ALL THINGS SACRED
CHAPTER FIVE: DEADLY EMOTION
BY GUNBLADE_78
Seifer Almasy finally came to, and found himself in a dark room. He stood up from the solitary iron chair, and walked around his confine. He was utterly confused...he had no idea where he was ,and he had only the slightest notion as to who he was.
"What the hell is going on here?" he asked himself as he looked at the drab gray walls. "Where am I?!" he added, now screaming. There was no door...no windows...the only light in the room was provided by a lone candle sitting on top of a metal desk.
"Welcome to your new home, Seifer Almasy." Seifer panicked and looked around the room. Nobody was in there; however, he knew that voice.
"Avatar," he growled. "What have you done to me?!" He heard Avatar's laughter echo through the room.
"Don't you mean what have you done to us?" Avatar asked. "You see, your body is now mine. I am surprised at your strength, however."
"You son of a bitch," Seifer spat as he gritted his teeth.
Avatar ignored him as he continued his explanation. "You see, Seifer, you have something special in your blood. I am curious as to why I cannot take my own form as I've done before. Instead, I'm stuck in your body. Your face shows...not mine. Nobody has been able to counter my power. It matters not, however. Soon enough, your soul will die in there and you won't be able to fight me any longer. Goodbye for now, Seifer."
Seifer screamed and began to punch the stone walls. He was a prisoner in his own mind...it was unbelieveable. He fell to his knees, and slumped over, gasping for breath. There had to be a way out of this hell. Seifer leaned back and closed his eyes...
...and saw Quistis slowly kissing his neck.
He opened his eyes, startled by the vision. Was this a dream? Or was this reality? He leapt to his feet and whirled around, just as two large windows appeared on the wall. He walked over and pressed his face against the cold glass. He saw Quistis take off her top as she leaned over his body.
"NO!! QUISTIS, DON'T!!!" Seifer shouted from inside the room. "DON'T GIVE INTO HIM, PLEASE!!!"
He began pounding the glass, praying that he would be somehow able to break Avatar's spell and save his friend from giving into darkness.
"You pleased me today, my love," he heard Avatar's voice tell Quistis as she released his lips. "I loved how you eliminated the Dincht boy. It was beautiful, much like you."
"I'm about to really please you," she seductively replied. "It won't even compare with today, I promise." As she finished, she passionately kissed Avatar's lips.
"No," Seifer groaned from his prison. "Quistis, please." He sat down on the concrete floor and pulled his knees to him as he began to weep bitterly.
"Who did it?" Squall asked, nearly choking on his tears. "I want to know, NOW." The security guard looked at Squall and hung his head.
"We found a strange man in the hospital room," the guard replied. "He claimed that the pistol used for the murder belonged to him, but he swears up and down that he didn't do it. He says it was Instructor Trepe."
Squall muttered under his breath. "Where are you keeping him?" he asked. "I would like to meet this person."
"No, you don't," the guard replied. "He's a scary one. Nobody even has the balls to cuff him. He's still at the hospital, and he wants to meet with your father." Squall shook his head.
"He'll meet me first," he said. "Take me to him."
"Ah, so you're Squall Leonhart," the tall blonde-headed man said. "I've been wanting to talk to you about your friend." Squall gritted his teeth and had to resist the urge to punch the man.
"You mean the one you killed?" Squall retorted. The stranger looked him straight in the eye.
"I've already told you, I didn't kill him," the stranger replied. "I know who did, however."
"Quistis Trepe did not kill Zell," Squall said. "She loved Zell. She's been here for over two weeks, not even sleeping just so she could be with him.
"Quistis did not do so under her own will," the stranger agreed. "However, the strength of Avatar's will forced her to do it."
"Avatar?" Squall asked. "You mean..."
"Avatar is not dead, Commander Leonhart," the man replied. "He has acquired the body of Seifer Almasy: an acquaintance of yours, I believe. He's hypnotized Quistis into believing that Zell-and the rest of you-hated her, and that she could only be loved as Avatar's 'Queen.' I tried to stop Avatar, but his power overwhelmed me. Quistis took my pistol and shot Zell. They then left the room, and left me to take the blame."
"Strange enough, I'm actually believing you," Squall said. ""What is your name?"
"My name is Gabriel Gage," Gabriel answered. "I am a Seraph...you could call me a bounty hunter. I really can't explain much until I meet with your father. Then you will know everything."
"That's what happened to your friend," Gabriel concluded, sitting down next to Irvine and Selphie. Laguna looked at him for a long moment, and then he spoke.
"You say you're a...Seraph?" the president asked. "What exactly is a Seraph?"
Gabriel sighed. "This concept is going to be hard to understand, I fear. You see, I guess I'm what you could call an alien...I'm of human blood, but I was born on a world far from here. My people are an ancient race, the first known humans in the universe. We appeared on a strange, fierce world of which there was little chance of survival. Somehow, we were able to last, and somehow we began to learn about our planet. As we became accustomed to our own world, we discoverd a powerful entity known as 'Mana', the source of all magic. Our elders mastered the force of magic, and soon it became infused in their blood. The elders became bored with elemental magic, and one of them-the Elder Toan-discovered a tome describing a powerful type of time magic. The Elders quickly mastered that force, which allowed us to pierce the very fabric of time and space and permitted us to move where ever we desired. Thus, the people of my world spread out through the universe, coming to this world and many others. Yet when they were out of the strict eyes of the Elders, they began to form their own societies, and the offspring of such insurrection was the force we know as evil."
"That's amazing," Rinoa said. "History lesson of the human race in less than five minutes."
"Totally cool," Selphie agreed. "So we're all, like, aliens?"
Gabriel laughed. "It really depends on how you look at it," he said. "For all you know, I could be your brother. Anyways, back to my story. The actions of the colonists worried the Elders, and they quickly formed a powerful, highly-trained force of guardians: the Seraphs. Each Seraph had a specific element infused in his blood; my own is lightning. We're sent on missions around the universe, trying to keep the peace of the people without destroying the delicate fabric of their societies. I've been on one mission for over five hundred years...it's one that I could've ended several times, but it would've involved the destruction of many innocents. So, we're in a tough situation, us Seraphs."
"You're over FIVE HUNDRED YEARS OLD?!?!" Selphie exclaimed.
Gabriel shook his head, letting his long blonde hair fall about his shoulders. "Actually, I'm only twenty-two. The power of my magic allows me to pass through time and space without aging. You see, right now I'm about two hundred years in my own future. I pass through time so quickly that years pass by like seconds, even though I still age normally."
"Strange," Irvine said, spellbound.
"How is all this connected to Avatar?" Squall asked.
Gabriel took a deep breath. "Avatar was once Coral DeWitt, an Elder of my people. He was one of the first Seraphs...the Seraph of Fire. However, his power quickly corrupted him, and he gathered an army to attack my home. My own village was burned to the ground by Coral's men. He became overconfident, and he disowned his birth name and took a new one: Avatar."
"How sad," Squall lamented.
"It was," Gabriel replied. "The Elders knew that Avatar was dangerous. They warned him several times to abandon his assault, but his men pressed closer and closer to the capital. The Elders raised their own army: many soldiers from our world, and many from others returned to defend the cradle of civilization. In a fierce battle, Avatar was finally defeated. He was brought before the Council of Elders, and he was banished from our world forever more. He became angered at this, and vowed to begin a reign of destruction throughout the human homeworlds. We thought he was bluffing. Then we received news of the desruction of a far-off planet, one which our people had settled. Then there was another, then another. Finally, the Elders decided that Avatar had to be killed. They called for me, First Commandant of the Seraphs. The rest, well, is history."
