Chapter X: Unpleasant Encounters
Everything was going according to plan. He had calculated it all very carefully. Years in exile and centuries asleep had done him one good at least. It had given him the time to consider his options, to think over the best way to destroy Earth's inhabitants. Everything was running according to his designs…it was perfect.
Now that he had legions of followers ready and willing to serve his cause, there was no reason to hold back any longer, except to give them time to train in weapon and magic usage. He would make sure that he would recruit only the best, for nothing satisfied him but the best. He would make sure they were all ruthless and trained to kill silently…he was no fool, he knew that the pathetic humans had their toys also, their guns and their grenades, which, though powerless against his might, could still do damage to the races that served him. They would have to kill cunningly, and only when a large population were wiped out would they be able to kill more openly. Magic could protect against simple missiles; however, larger, heavier artillery would require a high level of skill to avoid.
Most of those who were willing to follow his commands were filthy and uncivilised races, like the savages of the realm of Harbiterove, who were currently being trained by another race of followers, from another realm. Not all his followers were human…in fact, many of them were creatures that only existed in human nightmares…he would breed an army of ruthless and heartless monsters, loyal to him, and hungry to taste the blood of humankind. No child would be spared, no boy, no girl, no man, no woman, none would be spared, all would fall to his rule.
His lips curved into a cruel smile. Ah, to see the human race scream and run out of control, to see them cry in pain, to see them beg for the mercy they knew they would not be given…it was almost too good to think about. He could hardly contain his eagerness to wipe the ignorant, foolish race out permanently.
Patience, He told himself; there was no need to rush when he knew that the planet feared him so, feared the threat She knew was drawing ever closer…a threat She was powerless to stop.
A smooth laugh escaped his lips, as he looked at Earth, sensing her anger, sensing her pain, and sensing her fear. Once again he sent a telepathic message to her.
That's right…fear me. All shall fear me. All shall fall down on their knees and serve me. You are weak Earth…the humans have drained your strength over the centuries…now as I gather the other planets to merge as one with you, you shall know how it is to feel true pain and weakness…they cannot help you…they cannot hear you…you may as well lower your defences now…and perhaps I shall spare a human or two…
The reply came, and it was more violent than ever before. He winced slightly, as her defiance rang through his ears, filling his mind with her hate and anger.
'Very well…' He whispered 'Then I shall spare none. In a matter of days now it shall begin. The beginning…of humankind's end…'
--------------- ◊ ---------------
Their training was intensifying every day, for soon they knew that they would be called upon by their Master to invade Earth and slaughter humans. Where previously they had only had their hands and claws to fight with, they now had a wide range of weaponry to choose from and specialise with…including dark magic.
The savages were making good progress, and more importantly, quick progress. Their desire to leave the cursed realm they had been trapped in for so long motivated the quick improvement in their fighting skills…that was evident to Ekan, the savage who had been chosen by the Master Himself to lead his race. Before him, members of his race duelled with members of other races from various realms, all of whom had sworn loyalty to the Master, all of whom had also been promised a great reward for their services, and their shares of power. Metal clanged against metal, and purple light illuminated the dusty plains, where dark magic was being practised. The once lifeless wastelands of Harbiterove were now full of hundreds of different life forms, and many more doubtless soon to arrive, all working together to help each other improve on their skills. Ekan was part of the group that made sure no fights broke out between the races…whoever caused trouble was cast away and would not return to Earth. Like the Master had said…only the most worthy. This realm had become the gathering place for different races to brush up on their battle skills. Lizard-like men and other inhuman creatures as well as the savages were all working for one common goal.
Returning to Earth and eradicating humans-that was all they desired, to take revenge. Revenge was all they wanted, and revenge was all that they knew.
--------------- ◊ ---------------
It was dark, and she could hear whispering, voices continuously talking together, barely audible. Straining to listen to what the voices were saying, she waited, in complete darkness. Then, from the depths of the pitch-blackness of her surroundings came the clear sound of…ringing…?
What the hell…what's that ringing noise…?
The alarm clock rang shrilly, sending a jolt of pain through Vreya's head. Her eyes flew open in shock, as she blinked to regain her bearings.
