FINAL FANTASY VIII and all corresponding characters and locations are copyright © 1998 by Square. All rights reserved. This is a fictional, unofficial story created solely for entertainment purposes; no profit is made through use of aforementioned items — at least, not by the authour or with the authour's knowledge. Duplication of this work or any other work by this authour without the authour's permission or without giving said authour due credit will seriously annoy him. This text applies whether you read it or not. All your base are belong to us.
...Across the gulf of space, minds that are to our minds as ours are top those of the beasts that perish, intellects vast and cool and unsympathetic, regarded this earth with envious eyes, and slowly and surely drew their plans against us.
—H.G. Wells, The War Of The Worlds
Jieni! Over here! Hey!
The light blue-grey figure in the distance was perfectly camouflaged as it picked its way through the rocks that dotted the massive crater's snowy slope. Collin, aware that his own Garden uniform made him equally invisible, waved his saber above his head to indicate his position, wiping his forehead as he did so. Incredible, he thought, how warm it was down here; the snow, fresh from the night before, was already melted away, while it lay ankle-deep just a few meters above. Something was definitely strange about this place.
The other student was about three-fourths of the way down to his level now. Satisfied that she could see where he was, Collin waved again, then slid back down into the narrow rille where he had made his discovery. It was completely hidden from above, though if you looked from just the right angle, you could catch an eerie green glow emanating from within the crack in the ground, as he had done before climbing down to investigate.
He had just worked his way back down when Jieni's face appeared above him. What are you doing? she inquired, a barely restrained laugh in her voice. We're supposed to be patrolling!
We can do that later! Collin said. Besides, you really think the Galbadians are still coming, after six whole months? Look, I found something seriously weird down here!
What is it? she asked.
He waved her down. Have a look!
Her expression halfway between curious and amused, Jieni began to make her way down to him. You know, I heard these cracks are made by gas eruptions from inside the planet, she said. You don't think there's a chance we'd both get incinerated, do you?
I think it's safe, Collin replied, although the thought of becoming incinerated by sudden gas explosion suddenly entered his mind.
So, what is this thing, anyway? Jieni asked as she carefully navigated down between the craggy rocks that made up the rille's walls. Collin offered her his hand in helping her down. As she gave it to him, he felt his heart skip a beat, and barely restrained himself from wincing.
Grow up! he told himself. If she finds out I can't even talk to her without swooning, I'll never hear the end of it. Plus, her boyfriend would kill me.
See for yourself, he said, nodding his head off to the left. Hopping down to his standing level, Jieni followed his nod.
It was literally surrounded by rocks, or at least it had been before the rille had opened up. Now part of it lay exposed, with an uncertain amount still buried in rock; there was no telling how big it was.
However, it was perfectly clear what it was: a pillar of pure, sparkling crystal, its surface smooth to perfection. Below the surface, an infinite number of pale green veins swirled lengthwise without any visible beginning or end, emitting a soft, radiant glow.
Jieni breathed. It's amazing.
I know, Collin agreed. And I found it, he added silently. What are the guys back at Garden going to say when they about THIS?
Even better, Jieni know that SHE is the first person I decided to show it to.
He blinked. I really need to get a life.
This is one of those crystals we read about in class, Jieni went on, taking a step towards it and running her hand along the surface. What do you think it's doing here?
Maybe it's part of some civilization no one's ever heard of before, Collin ventured. We could have discovered a whole lost nation.
I can not wait until the headmaster hears about this! Jieni declared.
Collin blinked. The word seemed to reverberate through the inside of his skull like a drumbeat, seeming to bypass his ears and travel straight to his mind.
What was that? Jieni asked.
You heard it too? Collin's eyes fell on the crystal. Who's there? he asked, his hand closing around his blade.
The crystal pulsed brighter, causing the two students to take a step back. You possess magic, the odd, ethereal voice noted.
Jieni began, looking at Collin for reassurance.
Good. You shall be the first. Give me your minds.
Before either could react, a blinding wave of energy erupted from the crystal, knocking them off their feet. Collin found himself suspended in midair, unable to do anything but watch, horrified as first his legs, then his torso and arms seemed to dissolve, absorbed into the white void that surrounded him. He screamed, but his cry went unheeded, lost on the barren expanse of the crater beyond.
A-one! A-two! A-one, two, three, four!
The band jumped into a lively tune, and the whole Quad seemed to become more festive. Or maybe it was just Selphie's imagination. Either way, people seemed to be enjoying themselves, and it looked like the whole Garden had turned out for the event. After a few months when she had wondered if she would even be able to have a full Garden Festival this year, the young SeeD couldn't be happier.
She spotted two of her friends standing by the stairs, and practically bounced through the crowd towards them. Guys, isn't this great?! she exclaimed. Wow, I am so glad I got this band to come in from Balamb! Their manager said they're really heavily booked this time of year!
Quistis frowned, looking at the performers. They don't look any older than we are. How much did you pay for them?
