Chapter 10: Hmph... screw the disclaimer.....if you want it, view the previous chapters please thanks.
Squall quickly recounted to the group around the table the story of his encounter in the train car. The same story that Seifer had refused to give them until Squall was awakened. Seifer, however at this juncture seemed more than willing to relate his story and verify that what Squall spoke was correct all the way up to the point when he passed out. The story was fairly self explanatory, and it didn't take long for everyone to add up the details and see why that incident in the train was relevant to this crisis at hand. After Squall finished speaking Orion continued the meeting.
"So Squall, this man called himself Master Tralen, said Rinoa is still alive, claimed to have switched the notes, and then disappeared into thin air? Is that right?" Orion asked.
"Nope, that's wrong!" Squall retorted with authority. "The man never claimed to be Master Tralen, he claimed to be the servant of Master Tralen. Other than that, you got it."
"Well, that means we haven't got much to go on." Orion said with a thoughtful look on his face. "I sent Seifer to find you, because I believe that the day of the Sorcerer is upon us again. I believe he knows about SeeD, and is confident that he can beat it. I believe just as in the days of the first sorceress, that you the Sorceress Knight are the great hope to save the world from the greed and tyranny of a vengeful Sorcerer."
Squall looked from person to person around the table. He looked into each eye. Of some he knew nothing, but he saw their determination to fight, he could tell that they would do whatever it took to protect the world from this. In other eyes however he saw more, he saw memories. There were the people who he'd gone through the time compression with, and the people who he'd fought side by side, and battle by battle with, all the way to Ultimacia's castle.
The memories flooded his mind. Memories of Seifer Almassy, his boyhood rival; memories of Zell Dincht, his longtime friend who was with him when he battled with the Unholy; Irvine Kineas, and Selphie Tilmit, the couple who gave him support in many a battle during the reign of Unholiness, and also had confronted Ultimacia with him. And then there was Quistis Trepe, His old instructor. He had many memories of her. She was the first person he had gone into real battle with. He'd confronted Ifrit, with her by his side. He trusted her still. He trusted them all still, despite the fact that he tried not to.
Even though he knew he could trust them, and he believed the cause was worthy, he still wouldn't let go of his reason for choosing to re-enter this world. Rinoa. Rinoa was the love of his life. She was there with him at the cliffs that night, and he'd lost her, or at least he thought he had, yet now it seemed that fate had been kind, and handed him a second chance. And he was willing to take it, and yet he insisted on his own terms. Little did he realize however that as much as he thought he could, this was one battle that he was not going to win alone.
"Look," Squall began, "I'll fight with you all on one condition. We do it my way. I'm going to call the shots. Now Orion seems to have the best knowledge of the story concerning the Sorcerer, so I'll work with him, the rest of you need simply to follow our orders. Now if that's too difficult for any of you speak up now."
Eyes around the table looked to and fro. Everyone looked, but no one spoke up. There was some obvious distaste in some of their eyes for the way that Squall seemed to want to just take control like that, but no one seemed to want to loose what they felt was their only hope.
"Well it looks like it's settled then" Orion said speaking up first. "Where should we go from here?"
Squall was rather taken by that question. He wasn't sure. He wanted to find out about Rinoa as quickly as possible, so he figured. He knew there was a limited amount of information to go on, so he decided that they only had one lead, they might as well take it.
"I want to go check out that village in the side of the cliffs first." He began. "I want to take two others with me. As to which two, I don't know I've been out of it for a while and so I don't know who's qualified for this. But I only want two others. Orion, you choose."
"I suppose I'd choose Rider and Delea if I were you. Both of them are Recon members, and know the exact location of the village." Orion started. "I would encourage you to be cautious though Squall, the inhabitants of that village, if it truly is a Sorcerers village would easily give their life in his service, and they all are magicians of great power."
"I'll remember that, but I think I can handle myself." Squall said. "Well, what are we waiting for?" He said motioning for Delea and Rider to come on. "Orion, you keep an eye out for anything you may find while were gone. Well try to make this one quick trip. We will remain in contact with you, and you alone ok?"