What…? Morning already? Oh God, that is SO unfair…she thought with irritation, reaching out to shut the annoying clock up. Her hand missed a few times, and groaning in anger she rolled over in her bed to make sure she wouldn't miss again, only to roll too fast to stop herself from tumbling over the edge of the bed.
'Ouch!' she yelped, and then glared up at the bedside table where the clock was still happily ringing away. She struggled to escape the prison of the duvet wrapped around her, and managed to stand up, leaning forward to switch off the damned thing for good. But her legs, which were still slightly tangled, lost balance, and she toppled forward, crashing into the bedside table, hitting her head in the process.
'Owwww!' she cried in pain, falling to the floor. A moment later the clock fell also, right in front of her face, seemingly mocking her with its continuous shrill ringing. She glared furiously, clutching at the side of her throbbing head with one hand, and reaching out with the other to pound the stop button on the treacherous clock. It stopped ringing, and all was silent once more. Vreya's nerves finally relaxed after being wracked so ruthlessly. She sighed tiredly, lying there on her duvet on the floor a moment. Wednesday…it was midweek. Oh great, fantastic, how she loved Wednesdays!
…Not…damned stupid clock…!
She slowly sat up, still rubbing her aching head. Not exactly the ideal way to wake up, but that couldn't be helped. She stood up, picking up the duvet and arranging it in neat order on the bed again. Stifling a yawn she stretched her arms out, and opened the curtains. Bright sunlight streamed into the room, spilling all over her face. She smiled then, despite her earlier moodiness. It was a beautiful, new day.
Okay, now, time to shower, get dressed, all the usual morning stuff…she said to herself, moving over to her cupboard and taking out a towel from one of the drawers. When she'd gathered all her things, she slipped out of her room and went into the bathroom, closing the door quietly behind her.
--------------- ◊ ---------------
The shower did Vreya a lot of good, soothing her aches and pains as well as her worries away. As she stepped out of the bathroom, she felt a lot better and her earlier bad mood had disappeared completely, as if it were wasn't ever there in the first place. When she returned to her room, she even grinned at the clock that had given her the bump on the head.
After Vreya had towelled off and dressed, she stuffed the books needed for the day into her bag, grabbing her pencil case also. She hadn't gotten much studying done yesterday…in fact, she hadn't done anything, after coming back so late from Roxy's place, then finding Katrina here…she paused a moment, remembering that her cousin hadn't felt the tremor in the ground two days back.
Oh yeah…I should tell the others…but now I'm hungry…got to get some breakfast!
She moved to leave the room, running a brush through her damp hair, humming a tune she had heard on the shower radio.
'…It's in your eyes…there is something…something you want to tell me…it's in your eyes…'
Her sweet, soft singing broke off as her eyes rested on a single textbook with notes lying unopened on her desk, from two days back.
She blinked stupidly a moment…had she forgotten something…? Today was Wednesday wasn't it…?
Wednesday…psychology…psychology test…
'Oh my God!'
--------------- ◊ ---------------
Seifer moodily kicked aside the pebble that was so unfortunate enough to lie in his way, his hands clenched into fists by his sides. The wind was blowing strongly, ripping through his short, close cut blond hair, rippling his light grey trench coat back behind him.
'Damn it! I am such an ass!' he raged, through his teeth. He didn't know what was going on with him…what was going on inside of him. Feeling all this, his apparent lack of motivation to even get Quistis in trouble…Hyne help him, was he slowly really losing his mind?
He stopped, standing before the ocean, on the rocky shore. This place reminded him of when he and Squall had 'trained' a few months back…so much had happened since then…
He drew in a deep breath, green eyes narrowing as he gazed ahead at the deep blue sea. It was surprisingly soothing, and made him feel slightly calmer. He stood there, in silence a moment, hating everything that was happening to him, hating his life, when he heard a familiar voice shout his name.
'SEIFER!'
He turned his head to see the only two people who were probably anything close to friends, come running towards him. Raijin and Fujin, who were brother and sister. They reached him, and Fujin, the silver haired girl with the cool outlook saluted him.
'SEIFER! OK?'
She always spoke loudly like she thought people couldn't hear, and always spoke using single words each time, never a sentence. It was strange, and Seifer had never bothered to ask her why she did it.
'Yeah.' he replied moodily, and Raijin spoke up.
