Prelude of a Sorceress
The Story of Ultimecia
By: Rodarian
Background information: A number of years have past since the events of Final Fantasy 8. Estharian scientists deep within the monster-laden moon discover an ancient temple during an expedition. They discover and ancient prophesy, one that could bring either deliverance or apocalypse. In secrecy, the SeeDs help, but something goes wrong. The story unfolds.
Chapter One: Esthar
The sunrays glistened through the silky curtains, casting its shadow and light all across the den. The rays gently bathed the auburn furniture and all the other surrounding contents. Strategically this was one of best locations of the apartment. Apartment isn't even the best word to describe the high vaulted ceilings and the amount of square feet the entire place occupies. In Esthar, everything was of sumptuous beauty and size. The exteriors represented technological power while the interiors matched with its elegant lustre. Since days of the past it had been a xenophobic society but until a certain group teenagers made an unexpected arrival it has since then, been a hub of trade and travel hot spot. Overseeing the influx of populous, viceroy Anij Skeheaven looked up at her concerned vice legate.
"Madame, is it wise to allow them to come here?"
"Please rephrase your question, Lambar. Why should they not come here?"
The largely built man seemed to hesitate at the question. He would have to carefully choose his answer. The Viceroy had the knack of manipulating her words without ever raising her voice.
"Madame Viceroy, the people of the Garden have not been exactly in good terms with the Estharian Government. Not with the accident five months ago..."
A gentle breeze came through the window of her den, rippling across the relatively young woman's garment.
"The investigation is still continuing. The possible answer is that the ship malfunctioned. The SeeDs are not to be blamed."
"And why not Madame Viceroy?" he retorted, "That ship was of Ragnarok class. It's virtually incapable of being faulty. The builders are of our own citizens!!"
She stared coolly at him. Lambar had always been frank with her. Like a true patriot he kept his people first. He had passion and drive only a youth in their prime age would have; only his age proved otherwise. Beside other characteristics, he had accepted long ago of what she is and gotten her this far. For these reasons, he has been her most trusted aide. However they'd also never agreed on certain subjects.
"We sometimes put great generosity to our people," her wheat brown eyes look squarely at him, "We become ignorant of their faults."
Lambar took a moment to digest her words. "Very well, at least let me make some security arrangements for their benefit."
"Granted; at least don't make them too uncomfortable."
With the subject resolved both went on to a less pressing matter.
"Has my daughter returned from her classes?"
He took a moment, looking over at a computer console
"Yes, according to her timetable, her classes ended about hour ago."
In recent months, her duties kept Skeheaven away from spending time with her daughter. They had from the beginning a tight bond; however there are at times when it came under strain. At least, for the moment, no hostilities have risen yet.
"I hope she doesn't spend too much time with that young boy."
Lambar raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"Concerned, Anij?" rarely using her first name.
"Oh I know him and his sister are close with her, although she has recently spent more amounts of time with him."
A laugh appeared on her aides face. "Ah yes, adolescence. You, I recall, were in that same scenario."
A faint smile came across Anij's face "That was a long time ago…now I have a daughter to look over."
Lambar returned to his solemn expression and nodded in agreement.
"Summer has just started for her. You may never know what will happen. Not to worry, Ultimecia is smart girl. She knows how to behave herself."
Anij smiled and turned her chair around to face the spectacular Esthar skyline.
"Would you kindly take your arms off my brother or do I have pry them loose?"
The young lady looked up and grinned sheepishly; her friend displayed a smirk on her face, at the sight of two lovebirds snuggling against each other. She quickly relinquished her grasp on Cornell, who himself awoke and blinked a couple of times
Ultimecia scrutinized her friend's expression. "Ada, I thought you wouldn't be coming in after the two hours of shooting practice?"
She held up her rifle and placed on the back of shoulder. "It ended early." Reverting her gaze back onto her brother. "Cornell you know UT's mom will freak if she saw you like that."
"What? We were both taking a nap."
"Yeah Ada." Offering him her support "This is your place. Why would my mom be here?"
Ada couldn't help but to give in "Yeah, that doesn't make sense but you never know UT…"
Ultimecia rolled her eyes "That would be the day…Cornell" She rotated and straddled his lap.
Cornell was handsome sight with his pale blond hair contrasted by his emerald green eyes. His chiselled elfin-like face matched his overall tanned musculature tone of his body. His cool exterior made him seem aloof and unapproachable but Ultimecia knew inside he had soul of a strong-willed, compassionate individual.
"Yes..."
"You got any plans for tonight?"
Cornell briefly considered of cancelling today's agenda but knowing fully that it would have repercussions, he would have to decline.
"He can't go UT," Ada smiled at the predicament "He has practice in two hours. He could have taken an earlier one but…"
"Yes yes Ada, no need to lecture me." His eyes gazed back Ultimecia, feeling bad as he stroked her jet-black hair. "Sorry UT..."
"Oh its alright." playing with his purple ribbed-knit sweater "Wasn't anything important…"
She got off Cornell and walked over to Ada "Are you free for tonight? Mom would love to have you over for dinner."
Ada nodded "Sure, shall we?"
Smiling, "Yes, lets…" She quickly ran over to Cornell and gave a quick peck on the lips." Have fun at practice."
The two girls floated onto the foyer entrance and disappeared from eyesight.