"Ok Squall I've got it under control here, you do what you've gotta do." Orion said. I'll continue this meeting with those of you who are not involved in this mission." He said making sure that everyone didn't jump to leave just because the other three did.
While he was speaking, the three soldiers got up and left the room. Within minutes, they were loading their amphibious Recon Vehicle with supplies, and weaponry.
"What do we have here?" Squall asked as he saw Rider and Delea loading up three Motorbikes. They were almost silent, infact, they were so silent that you could comfortably listen to music with the engine fully revved. Squall had certainly never seen vehicles like this around Garden before.
"These Squall," Delea said, "are our mode of transportation. This large vehicle here is not only completely amphibious, but it is also submersible. These bikes are called Stealth Bikes. We'll be using them to approach the village. They are silent, and fast. Did I mention that they are very very fast?
"We'll land on the shoreline with the AV," Rider took over, "At that point we'll lead you to the village. That is unless you have a better idea, and of course, you're in charge."
Squall looked at the equipment. He had to admit he was impressed. This stuff was going to make this mission a whole lot easier, or at least he thought so. Had he known the road that lay ahead, he might not have made such a hasty decision. But all that aside, he helped them finish loading and soon the AV was running, and the team was off.
****
Orion held the meeting with the rest of the group for a while longer. He mainly went over the general procedures that would be followed while Squall was "in charge". He told them all to follow Squall's lead untill he ordered them otherwise. He even went so far as to tell them that as far as he was concerned for the time being Squall was to be given just as much respect as he himself was to be given.
He decided to wrap up the meeting with a statement that he knew would cause some controversy, but he felt he needed to make.
"Anyone have anything they'd like to add?" He asked. With that the room erupted into a host of chatter. There were people talking back and forth, and it seemed everyone thought something different on the matter. Finally, realizing that he was getting nowhere with this, Orion began to draw the meeting to a close.
"Ok folks look, we've got to be wary of what's going on. I believe that the Sorcerer is testing Garden's strength. We've got to be vigilant, and ready. Now does anyone have anything to add?" He wanted to slap himself for asking that again, but he had done it. All he could do now, was just hope. No one said anything at first this time around, it seemed they all seemed to want this meeting to find adjournment. Finally however someone spoke, and it was Seifer Almassy.
"Yeah, I've got something to say." Seifer Began, "Why are you agreeing to the demands of this fruitloop? Sure he's awesome in battle, but he's also out of his mind. I for one don't like it, and don't look for me to be fully cooperative." He finished.
Orion fully understood Seifers concerns, however, he also knew exactly why he was letting Squall take control. He truly believed that it was Squalls destiny to lead them in this war. He also knew well the legend of Tralen. He knew that if it was the return of Tralen, that only a true Sorceress Knight could defeat him. But there was more to that than even he cared to speak of. His father believed that only a Sorceress Knight, with his Sorceress supporting him could defeat Tralen. He knew that was the case in the legend. The battle waged on for hours, and the sorceress continued healing her knight as he went forth with the battle.
He knew that was a possibility, but he hoped against hope that this great Knight Leonhart could be the one to prove that it could be done without the Sorceress. He had to have faith. Yes that was the answer to Seifer's question, he had faith. He was about to give that as his answer to Seifer, when a loud commotion arose at the entrance to the cafeteria.
The group left their meeting to go check it out. When they arrived at the cafeteria entrance, the saw the two guards posted there holding a young looking SeeD by the arms.
"He was not permitted entrance sir." the first guard said to Orion as he released the younger SeeD.
"He claimed to have a message for you, but we were merely following orders." The second guard added. as they released him.
"It's ok." Orion said to them. "Our meeting has come to a close, you may be dismissed."
"Yes sir." The two guards said as they left their post.
"Now what message do you have for me that is so important that you'd risk trying to break through those tough looking young lads?" Orion Laughed.
"Well sir," the young boy stuttered, "Our scout team was out performing random missions when we witnessed something huge taking place. Off the shores of Balamb, we saw bubbles emerging from the waters. Inside of them were troops wearing black. Through our scopes we could tell that they were carrying guns, and obviously there was magic involved.
