Dollet Battle
The inside of the ship was simple; rows of seats along the walls with a rectangular like table in between. In the back was a monitor displaying the Balamb Garden seal. To the front was a ladder leading to the outside gunner's area, as well as the cockpit and the bay doors.
Squall, Seifer, Zell, and Quistis quietly entered and sat down. Xu, a high ranking SeeD and co-director of Balamb Garden's SeeD intelligence and operations, waited patiently at the door. "Hi, Quistis." She said smiling. Xu and Quistis had been friends for quite some time. In fact, Xu, along with Headmaster Cid, was the only one to approve of Quistis attaining an instructor position and fully supported it.
"Well, these are the members of Squad B." Quistis raised her arm in the manner of introduction. Zell and Squall stood to greet Xu, Seifer however remained in his seat lounging.
"Pleased to meet ya!" said Zell giving a little wave like salute.
Squall remained in his usual serious manner and performed the Garden Salute. "Pleased to meet you…"
Xu nodded to the two then looked towards the front to see Seifer lying back with his feet on the small table. "Seifer, how many times has it been now?"
"Oh, I just love these exams…" Seifer replied waving his hand in the air.
Xu then walked closer to the screen and hit a few buttons. "I'll explain the current situation and the mission… Be seated!" At that, Zell and Squall return to their seats. "Our client for this mission is the Dollet Dukedom Parliament. A request for SeeD was made 18 hours ago. Dollet has been under attack by the G Army since about 72 hours ago. 49 hours into the battle, Dollet abandoned their position in the inner city." As Xu explained several maps and charts flashed on the screen behind her displaying the data. "Currently, they have retreated into the nearby mountains and are reorganizing their troops. That's the current status. Now on to the mission objective." She then looked to the screen and waited for the attack plans to display. "According to our reports, the G Army is mopping up the Dollet troops in the mountain region. We're to make a landing at Lapin Beach. We're to eliminate the remaining G Army within the city and liberate it A.S.A.P. Afterwards, SeeD members will intercept any G Army forces trying to make their way into the city from the mountain region." Xu then looked back to the group as soon as the monitor returned to displaying the Garden symbol.
"So, what are WE supposed to do?" asked Seifer who was yawning.
"SeeD candidates are to eliminate the G Army inside the City."
"Sounds important!" said Zell with a jump.
"Sounds boring." Seifer looked down and sighed. "So what you're saying is, we do all the little, dirty work…"
Xu shrugged and caught herself from laughing. "Oh, it hardly needs to be said, but… The order to withdraw takes priority. Do not forget." She then looked to her wristwatch and then towards the cockpit. "We're almost there. We anticipate a battle as soon as we disembark. Just be prepared. That's all. Any questions, talk to Quistis." Xu then headed for the cockpit, Zell and Squall giving her way.
They all sat there quietly once again. Zell shuffled his feet around and constantly tightened his gloves. "My first real battle… I'm getting' pretty nervous."
Squall rolled his eyes over towards Zell for a brief moment, and then moved back to looking at the floor. …I guess I can't blame him… this is a real battle we're going into… warfare… this is what we've been training to do and it's finally come. I can't believe it… I think I'm starting to get nervous…
"Better not piss in your pants" said Seifer with a chuckle.
"Hah!? You talkin' to me?" Shouted Zell. He looked to Seifer who was still chuckling to himself. "…Bastard."
"Okay, enough talk." Quistis sighed and shook her head. "We'll be landing pretty soon. Get ready."
"Roger." said Zell biting his lip towards Seifer.
Squall, who had been quiet the whole time, answered as well with an "Alright."
"Yeah, yeah…" Seifer calmly sighed and once again went back to lounging. "Well then, Squall. Go see what's going on outside."
… There he goes again… I might as well. Everything I do from now on is on record. "…Ok." Squall answered calmly.
"Good. Because it's my order." Seifer said laughing.
***
The seven speedy vessels skimmed across the seas at full speed, a huge full moon reflecting from the sea's surface. Squall quietly stood and climbed the ladder to the top, he taking a print out of the battle plans on his way. On the top deck, Squall looked towards the nearing beach. Swift beach landing, SeeD candidates will quickly make their way towards their designated area, Squad B clearing the way for Intel team Squad A and back up team Squad C… He then looked to the battle plans and again at the beach. All along the beachside as well as from the city, explosions and gunfire could be seen as well as heard. He narrowed his eyes at the sight and clutched his gunblade hanging at his side. …My first real battle… Returning inside, Squall could see the others gathering in front ready to disembark through the bay doors. Seifer was checking his gunblade while Zell was constantly throwing punches at his shadow.
The ships speeded towards the beach smashing into water markers and skidded onto the beach. SeeDs and SeeD candidates all rushed out at the landing. Xu was the first to dash out of Squad B's ship after giving Quistis a quick salute. The others were soon to follow only after some quick words from Quistis. "Ok, you are to secure the Central Square! Be sure to equip your GF before you head into battle!" Seifer just shrugged it off in a cocky way. Squall junctioned all his acquired GF's, Ifrit, Shiva, and Quezacotl. Zell junctioned Ifrit as well.
"Let's move out!" Shouted Seifer, he running ahead. Squall and Zell charged forward as well following. All around them were soldiers fighting, G Army in blue full armor suits while Dollet Army wearing green. The three ran through all the bombing and gunfire passing a few other SeeD candidates on their way towards the stairs. As soon as they reached the top, two G Soldiers ambushed them. "Bad move!" Shouted Seifer with a spin. He easily took out one soldier with a single slash to the gut. The other blocked only to be taken down with a blow to the head by a flying kick. "Not bad…" Nodded Seifer.
