(Disclaimer: I obviously don't own Final Fantasy or it's related content and this is mainly a fictional universe set a few years after the event of the game. All characters are made up. Any resemblance to any characters, names, or personality types are entirely coincidental.)
Chapter 9: Sepulchral Miasmata (Part 1)
Esthar Polytechnic
4 PM
Outside
Abbi would walk outside the doors to the school while various students were standing await others and meeting with friends of theirs. Some stood alone taking in the fresh air after a long day of study. Abbi could see her friends standing nearby and walked over to them.
"The class they put me in was mega boring. I can't believe we can't drop out and do a different class."
Beth nodded, "I know, they put me in the most boring class ever. I really don't like the teacher. She's such a bitch and this guy they sat me next too kept creepishly staring at me. Ugh..."
Abbi would look at the girl standing with Beth, "Hi. I don't know you but I guess your one of us now."
The girl nodded, "Call me, Sky. I met Beth Today in my class."
"Well it's nice to meet you.", Abbi replied.
"Yeah.."
"So I hear your friends with Jake Viz..", Sky would ask.
"Yeah, he's in my home room. Although I'm sorry to say he's off limits.", Abbi would say slightly gleeful.
"Oh...", Sky would reply unknowingly.
"I'm afraid so… I forgot to mention that earlier." Beth would say with a smirk.
Abbi smirked back at Beth with a slight shake of her head.
"My bad...", Beth giggled.
Sky sighed, "Well there's plenty of fish in the sea. Who else does he hang out with. I can't imagine we'd all be interested in the same guy."
"There's the other guys he hangs out with, Issac and Ulgor." Abbi would look around for Jake, if he was around.
"I don't see them around yet. Maybe they got out early."
"I don't think so.", Beth chimed in.
Abbi rolled her eyes, "Well their bound to show anytime soon."
"Say, I think we were supposed to go to the Shopping Arcade after school. You want to join us, Sky?"
"Yeah! Of course. Why wouldn't I? Anything to get my mind off how boring that awful class was and that teacher. Ugh! Such a bitch. She actually had the tenacity to give me more work when I accidentally interrupted her with my laughter.", Sky seemed to still be sightly fuming from the Onigami Instructor.
Abbi didn't care so much as she had already secured his 'date' tonight by asking him to go to the shopping arcade earlier beforehand.
While they waited Halfreck and Echo would walk pass them.
"Why if it isn't Halfreck Aspelia and her conjoined by the hip sidekick."
"Leave us alone, Abbi. I'm not in the mood!", Halfreck would say calmly as she seemed slightly brought down by Abbi's hurtful words. Echo stick her tongue out at Abbi as they walked pass.
"You know, you girls should try being a little more nicer sometime. I think it'd help you recover from your permanent bitch faces.", Echo would say to them while they were walking away.
Both Halfreck and Echo would laugh out loud as they passed them. Hal would hold her mouth as she couldn't help but laugh.
Beth would reply to Echo, "At least we aren't loser like you two!"
The girls would all look mutually annoyed by Echo's retort. Abbi would then say, "If I wasn't waiting for Jake, I might actually give a fat #* &! but I don't, so whatever!", would then roll her eyes.
Sky nodded, "I know, I know. Their not even worth our time." Abbi just stared at Sky while looking around for Jake. She would lighten up as she saw him in the distance.
Jake would seem to be walking slowly as the wind brushed against his hair while catching the attention of most of the girls outside as some of them would automatically talk about him as he walked pass them.
"Took you long enough. I was starting to hate you.", Abbi said to Jake.
"Had to clean up the shop when our class was over.", Jake replied with a smile.
Beth and Sky would look at each other with slightly bitter eyes as Abbi flirted with Jake infront of them.
"Hey there. What might your name be.", Ulgor asked Sky curiously.
"I'm not telling.", Sky turned away and started walking pulling Beth by the arm to join her.
The two would gossip while Abbi started to walk with Jake not caring so much.
Ulgor would looked slightly let down, "Oh come on! I was just asking." looking at Issac, "Its always your fault! Your always crushing my cool."
Issac replied, "That's all you." While he was already reading something from his comm device.
Abbi and Jake would laugh at Issac's comment while walking behind them.
The group had walked to the transport disk to get to the Shopping Arcade.
Halfreck had sat with Echo on the Transport disk as they could see Abbi and her gang in the distance making their way to the same disk as it lifted and started to speed away from them.
"So, she was really weird?", Echo asked.
"Not necessarily. She was nice but it was like she was reading my mind the whole time. I can't describe it.", Halfreck explained.
"Oh… Maybe she is like, I don't know. Magical or something. Isn't there still sorceresses still around?", Echo questioned.