Laguna and the SeeDs looked at the man sitting next to them.
"What about Quistis?" Rinoa asked. "What will happen to her?"
"She's given in to evil," Gabriel said. "The chances are slim that she will learn the error of her ways. If I find her, I will probably be forced to kill her." The others sat solemnly at the arrival of such dire news.
"I know you all love her as your own," Gabriel added. "You must understand...she's been brainwashed by Avatar. If she sees you, she will not hesitate to kill any of you, just like she didn't hesitate to kill Zell. Each one of you knows what war is. You all should know that this is war."
"We will only fight her as a last resort, Master Gage," Squall said. "She may have been turned from us, but it is beyond any of us to hate her. You said it yourself...she didn't do this of her own free will."
"You must understand, Commander Leonhart, that she has NO free will any longer," Gage replied. "She's probably with Avatar right now, either screwing his brains out or planning their next move. Welcome to reality. If I find her, I will kill her. Be prepared." Squall's face grew red with anger. This...whatever he was... had no right to talk about Quistis like that.
"If you touch her, I swear to God I'll..." Squall growled. Gabriel laughed
"What?" Gabriel asked. "You'll kill me? You are more than welcome to try, Leonhart. You aren't even strong enough to fight a Seraph's apprentice. You can either help me, or stay out of my way. If you try to protect her, then you're protecting HIM. I will not allow that to happen. The choice is yours. What will your decision be?"
Squall stared at the Seraph for a long moment. He had already lost many friends in the past year, and he couldn't stand the thought of losing Quistis too.
"She's already lost, Squall," Gabriel said, apparantly reading his mind. "I doubt we can save her."
Squall continued to look at Gabriel Gage. Here was this man, from a completely different time and place, struggling to defeat Avatar...struggling to save the world.
"I will not fight Quistis Trepe," Squall concluded, "until it is certain that we can do nothing for her. Yes, Gage, I will assist you."
"He won't do it alone, either," Rinoa said, standing by Squall and grasping his hand. "Count me in."
"I'll do it!" Selphie exclaimed. "We'll save Quistis, just you wait and see, Gabe!"
"If Sefie's in, so am I," Irvine shrugged. "This Avatar bastard's gone too damn far now."
"You have all my resources to your availability, Mr. Gage," Laguna said. "I'm getting older. Not sure how worthwhile I'd be in a battlefield. Anyways, I have my own little war breaking out in my streets."
"Thank you, everyone," Gabriel replied.
"Let's head back for Balamb," Squall decided. "We'll figure where to go from there."
"All goes as planned, Master Avatar. I've got a section of the Esthar population ready to rebel against Loire. It seems that some people will believe just about anything," Devas Alvain: a short, fat, balding man said as Avatar tapped Seifer's fingers against the polished marble desk.
"Great, Councillor Alvain," Avatar replied. "I want him killed, preferably in public. Then you will ascend to the presidency, and we will focus our attention back on Galbadia."
"It will be difficult," Alvain countered. "Laguna is still highly popular in Esthar, and his son is the Commander of SeeD. They will undoubtedly make things interesting."
Avatar groaned. "Have faith, Alvain. I've got a special weapon in store for the SeeDs." Right on cue, Quistis, dressed in a tight black combat outfit, walked into the room and stood next to Avatar.
"Cunning, my master," Alvain laughed. "I love it. Hit the SeeDs with one of their own. But what of this 'Seraph' you speak of? I've heard rumors of their kind before...they're awfully strong."
"I'm not concerned with Gabriel Gage," Avatar replied. "He's not even on my list of concerns at the moment. You just worry about your task. You're to meet with Loire today, correct?"
"Yes, master. There I will issue your demands," Alvain said. "Laguna will probably remove me from his palace, and then I'm going to send my forces in to do battle, as you have ordered. I will make him weary and willing to give me the presidency."
"Don't fail me, Devas Alvain," Avatar warned. "This is a matter of utmost importance. I have faith in you...see that that doesn't change."
"You...want me...to kill...my son?!" Laguna screamed as he looked at Alvain's list of demands. "I always knew you were fucking stupid, but this just takes the cake!"
"You must understand my standpoint, Mr. President," Alvain sneered. "Squall Leonhart is a dangerous element to my superiors and me. The orders come straight from the top. Either you have him executed, or I will send in my army to remove you by force. You have a choice to make, Loire. Your son or your country. What's it going to be?"
Laguna's face grew red with rage. He reached underneath his desk and pulled a pistol out.
"I'm giving you two minutes to leave this city, you son of a bitch," Laguna growled. "Bring your god-damned army to their slaughter. I will not follow orders from a crazy-ass bastard! Get out of here!!"
Alvain laughed. "I knew this would happen. You've brought civil war to your people, Laguna Loire. Can you live with that, knowing all of the civilians that are going to die? Can you force your military to kill their neighbors?"
"I can and will," Laguna fumed. "Leave now, before I blow your damned brains out."
"This just in...the Army of Estharian Freedom has begun a siege of the city of Esthar, and they demand the execution of President Laguna Loire!"
Squall startled out of bed quickly, and he stared at the television monitor. There were sights of battles being fought in the streets of Esthar between soldiers and citizens, or citizens versus citizens.
"Squall, what's wrong?" Squall looked beside him, and he saw Rinoa sit up.
"It's finally happened," was all Squall could manage.
"What?" Rinoa asked.
"Look at the monitor," Squall said. Rinoa watched the images of death and destruction in the beautiful city.
"Oh my God," Rinoa gasped. "What are we going to do?"
"Get everyone together," Squall ordered, transforming from lover to commander. "We're going to leave in ten minutes. I want a twenty-man team ready to go."
"Breaking news at this hour...Rumor has it that a strategic combat team from Balamb Garden is being dispatched to deal with the Esthar crisis. The Council of Nations is also getting involved in the picture. Just minutes ago, Head Councillor Cyrie Veran removed Chairman Devas Alvain from the Council and ordered his arrest. Releasing this press report, Ms. Veran stated..."
Laguna watched the monitor in his Tactical Center beneath the palace. Squall had taken initiative...that was a good sign. He would undoubtedly be here within the hour. His heart also felt slightly pleased that Cy had
decided to cast off her mask of neutrality and help him out.
"Sir, we'll be going on air in thirty seconds," an aide said. Laguna smoothed his hair, and took his place behind the podium, in front of the cameras.
"Three...two...one...it's a go!" the cameraman shouted.
Laguna cleared his throat. "Good morning, citizens of Esthar. We've had an awfully rough night. I'm afraid that things might not get much better. It seems that our former Council representative Mr. Alvain has decided that it was in his right to raise an army to destroy what we have worked for over eighteen years to rebuild. I met with Mr. Alvain two afternoons ago, and I was presented with a list of demands for peace. It's no secret that he is trying to make me the bad guy because I won't accept these insane demands. Here's a couple of them:
Number 1: He wanted me to withdraw from the Council of Nations.
Number 2: He wanted me to rebuke the Charter of Esthar, and nullify it.
