Cid frowned as he sat at his desk, reading the new reports on the Vengeance
stone. He took his glasses off and sighed, massaging his temples. Things
were not going well. His best instructor was in a coma, probably never to
awake. Some of the students (Namely the Trepies) blamed Squall for her
current state, and refused to listen to reason. They didn't seem to realize
that Squall had no choice, and that if he had chosen Quistis over Rinoa...
Squall would never forgive himself. It was a damned if you do, damned if
you don't situation.
Never the less, Squall felt horrible for what he had to do. He was almost inconsolable. He even volunteered to teach Quistis' classes. Cid knew that the fact that Seifer was the only reason they didn't fail the mission bothered him as well. Seifer had managed to grab the Vengeance stone at the last minute, returning it to safe hands.
Which led to the other problem. According to Dr. Odine's lab tests, the stone no longer held any power. Now it was just a pretty, useless Gem. Dr. Odine reported that the stone would still be kept in his lab for further examination. He feared the Galabadians had already harnessed the power of the stone. If this was true, Dr. Odine suggested to begin preparing for an incident like the Second Sorceress War.
Cid felt a headache coming on. His best instructor down, his best SeeDs mourning, and a possible war looming over them. Cid threw his glasses on his desktop and leaned back in his chair. It was going to be a long few weeks, he could tell.
----------------------------------
Seifer glared at the little boy, water dripping off of his nose. The little red head cowed in fear behind Matron, who was trying her hardest not to giggle.
"Tony, that is not a very nice way to treat our guest." Matron chided softly, trying to sound stern.
" I don't like him! He's mean and ugly!" Tony declared, ducking from his Matron's protective form long enough to stick is tongue out at Seifer. Seifer growled and attempted halfheartedly to grab the little runt. Tony ducked his hand with a squeal, and Matron smacked it.
"Seifer, he's just a little boy. Now Tony, go join the others on the ship. I'll be along shortly." Matron ordered, giving Tony a slight push in the general direction of the White SeeD ship.
"And water balloons are cheating!" Seifer hollered after him as Tony ran towards the dock. Matron finally let out a giggle, leading Seifer to the newly rebuilt orphanage. As soon as the little redhead was out of sight, Edea finally let her face slip into a frown. Seifer sighed as they walked into the orphanage, sensing his Matron's worry.
"This new GF... It's something else." Edea said with a sigh, fretting around the small house. She frowned at a slightly crooked picture and straightened it thoughtfully. "I get a sense of pain, sorrow, loneness. I sense no anger, but to be safe I'm still leaving with the children until it's gone."
Seifer nodded his head, crossing his arms.
"Tony, that charming boy you met outside, he was the one who actually stumbled upon it. He was playing back there-- Heaven knows I've told them countless times to stay away from that old lighthouse-- When he heard a voice demanding that he prove his worth to gain its power. Poor thing was scared witless, and ran all the way back here. I'll admit, I didn't believe him at first, but after I scanned it, I felt the presence of a great force. I was scared it would hurt the children, so I called Cid..." Edea frowned at that last part.
Seifer sighed, a deep, tired sigh. He knew what was coming next.
"He... He told me about our little Quisty." Edea continued quietly. Seifer looked down to the floor, the carpet suddenly becoming fascinating. "Seifer, I-"
"Look, Matron," Seifer interrupted suddenly, "getting all broody about it isn't going to make her wake up. So just tell me what I need to do to gain this GF." Edea blinked, then sadly nodded her head.
"Frankly Seifer, I don't know what you'll have to do. Just be prepared for battle. Have you any GFs?"
Seifer nodded his head, fingering the two orbs in his pocket. He'd have to junction them once he set off for the Lighthouse.
"Then the most I can tell you is that it's on the top of the Lighthouse. And I must warn you, those stairs are rotted, so please be careful?" Seifer again nodded his head. Edea motioned for him to follow her as she walked out the back door. They walked in silence, descending the stairs that led to the beach. Seifer could see the white SeeD ship floating in the newly built docks. The breeze played with Edea's long black hair, sending it fluttering across her face, which was now held in a prim frown.
