Part Three
Everyone had gotten back on the train bound for Timber and a vacation. Squall had stored the weapons in the overhead compartment. Roc had settled down in one of the beds and focused of regaining his energy. Selphie was back to sitting in Irvine's lap and being irritating. Kiyoko Rested in an armchair while Zell was trying to teach her how to play fast hands. Squall and Quistis were in the bedroom looking over the new weapons. Roc's sabers had been replaced with the duel falcon. Squall's Lion heart was now the dragon glare. Zell's Ehrgeiz gloves were now the wolf claws. Selphie's strange vision was now called the light of dawn. Quistis, after examining the stinger had decided to call it the man catcher. Rinoa's weapon was the strangest. Her blade wheel was now made of glass with a small glowing light in the center. The man back at Dollet said it was a new model called the northern light.
* * * *
The train arrived in Timber. Rinoa and Selphie were the first off the train. Squall and roc followed carrying most of the luggage. Kiyoko was eager to get off the train even though she had never wanted to go to a resort. Everyone knew their way around Timber. Finding the resort was no problem. Kiyoko was still trying to get Roc to explain to her what a resort was.
Roc had long ago realized that men made Kiyoko nervous, humans made her nervous but men in particular. The boy's area and girls area would be a pleasant change from co-ed lunchrooms. Roc had also heard about the student dropping two hot dogs on Kiyoko's head.
Zell suddenly jumped in the air, "Yea! Alright!"
Irvine swung around, "What the hell you screaming about?"
"Huh?" Zell took an ear phone out of his ear, "Sorry, what?"
Irvine groaned, "What are you shouting about?"
"Oh, there's, uh, there's"
Irvine grabbed the ear phone out of Zell's hand, "Gimme that!" Irvine held the speaker up to his ear.
The announcer came back on, "That's right, I'll say it again. For those of you who've heard about the winner of the Miss Swim suit 2001 contest, she's coming here tomorrow to be the first celebrity customer of our new Timber resort."
Irvine and Zell both jumped into the air, "Alright!"
Irvine removed the speaker, "Sorry about that. The winner of the miss swim suit 2001 contest is coming here tomorrow!"
Zell mused, "I think I'd better skip the steam treatment and get a facial."
Selphie giggled, "Your face needs all the help it can get."
Zell was irritated but he knew she was kidding, "Why you little…"
Selphie jumped behind Irvine, "Save me." She said sarcastically.
Irvine shrugged, "Children, play nice."
Roc and Squall both groaned, "I'm more interested in how long you've had those head phones."
"How do you think I kept from getting bored during those boring mission briefings? Oh shit."
"We'll talk."
* * * *
Getting into the resort proved much more difficult. With rumors of the winner of the miss swimsuit contest staying at the resort everybody wanted in. Roc made a dull joke about having to transform to get in. Once Squall told the lady at the desk they were shown to their rooms.
"No way in hell!" Kiyoko was yelling at Roc, "You will have to kill me first, or kill her. Yea, that's it. Kill her."
Roc crossed his arms, "Listen, there are four rooms, four guys and four girls. According to Squall and Irvine it would be rude to have boy girl couples."
"Irvine said that?"
"Yes."
"Then put me with Quistis!"
"I'll see what I can do. By the way, they want to stick me with Squall."
"So? I don't care if you got stuck with Ifrit! I won't share a room with Selphie!"
"We could let you sleep in the welcome mat outside the room."
"There are two beds right?"
"Yes."
"What if I start off with Selphie then Irvine and I switch, I'd be with Zell and Irvine would be with Selphie."
"That would be okay, if you could get away with it."
* * * *
The first day was mostly getting settled in. Kiyoko had placed all of her stuff in a corner of the room while Selphie was laying out her cloths on her bed, most of it was pink. Kiyoko hated pink. That night Roc snapped awake. He turned to Squall who was still asleep, "It's time." Squall woke up slowly, "What?"
"Two o'clock. You said we were to leave to try and find Seifer." Squall put on his shirt, "How can you keep time like that? And how can you wake yourself up like that?"
"You must remember that I am two minds. Diamond Hawk doesn't sleep."
"Cool. Where are Quistis and Irvine?"
"I don't know. I hope they can get up without waking their room mates."
"I know but what would people say if Quistis and Irvine had to share a room?"
"I see your point."
* * * *
Squall and Roc opened the door to their rooms. Irvine was leaning against the wall outside his room. He was fully dressed and carrying his gun, "I was wondering when you two were getting up."
"Where's Quistis?"
"Fixing her face. I don't know why. Anyone we meet tonight's not going to be looking at her face."
Squall mused, "Timber isn't that bad a place at night."
Quistis opened the door. She was groggy but functioning, "Let's get going. Rinoa's sleeping like a baby and I should be too."
Irvine's gun rested on one shoulder, "Well, let's get this over with."
* * * *
Everyone stood on the bridge overlooking the train yard. The lampposts were shining brightly. Squall leaned against the rail, "We should split into two groups. Two of us handle the trains station, see if Seifer's been seen anywhere. The other will take the tavern, try and find his hangouts. Since Irvine's been to that bar before and he'll need some backup I guess that leaves you and Roc together. Quistis and I can handle the train station. We meet back here in three hours."
Roc crossed his arms, "I'd rather not."
"Listen, Quistis doesn't belong in a place like that. It's dangerous. I know the guys at the station. They'll respond better to me than some giant with a pair of swords."
"Alright."
* * * *
Irvine stood on the stairs over the bar. The lights were on and loud music was blasting. Irvine put his gun in his belt under his coat, "Better hide the weapons. People looking for a fight here always get it."
Roc's swords were also hanging around his belt. So long as his coat was on they wouldn't be spotted.
Upon entering the bar they were hit by the smell of alcohol, "Who would spend their nights in a place like this?"
"Us apparently." Most of the people were sitting around the giant television in corner watching a football game. Irvine sat down at the bar. Roc followed slowly, "Barkeep!"
A short fat bartender walked out from the back room, "What?"
"Whisky, my friend here will have anything with boos."
When the bartender handed them the drinks Irvine pulled out a picture of Seifer, "I'm looking for this man. You seen him around?"
The bartender's expression changed, "Seifer? No. He never comes around here any more. Hasn't for months."
Irvine pulled back his coat to show his gun, "Really? Then maybe you could explain why his coat is hanging from a coat hanger in the corner beside that bouncer, why the back door is closed even though you're out here and why I haven't blown your head off for hiding him. If I'm not mistaken the gray haired chick in the robe at table seven is Fujin and you're about to give her a signal to attack. You yell one thing I'm taking your head off."
Roc grinned, "I'm impressed."
Irvine grabbed the bar tender's collar and pulled him over the bar, "Here's what's going to happen. You're going to take me to that back room and I'm going to find Seifer. My friend's going to make himself comfortable. If anything happens to me he's going to do millions of dollars of damage to the bar and then he's going to hurt you."
This was certainly a side of Irvine Roc didn't know existed. Roc picked up his drink. He downed the cup, "Whisky? Not my taste really, always wanted to try it though."
Irvine was wide eyed, "That's sipping whiskey. Why aren't you passed out on the floor?"
"The Diamond Hawk protects me."
"Man, you and that Hawk. Barkeep, march." Roc watched Irvine and the bar tender walk into the back. Roc picked up his glass and walked over to one of the tables in the back. From here he could watch Fujin and back room. Roc was waiting for a gunshot. Nothing happened.
Roc began to think about the layout of the city. First, there were two doors in the bar, one he came in, the other lead to an alley. There was bound to be a third exit in the back, "A third exit! Seifer would be able to hear someone else coming." Roc looked at Fujin who was holding the glass in front of her face watching the football game. The glass she was holding had a reflective surface. Roc's Diamond Hawk stirred awake. Roc's eyes focused on the glass. Fujin was smirking at him. She wasn't guarding Seifer at all, she was a decoy. Roc stood up and walked toward the back. He set hid coat on a coat rack and walked out the back door.
Outside he looked down the alley. Once he was convinced that there was nobody there he flexed his muscles. Ice covered his body, no wings just enough to make him run faster. He ran down the alley. He stopped when he saw a man tied to a chair lying on his side. Roc picked him up, "What happened?" the man was silent, "You're not a black SeeD. Talk, Damnit!"
"What? Oh."
"What happened?"
"Seifer, was trying to get me to tell him where the black SeeD base in this city was. This guy with a cowboy hat came in but by then Seifer ran out the back door and down the alley. I got tossed out here and the guy with the cowboy hat ran after him."
Roc pulled out one of his swords and cut the ropes, "Go."
Roc turned a corner. He was stopped by Raijin, "Where do you think you're going, ya know?"
Roc's body went full Hawk, "I saved your life back in Deling. You owe me."
Raijin had one of his arms in a sling and he was wearing a brace on one leg, "Bull shit, ya know! Those black SeeD broke my arm when I got power bombed in the sewer and Fujin broke my kneecap when I told Seifer I lost Rinoa, ya know! I got busted up because of you, and I'm looking for some payback, ya know."
Rocs wings flared open, "You think you can take me on in full Hawk with a broken arm and a busted leg?"
Raijin wasn't listening. He had already taken what was jokingly called a fighting stance, "Flare!"
Roc stood fast. Raijin thought a fire spell would melt Roc's body. Roc's claws grew larger. He sliced the metal lid off a garbage dumpster and held it in front of him. The fire spell passed harmlessly. Roc threw the lid to the side, "You're out of tricks you loser." Roc's wings spread and he tried to cut at Raijin.
Raijin blocked the first slash but the second caught his staff and split in half, "My weapon, ya know!"
Roc was still coming. Raijin punched for Roc's face but hit nothing but air. Raijin swung around and tried to sweep. Roc jumped into the air. He had both feet on the wall about six feet up. Roc back flipped, dodging Raijin's blow completely. Roc's body returned to human, the hold he was thinking of required him to be smaller than his victim. Roc put one leg around Raijin's busted knee. He twisted Raijin's arms behind his back and pushed Raijin against a wall. Raijin was trying to fight back but Roc had his other leg back and was putting pressure on both of Raijin's injuries. Roc twisted a little more, "Time for my favorite game, twist and shout. Where's Seifer?"
"I can't say, he'd kill me, ya know!" Raijin yelped as Roc broke down on his leg, "Damnit, that hurts, ya know!"
"Tell me what I need to know." Roc heard something cut through the air. He released his grip and jumped back, when he landed he was in mid hawk. Fujin's blade ring had landed in the wall inches from Raijin's head, "AWAY."
Raijin fell to the ground, "Ah, damnit, thanks Fujin, ya know."
Fujin pulled her blade out of the wall. She looked down at Raijin and kicked him in the stomach, "WEAKLING." Fujin lunged at roc swing her blade around.
Roc ducked under one shot and swung to the side, just missing Fujin's grip. He drew both swords. When Fujin stabbed again Roc crossed his swords around the center of the blade. Fujin's thrust stopped inches from Roc's head and Fujin's wrist was caught on the dull side of the blades, "RELEASE!"
Roc was becoming annoyed with Fujin's vocabulary, "Bitch." Roc kicked Fujin in the leg. She drew back. Roc returned to his human form. He spun backward on his left leg and kicked Fujin in the face with his right. Roc's right foot touched the ground then swung back giving her a fast side kick to the gut. She fell backward. Roc was over her in a second with both swords crossed over her neck, "I'm not just a swordsman, I know three forms of martial arts and my GF knows at least five more. If you think I have a problem killing an unarmed woman in cold blood you're wrong."
"DEFEATED."
"Damn straight. Where's Seifer's base?"
"STATION."
"What?"
"TUNNEL."
"The tunnel outside the train station?"
"YES."
"Irvine was chasing him. Is that where he would go?"
"HUH?"
Roc's body turned full hawk, "I'm not going to kill you but if you cross me again I may have to. You can beat on your little chew toy over there all you want but don't mess with SeeD. Understand?"
"UNDERSTOOD"
Roc jumped into the air. He flipped off a wall and landed on the roof of a building and took off running.
* * * *
Squall and Quistis walked up the steps at the train station. Squall walked up to the information booth, "Hello. I was wondering if Watt still worked here."
"Yes, he does. He should be inside."
"Thank you."
Quistis walked up the steps, "Who's Watt?"
