Thank you for the reviews.  I finally got over the writer's block and give you this chapter-enjoy!

Chapter XXIX: Toil And Trouble

The girl was grinning maliciously; taking pleasure from what she was about to witness.  The dream was always the same and he could never change it.  It always turned into a nightmare. 

He spoke her name, not liking what he saw in her dark eyes.  Eyes that were tinged red.  He reached out, trying to push her away.  Didn't she realise the danger she was in?

'Get away!' he yelled, and then it happened, what always happened.  The nightmare always felt increasingly more real every time he witnessed it, which was in most nights.

She merely smiled sweetly the face of an angel, on a possessed demon.  Raven hair streaked across her pale face.  A strong hand gripped onto his shoulder, an iron-like grip.  It tightened painfully, and he was turned around quickly and roughly.  No sooner had his eyes raised to meet with strange purple ones, pain exploded in his body, as he felt a sharp sword impale him.

No-I've failed her…again…

The girl in blue was laughing behind him, and he could hear screaming.  The eyes were cold and cruel, and a sneer touched the stranger's face.  Death and pain…there were no such things as hope and glory.  It was all a story to deceive people.  No such thing as hope or happiness.

No such thing as love…

--------------- ◊ ---------------

Rinoa stretched her arms out.  The dawning of a new day-she looked about to see that Quistis was up already, and, from the look on Selphie's face, the Instructor had probably beaten her to the bathroom again.  Rinoa smiled.  She normally needed to be yelled at to wake up, but strangely, in this world, she was always up relatively bright and early.

'Damn.' Selphie complained.  'Quisty beat me to it again.  She could just call on Levi you know.'

Rinoa giggled.  Zell was still sprawled on the floor, and so were Irvine and Seifer.  Rinoa noticed Squall was already up, a neat pile of blankets arranged in his area of the room. 

'Where's Squall?' she asked, looking to the pouting Selphie.

'Oh, he's gone to help Fleck with something.  Be back soon…oooooh, Quisty hurry up!'

Rinoa huffed.  She was going last again. 

Maybe I should as Squall to wake me up early…she thought to herself.  Her eyes trailed along the floor idly, stopping at Seifer.  She stared at him for a moment.  How peaceful he looked sleeping.  A twinge of wistfulness filled her.  Memories of over a year back, when she had first met him.

'We're gonna liberate Timber together Rin.  Those assholes won't know what hit 'em' 'Yeah!  That's it!  We'll show them won't we!  We can do this!'

Fragments of one of the last real conversations they'd had floated around in her mind, reminding her of happier times.

Rinoa gazed at him sadly.  Instead of helping her like he promised, he had worked in line with an evil sorceress in an attempt to not only wipe out Timber, but the world.  She felt partly responsible for Seifer's actions.  Unlike Squall and the others, she couldn't hate him with all of her heart, despite the fact he had almost killed her by sacrificing her to Adel. 

After all, Seifer had broken out of Balamb Garden and gone to Timber's TV station to try and help her resistance group, the Forest Owls.  He had done it for her.  He had been furious to learn that only three 'rookie' SeeDs had been dispatched to liberate Timber, and that he hadn't been one of them.  She knew very well why he'd done it.  Perhaps things would have turned out fine if Zell hadn't let slip the fact they were all from Garden.  Perhaps then Seifer wouldn't have had to go on the run.  But he had, and the sorceress had taken advantage of his desperate situation, and manipulated him.  Rinoa was by no means making excuses for Seifer-he had gone with the sorceress of his own free will.  He had done many bad things, many inexcusable things, but he had been very much influenced.  It could have worked out differently.  So many things could have worked out differently.

They could have liberated Timber together.  Rinoa was pretty sure she had had feelings for Seifer.  Maybe she did still have a soft spot for him.  Maybe that was why she was thinking about it now, so wistfully.  The smart, confident Seifer she had known was completely different to the Seifer she saw when he was with his fellow students.  He'd been different to her.  He had been fun and exciting to be with.  She had been pretty sure she was in love, and it had seemed obvious Seifer enjoyed her company, but he'd never taken the step of actually asking her out.  She had been much to shy to ask him of his feelings.  In the end it had been Squall and his friends who had helped to liberate Timber. 

Squall…I wouldn't have it any other way.  I'm glad I found him…she thought, finally looking away from Seifer and scolding herself for thinking too deeply about the past and what could have been.  What had been done had been done and could not be undone.  Seifer's was a sad case, and she wished it had worked out differently between them.  On the other hand if it had she would not have had Squall now.  She decided not to think about it anymore.  She just wished that Seifer too could find the inner peace she had.

