Chapter Nine
Notes and stuff: Happy holidays minna-san! Wow, I got to my ninth chapter already! I should warn that this is the last pre-written Chapter of this fic that I have left, so from now on it'll probably take longer for me to update this fic. I should at least have another Chapter done by after Christmas, because I'm praying that I shall receive a gift that will…be of some assistance to me in writing my next chapter. So try to be patient until then. I have to remember what the hell I'm doing. This Chapter, if I remember correctly, is another serious one, but the next one should be hilarious. I can promise you that.
And now a brief note to my loyal reader, Funkitated, I was having a really bad day, and then I read your review…and it got worse. LOL! Just kidding! It made me feel much better actually. So by all means, do that review style again! It cracks me up!
And now, back on task again. In today's installment of Succession of the Fantasies, I'm sorry, but we won't find out what's wrong with Selphie yet. But what was blatantly obvious shall now be officially revealed, for the sake of plot development and a cliffhanger. BLARG!
When we last left our heroes, Selphie had traumatized Irvine, Quistis had been abducted, Squall had jumped out of a window, and Rinoa discovered that the girl she had been walking around Midgar with was dead. Let us now go someplace completely irrelevant while I try to get over my writer's block.
In the world of FF8, in Cid's office, Cid and Dr. K are having another dull but not entirely pointless conversation.
Dr. K: Cid! We've come up with a plan to get the kids back!
Cid: It's about time. Edea's been throwing a conniption fit. What's your plan?
Dr. K: With my guidance, Ellone will send a messenger to the world of Final Fantasy Seven to tell Squall and the others what is going on, and prepare them to be brought back home.
Cid: Okay, that's nice, but why don't *you* go?
Dr. K: Huh?
Cid: You're a GF, aren't you? You said you've been to the other dimensions many times. Why don't you go get them?
Dr. K: (blinkblink) ………oh. Alright.
In a brilliant red flash Dr K transforms into Gilgamesh.
Gil: Here goes nothing.
Gil closes her eyes and concentrates on transporting. While her body remains in Cid's office, her consciousness travels back through time down a long tunnel of light. Just when she's about to enter the world of FF7, a dark mist blocks her way and throws her back where she came.
Gil: (blinks eyes to see that she's back in Cid's office)
Cid: Did it work?
Gil: No. Something was blocking the path between the dimensions. Something…..evil.
Cid: ………..oh dear.
Gil: I doubt that any of the GFs can travel between the dimensions with that barrier up. Perhaps Ellone could still get a normal person through though. A human might just be considered insignificant enough to be allowed through that barrier.
Cid: Do you think something bad could come of this?
Gil: (contemplates) The GFs were warned…..not to abuse their power. We were supposed to prevent mortals from traveling to other dimensions. If those children stay in the wrong world for too long…….
Cid: What?
Dr K: ……They could inadvertently bring on…the apocalypse of all worlds. (loud, scary music plays)
Cid: Wait a minute! You didn't say anything about an apocalypse!
Dr. K: Don't worry, we should be able to get the children back before anything like that happens. But that evil force still worries me….. Something is happening over there….
In the world of FF7:
It is a dark, cold night. Not even the moon is out. The alleyways of Midgar are like a black sheet of nothingness. Feral animals hide in garbage cans, munching on moldy food from last year. A cold breeze whirls through the streets, creating an atmosphere of terror. (more scary music plays)
Amidst the darkness, light footsteps can be heard. They become louder and louder at each passing minute. The feral animals stick their heads out of the night long enough to emit a growl or a hiss in the runner's direction, then disappear again into the darkness. One little black kitten however, is curious enough to perch itself on a garbage can and observe. At first, even it's cat eyes can't see anything, but then the feeling of wind rushing past him makes him realize that the runner has run by him. It focuses its cat eyes on the departing shadow, running like a wild animal. It would have been stealthier, had it not been for the squirming pink thing it carried on its back.
Quistis: Put me DOOOOOOOOOWWWWWN!!!!!!
The screen goes black. The drums and the guy going, "Yooooooooooo," are played in the background.
Episode # 9NO NEED FOR AN ABDUCTION!
About five minutes behind Quistis and her abductor, a furious Squall sprints through a narrow alley, attempting not to trip on the various pieces of trash, dirt, and other unmentionables that litter his path.
Squall: (cursing to himself) How could Quistis let this happen?! Couldn't she have tried to hold him off? (a realization hits him) But wait…she couldn't hold him off, she didn't have her whip! (he runs on for a few more seconds, then curses through his teeth) I don't have my gunblade either! Wonderful! Now how am I supposed to save Quistis without a weapon *or* GFs?!
The anxious Squall runs on, not giving any thought to the rest of his teammates plodding along about seven minutes behind him…
Zell: (bursts out of the hotel's front door) HANG ON QUISTY! ZELL IS ON HIS WAY! (trips on a curb and falls smack on his face)
Selphie: (runs out of the hotel) Hey Zell! Where did you…AHH! (trips over Zell and lands draped on her stomach over his side)
Irvine: (hobbles out last, still suffering from trauma) Huh? (stares at his two teammates on the ground before him, then smiles wickedly) Hey, I can see up Selphie's dress…
Quistis' chances of being rescued are slim, to say the least…
In the world of FF8-
In another futile attempt to overcome writer's block, the authoress decided it was time for the old fogies in FF8 land to have an idea.