"Not bad yourself." Zell nodded back as they continued running down the streets. "Hold up, what's that!" He pointed towards a bridge connecting two buildings. Two more G soldiers jumped down and slashed at the three, one almost catching Seifer off guard.
One of the soldiers drew back and held his sword up in a ready position. "Look out! It's SeeD!" The soldier yelled as he made a dash for Zell but was denied as Zell easily flipped over him. Confused he looked behind him only to meet a punch to the face. Angered, he rushed back up from the ground and stabbed at Zell's torso. With a side step, Zell managed to escape the attack with only a piece of his cadet jacket missing. Ah hell, I'm getting careless again! "Just stay down next time I hit you!" The soldier made another slash at Zell and slammed his sword into the ground causing it to become stuck. Without any other thought, Zell stepped in and laid another punch to the guard knocking him out. Zell snapped his fingers and looked back to the other soldier only to find Squall and Seifer waiting. "Done already?"
Squall gave a nod and then looked to Seifer. "The Central Square is up ahead. Hey! All you Galbadian cowards out there! Com out'n show your faces! Don't leave me hangin' now!" Seifer rushed ahead leaving Squall and Zell a little behind.
"…What an idiot." Zell muttered as he and Squall followed. The Square was quite large with a large circular fountain built at the very center. At first all they saw was a dog sleeping by the fountain but waiting behind the fountain was one G Soldier.
The soldier tried dashing at the three from behind only to be denied by a slash and trigger from Squall's gunblade. "There may be more." Said Squall calmly.
Seifer tapped his sword to his back and shrugged. "All right. I want you guys to scout the area for enemies."
Squall and Zell then walked around the square searching for any G Soldiers hiding. Sure enough, there was one more hiding behind a car. The Soldier jumped over the car and slashed at Zell taking piece of his coat. "Ah…" Dammit! That's another piece! Zell retreated a bit and threw a few punches at the soldier. The soldier blocked a few using his sword's flat face but was hit by one punch to the chest sending him back a few feet. Desperate, the soldier jumped in the air and made a heavy overhead swing at Zell. Do these soldiers all fight the same way? "Don't think so!" Zell then slammed his hands together catching the soldier's sword in mid air. In a swift motion, he then twisted the blade forcing the soldier to slam on the ground and knocking him out cold. "Whew… that's all of them." He looked to Squall who just shrugged.
"I think that's all of them…"
Seifer then leaned up against the fountain's edge and pulled a clip out of his gunblade. "Well then. We're on Standby 'till the enemy comes. Standby… How boring…" The dog there had awoken from the sounds of battle and walked around the group. It stopped and licked at Seifer's boot for a while. Seifer tried his best to keep calm, he tapping at his gunblade. Ahead towards the mountain, the three could hear sounds of gunfire and bombings.
"Sounds like it's starting." said Squall looking towards the direction.
"Bring it on… Get outta here!" Yelled Seifer at the dog. The dog lowered its head and walked away. "Scram!" He then looked down the alley leading to the mountain and shouted. "Hey Galbadian Soldiers! What are you waiting for!? Come show me what you got!"
The three found themselves waiting by the fountain for well over an hour. Seifer quietly tapped his foot as well as his gunblade the whole time. Zell chose to move around pacing back and forth around the fountain. Squall looked around listening for sounds of battle. The truth was that the gunfire had ended nearly half an hour ago. This is pretty boring. "…Nothing."
"Still keeping us waiting…?" Seifer said with a sigh.
Zell stopped in front of the two and punched the ground. Squall and Seifer could feel a slight shake but said nothing. "The HELL! Man… Now this is what I call boring… This ain't right man!"
"That's it…!" Seifer walked a little away from the group and swung his sword around scaring the dog away. "I can't take it anymore! What is this, some kind of dog training!?" The dog then ran off to the side and gave a howl. The three then looked to the dog only to have their eyes directed to some soldiers running from a back alley. The dog quickly ran from the soldiers' path. Squall and Zell then ducked behind the fountain while Seifer slowly walked behind the fountain as well. He was actually hoping he would be seen. The Six soldiers looked around and ran towards the mountain area, all of them holding some kind of mechanical equipment or tools.
"It's the enemy…" Squall calmly said rotating loading his revolver. We might be able to do something after all.
"Where the hell they goin'?" Zell stood up and looked ahead to the mountain. "Hey, what's that up there?" At the top of the mountain was a odd looking tower figure silhouetted by a full moon setting behind it.
Seifer walked forward and pointed his gunblade in the direction the soldiers took. "Our next destination."
What!? "But that's against orders!" Yelled Zell throwing his arms out.
"Weren't you just saying how bored you were?"
"Squall!"
Squall sighed and walked away from them a few steps. "I stand by the Captain's decision."
Huh? "Captain's decision?" Seifer had a confused expression on his face as he walked towards Squall. He pushed Squall with his fist. "You want to wreak some havoc too don't you?"
Squall turned to Seifer with a determined look after the push. "It's a good opportunity to test out my training. Thanks to you, I feel like I can take on anyone. Even if they do fight dirty like you."
Seifer grinned at that. "You'll thank me when the time comes."
In the background, Zell placed his hands on his hips. "What the hell… I thought you guys don't get along? You're like, all buddy, buddy now. Listen, this ain't no ordinary battle. It's an exam, an important one. I'm tellin' ya, we have to stick to orders."
"Then you stay here. I don't need any boy scouts." With that, Seifer slowly walked ahead of the group stopping before the alley.