Her eyes trailed along further, resting on the lone figure that slept in the corner of the room.  Zane had stayed over for the night too, as a result of not being bothered to go home.  The others had all left pretty late last night.  Rinoa worried a little for them.  They had parents, unlike most of her group, parents who cared and worried for them.  How much longer could they keep up the act?

She noticed that Zane was frowning, as if he were having a nightmare.  Rinoa felt bad.  It couldn't be…the same vision she kept having.  The terrible one where she would help to kill a boy, a boy who she dearly hoped wasn't the one she was looking at now.  But from her memory, she could only vaguely recall that his name had sounded familiar when she had first heard it, and there was something about that face that was strangely familiar.

Selphie was looking at him too.  She glanced at Rinoa, a smile on her face.

'Hey Rin, don't you think that guy and Vreya are like how Squall and you were?'

Rinoa nodded, smiling back.  'Yeah.'

'He likes her.  I bet he does.  Guys are sooo like that.'

'So like that?' Rinoa repeated. 

'Yah!  Y'know…fighting with a girl they think is seriously cute!'

'Oh…' Rinoa smiled.  'Well that's not always the case…'

'Yeah, but duh!  Don't you see how he looks at her?'

'…' Rinoa realised Selphie was on another one of her 'cases'.  Just like she had been with her and Squall.  Selphie loved to gossip about potential relationships.  She was never giving Zell a break about why he didn't ask 'pig-tail girl' out.

'It's tough, he hides it well, but if you look reeeeeaaaaallly closely…' Selphie said, pointing to an invisible spot in the air in front of her and squinting with one eye.

Rinoa covered her mouth with a hand and giggled.  Selphie was so funny.

'What?' Selphie's green eyes widened at Rinoa.  'Tell!'

'N…nothing Selphie…it's just…he may not like her…I mean…I think he does too, but he could not…'

'No way-Vreya is hot!  Even Quisty thinks so.  I'm telling you those two are diggin' on each other!  She's a sorceress like you too, so she'll just work her magic and she'll have him smiling in no time!'

'I don't know…Zane seems worse than Squall was…' Rinoa replied.

'No way!  You didn't really know the really moody Squall.  Oh boy, are you lucky!' Selphie pulled a face.

Rinoa smiled in response.  Selphie added 'But Squall never frowned in his sleep.'

Rinoa got up, and carefully padded over to the boy.  She guessed he had school, and it was nearly after seven-thirty.  Time to wake him up.

'Rin! What you doing?' Selphie hissed.

'Waking him up-he's got school right?'

'Uh…I think you should let one of the guys wake him up…' Selphie whispered back loudly.  Rinoa shook her head.  Zane wasn't going to eat her.  She leant down, and shook him a lightly.

'Hey…wake up…'

The boy didn't respond, apparently in an even deeper sleep than Rinoa had thought.  She shook him harder.

'Hey Zane!  Wake up…Zane…'

He finally stirred, and at another call of his name, his eyes opened slowly.  Deep green depths peered up at her, groggily.

'I thought I'd wake you up…you have school today right?' Rinoa asked. 

Zane blinked, eyes finally focusing on the girl that leant over him, the girl who had woken him up from his nightmare.  He realised who it was, still not fully back to reality, and his eyes widened, and he sat up quickly, almost too quickly, jerking away from her touch, feeling slightly dizzy as a result of getting up too fast. 

Rinoa snatched her hand back, frowning a little.  What was wrong with him?  He was looking at her with a- scared expression on his face, a strange distrustful look. 

It's her…God, it's her, it's definitely the same girl…he thought, heart pounding.  The raven-hair, the beautiful, angelic face- yes, Rinoa was the girl who helped kill him in his dream, and he was not happy with the fact at all.  He certainly didn't want anything to do with her.

'D-don't touch me…' he managed to say, and stood up.  Rinoa got up too, confused, a little hurt by his reaction.

'What's wrong?' she asked him, trying to read his eyes.  But his eyes were not open to her as Squall's, nor did he seem to be willing to let his guard down for a moment.  Rinoa felt pity for him.  How terrible it was to have to keep your defences up from the moment you opened your eyes in the morning, to the moment you closed them at night.  How terribly sad and exhausting…how lonely and straining that must be. 

He shook his head, backed away awkwardly, and then left the room hurriedly.  Selphie stared after him, gaping.  She looked back to Rinoa, bright green eyes wide.

'What's with him?' she asked, but Rinoa didn't reply.  She stared at where he had exited the room, and felt worried.  Worried about him, about why he would look at her in that way.  Worried about herself, and her dream of him, and worried of what she was capable of doing under the wrong influences. 

