32
Squalls Threat
Five mechanics and two engineers of Esthar were combing the darkened husk of the wall. Without any power, it was hard to find the exact cause of what could have caused the blackout. Only their flashlights leant them any light. The white of their robes made it easier to spot each other in the darkness.
Scouring the western walls, they came across nothing unusual, until one of the party heard something off in the distance. Breaking away from the group, she headed towards the enigmatic sound. As soon as she looked up, she nearly forgot to tell the rest of her group. Nearly.
Over heegh! She gagged.
Alarmed by the unusual speech pattern, her comrades did come, only to find her twisted bloodied corpse under several dozen imps. They had killed her in one, swift attack. To get a better count, they all foolishly shone their lights up into the swarm, startling the volatile beasts. A dozen of them swooped down at one of them, teeth and claws digging freely into the flesh and cloth of one of them. As the imps victim screamed painfully for mercy and help, the remaining three ran, inciting the aggression of the imps. Another large group tackled one of the runners, his cries of agony ignored while the imps tore at his back and face.
Another imp jumped free of the crowd, latching onto the shoulders of the closest human. As like the other three, the human, a middle aged woman, screamed, but did not falter. She fought with the imp, sticking her fingers into its bulbous eyes, grabbing its tail and tugging it as hard as she could. She continued to stand throughout the struggle, until she unknowingly fell off the catwalk. The winged imp; tail still in the womans grip, continued to flap until they both fell to their deaths.
The last of the group continued to run, too afraid to look back. A couple of imps flew after her, one narrowly missing her leg, and the second grabbing onto her hair. Startled, she stumbled slightly, but it left enough time for the first imp to catch up, finally grabbing hold of her leg and biting down. The second locked its shrew like teeth around her ear. Though agonizing their torment was, she the mechanic, refused to falter. Four of her close comrades had died at their hands. She had to be the one to tell the city what was happening. She had to.
With the power off, all holographic maps were deleted as well, leaving only the hard documented ones hanging on the wall, but the red emergency lights werent making it easy to read them. Ellone tried her best, though twenty-twenty vision didnt help that much. She could barely make out the marker that said You Are Here.
Rinoa was with Dr. Karrion only a couple meters away. Though Ellone, herself, refused to associate with that man, and she doubted that it was because his jacket looked like it was dragged through the sewer.
So, why are you alone again Dr. Karrion? Rinoa asked in Classical Galbadian.
It was dose damn kids. Karrion lied, referring to Nida and his group. My entourage got too close and dey wanted to extinguish all witnesses. I only escaped because I ran.
Would they be looking for you?
Ive seen too many movies to doubt dey would. And Nida would have a few choice words for me.
Rinoa understood a semblance of what the man was facing. She had her fair share of running away in various situations. But, it wasnt like she could bring him back to the Palace. Rinoa was only welcomed partly because Prime Minister Laguna knew her, and probably partly because she was the Sorceress. She didnt think Laguna would allow her to start bringing home stray illegal aliens. It wasnt like the Palace was even her home! But, she couldnt very well leave the doctor to be slaughtered in some foreign country either.
When they got the Ragnarokk, what next? Rinoa already had a very good idea about that. Esthar couldnt say he was an illegal alien if he wasnt officially on their soil.
Finally, Ellone spoke up from further away, Alina elimi! Ive found it! She announced.
In reflection of the most miserable day he had seen since the war, Kiros lay sprawled on a couch in the palace den, wondering why Laguna always had the best of luck. Explained to him, he would have to agree with a laugh, Laguna did have all the luck the faeries could spare. And, as luck had it, he was currently hospitalized with a serious injury, while he, Kiros, was left in charge of a city wide black out, an escaped convict who could probably do more damage before he died, potentially aggravated extraterrestrial visitors, wayward missiles, and now, the Ragnarokk was stolen. Yes, Laguna did have all the dumb luck.
There seemed to be no end to their misfortune that day. Still fresh in the peoples minds were the events of the last Lunar Cry, the last invasion of chaotic beasts, that it seamed as soon as the power went out, everyone still knew how to go about rioting.