Number 3: He wanted me to destroy Esthar Garden.
Number 4: He wanted me to declare war against our Galbadian allies.
Here's the kicker! Number 5: He wanted me to order the arrest and execution of my son, Squall Leonhart.
It doesn't need to be said tha I will accept none of these. So, let me tell you, Mr. Alvain. You've made the biggest mistake of your life. I hereby order the arrest of Devas Alvain, on charges of murder, conspiracy, and treason. There will be a guaranteed two million gil reward for his capture. If you want war, Alvain, then you have your war. To the loyal citizens of Esthar, I say this: stay vigilant and brave. Keep your families safe from the evil that walks our streets. That's about all I can say right now. So, let's do our best, and let's keep our country safe. Good afternoon, may the gods bless each of you."
"That's a wrap, Mr. President," the camera man said. Laguna stepped out from the podium, and he walked to a chair. With a sigh, he flopped down in the chair and he held his head.
"Dad!" he heard. Squall and his SeeD team came barging into the Tactical Center and Squall located his father. "Are you okay?"
"For now," Laguna sighed. "I'm an aging man. I don't know how much of this I can take."
"We're working on it, Laguna," Rinoa said. "The team from Esthar Garden has already rounded up a rebel hideout. We're about to send these guys out."
"They're small in number, and awfully disorganized," Gabriel Gage observed. "Why would Alvain rush a war he knew he'd lose? He's no stellar tactician, that's for sure."
"Mr. President!" Laguna whirled around, and saw a communications technician run up.
"What's wrong, son?" Laguna asked.
"We've received contact from our Skyway defenses! They're being pushed back by the enemy! The lines are collapsing and rebels have infiltrated our defensive grid!"
"Disorganized, huh?" Laguna spat. "Regroup our forces, and pull them back into the inner city. Deploy the artillery units-keep them right behind our defense forces."
"What's the plan, Dad?" Squall asked.
"I'm going to draw them right into the artillery cannons," Laguna said. "They're going to push through the city like wildfire pursuing our men, but they're going to find a nasty surprise at the end of the tunnel."
"Whoo, sounds like a plan to me!" Irvine exclaimed. "Now where do we fit in?"
"Your SeeD team is going to assist the men on the lines," Laguna ordered. "However, you, Squall, Rinoa, and Selphie have your own little task...what that is, I don't yet know, but we need people like you set aside."
"If they go, I go," Gabriel input. "I've got a feeling that if we follow this blood trail, we'll find Avatar at the end of it."
"I think we may have something worked out for them," an older man in a general's uniform said.
"Lay it on us, man!" Selphie said.
The general smiled at Selphie's enthusiasm. "We've just received a transmission from reconnaisance forces who've found a bunker the enemy has fortified at Tears' Point. It seems that Alvain and his military commander are hidden inside, and they're directing enemy activity to said location."
"You want us to get in and disrupt their communications, right?" Irvine asked.
"And we want you to take care of Alvain and his commander," the general replied. "Mr. Gage is right...the enemy is disorganized. If we take care of their commander, they won't know what to do and the rebellion can be easily crushed."
"You get us there, and we'll take care of the rest," Squall said. "Guys, this one's for Zell."
OUTSIDE OF THE TEARS' POINT BUNKER...
"We must stay on our guard," Squall said. "Recon showed that this place isn't heavily guarded, but you never know what we'll find when we get inside. Stay close to me, and let's get this over with." Squall pulled his Gunblade from his belt, and he kicked the door open. The darkened corridors weren't guarded period. There was nobody in sight through this facility. Squall kept his blade at ready as he passed through the doors, and motioned the others forward.
"Kind of dark in here, wouldn't you say?" Irvine said, watching the halls for movement. Nobody answered him as they walked through the iron corridors. After what seemed to be an eternity, they came to an elevator.
"That's why we didn't find anyone in here," Rinoa concluded. "They're running this show underground."
"So how do we do this?" Squall asked. "Do we go down at once, or one at a time?"
"We don't even know if anyone's down there," Selphie noted. "They could all be standing right at the door, waiting to kill us all!"
"That's where I come in," Gabriel said, holstering his pistols. "I'll cast a spell of sight, and see if I can't find anything." If dropped to his knees, and placed a hand on the floor.
"Gilthoniel!" he exclaimed, and a pulse of white energy flowed down his arm onto the floor. He kept his eyes closed and his hand to the ground for what seemed like the longest time. Finally, he arose and looked at Squall.
"There's only fifty people in the whole facility," he said. "That's the good news. However, I do have some bad news."
"They're waiting for us, right?" Selphie sighed.
"Strangely, no," Gabriel replied. "It seems that we'll have to test your resolve faster than I believed."
"Quistis," Squall said. "She's here, isn't she?"
"Yes," Gabriel solemnly answered. "She's in command of Alvain's forces."
"So Alvain is allied with Avatar!" Irvine exclaimed.
"That is the way it would appear," Gabriel said. "Squall, I know you don't want to, but we have to face the fact that she is now your enemy. She will kill you with absolutely no regrets. If need be, you must be able to do the same."
"I understand," Squall reluctantly replied. "But ONLY if there is no other way."
"Well, no matter what the case might be, let's go," Irvine said, pushing the button for the elevator. They piled into the elevator, and readied themselves for what awaited them down below.
"I'm scared, Squall," Rinoa said, holding onto his arm. "I've never been this frightened before."
"It's Quistis, isn't it?" Squall asked. Rinoa nodded.
"I remember when she said she had feelings for you that day in Trabia," Rinoa said. "I don't know what she'll do."
"She's Avatar's little battle-whore now," Gabriel said, halfway attempting to comfort her. "I don't think she'll be concerned with you."
"I won't let anything happen to you," Squall reassured her. "I don't care who it is."
"Are you sure you can handle this, Squall?" Irvine asked. "You've only been out of the hospital for a couple of days."
"It doesn't matter," Squall said. "I have to do this. There's no way around it."
The elevator finally stopped, and the doors opened wide.
"Then let's do this," Irvine said, cocking a shell into his gun. "Let's get it on."
The team walked out of the elevator, and found themselves into another long corridor. This one was brightly lit, with embedded computer monitors showing vital information like supply depots around the city and rebel troop locations. Selphie just happened to have a camera with her, and she snapped a picture of every monitor she came to. Squall continued down the hall, until he came to a large foyer with several doors around the perimeter.
"So, Gabriel, do you know which one we go through to find Quistis?" Irvine asked. Gabriel stood for a minute, staring at the various doors, trying to remember the one the seeing spell had revealed to him...
"WATCH OUT, GABE!!!" Selphie shouted. Gabe turned around, just in time to duck a shot from a chain whip. Gabe fell to the ground, rolled in front of Squall, and pulled out his pistols.
The team heard Quistis' laughter as they saw her walk up. "Well, if it isn't my old friends?" she spat.
"What the hell's gotten into you?!" Irvine shouted. "And why the hell are you dressed so friggin' weird?" Quistis ran a hand down her leather combat jumpsuit as she stared at the SeeDs and their Seraph counterpart.
"My, it's good to see you too, Irvine," she purred. "And you Selphie, and Rinoa, and especially Squall. It's like a wonderful family reunion. Too bad Zell isn't here to join us."
"You heartless bitch," Gabriel growled, leveling his pistols at her.