--------------- ◊ ---------------

Vreya rounded the corner, holding her class notes and books tightly against her chest.  She didn't usually walk with her eyes lowered, and paid for it as a result.  She collided into someone, dropping everything she was holding.  She cursed at herself for being so clumsy.

For goodness sake, wake up…a voice snapped at her-Krysta.

As Vreya knelt down to gather her things a pair of hands reached down and scooped up a few of her papers.  Vreya turned her face up to thank the person gratefully, and froze.  Heaven stood over her, an unreadable look on her face.  Vreya finished collecting her things, and got back to her feet, cautiously.

Heaven stared back at her, noting unhappily to herself that the girl looked pretty well groomed for one who was supposed to be mourning. 

Vreya swallowed.  She didn't need any bother now.  She said monotonously 'Give me back my papers.'

'What's the matter Vreya?' the girl asked, pulling a mock innocent look 'you're usually so polite. Not even a thank you for helping Heaven?  Not even a please?  Aw.  That is tragic…'

Vreya stared at her.  The little…witch…she gritted her teeth together, waiting.  Heaven never helped her out…she wanted something.

'Oh well.' Heaven sighed.  'Guess it's my fault…'

'What do you want?' Vreya said, trying to control her voice.  Where were the girl's two little sidekicks? 

'Want?  Oh…well…I heard about your cousin actually.'

Vreya stared.

'It's terribly sad…' Heaven sighed, sounding so convincing that Vreya actually believed the girl was offering her condolences.

'…'

'Katrina was a nice girl from what I heard.  Popular at school?' Heaven looked up at Vreya.  'It's quite sad…'

'…Thank…' Vreya was about to thank her, when the girl's sorry look was replaced by a cruel smile.  Vreya's words caught in her throat, as Heaven dropped her act and said nastily

'Obviously not a loser like you…it is sad you know.  Those who are missed die, and those who the world couldn't give a toss about hang around like fleas.  But then again I couldn't blame her…she obviously couldn't take having such a loser for a cousin and decided to end it all.  You should do a smart thing for a change and follow her example.  Your mother wouldn't miss shit like you.  The less of you there are the better for everyone.  Oh, here are your papers…' she added, smirking, and throwing them up into the air.  Vreya's mouth dropped open, and rage filled her.

Vreya…Krysta warned, but Heaven had struck at Vreya's core, and the young girl wasn't about to let her get away with it.  Suddenly she didn't care about causing trouble or getting detention.  It didn't matter anyway.  Nothing mattered.  As Heaven began to walk off, celebrating her little victory, Vreya gathered her papers quickly.  A girl from one of her classes greeted her, and Vreya stuffed her things into the girl's arms.

'Hold that.' She instructed, in such an authoritative tone the girl complied.

Vreya walked after Heaven, and on reaching her, she grabbed the girl's shoulder and turned her round roughly.  Heaven was surprised that someone should grab her, and looked even more surprised at seeing who it was.  She was rather taller than Vreya, but it didn't matter at all to the brunette.  It was time to give the bully a piece of her mind.  No one insulted her so badly and got away with it.

'You bitch!' Vreya yelled at her, hurt that she had no respect for the fact that Vreya had lost a loved one.

'…' Heaven looked at her in disbelief.  Her eyes narrowed quickly.  'What did you call me?'

'Bitch!  You stupid insignificant insensitive…what do you get out of being so mean?'

Vreya's ranting had attracted some attention.  People were stopping and watching as two of the most popular girls in the school let it loose. 

Vreya poked the girl in her arm, as hard as she could.  'You think you're so great don't you?!  You think you're all that matters…that people will just let you walk all over them!  Well I won't!  I've had enough of you!'

Heaven couldn't believe what she was hearing.  'Fuck you bitch.  You better shut up or you'll regret it!'

'No!  You think you matter?  You think your stupid little insults matter to me?  They're nothing!  You're nothing!  You're insignificant, and if you go missing, the world really wouldn't care!  Because you don't matter…and I do matter, and it makes me angry to know that helping people is going to mean helping people like you!  You aren't a person…you're a monster…you can go to hell for all I care!'

Heaven glared, outraged.  But Vreya was going on…Heaven hadn't expected the girl to say such things, but she was and the entire school was seeing her humiliate Heaven.

Sara, Gen and Lila had noticed the crowd gathering around and walked over to see what was happening.  To their horror theu saw that it was Vreya who was involved in a slanging session. 

'What's she doing?' Sara said in disbelief.

'I don't know…I think Heaven said something spiteful…'

'…' Sara looked around anxiously.  To her horror she saw that the head was coming in their direction, urging people to get to lessons.  Just their luck…she grabbed Gen's arm.