The soldiers, backed up by their machines, were having a hard enough time holding back a crowd that was trying to loot the market for batteries when they saw the red shine of the Ragnarokk rise. High into the air, it glistened under the sun like a red eagle of metal. The wires that had hooked it up to their computer snapped under the merciless stress of its ascensions. Then, it took off, heading west.
I dont trust that man. Snapped Ellone. They had left Dr. Karrion in the hanger, musing to himself in Dollet, ogling the alien tech. Rinoa was attempting to pilot the craft. It just sort of took off. At least it had been easier then getting in.
If he had anything planned against us, she argued, he wouldnt have bothered to come all this way here.
How do you explain Squalls eyes?
Hes blind. Answered Rinoa bluntly.
And do you know how? Ellones pitch was rising with frustration. They were burned Rinoa! Who, in their right mind would burn their own eyes?
Squalls not in his right mind. I told Dr. Karrion about that, he says they were self inflicted; would have burned his own tongue too if he hadnt butted in
Oh, come on. Who would burn off their own tongue?
Well, I was just as distressed to hear that as well. But, Squall has issues... Big, hairy assed issues. That, hopefully, I havent caused. She hung her head momentarily, slamming her fist against the dashboard.
Ellone didnt push the subject some more, but she was still worried. If only she didnt have that damn chocker. She touched the green jewel on the front, regretfully pondering what she could have done without it.
So, Rinoa began with a sigh, Whats at this Seifer Rice Fin?
Siphon Thrice Fit. Shes made up completely of Echo Crystals. To Echo Hosts, she is like our Queen. Im not so sure, but if Squall picked anything up on her, he would be heading out there. Theres just something about her
And its a good thing we arent walking.
From below, Dr. Karrion could here everything they had said. Someone had probably left the intercom on. Fortunate for them was that they were speaking Alcauldian, so Karrion didnt really understand a word. Even so, he understood tone enough. They had been arguing about something, or someone. It could have been a number of things, but Korax Karrion wasnt stupid or novice enough to leave it up to chance. If it was him they were arguing about, then he could expect trouble. If he could keep the Sorceresss trust, he would have a powerful ally.
The Ragnarokk grazed over the city, past the wall, and over the wastes just outside the outskirts. Having to worry about less and less obstructions, the Ragnarokk was lowered a little closer to the ground. They came to huge bluffs that sheltered a great, and deep, white expanse.
Amazing. Rinoa had ogled. The ground is completely flat here.
Its the White Caldera. Ellone explained. That white is only a thin film of salt covering a lake of tar.
Tar? Theres tar out here?
Quite. The entire caldera is connected to a huge long fault with nothing but tar on the bottom. Next to the White Caldera, probably the most distinguishing feature of the Great Salt Lake.
Since she had mentioned it, Rinoa could see some steam coming out of the salt. And, up ahead, the mouth of that fault. She could see how the salt carpet thinned out inside those fjord walls, and the tar was completely exposed. So entranced, she was, with the scenery, that she only realized she was about to barrel into the cliffs by Ellones shouting. Not really knowing how, she pulled on the steering column like she had seen in so many movies, and the ship shot up, zooming over the rock. Getting the ship to straighten out again proved just as easy, simply by easing up on the steering column. Finally, it was down to business, they had to find the others. But, where would they look? Rinoa was underground when she left, and Ellone would be no help. Again, if only they didnt have those Odine items
The sky behind them grew brighter in intensity, engulfing their vision. Terrified that of the flash devouring them, Rinoa was close to veering them off course until the light diminished into a form before them; that of a huge bird in flight.
Mouths agape, the two girls stared at the bird reverently. Its majestic wings glowed like embers on gold. Several pinions near the base of the birds wings were blue and green. The tail was forked into a plume of dazzling orange sparks. A large, fantastic crest was on the head of the bird. There looked to be two passengers on the back of it.
Sweat God of Gods! Gawked Rinoa. Is that a
Phoenix?!
Under the light, the phoenix looked very much like it was a jewel of internal fire. Compelled by the beauty of the plumage, the Ragnarokk fallowed after it as the legendary bird sped over the Black Canyon, sparks of all the colours of the rainbow trailing from its wings and tail.
This is amazing! Thought Rinoa with much admiration and excitement. A real phoenix! Not just some summoned apparition!
