FINAL CALL IV: WHEN WORLDS END
((It has been way too long, everyone. Enjoy, piece by piece. I'll put forth all effort not to dissapoint. The usual. Everything not of my own creative material belongs to Squaresoft.))
Peter Animus was happy. His mother and father were alive and well, and he was happy, playing in the Quad at Balamb Garden. Everything was at peace, his friends, Alex and Julia, and the older Neos, whom they all looked up to, and all followed in the double-dares and risk-taking of childhood. He was six, and at the perfect age for innocence.
Off in the distance, he could hear a voice calling him. It was familiar, not too deep, but definitely a man's voice.
"Peter!"
Peter turned and looked in the direction of the voice.
"Peter!"
He frowned.
"PETER!"
***
Peter Animus jolted upright and looked around. He couldn't see anything. He felt a draft on his body, and threw his hands down onto himself... he was completely nude, and part of his body was submerged in some liquid.
Where am I?
His eyes slowly began to work. He could make out a few thin outlines of objects, and in a few minutes, he was able to see rather clearly, a bit blurred, but for the most part clear.
He slowly, painfully, turned his head to his left, then to his right, which gave him another start. A cloaked figure sat in a chair beside him, the face completely disguised.
"HYNE! Who are you?"
The man responded, "I cannot divulge that information, needless to say that I am a friend."
"Of who?"
"Of your father's."
That pleased Peter enough, "Where am I?"
"You are in an underground facility in Balamb."
"What happened?"
"You were knocked unconscious and bought here, a 'sleep chamber'. Here, you have no knowledge of the outside world, only your dreams."
"How long...?"
"Three months."
Peter coughed, "Three months?"
The figure pulled out a robe, and handed it to Peter, "A lot has happened, Peter Animus. A lot has happened."
***
Peter huddled himself up against the wall, now dressed slightly in the dark robe, his teeth chattering slightly from the cold. The other man was down on one knee, looking Peter in the face, or, so Peter assumed. The robe the figure was wearing managed to conceal his face in shadows.
Peter sighed, "Okay, so, what happened?"
The man nodded, "It's a lot of information, but I'll tell you what I can." He stood up and turned away from Peter, "Shortly after the destruction of Balamb and Balamb Garden, Alex Reist launched a full assault on the Galbadian Continent." He turned back, "It was sickening. Alex pulled troops seemingly out of thin air, and just threw everything at defenseless towns like Winhill. Then, he gave a slow, painful death to Dollet. Slow for him of course. It was his longest attack- three days. He just pummeled them, boats with guns, firing at the town. Finally, when the place was on fire, he waltzed in with his soldiers, put out the blaze, and declared himself the ruler. Then, he used the trains to take Timber, sending troops in boxcars right into the heart of the city."
Peter shook his head.
"Then, with dominance over the continents of Balamb and Galbadia, he made his move on Trabia. He used missiles. We don't know where they came from, or where they are now, but Trabia Garden was hit for the second time in history. This time- it was leveled. No survivors. Fourteen hundred people were killed. Eight hundred of those were under the age of twelve. Then, he trounced the Shumi Tribe, shelling the building, and destroying the tranquil area. The Shumi are still around, but under strict military control. All statues of Laguna there were destroyed. Finally, he moved to Esthar. This was two months ago. Of course, by this time, the Esthar army had mobilized somewhat, but they experienced consistant failures in any attempt, and they finally failed totally, when missile attacks destroyed parts of the town, then forced the surrender of the country, when the Ragnorak III was shot down as it attempted to evacuate the president. Alex walked in, declared himself the ruler of the world, and his army has military rule over every place in the world."
Peter looked up, "What about Centra?"
"Well you see, that's the catch. Alex considers Centra worthless land, and thus, that's his largest mistake."
"Because resistance groups can use it as a base of operations, right?"
"If they can get there, yeah."
"Okay, new question. How is everyone?"
The man shook his head, "Very few bodies have been recovered."
"My father?"
The man shook his head, "Your father's body was never found. Most likely incinerated. Nor were Neos or Julia Leonheart's. Veronica is also confirmed dead"
Peter's head sagged, and there was a silence between them for a few moments. Finally, Peter looked up, "What about the others?"
"Everyone in Balamb was killed. Zell, Irvine, Selphie, everyone. However, those on Galbadia Garden during Balamb Garden's destruction managed to get out. Lance Derikson is currently leading a large resistance group in Centra. He united with the White SeeDs, and they are formulating plans as we speak. Squall and Rinoa left Winhill shortly before the attack, and are currently in a location that I cannot reveal."
"Anyone else?"
"Nothing that we can be sure of."
"Okay… so where are we?"
"We are underground in the Balamb Military Island."
"Military Island?"
"Yes, Alex has turned this island into a military base."
"Oh… great! So how do we get out of here?"
"That robe you wear is an exact replica of those worn by Alex's military officers. Keep it on, and follow my lead. We're going to Centra."
"What's in Centra?"
"Your training."
"My… training?"
"Yes, we've got to band together and fight Alex Reist. We have to defeat him."
"Well, of course, so let's go do it."