"What was that!!!?" Yelled Zell shaking his fist.
Squall shook his head. "Don't take him seriously, Zell. Seifer, if we're going to go, let's hurry."
"The enemy is headed for the facility. We, Squad B, are to secure the summit. Move out!" Seifer once again ran ahead swinging his gunblade around.
"Alright" Acknowledged Squall as he followed.
Zell gritted his teeth and started after them. Man… what'd I get myself into? "Tch… Fine." The three ran up the alley and passed over a large bridge. They ran forward and stopped at the sight of the base of the cliff. Many soldiers lay on the ground, both Dollet and Galbadian, mostly Dollet. Two Dollet soldiers lay by the steps slightly conscious. Zell walked to one and started talking to him. "You okay dude? What happened?"
"…What business do they have with the Communications Tower now…?" He muttered.
The other was talking to Squall in a manner as if he were about to die. "…As a child… I used to… play at this Comm. Tower… It was already closed down then, and… ugh… I was careless…" With that, the soldier was gone. Squall stood and looked to the other Zell had been talking to. Zell just shook his head. The other soldier too had died. …This is horrible… how many more died?
The three then started to walk up the mountain only to be stopped by a Dollet soldier crawling on the ground injured. "Ahhh! W-W-Who are you!?" He screamed looking at the three standing before him.
"Don't worry, We're SeeD candidates. We've been dispatched by Garden…" Said Squall.
"So what's going on up there?" Asked Seifer tapping his blade on the ground.
The soldier caught his breath and sat down. "The Galbadian Soldiers have entered the Comm. Tower. On top of that… that place has always been a nesting ground for monsters. If you guys are goin up there… be carefull… Ah… Argh!" The soldier screamed as a large tail like object wrapped him and pulled him in. It was an anacondaur, a large snake like monster. It devoured the Dollet Soldier in one swallow.
We can get it while it's distracted… Squall cringed and slashed forward pulling his trigger. The gunblade sliced in, chipping away some scales, and blew the serpent away a few feet.
Damn, I hate Anacondaurs. The monster shook its head and charged forward, its fangs revealed, at Zell. Zell grinned and turned his body placing a heel kick right below the serpent's mouth.
Seifer shouted "enough!" and stabbed his gunblade into the serpents head from the top. He then began pulling the trigger several times.
Squall walked over and picked up a few scales that had fallen on the ground, placing it into his pocket. These might come in handy... I might actually get to upgrade my gunblade. He looked to Zell who was standing over the dead Anacondaur and then to Seifer who was wiping his blade clean. "Monsters huh?"
Zell kicked the dead carcass and turned to the others. "That sucks…"
"More fun for us. Come on…" Seifer then grunted and ran on. "Let's get moving!" At last, ahead was the summit, a cliffside overlooking the tower, which was on a lower base. To the right was the rest of the walkway leading down another hill to the tower. The three peered over the cliff side to see three Galbadian soldiers talking at the tower doors. Squall and Seifer got down and watched while Zell crouched down behind them.
"The generator is up and running." Said the Galbadian Soldier holding a generator piece.
"No problem with the boosters." Said the other holding a wrench.
"…The hell they all doing?" Asked Seifer as he zoomed in with a pair of binoculars.
The third soldier had some ranks on his chest. "An officer huh?"
The officer threw a couple of large electrical cables over his shoulder. "Cable disconnection confirmed! Beginning the exchange process!" All three yelled "Roger," and ran back into the tower.
"Repairs…?" Said Squall as he stood. All those parts and tool they were holding… maybe it wasn't the city they were after… maybe they wanted something inside? Seifer and Zell too stood huddling up.
"Who cares." Yawned Seifer. "This must be your first real battle. You scared?" He said jokingly towards Squall.
"…I don't know. I try not to think about it." He replied looking to Zell just standing behind them listening.
"I love battles. I fear nothing. The way I look at it, as long as you make it out of battle alive, you're one step closer to fulfilling your dream."
"What!? Your dream?" What are you going on about now?
"You have one too, don't you?"
"…Sorry but I'm gonna pass on that subject." Replied Squall as he turned away from the two.
Zell finally jumped in on the conversation. "Yo! Let me in on it, too!"
"Mind your own business." Said Seifer again joking.
"Frickin hell…" Zell then threw punches in front of Seifer in attempts to make him flinch. Seifer simply leaned back.
"What's the matter Zell? Swatting flies?" Seifer then chuckled and started walking down the hill towards the tower.
Zell punched the ground and swiped some rocks aside. "Darn you…!" I swear…
Squall just shook his head and watched Zell mutter a few more curses until they suddenly heard a voice. "There you are!" Zell jumped up surprised while Squall looked over to the voice. It was a girl, the same girl Squall had helped back at Balamb Garden. She tried to get footing on a rock to get down to the pathway the two were on but ended up flipping forward and tumbling on to her rear. She smiled sticking her tongue out and closing her left eye tight slightly embarrassed. Carefully she stood rubber her hip a bit and then looked to the two. "Are you …Squad B?" She looked to Squall who gave a nod. "Wait a minute… you're that guy who showed me around, right?! Thanks! I don't get lost anymore. Oh yeah, I haven't told you my name yet. I'm… a messenger. Name's Selphie, from Squad A. The Squad Captain is Seifer right? Where is he?" At the base of the Tower was Seifer running towards the entrance. Squall pointed down to where he was.
Seifer stopped and held his hands together in a "megaphone" like manner. "One of these days, I'm gonna tell ya' bout my Romantic dream!" He then rushed to the entrance and entered.
