Magecrafter: Chapter 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy. That is entitled to Squaresoft. However, I do own this book, and this pencil, and this notepad, and this eraser, and . . . .
Author's note: This is one of my first attempts at a non-humorous work. It is a fantasy story that I have been forming in my mind for a long time now. I do not have too much experience at writing such things, but I do believe this may grow to be one of my best works. I am experimenting with a new style of writing for me, and seeing that I haven't written a fanfic in months, I may be a little rusty. This story takes place in the world of FF VIII, with a lot of the supporting cast from the game still around, but most of the characters that you knew are not in it (although you may hear some of their names mentioned). In this story, forget all about Edea and Ultimecia and sorceresses and so forth. I have spent much time creating my own characters (borrowing personalities in the process), and shaping up a semi-original plot (although by now, I'm pretty sure my idea's aren't too original, esp. amnesia. ^_^). I have also borrowed a few things from other squaresoft games, just to fill in some holes. Oh, by the way, the title doesn't make much sense for a little while, so just bear with me here, Ok? Enjoy!
********************************************************************************************************
Chapter 1: Washed Upon the Sands
********************************************************************************************************
Dim memories floated around in the person's mind. Memories of war, of heartache, of pain, and of magic. Memories of a past, forgotten, but still scarring their owner's mind and soul.
This thoughts belonged to a person, lying in the dry sands of a beach on a quiet island. He looked quite young, only about fifteen or sixteen years old. He wore a black shirt, now slightly ripped and extremely wet. A torn white jacket was still bearly clinging onto his limp body. His pants were dark blue, like the sea itself, even darker now that it was waterlogged. His black hair was plastered to his head by the water, looking like a soft coat of fur. Beside him lay a cracked pair of thin glasses.
The person had been washed up on a beach. He may be conscious right now, but if so, he showed little signs of it. Although his body did not show much movement, his mind was filled with all kinds of thoughts and activities. Visions of an event not too long ago, images that can just bearly be grasped by the young person's mind. Images slowly fading into darkness.
* * *
"Do you think he's still breathing?" asked a man dressed in a uniform seeming of great importance.
"I don't know, he looks almost dead," remarked the man's companion, who wore a similar uniform, but spoke in a less commanding tone.
"Let's take back to Balamb Garden. Maybe we can still save him," replied the first man.
Together, the two men loaded the young man onto a yellow car, resembling a war-like buggy. The car then slowly headed in the direction of a huge building, shaped like a large, wide ship, with beautiful halos of light and design majestically surrounding its central tower. The tower itself looked like an inverted torch, wide and round, protruding from the structure like the horn of a unicorn. The building's sides were rounded into a pleasent shape, reminding one of a loving mother, protecting those within the walls. Around the open areas inside, trees and shrubbs dotted the land, giving shade and comfort to those with many things to ponder about. However, along with the peace and tranquility of the sanctuary, there exists another reason for the Garden. It was an academy for soldiers, sent to retain the balance of peace and war on the planet. Within this intriguing haven, the first part of this journey will take place.
* * *
Dr. Kadowaki was tending to a broken leg belonging to a student that was injured not long ago. Her appearance was like a mother hen, with a mind full of wisdom, and a heart yearning to help those with misfortune in their lives.
"There you go, Charles. Your leg should be fine in a week or two." The doctor helped her patient up and gently led him out of the infirmary. As the door slide open and the grateful student left with a less burdened body, Dr. Kadowaki felt content in her heart. This was what she was put in the world to do.
Not a minute had pasted when the student had left when two men suddenly entered. They were carefully balancing a young man between them. Without too much effort, they set him on the bed in the infirmary.
"Well now, Lieutenant Nerston, where did you pick up this bedragged specimen?" asked Dr. Kadowaki with a concerned look.
"We found him washed up on the beach near the road between the Garden and Balamb town," responded the man with a commanding tone.
Dr. Kadowaki inspected her new arrival with expert skill and speed. "He doesn't look like he has any major injuries, only a few bruises and cuts. He's unconscious right now, but he'll revive soon. We'll need to get some food and water ready when he wakes up. It's a good thing you found him and brought him here quickly. He could be suffering from dehydration."
