Chapter 4: A conspiracy rises
Horus, the eagle headed god, the King of Gods, had called the gods to his palace for another Council. From his throne, the Eagle god holding his staff gazed at the rest of the gods. Apollo, the god of music and Prophecy, sat on his left. Ra, Horus' brother and hawk-headed god of sunlight, sat on his right. The rest of the gods were sitting in a circle. Only two gods were absent: Seth and Ares.
"Where are they?" Horus asked Sebeck, the crocodile headed- god of scribes and written wisdom.
"I can assume they are coming Horus..." he replied.
"Do not be so hard on Seth, my brother. For he is our brother also." Ra said.
" I know, but Ares…"
"Your son can only be late by natural Horus." Ra said. Ra might have been the older brother, but still Horus was the king. Ra was an advisor Horus never doubted. Just then, Ares entered, followed by Seth.
"Why are you late for the Council?" Horus asked them.
"Oh, it was nothing important brother…We were just having an interesting conversation…" Seth replied.
" Very well…Sit now…I have something important I wish to speak with you all gods…"Horus said standing up.
"Not long ago, an insane sorceress from the mortal future tried to compress time, denying all existence. Thankfully, 6 mortal teenagers from the academy of Garden managed to defeat her. So, it is about those 7 now adolescents I wish to speak to you about…" Ares stirred worryingly in his seat and exchanged looks with Seth, whom was sitting next to him.
"They have proven to have extreme powers…" Horus started saying.
" Father, I protect those seven teenagers, and I know they use their power only for good causes!" Athena, goddess of warriors and wisdom interrupted him.
" I know that Athena…I only wish to speak of how much I admire them, and ask your opinion about them. I believe we must expect more greater things from those young ones…If any of you fellow gods wishes to say something about them, you may go ahead." Horus said and sat in his throne again. Athena stood up.
"The 7 teenagers are favorites of mine, and as goddess that you, my father has given to me to protect the noble warriors, I admire them, and protect them. They are worthy in battle and know enough on how to fight wisely. I dare to say they posses experience beyond their age. That is all I had to say." Said the respectable goddess, and sat again. Apollo stood up.
"The young Leonhart is a Prophet, and that means I have chosen him as my 'champion'. He is under my protection as well. Very seldom do I choose a warrior to become a Prophet, because warriors usually underestimate that power. And I agree with you sister, that they posses knowledge beyond their few decades of life." Apollo said to Athena mainly. Aphrodite, the beautiful goddess of love, who was sitting next to her husband Hifestus, giggled softly.
"The Leonhart? You mean that handsome brown-haired hunk with the scar? And the blue eyes? Hehehe…he and the little sorceress are the best couple I've ever hit!" She said with a soft laughter. Hifestus didn't stand up to speak. He was cripple, but everyone knew he was the god of blacksmiths and as a blacksmith him self, his job had made him cripple. He was highly respected by all. Hifestus, in contrary with he rest of gods, was dirty and messy right now, because he had just came from his shop, where he was crafting weapons for his sister Athena.
"I made sure their weapons were crafted with care." He said simply. Hermes, the messenger god, god of merchandise and god of…well, thieves, was sitting rudely in his seat, and just said,
"I like their style, especially that Zell guy. He knows how to haggle dynamically and has a talent in mugging!" he said with a giggle. Ares was furious, but preferred not to show it. He stood up to speak.
"Father, and you brother gods, what words are these that have come out of your mouths? Can't you imagine what they can do if they turn against us and the world? What if the one named Seifer does anything mad like that again? They can ruin everything we have created! I suggest we dispose of them!" He said sternly. Sehmet, the goddess of medication with a lion's head stood up, furious.
"What are you talking about Ares!? Their souls are pure! The one named Seifer opposed the rest only because that Ultimecia was manipulating him, and Deimius was toying with his mind! I was who managed to cure him after the young ones defeated him! I threw that good-for-nothing cousin of yours into Tartara!" She roared. Deimius was the god of insanity, and the truth was, he was possessing Seifer during the war against Ultimecia. Tartara was the valley where misbehaving gods were thrown at, to be tortured.
" I agree with Sehmet. They do not want to dominate the world or anything like that. Do you think Andros would have fought for that reason?" Athena said with a teasing look at Seth. Seth got more that furious.
"Do not name him in my presence!" he roared.
"Why not Seth? Ashamed because a wonderful mortal was able to humiliate you?" Athena said sarcastically. Seth grinned his teeth and quick as thunder sledded his bow from his shoulder and fired straight at Athena. The goddess was faster and swiftly brought her shield in front of her abdomen. The arrow bounced off.
"SETH!!" Horus shouted "Enough!" Seth back stepped in fear. Horus was looking really fearsome with his fire throwing eyes, and his shiny armor he always wore.
"You may leave now. Athena, Apollo, Sehmet, Bastet and Ra, please stay here, and you Hermes, I have some work for you…" Horus ended. Meanwhile, at Seth's palace, Ares and Seth were squabbling again.
"I told you! I told you this would happen!" Ares said angrily.
"Don't worry! It's the Leonhart that keeps the SeeDs in a bond. Once my plan has worked, he will dead by tomorrow! And the SeeDs will be discouraged! And, he will never find out about Andros or Kallinike!" Seth replied and threw a hyena giggle that echoed frightfully through the palace.
Down, in the world of the mortals, Squall Leonhart was heading for the Headmaster's office. As he was walking towards the elevator, a bunch of girls walked by him giggling and staring at him. As you understand, Squall was extremely popular among the female students of Garden. Almost all girls had a picture of him in their lockers, but they all knew it was hopeless. Squall 'lived and breathed' only for Rinoa. Thanks to his recently acquired Prophet powers, Squall was able to know exactly what his friends were doing. Selphie and Irvine were at Selphie's aunt, Quistis was giving a lesson in the classroom, and Zell, Seifer and Rinoa were at the Cafeteria playing Triple Triad Cards. Rinoa was still learning the most complex rules and Zell had patiently taken up the responsibility to teach her how to win even when she hit Random Rule. But, he had kept his power a secret from anyone else than his buddies, after Cid's and Edea's advise. Anyway, it happened to be a VERY hot day, and unfortunately, the air-conditioning system of Balamb Garden was down, making the situation worse. Squall was so hot; he had taken his jacket off and had shifted it over his shoulder. His chain necklace with Griever was dinging on his chest, and a new scar showed off on his right arm made by a Grendel. As Squall entered the elevator, he ran his tongue over his dry lips. He was thirsty. His tongue sensed a hint of vanilla flavor.
"Vanilla?" he thought, "Did I eat any vanilla lately?…Oh, yeah…It's Rinoa's new lip balm…" Just before had Squall left the Cafeteria in a hurry to answer to Cid's call over the intercom, and Rinoa had blew him a soft kiss. He smiled at that memory. As he walked through the office's door, Squall wondered what Cid would want him for this time around. When he stood in front of Cid, he lifted his arm in the typical SeeD salute. Cid nodded and Squall lowered his arm, waiting for orders.
"You asked to see me Sir?"
"Yes, Squall. I have a mission for you…" Inside of him, Squall was satisfied.
"Finally! Some action!" he thought. "In the area near the Centra Ruins, a village has been founded. I'm sure you have heard of Gallipolis, right?"
"Yes, Sir. It's inhabited by artisans, Shumis, Moombas and some Shamans…"
"Exactly. Now, the Head Shamman said they are having some sort of problem and need help. Yet, they cannot afford to hire more that one SeeD. Plus, they did not inform me enough about the whereabouts of your mission, and I am concerned. So I decided to send our best SeeD, you Squall." Squall was flattered.
"Squall, if you sense any threat against you, Garden in general, or the world, do not hesitate to act accordingly. You understand?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Alright then. Since no train heads there, take the Ragnarok, and off you go! You may go now…"
"Yes, Sir." Squall said with a salute and left. As he exited the elevator on the first floor, Squall spotted Rinoa standing near the Directory, waiting for him.
"Rin, sorry, but we have to postpone our date tonight. Cid's got me on a mission again…"
"Aw! Tooooooo baaaaad! I was hoping we'd go to the secret area…"
"That's ok. I'll make it up when I come back…"
"I'll take that as a promise!" Squall just smiled, and went off to the Parking Lot, got onto a motorcycle, and speeded off for Balamb Airstation. Balamb Airstation, or BA, was especially built for the Ragnarok, and was completed only a while after the Ultimecia war. The Ragnarok was patiently waiting there. Only Squall and his team had really free access to the incredible spaceship. Squall boarded his beloved ship, and took off. He set the autopilot, and kicked back and relaxed. After awhile, Squall had the weird feeling that something was going to happen. And all of a sudden, on the seat next to him a flashy light appeared, and to his surprise, a young chap was sitting next to him! Squall was shocked.
"Who are you!?" he demanded, looking at the spunky fellow sitting next to him.
"Man, serious as always…before I start off, let me tell you something. Relax. Chill out, I'm a friend." The young man said.
"…Who the heck are you? What do you want?" Squall gasped.
" Name's Hermes. I'm the messenger god…"
"God?! There are gods?"
"Man you're good… Of course there are! Who do you thing is ruling this world?! Not the birds of course! And who do you think had the power to give the Prophesy power you have Squall? Yeah, I know your name, and in a nutshell, I know all about you pal! As I said, I'm a god myself. Actually, the messenger guy, the god of merchandise and, thieves!"
"…the hell of a merchant you must make…" Squall said with sarcasm.
"Ah… yeah, that a little detail…hey, I invented currency, so don't look at my bad points, ok? Thanks. Look, I'd say I'm the god that is all day long among the humans, ok? I know you guys really well…But, I'm getting away from the reason I'm here Squall…"
"Wow, wow, hold on a sec, and let me get this straight. I just can't believe you that there are gods. It sounds just insane!"
"Hmmm…yeah, I know it does. Believe me, humans are creatures that forget easily. But anyhow, seems like it's time you guys remembered your ancient faith! Well, anyhow, you should sought that thing out, not me. I have to deliver a message to you buddy, and tell you some things…Look, all gods up there, and especially, Horus, the king of the gods, are behind you and your friends all the way pal. We like you! Me especially, I like your style! Anyhow, I can't really tell you how they all feel for you, cause I'm sure you'll meet them, up close and personal, pretty soon I can tell you… Oh and, watch your head on this mission." Hermes said and suddenly lost his funny looks.
"You're gonna have to put up with something really bad assy. You have to be careful, ok? Let me tell you this: Your Gunblade is the key to summoning the Flame Lion's Mist. I know only that to tell you ok? Oh and one more thing. If you ever need help with talking something out, or need some advice don't hesitate to call me. Here, take this." Hermes said and gave Squall a golden oak leaf.