Laguna: (runs into Cid's office) Cid! Edea! Dr. Kadowaki! We've done it!
The others, facing the large window, all turn around in anxious curiosity.
Edea: You've done what, Mr. President?
Laguna: (ecstatic) IT! I've done IT! (a long pause as the others either gape or roll their eyes) Two good deeds for the price of one!
Cid: (walks angrily up to him) Well, what *is* it, man?
Laguna: (smiles big) I've woken Ellone up *and* I've found the messengers we can send to the other dimension!
Dr K: Wonderful! Now we're getting somewhere. Who did you find, Laguna?
Just then the elevator dings, and three very familiar people step out.
Raijin: Hey, we came up here like ya said, ya know Mister Laguna.
Fujin: (raises silver eyebrow) HEADMASTER? (looks at Raijin) TROUBLE?
Seifer: Naw, Fujin, we ain't in trouble, this time anyway. (grins arrogantly at Laguna) This guy here asked us for our help in saving our commander. (sarcastic) I couldn't refuse.
Edea: (jaw drops) M…my knight…I mean (shakes head quickly) Seifer?
Cid: (incredulous) You chose *them*?!
Laguna: Well (rubs the back of his head) they were the only ones with enough guts to agree to it, sir.
Seifer: And you know, headmaster, that we are the only ones here that have the capability to rescue our dear comrades. (smirks) Seeing as they aren't in a position to rescue themselves.
Raijin: Yeah, ya know!
Fujin: AFFIRMATIVE.
Dr. K walks up to them thoughtfully, and looks the three of them up and down.
Dr K: (to Seifer) And how do we know that you will not *conveniently* make a mistake? You've been disappointing in the past, Seifer. And I know you haven't got any particular love of Squall.
Seifer: You don't really have a choice, Doctor. Besides, I owe Squall one for…bringing me back to my senses.
Laguna: That's the spirit, kid!
Dr K: (turns to Cid) He's right, Cid. We really don't have a choice.
Cid gives Edea an apprehensive glance, then nods in defeat.
Cid: (sighs) Alright, you may go. Just try to behave this time around. I don't want to hear you've been conquering the world over there.
Seifer: (mock salutes) Don't worry sir. The Disciplinary Committee is on the case.
Fujin: (also salutes) ROGER.
Raijin: Ya can count on us, ya know!
Edea: (looks sadly at Cid, then sighs) We're toast.
FF7-
The black shadow creature suddenly leaps high into the air, with a squealing Quistis still thrown over its shoulder, and lands perfectly on its nimble feet on the nearest rooftop. It drops Quistis on the tin shingles, leaving her to shiver and cling to the slanted tiles for dear life, while it perches itself like a gargoyle and surveys the surrounding alleyways carefully. Quistis peeks through her now messy and free hanging hair at it. Its only discernable features are its red eyes.
Creature: (sensing her eyes on it) You're not as loud as usual. Is anything wrong?
Quistis: (startled but determined) I…you…monster! Of course something's wrong! What the hell do you think you are doing?
Creature: (slowly turns its head to her) Forgive me. I did not mean to be so rash in kidnapping you. (starts to survey the back alleys again) I knew of no other way at the time to get your friends to where I wanted them to be.
Quistis: (gripping the shingles, horrified) This is a trap?!
Creature: No…not a trap. They simply…would not have listened to me if I had asked them to come with me. (lays its red eyes on her once more) I have a strange effect on most people. It makes them uncomfortable.
Quistis: (silent for a moment) What do you want us for?
Creature: I'm not sure. But you are not of this world; that much I am sure of. I cannot allow you to walk around here freely without at least determining if you are a threat or not.
Quistis: (insulted) We are NOT a threat! If anyone is, it's you!
Creature: (laughs humorlessly) Poor girl. I've frightened you, haven't I? But I suppose you do have a point.
Quistis can only stare at the creature wordlessly.
Squall: (disembodied voice) QUISTIS!
Quistis starts, and nearly falls off the roof, but the creature catches her deftly, cradling her in its arms as it turns its dark head towards Squall's voice. The young man is sprinting down the alleyway below towards them.
Creature: My goodness, he is a slow runner, isn't he? It took him all this time to catch up.
The creature then jumps deftly back down into the alleyway, right in front of Squall, with Quistis still in its arms. It takes off at twice its normal speed, as Squall struggles to keep up.
Squall: (breathless) Wait, you! QUISTIS!
Quistis tries to shout Squall's name, but finds that she can't. The feeling she gets while being held by such a strange creature is so overwhelming she is unable to utter a sound.
Just when Squall actually believes that he might have a chance at catching up, he trips over a large cardboard box that magically appeared in his path. He lands smack on his face at full speed, and passes out.
