"We're here to protect you," Quistis said.
"Who are you?" the man demanded.
"SeeDs from Balamb Garden. We need to stop the Galbadian forces from getting what they want," Squall explained.
"Let us through now! We don't have much time buddy!" Zell shouted angrily.
"We've been out there for hours trying to prevent Galbadia from coming in," Irvine said.
"Identification please," the man said.
"You gotta be kidding me," Squall said in an angry tone. He searched his pocket for his student ID. He finally pulled it out of his back pocket and gave it to the guard. The big man examined it for a few seconds which felt like an hour to the team. Finally he gave it back to Squall.
"Go ahead," the man said. The team let out relieved sighs and began running into the hallway. "Hey! Only him," the man said pointing to Squall. "I need the rest of your ID's."
"Shit head let us through if you don't want this city and palace in ashes!" Zell screamed clenching his fists.
"Catch up with me later guys," Squall said. "I'm gonna meet up with that servant that knows this place well. You guys find someone else to take you through." With that, Squall sprinted down the hallway and his friends scrambled to find their ID's.
************************************************************************
"Oh! Mr.Leonhart! We've been waiting for you," a short, brown-haired man said politely. He bowed formally to Squall. He wore an elaborate red uniform that was a robe of silk material which fell and draped to the floor.
"I need to get to the east entrance," Squall said urgently. He was slightly out of breath from the running.
"East entrance. Sir, the forces have broken through already. They've scattered about the entire palace," the servant said sadly.
"What?!?" Squall shouted in disbelief.
"I'm afraid it's the truth I speak of. They have hurt many people. Come, I take you to where the leader headed. He holds a mighty sword, no?"
"Yeah. Take me to wherever he headed," Squall said. He gripped the handle of his gunblade tighter, trying to control his anger.
"This way, Sir," the servant said. The servant led Squall through the maze of hallways and passageways until they reached a very long corridor. It was well lit and a beautiful red carpet ran the length of the corridor. Paintings and sculptures bordered the walls. The ceiling was high and a painting of the clear blue sky gave the corridor a dreamlike feeling. Solid oak doors also lined the corridor.
"He entered one of these doors. I don't remember which one. Most likely the largest one. There is one grand set of double doors at the end of the corridor. You may check in there," the servant said nervously as if Seifer would leap out and attack him at any second.
"Thank you. Will you please find the rest of my friends and take them here?" Squall asked.
"Of course, sir. Best luck to you," the servant said and sprinted down the direction where they came from.
Squall held his gunblade ready for attack. The hall was silent and eerie despite its brightness and beauty. There was something about it that freaked him out. He began inching slowly and quietly down the hallway towards the double doors, listening carefully for any sounds. A sudden click from behind him caused Squall to turn around. He barely caught which door the click came from and walked quietly towards it. He reached the door and placed an ear close to it to see if he could hear any sounds. Squall heard nothing and placed a hand gently on the knob. He turned it as quietly as possible and crept into the room. Surprisingly the room was completely dark except for a stream of sunlight that came through the curtains of the windows. Squall's eyes adjusted to light and he noticed the room was large and books covered the walls. A messy desk stood in the center of the room.
He walked towards the desk when he heard a whoosh of a blade coming at him. He turned and brought his gunblade up in defense. A loud clang echoed through the room and sparks flew from the collision of the two blades. The blade came at him again and once again he defended himself. He tried to hold the blade long enough so he could see his attacker. The blade swung at him several times. Squall backed up, barely missing being sliced across his stomach. Whoever was attacking him knew what he was doing and was very skilled and very fast. Squall decided to take the offensive before he was killed. The attacker sensed his change of plans and stepped up their attacks. Clang after clang echoed through the room as Squall struggled to see his attacker. Squall was backing up more and more until he hit the desk. The attacker swung at him once more powerfully and knocked his gunblade out of his hands. This is it, Squall thought as he put his hands up in surrender, hoping to buy a few minutes of his life. He saw the blade positioned at his throat, but the attacker did not kill him yet.
"Who are you?" an angry female voice demanded.
"I'm not here to hurt you or anybody in this palace," Squall said breathing heavily from the dual.
"Let's put it this way. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't slit your throat," she demanded.
"I'm here with Garden, to protect Esthar and the President. I was looking for the leader of Galbadia's army, Seifer. The servant brought me to the hallway telling me that he last saw him head this way. Please, I just need to find him. And most importantly, I need to know if the President and Ellone are safe," Squall explained. The girl held the blade in place. "I'm not lying."
"Prove it," she said.
"God, I don't know. I'm the Commander of Balamb Garden, Squall. Squall Leonhart. I have an ID if you want. I have a whole bunch of friends who are also SeeDs with me. I just went ahead. I need to go. Please let me go," Squall pleaded.
The girl did not move for a moment, but then she dropped the blade away from Squall's throat. She could see in Squall's eyes that he was telling the truth.
"If you're here to help, then please evacuate some people in here. They're mostly servants like myself and the one who guided you here, but they're scared and they deserve to live," the girl said.
