Chapter 5: A girl for Zell
Zell and Glafky stared at each other.
"Are…you a SeeD?" she asked with a low, sweet voice.
"Yeah…" Zell replied trying as much as possible not to look miserable.
"Um…I'm really, really glad someone's gonna show me around you know. Balamb Garden is really big!"
"Hey, it's nothing! Balamb is big, but Galbadia is bigger. Anyway, once you get used to it, you never get lost! Come on, I'll give you a tour!"
"Oh! Really you will? Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Glafky said and jumped up and down happily. Zell was already felling better, just talking to Glafky. She was very sweet and made him forget Erika's departure. They started walking down the hall.
"Um…were you one of the SeeDs that fought Ultimecia with Squall Leonhart?" Glafky asked him.
"Yeah…it was really hard. But since my buddy Squall stood up to it, so did I!"
"Wow…weren't you afraid?"
"Uh-huh…very. Squall was, everyone was. But we had to face her."
"Oh Zell! That was so brave of you guys!"
"Ah, it was nothing…"
"How did you fight her? With what weapons?"
"Well, I used these fists o' mine! I blew the hell outta her!"
"Wow! I use my fists too, a little. I mainly use throwing knives."
"Ah-huh…I see…Say, you wanna go over the Training Center and train after I show you around?"
"Yeah! That's a great idea! I like it!" So Zell gladly showed Glafky around Balamb Garden, and made it sound like a guided tour. Glafky found that very amusing and enjoyed it very much. She liked Zell. He made her feel comfortable around him, and get over her shyness.
"Alright. This is the Training Center, or as we like to call it, the Monster's Lair. It's the best place to train around here, now that they've imported bigger species for the advanced students."
"Wow, sounds really cool!"
"Come on, let's go to sector A. that's where all the big, bad guys loaf around. And only few students dare to get in, and of them, even fewer come out…Hahahahah! I'm kidding!"
"Hahahahah!!! I know! Or else I guess you wouldn't bring me here! Instructor Trepe wouldn't approve of it!"
"Yeah, that's right! Better not catch Quistis in a tantrum, or you're dead meat!" Zell giggled as they entered Sector A, the most dangerous place in Balamb Garden. A Torama came into the scene, roaring. They turned to face it.
"Here we go!" Shouted Zell as he cast a Silence spell on it. Glafky pulled two knives out of her belt and threw them at the Torama, who was hopelessly trying to cast a spell. She hit it on the shoulder and the neck.
"All it needs is a good aimed smack!" Zell said, running up to the wounded beast and delivering two straight blows that sent the Torama flying into the air. The wounded beast got furious and counter attacked Zell, leaping onto him with its big claws pointed out, aiming straight for his face. Zell caught the big cat as it was landing on him, and threw him on the ground.
"Zell!" Glafky shouted. Zell was holding the front feet of the Torama away from his face with his hands, while the huge cat was growling over his face. He growled back and pushed harder. The Torama used its hind legs' claws to claw Zell on the stomach, but luckily, they didn't do much damage before Glafky arrived. She pulled two more knives and stabbed them straight at the Torama's head, instantly killing it. Zell threw the dead body of the huge cat off of him and got up.
"Man…Shit this is bad…" he said looking at his stomach.
"Whew…" Glafky said and used a Cura spell on him. The wounds closed away, leaving almost no scars.
"Nice abdominal…" Glafky thought.
"Ahemm…Well, I guess we had enough training for today. Wanna go to the Cafeteria? I'm buying lunch if you want…"
"If you insist!…" Glafky said and they both exited the Training Center, talking about their interests. After lunch, they split; cause Glafky had some things to do. Zell headed for his room, feeling strangely happy. He was feeling lonely, but Glafky had shooed that feeling away for a while. Zell entered his room and dropped in bed. He was really tired. It was rather late, he hadn't slept well last night, and so he tossed off where he laid. The following morning, Glafky was nowhere to find.
Later on, Quistis told him that her class was off on a three-day training session over at Trabia. He waited for her for three days, still trying to figure out what the hell was wrong with him and he had her in his mind so much. Erika turned away and left every time their paths crossed, and after the 2nd day, it was Zell who started turning away, totally ignoring her. Three days later, Zell entered his room, tired and miserable. He had just come back from the Training Center, where he had been beating up a group of 6th Class Bears, who challenged him by attacking him. The Bears were the class that was training in physical combat with martial arts. Zell had once been through that class, and had completed the sessions, ending them by beating up the instructor in charge after he challenged him. The 6th Class Bears were considered very tough nuts, but Zell had just beaten the hell outta 20 at least. But, even a good fight didn't make him feel happy. He dropped in bed, lying there for a few seconds, then got up again and took his guitar.
This was his secret hobby. He had liked it since the concert Selphie threw at FH. He was quite good at it, but he just didn't admit it. He took it and he started playing a rhythm he liked. He always calmed down when he played the guitar. It was a nice and relaxing song, but it was also a little sad. He knew the lyrics but couldn't recall them now. He only slowly hummed the first verse.
Loneliness is always looking for a friend
It found me once and has been around since then
Then, loneliness is never waiting by the door
It sweeps right through and it will never be ignored.
Why? Why was I chosen? Why? Why am I left without…
"Left without what?" he thought. He was all-miserable again.
"Zell? Can I come in?"
"!!! Glafky!"
"Am I here in a bad time? Should I leave?"
"N-no! Come in!" Glafky came in. She looked still really pretty.
"Hey…were you playing the guitar? That was a lovely tune!"
"Ah thanks…"
"Hey! Your room is really tidy!"
"Hehehe! Yeah, my buddies call me 'tidy freak' when they don't call me a Chicken-Wuss…" Glafky burst out a laughter.
"Hahahaha! Chicken-Wuss?!"
"Yeah…I guess it's my hair or something…" Glafky sat on the bed next to him.
"How was your session?" "It was ok. But, everyone was a little cold against me, and to make the matters worse, it was freezing cold up there! And all those Snow Lions…A baby one ate one of my sweaters! I just couldn't believe it! It looked so cute!"
"Hahahahahah!" Zell laughed. "Now that's something you don't hear everyday!"
"You know what Zell? You are really great with the guitar. I was well, passing by and I heard you. So, tell me, you have no girlfriend to go at night under her balcony and play the guitar?" Zell frowned.
"Had…she broke up with me three days ago…"
"Oh…Zell, I'm really sorry…you know what? I guess she was really stupid to leave such a nice guy as you." She said seriously. "Say…are you coming at the party toning?" she continued. There was going to be a small party for SeeDs that evening, organized by the Festival Committee, meaning Selphie…
"I don't know…I'm not really in a mood."
"Oh, do come Zell! Please? Will you come with me please? Please?"
"W-with you?! G…Glafky, geez…I…uh…I…" Zell blushed.
"Please? Please with honey on top?"
"Well, um…Yes…I'd love to go with you…"
"YES! Thank you Zell!" she cried out and hugged him.
"Gah!" Glafky pulled away.
"Oh, sorry…"
"!?"
"I'd better get going now. I'm late for homeroom. Could you please come and meet me outside my dorm? At about 10:00? It's dorm B-672. Here I'll note it down for you…" Glafky took a piece of paper and scribbled the number down.
"Thank you Zell…" she said and kissed his forehead. Zell got red again. She left, but Zell was still sitting on his bed, with his guitar on his lap, staring like stupid the wall opposite him with his jaw wide open. His mind was swarming with various thoughts, mainly around Glafky.
"S-she kissed me! She wants to go to the party with me!…Could that mean she…likes me?! Holy crap! What if she DOES like me after all!? Man, this charm of mine… Hold on a sec…What do I feel? Well…I guess I like her…very…much…? No, it's not that…Why the hell was I all red when she talked to me? AH! That's it. Zell, stop hiding behind your thumb and admit it! Your in love with her!" he thought.
"Well, it's time I used my manly charm…I'd better go to Irvine for some advise!" He said out loud and went off to find Irvine.
Meanwhile, Glafky was entering her room again. Before she turned on the light she noticed a figure sitting on her bed. She switched n the light to see the intruder. Then she smiled widely.
"Hi aunt Aphrodite!" she said, and jumped on the bed next to her aunt, the goddess of beauty and love.
"Hi Glafky…I'm so glad to see you again sweetheart…" she said and blew her a kiss on the cheek.
"Tell me, how's life with mortals?" she continued.
"It's soooo much fun! It's not boring at all, unlike living in the bottom of the ocean all day long! I like Garden very much, and I've already made some friends! Oh, and…"
"You made a cute little guy fall in love with you, that's what else you managed to do my little Nereid…" Aphrodite said innocently.
"? Oh no…Why did you do that to Zell aunty? Why did you make him fall for me?"
"Oops!… Well, you like him too don't you?"
"Well, yeah! But, love, I don't know…"
"Oh, come on now! I'm the goddess of love! You're trying to hide anything from me? Please!"
"Yeah…I guess you're right…I do love him. I think I fell in love with him when we first met, when he showed me around Garden, when we trained together…"
"I'll consider that training as your first date…"
"Aunt!"
"Well, it was the first thing you two did together! Listen to me Glafky. You are the last daughter of Nereys and the one god whom is nearer to his mortal nature. That means your feelings are more complex and you react like a human. Love is something natural in humans, and I only point it out, understand?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right again."
"Oh and another thing…Your brother, Triton…"
"What? What happened?"
"He sends you best wishes for passing your SeeD exam…"
" Heheh…that brother of mine…"
"Well, he's not the only one that misses you. Your sisters miss you too. You should make a dive in the sea and see them…"
"I will." "Well, then. I'd better get going…"
"Tell to Dad and all that I love them and I miss them!"