"Quistis, what has happened to you?" Squall asked. "How could you kill Zell? He loved you, Quistis, and he thought you loved him."
"HE NEVER LOVED ME!" Quistis screamed. "NONE OF YOU EVER DID! YOU ALL HATED ME!"
"What has he done to you?" Selphie asked. "You're not Quistis anymore."
"Of course she's not," Gabriel sneered. "How did it feel, Quistis? How did it feel to ride Avatar's dick like a hungry damned pig? Did it burn, you bitch? I hope it melts every goddamned bone in your body." He began to circle around Quistis. "Did he tell you he loved you, Quistis? Did he call you his Queen? Guess what, Queenie? That's what he called my mother before HE KILLED HER! It really doesn't matter too much anymore. I'm about to send you straight to Hell, you bitch."
"No, Gabriel," Squall ordered. "Let me try. Quistis, we're giving you one chance. We know you loved Zell. We know that it wasn't you that shot him, just like it isn't you ready to attack us. Forget Avatar and come back to your real friends. Help us beat him."
Quistis began to laugh. "Friends?!" she roared. "You aren't my friends! Especially you, Leonhart. You shattered my heart once. Do you think I'm going to let you do it again?"
"Wrong answer, slut," Gabriel growled, firing the pistols. Rinoa screamed as the bullets struck Quistis in her chest.
"Gage, NO!" Squall shouted. Quistis hunched over as she fell to her knees, but among all things, she began to laugh.
"That...won't stop me," she gasped. She leaned back and spread her arms. An orange aura surrounded her body as wings of flame sprouted from her back.
"Oh, Gods!" Gabriel exclaimed. "He's done more than I thought! She's linked to his spirit!" She laughed as she rose to her feet, and then the wings lifted her into the air.
"It is too late for you!!" she shouted. "The Lord Avatar is the new master of this world!"
"Yeah, fuck your master, you crazy whore," Gabriel fumed. "I've always said fight fire with fire...or in this case, lightning!" He holstered his pistols cast off his coat, revealing a tight black t-shirt and a broadsword strapped to his back. He pulled out the heavy weapon, which was ornate with ancient runes. He spoke a word of power, and he himself began to change. He seemed to grow slightly taller, and powerful white armor formed around his body. Two lightning bolts struck through the compound, and struck his back, transforming into glowing white wings. His hair seemed to glow with the rest of the armor, and another bolt of lightning struck the sword and dissipated, forming the ancient rune of Barinn, the rune of lightning.
"I am Gabriel Gage, the Barinn-den, Seraph of Lightning!" he cried as his own wings lifted him to face Quistis. He brandished his sword, and the air crackled with thunder. "You have one last chance to give up; if you choose to fight, I will kill you. Don't say you haven't been warned!"
"Well then, Barinn-den," Quistis retorted, "let's see who's stronger: you or Avatar!" Quistis formed a ball of flame with her hands and launched it at Gabriel. He held his palm out, and surrounded the fire with a net of lightning. He threw it into the air, and hit it towards Quistis with his sword. The ball struck her in the chest, sending her flying into a nearby wall. Gabriel flew quickly to her, and swung his sword at her neck. Quistis released her whip, and with a stream of fire, she deflected Gabriel's shot and struck his face. Gabriel quickly recovered and began to form a web of electricity. Quistis attempted to pierce this net with her chain whip, but it proved to no avail. The net encircled Quistis, and began to electrocute her. She screamed in pain as her wings began to vanish.
"Leondel Gilthoneth!" Gabriel shouted, launching his sword through the net and piercing Quistis' heart. She screamed again as her wings finally vanished and she fell to the ground, slumped over. Gabriel slowly landed and he walked over to Quistis. He removed his sword as the lightning seemed to melt into her body. A flash of white light surrounded Gage's body, and he reverted back to his normal form as he sheathed his sword. Blood flowed from Quistis' mouth as she coughed.
"You...haven't finished me off, yet," she growled, spitting blood as she spoke. "Avatar, my love, return me to your side!" A bright red light surrounded her, and she vanished. Gabriel stood silently for a moment, looking at the puddle of blood that Quistis had left.
"Gabriel, that was...amazing," Rinoa gasped as he finally turned around to face the rest of his team. "I've never seen anything like that."
"You're more than you seem, Gage," Irvine added. "You scared the holy shit out of me."
"Forget it," Gabriel replied, picking up his jacket and putting it on. "The important fact remains that Quistis got away. We have to find where she went, and we have to stop her."
"What about Alvain?" Rinoa asked. As if on cue, Squall turned around and saw Alvain running for the elevator. Irvine winked at Selphie, and fired at Alvain, hitting his foot.
"YEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCHH!" Devas Alvain cried, hopping comically on one foot. Squall and the others ran to him, and Selphie tackled him.
"Where do you think you're going, sweet cheeks?" Selphie asked, a cute tone in her voice.
"Leave me alone, you faggets!" Alvain shouted. "I give up! Let me go!"
"Now, now, now, Mr. Alvain," Rinoa said with the same condescending tone Selphie used, "do you think we're just going to let you go after all the trouble you've caused?"
"I'm sorry!!!" the fat man shouted. "Avatar promised me that I could rule Esthar if I did this for him! He said he'd teach me to use magic, too!"
"Avatar's magic is unteachable," Gabriel said. "Much like mine. You made a deal with the devil, Alvain. And now, you'll pay for it!" Gabriel drew his sword, and it glowed with lightning.
"Oh no!" Alvain shouted in fear. "I saw you fight the Queen! Please don't kill me!!"
"You sons of bitches!" Alvain cried as Irvine slammed the door to the small prison cell in Alvain's face. "How dare you imprison me?! When I get out of here, I swear I'll..."
"...beg for mercy when I unsheathe my sword?" Gabriel laughed. "Fat chance. I told you, you're going to pay."
"Don't you walk away from me, you stupid kids!!" Alvain shouted. "I swear to Hyne I'll never stop! Long live Avatar! Death to the Loires!"
"Hey man, shut the hell up!" a heavy voice came from down the hall. "You're already going to get your ass kicked during activity time tomorrow...don't make it worse!"
"Welcome to prison, baby!" Selphie exclaimed as she left the room.
"It's over for now," Laguna told Cyrie as the two sat in his office. "Squall did it again."
"You've got a wonderful son, Laguna," Cy said. "You must be so proud of him. He's definately a special boy."
"He is," Laguna said. Then, the wheels in his mind began to turn.
"What are you thinking about now, Laguna?" Cy asked, patting his hand.
"Just wondering how you would feel if I asked you to be his mother?" Laguna slyly replied. "I mean, nobody's going to replace Edea or Raine to him, but he'd probably..."
"Laguna Loire, did you just ask me to marry you?" Cy asked.
Laguna sighed, and he felt a slight cramp begin to climb his leg. "Well...uh...yeah, I guess I sorta did."
"I don't go for 'sorta,' bub," Cy said. She stood up from her chair and sat on Laguna's desk. "Either you ask me or you don't. None of this 'sorta' crap."
Now Laguna's leg really began to hurt. "Uh...okay, uh...oh, Jeez I am really bad with this..."
Cyrie smiled. "I think I get the picture." She sat on his lap, and passionately kissed Laguna. "Does that answer your question?"
"Well, there sure isn't any 'sorta'about this one," he replied.