Edea stopped in front of the docks. It was time for them to part ways.
"My little Seifer..." Edea whispered, looking proudly up at Seifer. He gave her a lopsided grin. "Do be careful, child? I simply couldn't bear it if we lost another..." Edea swallowed, looking at the brink of tears. Seifer brought her into a tight hug, comforting the only mother he could remember. He then let his arms fall to his sides, giving Edea a little nudge towards the ship. She smiled thinly at him, then turned and boarded the vessel. Seifer waited until the ship pulled out of the docks before turning heel and setting off towards the lighthouse.
He had a GF to catch.
-------------------------
He could feel the electricity in the air, standing in front of the lighthouse and looking up. The air was dry and stale, and there was definitely a hint of tension in the air. Seifer rolled his emerald eyes. Cheesy as all hell. Couldn't the GFs come up with a more original way to signify their presence?
Seifer gave the two orbs in his pocket a lopsided grin. If he hadn't known better, he could've sworn that the icy blue orb had rolled its eyes at him... Seifer closed his eyes, concentrating on the orbs in his hands. When he opened his eyes, the orbs were gone and the two GFs were nestled firmly in his mind.
*Heh... It suits me to have two beautiful half naked chicks as my Guardian Forces.* Seifer thought with a snicker.
... We are not amused. The ice queen boomed in his head. Seifer smirked.
*What? Let's face it, as GF's go you guys are seeeeeexay!* Seifer continued, with a wink.
... For that, little human, I do believe Shiva and I are not going to share our little secret about your dearest Quistis! Laughed a gentle voice in his head. Seifer immediately frowned.
*Information...?*
I know something you don't know! Sang Shiva triumphantly. Seifer heard Siren giggling in the background. And at once, the two presences in his mind faded back into the depths of his subconscious. Seifer felt substantially annoyed. If the GF's had information on how to save Quistis...
Seifer kicked himself for being snide to the GFs. He was positive they were going to tell him eventually...
*But will it be too late?*
Seifer frowned. First thing's first: The New GF. With an arrogant air around him he strode towards the door, flinging it open and nearly ripping it off its hinges in the process.
"Oh Miss Guardian Force! Come out come out where ever you are!" Seifer called, lopsided grin on his face. He could feel Siren and Shiva groan in his head, and Seifer chuckled. Then, with a flick of his trench coat, Seifer walked into the lighthouse and began his search for the GF.
-----------------------------------------------
Seifer frowned, panting slightly, as he leaned against the wall. The lighthouse had an ungodly amount of stairs, squat and narrow so only half his foot could fit on the step. Whoever had built the lighthouse had a sense of humor: He made the stairs so that there were as many as possible. The slope was low; Seifer's head almost hit the next row of stairs above him. The stairway spiraled around the building, hugging the wall, much like what Seifer was doing.
*Reminds me of the building that Quistis was... Hurt in.* Seifer thought grimly, beginning his ascent again.
After what seemed like hours, Seifer finally reached a door on at the top of the stairs. Seifer held his breath, checking to make sure all of his magics were junctioned, before flinging open the door and stepping into-
A flower field.
Seifer blinked. He wildly turned around, looking for the door that was once behind him. But all he found was more flowers. It was as if he was transported to another place... Another world even. The flowers were blood red and ebony, with golden leafs and stalks. The sky was covered in dark, angry clouds, and a strong wind whipped around him. Lightening flickered in the sky, but no thunder could be heard.
*Edea... Didn't mention this part.* Seifer noted with a frown.
And he blinked.
For, where once was yet more flowers, was a throne. The throne was an elaborate one, on a pedestal of white rose petals. The throne itself was made of the reddest of roses, fresh in bloom. Seifer saw wickedly long thorns poking out here and there, and he shuddered to think of sitting on such a throne.
And he blinked again.