"Ok, honey. And good luck with your date tonight…"
"Grrr…" Aphrodite disappeared, leaving a bunch of stardust on her bed, which Glafky dusted away before lying down. She started thinking of Zell.
" What a great guy…" she thought.
At about 9:54, Zell left his room, heading for Glafky's dorm to meet her as they had arranged. Irvine had given him little advises about how to not get all-anxious around Glafky. But well, he still couldn't pass by his slight anxiety. He was dressed in his fancy SeeD suit, and looked pretty good in it. He walked mind absently to her dorm, almost stumbling on people.
"Dorm B-672…B-672…Ah…here it is…" He knocked on the door.
"Yes?…" was the answer.
"Zell here…"
"Oh! I'm coming!" She opened the door, and once again Zell found her astonishing. She had a strange grace and all her posture was…different. Perhaps because she wasn't wearing her sloppy, every day, fighting clothes, and her knife belt. She wore a light blue dress, knee-length, which left her shoulders and arms free. Her hair was still combed in thousands of pigtails with beads, and were now let lose, falling softly on her shoulders. She wore a silver bracelet on her left wrist, and a silver chain with a small dolphin around her neck.
" Hi Zell!" she said and stepped forwards, but it seemed that she wasn't used to her high-heel shoes, and miss stepped, falling into Zell's arms.
"Woah! Oh, sorry Zell…"
"Nah it's ok. You alright?"
"Yup. Wow, you look good in your SeeD uniform!"
"Why thank you…and…you're very beautiful too Glafky…"
"Aww…That's so sweet…" They started walking together towards the ceremony hall, when suddenly Zell got a glimpse of Erika.
"I hope she doesn't cause a scene…" he thought. Erika saw them and ran up to them, and scolded Zell.
"What in the earth are you doing Zell!" Erika said rudely. "And who is SHE?"
"First of all, please don't be so rude, and second, this is Glafky, my date, and speak nicer to her, ok?" He replied calmly with a revenging smile on his face.
"How could you…" Erika begun.
"With the right of the bachelor!" Zell replied as Erika ran away, crying perhaps, and followed by a friend of hers.
"Zell, you actually said I'm your girlfriend! Are you serious?" Glafky gasped. Zell smiled.
"Of course I mean it. But, it's unofficially…"
"Unofficially? Why?"
"Because you haven't agreed yet. I haven't asked you yet…So, Glafky, do you want to be my girlfriend?"
"Yeah!"
"ALRIGHT!" Zell cried out and jumped in the air. "Come on, I wanna introduce you to my buddies…You just have to meet them!" he continued and led Glafky to the ceremony hall, which was crowded, and was wonderfully decorated with a live band on stage! Glafky was excited. She hadn't been to such a lovely party before.
"Ah! There they are! Come on!" He said as they approached the rest of the company.
"Hey Zell! Wazzup? I see you have a new date! Hey there!" Irvine said with a pleasant grin.
"Guys, this is Glafky. My new girlfriend. Glafky I'd like you to meet my best buddies and top SeeDs of the academy. Selphie, Irvine, Squall, Rinoa, Quistis and Seifer." Zell introduced her.
"Nice to meet you guys…" she said shyly.
"You came all the way from Vulcan Garden, right?"
"Yes Rinoa."
"I've heard that Santorine Island is great. Please tell me it is!" Selphie said happily.
"Oh, is really is a great island. The people are friendly, the weather is warm, and the most fabulous thing about it are the warm whirlpools found in the old volcano crater." Glafky replied.
"Then I guess it's a great place to spend our summer holidays!" Irvine said. After a little more chitchat, Glafky really felt like a member of the group. Rinoa and the other two girls understood that Glafky was shy, and helped her get over it, and soon Glafky was joking with the rest of the kids just like if she knew them for years. Then, the band started playing a lovely slow song, and many couples decided to dance.
"Hey, these guys are actually good Selphie. Nice choice. Who are they?" Seifer asked her
"Um…I think they're called 'SAVAGE GARDEN'…"
*(Taken from Affirmation)
Maybe it's intuition
But some things you just don't question
Like in your eyes I see my future in an instant
And there it goes I think I've found my best friend
I know it might sound more than a little crazy
But I believe I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed your way into life I knew
I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life
There's just no rhyme or reason
Only this sense of completion
And in your eyes I see the missing pieces
I'm searching for
I think I've found my best friend
I know that it might sound more than a little crazy
But I believe I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life
A thousand angels dance around you
I am complete now that I've found you
I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life…
"Squall! Let's go and dance!" Rinoa said and pulled Squall on the dance floor, but this time Squall followed her without hesitation. Quistis and Seifer also set off dancing too. Zell just didn't dare to ask Glafky to dance with him, because he was really bad as a dancer. Selphie and Irvine decided to force them dance. Selphie had the idea. She whispered something to Irvine, and he went over to Glafky, and asked her to dance. She agreed, as Zell was dragged away from Selphie and onto the dance floor. He lost sight of Glafky as he and Selphie were swirling on the rhythm of the song. He was looking all over the place for her. The two couples 'accidentally' crashed.
"Ah! Selphie! So there you were! Hey Zell, let's exchange girls…" Irvine said to Zell and Selphie switched places with Glafky. Zell found himself dancing with Glafky.
"Sorry I got dragged away by Selphie. I guess she and Irvine wanted to pull a joke on me…" Zell apologized.
"It's ok."
"Sorry, I'm not the kind of a great, graceful dancer…"
"It's alright. Neither am I…" Glafky put her arms around Zell's neck and kissed him. Zell stood still enjoying that lovely feeling. From a secret corner, the invisible by all Aphrodite was shedding tears of joy for her little niece. She made one of the spotlights move right upon the kissing couple, and everybody saw them and clapped. Both Zell and Glafky got all red. Aphrodite giggled softly in her corner and watched all the couples in the hall. She was inspecting her work with the young lovers, when she felt a soft taping on her shoulder. She turned around.
"Athena!" she exclaimed seeing the wise goddess. "What in the world are you doing in here!?"
"Aphrodite, I've got some bad news. We have to inform Glafky. Come with me…"
"Alright." Both goddesses disappeared in thin air… Later, Zell was walking Glafky to her dorm. They were hugging each other, and Glafky had leaned her head on Zell's shoulder.
"I had such a nice time tonight, with you and your friends…they're all so nice…" Glafky said.
"I had a good time too…" Zell replied. For first time, there was something else besides hot-dogs in a party for him! When they reached Glafky's room, they looked at each other for a sec.
"Say… um…you wanna come with me to Balamb town tomorrow? I could show you around. It's a cozy little place…"
"I'd love to Zell. I want to see that humble place that raised a guy like you…"
"Ok. I'll be waiting for you at the Front Gate. How's…10:30?"
"It's alright with me."
"Ok then. It's arranged. Goodnight…"
"Goodnight Zell…" Glafky said and kissed him. Zell embraced her and answered to the kiss, by giving her a helping of a man's really warm kiss. When he let her go she was still standing with her eyes closed for a minute wondering why mortals enjoyed that action -kissing- so much. Then, she opened her eyes again, and after a last smile, turned away and entered her room. Zell left as she closed the door behind her, and when she turned around she was startled by the presence of the two goddesses. They both had a serious and worried look on their faces.
"Aphrodite? Athena? What's going on?"
"Sorry to butt in like this Glafky but there's trouble. Horus is afraid things are going to happen. The Superior Power showed bad omens, that awful things are to come…" Athena replied.
"Oh no…what is going to happen?"
"We don't know…All we know is that if it is a revolution against the ruling of Horus again, Garden might be the first to be attacked…"
"Garden?! Why?"
" It trains the most powerful fighters of the mortal world. And we know that a mortal, if prepared, can oppose a god. And besides, Balamb is the head of all Gardens, and is home to the best SeeD this world has ever known…."
"I can't believe it!…Garden…I'll do it! I'll watch over Garden! I still have a part of my powers! I'll protect garden!" Glafky said, almost in tears.
"Horus knew you would decide so. So it's in your hands now to protect Garden along with the other SeeDs. And tell Zell about who you are. He at least, has to know!" Athena said.
"If he finds it out with the hard way, it will hurt both you and him. It could also cause a collapse between the team. You have to tell Zell, but only to him." Athena continued. "You understand?"
"Yeah."
"But be careful. Because you lived some time now with the mortals, you might have to be more careful with your power. You mortal used body may not be able to withstand the power if you unleash a major attack."
"I will. Tomorrow the less, I'll tell Zell about it. But, shouldn't Squall be informed about this mess? He's the stronghold in this place. Everyone looks up to him the most, and only he and his team are able to withstand an attack by a god."
"Don't worry about that; Squall is a Prophet, and Apollo has taken responsibility to inform him."
"Alright."
"Be very careful Glafky. If you reveal you goddess power the kids may lose trust in you, and you will be forced to leave Garden…"
"I'll be careful. I promise."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight…"
Meanwhile, Squall was changing, when he felt a pain in his head. He sat on his bed and tried to focus. Then he heard Apollo's voice speaking to him, into his mind.
"Squall, beware. Bad omens have been seen among gods. We fear great evil things will happen soon. Garden may be a primal target, due to the fact it trains the SeeD. Beware. Inform your team about the whereabouts, and know that a god is among you, to watch over Garden. Do not try to uncover him before the time has come. He will appear to you when the time is right. Do not hesitate to trust him. You all must be ready to face great upcoming threats."