Selphie gave a deep sigh looking down the steep cliff side. "This sure is tough… Captain! Wait up…!!!" With that she jumped down the cliff side trying to skip her way down. She luckily made it down without falling and dashed for the door. Selphie then stopped in her tracks however seeing Squall and Zell still at the summit. "What are you waiting for!? Come on! Come on!" She yelled in her usual energetic way.
Friggin hell…!? "Squall…" Zell then looked down the cliff at how steep it was. It was about five stories high with a 63 degree incline. "…You're not gonna… It's a cliff man…!" He then shot his arms off towards the cliff. "You're not gonna jump off…"
Squall then peered over and shook his head. You're right about that… we're not really in a rush anyway. "No way…"
"Didn't think so…" With that the two slowly walked down the hill.
At the bottom waited Selphie, her hands on her hips and her face in a confused expression. "What took you so long? It would've been much quicker if you just jumped."
Zell cocked his head back and raised one of his brows, shocked. "…Much quicker? Pu-lease… You wouldn't normally jump off a cliff, OK!? Ain't that right, Squall?"
Squall shrugged and started walking towards the entrance. "Yeah, I guess so. You wouldn't normally jump that."
"Hmm…" Selphie then looked to Squall and then Zell and shrugged. "I don't know… Well, anyway. Well, let's get goin!"
As the Selphie was about to hit the buttons to open the door, three G Soldiers dashed out, the three talking to each other earlier, followed by a taunting Seifer, he whipping his sword in the air. "Cowards," Said Seifer as he cocked his gunblade. He then calmly walked back into the tower muttering something about the entire mission being a joke. "HEEEY!" Selphie yelled waving her arms in the air. She then turned to Squall and Zell. "The Captain's getting away!"
The three then walked in and looked around. In the center was a single pillar that seemed to provide a lift. Around them they could see turbines, pipes, wires, and other mechanical and electrical gadgets or lights. "…Did he go up?" Asked Squall as he stared at a descending elevator lift.
They all shrugged and walk on to the lift. There were no rails so the three had to be careful. Squall and Zell looked down at the height and became defensive trying to keep their feet steady. Selphie however was enjoying herself. "Wow, this lift is pretty cool."
This girl's crazy… Zell blinked looking at her as she sat on her knees peering over. "Don't get too excited, or you'll fall!"
"Like I'm really going to!"
***
On another area of the tower, apparently the top, two Galbadian soldiers were working on some wiring. The one in red, an officer, was actually the only one of the two that was really working. The other, a petty officer, he in blue, stood behind him. "Major Biggs. There has been a report of a monster shaped shadow on top of the tower." The one in blue then peered into what Major Biggs was doing. "Major Biggs!"
"Be quiet! I'm busy!" Biggs waved his hand. Biggs continued working. "This goes like this… and… Geez, what's with these crappy old tools? And… and… why do I have to make all the repairs!? AHHH!" He yelled out as a spark nearly caught his hand.
"Sir, I'll check around while the repairs are being done." The soldier then walked off, Biggs apparently not listening.
"Let's see… Hmm… put this here… and…" At the moment Squall, Selphie, and Zell had reached the area, Biggs had been connecting the final cable. "There, it's complete!"
At that instant, the tower suddenly "awakened," it shaking violently and making extremely loud explosive noises. Turbines, energy cells, and satellite dishes became operational. Squall looked all around and even down towards the ground to see boosters and fans igniting. In the center of the tower shot out a huge cylindrical like object that twisted its way to the top. At the very top, it spun around and opened up revealing three long rods. The rods extended out to the sides and released plating in the form of a large dish. The dish then curved and pointed out towards space, needle points and transmitters emerging from the center. It then all seemed to stop until a flash appeared from the dish emitting a solid blue glow towards the skies. Biggs gave a large sigh and grinned to turn to his partner and brag only to find three SeeD candidates behind him waiting.
The hell's going on? "What do you think you're doing!?" Yelled Squall who held his gunblade out to his side, he tapping it on the steel floor planks.
"Huhhhh? Like wise mister! What do you think you're doing!?" Biggs then started looking around. "H-Hey, what happened to all the soldiers down below!? WEDGE! Take care of these twerps. W…Wedge? I …ah…" He then looked around only to see the SeeDs waiting. Selphie placed her hands behind her back and gave a smile. She held her nunchaku in her left hand just in case the Galbadian soldier decided to run. Biggs then looked to Zell who was looking at his gloves and tightening them. He then finally turned to Squall who had his hand on his hip and wore an annoyed expression on his face. "Well… ah… I seem to be done here, so I'll just be on my…" Biggs then slowly made his way to wards the lift. He then raised his arm up revealing machine gun attachments. "I… I'm leaving, move it!"
"I don't think so!" Said Seifer jumping from the rising lift. He slashed at Biggs swatting a some kind of remote out of Biggs' hand. "Sorry to crash the party."
Biggs then started shaking. "Ah… AHH… AHHHH… Are you CRAZY!!!"
"Just shut up." Seifer said swiping his hand in the air.
Biggs then jumped back and gritted his teeth. "Prepare for the worst you brats!" He then held his arms out and began firing rounds at the four SeeD candidates. Biggs mainly focused fire on Seifer forcing him to hide behind a turbine. Sweeping fire over to the other SeeD candidates, Zell and Selphie ducked behind a large steel crate. Squall dashed forwards and slashed at Biggs pulling the trigger, he making contact to one of Biggs' machine gun arm mechanisms. "Argh! Darn you." Where'd that kid come from!? Biggs became enraged firing towards Squall only to find a nunchaku slapping his arm away. "Wha?"