'Hey ya know, did you hear about it?'
Seifer looked at him in exasperation. Raijin liked to delay too…something that ran in the family maybe? How the hell was he supposed to know what Raijin meant by 'it'?
'What?' he said.
'RINOA. FAINTED' Fujin said, in robotic tones.
Seifer blinked. Rinoa had fainted? He sneered suddenly and replied:
'Hah. Probably had enough of that asshole Leonhart's puberty boy mood swings…' but the scornful smile quickly disappeared, and he found himself feeling quite worried about her.
A feeling of something like sadness rose up inside him as he thought of Rinoa. Last year they had met and he had liked her a lot…they had both agreed to liberate Timber together…he had promised her that…only to end up sacrificing her to the evil sorceress Adel. It had been Squall who had saved Rinoa, Squall who had helped her liberate Timber. Squall who now had her love, Squall was now everything: a knight, a SeeD, a hero…he had it all going for him.
What have I got? Seifer thought bitterly, suddenly feeling even more dreadful than usual.
He had…he had…nothing. He had lost everything while Squall and the others had gained everything. Hell, even that irritating sleaze Irvine had gotten something…Selphie.
I lost Rinoa to Squall…even ifwhat happened between uswasn't really serious, I still did care about her…I lost my chance to be a SeeD, I lost any hope of ever patching things up…I lost everything…when I chose to become a sorceress knight…a 'white knight'…what the hell am I doing here anyway? I'm not wanted…it's not like there's anything left for me. If I had very little going my way before, now I have nothing at all. That one moment I hesitated and looked back in that prop room, when it was dark, when Quistis and Squall came running after me…that was my last chance to side with them, to help them out, like I should have done, helped out my friends…even if they aren't my bloody friends now, I knew them since childhood, hell, they're the closest thing I ever had to a family, and I turned on them…I fought against them instead of with them…instead of going to them, I followed Edea…damn it, if only I had known all that then…I lost everything and it's all my fault for being so stupid! All that for the sake of fulfilling a stupid 'romantic dream'…Quistis is right…I am pathetic…
'SEIFER! QUIET?' Fujin asked, and her brother added,
'Hey Seifer you don't look too happy ya know…like you can tell us what's wrong ya know…'
'Where's Rinoa?' Seifer asked, looking at the two who formerly made up their three member disciplinary committee.
'I don't know ya know…all we heard is that she fainted right outside ya know…Squall was with her ya know…' Raijin said, scratching his head.
Fujin looked at her brother and then kicked him in the knee. He yelped, grabbed hold of his knee and hopped about on his other foot.
'Owch! What's that for! I'm not a kicking pole, ya know!'
'SAID SQUALL!' Fujin replied.
'I never meant to mention him ya know, I'm sorry Seifer, it was an accident ya know!'
But Seifer was hardly paying attention. He wanted to know if Rinoa was okay…just to see that she was alright would be enough for him. Squall would probably be there wherever she was, but Seifer didn't care. He just wanted to know that she was alright. He still did care for Rinoa, and felt bad that he had done what he had done to her. She was so sweet and innocent. The memories he had of their summer together last year were fond ones, and he had never told her that he had tried to kidnap Deling for her sake. He had wanted the then president to confess all his plans…Seifer had been furious on hearing that Squall, Selphie and Zell had been sent to aid Rinoa's resistance group without him. That was why he had broken out of his confinement…he had wanted to help Rinoa, and couldn't stand the idea of Squall doing it for her instead of him. But then of course, it had all gone terribly wrong.
The infirmary maybe…Dr. Kadowaki would know…
'SEIFER!' Fujin said, and he blinked, brought out of his thoughts by her voice.
'Let's go fishing ya know!' Raijin announced suddenly; he and his sister were serious fish-aholics.
'Nah…not now…I gotta do something first…' Seifer said dismissively, and moved to get back to Garden.
'SEIFER WHERE?' Fujin called after him, but he ignored her, and continued to walk along the rocky beach, lost in his thoughts and lost in his guilt.