"Apollo! I want to know more! Why have I been chosen as a Sorcerer? Who was Andros?! Apollo!" Squall said into his mind. No response.
"Damn it! I hate it when this happens!" he thought.
In the morning, Glafky and Zell left Garden and headed to Balamb town. Glafky pretended to be happy, but inside of her, she was screaming. She wanted to tell Zell what she was, and she had to find the suitable words to explain him. She was pretty lost in those thoughts, but as soon as they reached Balamb Town, Glafky was delighted with the cozy little town.
"Oh! It's lovely! And so close to the sea! I just love it!" Glafky said as they went down to the docks.
"Yo! Zell! Is this your girlfriend?" Big Bad Rascal asked who was messing around at the docks.
"Yeah, and better not be rude to her or I'll give you a slap that your head will turn 360 degrees!" Zell joked.
"I'm not gonna be rude. I'm just gonna tell it to the whole town that you got a very pretty new girlfriend!" Big Bad Rascal replied and ran off.
"Grrr…I hate that kid sometimes, and it kills me to know he's got a gold heart… " Zell groaned.
"You must have a way with kids…"Glafky replied with a giggle.
"Let's go to my house. I want my Ma to meet you. She's gonna like you." So they went to Zell's House. Ma Dincht did like Glafky.
"You seem like a nice girl Glafky. Please take care of Zell and don't let him hurt anyone if he's in a tantrum, alright?" she had said.
After a while, as they were wandering around in the Balamb Market, the new lane where all the shops were, Glafky decided she couldn't hold it back any longer.
" Zell…I have something very important I have to tell you…can we please go somewhere a little isolated? It's something very important, and I want you to keep it a secret, at least for now…" she said.
"Sure. You sound very serious about it. I know a perfect place." Zell led Glafky on a lonely beach outside Balamb Town. They sat on the warm by the evening sun sand and Zell begun.
"So, what's the important thing you want to tell me about?"
"I…I'm not who exactly who you think I am…"
"What do you mean Glafky? Come on. Tell me you can trust me."
"I know I can Zell. You know about the existence of gods, right?"
"Yeah. I haven't met one, and I don't know who they are, but I know they exist. Squall is a Prophet you know; gifted by Apollo, who is a god, to be able and view the past, the present, and the future. So, I believe in the evidence…"
"Alright. Then this shouldn't be very hard on you… Nereys is the god of waters, and the seas. I…I'm one of his daughters…" Glafky said.
"What?! You…daughter of a god!?…Then…that means you're a goddess too…" Zell's jaw dropped.
"Oh Zell…" Glafky said sadly. " I hurt your feelings…I…I'm sorry…I should have known…I shouldn't have fallen for you, and I shouldn't have let you fall for me. I'm sorry Zell…"
"Don't say that. I'm not angry with you, and certainly my feelings aren't hurt. I'm just… a little scared of you now I guess. If I hadn't fallen for you, I'd still be unhappy. Now, I'm just confused. Tell me Glafky, what kind of goddess are you?"
"That question, I'd better answer…" came a voice from the sea. They both looked at the owner of the voice. Zell almost cried out in fear. A young man who waist down had a long fish's tail was lying lazily on the surf, not far from them.
"W-who are you?" Zell asked him.
"He's my big brother, Triton…He always pops up like this." Glafky said a little frustrated with her brother.
"I thought you were gonna leave me handle this…" she continued.
"I would, but that question Zell made, you can't answer it well, so may I explain Zell clearly what is it with you?" Triton said.
"Alright. You're right bro, I can't explain it well. Go ahead."
"Listen to me Zell. Our father, Nereys has 50 daughters and one son, me. Glafky is one of the 50 Nereids, guardians of the waters, the sailors and so on. As his only son, I'm in charge of everything. The Nereids run around the oceans of the world, watching over the people. For some strange reason, Glafky is closer to the mortal nature than any god. She feels like a mortal, and has all the mortal weaknesses. That's why she asked to be let to live with the mortals. Her request was granted, because she was more than unhappy with the gods. Anyhow, Glafky quit her god powers, which weren't major actually, and came to live with the mortals. Well, now I was against that idea, because I believe this life is hard for my little sis, and I do not want to see her one day dead. But unfortunately, my sister is more than stubborn. Never the less, I come to see this was best for all. Glafky is now the guardian of Garden. That's all. I hope this was easy to understand Zell…"
"No problem…" Zell said out of breath.
"Ok. Just please look after her ok?"
"Don't worry…"
"Thanks. And you miss, try not to cause many problems, alright? Or else I'll come out of the water and give you a spanking you're gonna remember!"
"Alright, alright! Can I have some privacy with my boyfriend now?!" Triton burst a laugh and dived into the sea again.
" I'm sorry for his behavior. He isn't as bad as he looks. He's just too fond of me… Zell, this has to remain a secret. I'll tell the others when I decide I'm ready. Till then, I want you to keep this a secret."
"Don't worry. I understand why. You're afraid no one will want to be around you anymore, right?"
"Yes. I might cause the team to collapse, because they might lose trust in you and me and eventually to one another."
"Don't worry Glafky. I'll always want to be around you. After all you are my girlfriend. And the others, I'm sure they'll understand when you decide to tell them. We don't lose our faith to our friends so easily.…Let's better return to Garden now. The others must be looking for us…" Zell said breathlessly
"Alright." They got up and started walking to Balamb Garden, supporting each other. Glafky needed mental support now, and Zell was a sure support. She felt safe and secure with him. It was a feeling a god could never feel, and that's what made Glafky special. She could feel all those small things of the mortals a god could never feel. When they entered garden, they met Irvine at the directory. His face was cloudy.
"Finally here you are…Meet at the secret area in the Training Center on the double. Squall said it's important." Irvine said.
"Ok, let's go…" Zell replied. The three of them rushed to the Training Center and went straight to the secret area. Everyone was there, including Caesar. Squall was leaning on the wall, skeptical and frowned. He had an expression that meant, 'something's very wrong people…'. When he saw they were all present, he stood straight and cleared his voice.
"Ok guys, I got some seriously worrying news." He began.
"My Prophet powers warned me about something that concerns us and the Garden as a whole. Bad omens have appeared among gods, and great evil things are about to happen. What's worst, Garden might be under threat, and that makes him the possible primal target of anything that might threaten the world."
"Garden?! Why?!" Selphie said.
"You think it might be a Sorceress again?" Quistis asked.
"I don't know. Apollo didn't give many details. But he said that the reason is we. We might pose a threat to the evil. Bu the thing that mostly troubled me is that he said that a god is within Garden to watch over it." Everyone was surprised to that phrase.
"What?! A god?!" Seifer exclaimed.
"Yeah. He also said that he's here to assist us in case we need his help. He'll reveal whom he is only when he thinks it's time to do so. That's all I know and have to say. This is between out company ok? Understand?" Everyone nodded.
"Alright. Then…" Before Squall could say any longer, the alarm was heard and Cid was shouting in panic through the intercom,
"Garden is under attack! I repeat, Garden is under attack! SeeDs, cadets and students! Prepare for combat! Situation is similar to Galbadia's attack schedule! Everyone to your positions! Squall's team, please try and organize the defense before…" the intercom wet down.
"Damn it! Why is it always like this!? OK guys! You heard Cid! We split in 4 teams! Irvine and Selphie! You guys cover the 2nd floor and the classroom! Seifer and Quistis! Take the Quad! Zell, Glafky and Caesar, the Front Gate! Don't let anything get in! Rinoa, you and I take any enemy already in Garden and mop up the 1st floor! Let's go! Let's go! Junction up and prepare for combat! Make sure you're all geared up!" Squall shouted around as the all ran to their positions. The Garden students were running all around getting ready in their positions. The Medics split in the Infirmary and combat field support teams. The elites, the instructors and the SeeDs were trying to maintain a balance among everyone, as the mysterious soldiers were busting in. As he rushed among the other students, Squall slashed wide open a mystery soldier, which wore a uniform he had never seen before. Those guys wore long black kelebs, and looked much like the Bedouins. Once he looked at his defeated enemy, Squall was amazed. They had no blood, no vital organs, no nothing! They were like bags of sand that were torn open! The soldier Squall slashed fell to the ground and evaporated.
"These aren't even human! Show no mercy guys!!" A SeeD cried out. The battles the team picked up were rather fierce.
Selphie and Irvine:
"Look out! They're coming from the deck!!" Xu cried out. The soldiers already in the 2nd floor were plenty, and Selphie and Irvine could not allow any more to come in.
"Irvy! Hurry! You heard what Xu said!" Selphie shouted and pulled Irvine with her. The both arrived at the deck's door, as it slammed open and another soldier in black kelebs came in, welling a huge, curved sword and a shield. The battle began fierce. Selphie knocked most down with a few good aimed smacks from her nunchaku, as Irvine's 'Shot' with Fire Ammo burned the hell outta the rest. Selphie threw the chain of her nunchaku around the neck of a soldier she ambushed, and then yanked the sticks, choking him to death.
"Ok! Area clear! Let's lock the door and go help the rest!" Irvine said as the last mystery soldier evaporated in thin air. He locked the door using a multi utility key, and then rushed off to follow Selphie, who was rushing to answer to a student's call for help.
