FINAL CALL II: NEW LIVES
((Yay! It's Part Two! I know, I know I've kept everyone hanging on this one... but I meant to post it about a month ago when I finished, only to see that FF.net had totally collapsed. To make up for it, ALL of the chapters have been posted right away. So, without further ado, I present the action-packed Final Call II. Have fun everyone!))
Miles Animus leaped back and threw the Dual Hyperion up to block the oncoming assault. The other blade came flying down and clashed against Miles' weapon. Miles pushed forward, knocking his opponent backwards. The other man managed to keep on his feet, then twirled and swung diagonally upwards. Miles tuck-rolled to his side, then dug his foot into a rock on the ground. Using the force, he propelled himself back to where he had been, as the other gunblade came smashing onto the rock, sending sparks flying everywhere. Miles threw himself up and swiped at his opponent's side. The other man failed to block it. At the last minute, Miles twisted his weapon sideways, and slowed down his assault, gently tapping the man on the side.
With a grin, he fell back to the ground, "You lose."
Lee Reist snapped his fingers and put the gunblade away, "Damn, man. How do you do this?"
Miles wiped the sweat away from his forehead, "It's just experience, you'll get the hang of it."
For the past few months, Miles had been training Lee in the art of gunblade use. Though Lee's design was rudimentary (a simple Revolver), Lee had shown a bit of a talent for it. He just needed to develop it. Miles still got the feeling Lee would always be better with his fists, but the added skill couldn't hurt him.
Lee laughed and sat on the rock where his Revolver had previously landed, "Y'know Miles, I think you really shouldn't be talking. I think it was Jas who wound up taking out Seifer."
Miles grinned wearily, remembering the incident of seven years ago, "Yeah, well, I could've taken him."
Lee returned with a loud laugh, "Yeah, right!"
Miles sighed; -he'll never know the truth. I did get that jackass, but… time had another plan.-
It had been seven years since the Seifer incident, and since Miles had exercised his ability to change the past. No one knew he had that ability though, and he was determined never to use it again. Taking the risk may have worked out, but it had almost gotten him killed.
Lee, meanwhile, had gotten into a serious relationship with Veronica, though after five years of being 'official' they were still avoiding the big leap. Miles and Jasmine however, had taken the plunge four years ago. Selphie and Irvine married six years ago. Meanwhile, Rinoa and Squall had their first child, Neos Leonheart, shortly after the incident. Neos was six now.
Jasmine had stepped down from a combat position, and was now an instructor at Garden. Miles did the occasional combat demonstration for students, but still remained an active SeeD member. Squall still passively ran Garden, although Zell had been appointed to run the more specific SeeD matters. Quistis hadn't changed much, she still ran combat missions at 35, although she took a more passive role.
Miles sighed and nodded, "Alright, let's head to the cafeteria, I'm thirsty as hell."
Lee nodded, "Fine, but drinks are on you."
Miles rolled his eyes, "Fine."
***
As they arrived, there was a crowd gathered around one of the tables. Some were sitting, but a majority were standing. They could hear an older voice emanating from the center of the crowd.
"So then, when she was turned toward me, I pushed off from my kneel and knocked her into the chamber. We sealed her in and sent her off to space. She never even saw it coming!"
Miles sighed and headed over to the vending machine, quickly buying two sodas. He had heard this story before. Laguna Loire had shown up more than once at Garden over the past seven years, and every single time, he made it his mission to recount his rise to power in Esthar. Although there were always kids who hadn't heard the story, Miles had heard the story enough to notice every embellishment Laguna made each time.
He tossed the can to Lee, who sat in a table in the corner, grinning slightly, and then Miles slowly walked over to the crowd. The new kids stepped out of his way, fearing some form of nonexistent authority, as he walked to the table and placed one foot on it.
"You know something Laguna, that story has more bull in it every time I hear it."
Laguna grinned and stood up, offering his hand, "Miles, you just don't know a good story."
"Oh, I do, when I hear one."
Miles grinned and accepted the shake.
"How have you been doing kid?"
The crowd began to dissapate as Miles spoke, "Alright Laguna, I've personally been dying for some sort of action. This crap of sitting around and waiting is getting old, fast."
Laguna sighed, "When I was a soldier, I would have died to have gotten some peace time."
"From the stories I hear, you were too busy getting lost to even worry about a war."
Laguna nodded in agreement, "Yeah, you got me there. Jeez, gimme a break, will ya?"
Miles shook his head, "No such quarter. How are things in Esthar?"
"Stable as ever, but we've got our share of worries now that Galbadia seems to be starting a reunion."