And the throne was now occupied. By a woman. She sat, legs firmly crossed, resting her head on her right hand as if she were bored or unamused. She wore a white gown, with a firm bodice with a plunging neckline that laced up with golden laces. The skirt flowed out from the hips, in shimmering waves, and bare feet poked out from underneath its hem. The skin on the feet was white, white as milk, and completely flawless. Golden tresses cascaded down milky shoulders in rivers, and lips as red as the roses she sat on pouted at him, dull sapphire eyes flicking over Seifer, a delicate golden eyebrow raised.
And Seifer swallowed. Hard. Super hard. As if he were swallowing a shoe. Or his own gun blade, which he almost dropped in shock.
"Q-q-quistis?" Seifer whispered, his own sea green eyes wide in shock. She sighed, a breathy little sigh like the breeze on a warm day, and the wind whipped wildly around Seifer.
"Tell me, little knight, have you come to try and win my favor? To prove your worth to gain my aide?" She asked, her voice flat, as if to say "ok, whatever, let's just get on with it."
Seifer just stared in awe. "Quistis... Damn, why don't you dress like that more often?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he regretted it. The woman's eyes narrowed, and a clap of thunder rolled over his head. Lightening crashed down just a few feet away, and if Seifer hadn't had thunder junctioned as an elemental magic he'd be fried. Instead, he just stood there in shock, frowning slightly.
"IF you must call me something, you pathetic fool, I am called Morgan. Answer me now! Have you come to win my favor?" She spat, giving Seifer a glare that sent shivers down his spine.
"Well, yes, I suppose." Seifer replied hesitantly, unsure of what to do. He KNEW this was Quistis; this 'Morgan' looked AND sounded exactly like the fallen instructor.
Morgan nodded her head, stifling a yawn. "Very well then. I shall prevent you with a task. If you fail this task, little knight, your soul is mine. But, if you pass, you will gain my aide in battle."
Seifer nodded his head. Most GF's you had to fight to gain, or draw from enemies. It surprised him that instead he would have to do a task. But, he figured it couldn't be that hard. After all, he'd been training on the Island Closest to Hell, what could be so hard about recovering a plant or something?
Morgan smiled, a thin little smile that sent shivers down Seifer's spine. "You, little knight, must find my Heart."
Seifer blinked in surprise.
And then it was gone.
He found himself on the bottom floor of the lighthouse, completely confused. He felt Shiva laughing in merriment, and growled in anger.
Ready for our little chat? Shiva asked with a playful giggle.
"Stop toying with me, dammit! What the hell is going on here?" Seifer demanded aloud.
Don't be rude, young master. Siren chided gently. It is what got you in trouble in the first place. Seifer sighed, waiting for the GFs to continue.
The woman known as Quistis was scorned by love, was to die because of it. Shiva began, her merriment dying down.
But she had The Stone with her. Siren continued, not missing a beat.
The stone gave her a choice: To die right then and there, or to be given power beyond her wildest dreams, to become a higher being without the ability of love.
"The stone?" Seifer mused. "You mean the Vengeance Stone? It turns people into GFs?"
Shiva nodded her icy head. Any being found worthy at their time of death, who possesses The Stone, is given the option. We were all once human. Siren frowned softly, strumming the stings of her harp into a gentle melody.
Because we do not love, we are not hurt, no longer mortal, and become different beings entirely. Morgan was once Quistis Trepe, but now that she does not love, she is no longer that woman.
Seifer cast his eyes downward, thinking. "She told me to 'find her heart.' What does she mean by that?"
She means exactly what she says. Shiva said with a laugh. I cannot tell you where her heart lies. I can only tell you that it is a gem unlike any other you have ever seen nor ever will. Her heart, though, is in pieces. You must gather the pieces and rebuild her heart.
Seifer sighed. "What will happen when I give her her heart back?"
She will destroy it. Siren said gently. Sealing her fate forever as a Guardian Force.
Our time here is done for now. We will come again, when the time is right. Shiva said, and with that the two GFs receded back into Seifer's mind.