"Oh no, you made a mistake before and tried to fight Alex with your gun. Foolish methods like that will not work against a full-powered sorcerer. You must be trained in the most effective art."
"Sorcery? Hate to tell you, but a sorcerer I am not."
"No… gunblade use."
"The gunblade?"
"Of course. The gunblade is the most effective weapon against anyone powered with sorcery. Squall Leonheart knew this. Miles Animus knew this. Now, you must know this."
Peter shook his head, "I dunno."
"It is for the good of the world."
"Can I?"
"You'll have to. But enough. First we must get out of here."
Peter nodded, "Right. What's the plan?"
"We get a boat."
"Right… how?"
Peter couldn't see the man's face, but it looked like he was smiling as he spoke, "The robes. We'll just walk up to them and sail away."
Peter rolled his eyes, "Nice plan… hey, what's your name anyway?"
The man hesitated, "For now… Magister will do."
"Magister?"
"Yes."
Peter shrugged and followed 'Magister'
***
Magister led Peter swiftly through the base. His pace was calm, relaxed, and perfect. It drew no attention whatsoever. Peter still felt nervous; they could be killed just for being there. However, the outfits seemed to do the trick. Guards dared not question them, and officers just didn't care. It wasn't until they reached the docks that they encountered a problem.
Magister had spotted a nice little boat. One that would get them to Centra, but wouldn't attract much attention. Unfortunately, the young guard by the boat adhered to policy.
"Good evening, sirs."
Magister responded quickly, "Evening." Peter just nodded.
The guard gave a slight smile, obviously trying to seem friendly before saying something that might be upsetting, "If you're planning on using the boat, I'll need to see your authorization."
Magister firmly replied, "This is a delicate situation, we are forced to use verbal authorization, I am afraid."
The guard frowned, "Verbal? I'm sorry, sir, I'll have to call this in to General Bellemont."
Peter was ready to panic, but Magister took it in stride. He responded, sounding a bit frustrated, "Bellemont? He gave us the authorization."
The guard almost panicked himself, but held it together, "Sir, I'm just doing my job, and in this situation, I am required to contact the General."
Magister took in a breath, "I understand that this is your job, and you're doing it well. However, in this case, you're going to just have to go with it."
The guard hesitated, but reached for the phone, "Sorry, sir…"
Magister threw his hand onto the phone, "Listen! If you make that call, you're going to waste my time. I don't have time for you to waste demonstrating your incompetence in the chain of command. You do this, and people will die. As we speak, the threat grows. Do you REALLY want to be responsible for innocent deaths?"
That did it. The guard swallowed and motioned them on. Both moved through without another word.
((It has been way too long, everyone. Enjoy, piece by piece. I'll put forth all effort not to dissapoint. The usual. Everything not of my own creative material belongs to Squaresoft.))
Peter Animus was happy. His mother and father were alive and well, and he was happy, playing in the Quad at Balamb Garden. Everything was at peace, his friends, Alex and Julia, and the older Neos, whom they all looked up to, and all followed in the double-dares and risk-taking of childhood. He was six, and at the perfect age for innocence.
Off in the distance, he could hear a voice calling him. It was familiar, not too deep, but definitely a man's voice.
"Peter!"
Peter turned and looked in the direction of the voice.
"Peter!"
He frowned.
"PETER!"
***
Peter Animus jolted upright and looked around. He couldn't see anything. He felt a draft on his body, and threw his hands down onto himself... he was completely nude, and part of his body was submerged in some liquid.
Where am I?
His eyes slowly began to work. He could make out a few thin outlines of objects, and in a few minutes, he was able to see rather clearly, a bit blurred, but for the most part clear.
He slowly, painfully, turned his head to his left, then to his right, which gave him another start. A cloaked figure sat in a chair beside him, the face completely disguised.
"HYNE! Who are you?"
The man responded, "I cannot divulge that information, needless to say that I am a friend."
"Of who?"
"Of your father's."
That pleased Peter enough, "Where am I?"
"You are in an underground facility in Balamb."
"What happened?"
"You were knocked unconscious and bought here, a 'sleep chamber'. Here, you have no knowledge of the outside world, only your dreams."
"How long...?"
"Three months."
Peter coughed, "Three months?"
The figure pulled out a robe, and handed it to Peter, "A lot has happened, Peter Animus. A lot has happened."
***
Peter huddled himself up against the wall, now dressed slightly in the dark robe, his teeth chattering slightly from the cold. The other man was down on one knee, looking Peter in the face, or, so Peter assumed. The robe the figure was wearing managed to conceal his face in shadows.
Peter sighed, "Okay, so, what happened?"
The man nodded, "It's a lot of information, but I'll tell you what I can." He stood up and turned away from Peter, "Shortly after the destruction of Balamb and Balamb Garden, Alex Reist launched a full assault on the Galbadian Continent." He turned back, "It was sickening. Alex pulled troops seemingly out of thin air, and just threw everything at defenseless towns like Winhill. Then, he gave a slow, painful death to Dollet. Slow for him of course. It was his longest attack- three days. He just pummeled them, boats with guns, firing at the town. Finally, when the place was on fire, he waltzed in with his soldiers, put out the blaze, and declared himself the ruler. Then, he used the trains to take Timber, sending troops in boxcars right into the heart of the city."