"Hold onto that. Oaks are my sacred trees. If you wanna call me just hold it in your hand and say my name. I'll be there right away. And know this Squall, I'll be your friend always, ok?" Squall felt like he could trust this guy.
"Ok. I'm glad to know the gods favor me. Thanks a lot Hermes." He said.
"No problem pal…May Horus smile over you." Hermes said with a smile and disappeared in thin air, just as suddenly as he had appeared.
"Weird guy…but I liked him." Squall though to himself as he prepared to land the Ragnarok on some tough landscape. Soon he landed near Gallipolis, and got off the Ragnarok. A Shumi man and a few Moombas were expecting him.
"Hello!" said the Shumi guy. "You must be the young SeeD we're waiting for. The Moombas will watch the ship while you're away." He said.
"Thank you." Squall replied as politely as he could. A Moomba looked at him and cried out
"Laguna!"
"Hahahaha! No, not quite…I'm his son." Squall said watching the curious face of the Shumi man.
"Oh! You're Master Laguna's son! And I though you reminded me of someone! Nice to meet you! I'm Attendant! I'm the cousin of the Attendant of the Elder back in the village!"
" I see. Can you take me to the Head Shamman please?"
"Sure! Follow me please." Squall followed the Attendant all the way to the village, which was brimming with life. Artisans talking about their constructions, Shumis doing their works, Moombas loafing around, Shamans chattering all around the place, and merchants calling the people to come and buy their merchandise. Attendant led Squall to a plain house, which was pretty dark inside.
"So, you are the SeeD. Welcome to Gallipolis. I am the Head Shamman. Tell me, do you believe in unicorns?"
"?! Sir, I'm here for a mission, not to tell whether I believe in fairy tales or not!" Squall said rather surprised by the question.
"Whether you believe or not, it doesn't matter. We will not give you your mission, but the unicorns will. Go to the woods north of the village and you'll be told your mission. Believe me young one, unicorns do exist, but will only appear to the righteous ones. I hope you are one of them. Go, and fulfill your mission. Do not doubt ancient legends, for they are true. You know there are gods, for there are unicorns. Go!" Squall exited the house more confused that when he got in. The unicorns would assign him a mission? It was turning like mad. The woods north of the village the Shamman had said. Maybe what he said was right? That legends do exist? Surely if he mentioned the gods he must knew what he was talking about. Something deeper in him told him to obey. Squall headed for the woods, encountering no living thing in his path. He entered the thick forest and followed the only path that he could find. As he ventured deeper in the woods, he felt a mystic aura surrounding him. Suddenly he heard a loud horse's cry.
"Curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back." Squall thought and headed that direction. He started running, as the cries turned into panicked screams. He jumped over a low bush and found himself in a small meadow. What he saw astonished him. A living tree had grasped a unicorn and was choking it. The poor creature was springing, trying to escape but it was useless. Squall felt pity for the poor creature and drew his Gunblade, attacking the tree. The tree's branches tried to catch him too, but Squall would push and pull, and chop through the three's branches and twigs. A twig hit his face, but Squall didn't stop; the unicorn was almost free. One last branch, and the animal jumped away from the tree, then turned around to see he end of the fight.
"Gah!…Firaga!" The fire spell made the tree to pull it's branches away and leave Squall alone. Squall was scratched on the cheek, but it wasn't anything. He looked at the unicorn.
"You alright?" The horse looked at him curious, tilting its head, being unable to understand what the human said to it. Squall turned his back to walk away, and the unicorn followed him.
"Hhhmmmmmm!" it's neighed.
"Your welcome…" Squall said. He thought it was funny for the unicorn to follow him like that.
"That Shamman guy said that you are to give me a mission…Nah, you can't. You can't even talk." The unicorn puffed.
"What do you want?…Gosh! look at me…talking with a unicorn…" The unicorn hit its hood on the ground.
"???" Squall didn't know what to do. He was completely lost.
"Gee…I wish Rinoa was here. She could help me..."Squall said and turned his back at the unicorn to walk away. The unicorn lowered its head and charged at Squall. Squall was surprised, and before he knew it, he was riding the unicorn!
"Yaaaaahhhhh!" Squall cried out in surprise. The unicorn neighed and started running faster. Squall could do nothing than wrap his arms around the unicorn's neck and hold on.
" Wooow! hey! Stop! Stop!" The unicorn kept speeding through the forest, with Squall jolting on it's back. Suddenly Squall lifted his head and saw that the unicorn was galloping towards a cliff.
"Y-You're not going to jump off are you?! AHHHH!!! Noooooo!…" too late… The unicorn passed through a light gate of some sort and they both disappeared in thin air. When Squall opened his eyes, the hearse woods had given their place to a paradise forest. Big pine trees, vines and other plants urged in that place.
"What in the world is this place?" he wondered out loud, as the unicorn decreased speed a little.
"This is the forest of the unicorns man, and please! Don't shout like that, will you!? My ears are sensitive!" the unicorn said and stopped so suddenly, Squall wasn't prepared and went over its head…
"Ow...Ouch!"
"Sorry…" Squall got up and undusted his clothes.
"Who are you? What do you want from me?" he asked.
"The unicorns need your help SeeD. A sorcerer, Raspudin is threatening us…Ah, we mustn't stand idle like this; come on, we have to move on. Climb on my back again…I promise not to run!" he added seeing Squall's hesitated look. Squall mounted the unicorn again, and he started moving on deeper into the thick woods. He had a better look at the creature. It was a white stallion with a fine, pure white color, which had hints of silver, and mane and tail pure white. Its horn was a perfect straight cone, made out of pure silver. Its hoofs were made out of solid gold.
"What is your name SeeD?" The unicorns asked him.
" Squall. I'm a SeeD from Balamb Garden."
"I see…I am Morgan."
"Morgan, please tell me, what sort of threat are you unicorns under?"
"Well, this sorcerer, Raspudin is rather old. So, his Force is dying and…"
"Sorry, but what is a Force?"
"Well, like the legendary Hyne gave to the Females a Source, the Males have the Force. Males are independent from Hyne, and their powers do not need to be passed on, unless the Sorcerer himself wishes to. And, Males are very rare today. I think Raspudin is the last one."
"I see…So what does he do to threaten you?"
"As I was as saying, he is old and his Force is dying, so he is on the verge of death. He wants to avoid death using us unicorns…"
"How? I don't understand." Morgan stopped walking and turned its head to gaze at Squall.
"Squall, do you have any idea what unicorn's blood is used for?"
"No…How could I know?"
"Unicorn's blood can keep someone alive even though he might be on the verge of death, like Raspudin…But, to take the blood, one must first kill the unicorn. And to kill a creature so pure and solid is the greatest sin of all, and he will be condemned for the rest of his life!" Squall frowned.
"Isn't it better off to die then?"
"Yes, but Raspudin knew something more we did not. Once all unicorns are dead, the mortal that fed from their blood will be immortal, and will never die. So Raspudin has captured all the unicorns and is killing them one by one every day to drink a part at least, from their blood. Squall, very few of us have managed to escape captivity. You've gotta help us!" Squall felt pity for the unicorns, and a bond was created between the two of them. He had to help.
"Ok. Don't worry. I'm under a contract with you and the Head Shamman, and I'm obliged to do it. But, it's a strange feeling. I feel like really doing this. Can I ask you something? How come this forest is still so pure?"
"Well, you and Raspudin are the first humans to step in this forest!"
"I see…" After walking some more, they reached a small waterfall that formed a pond.
"Whew…I'm thirsty…" Morgan said.
"Yeah, me too…" They stopped, and Squall got off Morgan. He took off his gloves and knelled down to the crystal clear waters. He filled his hands with water and drank, refreshing himself. The feeling of the cold water over his tongue was good.
"That's much better…" Morgan said.
"Really…"
"We'd better head on. Raspudin' reign shouldn't be far from here."
"Then I'd better junction up my GFs."
"Hm? You own GFs? Junction GF Alexander. Raspudin is weak against Holy."
"Thanks Morgan." So they started moving on, but this time Squall didn't ride Morgan.
" Why don't you mound me? You'll get tired to walk it."
"Won't you get equally tired? I don't feel like being the leader again or anything…"
"I see…" As they walked through the deep woods, they ran into the saddest, yet most beautiful scene Squall had ever seen in his whole life. A dead unicorn was lying on the ground. It's thin legs with the golden hoofs were stretched dead, it's silver white mane, tail and hide was stained with mud, and the horn had lost it's shine. A big wound on the side of the neck indicated the cause of death. The blood that was still flowing from the wound was silver! Squall went over the carcass, and knelt by the poor creature. The blood had flowed over some stones. Squall touched it and observed the silver colored liquid on his fingertips.
"Her name was Tamira. She was my sister." Morgan said.
"…What?…Oh…I'm sorry."
"Yes. Raspudin killed her this morning. I tried to help her but it was useless. All I could do was run…" Morgan said and his voice broke.
"Hey, Morgan, I know how you feel. I understand. Listen to me, sometimes you can do nothing but run. I've experienced that myself."
"…Maybe you're right…Darn! I'm wasting our time! Come on! We gotta hurry!" Morgan said and hurried Squall to move on. After not long, they reached Raspudin's reign.
"This is it. This is where Raspudin is!" Morgan said.
"Wow, this place sure is spooky…" Squall said. It reminded him of Ultimecia's castle and to that memory his backbone chilled. It was a castle, not a very big one, but surely it was equally scary.
"Follow me. I've found a way too sneak in." Morgan said.
"Raspudin's too occupied to notice us entering from the dungeon…" Morgan said as they went down a slope and reached the castle's walls.
"Over there. That rock. No! Not that one! The one above it! Yeah! Push it!" Morgan said. Squall pushed the rock, and a secret passage appeared, allowing both of them to sneak through.
"We're in the lowest part of the castle now. If we head up, we should reach the chamber where Raspudin has the other unicorns" Morgan said.
"Hold on. You said that guy is a Sorcerer? Man, this is gonna be a bad ass battle…Wait a sec, I gotta check on something…." Squall said. He tried to concentrate, and looked in the depths of his mind for information of how to recall the Flame Lion's Mist. If he wanted to win, he would need its assistance. Apollo was there to give him the answer.
"Just call out for the Lion, and it will come to you…" The voice inside his head faded, and Squall felt ready to deal with anything.
"Ok…" he said. "I'm ready now. Let's go." His voice was steady and sure.