Squall: (thinks) Ah, nice going Commander! Such poise and gracefulness and….huh?
He wakes up in a very familiar field of flowers. Rinoa is there, sitting lazily by his side, letting the breeze comb through her hair.
Squall: (very confused) Rinoa? What happened?
Rinoa: (turns to him and gives him her most charming smile) You fell asleep silly! I guess all the fresh air got to you.
Squall: (surveys the landscape, then deeply inhales the fresh air, letting it rejuvenate him) I suppose so….I had the weirdest dream too…
Rinoa: Ooooooo! You have dreams? (jumps up excitedly) Tell me! What did you dream?
She claps her hands together in anticipation. Squall can't help but gape. She is so beautiful…
Squall: You're really that interested? (she nods happily) Um..okay, well I…
Rinoa suddenly runs up to him and whacks him on the head. HARD.
Rinoa: WAKE UP STUPID!
Squall: Huh? (the flowery landscape starts to fade away, replaced by a dark sky. Instead of Rinoa, Zell is looming over him) What the hell happened?
Zell: (exasperated) You passed out, Squall! Honestly!
Squall sits up and rubs his head in the dark alleyway. Selphie and Irvine are also present, looking extremely winded.
Irvine: We just *pant* got here and *pant* we found you lying on the ground.
Selphie: (sad) And that weird creature got away with Quistis too!
Squall: (lightbulb) Ah….Quistis! $%!T (he jumps off and bounds away down the dark alley)
His comrades all groan.
Irvine: There he goes again.
Selphie: Let's follow him!
They start to run after Squall, tearing down blind alleyway after alleyway in the pitch black. Occasionally they attempt to call out to Squall, or even Quistis, but they get no reply.
Zell: (in whiny voice) I can't go on!
Selphie: Oh, shut up!
Suddenly, after what seems like hours, the three SeeDs burst into a dimly lit square. The square leads up to a railway platform, and the very last train of the night sits patiently awaiting its last passengers. They take a few steps forward and look around a bit. The area looks quite desolate, except…
Selphie: (gasps and points) Squall!
The three see Squall standing silently on the other side of the square. With a renewed spirit, they begin to run towards their leader again.
Irvine: Hey, Squall!
He doesn't respond.
Zell: (annoyed) Hey Squall! What the heck is your problem, leaving us like th…
The three SeeDs reach Squall. Just over his shoulder, they can see a shadowy figure standing just in front of the steps leading up to the platform. Wrapped in its arms is something wearing a pink dress…
Selphie: (worried) Quisty! (bites her fingernails)
Quistis: (timidly) Selphie….you guys…
Squall: (takes a cautious step forward) We've got you cornered. Let her go, now.
Creature: (quite calmly) I'm sorry, but you're in no position to make a demand like that. And I am also sorry to inform you that I am most decidedly *not* cornered. I can leave this place at any time I choose, and you will never be able to find me again, unless I wish it so…
Squall: (raises an eyebrow) You mean….you wanted us to catch up?
The creature nods in affirmation.
Squall: (clenches fists) What is the meaning of this? What do you want with Quistis? With us?
Creature: Quistis? (looks down at its captive) Is that her name? (Quistis gazes up at it nervously, but with defiance still in her eyes) Its quite a lovely name…
Zell: (angrily comes forward) Hey you!!!
Creature: (looks back over at the SeeDs) Forgive me. (addresses Squall specifically) I do not want anything with Quistis, but with you, well, that is another matter entirely… You and your…friends…have appeared here without any explanation at all. In times like these, people such as you must be accounted for.
Squall: Meaning…
Creature: You must follow me. I will take you to a place where it shall be determined if you are a threat or not. That is my duty. Our duty…
Squall: (suspiciously) What place?
Creature: A safe place. I can assure you, if you mean this world no harm then no harm shall come to you (returns its gaze to Quistis) Or her…
Irvine: But what if…?
Creature: You chose not to come? So be it. I cannot stop you, but…(begins to carry Quistis slowly backward) the girl will not be joining you.
Squall: (grits teeth) Bastard!
Creature: Forgive me. I never meant to commit such sins. But I have told her, and now I shall tell you, this is the only way I could guarantee your cooperation. But if you do cooperate, then nothing ill shall come of it. For any of you.
The shadow turns around, an eerie aura surrounding it, carrying Quistis up the stone steps. She gazes over the creature's shoulder back at her friends longingly.
Squall: (desperate and angry) Wait! (the creature pays him no heed) Who the hell do you think you are?!
Selphie: Yeah!
The creature pauses at the top of the steps, turns around to face Squall, and backs slowly into the circle of light created by a lone street lamp. The creature is a man, his features obscured by a long crop of ebony hair surrounding his face. He is wrapped in a long, blood red cape. Half of his left arm is a large and menacing looking metallic claw, which he has wrapped protectively around Quitis' waist. He offers the SeeDs a disconcerting look.
Man: I am Vincent Valentine, and you had best be following me now.
To be continued…
And on the next episode…..
Dun dun DUN!
Vincent gives Quitis some jammies!