Disclaimer: I don't own ff8 Squaresoft or any of the characters!
Summary
What if Zell was the main character of FF8? What if Zell and Squall
switched places? What if Zell and Squall switched personalities? What if
Zell and Seifer were rivals? What if Zell and Rinoa were soul mates? You
would have to read the story to find out.
Note: Zell starts out with diamond knuckles. Italics mean what Zell is thinking. The whole story is written in Zell's POV. Some of the dialog and ideas belong to the fanfiction author team-senshi I would just like to say thanks to her for letting me use some of her stuff.
We walked out of the train and looked around there were plenty of shops. There was a sign hanging right above the stairs that said 'Welcome to Timber' and there was a guy standing at the bottom of the steps. "This place is pretty cool." Squall said looking at the new environment around us. "Let's get going Zell. We got a mission to do!" Selphie screamed jumping in the air. I nodded and we started to walk down the stairs when the guy at the bottom approached us. He had on a blue cap, yellow vest, army pants, and boots. "Oh, the forests of Timber sure has changed!" The guy said looking around then back to me. This must be the contact headmaster Cid told us about I thought while I looked at the man. "But the Owls are still around." I whispered saying the password and the man nodded scratching his head. "Welcome to Timber, sir. Come with me, sir." The man started to walk away and we followed him to another train pickup/ drop off platform, which was marked 'Galbadia'. "Please, please, this way, sir!" He said walking up the platform and we followed. Seconds later a dark navy colored train came and stopped at the platform. The door opened and the guy looked to us. "Please go on in." The man said and I nodded and walked in. The man waited for Selphie to enter then he got in, shut and locked the door.
Inside there was another man ant the entrance, he had a blue jacket on, dark shorts, and yellowish looking shoes. He was only a little taller then I. He stood very strangely by sticking his chest out. "So you guys are SeeDs?" The strange looking man said looking at me. "I'm the squad leader, Zell. This is Squall, and Selphie." I said looking at both Squall and Selphie. "Nice to meet ya. I'm the leader of the Forest Owls." He said extending his hand out to me but I just glanced at it then back to him. He then looked to the left and right and walked over to Selphie. He shook hands with her with Selphie grinning slightly. With that Squall brushed his hand down on his pants and put his hand out. I glared at Squall and he put his hand down and walked over to the steps and sat down on the stairs in the main hallway. "So let's get on with it. What do we do?" I said getting a bit annoyed with all this. "Just take it easy. Here, let me introduce you." He walked over and patted the man from earlier on the shoulder. "Looks like you already met Watts."
Watts gave a little wave. "I guess it's just our princess then." Watts looked to Zone and spoke up. "It's the princess' nap time, sir." "Ahh, man." Zone grumbled as he looked around then looked to me. "Hey Zell, sorry, but could you go get the princess? She's in the last room up those stairs." He pointed down the hall with a desperate look. "Some of our others guys are in the room on the way. Ask'em if you get lost." Like I'm really going to I thought as I rolled my eyes and looked back to Zone. ".Were we hired to run errands? Well?" I asked really get annoyed with this character. Zone flinched back on the ground looking scared. "A-Are you angry!?" I closed my eyes and shook my head with my hand on my hip. We're not gophers. We're SeeD. special forces. "This is the last time for this kinda thing." I answered glaring back only to find Zone retreat and hold his stomach. "OwOwOuccchhh." I started to walk towards the stairs when Selphie stopped me. "Zell, way t'go! You tell'm! They can't treat us that way!" I just kept walking to the stairs when Squall looked up to me. "These guys don't seem to have it together." I nodded and continued down the main hallway and stopped at a room.
I peered in to see three men working with machines and controls. It seemed to be a control room or radar room that functioned the train. Nope not the right room I kept on walking down the hallway to the last room to the left and walked in. I saw the room nearly covered with a rose like color. Some door leading to a room to my right, a dresser to my right, a dresser, and finally a neat bed where a sleeping girl was lying. It's her. from the party. I stood there for a while looking around until the train stopped, its breaks screeching, causing the girl to wake up. "Hey. You're.! You know, from the party. So. does that mean. You're a SeeD!?" The girl said excitedly rubbing her eyes. I nodded and stepped forward and looked in her eyes. "I'm Zell, the squad leader. There's 2 others with me." She clapped her hands together. "YEEESSSS! SeeD is here!" She screamed as she dove on me hugging me. I was surprised and after the swing I gently set her back down on the floor. "Take it easy." She walked away a bit a little embarrassed. "It's just that, I'm so happy! I've been sending requests to Garden forever, but nothing. I'm glad I spoke to Cid directly!" "Oh." I walked over to her she was fixing her hair with her fingers.
"So you were looking for the headmaster at the party?" She smiled and stretched her arms. "You know Seifer?" I frowned at the sound of his name and crossed my arms over my chest. ".Yeah." "Well, he's the one who introduced me to Cid. Cid is such a nice man. I really didn't think SeeD would come out to help a measly little group like us. But after explaining our situation to him, Cid gave the go ahead right away!" The princess then began giggling happily. "Now that you guys are here, we'll be able to carry out all kinds of plans!" I was still looking at her for anything else she had to say but nothing. "Yes?" "I'm goin' back to the others." "OK, let's go!" She started walking off then suddenly turned around. "Umm, Zell. Is 'he' here?" 'He'? I looked at her confused. "Seifer." ".. No, he's not a SeeD." "Oh." She began to walk out again but turned around to me once more. "Oh yeah, my name's Rinoa Heartily. Very pleased to meet you, Zell." She smiled and stared up to me. "SeeD members dance quite well, don't they?" "Approach your target inconspicuously at a dance party. There may be missions requiring this sort of subterfuge. It's expected of SeeD to learn various skills." I tried to say very professionally while I scratched the back of my neck.
"Ohhh. So it's work related. That's too bad." Rinoa said as she looked to the ground to see her dog come up to her. Rinoa knelt down and patted the dog's head. "Here, let me introduce you. This is my partner, Angelo. Angelo is really smart! He can do lots of neat tricks, like besides the basic roll over, play dead, sit, stay. you know. he's even a trained attack dog that actually knows some magic spells. Smart, huh?" I nodded as she went back to petting the dog. "I have some important work to do now. Be good, Angelo." She then turned to me and waved. "Ok, I'll meet you there." She gave Angelo one last pat and ran off.
We walked back to the rest of the group and I introduced Rinoa to Selphie and Squall. "This is Squall. and Selphie." "Hi everyone!" Rinoa said happily and she waved her hand indicating for us to follow. "This way." She said as she entered the door right next to the main hallway. We all followed her in to their 'meeting room' there was a large table with a toy model set up. The toy models were many trains put up together. "Just stand anywhere you want." Zone said standing forward with his chest out. In the back of the room there were a couple of lockers and a bulletin board. "This is a full-scale operation. Our resistance, 'The Forest Owls', will be forever known in the pages of Timber's independence!" He looked to the other SeeDs and me as we just stood waiting. "Exciting, huh?" With that, we then repositioned ourselves to a more relaxed, yet annoyed, state. "It all started when we got a hold of top-secret info from Galbadia." "I got the info, sir!" Watts yelled stepping forward with his hand up. "There's a VIP from Galbadia coming to Timber." Zone said, Watts again making a statement, "Super V-I-P!!!" "The Guy's name is Vinzer Deling! Our archenemy, and the President of Galbadia."