'Break it up, quickly!  The Head's coming…'

'I think that whore is getting what she deserves.' Lila folded her arms, and then realised what Sara had just said.  'What?' she looked around.  The principle had noticed the crowd and was coming over. 

'Oh no!  Vreya!' Lila pushed forward, trying to get to her friend, followed closely by Sara.  Gen had rushed off to the principle.  He tried to buy time.

'Uh…excuse me Sir…but I wanted to ask you about…'

'Gen-Ray…what is going on there…is that…that's Vreya LillyMoore!'

'Uh…' Gen watched helplessly as the head walked past him, just in time to hear the latest round of insults.

Uh oh…he thought.  This was bad for Vreya…

'At least my mum doesn't sleep around!  At least my mother isn't a whore!  At least my father didn't abandon me at birth; at least I have cousins who aren't drug addicts!  At least I have people who really love me!  Which is more than I can say for you!  You think you're so important, well you're not!  In the end it doesn't matter, I am sick to death of you and stupid little gang.  You die and your mother won't miss you, because she has countless other little bastards!  So go to hell!'  Vreya got a little carried away and pushed Heaven back.  She would have hit her again, but hands grabbed at her and she was restrained.

'Vreya, what are you doing?' Sara's voice came to her.

'Get a grip!' Lila's voice added.

'You bitch!' Vreya screamed at the girl, tears in her eyes.  'My cousin was murdered!'

Heaven looked very shaken.  Her own friends had arrived, as well as members of the football team that she cheerled for.  They were trying to comfort her, and one, a black haired boy called Bruce, ran a finger across his throat at Vreya, indicating that she was going to pay.  Bruce had a crush on Heaven and always looked out for her.  Lila gulped, catching him gesture.  But Vreya looked unfazed.  Lila prayed that Ash would be able to sort this out.

'WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!' The principle's voice boomed.  Heaven's friends pointed the finger at Vreya who caught her breath, her heart skipping a beat.  She had been so foolish…to let Heaven get to her…to lose it…she should have known better…

Foolish girl…Krysta's voice was full of disapproval.  Vreya felt terrible.  She should have been more mature than that.

'It was her Sir!' Heaven put on a tearful voice.  'You heard her!  She…oh God, you won't let her get away with that will you Sir?  She hit me!'

'Bitch.' Lila hissed under her breath. 

'I most certainly will not tolerate such behaviour.  You have disappointed me Vreya…I did not expect this of you.  All right, the rest of you clear off.  Heaven, Vreya, to my office now.  I will notify your tutors that you are with me.'

'Sir!' Lila pleaded on behalf of her best friend.  'You know Vreya would never act like this if she wasn't provoked…you provoked her!' She shouted at Heaven who glared at her.

'Lila…' Vreya grabbed hold of her hand.  'I took it too far, get out of here!'

'Huh?  Do you want to be suspended?' Lila replied.

'Don't get yourself into this!' Vreya snapped back.

'You weren't even here bitch!' Constance spoke up.

'And neither were you slut!' Lila cussed back.

'Lila, Heaven, to my office!  I will not tolerate such behaviour, do you understand!  Now get to class the rest of you!' 

The crowd slowly cleared off, and the principle approached the four who had stayed behind. 

'Now, to my office…but before that, what is the meaning of this?  Vreya?'  He looked to who he thought was the most sensible of the group.  The girl looked away, clinging onto Katrina's ring, tears welling in her eyes again.  Her parents would be so disappointed…she was in a lot of trouble now.

'She taunted me Sir.  She taunted me about Kat.'

'Is this true?' He looked to Heaven, who put a hand dramatically to her chest.

'Oh!  Sir, why would I do such a disrespectful thing?  I was just expressing my sympathy…'

'You lying snake!' Lila hissed at her.  Constance glared.

'Sir, they're the trouble makers…'

'All right, enough.  To my office now!'  The principle instructed, as he marched them down the hall in silence.

--------------- ◊ ---------------

'C'mon, one more game!' Zell pleaded.  Quistis frowned.  What was the point if she kept losing?  Zell was proving quite the master of the chess game, as he was beating everyone. 

'I don't see the point Zell.'

'Aw c'mon Instructor, please!  You were good!'

'Evil Zell preying on helpless victims.' Irvine commented.  Selphie was enjoying a slush-ice, grinning happily.

'Yum, you guys, these drinks are delicious!'

Seifer sat in the corner, scowling to himself, as usual.  Squall and Rinoa were with a few of the mentors, talking about magic and sorceresses.

'AW COME ON QUISTIS!' Zell pleaded.  It's so fun!  This game will make us a fortune when we get back baby!' he grinned goofily.