"I'll see what I can do," Squall said. He turned back to channel 2 on his communication unit and heard a few voices. "Commander Leonhart here. Does anyone read me?"
"Commander, sir?" a voice answered.
"Yeah. I need a team of five SeeDs and/or soldiers to help evacuate and escort civilians out of the palace," Squall said.
"Your location, sir?"
Squall turned to the girl. "Where are we?"
"Presidential Hallway. Ask anyone and they'll take them there," she said.
"Presidential Hallway," Squall said. "Ask someone to take you there. Hurry."
Squall turned back to the girl. "Good enough?"
"Thanks," she said gratefully. Squall crossed the room to pick up his gunblade and turned it in his hands to inspect it.
"You're an excellent swordsman," Squall commented noticing the sword in the girl's hand.
"Thank you. You're not so bad yourself," she said.
"I've never lost a dual before. You must have had lots of training and a great instructor."
"I've trained a lot, but I taught myself. I can't afford instruction, and who would want to instruct me anyway? I've just gained lots of experience from a lot of tough fights."
"That's incredible," Squall complemented. "Let's get out of here. You can show me where the people who need to be evacuated are."
Squall and the girl headed into the hall. Squall squinted as his eyes adjusted to the light once again, and took a look at the attacker. She was about Rinoa's height and she had black hair that was highlighted and streaked with light and dark shades of blue which was pulled back into a French twist except for a few strands that framed her pale face. Her deep blue eyes were red and little puffy from crying before, Squall guessed. She also wore an elaborate silk robe, but hers was a dark blue color and most of it dragged on the floor because of her height. Her features were delicate and graceful. Her movements were fluid and gentle. She was a teenager like Squall and the rest of his friends and she was beautiful.
"What did you say your name was?" she asked as she led Squall to where the servants were hiding.
"Squall Leonhart," he replied. She stopped abruptly.
"Excuse me?" she said in surprise.
"My name is Squall Leonhart," he repeated.
"Gosh I'm so sorry! The name didn't hit me before and I didn't recognize you in the dark. You defeated Ultimecia," she said.
"Not just me," Squall said.
"President Laguna has told me all about it and showed me pictures. You guys are more than heroes and legends," she said.
"He probably exaggerated the story," Squall said shrugging.
"Maybe," the girl agreed.
"You never gave me your name," Squall said changing the subject.
"Faye. Faye Hines," she answered.
"Are we almost there?" Squall asked noticing the long distance they walked.
"It's this door right here," Faye said stopping. She knocked softly and a small, blonde girl opened the door a crack.
"Faye?" the little girl asked in a tiny voice.
"Ariel, tell the others it's safe. This man is going to help us, okay?"
"Are we free?" Ariel asked excitedly.
"Not just yet. You need to be patient just a little longer. Tell everyone to get ready to leave. Help is coming," Faye reassured her. The little girl nodded and disappeared behind the door. Faye and Squall could hear her as she delivered the message loudly.
"Evacuation team, how are you doing?" Squall said into his communicator.
"We're on our way, sir. The guy we asked to take us to where you are knows where the civilians are so we won't have trouble finding them," the man on the other line said.
"Then I trust you in evacuating these people safely," Squall replied.
"Sir, where do you want us to take them?" the man asked.
"Take them back to Balamb for now," Squall said.
"No, wait," Faye interrupted.
"What?" Squall asked.
"Take them to Winhill. The President and Ellone are in Winhill," Faye said.
"On second thought, take them to Winhill, Evac," Squall said.
"Winhill, sir?"
"Yeah. They'll be safe there. Trust me," Squall repeated.
"We'll take your word for it, sir," the man said and then Squall heard fuzz.
"Laguna and Ellone are in Winhill?" Squall asked to be sure.
"Yes. We located them there as soon as we heard that the President and Ellone could be in possible danger. Of course it took a lot of effort and force to get President Laguna to leave. He absolutely refused to leave, but we got him there anyway. They're perfectly safe," Faye explained.
Squall heaved a sigh of relief. Though he wanted to catch Seifer and kick his balls in, he wanted to make sure that the only family he had left was safe and that Seifer would not get them.
"Squall!" Selphie yelled from down the hall.
"You guys made it," Squall shouted back.
Selphie followed by the rest of the group finally reached Squall after ages of jogging through the palace.
"Yeah. It took long enough," Selphie said a little out of breath.
"Did you find Seifer?" Irvine asked.
"No, not yet," Squall answered. "I'm working on it."
"This Seifer. Does he wear a long, gray coat and carry a gunblade too?" Faye asked.
"That's him," Selphie said.
"He wasn't in this side of the palace at all," Faye said.
"Where is he?" Zell asked.
"I last heard he trashed the south end of the palace," Faye said.
"Can you take us there?" Squall asked.
"What is it that he is looking for?" Faye asked.
"We don't know. We thought and I guess you thought he was looking for Ellone and Laguna, but apparently not if he hasn't come to this side of the palace yet," Squall replied.
