Chapter 16: Awakening
Seifer looked upon Dahlia's presence with shock and awe, failing to communicate back. He couldn't quite put together words to describe how he was feeling. He decided to smile instead, racking his brain to come up with an intelligent reply.
"Hello. Can you speak? Where am I?". Dahlia asked.
"Sorry! You just surprised me, that's all. I'm Seifer. You are currently within the grounds of Galbadia garden. I brought you here after the battle at Trabia garden". Seifer explained.
Seifer discussed with Dahlia the recent events surrounding Trabia garden, Lilith, and Celsius's battle, asking her questions to satisfy his curiosity.
"So you uttered you are from Winhill? Is that your home?". Seifer asked.
"Winhill has been my home for a very long time. When I was young, the Esthar government abducted me, and then not long after my escape, I became possessed by Lilith". Dahlia replied.
"So you have been possessed by Lilith this whole time?". Seifer continued.
"Lilith is a monster. She has been thriving on my fear, using my body as a vessel to live in this world. She wishes to descend the world into darkness. That is all I know". Dahlia explained.
Dahlia had finished her last word, coughing at the end of the sentence, when Quistis turned dahlia's attention towards the doorway.
"You are awake! Seifer, you didn't think to tell any of us?". Quistis asked.
"Sorry, Instructor. Dahlia has only been awake a short time". Seifer replied.
"Hello, Dahlia. I am Quistis Trepe. Lovely to meet you finally". Quistis spoke.
"Could I trouble you for a glass of water, Quistis? My throat is rather dry". Dahlia requested.
"I can get that for you. I'll be right back". Quistis said as she left the room.
Dahlia and Seifer were left alone in the room once again, with Seifer eager to ask more questions. Dahlia smiled in his direction, stretching her arms from stiffness.
"Thank you for rescuing me. No one has ever been so kind to me". Dahlia expressed.
"You are welcome. You spoke of Esthar abducting you. Why were you targetted?". Seifer asked.
"I'm not sure. I remember being in a lab, and some man named Odine was researching me. He used to run tests and try and get me to use my unique ability. But when another girl named Ellone came along, he stopped and left me alone". Dahlia described.
"Wait! You know Ellone?". Seifer asked, surprised by her announcement.
"Seifer, lower your voice! I can hear you outside". Quistis spoke.
Quistis handed the glass of water to Dahlia before sitting down in a chair beside Seifer.
"Thank you, Quistis. Seifer, I met her only briefly when I was younger. I don't even think she would remember me". Dahlia explained.
Dahlia sipped at her water while coughing multiple times, making Doctor Ishii enter the room worried about Dahlia's condition.
"Dahlia, I think that's enough for today. Quistis, she needs to rest". The doctor expressed.
"Dahlia, I'll come back later and check on you again". Seifer said.
Seifer and Quistis left the room and headed out into the hallway as Quistis wore a look of worry and wondered on her face.
"Seifer, I don't think Dahlia can stay here! Lilith will come back for her, which puts us all in danger. Martine believes we should take her somewhere else". Quistis explained.
"What! Dahlia is in danger too. We need to help her". Seifer replied.
"We will help her. But not here. We need to speak to Squall. Maybe take her to Esthar? She mentioned Doctor Odine, didn't she?". Quistis continued.
"What is Squall going to do?". Seifer asked.
"Seifer, if you want to protect this girl, then you are going to need to ask for help. You can't do this on your own!". Quistis responded.
"Let's head for Fisherman's Horizon then. That is where Balamb garden currently is?". Seifer asked.
"I think that would be the best decision. We can ask for help and find out some more information about these new guardians". Quistis said.
Seifer and Quistis began to part ways when a sudden Chocobo came flying down the corridor. Seifer grabbed Quistis and pulled her to the side before the dashing bird could knock them out.
"Still think it was a good idea to bring them back here, "Instructor". Seifer said as he smiled.
Quistis slowly pushed Seifer away as her face once again had turned red.
"Since when did you begin to care so much, Seifer". Quistis replied, readjusting her glasses.
"Ouch! Such cruel words from my dear "Instructor". Seifer teased.
"Hey, come back!". Linaly cried.
"Are you guys okay? The weather outside is fine now. I can take the Chocobos back to the forest". Linaly continued.
"We are fine. Stay safe, Linaly. Martine will be happy to be rid of the Chocobos". Quistis replied with a giggle.