Squall already got bored of listening and walked over to read the bulletin board. "Vinzer Deling is a scoundrel!!! He's a dictator, not a president. Not even popular in Galbadia, sir!" Watts yelled angrily. "President Deling is taking a private train from the Galbadian capital." Rinoa said looking me in the eye. Zone cleared his throat then went on. "Our plan is to." Suddenly, Selphie stepped forward and jumped up. ".Blow it to smithereens with a rocket launcher!?" She shot a fist in the air and started laughing. "Ahh. not quite." Squall got annoyed with all the small talk and turned around mad. "So get to the point! Just tell us what to do!" Rinoa stepped forward sighing. "Shall we begin?" She walked up to the model trains and we all gathered around. "First, I'll go over the model. The yellow train on the top right is our 'base'. We're riding in it right now. Right next to it is the 'dummy car'. We made it look just like the president's car. Their train has three cars. First, there's the 'locomotive' followed by the '1st escort'. The red car is the 'president's car'. Deling should be inside. The last car is the '2nd escort'. Once we get on this one, we begin the operation.
Our ultimate goal is to seize the president in his car using our 'base'. That means, we'll have to switch our 'dummy car' with their 'president's car'. We'll use the 2 switch points leading up to Timber to carry out this operation. "OK, now I'm going to explain the procedures in seven steps. 1) Sneak on board the '2nd escort'. We'll get on the roof of the '2nd escort' by jumping from our 'dummy car'. 2) Proceed cautiously across the roof of the '2nd escort'." "The '2nd escort' car is the only one that is equipped with sensors, sir." Said Watts. Rinoa then continued. "A high tech officer is onboard. I'll talk about the sensors later. 3) Proceed across the roof of the 'president's car'. We can move across the roof of the 'president's car' without worrying too much." "Deling hates the company of his guards and being surrounded by sensors, and keeps them away from his car." Mentioned Zone. "4) Uncouple the '1st escort' car. We'll have to complete the uncoupling before the 1st switch point. If we don't." "BOOM! . Game over, right?" Asked Selphie. ". Yeah, so we'll have to move fast. I'll explain the uncoupling process later. 5) Have the 'dummy car' and our 'base' move in after uncoupling.
After the car is uncoupled, we'll have the 'dummy car' and our 'base' move in. At this point, our train and their train will be linked and moving together. 6) Uncouple the '2nd escort' car. This is the last uncoupling the process will probably be similar to the first one. 7) Escape with the 'president's car' and our 'base'. If all goes well, we should be able to escape with the 'president's car'. After that, we'll return to our base and prepare to confront Deling. We have exactly 5 minutes to complete the 7 procedures. If we fail, our train will collide with theirs at the switch point and it'll be all over. Don't forget that." Squall raised his eyebrows while he watched the trains go down the tracks. "5 minutes.? You sure that's enough?" Zone then stepped up holding some papers and junk. "According to the simulation that we ran, it should take only 3 minutes to complete the operation. Piece of cake for SeeDs, right?" Selphie jumped up in the air. "Of course! Too easy!" She looked to Squall who gave her a high- five and I kept staring at the model. "Ok, now let's talk about how to avoid the sensors on the '2nd escort'. .. Go ahead Watts." Zone said pushing Watts forwards.
"The guards have a 'sound sensor' and a 'temperature sensor', sir. Any sound will trigger the 'sound sensor' so move across very quietly, sir! There's a guard, usually a petty officer, he'll be wearing blue, carrying this sensor. The 'Temperature sensor' will go off if you remain stationary, sir! A higher officer, usually in red, is carrying this one, sir. When a guard opens the blind, that means he is checking the sensor, so be careful! The range on these sensors is equal to the length of one window. So keep an eye on the window below, sir." ".So exactly how do you avoid 'em?" Squall asked as he scratched his head. "Umm. basically, run or stop, depending on which guard is below you. Stop if the guard in blue is below you, run if the one in red is below you." "That's about it for the sensors." Said Rinoa as she stopped the trains for a while. "Next, let's talk about how to uncouple the escort cars." "Question.!" Yelled Selphie. "How can you uncouple the cars from a moving train?" "Umm. we can't uncouple the car's directly." Zone stepped forward holding a little keypad and handing it to Rinoa. "Instead, we'll have to tamper with the control system that manages the coupling. If we temporarily disable the circuit for the connection, the car will uncouple automatically. To disable it, we have to enter several codes." He looked to Watts. ".And we have the codes. Rinoa has them, sir!"
"I'll be in charge of relaying the codes to Zell. Zell, you'll slide down on the side of the train using a cable and enter the codes into the system. Now I need you to listen carefully. Each code is made up of numbers between 1-4 and has 4 digits: 2341 is an example." She stopped and showed the circular keypad to me. "But the keypad won't have numbers, instead, it'll have four buttons." The keypad had an X, circle, triangle, and square. "Circle is 1, X 2, Square 3, and triangle 4. For instance, if I relay the code 3124, you'll push square, circle, X, and triangle, in that order. You'll have to be quick and precise. You'll have about 5 seconds to enter each code. Otherwise, the code will change and the past entries will become invalid. "So like we said, we have to enter all the codes to disable the connections. After we uncouple the cars, we'll wait for the others to operate the rail switch. Remember that we only have 5 minutes to do everything, so make sure that you're prepared. OK, let's try practicing entering the code. Enter 3 codes and you'll be finished." I nodded as she held out the keypad. She started yelling random numbers out. "1411!" I quickly tapped circle, triangle, circle, and circle buttons. "3412!" I once again began tapping. This went on until I did the third code. "You got it? In the real thing, there's a strict time limit leading up to the switch point. Don't forget that. Umm. that's all."
Selphie stepped up pointing at the president's car. "By the way. this model's nice but the president's car looks kinda shabby. .. Why is that?" Watts chuckled and walked forward. "Yeah, Rinoa made it. That's why. We bought everything else at the gift store." "Oh." Squall Said. "I thought some kid made it. The paint job sucks, too." I just gave it a glance and waited. .? Yeah. It kind of does. "Oh, shut up! I made it look like that on purpose. It represents my hatred towards Deling." Said Rinoa pouting. "Hatred, eh?." Squall shrugged and went back to reading the articles. "Yeah. right." Trying to make Rinoa feel better, Selphie spoke. "It's one of the. ugliest things that I've ever seen in my life. You must really hate him." "Are you guys finished!? Enough about the model! Can we get on with it now!?" She sighed and turned to me. "Do you guys understand?" I nodded. "Let's decide on the party!" "Gathering information is my specialty, sir!" Yelled Watts, trying to give a salute, then running out the door. Zone just plopped down to the corner once again holding his stomach. "OuuuucHHHH. My stomach!" Rinoa shook her head and looked around. The train had started moving. "We're moving again. I'll go take a look. Talk to Watts when you're ready. The sooner the better." She then ran off.
