Disclaimer: All Final Fantasy 8 characters, places, and things all belong to Squaresoft and other involved companies. I own none of it. This fanfic is purely for the fun and enjoyment of others and myself. I make no money from it.
FINAL FANTASY/ ALTERED TALE
CHAPTER 6
"We're lost!" Wedge shouted for the fifth time.
Biggs and Wedge had been traveling for two hours now, trying to reach the destination of Squad C. However, somewhere down the line, the two men had lost sight of their bearings and were now mulling around aimlessly.
"Will you shut up!?" Biggs seethed. "We're not lost I tell you. We just took a wrong turn somewhere. You just wait and see! Sooner or later, Squad C will turn up right around the corner."
Wedge let out a mirthless laugh. "HA! Biggs your full of sh&t! We're lost and you know it!"
Biggs was beginning to lose his patience. "I'm telling you we're not lost!"
"And I'm telling you we are!"
"WE…ARE…NOT…LOST!!!!"
"Wedge saw were this conversation was leading and simply shrugged his shoulders. "We're lost. We're lost and that's that. I'm going to take a break and rest my legs. Maybe someone who 'ISN'T LOST' will find us."
Biggs was fuming. "Damnit Wedge! How can you take a break when our comrades are in danger!? Get up off your lazy butt and let's go!"
Wedge was unperturbed. "I refuse to go on any trail that may lead me further into isolation." He replied haughtily.
Biggs was about to burst from annoyance when suddenly.
"Are you boys lost or something?" Came an old voice from the distance.
Biggs and Wedge were immediately on their feet scanning the area for any signs of danger, their past squabbles momentarily forgotten.
Slowly an old man walked into the distance. His black skin was weathered by the hot climates of Dollet and he was currently dressed in a green, hooded cloak wearing a simple tunic and leggings underneath. "You boys shouldn't be roaming around aimlessly in these kinds of woods. Don't you know there's a war going on all around you?"
"Who are you?" Biggs yelled cautiously. He unsheathed his sword and Wedge swiftly mimicked his actions.
The old man looked as if he were pondering the answer he would give them. He raised his wrinkled hand up to his chin in thought. "Lets just say I am an old man who has traveled to the right place at the right time."
"What?!?" Wedge blurted, totally confused.
The old man was unheeded. "You are both Knights of Garden correct? I believe the popular term is … Seeds … right?"
Biggs mouth hung wide open at his correct claim. "What more do you know?" Wedge asked, mystified.
"I know that you are on a mission to reach the other portion of your party. I also know that your time is running short. I could guide you to were you need to go."
"And why should we trust you?" Biggs asked skeptically, breaking out of his trance.
"Because I come, bearing grave news about the Septor of power."
"Septor of wha?"
Wedge stood resolutely. "Biggs I think we should listen to this man. I got a strange feeling about him ya know? Like he's telling the truth and stuff."
Biggs eyed him for a moment then grunted in annoyance. "Whatever, in any case we've got to get to Squad C on the double. If this man knows the way then we have no choice but to follow. Once we get there, we'll let Seifer decide what to do with this old coot."
And thus the trio set off towards their destination once more.
****
For the first time in his life, Seifer Almasy felt confused. He was currently hunched down on one knee as swords and flesh met all around him. He had just downed his nineteenth victim yet his thoughts were still drawn back on that Galbadian contingent they saw earlier. He constantly debated with himself on whether or not they should risk breaking away from this battle to go to their aid.
Suddenly, one of the Galbadian Knights quickly charged towards him from behind. Seifer caught the flash of steel out of the corner of his eye and in a heartbeat he was back on his feet. In one fluid motion, he drove his sword in then thrust it up, deflecting his victims attack. He then brought it back down, shoving the blade deep into the poor man's neck.
Seifer pulled his sword back while he scanned the battlefield. As it was, They were doing rather good. Unbeknownst to him, this contingent of Galbadian Knights was three times larger then the one that had attacked squad B. Already, Reenkor and Phillips lay dead. However, in return 30 of the 45 Galbadian Knights lay dead at their feet.