"Major Biggs, have you finished the repairs Sir?" Wedge ran in only to find a small battle occurring. "What is the enemy doing here?" He held up his sword and stood firmly next to Biggs, he swiping away another attack from Selphie's nanchaku.
"Wedge, where have you been? No, pay for a month."
"Should've stayed home." Wedge then made a charge for Zell but only found a punch to the face then to the gut. Wedge stumbled back and shook his head. He held out some kind of item and threw it back at Zell.
Crap! A grenade! "Duck for cover guys!" Zell screamed as he returned behind the crate. The grenade exploded sending some shrapnel in the air.
"Wedge you fool! I just finished with the repairs!" Biggs was relieved to see there was no major damage.
Seifer snuck behind the two G Soldiers and jumped in for a final blow only to get one of the biggest surprises of his life, especially for Biggs and Wedge. A gigantic monster flew in and flapped its wings creating a whirlwind to swoop around the tower. It swept Biggs and Wedge away, and knocked them into the wall. Seifer too was thrown back and slightly dazed. The monster slashed down with its mighty arms, its claws scraping against the metal. All the SeeD candidates could do was hold on for dear life and duck at the sparks flying about.
"It's an Elvoret class!" Shouted Zell as he hung tightly on to the floor grating. "Squall, I think I can sense a GF around it as well!"
"I think you're right! Selphie, can you draw it!?" Shouted Squall as he stood firm against the wind holding his gunblade above his eyes.
"No sweat!" She then held her nunchaku forward and concentrated. Elvoret then suddenly screeched as energy was slowly seeping out of him. The energy flowed all around and headed straight into Selphie. "I got it guys! Should I junction it or do you want to Squall?"
"You go ahead and hold on to it…"
"Squall, we gotta do something fast! Any more of this and we'll be blown right off, splat! This whole tower could even go down!"
I know that Zell, just let me think… Squall then held his hand forward and closed his eyes. Suddenly, an electrical storm erupted and twisted right in front of the devilish looking monster. Emerging from the electrical storm was the golden bird of lightning, the GF Quezacotl. It flapped its wings and towered above Elvoret. At its beak formed a glowing ball of intense electrical energy. It tapped its beak onto Elvoret and released its energy instantly disintegrating the monster in a bright flash. As soon as the flash had died out, Elvoret was gone along with Quezacotl who had disappeared only awaiting to be summoned.
The SeeD candidates all then got up looking around checking if they were okay. Selphie looked to her hand and summoned forth the energy she had drawn from Elvoret. The view of a odd yet beautiful looking woman playing a harp in the ocean appeared. "Hmmm… Siren huh? I read about this GF back at Garden…" She then looked to Seifer who had just gotten up and had joined the three standing together. "Squad B Captain. Excuse me, I have new orders!" The energy then disappeared as she waved her hand to get Seifer's attention. Seifer just nodded. "All SeeD members and SeeD candidates are to withdraw at 1900 hours. Assemble at the shore!"
"Withdrawl?" Seifer then raised his brow. "There are still enemies around!"
"I know, but I'm just a messenger."
Squall stepped forward and crossed his arms. "An order to withdraw takes priority. I don't want to miss the vessel."
"What time'd you say?" Asked Seifer looking to his watch.
"Like I said…! All SeeD members and SeeD candidates are to withdraw at 1900 hours. Assemble at the shore."
"1900 hours… we only have 30 minutes!" Seifer then dashed for the lift and pressed a button. "You got 30 minutes to get down to the shore! Better Run!" He then jumped onto the lift and headed down.
Selphie ran to the lift and looked down. "Hey, wait for us!" The lift had already reached the bottom and was returning to the top empty.
"Who the hell does he think he is?" Asked Zell stretching his arms.
Squall shrugged. "Why don't you asked him?" As the lift reached the top, the three boarded and headed down. As they made their way down however, they didn't see Biggs slowly wake up and crawl over to the remote that had been knocked out of his hands.
"Those little twerps are the targets… Now go! Go and destroy them!
***
The three opened the entrance doors and made their way out only to hear clanging sounds from up above. They dashed forward a bit and looked up only to find a mechanical spider looking monster slamming to the ground before them. "What the hell is that?" Zell yelled holding his fists up. "I read about that thing, the X-ATM092… It's a new Galbadian weapon guys!" The spider slammed forward and swiped a leg at the three forcing them to jump and retreat. Zell jumped high into the air, almost flying, and slammed his fist into the spider's head. Its body slammed to the ground and slumped a bit trying to stand back up. Zell then flipped back to the ground and looked up at the mechanical beast. "Huh? It's repairing itself."
Inside the eyes of the monster were views of an infrared sensor and targeting system scrambling, trying to lock onto its targets. "Well, can't let that happen!" Yelled Selphie as she began beating at it with her nunchaku. "Ahh! It's not working!" The X-ATM092 then stood and charged forward slamming the three back against the cliff side. "Squall, what do we do?!"
Squall then charged forward and slashed at the mech in a frenzy, trails of exploding energy all around him. It was his trademark "Renzokuken" attack, a choreographed frenzy of timed blows, each blow igniting with every pull of the trigger, which he developed the second year of his training with the gunblade. He slashed at every visible gear and stabbed into the beast. Squall then jumped back as soon as the mech stumbled back to the ground. "Did that do it?"
"I think so…" Zell then threw one more punch and withdrew. "Let's get outta here!" The three then dashed away from the stumbling monster. Up the hill as they rounded the bend, it had slowly followed them shaking the ground bellow their feet. "I thought we already busted that thing up."
