "Who's the hottest? Quistis, Rinoa, or Selphie?"
I held my forehead with my hand and shook my head.

"Oh come on!" he urged and nudged me.

"Whatever."

"What kind of answer is that?" he exclaimed, "Come on, I won't tell."

I folded my arms and looked away.

"They're all so sexy…" he went on, "But I think I like Selphie the best."

"That's because she's the only one of them who will put up with you," I told him, "Rinoa runs from you and Quistis is constantly yelling."

He smiled. "Yeah, I know but Rinoa's so beautiful scared or in any position," he chuckled thinking a thought I hoped he wouldn't share, "and there's nothing like an angry woman." He laughed again and smiled in thought.

"Whatever," I replied dryly, hoping to end this conversation.

"Squall! I told you what I thought, now come on, answer the question!" he persisted.

"Fine," I gave in.

"Now we're talkin'!" Irvine expressed eager to hear my reply.

I looked up and noticed the sorceress heading toward the podium.

"Look, here comes Edea," I told him pointing to her.

I looked passed her and noticed a familiar woman in blue.

"Hey, that girl," Irvine also had seen her.

"Rinoa?" I asked out loud. What the hell does she think she's doing? Why is she there?

The sorceress glared out at all of us and tapped the microphone. An ear piercing screeched filled the speakers.

"Lowlifes," Edea stated with utter disgust, "Shameless filthy wretches. How you celebrate my ascension with such joy. Hailing the very whom you have condemned for generations. Have you now shame?"

Despite her berating the crowd stupidly cheered on as if under some sort of spell. I stared at Rinoa. She seemed to slowly sway. I gasped when I realized her feet were floating off the ground.

"What?" Irvine asked filled with concern and wonder.

I didn't reply.

"What happened to the evil ruthless sorceress from your fantasies?" Edea asked the audience, "The cold-blooded tyrant that slaughtered countless men and destroyed many nations?" She threw her hands down in question. "She stands before your very eyes to become your new ruler." She then began to laugh a high-pitched cackle. "A new era has just begun."

President Deling whispered something to her, and her eyes narrowed. The sorceress then slammed her long bony fingers into the president's heart lighting fast; Deling's body then began to smoke a purple steam. She didn't tear her gaze from the audience…

"This IS reality! No one can help you now! Sit back and enjoy the show," she expressed with a smirk and flung the president against the wall as if he were some useless broken doll.

"Rest assured, you fools. Your time will come. This is only the beginning. Let us start a new reign of terror. I will let you live a fantasy beyond your imagination," she finished and left the podium and Rinoa behind.

I glanced at Irvine and his face had turned completely pale. His eyes were huge with shock and stared in the direction of the gateway with mouth gaping open – I followed his gaze.

The two lizard statues on either side of the gateway seemed to melt away their stone layer forming scales and flesh. The two jumped down cracking the ground with their huge claws. People scattered and screamed in all directions like geese being chased away by a guard dog. Suddenly, as if beckoned to do so, the lizards charged down the road with the footwork of a racehorse. Upon reaching the presidential gate they leaped into the air and landed onto the stage where Rinoa obliviously stood.

Irvine placed his hand on my shoulder and began to shake me trying to get my attention. "Hey, hey, hey, she's in trouble big-time! We've gotta help Rinoa!" he urged.

"The parade hasn't started yet," I told him shoving off his hand, "The gate's not open."

"You've gotta be kidding!" he expressed throwing down his arms.

I looked back up at the stage and my heart skipped a beat as the lizards chased after Rinoa. We couldn't just go barreling in there. We were strictly told to keep this operation covert! If we saved her, it might jeopardize everything. General Caraway told us to complete this mission at all costs. But if it meant Rinoa's death…I shunned the thought and began to focus on a plan. As soon as the gates open, we'll go in and save her.

Suddenly, the parade began, and music filled Deling City's night air. The gate busted open and a flock of dancers emerged. They men wore some sort of clear skirts and sneakers while the woman had the skirt around their necks. The all synchronized their movements to the dance hypnotically.

