Chapter 6: A Cold Evening Delight
In the dead of night, the stars shone brightly above as the crickets chimed with the wind as it blew a cold gale. Raijin, who had been tossing and turning for some time, decided to get up and practice his battle skills instead of trying to return to sleep. He left his home quietly, tiptoeing out the door and trying not to wake anyone. As he turned around from the doorway after closing the door, he tripped over his own feet, hitting the ground hard. Looking up, Raijin gazed left and right, making sure no one saw his clumsy act. He dusted himself off and rose to his feet, proceeding down the walkway to the docks. Passing the hotel, he stared up at the prominent structure, the most significant building in the small town, before making his way around the bend to the docks. Raijin could hear the ocean water swishing from afar as if it was in harmony with the whistling sea breeze.
Placing himself in the middle of the large dock area, Raijin began swinging his Bo staff left and right, rapidly moving his feet as if fending off invisible targets. Jumping into the air, he spun his staff as he squashed the air trying to create new powerful moves he could use in future battles. Sweat poured over his forehead as he took in some large breaths. He continued to swing and spin his staff when his weapon came into contact with an unknown object.
SMASH! Blocks of ice shattered, ricochetting off Raijins weapon and falling across the ground at his feet.
"Huh?" Raijin looked surprised as he peered down to the ground picking up the ice pieces between his fingers.
"Where did that come from". Raijin whispered to himself silently.
Behind Raijin, his ears caught the break in the wind, a sound that didn't sound friendly. Peering upwards into the sky were multiple Glacial Eyes descending upon the town of Balamb, like moths to a flickering hot flame. Before Raijin could take the initiative, a glacial shot out a beam of light from its singular eye missing Raijin by inches and coming into contact with the ground beside him, steam radiating off the dark ground from the offensive attack. Raijin wasted no time, illuminating himself in a beautiful green aura filling the void of space that was the docks with light as he pounded his staff into the ground summoning a pillar of electricity. Bolts were flying in all directions striking down multiple glacials as they fell to the ground disappearing into the night.
As soon as Raijin defeated the monsters, more Glacials appeared to replace the ones fallen before them.
"I ain't done yet, you cold-hearted monstrosities". Raijin yelled.
Balamb was now receiving damage from vast shards of ice crashing down onto the rooftops of homes, smashing against the ground and crashing through many windows. Numerous Glacials were lighting up the sky with their singular eye beams like a light show fantastic. Raijin was surrounded by floating Glacials, swinging his staff to fend them off as they started dropping off.
A sharp flying chakram suddenly swirled through the air, colliding with many Glacials dropping them in their place. The weapon flew round and returned to its owner as Fujin rolled through the air catching the chakram mid-flight. Fujin grasped her hands upon the chakram and leaned them back behind her head. She then proceeded to slam the chakram down in front of her into yet another monster. Slicing through the creature, she yelled "Sai" to signify one of her unique attacks.
With her back now against Raijin, Fujin groaned, "Next time can you fall over yourself a little more quietly?".
"You would have missed all the fun if I didn't wake you". Raijin countered.
As they stood together side by side, more Glacials appeared in the sky, with their cool blue skin glowing through the air. Fujin clutched her hand and drew it closer to her face as she began conjuring a spell. Opening her hand and stretching it out afar, Fujin directed a gust of wind swirling up from the ground as it grew in size. Spinning as it picked up speed, it collided with a dozen Glacial eyes and sent them hurtling off into different directions and crashing into the water, while some smashed into the walls surrounding the docks. "CRASH!" went one Glacial through a window that belonged to the hotel.
—
"AGH" Cedge screamed after being awakened by the loud smash of the window.
The monster laid on the floor amongst the shattered glass that used to belong to the window.
"What's going on here" yelled Vicks jumping out of bed in only his briefs.
The Glacial began disappearing in front of the boys' eyes as they looked on in shock. Still weary from their dreaming, they looked at each other, both sporting a different weird look. Cedge looked at his sibling, angry and annoyed that he had woken up. They carefully walked across the room, avoiding any broken glass towards the window, when they heard a knock at the door.
"Vicks, who could that be?". Cedge wondered as he cautiously moved towards the doorway and slowly pulling it open.
"Boys, are you ok?" Quistis pleaded as she stepped into the room.
"Oh, Miss Trepe, a monster just came crashing into our room through the window". Cedge replied, feeling a little embarrassed to have his Pyjamas on.
"Who are those two guys?". Vicks murmured as he peered out from the balcony.