"Oh wait, Zell, check this stuff out, it's kinda interesting." It was Squall pointing to the bulleting board. I sighed and walked over, Selphie following. We all read the few articles together. All the articles were from "Anarchist Monthly," a short journal that began only a few months ago, and ended only weeks ago. The first one's headlines read. "Galbadia's dictator, President Vinzer Deling Special! How does he stay in power!? We reveal his darkest secrets!!!" while a second one read "President Deling became the president after the 2nd Sorceress War ended. To gain support quickly, he carried out the invasion of Timber. It was only a ploy to decorate an already corrupt man's immoral career. I started to get bored of that one and read a different one. Our land Timber was brutally destroyed. Here began Vinzer Deling's road to dictatorship." I skimmed down further until something caught my eye. "To imprison anti-government sympathizers, the D-District Prison was built in the desert south of Deling City. Millions were spent to build the facility. The threat of being sent to the prison intensified Deling's unpopularity. The prison began imprisoning Galbadian anti-government sympathizers just as they did in Timber. Moreover, the leaders of the resistance movements faced the threat of having family members imprisoned as well. Around this time, Deling began surrounding himself only with loyalists, which turned him into an even more fierce dictator."
I found a another article titled 'Final Issue!!!' "With the exception of Esthar, the Galbadian Military possess the world's only long range missiles. Although never used in combat, their existence has become a worldwide threat. It is said that the missiles have the ability to hit any target with astounding accuracy even without using radio signals. Will the time come for the president to push the button!? When the time comes, Ti." I sighed to find the print blurred out on the last part. "If anything, this information is useful." I said pointing to the last article. "Should this faction do anything. over zealous, that Deling and the rest of the Galbadian army might actually try to use one of these missiles on this 'base' to retaliate. Squall nodded and walked off. "C'mon guys, let's do this!"
* * *
Watts waited by a ladder leading up to the train's roof. Zone was still in the corner holding his stomach. "Have you seen the dummy of the president, sir? If you haven't, please take a look-see! It's like a piece of art!" I nodded and walked into the control room. Four men were now sitting there, one sprawled against a corner. The man standing walked in and pointed the dummy to me. "I'm the one who made the dummy president. It talks when you get close enough. I hope this will trick the guards." "We're gonna have the dummy hold a newspaper." Said the man in the chair watching some kind of monitor. "That way, his face is covered. No guard would dare look over the paper after what we programmed him to say." Looking to the dummy, I then slowly walked up to it. "I'm in a bad mood right now!" It yelled. "If there's nothing in particular, I order you to leave immediately!" I blinked at the lifelike dummy. It's not that bad either. even looks like that picture of him on that bulletin board. The man on the bench chuckled as he saw my eyes widen. "That dummy looks real, huh? No one will ever realize that it's a fake." I nodded and walked out where Squall was waiting for me. "Yo Zell, how was the dummy?" ".It's actually not that bad." I said as I continued to Watts. "I know the kidnapping plan must be tough, but best of luck to you, sir! Are you ready, sir!?" Asked Watts as he opened the top hatch. "Yeah, let's go." "Alright sir! I'll inform the engineers right away. Go ahead and head up to the roof of the Dummy car. The princess will meet you there." I nodded and we all exited the train.
* * *
Squall pointed to the top of the train and I looked up. "Let's go." I nodded and climbed up the ladder to the roof with Selphie and Squall following. "Zell, over here!" Rinoa yelled from atop the dummy car. The Forest Owls' train barreled down the tracks, it quickly approaching president Dealing's train. The Dummy Car was placed in front of the Forest Owls' locomotive. Selphie, Squall, and I ran over the dummy car and over to where Rinoa had been crouching, we too crouching down to avoid falling. "We'll catch up with the 2nd escort soon. Let's get ready. We should time our jumps well after we catch up to them to save some time. From now on we have exactly......5 minutes to complete the operation. Let's try and use every second." With that, Rinoa made her jump, The others and I quickly following. "Zell, over here!" I was the last over to make sure we all made it. Rinoa, Selphie, and Squall waited as I rushed over the 2nd escort, I heard Galbadian soldiers yelling "Activating sound sensor" and "Activating temperature sensor," from opened windows below. "This is the president's car. After we get across, we'll proceed with the first uncoupling." We then nodded and ran over the President's car following Rinoa.
* * *
Inside the president's car, President Deling quietly sat trying to enjoy his train ride. The key word, trying. Although he could get anything he wanted and his car was fitted with nearly every luxury a train could offer, he was getting impatient with the guards constantly giving him an update every minute or so. "Sir, everything is in order, sir!" Yelled a Galbadian soldier that just entered, he saluting. "You again...That's 27 times now." Deling turned around to see the soldier, his face looking irritated. "How many more times do you plan to disturb me with that meaningless report?"
The Galbadian soldier trembled. "Sir, I'm sorry sir....But it is my duty, sir!" ".. It's hard to believe that anyone would put up with this nonsense." Deling then sighed and shook his head. "I guess it's none of my business. Dismissed." "......! Sir, yes, sir!" The soldier saluted. Slowly walking away, he muttered something to himself. "(There goes next month's paycheck. How am I gonna propose to her now? I'm gonna have to put it off again...)" He then shook his head and walked off.
* * *
We were crouching on the 1st escort part of the train. "This is the 1st escort. We're gonna uncouple this first. Like Watts said, there should be 2 guards on this car. Selphie and Squall, you guys keep an eye on the guards. Let us know early if you see them coming." "Alright, I'll watch the blue guard." Said Squall. He ran over the 1st escort and knelt down to peer over to the windows. Selphie followed screaming "I'll take red." "The red guard is closer." Rinoa said looking to me. "Zell you might wanna keep an eye on him, too. OK, are you ready to enter the codes?" I nodded. "We'll have to enter 3 codes to disable the circuit for this uncoupling. Ok, Zell. Get the cable ready." I nodded and secured my cable. I attached it to the top of the train where Rinoa carefully latched it. The system to enter the code is down there. You can't miss it." She looked to her watch and sighed. "Ok, let's do it. We have 4 minutes left! Good luck Zell!"
I slid down the cable and looked to the keypad. "Alright, give me the codes!" "3124!" Yelled Rinoa. Let's see.Square, circle, X, triangle. "It's good. okay, next!" "2122!" . X, circle, X, X. "Quick, next one!" "Yo, the blue!" Yelled Squall. "4311!" . okay don't need to worry about this guy just yet. Selphie jumped. "And red!" .What the hell? So soon? Damn. Triangle, square, circle, circle. "Zell, this way!" As soon as I finished the last code, I climbed up the cable before any of the guards could activate their sensors. I jumped over to the president's car where the others waited. We all watched as the 1st escort and the president's car uncoupled and they slowly drifted away. Quickly making its way on the right, the base quickly rolled over from the parallel track and slid behind the 1st escort by means of the switch rail. It then slowed down and attached itself to the president's car and speed forward, it then attaching the dummy car to the 1st escort. All the train cars were then linked.