Seifer ad Quistis:
"Quick! Hurry up Quisty! They're comin'!" Seifer shouted out, as he and Quistis raced to get to the Quad. The students who were guarding the area needed reinforcements, and Seifer and Quistis were rushing to help. The area was full of soldiers, and getting through was rough. Seifer and Quistis were running towards the Quad, and avoided every battle to get there faster. When they reached the Quad, it was a little too late. The area was infested with soldiers who those moments were finishing off the last resisting students. They had several huge war dogs with them. Seifer attacked without hesitation, and killed two dogs with one blow.
"Ultima!" Quistis cast on a group of soldiers, while Seifer dueled another one.
"Seifer! Get outta the way! I'm using Blue Magic!" Quistis cried out. Seifer threw the soldier he was slashing on the others, and jumped away as Quistis called
"Shockwave Pulsar!"
Zell, Glafky and Caesar:
Zell was covered in sweat as he lifted a soldier in the air and threw him on three other ones. Caesar was setting fire to their kelebs, and poisoned them with his venomous teeth. Glafky kicked, punched and stabbed her opponents, utilizing her superhuman power of a goddess. Everyone was too busy to notice that.
"Zell!" Caesar cried out
." Glafky! Take cover I'm using my Limit Break!" Zell and Glafky jumped away from the soldiers who were gathering up and trying to re-organize themselves. Once again Caesar flew up high, 5 meters this time, calculating the angle of 30 degrees and the speed of his firepower, 370 km/h, a combination which never missed it's target.
"Berserk!" he cast on himself for the first phase of the Limit Break, 'Dragon Rage'. After his firepower went way up, he generated the massive fireball in his mouth, and then threw it on the soldiers, spreading the fire to all directions. More than 10 soldiers in black drooped dead, carbonized with their black kelebs turned into ashes.
"Wow! Caesar! I didn't know you had such firepower dude!" Zell cried out.
"Zell! Caesar! There's more coming!" Glafky shouted as she looked around her.
Squall and Rinoa:
Squall banged with his back on the wall, as a soldier pushed his huge sword on the Lionheart's blade. Squall pushed back. The soldier bared his teeth and pushed harder. Suddenly, Angelo pounced on the soldier's back, and bit the back of his neck, growling. The soldier cried out in pain and surprise, and dropped his sword. Squall grasped the chance and drove the Lionheart through the soldier's stomach. Then he pulled it, and the soldier fell on the ground evaporating.
"Good job Angelo! Go help Rinoa!" Squall said to the dog. Rinoa didn't need the help anyway. With her Sorceress powers, she threw the soldiers that attacked her here and there, and finished them off with her Shooting Star. Suddenly Squall noticed some soldiers climbing the walls to the second floor.
"…The hell? Those guys are like spiders!" he thought seeing them climbing bare handed.
"Rinoa! They're heading for Cid's office! Come on!" Squall shouted.
"Let's go Squall!" she replied. Before they could move a muscle, the intercom came up, and a loud, cold voice echoed through the halls of Balamb Garden.
"Leonhart, you are ordered to come at the Headmaster's office at once. Do not try to resist the order or the Headmaster, his wife and the pilot of Balamb Garden will be exterminated. I will not repeat my order…" Rinoa looked at Squall worryingly. His face could have been made by solid stone.
"Who was that?" she asked.
"I don't know, but we'll find out. Come on!" Squall said and headed for the elevator, followed by Rinoa. All the others heard the call too. They knew something bad was about to happen, so they rushed to Cid's office too. They all met there. Once Squall pushed the door open, they all saw what was going on. Cid, Edea and Nida were held captives. "Surrender Leonhart! Or die!" Shouted a very tall soldier in black.
"No! Fuck off!" Squall replied.
"Then, I shall kill you and your friends!"
"That must be the 100th time I hear that treat…" Squall said ironically. Suddenly, Glafky rushed in front of Squall, pushing his aside saying:
"Please. This is my battle…"
"Ah-hah! As expected! The little, pathetic sea goddess!" the soldier exclaimed with a laugh. Everyone looked at Glafky with amazement.
"…A goddess?…" Rinoa said without breath.
"Yes. I'm the god that's among you all…" Glafky said as she began to change, slowly but steadily into her divine form. Her skin started shining, her hair turned silver and her eyes jewel blue. Then she turned to the soldier.
"Charon, I'm watching over this Garden, and I'm not going to let you salvage it, or take away any of it's students. If you want to harm it, you have to get through me!"
"Well, well, well…the little Nereid wants to battle me? What an honor…I warn you Glafky! Your powers aren't strong enough to defeat me!"
"Who said I care! I'll fight you any way! Like a…SeeD!" she yelled, lifting her hand and sending a wave of positive, divine energy towards Charon. Charon answered sending a wave of his energy to Glafky. The Nereid sent more power to her blow. She was winning, or at least, so she thought. Glafky's mortal side couldn't take the power, and her legs started trembling, and her wave got weaker, and Charon started winning over her. She fell to her knees, still trying, and Charon was ready to deal the devastating blow, when something incredible happened. A light circle appeared on the floor, and everyone in the room gasped back in awe. Triton emerged from the light, and before Charon could react, Triton had grasped him from the collar, and lifted him in the air.
"You son of a bitch! You dare to bother MY sister!?" He roared at Charon.
"T-T-T-T-Triton! Your sister?…I, I,I, didn't know? Your sister? I'm sorry!" Charon cried in tears.
"You're a pathetic, cowardly bastard, that's what you are! I'll throw you in the depths of Tartarus!"
"NO! Not there again! Please! I didn't mean it! I'm sorry!"
"…Screw you're sorry!" Triton said and as he spoke a black light appeared on the floor, this time forming a hole that contained an endless darkness, and a scent that was worst than death itself. In that hole Triton threw Charon who as he fell cried out a last:
"NNNOOOOOoooooooooo!………….." Then, after the worthless god had fallen in, the hole closed firmly and the semi fish god turned to his sister. Zell had rushed near her to support her.
"Glafky! I though I told you to stay outta trouble! Why did you want to put up against that asshole!? You know your powers weren't good enough to fight, and your mortal part would have been killed!" He said scolding her.
"I'm sorry…I don't want them anymore…"
"What!?"
"I don't want these worthless powers anymore! I hate them! Please Triton, take them from me…"
"Are you sure that's what you want sis? You know it can't change once they're gone…"
"I don't care, just take them…"
"…Alright. Zell, stand back please." Zell stood a little aside as Glafky got up and gave her hand to her brother. A blue light ran from her arm to Triton's, and Glafky turned back to her mortal form, falling into Zell's arms.
"Farewell mortals. Please look after my sister…" Triton said and disappeared.
"I…I'm sorry…" Glafky said to Cid and Edea.
"…Why are you apologizing Glafky?" Edea said kindly.
"I caused all this trouble. It's all my fault. You were expecting the best from me and…I failed…"
"No, don't say that. It was all a big misunderstanding. The fact that you were a goddess doesn't change the fact you trained as a mortal and became a SeeD. It was your choice to come with us and I'm sure you were ready for the consequences. Even if you didn't acknowledge it. Garden is a military academy, but most of all, it's an asylum to all that need help, and a place where we learn to bear our fears, and everyone who believes that he is worthy of it can enter. And that goes for you too. I realize you are a mortal now Glafky. Do you still want to stay in Garden? No one will force you neither to stay, nor to leave. It's all up to you…" Cid said.
"…But, won't I cause more problems?"
"I don't think so. Look at Rinoa. She has the powers of two Sorceresses, yet she causes almost no problems. And you, I don't think you have the power to cause any trouble now…"
"Yes. That's right. I can't. I'm a simple mortal now."
"Ah…mortals may prove to be great in their simple ways." Edea said.
"Heheh…I know that now. I'll stay. Nevertheless, I'm still a SeeD, and I'm sure I have a lot more to do in my life yet…" Glafky replied softly and turned to the others.
"I…I'm sorry guys. I should have told you all about this thing…I feel so embarrassed now…"
"It's alright Glafky. We all understand what you feel. It's all a matter of trust. You could trust us. I know that better than anyone. Right now there's nothing different between me and you and the others. We're all teenagers and we all like each other. We all trust each other. Besides, you think a goddess appearance could have broken us up?" Rinoa told her.
"Yeah, you're right. It was silly of me to think that that would have broken your friendship. You guys have been through a lot together to part so easily. I'm sorry again."
"Glafky…" Zell said.
"I know what you want to say Zell. Don't say it aloud. Come on all. Let's go now…"
"Well Glafky, welcome to our club…and the wonderful world of mortality where we all have to look over our shoulders all the time…" Irvine joked. The team walked out of the office to go and see how the Garden students were.
Well, at least for the next week, they had some job to do, helping tidy up the Garden and reorganize everything the way they used to be.
Two weeks later, everything has taken it's calm routine and Garden is again peaceful. Glafky is in happiness, and everyone is well. Nothing unparticular has happened, only Caesar has realized he has grown larger, to a height of 3 meters standing on his hind legs, and he looks as big as a Behemoth. Squall was walking solemnly to the Training Center. He was a little bored, and he decided that a little fight might be good. When he got in he headed for sector A where he could find all the big bad guys he wanted to slaughter. As he wandered around looking for 'prey', he saw a T-Rexuar walking towards him hesitantly. Before he could draw his Gunblade and attack, a huge axe came swirling through the air, and plunged into the head of the T-Rexuar who dropped dead. Then a voice came from the bushes.
"Hey! You wanted to fight that!?" the owner of the axe shouted as he moved through the bushes to get near him.
"Uh, yeah actually!"
"Oh! Sorry then!" The other guy said with a giggle. He emerged from the bushes. Squall was actually amazed with his looks…
Chapter done! Guess who it is! I said earlier somewhere…
Ruby Dragon
Zell and Glafky stared at each other.