Selphie thought for a moment. About 250,000 gil, I think. But they're really good, right?
Irvine agreed, nodding vigorously. You sure picked a winner, Sefie!
Selphie looked around. Hey, where's Zell?
He's around here somewhere. Irvine lowered his voice. With his girl friend.
Oh, you mean Paige? Selphie exclaimed. That's great! I didn't know if they were still together!
Well, be careful, Irvine warned. I think they might want their privacy.
Quistis admonished.
Selphie said, as she caught sight of what looked to be the only person who had worn his SeeD uniform at the Festival. It looks like I've got a job to do. Oh, guys, you're ready to do our number after this band's done, right?
You bet! Irvine said.
Quistis hesitated. Umm...actually, Selphie, I'm not sure...I mean, tap-dancing really isn't my —
Hey! You can't back out now! Selphie looked at both of them commandingly. Now come on! Enjoy the festival, you guys!
Sure thing, Irvine said, his gaze caught somewhere beyond them. Without further preamble, he set off for his new target. Excuse me, I don't think we've met. I'm Irvine, and I....
Selphie bounded up the stairs toward the uniformed figure, who stood leaning against a tree trunk on the Quad's middle level. Whatcha doin', Squall? she asked cheerfully.
Squall barely acknowledged her presence.
Squall, you'll never enjoy the party if you just sit here! Selphie pressed. Now come on! I order you to come down and have fun!
Squall frowned. You don't outrank me.
Guess again, mister! Selphie retorted, placing her hands on her hips. I talked to Cid, and he agreed to make me Official Garden Overlord for the duration of the Festival. So you have to do what I say! Anticipating that he wouldn't anyway, she detected another possible solution not far away. I'll be watching! she warned, bouncing off again through the crowd.
Her new target was in the form of a dark-haired girl, engaged in conversation with one of the Festival's more unusual patrons. ...so you just travel around the world, observing things? she asked. That sounds interesting.
The visitor — tall, sedate in manner, and quite not human — nodded sagely. We find that by seeing the many things the world has to offer, we can learn a great deal about it, and ourselves as well.
Rinoa nodded. I know I've learned a lot since I started traveling around.
Hey, guys! Selphie greeted as she joined them. What's up! Having fun?
said Rinoa. They never had parties like this at home or in Timber. It's really cool.
Glad to hear it! Selphie said; then she leaned in and adopted a more conspiratorial tone. You know, Squall doesn't really look like he's enjoying himself. Could you maybe try to cheer him up a bit?
Smiling, Rinoa nodded. Sure thing!
affirmed Selphie. I bet if we can even get Squall to have fun, there won't be anybody in Garden who isn't having a good time!
I'll bet, laughed Rinoa, as she left to join Squall. Nice meeting you! she said to the visitor.
Selphie watched for a moment as Rinoa joined Squall underneath his tree — he looked startled at first, having not noticed her approach, but Selphie could tell he was at least a little happier just for her presence — before turning to the visitor, who she hadn't been properly introduced to yet. Heey, you're a Shumi, aren't you? she asked.
confirmed the Shumi. I am.
That's really cool! Selphie declared, extending her hand. I'm Selphie! I helped put together this Garden Festival, so I hope you're having a good time!
I am called Traveler, said the Shumi, clumsily taking her hand — and about half of her forearm – in his own substantially larger one. This is a very interesting event indeed; I am enjoying it very much.
Selphie exclaimed. Hey, I actually visited your village once, in Trabia. It was pretty neat, but it seemed kinda boring; is that why you travel around and stuff?
That is one reason, the Shumi replied. I enjoy seeing other places that are different from my own.
I'll bet! Selphie agreed. When I came here from Trabia, it was just amazing! I mean, being able to just look out your window and see the ocean; that's just so incredibly cool! Plus, did you know it, like, never snows here?
I've heard that, said the Shumi.
I kinda miss snow, said Selphie. It must be really nice in Trabia right now. I always liked the beginning of summer; there's a few days right after the first time it gets warm, when the snow's kinda melted and then froze again. And there's this spot up in the mountains by Garden, where you can sled down all the way to the beach! We used to have these big races, and load our sleds with food so we could spend the night...
Even after having known her only thirty seconds, Traveler thought it was strange when Selphie seemed to run out of words. ...Is everything all right? he asked.
I guess, said Selphie. I mean, I've been so busy with the Garden Festival and everything going on here, but... She trailed off again, but this time her cheery attitude resurfaced. Nah, it's nothing. Heey, enjoy the party, all right?
With that, she bounded off leaving a somewhat curious, if not confused Shumi guest pondering the oddities of human behavior.
Due to the worldwide signal interference that had made radio communication effectively impossible for over seventeen years, the high-gain transmitter operated from the Garden's B1 level was a very recent addition. Selphie was, in fact, only the fifth person to operate the device, including the technical team that had installed and tested it.
