Chapter 28: Vanadium's Party
"This place is... it's a lot fancier than the Hotel, that's for sure," Irvine stated as we arrived at the party. I could tell by the body language of our team that they felt like they didn't belong here, but were doing their best to hide it.
"Do well to stay on your guard," Caraway said. "And keep a low profile. We can't risk being spotted by acting suspect." Of course. I gave him a nod of understanding. Hopefully tonight we would establish who would play the role of leader in the mission. Caraway and Solomon had been in discussions since the argument.
"So if anyone has issues or can't stand other people do try to stay apart," The blonde man added before walking away from us, starting to mingle with the varying social circles of the upper class. I walked with Caraway, keeping an eye out for our targets.
"Would the Sorceress and the President be here so early?" I asked Caraway.
"Possibly not," Was the answer. "I've been informed that an Ambassador from Esthar is here. They would most likely be speaking with them before coming down to the party," He scoffs and takes a glass from a waiter. "Seventeen years after the War ended, the blighted city goes AWOL, no news of them and yet when a Sorceress shows her face they arrive on cue."
"You don't speak highly of Sorceresses or Esthar," I pointed out.
"A nation ruled by the most terrible of Sorceresses," He mumbled. "Forgive me if I don't seem interested in watching history repeat itself."
"You suspect the Sorceress has inherited Esthar's former ruler's powers?" I asked.
"No Sorceresses have been heard of since then until now," He answered. "It's far too suspect, yet the President refuses to see reason after bringing Galbadia to its knees in favour of complete control. I doubt Sorceress Edea will allow herself to be his pawn," He looked off to one side. "I must do my part, keep on your guard."
Irvine was flirting with two girls before they walked off. Lysander had finished his conversation with a random businessman and was going off to speak with his friend.
"Hey, hey," Selphie appeared next to me, beaming brightly. "Come on, you should join the party, Vanadium. Everyone's having a great time. You seemed to have a lot more fun at the SeeD Ball."
"Sorry Selphie," I apologised. "Business head's been on since we left Timber. It's hard for me to... enjoy the party when I'm on important business."
"No wonder you look older than you actually are," She said. Yes she had caught on that I looked older than a man in my twenties. I put it down to stress from the job. Instructing didn't help. "Well, try enjoy yourself. You and Squall are the only ones not having fun." She went off and soon was dancing with Zell. I went to Quistis, who was pondering to herself.
"Perhaps we should relax?" She mused. "We need to be on top form for tomorrow, stressing tonight may affect our performance."
"Don't let it get to you, Quistis," I assured her. "Caraway has been Galbadia's most trusted General for almost two decades. This plan will work. We have no need to stress."
"I suppose you're right, Vanadium," She smiled. Soon dinner was called and we made our way to the tables. Dante sat a few seats from me, next to Lucifer and Irvine. They were discussing some programme, I wasn't paying much attention.
However my eyes spotted a figure, a brunette in a champagne dress. My eyes must have been playing tricks but I had seen that dress before.
"Vanadium," Dante said as we ate the main course. "None of us have seen the Sorceress yet. Do you think she's even here?"
"Of course she is," I answered. "Why would she not be at her own party?"
"Paranoia perhaps?" Lucifer inquired. "She will be here. We just have to wait until she graces us with her presence. Antara, too, don't forget."
Dinner ended soon after and we returned to the party. Dante had went outside for air and I walked through the crowds to blend in, trying to find the Sorceress and Antara.
"Once again I can only apologise on the President's behalf," I spun around at the voice. A woman in a champagne dress, speaking to the President and the Sorceress and Antara. She looked beautiful. "He did want to attend, of course, but you should understand how demanding his job can be." I kept out of sight. Hopefully she wouldn't see me.
She continued to talk with her group when the Sorceress decided to introduce her Knight. Seifer. No doubt everyone else had seen him. Dante said he was alive and he was right. He didn't look too different, more proud I would say. By the look on Antara's face, he despised the woman's presence and her calmness.
As she walked away he hissed in anger about her. She was approaching in my direction so I darted off to another area, watching her as she walked by. She was heading outside but bumped into Dante, who was just coming back inside. I couldn't get any closer without Dante or her seeing me. I couldn't hear what she was saying but they both walked together and danced. I kept out of sight, watching them. Dante eventually pulled away, apologising quickly, and walked down a corridor.
Then she walked towards Lysander.
"Wow she's a looker," Irvine stated. "How did she go for Ly when I'm about?"
"No idea," I went for, deciding not to go into her tastes of men.
"I've not seen her in Deling before," Irvine continued. I was watching them talk. From her facial expressions he was being straightforward with her; putting her on the spot. Irvine also noticed and laughed. "Ly's never been as good with the ladies as I have. Well we're young and we'll learn as we get older."
"Have you seen the Sorceress and Antara?" I asked. Irvine shook his head and I nodded towards Edea and Antara. "There they are. That's who you and Lysander have to kill," I looked at Irvine, who had turned deadly silent. He was as pale as a sheet. "Irvine?"
"I... I need air," He spoke quickly and walked briskly outside. Lysander and the woman parted and she left, probably going home. Lysander went outside and I waited for a few minutes and went outside as Irvine left. He stared at me when he noticed my arrival.
"Irvine's heading back to the Manor, I might be leaving as well," He said calmly. "He's not usually like that, he-"
"The woman you danced with," I interrupted. "What did she say to you?" He narrowed his eyes and went on the defence.
"What's it to you?" He asked. "Know her by any chance?"
"Don't put me on the spot, Adams," I warned him.
"That's what she told me," Was the answer. "So how do you know Persephone? How do you know Oblivion?" He leant against the stone balcony. "I know that letter wasn't from the Garden. I'm not stupid."
"Some things are better to be left in the past," I told him, turning away. He grabbed my shoulder and halted me.
"Do you know why Galbadia Garden doesn't allow Guardian Forces?" He questioned. "Because they erase memories and cause brain damage. Now why does your Garden do that? How come you don't Junction yet you're fine with all of your pals doing it?" I shoved him hand off my shoulder and walked away. Oblivion may have said to keep an eye on him but he would cause so much trouble the way he interrogated. "If you want to see your old mate again she's at the Hotel!" No. I wouldn't be seeing Persephone.