The speed at which the phoenix traveled and the ship trailed was phenomenal. In no time, they passed the opposite mouth of the Black Canyon. Swiftly ahead, they kept going, with the phoenix finally landing beside an outcropping of rock. Finding the Ragnarokk much harder to land then to lift off, Rinoa finally brought the craft to a skidding halt on the salt. Hopefully, the scratches they made could be buffed out.
More time was taken to find the mechanism to lower the ramp. To think, Selphie and Squall had made it look so easy. Finally, Ellone found the button that read DROP RAMP underneath it.
Out first was Dr. Karrion. The vast white before him reminded of snow, but once off the platform and into the burning sun, he rethought the white as sand. He bent down, picking up a handful of the dirt and licked it. Salt. All the white around him was salt. And, as his eyes revived from the glare, he could see large skeletons in the distance. Looking up, he saw something truly bizarre.
Rinoa was out of the ship in seconds, seeing Dr. Karrion as he stared up at the deep blue sky. Dr. Karrion She began, but all he did was point towards the sky at what he saw. Quickly, she bounded down the ramp, seeing right away what was pointed at, also having to shield her eyes from the bright afternoon sky.
Ellone came very last, wondering what the other two were looking at. Rinoa, what are you?
Ellone! She interrupted. Youve got to see this! She pointed up to the sky as Karrion had done. Running down the ramp, she looked up as well.
Dear Hyne! Balked Ellone. Two suns! She, too, shielded her eyes from the light. But oddly, Karrion did no such thing. Was his eyesight just really poor that there was no need to?
Its been like that for about a whole day now. Spoke a very loud, and very gentle voice in Alcauldian. The three of them turned around, staring up at the head of the great phoenix as it peered over the bow of the Ragnarokk.
You talk! Shouted Rinoa, running towards the bird with anticipation. Ellone tried to call her to be careful, but she hardly listened as she skidded to a stop in front of the shining bird. The phoenix sat on its haunches; its talons were splayed out underneath, delicately digging into the salt. It looked down at her with an odd sort of look, one that reminded Rinoa of the one her grandmother would always give her when she handed her a plate of oven fresh tarts. The beak of the phoenix was covered with scratches. From on top of its shoulders dropped two small figures. Rinoa recognized neither of them until they bounded forward closer. It was those two Moomba, what were their names? Bishop and Deacon? The smaller of the two seemed very cheerful, and jumped into Rinoas arms, giving her quite the hug as he nuzzled her cheek. The other larger of the two, walked at a more dignified pace. Looking down at them, Sly the phoenix recognized the girl in front of him: a Sorceress, the Sorceress.
Ellone had gotten up beside Rinoa, and hung her mouth open in surprise when she saw the two Moomba. Two more moombas? Dr. Karrion came up at a more leisurely saunter.
These Moomba, began Sly, They came with Squall out of the salty wastes. He neglected to say he was the chocobo that accompanied them; it was best that the information therein remained hidden.
Youve met Squall? Inquired Rinoa.
Yes I did. Distraught young man, he was. Three Moomba: Bishop, Deacon, and Cardinal accompanied him.
Three moombas accompanied a human? Ellone wondered out loud. She looked up at Sly. I didnt think moombas associated with humans.
They new his father. And so, they wanted to reunite them.
Immediately, Ellone knew whom he was talking about. But Rinoa was overcome with a sort of joyful anticipation. She had once admired her own father, before her mother died. There were several instances where her father would blame her for her mothers death, crushing her admiration. But a fatherly figure was something Squall sorely lacked his entire life and needed badly. Having the Moomba come along and try to reunite them was like a fairy tale.
Or, at least, I think thats what they were trying to do. Sly continued. Bishop started to enact a little pantomime.
Uh Was all Ellone had to say about it.
Can I ask you a question phoenix?
Sinh. Replied Sly, giving a pseudonym.
Sinh. Would you know whats wrong with Squall? Karrion stared at her as if they had discovered his true intent, but looked away as soon as he realized it was a false alarm. Sly lowered his head, his beak nearly touching Rinoas own nose. Frightened that she may have offended, she stumbled backwards, hoping she wouldnt be snapped up in that scarred beak.