END OF CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER FIVE: DEADLY EMOTION
BY GUNBLADE_78
Seifer Almasy finally came to, and found himself in a dark room. He stood up from the solitary iron chair, and walked around his confine. He was utterly confused...he had no idea where he was ,and he had only the slightest notion as to who he was.
"What the hell is going on here?" he asked himself as he looked at the drab gray walls. "Where am I?!" he added, now screaming. There was no door...no windows...the only light in the room was provided by a lone candle sitting on top of a metal desk.
"Welcome to your new home, Seifer Almasy." Seifer panicked and looked around the room. Nobody was in there; however, he knew that voice.
"Avatar," he growled. "What have you done to me?!" He heard Avatar's laughter echo through the room.
"Don't you mean what have you done to us?" Avatar asked. "You see, your body is now mine. I am surprised at your strength, however."
"You son of a bitch," Seifer spat as he gritted his teeth.
Avatar ignored him as he continued his explanation. "You see, Seifer, you have something special in your blood. I am curious as to why I cannot take my own form as I've done before. Instead, I'm stuck in your body. Your face shows...not mine. Nobody has been able to counter my power. It matters not, however. Soon enough, your soul will die in there and you won't be able to fight me any longer. Goodbye for now, Seifer."
Seifer screamed and began to punch the stone walls. He was a prisoner in his own mind...it was unbelieveable. He fell to his knees, and slumped over, gasping for breath. There had to be a way out of this hell. Seifer leaned back and closed his eyes...
...and saw Quistis slowly kissing his neck.
He opened his eyes, startled by the vision. Was this a dream? Or was this reality? He leapt to his feet and whirled around, just as two large windows appeared on the wall. He walked over and pressed his face against the cold glass. He saw Quistis take off her top as she leaned over his body.
"NO!! QUISTIS, DON'T!!!" Seifer shouted from inside the room. "DON'T GIVE INTO HIM, PLEASE!!!"
He began pounding the glass, praying that he would be somehow able to break Avatar's spell and save his friend from giving into darkness.
"You pleased me today, my love," he heard Avatar's voice tell Quistis as she released his lips. "I loved how you eliminated the Dincht boy. It was beautiful, much like you."
"I'm about to really please you," she seductively replied. "It won't even compare with today, I promise." As she finished, she passionately kissed Avatar's lips.
"No," Seifer groaned from his prison. "Quistis, please." He sat down on the concrete floor and pulled his knees to him as he began to weep bitterly.
"Who did it?" Squall asked, nearly choking on his tears. "I want to know, NOW." The security guard looked at Squall and hung his head.
"We found a strange man in the hospital room," the guard replied. "He claimed that the pistol used for the murder belonged to him, but he swears up and down that he didn't do it. He says it was Instructor Trepe."
Squall muttered under his breath. "Where are you keeping him?" he asked. "I would like to meet this person."
"No, you don't," the guard replied. "He's a scary one. Nobody even has the balls to cuff him. He's still at the hospital, and he wants to meet with your father." Squall shook his head.
"He'll meet me first," he said. "Take me to him."
"Ah, so you're Squall Leonhart," the tall blonde-headed man said. "I've been wanting to talk to you about your friend." Squall gritted his teeth and had to resist the urge to punch the man.
"You mean the one you killed?" Squall retorted. The stranger looked him straight in the eye.
"I've already told you, I didn't kill him," the stranger replied. "I know who did, however."
"Quistis Trepe did not kill Zell," Squall said. "She loved Zell. She's been here for over two weeks, not even sleeping just so she could be with him.
"Quistis did not do so under her own will," the stranger agreed. "However, the strength of Avatar's will forced her to do it."
"Avatar?" Squall asked. "You mean..."
"Avatar is not dead, Commander Leonhart," the man replied. "He has acquired the body of Seifer Almasy: an acquaintance of yours, I believe. He's hypnotized Quistis into believing that Zell-and the rest of you-hated her, and that she could only be loved as Avatar's 'Queen.' I tried to stop Avatar, but his power overwhelmed me. Quistis took my pistol and shot Zell. They then left the room, and left me to take the blame."
"Strange enough, I'm actually believing you," Squall said. ""What is your name?"
"My name is Gabriel Gage," Gabriel answered. "I am a Seraph...you could call me a bounty hunter. I really can't explain much until I meet with your father. Then you will know everything."
"That's what happened to your friend," Gabriel concluded, sitting down next to Irvine and Selphie. Laguna looked at him for a long moment, and then he spoke.
"You say you're a...Seraph?" the president asked. "What exactly is a Seraph?"
Gabriel sighed. "This concept is going to be hard to understand, I fear. You see, I guess I'm what you could call an alien...I'm of human blood, but I was born on a world far from here. My people are an ancient race, the first known humans in the universe. We appeared on a strange, fierce world of which there was little chance of survival. Somehow, we were able to last, and somehow we began to learn about our planet. As we became accustomed to our own world, we discoverd a powerful entity known as 'Mana', the source of all magic. Our elders mastered the force of magic, and soon it became infused in their blood. The elders became bored with elemental magic, and one of them-the Elder Toan-discovered a tome describing a powerful type of time magic. The Elders quickly mastered that force, which allowed us to pierce the very fabric of time and space and permitted us to move where ever we desired. Thus, the people of my world spread out through the universe, coming to this world and many others. Yet when they were out of the strict eyes of the Elders, they began to form their own societies, and the offspring of such insurrection was the force we know as evil."
"That's amazing," Rinoa said. "History lesson of the human race in less than five minutes."
"Totally cool," Selphie agreed. "So we're all, like, aliens?"
Gabriel laughed. "It really depends on how you look at it," he said. "For all you know, I could be your brother. Anyways, back to my story. The actions of the colonists worried the Elders, and they quickly formed a powerful, highly-trained force of guardians: the Seraphs. Each Seraph had a specific element infused in his blood; my own is lightning. We're sent on missions around the universe, trying to keep the peace of the people without destroying the delicate fabric of their societies. I've been on one mission for over five hundred years...it's one that I could've ended several times, but it would've involved the destruction of many innocents. So, we're in a tough situation, us Seraphs."
"You're over FIVE HUNDRED YEARS OLD?!?!" Selphie exclaimed.
Gabriel shook his head, letting his long blonde hair fall about his shoulders. "Actually, I'm only twenty-two. The power of my magic allows me to pass through time and space without aging. You see, right now I'm about two hundred years in my own future. I pass through time so quickly that years pass by like seconds, even though I still age normally."
"Strange," Irvine said, spellbound.
"How is all this connected to Avatar?" Squall asked.
Gabriel took a deep breath. "Avatar was once Coral DeWitt, an Elder of my people. He was one of the first Seraphs...the Seraph of Fire. However, his power quickly corrupted him, and he gathered an army to attack my home. My own village was burned to the ground by Coral's men. He became overconfident, and he disowned his birth name and took a new one: Avatar."
"How sad," Squall lamented.
"It was," Gabriel replied. "The Elders knew that Avatar was dangerous. They warned him several times to abandon his assault, but his men pressed closer and closer to the capital. The Elders raised their own army: many soldiers from our world, and many from others returned to defend the cradle of civilization. In a fierce battle, Avatar was finally defeated. He was brought before the Council of Elders, and he was banished from our world forever more. He became angered at this, and vowed to begin a reign of destruction throughout the human homeworlds. We thought he was bluffing. Then we received news of the desruction of a far-off planet, one which our people had settled. Then there was another, then another. Finally, the Elders decided that Avatar had to be killed. They called for me, First Commandant of the Seraphs. The rest, well, is history."