Hal would give a questioning look as she stared at the cityscape in motion, "Maybe.. I wasn't aware we still had them".
"Of course we still have them. Their just not well known about anymore.", Echo replied.
"Yeah.. I dunno. She showed us how to navigate just using charts and stars that are easily seen by the naked eye. There wasn't any terminals in her class. It was all pen and paper. It was just so weird", Halfreck replied.
"Cool! I want to be in that class now", Echo cheerfully replied.
"Yeah, its okay. Not as boring as my other classes", Hal would let out a slight yawn.
"Tired?", Echo asked.
"Yeah. It's been a long day", Halfreck replied apathetically.
"Maybe a nap is in store for you when you get home. Its a shame tho', I was going to beat my latest game that I've been working on. Origin Fantasy 5. I'm at the last part in the game and I know I'll beat it when I get home.", Echo would explain as she didn't seem at all that tired.
"Where do you get all your energy?", Halfreck asked.
"I don't know. I'm just energetic. I guess that's not something you have", Echo said smiling.
"I wish...", Hal would rest her head back into the Transport Disk's padding letting out a yawn. Her eyes felt relieved when she closed them, letting them rest from a long day.
Esthar Polytechnic
Level 70
Instructor's Lounge
Instructor Klausman would walk into the main Lounge area, "What exactly is an Onigami?"
"Someone who gets the job done", Instructor Minara would smile while consoling a cup of tea.
"It appears I'm one of them now", Instructor Klausman would reply aloud.
Instructor Luminesca would reply while taking a sip of coffee, "They say the Onigami are the Instructors whom scold liberally towards their pupils. I can't say it's something I would enjoy being called. You might want to reconsider how you handle your students."
Klausman would give a questioning look while in wonder.
Minara would reply aloud, "If you can't handle your students. How else do you expect them to listen to you?"
"You know, Rita. I've not been here that long and I'm already hearing quite a lot of stories of the Onigami from the 56th Floor. You might want to reconsider your teaching methods", Luminesca would reply in a despondent tone.
"Cassandra, I think if I had any trouble with my teaching. I'd have heard about it from our administration or Principal", Minara would reply while seeming slightly annoyed by Luminesca.
Instructor Pyr would walk into the main lounge area not knowing of what was going on, "Long day in the shop. Our students are learning to fine tune an auto lift by fixing various components given to us by the City Officials."
Klausman would then say, "I've been so busy lately with grading exams. I didn't think my stress was noticable to the students. Perhaps I cannot keep up with our demanding schedule than I previously thought", would sit leisurely at a table the other Instructors had all sat down, "I suppose we'll have time to relax more when the Festival starts".
"I'm to be one of the escorts for the former Sorceress that evening. She is a personal aquantance", Luminesca would say while reviewing a bulletin on a holographic screen infront of her.
"Must be nice to have the luxuries of the Estharian Government being offered to our guest of honor and her entourage", Klausman would say to Luminesca while taking a small cherry tomato from a bowl and eating it. His stare at her would give off a sense of intrigue.
Luminesca could feel Klausman's stare and would briefly look over from the hologram, "I am sure it'll be fun to enjoy".
Minara would scoff, "Must you brag about all your personal endevours to all of us during our break from work? I'm trying to concentrate, I've a lot of papers to be grading in the next hour!"
"Oh? But I merely, explaining my presence within the Festival. I'm sure not many will have the pleasure of being so close to our guest of honor before or after the speech she is to be presenting. Must you get so personally involved with what others have to say when it is merely light conversation."
"I'm sure she'll have a wonderful time being able to taste the finest wines that Esthar has to offer. Not to mention the cavier, aint that right Cassandra", Pyr would say with a grin, "You should have a more stories to tell after the Festival. I'd love to hear them".
"Oh! Orad! Your such a gentlemen. I would love to tell you of my stories after the Festival, I don't mind at all sharing", Luminesca would smile at Pyr as they both shared a slight laugh.
Minara would sigh as she was obviously a bit jealous, "Regardless of whatever your relation to the Former Sorceress. I highly doubt all of us like having to hear you brag about your privileged stories. I am trying to read and now I have spoiled my appetite!". Getting up to leave for her Classroom.
Just then a beep could be heard from the table's main monitoring hologram as Klausman would go to turn it on.
The Principal would appear on the hologram, "Instructor Luminesca. Are you present". A mature woman with short grey curly hair would say aloud from the hologram. Luminesca would quickly press a button to focus the table's camera system to reveal her image to the Principal's office.
"Yes.."