They began to form an attack formation still just floating there in those bubbles well off shore. There looked to be about 250 of them. but that's just an estimate of course. The others wanted to stay for a moment to see if they were friendly, but I broke ranks to tell you. They're fairly well away from he town yet, but it's obvious they plan on attacking it. We haven't much time sir."
"You chose well to come and tell me, you'll be rewarded for your efforts." Orion said. He was thinking to himself. "So now he's testing our attack strength. He's giving us enough time to assemble first, so that he can see our attack power. If it's a test he wants then it's a test he shall receive."
Orion got on the intercom and began to spit out dialogue. He ordered all SeeDs to report battle ready to the main hall. He then began organizing teams. He sent out over half of his available force of one hundred - one SeeDs. The organization went surprisingly quick, and soon they were in vehicles bound for Balamb.
Upon their arrival, they broke into a formation, and prepared their attack. Every SeeD ready, poised for battle. Every SeeD was intent on doing his best to take care of the situation. Every SeeD was ready to follow their leader, Orion Hughes.
****
Orion Hughes stood on the front lines near the shore looking out to sea. The troops were approaching the shore, soon, they would be making landfall. He was ready to give the attack signal. Ready to start this thing.
As the army approached Orion drew Revenge's Blood, and brandished the fearsome Gunblade high above his head. He was a machine when it came to battle and this time it would be no exception. The first wave was coming ashore. He went into attack position. Quistis, Seifer, Zell, Irvine, and Selphie all had their teams prepared. They were watching Orion, waiting on his signal. Intent on his every move.
He was a true leader, a man who could rally the troops. And they were rallied, and ready. And then it happened. He watched and watched and watched, and then at just the right moment he gave the signal to engage.
And so the battle was on, but this time the SeeDs were ready and waiting. There was no surprise this time. The battle had begun and Orion Hughes would draw first blood.
Well, there you go folks. People asked me why this was an action/adventure story, well, you're about to see it. I'm sorry that it's taken a while to get here, but now the story opens up, and hopefully you can enjoy it! Soon I'll be posting an intermission which will be some author notes, and random comments about the plot of the story. I hope that everyone finds this story as fu to read as it has been to write.
D.H.
Squall quickly recounted to the group around the table the story of his encounter in the train car. The same story that Seifer had refused to give them until Squall was awakened. Seifer, however at this juncture seemed more than willing to relate his story and verify that what Squall spoke was correct all the way up to the point when he passed out. The story was fairly self explanatory, and it didn't take long for everyone to add up the details and see why that incident in the train was relevant to this crisis at hand. After Squall finished speaking Orion continued the meeting.
"So Squall, this man called himself Master Tralen, said Rinoa is still alive, claimed to have switched the notes, and then disappeared into thin air? Is that right?" Orion asked.
"Nope, that's wrong!" Squall retorted with authority. "The man never claimed to be Master Tralen, he claimed to be the servant of Master Tralen. Other than that, you got it."
"Well, that means we haven't got much to go on." Orion said with a thoughtful look on his face. "I sent Seifer to find you, because I believe that the day of the Sorcerer is upon us again. I believe he knows about SeeD, and is confident that he can beat it. I believe just as in the days of the first sorceress, that you the Sorceress Knight are the great hope to save the world from the greed and tyranny of a vengeful Sorcerer."
Squall looked from person to person around the table. He looked into each eye. Of some he knew nothing, but he saw their determination to fight, he could tell that they would do whatever it took to protect the world from this. In other eyes however he saw more, he saw memories. There were the people who he'd gone through the time compression with, and the people who he'd fought side by side, and battle by battle with, all the way to Ultimacia's castle.
The memories flooded his mind. Memories of Seifer Almassy, his boyhood rival; memories of Zell Dincht, his longtime friend who was with him when he battled with the Unholy; Irvine Kineas, and Selphie Tilmit, the couple who gave him support in many a battle during the reign of Unholiness, and also had confronted Ultimacia with him. And then there was Quistis Trepe, His old instructor. He had many memories of her. She was the first person he had gone into real battle with. He'd confronted Ifrit, with her by his side. He trusted her still. He trusted them all still, despite the fact that he tried not to.