--------------- ◊ ---------------
Squall listened intently as Rinoa told him of the dream she had had, as usual keeping most of his thoughts to himself. It sounded very bizarre to him, but it wasn't like Rinoa to make up such crazy and complex things. They were finally alone, having left the infirmary a short while back, and were now walking together down the corridors of Balamb Garden's first floor. It was late in the afternoon, close to sun set.
'So then the voice told me that I had to tell you about what happened, which is why I'm telling you obviously, and then she said…I think it was a she, that because I'm a sorceress I'm more sensitive to changes in the environment, and that's why I fainted and why she couldn't tell any of you about it. Then she said that I had to fight for life and for her…and then…' Rinoa paused a moment.
Squall waited.
'And then the dream ended…' Rinoa sighed, and then looked to Squall, who was walking with his hands in his pockets, head down, eyes fixed on the floor in deep thought.
'Squall? Do I sound totally crazy?' the raven-haired girl asked her knight.
Squall's eyes finally shifted, moving up and glancing at Rinoa. He was silent again though, and Rinoa grabbed onto his arm, and stopped him and looking pleadingly into his eyes, cried:
'Squall, c'mon! Tell me what you think…if you think I sound insane, just tell me…don't be all quiet now!'
Squall sighed, and said finally 'I don't know what to think. It sounds…weird…'
'So you don't believe me?' Rinoa's shoulders slumped, and she pouted 'Oh boo, I knew you wouldn't!'
'No…it's not that…it's just the dream itself…it doesn't make sense…' Squall frowned slightly. For starters, the concept of there being more than one planet of life was a hard one to come to terms with. Secondly, the entire fact that they had to go to some other world, and fight some unknown 'threat' with some strangers didn't exactly suit his fancy. Thirdly, the fact that the planet…his planet, had talked to Rinoa through her dream was a totally crazy idea. Squall wasn't sure what to make of it.
'Oh, yeah, I know that' Rinoa said, frowning lightly too 'But the planet asked me to tell you and Selphie and Zell and Irvine and Quistis…' she blinked suddenly, and said 'Ohmigosh!'
Squall looked at her, raising a brow at her sudden outburst. What was it now…?
'I remember now! She said something about there being seven of us…but when I count it, there's only six Children of Fate right?'
Squall stared at Rinoa a moment, and then nodded slowly. Rinoa, Selphie, Zell, Irvine, Quistis, as well as himself…they were the Children of Fate…they were six…there wasn't anyone else…
'Yeah…' he frowned, confused 'You're right…so…'
'So there's someone else! But who? I have to tell all of you!' Rinoa worried.
'Wait a second Rinoa…we have to think about this…' Squall said, trying to calm down the excited girl.
'Squall!' Rinoa exclaimed 'I was told it would only be a matter of days…we have to junction GF's and get our things all ready…'
Squall reached out and laid his gloved hands on Rinoa's delicate, slender shoulders. She stopped talking, looking up at him, blinking.
'Just hold on…' Squall said sternly 'Don't get all excited over this…we don't even understand what's happening, or if it really means anything at all…'
'You really don't believe me? Squall, I wouldn't believe it either if I didn't feel like something was going to happen!'
Squall said firmly 'I never said I don't believe you…you're a sorceress after all, and I guess your dreams shouldn't be taken lightly…'
Rinoa looked satisfied.
'But…' Squall added, and Rinoa stuck her tongue out at him playfully.
'Oooh, always a but, I knew it Squall, why can't you just accept that maybe I'm right for once?'
'I'm not saying you're wrong…I'm just saying that I think we should really think about it a little before telling the others. Speak to Edea and Cid about it first' Squall advised her.
Rinoa relented, pulling a reluctant face.
'Oh but Squall…'
He tilted his head at her his deep blue eyes looking straight into her warm brown ones. Rinoa felt her heart leap as she looked up at the devastatingly handsome young man who was what she honestly believed to be the love of her life. Everytime he looked at her in that way she would drop the argument, knowing that really he had a point after all, and that she had better think about what he was suggesting.
'Oh okay…I don't doubt what I'm saying, but if it'll make you sleep easier…' she giggled at him, and he rolled his eyes at her, shaking his head.
'…Whatever…' he said in a bored tone, and she grinned and impulsively stepped forward and threw her arms around him, kissing him on his cheek quickly. When she pulled back Squall was flushing slightly, the way he always did when she showed him affection. It was so adorable to herhowthe mighty 'Lion'looked so much like an embarrassed little boy when she did that.
