Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to SquareSoft * sob * It's
just not fair!
Please don't sue me. If you do, all you'll get is my pikachu plushie!
Warning: Yaoi alert. If you don't like stuff like this, take a hike. Or find something else to read, for Pete's sake!
Author's Notes: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the wonderful reviews! * sob * I'm so happy! This has really been a boost. I wasn't sure how the new idea was going to fly. I just couldn't get it out of my head. I'm hoping to have a lot of plot twists, intrigue and of course, some hot, nasty, making out! I don't even want think of how I'm going to write that….~_~;
I'm having finals right now, so the postings might be a bit sluggish….I'll speed up some as soon as I'm done with school…As for Chasing the Sun, Chasing the Moon, I will be working on it too, as time permits. Don't worry, I intend to finish it. But the Black Flame plot bunnies just won't leave me alone!
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Chapter 1: The meeting
Laguna An Rheon de Loire ab Esthar, Emperor of the City-State of Esthar, one of the richest countries in the world, if not the richest, sighed as he read the latest intelligence report deposited on his desk by one his best friends and most trusted advisors, Kiros Seagul, archduke of Westgill. His only son and heir-Squall, was away at school, and the reason why Laguna was so despondent.
Left to him, Laguna had really not wanted his beloved offspring out of his sight for a minute; much less allow him to go away to school in far off Balamb. But both Kiros and Ward-his other best friend and advisor, Marquess of Lockneer, had listened to his protests and- threw them out of the window.
Laguna sighed again and leaned back in his chair as he recalled the day Kiros had come to his apartments in the palace to persuade him to let Squall go away to school.
"Laguna, you have to let the boy go. He has to learn more about the world out there, and the dangers that come with that. Besides, he needs to be with kids of his own age, and learn to get along with other people, not just the people of Esthar. He's going to be the ruler one day and he has to be able to get along with other rulers of the world. I know it sounds cliché, but that doesn't change the reality of it." Kiros had folded his arms, looking down at him with some irritation.
Ward had nodded his shaggy head, smiling at the crestfallen expression on Laguna's face.
"But…"
"No buts, Laguna! The reason I'm pushing this so vigorously is that I'm also thinking of Squall! It's dangerous for him to remain in Esthar. You know that. I don't have to stress this to you." Kiros' eyes and voice softened. Taking one of Laguna's hands in both of his, Kiros knelt beside his chair.
" I know how much you love him, Laguna. We all do. Who wouldn't? But the reasons I listed aren't the only ones. You and Squall are all that are left of the royal house of Loire, the Rulers of Esthar. As your advisor and the Steward of the Royals, it's my duty to make sure that our rightful rulers survive. No one wants a repeat of what happened when the Sorceress Adel took over. But people are quick to forget their hardship when peace reigns. Even though it's been so long ago, it is our duty to our people to make sure the Kingdom survives. I don't have to tell you this, you know."
Laguna sighed. "After hearing such a patriotic speech, how can I be so churlish and selfish to refuse that plea?" Kiros had laughed at Laguna's irritated expression.
"All right, I'll let him go. I just hope it's the right thing do. How do I tell a five year old boy that he has to leave all he's known and loved because it's for his own good?"
Kiros had laughed again "I think you'd be surprised, my Emperor. It seems our young Prince doesn't have a problem with it-only you."
Laguna had been outraged. "You told him he was going away already? Before persuading me it was a good idea?"
Kiros gave him a long look. "He suggested it, after all."
Laguna had held his head in his hands. "Man, I can't stand it. Where does he get all his weird ideas? I can't believe he's my kid. I was never this precocious. He's only five! I was still playing with toy soldiers when I was his age. Where does he get his weirdness from?"
"His genius, you mean? It certainly isn't from his fathers' side!"
"Hey!"
It was no secret that the Imperial Prince of Esthar was an extremely intelligent and precocious boy. He was also a very curious one, a trait that his tutors encouraged. Because of that and the fact that Squall spent almost all his time with adults, he spoke and thought like one. But there was one thing about him that worried his father, though. His absolute emotionlessness. It worried Laguna to no end. But nothing Laguna did or said made his son more expressive. Laguna hoped his going away to be with children his own age would change him for the better.