"He's Rinoa's second in command, or he was back when she ran forest owl. If anyone's seed Seifer it'd be him."
Squall entered the station. He saw a bunch of people. He saw someone sitting on the bench reading an issue of girl next door. Squall sat down beside him and said in a low voice, "Oh, the forest of Timber sure changed."
Watt looked up, "But the owls are still around. Its great to see you again, sir."
"Please, I'd like to think you know me better then that. Just call me Squall."
"Of course, Squall. I haven't used that password in a while."
"I need your help with something."
"Sure thing."
"I'm looking for a mercenary who's been seed in the area. He had a white coat with a red cross on the side. He has short blond hair. He carries a gun blade. His name is Seifer. You'd probably see him with a big black guy who says ya know a lot and a woman with grew hair and an eye patch."
"Sorry sir, uh, Squall, I haven't seen them."
"Hmm." Squall was trying to think of another way to find someone, "Have there been any fights breaking out in the city."
"Well, several. There have also been attacks on civilians. The police have put out warnings about three vigilantes. People keep disappearing and showing up later with bruises and scars all over the place."
"Where?"
"The train tracks. It's always been near the train tracks. The area below the bridge where three trains come out."
"Are there any caves or rooms inside the tunnels."
"A switchman, maybe but most of that is done automatically by computers. There may still be rooms back there but nobody hangs out there anymore."
"Sounds like a place to hide if you ask me."
* * * *
Irvine ran through the streets. He knew Seifer was just ahead of him but there was nothing Irvine could do about that. Irvine can to a bridge and stopped, the sound of footsteps went dead. Irvine punched the rail, "Damn. I lost him." Irvine leaned against a lamppost. Irvine heard a loud clang from below the bridge. Irvine looked down but it was pitch black. Irvine pulled out the killjoy and looked through the scope, "Infrared." The scope turned red. Irvine saw a mass of yellow that looked about Seifer's height.
Irvine looked away from the scope, "He's down there." Irvine was about to jump off the bridge when it occurred to him, "He's waiting for you moron. He's probably waiting to plug you once you land." Irvine looked through the scope, Seifer was gone.
Irvine heard footsteps on the sidewalk. He spun around to see Squall and Quistis, "So, you figured out where Seifer was hiding the same way we did?"
"I chased him here from the bar. He went down there and I can't see him."
"We'll have to go down ourselves."
"That's a railroad junction, do you know now many tunnels there are down there?"
"Six."
"We've got to go down there."
"Seifer could be waiting under the bridge ready to kill us. He could have night vision goggles, he could…"
"Use a fire spell, split up, stop winning." Squall snapped his fingers, "Ifrit, protect me." Squall's left hand lit on fire. Squall jumped off the bridge. Squall groaned, "Ifrit, show us your power." Squall's hand glowed brighter. The area was clear, "Come on down."
Quistis pulled out a small rod with a tail at the end. She wrapped part of her whip around the pole. She stood on the ledge. She tapped a button on the handle and dropped off the bridge. The rope slowly got longer until she was hanging above the train tracks. Squall watched her drop slowly.
Irvine jumped down and landed with a thud on the ground. He stood up as Quistis landed. She tapped a button on her whip and the tail retracted, her whip dropped to the ground. With another button the string retracted, "Let's go."
Squall ran down one tunnel. He wasn't going to let Seifer get away this time.
Irvine and Quistis exchanged glances, "Okay, so what do we use for flash lights?"
Quistis looked around. There was an old switch post. She stepped inside and fount two lanterns, "I guess we use these. Do you want left or right?"
Irvine grumbled as he took one of the lanterns, "Right I guess."
* * * *
Quistis walked slowly in the dark, The lantern's light was getting dim. She would have to resort to fire spells before to long. She was tapping the track with her boot every now and then to make sure she wasn't drifting off. There was a gust of wind, "Where did that come from? There shouldn't be an opening for another two miles."
"You're forgetting about the man hole covers." Quistis spun around. She was holding her whip and had her thumb on the button that made the rope come out. She felt something metal on her neck, "Drop it."
Quistis realized that the metal thing was Seifer's gun blade. She dropped her whip. The sound it made when it hit the track echoed through the tunnel, "You've got me, now what? I don't think you're going to kill me."
"Why? We're on the same side."
"Then why is your gun blade set to take off my head."
"I'm a desperate man right now. You know the black SeeD? They're after me."
"So?"
"The black SeeD are scientists. They want to study me. I picked up a few dirty tricks from Edea, tricks they'd dissect me to get their hands on. If that happens how safe do you think Rinoa's going to be? Or Roc and Kiyoko, how long do you think it'll be before they get those two failed experiments back? Let's go back to my little hideout and talk."
Quistis felt a rope around her wrists, then her waist. Seifer was using her whip to tie her up, "Until I'm satisfied that you're on my side I'll have to stay like this. March."
Quistis put her hand around the handle to her whip. She could feel the button that would retract the tail. If she pushed it the whip would drop and she could turn around and fight but not yet, that would be her little secret.
* * * *
Squall had been walking for a while. He was almost completely lost. The end of the tunnel wasn't for miles. He had seen three doors already but they had all been broom closets or utility rooms, nothing big enough for three people to hide. Squall was getting irritated. It was almost five in the morning and if he wasn't in his hotel room he'd have to think of a good reason to be out this late.
Squall saw another door. He tried to read what was written on the wall, it had once said switchman's room but the words had been scratched through. Squall opened the door. Inside was a well lit decorated area. There were two large couches and a large table. Seifer was sitting on one of the couches talking to Quistis who was sitting on the other. There were two cups of tea on the table and Seifer's gun blade was resting by the couch. Seifer stood up when he saw Squall enter the room. Squall drew his gun blade. Seifer raised his hands defensively, "Squall, hold on a minute."
Squall gritted his teeth, "Give me one reason."
"Quistis."
Quistis stood up, "I've just had a very informative conversation with Seifer. Apparently his goals are almost the same as our own."
"If you'd like me to explain I have a third tea cup if you'd…"
Squall raised his weapon, "It's the almost that bothers me. Seifer has this odd little habit of causing trouble and running off just when things get interesting."
Seifer sat back down, "If you'll be civilized I'd be more then happy to explain but if you're just going to stand there like a lawn sculpture I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
Squall felt like an idiot standing around while Seifer was completely ignoring him. Squall tied his gun blade around his waist and sat down by Quistis, "Is this guy for real?"
Quistis took a sip of her tea, "So far his story makes sense and it goes along with everything Roc and Kiyoko told us."
Seifer set down his glass, "As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted," He glanced at Squall, "After my defeat at Lunatic Pandora my friends and I were forced to wander the desert for a while. After a few days we looked back. A swarm of escape craft were coming out of Lunatic Pandora which was still hanging in the sky. One of the escape pods landed near us. When Raijin opened the door five black SeeD came out. First they were friendly and gave us some food. We were happy to take it. One of the black SeeD was carrying the digital information from one of the cameras inside and after Fujin fixed their computer they were able to watch it. Unfortunately, the data was our little skirmish in the control room. They saw me kill Oden with one shot. You remember that, right?"
Squall said through gritted teeth, "I remember."
"Anyway, while Fujin was fixing their computer system she found their directives. I'll give you a hint, we're all in trouble. Number one; capture those who display full mastery of magic powers without the use of a guardian force, that includes Rinoa. Number two; capture anyone who displays power or performs a feat beyond that of a civilian or anything that displays a human has more potential power than a guardian force, when I killed Oden I became a target. Three, capture any non guardian force that displays qualities or the appearance of another race, your little kitty friend out there is a felious, a mythological creature said to have been extinct for thousands of years."
"Why do they want to capture these people instead of killing them?" Quistis asked.
"That's the next part. These people aren't a mercenary service like you are. What they do the do in the name of science. The ice giant was a result of one of those experiments. They had a guardian force, Diamond Hawk I believe, and they bonded him forcible with a human. Normally someone who bonds with a GF is just fine accept they can break and call magic. You, Squall, use Ifrit and look at you. Are you half fire demon with Ifrit interfering with your higher brain functions, of course not. They'd probably dissect your kitty and put Rinoa through a battery of experiments that she probably wouldn't survive. I'm not sure what they'd do to me but I don't really want to think about it."
"How did you kill Odin anyway?"
"Oh, that. Edea taught me a few tricks, that one just came in handy."
"Okay Seifer, you've told me about the black SeeD and for what it's worth I believe you. Now, the question is what are you going to do about it?"
"Apparently the black SeeD are almost everywhere. They even have a base in this city somewhere. I think if I can find their base here I can trace them back to black garden."
"What about Edea's white SeeD?"
"Honestly, you can be so naïve? Without Edea the white SeeD took to the four winds. They're gone. Other than Balamb we're on our own. That's why I didn't interfere with the negotiations for a Deling garden. I knew it would be useful but I don't have time to wait for them to sign the contracts and finish construction. You see, while I'm hunting the black SeeD they're hunting me so it's in my best interest to work with you and since Rinoa's ass is also on the line it's in your best interest to work with me." Seifer stood up and reached his hand across the table, "What do you say? We work together to stop the black SeeD?"
Squall was about to shake Seifer's hand when the door burst open. Irvine fell through. He cursed loudly. Fujin and Raijin stepped inside. Raijin was holding Irvine's gun, "We found Irvine sniffing around our base, we thought we'd bring him in, ya know."
Seifer pulled back his hand as Squall reached for his weapon again. Seifer crossed his arms, "I was just about to agree to work with them. Thanks to you two that's probably off. Fujin, when I took off running why aren't you taking care of the diamond hawk?"
"DEFEATED."
"What? You had Raijin backing you up!"
"CRIPLE." Fujin kicked Raijin in the shin.
Raijin winced, "It wasn't my fault, ya know. Roc broke my staff, ya know!"
"USELESS!"
"Seifer, a little help, ya know! Roc had this killer choke hold, ya know."
"I swear. From now on things are going to be a little different. We're working with these losers for a while."
"WHAT!"
"You can't be serious, ya know."
"They have a few resources we don't. We'll merge with their group and continue hunting the black SeeD tomorrow. By the way, I'm not staying in this dump another night. Tomorrow I'm checking into the spa."
Squall was sitting back down, "How do you expect to do that? They're booked solid with the miss swim suit contest winner checking in."
Raijin was grinning, "That was a good concert, ya know."
Fujin kicked him in the shin again, "HORNEY."
Seifer chuckled, "I'm sure the headmaster of Balamb garden can talk the manager into clearing out two rooms."
"Is that a request or an order."
"Squall, you always see things in black and white. I was advising and stating my demands, nothing more nothing less."
"How am I supposed to tell the others?"
"Your little friends are not my problem."
* * * *
"No way in hell! No! Never! You'll have to kill me first! Ain't gonna happen!" Zell punched the wall. His fist broke through the wall, "I'm not working with that freak Seifer."
Squall and Seifer were both watching Zell, "I don't like it either but he knows stuff we don't."
Everyone in the room was watching Zell. Besides Squall nobody hated Seifer like Zell. Squall was half expecting a reaction like this. Seifer wasn't going to miss a chance to get on Zell's nerves, "Better calm down Chicken Wuss, you turn the walls into Swiss cheese you're paying the bill."
"And another thing!" Zell started. He was immediately cut off by Quistis, "We believe that the black SeeD has a base in this city. The problem is we don't know where. Tonight we're going to find out. Seifer's team will work with ours and when we split up we use mixed teams."
"Anyone sticks me with Seifer, I'm gonna…"
Seifer stepped in, "You're gonna what?"
Seifer and Squall were leaning against the wall with their arms crossed and the exact same look on their faces. Zell knew they were working together and they'd gang up on Zell if he started throwing insults, "Ya know what, you guys don't give a damn about me. Why should I care?" Zell stormed out of the room.
Kiyoko, who was sitting on a table had just gotten up and was inching for the door. Irvine was about to go after Zell but with Selphie sitting on the bed next to him he knew she wouldn't let him get away that easily. Kiyoko decided that Roc wouldn't go along with anything she wouldn't like. One quick jump and she was out the door.
Roc watched her go, "I'll save your seat." He muttered knowing Kiyoko could hear him. Roc turned his attention back to Seifer.