"Are…you a SeeD?" she asked with a low, sweet voice.
"Yeah…" Zell replied trying as much as possible not to look miserable.
"Um…I'm really, really glad someone's gonna show me around you know. Balamb Garden is really big!"
"Hey, it's nothing! Balamb is big, but Galbadia is bigger. Anyway, once you get used to it, you never get lost! Come on, I'll give you a tour!"
"Oh! Really you will? Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Glafky said and jumped up and down happily. Zell was already felling better, just talking to Glafky. She was very sweet and made him forget Erika's departure. They started walking down the hall.
"Um…were you one of the SeeDs that fought Ultimecia with Squall Leonhart?" Glafky asked him.
"Yeah…it was really hard. But since my buddy Squall stood up to it, so did I!"
"Wow…weren't you afraid?"
"Uh-huh…very. Squall was, everyone was. But we had to face her."
"Oh Zell! That was so brave of you guys!"
"Ah, it was nothing…"
"How did you fight her? With what weapons?"
"Well, I used these fists o' mine! I blew the hell outta her!"
"Wow! I use my fists too, a little. I mainly use throwing knives."
"Ah-huh…I see…Say, you wanna go over the Training Center and train after I show you around?"
"Yeah! That's a great idea! I like it!" So Zell gladly showed Glafky around Balamb Garden, and made it sound like a guided tour. Glafky found that very amusing and enjoyed it very much. She liked Zell. He made her feel comfortable around him, and get over her shyness.
"Alright. This is the Training Center, or as we like to call it, the Monster's Lair. It's the best place to train around here, now that they've imported bigger species for the advanced students."
"Wow, sounds really cool!"
"Come on, let's go to sector A. that's where all the big, bad guys loaf around. And only few students dare to get in, and of them, even fewer come out…Hahahahah! I'm kidding!"
"Hahahahah!!! I know! Or else I guess you wouldn't bring me here! Instructor Trepe wouldn't approve of it!"
"Yeah, that's right! Better not catch Quistis in a tantrum, or you're dead meat!" Zell giggled as they entered Sector A, the most dangerous place in Balamb Garden. A Torama came into the scene, roaring. They turned to face it.
"Here we go!" Shouted Zell as he cast a Silence spell on it. Glafky pulled two knives out of her belt and threw them at the Torama, who was hopelessly trying to cast a spell. She hit it on the shoulder and the neck.
"All it needs is a good aimed smack!" Zell said, running up to the wounded beast and delivering two straight blows that sent the Torama flying into the air. The wounded beast got furious and counter attacked Zell, leaping onto him with its big claws pointed out, aiming straight for his face. Zell caught the big cat as it was landing on him, and threw him on the ground.
"Zell!" Glafky shouted. Zell was holding the front feet of the Torama away from his face with his hands, while the huge cat was growling over his face. He growled back and pushed harder. The Torama used its hind legs' claws to claw Zell on the stomach, but luckily, they didn't do much damage before Glafky arrived. She pulled two more knives and stabbed them straight at the Torama's head, instantly killing it. Zell threw the dead body of the huge cat off of him and got up.
"Man…Shit this is bad…" he said looking at his stomach.
"Whew…" Glafky said and used a Cura spell on him. The wounds closed away, leaving almost no scars.
"Nice abdominal…" Glafky thought.
"Ahemm…Well, I guess we had enough training for today. Wanna go to the Cafeteria? I'm buying lunch if you want…"
"If you insist!…" Glafky said and they both exited the Training Center, talking about their interests. After lunch, they split; cause Glafky had some things to do. Zell headed for his room, feeling strangely happy. He was feeling lonely, but Glafky had shooed that feeling away for a while. Zell entered his room and dropped in bed. He was really tired. It was rather late, he hadn't slept well last night, and so he tossed off where he laid. The following morning, Glafky was nowhere to find.
Later on, Quistis told him that her class was off on a three-day training session over at Trabia. He waited for her for three days, still trying to figure out what the hell was wrong with him and he had her in his mind so much. Erika turned away and left every time their paths crossed, and after the 2nd day, it was Zell who started turning away, totally ignoring her. Three days later, Zell entered his room, tired and miserable. He had just come back from the Training Center, where he had been beating up a group of 6th Class Bears, who challenged him by attacking him. The Bears were the class that was training in physical combat with martial arts. Zell had once been through that class, and had completed the sessions, ending them by beating up the instructor in charge after he challenged him. The 6th Class Bears were considered very tough nuts, but Zell had just beaten the hell outta 20 at least. But, even a good fight didn't make him feel happy. He dropped in bed, lying there for a few seconds, then got up again and took his guitar.
This was his secret hobby. He had liked it since the concert Selphie threw at FH. He was quite good at it, but he just didn't admit it. He took it and he started playing a rhythm he liked. He always calmed down when he played the guitar. It was a nice and relaxing song, but it was also a little sad. He knew the lyrics but couldn't recall them now. He only slowly hummed the first verse.
Loneliness is always looking for a friend
It found me once and has been around since then
Then, loneliness is never waiting by the door
It sweeps right through and it will never be ignored.
Why? Why was I chosen? Why? Why am I left without…
"Left without what?" he thought. He was all-miserable again.
"Zell? Can I come in?"
"!!! Glafky!"
"Am I here in a bad time? Should I leave?"
"N-no! Come in!" Glafky came in. She looked still really pretty.
"Hey…were you playing the guitar? That was a lovely tune!"
"Ah thanks…"
"Hey! Your room is really tidy!"
"Hehehe! Yeah, my buddies call me 'tidy freak' when they don't call me a Chicken-Wuss…" Glafky burst out a laughter.
"Hahahaha! Chicken-Wuss?!"
"Yeah…I guess it's my hair or something…" Glafky sat on the bed next to him.
"How was your session?" "It was ok. But, everyone was a little cold against me, and to make the matters worse, it was freezing cold up there! And all those Snow Lions…A baby one ate one of my sweaters! I just couldn't believe it! It looked so cute!"
"Hahahahahah!" Zell laughed. "Now that's something you don't hear everyday!"
"You know what Zell? You are really great with the guitar. I was well, passing by and I heard you. So, tell me, you have no girlfriend to go at night under her balcony and play the guitar?" Zell frowned.
"Had…she broke up with me three days ago…"
"Oh…Zell, I'm really sorry…you know what? I guess she was really stupid to leave such a nice guy as you." She said seriously. "Say…are you coming at the party toning?" she continued. There was going to be a small party for SeeDs that evening, organized by the Festival Committee, meaning Selphie…
"I don't know…I'm not really in a mood."
"Oh, do come Zell! Please? Will you come with me please? Please?"
"W-with you?! G…Glafky, geez…I…uh…I…" Zell blushed.
"Please? Please with honey on top?"
"Well, um…Yes…I'd love to go with you…"
"YES! Thank you Zell!" she cried out and hugged him.
"Gah!" Glafky pulled away.
"Oh, sorry…"
"!?"
"I'd better get going now. I'm late for homeroom. Could you please come and meet me outside my dorm? At about 10:00? It's dorm B-672. Here I'll note it down for you…" Glafky took a piece of paper and scribbled the number down.
"Thank you Zell…" she said and kissed his forehead. Zell got red again. She left, but Zell was still sitting on his bed, with his guitar on his lap, staring like stupid the wall opposite him with his jaw wide open. His mind was swarming with various thoughts, mainly around Glafky.
"S-she kissed me! She wants to go to the party with me!…Could that mean she…likes me?! Holy crap! What if she DOES like me after all!? Man, this charm of mine… Hold on a sec…What do I feel? Well…I guess I like her…very…much…? No, it's not that…Why the hell was I all red when she talked to me? AH! That's it. Zell, stop hiding behind your thumb and admit it! Your in love with her!" he thought.
"Well, it's time I used my manly charm…I'd better go to Irvine for some advise!" He said out loud and went off to find Irvine.
Meanwhile, Glafky was entering her room again. Before she turned on the light she noticed a figure sitting on her bed. She switched n the light to see the intruder. Then she smiled widely.
"Hi aunt Aphrodite!" she said, and jumped on the bed next to her aunt, the goddess of beauty and love.
"Hi Glafky…I'm so glad to see you again sweetheart…" she said and blew her a kiss on the cheek.
"Tell me, how's life with mortals?" she continued.
"It's soooo much fun! It's not boring at all, unlike living in the bottom of the ocean all day long! I like Garden very much, and I've already made some friends! Oh, and…"
"You made a cute little guy fall in love with you, that's what else you managed to do my little Nereid…" Aphrodite said innocently.
"? Oh no…Why did you do that to Zell aunty? Why did you make him fall for me?"
"Oops!… Well, you like him too don't you?"
"Well, yeah! But, love, I don't know…"
"Oh, come on now! I'm the goddess of love! You're trying to hide anything from me? Please!"
"Yeah…I guess you're right…I do love him. I think I fell in love with him when we first met, when he showed me around Garden, when we trained together…"
"I'll consider that training as your first date…"
"Aunt!"
"Well, it was the first thing you two did together! Listen to me Glafky. You are the last daughter of Nereys and the one god whom is nearer to his mortal nature. That means your feelings are more complex and you react like a human. Love is something natural in humans, and I only point it out, understand?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right again."
"Oh and another thing…Your brother, Triton…"
"What? What happened?"
"He sends you best wishes for passing your SeeD exam…"
" Heheh…that brother of mine…"
"Well, he's not the only one that misses you. Your sisters miss you too. You should make a dive in the sea and see them…"
"I will." "Well, then. I'd better get going…"
"Tell to Dad and all that I love them and I miss them!"