Someone called out to him then, and the young couple turned their heads to see another SeeD member, Nida, coming towards them. He nodded at Squall, before addressing him.
'Hey Squall. Just got a message to tell you that Cid wants to see you.'
'Great, we can go see Cid and Edea now!' Rinoa said. Nida looked at Rinoa apologetically.
'Uh…actually Headmaster Cid would like to see Squall alone…'
Rinoa blinked, feeling a little embarrassed.
'Oh…right…right then…Squall, I'll see you later okay? I'll be with Quistis'
Squall nodded to her and she moved off and disappeared around the corner. As she did so, Squall turned his attentionback to Nida, curious.
'Did the Headmaster say what he wanted?'
--------------- ◊ ---------------
Rinoa walked down the hall, enjoying the late sun's rays spilling all over her face and warming her as she passed the countless windows that lined Garden's halls. She loved this place…even though she had only been here a few months, she still felt like it was really a place she could call her home. The others had certainly gone through a lot of trouble to help her fit in, even though they all shrugged it all off when she said that. She knew that her real home was still open for her, but she felt awkward about seeing her father again, especially after all that had happened to her. She missed her dog Angelo greatly, but had decided to let one of her friends from Timber look after her for a while.
As she turned another corner, she collided with someone suddenly, and immediately began to apologise.
'I'm so sorry…' she began, then stopped, as she realised who it was she had bumped into.
Seifer stared down at her, looking just as surprised as she felt. For a moment Rinoa felt very numb…she didn't see Seifer a lot nowadays…after all that had happened, he was always in some disciplinary meeting or something…seeing him again was always quite a shock, because she always remembered what he had done to her and the rest of them. Rinoa was a very kind and good-natured person, quick to forgive and quick to smile. She always saw the best in people, and her carefree and spirited nature endeared her to many people wherever she went. Seeing her ex-boyfriend again now…well, it hadn't been official that they had been dating, but they did spend a lot of time together a year back and had hugged and things…even if it hadn't been serious, sent a pain through her heart. She greatly missed the Seifer she had met just over a year back, the Seifer who was yes, arrogant and all the usual, but had been fun to be around and had cared about her and her resistance group, taking her seriously when everyone else around her hadn't. She pitied him immensely, knowing that many of his actions had been forced by Edea/Ultimecia, but at the end of the day, he had made the mistake of attracting the evil sorceress's attention, and he had agreed willingly to become her knight…he could have resisted if he had really wanted to, but Seifer's heart and will were weak in areas that concerned greed and power.
'Rinoa…' he spoke finally, and she blinked up at him, feeling very awkward. It was the first time they had talked since…well, since the SeeD graduation party where she had first met Squall…back then Seifer had introduced her to Headmaster Cid.
'…Seifer…' Rinoa said, and managed to smile at him.
Seifer felt so stupid…stupid…and embarrassed. He looked down at the girl, not even sure what he wanted to say now. She was alright…that was evident. A feeling of guilt stronger than ever before overwhelmed him as he looked down into those dark eyes…eyes that, when he had dragged her to be sacrificed to Adel, had looked up at him so wildly, so full of fear, full of such hurt at his betrayal andat his actions. He could hardly stand to look at her without feeling so disgraceful and ashamed…he truly regretted then all that he had done to her, and would have said it all there and then, if sorry even meant anything at this stage.
But Seifer's ego was too big for a simple 'sorry'…he had never apologised in his life…and therefore he found it very difficult to open his mouth and say that one word. He said awkwardly,
'You…I heard you fainted…'
Rinoa looked away, feeling terrible. She wished it wasn't like this between them…she didn't hate Seifer like Squall did…she was just so upset at his actions…upset that he always had to hide behind that superior façade of his.
'Yeah…it's nothing, I'm fine now…' she stuttered awkwardly, then added quickly 'It's really nice that you care…'
'…' Seifer stared stupidly at her, hating himself inside. She wouldn't even look at him now…Hyne; things had all turned out so wrong…
Rinoa…I am such an ass…I know what I did was…was…wrong…but it's not my fault…she tricked me damn it…I..I am sorry…
Even admitting it to himself was so hard. He was trying to push down the feeling of guilt, but it kept rising up. He kept telling himself it wasn't entirely his fault, but he knew he had been the one to start it off. He was a fool. He looked cocky and unconcerned on the outside…but inside he was dying. His very soul was dying. He was dying from the guilt that he knew he would never get away from, nor would anyone else, not even Rinoa, let him escape from.