"Follow me." Morgan said. They both started climbing the rather steep stairs of the dungeons, and Squall continuously followed Morgan, ready to react to any threat. They both tried to be as silent as possible. After a while they came to a dark corridor. The whole palace seemed to have been neglected for quite some time. They walked silently through the corridor, and reached the door at the end of it. It was a little open so Squall and Morgan took a peek before storming in. In a large chamber, which might have been once a great dining hall, lighted by grand torches, there were hundreds of cages, with imprisoned unicorns in them. The poor creatures were trying to break their cages open, but it was useless. All they could do was cry out for help, waiting their turn to be slaughtered. Squall set his eyes on a man, pretty old and worn out, but with a long black beard and moustache, and thick black eyebrows. His eyes were strangely red. He was dressed in a long, dark blue cape that was covering all of his body. Although he was definitely seated, he was strangely tall. He was drinking a liquid from a golden goblet. At his feet, a unicorn was wriggled as it was dying. Blood was pumping out of its wound on its neck and stained the man's cape. Squall and Morgan looked at each other.
"If we attack now, I bet you he won't know what hit him!" Morgan said. Squall nodded affirmatively. He pulled out his Gunblade, filled it up and pushed the door open, storming in the chamber followed by Morgan. Raspudin was surprised. He drooped the goblet, and the unicorn blood flowed on the floor.
"Who are you!?" Raspudin demanded in a hoarse, sly voice.
"I'm a SeeD." Squall said sternly.
"Oh! Is that so? A SeeD! How interesting! A Sorcerer disposer!? HA! I do not fear you!" Raspudin said sadistically.
"Watch your tongue Raspudin! This is one of the SeeDs that defeated Ultimecia!" Morgan shouted.
"Oh? Really? I am impressed…You must be the one the world calls Leonhart…Yes, I've heard of you…The stories describe you a gigantic warrior, like Odin, with a great scar across your face! How strange! Looks like only the scar is real! You are only a child!" Raspudin teased him.
"And you, sly unicorn! You are very foolish to think I can be defeated so easily! I shall dispose both of you! Are you ready?" he continued. Instead of answering, Squall attacked Raspudin, who rose and dodged the attack, and so Squall's Lionheart ripped Raspudin's cape.
"Well then…since you dare to challenge me, I shall gladly accept your challenge!" Raspudin said, and threw his cape off.
"Morgan! Free the other unicorns! I'll take care of Raspudin!" Squall told Morgan, who rushed to free his friends. He ran up to the cages, and started to kick the locks open. Meanwhile, Raspudin had removed his cloak, revealing a surprisingly well-built body under it. Seated he didn't look really tall, but standing up, he was taller that Squall. Squall didn't care. He had beaten tougher guys. From Raspudin's belt hung a huge sword (Like Cloud's). He pulled it out and weighed it with both hands. Squall calculated this was the ideal moment to make his move. He raised his Lionheart, and whispered:
"Flame Lion, come to my call!" A bright-lighted mist surrounded him and thickened all around him, forming white flames around him. Now he was ready defeat his opponent. Raspudin wasn't surprised, but raised his huge sword and attacked Squall. The blade of the sword banged hard on the blade of the Lionheart, as Squall placed it in front of him to protect himself. Raspudin pushed all his weight on his sword, but Squall, having mastered the Gunblade techniques, held the Lionheart in such a manner that the Gunblade absorbed all the pressure. Squall pushed back, and kicked Raspudin on the stomach. Raspudin stumbled backwards. His sword had cracked and was now useless.
"Morgan! Hurry!" Squall shouted as he dodged a couple of fireballs thrown by Raspudin. Quick as a bullet, Squall cast Aura on himself and called his Limit Break.
"Renzokuken!" The last blow found Raspudin's chest and tore open a big wound. Bleeding, Raspudin attempted a final attack. In the fury of the battle, Squall hadn't noticed that on the walls hung old weapons, spears, swords, Gunblades, whips, Bows, and arrows. Raspudin raised his hand, and whispered a few words, totally illegible to Squall. The weapons on the walls came to life and attacked him. Squall was surprised. He tried to fight them back but it was hopeless; every time he dealt with a weapon, another one attacked him. The freed unicorns tried to assist Squall with their magic, but they could do nothing. Raspudin's magic was much stronger and they were weak.
"There…is…no…other…way…" Squall thought as sweat ran over his face.
"I have to blast on Raspudin." Squall broke a clearing among the weapons, and attacked Raspudin.
"Rhaaaah!" Squall leaped in the air and his Gunblade was ready to strike Raspudin, when a dagger ripped the air, and plunged hardly in Squall's chest. Right through his heart. The pointy end of the dagger stuck out of his back. The Lionheart slipped from his hands and fell on the ground. Squall dropped to his knees. He tried to pull the dagger from his chest. No use. Raspudin kept pushing it deeper in his flesh. Squall's eyes darkened. He breathed with difficulty.
"Noooooooooooo!" Morgan cried out. Squall looked at Raspudin. He coughed. Out of his mouth, blood flowed. He opened his mouth to speak.
"Rinoa…" the rest of the phrase was not heard, as the blood covered the sound. He fell on the ground, face up, proudly as he had lived, and died. Raspudin tried to laugh, but he was far from well too. He knelt on the ground. The unicorns gathered around Squall's body. They lamented, and cried. Cried for the death of a young and brave hero. Morgan looked at him. Until then he hadn't have a chance to look at him well enough. Squall's hair was stained with blood, falling over his face, covering his pale now face and the scar.
"Hahahaha!" Raspudin laughed weakly. "Now what shall you do?" Morgan got furious. He would not allow Squall's memory being teased. He turned around, looked at his hated enemy, snorted with anger and scratched his hoof on the ground. He started running against Raspudin. Unicorns had the incredible characteristic of an outrageous acceleration, and only after 5 steps, Morgan had reached his top speed of 100 km/h. Morgan stabbed Raspudin with his horn. Empowered by his anger, Morgan plunged his horn into Raspudin's chest. He lifted Raspudin in the air, over his head and slammed him away, on a wall. Then, he returned at the circle of the mourning unicorns. Raspudin was trying to recover from the blow but he was far too weak; his Force was dead. He unicorns continued lamenting. Suddenly a light appeared in the grand hall and formed a triangle, like a door to a strange place. The unicorns got scared and back stepped in awe. Three figures walked out from that door. Three gods. Athena, with her spear, her shield and her Greek helmet on her head tilted back revealing a beautiful yet wise face. She wore a long white tunic and over her shoulders a cream colored chiton. (a piece of cloth). An owl was sitting on her shoulder. Two other gods followed her. Sehmet, the lion headed goddess of medication, holding a marvelously decorated box in her hands. The box was wooden, and was covered with a leaf of gold, and emeralds were embroidered on it. And Anubis, the jackal headed god of death. Weighting his staff, with which he collected the souls of the dead. He held a small shiny figure of a human in his other hand.
"This warriors time has not arrived yet. He is brave and his destiny was still a lot to put him against. Sehmet will now heal the body and Anubis will return the soul." Athena said and looked at Squall's body with kindness, love almost. Athena's relationship with her protégés was clearly friendly, and had no sexual sides like some other gods. Sehmet used her own power to remove the dagger from Squall's chest and then opened her box. A shining dust scattered over Squall, and made him shine for a while. The medical power of Sehmet healed all the wounds Squall had suffered, and replaced all the lost blood. The body looked almost alive. After the shine faded, the Flame Lion's Mist cleansed him and removed all the blood from his clothes and face. Anubis stood over Squall's body and looked at the human figure he held in his hand. It was a fully armed man, holding a Gunblade.
"Although I did not weigh your soul in the Scale of the Souls, I know it is lighter than a feather, and you will always be so, Leonhart." He said, and let the soul fall into the body again. Squall took a deep breath, moved and opened his eyes. He was alive. The unicorns back stepped and started murmuring in awe. A dead had returned to life! Squall stood up on his feet, and lifted up his Gunblade. When he lifted his eyes to gaze at the three gods, he still had his eagle-sharp sight.
"Who are you?" he bravely asked the three gods. Athena smiled at him kindly.
"I am Athena and these are Sehmet and Anubis. We are three of the great gods that favor you and your comrades. You are under my special protection, like the great warriors are. I will guide you young ones in times of need."
"Thank you. We will try to be worthy of your protection, great gods." Squall replied. Then, Athena turned at Raspudin. He was crouched by the wall Morgan slammed him, helpless.
"Sorcerer, you have committed lethal sins. You have killed unicorns to feed on their blood. The death of a unicorn by human's hand means disturbance of the Great Balance. You understand that you will be punished after death in the Fields of the Asphodels. Do you want to say anything before you are condemned?" The Fields of the Asphodels were like the Tartara, but were meant for humans.
"Yes…" he replied weakly.
"My Master had promised me immortality. He has fooled me. I will get my revenge in my way. There will be a conspiracy. Amongst gods. I know nothing more. I know not who my Master was, but he was a god. Beware! It will garb you and your comrades in it too, Squall. Athena, please, allow me to leave one thing in this world. If it is I to leave something in this world, let it be something good. SeeD! Please, I know you have a Force of your own from your ancestor. Take what is left from mine to empower and awaken yours. Make something good out of it. Please!" Squall hesitated. Becoming a Sorcerer would mean he had to careful, and hide it from his partners. He would have to live like Rinoa. Rinoa…She was a Sorceress as well, and she was the last Sorceress alive. Maybe…becoming a Sorcerer would comfort her worries a little? Maybe he could help her put aside her fears of getting into trouble? Athena read his thoughts.
"Do not hesitate Squall. You are already a Sorcerer. What more could it be if you accept more powers?"
"She is right." He thought.
"Raspudin, I'll accept your powers. But I don't know how to handle them…"
"I'll transmit you some of my knowledge as well. Thank you Squall! You must prepare yourself for some pain now…" Raspudin closed his eyes. Electric currents went through Raspudin, and gathered at an orb over them. Then, from the orb came a great thunder, which hit Squall. The pain was great. It was like he was being born again. Pain, pain, only pain. Squall cried out in pain, as he was jolted violently from the power that ran through his veins. Soon it was all over. Squall fell to his knees again, crossing his arms on his chest in pain. He was sweating.
"Now…I can leave…" Raspudin said and died. Then the pain faded away. Squall looked at his hand. Small electric currents ran from his wrist to his fingertips. He closed his eyes and tried to calm down. As his agony calmed down the currents stopped. He controlled them. He stood up again, still a little dizzy. He was about to fall again, when Morgan went by his side and supported him.
"We did it!" Morgan said happily.
"No…you did it Morgan. I just helped a little. You whacked the hell outta Raspudin all on your own. Good job." Squall told him. The gods had disappeared in the meantime, leaving Squall, Morgan and the rest of the unicorns alone in the grand hall.
"Come on. Let's go." Morgan said and along with Squall leaded the legion of unicorns out of the castle, through the gate. The castle would soon enough turn into a home for the other creatures of the forest, and after time, turn into a heap of shambles. Squall and the unicorns headed for a meadow in the middle of the forest, surrounded by trees, where Morgan led them. An old unicorn moved away from the other ones and stood in front of all of them. His horn was golden at the base, and turned crimson at the top. A golden star was on the forehead of the unicorn.