'No thank you.' Quistis said politely, sitting beside Selphie.  Zell huffed, and looked to Irvine, who tipped his hat over his face in response.  Selphie shook her head at Zell's pleading look.

'Nope.  You've beaten me three times already-that's two times too many!'

'Aw will no one play me!?'

'I will.'

Quistis blinked, looking to Seifer in surprise.  They all looked to Seifer in surprise-Seifer who never played any silly games.

'What?' Zell exclaimed, scornfully.

'If that's what it takes to shut your whining up, then bring it on.' Seifer said, getting up from his seat in the corner.

'Heh, very funny!  Like I'm gonna play you.' Zell said disdainfully.

'…' Seifer sneered at him.  'What's the matter chicken-wuss?  Scared you'll lose!'

Zell glared up at him.  'As if!  Fine!  I'm gonna kick your ass!'

Seifer smirked and sat down opposite him.  He'd watched the game being played a few times.  It seemed like a good game, not a useless one like the ones they had back at home.  It required strategy and thought…things he liked.  He couldn't believe no one was beating Zell.  Squall probably could, if he ever agreed to give it a go.  But Quistis losing to Zell was a surprise.

'You better not cheat…' Zell shook a fist at him.  'Once a cheater always a cheater!'

'No.  I'll referee this match.' Quistis stood behind Seifer, arms folded.  Seifer glanced back at her in surprise at her support, and she nodded at him.

'Go on Seifer.  Let's see what you if you can beat him.'

Seifer looked back to Zell, and sneered at him.  'I will beat him.  Bring it on.'

--------------- ◊ ---------------

'What're you doing?' Rica asked Jez, as she entered the main leisure room.

'Nothing really.' Jez replied.  The woman sat on the couch, flicking the channels of the television idly.  Rica glanced at the time.

It was almost one-thirty in the afternoon.  Just a few more hours and the young people would come back from school. 

'Where are the others?' Jez asked.

Rica sighed, sitting down beside the woman.  'Discussing magic with Squall and Rinoa.'

Jez nodded, flicking the channel to the news.  She watched as Rica went on

'What do you think of Vreya being a sorceress?  You know that you're going to play a big role in keeping her head above water.'

Jez shrugged.  'She has Rinoa.'

'But she needs adult guidance too.'

'We'll see.' Jez said, and then added 'She needs space.'

'Maybe you're right.  But she needs a knight too.'

'Still no one willing?'

Rica shook her head.  'No.  Zane is perfect, but he says he wants nothing to do with it.'

'What if we force him?'

'What?' Rica looked to the copper-haired woman.

'Force him to cooperate.' Jez replied.

'How would we do that?' Rica asked. 

'Well, it's simple isn't it?  We…' she stopped, eyes widening.  Rica frowned.

'What?'

Jez turned up the volume.  'Look!'

Rica looked to the small television screen and listened to the newsreader.

'…Breaking news live from Central Street, news just coming in of a fire blazing out of control…let's go to Julian Oliver for the latest on that story…Julian, what is happening?'

The picture switched to a twenty-something year old man, looking rather frightened.  'Thank you Andrew, yes, alarming pictures for viewers to see, police still haven't arrived at the scene oddly enough, a fire has broken out just behind me, I spoke to someone earlier and they say that there was a tremor in the ground which then erupted, and fire broke out of the earth, now we're not sure because of all the smoke and flames about, but there seems to be some kind of animal in those flames…certainly a few people I've seen claim to have seen a large figure…one man I spoke to said he actually saw it and shot at it, he described it as something 'unworldly' and threatening…as you can hear there is gun fire behind me, I wonder if we can zoom in for a close-up…'

The camera zoomed up to the flames, and Rica exclaimed: 'What is that?'

The reporter was going on: 'I don't know if you can see, but there is a figure there, lots of chaos going on here, we don't know what it is, or how it ended up in there, we don't know much else, but the fire service should be here soon, and police to try and calm people down, this is certainly a remarkable and strange case, we'll have more on this story as we get it.'

Jez hit stop on the record button.  She played the clip again going up closer to the television to look at the outline of what the reporter had claimed was an animal.

'What is it?' Rica asked again.  Jez shook her head.

'I think we should get the others to see this.  Call them down.'

'What do you think it is?' Rica asked.

'I…perhaps a fire elemental?'

'Why would it just appear for everyone to see?'

'I don't know.' Jez replied.  'Get the others down here quickly!'

Rica nodded and left to gather the others.

--------------- ◊ ---------------

Quistis smiled slightly as Seifer placed his knight on the square.

'Check mate.'

Zell blinked, looking shocked.  'What!'  He exclaimed in disbelief.  He had more pieces than Seifer, but somehow Seifer had gotten his king trapped.  He looked up at the blond teen who sat back, smirking smugly.