Quite relieved she was, when Sly answered her question. Hard to say. He is very sick, both in body, and in mind. Its like he is becoming something else, but is fighting not to. Like two storm fronts clashing together to create a tornado.
Rinoa listened intently to the answer. It took her a few seconds to realize what he was saying, until she put his explanation and Ellones description of an Echo Host into play.
Ellone, she began, That mutation you talked about. Whats it like?
Her eyes shot wide open with a glassy stare. Ive heard of some pretty grotesque mutations, but if anyone has shown a perverse reaction like Squall, hes the first Ive heard of! Is it possible his body is rejecting the nucleic acid to the point of collapse? Another theory surfaced. For the first time in a while, Rinoa felt curiously satisfied, at least in one area, but again
Say, Sinh, Started she with a bit of hesitation, why are you here in the first place. I mean, funky tripe riper then whats happening now has happened before. Why show yourself to us?
I couldnt do anything. Sly replied truthfully. I could take out monsters, but even I could tell they were driven by something. Couldnt really put my talons on the whole mess until time buckled.
Time buckled? Hes probably talking about time compression. But times not buckled anymore. Surely theres nothing much to worry about. Ellone had to wonder if Rinoa was getting anywhere with their conversation.
True, time may no longer be smeared, but it was smeared. Have you perchance, Sorceress, ever heard of the Wayward? At the mention of wayward, Deacons ears perked high above his head, Bishop looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights, Ellone started to smile like those smart kids in math class, and behind her, Rinoa felt a presence step closer. She looked behind her to see Dr. Karrion had stepped up, glaring at Sly perhaps, his hand moving in a peculiar way towards his coat, just the way Squall would always go for his own gunblade. He wouldnt have known what they were talking about, they were speaking Alcauldian: a language she assumed he didnt know. It must have been the tense looks on the Moomba and Sly that set him off.
I can honestly say I havent.
Chirpily, Ellone regaled her with an explanation. The Wayward is like a thousand Sorceresses. But theyre so rare and elusive. Kind of like that really good dream you have but never can remember. With her explanation, Rinoa heard the shing of Karrions gunblade sliding back into its scabbard. It was apparent that no one had turned vicious among them.
Most certainly wouldnt call a Wayward a dream. Began Sly. Quite the opposite. It all depends on how you look at them. For you see, a Wayward is a fluke of existence, created from an impossible phenomenon. Neither one is like the other.
And yet, interjected Rinoa, you look for it.
I have my reasons. What are yours?
I came to dig out my friends.
Ah. Well that, I can help you with as well. The phoenix veered around, staring down at a bare face of salted rock. Then, rearing upright, spreading his majestic wings as it hollered its fantastic eagle like call, and dug his talons into the white dirt.
Unchallenged, Odine entered the military hanger and compound where the Ragnarokk was supposed to be anchored. A man of the lab he was, completely locked up with only the bare minimum of social experience. Completely unaware that he was not supposed to be there, the fact that there was no one there to oppose him only reinforced the idea that the building was free for anyone to enter.
Like nearly everyone else, he had seen the missiles launched, but was unaware of the target they hit. Perhaps he could find out for himself. The computer that controlled the missiles would have a recent record on those missiles stats and projections. The easy, idiot-proof maps hung on the walls revealed where that computer was.
The computer he found easy enough. With his expert knowledge of computers, and advantage of having programmed that very machine, Dr. Odine hacked into the database, siphoning the information he needed.
What was that he saw? There was a mission code placed on each missile launch record, it was to help with keeping track of each launch, whether accident or not. But, there was no mission code on that report, as if it was never supposed to happen. It took some expert hacking to get rid of the mission code. The trajectory was pumped to maximum, a route that would take them directly into space. But, the error ratio was at the very minimum. It took more then superb computer prowess to pull something like that off; it took help, and time. The last he saw was the most startling. The missiles were set to hit a target in the magnetosphere! And they hit it! Though, there was no record of what they hit. Not surprising for a target that far away. But what if
He had to tell Gatchman about this information. Just as he turned around though, six soldiers, most of them probably cyborgs, jumped out of nowhere and pointed their guns at the doctor.
Freeze! They all shouted. To them, it looked like Odine was the one who had set off the missiles.