"Once we'd escaped the black SeeD we went north to Trabia garden. With a lot of work we found a boat to Dollet. The moment I got there a black SeeD team was there waiting for me. I finally found the Dollet underground. All the rumors said that a new terrorist group called the black SeeD were building outside Deling City. We all remember how that went. After the attack I took the train back to Dollet. From there I traced their activities back here. I'm going to find their base and destroy every last one of them."
Squall took over, "That's where we come in. Working together we should be able to find their base. They usually travel in groups of five. If they have to enter a building expect to see one guarding the front door and another guarding the back door. At least one in every group carries a guardian force, this insures that they can all get their hands on an aura spell in a hurry. The one with a guardian force is always the leader. If there two magic users the leader will be casting all the spells and the other will be ready to surprise anyone stupid enough to attack the leader directly. They work well as a team but they don't get along with other teams, if there are ten attacking they get in each other's way. These people are efficient, well organized and they don't give information, ever. That's why if you get in a fight let one get away, he'll head straight back to the base for back up. That's our best chance. We'll start hunting tonight, in the meantime let's try and enjoy ourselves.
* * * *
Outside Kiyoko found Zell in the gym. This seemed to be where Zell always went when something made him mad. Kiyoko walked into the room, it was empty accept for Zell who was punishing a punching bag. Kiyoko perched on a bench, "You know that bag can only take so much."
Zell have the bag one more solid jab, "I know that. I'm trying to picture Seifer's face on the front." Zell spun around and kicked the bag, "That stupid bastard had been riding my ass since I first joined garden. The stupid bastard," Zell punched twice, "Has been making my life miserable, constantly reminding me that he's better then I am."
"From what I've seen you're the brave one. I haven't seen him so much as throw a punch."
"I'll give you a hint. There are only two gun blade specialists in the world that we know of. Squall's one and Seifer's the other. Back at Garden those two were elite."
"I bet it'd be fun to watch them fight."
"Yea, the first few times. Then it's just boring. Man I swear to god if they put me with Seifer…" Zell did a crescent kick then three sharp punches.
"You know you'll never get anywhere hitting the bag like that."
"What do you mean?"
Kiyoko got up. She drew her claws. Her legs spread apart and she was crouched ready to attack. Kiyoko pounced and slashed with her claws. The bag burst open and the sand started draining out of the slit in the side. Kiyoko dusted off her hands, "If you want to break the bag you should use something sharper."
Zell scratched the back of his head, "Uh, Yoko, the point isn't to break the bag but to keep punching in order to relieve stress or try new moves."
Kiyoko grinned, "Oh well."
"At least I didn't try to lift weights. She'd probably thrown the barbell at me."
"What?"
"Nothing. Let's grab a drink."
Kiyoko purred, "Sure thing."
Zell noted the purring sound and took it as a good sign. Once he was sure she was out of the room Zell dabbed the sweat off his forehead, "Irvine always said I had his way with women. Pour some sugar on me, in the name of love ."
* * * *
Later that day Zell and Irvine were relaxing in a hot tub. Zell had a club soda sitting on the side. Irvine had a martini, "So, Zell, if you go hunting tonight, who would you rather get stuck with, Fujin or Seifer?"
"The quiet effeminate freak with an attitude problem or the loud effeminate freak with an attitude problem, I'll take Fujin. By the way, I didn't know they served anything with alcohol in it."
Irvine sipped his martini, "You've just gotta know who to ask."
"I thought they'd be scared you'd get drunk and start hitting on every girl in sight. What am I saying? Like you need to be drunk to start hitting on every girl in sight." This was answered with a splash of water in Zell's face, "Hey, sorry man."
Irvine was probably the only person in the world who could pull off wearing a cowboy hat in a hot tub, "I'm dating now, remember?"
"Yea, sure."
The door to the hot tub opened. Seifer and Irvine walked into the room with towels wrapped around their waist, "Oh man, call the cleaning crew, there's a rat in the pool."
Zell looked around, "I don't see any rats."
Raijin snorted, "He's talking about you, ya know."
Zell was about to stand up. Irvine dove across the pool and grabbed his wrist, "Zell, you start a fight they may have to get Squall in here and you know we won't get to have any fun with him around."
Seifer took off his towel. He was wearing boxers thankfully. He and Raijin dropped into the hot tub. Seifer looked around, "Hey, chicken wuss, throw me the remote."
Zell flipped off Seifer and tossed the remote to Irvine. Seifer rolled his eyes, "The resort's private channel is showing the arrival of Miss swim suit 2001. I was going to watch it but if you'd rather look at three guys in boxers…"
Zell growled under his breath, "Irvine, do what the man says."
Irvine turned on the television hanging on the wall, "For a chance to watch miss swim suit, sure thing." The channel changed.
"Miss swim suit 2001, miss Christina Blain, now arriving. Would you look at that."
Miss Blain was wearing a low cut black dress. Her wavy blond hair was catching the sunlight. Even the small sun glasses and rouge lipstick gave her a certain animal magnetism. All four guys sitting in the hot tub said at once, "Damn."
She was walking down the red carpet as her lemo drove off. Irvine took another sip of his martini, "I don't think Selphie would have had a chance."
Raijin grinned, "You've got a point there, ya know. She's hot, ya know."
Zell grumbled, "Yea, we know."
"Shut up chicken wuss. Wait a damn minute! Look at her body guards!"
Everyone looked at the five men escorting Miss Blain to the front door. They were wearing the black SeeD insignia. They all had trench coats but they were worn open. They each had the skull with vines coming out of the eye socket. Zell and Irvine both stood up, "We'd better tell Squall." The two ran out of the room.
Seifer yelled, "Chicken wuss, I need a lady to walk into the girls sauna and tell Fujin. You're close enough."
Zell walked out of the sauna with a towel around his waist. He bumped into Roc in the hallway," So, where are you off to?"
"I'm meeting Kiyoko and Squall for lunch."
"Could you do us a small favor?"
* * * *
Seifer sipped Irvine's martini, which had been abandoned, "I do so love messing with Zell's head."
Raijin nodded, "He's getting really pissed off, ya know."
Roc walked into the room, "I hope you don't mind me joining you. I was told the hot tub was a great way to relax."
"Common in."
Roc sat down in the hot tub. Roc leaned back and relaxed. His body slowly turned white and covered with ice. The water was getting chilly. Seifer saw the dial that controlled temperature go from a hundred fifteen to thirty five. Roc reached over and grabbed Seifer and Raijin's towels off the bench. He dropped them into the water. As small bits of ice formed around Roc's body Seifer and Raijin began to shiver.
Slowly the top of the water crystallized, Seifer and Raijin were barely able to get out. Before the tub was solid ice. Roc grinned a little below his beak, "What's wrong for you boys? I thought you were here to relax?"
Seifer looked around, "Where in the hell is my towel?"
Roc looked down at the water. He cracked the ice and produced two towels, "Oh, they got a little wet, sorry about that."
Seifer dropped his towel, it shattered when it hit the ground, "I can't go outside like this!"
Roc returned to his human body. The ice slowly cracked then melted away, "I think I busted the hot water pump. It'll take about five hours for the repair crew to arrive, what with Miss Blain and all. You could try to run down the hall with your shorts on but there are a lit of people out there. I'll see you boys later." Roc picked up Irvine's martini, he took a sip, "You're at a spa, try to relax." Roc walked out the door.
Seifer and Raijin were shivering, "It's freezing, ya know!"
Seifer exhaled, he could see his breath, "You can get back at Zell, I want to new guy."
* * * *
Squall and Kiyoko were sitting at a table in the lunchroom. Squall had been given his coat and pants back. Kiyoko was wearing her frayed jeans. Kiyoko was eating a small steak cooked rare. Squall was eating a got dog, "Ya know, those hot dogs back at garden really spoil a guy."
Kiyoko was using her claws to cut the meat, "I know you people like being kind to animals but is it really a good idea to cremate something before you eat it?"
"It's called cooking, it gets rid of bacteria." Squall realized Kiyoko had no idea what he was talking about, "it kills germs."
"Oh."
Squall saw Zell and Irvine rush into the cafeteria. They spotted Squall and ran over, "What happened to Roc?"
"He'll be along in a second. Christina Blain just arrived."
Squall rolled his eyes, if you two want an autograph you can…"
"Her body guards are black SeeD."
"Excuse me."
"Black SeeD! Five of them! They were wearing the skull mark. If Christina is working with them, we could use her to find the base."
"Good. For the moment we'll make plans. Tonight we'll go hunting. By the way, where are Seifer and Raijin?"
"I don't know, I saw them in the spa, we sort of gave them a cold shoulder."
Irvine and Zell snickered. Squall rolled his eyes, "I don't want to know. Kiyoko, after lunch you'd better find Fujin."
"Do I have to? By the way, what is with her and her one word sentences, kill, rage, weak, psycho bitch."
"We don't know, honestly, we don't want to know."
* * * *
Later that day Zell and Irvine walked down a hallway, "We ordered the massage therapy, right?"
"The room should be right around the corner."
Zell and Irvine walked around the corner to see two rooms. The first had a sigh saying, "MEN." The other had a sigh saying, "MEN." But part of it had been broken off, perhaps at one time it had said, "WOMEN." Zell saw Seifer and Raijin standing in front of the door with the whole Men sign, "Hey chicken wuss. We're just here waiting for Fujin to come out of the woman's room, that we're standing in front of."
She asked to be alone, ya know."
Zell and Irvine exchanged glances, "He switched the signs."
"Duh, he must not take us very seriously."
"Squall wanted to talk to you about the black SeeD."
Seifer winked at Raijin, "We'd better go then." Seifer and Raijin walked off.
"Zell walked up to the door, "Do you believe that he thought we'd be dumb enough to fall for that and go into the ladies room?"
"Takes all kinds, I hear the masseuse is a woman."
"Ah, I've been feeling really tense lately."
Irvine and Zell walked into the room. There was a loud scream followed by a growling sound. Irvine and Zell fell out of the room. Irvine had four claw marks on his chest and Zell had a black eye. The both fell on the ground.
Kiyoko stepped out of the room, "You should know better then to go into the ladies room! Gosh!"
Fujin added, "PERVERTS!"
Seifer and Raijin were standing around the corner, "What a moron. Let's go, we've got the basketball court reserved in fifteen minutes. Hey, chicken wuss, what have a told you about sitting outside girls windows."
"You're a sex offender, ya know!"
Zell was still looking up at the ceiling, "Those two are gonna pay."
Irvine, who was also lying on his back groaned, "PAYBACK."
* * * *
That night everyone was dressed for battle, most of them were examining their new weapons. Irvine slid two shells into the killjoy, "Those boys in Dollet know how to fix up a weapon."
Seifer put on his coat, "By the way, we need guardian forces."
Squall crossed his arms, "You don't think much of me, do you?"
"Not really but if we're going to take on five black SeeD at a time we're going to need help, and the ability to use magic."
"What do I have as insurance that you won't swing around and try to kill me with whatever I give you?"
"None really but if you want our help you'll just have to spare three."
Squall turned to Quistis, "We'll do it."
Squall held out his hand, "I have Alexander, take it."
Seifer took Squall's hand. A glowing light appeared between them. The cross on Seifer's coat glowed red. Seifer felt the white light enter his mind. He took a step back, the sensation was overwhelming. Seifer regained his balance, "That's more like it."
Irvine stepped forward, "I have the brothers, take them." Raijin took his hand. The light was red and Raijin's eyes turned orange for a moment. Raijin flexed his muscles, "It's been to long, ya know."
Rinoa stepped forward, "I have Leviathan, take him." Fujin accepted the Leviathan. Her weapon turned blue for a moment before the guardian force absorbed. Fujin examined her weapon, "LEVIATHAN."
Squall crossed his arms, "This in only a lone, once we kill the black SeeD I'm taking these back and if anyone dies during the mission."
Seifer grinned, "Yea, yea, recapture, magic power, bla, bla, bla."
Quistis was giving the briefing, "Tonight we split into three groups. Squall will take Fujin and Rinoa and explore the city trying to find a black SeeD hideout. Seifer, Irvine, Kiyoko and Roc will stay near the hotel to make sure those black SeeD guarding Miss Blain don't go anywhere. That leaves Zell, Raijin, Selphie and myself. Sorry Zell."
Zell had already punched another hole in the wall. Zell looked up and realized that Raijin had done the same, "I got stuck with the freaks, ya know!"