'Rinoa…I…' he began, then a familiar voice he hadn't wanted to hear at that moment called out just around the corner,
'Rinoa! Wait, have you gone?'
Oh no…Squall! Rinoa thought frantically, feeling strangely guilty that she was about to be caught talking to Seifer. But it was too late to act. Squall came around the corner and saw Seifer with her, and stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes moved from Rinoa, to Seifer, glaring at him, his usually passive face suddenly not so neutral, as a look of anger, hate and disdain crossed his handsome features.
Squall…I just bumped into him and was apologising…Rinoa attempted to calm Squall down before he do something unnecessarily drastic, but it was obvious her knight wasn't going to listen to her now.
Seifer was the first to speak. It took a mere moment for him to switch from guilty mode to his normal, haughty self.
'Cool it Leonhart. It's not like you think'
Squall glared, and just about managed to speak in a controlled voice that was very quiet, and very dangerous.
'You have no idea what I'm thinking…'
'Just as well…I wouldn't want to know what goes on in that shit of a mass you call your head …'
'Seifer…that's not fair!' Rinoa gasped, in shock, totally disbelieving how Seifer could still have the nerve to address Squall in such a rude scornful manner.
She had no idea however, what was causing Seifer to still speak like this. She didn't know what he was feeling inside…the self loathing, the inescapable guilt, the trapped feeling of having no future, the jealousy that Squall had everything while he had nothing…of course he would never let the world know all that…he was having a hard enough time trying to suppress it all inside himself, trying to disregard and think nothing of the increasingly persistent feelings…
'Let me guess…you fainted to get away from his bitch mood swings' Seifer snarled. Rinoa stared at him, stunned, and suddenly feeling very angry on Squall's behalf.
Squall's fury was extremely evident now, as he glared daggers at the older Balamb Garden student. If looks could kill Seifer would have died on the spot.
'Get away from Rinoa' Squall hissed, hands clenching into angry fists. Seifer's upper lip curled into a haughty sneer, but as he gazed at his Squall, he suddenly saw more than just his life-long rival. He saw Squall as what he was…a young man who held in his eyes a look of deep and intense hatred for him. Seifer had not only turned against Squall and the rest of them…he had also hurt them.
The feelings inside of him enraged him-he was feeling so vulnerable and he despised it. He couldn't get away…what was happening to him?! The fury caused him to lash out once again at Squall.
'Sure…I already had some of her before…you aren't the first one 'puberty boy'' he sneered, looking at Rinoa, whose cheeks blazed a furious and indignant red.
'S…Seifer!' she spluttered 'Sh…shut up right now!' Though she thought of her past memories of last summer with fondness, she knew Squall wouldn't like you know about it…he'd hurt enough in his life…she just wanted to make him happy…but Seifer was being such a big mouth now, mentioning their past, and she could sense the furious envy and hurt inside of Squall, even though he did so well to mask it on the outside.
Squall's eyes widened on hearing Seifer's comment. His breathing became heavier as he struggled to keep a hold of himself…but Seifer was so good at that, at saying all the right things the exact right way, knowing exactly how to get to him and make him feel so angry…
'What's the matter Squall?' Seifer mocked 'Don't like the truth? Don't like the fact that I knew Rin and had a thing going with her an entire year before you arrived at the scene?'
'Shut up!' Squall exploded, outraged.
Rinoa wanted to cry…this was terrible for her and Squall…why was Seifer being like that?! She couldn't understand it.
Seifer was laughing haughtily, and Squall had had enough. He spoke coldly, and said the exact words Seifer hadn't expected him to say, or wanted him to say.
'Since we're talking about your past, why don't we mention a more recent issue?! The fact that you were a sorceresses begging slave, and fucking licked the floor beneath her feet?!'
'Fuck you!' Seifer yelled, stepping forward.