No one in the kingdom could doubt how much the Emperor of Esthar loved his young son. His Empress, the Empress Raine An Celestina el Leonhart de Loire ab Esthar had died giving birth to him. Squall was all he had left. If Laguna had to send Squall to the moon to make sure he survived, Laguna would be extremely reluctant, but he would do it. It would nearly kill him, but he would do it.
It had never made sense to him why people wanted to kill him and take his throne for themselves. The intrigue at court annoyed him to no end. If he could, he would have told anyone that wanted to know that being ruler of a nation that covered almost two continents was no walk in the park. It certainly was not fun. To be a good ruler was even more difficult. It was a heck of a lot of responsibility; one he wished he could give up.
But Laguna knew in his heart of hearts, he couldn't. He had had the sense of duty and responsibility to his people and kingdom bred into his bones since he was a boy of Squall's age. All the offspring of the House of Loire- both male and female, knew it was their duty to their people to be the best rulers they could be. In turn, he did the same for Squall.
In the end, he, Kiros and Ward had decided to send Squall to the University of Balamb, also known as Balamb Garden. Run by Lord Cid Kramer, an old friend, and his wife Edea, a famous sorceress, the school was unmatched in terms of academics. But what made it most unusual was the additional and unusual curriculum. The school had a military arm that had superlative training for those who chose to partake of the opportunity-training to be a mercenary.
The training also included courses in diplomacy, politics, negotiation and so on, stuff Squall could've learned at home in Esthar. But Laguna knew the school had come in contact with various cultures and countries, so their information would be more up to date and cosmopolitan.
But Laguna had had misgivings-he did not want his only son to be come a killer. But reality had reared its ugly head. His son would need to learn how to defend himself, his kingdom and his people. He needed the ruthlessness that came with being on the battlefield. Most important, he needed to learn what the horrors of war were and how to avoid war at all costs. Anyone who saw the casualties and end product of war was sure to avoid situations that led to it. Like he did, unfortunately.
A knock on his door quickly brought Laguna out of his reverie of the past.
"Come in, Kiros. I've been expecting you!"
Kiros came into the room, looking around, a slight frown on his handsome face. "Laguna, where are your guards?"
"Oh, them? I gave them the day off."
"What? Are you nuts, or something?"
"No…..," Laguna drawled. He glanced at Kiros face, curiously. "Hey, um, Kiros, are you alright? You choking or something? You look weird."
Kiros was busy pulling at his long hair, trying his best not to strangle the Emperor of Esthar. A growling sound came from his throat.
"Lagunaaaaa…"
"Okay, okay! I shouldn't have done that, I suppose. But I really needed to talk to you."
"We can do that after I get some guards to stand at the door! For Hyne's sake, Laguna. You're the ruler of one of the largest countries in the world. You cannot sit by yourself in a room without someone looking out for you!"
"I've never needed guards before!"
"That was before Esthar joined the rest of the world, Laguna!" Kiros, now exasperated, walked to the huge desk that dominated the room and spoke quickly into the intercom, instructing Laguna's secretary to notify Ward to report in. When he was done, he
flounced to the comfortable three-seater couch Laguna had placed in his office for the naps he frequently took in the afternoons. Now seated, Kiros shook his head.
"Why do I always seem to speak to you in exclamation points?"
Laguna smirked, going to his desk. "Maybe because I'm hard-headed?"
Kiros quirked an eyebrow, "Only hard-headed? What about lazy, immature, talkative and a busybody?"
Laguna shrugged. "All the signs of a good ruler. A good leader knows when to delegate. And what ruler doesn't want to know what's going on his kingdom at all times?"
Kiros snorted and folded his arms. "Delegate, my ass. You just like to pass off your work to someone else. And what good ruler cares which noble is sleeping with whom and who's the real father of the baby the young wife of old Baron Treska just had?"
Laguna shrugged again. "Gossip's a good way to pass the time. Running a country like this takes a lot out of you. You have to have some way to relieve the tedium."
Kiros sighed and held his head in his hands. "You're hopeless."
Laguna laughed. Sitting in his swivel chair, Laguna faced Kiros. Now serious, he asked Kiros.
"Did you see the report Ward left on my desk?"
Kiros, also now serious, leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees. "Yeah, I saw it. I'm not really surprised. Galbadia's been flexing its muscles and making noises about taking over Balamb for ages. Something about Balamb being in their areas of jurisdiction or something equally ridiculous like that. I doubt they can do it, though. I heard a rumor that they finally found the heir to the throne. Galbadia seems to consider the claim spurious. But the situation needs watching."