Fujin crossed her arms, "LOSERS."
Seifer grinned, "I agree, wouldn't it be better for the three of us to make one team? We've been fighting together for a long time and we'd make a better team."
Quistis had a cross look on her face, "You're also out of control, how do we know you three won't kill innocent people while trying to get to a gang of black SeeD. We need mixed teams."
Seifer leaned against a wall beside Fujin, "You're just being a control freak, ever since we were kids…"
Quistis's whip cut through the air, cutting Seifer off completely, "We're moving out, now."
* * * *
Roc and Kiyoko were sitting back on the roof of the spa. Seifer had been perched outside the front gate for about an hour. Irvine was watching the back exit leading into the alley.
Roc was trying to teach Kiyoko how to play cards but she wasn't getting it. She wasn't understanding that even though an Ifrit card could beat a Glacial Eye in real life if the Glacial Eye's top number 6 was put to Ifrit's bottom number 2 the Glacial eye would win. Kiyoko had since given up trying to learn the game. She was laying on the roof watching the stars when her ears perked up, "Guys, I hear something. Irvine."
Irvine held his eye to the scope of the killjoy, "Zoom in, three hundred percent." Irvine saw five black SeeD walking out of the hotel with someone wearing a black coat, a hood and dark glasses. Kiyoko and Roc were looking over Irvine's shoulder. Kiyoko could hear their conversation, "I tell you what, guarding Miss Blair has got to be the coolest job."
"I think I'd do this assignment if they paid me in sand."
Kiyoko growled, "Men. They're guarding Blain alright."
Roc's body was already full hawk, "Kiyoko and I can follow them faster. Can you two follow on the ground?"
Irvine cocked the killjoy, "Yea, sure thing. You just signal us when you find their base."
Roc spread his wings, "You'll have to run along the rooftops, I'm sure that won't be a problem, kitty." Roc jumped off the side of the building. His wings shifted to catch the wind. Kiyoko crouched down. She saw Roc landing on the rooftop of the next building. She pounced, running on all fours until she hit the edge of the roof. She kicked off the roof and flew threw the air. She was just barely able to land on the next rooftop.
Irvine watched the two run off after the black SeeD, "Kinda makes you feel average, don't it?"
Seifer walked to the edge of the roof, "Speak for yourself. Where'd you set up that damned ladder?"
* * * *
Irvine and Seifer were running down the street, they were trying hard to keep up with Roc and Kiyoko but there was only so much ground a human could cover on the streets and Roc could fly. Irvine was watching Roc move from rooftop to rooftop, "They just turned, we'd better take the alley, I think it's a shortcut."
Seifer and Irvine turned into the alley. Irvine stopped when he saw the brick wall, "Funny, that's new."
Seifer crossed his arms, "I think this is a short cut, I think we can catch up to Roc and Kiyoko, I'm a freaking moron!"
Irvine turned around, "Will you shut up!"
Five men wearing black stood in front of the alley, they weren't about to let anyone out. Seifer drew his sword, "Let's go!"
Irvine cocked his gun, "Oh yea, this is my kind of fight. All they need is target marks on their butts!"
Five more black SeeD appeared on the brick wall. They all jumped down into the alley. Irvine turned around, "This, makes things a little harder." Irvine fired two shots at the black SeeD coming from the wall. Seifer had already charged the five guarding the exit.
Irvine had his gun over his should, the other hand was held in front of him, "Flare!" One of the black SeeD fell dead with burn marks covering his chest. Irvine heard someone behind him. He spun around, "Arrow!" The black SeeD waved his hand. The arrow spell was redirected, "So, you're the leader." The black SeeD drew his sword and lunged at Irvine. Irvine held the handle on his gun with one hand and the end of the barrel with the other. He blocked the swing. Irvine spun to the right throwing the black SeeD of balance. Irvine swung around and hit the black SeeD in the back of the head with the handle of his gun. Irvine opened the barrel of his gun and slid two fire shells, "New ammo may be fine and good but I'm a sucker for the classics. Irvine was convinced that all the other black SeeD were swarming Seifer. Irvine closed the barrel. Just as he did someone wrapped their arm around his neck and pushed his hand into Irvine's throat. Irvine tried to swing around but he was getting dizzy. Irvine struggled to breathe. Within moments he passed out.
* * * *
Roc and Kiyoko had come to a stop outside of the old inn. Three of the SeeD walked in with Miss Blain. The other two stood outside the door, "Looks like what they did when we got ambushed back in Dollet."
"I remember."
"So, do you think they're using the inn to meet somebody? Maybe there's a switch that makes one of the closets open into an underground laboratory."
"Sounds like a bad comic book to me."
"Should we wait for the others or should we bust in and wait for them to save us?"
"Let's wait here."
* * * *
Irvine opened his eyes. He was on a stage facing the seats. He was tied to a chair and the killjoy was sitting on the other side of the stage with Seifer's gun blade. HE looked around, "Seifer?"
"Right behind you."
"What happened?"
"Your stupid ass stopped to reload your gun in the middle of a fight. That has got to be the dumbest thing I've ever seen people do in a fight and I've watched Zell fight many times."
"You know where we are?"
"I got knocked out too. I was asleep when they brought us here. If I had to guess I'd say we're in the old TV station. It's a place I know very well. It was here Edea offered my a job as her knight."
"May I assume that it was a trap and Roc and Kiyoko are waiting outside some old building while five black SeeD and a fake Miss Blain are playing card laughing at them?"
Seifer groaned, "Duh. Alright, let's try and figure a way out of here." Irvine wiggled his arms to try and get free, "Great idea, if you shake around enough I'm sure those ropes will come apart."
"Your sword is over there, if we can move…"
"Of maybe if we could fly we wouldn't be in this mess, or if you're stupid ass hadn't stopped to reload your gun during a fight!"
"I don't see you trying anything!"
"How long can they keep us here without us seeing one of them? I've got a few questions to ask."
There was a voice from behind Seifer, "Ask away, I probably won't answer but if you want to try. You Seifer Almasy are on our priority list. You Irvine, we have no use for you at all. The only reason you're here is because we had extra rope."
Seifer couldn't see who was talking, "Miss Blain I presume."
"Kitina Christian Blade, first major in the black SeeD observation syndicate, at your service. Christina Blain is just a name given to me by my boss. I'm standing in front of Irvine because he's not leaving here alive, you Seifer are going back to our base. I think it best if you not see what I really look like." The stunning blond winner of the miss swimsuit contest was now a stunning red head. Her face had changed and the phony tattoo on her shoulder had been removed.
Irvine leaned back a little, "Don't I get a last request?"
Kitina leaned over Irvine, "No."
Irvine's charm was useless. Seifer groaned, "For the last time will you please shut up! You're embarrassing us both!"
Irvine looked over his shoulder, "Screw you! It's your fault I'm about to die. Why couldn't Squall have but you with Rinoa and the new guys, then all the stupid people on their priority list wouldn't get us mortals in trouble."
Seifer was struggling, "Let my loose, I want to fight Irvine myself!"
Kitina crossed her arms, "If you think I'm stupid enough to fall for that you don't know whom you're dealing with."
Seifer leaned back and groaned, "Then just plug him and take me with you."
"Don't I get a say in this?"
Kitina mused to herself, "These two know I'm smarter than to fall for any of their tricks. They're either really cocky or, a tracker!" Kitina ripped open Irvine's coat. She felt for the inside coat pocket. She produced a small radio with a small flashing light on the bottom. Kitina dropped the radio and stepped on it, "Nice try." Kitina pulled out a handgun, "Irvine, You've been convicted or crimes against the common wealth of our central government, the sentence is death." She took aim.
Fujin's blade wheel cut through the air. One of the blades hit Kitina's gun, knocking it from her hand. She turned around, "Black SeeD!" Twenty black SeeD landed on the stage, "Do you honestly think I'd put myself in contact with someone who killed Odin with a single blow?"
Seifer was annoyed, "Squall, kill this bitch! Throw me my gun blade while you're at it."
Squall picked up Seifer's gun blade. He threw it in Seifer's direction. The weapon was to heavy to use like a dagger but it fell near Seifer's feet.
Squall saw Rinoa raise her own blade wheel, "Rinoa, the black SeeD said you have Adel's powers. Is there any way you can use it?"
"I don't know. I've never tried before." Rinoa held her weapon in front of her. She closed her eyes, "I know you're there. Answer me!" A gust of wind whirled around her as a summoning ring appeared on the floor.
Fujin was watching, "SIREN?"
Squall shook his head, "Couldn't be. Siren is a passive GF. She's casting a spell."
Rinoa's eyes opened, "Blast Flair!" She leaned forward and exhaled." A massive fireball blew at the swarm of black SeeD. Many were struck down, seven remained.
Fujin was surprised, "HUH?"
"That looked like ten flair spells at once."
Seifer was looking at his gun blade on the ground at his feet. He had an idea, "Irvine, are our chairs tied together?"
Irvine felt the ropes, "Yea, I think so."
"Then I'm sorry about this." Seifer spread his lets and planted his feet. He thrust his head forward and tried to straighten his legs. He fell to the ground with Irvine still on the other side of his chair. Seifer put his hand around the trigger of his gun blade. Irvine was still upside down. Seifer cut the ropes around his waist and legs. He stood up.
Irvine felt his ropes come loose. He also got up, "That was painful."
"Oh buzz off pretty boy. I'm free and your weapon is over there." Seifer jumped into the fight cutting down three black SeeD with his sword.
Irvine picked up his gun. There were still two fire shells in the barrel. Irvine gritted his teeth, "Seifer's really getting on my nerves. Despite all my rage, I am still just ready to break! Fire shell." Irvine cocked his gun three times. He aimed at the remaining black SeeD. Irvine fired, a black SeeD fighting Seifer fell down. Irvine fired again, this time the SeeD was about to sneak up on Squall. Irvine fired twice. Two SeeD trying to deal with Fujin and Seifer fell over. Irvine popped open the barrel of his gun and put on his regular ammo. He jerked the gun around closing the barrel, "That was fun."
With a final cut from Seifer the battle was over, "Well, we've killed twenty black SeeD and found their base, I'd say it's been a pretty good day. Where's Kitina?"
Irvine looked around, "I think she ran off when the fighting started."
Seifer cut a curtain hanging from the ceiling, "Damn!"
Squall tied his gun blade to his belt, "Don't worry. The only reason we found you is we found Kiyoko and Roc attacking a small hotel. They're waiting around back in case Christina pulled an escape act."
"Her name's Kitina and we're in real trouble if she gets away."
* * * *
Squall and Seifer ran out the back door. They found Roc in the alley. His shirt was off and was passed out on the ground. There were two steel strips wrapped around his chest coming over his shoulder. His swords were sticking out of the wall and the trash cans near by were covered with ashes to indicate that they had recently been on fire. Squall and Seifer picked up Roc and set him on his feet. He wasn't asleep but in a state of shock. Seifer slapped the side of his face a few times, "Whatever she did to him he got wasted. I've seen him fight and it would take a lot to do this kind of damage."
Irvine walked out the door, "Where's Yoko?"
Rinoa looked around, "I don't know. I haven't seen her."
One of the garbage dumpsters rattled around and started making noise. Irvine walked over and released the latch. Kiyoko burst out of the dumpster with her hair mangled and a very angry look on her face. Irvine stepped back, "What happened?"
Kiyoko's claws were out and her back was arched, "Where's Roc! I'll kill him!"
"Did a red haired woman run through here and lock you in there?"
"No. Roc and I were waiting here for someone to come by. Roc was looking in the window. He saw something or someone and his body went full hawk. He grabbed my by the scruff of the neck and threw me in the dumpster. I heard a lot of fighting then you guys got me out." Kiyoko looked at Roc, "What happened to him?"
"We were hoping you knew. He's in shock. I thought when his ice body got damaged he fell asleep for a while."
"He does. He would have to take a lot of punishment for it to be this bad."
"Let's get him back to the spa, maybe they can wake him up or something."
"Oh, I don't know if I told you this but he can't handle fire magic. If you put him somewhere really cold and he's really wet his diamond hawk body will heal faster."
Squall put one of Roc's arms over his shoulder, "I hope so. I think right now Revos and Diamond Hawk are the only things keeping him alive right now."