Even though he knew he could trust them, and he believed the cause was worthy, he still wouldn't let go of his reason for choosing to re-enter this world. Rinoa. Rinoa was the love of his life. She was there with him at the cliffs that night, and he'd lost her, or at least he thought he had, yet now it seemed that fate had been kind, and handed him a second chance. And he was willing to take it, and yet he insisted on his own terms. Little did he realize however that as much as he thought he could, this was one battle that he was not going to win alone.
"Look," Squall began, "I'll fight with you all on one condition. We do it my way. I'm going to call the shots. Now Orion seems to have the best knowledge of the story concerning the Sorcerer, so I'll work with him, the rest of you need simply to follow our orders. Now if that's too difficult for any of you speak up now."
Eyes around the table looked to and fro. Everyone looked, but no one spoke up. There was some obvious distaste in some of their eyes for the way that Squall seemed to want to just take control like that, but no one seemed to want to loose what they felt was their only hope.
"Well it looks like it's settled then" Orion said speaking up first. "Where should we go from here?"
Squall was rather taken by that question. He wasn't sure. He wanted to find out about Rinoa as quickly as possible, so he figured. He knew there was a limited amount of information to go on, so he decided that they only had one lead, they might as well take it.
"I want to go check out that village in the side of the cliffs first." He began. "I want to take two others with me. As to which two, I don't know I've been out of it for a while and so I don't know who's qualified for this. But I only want two others. Orion, you choose."
"I suppose I'd choose Rider and Delea if I were you. Both of them are Recon members, and know the exact location of the village." Orion started. "I would encourage you to be cautious though Squall, the inhabitants of that village, if it truly is a Sorcerers village would easily give their life in his service, and they all are magicians of great power."
"I'll remember that, but I think I can handle myself." Squall said. "Well, what are we waiting for?" He said motioning for Delea and Rider to come on. "Orion, you keep an eye out for anything you may find while were gone. Well try to make this one quick trip. We will remain in contact with you, and you alone ok?"
"Ok Squall I've got it under control here, you do what you've gotta do." Orion said. I'll continue this meeting with those of you who are not involved in this mission." He said making sure that everyone didn't jump to leave just because the other three did.
While he was speaking, the three soldiers got up and left the room. Within minutes, they were loading their amphibious Recon Vehicle with supplies, and weaponry.
"What do we have here?" Squall asked as he saw Rider and Delea loading up three Motorbikes. They were almost silent, infact, they were so silent that you could comfortably listen to music with the engine fully revved. Squall had certainly never seen vehicles like this around Garden before.
"These Squall," Delea said, "are our mode of transportation. This large vehicle here is not only completely amphibious, but it is also submersible. These bikes are called Stealth Bikes. We'll be using them to approach the village. They are silent, and fast. Did I mention that they are very very fast?
"We'll land on the shoreline with the AV," Rider took over, "At that point we'll lead you to the village. That is unless you have a better idea, and of course, you're in charge."
Squall looked at the equipment. He had to admit he was impressed. This stuff was going to make this mission a whole lot easier, or at least he thought so. Had he known the road that lay ahead, he might not have made such a hasty decision. But all that aside, he helped them finish loading and soon the AV was running, and the team was off.
****
Orion held the meeting with the rest of the group for a while longer. He mainly went over the general procedures that would be followed while Squall was "in charge". He told them all to follow Squall's lead untill he ordered them otherwise. He even went so far as to tell them that as far as he was concerned for the time being Squall was to be given just as much respect as he himself was to be given.
He decided to wrap up the meeting with a statement that he knew would cause some controversy, but he felt he needed to make.
"Anyone have anything they'd like to add?" He asked. With that the room erupted into a host of chatter. There were people talking back and forth, and it seemed everyone thought something different on the matter. Finally, realizing that he was getting nowhere with this, Orion began to draw the meeting to a close.
"Ok folks look, we've got to be wary of what's going on. I believe that the Sorcerer is testing Garden's strength. We've got to be vigilant, and ready. Now does anyone have anything to add?" He wanted to slap himself for asking that again, but he had done it. All he could do now, was just hope. No one said anything at first this time around, it seemed they all seemed to want this meeting to find adjournment. Finally however someone spoke, and it was Seifer Almassy.