Laguna snorted. "If the royals of Galbadia could lay claim to Esthar, they would. They're so greedy. I bet because they found out Balamb found mineral deposits in the mountains, they went and dug out some map that shows it's in their jurisdiction. The stupid thing's probably been out of date for over a millennia. But I agree with watching them closely."
He swiveled back to face his desk, clasping his hands and placing his head on them. "Kiros, I think it's time for Squall to come home. I want him here just in case Galbadia decides they can take over Balamb."
Kiros closed his eyes thoughtfully, wrinkling his nose. "That's a thought….But the thing is, will Squall want to come home now?"
Laguna raised an eyebrow. "It's not like he has a choice, Kiros. He is the Imperial Crown Prince. Besides, I need a holiday. And I need someone I trust to run the kingdom while I'm gone."
Kiros sighed. "Just like you, Laguna to have an ulterior motive for whatever you do."
"Of course. What self-respecting ruler doesn't have one?"
The intercom chirped.
"Yes, what is it, Maeya? Send him in."
Ward Zaback, Marquess of Nothendill, eased his huge body into the office. Standing at 7', he was strangely graceful on his feet, even with his big body. Ward cut an impressive figure at court. He was also immensely feared and respected, not only as one of the few people who had the ear of the Emperor, but because he was also one of the most powerful (and strongest) men in the kingdom as head of intelligence. An old war injury had robbed him of his voice, but his closest friends had no problem conversing with him.
"Hey, Ward, 'sup?" Laguna greeted him
"………" Ward returned, saluting Laguna.
Kiros snickered. "The people at court would be shocked to hear you, Laguna. Who would ever imagine the Almighty Emperor of Esthar speaking in slang?"
Laguna rolled his eyes. "Jeez, Kiros. Who would want to keep speaking "court speak" in his spare time? That shit is hard to use! I remember almost biting my tongue when I was learning it as a kid. I had this old biddy that would rap me on my fingers with a ruler if I ever forgot myself and used real language. I'm glad I sent Squall away to school before he could be tortured with it."
Kiros laughed. "I don't blame you for hating it, Laguna. I can't stand it myself. I wonder what Squall say if he found out that he had to speak it?"
Ward made a series of gestures, laughing.
Laguna also laughed. "I'll bet. He'll probably roll his eyes and say 'whatever'."
Kiros chuckled. "He's going to turn the nobility over on their collective asses."
"I'm looking forward to it, actually." Laguna leaned back in his chair. "They're getting to complacent, anyway. Peace is all well and good, but we need to be aware of the precarious state of the world, something a lot of them need to be reminded of." He shrugged. "Well, that'll take care of itself, when the time comes."
"Ward, are there guards outside?" Kiros asked, looking at the bigger man
"…….." Ward made some gestures, frowning down at Laguna.
"Yeah, yeah…..I know. I'm sorry! But a guy's got to have some privacy."
Kiros stared at him in disbelief. "You're the Emperor, Laguna. That word has no meaning as far as you're concerned."
Laguna sighed. "Well, I can dream, can't I?"
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Squall An Brennan Rheon el Leonhart de Loire ab Esthar, better known as Squall Leonhart, Imperial Crown Prince of Esthar and elite student and mercenary of Balamb groaned silently as he perused the long-winded letter his father, Laguna, had written him.
Laguna was incapable of ever getting to the point. Squall loved his father to death, he really did, but it didn't stop him from considering him an idiot. Squall folded the letter and got up from his bed, where he had hoped he could get some rest before dinner. That idea was shot to hell. Well, he might as well go return the books he had been planning to return to the library.
As he walked along the brightly corridors and plushly carpeted floor of Garden, Squall marveled to himself again how similar the designs were to the Imperial Palace of Esthar. It wasn't really that strange. After all both places had been designed by the Shumi. But the similarity had helped Squall get over his homesickness when he had first arrived at the tender age of five.
Unlike Laguna who had worried incessantly over the welfare of his only offspring, Squall knew it was his lot in life. He had accepted that fact ever since he was a child. His father had worried Squall would feel abandoned. Luckily for everyone involved, this wasn't the case. Instead, the little Princeling had taken to the school as a duck would to water.