Despite the clear signs of victory, Seifer could not banish the troubling thoughts from his mind. Suddenly he saw Jerrard stumble from the vicious attacks of one of the Galbadian Knights. Seifer ran towards him. He didn't particularly care for the man but he was a Knight of Balamb Garden and thus, he was obligated to help any of his companions in arms.
The Galbadian Knight raised his sword up over Jerrard's head as the Seed continued to stumble about, trying to clear his senses. Seifer rushed forth and plunged his sword into the man's rib cage. Suddenly another Galbadian Knight rushed in for the attack while Seifer was distracted. With an angry shout, Seifer ripped his sword out of his first victim then swung it at the next. Unfortunately for Seifer, the man blocked his attack and yanked his sword down using the momentum. Seifer seethed in rage. The man twisted in a swift circle then brought his sword down on him. Seifer had only one option left.
He tackled the man to the ground before he could strike. As the two men wrestled, Jerrard rose up to his feet and prepared to help then reared back as a blade came slicing down inches from where his neck had been. The random Galbadian Knight rushed him again. Jerrard raised his sword in defense and looked back regretfully towards Seifer and the other Galbadian Knight as the two men continued to wrestle for control.
Seifer twisted on top of the man then bashed him in the face with his armor plated glove. The man spit blood out of his mouth then returned the favor with an upper cut to the jaw. Seifer flew back from the momentum. Unfortunately for Seifer, he was at a disadvantage in strength. The man he had chosen to fight was massively built and extremely tall. Physically, the man was every bit stronger then Seifer in every way. Seifer tried to scramble to his feet and shake off his dizziness at the same time. The man slowly rose to his feet and picked up his sword with an amused smile on his face as he watched Seifer stumble about.
"Next time you should be more careful about who you choose your fights with, little Knight. I am the Commanding Officer of this Battalion of Galbadian Knights. You can't hope to defeat me!"
In response Seifer did the one thing the Galbadian Knight would have least expected. He kicked him square between the legs. The man doubled over in pain as Seifer continued to rigorously shake his head, clearing it of all dizziness.
"Next time you should be more careful about who you choose to fight with. You never know what they might do!" Seifer taunted, then spat in his face.
Meanwhile, Jerrard was still locked in a mortal duel with his Galbadian opponent. The man swung again and Jerrard barely blocked in time. He was a decent fighter but he was nowhere near as good as most Seeds. He pushed the man's sword away then jumped to the side as the man recovered and swung again. Jerrard saw the opening and took it. He swung towards the man's unprotected flank, however the Galbadian Knight deftly avoided the fatal blow. He then twisted to the side and swung in a low arch, effectively disarming Jerrard.
Jerrard fell to the ground and grit his teeth as he prepared for the final blow. Suddenly Carter and Monter came to his aid. Monter rammed his sword into the Galbadian's, while Carter rushed up and drove him through. Jerrard rose slowly to his feet. "Thanks guys!"
"Don't thank us yet?" Carter breathed, eyeing the approaching Galbadian Knights. "We've still got more work to do." Jerrard and Monter readied their swords for attack.
On another part of the battlefield, a few yards away, Seifer and the Galbadian leader were still locked in a fierce duel. The Galbadian Knight tried to stand up but then Seifer rammed his foot deep into the man's gut. The Knight began to cough violently as Seifer lorded over him in triumph.
"You little shit!" He seethed through grit teeth.
In response, Seifer kicked him again. Then repeated the action over and over again. After the tenth kick the man doubled over and lay on his side, coughing up blood and struggling for air. Panting heavily, Seifer marched over towards his cherished sword and felt comfort as he, once again, raised it up in his hands. He slowly walked over to the man, staring down at him with pity in his eyes.
"It sucks to be you." He said then brought his sword down hard.
At the last minute, The Galbadian blocked the sword thrust with the base of his forearm. Blood and shock struck Seifer all at once.
"What the hell!?" He muttered as he wiped the blood from his face.
"Heh, serves you right." The man gasped as he rose up to his knee's. "You should never leave an enemy to linger. It's always better to just make the kill while you still have the opportunity."
He then grabbed a handful of dirt and sent it flying into Seifer's eyes. Seifer immediately brought his hands back up to his face desperately trying to clear his vision.