* * *
Once again the Galbadian soldier entered the President's car. What should I do...? I know he's not gonna like it. But it's my job. "S- Sir......Everything is in order, sir!" He waited for a few seconds expecting yelling but instead received silence. Huh......He's not angry. Phew. That's strange. Oh, he's reading the paper. I wonder where he got it? "What!? Is there a problem!?" Rushed in a Galbadian officer. He had felt a slight jolt and rushed in to see if the president was okay. He walked up to president Deling to find himself getting yelled at. "I'm in a bad mood right now! If there's nothing in particular, I order you to leave immediately!" Yelled the president from behind a newspaper.
"S-S-Sir aye aye...YESSIR!" Said the Galbadian officer. He then turned to the Galbadian soldier just waiting. "YOU! Don't just stand there! Get back to your station!" "S-Sir, yessir!" There goes another paycheck. That's two in one day. The G-Soldier sighed and walked over to the door drooping his head down. The officer walked out the door, but then rushed back in looking confused. "W-W-What the HECK!? Is this the right train?" The interior looks different. Looks shabbier. Maybe not. He then shrugged and again walked out the door leaving the other G-Soldier. What am I gonna do? No ring, and now no more candlelight dinner. I'm never gonna be able to get married.
* * *
"This is the 2nd escort. After this, we're home free. I think there are 2 guards on this car, too. Squall and Selphie are up ahead, working on uncoupling our train from theirs, so you're on your own this time. Watch your right side. Let's get this over with. We'll have to enter 5 codes to disable the circuit for this connection. Are you ready, Zell?" I nodded as I fastened my cable to the car. "We have 2 minutes left! Good luck, Zell!" Once again sliding down the cable, I popped the cover off the keypad and waited. "3123!" Square, circle, X, square. "2411!" X, triangle, circle, circle. "1112!" circle, circle, circle, X. uh oh, here comes the guy in Red. Quickly, I pulled myself up the cable and waited next to Rinoa. We watched as the guard opened the window blinds, hold his scanner up, then close it and walk away. With that, I then slid back down. "2131!" X, circle, square, circle. "Alright. last one!" I yelled. "And quick, here comes the blue guard!" Rinoa shuffled to the next page only to find the codes fly from her hands. "OH NO!!!" "Rinoa, hurry!" I said as the blue guard opened his blind. He scanned the area then went off on his own way, I froze still as ice during the process. "Oh.." "1231!" I sighed and punched in circle, X, Square, circle. "Pass code confirmed." With that, I once again pulled myself up to see a relieved Rinoa. "What? What's wrong?" I asked. Rinoa sighed and smiled. "Nothing!"
She then ran back over the president's car and over to the Forest Owls' rear car. "Zell, this way!" I jumped ahead to see Squall and Selphie running towards us. They had uncoupled the Forest Owls' locomotive from the dummy car. The Forest Owls' train then slowed down a bit, giving some room behind the dummy car and then suddenly sped forward and rushed over the rail switch. The sudden dash forward gave the suddenly uncoupling 2nd escort car a burst of speed due to momentum, catapulting the 2nd escort car forward and attaching itself to the dummy car. The operation was a success. "Let's head down everyone!" Rinoa shouted as she watched the president's ride roll away without the president.
* * *
"Finally...We've waited so long for this encounter with Vinzer." Zone said as he watched Rinoa and us file down the ladder. "Was that perfect, sir!? Amazing, sir! You're the best, sir!" Watts said to me. I took no notice and just looked to Rinoa waiting. "We'll call Garden and inform them of your progress." Alright! Can you say 'Your SeeD rank went up by 1?!" Selphie shouted. Squall nodded giving a big grin. "Well then..." Finally, Rinoa turned around, she holding her hand up to the rear exit heading into the president's car. "Leave the intelligence to me, sir!" Said Watts. He obviously didn't want to go. Zone was feeling the same he curling up by the corner holding his stomach screaming "OwOwOuccchhh." Zone then shook his head and ran to the meeting room. Narrowing her eyes and biting her lower lip, she then looked over to us. "You 3! Tell me when you're ready to go. As soon as you're ready, I'll begin 'serious negotiations' with the president!"
'Serious negotiations'...Better make sure my GF's equipped... I then closed my eyes and once again summoned forth energies around me. Squall and Selphie looked to each other and shrugged, following me, and summoned GF's of their own. I junctioned my mind and body with Shiva and Quezacotl. The other two did the same except Selphie had been the only one to junction the GF Siren. Squall junctioned Ifrit the God of Fire. "We're ready." "What was that?" "Our GF's, Guardian Forces. They help us cast magic, get stronger, give us special abilities and stuff!" Said Selphie. "Really!? You guys need to show me how to do that!" "Oh, it's easy! You just need to." I then stepped forward. "Selphie can teach you later. Let's just get this over with." Rinoa just nodded. "Uh wait Zell. I need to use the bathroom." Squall said as he began flustering around. "Oh, it's down the hall by the control room area." Said Rinoa.
Squall then grinned and ran down the hall, he slamming a door behind him. "Hey Rinoa, can we go and pet your dog while we wait!?" Asked Selphie excitedly. "Sure, let's go!" With that, they both ran off leaving me behind. I got bored and started to shadow box. I was throwing punches in the air before I knew what I was doing. I suddenly stopped, closed my eyes and shook my head. I can't believe it. I'm turning into Squall. "Zell are you ok?" Rinoa asked and I looked up to see Selphie, Rinoa, and Squall. They were all looking at me weirdly and I nodded. "Ok lets go" Rinoa said walking through the door followed by Squall and Selphie. "Best of luck, sir! I'll be keeping watch here!" Said Watts as I walked in.
* * *
As we walked in we saw president Deling sitting in his seat. He took a sip of his coffee and just sat there. Rinoa put on an angry face and stepped forward. "...President Deling! As long as you...don't resist, you won't get hurt..." "And if I do resist...What would you do...?" He then turned his head and looked at her. "Young lady?" "!!!" Rinoa gasped and slowly took a few steps away from the president. "What's wrong?" I asked as I tightened my gloves. "Boo-hoo...Too bad..." He stood up and started laughing. "I'm not the president. I'm what they call...a body double." He then straightened his face and glared at Rinoa. "All these rumors about the many resistance groups in Timber... You pass along a little false information and they fall for it...How pathetic...Seems like there are only amateurs around here." "Ama...teurs...!?" Screamed Rinoa as she held a weapon up. It was a sharp disk of some sort.
"Ahh...My butt hurts from all this sitting...Young...LADY... Ahh...So what did you have in stORE for me had I resiSTED...? Why doN'T you teLL mE... QuiTE aMUsing thouGH...For beING such anAtEurs...!!! HoW daRe YOU InSUlt tHe presIDent!!!" The fake president's posture had suddenly changed. He began wobbling around and his mouth hung wide opened, drool dripping from his teeth. His eyes were different as well, now burning a cold blue. "He's wiggen out! Squall yelled getting out his gunblade. "What the hell. he can't be human. can he?" Asked a frightened Selphie. She held her nunchaku forward and got into a fighting stance. The fake president jumped forward on top of Squall biting him. "He's so strong it's like he's not even. HUMAN! GET THIS THING OFF ME!" Squall screamed in agony while he was getting bitten.