Unfortunately though, Squall's unemotional ways had put off the other children, which resulted in his never having many friends. His only friends to date were Selphie, a minor princess from Trabia, Irvine, the younger son of a noble from Galbadia, Quistis, the only daugher of an immensely wealthy minor baron also from Galbadia. He wouldn't consider Rinoa, Princess of Galbadia his friend, though. Seifer Almasy, the only son of the Archduke of Vastlake, a large province in Galbadia, was most definitely not his friend. They both hated each other with a passion, and were rivals. What even made the situation between him and Seifer worse was the fact that Rinoa had been dating Seifer, and then saw Squall and fell for him. Hard. This did not please Seifer at all. Left to Squall, he wasn't interested in Rinoa. He rather considered her a nuisance. But the girl had attached herself to him, and Squall, while being emotionless, was not a cad. He just didn't have the heart to brush her off. Being a consummate gentleman, he let her delude herself into thinking he was her boyfriend, for some reason refusing to disabuse her of her odd notions. His other friends had taken him to task. Selphie, never being one to hide her emotions, had yelled at him.
"Squall, you idiot! Tell her how you really feel!"
Squall had shrugged. "Why?"
"Why?!" Selphie had sputtered. Irvine rubbed her back, trying to calm her down.
"You dufus!" Selphie was one of the only people he knew could insult a prince of his stature without batting an eyelid.
Squall had not made his rank an issue. As far as he was concerned, it got in the way of things. Considering the school he was attending was filled with nothing but noble offspring and kids whose parents were insanely wealthy, he was a very unusual person. Not many people knew he was a prince. Actually, many people looked down on thinking he was a commoner. But they were too afraid of him and his reputation as the cold and emtionless "Leonhartless" to snub him outright.
Selphie began to rant. "Jeez, I can't believe you! Let me tell you about her……" They had all heard of Rinoa's antics at her father's court. Quistis and Irvine especially, since they were Galbadian nobles. Selphie, whose mother was a Galbadian noble before marrying into the royal house of Trabia, was able to come and go at the Galbadian court as she pleased because of that. Selphie did not like Rinoa at all. But she was careful to keep her animosity among friends. Rinoa could make things really uncomfortable for her at court.
Before Selphie could start one of her endless stories, Quistis had cut her short.
"Selphie, I'm sure Squall has his reasons for doing what he's doing. Don't you, Squall?"
Squall shrugged again and stared at Irvine as he tried to calm Selphie down by tickling her, his face impassive. "Not really."
Quistis had stared at him strangely.
"You know, Squall, Selphie is right. Rinoa is going around dropping hints of an engagement. Did you know that?"
Squall had quirked an eyebrow. "It's a free country. She can say anything she wants. But she's in for a big disappointment. I can't marry anyone without my father's permission. And I won't be asking for it for her, in any case."
In actuality, Laguna probably couldn't have cared less whomever Squall wanted to marry. But it was a convenient excuse for Squall. He knew when he graduated, that was the last he was going to see of her.
Squall arrived at the library in good time, returned his books, made an interlibrary loan and promised to check the status of it on the morrow. Deciding to grab a bite to eat, he meandered along walkway, taking his time.
Students hurried past him, not bothering to say hello. It was fine by him, he really didn't feel like talking-Not that he did much of that, anyway. As he walked along, he was so deep in thought that he didn't see the person in front him. He walked right in to the person, almost bowing them over.
Or he almost did. The person in question neatly side-stepped.
Startled into attention by the motion, he looked into the most beautiful, unsual shade of blue eyes he had ever seen. And an even more unusual and startling facial tattoo.
"Whoa!"
"What? Uh, sorry. Did I hit you?" Squall asked, mesmerized.
"Nah, I'm okay. I do that, too sometimes. Hey, you're Squall, aren't you?"
Squall blinked. The young man addressing him was short. Not that Squall himself was immensely tall himself. The guy in question couldn't have been more that 5'6, give or take a few inches.
"Yeah, I'm Squall. Sorry 'bout the run in….Who're you?"
"The name's Alexander…But everyone calls me Zell." He stuck out a hand. Squall shook it. "Nice to meetcha! Oops, gotta run! Don't want to miss the hotdogs. Hope to you around!" With that, the young man jogged away.
Squall stood, looking at the boy as he disappeared around the corner. "Zell….Strange guy. Even stranger tattoo…"
Squall couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen that tattoo before. He had a feeling that this was not going to be the last time he saw the beautiful blond guy. But he put it out of his mind. His stomach growled.
"I'm hungry…."