Everyone had gotten back on the train bound for Timber and a vacation. Squall had stored the weapons in the overhead compartment. Roc had settled down in one of the beds and focused of regaining his energy. Selphie was back to sitting in Irvine's lap and being irritating. Kiyoko Rested in an armchair while Zell was trying to teach her how to play fast hands. Squall and Quistis were in the bedroom looking over the new weapons. Roc's sabers had been replaced with the duel falcon. Squall's Lion heart was now the dragon glare. Zell's Ehrgeiz gloves were now the wolf claws. Selphie's strange vision was now called the light of dawn. Quistis, after examining the stinger had decided to call it the man catcher. Rinoa's weapon was the strangest. Her blade wheel was now made of glass with a small glowing light in the center. The man back at Dollet said it was a new model called the northern light.
* * * *
The train arrived in Timber. Rinoa and Selphie were the first off the train. Squall and roc followed carrying most of the luggage. Kiyoko was eager to get off the train even though she had never wanted to go to a resort. Everyone knew their way around Timber. Finding the resort was no problem. Kiyoko was still trying to get Roc to explain to her what a resort was.
Roc had long ago realized that men made Kiyoko nervous, humans made her nervous but men in particular. The boy's area and girls area would be a pleasant change from co-ed lunchrooms. Roc had also heard about the student dropping two hot dogs on Kiyoko's head.
Zell suddenly jumped in the air, "Yea! Alright!"
Irvine swung around, "What the hell you screaming about?"
"Huh?" Zell took an ear phone out of his ear, "Sorry, what?"
Irvine groaned, "What are you shouting about?"
"Oh, there's, uh, there's"
Irvine grabbed the ear phone out of Zell's hand, "Gimme that!" Irvine held the speaker up to his ear.
The announcer came back on, "That's right, I'll say it again. For those of you who've heard about the winner of the Miss Swim suit 2001 contest, she's coming here tomorrow to be the first celebrity customer of our new Timber resort."
Irvine and Zell both jumped into the air, "Alright!"
Irvine removed the speaker, "Sorry about that. The winner of the miss swim suit 2001 contest is coming here tomorrow!"
Zell mused, "I think I'd better skip the steam treatment and get a facial."
Selphie giggled, "Your face needs all the help it can get."
Zell was irritated but he knew she was kidding, "Why you little…"
Selphie jumped behind Irvine, "Save me." She said sarcastically.
Irvine shrugged, "Children, play nice."
Roc and Squall both groaned, "I'm more interested in how long you've had those head phones."
"How do you think I kept from getting bored during those boring mission briefings? Oh shit."
"We'll talk."
* * * *
Getting into the resort proved much more difficult. With rumors of the winner of the miss swimsuit contest staying at the resort everybody wanted in. Roc made a dull joke about having to transform to get in. Once Squall told the lady at the desk they were shown to their rooms.
"No way in hell!" Kiyoko was yelling at Roc, "You will have to kill me first, or kill her. Yea, that's it. Kill her."
Roc crossed his arms, "Listen, there are four rooms, four guys and four girls. According to Squall and Irvine it would be rude to have boy girl couples."
"Irvine said that?"
"Yes."
"Then put me with Quistis!"
"I'll see what I can do. By the way, they want to stick me with Squall."
"So? I don't care if you got stuck with Ifrit! I won't share a room with Selphie!"
"We could let you sleep in the welcome mat outside the room."
"There are two beds right?"
"Yes."
"What if I start off with Selphie then Irvine and I switch, I'd be with Zell and Irvine would be with Selphie."
"That would be okay, if you could get away with it."
* * * *
The first day was mostly getting settled in. Kiyoko had placed all of her stuff in a corner of the room while Selphie was laying out her cloths on her bed, most of it was pink. Kiyoko hated pink. That night Roc snapped awake. He turned to Squall who was still asleep, "It's time." Squall woke up slowly, "What?"
"Two o'clock. You said we were to leave to try and find Seifer." Squall put on his shirt, "How can you keep time like that? And how can you wake yourself up like that?"
"You must remember that I am two minds. Diamond Hawk doesn't sleep."
"Cool. Where are Quistis and Irvine?"
"I don't know. I hope they can get up without waking their room mates."
"I know but what would people say if Quistis and Irvine had to share a room?"
"I see your point."
* * * *
Squall and Roc opened the door to their rooms. Irvine was leaning against the wall outside his room. He was fully dressed and carrying his gun, "I was wondering when you two were getting up."
"Where's Quistis?"
"Fixing her face. I don't know why. Anyone we meet tonight's not going to be looking at her face."
Squall mused, "Timber isn't that bad a place at night."
Quistis opened the door. She was groggy but functioning, "Let's get going. Rinoa's sleeping like a baby and I should be too."
Irvine's gun rested on one shoulder, "Well, let's get this over with."
* * * *
Everyone stood on the bridge overlooking the train yard. The lampposts were shining brightly. Squall leaned against the rail, "We should split into two groups. Two of us handle the trains station, see if Seifer's been seen anywhere. The other will take the tavern, try and find his hangouts. Since Irvine's been to that bar before and he'll need some backup I guess that leaves you and Roc together. Quistis and I can handle the train station. We meet back here in three hours."
Roc crossed his arms, "I'd rather not."
"Listen, Quistis doesn't belong in a place like that. It's dangerous. I know the guys at the station. They'll respond better to me than some giant with a pair of swords."
"Alright."
* * * *
Irvine stood on the stairs over the bar. The lights were on and loud music was blasting. Irvine put his gun in his belt under his coat, "Better hide the weapons. People looking for a fight here always get it."
Roc's swords were also hanging around his belt. So long as his coat was on they wouldn't be spotted.
Upon entering the bar they were hit by the smell of alcohol, "Who would spend their nights in a place like this?"
"Us apparently." Most of the people were sitting around the giant television in corner watching a football game. Irvine sat down at the bar. Roc followed slowly, "Barkeep!"
A short fat bartender walked out from the back room, "What?"
"Whisky, my friend here will have anything with boos."
When the bartender handed them the drinks Irvine pulled out a picture of Seifer, "I'm looking for this man. You seen him around?"
The bartender's expression changed, "Seifer? No. He never comes around here any more. Hasn't for months."
Irvine pulled back his coat to show his gun, "Really? Then maybe you could explain why his coat is hanging from a coat hanger in the corner beside that bouncer, why the back door is closed even though you're out here and why I haven't blown your head off for hiding him. If I'm not mistaken the gray haired chick in the robe at table seven is Fujin and you're about to give her a signal to attack. You yell one thing I'm taking your head off."
Roc grinned, "I'm impressed."
Irvine grabbed the bar tender's collar and pulled him over the bar, "Here's what's going to happen. You're going to take me to that back room and I'm going to find Seifer. My friend's going to make himself comfortable. If anything happens to me he's going to do millions of dollars of damage to the bar and then he's going to hurt you."
This was certainly a side of Irvine Roc didn't know existed. Roc picked up his drink. He downed the cup, "Whisky? Not my taste really, always wanted to try it though."
Irvine was wide eyed, "That's sipping whiskey. Why aren't you passed out on the floor?"
"The Diamond Hawk protects me."
"Man, you and that Hawk. Barkeep, march." Roc watched Irvine and the bar tender walk into the back. Roc picked up his glass and walked over to one of the tables in the back. From here he could watch Fujin and back room. Roc was waiting for a gunshot. Nothing happened.
Roc began to think about the layout of the city. First, there were two doors in the bar, one he came in, the other lead to an alley. There was bound to be a third exit in the back, "A third exit! Seifer would be able to hear someone else coming." Roc looked at Fujin who was holding the glass in front of her face watching the football game. The glass she was holding had a reflective surface. Roc's Diamond Hawk stirred awake. Roc's eyes focused on the glass. Fujin was smirking at him. She wasn't guarding Seifer at all, she was a decoy. Roc stood up and walked toward the back. He set hid coat on a coat rack and walked out the back door.
Outside he looked down the alley. Once he was convinced that there was nobody there he flexed his muscles. Ice covered his body, no wings just enough to make him run faster. He ran down the alley. He stopped when he saw a man tied to a chair lying on his side. Roc picked him up, "What happened?" the man was silent, "You're not a black SeeD. Talk, Damnit!"
"What? Oh."
"What happened?"
"Seifer, was trying to get me to tell him where the black SeeD base in this city was. This guy with a cowboy hat came in but by then Seifer ran out the back door and down the alley. I got tossed out here and the guy with the cowboy hat ran after him."
Roc pulled out one of his swords and cut the ropes, "Go."
Roc turned a corner. He was stopped by Raijin, "Where do you think you're going, ya know?"
Roc's body went full Hawk, "I saved your life back in Deling. You owe me."
Raijin had one of his arms in a sling and he was wearing a brace on one leg, "Bull shit, ya know! Those black SeeD broke my arm when I got power bombed in the sewer and Fujin broke my kneecap when I told Seifer I lost Rinoa, ya know! I got busted up because of you, and I'm looking for some payback, ya know."
Rocs wings flared open, "You think you can take me on in full Hawk with a broken arm and a busted leg?"
Raijin wasn't listening. He had already taken what was jokingly called a fighting stance, "Flare!"
Roc stood fast. Raijin thought a fire spell would melt Roc's body. Roc's claws grew larger. He sliced the metal lid off a garbage dumpster and held it in front of him. The fire spell passed harmlessly. Roc threw the lid to the side, "You're out of tricks you loser." Roc's wings spread and he tried to cut at Raijin.
Raijin blocked the first slash but the second caught his staff and split in half, "My weapon, ya know!"
Roc was still coming. Raijin punched for Roc's face but hit nothing but air. Raijin swung around and tried to sweep. Roc jumped into the air. He had both feet on the wall about six feet up. Roc back flipped, dodging Raijin's blow completely. Roc's body returned to human, the hold he was thinking of required him to be smaller than his victim. Roc put one leg around Raijin's busted knee. He twisted Raijin's arms behind his back and pushed Raijin against a wall. Raijin was trying to fight back but Roc had his other leg back and was putting pressure on both of Raijin's injuries. Roc twisted a little more, "Time for my favorite game, twist and shout. Where's Seifer?"
"I can't say, he'd kill me, ya know!" Raijin yelped as Roc broke down on his leg, "Damnit, that hurts, ya know!"
"Tell me what I need to know." Roc heard something cut through the air. He released his grip and jumped back, when he landed he was in mid hawk. Fujin's blade ring had landed in the wall inches from Raijin's head, "AWAY."
Raijin fell to the ground, "Ah, damnit, thanks Fujin, ya know."
Fujin pulled her blade out of the wall. She looked down at Raijin and kicked him in the stomach, "WEAKLING." Fujin lunged at roc swing her blade around.
Roc ducked under one shot and swung to the side, just missing Fujin's grip. He drew both swords. When Fujin stabbed again Roc crossed his swords around the center of the blade. Fujin's thrust stopped inches from Roc's head and Fujin's wrist was caught on the dull side of the blades, "RELEASE!"
Roc was becoming annoyed with Fujin's vocabulary, "Bitch." Roc kicked Fujin in the leg. She drew back. Roc returned to his human form. He spun backward on his left leg and kicked Fujin in the face with his right. Roc's right foot touched the ground then swung back giving her a fast side kick to the gut. She fell backward. Roc was over her in a second with both swords crossed over her neck, "I'm not just a swordsman, I know three forms of martial arts and my GF knows at least five more. If you think I have a problem killing an unarmed woman in cold blood you're wrong."
"DEFEATED."
"Damn straight. Where's Seifer's base?"
"STATION."
"What?"
"TUNNEL."
"The tunnel outside the train station?"
"YES."
"Irvine was chasing him. Is that where he would go?"
"HUH?"
Roc's body turned full hawk, "I'm not going to kill you but if you cross me again I may have to. You can beat on your little chew toy over there all you want but don't mess with SeeD. Understand?"
"UNDERSTOOD"
Roc jumped into the air. He flipped off a wall and landed on the roof of a building and took off running.
* * * *
Squall and Quistis walked up the steps at the train station. Squall walked up to the information booth, "Hello. I was wondering if Watt still worked here."
"Yes, he does. He should be inside."
"Thank you."
Quistis walked up the steps, "Who's Watt?"