"What's at the south end of the palace?" Quistis asked folding her arms across her chest.
"There's a grand ballroom and reception room at the south end. Most of the guests of the palace stay there and are welcomed there," Faye said.
"What possible guest or guests could Seifer be interested in?" Quistis asked her friends a frown marring her beautiful face.
"I have no idea, but we should go find out," Rinoa suggested.
"No use standing around here," Zell agreed.
"All right then. I'll take you there. This way," Faye said and led the group through shortcuts and secret passageways into the south end of the palace. The south end was decorated with luxury and beauty. The ceilings were much higher and light from crystal chandeliers lit the south side. There was no more red carpet. Instead, white marble floors reflected the light and gleamed. The group's footsteps clacked loudly on the floor as they approached the center of the south side. A soft moan could be heard as the group got closer. A man came into view. He was a teenage man with light brown hair. He laid on the ground in a pool of his own blood. His partner lay dead next to him.
"Zyla! What happened to you?" Faye shouted in shock as she ran to and knelt beside her fallen friend.
"I tried to stop him," Zyla said weakly.
"God, you're bleeding to death," Faye said with tears welling up in her eyes.
"Derek is dead," he said sadly.
"I know, I know. Don't worry. You'll be fine," Faye said holding back her tears.
"No I won't. He went through the reception hall. Take him out. You have the ability to," Zyla said.
"I wish I could help you," Faye said almost in a whisper.
"I know, but you can't. My time has come. It hasn't come in vain. Go, please," Zyla said as tears poured down his face.
"I'm so sorry," Faye whispered.
"It's not your fault. Go kick some ass," Zyla said as cheerfully as possible and closed his eyes.
Faye did not allow the tears to fall, but her eyes were red and puffy once more. She stood and turned to Squall and his group.
"He did this," she said, motioning to the bloody scene around them.
"This is terrible," Rinoa said sympathizing.
"You stay here. I have some business to take care of," Faye said in a serious tone and stormed down to the reception room.
"Wait. If Seifer's in there, we all have to go," Squall said.
"No you don't," Faye replied without looking back or stopping. She faced the gigantic red double doors and pulled them back open and stepped into the room. The doors automatically shut behind her with a loud thud.
Faye continued to advance into the room, searching for her enemy. The hall was extremely large. Light spilled into the room through the large windows. She walked further into the hall and saw a figure near one of the windows. Sure enough it was Seifer. He was leaning against the window with both hands up against the glass and his head faced down. His gunblade was sheathed and held at his belt. He looked up slowly as Faye approached.
"It seems I have a guest," Seifer said standing up straight.
"What is your purpose here?" Faye demanded angrily. She gripped her sword tightly.
Seifer laughed. "I have my reasons for being here. Where is she?"
"Where is who?" Faye asked back.
"Don't act as if you don't know," Seifer said threateningly.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Faye answered.
"The sorceress. She was to arrive in Esthar and receive a grand welcoming. We crashed the welcoming, but where is she?" Seifer demanded once more becoming increasingly angry.
"I wasn't notified of the coming of a sorceress or a welcoming. You must be out of your mind," Faye said.
Seifer approached Faye and drew his gunblade. "I suggest you tell me where the sorceress is before something very bad happens."
"If that's a challenge, then I accept it," Faye said confidently taking battle stance.
"Very well then," Seifer said and charged at Faye at full speed. Seifer struck at her hard and Faye could barely defend herself. She was tired and weak from the battle with Squall. Seifer delivered quick, consecutive strikes. Faye didn't give up and continued to defend herself. Seifer drew back a little.
"Had enough yet?" Seifer asked.
"Is that all you got?" Faye countered. This time Faye charged at Seifer and began delivering her own strikes. She was faster than Seifer and managed to cut Seifer in the arm and cause him to back up and regain his battle composure. He grew furious and prepared to cast his Fire Cross move. He put his hand out in front of him and gathered his energy there. When the energy was sufficient, he let it fly towards Faye.
Faye held her sword up in defense, but the magic spell knocked her down. Her sword fell three feet away from her, just enough space for Seifer to step between it and her.
"You lose," Seifer said glaring down at her. Faye struggled to stand up. She tried to gain her balance, but Seifer caught her by the throat.
"I'll give you one last chance. Where's the sorceress?"
Faye stared at him in contempt and tried to wriggle out of Seifer's tight grasp. When she didn't answer, Seifer walked towards the back wall and slammed her up against it, nearly knocking the wind out of her.
"I really don't know what you're talking about. I wasn't informed of any guests coming to Esthar," Faye choked out.
Seifer shook his head slowly. "Too bad. It's just too bad such beauty, skill, and confidence has to go down the drain."
At that, Faye began twisting violently to move out of Seifer's hands. She pushed and kicked, but all her efforts were in vain. Seifer moved his free hand to his gunblade. Faye struggled and twisted even more as she watched Seifer's painfully slow movements.
"Good night, my sweet," Seifer said whispered into Faye's ear.