Please don't sue me. If you do, all you'll get is my pikachu plushie!
Warning: Yaoi alert. If you don't like stuff like this, take a hike. Or find something else to read, for Pete's sake!
Author's Notes: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the wonderful reviews! * sob * I'm so happy! This has really been a boost. I wasn't sure how the new idea was going to fly. I just couldn't get it out of my head. I'm hoping to have a lot of plot twists, intrigue and of course, some hot, nasty, making out! I don't even want think of how I'm going to write that….~_~;
I'm having finals right now, so the postings might be a bit sluggish….I'll speed up some as soon as I'm done with school…As for Chasing the Sun, Chasing the Moon, I will be working on it too, as time permits. Don't worry, I intend to finish it. But the Black Flame plot bunnies just won't leave me alone!
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Chapter 1: The meeting
Laguna An Rheon de Loire ab Esthar, Emperor of the City-State of Esthar, one of the richest countries in the world, if not the richest, sighed as he read the latest intelligence report deposited on his desk by one his best friends and most trusted advisors, Kiros Seagul, archduke of Westgill. His only son and heir-Squall, was away at school, and the reason why Laguna was so despondent.
Left to him, Laguna had really not wanted his beloved offspring out of his sight for a minute; much less allow him to go away to school in far off Balamb. But both Kiros and Ward-his other best friend and advisor, Marquess of Lockneer, had listened to his protests and- threw them out of the window.
Laguna sighed again and leaned back in his chair as he recalled the day Kiros had come to his apartments in the palace to persuade him to let Squall go away to school.
"Laguna, you have to let the boy go. He has to learn more about the world out there, and the dangers that come with that. Besides, he needs to be with kids of his own age, and learn to get along with other people, not just the people of Esthar. He's going to be the ruler one day and he has to be able to get along with other rulers of the world. I know it sounds cliché, but that doesn't change the reality of it." Kiros had folded his arms, looking down at him with some irritation.
Ward had nodded his shaggy head, smiling at the crestfallen expression on Laguna's face.
"But…"
"No buts, Laguna! The reason I'm pushing this so vigorously is that I'm also thinking of Squall! It's dangerous for him to remain in Esthar. You know that. I don't have to stress this to you." Kiros' eyes and voice softened. Taking one of Laguna's hands in both of his, Kiros knelt beside his chair.
" I know how much you love him, Laguna. We all do. Who wouldn't? But the reasons I listed aren't the only ones. You and Squall are all that are left of the royal house of Loire, the Rulers of Esthar. As your advisor and the Steward of the Royals, it's my duty to make sure that our rightful rulers survive. No one wants a repeat of what happened when the Sorceress Adel took over. But people are quick to forget their hardship when peace reigns. Even though it's been so long ago, it is our duty to our people to make sure the Kingdom survives. I don't have to tell you this, you know."
Laguna sighed. "After hearing such a patriotic speech, how can I be so churlish and selfish to refuse that plea?" Kiros had laughed at Laguna's irritated expression.
"All right, I'll let him go. I just hope it's the right thing do. How do I tell a five year old boy that he has to leave all he's known and loved because it's for his own good?"
Kiros had laughed again "I think you'd be surprised, my Emperor. It seems our young Prince doesn't have a problem with it-only you."
Laguna had been outraged. "You told him he was going away already? Before persuading me it was a good idea?"
Kiros gave him a long look. "He suggested it, after all."
Laguna had held his head in his hands. "Man, I can't stand it. Where does he get all his weird ideas? I can't believe he's my kid. I was never this precocious. He's only five! I was still playing with toy soldiers when I was his age. Where does he get his weirdness from?"
"His genius, you mean? It certainly isn't from his fathers' side!"
"Hey!"
It was no secret that the Imperial Prince of Esthar was an extremely intelligent and precocious boy. He was also a very curious one, a trait that his tutors encouraged. Because of that and the fact that Squall spent almost all his time with adults, he spoke and thought like one. But there was one thing about him that worried his father, though. His absolute emotionlessness. It worried Laguna to no end. But nothing Laguna did or said made his son more expressive. Laguna hoped his going away to be with children his own age would change him for the better.
No one in the kingdom could doubt how much the Emperor of Esthar loved his young son. His Empress, the Empress Raine An Celestina el Leonhart de Loire ab Esthar had died giving birth to him. Squall was all he had left. If Laguna had to send Squall to the moon to make sure he survived, Laguna would be extremely reluctant, but he would do it. It would nearly kill him, but he would do it.