'You cheated!'

'Heh heh.  Instructor?' Seifer cocked a brow at Quistis, who smiled at Zell.

'Sorry Zell.  But I've been monitoring this and I'm afraid all his moves were within the rules.'

'What?  No way!  I can't lose to him!'

'Hey cool, maybe you'll stop asking us to play now!' Irvine said, grinning.

'Hey Zell, how does it feel to lose!' Selphie giggled. 

'Grr, you cheater!' Zell glared at Seifer.

'What's the matter?  Can't take losing?' Seifer mocked him.

'Ah shut up!  I'm not going to lose!' Zell desperately looked for options, but it wasn't long before he realised he really had none.

'Damn!'

Seifer laughed.  'Ha ha!  Looks like you're not so great after all!'

'You were lucky!  I'll beat ya next time-damned cheater!'

'Now Zell don't be a sore loser.' Quistis smiled.  'Congratulate Seifer on a fair win.'

'Oh…w…whatever!' Zell snapped and got up, frowning.  Selphie grinned.

'Thanks for beating him!  Now he'll leave us alone!'

'Ah shut up!' Zell snapped at her.  'Whose side are you on anyway?'

'I didn't know people took sides in little games…' Irvine commented.  'But he did beat you which means he's good.'

'Yup!' Selphie stuck out her tongue at Zell.  'LOSER!'

Seifer wasn't sure how to react to praise, so he said nothing.  His eyes rose however, and rested on Quistis, who smiled a little at him.  Seifer wasn't used to her smiling like that.  Quistis was a very beautiful woman, and when she smiled she looked nothing short of stunning.  He'd always acknowledged what all Trepies did-that Quistis was attractive to look at, but he had never known her personally.  She'd always been a teacher to him.  Sure he'd known her when he was a child, but he barely remembered that far back.  Most of the time they had ever exchanged words was in heated argument about his behaviour and attitude, or when she made some kind of sly remark that would irritate him.  But she was acting differently now.  Not so much like his superior, but rather as someone on a similar level to him.  She seemed much younger to him at that moment.  As an Instructor it was pretty easy to forget that despite her status Quistis was a young woman, and more importantly, one his age. 

Her arms were draped casually across one another, not quite folding.

'Congratulations on your win.'

'It's just a game.' Seifer replied.  What was the big deal?

'There's nothing wrong with friendly competition.'  Quistis remarked. 

'Friendly!' Zell exclaimed.  'Just because-now wait Instructor…just because…it was a challenge!'

'It was a game.' Quistis replied firmly.

Seifer smirked.  Friendly with that chicken-wuss?  What a joke.  He'd rather befriend a dog, and he hated dogs.

A voice cut into his thoughts-a sweet, giddy voice.

'Hey guys!  Come and look at this!'  Rinoa appeared at the doorway, and gestured to them. 

'What is it?' Quistis asked, turning her attention to the girl in blue. 

'Come and see!  You won't believe what's on the TV station!'

--------------- ◊ ---------------

Squall peered at the television screen, trying to make out the shape of the animal that the reporter had said was trapped in the fire.  Something was definitely there.  People were shooting at it.  Jez had showed them the video clip and now they were watching another live shot.  The reporter was speaking madly.

'The fire-service still haven't arrived…alarm here as people wonder what's taking so long…as you can see behind me there's definitely something in there…there's…'

Rinoa arrived with everyone else, as they huddled around the small screen.

'Look there…in the fire.' Bo pointed for the people who had just arrived.

'I don't see anything…' Selphie said.  Squall leaned over and pointed, tracing with his finger.

'See it?' he asked her.

'Oh…yeah!  What is it?'

'Not sure…' Fleck remarked.  He looked to Morgan.

'It could be anything.' Morgan replied.  'But it is most likely to be an elemental.'

'Fire type.' Jez nodded. 

'You sure?' Harris scratched his chin.

'Well, what else just erupts from the ground like a volcano?' Tai shrugged.

'So…don't you guys need that?' Rinoa asked, looking around.

'We do…but how to get it without making a scene…' Rica said thoughtfully.

'Well, in any case we need to get over there…' Bo suggested. 

'Yeah, and quick…' Locky added.  'Problem is the guys are at school…'

'I can get Zane over pretty quickly, but the others are a problem.' Fleck said.

'Unless…' Harris said.  'Unless we go pick them up and make our way over there.'

'Smart idea…' Jez said sarcastically. 

'What's wrong with it?' Squall asked her. 

'Well we can't just go there and get them to leave.  What if they have lessons?' Jez asked.

'They can skip…' Locky said.