'What's the matter Seifer?' Squall mocked Seifer's earlier words 'Don't like the truth? You allowed yourself to be dragged into a spiral down to nothing but damnation! You ruined your own self! You turned against all that you ever valued, in pursuit of some shit of a dream…oh I forgot, you never valued anything except your fucking self did you, getting down on all fours to be Ultimecia's little bitch and nearly killing Rinoa and us all, then having the nerve to still act like you're worth something, well you aren't worth no-one's shit and are a fucking traitor and a nobody… you can take your issues go straight to fucking hell! '
With that, Squall turned away abruptly and stormed past Rinoa and Seifer. They both stood, equally shocked at Squall's backlash. Rinoa was shaking, very upset-she could still feel Squall's anger…she knew there was never going to be a way for Squall to forgive Seifer anytime soon…the wound inflicted was still so fresh, and she also knew that she could never think of forgetting the past if Seifer acted in this way. She had never seen Squall let loose on his anger and hate so openly before, and it was shocking to say the least. He usually always kept it to himself, and Seifer had obviously never gotten to him in this way before…Squall didn't usually launch into such long and fury filled insults…
She looked at Seifer, tears in her eyes. Seifer swore inwardl: he had just screwed up so badly…he just felt so bad…so angry…he hadn't been able to help getting Squall angry…
'I hope you're happy' she said, voice trembling 'What's your problem, lashing out at people like…like a great big baby?! Why are you so mean to people…why are you so mean to Squall? It's no one's fault but yours that you did all those things…when are you going to accept that?!'
'Rinoa…' Seifer said, truly horrified that she saw him in such a bad light now. Why did it matter what she thought…why did it matter what Quistis or Squall or any of them thought? They weren't people he cared about damn it, why the hell was he feeling like this then?
'You've changed Seifer…you're so different…you're not the Seifer I remember…now I'm not sure I want to know you at all…' Rinoa said, tears streaming down her cheeks. A small sob escaped her lips as she looked up at him sadly, then she shook her head and turned and rushed away after Squall.
Seifer was left standing alone. He was trembling with a rage of frightening intensity…Squall had always only ever ignored him…he'd never expected the SeeD to retaliate so harshly. He always got off as such a cold and arrogant asshole…yet he had just yelled like anything but. Seifer turned slowly, eyes finally looking up.
Quistis was standing there, at the door of her classroom further down the hall, having heard everything and come out to see what all the fuss was about. Students were trying to peer out past her to see what all the yelling was for, but she ordered them quietly and sternly to get back inside.
Oh crap…now I'm gonna get my ass in deep shit…Xu and Cid and Matron again…damn, I was stupid to yell so loud near to classes…
To his surprise however, Quistis did not beckon him over. She just stood there, one hand on her slender hip, staring fixatedly at him, as if he were the most interesting and puzzling thing she had ever seen.
I can't believe it…Seifer was so different to me…and now he just gets back to being his old jerk of a self to Squall and Rinoa…what's going on? She thought.
Without a word, she quietly went back inside her class, and Seifer was left there, to contemplate the results of his own reckless actions, the feeling of guilt and hate…self-hate more than anything else…crushing and weighing him down, and threatening to suffocate him.
--------------- ◊ ---------------
The boy was definitely improving, and it was impressive to see that he was such a quick and eager learner. Bo glanced at his watch. Only seven in the morning, yet they'd been here for an entire hour, helping Zane with his fighting techniques. This was how it was going to be from now onwards, until the final fight…training every morning before school for Zane, then after for a couple of hours. There wasn't much time, and they had to help him improve, and quick.
The boy's mentor chuckled as he once again swept Zane's legs out from beneath him. The boy was evidently irritated by the move that always seemed to catch him off guard. He jumped up again quickly, and attacked some more. After a few more minutes exchanging blows, Rica came into the room, with a tray of cold drinks. Morgan was busy reading a big book, sitting at the small desk in the corner, his grey haired head bent down intently over the book.
'Enough Fleck, you'll wear him out before the real fighting begins' Rica warned.
Fleck, who had knocked the boy to the floor once again, to Zane's excessive annoyance, grinned and helped him up.
'You're kidding me! This kid's got enough fire to keep going for ten invasions!'