It had never made sense to him why people wanted to kill him and take his throne for themselves. The intrigue at court annoyed him to no end. If he could, he would have told anyone that wanted to know that being ruler of a nation that covered almost two continents was no walk in the park. It certainly was not fun. To be a good ruler was even more difficult. It was a heck of a lot of responsibility; one he wished he could give up.
But Laguna knew in his heart of hearts, he couldn't. He had had the sense of duty and responsibility to his people and kingdom bred into his bones since he was a boy of Squall's age. All the offspring of the House of Loire- both male and female, knew it was their duty to their people to be the best rulers they could be. In turn, he did the same for Squall.
In the end, he, Kiros and Ward had decided to send Squall to the University of Balamb, also known as Balamb Garden. Run by Lord Cid Kramer, an old friend, and his wife Edea, a famous sorceress, the school was unmatched in terms of academics. But what made it most unusual was the additional and unusual curriculum. The school had a military arm that had superlative training for those who chose to partake of the opportunity-training to be a mercenary.
The training also included courses in diplomacy, politics, negotiation and so on, stuff Squall could've learned at home in Esthar. But Laguna knew the school had come in contact with various cultures and countries, so their information would be more up to date and cosmopolitan.
But Laguna had had misgivings-he did not want his only son to be come a killer. But reality had reared its ugly head. His son would need to learn how to defend himself, his kingdom and his people. He needed the ruthlessness that came with being on the battlefield. Most important, he needed to learn what the horrors of war were and how to avoid war at all costs. Anyone who saw the casualties and end product of war was sure to avoid situations that led to it. Like he did, unfortunately.
A knock on his door quickly brought Laguna out of his reverie of the past.
"Come in, Kiros. I've been expecting you!"
Kiros came into the room, looking around, a slight frown on his handsome face. "Laguna, where are your guards?"
"Oh, them? I gave them the day off."
"What? Are you nuts, or something?"
"No…..," Laguna drawled. He glanced at Kiros face, curiously. "Hey, um, Kiros, are you alright? You choking or something? You look weird."
Kiros was busy pulling at his long hair, trying his best not to strangle the Emperor of Esthar. A growling sound came from his throat.
"Lagunaaaaa…"
"Okay, okay! I shouldn't have done that, I suppose. But I really needed to talk to you."
"We can do that after I get some guards to stand at the door! For Hyne's sake, Laguna. You're the ruler of one of the largest countries in the world. You cannot sit by yourself in a room without someone looking out for you!"
"I've never needed guards before!"
"That was before Esthar joined the rest of the world, Laguna!" Kiros, now exasperated, walked to the huge desk that dominated the room and spoke quickly into the intercom, instructing Laguna's secretary to notify Ward to report in. When he was done, he
flounced to the comfortable three-seater couch Laguna had placed in his office for the naps he frequently took in the afternoons. Now seated, Kiros shook his head.
"Why do I always seem to speak to you in exclamation points?"
Laguna smirked, going to his desk. "Maybe because I'm hard-headed?"
Kiros quirked an eyebrow, "Only hard-headed? What about lazy, immature, talkative and a busybody?"
Laguna shrugged. "All the signs of a good ruler. A good leader knows when to delegate. And what ruler doesn't want to know what's going on his kingdom at all times?"
Kiros snorted and folded his arms. "Delegate, my ass. You just like to pass off your work to someone else. And what good ruler cares which noble is sleeping with whom and who's the real father of the baby the young wife of old Baron Treska just had?"
Laguna shrugged again. "Gossip's a good way to pass the time. Running a country like this takes a lot out of you. You have to have some way to relieve the tedium."
Kiros sighed and held his head in his hands. "You're hopeless."
Laguna laughed. Sitting in his swivel chair, Laguna faced Kiros. Now serious, he asked Kiros.
"Did you see the report Ward left on my desk?"
Kiros, also now serious, leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees. "Yeah, I saw it. I'm not really surprised. Galbadia's been flexing its muscles and making noises about taking over Balamb for ages. Something about Balamb being in their areas of jurisdiction or something equally ridiculous like that. I doubt they can do it, though. I heard a rumor that they finally found the heir to the throne. Galbadia seems to consider the claim spurious. But the situation needs watching."