"Yeah well, we're pissed about that one, too. The instability kept the cash coming."
"Don't worry, there will ALWAYS be conflict, that's a lesson I've learned."
Miles raised the can, "I'll agree there, like it or not."
***
Jasmine smiled lightly at her desk, watching the students work at the assignment she had given them. Her class, "Advanced Combat Tactics" was filled with those who fancied themselves the future strategists of Garden. Many she believed would excel, but others were simply grunts trying to make themselves look better. The class couldn't hurt, but she wished they would just take a class they could handle better. The bell rang, and the students began to file out. In the rush of people by her desk, an apple was gently placed down. She looked among the crowd, but failed to find a guilty face. As they all exited, she shrugged and wiped the apple against her shirt, brushing back a strand of her black hair as she raised it up to her mouth.
Miles walked in as she took a bite, and stared intently for a moment, "So… what kid should I kill?"
She grinned wildly and swallowed the bite of apple, "Oh, Miles, none of them are stupid enough to get you pissed off."
He grinned and gave her a kiss, "You want something to eat?"
She shook her head, "Nah, I got papers to grade right now. Plus, last I heard, Laguna was recounting another one of his stories."
Miles laughed, "He's gone now, had to go see Squall or something. Y'know, since you're not hungry," Miles raised an eyebrow, and looked around the room, "I've always had this little fantasy involving a classroom, a teacher, and a student…"
She laughed, "Miles!"
He grabbed her and placed her down on the desk, lightly kissing her neck. She coughed, "Miles?"
"Yes?"
"Have you ever thought about being a father?"
Miles looked into her eyes, then collapsed to the ground.
***
Laguna sighed and plopped into a chair opposite Squall, "So what's the big problem?"
Squall grinned, "Why do you assume that there is a problem?"
"Well, you never call me out, usually I'm the one requesting YOU."
Squall nodded, "Well, there isn't a problem, but I have a favor to ask of you."
"A favor?"
"Would you mind watching Neos for a few weeks?"
"Weeks?"
"Yeah, I have to go somewhere, and it could take a while."
"So, can't Rinoa watch him?"
"No, she's coming with me."
"I'm sure there are plenty of people in Garden…"
Squall raised an eyebrow, "What, don't you want to see your own grandson?"
Laguna laughed, "Of course! But I don't know how much I'd see the kid. With the Galbadia situation and all, Neos would probably be hanging around under guard in the palace all day."
"Good."
"What?"
"Look, he can't stay here, the safer the better."
"I'd imagine a whole lot of SeeDs can protect the kid."
"It's not good enough. I need an army."
Laguna leaned onto the desk, "What are you doing, Squall?"
"I can't say, but if something goes wrong, Neos needs to be well away from me and Garden."
Laguna leaned back, "I don't like this at all Squall."
"Neither do I, but if it works, none of us will have to worry."
"About what?"
"I can't say."
"Why are you hiding this from me?"
"I can't trust anyone. Look, can you do this?"
Laguna sighed, "Yeah. Yeah, why not? We'll have fun, I'll show the kid the city, we'll go for a cruise in the Ragnorak or something."
Squall nodded, "Good. Thank you."
***
When Miles awoke, he was in the infirmary, with Dr. Kadowaki looking over him like a hawk. She was in her fifties now, and despite age, was still just as good as she was seventeen years ago.
He groaned and rubbed his head, "What happened?"
"You fainted."
"Why?"
Another voice answered, "I don't know, maybe a lack of responsibility?"
Jasmine stepped into the room, a slight grin on her face, but it wasn't a happy one. He sighed, and Dr. Kadowaki walked out of the room. Jasmine sat down, "Miles, why did you faint?"
He grinned, "Well… that was a curveball you threw at me, y'know?"
She sighed, "I know, I know, but…"
"You want to have a kid."
She got a gleam in her eye and grinned widely, "Not just a kid, but a few kids! A family, c'mon Miles, don't you want to raise a family?"
"I'm just not sure." She frowned, and he caught himself, "Now wait one minute, that's not to say I don't want to. What I mean is that… are we ready?"
"I'm 24, and you're 25, we're not getting any younger."
"Yeah, but we're still young. I guess, part of me just isn't ready to settle down quite yet."
She sighed, "I know."
"Look, it's definitely something I want, but… with my career right now… do I want to have a kid who would live in constant fear of having his father just be gone one day, never to return?"
"Miles, don't you have some good memories of being a kid? Don't you want to bring that joy into the world?"
Miles laid his head back against the pillow, "I don't have many good memories."
Jasmine slowly walked over to him and grasped his arm gently, "You never did talk about your childhood. Where did you grow up?"