"Forget it! Let's go!" Squall yelled as they rushed on. … Darn, I thought that did it too. "Zell, when you read about that thing, did it say anything about weaknesses?"
"Nope. The Garden only had some pictures and info on its attacks that Galbadia released. They claimed it to be unstoppable."
That just helps us a lot now doesn't it? "There's got to be a way…" As they dashed across the summit, the monster jumped up the cliff to try and ambush them. The three ducked under the X-ATM092 and continued running. As they reached the mid section of the mountain, Squall stopped. "Hold on… let's walk here…"
"What!? Are you nuts!?" Zell looked to Squall who then returned a serious glare.
"If we walk here, we can avoid being thrown off balance by that thing… let's just go." Zell looked to Selphie who just shrugged and they all walked down. At the base of the mountain the three then sprinted again, the X-ATM092 tumbling behind them. They dashed over the bridge only to find the monster leap into the air and land ahead of them. "This way!" yelled Squall as they retreated back over the bridge. They were stopped once again by X-ATM092, it snapping its mechanical fangs at them. "Argh, we have 28 minutes and 39 seconds… I can't take this, let's just do it!" Squall eyed the monster's robotic red eyes and held his blade forward. Zell and Selphie followed in suit standing behind him. "Let's take this thing out!"
"We're with you man!" Zell charged forward and punched at one of the monster's legs causing it to shift in balance. Zell only found another leg coming towards him. He was sent flying back to the group. "Damn that hurt…"
Selphie quickly helped Zell up as she closed her eyes. "Maybe some magic?" She shot an open palm forward and released a blizzard spell at the mech. It merely shook the ice off.
We're gonna have to summon our GF's. Conventional methods aren't working… "Use your GF's guys! That's the only way!"
"Crap! Everyone, move!" yelled Zell as he stumbled back. He saw the eyes of the mech flicker. "It's one of its attacks, a laser beam!" Squall and Selphie jumped out of the line of the beam just in time. The red beam streaked the flooring of the bridge and suddenly burst into a burning wall-like ray of energy.
"That was too close!" said Selphie as she tried another wave of magic. She zapped at the mechanical beast with a lightning spell to the head. She seemed to have phased it a bit.
Dammit Zell… "I thought you said you didn't know any more about this thing?"
"Well, that was one of the attacks they showed on the picture… never mind, I guarantee you that was its best shot." Zell punched his fists together and started gathering some energy. They all did the same, summoning the powers of their junctioned Guardian Forces. "Eat Ifrit you piece of scrap!" The mighty Ifrit then appeared before the mechanical monster, he standing on top of a giant rock. He and the rock burst into the air in a wave of fire and charged up some power. Zell was constantly concentrating to provide Ifrit with a boost of energy. Ifrit then hovered above the rock and slammed down on it, that causing the burning boulder to fly straight down and crush and crumble upon the X-ATM092. The X-ATM092 slammed to the ground and tried standing. A computerized voice could be heard from it. "Repairing 20 %"
"Shiva!" Squall cried out pointing his gunblade forward. The goddess of ice once again emerged and formed a glowing ball of energy. It released a wave of intensely cold ice deep freezing everything in its path and slamming straight into the mechanical spider. Amazingly, the spider was still intact, repairing and shaking off some ice. It did however have some plates blown off and shattered by the intense cold.
"And time to over load it!" Selphie summoned Quezacotl. This time, the mighty bird of lightning appeared above the monster, its wings expanded. It then screeched out and started spinning forming and electrical twister. The energy slammed straight into the mech and tore right through its hull. Again, a burst of light blinded the area and disappeared with Quezacotl. The X-ATM092 then started sparking heavily. Its Turbines and motors then followed exploding. The three jumped and hung off the side of the brick bridge for cover. "We did it!!!" They all peered over to see the once titanic weapon destroyed and in pieces. "Whew, good thing we did too. It would've torn up the city."
"Cool, hey Squall, we got plenty of time to spare… 26 and 20 seconds." Squall nodded to Zell and they all climbed back up. They then ran down the alleys and back to the vessel awaiting them. Quistis was waiting rushing them to get in.
***
Whew… that was a close one. Guess I didn't expect Seifer to get us into THAT much trouble… I wonder what the Galbadians wanted with that tower though? All those soldiers and weapons just for that?
The ride back was just as silent as the one to the battlefield. Seifer was already there, he being scolded by Xu and Quistis although he just channeled them out. Zell had been the one relaxing this time, he sipping on some soda and trying his best to savior their victory against the X-ATM092. Selphie was with them, she too celebrating with Zell. Squall was in his usual state, quiet.
Waiting at Balamb Harbor for Seifer was Raijin and Fujin. "How'd it go?" Asked Raijin as Seifer stepped off the boat. Squall, Selphie, and Zell stepped out behind him.
"Man… All they did was get in my way. Being a leader ain't easy."
Fujin stepped up and stared at Seifer. "SAFE?" Seifer just smiled and gestured in a manner meaning "of course." She smiled back and kind of blushed. It was no surprise, everyone knew she had a major crush on Seifer however, no one really wanted to piss off one of the strongest students on the campus. Seifer then started walking towards the parked Garden Car with Raijin and Fujin laughing.
Quistis stepped out taking a deep breath of the sea breeze. "Good job!" She looked to Squall and Zell, then looked around. "Where's Seifer?" Squall pointed out to the Garden Car where they could all see Seifer, Raijin, and Fujin boarding. "Just be back at Garden by sun down. You're free 'till then. OK, dismissed!" With that command, Squall, Zell, and Selphie started walking towards the parking lot only to find the Garden Car speeding off.