'That isn't good for their education.' Quistis stated. 

'Honey, education is the last of our worries!' Locky replied.  'I say Harris has a good plan.  Just call one of them and get them to pass the message.'

'What do you think?' Fleck looked to Morgan. 

'We cannot all go.'

'We have two seven-seater vans.' Harris said.

'Well, there're seven of these lot.  They're all coming just in case things get violent.  We'll need space to stash their weapons.' Tai said.

'At least three of us should go to accompany them.' Rica added. 

'Which means we've four spaces short.' Quistis did the calculating. 

'Ash has a car…' Harris reminded them.

'Yeah…we'll cram some of them in that.' Fleck nodded.  'And if he doesn't have his car, I can just ask Zane to bring his.'

'Okay…I'll call up Ash, you call Zane.' Bo nodded…

'Wait…just how do you plan to acquire it…?' Irvine asked.  The adults looked at him blankly.  Irvine laughed a little.

'You can't just go up to a guardian and acquire it.  You may have to fight that thing.' Quistis agreed.

'If it doesn't join willingly…it might…' Zell argued back.  But the reporter's voice caught their attention.

'And…oh my God, did you hear that…Johnny!  Johnny zoom in there!' he yelled to the cameraman.  'I don't know if you folks heard that at home, but it was like a great roar…holy crap…oh my God, look at that!  Johnny…zoom in, zoom in, I'm not sure what that is…'

Everyone in the room stared at the screen.  The camera zoomed in and in between the raging of flames a pair of eyes were visible.  Red eyes, glowing, angry-an inhuman cry erupted in the air, and the reporter was trying to remain calm in the midst of chaos. 

'The ground is shaking…this is incredible…Mike…Mike, I've never witnessed anything like this, it's amazing, what in the world is that thing, look at those eyes!  A new species of animal…everyone is panicking…everyone is…oh shit!  Shit, what the hell is that, Johnny…Johnny!  Johnny, look out!  Argh, what the-help!  HELLLLP!'  The camera was cut off suddenly, and the sound muffled.  The newsreader was anxiously calling the reporter's name.  The picture returned to the newsreader who said, a look of concern on his face

'Right…we seem to have lost our coverage…but we'll try to sort the problem out…'

'Lost coverage?' Selphie squealed.  'That man was attacked by something!'

'Too right.  But what?' Rica wondered.  Fleck shook his head, raising his cell phone to his ear.

'Call Ash now.  We're going down there.'

--------------- ◊ ---------------

'What do you think that is?' Costa asked Roxy, who was staring at the television screen with wide eyes.

'Isn't it obvious!  That poor animal!  Why are people shooing at it?' Roxy cried.

'Poor animal?' a blonde class mate frowned at Roxy.  'Did you see its eyes?  It's a freak!'

'Hey!  It's just an injured animal!' Roxy argued back.

'That's no ordinary animal Roxy…' Costa said, pointedly.  Roxy looked at him and then exclaimed.

'Hey!  Do you think-maybe it's a…you know?'

'Uh…not sure…' Costa replied.  It was lunch break, and televisions in classrooms were switched on, after many people had heard the story on radio.  Chaos in Central Street…an unidentified animal was being shot at.

Roxy shook her head.  'Poor thing…'

Suddenly the reporter was shouting.  Costa frowned as his voice rose almost hysterically, and then the picture went fuzzy.  A few people gasped in alarm.  'Crap…' Costa exclaimed, as the picture went back to the shocked newsreader. 

'That thing ate the reporter dude!' a guy yelled.

Roxy and Costa exchanged worried glances.  Things were getting stranger by the minute.

--------------- ◊ ---------------

Zane entered the room, to find that everyone was huddled around the television.  Selphie noticed the boy first, and waved at him.

'Heeeyyyy!'

'What's going on?' Zane demanded, and Fleck turned to him.  The boy had arrived pretty quickly…in the space of twenty minutes.

'Hey.  Glad you made it.  Sorry if we interrupted any lesson…'

'This had better be good.' Zane narrowed his eyes, and Fleck ushered him over to the television.  Harris played the latest video they had captured, with the picture cutting off.  Zane watched the wild scenes unfold, frowning a little.

When the clip ended, Zane found that almost everyone was looking at him.  He didn't like this, so he turned his attention to Fleck. 

'What is this?' he asked. 

'We're not sure.  We have a theory it could be a fire guardian.' Fleck replied.  Zane scowled.

'So?'

'So we're goin' down there to see what's goin' on.' Zell replied.  Zane shook his head.

'Is that a good idea?'

'We'll protect you.' Irvine grinned. 

'So what if it is?' Zane said, ignoring Irvine.  He wanted to know how they would 'acquire' it.