'Whatever…' Zane muttered, brushing himself off. It had been three days since he'd first met these people, but he hadn't really been told anything extra about his so called destiny. He gratefully took a cold glass of drink and swallowed it down quickly. It was seven-fifteen…just enough time for him to get back home, shower quickly, and do the rest of the things he needed to do before he had to get to school.
Bo smiled 'Getting better tyke…'
Zane gave him an exasperated look, but didn't bother to correct him this time. He grabbed his bag, stuffed the towel he had bought with him, and was about to leave, when Morgan spoke.
'Hey boy…'
Zane glanced over at him.
'Before you leave, take this…' he stood up slowly, and took something out of his pocket. It was a silver chain, with a strange symbol on the end. Zane looked at it then back at Morgan.
'What's this for?'
'The time when evil enters this Earth cannot be predicted…it could be today, tomorrow, anytime. You must be alert and prepared at all times…this necklace will help you to withstand the most basic of magic attacks…'
Zane was stunned. Magic?!
'Magic…?' he repeated stupidly 'Oh come on, you are not seriously telling me that exists too…'
'Indeed it does…I shall explain it in more detail after your school session for the day…however; this pendant is more of a danger sensor than protection. When the eye glows red, you will know when evil is about…' Morgan said, looking at the young man gravely.
Zane took the necklace, and examined the pendant. It looked like some animal's head…he wasn't sure what it was…some mythical beast perhaps? Sure enough there was a dark blood red stoneas the eyeof the animal. He slipped the necklace around his neck…it looked cool enough for him to wear without needing to hide it as anything suspicious looking. Then he headed for the stairs.
'See you at five' Fleck called after the retreating boy 'Have fun at school kid!'
He was rewarded by a scowl from his young charge, and a moment later the door upstairs was closed firmly. Rica smiled.
'Well, I'd say we definitely have this one in our hands…'
'Could get kind of fond of him you know…' Fleck smiled, thinking of the boy, who frowned more than he spoke.
'Now we need to find the others…but how?' Bo asked, scratching the slight stubble on his tanned face.
Morgan sighed. 'They are doubtless to be Zane's age…all Chosen ones tend to be…'
'Could it be anyone from his school?' Rica questioned.
Fleck took a sip of his drink 'You never told him what it means when the stone turns purple…'
'I was hoping he would sense other Chosen on his own…' Morgan said, looking troubled. 'But we shall tell him of that other aspect when he returns…'
'You know, I heard that a nearby school is holding a charity ball…' Rica said.
'Yeah, and…?' Bo asked, confusedly looking at her. 'In case you forgot, high school proms were over a long time ago for us…'
'No Bo…I never said I wanted to dress up and go…' Rica said in irritation 'I was just thinking… well, maybe there'll be Chosen One's there?'
'That's so stupid Rica' Fleck said 'I mean, Chosen Ones are scattered all over, they don't genuinely tend to be all grouped together and friendly…'
'Actually they could be…right Morgan?' Bo asked the older man. Morgan nodded.
'Anything is possible…'
'Well, they could be in any school, either in this country, or in the North Pole…we just don't know…we were lucky to get even hold of this one!' Fleck said.
'He's got a point…' Bo conceded, looking back at Rica.
'Yes, but there will be a lot of kids there, in one given area, so I guess it'll be a good way to check it out in case…' Rica said.
'When is it?' Fleck asked.
'Friday' Rica replied.
'Hmmm. Morgan, what do you think?' Fleck asked Morgan. The wise man considered, before replying
'I think it would be worth a try…only because we have no idea where to start looking for the rest, and Rica is right…there will be many young people…'
'But we may as well go to a disco!' Bo said.
'It's worth a try' Morgan replied to him, and that shut him up.
Fleck laughed suddenly 'Hey… besides…Zane should have more fun…I bet he'd look great dancing…
They all laughed merrily at this, grateful for even a second to take their minds of the impending doom that was heading their way very soon.
Angelheart's End of Chapter Ramble:
Okay, that's all for now…I wanted to carry on, but I thought it's best to split it up, otherwise it'll get way too long. Plus I need to go fix dinner! So stay tuned, for the next chapter coming your way hopefully very soon! (ps thanks for the support on the exam thing people…you bought tears to my eyes! )