Laguna and the SeeDs looked at the man sitting next to them.
"What about Quistis?" Rinoa asked. "What will happen to her?"
"She's given in to evil," Gabriel said. "The chances are slim that she will learn the error of her ways. If I find her, I will probably be forced to kill her." The others sat solemnly at the arrival of such dire news.
"I know you all love her as your own," Gabriel added. "You must understand...she's been brainwashed by Avatar. If she sees you, she will not hesitate to kill any of you, just like she didn't hesitate to kill Zell. Each one of you knows what war is. You all should know that this is war."
"We will only fight her as a last resort, Master Gage," Squall said. "She may have been turned from us, but it is beyond any of us to hate her. You said it yourself...she didn't do this of her own free will."
"You must understand, Commander Leonhart, that she has NO free will any longer," Gage replied. "She's probably with Avatar right now, either screwing his brains out or planning their next move. Welcome to reality. If I find her, I will kill her. Be prepared." Squall's face grew red with anger. This...whatever he was... had no right to talk about Quistis like that.
"If you touch her, I swear to God I'll..." Squall growled. Gabriel laughed
"What?" Gabriel asked. "You'll kill me? You are more than welcome to try, Leonhart. You aren't even strong enough to fight a Seraph's apprentice. You can either help me, or stay out of my way. If you try to protect her, then you're protecting HIM. I will not allow that to happen. The choice is yours. What will your decision be?"
Squall stared at the Seraph for a long moment. He had already lost many friends in the past year, and he couldn't stand the thought of losing Quistis too.
"She's already lost, Squall," Gabriel said, apparantly reading his mind. "I doubt we can save her."
Squall continued to look at Gabriel Gage. Here was this man, from a completely different time and place, struggling to defeat Avatar...struggling to save the world.
"I will not fight Quistis Trepe," Squall concluded, "until it is certain that we can do nothing for her. Yes, Gage, I will assist you."
"He won't do it alone, either," Rinoa said, standing by Squall and grasping his hand. "Count me in."
"I'll do it!" Selphie exclaimed. "We'll save Quistis, just you wait and see, Gabe!"
"If Sefie's in, so am I," Irvine shrugged. "This Avatar bastard's gone too damn far now."
"You have all my resources to your availability, Mr. Gage," Laguna said. "I'm getting older. Not sure how worthwhile I'd be in a battlefield. Anyways, I have my own little war breaking out in my streets."
"Thank you, everyone," Gabriel replied.
"Let's head back for Balamb," Squall decided. "We'll figure where to go from there."
"All goes as planned, Master Avatar. I've got a section of the Esthar population ready to rebel against Loire. It seems that some people will believe just about anything," Devas Alvain: a short, fat, balding man said as Avatar tapped Seifer's fingers against the polished marble desk.
"Great, Councillor Alvain," Avatar replied. "I want him killed, preferably in public. Then you will ascend to the presidency, and we will focus our attention back on Galbadia."
"It will be difficult," Alvain countered. "Laguna is still highly popular in Esthar, and his son is the Commander of SeeD. They will undoubtedly make things interesting."
Avatar groaned. "Have faith, Alvain. I've got a special weapon in store for the SeeDs." Right on cue, Quistis, dressed in a tight black combat outfit, walked into the room and stood next to Avatar.
"Cunning, my master," Alvain laughed. "I love it. Hit the SeeDs with one of their own. But what of this 'Seraph' you speak of? I've heard rumors of their kind before...they're awfully strong."
"I'm not concerned with Gabriel Gage," Avatar replied. "He's not even on my list of concerns at the moment. You just worry about your task. You're to meet with Loire today, correct?"
"Yes, master. There I will issue your demands," Alvain said. "Laguna will probably remove me from his palace, and then I'm going to send my forces in to do battle, as you have ordered. I will make him weary and willing to give me the presidency."
"Don't fail me, Devas Alvain," Avatar warned. "This is a matter of utmost importance. I have faith in you...see that that doesn't change."
"You...want me...to kill...my son?!" Laguna screamed as he looked at Alvain's list of demands. "I always knew you were fucking stupid, but this just takes the cake!"
"You must understand my standpoint, Mr. President," Alvain sneered. "Squall Leonhart is a dangerous element to my superiors and me. The orders come straight from the top. Either you have him executed, or I will send in my army to remove you by force. You have a choice to make, Loire. Your son or your country. What's it going to be?"
Laguna's face grew red with rage. He reached underneath his desk and pulled a pistol out.
"I'm giving you two minutes to leave this city, you son of a bitch," Laguna growled. "Bring your god-damned army to their slaughter. I will not follow orders from a crazy-ass bastard! Get out of here!!"
Alvain laughed. "I knew this would happen. You've brought civil war to your people, Laguna Loire. Can you live with that, knowing all of the civilians that are going to die? Can you force your military to kill their neighbors?"
"I can and will," Laguna fumed. "Leave now, before I blow your damned brains out."
"This just in...the Army of Estharian Freedom has begun a siege of the city of Esthar, and they demand the execution of President Laguna Loire!"
Squall startled out of bed quickly, and he stared at the television monitor. There were sights of battles being fought in the streets of Esthar between soldiers and citizens, or citizens versus citizens.
"Squall, what's wrong?" Squall looked beside him, and he saw Rinoa sit up.
"It's finally happened," was all Squall could manage.
"What?" Rinoa asked.
"Look at the monitor," Squall said. Rinoa watched the images of death and destruction in the beautiful city.
"Oh my God," Rinoa gasped. "What are we going to do?"
"Get everyone together," Squall ordered, transforming from lover to commander. "We're going to leave in ten minutes. I want a twenty-man team ready to go."
"Breaking news at this hour...Rumor has it that a strategic combat team from Balamb Garden is being dispatched to deal with the Esthar crisis. The Council of Nations is also getting involved in the picture. Just minutes ago, Head Councillor Cyrie Veran removed Chairman Devas Alvain from the Council and ordered his arrest. Releasing this press report, Ms. Veran stated..."
Laguna watched the monitor in his Tactical Center beneath the palace. Squall had taken initiative...that was a good sign. He would undoubtedly be here within the hour. His heart also felt slightly pleased that Cy had
decided to cast off her mask of neutrality and help him out.
"Sir, we'll be going on air in thirty seconds," an aide said. Laguna smoothed his hair, and took his place behind the podium, in front of the cameras.
"Three...two...one...it's a go!" the cameraman shouted.
Laguna cleared his throat. "Good morning, citizens of Esthar. We've had an awfully rough night. I'm afraid that things might not get much better. It seems that our former Council representative Mr. Alvain has decided that it was in his right to raise an army to destroy what we have worked for over eighteen years to rebuild. I met with Mr. Alvain two afternoons ago, and I was presented with a list of demands for peace. It's no secret that he is trying to make me the bad guy because I won't accept these insane demands. Here's a couple of them:
Number 1: He wanted me to withdraw from the Council of Nations.
Number 2: He wanted me to rebuke the Charter of Esthar, and nullify it.
Number 3: He wanted me to destroy Esthar Garden.