Laguna snorted. "If the royals of Galbadia could lay claim to Esthar, they would. They're so greedy. I bet because they found out Balamb found mineral deposits in the mountains, they went and dug out some map that shows it's in their jurisdiction. The stupid thing's probably been out of date for over a millennia. But I agree with watching them closely."
He swiveled back to face his desk, clasping his hands and placing his head on them. "Kiros, I think it's time for Squall to come home. I want him here just in case Galbadia decides they can take over Balamb."
Kiros closed his eyes thoughtfully, wrinkling his nose. "That's a thought….But the thing is, will Squall want to come home now?"
Laguna raised an eyebrow. "It's not like he has a choice, Kiros. He is the Imperial Crown Prince. Besides, I need a holiday. And I need someone I trust to run the kingdom while I'm gone."
Kiros sighed. "Just like you, Laguna to have an ulterior motive for whatever you do."
"Of course. What self-respecting ruler doesn't have one?"
The intercom chirped.
"Yes, what is it, Maeya? Send him in."
Ward Zaback, Marquess of Nothendill, eased his huge body into the office. Standing at 7', he was strangely graceful on his feet, even with his big body. Ward cut an impressive figure at court. He was also immensely feared and respected, not only as one of the few people who had the ear of the Emperor, but because he was also one of the most powerful (and strongest) men in the kingdom as head of intelligence. An old war injury had robbed him of his voice, but his closest friends had no problem conversing with him.
"Hey, Ward, 'sup?" Laguna greeted him
"………" Ward returned, saluting Laguna.
Kiros snickered. "The people at court would be shocked to hear you, Laguna. Who would ever imagine the Almighty Emperor of Esthar speaking in slang?"
Laguna rolled his eyes. "Jeez, Kiros. Who would want to keep speaking "court speak" in his spare time? That shit is hard to use! I remember almost biting my tongue when I was learning it as a kid. I had this old biddy that would rap me on my fingers with a ruler if I ever forgot myself and used real language. I'm glad I sent Squall away to school before he could be tortured with it."
Kiros laughed. "I don't blame you for hating it, Laguna. I can't stand it myself. I wonder what Squall say if he found out that he had to speak it?"
Ward made a series of gestures, laughing.
Laguna also laughed. "I'll bet. He'll probably roll his eyes and say 'whatever'."
Kiros chuckled. "He's going to turn the nobility over on their collective asses."
"I'm looking forward to it, actually." Laguna leaned back in his chair. "They're getting to complacent, anyway. Peace is all well and good, but we need to be aware of the precarious state of the world, something a lot of them need to be reminded of." He shrugged. "Well, that'll take care of itself, when the time comes."
"Ward, are there guards outside?" Kiros asked, looking at the bigger man
"…….." Ward made some gestures, frowning down at Laguna.
"Yeah, yeah…..I know. I'm sorry! But a guy's got to have some privacy."
Kiros stared at him in disbelief. "You're the Emperor, Laguna. That word has no meaning as far as you're concerned."
Laguna sighed. "Well, I can dream, can't I?"
**************************************************************************** ****************************************************************************
Squall An Brennan Rheon el Leonhart de Loire ab Esthar, better known as Squall Leonhart, Imperial Crown Prince of Esthar and elite student and mercenary of Balamb groaned silently as he perused the long-winded letter his father, Laguna, had written him.
Laguna was incapable of ever getting to the point. Squall loved his father to death, he really did, but it didn't stop him from considering him an idiot. Squall folded the letter and got up from his bed, where he had hoped he could get some rest before dinner. That idea was shot to hell. Well, he might as well go return the books he had been planning to return to the library.
As he walked along the brightly corridors and plushly carpeted floor of Garden, Squall marveled to himself again how similar the designs were to the Imperial Palace of Esthar. It wasn't really that strange. After all both places had been designed by the Shumi. But the similarity had helped Squall get over his homesickness when he had first arrived at the tender age of five.
Unlike Laguna who had worried incessantly over the welfare of his only offspring, Squall knew it was his lot in life. He had accepted that fact ever since he was a child. His father had worried Squall would feel abandoned. Luckily for everyone involved, this wasn't the case. Instead, the little Princeling had taken to the school as a duck would to water.