Cedge followed Quistis as they walked over to the balcony to see who Vicks was watching. As they peered over the edge, they could see two individuals fighting off monsters floating in the air.
"Oh my, that's Fujin and Raijin. They are old friends. You two get dressed for battle. I may need your help". Suggested Quistis.
"I'll meet you downstairs at the hotel entrance. Got it". Quistis ordered.
"Yes, instructor, I'll be right with you. Is this going to count towards my trial tomorrow". Cedge stuttered, feeling the cold breeze protruding the window.
"C'mon, bro, let's get ready and head on down". Vicks said.
"Where are my clothes? Where did I put my gun?". Vicks continued to ask.
Grabbing her whip at her side, Quistis peered back at Vicks with a fiery look in her eyes. "Oh god, when you finally get it together, meet me downstairs at the entrance."
"See, I told you, you are so unorganised". Cedge yelled to his brother as he started to throw on his clothes, pulling them off the back of a chair.
Quistis, baffled by the rookies, rushed out of the room with a huff as the brothers continued getting prepared for battle. She bumped into Cyrus as she descended the staircase leading to the bottom floor.
"Quistis, what on earth is going on out there?". Cyrus worried.
"Hordes of monsters are attacking us. I believe it's in your best interest to stay in your room and look after your wife. I will go lend some aid outside.". Quistis insisted as she continued down the staircase and out the front entrance of the hotel.
—
"MOVE" Fujin yells.
"We are going to have to wake up, Seifer! We need his help, ya know!" Raijin spats as he started running towards the hotel.
Raijin and Fujin evaded the oncoming enemy attacks as they retreated towards the hotel spotting Quistis as they turned the corner.
"Oh, it's Quistis". Raijin announced.
"I guess you heard the commotion. The Glacials are all over the place." Raijin explained.
"Yes, I heard the window smash just earlier. It landed in the room across from me. Two seed rookies are currently occupying that room. What shall we do?". Quistis Pleaded
"Not sure what to do, but we are heading back home to wake up Seifer. We need backup". Raijin replied.
Diverting their attention down the path towards the entrance, Ma Dincht hung out her front door screaming and brandishing a frying pan. "Hey, get out of here! You hear. I am not afraid of you!".
Quistis ran off up the street with her whip flailing behind her. She lashed at the glacial eye before swinging her weapon above her and bringing it crashing down onto the cold fiend. The enemy rebounds from the attack and lunges at Quistis with its sharp teeth aiming for her neck as a bolt of lightning zaps the enemy.
"Mrs Dincht, are you ok?". Quistis asked as she gushed and extended her hand out to the strong-willed lady, placing it on her shoulder.
"I am fine, thank you, dear, I am stronger than I look. I ain't going to let anyone or anything take my home! They best be ready to fight if that's the case". Mrs Dincht replied.
Ma Dincht was the adoptive mother of Zell, a Seed graduate of Balamb Garden and a close friend to Quistis. Ma Dincht was also a fierce woman and mother who sported long auburn hair and always wore an apron that symbolised how proud she was of her home and her love for cooking. Raijin and Fujin were now standing behind Quistis, ensuring she had not abstained from any past attack injuries.
"Thanks for the assistance Raijin! Nice spell use". Quistis declared.
"Mrs Dincht, I think it would be wise to head back inside and keep yourself safe. We will guard the town.". Quistis pleaded.
Mrs Dincht returned inside and locked the door behind her. The night grew darker as the clouds began to roll in. Lightning scattered across the sky like a flickering light globe. Random loud bangs filled the air as thunderstruck the earth as if a lion was letting out a fierce roar. A door swung open fast, further up the street. Seifer had been awakened with gun-blade in hand by the loud summoning of the elements up in the swirling sky.
"Hey, what is with all the commotion? Can't a guy get a little shut-eye". Seifer yelled out, with a yawn escaping his big wide open mouth!
As Quistis explained what little she understood, spells of magical ice flew towards the group from the entrance. Slicing through the ice-cold elements like a knife through butter, Seifer eyed more Glacials entering the town through its main door. Dashing off like the speed of light, Seifer sliced down the enemies with his weapon, landing blow after blow onto the targets with an explosive uppercut dealing even more damage as the gun-blade sliced through their bodies.
Seifer noticed three more targets coming around the corner from the gas station, holding his gun-blade in a backwards position. The tip of the blade started glowing colours of white and red. Permeating as the glow grew in size, he flung the gun blade forward, discs of fire disconnecting from the edge hurling through the air towards the enemy. Hitting the target with great accuracy, the discs of unnatural strength exploded on impact.