"Ok, honey. And good luck with your date tonight…"
"Grrr…" Aphrodite disappeared, leaving a bunch of stardust on her bed, which Glafky dusted away before lying down. She started thinking of Zell.
" What a great guy…" she thought.
At about 9:54, Zell left his room, heading for Glafky's dorm to meet her as they had arranged. Irvine had given him little advises about how to not get all-anxious around Glafky. But well, he still couldn't pass by his slight anxiety. He was dressed in his fancy SeeD suit, and looked pretty good in it. He walked mind absently to her dorm, almost stumbling on people.
"Dorm B-672…B-672…Ah…here it is…" He knocked on the door.
"Yes?…" was the answer.
"Zell here…"
"Oh! I'm coming!" She opened the door, and once again Zell found her astonishing. She had a strange grace and all her posture was…different. Perhaps because she wasn't wearing her sloppy, every day, fighting clothes, and her knife belt. She wore a light blue dress, knee-length, which left her shoulders and arms free. Her hair was still combed in thousands of pigtails with beads, and were now let lose, falling softly on her shoulders. She wore a silver bracelet on her left wrist, and a silver chain with a small dolphin around her neck.
" Hi Zell!" she said and stepped forwards, but it seemed that she wasn't used to her high-heel shoes, and miss stepped, falling into Zell's arms.
"Woah! Oh, sorry Zell…"
"Nah it's ok. You alright?"
"Yup. Wow, you look good in your SeeD uniform!"
"Why thank you…and…you're very beautiful too Glafky…"
"Aww…That's so sweet…" They started walking together towards the ceremony hall, when suddenly Zell got a glimpse of Erika.
"I hope she doesn't cause a scene…" he thought. Erika saw them and ran up to them, and scolded Zell.
"What in the earth are you doing Zell!" Erika said rudely. "And who is SHE?"
"First of all, please don't be so rude, and second, this is Glafky, my date, and speak nicer to her, ok?" He replied calmly with a revenging smile on his face.
"How could you…" Erika begun.
"With the right of the bachelor!" Zell replied as Erika ran away, crying perhaps, and followed by a friend of hers.
"Zell, you actually said I'm your girlfriend! Are you serious?" Glafky gasped. Zell smiled.
"Of course I mean it. But, it's unofficially…"
"Unofficially? Why?"
"Because you haven't agreed yet. I haven't asked you yet…So, Glafky, do you want to be my girlfriend?"
"Yeah!"
"ALRIGHT!" Zell cried out and jumped in the air. "Come on, I wanna introduce you to my buddies…You just have to meet them!" he continued and led Glafky to the ceremony hall, which was crowded, and was wonderfully decorated with a live band on stage! Glafky was excited. She hadn't been to such a lovely party before.
"Ah! There they are! Come on!" He said as they approached the rest of the company.
"Hey Zell! Wazzup? I see you have a new date! Hey there!" Irvine said with a pleasant grin.
"Guys, this is Glafky. My new girlfriend. Glafky I'd like you to meet my best buddies and top SeeDs of the academy. Selphie, Irvine, Squall, Rinoa, Quistis and Seifer." Zell introduced her.
"Nice to meet you guys…" she said shyly.
"You came all the way from Vulcan Garden, right?"
"Yes Rinoa."
"I've heard that Santorine Island is great. Please tell me it is!" Selphie said happily.
"Oh, is really is a great island. The people are friendly, the weather is warm, and the most fabulous thing about it are the warm whirlpools found in the old volcano crater." Glafky replied.
"Then I guess it's a great place to spend our summer holidays!" Irvine said. After a little more chitchat, Glafky really felt like a member of the group. Rinoa and the other two girls understood that Glafky was shy, and helped her get over it, and soon Glafky was joking with the rest of the kids just like if she knew them for years. Then, the band started playing a lovely slow song, and many couples decided to dance.
"Hey, these guys are actually good Selphie. Nice choice. Who are they?" Seifer asked her
"Um…I think they're called 'SAVAGE GARDEN'…"
*(Taken from Affirmation)
Maybe it's intuition
But some things you just don't question
Like in your eyes I see my future in an instant
And there it goes I think I've found my best friend
I know it might sound more than a little crazy
But I believe I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed your way into life I knew
I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life
There's just no rhyme or reason
Only this sense of completion
And in your eyes I see the missing pieces
I'm searching for
I think I've found my best friend
I know that it might sound more than a little crazy
But I believe I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life
A thousand angels dance around you
I am complete now that I've found you
I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life…
"Squall! Let's go and dance!" Rinoa said and pulled Squall on the dance floor, but this time Squall followed her without hesitation. Quistis and Seifer also set off dancing too. Zell just didn't dare to ask Glafky to dance with him, because he was really bad as a dancer. Selphie and Irvine decided to force them dance. Selphie had the idea. She whispered something to Irvine, and he went over to Glafky, and asked her to dance. She agreed, as Zell was dragged away from Selphie and onto the dance floor. He lost sight of Glafky as he and Selphie were swirling on the rhythm of the song. He was looking all over the place for her. The two couples 'accidentally' crashed.
"Ah! Selphie! So there you were! Hey Zell, let's exchange girls…" Irvine said to Zell and Selphie switched places with Glafky. Zell found himself dancing with Glafky.
"Sorry I got dragged away by Selphie. I guess she and Irvine wanted to pull a joke on me…" Zell apologized.
"It's ok."
"Sorry, I'm not the kind of a great, graceful dancer…"
"It's alright. Neither am I…" Glafky put her arms around Zell's neck and kissed him. Zell stood still enjoying that lovely feeling. From a secret corner, the invisible by all Aphrodite was shedding tears of joy for her little niece. She made one of the spotlights move right upon the kissing couple, and everybody saw them and clapped. Both Zell and Glafky got all red. Aphrodite giggled softly in her corner and watched all the couples in the hall. She was inspecting her work with the young lovers, when she felt a soft taping on her shoulder. She turned around.
"Athena!" she exclaimed seeing the wise goddess. "What in the world are you doing in here!?"
"Aphrodite, I've got some bad news. We have to inform Glafky. Come with me…"
"Alright." Both goddesses disappeared in thin air… Later, Zell was walking Glafky to her dorm. They were hugging each other, and Glafky had leaned her head on Zell's shoulder.
"I had such a nice time tonight, with you and your friends…they're all so nice…" Glafky said.
"I had a good time too…" Zell replied. For first time, there was something else besides hot-dogs in a party for him! When they reached Glafky's room, they looked at each other for a sec.
"Say… um…you wanna come with me to Balamb town tomorrow? I could show you around. It's a cozy little place…"
"I'd love to Zell. I want to see that humble place that raised a guy like you…"
"Ok. I'll be waiting for you at the Front Gate. How's…10:30?"
"It's alright with me."
"Ok then. It's arranged. Goodnight…"
"Goodnight Zell…" Glafky said and kissed him. Zell embraced her and answered to the kiss, by giving her a helping of a man's really warm kiss. When he let her go she was still standing with her eyes closed for a minute wondering why mortals enjoyed that action -kissing- so much. Then, she opened her eyes again, and after a last smile, turned away and entered her room. Zell left as she closed the door behind her, and when she turned around she was startled by the presence of the two goddesses. They both had a serious and worried look on their faces.
"Aphrodite? Athena? What's going on?"
"Sorry to butt in like this Glafky but there's trouble. Horus is afraid things are going to happen. The Superior Power showed bad omens, that awful things are to come…" Athena replied.
"Oh no…what is going to happen?"
"We don't know…All we know is that if it is a revolution against the ruling of Horus again, Garden might be the first to be attacked…"
"Garden?! Why?"
" It trains the most powerful fighters of the mortal world. And we know that a mortal, if prepared, can oppose a god. And besides, Balamb is the head of all Gardens, and is home to the best SeeD this world has ever known…."
"I can't believe it!…Garden…I'll do it! I'll watch over Garden! I still have a part of my powers! I'll protect garden!" Glafky said, almost in tears.
"Horus knew you would decide so. So it's in your hands now to protect Garden along with the other SeeDs. And tell Zell about who you are. He at least, has to know!" Athena said.
"If he finds it out with the hard way, it will hurt both you and him. It could also cause a collapse between the team. You have to tell Zell, but only to him." Athena continued. "You understand?"
"Yeah."
"But be careful. Because you lived some time now with the mortals, you might have to be more careful with your power. You mortal used body may not be able to withstand the power if you unleash a major attack."
"I will. Tomorrow the less, I'll tell Zell about it. But, shouldn't Squall be informed about this mess? He's the stronghold in this place. Everyone looks up to him the most, and only he and his team are able to withstand an attack by a god."
"Don't worry about that; Squall is a Prophet, and Apollo has taken responsibility to inform him."
"Alright."
"Be very careful Glafky. If you reveal you goddess power the kids may lose trust in you, and you will be forced to leave Garden…"
"I'll be careful. I promise."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight…"
Meanwhile, Squall was changing, when he felt a pain in his head. He sat on his bed and tried to focus. Then he heard Apollo's voice speaking to him, into his mind.
"Squall, beware. Bad omens have been seen among gods. We fear great evil things will happen soon. Garden may be a primal target, due to the fact it trains the SeeD. Beware. Inform your team about the whereabouts, and know that a god is among you, to watch over Garden. Do not try to uncover him before the time has come. He will appear to you when the time is right. Do not hesitate to trust him. You all must be ready to face great upcoming threats."