Selphie snapped her nunchaku forward hitting the crazed man off Squall. "You...fEll...For...iT.aMusINg...tHIs iS AmuSinG!" I ran forward and punched it in the face. My fist made contact with his face and his head got knocked to the side. What the hell. it's like he has no bones in his head just skin. I backed up and watched with the others. He turned his head in a complete 360 degrees. "What the hell!?!" Squall yelled and then Squall made a dash forward and slashed at the man's torso. He was surprised to see that he had not fallen, only was pushed back, even after the explosion from the trigger. "What the.?" Squall gripped his gunblade forward and watched as the man slowly pulled at the tears; He began pealing away his skin. "The hell is he?" I said putting my fists up. "Brrawghh!" He burst his skin apart revealing his true face. He was a monster now towering a little higher over us. His skin was dripping with acid, his body smoking, he looking like a melting skeleton, all white with eyes burning blue.
"It's a Gerogero! A high level monster, I read a little bit on it back at the monster database in the classroom!" Yelled Squall. Squall charged forward and jabbed his gunblade forward in the monster. He found that it had barely any effect, his gunblade just sliced right through. Some kind of black goo splattered on his face and it was all over his gunblade too. "EEEYO! What the hell is this stuff!?" He ran back shaking the greasy liquid off. "Argh, dammit! It's starting to burn!" Squall yelled running around complaining. "Hold still Squall!" Selphie said. "Esuna!" Selphie screamed and all kinds of sparks and lights formed around Squall then went into him. Squall started to shake and the burning affect subsided. "Thanks Selphie!" Squall yelled running up to Selphie and hugged her. "Shiva!" The Ice Queen came and shot a blat of ice at the monster. The ice shattered and the Gerogero was still standing strong. "Damn! Nothing seems to work against this thing!" Squall yelled looking at us. "Scan!" Selphie yelled focusing all her energy into the spell.
Health 3000-3650 Type: Undead very weak against Holy "Guys it's an Undead monster!" Selphie yelled looking to the others and I. "Elixir!" Rinoa yelled throwing the potion at the monster. "Oh, great what are you planning to do? Heal it to death!?!" I yelled at Rinoa's stupid action. Rinoa glared at me and looked back at the monster. There was a bright flash of light and when the light was gone the monster had melted to the ground. My jaw dropped and Squall's eyes widened. "Hey Zell technically you were right." Selphie said patting me on the back. "Hey Rinoa how'd you know a strong healing potion would finish it off." Squall asked looking dumbfounded at her. She smiled and said, "It's all up here." She said pointing to her head. Squall laughed and walked out of the room while we dusted ourselves off. Selphie walked up to Rinoa and put her hand on her shoulder. "Good job Rinoa." Selphie said looking at the goo on the ground and she left. I then came up to her feeling a bit embarrassed. "Y.ou.uh.did g-good." I choked out feeling stupid for my last remark. Rinoa laughed and we both followed the others.
* * *
"Man I can't believe the president was a fake!" Zone yelled with anger as he took a deep breath and blew it back out slowly. Rinoa was feeling pretty bad as well, especially after the Gerogero's remark about amateurs. "I can't believe we fell for it!" She said looking at us and sighing with her eyes closed. I eyed her up and down trying to figure out something. I'll admit that whole train operation was well thought out, but running all your hopes on one hunch will just waste time. Then Watts ran in with his hands high with papers in it. "Info, sir! New info! It's big news! I found out the real reason why the president's here, sir! The president's going to the TV Station! Security's really tight, sir!" "...The TV Station? Why in Timber? They can broadcast just as easily from Galbadia." Rinoa looked to Zone who merely shrugged. Watts just shook his head.
Selphie tapped me on the shoulder then nudged Squall. "Do you think the Dollet communication tower has anything to do with this?" I shrugged. Maybe. If they're planning to do a broadcast of some sort, that tower would definitely boost the signal. but what about the interference? Have they found a way around it? And does Timber have the ability to broadcast using them? Zone turned to us and raised a brow. "What's that." . I suppose that's it. I then looked to the Forest Owls. "Dollet has a communication tower that can transmit and receive radio waves. It had been abandoned for a long time, but the Galbadian Army got it up and running yesterday." "Ohhhh...I get it..." Zone tapped his shoe on the ground and then looked to the group. "The only TV station that can handle broadcasts over the air is in Timber. Other stations use HD cable, which only supports online broadcasting."
Rinoa turned to Zone a bit confused. "So, what's that supposed to mean?" "They're planning on using radio waves. This way, they can transmit images to regions with cable." "I know that...!" Rinoa rolled her eyes over then placed a hand on her head. "What I want to know is, what is the president going to broadcast!? Why use radio waves? There must be something they want to say to the whole world. What can it be?" "Everybody! Love and Peace!" screamed Selphie as she jumped and displayed a little peace sign with her hands. "If I remember correctly, radio waves haven't been used in 17 years." Zone looked to us and we nodded in agreement. "It's been that long? Wouldn't it be wonderful if the first broadcast could be the declaration of Timber's independence!?" Rinoa looked all around and sighed.
All was quiet for a moment. "Hey! That might be possible." Zone looked to Rinoa and Watts and nodded. "Let's come up with a plan then!" Rinoa smiled as she looked at us. "Can you guys give us a minute?" She then ran over to Watts and Zone, they all-stooping to their knees chatting in the corner. Selphie squinted her eyes at the resistant group trying to figure out what the hell they were doing. Squall looked to the Forest Owls and rolled his eyes while he shook his head. Selphie tapped my shoulder and pointed to the group huddled on the ground. "Can't we go home now? What about our contract? Shouldn't we check it, Zell?" That's a good idea. We should've done that in the first place. I looked over to Selphie and nodded. I then looked to Squall who had an expression of disgust. "They call that a strategy meeting!?" Squall said to me, being as loud as possible, raising his arms to the Forest Owls' direction. I agree. this isn't some game where they can come up with a plan just like that.
I walked over to the group huddled on the floor when Rinoa popped up and smiled when she saw me. "Oh, good timing! We've come up with a plan!" A plan. of course you've come up with a plan. "Before we get into that, can I see your contract with our Garden?" "Oh, sure." Rinoa then took it out of her pocket and held it out for me to take. I yanked it right out of her hands. "What's it say?" Squall asked. "...... 'Balamb Garden' (here after referred to as 'Party A') acknowledges 'The Forest Owls' (here after referred to as 'Party B') as the hiring party. 'SeeD' (here after referred to as 'Party C') shall be dispatched upon signing of this contract. Party C shall operate under the supervision......" Squall hovered right over my shoulder looking confused. "...The hell.?" "I don't get it." Selphie said leaning over my other shoulder. Rinoa started laughing. "Oh yeah, that one's pretty confusing. When I told him I didn't understand, he gave me a different one." She took out another contract and I yanked it out of her hand again. "Cid is such a nice man." Selphie and Squall both leaned in closer trying to get a better look.