"Yeah, I've got something to say." Seifer Began, "Why are you agreeing to the demands of this fruitloop? Sure he's awesome in battle, but he's also out of his mind. I for one don't like it, and don't look for me to be fully cooperative." He finished.
Orion fully understood Seifers concerns, however, he also knew exactly why he was letting Squall take control. He truly believed that it was Squalls destiny to lead them in this war. He also knew well the legend of Tralen. He knew that if it was the return of Tralen, that only a true Sorceress Knight could defeat him. But there was more to that than even he cared to speak of. His father believed that only a Sorceress Knight, with his Sorceress supporting him could defeat Tralen. He knew that was the case in the legend. The battle waged on for hours, and the sorceress continued healing her knight as he went forth with the battle.
He knew that was a possibility, but he hoped against hope that this great Knight Leonhart could be the one to prove that it could be done without the Sorceress. He had to have faith. Yes that was the answer to Seifer's question, he had faith. He was about to give that as his answer to Seifer, when a loud commotion arose at the entrance to the cafeteria.
The group left their meeting to go check it out. When they arrived at the cafeteria entrance, the saw the two guards posted there holding a young looking SeeD by the arms.
"He was not permitted entrance sir." the first guard said to Orion as he released the younger SeeD.
"He claimed to have a message for you, but we were merely following orders." The second guard added. as they released him.
"It's ok." Orion said to them. "Our meeting has come to a close, you may be dismissed."
"Yes sir." The two guards said as they left their post.
"Now what message do you have for me that is so important that you'd risk trying to break through those tough looking young lads?" Orion Laughed.
"Well sir," the young boy stuttered, "Our scout team was out performing random missions when we witnessed something huge taking place. Off the shores of Balamb, we saw bubbles emerging from the waters. Inside of them were troops wearing black. Through our scopes we could tell that they were carrying guns, and obviously there was magic involved.
They began to form an attack formation still just floating there in those bubbles well off shore. There looked to be about 250 of them. but that's just an estimate of course. The others wanted to stay for a moment to see if they were friendly, but I broke ranks to tell you. They're fairly well away from he town yet, but it's obvious they plan on attacking it. We haven't much time sir."
"You chose well to come and tell me, you'll be rewarded for your efforts." Orion said. He was thinking to himself. "So now he's testing our attack strength. He's giving us enough time to assemble first, so that he can see our attack power. If it's a test he wants then it's a test he shall receive."
Orion got on the intercom and began to spit out dialogue. He ordered all SeeDs to report battle ready to the main hall. He then began organizing teams. He sent out over half of his available force of one hundred - one SeeDs. The organization went surprisingly quick, and soon they were in vehicles bound for Balamb.
Upon their arrival, they broke into a formation, and prepared their attack. Every SeeD ready, poised for battle. Every SeeD was intent on doing his best to take care of the situation. Every SeeD was ready to follow their leader, Orion Hughes.
****
Orion Hughes stood on the front lines near the shore looking out to sea. The troops were approaching the shore, soon, they would be making landfall. He was ready to give the attack signal. Ready to start this thing.
As the army approached Orion drew Revenge's Blood, and brandished the fearsome Gunblade high above his head. He was a machine when it came to battle and this time it would be no exception. The first wave was coming ashore. He went into attack position. Quistis, Seifer, Zell, Irvine, and Selphie all had their teams prepared. They were watching Orion, waiting on his signal. Intent on his every move.
He was a true leader, a man who could rally the troops. And they were rallied, and ready. And then it happened. He watched and watched and watched, and then at just the right moment he gave the signal to engage.
And so the battle was on, but this time the SeeDs were ready and waiting. There was no surprise this time. The battle had begun and Orion Hughes would draw first blood.
Well, there you go folks. People asked me why this was an action/adventure story, well, you're about to see it. I'm sorry that it's taken a while to get here, but now the story opens up, and hopefully you can enjoy it! Soon I'll be posting an intermission which will be some author notes, and random comments about the plot of the story. I hope that everyone finds this story as fu to read as it has been to write.
D.H.