"He's Rinoa's second in command, or he was back when she ran forest owl. If anyone's seed Seifer it'd be him."
Squall entered the station. He saw a bunch of people. He saw someone sitting on the bench reading an issue of girl next door. Squall sat down beside him and said in a low voice, "Oh, the forest of Timber sure changed."
Watt looked up, "But the owls are still around. Its great to see you again, sir."
"Please, I'd like to think you know me better then that. Just call me Squall."
"Of course, Squall. I haven't used that password in a while."
"I need your help with something."
"Sure thing."
"I'm looking for a mercenary who's been seed in the area. He had a white coat with a red cross on the side. He has short blond hair. He carries a gun blade. His name is Seifer. You'd probably see him with a big black guy who says ya know a lot and a woman with grew hair and an eye patch."
"Sorry sir, uh, Squall, I haven't seen them."
"Hmm." Squall was trying to think of another way to find someone, "Have there been any fights breaking out in the city."
"Well, several. There have also been attacks on civilians. The police have put out warnings about three vigilantes. People keep disappearing and showing up later with bruises and scars all over the place."
"Where?"
"The train tracks. It's always been near the train tracks. The area below the bridge where three trains come out."
"Are there any caves or rooms inside the tunnels."
"A switchman, maybe but most of that is done automatically by computers. There may still be rooms back there but nobody hangs out there anymore."
"Sounds like a place to hide if you ask me."
* * * *
Irvine ran through the streets. He knew Seifer was just ahead of him but there was nothing Irvine could do about that. Irvine can to a bridge and stopped, the sound of footsteps went dead. Irvine punched the rail, "Damn. I lost him." Irvine leaned against a lamppost. Irvine heard a loud clang from below the bridge. Irvine looked down but it was pitch black. Irvine pulled out the killjoy and looked through the scope, "Infrared." The scope turned red. Irvine saw a mass of yellow that looked about Seifer's height.
Irvine looked away from the scope, "He's down there." Irvine was about to jump off the bridge when it occurred to him, "He's waiting for you moron. He's probably waiting to plug you once you land." Irvine looked through the scope, Seifer was gone.
Irvine heard footsteps on the sidewalk. He spun around to see Squall and Quistis, "So, you figured out where Seifer was hiding the same way we did?"
"I chased him here from the bar. He went down there and I can't see him."
"We'll have to go down ourselves."
"That's a railroad junction, do you know now many tunnels there are down there?"
"Six."
"We've got to go down there."
"Seifer could be waiting under the bridge ready to kill us. He could have night vision goggles, he could…"
"Use a fire spell, split up, stop winning." Squall snapped his fingers, "Ifrit, protect me." Squall's left hand lit on fire. Squall jumped off the bridge. Squall groaned, "Ifrit, show us your power." Squall's hand glowed brighter. The area was clear, "Come on down."
Quistis pulled out a small rod with a tail at the end. She wrapped part of her whip around the pole. She stood on the ledge. She tapped a button on the handle and dropped off the bridge. The rope slowly got longer until she was hanging above the train tracks. Squall watched her drop slowly.
Irvine jumped down and landed with a thud on the ground. He stood up as Quistis landed. She tapped a button on her whip and the tail retracted, her whip dropped to the ground. With another button the string retracted, "Let's go."
Squall ran down one tunnel. He wasn't going to let Seifer get away this time.
Irvine and Quistis exchanged glances, "Okay, so what do we use for flash lights?"
Quistis looked around. There was an old switch post. She stepped inside and fount two lanterns, "I guess we use these. Do you want left or right?"
Irvine grumbled as he took one of the lanterns, "Right I guess."
* * * *
Quistis walked slowly in the dark, The lantern's light was getting dim. She would have to resort to fire spells before to long. She was tapping the track with her boot every now and then to make sure she wasn't drifting off. There was a gust of wind, "Where did that come from? There shouldn't be an opening for another two miles."
"You're forgetting about the man hole covers." Quistis spun around. She was holding her whip and had her thumb on the button that made the rope come out. She felt something metal on her neck, "Drop it."
Quistis realized that the metal thing was Seifer's gun blade. She dropped her whip. The sound it made when it hit the track echoed through the tunnel, "You've got me, now what? I don't think you're going to kill me."
"Why? We're on the same side."
"Then why is your gun blade set to take off my head."
"I'm a desperate man right now. You know the black SeeD? They're after me."
"So?"
"The black SeeD are scientists. They want to study me. I picked up a few dirty tricks from Edea, tricks they'd dissect me to get their hands on. If that happens how safe do you think Rinoa's going to be? Or Roc and Kiyoko, how long do you think it'll be before they get those two failed experiments back? Let's go back to my little hideout and talk."
Quistis felt a rope around her wrists, then her waist. Seifer was using her whip to tie her up, "Until I'm satisfied that you're on my side I'll have to stay like this. March."
Quistis put her hand around the handle to her whip. She could feel the button that would retract the tail. If she pushed it the whip would drop and she could turn around and fight but not yet, that would be her little secret.
* * * *
Squall had been walking for a while. He was almost completely lost. The end of the tunnel wasn't for miles. He had seen three doors already but they had all been broom closets or utility rooms, nothing big enough for three people to hide. Squall was getting irritated. It was almost five in the morning and if he wasn't in his hotel room he'd have to think of a good reason to be out this late.
Squall saw another door. He tried to read what was written on the wall, it had once said switchman's room but the words had been scratched through. Squall opened the door. Inside was a well lit decorated area. There were two large couches and a large table. Seifer was sitting on one of the couches talking to Quistis who was sitting on the other. There were two cups of tea on the table and Seifer's gun blade was resting by the couch. Seifer stood up when he saw Squall enter the room. Squall drew his gun blade. Seifer raised his hands defensively, "Squall, hold on a minute."
Squall gritted his teeth, "Give me one reason."
"Quistis."
Quistis stood up, "I've just had a very informative conversation with Seifer. Apparently his goals are almost the same as our own."
"If you'd like me to explain I have a third tea cup if you'd…"
Squall raised his weapon, "It's the almost that bothers me. Seifer has this odd little habit of causing trouble and running off just when things get interesting."
Seifer sat back down, "If you'll be civilized I'd be more then happy to explain but if you're just going to stand there like a lawn sculpture I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
Squall felt like an idiot standing around while Seifer was completely ignoring him. Squall tied his gun blade around his waist and sat down by Quistis, "Is this guy for real?"
Quistis took a sip of her tea, "So far his story makes sense and it goes along with everything Roc and Kiyoko told us."
Seifer set down his glass, "As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted," He glanced at Squall, "After my defeat at Lunatic Pandora my friends and I were forced to wander the desert for a while. After a few days we looked back. A swarm of escape craft were coming out of Lunatic Pandora which was still hanging in the sky. One of the escape pods landed near us. When Raijin opened the door five black SeeD came out. First they were friendly and gave us some food. We were happy to take it. One of the black SeeD was carrying the digital information from one of the cameras inside and after Fujin fixed their computer they were able to watch it. Unfortunately, the data was our little skirmish in the control room. They saw me kill Oden with one shot. You remember that, right?"
Squall said through gritted teeth, "I remember."
"Anyway, while Fujin was fixing their computer system she found their directives. I'll give you a hint, we're all in trouble. Number one; capture those who display full mastery of magic powers without the use of a guardian force, that includes Rinoa. Number two; capture anyone who displays power or performs a feat beyond that of a civilian or anything that displays a human has more potential power than a guardian force, when I killed Oden I became a target. Three, capture any non guardian force that displays qualities or the appearance of another race, your little kitty friend out there is a felious, a mythological creature said to have been extinct for thousands of years."
"Why do they want to capture these people instead of killing them?" Quistis asked.
"That's the next part. These people aren't a mercenary service like you are. What they do the do in the name of science. The ice giant was a result of one of those experiments. They had a guardian force, Diamond Hawk I believe, and they bonded him forcible with a human. Normally someone who bonds with a GF is just fine accept they can break and call magic. You, Squall, use Ifrit and look at you. Are you half fire demon with Ifrit interfering with your higher brain functions, of course not. They'd probably dissect your kitty and put Rinoa through a battery of experiments that she probably wouldn't survive. I'm not sure what they'd do to me but I don't really want to think about it."
"How did you kill Odin anyway?"
"Oh, that. Edea taught me a few tricks, that one just came in handy."
"Okay Seifer, you've told me about the black SeeD and for what it's worth I believe you. Now, the question is what are you going to do about it?"
"Apparently the black SeeD are almost everywhere. They even have a base in this city somewhere. I think if I can find their base here I can trace them back to black garden."
"What about Edea's white SeeD?"
"Honestly, you can be so naïve? Without Edea the white SeeD took to the four winds. They're gone. Other than Balamb we're on our own. That's why I didn't interfere with the negotiations for a Deling garden. I knew it would be useful but I don't have time to wait for them to sign the contracts and finish construction. You see, while I'm hunting the black SeeD they're hunting me so it's in my best interest to work with you and since Rinoa's ass is also on the line it's in your best interest to work with me." Seifer stood up and reached his hand across the table, "What do you say? We work together to stop the black SeeD?"
Squall was about to shake Seifer's hand when the door burst open. Irvine fell through. He cursed loudly. Fujin and Raijin stepped inside. Raijin was holding Irvine's gun, "We found Irvine sniffing around our base, we thought we'd bring him in, ya know."
Seifer pulled back his hand as Squall reached for his weapon again. Seifer crossed his arms, "I was just about to agree to work with them. Thanks to you two that's probably off. Fujin, when I took off running why aren't you taking care of the diamond hawk?"
"DEFEATED."
"What? You had Raijin backing you up!"
"CRIPLE." Fujin kicked Raijin in the shin.
Raijin winced, "It wasn't my fault, ya know. Roc broke my staff, ya know!"
"USELESS!"
"Seifer, a little help, ya know! Roc had this killer choke hold, ya know."
"I swear. From now on things are going to be a little different. We're working with these losers for a while."
"WHAT!"
"You can't be serious, ya know."
"They have a few resources we don't. We'll merge with their group and continue hunting the black SeeD tomorrow. By the way, I'm not staying in this dump another night. Tomorrow I'm checking into the spa."
Squall was sitting back down, "How do you expect to do that? They're booked solid with the miss swim suit contest winner checking in."
Raijin was grinning, "That was a good concert, ya know."
Fujin kicked him in the shin again, "HORNEY."
Seifer chuckled, "I'm sure the headmaster of Balamb garden can talk the manager into clearing out two rooms."
"Is that a request or an order."
"Squall, you always see things in black and white. I was advising and stating my demands, nothing more nothing less."
"How am I supposed to tell the others?"
"Your little friends are not my problem."
* * * *
"No way in hell! No! Never! You'll have to kill me first! Ain't gonna happen!" Zell punched the wall. His fist broke through the wall, "I'm not working with that freak Seifer."
Squall and Seifer were both watching Zell, "I don't like it either but he knows stuff we don't."
Everyone in the room was watching Zell. Besides Squall nobody hated Seifer like Zell. Squall was half expecting a reaction like this. Seifer wasn't going to miss a chance to get on Zell's nerves, "Better calm down Chicken Wuss, you turn the walls into Swiss cheese you're paying the bill."
"And another thing!" Zell started. He was immediately cut off by Quistis, "We believe that the black SeeD has a base in this city. The problem is we don't know where. Tonight we're going to find out. Seifer's team will work with ours and when we split up we use mixed teams."
"Anyone sticks me with Seifer, I'm gonna…"
Seifer stepped in, "You're gonna what?"
Seifer and Squall were leaning against the wall with their arms crossed and the exact same look on their faces. Zell knew they were working together and they'd gang up on Zell if he started throwing insults, "Ya know what, you guys don't give a damn about me. Why should I care?" Zell stormed out of the room.
Kiyoko, who was sitting on a table had just gotten up and was inching for the door. Irvine was about to go after Zell but with Selphie sitting on the bed next to him he knew she wouldn't let him get away that easily. Kiyoko decided that Roc wouldn't go along with anything she wouldn't like. One quick jump and she was out the door.
Roc watched her go, "I'll save your seat." He muttered knowing Kiyoko could hear him. Roc turned his attention back to Seifer.