He sighed, "Dollet."
"What were your parents like?"
He grimaced, "I'd rather not talk about that, alright?"
She sighed, "I just thought you'd want to share."
"Well, I don't, sorry."
She sighed again, "Sleep, Miles. You need it."
***
-The truth is, I was born in Deling City. My real parents, well, I didn't see too much of them. My mother died when I was two, and my dad was always away on business. My sister and I were raised by a babysitter. One day, my dad went off, and never came back. I found out weeks later that he had died in train crash. I was three. I have no memories of Deling City except for the invasion ten years ago. My relatives lived in Dollet, and we were moved there. That was about the time of the Galbadian invasion. I guess I was around eight when that happened. I was hiding in one building, but my sister had been separated from me, and was in another. When that robotic spider flew by, the building she was in collapsed, and she died. My uncle had already been killed fighting in the battle. All that was left was my Aunt and I. I left Dollet at 13, and joined as a student in Balamb Garden. I have no good memories of childhood. I don't want to have a child grow up in a situation like that. What would happen if I died, and left them alone? I just couldn't do that-
***
As the train left the station, Neos mashed his face against the window, watching his parents wave and slowly fade away from his view. With a sigh, he plopped down into his seat and began kicking his feet back and forth. Across from him, Laguna Loire watched with a detached interest. The child got up again, and began a frustrated pacing across the train. Laguna finally laughed, "What's wrong kid?"
Neos turned, "I don't want to go."
"What, you don't want to spend some time with your grandfather?"
Neos relaxed, and sat next to his grandfather, "Last time, I didn't see you a lot."
Laguna sighed, "Last time I was pretty busy, you know. I am President."
"Yeah, does that mean you have to ignore me?"
"Ouch. Look, I'm sorry about before, but I promise, this time, we'll have fun. We're gonna go for a bit of a joyride on the Ragnorak! That sound like fun?"
The six-year-old's eyes lit up, "Yeah!"
"Alright, just you and me, we'll go check out all the cool stuff in Esthar. The Memorial, and Lunar Base…"
"Can we see the where all the monsters landed?"
"Eh… that area still isn't very safe, but we'll fly by it, alright?"
There was a slight bit of disappointment in the child's voice, but he still was excited, "Alright!"
((Next Chapter: A... man-to-man, Laguna and grandson, Zell learns, and the Owls))
((Yay! It's Part Two! I know, I know I've kept everyone hanging on this one... but I meant to post it about a month ago when I finished, only to see that FF.net had totally collapsed. To make up for it, ALL of the chapters have been posted right away. So, without further ado, I present the action-packed Final Call II. Have fun everyone!))
Miles Animus leaped back and threw the Dual Hyperion up to block the oncoming assault. The other blade came flying down and clashed against Miles' weapon. Miles pushed forward, knocking his opponent backwards. The other man managed to keep on his feet, then twirled and swung diagonally upwards. Miles tuck-rolled to his side, then dug his foot into a rock on the ground. Using the force, he propelled himself back to where he had been, as the other gunblade came smashing onto the rock, sending sparks flying everywhere. Miles threw himself up and swiped at his opponent's side. The other man failed to block it. At the last minute, Miles twisted his weapon sideways, and slowed down his assault, gently tapping the man on the side.
With a grin, he fell back to the ground, "You lose."
Lee Reist snapped his fingers and put the gunblade away, "Damn, man. How do you do this?"
Miles wiped the sweat away from his forehead, "It's just experience, you'll get the hang of it."
For the past few months, Miles had been training Lee in the art of gunblade use. Though Lee's design was rudimentary (a simple Revolver), Lee had shown a bit of a talent for it. He just needed to develop it. Miles still got the feeling Lee would always be better with his fists, but the added skill couldn't hurt him.
Lee laughed and sat on the rock where his Revolver had previously landed, "Y'know Miles, I think you really shouldn't be talking. I think it was Jas who wound up taking out Seifer."
Miles grinned wearily, remembering the incident of seven years ago, "Yeah, well, I could've taken him."
Lee returned with a loud laugh, "Yeah, right!"
Miles sighed; -he'll never know the truth. I did get that jackass, but… time had another plan.-
It had been seven years since the Seifer incident, and since Miles had exercised his ability to change the past. No one knew he had that ability though, and he was determined never to use it again. Taking the risk may have worked out, but it had almost gotten him killed.
Lee, meanwhile, had gotten into a serious relationship with Veronica, though after five years of being 'official' they were still avoiding the big leap. Miles and Jasmine however, had taken the plunge four years ago. Selphie and Irvine married six years ago. Meanwhile, Rinoa and Squall had their first child, Neos Leonheart, shortly after the incident. Neos was six now.