Unfortunately though, Squall's unemotional ways had put off the other children, which resulted in his never having many friends. His only friends to date were Selphie, a minor princess from Trabia, Irvine, the younger son of a noble from Galbadia, Quistis, the only daugher of an immensely wealthy minor baron also from Galbadia. He wouldn't consider Rinoa, Princess of Galbadia his friend, though. Seifer Almasy, the only son of the Archduke of Vastlake, a large province in Galbadia, was most definitely not his friend. They both hated each other with a passion, and were rivals. What even made the situation between him and Seifer worse was the fact that Rinoa had been dating Seifer, and then saw Squall and fell for him. Hard. This did not please Seifer at all. Left to Squall, he wasn't interested in Rinoa. He rather considered her a nuisance. But the girl had attached herself to him, and Squall, while being emotionless, was not a cad. He just didn't have the heart to brush her off. Being a consummate gentleman, he let her delude herself into thinking he was her boyfriend, for some reason refusing to disabuse her of her odd notions. His other friends had taken him to task. Selphie, never being one to hide her emotions, had yelled at him.
"Squall, you idiot! Tell her how you really feel!"
Squall had shrugged. "Why?"
"Why?!" Selphie had sputtered. Irvine rubbed her back, trying to calm her down.
"You dufus!" Selphie was one of the only people he knew could insult a prince of his stature without batting an eyelid.
Squall had not made his rank an issue. As far as he was concerned, it got in the way of things. Considering the school he was attending was filled with nothing but noble offspring and kids whose parents were insanely wealthy, he was a very unusual person. Not many people knew he was a prince. Actually, many people looked down on thinking he was a commoner. But they were too afraid of him and his reputation as the cold and emtionless "Leonhartless" to snub him outright.
Selphie began to rant. "Jeez, I can't believe you! Let me tell you about her……" They had all heard of Rinoa's antics at her father's court. Quistis and Irvine especially, since they were Galbadian nobles. Selphie, whose mother was a Galbadian noble before marrying into the royal house of Trabia, was able to come and go at the Galbadian court as she pleased because of that. Selphie did not like Rinoa at all. But she was careful to keep her animosity among friends. Rinoa could make things really uncomfortable for her at court.
Before Selphie could start one of her endless stories, Quistis had cut her short.
"Selphie, I'm sure Squall has his reasons for doing what he's doing. Don't you, Squall?"
Squall shrugged again and stared at Irvine as he tried to calm Selphie down by tickling her, his face impassive. "Not really."
Quistis had stared at him strangely.
"You know, Squall, Selphie is right. Rinoa is going around dropping hints of an engagement. Did you know that?"
Squall had quirked an eyebrow. "It's a free country. She can say anything she wants. But she's in for a big disappointment. I can't marry anyone without my father's permission. And I won't be asking for it for her, in any case."
In actuality, Laguna probably couldn't have cared less whomever Squall wanted to marry. But it was a convenient excuse for Squall. He knew when he graduated, that was the last he was going to see of her.
Squall arrived at the library in good time, returned his books, made an interlibrary loan and promised to check the status of it on the morrow. Deciding to grab a bite to eat, he meandered along walkway, taking his time.
Students hurried past him, not bothering to say hello. It was fine by him, he really didn't feel like talking-Not that he did much of that, anyway. As he walked along, he was so deep in thought that he didn't see the person in front him. He walked right in to the person, almost bowing them over.
Or he almost did. The person in question neatly side-stepped.
Startled into attention by the motion, he looked into the most beautiful, unsual shade of blue eyes he had ever seen. And an even more unusual and startling facial tattoo.
"Whoa!"
"What? Uh, sorry. Did I hit you?" Squall asked, mesmerized.
"Nah, I'm okay. I do that, too sometimes. Hey, you're Squall, aren't you?"
Squall blinked. The young man addressing him was short. Not that Squall himself was immensely tall himself. The guy in question couldn't have been more that 5'6, give or take a few inches.
"Yeah, I'm Squall. Sorry 'bout the run in….Who're you?"
"The name's Alexander…But everyone calls me Zell." He stuck out a hand. Squall shook it. "Nice to meetcha! Oops, gotta run! Don't want to miss the hotdogs. Hope to you around!" With that, the young man jogged away.
Squall stood, looking at the boy as he disappeared around the corner. "Zell….Strange guy. Even stranger tattoo…"
Squall couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen that tattoo before. He had a feeling that this was not going to be the last time he saw the beautiful blond guy. But he put it out of his mind. His stomach growled.
"I'm hungry…."