" He is the Unicorn King. He is old and very wise. He's my grandfather, and father of almost all the unicorns in these woods. " Morgan explained to Squall. The King set eyes on Morgan.
"Come here Morgan." he said. Morgan trotted near the King.
"You, my son, were wonderful. You managed to escape Raspudin, venture to the outer world and bring along this magnificent young human to help us. But most of all, you were the one who killed the evil Sorcerer. I am old now, and my time to die has arrived. But I will rest assured that I will choose a great unicorn as my inheritor. I would like to appoint you as the new King…" All the unicorns cheered. Squall was happy for his friend. Morgan was very happy. He had almost turned red.
"I...It's my honor…" he stammered. The King and Morgan crossed horns, and a flashy light appeared, in which Morgan's horn turned golden and crimson, and a golden star appeared on his forehead. When the light faded away, the old King was gone, and a new King stood in front of all the unicorns. The unicorns cheered their new King, and started galloping all around the place in joy. Morgan trotted near Squall.
"Come on. I want to escort you to your world. As much as I would like you to have stayed here, I see I cannot force you, Sorcerer." He said. Squall looked at his in a way that said 'don't call me like that ok?' Morgan giggled.
"Sorry…Squall." They both walked through the forest, side by side.
"So, you've become the King. I can judge that is a great honor. Are you satisfied?" Squall asked him.
"Of course I am. But I am still worried about the decisions I'll have to take…"
"As long as you're satisfied, you'll do fine, trust me."
"What about you Squall? You've become a Sorcerer. That is a great honor too you know. How do you feel?" Squall frowned.
" I don't know yet. I don't know anything about my power now. It's like I have to discover everything about myself again. It's too confusing even to talk about!"
"Hehehehe…I see. You'll be fine too." They soon reached the door that would take Squall to his own world.
" I hope I'll see you again Squall."
"Perhaps."
"Goodbye Squall. Go on. Go and be a king in your world. Good luck."
"Goodbye Morgan." Squall stepped through the gate and found himself in the woods that were near Gallipolis. He was a Sorcerer now. What should he do now? He decided to head straight to Garden. Straight to Garden and talk to Rinoa. Only Rinoa could understand him and help him.
" I can't tell anyone else about this…I just can't. It's impossible. Only Rinoa will understand…" he thought as he headed straight for the Ragnarok. The Moombas were running around playfully when he arrived. They looked at him, and the one that had called him Laguna, went over to him.
"Laguna?" it said.
"I have to leave in a hurry. Please tell the Head Shamman I completed my mission and that I am sorry I'm leaving like this." He told it. He turned around and boarded the Ragnarok. He took off and headed for Balamb. When he reached Balamb, he landed not far form Garden and headed straight to it. Rinoa was waiting for him at the Front Gate. When she saw him, she happily ran up to him and hugged him.
"Squall! You're back so soon! I knew you would!" But suddenly she stepped back. In fear.
"Squall? W-What's going on? I can sense sorcery magic here…Sorcery? It's not your Prophet powers Squall…It…It's something stronger much stronger." She said sounding a little afraid.
"Rinoa, I'm in deep waters. I need your help. I knew I was a Sorcerer from Griever. But my Force hadn't awakened yet…The Force is like your Source, but it's independent from Hyne. A Sorcerer transmitted his Force to me, and mine has awakened. I'm a Sorcerer now myself. Because I combine two Forces, I could be very powerful, but I can't control them yet. Rinoa I…I need your help…" Rinoa was looking at him with sorrow.
"Oh Squall…" she said and fell into his arms.
"Just can't believe it…you, a Sorcerer…It's so sudden…I…"
"Rinoa, listen to me…" Squall said and held her face in his hands so she would look at his eyes.
"I could almost expect this would happen. My ancestor, Kallinike was a Sorcerer. I have inherited his power, as the Last Leonhart…Gods…this must remain a secret between you and me…for now. We'll tell the others when I feel ready ok?"
"Yes…of course…Squall, we can't talk this matter out here. We have to go somewhere else, where we'll be alone…"
"What do you suggest?" Rinoa said smiling again. There was no need to worry about the fact they were both Sorcerers so much after all.
"Hmmmm…I think I know the perfect place…" …
So I say a little prayer
And hope my dreams will take me there
Where the skies are blue
To see you once again, my love
Overseas from coast to coast
To find the place I love the most
Where the fields are green
To see you once again, my love…
(From 'My Love')
Rinoa smiled wider.
"Let's go, then." The place of their promise, at Edea's house was yet the most suitable place to sought that hard, painful matter out. On the Ragnarok, Squall told Rinoa the whole story, and Rinoa listened skeptically. Once they were at their beloved place, they both felt immediately better. The flowery carpet in front of them was beautiful. They went to sit on the grass, among the flowers, under a lonely tree that grew in the meadow all alone. It was a huge oak tree, so old it didn't have many leaves left, but it was still pretty. They sat, letting their backs rest on the trunk of the tree.
"You know, I think Kallinike must have been a good Sorcerer. I think you are going to be one too." Rinoa told Squall.
"Perhaps. If you teach me how to use my powers, 'cause right now I can't!" Squall replied with a laugh, putting a small twig between his teeth and letting it hang from his mouth.
"You think you can't! I though too, but I could! Come on, let's try. Look at this". She said showing him a small plant on the ground.
"That's a small rose plant. It'll take years to grow." He replied.
"I know that! But with your powers, you can make it grow huge in only minutes!"
"I don't think I can…"
"Try! Just touch it and try to convince it to grow huge!" Squall took off one of his gloves and touched a leaf. He closed his eyes and felt it. It was soft at the bottom side, and smooth on top. Its edge had tiny points. He opened his eyes. The plant was slowly growing. It grew branches and sprouts at all directions. Leaves pooped out from the branches and climbed the old oak tree, swirling around it's own branches. It started covering the whole oak tree, and soon, the tree looked strangely alive. After a few seconds, the rose tree was filled with beautiful roses, in different tones of pink, from light pink to a bright magenta and a scarlet red. Squall and Rinoa kept looking at the grand rose tree, with a joyful surprise.
"Well, I guess it was a small rose TREE after all…" Squall said.
"Yeah, and you CAN use your powers, but I think you overdid it now…Anyway, I think you made the place a little more beautiful!" Rinoa said with a giggle. Squall laughed.
"And what does our lesson have next, my little Sorceress?" he said.
"I'll teach you how to control elements! We'll start with…Water, which is the easiest
Let's leave those two lovebirds dwell in their happiness, and join Zell in a rather disappointing phone-conversation.
"Erika! What are you talking about?!" Zell said panicked.
"Zell, I found this great job opportunity in Deling. I HAVE to go…"
"Yeah, but are you gonna leave Garden?!"
"Tch…Zell, I came to Garden just to get a graduation and a diploma. I'm not the kind of fighter you are…I only needed the graduation!"
"..….!"
"Zell, this is my greatest chance in my whole life!
"But…Erika, what about us?!"
"Right. That's what I was gonna come to now Zell…"
"Let me guess…It's over?"
"Yes…I'm sorry Zell…"
"Yeah, sure…Thanks a lot Erika! I need more misery in my life!"
"I'm sorry Zell. I'm putting my career above all things for now. I'm leaving on Tuesday from Balamb Station…"
"Well, good riddens!" Zell shouted, and hung up, banging the phone. Zell was heartbroken. Erika, the ponytail girl from the Library had given him a chance to feel complete. He thought she really loved him. What a lie! Zell was in the deepest blues.
"Now I'm all alone again…All the others have someone; Selphie has Irvine, Squall has Rinoa…heh, you can't break those two apart…and now Quistis with Seifer…Me? I'm all alone again…I hate this!…" He sat heavily on his bed, putting his head in his hands. He was very sad. Just then, Quistis came in.
"Zell…Oh! Zell, what's up?" she said taking an older sister expression on her face.
"Erika's leavin'…and we're breaking up…She's leavin' me!"
"Oh! Zell…I'm so sorry…"
"It's ok…I'll get over it…I don't want to really care about that bitch anymore anyway!" He said out loud.
"Zell!"
"Sorry…"
"Zell, if she was silly enough to leave you, she's the loser. I don't think she actually deserved you. Ah, and Zell, I want to ask you a favor. A new Student came from Vulcan Garden…"
"Vulcan Garden?"
"You know! The Garden over at Santorine Island, that emerged from the volcanic eruption near the Battleship Island."
"Oh, yeah…"
"Well, we've got a new student from there. She just passed her SeeD exam with a good rank, but she's a little shy. I have to give her a tour of Balamb Garden, but I'm short of time…Zell, could I please ask you to do it for me? You get on well with people like her."
"Sure…no problem…"
"Ah, thank you very much. Come on. She's waiting for you outside." Quistis and Zell went out to the corridor. A girl was leaning on the opposite wall, with her legs crossed and stared at the floor. She wore tight jeans, and a light pink T-shirt. She was thin, and kinda short, about 1.67. Her hair was brownish like burnt amber, with hints of burnt sienna and blond. They were combed in many little pigtails, decorated with blue beads. All the pigtails were tied up in a ponytail with a ribbon in sea blue color. Around her waist was a belt with knifes hanging from it. She wore black fingerless gloves.
"Glafky…This is Zell. He's going to give you a tour around Balamb Garden." Quistis said. Glafky lifted her head. Zell's jaw almost dropped. She was very pretty. Her big eyes had a lovely brown color but looked a bit sad.
"Hi there." Zell said.
"Hi…I'm Glafky Seawind."
"Name's Zell Dincht…" Quistis looked at them and smiled.
"I'll let you two get along. I have a class now. See you people later…" She said as she left.
"I guess that's good or both of them." She thought. Zell and Glafky were just staring at each other…
Higher in the world of gods, Seth and Ares were fighting again.
"Dead by tomorrow…dead by tomorrow! My ass! Big words out of a stupid mouth! Raspudin screwed it up! Not only is the Leonhart still alive, but also he turned into a Sorcerer now! Great!" Ares yelled.
" Ares, shut up! I had no idea Raspudin would have been so treacherous! And Athena, Sehmet and Anubis messed into my plans." Seth replied, equally angry.
"You had no idea…you have no BRAIN you idiotic dog head!" Ares shouted.
"ARES! SHUT UP! This time, YOU come up with a way to dispose the Leonhart! I would like to see what you have prepared!"
"Oh really? Well in fact I have a plan. All I'm waiting for is a good chance! And it'll soon come! Hahahah!"
Another chapter done! Well, now you know who Glafky is…Review! Review! Review! Meet Ward's son soon!