"I am missing your reports for today's classes. Could you have them sent to me when you return to your classroom. I understand your not using our terminal systems but I still expect those reports to be handed at the end of the day", The Principal would say.
"Yes. I hadn't forgotten. I was merely just taking a small break. I will go now", Luminesca would look down while the hologram was facing her as though she felt bad for not doing this sooner.
"Very well", the Principal would end her holographic conference as the hologram disipated from view.
Minara was already finished clearing her things and was heading out the door as Instructor Lilinia would be standing in front of her the door opened. Minara would merely brush passed the other instructor as she wasn't in any mood for talking.
"Oh!? Oh!" Instructor Lilinia would exclaim as she was brushed aside while seemingly shaken by the sudden experience. Walking in after wards while adjusting her glasses; speaking as she would near the table, "You would think an Instructor would be a bit more courteous. Such manners that woman..."
Luminesca would politefully nod to Lilinia on her way out as the other Instructor would return the gesture. "Seems everyone is in such a hurry to leave", Lilinia would seem a bit startled still as she wondered about what the hurry was. Klausman would smile at Lilinia not bothering to explain what had happened while taking another cherry tomato from his uneaten lunch and eating it.
The shopping arcade was still busy with various patrons going about their daily business. Students with extra time on their hands had ventured into the various shops that weren't a part of the major arcade as many stores were in sections behind the major store chains that held the main lane of the shopping district.
Meanwhile there was actually a bustle of prosperous entertainment arcades with various attractions that were there for everyday use. Many students would go to them on their off hours when they weren't held back by homework or other assignments. Which is where Abbi and her friends had gone to. Two hours had passed.
Halfreck would sit back after a long hour of studying. She would look at Echo whom didn't seem to be doing that much work but she was already done her work and then she would look over at Matt whom was still in mid study mode as he had much more work than both Herself and Echo combined. Ayame would notice Hal as she stared at everyone. "Done are we?", Ayame would ask. "No. Just taking a break. I hadn't though our study party would go so well. We should have done this sooner", Hal would reply. Echo laughed, "I'm still not sure why this is a party. Doesn't this make us a study group?".
"Yeah, I'd say we were a study group", Jay would put down his pen after a long drawing session and would sit back in his chair and yawn while stretch. Blinking his eyes while trying to wake himself up more. "I'd say it was a party. Makes it sound more appealing. Wouldn't you say?", Ayame chimed in while shooting a stare over at Matt. Unflinching in his work, Matt would take a moment to look over at Ayame as he caught Ayame's stare at the corner of his eye. "Party? Wait what?", Matt stared questioningly around at everyone.
"I'm not going to answer that. I'm neutral to this discussion. So you'll have to decide between the four of you what this is.", Matt would look at everyone not caring so much about what they would say next as he went back to reading from his holographic pen and then to his other one that he was writing on that had a sheet that had a keyboard on it that interacted with the holographic pen which was essentially what they used to do their work with when not on a terminal.
Halfreck would look over at everyone else, "So it's a party?" unsure of what to say. "Hardly, I still think we shouldn't pretty this up by saying it's a party. It's a study group. That's all it is.", Jay would say to everyone as he continued to relax. Having his hands behind his head while leaning into his chair still. Echo would frown, "It's not a party." crossing her arms and resting her head onto them. "I'm bored and starting to get hungry.
Maybe we should call this a break and go find some grub! I'm starved!" would then smile looking over at Halfreck. Ayame would look at Echo, "I'm done. Lets go eat. We've been at t his for far too long. I'm sure we could use a break anyway". Matt would ignore everyone as he kept working. Hal would look over at Matt and then to everyone else. "Uhm… Hmm. Matt… Want to take a break?", Hal said to Matt interrupting his concentration. Matt then gave a sigh while looking apathetically over at Hal.
"Alright. I guess I can finish this later". Echo would sit up and stretch her arms outwardly, "Yay! Now wheres the cafeteria here? I've never really gone to the Library before until now". Ayame would look around and reply to Echo, "I think it's that way!" pointing in some random direction. Matt would reply to them, "No, it's that way!" pointing in the different direction.
Halfreck would briefly talk with Jay as they started to walk in the direction Matt had directed them. Jay would reply to Hal about what he was working on. The group would have packed up their belongings and started to walk where the cafeteria was.
The Estharian sunset had developed a slowly diminishing skyline with hues of light blue to pale jade merging into a golden honey to ombre horizon. A brisk breeze would cool the shopping arcade's walkways and inner market pathways. Lined with various kiosks still open for late night shopping. The place would be packed with shoppers whom were out for the evening to do their last minute shopping before going home. Many had only this time to do their bidding while the students whom hadn't much on their schedules either than to spend money would also be about spending and window shopping.