"Once we'd escaped the black SeeD we went north to Trabia garden. With a lot of work we found a boat to Dollet. The moment I got there a black SeeD team was there waiting for me. I finally found the Dollet underground. All the rumors said that a new terrorist group called the black SeeD were building outside Deling City. We all remember how that went. After the attack I took the train back to Dollet. From there I traced their activities back here. I'm going to find their base and destroy every last one of them."
Squall took over, "That's where we come in. Working together we should be able to find their base. They usually travel in groups of five. If they have to enter a building expect to see one guarding the front door and another guarding the back door. At least one in every group carries a guardian force, this insures that they can all get their hands on an aura spell in a hurry. The one with a guardian force is always the leader. If there two magic users the leader will be casting all the spells and the other will be ready to surprise anyone stupid enough to attack the leader directly. They work well as a team but they don't get along with other teams, if there are ten attacking they get in each other's way. These people are efficient, well organized and they don't give information, ever. That's why if you get in a fight let one get away, he'll head straight back to the base for back up. That's our best chance. We'll start hunting tonight, in the meantime let's try and enjoy ourselves.
* * * *
Outside Kiyoko found Zell in the gym. This seemed to be where Zell always went when something made him mad. Kiyoko walked into the room, it was empty accept for Zell who was punishing a punching bag. Kiyoko perched on a bench, "You know that bag can only take so much."
Zell have the bag one more solid jab, "I know that. I'm trying to picture Seifer's face on the front." Zell spun around and kicked the bag, "That stupid bastard had been riding my ass since I first joined garden. The stupid bastard," Zell punched twice, "Has been making my life miserable, constantly reminding me that he's better then I am."
"From what I've seen you're the brave one. I haven't seen him so much as throw a punch."
"I'll give you a hint. There are only two gun blade specialists in the world that we know of. Squall's one and Seifer's the other. Back at Garden those two were elite."
"I bet it'd be fun to watch them fight."
"Yea, the first few times. Then it's just boring. Man I swear to god if they put me with Seifer…" Zell did a crescent kick then three sharp punches.
"You know you'll never get anywhere hitting the bag like that."
"What do you mean?"
Kiyoko got up. She drew her claws. Her legs spread apart and she was crouched ready to attack. Kiyoko pounced and slashed with her claws. The bag burst open and the sand started draining out of the slit in the side. Kiyoko dusted off her hands, "If you want to break the bag you should use something sharper."
Zell scratched the back of his head, "Uh, Yoko, the point isn't to break the bag but to keep punching in order to relieve stress or try new moves."
Kiyoko grinned, "Oh well."
"At least I didn't try to lift weights. She'd probably thrown the barbell at me."
"What?"
"Nothing. Let's grab a drink."
Kiyoko purred, "Sure thing."
Zell noted the purring sound and took it as a good sign. Once he was sure she was out of the room Zell dabbed the sweat off his forehead, "Irvine always said I had his way with women. Pour some sugar on me, in the name of love ."
* * * *
Later that day Zell and Irvine were relaxing in a hot tub. Zell had a club soda sitting on the side. Irvine had a martini, "So, Zell, if you go hunting tonight, who would you rather get stuck with, Fujin or Seifer?"
"The quiet effeminate freak with an attitude problem or the loud effeminate freak with an attitude problem, I'll take Fujin. By the way, I didn't know they served anything with alcohol in it."
Irvine sipped his martini, "You've just gotta know who to ask."
"I thought they'd be scared you'd get drunk and start hitting on every girl in sight. What am I saying? Like you need to be drunk to start hitting on every girl in sight." This was answered with a splash of water in Zell's face, "Hey, sorry man."
Irvine was probably the only person in the world who could pull off wearing a cowboy hat in a hot tub, "I'm dating now, remember?"
"Yea, sure."
The door to the hot tub opened. Seifer and Irvine walked into the room with towels wrapped around their waist, "Oh man, call the cleaning crew, there's a rat in the pool."
Zell looked around, "I don't see any rats."
Raijin snorted, "He's talking about you, ya know."
Zell was about to stand up. Irvine dove across the pool and grabbed his wrist, "Zell, you start a fight they may have to get Squall in here and you know we won't get to have any fun with him around."
Seifer took off his towel. He was wearing boxers thankfully. He and Raijin dropped into the hot tub. Seifer looked around, "Hey, chicken wuss, throw me the remote."
Zell flipped off Seifer and tossed the remote to Irvine. Seifer rolled his eyes, "The resort's private channel is showing the arrival of Miss swim suit 2001. I was going to watch it but if you'd rather look at three guys in boxers…"
Zell growled under his breath, "Irvine, do what the man says."
Irvine turned on the television hanging on the wall, "For a chance to watch miss swim suit, sure thing." The channel changed.
"Miss swim suit 2001, miss Christina Blain, now arriving. Would you look at that."
Miss Blain was wearing a low cut black dress. Her wavy blond hair was catching the sunlight. Even the small sun glasses and rouge lipstick gave her a certain animal magnetism. All four guys sitting in the hot tub said at once, "Damn."
She was walking down the red carpet as her lemo drove off. Irvine took another sip of his martini, "I don't think Selphie would have had a chance."
Raijin grinned, "You've got a point there, ya know. She's hot, ya know."
Zell grumbled, "Yea, we know."
"Shut up chicken wuss. Wait a damn minute! Look at her body guards!"
Everyone looked at the five men escorting Miss Blain to the front door. They were wearing the black SeeD insignia. They all had trench coats but they were worn open. They each had the skull with vines coming out of the eye socket. Zell and Irvine both stood up, "We'd better tell Squall." The two ran out of the room.
Seifer yelled, "Chicken wuss, I need a lady to walk into the girls sauna and tell Fujin. You're close enough."
Zell walked out of the sauna with a towel around his waist. He bumped into Roc in the hallway," So, where are you off to?"
"I'm meeting Kiyoko and Squall for lunch."
"Could you do us a small favor?"
* * * *
Seifer sipped Irvine's martini, which had been abandoned, "I do so love messing with Zell's head."
Raijin nodded, "He's getting really pissed off, ya know."
Roc walked into the room, "I hope you don't mind me joining you. I was told the hot tub was a great way to relax."
"Common in."
Roc sat down in the hot tub. Roc leaned back and relaxed. His body slowly turned white and covered with ice. The water was getting chilly. Seifer saw the dial that controlled temperature go from a hundred fifteen to thirty five. Roc reached over and grabbed Seifer and Raijin's towels off the bench. He dropped them into the water. As small bits of ice formed around Roc's body Seifer and Raijin began to shiver.
Slowly the top of the water crystallized, Seifer and Raijin were barely able to get out. Before the tub was solid ice. Roc grinned a little below his beak, "What's wrong for you boys? I thought you were here to relax?"
Seifer looked around, "Where in the hell is my towel?"
Roc looked down at the water. He cracked the ice and produced two towels, "Oh, they got a little wet, sorry about that."
Seifer dropped his towel, it shattered when it hit the ground, "I can't go outside like this!"
Roc returned to his human body. The ice slowly cracked then melted away, "I think I busted the hot water pump. It'll take about five hours for the repair crew to arrive, what with Miss Blain and all. You could try to run down the hall with your shorts on but there are a lit of people out there. I'll see you boys later." Roc picked up Irvine's martini, he took a sip, "You're at a spa, try to relax." Roc walked out the door.
Seifer and Raijin were shivering, "It's freezing, ya know!"
Seifer exhaled, he could see his breath, "You can get back at Zell, I want to new guy."
* * * *
Squall and Kiyoko were sitting at a table in the lunchroom. Squall had been given his coat and pants back. Kiyoko was wearing her frayed jeans. Kiyoko was eating a small steak cooked rare. Squall was eating a got dog, "Ya know, those hot dogs back at garden really spoil a guy."
Kiyoko was using her claws to cut the meat, "I know you people like being kind to animals but is it really a good idea to cremate something before you eat it?"
"It's called cooking, it gets rid of bacteria." Squall realized Kiyoko had no idea what he was talking about, "it kills germs."
"Oh."
Squall saw Zell and Irvine rush into the cafeteria. They spotted Squall and ran over, "What happened to Roc?"
"He'll be along in a second. Christina Blain just arrived."
Squall rolled his eyes, if you two want an autograph you can…"
"Her body guards are black SeeD."
"Excuse me."
"Black SeeD! Five of them! They were wearing the skull mark. If Christina is working with them, we could use her to find the base."
"Good. For the moment we'll make plans. Tonight we'll go hunting. By the way, where are Seifer and Raijin?"
"I don't know, I saw them in the spa, we sort of gave them a cold shoulder."
Irvine and Zell snickered. Squall rolled his eyes, "I don't want to know. Kiyoko, after lunch you'd better find Fujin."
"Do I have to? By the way, what is with her and her one word sentences, kill, rage, weak, psycho bitch."
"We don't know, honestly, we don't want to know."
* * * *
Later that day Zell and Irvine walked down a hallway, "We ordered the massage therapy, right?"
"The room should be right around the corner."
Zell and Irvine walked around the corner to see two rooms. The first had a sigh saying, "MEN." The other had a sigh saying, "MEN." But part of it had been broken off, perhaps at one time it had said, "WOMEN." Zell saw Seifer and Raijin standing in front of the door with the whole Men sign, "Hey chicken wuss. We're just here waiting for Fujin to come out of the woman's room, that we're standing in front of."
She asked to be alone, ya know."
Zell and Irvine exchanged glances, "He switched the signs."
"Duh, he must not take us very seriously."
"Squall wanted to talk to you about the black SeeD."
Seifer winked at Raijin, "We'd better go then." Seifer and Raijin walked off.
"Zell walked up to the door, "Do you believe that he thought we'd be dumb enough to fall for that and go into the ladies room?"
"Takes all kinds, I hear the masseuse is a woman."
"Ah, I've been feeling really tense lately."
Irvine and Zell walked into the room. There was a loud scream followed by a growling sound. Irvine and Zell fell out of the room. Irvine had four claw marks on his chest and Zell had a black eye. The both fell on the ground.
Kiyoko stepped out of the room, "You should know better then to go into the ladies room! Gosh!"
Fujin added, "PERVERTS!"
Seifer and Raijin were standing around the corner, "What a moron. Let's go, we've got the basketball court reserved in fifteen minutes. Hey, chicken wuss, what have a told you about sitting outside girls windows."
"You're a sex offender, ya know!"
Zell was still looking up at the ceiling, "Those two are gonna pay."
Irvine, who was also lying on his back groaned, "PAYBACK."
* * * *
That night everyone was dressed for battle, most of them were examining their new weapons. Irvine slid two shells into the killjoy, "Those boys in Dollet know how to fix up a weapon."
Seifer put on his coat, "By the way, we need guardian forces."
Squall crossed his arms, "You don't think much of me, do you?"
"Not really but if we're going to take on five black SeeD at a time we're going to need help, and the ability to use magic."
"What do I have as insurance that you won't swing around and try to kill me with whatever I give you?"
"None really but if you want our help you'll just have to spare three."
Squall turned to Quistis, "We'll do it."
Squall held out his hand, "I have Alexander, take it."
Seifer took Squall's hand. A glowing light appeared between them. The cross on Seifer's coat glowed red. Seifer felt the white light enter his mind. He took a step back, the sensation was overwhelming. Seifer regained his balance, "That's more like it."
Irvine stepped forward, "I have the brothers, take them." Raijin took his hand. The light was red and Raijin's eyes turned orange for a moment. Raijin flexed his muscles, "It's been to long, ya know."
Rinoa stepped forward, "I have Leviathan, take him." Fujin accepted the Leviathan. Her weapon turned blue for a moment before the guardian force absorbed. Fujin examined her weapon, "LEVIATHAN."
Squall crossed his arms, "This in only a lone, once we kill the black SeeD I'm taking these back and if anyone dies during the mission."
Seifer grinned, "Yea, yea, recapture, magic power, bla, bla, bla."
Quistis was giving the briefing, "Tonight we split into three groups. Squall will take Fujin and Rinoa and explore the city trying to find a black SeeD hideout. Seifer, Irvine, Kiyoko and Roc will stay near the hotel to make sure those black SeeD guarding Miss Blain don't go anywhere. That leaves Zell, Raijin, Selphie and myself. Sorry Zell."
Zell had already punched another hole in the wall. Zell looked up and realized that Raijin had done the same, "I got stuck with the freaks, ya know!"