"Apollo! I want to know more! Why have I been chosen as a Sorcerer? Who was Andros?! Apollo!" Squall said into his mind. No response.
"Damn it! I hate it when this happens!" he thought.
In the morning, Glafky and Zell left Garden and headed to Balamb town. Glafky pretended to be happy, but inside of her, she was screaming. She wanted to tell Zell what she was, and she had to find the suitable words to explain him. She was pretty lost in those thoughts, but as soon as they reached Balamb Town, Glafky was delighted with the cozy little town.
"Oh! It's lovely! And so close to the sea! I just love it!" Glafky said as they went down to the docks.
"Yo! Zell! Is this your girlfriend?" Big Bad Rascal asked who was messing around at the docks.
"Yeah, and better not be rude to her or I'll give you a slap that your head will turn 360 degrees!" Zell joked.
"I'm not gonna be rude. I'm just gonna tell it to the whole town that you got a very pretty new girlfriend!" Big Bad Rascal replied and ran off.
"Grrr…I hate that kid sometimes, and it kills me to know he's got a gold heart… " Zell groaned.
"You must have a way with kids…"Glafky replied with a giggle.
"Let's go to my house. I want my Ma to meet you. She's gonna like you." So they went to Zell's House. Ma Dincht did like Glafky.
"You seem like a nice girl Glafky. Please take care of Zell and don't let him hurt anyone if he's in a tantrum, alright?" she had said.
After a while, as they were wandering around in the Balamb Market, the new lane where all the shops were, Glafky decided she couldn't hold it back any longer.
" Zell…I have something very important I have to tell you…can we please go somewhere a little isolated? It's something very important, and I want you to keep it a secret, at least for now…" she said.
"Sure. You sound very serious about it. I know a perfect place." Zell led Glafky on a lonely beach outside Balamb Town. They sat on the warm by the evening sun sand and Zell begun.
"So, what's the important thing you want to tell me about?"
"I…I'm not who exactly who you think I am…"
"What do you mean Glafky? Come on. Tell me you can trust me."
"I know I can Zell. You know about the existence of gods, right?"
"Yeah. I haven't met one, and I don't know who they are, but I know they exist. Squall is a Prophet you know; gifted by Apollo, who is a god, to be able and view the past, the present, and the future. So, I believe in the evidence…"
"Alright. Then this shouldn't be very hard on you… Nereys is the god of waters, and the seas. I…I'm one of his daughters…" Glafky said.
"What?! You…daughter of a god!?…Then…that means you're a goddess too…" Zell's jaw dropped.
"Oh Zell…" Glafky said sadly. " I hurt your feelings…I…I'm sorry…I should have known…I shouldn't have fallen for you, and I shouldn't have let you fall for me. I'm sorry Zell…"
"Don't say that. I'm not angry with you, and certainly my feelings aren't hurt. I'm just… a little scared of you now I guess. If I hadn't fallen for you, I'd still be unhappy. Now, I'm just confused. Tell me Glafky, what kind of goddess are you?"
"That question, I'd better answer…" came a voice from the sea. They both looked at the owner of the voice. Zell almost cried out in fear. A young man who waist down had a long fish's tail was lying lazily on the surf, not far from them.
"W-who are you?" Zell asked him.
"He's my big brother, Triton…He always pops up like this." Glafky said a little frustrated with her brother.
"I thought you were gonna leave me handle this…" she continued.
"I would, but that question Zell made, you can't answer it well, so may I explain Zell clearly what is it with you?" Triton said.
"Alright. You're right bro, I can't explain it well. Go ahead."
"Listen to me Zell. Our father, Nereys has 50 daughters and one son, me. Glafky is one of the 50 Nereids, guardians of the waters, the sailors and so on. As his only son, I'm in charge of everything. The Nereids run around the oceans of the world, watching over the people. For some strange reason, Glafky is closer to the mortal nature than any god. She feels like a mortal, and has all the mortal weaknesses. That's why she asked to be let to live with the mortals. Her request was granted, because she was more than unhappy with the gods. Anyhow, Glafky quit her god powers, which weren't major actually, and came to live with the mortals. Well, now I was against that idea, because I believe this life is hard for my little sis, and I do not want to see her one day dead. But unfortunately, my sister is more than stubborn. Never the less, I come to see this was best for all. Glafky is now the guardian of Garden. That's all. I hope this was easy to understand Zell…"
"No problem…" Zell said out of breath.
"Ok. Just please look after her ok?"
"Don't worry…"
"Thanks. And you miss, try not to cause many problems, alright? Or else I'll come out of the water and give you a spanking you're gonna remember!"
"Alright, alright! Can I have some privacy with my boyfriend now?!" Triton burst a laugh and dived into the sea again.
" I'm sorry for his behavior. He isn't as bad as he looks. He's just too fond of me… Zell, this has to remain a secret. I'll tell the others when I decide I'm ready. Till then, I want you to keep this a secret."
"Don't worry. I understand why. You're afraid no one will want to be around you anymore, right?"
"Yes. I might cause the team to collapse, because they might lose trust in you and me and eventually to one another."
"Don't worry Glafky. I'll always want to be around you. After all you are my girlfriend. And the others, I'm sure they'll understand when you decide to tell them. We don't lose our faith to our friends so easily.…Let's better return to Garden now. The others must be looking for us…" Zell said breathlessly
"Alright." They got up and started walking to Balamb Garden, supporting each other. Glafky needed mental support now, and Zell was a sure support. She felt safe and secure with him. It was a feeling a god could never feel, and that's what made Glafky special. She could feel all those small things of the mortals a god could never feel. When they entered garden, they met Irvine at the directory. His face was cloudy.
"Finally here you are…Meet at the secret area in the Training Center on the double. Squall said it's important." Irvine said.
"Ok, let's go…" Zell replied. The three of them rushed to the Training Center and went straight to the secret area. Everyone was there, including Caesar. Squall was leaning on the wall, skeptical and frowned. He had an expression that meant, 'something's very wrong people…'. When he saw they were all present, he stood straight and cleared his voice.
"Ok guys, I got some seriously worrying news." He began.
"My Prophet powers warned me about something that concerns us and the Garden as a whole. Bad omens have appeared among gods, and great evil things are about to happen. What's worst, Garden might be under threat, and that makes him the possible primal target of anything that might threaten the world."
"Garden?! Why?!" Selphie said.
"You think it might be a Sorceress again?" Quistis asked.
"I don't know. Apollo didn't give many details. But he said that the reason is we. We might pose a threat to the evil. Bu the thing that mostly troubled me is that he said that a god is within Garden to watch over it." Everyone was surprised to that phrase.
"What?! A god?!" Seifer exclaimed.
"Yeah. He also said that he's here to assist us in case we need his help. He'll reveal whom he is only when he thinks it's time to do so. That's all I know and have to say. This is between out company ok? Understand?" Everyone nodded.
"Alright. Then…" Before Squall could say any longer, the alarm was heard and Cid was shouting in panic through the intercom,
"Garden is under attack! I repeat, Garden is under attack! SeeDs, cadets and students! Prepare for combat! Situation is similar to Galbadia's attack schedule! Everyone to your positions! Squall's team, please try and organize the defense before…" the intercom wet down.
"Damn it! Why is it always like this!? OK guys! You heard Cid! We split in 4 teams! Irvine and Selphie! You guys cover the 2nd floor and the classroom! Seifer and Quistis! Take the Quad! Zell, Glafky and Caesar, the Front Gate! Don't let anything get in! Rinoa, you and I take any enemy already in Garden and mop up the 1st floor! Let's go! Let's go! Junction up and prepare for combat! Make sure you're all geared up!" Squall shouted around as the all ran to their positions. The Garden students were running all around getting ready in their positions. The Medics split in the Infirmary and combat field support teams. The elites, the instructors and the SeeDs were trying to maintain a balance among everyone, as the mysterious soldiers were busting in. As he rushed among the other students, Squall slashed wide open a mystery soldier, which wore a uniform he had never seen before. Those guys wore long black kelebs, and looked much like the Bedouins. Once he looked at his defeated enemy, Squall was amazed. They had no blood, no vital organs, no nothing! They were like bags of sand that were torn open! The soldier Squall slashed fell to the ground and evaporated.
"These aren't even human! Show no mercy guys!!" A SeeD cried out. The battles the team picked up were rather fierce.
Selphie and Irvine:
"Look out! They're coming from the deck!!" Xu cried out. The soldiers already in the 2nd floor were plenty, and Selphie and Irvine could not allow any more to come in.
"Irvy! Hurry! You heard what Xu said!" Selphie shouted and pulled Irvine with her. The both arrived at the deck's door, as it slammed open and another soldier in black kelebs came in, welling a huge, curved sword and a shield. The battle began fierce. Selphie knocked most down with a few good aimed smacks from her nunchaku, as Irvine's 'Shot' with Fire Ammo burned the hell outta the rest. Selphie threw the chain of her nunchaku around the neck of a soldier she ambushed, and then yanked the sticks, choking him to death.
"Ok! Area clear! Let's lock the door and go help the rest!" Irvine said as the last mystery soldier evaporated in thin air. He locked the door using a multi utility key, and then rushed off to follow Selphie, who was rushing to answer to a student's call for help.