A few hours had past. Dr. Kadowaki was now sitting in a chair at her desk, quietly reading a novel. The lieutenant and his companion had already left, and the doctor's office was once again peaceful, without tension.
Suddenly, the young person on the bed started to stir. With some slight groaning, he struggled to get up. Dr. Kadowaki quickly rushed to his side.
"Stay down, boy. Your body has gone through much stress, so don't push yourself right now." Dr. Kadowaki's advice was good, coming from a person with much experience. Still, the young man continued to struggle up. He opened his eyes at last, eyes that were a rich, dark brown.
"Where am I?" the now-awakened person managed to ask.
"You're in the infirmary of Balamb Garden. You've been found unconscious on the beach by a pair of our officers, and have been brought here to recover. May I ask what is your name?"
"My . . . . name is . . . . Nexis. Nexis Parallax."
"Nexis Parallax, eh? That is certainly an uncommon name. Now, Nexis, where are you from?"
The young man slowly got up, with more strength and determination. "I can't remember much. My past is like a blur. I can only see faint images of my memories, undescribable and mysterious."
Dr. Kadowaki sighed. Amnesia was so common nowadays. "Can you tell me a little more about yourself, at least?"
"I can't remember much. There is little that I can tell you."
Dr. Kadowaki was puzzled. "An enigma, this one is," she said to herself, then decided to call for some help.
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, three other people were assembled in the infirmary with Dr. Kadowaki to inspect the enigmatic youth. After hearing Dr. Kadowaki's short narrative, Lieutenant Nerston was the first to speak.
"What do you suggest we do with him?"
"He looks quite capable. Maybe we should enroll him in the SeeD program." This response was from a woman named Xu. She was a high-rankin officer at Balamb Garden, and had authority over the students.
"Perhaps we should search for someone who might recognise him." The suggestion came from a somewhat elderly man named Cid Kramer. He was the headmaster of the Garden.
"I suggest we do both," said Dr. Kadowaki. "We can send notices to other Gardens and major cities, asking for anyone who may know this boy. Until then, we should still enroll him in the SeeD program, just in case we can't find anything."
"Which level should we put him in, then? We have no idea just how much experience he has had, and we need to first see how he would react in his new environment," replied Headmaster Cid, still concerned with the issue.
"Why not just enroll him with students at his own age?" Xu suggested. "This may help him adapt to his new surroundings, and maybe make a few friends here. How old is he anyway?"
Dr. Kadowaki asked, "How old do you suppose he is?"
"I don't know. I don't suppose he could remember that, could he? Let's just put him with my sixteen-year-old class, since he looks like he's in that range."
"Do you think he'll keep up with the curriculum?" Lieutenant Nerston asked skeptically.
Xu replied, "I honestly don't know, but I suspect that he has good potential. At least, we could give it a try."
With that, the discussion was settled.
* * *
Nexis awoke in his bed late that night. He was given a room of his own, since there were no other students for him to room with. His mind was still dazed, but now things were becoming clearer.
"How did I get here?" he asked to the darkness of the night. "It looks like I'm stuck in this place called . . . Balamb Garden. If only . . . ."
He collapsed out of exhaustion over the day's events.
* * *
The next day dawned with the hustle and bustle of a school day at Balamb Garden. Nexis awoke to a knock on the door.
"Hey, I believe you're name is Nexis, right?" came a voice from the other side of the door.
Nexis slowly got up and opened up the door for the visitor. The visitor was a youth about the same age as Nexis himself. He had blond hair and a cheerful disposition. His attitiude showed that he was content with life, and was quite sociable.
"Hi, you're the new kid, Nexis, right? I'm Francis Philman, nice to meet you. I'm in your class, I believe."
Nexis was a bit surprised by this change of moods that he was experiencing. "Uh, hi," was all he managed to respond with.
"Here, let me show you around the Garden."
(Author's note: I'm pretty sure that most of my readers already know the layout of Balamb Garden, so I don't need to give you a narrative on this part.)