"Argh! Damn you! Dishonorable bastard!"
The man chuckled as he finally got up to his feet. "Heh, ever heard the credo; do whatever it takes to win!"
Seifer grit his teeth as he continued to get the dirt out of his eyes. However the Galbadian Commander wasn't about to give him any chances. Without another word, he drove his sword dead center towards Seifer's abdomen.
"Arghhh!!!" Seifer screamed as the blade tore through armor and chainmail and bit into his flesh. He viciously clutched the blade after only part of it entered his skin. The Galbadian was shocked at Seifer's diligence but continued pushing on the sword so that it shoved further into the man's flesh.
A wild roar escaped Seifer's lips and he angrily shot his eyes open, despite the pain. He then raised his other hand and brought it down as hard as he could, breaking the man's sword in half.
"What the hell are you doing!?" The Galbadian blinked.
Seifer couldn't be stopped however. He roughly snatched the embedded halve of the blade out of his side then dashed towards his victim with almost inhuman speed. The man raised his broken sword in defense but Seifer would not be denied. In one swing, he broke through the man's defense, knocking the sword from his hands. Then he brought his sword the other way in a slashing motion. The man jumped back quickly, avoiding the fatal blow. Seifer was unheeded. He swung his sword to the side then brought it the other way in a swooping motion, cutting the man right behind the knee.
The Knight fell clutching his leg and screaming in agony. He pulled out a concealed dagger but it was too late. Seifer swung again and this time he sent the man's head flying straight off of his shoulders.
The body fell limply to the ground. Seifer viewed it with deep contempt and hatred. Suddenly he stumbled and fell to one knee as his adrenaline wore off and the wound began to take effect. However, thoughts of his mission prevailed fatigue and injury and he quickly yanked himself back up onto his feet. He tried to focus his bleary eyes onto the battle ahead and noticed that it was practically over. There were only two Galbadians left and they were surrendering. Seifer lowered his honor sword and replaced it into his scabbard.
Jerrard ran up to him. "Sir we've successfully repelled the enemy forces!" He replied, excitedly. "We won!"
Seifer simply nodded then proceeded towards one of the captive Galbadian Knights.
"Carter!" He called, panting slightly. "You've got watch. Make sure that we don't get anymore interruptions."
Carter saluted then walked off. Seifer then turned towards their new prisoners.
"You!" He pointed to the Galbadian prisoner closest to him. "Where was that contingent going?"
"What contingent?" The man replied, trying to play dumb.
Seifer angrily pulled out his blade and shoved it dangerously close to the man's neck. "Don't lie to me! Now, I'm only going to ask you one more time. Then I'm going to kill you. It's your choice."
As emphasis, he seeped the sharp end of the blade into the man's throat enough to draw blood. "Where did they go?" He hissed menacingly.
The frightened Galbadian gulped in fear then spoke. "T- they were heading for the tower."
"Why?"
"I don't know why. T- the Sorceress wanted us to connect some device to the tower."
"What device?" Seifer urged.
"I- I don't know. She didn't give us any specifics. It's somehow involved with the X-ATM092. I think the machine is carrying the device! That's all I know, honest!"
Jerrard walked up alongside Seifer. "That machine is powered by GF energy isn't it?"
Seifer nodded sagely. "Yes it is. It seems like that monster serves more then one purpose in this battle. I thought it was only being deployed for added support on the field but it looks like there's a hidden agenda involved. The question now is what does this special 'device' do. And aside from that, who or what is this Sorceress he's talking about."
Jerrard lowered his head in thought. "I've heard rumors about the King of Galbadia taking on a Sorceress as an advisor some years ago. Maybe there's a connection."
Seifer absently tapped his sword on his shoulder, deeply lost in thought. "Maybe…"
Suddenly footsteps rang out in the distance. "Commander!" Carter yelled from his post as watchman. "It's Biggs and Wedge from Squad C."
Seifer's eyes snapped wide. "Squad C? Send them over!" He hollered.
As they approached, Seifer noticed the third member of their party and narrowed his eyes. "Who's that?" He asked once they came close enough.