Ruby Dragon
Horus, the eagle headed god, the King of Gods, had called the gods to his palace for another Council. From his throne, the Eagle god holding his staff gazed at the rest of the gods. Apollo, the god of music and Prophecy, sat on his left. Ra, Horus' brother and hawk-headed god of sunlight, sat on his right. The rest of the gods were sitting in a circle. Only two gods were absent: Seth and Ares.
"Where are they?" Horus asked Sebeck, the crocodile headed- god of scribes and written wisdom.
"I can assume they are coming Horus..." he replied.
"Do not be so hard on Seth, my brother. For he is our brother also." Ra said.
" I know, but Ares…"
"Your son can only be late by natural Horus." Ra said. Ra might have been the older brother, but still Horus was the king. Ra was an advisor Horus never doubted. Just then, Ares entered, followed by Seth.
"Why are you late for the Council?" Horus asked them.
"Oh, it was nothing important brother…We were just having an interesting conversation…" Seth replied.
" Very well…Sit now…I have something important I wish to speak with you all gods…"Horus said standing up.
"Not long ago, an insane sorceress from the mortal future tried to compress time, denying all existence. Thankfully, 6 mortal teenagers from the academy of Garden managed to defeat her. So, it is about those 7 now adolescents I wish to speak to you about…" Ares stirred worryingly in his seat and exchanged looks with Seth, whom was sitting next to him.
"They have proven to have extreme powers…" Horus started saying.
" Father, I protect those seven teenagers, and I know they use their power only for good causes!" Athena, goddess of warriors and wisdom interrupted him.
" I know that Athena…I only wish to speak of how much I admire them, and ask your opinion about them. I believe we must expect more greater things from those young ones…If any of you fellow gods wishes to say something about them, you may go ahead." Horus said and sat in his throne again. Athena stood up.
"The 7 teenagers are favorites of mine, and as goddess that you, my father has given to me to protect the noble warriors, I admire them, and protect them. They are worthy in battle and know enough on how to fight wisely. I dare to say they posses experience beyond their age. That is all I had to say." Said the respectable goddess, and sat again. Apollo stood up.
"The young Leonhart is a Prophet, and that means I have chosen him as my 'champion'. He is under my protection as well. Very seldom do I choose a warrior to become a Prophet, because warriors usually underestimate that power. And I agree with you sister, that they posses knowledge beyond their few decades of life." Apollo said to Athena mainly. Aphrodite, the beautiful goddess of love, who was sitting next to her husband Hifestus, giggled softly.
"The Leonhart? You mean that handsome brown-haired hunk with the scar? And the blue eyes? Hehehe…he and the little sorceress are the best couple I've ever hit!" She said with a soft laughter. Hifestus didn't stand up to speak. He was cripple, but everyone knew he was the god of blacksmiths and as a blacksmith him self, his job had made him cripple. He was highly respected by all. Hifestus, in contrary with he rest of gods, was dirty and messy right now, because he had just came from his shop, where he was crafting weapons for his sister Athena.
"I made sure their weapons were crafted with care." He said simply. Hermes, the messenger god, god of merchandise and god of…well, thieves, was sitting rudely in his seat, and just said,
"I like their style, especially that Zell guy. He knows how to haggle dynamically and has a talent in mugging!" he said with a giggle. Ares was furious, but preferred not to show it. He stood up to speak.
"Father, and you brother gods, what words are these that have come out of your mouths? Can't you imagine what they can do if they turn against us and the world? What if the one named Seifer does anything mad like that again? They can ruin everything we have created! I suggest we dispose of them!" He said sternly. Sehmet, the goddess of medication with a lion's head stood up, furious.
"What are you talking about Ares!? Their souls are pure! The one named Seifer opposed the rest only because that Ultimecia was manipulating him, and Deimius was toying with his mind! I was who managed to cure him after the young ones defeated him! I threw that good-for-nothing cousin of yours into Tartara!" She roared. Deimius was the god of insanity, and the truth was, he was possessing Seifer during the war against Ultimecia. Tartara was the valley where misbehaving gods were thrown at, to be tortured.
" I agree with Sehmet. They do not want to dominate the world or anything like that. Do you think Andros would have fought for that reason?" Athena said with a teasing look at Seth. Seth got more that furious.
"Do not name him in my presence!" he roared.
"Why not Seth? Ashamed because a wonderful mortal was able to humiliate you?" Athena said sarcastically. Seth grinned his teeth and quick as thunder sledded his bow from his shoulder and fired straight at Athena. The goddess was faster and swiftly brought her shield in front of her abdomen. The arrow bounced off.
"SETH!!" Horus shouted "Enough!" Seth back stepped in fear. Horus was looking really fearsome with his fire throwing eyes, and his shiny armor he always wore.
"You may leave now. Athena, Apollo, Sehmet, Bastet and Ra, please stay here, and you Hermes, I have some work for you…" Horus ended. Meanwhile, at Seth's palace, Ares and Seth were squabbling again.
"I told you! I told you this would happen!" Ares said angrily.
"Don't worry! It's the Leonhart that keeps the SeeDs in a bond. Once my plan has worked, he will dead by tomorrow! And the SeeDs will be discouraged! And, he will never find out about Andros or Kallinike!" Seth replied and threw a hyena giggle that echoed frightfully through the palace.
Down, in the world of the mortals, Squall Leonhart was heading for the Headmaster's office. As he was walking towards the elevator, a bunch of girls walked by him giggling and staring at him. As you understand, Squall was extremely popular among the female students of Garden. Almost all girls had a picture of him in their lockers, but they all knew it was hopeless. Squall 'lived and breathed' only for Rinoa. Thanks to his recently acquired Prophet powers, Squall was able to know exactly what his friends were doing. Selphie and Irvine were at Selphie's aunt, Quistis was giving a lesson in the classroom, and Zell, Seifer and Rinoa were at the Cafeteria playing Triple Triad Cards. Rinoa was still learning the most complex rules and Zell had patiently taken up the responsibility to teach her how to win even when she hit Random Rule. But, he had kept his power a secret from anyone else than his buddies, after Cid's and Edea's advise. Anyway, it happened to be a VERY hot day, and unfortunately, the air-conditioning system of Balamb Garden was down, making the situation worse. Squall was so hot; he had taken his jacket off and had shifted it over his shoulder. His chain necklace with Griever was dinging on his chest, and a new scar showed off on his right arm made by a Grendel. As Squall entered the elevator, he ran his tongue over his dry lips. He was thirsty. His tongue sensed a hint of vanilla flavor.
"Vanilla?" he thought, "Did I eat any vanilla lately?…Oh, yeah…It's Rinoa's new lip balm…" Just before had Squall left the Cafeteria in a hurry to answer to Cid's call over the intercom, and Rinoa had blew him a soft kiss. He smiled at that memory. As he walked through the office's door, Squall wondered what Cid would want him for this time around. When he stood in front of Cid, he lifted his arm in the typical SeeD salute. Cid nodded and Squall lowered his arm, waiting for orders.
"You asked to see me Sir?"
"Yes, Squall. I have a mission for you…" Inside of him, Squall was satisfied.
"Finally! Some action!" he thought. "In the area near the Centra Ruins, a village has been founded. I'm sure you have heard of Gallipolis, right?"
"Yes, Sir. It's inhabited by artisans, Shumis, Moombas and some Shamans…"
"Exactly. Now, the Head Shamman said they are having some sort of problem and need help. Yet, they cannot afford to hire more that one SeeD. Plus, they did not inform me enough about the whereabouts of your mission, and I am concerned. So I decided to send our best SeeD, you Squall." Squall was flattered.
"Squall, if you sense any threat against you, Garden in general, or the world, do not hesitate to act accordingly. You understand?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Alright then. Since no train heads there, take the Ragnarok, and off you go! You may go now…"
"Yes, Sir." Squall said with a salute and left. As he exited the elevator on the first floor, Squall spotted Rinoa standing near the Directory, waiting for him.
"Rin, sorry, but we have to postpone our date tonight. Cid's got me on a mission again…"
"Aw! Tooooooo baaaaad! I was hoping we'd go to the secret area…"
"That's ok. I'll make it up when I come back…"
"I'll take that as a promise!" Squall just smiled, and went off to the Parking Lot, got onto a motorcycle, and speeded off for Balamb Airstation. Balamb Airstation, or BA, was especially built for the Ragnarok, and was completed only a while after the Ultimecia war. The Ragnarok was patiently waiting there. Only Squall and his team had really free access to the incredible spaceship. Squall boarded his beloved ship, and took off. He set the autopilot, and kicked back and relaxed. After awhile, Squall had the weird feeling that something was going to happen. And all of a sudden, on the seat next to him a flashy light appeared, and to his surprise, a young chap was sitting next to him! Squall was shocked.
"Who are you!?" he demanded, looking at the spunky fellow sitting next to him.
"Man, serious as always…before I start off, let me tell you something. Relax. Chill out, I'm a friend." The young man said.
"…Who the heck are you? What do you want?" Squall gasped.
" Name's Hermes. I'm the messenger god…"
"God?! There are gods?"
"Man you're good… Of course there are! Who do you thing is ruling this world?! Not the birds of course! And who do you think had the power to give the Prophesy power you have Squall? Yeah, I know your name, and in a nutshell, I know all about you pal! As I said, I'm a god myself. Actually, the messenger guy, the god of merchandise and, thieves!"
"…the hell of a merchant you must make…" Squall said with sarcasm.
"Ah… yeah, that a little detail…hey, I invented currency, so don't look at my bad points, ok? Thanks. Look, I'd say I'm the god that is all day long among the humans, ok? I know you guys really well…But, I'm getting away from the reason I'm here Squall…"
"Wow, wow, hold on a sec, and let me get this straight. I just can't believe you that there are gods. It sounds just insane!"
"Hmmm…yeah, I know it does. Believe me, humans are creatures that forget easily. But anyhow, seems like it's time you guys remembered your ancient faith! Well, anyhow, you should sought that thing out, not me. I have to deliver a message to you buddy, and tell you some things…Look, all gods up there, and especially, Horus, the king of the gods, are behind you and your friends all the way pal. We like you! Me especially, I like your style! Anyhow, I can't really tell you how they all feel for you, cause I'm sure you'll meet them, up close and personal, pretty soon I can tell you… Oh and, watch your head on this mission." Hermes said and suddenly lost his funny looks.
"You're gonna have to put up with something really bad assy. You have to be careful, ok? Let me tell you this: Your Gunblade is the key to summoning the Flame Lion's Mist. I know only that to tell you ok? Oh and one more thing. If you ever need help with talking something out, or need some advice don't hesitate to call me. Here, take this." Hermes said and gave Squall a golden oak leaf.