Number 4: He wanted me to declare war against our Galbadian allies.
Here's the kicker! Number 5: He wanted me to order the arrest and execution of my son, Squall Leonhart.
It doesn't need to be said tha I will accept none of these. So, let me tell you, Mr. Alvain. You've made the biggest mistake of your life. I hereby order the arrest of Devas Alvain, on charges of murder, conspiracy, and treason. There will be a guaranteed two million gil reward for his capture. If you want war, Alvain, then you have your war. To the loyal citizens of Esthar, I say this: stay vigilant and brave. Keep your families safe from the evil that walks our streets. That's about all I can say right now. So, let's do our best, and let's keep our country safe. Good afternoon, may the gods bless each of you."
"That's a wrap, Mr. President," the camera man said. Laguna stepped out from the podium, and he walked to a chair. With a sigh, he flopped down in the chair and he held his head.
"Dad!" he heard. Squall and his SeeD team came barging into the Tactical Center and Squall located his father. "Are you okay?"
"For now," Laguna sighed. "I'm an aging man. I don't know how much of this I can take."
"We're working on it, Laguna," Rinoa said. "The team from Esthar Garden has already rounded up a rebel hideout. We're about to send these guys out."
"They're small in number, and awfully disorganized," Gabriel Gage observed. "Why would Alvain rush a war he knew he'd lose? He's no stellar tactician, that's for sure."
"Mr. President!" Laguna whirled around, and saw a communications technician run up.
"What's wrong, son?" Laguna asked.
"We've received contact from our Skyway defenses! They're being pushed back by the enemy! The lines are collapsing and rebels have infiltrated our defensive grid!"
"Disorganized, huh?" Laguna spat. "Regroup our forces, and pull them back into the inner city. Deploy the artillery units-keep them right behind our defense forces."
"What's the plan, Dad?" Squall asked.
"I'm going to draw them right into the artillery cannons," Laguna said. "They're going to push through the city like wildfire pursuing our men, but they're going to find a nasty surprise at the end of the tunnel."
"Whoo, sounds like a plan to me!" Irvine exclaimed. "Now where do we fit in?"
"Your SeeD team is going to assist the men on the lines," Laguna ordered. "However, you, Squall, Rinoa, and Selphie have your own little task...what that is, I don't yet know, but we need people like you set aside."
"If they go, I go," Gabriel input. "I've got a feeling that if we follow this blood trail, we'll find Avatar at the end of it."
"I think we may have something worked out for them," an older man in a general's uniform said.
"Lay it on us, man!" Selphie said.
The general smiled at Selphie's enthusiasm. "We've just received a transmission from reconnaisance forces who've found a bunker the enemy has fortified at Tears' Point. It seems that Alvain and his military commander are hidden inside, and they're directing enemy activity to said location."
"You want us to get in and disrupt their communications, right?" Irvine asked.
"And we want you to take care of Alvain and his commander," the general replied. "Mr. Gage is right...the enemy is disorganized. If we take care of their commander, they won't know what to do and the rebellion can be easily crushed."
"You get us there, and we'll take care of the rest," Squall said. "Guys, this one's for Zell."
OUTSIDE OF THE TEARS' POINT BUNKER...
"We must stay on our guard," Squall said. "Recon showed that this place isn't heavily guarded, but you never know what we'll find when we get inside. Stay close to me, and let's get this over with." Squall pulled his Gunblade from his belt, and he kicked the door open. The darkened corridors weren't guarded period. There was nobody in sight through this facility. Squall kept his blade at ready as he passed through the doors, and motioned the others forward.
"Kind of dark in here, wouldn't you say?" Irvine said, watching the halls for movement. Nobody answered him as they walked through the iron corridors. After what seemed to be an eternity, they came to an elevator.
"That's why we didn't find anyone in here," Rinoa concluded. "They're running this show underground."
"So how do we do this?" Squall asked. "Do we go down at once, or one at a time?"
"We don't even know if anyone's down there," Selphie noted. "They could all be standing right at the door, waiting to kill us all!"
"That's where I come in," Gabriel said, holstering his pistols. "I'll cast a spell of sight, and see if I can't find anything." If dropped to his knees, and placed a hand on the floor.
"Gilthoniel!" he exclaimed, and a pulse of white energy flowed down his arm onto the floor. He kept his eyes closed and his hand to the ground for what seemed like the longest time. Finally, he arose and looked at Squall.
"There's only fifty people in the whole facility," he said. "That's the good news. However, I do have some bad news."
"They're waiting for us, right?" Selphie sighed.
"Strangely, no," Gabriel replied. "It seems that we'll have to test your resolve faster than I believed."
"Quistis," Squall said. "She's here, isn't she?"
"Yes," Gabriel solemnly answered. "She's in command of Alvain's forces."
"So Alvain is allied with Avatar!" Irvine exclaimed.
"That is the way it would appear," Gabriel said. "Squall, I know you don't want to, but we have to face the fact that she is now your enemy. She will kill you with absolutely no regrets. If need be, you must be able to do the same."
"I understand," Squall reluctantly replied. "But ONLY if there is no other way."
"Well, no matter what the case might be, let's go," Irvine said, pushing the button for the elevator. They piled into the elevator, and readied themselves for what awaited them down below.
"I'm scared, Squall," Rinoa said, holding onto his arm. "I've never been this frightened before."
"It's Quistis, isn't it?" Squall asked. Rinoa nodded.
"I remember when she said she had feelings for you that day in Trabia," Rinoa said. "I don't know what she'll do."
"She's Avatar's little battle-whore now," Gabriel said, halfway attempting to comfort her. "I don't think she'll be concerned with you."
"I won't let anything happen to you," Squall reassured her. "I don't care who it is."
"Are you sure you can handle this, Squall?" Irvine asked. "You've only been out of the hospital for a couple of days."
"It doesn't matter," Squall said. "I have to do this. There's no way around it."
The elevator finally stopped, and the doors opened wide.
"Then let's do this," Irvine said, cocking a shell into his gun. "Let's get it on."
The team walked out of the elevator, and found themselves into another long corridor. This one was brightly lit, with embedded computer monitors showing vital information like supply depots around the city and rebel troop locations. Selphie just happened to have a camera with her, and she snapped a picture of every monitor she came to. Squall continued down the hall, until he came to a large foyer with several doors around the perimeter.
"So, Gabriel, do you know which one we go through to find Quistis?" Irvine asked. Gabriel stood for a minute, staring at the various doors, trying to remember the one the seeing spell had revealed to him...
"WATCH OUT, GABE!!!" Selphie shouted. Gabe turned around, just in time to duck a shot from a chain whip. Gabe fell to the ground, rolled in front of Squall, and pulled out his pistols.
The team heard Quistis' laughter as they saw her walk up. "Well, if it isn't my old friends?" she spat.
"What the hell's gotten into you?!" Irvine shouted. "And why the hell are you dressed so friggin' weird?" Quistis ran a hand down her leather combat jumpsuit as she stared at the SeeDs and their Seraph counterpart.
"My, it's good to see you too, Irvine," she purred. "And you Selphie, and Rinoa, and especially Squall. It's like a wonderful family reunion. Too bad Zell isn't here to join us."
"You heartless bitch," Gabriel growled, leveling his pistols at her.