"BYE". Linaly shouted as he ran off after the loose Chocobo.
"I will see you later, Seifer. I must go and speak to Martine". Quistis said.
DING DONG "Quistis and Seifer. Please report to the Headmasters room immediately". DING DONG
"Guess I'll be coming with you then". Seifer responded.
Seifer followed Quistis up to the third floor, where Raijin and Fujin were waiting in the headmaster's office with Martine.
"Everyone, please be seated. The garden is now fully functioning, and we will be leaving Trabia shortly. Seifer, what information have you collected in regards to this Dahlia?". Martine asked.
"She is a resident of Winhill who Lilith possessed at an early age. She mentioned Doctor Odine and that Esthar kidnapped her. It could be worth looking into for information". Seifer explained.
"Did she say anything about this guardian that has been controlling her?". Martine continued.
"Nothing. Dahlia stated Lilith is more like a monster and wants to see darkness brought upon the world". Seifer replied.
"Another guardian. That is five now we didn't know existed". Raijin questioned.
"Taking into account the history of this world that is available, there is still much we do not know. The many Guardians we do know about are due to discovery". Quistis explained.
"RAGE!". Fujin shouted.
Quistis sensed some frustration from Fujin as Raijin spun in his chair.
"Martine, have you heard anything from Balamb garden yet?". Quistis asked.
"Squall is currently in Esthar. So I have received no communication back from him. Zell and XU have responded that he and Rinoa are in talks with Laguna. The best thing we can do is to go to Esthar ourselves". Martine explained.
"But the garden cannot access that continent. You will have to drop us off at Timber. That way, we can take the train and enter via the seaside station". Quistis resolved.
"That is our only option. Seifer, I think it's the best course of action to take this woman and speak to Dr Odine. He may be able to shed some light on this situation". Martine spoke.
"Seifer, I wish to accompany you. This way, I can head back to Balamb and check up on things there". Quistis proposed.
"Well, I guess another adventure begins, "Instructor". You ready Fujin and Raijin?". Seifer yelled.
"Hell yeah! Time to get rolling, ya know". Raijin replied.
"FINALLY". Fujin responded.
DING DONG "Attention all students. Galbadia garden will be leaving Trabia shortly. Please take care while we are moving. Our destination is Timber". DING DONG. Martine announced.
Raijin and Fujin ran off initially to get ready as Seifer headed back down to the Infirmary. As he arrived, he noticed Dahlia had gotten out of bed and was staring out the window.
"Not much of a view, huh". Seifer asked.
"Oh, Seifer. Not as lovely as Winhill. This place could use more flowers". Dahlia responded.
"I'll make sure to let Martine know of that feedback". Seifer replied, smiling lightly.
"So are we moving?. I felt a sudden vibration". Dahlia asked.
"We are, finally! Listen, I know it might be dangerous, but we are heading for Esthar!". Seifer began.
Dahlia turned away from the window's scenery as her face dropped.
"I won't go back there!. The memories and the pain that place has caused me". Dahlia screamed as her eyes filled with tears.
Dahlia pleaded with Seifer as her emotions grew. Her body trembled as she clenched the side of the bed. She started to shut down, her mind filling with anxiety. Seifer approached her as he held out his hand.
"I know you don't know me, but I want you to try and trust me. I promise you, I am going to help you!". Seifer pleaded.
Dahlia fell into Seifer's arms, tears filling her eyes as her arms shook. Seifer returned the hug loosely.
"Lilith is going to come back. She has control over me. I've tried to stop her, but I'm not strong enough". Dahlia explained.
"I am going to help you stop this. Let's do this together". Seifer expressed.
As Dahlia continued to hug Seifer, Quistis, Raijin, and Fujin entered the Infirmary room.
"Whoa! Sorry, Seifer didn't mean to interrupt". Raijin yelled.
"RUDE". Fujin spoke as she kicked Raijin.
Quistis was bright red as Seifer was startled by his friends.
"Umm, is everything okay?". Quistis mumbled.
"Yeah, everything is fine. Just explaining our plan to Dahlia". Seifer stuttered.
The garden rose out of the ocean, water flowing off the mobile's side as it floated across the land of Galbadia. It landed beside Timber as Seifer and his party exited through the garden's entrance and out onto the fields with Timber's back entry visible in the distance.