---------- To the Forest Owls,
This SeeD deployment contract will last until Timber achieves independence. Please make good use of each SeeD member. I wish you the best with your objective. Please understand that this contract is an exception, and no replacement of any SeeD members can be made.
Balamb Garden Headmaster
Cid Kramer ----------
"Until Timber's independence!?" Squall yelled mad with Headmaster Cid's words. "That is soooo vague!" Selphie said quite as mad as Squall was and I stayed silent. Rinoa smiled and looked over at us. "Hey, you're paid professionals. No complaining! Ok, let's decide on the parties!" "Gathering information is my specialty, sir!" said Watts who gave a little salute like wave. He then ran out of the room. Zone stumbled over to the corner and crouched down. "OuuuucHHHHH...... My stomach!" Those two the same as usual. I thought as I shook my head. "So, I guess it's just us four huh?" Rinoa said as she walked out of the room and the rest of us followed. We all walked to the entrance of the base and huddled up in a group. "Alright, this TV station, where is it and what exactly did you want us to do?" I turned to Watts who jumped to that. "The TV station, sir!? It's quite close if you take the local train... But the local and transcontinental trains have stopped running, sir... Nothing to worry about, sir! There must be someone in town who knows."
"You mean you don't know?" I asked and Watts shook his head. "Do you?" I asked looking to Rinoa she also shook her head no. What's with these people. I turned around and softly banged my head against the wall. After a couple of seconds I turned around and faced everyone. "You know what? It doesn't matter no we'll just find someone who knows the way to the TV station." I said sarcastically and I walked out the door with and Squall following. "Best of luck, sir! I'll be keeping watch here!" Watts said to me happily. "Yeah, yeah." I said out the door. "You're coming too Angelo." Rinoa said looking down petting her dog. "Hey don't worry about Zell. He just gets mad easily." Selphie said also petting Angelo. Rinoa nodded and both of them walked out the door with Angelo trailing behind.
* * *
We all walked off of the train on to the platform looking around. "...Say! I remember now, sir!" said Watts as he tapped me on the shoulder. "I think the TV Station is located behind a building called Timber Maniacs! Please head in that direction, sir! I hope you find it!" Watts yelled pointing to the right I nodded and looked to the rest of the group. "Lot's of guards patrolling the city now! Please be careful, sir! Seems like the hotel's not available, either! You're all SeeDs, you'll be fine, right, sir!?" We all nodded. Watts smiled then looked behind him. The train was on its way out of Timber and Watts jumped off the platform. "Hey...!!! Don't leave me, sirrrr!" Watts yelled as he ran after the speeding train. "Lets get going." I said walking in the direction Watts appointed us to. The rest followed as Rinoa told Squall and Selphie more about the history of Timber.
As we went over a bridge that peered over the train tracks Angelo came running up to Squall and started poking him with his nose. "Rinoa I think there's something wrong with your dog." Squall said trying to push the dog away. "Nah that just means Angelo likes you." Rinoa said and Angelo barked in agreement. "Zell, hold up." Squall said to me, I stopped and turned around to them only to see a guy talking to Rinoa. "Ahhh...Hi...Rinoa...? T- The...weather......sure is nice...today..." The guy said nervously as he scratched his head. Rinoa smiled at him brushing her hair back with her hand. "Beautiful day, isn't it?" The guy nodded and smiled back and Squall stared at him weirdly. Squall and Selphie got tired of waiting and came up to me. "Come on, Zell let's go." I nodded and started to walk away with both of them following. Rinoa looked at us and noticed we were walking away then she glanced back at the man. "Um, well, nice to see you again, bye!" Rinoa said running to catch back up with us. The guy started to hit himself over the head frustrated. "Stupid, stupid! I'm... stupid!" The guy yelled and walked off.
Rinoa caught back up with us and started to breathe heavily. "Hey Rinoa who was that guy?" Selphie asked looking at Rinoa, Squall was also looking at her. "Oh, he's just a guy I met at a resistance meeting. He joined the Forest Owls a while back. Kind of cute if you ask me, but he is waaay too nervous. He needs to loosen up." "Loosen up huh? You mean like Zell here?" asked Squall as he placed a hand on my shoulder. He slowly retreated when I glared at his hand. "Whatever. Let's just get moving already, we're wasting enough time as it is." The others nodded and we walked on. We walked down the small district and saw that several townspeople eyed us on the way through.
We ran into two Galbadian soldiers harassing two security guards. One of the security guards was shaking like he was frightened. "Better keep your eyes peeled. If you let one resistant member in here, your dear kids are.well, dead meet. Heh heh heh. One of the security guards begun to shake angrilly. "So I heard everyone here supports the resistance. You guys are such fools. Just imagine how much this place would thrive if you were loyal to us. This place is gonna be stuck in the backwoods forever." The Galbadian soldier said to the two. The security guard that had been shaking finally exploded. "...And you? Are you happy with your life? Blindly following orders everyday, doing things you probably don't believe in?" The Galbadian soldier stumbled back surprised. Then the other security guard spoke up. "So what if we're undeveloped. We're not looking to thrive. All we want is to be able to stand on our own feet; to be independent and live according to what we believe." "You guys will probably never understand, having thrown away your pride and dignity. We're not the fools. You are." "You're both DEAD!" screamed the second Galbadian soldier. He raised his machine gun in the air and prepared to fire. "No!" Rinoa jumped from behind the alley and fired her weapon. The sharp blade catapulted from the launcher on her arm and slammed right into the soldier's weapon, knocking him off balance and sending him into confusion. "WHO DID THAT!?" the soldier screamed. His comrade pointed over to the girl in blue as they watched a blade return to the launcher on her wrist. "Come on you two." I said and we ran out in front of Rinoa pulling out our weapons. "You're the one's we've been looking for! You're all going to get it!"
The first soldier dashed forward and clashed swords with Squall while Selphie and I went for the other. The soldier shot his gun at us and Selphie dove behind some dumpsters. I ran up the side of a wall the bullets just barely missing me. I jumped off the wall and kicked him in the head he getting knocked to the side. I walked over to the body on the floor and checked his pulse it was still beating. "Hey Selphie he's unconscious open up that dumpster." She nodded and I picked up the body and threw it in and closed it. "Let's go help Squall." I nodded and we ran over to Squall who was still sword fighting with the soldier. Squall hit the soldier's sword out of his hands and the soldier held his hands up scared. "Please don't kill me." The soldier said frightened and Squall grinned at that. "Man I'm not going to kill you." Squall said and the soldier put his hands down relieved. "I'm just going to kick your ass!" Squall said as he hit the soldier in an upward motion in the head with the bottom end of his gunblade and the guy also fell down unconscious.