Peter shook his head.
"Then, with dominance over the continents of Balamb and Galbadia, he made his move on Trabia. He used missiles. We don't know where they came from, or where they are now, but Trabia Garden was hit for the second time in history. This time- it was leveled. No survivors. Fourteen hundred people were killed. Eight hundred of those were under the age of twelve. Then, he trounced the Shumi Tribe, shelling the building, and destroying the tranquil area. The Shumi are still around, but under strict military control. All statues of Laguna there were destroyed. Finally, he moved to Esthar. This was two months ago. Of course, by this time, the Esthar army had mobilized somewhat, but they experienced consistant failures in any attempt, and they finally failed totally, when missile attacks destroyed parts of the town, then forced the surrender of the country, when the Ragnorak III was shot down as it attempted to evacuate the president. Alex walked in, declared himself the ruler of the world, and his army has military rule over every place in the world."
Peter looked up, "What about Centra?"
"Well you see, that's the catch. Alex considers Centra worthless land, and thus, that's his largest mistake."
"Because resistance groups can use it as a base of operations, right?"
"If they can get there, yeah."
"Okay, new question. How is everyone?"
The man shook his head, "Very few bodies have been recovered."
"My father?"
The man shook his head, "Your father's body was never found. Most likely incinerated. Nor were Neos or Julia Leonheart's. Veronica is also confirmed dead"
Peter's head sagged, and there was a silence between them for a few moments. Finally, Peter looked up, "What about the others?"
"Everyone in Balamb was killed. Zell, Irvine, Selphie, everyone. However, those on Galbadia Garden during Balamb Garden's destruction managed to get out. Lance Derikson is currently leading a large resistance group in Centra. He united with the White SeeDs, and they are formulating plans as we speak. Squall and Rinoa left Winhill shortly before the attack, and are currently in a location that I cannot reveal."
"Anyone else?"
"Nothing that we can be sure of."
"Okay… so where are we?"
"We are underground in the Balamb Military Island."
"Military Island?"
"Yes, Alex has turned this island into a military base."
"Oh… great! So how do we get out of here?"
"That robe you wear is an exact replica of those worn by Alex's military officers. Keep it on, and follow my lead. We're going to Centra."
"What's in Centra?"
"Your training."
"My… training?"
"Yes, we've got to band together and fight Alex Reist. We have to defeat him."
"Well, of course, so let's go do it."
"Oh no, you made a mistake before and tried to fight Alex with your gun. Foolish methods like that will not work against a full-powered sorcerer. You must be trained in the most effective art."
"Sorcery? Hate to tell you, but a sorcerer I am not."
"No… gunblade use."
"The gunblade?"
"Of course. The gunblade is the most effective weapon against anyone powered with sorcery. Squall Leonheart knew this. Miles Animus knew this. Now, you must know this."
Peter shook his head, "I dunno."
"It is for the good of the world."
"Can I?"
"You'll have to. But enough. First we must get out of here."
Peter nodded, "Right. What's the plan?"
"We get a boat."
"Right… how?"
Peter couldn't see the man's face, but it looked like he was smiling as he spoke, "The robes. We'll just walk up to them and sail away."
Peter rolled his eyes, "Nice plan… hey, what's your name anyway?"
The man hesitated, "For now… Magister will do."
"Magister?"
"Yes."
Peter shrugged and followed 'Magister'
***
Magister led Peter swiftly through the base. His pace was calm, relaxed, and perfect. It drew no attention whatsoever. Peter still felt nervous; they could be killed just for being there. However, the outfits seemed to do the trick. Guards dared not question them, and officers just didn't care. It wasn't until they reached the docks that they encountered a problem.
Magister had spotted a nice little boat. One that would get them to Centra, but wouldn't attract much attention. Unfortunately, the young guard by the boat adhered to policy.
"Good evening, sirs."
Magister responded quickly, "Evening." Peter just nodded.
The guard gave a slight smile, obviously trying to seem friendly before saying something that might be upsetting, "If you're planning on using the boat, I'll need to see your authorization."
Magister firmly replied, "This is a delicate situation, we are forced to use verbal authorization, I am afraid."
The guard frowned, "Verbal? I'm sorry, sir, I'll have to call this in to General Bellemont."
Peter was ready to panic, but Magister took it in stride. He responded, sounding a bit frustrated, "Bellemont? He gave us the authorization."
The guard almost panicked himself, but held it together, "Sir, I'm just doing my job, and in this situation, I am required to contact the General."
Magister took in a breath, "I understand that this is your job, and you're doing it well. However, in this case, you're going to just have to go with it."
The guard hesitated, but reached for the phone, "Sorry, sir…"
Magister threw his hand onto the phone, "Listen! If you make that call, you're going to waste my time. I don't have time for you to waste demonstrating your incompetence in the chain of command. You do this, and people will die. As we speak, the threat grows. Do you REALLY want to be responsible for innocent deaths?"
That did it. The guard swallowed and motioned them on. Both moved through without another word.