"Wait! Is there any way I can save her? To make her human again?" Seifer cried out desperately. His only answer was the wind whistling through the eves of the lighthouse. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry this chapter took so long. Decided to take my time, not to force the story to come out. What do you think of it? Next chapter should be out soon enough.
Never the less, Squall felt horrible for what he had to do. He was almost inconsolable. He even volunteered to teach Quistis' classes. Cid knew that the fact that Seifer was the only reason they didn't fail the mission bothered him as well. Seifer had managed to grab the Vengeance stone at the last minute, returning it to safe hands.
Which led to the other problem. According to Dr. Odine's lab tests, the stone no longer held any power. Now it was just a pretty, useless Gem. Dr. Odine reported that the stone would still be kept in his lab for further examination. He feared the Galabadians had already harnessed the power of the stone. If this was true, Dr. Odine suggested to begin preparing for an incident like the Second Sorceress War.
Cid felt a headache coming on. His best instructor down, his best SeeDs mourning, and a possible war looming over them. Cid threw his glasses on his desktop and leaned back in his chair. It was going to be a long few weeks, he could tell.
----------------------------------
Seifer glared at the little boy, water dripping off of his nose. The little red head cowed in fear behind Matron, who was trying her hardest not to giggle.
"Tony, that is not a very nice way to treat our guest." Matron chided softly, trying to sound stern.
" I don't like him! He's mean and ugly!" Tony declared, ducking from his Matron's protective form long enough to stick is tongue out at Seifer. Seifer growled and attempted halfheartedly to grab the little runt. Tony ducked his hand with a squeal, and Matron smacked it.
"Seifer, he's just a little boy. Now Tony, go join the others on the ship. I'll be along shortly." Matron ordered, giving Tony a slight push in the general direction of the White SeeD ship.
"And water balloons are cheating!" Seifer hollered after him as Tony ran towards the dock. Matron finally let out a giggle, leading Seifer to the newly rebuilt orphanage. As soon as the little redhead was out of sight, Edea finally let her face slip into a frown. Seifer sighed as they walked into the orphanage, sensing his Matron's worry.
"This new GF... It's something else." Edea said with a sigh, fretting around the small house. She frowned at a slightly crooked picture and straightened it thoughtfully. "I get a sense of pain, sorrow, loneness. I sense no anger, but to be safe I'm still leaving with the children until it's gone."
Seifer nodded his head, crossing his arms.
"Tony, that charming boy you met outside, he was the one who actually stumbled upon it. He was playing back there-- Heaven knows I've told them countless times to stay away from that old lighthouse-- When he heard a voice demanding that he prove his worth to gain its power. Poor thing was scared witless, and ran all the way back here. I'll admit, I didn't believe him at first, but after I scanned it, I felt the presence of a great force. I was scared it would hurt the children, so I called Cid..." Edea frowned at that last part.
Seifer sighed, a deep, tired sigh. He knew what was coming next.
"He... He told me about our little Quisty." Edea continued quietly. Seifer looked down to the floor, the carpet suddenly becoming fascinating. "Seifer, I-"
"Look, Matron," Seifer interrupted suddenly, "getting all broody about it isn't going to make her wake up. So just tell me what I need to do to gain this GF." Edea blinked, then sadly nodded her head.
"Frankly Seifer, I don't know what you'll have to do. Just be prepared for battle. Have you any GFs?"
Seifer nodded his head, fingering the two orbs in his pocket. He'd have to junction them once he set off for the Lighthouse.
"Then the most I can tell you is that it's on the top of the Lighthouse. And I must warn you, those stairs are rotted, so please be careful?" Seifer again nodded his head. Edea motioned for him to follow her as she walked out the back door. They walked in silence, descending the stairs that led to the beach. Seifer could see the white SeeD ship floating in the newly built docks. The breeze played with Edea's long black hair, sending it fluttering across her face, which was now held in a prim frown.
Edea stopped in front of the docks. It was time for them to part ways.