* * *
Half an hour later, Nexis and Francis were strolling on the second floor to their classrooms, slowly devouring their breakfast bagels.
"Let me introduce you to your class, Nexis." Francis suggested as they walked into the classroom.
There were seven other people in the classroom, four boys and three girls. Francis quickly ran up to each of them and introduced them.
"This is Ray Hollens," he said, gesturing to a thin adolescent boy with short black hair and a questionful look. Ray was about middle height, and carried a look of caution, but also of kindness.
"And he is Kenny Escudo," Francis continued, pointing to a short youth, thin youth with small glasses and a curious look.
"She is Marian Zinfry," said Francis, signalling a girl across the room, with black hair and a thoughtful smile.
"Over there is Joseph Cholands, and that is Amy Vandolson," Francis said, pointing to a boy and a girl towards the back of the room. The boy was stout and confident, with an air of respect around him. Next to him, the girl seemed quite cheerful and enthusiastic, with long black hair and joyful eyes.
"Finally, the two near the blackboard are Araliss Wendels and Frank Zeshin," finished Francis, directing Nexis' attention to a girl and a boy standing near them. The girl looked intelligent and thoughtful, and the boy was tall and energetic.
The bell rang, signaling the start of class and the end of introductions. Xu walked into the class and initiated the day's activities.
"I see we have a new student here today," said Xu, gesturing toward Nexis. "Anyway, today we continue with summoning GF's. Nexis, since you have not yet been assigned a GF, please see me."
"GF's? Summoning?" pondered Nexis. "It all sounds . . . familiar."
********************************************************************************************************
End of Chapter 1
********************************************************************************************************
So, how did you like the first chapter? I suppose it isn't too original, but I have quite a bit of plans for this story. The whole story was to take place over a span of years, following Nexis and his class through SeeD graduation and various missions. I promise that this won't be just some sort of high school-type drama, and that I will have a much bigger quest. Until then, I suppose it would take a few more chapters to explain the title and reveal the plot.
Please Read and Review. Critism, suggestions, reader opinions, and flames all welcome!
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy. That is entitled to Squaresoft. However, I do own this book, and this pencil, and this notepad, and this eraser, and . . . .
Author's note: This is one of my first attempts at a non-humorous work. It is a fantasy story that I have been forming in my mind for a long time now. I do not have too much experience at writing such things, but I do believe this may grow to be one of my best works. I am experimenting with a new style of writing for me, and seeing that I haven't written a fanfic in months, I may be a little rusty. This story takes place in the world of FF VIII, with a lot of the supporting cast from the game still around, but most of the characters that you knew are not in it (although you may hear some of their names mentioned). In this story, forget all about Edea and Ultimecia and sorceresses and so forth. I have spent much time creating my own characters (borrowing personalities in the process), and shaping up a semi-original plot (although by now, I'm pretty sure my idea's aren't too original, esp. amnesia. ^_^). I have also borrowed a few things from other squaresoft games, just to fill in some holes. Oh, by the way, the title doesn't make much sense for a little while, so just bear with me here, Ok? Enjoy!
********************************************************************************************************
Chapter 1: Washed Upon the Sands
********************************************************************************************************
Dim memories floated around in the person's mind. Memories of war, of heartache, of pain, and of magic. Memories of a past, forgotten, but still scarring their owner's mind and soul.
This thoughts belonged to a person, lying in the dry sands of a beach on a quiet island. He looked quite young, only about fifteen or sixteen years old. He wore a black shirt, now slightly ripped and extremely wet. A torn white jacket was still bearly clinging onto his limp body. His pants were dark blue, like the sea itself, even darker now that it was waterlogged. His black hair was plastered to his head by the water, looking like a soft coat of fur. Beside him lay a cracked pair of thin glasses.
The person had been washed up on a beach. He may be conscious right now, but if so, he showed little signs of it. Although his body did not show much movement, his mind was filled with all kinds of thoughts and activities. Visions of an event not too long ago, images that can just bearly be grasped by the young person's mind. Images slowly fading into darkness.