One of the security guards, the one that lost his temper, stepped forward and looked at us. "Thank you for your help. I got a little carried away. We appreciate your help...But we can't let you through here. I'm sorry. Don't worry about these two soldiers. We'll tie them up and hand them over to a resistance group to dump in the forest somewhere." "So, we can't get through this way?" asked Rinoa. "Again, I'm sorry, but we can't make any exceptions. Even if it is a bluff I could never risk my daughter's life...I'm really sorry." "Don't worry then, we understand." The other security guard sighed and looked to the four. "Be careful. The Galbadian soldiers are all over the place. Things will cool down once Deling finishes his business here." "Hey Zell, check it out!" screamed Selphie pointing to a sign behind them. "Alright! Timber Maniacs, we found it!" Squall dashed ahead, Selphie and Rinoa following.
I rolled my eyes thinking .and now they actually start moving. I followed; running back through the small business district, past the train station and towards a large building only to find them stopped, talking to a woman and a man. "Watts got left behind again... He looks so funny when he chases after the train." Said the woman. The man just yawned. "Looking for the TV Station? Yeah, that's in this town. You wanna know about it? Maybe the lady next door would know..." "Hey, Zell? You think we can check the place out?" Squall asked pointing at Timber Mechanics. "Maybe we can grab the latest issue of Weapons Monthly while we're at it." "I'm actually looking for a magazine for Angelo as well." said Rinoa as she patted Angelo on the head. I could use a new issue of a Combat King. I nodded and we walked in. There were a lot of magazines all stacked up in many piles all over the place. I walked up to the receptionist desk where the woman greeted me. "Hello. What can I do for you honey?" "Nothing." "Okay feel free to look around." I nodded and turned around to see my comrades were gone. Where did they go I wonder?
I walked to the left through all the magazine piles when something caught my eye. "A copy of the 'Girl Next Door'." I said as I picked it up studying the cover. It had a half naked woman on it looking all slutty. Might as well keep it. I could get some Gil off this. I thought as I shoved the magazine in my back pocket. Then I turned the corner and walked down the long hallway and entered a door. They were in the room looking around. I walked into the room and went to the guy that sat behind a large black desk that was covered with papers and magazines. "What? Did you say I look like an artist? As a matter of fact, I am." I didn't say anything. I thought confused looking at the man. "Have you seen my work yet? It's a collection of photographs titled 'Jacket Over Skin: The Beautiful Women Edition'. It's a major sell out, and we don't have any in stock. A lot's happening in Timber, but art is definitely the way to go. Hey, I heard that card games are getting pretty popular. Maybe collections of photographs on cards might sell." I rolled my eyes and looked around the room. A man in the back, apparently the editor, saw me and approached. "Oh man. Why do battle series books sell so well? We're sure living in a terrible age." He looked to me and I shrugged. "Oh. You're looking around? Is there anything you want to know?" ... why not? "Tell me about Timber's situation." "I don't care about what's happening in Timber today. You know, in my childhood, it wasn't like this. Back then, we were in the middle of a war against the sorceress. So I kept writing letters to Timber Maniacs stressing how meaningless the war was. I was really happy, even tough there was a war going on. It gave me hope about my future." After a while I got bored of the guy's story.
Rinoa, Squall, and Selphie had come up to me and started listening, but they too got bored and just hung around the room. ...This is getting so boring. "It was different back then. Those were the good times. It was great to be young. Look at all the young people these days. They're all so lazy. I don't know what they're thinking... We are a publisher that was established 20 years ago. We used to publish a magazine called Tim Mani, short for Timber Maniacs. It was compilation of freelance writing: letters, reports, etc... The majority of the fans wanted to become journalists. I joined the company because I wanted to become an editor for Tim Mani." Just another stupid story by a boring adult. This guy needs to grow up. "But times have changed. Now the only things that sell are books like the battle series. It's so sad. I've lost my will to work here."
We slowly made our way out, the editor making quick parting words. "Hey guys! A word of advice! You're still young! Don't let your life pass you by!" "He must be the most boring grown up ever." Squall said as he stretched his arms. "How long did that take?" I asked as I rubbed my eyes. "Can we get on with the mission? I want to go home." Selphie said looking to me then I looked at Rinoa. "Well?" "Let's head next door she can help us." I nodded and we headed for the house next door.
"What? You're walking to the TV Station?" The woman asked surprised when we asked her about it. Isn't that what we just said? I thought while I rolled my eyes. "We have no choice. The trains aren't running." Rinoa explained to the woman. "Let's see... There used to be a way through the back alley of this house... The Pub was built around the time they stopped broadcasting. We haven't used the back alley too much since then. Why don't you look through the second floor window room? You should be able to see the back alley." "If you want to go through the back alley, why don't you talk to the owner of the Pub? He's scary lookin', but... Well, I guess he ain't so nice, either. Just go talk to him anyway." "Huh? What's that supposed to mean?" Squall asked looking at the woman confused. We headed up the stairs to the 2nd floor. The upstairs was like a huge bedroom and the back of the room had two large windows, one on the wall to the left and another to the far end. A bed was just to the left and upon it rested a brown cat.
There were two boys in the room, one in the far right corner doing a handstand against the wall, and another on the ground counting coins upon a large circular green rug. "Wanna take a look-see? Go to that...Ughh...window there..." said the slightly older looking boy, doing a handstand. I looked over to the window on the far wall, pushed it open, and peered down to the alley. The alley was a mess, full of old boxes, barrels, crates, and a few broken bottles. I could see the back door of the Pub just to my right. Along a fire escape ladder, a man holding a bottle sat down. I then closed the window and looked back to see the boy against the wall roll over and hold his hand out. "That's 10 Gil please..." "HEY! You at it again!?" From behind them, the scream of the woman we spoke to earlier boomed. The boy spun around and then put his head down. "How many times have I told you not to take money from strangers!!!" Taking the boy, she bent him over and gave him a quick spank. "Awwwaah...(sob) I...I reduced the pwice from 1,000 Gil, though...(sob)"
"It's not about the money! I didn't raise you this way!" The woman said, then she shook her head, and walked back downstairs. "U don't hav'ta...pay me..." The boy said as he went back to the wall and sat down ashamed. "Let's go to the Pub." I said and we walked out of the house. To the right of the woman's house there was a staircase leading down to the Pub. "That was too easy, man. Heh heh...for a country bumpkin he sure had some good stuff" said one of two Galbadian Soldiers walk out of the Pub. "Yo, better ease off a little. These Timber hicks hate us enough as it is. ......!" The guard stopped cold as he saw us and a dog walk down the steps. "Uh Zell. they don't seem too happy to see us." Squall said as he tightened his grip around his gunblade. "Seriously." replied Selphie as she whipped out her nunchaku. "!!! Let's get 'em!" screamed the first soldier as he quickly drew his sword. "Rinoa! You and Angelo get back!" I yelled as I tightened my gloves and went after the first soldier.
I dogged all his attacks and threw in some punches here and there. Selphie and Squall went after the second soldier. Squall ran up to the soldier and started to clash his gunblade against the soldier's sword. Selphie came up to the soldiers' side and started swinging her nunchaku at him. He then pushed Squall down with his sword and kicked Selphie to the ground. Squall cursed when he hit the ground and was about to get up when a sharp blade came to his face and he froze. "I'm finally going to get to kill you." The soldier said as he laughed and Selphie stumbled up and noticed what was happening. She ran up behind the soldier and placed her nunchaku over his head, to his neck, and started to choke him with the chain part of her weapon. The soldier struggled for a while then all of a sudden he stopped and fell on top of Selphie. "Eeww! Get this guy off me!" Selphie screamed unable to lift him off of her. Squall got the soldier off her and helped her up.