"H-Hey!!! Not Again, man!"
What's the use in fighting it? Squall sighed and slowly started forward. "Might as well walk it." Zell sighed and followed with Selphie trailing behind, she skipping on each individually paved brick in the road.
They passed the famous Balamb hotel on the way along with the owner standing outside raving about the sea. At the bend leading to the train station or the City gates, a man sat at a bench playing a quiet game of Solitaire. The three approach as they notice the man look to Zell. "Hi Zell, how are you doing?"
"Hey…! How's it goin'! You know me, I'm always good."
"Good. Make sure you stop by and say 'Hi' to your mom."
Zell nodded and directed the others across the street. They entered a small apartment complex that had the pleasant smells of cooking food. "Ma, I'm home!"
"Zell, what a surprise! Are these your friends?"
"This is my house. But don't make yourselves too comfortable!" Zell said to Selphie and Squall.
"Oh, Zell. Are you off for the today?"
"Nah, outdoor class."
"Drop by whenever you can. Even to say hi." Mrs. Dincht then smiled to the others. "It's a pleasure to meet you. The food won't be done for a while, will you all be staying?"
"Nah ma, we gotta get going. But thanks anyway. Maybe I'll come home a SeeD today ma!"
"Oh good for you Zell! But you know your father and I will be proud no matter what. And I'm sure your grandfather would be proud too! But you know, everyone has their doubts about you not passing… don't worry, I'm sure you've done your best!"
"Thanks ma, bye!"
***
Back at Balamb Garden front gate, the three stumbled onto the curb and kicked the dust off their boots. Zell stood and gave out a large yawn. "Huuuwahaah! Finally made it back…"
Selphie was rubbing her feet and stretching her legs. "Seriously."
"Well, I guess we just wait for the test results. Till then, see ya Squall!" Zell then walked off.
Selphie gave Squall a little wave and trotted off as well. "See ya."
I guess I'm really tired too. It's been a long day. Squall made a short yawn and stopped by the lobby. He saw Xu and Quistis talking to Headmaster Cid but was stopped by two students talking, one from Squad C and the other form Squad D.
"Hey, did you hear? Looks like Galbadia's real target is the communication tower." Said the Squad C student.
"But radio signals are useless, even if they get the tower to work." Replied the Squad D student sharply.
"Why?"
"It was on last week's exam, remember? How any form of communication using radio signals can't be used." The Squad D student then turned to Squall. "Squall, how did you answer that question?"
… There's a world wide interference…"The worldwide signal interference."
"Correct! Good for you! Worldwide signal interference. It started without warning 17 years ago. That's why we communicate online, and use chocobos as messengers now. That's why there's no reason to get the tower up and running."
"I did awful in the field exam. Just between you and me...I wet my pants." The Squad C student then shook his head and sighed.
"I don't care if I pass. I don't really want to be a SeeD."
Don't want to be a SeeD? Then what's the point of being here? Squall then shrugged and decided to keep walking. There's the headmaster with Xu and Quistis… why do they have to stand in my way? I'll try to get around them.
"Mission complete!" Said Xu to Cid. "I think we did a pretty good job. The candidates are back safely, right? Although we didn't realize the Galbadian Army was after the abandoned communication tower…"
Cid cleared his throat and scratched his head. "We've just received word from the Dollet Dukedom. The Galbadian Army has agreed to withdraw as long as the communication tower is repaired and the up-link remains operational."
"Well, in any case, Galbadia is out of there. We could've made more money if they'd stayed and caused more ruckus." Xu then noticed Squall as he started walking by. "Hey, you did pretty well!" Squall stopped and turned to the group slightly bowing his head in thanks.
"Of course!" Quistis remarked. "He's my best student. He's not very social though."
Cid then stepped up and looked to Squall smiling. "How did it feel out there on the battlefield?"
Whatever… what's it to you? "Felt good. To actually fight… It was a good feeling." Said Squall quickly trying to get through.
"That's the spirit! But don't let it get to your head." Squall then walked off as the three continued talking of the exam.
I wonder if that answer back there will affect my score? On his way to the dorms, Squall ran into Seifer just in front of the hall leading to the library. He looked slightly disappointed. "D'you hear about the communication tower in Dollet? We could've been heroes if it weren't for that withdrawal order." He then stopped talking as he eyed Quistis and Xu walking towards them.
"You were only looking for a fight." Said Quistis who had heard Seifer clearly.
"My dear instructor. I'm hurt. Those are rather cruel words for an aspiring student. A mediocre instructor like you will never understand."
MEDIOCRE!?
Quistis was about to make a sharp remark until Xu jumped in. "Seifer, don't be so stuck on yourself. You'll take all responsibility for leaving the designated area."
Seifer raised his arms in defense. "Isn't it the Captain's duty to take the best possible action?"
"Seifer, you'll never be a SeeD. Calling yourself a Captain is a joke." Xu then waved her hand in the air and walked off leaving Seifer trembling with anger. He stopped as he saw Headmaster Cid walking in. Cid gestured Quistis to leave them.
Cid then looked to Seifer for a while and nodded. "Seifer. You will be disciplined for your irresponsible behavior. You must follow orders exactly during combat. But I'm not entirely without sympathy for you. I don't want you all to become machines. I want you all to be able to think and act for yourselves." Behind the group, a Faculty aid walked up. "I am…"
"Headmaster Cid, you have some business in your office…" Said the faculty member interrupting.
"There are so many issues at hand here." Cid then sighed, firmly patted Seifer on the shoulder, and walked off.