Seifer ad Quistis:
"Quick! Hurry up Quisty! They're comin'!" Seifer shouted out, as he and Quistis raced to get to the Quad. The students who were guarding the area needed reinforcements, and Seifer and Quistis were rushing to help. The area was full of soldiers, and getting through was rough. Seifer and Quistis were running towards the Quad, and avoided every battle to get there faster. When they reached the Quad, it was a little too late. The area was infested with soldiers who those moments were finishing off the last resisting students. They had several huge war dogs with them. Seifer attacked without hesitation, and killed two dogs with one blow.
"Ultima!" Quistis cast on a group of soldiers, while Seifer dueled another one.
"Seifer! Get outta the way! I'm using Blue Magic!" Quistis cried out. Seifer threw the soldier he was slashing on the others, and jumped away as Quistis called
"Shockwave Pulsar!"
Zell, Glafky and Caesar:
Zell was covered in sweat as he lifted a soldier in the air and threw him on three other ones. Caesar was setting fire to their kelebs, and poisoned them with his venomous teeth. Glafky kicked, punched and stabbed her opponents, utilizing her superhuman power of a goddess. Everyone was too busy to notice that.
"Zell!" Caesar cried out
." Glafky! Take cover I'm using my Limit Break!" Zell and Glafky jumped away from the soldiers who were gathering up and trying to re-organize themselves. Once again Caesar flew up high, 5 meters this time, calculating the angle of 30 degrees and the speed of his firepower, 370 km/h, a combination which never missed it's target.
"Berserk!" he cast on himself for the first phase of the Limit Break, 'Dragon Rage'. After his firepower went way up, he generated the massive fireball in his mouth, and then threw it on the soldiers, spreading the fire to all directions. More than 10 soldiers in black drooped dead, carbonized with their black kelebs turned into ashes.
"Wow! Caesar! I didn't know you had such firepower dude!" Zell cried out.
"Zell! Caesar! There's more coming!" Glafky shouted as she looked around her.
Squall and Rinoa:
Squall banged with his back on the wall, as a soldier pushed his huge sword on the Lionheart's blade. Squall pushed back. The soldier bared his teeth and pushed harder. Suddenly, Angelo pounced on the soldier's back, and bit the back of his neck, growling. The soldier cried out in pain and surprise, and dropped his sword. Squall grasped the chance and drove the Lionheart through the soldier's stomach. Then he pulled it, and the soldier fell on the ground evaporating.
"Good job Angelo! Go help Rinoa!" Squall said to the dog. Rinoa didn't need the help anyway. With her Sorceress powers, she threw the soldiers that attacked her here and there, and finished them off with her Shooting Star. Suddenly Squall noticed some soldiers climbing the walls to the second floor.
"…The hell? Those guys are like spiders!" he thought seeing them climbing bare handed.
"Rinoa! They're heading for Cid's office! Come on!" Squall shouted.
"Let's go Squall!" she replied. Before they could move a muscle, the intercom came up, and a loud, cold voice echoed through the halls of Balamb Garden.
"Leonhart, you are ordered to come at the Headmaster's office at once. Do not try to resist the order or the Headmaster, his wife and the pilot of Balamb Garden will be exterminated. I will not repeat my order…" Rinoa looked at Squall worryingly. His face could have been made by solid stone.
"Who was that?" she asked.
"I don't know, but we'll find out. Come on!" Squall said and headed for the elevator, followed by Rinoa. All the others heard the call too. They knew something bad was about to happen, so they rushed to Cid's office too. They all met there. Once Squall pushed the door open, they all saw what was going on. Cid, Edea and Nida were held captives. "Surrender Leonhart! Or die!" Shouted a very tall soldier in black.
"No! Fuck off!" Squall replied.
"Then, I shall kill you and your friends!"
"That must be the 100th time I hear that treat…" Squall said ironically. Suddenly, Glafky rushed in front of Squall, pushing his aside saying:
"Please. This is my battle…"
"Ah-hah! As expected! The little, pathetic sea goddess!" the soldier exclaimed with a laugh. Everyone looked at Glafky with amazement.
"…A goddess?…" Rinoa said without breath.
"Yes. I'm the god that's among you all…" Glafky said as she began to change, slowly but steadily into her divine form. Her skin started shining, her hair turned silver and her eyes jewel blue. Then she turned to the soldier.
"Charon, I'm watching over this Garden, and I'm not going to let you salvage it, or take away any of it's students. If you want to harm it, you have to get through me!"
"Well, well, well…the little Nereid wants to battle me? What an honor…I warn you Glafky! Your powers aren't strong enough to defeat me!"
"Who said I care! I'll fight you any way! Like a…SeeD!" she yelled, lifting her hand and sending a wave of positive, divine energy towards Charon. Charon answered sending a wave of his energy to Glafky. The Nereid sent more power to her blow. She was winning, or at least, so she thought. Glafky's mortal side couldn't take the power, and her legs started trembling, and her wave got weaker, and Charon started winning over her. She fell to her knees, still trying, and Charon was ready to deal the devastating blow, when something incredible happened. A light circle appeared on the floor, and everyone in the room gasped back in awe. Triton emerged from the light, and before Charon could react, Triton had grasped him from the collar, and lifted him in the air.
"You son of a bitch! You dare to bother MY sister!?" He roared at Charon.
"T-T-T-T-Triton! Your sister?…I, I,I, didn't know? Your sister? I'm sorry!" Charon cried in tears.
"You're a pathetic, cowardly bastard, that's what you are! I'll throw you in the depths of Tartarus!"
"NO! Not there again! Please! I didn't mean it! I'm sorry!"
"…Screw you're sorry!" Triton said and as he spoke a black light appeared on the floor, this time forming a hole that contained an endless darkness, and a scent that was worst than death itself. In that hole Triton threw Charon who as he fell cried out a last:
"NNNOOOOOoooooooooo!………….." Then, after the worthless god had fallen in, the hole closed firmly and the semi fish god turned to his sister. Zell had rushed near her to support her.
"Glafky! I though I told you to stay outta trouble! Why did you want to put up against that asshole!? You know your powers weren't good enough to fight, and your mortal part would have been killed!" He said scolding her.
"I'm sorry…I don't want them anymore…"
"What!?"
"I don't want these worthless powers anymore! I hate them! Please Triton, take them from me…"
"Are you sure that's what you want sis? You know it can't change once they're gone…"
"I don't care, just take them…"
"…Alright. Zell, stand back please." Zell stood a little aside as Glafky got up and gave her hand to her brother. A blue light ran from her arm to Triton's, and Glafky turned back to her mortal form, falling into Zell's arms.
"Farewell mortals. Please look after my sister…" Triton said and disappeared.
"I…I'm sorry…" Glafky said to Cid and Edea.
"…Why are you apologizing Glafky?" Edea said kindly.
"I caused all this trouble. It's all my fault. You were expecting the best from me and…I failed…"
"No, don't say that. It was all a big misunderstanding. The fact that you were a goddess doesn't change the fact you trained as a mortal and became a SeeD. It was your choice to come with us and I'm sure you were ready for the consequences. Even if you didn't acknowledge it. Garden is a military academy, but most of all, it's an asylum to all that need help, and a place where we learn to bear our fears, and everyone who believes that he is worthy of it can enter. And that goes for you too. I realize you are a mortal now Glafky. Do you still want to stay in Garden? No one will force you neither to stay, nor to leave. It's all up to you…" Cid said.
"…But, won't I cause more problems?"
"I don't think so. Look at Rinoa. She has the powers of two Sorceresses, yet she causes almost no problems. And you, I don't think you have the power to cause any trouble now…"
"Yes. That's right. I can't. I'm a simple mortal now."
"Ah…mortals may prove to be great in their simple ways." Edea said.
"Heheh…I know that now. I'll stay. Nevertheless, I'm still a SeeD, and I'm sure I have a lot more to do in my life yet…" Glafky replied softly and turned to the others.
"I…I'm sorry guys. I should have told you all about this thing…I feel so embarrassed now…"
"It's alright Glafky. We all understand what you feel. It's all a matter of trust. You could trust us. I know that better than anyone. Right now there's nothing different between me and you and the others. We're all teenagers and we all like each other. We all trust each other. Besides, you think a goddess appearance could have broken us up?" Rinoa told her.
"Yeah, you're right. It was silly of me to think that that would have broken your friendship. You guys have been through a lot together to part so easily. I'm sorry again."
"Glafky…" Zell said.
"I know what you want to say Zell. Don't say it aloud. Come on all. Let's go now…"
"Well Glafky, welcome to our club…and the wonderful world of mortality where we all have to look over our shoulders all the time…" Irvine joked. The team walked out of the office to go and see how the Garden students were.
Well, at least for the next week, they had some job to do, helping tidy up the Garden and reorganize everything the way they used to be.
Two weeks later, everything has taken it's calm routine and Garden is again peaceful. Glafky is in happiness, and everyone is well. Nothing unparticular has happened, only Caesar has realized he has grown larger, to a height of 3 meters standing on his hind legs, and he looks as big as a Behemoth. Squall was walking solemnly to the Training Center. He was a little bored, and he decided that a little fight might be good. When he got in he headed for sector A where he could find all the big bad guys he wanted to slaughter. As he wandered around looking for 'prey', he saw a T-Rexuar walking towards him hesitantly. Before he could draw his Gunblade and attack, a huge axe came swirling through the air, and plunged into the head of the T-Rexuar who dropped dead. Then a voice came from the bushes.
"Hey! You wanted to fight that!?" the owner of the axe shouted as he moved through the bushes to get near him.
"Uh, yeah actually!"
"Oh! Sorry then!" The other guy said with a giggle. He emerged from the bushes. Squall was actually amazed with his looks…
Chapter done! Guess who it is! I said earlier somewhere…
Ruby Dragon