I then noticed the float behind them. It appeared like a thrown on wheels. Four torches gave it a warm golden glow. Above a ring of blue light illuminated like those back in Garden. Upon the majestic chair sat proudly the sorceress. Her black gown feathered at the collar gave her a witch-like appearance. The metal semi-circular design above her translucent cape gave her an almost elegant aura despite her attitude. Her thin black hair was put up into her helmet-like crown that fit her head as if it were a second skin. The crown had two purple horns sticking out and sliver circles covered her ears. Veins stuck out of her skin and curved around her sly sleek face. As her tiny lips formed a hideous smirk she gripped the thrown's armrests with her long bony hands.

My eyes then focused on the man beside her. He stood just as proudly as she sat. He leaned on his gunblade as if it were a cane. His gray trench coat with the red medieval-age crosses on the sleeves blew gracefully in the slight breeze. He wore a tight blue vest-like shirt lined with sliver at the zipper and connected were two sliver blocks, which together formed a cross. His baggy dark navy pants covered most of his black boots. He then ever so slowly ran his hand through his short spiked blonde hair. His evil smile caused his white-blue eyes to slightly squint. I stared at his sloping scar the exact opposite of mine. Seifer was alive.

"Now's our chance!" Irvine shouted to me over the music. He ran toward the gate, but I still stood in a daze.

"What are you waiting for?" he screamed, "Rinoa might die!"

That did it. The shock of Seifer being alive melted away as my attention shifted to the angel. I followed Irvine as we crouched low to the ground and ran to the gate. A jeep filled with boxes was parked by one side of the residence. Conveniently the boxes had been stacked in such a way that we could just climb them and easily sneak in.

I sprinted passed the dead president and into the building. The red carpet lead to a thrown that faced a wooden door.

I turned to Irvine and commanded, "Open the hatch and get in the clock tower, I'll go and save Rinoa. You have to be there to snipe the sorceress."

He angrily shoved his ponytail aside. "No way!" he refused, "I'm gonna help ya!"

I gritted my teeth and decided not to argue, a life was at stake.

We ran down the hall and opened the door to reveal the two lizards hovering over a limp Rinoa. Her beautiful skin was a ghostly shade of the purest white. She didn't move a muscle as the lizards drew nearer. Their tails swayed with excitement, ready to enjoy their feast. Was she dead? No! She CAN'T be. I won't have it!!!

"RINOA!!!" I shouted with fear, concern, and wild fury, clouding my voice.

The two monsters then turned around and bared their teeth at Irvine and me. I drew out my gunblade anxious to kill.

"We've got to save her!" Irvine urged while loading his shotgun.

He cocked the weapon and opened fire against the lizard to the right. The bullets that pierced the monster's skin seemed to heal instead of inflict pain or damage.

"Don't use the junction Firaga on them!" I realized out loud and we both equipped Blizzaga.

Before we could attack, the lizard to the right opened its mouth and let out a path of molten lava in my direction. The hot ooze stung my legs and I yelped out in desperation to get it off, but the more I scrambled to get my feet up the more it clung to me like glue.

I began to panic. I couldn't get away! My breathing quickened as I gripped my legs and tried to pull them from the sticky boiling lava. The pain surged though me; I could actually feel my skin melting and bubbling.

"Squall," I heard Irvine's voice call over my loud desperate thoughts, "They're using the status attack Petrify. It's all in your head."

Yeah, sure, easy for him to say. I held my head with my palm in concentration. It's all in my head… "Esuna!" I cast the spell and swung my arm out as if to command the lizards to cease their actions. The bright light filled my body with bravery once again and I removed my sore burned legs from the lava.

"Cure!" Irvine shouted and the spell returned my bubbled skin to normal.

I spun my gunblade in 360-degree motion with one hand and sprinted at the lizard to the left. I slammed the cold steel into the monster's stomach causing him to screech an ear-shattering wail. Bam. The blizzaga filled bullets entered its body deteriorating the fire that sparked him to life.