Swinging his gun blade in a victorious stance, Seifer exclaimed: "Weren't even worth my time!". Seifer, in his cocky way, was celebrating his defeat.
The storms were now hovering over Mount Gaulg and the town of Balamb and blanketing the sky with smokey clouds covering the moon and the stars.
"Nicely done, Seifer. I see you haven't lost your touch". Quistis said snidely.
"Hmph, not much credit is given by my dear instructor nowadays". Seifer replied.
"So what's wrong with the sky, ya know?". Raijin said worryingly.
"Hey, guys". Yelled a young voice from a distance.
Running in their direction, Cedge and Vicks made their way up the street from the hotel, accompanied by Cyrus.
"It's about time, boys. In times like these, you need to make sure you ready for battle. There are no extra lives in this game. Next time, I hope you will be ready!". Insisted Quistis, her face serious with piercing eyes.
"Who are these two, your sideshow?". Seifer joked. Fujin and Raijin were laughing alongside him.
"This is Vicks and Cedgerick". Quistis announced.
"Cedge for short". Cedge added.
"So why are they here? Not getting in my way, I hope!". Seifer expressed.
"We are here for training from Balamb Garden. Our trial is tomorrow to qualify for the Seed exam". Vicks joining the conversation and looking at Seifer, scanning him from top to toe.
"Well, you are only going to get in my way. Seed rookies are all you are." Seifer remembered his Seed trial to Dollet. Taking the lead of Squad B, he thought he was doing the right thing by taking initiative actions by expanding his perimeter search. None the less he was scolded and called reckless.
Quistis turned her attention to Cyrus, shocked to see him outside after asking him to return to safety.
"Cyrus, why are you out here?". Quistis asked.
"The mountains are surrounded by clouds and the elements. The story goes that the Gaulg Mountains were once home to a Guardian. One who protected this island. The entrance was closed off to keep civilians from going up there". Cyrus explained.
Quistis looked at Cyrus with an intrigued expression before turning her attention up towards the mountain.
"Hmm, I've never heard of another Guardian existing. Cyrus, do you know the name of this being?". Quistis asked as she folded her arms.
"I've never been told much about the mountain range or what inhabits it. All I know is that many years ago, the people of Balamb closed off the entry point to the Gaulg Mountains due to a powerful creature living up there. Those same people left a key behind to keep it safely locked away from everyone". Cyrus pulled a key out from his pocket.
"The entrance to the summit is just off the train station. "You wouldn't know it was there as not many people know about it.". Cyrus explained.
"Seifer, I think it would be a good idea to go up there and look around to see what is causing this disturbance. The Glacials would not have come down in droves like that unless something had disturbed them". Quistis suggested as she pushed her glasses back on towards her sapphire blue eyes.
"I think it's time to test out some of my training then. Nothing feels better than a late-night battle!" Seifer implied as he readied his gun blade in his hand as it cocked against his palm.
Cyrus extended his arm out and gave Seifer the key.
"I must be returning to my wife. Godspeed to you all". Cyrus bid farewell as he turned and ran back towards the hotel.
"So Seifer, I have a request for you. Allow Vicks and Cedge to accompany you". Quistis pointed to the brothers as she smiled politely.
"They are here for training, and I think this opportunity would be of great assistance". Quistis extended her favour as she folded her hair behind her ears.
"Instructor, no offence, but I have Fujin and Raijin to back me up. They're my posse. Why don't you and the boys stay and look after the town? I don't need any chicken wusses tagging along dragging me down". Seifer hissed.
Vicks stood toe to toe with Seifer with his gun readied in his hand, looking directly into the eyes.
"From what I hear, you failed your exam back in the day. It would be best if you didn't judge a book by its cover". Vicks insinuated as he tried to fire up Seifer.
Vicks wasn't one to back down. He was pretty similar in regards to Seifer's cocky side and acting spontaneously. A significant difference compared to his brothers thoughtful and calculated attitude.
"Hmph! You think you got what it takes, big man! This mission ain't no boy scout hunting trip!" If you're coming, better not get in my way. That's a rule in my squad". Seifer snapped.
"Oh, dear. I think you two need to calm down. Anyway, Raijin and Fujin will assist me here in the town. You take the boys and head on up to the summit". Quistis explained.
Raijin and Fujin followed Quistis back to the hotel, discussing a plan regarding the town's defence.
"Cmon, rookies, let's go!". Seifer shouted.
Seifer raised his sword and made his way up the street towards the train station, leaving the Seed students in the dust of his boots.