'If it is and it won't join you willingly, you'll have to fight it.' Quistis replied. 

'We'll help.' Selphie nodded. 

Zane thought the entire idea sounded very messy.  He shrugged and said 'Who's going?'

'Well, me, Rica and Harris will be accompanying all of you.  We're trying to get hold of the others at school but…' Fleck's voice trailed off.

'He won't pick up…it's on answer phone!' Bo exclaimed. 

'Try Gen's mobile.' Locky suggested. 

'Uh…where's Gen's number?' Bo asked.  'Is it stored here?'

Zane rolled his eyes.  The guy was going to take forever.  Sighing he reached out and snatched hold of the phone.

'Hey!' Bo exclaimed.  'I can find it!'

Zane instantly found the number, and held it out to Bo.  'Ringing.'

'Uh…what do I say Fleck?' Bo hesitated.

'Just say…'

But Gen picked up the phone and it was still in Zane's hand.  Fleck hissed

'Tell him we're going to pick them up from school now.'

Zane glared.  Why did he always have to do things like this?

'Hello?' Gen's voice was asking on the other line.  Zane wasn't even sure what was going on himself, but if he said it wrong it was not his fault. 

'…It's Zane.' Zane spoke into the phone. 

'Oh.  Hi Zane.' Gen sounded surprised. 

'Do you have a lesson now?'

'We're on lunch break…' Gen replied.

'Until when?'

'Uh…we finish in twenty minutes.'

Zane looked to Fleck.  'Lunch break is over in twenty minutes.'

'That's fine.  Tell him we're going to come pick them up.  Ask if Ash has his car.'

Zane sighed to himself.  It would be much easier if he talked to Gen. He complied however.

'Does Ash have his car?'

'Uh…yeah think so…why, what's going on?  Where are you?  Are you at the base?  Did you lot see the news?'

'Yeah.  We're coming to pick you up.  Can you leave now?'

'Uh…I think that's okay…except…what?  Sara?  Oh Sara wants to talk to you.'

Zane huffed, waiting.  Finally Sara's voice spoke in his ear.

'Hello?  Zane?  We saw the news.  Ash has his car.  So what's the plan?'

'We're going.' Zane replied.

'What? To the place?  All of us?'

'No.  Fleck, Rica and Harris with the rest of us.' Zane said.

'Okay.  So I'll tell them.  We can get out of class now, as long as you're quick…oh…what Gen?  What, is she still in detention?  And what about Lila?'

Zane frowned.  Oh great…who was in detention?

'Lila was out ages ago.' Gen's voice replied in the background.  Sara cursed, and spoke to Zane again.

'Zane?  Do we all have to come?'

Fleck, who was standing close to Zane to hear the exchange, nodded.

'Yeah.' Zane replied.

'But…is it okay if one of us stays behind and we catch up to you later?' Sara asked.

'Why?' Zane asked.

'Vreya is sitting her detention.'

Zane wasn't sure he had heard right.  Vreya-detention?

'What?' he exclaimed.  Sara repeated for him.

'Vreya's in detention-we can't get her out of that.'

Zane was surprised-Vreya, in detention?  She'd never struck him as a troublemaker sort.  He wondered what she had done, and almost asked.  Then he reminded himself it wasn't his business and he couldn't care less.

'Great.' He said simply.  'Fleck, Vreya's in detention.'

'She had a fight in the morning and got caught by the head.' Sara informed Zane, answering his questions.

'Detention?  Oh no…give me that…' Fleck took the phone and spoke to Sara.

'Hey Sara.  What do you mean detention?' he listened.  'What?  Well how long has she been there?'

He paused, listening to Sara.  'You're outside her room now?  Well let me talk to her…' 

Sara spoke in the background, to a teacher.

'Miss, there's a phone call for Vreya.  It's important.'

Fleck heard the teacher reply 'She's not allowed to talk to anyone.'

Fleck sighed.  'Okay, okay Sara forget it.  We'll be there in about twenty minutes…I'll send someone down for you okay?  I'll send someone to get Vreya out of there.'

Sara agreed and Fleck cut the connection.  He sighed.  'Okay, let's get going.  But one of you is going to have to go down there and get her out.'

'How do we do that?' Harris asked.  Fleck shook his head. 

'We're going to have to think of something.  Let's not waste anymore time.  Come on.'

Angelheart's End of Chapter Ramble:

Was that really boring?  Let me know!  Since I'm posting two chapters together again, I would appreciate it if you reviewed each separately.  It just helps more.  Not that I'm being picky…^ ~ ^…'cus I am SO not picky…if you wanna review together, that's fine too, just don't comment on one and not the other-thank you!