The two lizards then stood on their hind legs and moved their hands in small circles. Instantly, a mass of sound waves shook the room causing the ground to ripple. Irvine and I were thrown back against the wall. I felt the wind get knocked out of me, as Irvine slid to the ground with an "oof".

He scrambled for his shotgun and as he stood he flung his ponytail behind him. "Quick Shot!" he shouted as he loaded weapon. He took aim at the two and pulled the trigger. Every time he fired he flipped the shotgun in a different position as if it were a game or contest to show off at.

The lizard to the left lay lifeless, but the right one just seemed to become even more infuriated.

"What gives?!" Irvine asked frustrated that it was still alive.

I ignored him and focused my energy into the gunblade.

With my eyes clamped shut I heard Irvine shout, "Draw Carbuncle!"

He obtained the GF, and I sprinted at the lizard and thrusted my blade into the monster's throat. Its green reptilian eyes grew wide with pain. I removed the blood covered weapon, and backed up watching it die.

Irvine rested his shotgun against his shoulder, as I looked back at him. When the monster fell with death, I caught site of Rinoa lying on the ground in the fetal position.

"Rinoa!" I shouted and sprinted up to her. Was she okay? She had to be! She just had to be!

I knelt down next to her and she pushed herself to her knees. Her eyes were dilated with immense fear. Her face streaked with tears began to regain color.

"I was scared…" she told me her sweet voice cracking.

I got up to leave, but she gripped my wrist and tugged on it.

"Really scared," she went on.

"It's over now," I soothed her staring strait into her almond eyes.

Rinoa just tugged at my jacket harder. "I was scared," she repeated, "I was really, really scared."

"You're used to battles aren't you?" I asked her a bit confused at her fear. I remembered the way she handled the Galbadian soldiers back in Timber. What was the problem?

"I couldn't… I just couldn't," she cast her head down in shame as she explained, "I couldn't fight alone."

You're not ready for all of this, I realized. I ripped my arm away from her grip and set off in the direction to the carousel clock. Suddenly I felt Rinoa wrap both of her arms around my own. My heart leaped at the very touch of her; her fingers were like soft angel feathers.

She was going to make us late for the snipe…

I sighed in frustration and hunched over, but quickly regained my posture.

"I haven't forgotten your order," she told me and clung harder to me for dear life. I swear my heart jumped out of my chest. Yeah, protect her. That was what I was supposed to do. But how can I do that if she's always getting into trouble?

"Just stay close to me," I complied.

She nodded and finally let go of me. As soon as she did, I wish she hadn't. I sighed.

Irvine trotted over to us. "Hey, we got to get in position," he reminded.

I nodded and we made our way to the clock.

We went down the stairs to the clock. Five pastel drums circled the huge plastic clown statue in the center. The parade couldn't be heard inside here, and the air seemed creepy and quiet. In the corner just below the stairs lay the two-foot sniper rifle.

"Irvine Kinneas," I stated in an utterly serous tone, "It's in your hands now."

I picked up the sniper rifle and extended it out for him to take. He stared in my eyes, which matched my seriousness. He ever so slowly took it and with eyes cast down walked behind the clown and very slowly sat against the plastic drum. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

Huh? Why'd he get all-quiet? I examined him. He was in a state of pure concentration. You could scream in his ear and he wouldn't flinch. I leaned against another drum. Loneness of the sharpshooter… He was right; he had to face all that tension by himself. No one could experience what he felt except him. This was so much responsibility for someone who wasn't even a SeeD yet…

I wonder what's going on with the parade? Gosh, it's too quiet in here, like this place is suspended in time…

I glanced over at Rinoa who leaned against the drum across from me. She balanced herself on her hands and slightly swung her legs up and down. I looked at her longingly. I would never have this angel… she belonged to Seifer. My heart ached with a passion for her very touch once more. I cleared my head of her and focused on her boyfriend. He was alive. She should know…

"Rinoa," I called her name and she looked at me curiously, "Seifer's alive. He was in the parade with the sorceress."