Biggs saluted accordingly. "Seeds Biggs and Wedge reporting from Squad B!" He said smartly.
Seifer rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Never mind all that. Just tell me who that man is standing over there."
"Sir he tells us, he's come to warn us about some sort of danger involving a particular Galbadian contingent that's roaming the area." Wedge stated.
Seifer raised an eyebrow. "I figured, you guys would have seen it too."
Wedge looked around at all the dead bodies lying around. "We were attacked as well. Somehow, these Galbadians must have been tipped off on our movements and they've sent in some monster support."
"Yeah yeah yeah, I know that already." Seifer replied exasperated. "So what's all this I'm hearing about danger from that contingent?"
The old man chose that moment to introduce himself. "So you are Seifer Almasy. It's a pleasure to finally meet you again."
Seifer eyed him suspiciously. "I don't believe we've met."
"Not that you can remember no. I am Kiros."
All three Seeds opened their eyes wide in shock at this statement. "Your what?" Seifer asked in astonishment.
Kiros smiled lightly. "Please refrain from going into shock. I am merely another old man, no different then the rest of you, despite my past actions. What I come forth to tell you now is of the gravest importance however. There is a machine that is in company with the contingent you saw earlier correct?"
Seifer nodded his head, still too astonished to say anything. Kiros regarded him with a soft expression then continued.
"That machine is currently carrying the septor of power. It is concealed inside its center core. The mission of that Galbadian contingent is to make their way up to the very top of the tower. Once there, that machine will align the septor with the Arckon. That must not be accomplished."
"Arckon?" Seifer asked in confusion. "What's that?"
"It is the source of the towers power. It is the key energy that lets communications come back and forth from it. It operates much in the same way as your communicators. Just as the power of GF spirits allow you to communicate back and forth with each other through those small devices, so too does the tower allow communications to come back and forth but on a wider scale. There is talk that at one time the Arckon used to be the strongest Guardian Force ever in existence. After a calamity that happened some thousands of years ago, that Guardian Forced gave up its existence to stop the Calamity. And the Arckon is all that remains of that great Guardian spirit. It is the essence of its existence."
Seifer nodded slowly. "And now this 'Sorceress' wishes to reawaken that great power once again? But for what purpose? What is this special power capable of doing?"
Kiros closed his eyes wearily. He slowly walked up to Seifer until he was standing only inches from the man. "It is best if I simply show you." He whispered, then placed the tips of his fingers upon Seifer's brow.
The Knights eyes opened wide as he saw visions flash through his mind's eye. Visions of destruction and death. Everywhere he looked, he saw massacre and evil. Blood filled the horizons. Seifer let out an agonizing wail as he became lost in the endless cycle of destruction. Then, suddenly everything was back to the way it was, and Kiros was standing a few feet away from him. He stumbled a bit from the experience, then fell down to one knee.
"…I … I understand…" He replied simply.
Kiros nodded softly then turned and began to walk away.
Jerrard came up to the trio as he watched the old man disappear into the distance. "Who was that guy? What did he do to you Seifer?"
Seifer cupped his head in his hands as he tried to calm his shaking body. "That man," He began slowly. "Was one of the three hero's of the first Sorceress War. I had thought the existence of this Sorceress, the one that everyone's been talking about, was just some myth. Just an added hoax to goad these Galbadian Knights on to victory… but apparently I was wrong…"
Jerrard put a comforting hand on his leader's shoulder. "Seifer, what did you see?"
Seifer gently raised his head from his hands and looked out into the horizons towards the tower. "I have seen the path of destruction. He has shown me what I must do now…"
"Sir?"
Seifer rose to his feet slowly, slightly clutching his earlier wound absently. "Jerrard, gather the troops. We leave for the tower. Now!"
Well well well things are starting to heat up for our young seeds. What started out to be a milk run turned out to be a lot more complicated then any of them thought. Can Seifer and his contingent hope to stop the Galbadian forces? What will happen to Squad B? And what's going on with Quistis, Squall and Rinoa? *geeze that sounded like a corny old 1960's Batman episode* anyway, all this will be revealed in the next installment. I hope. Anyway, as always, thanks for reading and please review! J
-Cordis