The gaping tear aligned itself to the crystalline walls of the Crystal pillar, the raw edges of it appearing as torn fabric around the circumference of the blindly shining junction.
Shooting out of the junction were the blades of two great scythes, clamping down on the floor like snake fangs. Out of the glowing pit Strychnine pulled herself, using her scythes as leverage until most of her body was emerged. That time, Squall had his elbows on her head, his legs dangled over her shoulders. He liked it better sitting in that position, and Strychnine had to agree, Squall was much more secure straddling her neck then hugging it.
The emergence of the rest of her tail revealed Cardinal, still holding onto the end for dear life. She huddled to the bone and sinew like a scared rodent, squeezing her eyes as closed as they would. Only when Strychnine began to shake her did she let go, falling to the floor with a bump. Sitting up, Cardinal stared into the dark sockets of the Guardian Force, wondering if tagging along was such a hot idea. Though, Strychnine was not in any foul mood towards her, so the Shemoomba was lucky. It had seemed so long that they had traveled inside that junction, about more then a month. Strychnine was overly proud of herself for getting her father through safely.
Squall slipped off of his Guardian Force, gingerly setting his feet on the cold crystal floor. His right leg cracked like an icicle in spring, but he was exceedingly overjoyed when he found that both of his legs could support him. Even more so, for every single second that went by he could feel a certainwave upon him, like he was being filled. He gave Strychnine a warm embrace. Over how long they were stuck in that alternate universe was hard to tell, even though the blue sky would give away to a completely black sky illuminated by a single, fantastic star of bright red light, possibly the day, he could not count the time. He had grown quite fond of his baby Guardian Force, even considered her a daughter. He had watched her grow over time, had taught her much. Even so she was still an infant, and the abilities Squall had thought all Guardian Forces could learn; he found she could not grasp. Strychnine, thus far, had only managed to grasp only the most basic commands, such as how to respond to being summoned, how to funnel paramagic and how to extract it. Also, she learned how to eat certain curses and turn them into a charm. Such as the annoying curse of the berserker she could eat and turn into the charm of a protection, or the dreaded curse of zombie she could take and leave the glowing charm of the aura. There was also that habit she had of appearing without being summoned, this, she did solely to protect her father.
Cardinal had been holding onto Strychnines tail the whole time, it was as if she could not even see anything around her. Even Squall could see once more in that strange place. He could look down at his hands and see the burned scars on his boiled skin. He could see his nails, and how they were black and blue. He could see his emaciated feet and the black and blue toenails they sported. He lifted up his black shirt to see the nuke burn, it was more gruesome then he first thought. There was no skin on the entire burn, not even a trace of muscle on his ribs. If it were not for the thin coat of transparent resin, he would have been able to touch bone with his fingers. And, for the first time, he could see Strychnine. He had guessed she would look skeletal from descriptions and the bony feeling of her neck, back, and maw. Even those descriptions though, couldnt do her justice. She had a dangerous, morbid majesty about her that Squall adored.
Sadly, for all those things he could see, he never saw his own face. Every time he would look into the reflective surface of some mirror in the suddsy sand, or a creek in the scarps, he would only see the face of Cloak leering back at him.
Squall.
He perked up as he heard his name in his head, a voice much to mature to be Strychnines. Were his Odine earrings broken? Could he hear Cardinal?
What? He remarked in Dollet.
Where were we gone all this time?
Cloak interrupted then. Who the fuck gave her permission to speak? Theres plenty of other shit going around! If those Moomba are supposed to be so goddamn smart, she should know!
Im about finished pondering those questions. Squall bluntly answered, letting go of Strychnine. He nearly fell to his knees, though his ankles held the strength, his legs were still not strong enough to hold his entire weight upright. I dont have a damn clue if that was my mind, or some alternate reality.
It couldnt have been your mind. Stated Cardinal.
Squall took a few steps on his own, walking with the tips of his fingers to keep him steady. Why would you know?
Because if it were your mind, I wouldnt have been able to go there. Even though I couldnt see anything, I was there, I could still hear you.
Then, if it was only another dimension. You should have seen it. Im not something special.