"Hold onto that. Oaks are my sacred trees. If you wanna call me just hold it in your hand and say my name. I'll be there right away. And know this Squall, I'll be your friend always, ok?" Squall felt like he could trust this guy.
"Ok. I'm glad to know the gods favor me. Thanks a lot Hermes." He said.
"No problem pal…May Horus smile over you." Hermes said with a smile and disappeared in thin air, just as suddenly as he had appeared.
"Weird guy…but I liked him." Squall though to himself as he prepared to land the Ragnarok on some tough landscape. Soon he landed near Gallipolis, and got off the Ragnarok. A Shumi man and a few Moombas were expecting him.
"Hello!" said the Shumi guy. "You must be the young SeeD we're waiting for. The Moombas will watch the ship while you're away." He said.
"Thank you." Squall replied as politely as he could. A Moomba looked at him and cried out
"Laguna!"
"Hahahaha! No, not quite…I'm his son." Squall said watching the curious face of the Shumi man.
"Oh! You're Master Laguna's son! And I though you reminded me of someone! Nice to meet you! I'm Attendant! I'm the cousin of the Attendant of the Elder back in the village!"
" I see. Can you take me to the Head Shamman please?"
"Sure! Follow me please." Squall followed the Attendant all the way to the village, which was brimming with life. Artisans talking about their constructions, Shumis doing their works, Moombas loafing around, Shamans chattering all around the place, and merchants calling the people to come and buy their merchandise. Attendant led Squall to a plain house, which was pretty dark inside.
"So, you are the SeeD. Welcome to Gallipolis. I am the Head Shamman. Tell me, do you believe in unicorns?"
"?! Sir, I'm here for a mission, not to tell whether I believe in fairy tales or not!" Squall said rather surprised by the question.
"Whether you believe or not, it doesn't matter. We will not give you your mission, but the unicorns will. Go to the woods north of the village and you'll be told your mission. Believe me young one, unicorns do exist, but will only appear to the righteous ones. I hope you are one of them. Go, and fulfill your mission. Do not doubt ancient legends, for they are true. You know there are gods, for there are unicorns. Go!" Squall exited the house more confused that when he got in. The unicorns would assign him a mission? It was turning like mad. The woods north of the village the Shamman had said. Maybe what he said was right? That legends do exist? Surely if he mentioned the gods he must knew what he was talking about. Something deeper in him told him to obey. Squall headed for the woods, encountering no living thing in his path. He entered the thick forest and followed the only path that he could find. As he ventured deeper in the woods, he felt a mystic aura surrounding him. Suddenly he heard a loud horse's cry.
"Curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back." Squall thought and headed that direction. He started running, as the cries turned into panicked screams. He jumped over a low bush and found himself in a small meadow. What he saw astonished him. A living tree had grasped a unicorn and was choking it. The poor creature was springing, trying to escape but it was useless. Squall felt pity for the poor creature and drew his Gunblade, attacking the tree. The tree's branches tried to catch him too, but Squall would push and pull, and chop through the three's branches and twigs. A twig hit his face, but Squall didn't stop; the unicorn was almost free. One last branch, and the animal jumped away from the tree, then turned around to see he end of the fight.
"Gah!…Firaga!" The fire spell made the tree to pull it's branches away and leave Squall alone. Squall was scratched on the cheek, but it wasn't anything. He looked at the unicorn.
"You alright?" The horse looked at him curious, tilting its head, being unable to understand what the human said to it. Squall turned his back to walk away, and the unicorn followed him.
"Hhhmmmmmm!" it's neighed.
"Your welcome…" Squall said. He thought it was funny for the unicorn to follow him like that.
"That Shamman guy said that you are to give me a mission…Nah, you can't. You can't even talk." The unicorn puffed.
"What do you want?…Gosh! look at me…talking with a unicorn…" The unicorn hit its hood on the ground.
"???" Squall didn't know what to do. He was completely lost.
"Gee…I wish Rinoa was here. She could help me..."Squall said and turned his back at the unicorn to walk away. The unicorn lowered its head and charged at Squall. Squall was surprised, and before he knew it, he was riding the unicorn!
"Yaaaaahhhhh!" Squall cried out in surprise. The unicorn neighed and started running faster. Squall could do nothing than wrap his arms around the unicorn's neck and hold on.
" Wooow! hey! Stop! Stop!" The unicorn kept speeding through the forest, with Squall jolting on it's back. Suddenly Squall lifted his head and saw that the unicorn was galloping towards a cliff.
"Y-You're not going to jump off are you?! AHHHH!!! Noooooo!…" too late… The unicorn passed through a light gate of some sort and they both disappeared in thin air. When Squall opened his eyes, the hearse woods had given their place to a paradise forest. Big pine trees, vines and other plants urged in that place.
"What in the world is this place?" he wondered out loud, as the unicorn decreased speed a little.
"This is the forest of the unicorns man, and please! Don't shout like that, will you!? My ears are sensitive!" the unicorn said and stopped so suddenly, Squall wasn't prepared and went over its head…
"Ow...Ouch!"
"Sorry…" Squall got up and undusted his clothes.
"Who are you? What do you want from me?" he asked.
"The unicorns need your help SeeD. A sorcerer, Raspudin is threatening us…Ah, we mustn't stand idle like this; come on, we have to move on. Climb on my back again…I promise not to run!" he added seeing Squall's hesitated look. Squall mounted the unicorn again, and he started moving on deeper into the thick woods. He had a better look at the creature. It was a white stallion with a fine, pure white color, which had hints of silver, and mane and tail pure white. Its horn was a perfect straight cone, made out of pure silver. Its hoofs were made out of solid gold.
"What is your name SeeD?" The unicorns asked him.
" Squall. I'm a SeeD from Balamb Garden."
"I see…I am Morgan."
"Morgan, please tell me, what sort of threat are you unicorns under?"
"Well, this sorcerer, Raspudin is rather old. So, his Force is dying and…"
"Sorry, but what is a Force?"
"Well, like the legendary Hyne gave to the Females a Source, the Males have the Force. Males are independent from Hyne, and their powers do not need to be passed on, unless the Sorcerer himself wishes to. And, Males are very rare today. I think Raspudin is the last one."
"I see…So what does he do to threaten you?"
"As I was as saying, he is old and his Force is dying, so he is on the verge of death. He wants to avoid death using us unicorns…"
"How? I don't understand." Morgan stopped walking and turned its head to gaze at Squall.
"Squall, do you have any idea what unicorn's blood is used for?"
"No…How could I know?"
"Unicorn's blood can keep someone alive even though he might be on the verge of death, like Raspudin…But, to take the blood, one must first kill the unicorn. And to kill a creature so pure and solid is the greatest sin of all, and he will be condemned for the rest of his life!" Squall frowned.
"Isn't it better off to die then?"
"Yes, but Raspudin knew something more we did not. Once all unicorns are dead, the mortal that fed from their blood will be immortal, and will never die. So Raspudin has captured all the unicorns and is killing them one by one every day to drink a part at least, from their blood. Squall, very few of us have managed to escape captivity. You've gotta help us!" Squall felt pity for the unicorns, and a bond was created between the two of them. He had to help.
"Ok. Don't worry. I'm under a contract with you and the Head Shamman, and I'm obliged to do it. But, it's a strange feeling. I feel like really doing this. Can I ask you something? How come this forest is still so pure?"
"Well, you and Raspudin are the first humans to step in this forest!"
"I see…" After walking some more, they reached a small waterfall that formed a pond.
"Whew…I'm thirsty…" Morgan said.
"Yeah, me too…" They stopped, and Squall got off Morgan. He took off his gloves and knelled down to the crystal clear waters. He filled his hands with water and drank, refreshing himself. The feeling of the cold water over his tongue was good.
"That's much better…" Morgan said.
"Really…"
"We'd better head on. Raspudin' reign shouldn't be far from here."
"Then I'd better junction up my GFs."
"Hm? You own GFs? Junction GF Alexander. Raspudin is weak against Holy."
"Thanks Morgan." So they started moving on, but this time Squall didn't ride Morgan.
" Why don't you mound me? You'll get tired to walk it."
"Won't you get equally tired? I don't feel like being the leader again or anything…"
"I see…" As they walked through the deep woods, they ran into the saddest, yet most beautiful scene Squall had ever seen in his whole life. A dead unicorn was lying on the ground. It's thin legs with the golden hoofs were stretched dead, it's silver white mane, tail and hide was stained with mud, and the horn had lost it's shine. A big wound on the side of the neck indicated the cause of death. The blood that was still flowing from the wound was silver! Squall went over the carcass, and knelt by the poor creature. The blood had flowed over some stones. Squall touched it and observed the silver colored liquid on his fingertips.
"Her name was Tamira. She was my sister." Morgan said.
"…What?…Oh…I'm sorry."
"Yes. Raspudin killed her this morning. I tried to help her but it was useless. All I could do was run…" Morgan said and his voice broke.
"Hey, Morgan, I know how you feel. I understand. Listen to me, sometimes you can do nothing but run. I've experienced that myself."
"…Maybe you're right…Darn! I'm wasting our time! Come on! We gotta hurry!" Morgan said and hurried Squall to move on. After not long, they reached Raspudin's reign.
"This is it. This is where Raspudin is!" Morgan said.
"Wow, this place sure is spooky…" Squall said. It reminded him of Ultimecia's castle and to that memory his backbone chilled. It was a castle, not a very big one, but surely it was equally scary.
"Follow me. I've found a way too sneak in." Morgan said.
"Raspudin's too occupied to notice us entering from the dungeon…" Morgan said as they went down a slope and reached the castle's walls.
"Over there. That rock. No! Not that one! The one above it! Yeah! Push it!" Morgan said. Squall pushed the rock, and a secret passage appeared, allowing both of them to sneak through.
"We're in the lowest part of the castle now. If we head up, we should reach the chamber where Raspudin has the other unicorns" Morgan said.
"Hold on. You said that guy is a Sorcerer? Man, this is gonna be a bad ass battle…Wait a sec, I gotta check on something…." Squall said. He tried to concentrate, and looked in the depths of his mind for information of how to recall the Flame Lion's Mist. If he wanted to win, he would need its assistance. Apollo was there to give him the answer.
"Just call out for the Lion, and it will come to you…" The voice inside his head faded, and Squall felt ready to deal with anything.
"Ok…" he said. "I'm ready now. Let's go." His voice was steady and sure.