Jasmine had stepped down from a combat position, and was now an instructor at Garden. Miles did the occasional combat demonstration for students, but still remained an active SeeD member. Squall still passively ran Garden, although Zell had been appointed to run the more specific SeeD matters. Quistis hadn't changed much, she still ran combat missions at 35, although she took a more passive role.
Miles sighed and nodded, "Alright, let's head to the cafeteria, I'm thirsty as hell."
Lee nodded, "Fine, but drinks are on you."
Miles rolled his eyes, "Fine."
***
As they arrived, there was a crowd gathered around one of the tables. Some were sitting, but a majority were standing. They could hear an older voice emanating from the center of the crowd.
"So then, when she was turned toward me, I pushed off from my kneel and knocked her into the chamber. We sealed her in and sent her off to space. She never even saw it coming!"
Miles sighed and headed over to the vending machine, quickly buying two sodas. He had heard this story before. Laguna Loire had shown up more than once at Garden over the past seven years, and every single time, he made it his mission to recount his rise to power in Esthar. Although there were always kids who hadn't heard the story, Miles had heard the story enough to notice every embellishment Laguna made each time.
He tossed the can to Lee, who sat in a table in the corner, grinning slightly, and then Miles slowly walked over to the crowd. The new kids stepped out of his way, fearing some form of nonexistent authority, as he walked to the table and placed one foot on it.
"You know something Laguna, that story has more bull in it every time I hear it."
Laguna grinned and stood up, offering his hand, "Miles, you just don't know a good story."
"Oh, I do, when I hear one."
Miles grinned and accepted the shake.
"How have you been doing kid?"
The crowd began to dissapate as Miles spoke, "Alright Laguna, I've personally been dying for some sort of action. This crap of sitting around and waiting is getting old, fast."
Laguna sighed, "When I was a soldier, I would have died to have gotten some peace time."
"From the stories I hear, you were too busy getting lost to even worry about a war."
Laguna nodded in agreement, "Yeah, you got me there. Jeez, gimme a break, will ya?"
Miles shook his head, "No such quarter. How are things in Esthar?"
"Stable as ever, but we've got our share of worries now that Galbadia seems to be starting a reunion."
"Yeah well, we're pissed about that one, too. The instability kept the cash coming."
"Don't worry, there will ALWAYS be conflict, that's a lesson I've learned."
Miles raised the can, "I'll agree there, like it or not."
***
Jasmine smiled lightly at her desk, watching the students work at the assignment she had given them. Her class, "Advanced Combat Tactics" was filled with those who fancied themselves the future strategists of Garden. Many she believed would excel, but others were simply grunts trying to make themselves look better. The class couldn't hurt, but she wished they would just take a class they could handle better. The bell rang, and the students began to file out. In the rush of people by her desk, an apple was gently placed down. She looked among the crowd, but failed to find a guilty face. As they all exited, she shrugged and wiped the apple against her shirt, brushing back a strand of her black hair as she raised it up to her mouth.
Miles walked in as she took a bite, and stared intently for a moment, "So… what kid should I kill?"
She grinned wildly and swallowed the bite of apple, "Oh, Miles, none of them are stupid enough to get you pissed off."
He grinned and gave her a kiss, "You want something to eat?"
She shook her head, "Nah, I got papers to grade right now. Plus, last I heard, Laguna was recounting another one of his stories."
Miles laughed, "He's gone now, had to go see Squall or something. Y'know, since you're not hungry," Miles raised an eyebrow, and looked around the room, "I've always had this little fantasy involving a classroom, a teacher, and a student…"
She laughed, "Miles!"
He grabbed her and placed her down on the desk, lightly kissing her neck. She coughed, "Miles?"
"Yes?"
"Have you ever thought about being a father?"
Miles looked into her eyes, then collapsed to the ground.
***
Laguna sighed and plopped into a chair opposite Squall, "So what's the big problem?"
Squall grinned, "Why do you assume that there is a problem?"
"Well, you never call me out, usually I'm the one requesting YOU."
Squall nodded, "Well, there isn't a problem, but I have a favor to ask of you."
"A favor?"
"Would you mind watching Neos for a few weeks?"
"Weeks?"
"Yeah, I have to go somewhere, and it could take a while."
"So, can't Rinoa watch him?"
"No, she's coming with me."
"I'm sure there are plenty of people in Garden…"
Squall raised an eyebrow, "What, don't you want to see your own grandson?"
Laguna laughed, "Of course! But I don't know how much I'd see the kid. With the Galbadia situation and all, Neos would probably be hanging around under guard in the palace all day."