"What does it mean?" she asked. I could tell that she wished for his safety and to be with him once again.

I waved my hand next to my head in a sort of saluted implying I didn't really care. "Who knows," I told her.

If I were to face the sorceress directly…would I have to go through Seifer? I folded my arms. That's the way it goes as a SeeD. You can't choose your enemies…

"I may end up killing him," I informed her.

She slammed her feet down in despair. "You're both…prepared, right? That's the kind of world you live in. You've had a lot of emotional training. But of course I'd rather it not happen."

But that wasn't it. We never had training in the emotional field. They told us no matter what we have to destroy who they told us who the enemy was even if it was your own mother. They never thought it would scar us to the very heart. I myself know how to handle a situation like this, but would Zell, Selphie, and Quistis?

"It's all up to Irvine," I replied and he seemed to shutter at my words.

I walked up to him and knelt down. He held the rifle so tight his knuckles began to whiten. He twitched and spasmed with his eyes clamped shut forcefully. Is he freaking out?!

"Don't tell me you're getting the jitters," I dreaded.

He slowly opened his eyes and looked at me. "I can't do it," he admitted.

I slapped my forehead with my palm, and shook my head. Just great!

The carousel clock tower opened up lifting us high above to the top of the building. The parade could easily be viewed from this altitude. The sorceress's float approached the gate as planned. Soon, the gateway teams part should unfold. As the float passed under the gate, the metal bars slammed down on both sides, it appeared that the sorceress was held captive in a jail cell. Her tiny smirk dramatically changed to an annoyed frown. The shot should be quite easy since nothing stood in the path of Irvine and the sorceress.

"Irvine Kinneas!!!" I yelled over the music grabbing his attention.

He looked up at me with eyes full of shame. "I-I can't," he stammered, "I'm sorry, I can't do it. I always choke like this…" He gestured limply. "I try to act cool, joke around, but I just can't handle the pressure…"

He had to at least try… "Forget it, just shoot."

He sighed with frustration. "My bullet… the sorceress…I'll go down in history. I'd change the history of Galbadia, of the world! It's all too much…"

I swung my hand out. "Enough! Just shoot!"

"I can't dammit!" he yelled back with a swift gesture.

I took in a slow breath. "Irvine, calm down."

He covered his face with his hand and let it slowly drag down.

"Everyone's waiting on you," I tried a new approach, "I don't care if you miss. Whatever happens, think of it as a signal. A sign for us to make our move."

He glanced up at me. "Just a signal…" he mumbled.

I nodded. That's it.

"Please?" I asked.

He leaned his rifle against the clock's wall and aimed the rifle, taking position. "Just a sign" he repeated to himself.

Bam. The harpoon shot out from the rifle and sailed strait in the direction of the sorceress. His aim was on the dot…

The sorceress held her hand out as if to stop the weapon. A sphere of light blue surrounded her and the harpoon bounced right off of it.

Irvine sunk back. "I'm sorry," he apologized with despair and disappointment.

"It's okay," I assured, "Your aim was perfect. Just leave the rest up to me. I'm going in for the sorceress. Irvine, Rinoa, just be ready to back me up."

The angel nodded and secured her blasters edge.

"Take care of Rinoa," I whispered to Irvine.

He nodded and tossed the rifle aside and began to gather his shotgun and bullets.

I withdrew my gunblade and jumped off the clock, landing just before the podium. The streets were completely crowded; I had to find a way to make them clear a path for me. I raised my gunblade high in the air like an executioner does before chopping your head off. I leaped off the second story slamming my gunblade against the ground, causing people to scatter and scream in every direction.

I shoved aside a couple of Galbadian soldiers whom guarded a light-blue convertible. I lifted myself in the car with ease, started the engine, and floored the gas, causing it to roar like a threatened lion. I swung the wheel making the car turn around with a deafening screech. I headed strait for the gateway without stopping for any pedestrians that dove out of the way. Eeeernt. I slammed on my breaks, but couldn't help crashing into the metallic bars.