"Follow me." Morgan said. They both started climbing the rather steep stairs of the dungeons, and Squall continuously followed Morgan, ready to react to any threat. They both tried to be as silent as possible. After a while they came to a dark corridor. The whole palace seemed to have been neglected for quite some time. They walked silently through the corridor, and reached the door at the end of it. It was a little open so Squall and Morgan took a peek before storming in. In a large chamber, which might have been once a great dining hall, lighted by grand torches, there were hundreds of cages, with imprisoned unicorns in them. The poor creatures were trying to break their cages open, but it was useless. All they could do was cry out for help, waiting their turn to be slaughtered. Squall set his eyes on a man, pretty old and worn out, but with a long black beard and moustache, and thick black eyebrows. His eyes were strangely red. He was dressed in a long, dark blue cape that was covering all of his body. Although he was definitely seated, he was strangely tall. He was drinking a liquid from a golden goblet. At his feet, a unicorn was wriggled as it was dying. Blood was pumping out of its wound on its neck and stained the man's cape. Squall and Morgan looked at each other.
"If we attack now, I bet you he won't know what hit him!" Morgan said. Squall nodded affirmatively. He pulled out his Gunblade, filled it up and pushed the door open, storming in the chamber followed by Morgan. Raspudin was surprised. He drooped the goblet, and the unicorn blood flowed on the floor.
"Who are you!?" Raspudin demanded in a hoarse, sly voice.
"I'm a SeeD." Squall said sternly.
"Oh! Is that so? A SeeD! How interesting! A Sorcerer disposer!? HA! I do not fear you!" Raspudin said sadistically.
"Watch your tongue Raspudin! This is one of the SeeDs that defeated Ultimecia!" Morgan shouted.
"Oh? Really? I am impressed…You must be the one the world calls Leonhart…Yes, I've heard of you…The stories describe you a gigantic warrior, like Odin, with a great scar across your face! How strange! Looks like only the scar is real! You are only a child!" Raspudin teased him.
"And you, sly unicorn! You are very foolish to think I can be defeated so easily! I shall dispose both of you! Are you ready?" he continued. Instead of answering, Squall attacked Raspudin, who rose and dodged the attack, and so Squall's Lionheart ripped Raspudin's cape.
"Well then…since you dare to challenge me, I shall gladly accept your challenge!" Raspudin said, and threw his cape off.
"Morgan! Free the other unicorns! I'll take care of Raspudin!" Squall told Morgan, who rushed to free his friends. He ran up to the cages, and started to kick the locks open. Meanwhile, Raspudin had removed his cloak, revealing a surprisingly well-built body under it. Seated he didn't look really tall, but standing up, he was taller that Squall. Squall didn't care. He had beaten tougher guys. From Raspudin's belt hung a huge sword (Like Cloud's). He pulled it out and weighed it with both hands. Squall calculated this was the ideal moment to make his move. He raised his Lionheart, and whispered:
"Flame Lion, come to my call!" A bright-lighted mist surrounded him and thickened all around him, forming white flames around him. Now he was ready defeat his opponent. Raspudin wasn't surprised, but raised his huge sword and attacked Squall. The blade of the sword banged hard on the blade of the Lionheart, as Squall placed it in front of him to protect himself. Raspudin pushed all his weight on his sword, but Squall, having mastered the Gunblade techniques, held the Lionheart in such a manner that the Gunblade absorbed all the pressure. Squall pushed back, and kicked Raspudin on the stomach. Raspudin stumbled backwards. His sword had cracked and was now useless.
"Morgan! Hurry!" Squall shouted as he dodged a couple of fireballs thrown by Raspudin. Quick as a bullet, Squall cast Aura on himself and called his Limit Break.
"Renzokuken!" The last blow found Raspudin's chest and tore open a big wound. Bleeding, Raspudin attempted a final attack. In the fury of the battle, Squall hadn't noticed that on the walls hung old weapons, spears, swords, Gunblades, whips, Bows, and arrows. Raspudin raised his hand, and whispered a few words, totally illegible to Squall. The weapons on the walls came to life and attacked him. Squall was surprised. He tried to fight them back but it was hopeless; every time he dealt with a weapon, another one attacked him. The freed unicorns tried to assist Squall with their magic, but they could do nothing. Raspudin's magic was much stronger and they were weak.
"There…is…no…other…way…" Squall thought as sweat ran over his face.
"I have to blast on Raspudin." Squall broke a clearing among the weapons, and attacked Raspudin.
"Rhaaaah!" Squall leaped in the air and his Gunblade was ready to strike Raspudin, when a dagger ripped the air, and plunged hardly in Squall's chest. Right through his heart. The pointy end of the dagger stuck out of his back. The Lionheart slipped from his hands and fell on the ground. Squall dropped to his knees. He tried to pull the dagger from his chest. No use. Raspudin kept pushing it deeper in his flesh. Squall's eyes darkened. He breathed with difficulty.
"Noooooooooooo!" Morgan cried out. Squall looked at Raspudin. He coughed. Out of his mouth, blood flowed. He opened his mouth to speak.
"Rinoa…" the rest of the phrase was not heard, as the blood covered the sound. He fell on the ground, face up, proudly as he had lived, and died. Raspudin tried to laugh, but he was far from well too. He knelt on the ground. The unicorns gathered around Squall's body. They lamented, and cried. Cried for the death of a young and brave hero. Morgan looked at him. Until then he hadn't have a chance to look at him well enough. Squall's hair was stained with blood, falling over his face, covering his pale now face and the scar.
"Hahahaha!" Raspudin laughed weakly. "Now what shall you do?" Morgan got furious. He would not allow Squall's memory being teased. He turned around, looked at his hated enemy, snorted with anger and scratched his hoof on the ground. He started running against Raspudin. Unicorns had the incredible characteristic of an outrageous acceleration, and only after 5 steps, Morgan had reached his top speed of 100 km/h. Morgan stabbed Raspudin with his horn. Empowered by his anger, Morgan plunged his horn into Raspudin's chest. He lifted Raspudin in the air, over his head and slammed him away, on a wall. Then, he returned at the circle of the mourning unicorns. Raspudin was trying to recover from the blow but he was far too weak; his Force was dead. He unicorns continued lamenting. Suddenly a light appeared in the grand hall and formed a triangle, like a door to a strange place. The unicorns got scared and back stepped in awe. Three figures walked out from that door. Three gods. Athena, with her spear, her shield and her Greek helmet on her head tilted back revealing a beautiful yet wise face. She wore a long white tunic and over her shoulders a cream colored chiton. (a piece of cloth). An owl was sitting on her shoulder. Two other gods followed her. Sehmet, the lion headed goddess of medication, holding a marvelously decorated box in her hands. The box was wooden, and was covered with a leaf of gold, and emeralds were embroidered on it. And Anubis, the jackal headed god of death. Weighting his staff, with which he collected the souls of the dead. He held a small shiny figure of a human in his other hand.
"This warriors time has not arrived yet. He is brave and his destiny was still a lot to put him against. Sehmet will now heal the body and Anubis will return the soul." Athena said and looked at Squall's body with kindness, love almost. Athena's relationship with her protégés was clearly friendly, and had no sexual sides like some other gods. Sehmet used her own power to remove the dagger from Squall's chest and then opened her box. A shining dust scattered over Squall, and made him shine for a while. The medical power of Sehmet healed all the wounds Squall had suffered, and replaced all the lost blood. The body looked almost alive. After the shine faded, the Flame Lion's Mist cleansed him and removed all the blood from his clothes and face. Anubis stood over Squall's body and looked at the human figure he held in his hand. It was a fully armed man, holding a Gunblade.
"Although I did not weigh your soul in the Scale of the Souls, I know it is lighter than a feather, and you will always be so, Leonhart." He said, and let the soul fall into the body again. Squall took a deep breath, moved and opened his eyes. He was alive. The unicorns back stepped and started murmuring in awe. A dead had returned to life! Squall stood up on his feet, and lifted up his Gunblade. When he lifted his eyes to gaze at the three gods, he still had his eagle-sharp sight.
"Who are you?" he bravely asked the three gods. Athena smiled at him kindly.
"I am Athena and these are Sehmet and Anubis. We are three of the great gods that favor you and your comrades. You are under my special protection, like the great warriors are. I will guide you young ones in times of need."
"Thank you. We will try to be worthy of your protection, great gods." Squall replied. Then, Athena turned at Raspudin. He was crouched by the wall Morgan slammed him, helpless.
"Sorcerer, you have committed lethal sins. You have killed unicorns to feed on their blood. The death of a unicorn by human's hand means disturbance of the Great Balance. You understand that you will be punished after death in the Fields of the Asphodels. Do you want to say anything before you are condemned?" The Fields of the Asphodels were like the Tartara, but were meant for humans.
"Yes…" he replied weakly.
"My Master had promised me immortality. He has fooled me. I will get my revenge in my way. There will be a conspiracy. Amongst gods. I know nothing more. I know not who my Master was, but he was a god. Beware! It will garb you and your comrades in it too, Squall. Athena, please, allow me to leave one thing in this world. If it is I to leave something in this world, let it be something good. SeeD! Please, I know you have a Force of your own from your ancestor. Take what is left from mine to empower and awaken yours. Make something good out of it. Please!" Squall hesitated. Becoming a Sorcerer would mean he had to careful, and hide it from his partners. He would have to live like Rinoa. Rinoa…She was a Sorceress as well, and she was the last Sorceress alive. Maybe…becoming a Sorcerer would comfort her worries a little? Maybe he could help her put aside her fears of getting into trouble? Athena read his thoughts.
"Do not hesitate Squall. You are already a Sorcerer. What more could it be if you accept more powers?"
"She is right." He thought.
"Raspudin, I'll accept your powers. But I don't know how to handle them…"
"I'll transmit you some of my knowledge as well. Thank you Squall! You must prepare yourself for some pain now…" Raspudin closed his eyes. Electric currents went through Raspudin, and gathered at an orb over them. Then, from the orb came a great thunder, which hit Squall. The pain was great. It was like he was being born again. Pain, pain, only pain. Squall cried out in pain, as he was jolted violently from the power that ran through his veins. Soon it was all over. Squall fell to his knees again, crossing his arms on his chest in pain. He was sweating.
"Now…I can leave…" Raspudin said and died. Then the pain faded away. Squall looked at his hand. Small electric currents ran from his wrist to his fingertips. He closed his eyes and tried to calm down. As his agony calmed down the currents stopped. He controlled them. He stood up again, still a little dizzy. He was about to fall again, when Morgan went by his side and supported him.
"We did it!" Morgan said happily.
"No…you did it Morgan. I just helped a little. You whacked the hell outta Raspudin all on your own. Good job." Squall told him. The gods had disappeared in the meantime, leaving Squall, Morgan and the rest of the unicorns alone in the grand hall.
"Come on. Let's go." Morgan said and along with Squall leaded the legion of unicorns out of the castle, through the gate. The castle would soon enough turn into a home for the other creatures of the forest, and after time, turn into a heap of shambles. Squall and the unicorns headed for a meadow in the middle of the forest, surrounded by trees, where Morgan led them. An old unicorn moved away from the other ones and stood in front of all of them. His horn was golden at the base, and turned crimson at the top. A golden star was on the forehead of the unicorn.