Squall looked to Seifer and decided to leave him alone. He then walked towards the dorms. He stopped as he heard the Faculty member talking, Squall guessed to him. "SeeD shall not act beyond the exact wording of a contract. We are a non-profit organization. This incident will be a hard-learned lesson for the Dollet Dukedom. They'll now know to be more generous when hiring SeeD."
Squall gave a nod to the Faculty aid and walked on only to stop again to hear a message on a loudspeaker. "(All students who participated in today's field exam, report to the second floor hallway. I repeat, all students who took the field exam, report to the 2nd floor hallway.) With that, Squall quickly made his way to the elevator and to the second floor. The scores are in… He walked down the 2nd floor bridge way from the elevator to the hallway. There he saw a few SeeD candidates, Zell among them.
Raijin and Fujin were there as well, making sure things were in order. Fujin approached Squall and gave him a cold stare with her revealed eye. "RAGE." Squall stared back challengingly and then looked to Raijin who was grinning.
"Fujin was sayin' that it'd be all your fault if Seifer doesn't become a SeeD. She can be pretty scary, ya know?" Squall just shrugged and turned around to see a Faculty member exiting the elevator.
"Dincht… Zell Dincht."
"OHHH YEAH!!!" Screamed Zell jumping in the air. He then walked off towards the elevator.
"Squall… Squall from Squad B, please step forward." Squall gave a nod and followed Zell into the elevator. "That's all. Dismissed."
***
In Cid's office, four SeeD candidates stood at attention before the headmaster and a Faculty member. Among them were Selphie, a young man by the name of Nida, Zell, and Squall. The Faculty member stepped up to Cid and raised his hands towards the four. "These are the four students that passed today's SeeD exam."
Cid nodded and carefully examined each student. "First of all, congratulations. However… From now on as a member of SeeD, you will be dispatched all over the world. We are proud to introduce SeeD. Balamb Garden's mercenary soldiers. SeeD soldiers are combat specialists. BUT… That is only one aspect of SeeD. When the time comes…"
"Headmaster…" The Garden Faculty once again interrupted. "It's almost time for the meeting. Please make this short. SeeD is a valuable asset to Garden. Its reputation is solely dependent on each of you. Handle your mission with care. Is that what you wanted to say sir?" The Faculty member then turned back to Cid who nodded in agreement and then back to the students. "Here is your SeeD rank report!" The faculty member then handed the papers to Cid.
Cid took the papers in hand and first walked over to Selphie. He handed her test papers over and shook her hand also whispering something to her. "Psst… Psst… (I'm looking forward to the Garden Festival.)" He then turned and walked over to Nida doing the same. "Psst…Psst… (Do your best, even if you don't stand out.)" Once again he turned and walked to the next student, this time Zell. "Psst…Psst… (Try to control your emotions a little.)" He shook Zell's hand firmly as Zell shot out a big grin. He was trembling with excitement. Then he turned to Squall, gave him his report and shook his hand firmly. "Psst… Psst… (Finally… A gunblade specialist… We'll talk privately one day.)" He then walked back to his seat and again examined the new SeeDs. "This ends the SeeD inauguration. Dismissed!" The four new SeeDs then stood at attention and gave the SeeD salute. They then turned and trotted off, Zell doing a little victory dance with Selpie while Nida and Squall trailed behind.
***
The four found themselves back at the second floor. Zell and Selphie rushed out dancing on the bridge way. Nida was off to the side smiling and thinking to himself. Squall followed out of the elevator last. He over heard Nida talking to himself as he passed by. "After 17 years of suffering, my chance has finally arrived!" Nida then turned around only to find Squall staring at him. "Oh!!! W-W-What, Squall?" Squall just nodded as he headed towards Zell and Selphie overhearing one more thing. "(I'll be the ruler of this Garden someday!)"
Selphie constantly pranced around yelling "SeeD! SeeeD! SeeeeeeeD!" while Zell too did a little victory gallop. "Yo! Squall! Let's get back to class!" Squall just shrugged giving a "why?" expression. "What do you mean, 'Why?' Don't you remember what new SeeD members do? They give a speech in front of the entire class! And after that, the inauguration party!" Squall just sighed and walked on towards the class hallway. Zell jumped in the air and yanked Selphie and Nida to follow.
As they walked forward into the hall, they were surprised to find a large group of people huddled there. Among the group was Seifer along with Fujin and Raijin. The four looked around confused. All was quiet for around 30 seconds until Seifer stepped up and began clapping. The rest of the group followed in suit leaving the four new SeeDs to grin in rejoice and embarrassment, of course except for Squall who simply waved his hand and looked to the side. I don't get this guy… beginning of the day he tries to kill me… now he's giving congrats… he actually looks serious though…
***
Before heading back to the dorms to prepare for the night's SeeD ball to be scheduled, Squall decided to head for the cafeteria and get some nourishment. He ordered two Garden hotdogs and sat down at his usual table at the far right corner in the back. Who knew some garden hotdogs were ordered for tonight? Taking a sip of his drink, he opened up the large envelope containing his test scores and rank results. …whew… I made it… wonder how well…? He carefully looked at the scores and nodded in agreement. "Conduct 70pts…" that's right, I must have gotten docked for not trying to change Seifer's mind… "Judgement 60 pts… Attack 50 pts… Spirit 100 pts… pts deducted 80 pts!? Ah well… at least there's that bonus 100 pts… SeeD rank 9 huh? Not too bad I guess…" He stayed there for about a half an hour staring at his scores and finishing his hotdogs until a "Trepie" walked passed him and reminded him to get going for the ball.