Or try to operate it.
So it can really get a message all the way to Trabia? she asked, frowning at the array of numbers and line-graph displays, which was all completely incomprehensible to her.
Theoretically, the signal should be able to reach almost any point in this hemisphere, replied Nida, whom she had dragged from the Festival in order to show her how to use the radio.
asked Selphie. That's really amazing! ...But how does that work? I mean, there's a whole bunch of mountains between here and Trabia Garden, aren't there?
Well, the signal is actually directed out into space, and the radio waves bounce off the upper atmosphere, Nida explained. That's how it compensates for the curvature of the planet, too.
Selphie raised her eyebrows. You can really do that? I thought the atmosphere was just a bunch of air n stuff.
Uh, well, it is, said Nida. But there's a few different layers to the atmosphere, based on... A high-pitched screech came out of the speaker unit, and Nida quickly turned down the volume. Okay, we've made contact with the receiver in Trabia. The computers in both units should be tuning us to be on the same frequency.
You're really good at this, Nida, said Selphie, impressed. How do you know so much about radios and stuff, anyway?
Nida shrugged. I've always been kind of interested. Plus, I did a lot of reading when the signal interference disappeared and we were installing this thing. The whining from the radio settled into an organized series of beeps and clicks that soon also faded into the background. Okay, you're connected now. Assuming anyone's listening on the other side, all you have to do is press the TALK button and talk into the microphone.
said Selphie, hopping into the seat in front of the microphone and pressing the aforementioned button. Heey, Trabia? This is Selphie calling from Balamb Garden. Anyone there?
For a moment, nothing happened; Selphie wondered if she wasn't supposed to hold down the TALK button, or something. Then there was a clicking noise followed by an uncertain
Selphie blinked; the voice sounded a little tinny and distorted, but she was sure he recognized it. she asked.
the voice asked back.
Selphie exclaimed. It is you! Wow, radio is so cool!
So how's it going down there? asked her friend's voice from the speaker. You've got that big festival coming up pretty soon, right?
Yeah, the Garden Festival, said Selphie. It's going on right now, actually! Everyone says it's a blast! Rinoa even got Squall to dance a couple times, and he even looked like he was enjoying it for a second! The whole thing was really funny to watch, though.
Sounds great, Jessie's voice observed. I wish I was there to see it.
Me too, said Selphie. Heey, what're you doing in the radio room, anyway? I never knew you were interested in this kinda stuff.
Well, you know, said Jessie, her voice sounding a little embarrassed. Lank is really into this kind of stuff, and—
Are you serious? asked Selphie. You and Lank? No way; you guys are like— wait, he's not there, is he?
Jessie's voice giggled. Not right now, but you can bet I'm gonna tell him what you said.
Selphie yelped. Okay, you know what? I'm just gonna have to come up there and set the record straight. How about that?
Oh, bring it on, replied a still-laughing Jessie. You think you can come up here and do whatever you want just because you're my best friend and I love you so much? Well, bring it on, sister!
They continued giggling for a few moments—though since both of them had their TALK buttons off, neither heard the other—until Selphie was sober enough to continue speaking. she began, before beginning to giggle uncontrollably again. ...Anyway, how are things going up there? Think you're gonna be able to open again in the fall?
We really don't know, said Jessie; Selphie got the impression that a sigh had preceded the remark, but she couldn't tell for sure because it would have also preceded Jessie's pressing the TALK button. I mean, everything's pretty much on schedule, but Lank says we're putting off the really hard stuff for last. Plus, there's been some weird things going on lately; Collin and Jieni went out on patrol and haven't come back yet. Most people think they're just...you know, cause Collin really likes her; but I dunno.
Wait a second, said Selphie. Wasn't Jieni going out with Orin?
Yeah, but Orin's been cheating on her with Riley, said Jessie.
Yeah. I mean, no one's actually seen them doing anything, but everyone's pretty sure.
said Selphie. Still, you think Collin'd ever make a move?
Not really, said Jessie. That's why I'm kinda worried about them. Still, it hasn't been nearly long enough to think anything bad's happened, so... She sighed, and this time it was picked up by the microphone. I really wish you were up here, Selphie.
Selphie nodded, although the action was completely lost through the radio medium. ...I do, too.
Both were silent for a few moments, as Selphie hunched a little despondently over the microphone. Nida, who was still there despite having been completely forgotten, cleared his throat.
he said. You know, there are shipments that go from Balamb to Trabia pretty much every week. There's probably—
Selphie exclaimed, pounding the TALK button. Okay, it's settled. Jessie, I'll be seeing you really soon! Before Jessie could utter a somewhat confused response, Selphie had hopped out of the chair and caught Nida in such an energetic embrace that it nearly knocked him to the floor. Thanks so much, Nida! she exclaimed, before bounding back towards the lift.
Nida was left wondering how his one-and-a-half sentences had managed to produce such an enthusiastic response. he said.