Dont count yourself short. Snapped Cardinal. Not special people dont kill two Sorceresses. Not special people dont become leaders before theyre two and ten winters. She got up in front of Squall, as if she were telling this to his face. Squall scoffed at the reasoning, to be labelled special felt poisonous, possibly because the outcome scared him. Special, meant it came with some form of responsibility, most likely one he was not prepared to take. Special, meant a whole new brand of tasks, those of which he did not care to tackle. Special, meant new threats, something he was not prepared to adjust to. Special, meant change, something he was not willing to do.
Whatever. Squall scoffed, lumbering away blindly from the Shemoomba on all fours. Strychnine snapped her jaws in an exited burst, and then dematerialized in a soupy mist.
Cardinal watched him plod away. Uh, Squall? She didnt get any answer, but ran after him anyway. He could still hear a monster coming, but the Crystal Pillar had plenty of slumps, cracks, crevices, cliffs, and scarps to injure himself on.
Squall didnt pay any attention to her. All the time spent in that junction and he still wanted his space. Also, he wasnt too keen on her vague praises. He moved forward solely on some intangible premonition, as of some sort of pang of excitement were tugging on his gut. The closer he got towards this source, the stronger he felt. From lumbering around on all fours, he found he could walk nearly upright againnearly. Cardinal noticed this as well, and it frightened her. She watched as Squall wondered too close to a ledge and stumbled. Scrambling up to help, she saw that he had merely slipped off one ledge and landed on another. Relieved, she sat down and surveyed the area. Clearly, from the great height and depth of the somewhat round chamber, they were in the centre of the Crystal Pillar, or the throat of it. The Estharians had worked hard on this part of the Pillar, putting all sorts of odd surveillance and maintenance instruments, as well as great metal panels to probably serve as restraints or anchors for floors, walls, and any other artificial gizmos that were put in. Much of those artificial machines showed countless descending scratches, but the part that was the Pillar itself looked relatively unscathed. There were all sorts of overhangs: overhangs made up mainly of the Pillars walls, but of some artificial stuff that was damaged in the last Lunar Cry. Higher above her, Cardinal could see the shredded remains of the late Sorceress Adels tomb, shoved down the Crystal Pillars throat with the rest of the Lunar Cry. And several stories below her, there was a large overhanging mess of the Pillars walls, and tangled in the mess of what looked like crystal and shining thread, was some sort of space craft; paint job chipped nearly off its surface with so many scratches. After that fact, the craft looked in good condition.
Just as Cardinal put her foot over the ledge, ready to go retrieve Squall, a minor tremor shook the whole pillar, throwing her on her stomach. Squall nearly fell off his own ledge.
The Pillar rippled with a soft light, rotating from one side to the other.
I know you are. Growled a sour voice that cracked like a frogs. The language was completely alien to Cardinal, but Squall could recognize it as an older version of Alcauldian; the version said to have been used before the East and West peoples of the island merged. When he refused to answer back, the Pillar trembled again, but more violently then before. The quake threw Cardinal a few inches above the ground.
Hey, Appalling Pace, Cloak chuckled, dont say anything. Maybe you can piss her off.
Why?! Snapped Squall, shouting into the emptiness anyway. In certain places the glowing grew quite intense, and the Pillar growled.
What part of dont say anything didnt you understand dip wad?!
The voice wasnt impressed either way. My rightful property! ECHO HOST! You are mine! SPEAK! Cardinal cowered where she stood, hoping the shouts werent directed at her. The voice of the pillar was trilling, heavy, and a loud chorus of croaks, but Squall did not care any more.
I dont care if your Hyne Himself, eh yah! Ive been talking to every plant, animal, reflection, and noise that found me! Give me a damn good reason why I should talk to you!
Oh, I like your attitude.
I Began the pillar, drop you to demise!
Thats not good enough!
The light of the pillar died down as the voice grumbled lowly. Bribe?
If you want to bribe me, Squall challenged, getting up on his feet, you can stop me from dying!
YOU GO ME BOY!
You! No die. Only need new body.
Then can I have a new body?!
NO! The force of the Pillars voice seemed to bowl him over. Whiny little baby! No need do I for save you! You die like stinkin animal!
Who the fuck is that mess of a tube calling a stinking animal baby?! Dont let that bitch bowl you over you dumbass!