"Good."
"What?"
"Look, he can't stay here, the safer the better."
"I'd imagine a whole lot of SeeDs can protect the kid."
"It's not good enough. I need an army."
Laguna leaned onto the desk, "What are you doing, Squall?"
"I can't say, but if something goes wrong, Neos needs to be well away from me and Garden."
Laguna leaned back, "I don't like this at all Squall."
"Neither do I, but if it works, none of us will have to worry."
"About what?"
"I can't say."
"Why are you hiding this from me?"
"I can't trust anyone. Look, can you do this?"
Laguna sighed, "Yeah. Yeah, why not? We'll have fun, I'll show the kid the city, we'll go for a cruise in the Ragnorak or something."
Squall nodded, "Good. Thank you."
***
When Miles awoke, he was in the infirmary, with Dr. Kadowaki looking over him like a hawk. She was in her fifties now, and despite age, was still just as good as she was seventeen years ago.
He groaned and rubbed his head, "What happened?"
"You fainted."
"Why?"
Another voice answered, "I don't know, maybe a lack of responsibility?"
Jasmine stepped into the room, a slight grin on her face, but it wasn't a happy one. He sighed, and Dr. Kadowaki walked out of the room. Jasmine sat down, "Miles, why did you faint?"
He grinned, "Well… that was a curveball you threw at me, y'know?"
She sighed, "I know, I know, but…"
"You want to have a kid."
She got a gleam in her eye and grinned widely, "Not just a kid, but a few kids! A family, c'mon Miles, don't you want to raise a family?"
"I'm just not sure." She frowned, and he caught himself, "Now wait one minute, that's not to say I don't want to. What I mean is that… are we ready?"
"I'm 24, and you're 25, we're not getting any younger."
"Yeah, but we're still young. I guess, part of me just isn't ready to settle down quite yet."
She sighed, "I know."
"Look, it's definitely something I want, but… with my career right now… do I want to have a kid who would live in constant fear of having his father just be gone one day, never to return?"
"Miles, don't you have some good memories of being a kid? Don't you want to bring that joy into the world?"
Miles laid his head back against the pillow, "I don't have many good memories."
Jasmine slowly walked over to him and grasped his arm gently, "You never did talk about your childhood. Where did you grow up?"
He sighed, "Dollet."
"What were your parents like?"
He grimaced, "I'd rather not talk about that, alright?"
She sighed, "I just thought you'd want to share."
"Well, I don't, sorry."
She sighed again, "Sleep, Miles. You need it."
***
-The truth is, I was born in Deling City. My real parents, well, I didn't see too much of them. My mother died when I was two, and my dad was always away on business. My sister and I were raised by a babysitter. One day, my dad went off, and never came back. I found out weeks later that he had died in train crash. I was three. I have no memories of Deling City except for the invasion ten years ago. My relatives lived in Dollet, and we were moved there. That was about the time of the Galbadian invasion. I guess I was around eight when that happened. I was hiding in one building, but my sister had been separated from me, and was in another. When that robotic spider flew by, the building she was in collapsed, and she died. My uncle had already been killed fighting in the battle. All that was left was my Aunt and I. I left Dollet at 13, and joined as a student in Balamb Garden. I have no good memories of childhood. I don't want to have a child grow up in a situation like that. What would happen if I died, and left them alone? I just couldn't do that-
***
As the train left the station, Neos mashed his face against the window, watching his parents wave and slowly fade away from his view. With a sigh, he plopped down into his seat and began kicking his feet back and forth. Across from him, Laguna Loire watched with a detached interest. The child got up again, and began a frustrated pacing across the train. Laguna finally laughed, "What's wrong kid?"
Neos turned, "I don't want to go."
"What, you don't want to spend some time with your grandfather?"
Neos relaxed, and sat next to his grandfather, "Last time, I didn't see you a lot."
Laguna sighed, "Last time I was pretty busy, you know. I am President."
"Yeah, does that mean you have to ignore me?"
"Ouch. Look, I'm sorry about before, but I promise, this time, we'll have fun. We're gonna go for a bit of a joyride on the Ragnorak! That sound like fun?"
The six-year-old's eyes lit up, "Yeah!"
"Alright, just you and me, we'll go check out all the cool stuff in Esthar. The Memorial, and Lunar Base…"
"Can we see the where all the monsters landed?"
"Eh… that area still isn't very safe, but we'll fly by it, alright?"
There was a slight bit of disappointment in the child's voice, but he still was excited, "Alright!"
((Next Chapter: A... man-to-man, Laguna and grandson, Zell learns, and the Owls))