* * *
"Do you think he's still breathing?" asked a man dressed in a uniform seeming of great importance.
"I don't know, he looks almost dead," remarked the man's companion, who wore a similar uniform, but spoke in a less commanding tone.
"Let's take back to Balamb Garden. Maybe we can still save him," replied the first man.
Together, the two men loaded the young man onto a yellow car, resembling a war-like buggy. The car then slowly headed in the direction of a huge building, shaped like a large, wide ship, with beautiful halos of light and design majestically surrounding its central tower. The tower itself looked like an inverted torch, wide and round, protruding from the structure like the horn of a unicorn. The building's sides were rounded into a pleasent shape, reminding one of a loving mother, protecting those within the walls. Around the open areas inside, trees and shrubbs dotted the land, giving shade and comfort to those with many things to ponder about. However, along with the peace and tranquility of the sanctuary, there exists another reason for the Garden. It was an academy for soldiers, sent to retain the balance of peace and war on the planet. Within this intriguing haven, the first part of this journey will take place.
* * *
Dr. Kadowaki was tending to a broken leg belonging to a student that was injured not long ago. Her appearance was like a mother hen, with a mind full of wisdom, and a heart yearning to help those with misfortune in their lives.
"There you go, Charles. Your leg should be fine in a week or two." The doctor helped her patient up and gently led him out of the infirmary. As the door slide open and the grateful student left with a less burdened body, Dr. Kadowaki felt content in her heart. This was what she was put in the world to do.
Not a minute had pasted when the student had left when two men suddenly entered. They were carefully balancing a young man between them. Without too much effort, they set him on the bed in the infirmary.
"Well now, Lieutenant Nerston, where did you pick up this bedragged specimen?" asked Dr. Kadowaki with a concerned look.
"We found him washed up on the beach near the road between the Garden and Balamb town," responded the man with a commanding tone.
Dr. Kadowaki inspected her new arrival with expert skill and speed. "He doesn't look like he has any major injuries, only a few bruises and cuts. He's unconscious right now, but he'll revive soon. We'll need to get some food and water ready when he wakes up. It's a good thing you found him and brought him here quickly. He could be suffering from dehydration."
A few hours had past. Dr. Kadowaki was now sitting in a chair at her desk, quietly reading a novel. The lieutenant and his companion had already left, and the doctor's office was once again peaceful, without tension.
Suddenly, the young person on the bed started to stir. With some slight groaning, he struggled to get up. Dr. Kadowaki quickly rushed to his side.
"Stay down, boy. Your body has gone through much stress, so don't push yourself right now." Dr. Kadowaki's advice was good, coming from a person with much experience. Still, the young man continued to struggle up. He opened his eyes at last, eyes that were a rich, dark brown.
"Where am I?" the now-awakened person managed to ask.
"You're in the infirmary of Balamb Garden. You've been found unconscious on the beach by a pair of our officers, and have been brought here to recover. May I ask what is your name?"
"My . . . . name is . . . . Nexis. Nexis Parallax."
"Nexis Parallax, eh? That is certainly an uncommon name. Now, Nexis, where are you from?"
The young man slowly got up, with more strength and determination. "I can't remember much. My past is like a blur. I can only see faint images of my memories, undescribable and mysterious."
Dr. Kadowaki sighed. Amnesia was so common nowadays. "Can you tell me a little more about yourself, at least?"
"I can't remember much. There is little that I can tell you."
Dr. Kadowaki was puzzled. "An enigma, this one is," she said to herself, then decided to call for some help.
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, three other people were assembled in the infirmary with Dr. Kadowaki to inspect the enigmatic youth. After hearing Dr. Kadowaki's short narrative, Lieutenant Nerston was the first to speak.
"What do you suggest we do with him?"
"He looks quite capable. Maybe we should enroll him in the SeeD program." This response was from a woman named Xu. She was a high-rankin officer at Balamb Garden, and had authority over the students.
"Perhaps we should search for someone who might recognise him." The suggestion came from a somewhat elderly man named Cid Kramer. He was the headmaster of the Garden.