"My little Seifer..." Edea whispered, looking proudly up at Seifer. He gave her a lopsided grin. "Do be careful, child? I simply couldn't bear it if we lost another..." Edea swallowed, looking at the brink of tears. Seifer brought her into a tight hug, comforting the only mother he could remember. He then let his arms fall to his sides, giving Edea a little nudge towards the ship. She smiled thinly at him, then turned and boarded the vessel. Seifer waited until the ship pulled out of the docks before turning heel and setting off towards the lighthouse.
He had a GF to catch.
-------------------------
He could feel the electricity in the air, standing in front of the lighthouse and looking up. The air was dry and stale, and there was definitely a hint of tension in the air. Seifer rolled his emerald eyes. Cheesy as all hell. Couldn't the GFs come up with a more original way to signify their presence?
Seifer gave the two orbs in his pocket a lopsided grin. If he hadn't known better, he could've sworn that the icy blue orb had rolled its eyes at him... Seifer closed his eyes, concentrating on the orbs in his hands. When he opened his eyes, the orbs were gone and the two GFs were nestled firmly in his mind.
*Heh... It suits me to have two beautiful half naked chicks as my Guardian Forces.* Seifer thought with a snicker.
... We are not amused. The ice queen boomed in his head. Seifer smirked.
*What? Let's face it, as GF's go you guys are seeeeeexay!* Seifer continued, with a wink.
... For that, little human, I do believe Shiva and I are not going to share our little secret about your dearest Quistis! Laughed a gentle voice in his head. Seifer immediately frowned.
*Information...?*
I know something you don't know! Sang Shiva triumphantly. Seifer heard Siren giggling in the background. And at once, the two presences in his mind faded back into the depths of his subconscious. Seifer felt substantially annoyed. If the GF's had information on how to save Quistis...
Seifer kicked himself for being snide to the GFs. He was positive they were going to tell him eventually...
*But will it be too late?*
Seifer frowned. First thing's first: The New GF. With an arrogant air around him he strode towards the door, flinging it open and nearly ripping it off its hinges in the process.
"Oh Miss Guardian Force! Come out come out where ever you are!" Seifer called, lopsided grin on his face. He could feel Siren and Shiva groan in his head, and Seifer chuckled. Then, with a flick of his trench coat, Seifer walked into the lighthouse and began his search for the GF.
-----------------------------------------------
Seifer frowned, panting slightly, as he leaned against the wall. The lighthouse had an ungodly amount of stairs, squat and narrow so only half his foot could fit on the step. Whoever had built the lighthouse had a sense of humor: He made the stairs so that there were as many as possible. The slope was low; Seifer's head almost hit the next row of stairs above him. The stairway spiraled around the building, hugging the wall, much like what Seifer was doing.
*Reminds me of the building that Quistis was... Hurt in.* Seifer thought grimly, beginning his ascent again.
After what seemed like hours, Seifer finally reached a door on at the top of the stairs. Seifer held his breath, checking to make sure all of his magics were junctioned, before flinging open the door and stepping into-
A flower field.
Seifer blinked. He wildly turned around, looking for the door that was once behind him. But all he found was more flowers. It was as if he was transported to another place... Another world even. The flowers were blood red and ebony, with golden leafs and stalks. The sky was covered in dark, angry clouds, and a strong wind whipped around him. Lightening flickered in the sky, but no thunder could be heard.
*Edea... Didn't mention this part.* Seifer noted with a frown.
And he blinked.
For, where once was yet more flowers, was a throne. The throne was an elaborate one, on a pedestal of white rose petals. The throne itself was made of the reddest of roses, fresh in bloom. Seifer saw wickedly long thorns poking out here and there, and he shuddered to think of sitting on such a throne.
And he blinked again.
And the throne was now occupied. By a woman. She sat, legs firmly crossed, resting her head on her right hand as if she were bored or unamused. She wore a white gown, with a firm bodice with a plunging neckline that laced up with golden laces. The skirt flowed out from the hips, in shimmering waves, and bare feet poked out from underneath its hem. The skin on the feet was white, white as milk, and completely flawless. Golden tresses cascaded down milky shoulders in rivers, and lips as red as the roses she sat on pouted at him, dull sapphire eyes flicking over Seifer, a delicate golden eyebrow raised.