After scrambling out of the car, I slid in between the bars side ways and lifted myself onto the float with one hand.

Seifer leaned his arm on his knee, as if he were bowing down to the sorceress, who sat poised with confidence.

"Well this is how it turned out," Seifer stated in his usual wisecrack tone.

I shook my head faced my palm to the sky in gesture. "So you've become the sorceress's lap dog?" I commented.

He stood slowly frowning at my remark. "I prefer to be called her knight," he replied, "This has always been my dream."

Before I could say anything else he extended his arm out pointing at me with his gunblade. "Squall, you're mine!"

He charged at me and spun adding more force to his attack. Clang. Our blades crashed together causing white blue tinted sparks to slowly twinkle and float to the ground. I forced all my strength into my blade, causing Seifer to stagger backward. He regained his balance with a sly smirk.

I griped my revolver with both hands, waiting for his next move. He laughed hysterically like some mad scientist. I just stared at him with eyes squinting in thought.

His laughter abruptly stopped and swung out at my thighs slicing through the leather of my pants. I cried out and my knees buckled under me. I felt my warm blood trickle to the ground.

"That's right!" Seifer taunted, "bow down to your master!"

I clenched my teeth from anguish and anger. I can't let him win! Never! I won't have it!

Faster than a shooting star, I picked up my gunblade and myself. I charged at Seifer, this time ready to fight. Clang. Seifer caught my attack just in time. I pushed him back with a volley of blows, which he blocked and counter attacked.

We both stepped back and moved in a circle, waiting for the other to strike. I felt the pain of my cut throb though me, but I had to ignore it if I wanted to survive.

Suddenly, a smirk of the devil crept its way onto Seifer's face. He held out his arm with his palm facing toward me. "Fire Cross!" he shouted.

My eyes dilated with fear and my throat tightened. The ball of fire formed in his hand; the flames dance about his gloved palm. Instantly, the fire surged at me in the form of a cross. I dove to the ground to dodge, but it was useless. I gasped as the flames overwhelmed me. The heat was unbearable; it was like touching the sun.

"No Mercy!" he yelled out another magic attack.

Two swords of flames sliced at my stomach and back. I couldn't move. All I could do was kneel facing the ground in pain. Droplets of sweat damped the floor below me. I felt the very life of me being melted away. I couldn't let this happen…

I weakly got up to Seifer's enjoyment.

"Haven't had enough?" he asked with a laugh. He was being too confident… that's what his down fall is.

I sprinted at him causing us to become face to face. I let go of my revolver with my right hand and concentrated my strength. I clenched my hand into a tight fist and crashed it into Seifer's jaw.

He staggered to the ground landing on his butt. He felt his jaw, which had an imprint of my lion ring on it.

"You bastard!" he screamed and dashed at me.

He thrusted his gunblade at my stomach, but I quickly moved out of the way and slammed the handle of my revolver into his skull. Blood oozed out, soaking his blonde hair red.

Seifer turned to me in a daze. I then quickly spun in a 360-degree angle and ripped open his stomach. This time it was his turn to cry out in agony.

He clutched his wound as he looked up at me. His eyes were full of hatred and something else, I couldn't quite figure out. They were…out of focus…

"You're losing it Seifer," I told him as he recoiled back beside the sorceress.

I glared at her as she rose from her thrown.

"A SeeD," she stated with pure hatred and anger, "Planted in a run-down Garden."

Just then, I heard the clacking of footsteps. I looked beside me to find that Rinoa and Irvine had arrived. The angel glanced at me and whispered, "I can fight with you… As long as you're by my side, I'm not afraid."

"I have to redeem myself," Irvine told me, keeping his eyes locked on the sorceress.

"Enough!" our adversary shouted.

She then clasped her hands together and lifted her left high in the air as if to catch a star. "Maelstrom!" she cast.