Fujin crossed her arms, "LOSERS."
Seifer grinned, "I agree, wouldn't it be better for the three of us to make one team? We've been fighting together for a long time and we'd make a better team."
Quistis had a cross look on her face, "You're also out of control, how do we know you three won't kill innocent people while trying to get to a gang of black SeeD. We need mixed teams."
Seifer leaned against a wall beside Fujin, "You're just being a control freak, ever since we were kids…"
Quistis's whip cut through the air, cutting Seifer off completely, "We're moving out, now."
* * * *
Roc and Kiyoko were sitting back on the roof of the spa. Seifer had been perched outside the front gate for about an hour. Irvine was watching the back exit leading into the alley.
Roc was trying to teach Kiyoko how to play cards but she wasn't getting it. She wasn't understanding that even though an Ifrit card could beat a Glacial Eye in real life if the Glacial Eye's top number 6 was put to Ifrit's bottom number 2 the Glacial eye would win. Kiyoko had since given up trying to learn the game. She was laying on the roof watching the stars when her ears perked up, "Guys, I hear something. Irvine."
Irvine held his eye to the scope of the killjoy, "Zoom in, three hundred percent." Irvine saw five black SeeD walking out of the hotel with someone wearing a black coat, a hood and dark glasses. Kiyoko and Roc were looking over Irvine's shoulder. Kiyoko could hear their conversation, "I tell you what, guarding Miss Blair has got to be the coolest job."
"I think I'd do this assignment if they paid me in sand."
Kiyoko growled, "Men. They're guarding Blain alright."
Roc's body was already full hawk, "Kiyoko and I can follow them faster. Can you two follow on the ground?"
Irvine cocked the killjoy, "Yea, sure thing. You just signal us when you find their base."
Roc spread his wings, "You'll have to run along the rooftops, I'm sure that won't be a problem, kitty." Roc jumped off the side of the building. His wings shifted to catch the wind. Kiyoko crouched down. She saw Roc landing on the rooftop of the next building. She pounced, running on all fours until she hit the edge of the roof. She kicked off the roof and flew threw the air. She was just barely able to land on the next rooftop.
Irvine watched the two run off after the black SeeD, "Kinda makes you feel average, don't it?"
Seifer walked to the edge of the roof, "Speak for yourself. Where'd you set up that damned ladder?"
* * * *
Irvine and Seifer were running down the street, they were trying hard to keep up with Roc and Kiyoko but there was only so much ground a human could cover on the streets and Roc could fly. Irvine was watching Roc move from rooftop to rooftop, "They just turned, we'd better take the alley, I think it's a shortcut."
Seifer and Irvine turned into the alley. Irvine stopped when he saw the brick wall, "Funny, that's new."
Seifer crossed his arms, "I think this is a short cut, I think we can catch up to Roc and Kiyoko, I'm a freaking moron!"
Irvine turned around, "Will you shut up!"
Five men wearing black stood in front of the alley, they weren't about to let anyone out. Seifer drew his sword, "Let's go!"
Irvine cocked his gun, "Oh yea, this is my kind of fight. All they need is target marks on their butts!"
Five more black SeeD appeared on the brick wall. They all jumped down into the alley. Irvine turned around, "This, makes things a little harder." Irvine fired two shots at the black SeeD coming from the wall. Seifer had already charged the five guarding the exit.
Irvine had his gun over his should, the other hand was held in front of him, "Flare!" One of the black SeeD fell dead with burn marks covering his chest. Irvine heard someone behind him. He spun around, "Arrow!" The black SeeD waved his hand. The arrow spell was redirected, "So, you're the leader." The black SeeD drew his sword and lunged at Irvine. Irvine held the handle on his gun with one hand and the end of the barrel with the other. He blocked the swing. Irvine spun to the right throwing the black SeeD of balance. Irvine swung around and hit the black SeeD in the back of the head with the handle of his gun. Irvine opened the barrel of his gun and slid two fire shells, "New ammo may be fine and good but I'm a sucker for the classics. Irvine was convinced that all the other black SeeD were swarming Seifer. Irvine closed the barrel. Just as he did someone wrapped their arm around his neck and pushed his hand into Irvine's throat. Irvine tried to swing around but he was getting dizzy. Irvine struggled to breathe. Within moments he passed out.
* * * *
Roc and Kiyoko had come to a stop outside of the old inn. Three of the SeeD walked in with Miss Blain. The other two stood outside the door, "Looks like what they did when we got ambushed back in Dollet."
"I remember."
"So, do you think they're using the inn to meet somebody? Maybe there's a switch that makes one of the closets open into an underground laboratory."
"Sounds like a bad comic book to me."
"Should we wait for the others or should we bust in and wait for them to save us?"
"Let's wait here."
* * * *
Irvine opened his eyes. He was on a stage facing the seats. He was tied to a chair and the killjoy was sitting on the other side of the stage with Seifer's gun blade. HE looked around, "Seifer?"
"Right behind you."
"What happened?"
"Your stupid ass stopped to reload your gun in the middle of a fight. That has got to be the dumbest thing I've ever seen people do in a fight and I've watched Zell fight many times."
"You know where we are?"
"I got knocked out too. I was asleep when they brought us here. If I had to guess I'd say we're in the old TV station. It's a place I know very well. It was here Edea offered my a job as her knight."
"May I assume that it was a trap and Roc and Kiyoko are waiting outside some old building while five black SeeD and a fake Miss Blain are playing card laughing at them?"
Seifer groaned, "Duh. Alright, let's try and figure a way out of here." Irvine wiggled his arms to try and get free, "Great idea, if you shake around enough I'm sure those ropes will come apart."
"Your sword is over there, if we can move…"
"Of maybe if we could fly we wouldn't be in this mess, or if you're stupid ass hadn't stopped to reload your gun during a fight!"
"I don't see you trying anything!"
"How long can they keep us here without us seeing one of them? I've got a few questions to ask."
There was a voice from behind Seifer, "Ask away, I probably won't answer but if you want to try. You Seifer Almasy are on our priority list. You Irvine, we have no use for you at all. The only reason you're here is because we had extra rope."
Seifer couldn't see who was talking, "Miss Blain I presume."
"Kitina Christian Blade, first major in the black SeeD observation syndicate, at your service. Christina Blain is just a name given to me by my boss. I'm standing in front of Irvine because he's not leaving here alive, you Seifer are going back to our base. I think it best if you not see what I really look like." The stunning blond winner of the miss swimsuit contest was now a stunning red head. Her face had changed and the phony tattoo on her shoulder had been removed.
Irvine leaned back a little, "Don't I get a last request?"
Kitina leaned over Irvine, "No."
Irvine's charm was useless. Seifer groaned, "For the last time will you please shut up! You're embarrassing us both!"
Irvine looked over his shoulder, "Screw you! It's your fault I'm about to die. Why couldn't Squall have but you with Rinoa and the new guys, then all the stupid people on their priority list wouldn't get us mortals in trouble."
Seifer was struggling, "Let my loose, I want to fight Irvine myself!"
Kitina crossed her arms, "If you think I'm stupid enough to fall for that you don't know whom you're dealing with."
Seifer leaned back and groaned, "Then just plug him and take me with you."
"Don't I get a say in this?"
Kitina mused to herself, "These two know I'm smarter than to fall for any of their tricks. They're either really cocky or, a tracker!" Kitina ripped open Irvine's coat. She felt for the inside coat pocket. She produced a small radio with a small flashing light on the bottom. Kitina dropped the radio and stepped on it, "Nice try." Kitina pulled out a handgun, "Irvine, You've been convicted or crimes against the common wealth of our central government, the sentence is death." She took aim.
Fujin's blade wheel cut through the air. One of the blades hit Kitina's gun, knocking it from her hand. She turned around, "Black SeeD!" Twenty black SeeD landed on the stage, "Do you honestly think I'd put myself in contact with someone who killed Odin with a single blow?"
Seifer was annoyed, "Squall, kill this bitch! Throw me my gun blade while you're at it."
Squall picked up Seifer's gun blade. He threw it in Seifer's direction. The weapon was to heavy to use like a dagger but it fell near Seifer's feet.
Squall saw Rinoa raise her own blade wheel, "Rinoa, the black SeeD said you have Adel's powers. Is there any way you can use it?"
"I don't know. I've never tried before." Rinoa held her weapon in front of her. She closed her eyes, "I know you're there. Answer me!" A gust of wind whirled around her as a summoning ring appeared on the floor.
Fujin was watching, "SIREN?"
Squall shook his head, "Couldn't be. Siren is a passive GF. She's casting a spell."
Rinoa's eyes opened, "Blast Flair!" She leaned forward and exhaled." A massive fireball blew at the swarm of black SeeD. Many were struck down, seven remained.
Fujin was surprised, "HUH?"
"That looked like ten flair spells at once."
Seifer was looking at his gun blade on the ground at his feet. He had an idea, "Irvine, are our chairs tied together?"
Irvine felt the ropes, "Yea, I think so."
"Then I'm sorry about this." Seifer spread his lets and planted his feet. He thrust his head forward and tried to straighten his legs. He fell to the ground with Irvine still on the other side of his chair. Seifer put his hand around the trigger of his gun blade. Irvine was still upside down. Seifer cut the ropes around his waist and legs. He stood up.
Irvine felt his ropes come loose. He also got up, "That was painful."
"Oh buzz off pretty boy. I'm free and your weapon is over there." Seifer jumped into the fight cutting down three black SeeD with his sword.
Irvine picked up his gun. There were still two fire shells in the barrel. Irvine gritted his teeth, "Seifer's really getting on my nerves. Despite all my rage, I am still just ready to break! Fire shell." Irvine cocked his gun three times. He aimed at the remaining black SeeD. Irvine fired, a black SeeD fighting Seifer fell down. Irvine fired again, this time the SeeD was about to sneak up on Squall. Irvine fired twice. Two SeeD trying to deal with Fujin and Seifer fell over. Irvine popped open the barrel of his gun and put on his regular ammo. He jerked the gun around closing the barrel, "That was fun."
With a final cut from Seifer the battle was over, "Well, we've killed twenty black SeeD and found their base, I'd say it's been a pretty good day. Where's Kitina?"
Irvine looked around, "I think she ran off when the fighting started."
Seifer cut a curtain hanging from the ceiling, "Damn!"
Squall tied his gun blade to his belt, "Don't worry. The only reason we found you is we found Kiyoko and Roc attacking a small hotel. They're waiting around back in case Christina pulled an escape act."
"Her name's Kitina and we're in real trouble if she gets away."
* * * *
Squall and Seifer ran out the back door. They found Roc in the alley. His shirt was off and was passed out on the ground. There were two steel strips wrapped around his chest coming over his shoulder. His swords were sticking out of the wall and the trash cans near by were covered with ashes to indicate that they had recently been on fire. Squall and Seifer picked up Roc and set him on his feet. He wasn't asleep but in a state of shock. Seifer slapped the side of his face a few times, "Whatever she did to him he got wasted. I've seen him fight and it would take a lot to do this kind of damage."
Irvine walked out the door, "Where's Yoko?"
Rinoa looked around, "I don't know. I haven't seen her."
One of the garbage dumpsters rattled around and started making noise. Irvine walked over and released the latch. Kiyoko burst out of the dumpster with her hair mangled and a very angry look on her face. Irvine stepped back, "What happened?"
Kiyoko's claws were out and her back was arched, "Where's Roc! I'll kill him!"
"Did a red haired woman run through here and lock you in there?"
"No. Roc and I were waiting here for someone to come by. Roc was looking in the window. He saw something or someone and his body went full hawk. He grabbed my by the scruff of the neck and threw me in the dumpster. I heard a lot of fighting then you guys got me out." Kiyoko looked at Roc, "What happened to him?"
"We were hoping you knew. He's in shock. I thought when his ice body got damaged he fell asleep for a while."
"He does. He would have to take a lot of punishment for it to be this bad."
"Let's get him back to the spa, maybe they can wake him up or something."
"Oh, I don't know if I told you this but he can't handle fire magic. If you put him somewhere really cold and he's really wet his diamond hawk body will heal faster."
Squall put one of Roc's arms over his shoulder, "I hope so. I think right now Revos and Diamond Hawk are the only things keeping him alive right now."