And Seifer swallowed. Hard. Super hard. As if he were swallowing a shoe. Or his own gun blade, which he almost dropped in shock.
"Q-q-quistis?" Seifer whispered, his own sea green eyes wide in shock. She sighed, a breathy little sigh like the breeze on a warm day, and the wind whipped wildly around Seifer.
"Tell me, little knight, have you come to try and win my favor? To prove your worth to gain my aide?" She asked, her voice flat, as if to say "ok, whatever, let's just get on with it."
Seifer just stared in awe. "Quistis... Damn, why don't you dress like that more often?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he regretted it. The woman's eyes narrowed, and a clap of thunder rolled over his head. Lightening crashed down just a few feet away, and if Seifer hadn't had thunder junctioned as an elemental magic he'd be fried. Instead, he just stood there in shock, frowning slightly.
"IF you must call me something, you pathetic fool, I am called Morgan. Answer me now! Have you come to win my favor?" She spat, giving Seifer a glare that sent shivers down his spine.
"Well, yes, I suppose." Seifer replied hesitantly, unsure of what to do. He KNEW this was Quistis; this 'Morgan' looked AND sounded exactly like the fallen instructor.
Morgan nodded her head, stifling a yawn. "Very well then. I shall prevent you with a task. If you fail this task, little knight, your soul is mine. But, if you pass, you will gain my aide in battle."
Seifer nodded his head. Most GF's you had to fight to gain, or draw from enemies. It surprised him that instead he would have to do a task. But, he figured it couldn't be that hard. After all, he'd been training on the Island Closest to Hell, what could be so hard about recovering a plant or something?
Morgan smiled, a thin little smile that sent shivers down Seifer's spine. "You, little knight, must find my Heart."
Seifer blinked in surprise.
And then it was gone.
He found himself on the bottom floor of the lighthouse, completely confused. He felt Shiva laughing in merriment, and growled in anger.
Ready for our little chat? Shiva asked with a playful giggle.
"Stop toying with me, dammit! What the hell is going on here?" Seifer demanded aloud.
Don't be rude, young master. Siren chided gently. It is what got you in trouble in the first place. Seifer sighed, waiting for the GFs to continue.
The woman known as Quistis was scorned by love, was to die because of it. Shiva began, her merriment dying down.
But she had The Stone with her. Siren continued, not missing a beat.
The stone gave her a choice: To die right then and there, or to be given power beyond her wildest dreams, to become a higher being without the ability of love.
"The stone?" Seifer mused. "You mean the Vengeance Stone? It turns people into GFs?"
Shiva nodded her icy head. Any being found worthy at their time of death, who possesses The Stone, is given the option. We were all once human. Siren frowned softly, strumming the stings of her harp into a gentle melody.
Because we do not love, we are not hurt, no longer mortal, and become different beings entirely. Morgan was once Quistis Trepe, but now that she does not love, she is no longer that woman.
Seifer cast his eyes downward, thinking. "She told me to 'find her heart.' What does she mean by that?"
She means exactly what she says. Shiva said with a laugh. I cannot tell you where her heart lies. I can only tell you that it is a gem unlike any other you have ever seen nor ever will. Her heart, though, is in pieces. You must gather the pieces and rebuild her heart.
Seifer sighed. "What will happen when I give her her heart back?"
She will destroy it. Siren said gently. Sealing her fate forever as a Guardian Force.
Our time here is done for now. We will come again, when the time is right. Shiva said, and with that the two GFs receded back into Seifer's mind.
"Wait! Is there any way I can save her? To make her human again?" Seifer cried out desperately. His only answer was the wind whistling through the eves of the lighthouse. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry this chapter took so long. Decided to take my time, not to force the story to come out. What do you think of it? Next chapter should be out soon enough.