A thick cloud of black surrounded us. I coughed and gagged. I couldn't breath…

"Tornado!" Irvine shouted.

The whirlpool of wind spun the black air into its center and slammed against the sorceress. She laughed at our pathetic attempt.

She lifted her hand in the air and cast another spell, "Blizzaga!"

Rinoa screamed as ice surrounded her whole body. Abruptly an icicle rose up from the ground she stood over. It then shattered; the bits of ice cut her up like glass.

No! My heart practically screamed.

"Renzokuken!!!" I shouted. My vision blurred red with anger as I burst into to a sprint toward my enemy. With all the strength I had, I rammed my gunblade into her stomach. I quickly withdrew it, now blood covered, and sliced her chest, legs, and arms. I was about to strike her again, when she shoved her hands down. The spell threw me backward, crashing me into Irvine.

Irvine and I scrambled up and watched in despair as she cast curaga on herself. All the damage I had done cleared away as if they were never there. I glanced at Rinoa. She stood and handed the empty potion bottle back to Angelo.

Irvine cocked his gun and fired. The bullets cut the side of the sorceress's stomach, but she didn't even flinch.

Rinoa extended her arm out and released her blasters edge. The boomerang blade sliced the pale neck of our enemy.

As she clutched her throat blood seeped in between her fingers. Her eyes narrowed in frustration. "Quake!" she screamed.

Suddenly, the ground began to break apart. We were tossed about like old rag dolls being thrown in the garbage. My back slammed against the rock hard flooring, knocking the wind out of me.

The rippling of the ground ceased, but not quick enough. All three of us lay on the ground, limp. We couldn't move; the pain was too intense. I felt like I had been run over by a freight train. My heart sank, as I lost the will to fight back. It was impossible… we were going to die.

Rinoa turned glanced toward me and reminded, "Squall…I still remember your order."

I laughed, despite our situation. It didn't matter any more. The sorceress was too strong for us.

"Squall…please try?" she asked more than ordered.

What could I do? I had too many broken bones to move. I looked at Irvine to check if he was still alive. He was sitting up and drinking a bottle of elixir.

He smiled at us and cast curaga. We now, all three, stood up and prepared ourselves.

The sorceress looked disgusted. "I've under estimated you, but you shall perish like the rest!"

She slammed down her hands and shouted, "Thundaga!"

A bolt of lightning crashed down, and shocked Irvine to the bone. He held himself at his knees, breathing hard.

Rinoa held her ring on her chain with her eyes clamped shut. She then lifted her head and fingertips tracing her neckline and chin. She abruptly swung her arms to the side and screamed, "Flare!"

A ball of flames and electricity burned and shocked the sorceress.

Bam. Irvine quickly pierced her arm with poisoned bullets.

The sorceress clutched her eyes shut with pain, and swayed with dizziness.

I took advantage of our enemy's disorientation and sprinted at her. "Rough Divide!" I shouted and sprung into the air, slicing her up the middle.

The witch screamed in complete anger. "Impudent SeeDs!!!"

She lifter her left hands high above her head. The water vapor in the air began to collect around her hand, forming a huge icicle. It took the form of a huge harpoon.

She moved her hand back and swung the spiked ice.

I screamed an in-human scream.

I held the cold ice that pierced my heart; it froze my body and fingers. Blood poured out of me like a waterfall. I gagged as blood spit up from my mouth. My vision blurred as I felt my life drain from my body. Everything began to spin…

"SQUALL!!!" Rinoa screamed my name as I fell backward off the float.

I hit the hard cement ground and cried out in the most agony I ever felt in my whole life. The angel reached out for me, tears pouring down her face. I couldn't move. My breathing became short gagged intakes of breath. I stared into Rinoa's eyes as she cried out my name over and over.

Suddenly more pain washed over me, and everything went blissfully black…

To be continued…

Author's Note: Second part to come in a month or so if I'm lucky. Please feel free to send any kind of comments my way.