The neon signs the eminated colourful hues shined bright making everyone's clothing a different shade of colour as they walked pass from the kiosk signs. In a shop that held recreational gaming machines. Abbi and her friends would be lounging while watching the guys play on the machines. Abbi took a moment to step away from watching while Beth and Sky took notice.
"You know, I've had a lot to think while we were here.", Abbi said to them while in deep contemplation.
"Yeah? What is it?", Beth said casually.
"Now that we have established our Clique. I think we need to go a step farther to cement ourselves as the group to be friends with.", Abbi replied.
"What did you have in mind?", asked Sky.
"Well, I saw in one of the halls a poster for school committees we could volunteer to become a part of."
"It caught my eye because of the influence it'd give us towards everyone else. Since our robes aren't the most fashionable. Becoming part of the fashion comittee didn't seem like a do-able thing for us but there was something that caught my eye..."
"The Dislipline committee", Abbi would finally say.
"Whoa!", replied Sky.
"I like it!", remarked Beth.
"When do we start?", asked Sky.
"Funny you should ask. I guess we still have time to decide as we couldn't put our names down just yet. Though I'm thinking of asking about it next week.", replied Abbi.
The girls would get interrupted as Jake walked over.
"This is starting to get boring.", Jake would say to them.
"I know but I figured I'd let you guys have your fun.", Abbi smiled at Jake.
"You girls want to go do something fun?", Jake would say while the guys behind him were finishing up with their Arcade machines.
"Like what?", Abbi questioned uncertain if she would say yes or not.
"Well there's this place I keep hearing about and I figured it be best if we went at night anyway and it's gettting dark now. So...", Jake made his ploy to them.
"Maybe. What kind of place? What would we do there?", Beth asked.
The rest of the guys would walk over now joining their group.
"Well its outside the City limits. So we'd have to use a certain way to leave the City.", Jake said to them.
Abbi thought for a moment and realize that they could have just driven outside the city limits.
"What do you mean?", Abbi asked.
"Its on the outside of our wall.", Jake finally revealed to them.
"So your planning on taking us to the Great Salt Lake area?", Abbi replied to him.
"Yeah. Are you going to go with us? It'd be helpful. I hear stuff out there is really tough.", Jake seemed to almost give a pitiful look towards Abbi as he replied to her.
Abbi's expression lightened upon seeing Jake's pitiful reaction. Sighing, Abbi asked the girls.
"You think we should go with them?", Abbi spoke to them while huddled in a mini group with Sky and Beth.
"What if we get caught?", Sky asked cautiously.
"What if? They'll just bring us back. We'll live to see tomorrow. I'm down. I don't want to go home and spend time on useless homework.", Beth seemed excited by the idea.
"I think they've done this before. From the sound of it. We should be fine.", Abbi replied to Sky.
"Alright fine. I guess I could stay out later than usual. I'll just say I was doing Homework with you two.", Sky replied giving in to them.
"I'll say I went to your house, and you can say you went to Sky's and Sky can say she went to my place. That way our parents won't suspect anything if they start to phone around.", Abbi seemed to have everything planned out already.
"Okay", Beth replied.
Abbi broke from the mini huddle. "We'll go with you.", Abbi replied to Jake.
"Great. I already know where to go. We're not the only ones to have gone out there. I heard about it from some upper graduates".
"That's reassuring.", Abbi replied.
Halfreck was on her way home when she noticed Abbi and her friends. Echo would almost have said something aloud but Halfreck quickly quieted her. "Shhh", said Hal; Grabbing Echo by the hand she would go and crouch down behind something.
"Where are they going?", Echo asked quietly.
"I don't know. It seems like they're heading away from the City.", Halfreck replied.
"Where tho'?", Echo asked again quietly.
"I don't know. It seems weird that they're even going away from the City", Hal would reply quietly to Echo.
"Lets follow them. I'm curious where they're going.", Echo replied.
"I dunno… Maybe we should go home tho'. It's getting late.", Hal replied.
"But.. But.. I wanna go see." Echo replied quietly looking at Halfreck as her eyes seemed to almost look as though they're about to cry.
Halfreck thought for a moment before looking over at Abbi's group as they floated away on a teleportation disk.
"Alright… Just this once but you gotta help me cover and say we were out shopping 'til the stores closed.", Halfreck gave in.
"Okay!", Echo seemed to happily reply.
The two of them would go and run to the Teleportation Disk and go in the same direction that Abbi and her friends would have gone. Hoping to catch a glimpse of them before they left the area.
(Author's Note: I'm sorry to say this but the story will be continued in the next chapter.)