"I suggest we do both," said Dr. Kadowaki. "We can send notices to other Gardens and major cities, asking for anyone who may know this boy. Until then, we should still enroll him in the SeeD program, just in case we can't find anything."
"Which level should we put him in, then? We have no idea just how much experience he has had, and we need to first see how he would react in his new environment," replied Headmaster Cid, still concerned with the issue.
"Why not just enroll him with students at his own age?" Xu suggested. "This may help him adapt to his new surroundings, and maybe make a few friends here. How old is he anyway?"
Dr. Kadowaki asked, "How old do you suppose he is?"
"I don't know. I don't suppose he could remember that, could he? Let's just put him with my sixteen-year-old class, since he looks like he's in that range."
"Do you think he'll keep up with the curriculum?" Lieutenant Nerston asked skeptically.
Xu replied, "I honestly don't know, but I suspect that he has good potential. At least, we could give it a try."
With that, the discussion was settled.
* * *
Nexis awoke in his bed late that night. He was given a room of his own, since there were no other students for him to room with. His mind was still dazed, but now things were becoming clearer.
"How did I get here?" he asked to the darkness of the night. "It looks like I'm stuck in this place called . . . Balamb Garden. If only . . . ."
He collapsed out of exhaustion over the day's events.
* * *
The next day dawned with the hustle and bustle of a school day at Balamb Garden. Nexis awoke to a knock on the door.
"Hey, I believe you're name is Nexis, right?" came a voice from the other side of the door.
Nexis slowly got up and opened up the door for the visitor. The visitor was a youth about the same age as Nexis himself. He had blond hair and a cheerful disposition. His attitiude showed that he was content with life, and was quite sociable.
"Hi, you're the new kid, Nexis, right? I'm Francis Philman, nice to meet you. I'm in your class, I believe."
Nexis was a bit surprised by this change of moods that he was experiencing. "Uh, hi," was all he managed to respond with.
"Here, let me show you around the Garden."
(Author's note: I'm pretty sure that most of my readers already know the layout of Balamb Garden, so I don't need to give you a narrative on this part.)
* * *
Half an hour later, Nexis and Francis were strolling on the second floor to their classrooms, slowly devouring their breakfast bagels.
"Let me introduce you to your class, Nexis." Francis suggested as they walked into the classroom.
There were seven other people in the classroom, four boys and three girls. Francis quickly ran up to each of them and introduced them.
"This is Ray Hollens," he said, gesturing to a thin adolescent boy with short black hair and a questionful look. Ray was about middle height, and carried a look of caution, but also of kindness.
"And he is Kenny Escudo," Francis continued, pointing to a short youth, thin youth with small glasses and a curious look.
"She is Marian Zinfry," said Francis, signalling a girl across the room, with black hair and a thoughtful smile.
"Over there is Joseph Cholands, and that is Amy Vandolson," Francis said, pointing to a boy and a girl towards the back of the room. The boy was stout and confident, with an air of respect around him. Next to him, the girl seemed quite cheerful and enthusiastic, with long black hair and joyful eyes.
"Finally, the two near the blackboard are Araliss Wendels and Frank Zeshin," finished Francis, directing Nexis' attention to a girl and a boy standing near them. The girl looked intelligent and thoughtful, and the boy was tall and energetic.
The bell rang, signaling the start of class and the end of introductions. Xu walked into the class and initiated the day's activities.
"I see we have a new student here today," said Xu, gesturing toward Nexis. "Anyway, today we continue with summoning GF's. Nexis, since you have not yet been assigned a GF, please see me."
"GF's? Summoning?" pondered Nexis. "It all sounds . . . familiar."
********************************************************************************************************
End of Chapter 1
********************************************************************************************************
So, how did you like the first chapter? I suppose it isn't too original, but I have quite a bit of plans for this story. The whole story was to take place over a span of years, following Nexis and his class through SeeD graduation and various missions. I promise that this won't be just some sort of high school-type drama, and that I will have a much bigger quest. Until then, I suppose it would take a few more chapters to explain the title and reveal the plot.
Please Read and Review. Critism, suggestions, reader opinions, and flames all welcome!