" He is the Unicorn King. He is old and very wise. He's my grandfather, and father of almost all the unicorns in these woods. " Morgan explained to Squall. The King set eyes on Morgan.
"Come here Morgan." he said. Morgan trotted near the King.
"You, my son, were wonderful. You managed to escape Raspudin, venture to the outer world and bring along this magnificent young human to help us. But most of all, you were the one who killed the evil Sorcerer. I am old now, and my time to die has arrived. But I will rest assured that I will choose a great unicorn as my inheritor. I would like to appoint you as the new King…" All the unicorns cheered. Squall was happy for his friend. Morgan was very happy. He had almost turned red.
"I...It's my honor…" he stammered. The King and Morgan crossed horns, and a flashy light appeared, in which Morgan's horn turned golden and crimson, and a golden star appeared on his forehead. When the light faded away, the old King was gone, and a new King stood in front of all the unicorns. The unicorns cheered their new King, and started galloping all around the place in joy. Morgan trotted near Squall.
"Come on. I want to escort you to your world. As much as I would like you to have stayed here, I see I cannot force you, Sorcerer." He said. Squall looked at his in a way that said 'don't call me like that ok?' Morgan giggled.
"Sorry…Squall." They both walked through the forest, side by side.
"So, you've become the King. I can judge that is a great honor. Are you satisfied?" Squall asked him.
"Of course I am. But I am still worried about the decisions I'll have to take…"
"As long as you're satisfied, you'll do fine, trust me."
"What about you Squall? You've become a Sorcerer. That is a great honor too you know. How do you feel?" Squall frowned.
" I don't know yet. I don't know anything about my power now. It's like I have to discover everything about myself again. It's too confusing even to talk about!"
"Hehehehe…I see. You'll be fine too." They soon reached the door that would take Squall to his own world.
" I hope I'll see you again Squall."
"Perhaps."
"Goodbye Squall. Go on. Go and be a king in your world. Good luck."
"Goodbye Morgan." Squall stepped through the gate and found himself in the woods that were near Gallipolis. He was a Sorcerer now. What should he do now? He decided to head straight to Garden. Straight to Garden and talk to Rinoa. Only Rinoa could understand him and help him.
" I can't tell anyone else about this…I just can't. It's impossible. Only Rinoa will understand…" he thought as he headed straight for the Ragnarok. The Moombas were running around playfully when he arrived. They looked at him, and the one that had called him Laguna, went over to him.
"Laguna?" it said.
"I have to leave in a hurry. Please tell the Head Shamman I completed my mission and that I am sorry I'm leaving like this." He told it. He turned around and boarded the Ragnarok. He took off and headed for Balamb. When he reached Balamb, he landed not far form Garden and headed straight to it. Rinoa was waiting for him at the Front Gate. When she saw him, she happily ran up to him and hugged him.
"Squall! You're back so soon! I knew you would!" But suddenly she stepped back. In fear.
"Squall? W-What's going on? I can sense sorcery magic here…Sorcery? It's not your Prophet powers Squall…It…It's something stronger much stronger." She said sounding a little afraid.
"Rinoa, I'm in deep waters. I need your help. I knew I was a Sorcerer from Griever. But my Force hadn't awakened yet…The Force is like your Source, but it's independent from Hyne. A Sorcerer transmitted his Force to me, and mine has awakened. I'm a Sorcerer now myself. Because I combine two Forces, I could be very powerful, but I can't control them yet. Rinoa I…I need your help…" Rinoa was looking at him with sorrow.
"Oh Squall…" she said and fell into his arms.
"Just can't believe it…you, a Sorcerer…It's so sudden…I…"
"Rinoa, listen to me…" Squall said and held her face in his hands so she would look at his eyes.
"I could almost expect this would happen. My ancestor, Kallinike was a Sorcerer. I have inherited his power, as the Last Leonhart…Gods…this must remain a secret between you and me…for now. We'll tell the others when I feel ready ok?"
"Yes…of course…Squall, we can't talk this matter out here. We have to go somewhere else, where we'll be alone…"
"What do you suggest?" Rinoa said smiling again. There was no need to worry about the fact they were both Sorcerers so much after all.
"Hmmmm…I think I know the perfect place…" …
So I say a little prayer
And hope my dreams will take me there
Where the skies are blue
To see you once again, my love
Overseas from coast to coast
To find the place I love the most
Where the fields are green
To see you once again, my love…
(From 'My Love')
Rinoa smiled wider.
"Let's go, then." The place of their promise, at Edea's house was yet the most suitable place to sought that hard, painful matter out. On the Ragnarok, Squall told Rinoa the whole story, and Rinoa listened skeptically. Once they were at their beloved place, they both felt immediately better. The flowery carpet in front of them was beautiful. They went to sit on the grass, among the flowers, under a lonely tree that grew in the meadow all alone. It was a huge oak tree, so old it didn't have many leaves left, but it was still pretty. They sat, letting their backs rest on the trunk of the tree.
"You know, I think Kallinike must have been a good Sorcerer. I think you are going to be one too." Rinoa told Squall.
"Perhaps. If you teach me how to use my powers, 'cause right now I can't!" Squall replied with a laugh, putting a small twig between his teeth and letting it hang from his mouth.
"You think you can't! I though too, but I could! Come on, let's try. Look at this". She said showing him a small plant on the ground.
"That's a small rose plant. It'll take years to grow." He replied.
"I know that! But with your powers, you can make it grow huge in only minutes!"
"I don't think I can…"
"Try! Just touch it and try to convince it to grow huge!" Squall took off one of his gloves and touched a leaf. He closed his eyes and felt it. It was soft at the bottom side, and smooth on top. Its edge had tiny points. He opened his eyes. The plant was slowly growing. It grew branches and sprouts at all directions. Leaves pooped out from the branches and climbed the old oak tree, swirling around it's own branches. It started covering the whole oak tree, and soon, the tree looked strangely alive. After a few seconds, the rose tree was filled with beautiful roses, in different tones of pink, from light pink to a bright magenta and a scarlet red. Squall and Rinoa kept looking at the grand rose tree, with a joyful surprise.
"Well, I guess it was a small rose TREE after all…" Squall said.
"Yeah, and you CAN use your powers, but I think you overdid it now…Anyway, I think you made the place a little more beautiful!" Rinoa said with a giggle. Squall laughed.
"And what does our lesson have next, my little Sorceress?" he said.
"I'll teach you how to control elements! We'll start with…Water, which is the easiest
Let's leave those two lovebirds dwell in their happiness, and join Zell in a rather disappointing phone-conversation.
"Erika! What are you talking about?!" Zell said panicked.
"Zell, I found this great job opportunity in Deling. I HAVE to go…"
"Yeah, but are you gonna leave Garden?!"
"Tch…Zell, I came to Garden just to get a graduation and a diploma. I'm not the kind of fighter you are…I only needed the graduation!"
"..….!"
"Zell, this is my greatest chance in my whole life!
"But…Erika, what about us?!"
"Right. That's what I was gonna come to now Zell…"
"Let me guess…It's over?"
"Yes…I'm sorry Zell…"
"Yeah, sure…Thanks a lot Erika! I need more misery in my life!"
"I'm sorry Zell. I'm putting my career above all things for now. I'm leaving on Tuesday from Balamb Station…"
"Well, good riddens!" Zell shouted, and hung up, banging the phone. Zell was heartbroken. Erika, the ponytail girl from the Library had given him a chance to feel complete. He thought she really loved him. What a lie! Zell was in the deepest blues.
"Now I'm all alone again…All the others have someone; Selphie has Irvine, Squall has Rinoa…heh, you can't break those two apart…and now Quistis with Seifer…Me? I'm all alone again…I hate this!…" He sat heavily on his bed, putting his head in his hands. He was very sad. Just then, Quistis came in.
"Zell…Oh! Zell, what's up?" she said taking an older sister expression on her face.
"Erika's leavin'…and we're breaking up…She's leavin' me!"
"Oh! Zell…I'm so sorry…"
"It's ok…I'll get over it…I don't want to really care about that bitch anymore anyway!" He said out loud.
"Zell!"
"Sorry…"
"Zell, if she was silly enough to leave you, she's the loser. I don't think she actually deserved you. Ah, and Zell, I want to ask you a favor. A new Student came from Vulcan Garden…"
"Vulcan Garden?"
"You know! The Garden over at Santorine Island, that emerged from the volcanic eruption near the Battleship Island."
"Oh, yeah…"
"Well, we've got a new student from there. She just passed her SeeD exam with a good rank, but she's a little shy. I have to give her a tour of Balamb Garden, but I'm short of time…Zell, could I please ask you to do it for me? You get on well with people like her."
"Sure…no problem…"
"Ah, thank you very much. Come on. She's waiting for you outside." Quistis and Zell went out to the corridor. A girl was leaning on the opposite wall, with her legs crossed and stared at the floor. She wore tight jeans, and a light pink T-shirt. She was thin, and kinda short, about 1.67. Her hair was brownish like burnt amber, with hints of burnt sienna and blond. They were combed in many little pigtails, decorated with blue beads. All the pigtails were tied up in a ponytail with a ribbon in sea blue color. Around her waist was a belt with knifes hanging from it. She wore black fingerless gloves.
"Glafky…This is Zell. He's going to give you a tour around Balamb Garden." Quistis said. Glafky lifted her head. Zell's jaw almost dropped. She was very pretty. Her big eyes had a lovely brown color but looked a bit sad.
"Hi there." Zell said.
"Hi…I'm Glafky Seawind."
"Name's Zell Dincht…" Quistis looked at them and smiled.
"I'll let you two get along. I have a class now. See you people later…" She said as she left.
"I guess that's good or both of them." She thought. Zell and Glafky were just staring at each other…
Higher in the world of gods, Seth and Ares were fighting again.
"Dead by tomorrow…dead by tomorrow! My ass! Big words out of a stupid mouth! Raspudin screwed it up! Not only is the Leonhart still alive, but also he turned into a Sorcerer now! Great!" Ares yelled.
" Ares, shut up! I had no idea Raspudin would have been so treacherous! And Athena, Sehmet and Anubis messed into my plans." Seth replied, equally angry.
"You had no idea…you have no BRAIN you idiotic dog head!" Ares shouted.
"ARES! SHUT UP! This time, YOU come up with a way to dispose the Leonhart! I would like to see what you have prepared!"
"Oh really? Well in fact I have a plan. All I'm waiting for is a good chance! And it'll soon come! Hahahah!"
Another chapter done! Well, now you know who Glafky is…Review! Review! Review! Meet Ward's son soon!
Ruby Dragon