Then Ill come back and haunt your ass! Im sick and tired of all this goddamn god shit! If you want to lord over me, then prove your power by killing me! And he wasnt bluffing either. If the Crystal Pillar was going to play high and mighty with him, it might as well have skipped the hallow taunts and teasing and got straight to the killing. Though, the Crystal Pillar thought he was bluffing.
The Pillars light started to move around in waves, contemplating what was transpiring. It took a long while, as its brain was not capable of such in-depth negotiations. Finally, it came to one realization: it was being threatened! Cardinal was contemplating whether it was wise to run away or not.
You threaten me?!
I guess I did!
I guess he did!
DEAD MAN! You give me mind! NOW! The Pillar dove at Squall with all its awesome mental energy, but was surprised when it ran smack into a mental wall. It could not get into Squalls mind. The Crystal Pillar withdrew its telepathic barrage and gurgled in awe. The telepathic male would certainly live up to whatever threat he had in mind. As an enemy, he could waste it easily, but as an ally
No kill. Trilled the Pillar. I do something for you maybe?
Sbout damn time!
Well duh! I want a new body you freak of a quartz formation!
FREAK?! I am Siphon Thrice Fit! I remember request. I give you request. But first, something for me eh yah.
Stupid greedy freak! She just wants something in return! Get diplomatic on her ass Appalling Pace, or else!
Oh terrific. A damn catch. Squall snarled. Always a goddamn fucking hairy assed catch!
Big catch. Agreed Siphon Thrice Fit. First, give me see mind. Second, give me power. Damn predecessor took all power, left me weak.
Wait! Thats two things!
Wait! Thats two things! Repeated Squall. You owe me something else to even the score!
This males good. Admitted Siphon. Fine, fine. I give you one thing more.
But I dont even know what you use for energy!
Moon stream give plenty power. I like heat very much. Heat, light and sound. Moon stream no come down for long time more. Heat, light and sound work good. But not enough I get just sitting here. I need more power to imbue Wayward.
Monsters. Siphon Thrice Fit was, in no doubt, talking about monsters. But, from the outcome of the last Lunar Cry, it was clear that she didnt eat them to get her sustenance, but probably absorbed something off of them. Then what about heat, light, and sound? Maybe Esthar had a giant sonic cannon that would suffice, or a giant heat ray. Maybe if everyone on the continent shouted and made as much noise as they could would help, but how would he be able to organize something like that? The solar panels in the Dingo Desert were famous. If he reflected the light and heat from the sun at Siphon, would that help? No, that wouldnt, it would just be hitting the metal that was the Lunatic Pandora. He had to get the heat and light into the pillared throat of her. Well, back to the sonic cannon theory.
Maybe Siphon Thrice Fit didnt need a particularly large quantity of energy. If he could get a good-sized crowd to make a lot of noisecertainly, a whole country was out of the question, but could Garden do it? Squall shuddered about the thought of facing those people again. Then, there was finding them. Though, they did make a habit of returning to Balamb for supplies and the like
Wait a minute! Siphon Thrice Fit! Shouted Squall, pointing upwards in a random direction. Youre on!
Much pleased.
And so am I. Take no guff and get her to play on your terms!
With his permission granted, Siphon dove into Squalls mind. The feeling wasnt at all as invasive as he had thought, more like a filling sensation as she permeated every inch of his consciousness. The further she searched, the more she became convinced that it was a good idea to take the boy as an ally. He was a rugged fighter and a slippery little eel in heart. She saw a lion: Griever. The huge cat was floating high, but hovered out of the reaches of Squalls being, where the unwanted eel managed to slip in and out with barely a fight. The stench of blood, metal and chlorine were everywhere, with none overpowering the other. Red, purple, blue and black did not flow like water, but hung like spiked diamonds. She saw what Squall was capable of, and marvelled in awe and terror. She saw many things, and one thing in particular that pleased her especially.
She withdrew from his mind.
Indeed vicious baby.
Thanks. Sneered Squall. Now what about my body?
No need. You create own body. You do so right now. But for second thing
Out of the crystal lining protruded a long, wispy vein with syringe like spade on the end. Hold still. Demanded Siphon as the spade head shot straight for Squall.