"Quistis, what has happened to you?" Squall asked. "How could you kill Zell? He loved you, Quistis, and he thought you loved him."
"HE NEVER LOVED ME!" Quistis screamed. "NONE OF YOU EVER DID! YOU ALL HATED ME!"
"What has he done to you?" Selphie asked. "You're not Quistis anymore."
"Of course she's not," Gabriel sneered. "How did it feel, Quistis? How did it feel to ride Avatar's dick like a hungry damned pig? Did it burn, you bitch? I hope it melts every goddamned bone in your body." He began to circle around Quistis. "Did he tell you he loved you, Quistis? Did he call you his Queen? Guess what, Queenie? That's what he called my mother before HE KILLED HER! It really doesn't matter too much anymore. I'm about to send you straight to Hell, you bitch."
"No, Gabriel," Squall ordered. "Let me try. Quistis, we're giving you one chance. We know you loved Zell. We know that it wasn't you that shot him, just like it isn't you ready to attack us. Forget Avatar and come back to your real friends. Help us beat him."
Quistis began to laugh. "Friends?!" she roared. "You aren't my friends! Especially you, Leonhart. You shattered my heart once. Do you think I'm going to let you do it again?"
"Wrong answer, slut," Gabriel growled, firing the pistols. Rinoa screamed as the bullets struck Quistis in her chest.
"Gage, NO!" Squall shouted. Quistis hunched over as she fell to her knees, but among all things, she began to laugh.
"That...won't stop me," she gasped. She leaned back and spread her arms. An orange aura surrounded her body as wings of flame sprouted from her back.
"Oh, Gods!" Gabriel exclaimed. "He's done more than I thought! She's linked to his spirit!" She laughed as she rose to her feet, and then the wings lifted her into the air.
"It is too late for you!!" she shouted. "The Lord Avatar is the new master of this world!"
"Yeah, fuck your master, you crazy whore," Gabriel fumed. "I've always said fight fire with fire...or in this case, lightning!" He holstered his pistols cast off his coat, revealing a tight black t-shirt and a broadsword strapped to his back. He pulled out the heavy weapon, which was ornate with ancient runes. He spoke a word of power, and he himself began to change. He seemed to grow slightly taller, and powerful white armor formed around his body. Two lightning bolts struck through the compound, and struck his back, transforming into glowing white wings. His hair seemed to glow with the rest of the armor, and another bolt of lightning struck the sword and dissipated, forming the ancient rune of Barinn, the rune of lightning.
"I am Gabriel Gage, the Barinn-den, Seraph of Lightning!" he cried as his own wings lifted him to face Quistis. He brandished his sword, and the air crackled with thunder. "You have one last chance to give up; if you choose to fight, I will kill you. Don't say you haven't been warned!"
"Well then, Barinn-den," Quistis retorted, "let's see who's stronger: you or Avatar!" Quistis formed a ball of flame with her hands and launched it at Gabriel. He held his palm out, and surrounded the fire with a net of lightning. He threw it into the air, and hit it towards Quistis with his sword. The ball struck her in the chest, sending her flying into a nearby wall. Gabriel flew quickly to her, and swung his sword at her neck. Quistis released her whip, and with a stream of fire, she deflected Gabriel's shot and struck his face. Gabriel quickly recovered and began to form a web of electricity. Quistis attempted to pierce this net with her chain whip, but it proved to no avail. The net encircled Quistis, and began to electrocute her. She screamed in pain as her wings began to vanish.
"Leondel Gilthoneth!" Gabriel shouted, launching his sword through the net and piercing Quistis' heart. She screamed again as her wings finally vanished and she fell to the ground, slumped over. Gabriel slowly landed and he walked over to Quistis. He removed his sword as the lightning seemed to melt into her body. A flash of white light surrounded Gage's body, and he reverted back to his normal form as he sheathed his sword. Blood flowed from Quistis' mouth as she coughed.
"You...haven't finished me off, yet," she growled, spitting blood as she spoke. "Avatar, my love, return me to your side!" A bright red light surrounded her, and she vanished. Gabriel stood silently for a moment, looking at the puddle of blood that Quistis had left.
"Gabriel, that was...amazing," Rinoa gasped as he finally turned around to face the rest of his team. "I've never seen anything like that."
"You're more than you seem, Gage," Irvine added. "You scared the holy shit out of me."
"Forget it," Gabriel replied, picking up his jacket and putting it on. "The important fact remains that Quistis got away. We have to find where she went, and we have to stop her."
"What about Alvain?" Rinoa asked. As if on cue, Squall turned around and saw Alvain running for the elevator. Irvine winked at Selphie, and fired at Alvain, hitting his foot.
"YEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCHH!" Devas Alvain cried, hopping comically on one foot. Squall and the others ran to him, and Selphie tackled him.
"Where do you think you're going, sweet cheeks?" Selphie asked, a cute tone in her voice.
"Leave me alone, you faggets!" Alvain shouted. "I give up! Let me go!"
"Now, now, now, Mr. Alvain," Rinoa said with the same condescending tone Selphie used, "do you think we're just going to let you go after all the trouble you've caused?"
"I'm sorry!!!" the fat man shouted. "Avatar promised me that I could rule Esthar if I did this for him! He said he'd teach me to use magic, too!"
"Avatar's magic is unteachable," Gabriel said. "Much like mine. You made a deal with the devil, Alvain. And now, you'll pay for it!" Gabriel drew his sword, and it glowed with lightning.
"Oh no!" Alvain shouted in fear. "I saw you fight the Queen! Please don't kill me!!"
"You sons of bitches!" Alvain cried as Irvine slammed the door to the small prison cell in Alvain's face. "How dare you imprison me?! When I get out of here, I swear I'll..."
"...beg for mercy when I unsheathe my sword?" Gabriel laughed. "Fat chance. I told you, you're going to pay."
"Don't you walk away from me, you stupid kids!!" Alvain shouted. "I swear to Hyne I'll never stop! Long live Avatar! Death to the Loires!"
"Hey man, shut the hell up!" a heavy voice came from down the hall. "You're already going to get your ass kicked during activity time tomorrow...don't make it worse!"
"Welcome to prison, baby!" Selphie exclaimed as she left the room.
"It's over for now," Laguna told Cyrie as the two sat in his office. "Squall did it again."
"You've got a wonderful son, Laguna," Cy said. "You must be so proud of him. He's definately a special boy."
"He is," Laguna said. Then, the wheels in his mind began to turn.
"What are you thinking about now, Laguna?" Cy asked, patting his hand.
"Just wondering how you would feel if I asked you to be his mother?" Laguna slyly replied. "I mean, nobody's going to replace Edea or Raine to him, but he'd probably..."
"Laguna Loire, did you just ask me to marry you?" Cy asked.
Laguna sighed, and he felt a slight cramp begin to climb his leg. "Well...uh...yeah, I guess I sorta did."
"I don't go for 'sorta,' bub," Cy said. She stood up from her chair and sat on Laguna's desk. "Either you ask me or you don't. None of this 'sorta' crap."
Now Laguna's leg really began to hurt. "Uh...okay, uh...oh, Jeez I am really bad with this..."
Cyrie smiled. "I think I get the picture." She sat on his lap, and passionately kissed Laguna. "Does that answer your question?"
"Well, there sure isn't any 'sorta'about this one," he replied.
END OF CHAPTER FIVE