While that was happening I was still fighting off the other soldier. The soldier took a slash at me and I ducked the blade just missing my head. I got up and jabbed him in the head and I think I broke his nose. He took a swing at me and cut my arm and blood started to drip from it. I bent down on the ground and did full 360-degree kick. The kick hitting him in the legs he fell down and his sword flew forward. I kicked his sword so it was out of reaching distance. I walked back to the body on the ground and kicked it so he was lying face up he was about to get back up. "Sleep." I casted the spell and his head fell back down on the cement, falling asleep. There was something sticking out of his pocket. What's this. I pulled it out of his pocket and examined it. It was a Triple Triad card of a Buel monster and I shoved it in my pocket. I saw a guy behind a stand and above him said 'Shop'. "Don't worry I'll take care of the bodies. Good luck to you all." I nodded and Rinoa thanked him. Squall and Selphie waited and we all entered the Pub.
The Pub was pretty large, the counter and bar over to the left while some tables were set up to the right. Looking up, the group could see a monitor displaying the image of a face morphing to a lion and back. Behind the counter was the bartender, who was also the owner, and his female assistant. By the tables sat a man quietly drinking. To the back of the Pub was a drunken guy on the ground. "I've had enough of this city! I came from Dollet to have me a good time. And now... Trains are no longer running... Can't even stay in a hotel because of some stupid official...!" The man that lay on the floor complaining, he was blocking the exit to the back ally. "Harassed by Galbadian soldiers... Had my precious card stolen...This hasn't been my day... Those jerks... They think they can use brute force to get anything they want. Hell...This town's a good example... Yeah... Everything's messed up because the resistance tried to kidnap the president. Thanks to them, the trains have stopped...There's Galbadian soldiers all over the place.........All because of them!!! Don't they understand I'm the one suffering from their reckless actions!? Stupid, boneheaded, good-for-nothing, resistance! You can just kiss my..."
"Hey!" The quiet man at the table slammed his fist down and stood. "You don't understand anything! The resistance is fighting for Timber's future! They're all doing the best they can. It's the Galbadian soldiers and their leader who are at fault!" "Pshhh..." The drifter then snorted and waved his hand in the air. I walked up to the bar staring at the drunk on the floor. "That drunk thinks that 'Bitter' ones are good and 'Sweet' ones are bad. Our drinks are all good quality. He should try them all, really" said the woman behind the counter. The owner looked to us and smiled. "Look uh, I can't let you all drink, you're all too young, or at least you look that way. I've got some other beverages here that you can though." Rinoa then quickly explained their situation. "You wanna go through the back alley? Might be a little difficult right now. He's being pretty stubborn. The guy throws a fit when you try to move him from that spot." Rinoa nodded then looked at me whispering in my ear. "(What should we do?)" "We need to get through." I said trying to be as polite as possible. "Geez, and now I'm getting dissed by some punk...!?
Mabey those Galbadian soldiers took his Triple Triad card. I pulled out the Triple Triad card from my pocket. "Is this your card?" I asked showing him the card. "Huh? ...It is! Why do you have it!?" "......Found it outside." "Are you serious?......Okay. Thanks. You know what? I'm feelin' generous! So you can keep that card. And also...this one! I'll move out of the way now." He handed me the Buel card along with a Tonberry Card. "Hey, owner. I can't stand up. Can ya help me?" Rolling his eyes, the Owner smiled and slowly pulled the man away from the doorway. "Whoa...(hic) I'm totally wasted..." The owner came up to me and scratched his head. "You can get to the back alley through that door. We were kind of lost on what to do about him. Thanks." "The scary looking...mean owner of the pub?" The woman asked Squall and Rinoa. Squall nodded. "Did you hear that from his wife? The owner's actually a mellow guy. But not when he's with his wife. They fight like wild animals. Well, you know what they say: the more they fight, the closer they are." "I dunno. it still sounds weird to me" said Squall. "Let's move on." I said and we all walked out the back exit.
We walked through the back ally way stopping at the homeless guy near the fire escape. "Aww. It's a poor homeless man." Selphie said bending down to see if he was all right. "Here you can have my Gil." Selphie said handing over 200 Gil and the man was ecstatic. "Oh thank you miss. Thank you." The homeless man said as we continued down the ally way, which led over to a steel walkway leading to the TV Station. "Whoa, an outdoor TV!" yelled Squall along with Selphie screaming, "Heeey, an outdoor TV!" On the wall of the building was an array of monitors to create a larger image. "This is creepy...What is it?" Rinoa said petting her dog that was feeling nervous as well. I stepped up to Rinoa. "This noise is broadcast over most of the frequencies. Something has to be done about this before they can broadcast it over the air." "Oh, really? Actually, I was wondering myself." Watts said coming out of nowhere.
"Right on!" yelled Selphie as she saw watts coming their way. "Look guys, Watts made it out okay." Watts looked at me and pointed to a stairwell that led to the TV station. "The president's in the studio now, sir. Too many guards now, so we won't be able to storm the place, sir!" Rinoa put a hand on her chin. "So we can't just rush in... We've gotta come up with a new plan now! If the president leaves, maybe the guards will be gone, too? That's when we do OUR broadcast. It might not be as influential but it's better than nothing, right? We don't stand a chance if we take 'em head on, right?" I crossed my arms and faced the other way. "Don't worry about us. We'll fight your enemies based on your decision. That's our duty." You're the boss here. Stop asking us what we should do, start telling us. This is why that Gerogero called you all amateurs, don't you see? You're second- guessing yourselves and that's no way to run a resistance of any sort. You've got to be firm on decisions and be sure for yourself. "You tell us to go, we go. Even if it is losing a battle." Squall said looking up in the sky. "Heeey, I'm a SeeD, too. Just want you to know, I'm ready for anything" screamed Selphie jumping up in the air.
"How sad..." Rinoa looked to the ground. "Act on my decision? That's your duty? Oh, what an easy life it must be, just to follow orders..." "Call it what you want. All we want is for you to achieve your goal using our help. I find it hard to believe that you can do it, though..." Rinoa darted her eyes straight at me. "W-What did you say!? If you have something to say, just say it!" "Forget it." "You started it. The least you can do is finish it. Come on, what's on your mind?" What a pain. "...Just forget it." "...Tell me. This is an order. An order from your client!" I looked at her then walked up to her. "How serious are you...? Really...? The 3 of you plop down on the floor to discuss strategy? On top of that, you can't make a decision without our input, right? How do you think we feel, working for such an organization?" Squall came behind me and whispered in my ear. "(You're being too hard, man.)" Selphie also came up to me and did the same. "(You're being a little too hard.)"
I glanced back at my team then looked to Rinoa she looked like she was about to burst into tears. "...Sorry. Guess I got a little carried away." I said not meaning any part of it. Rinoa started to shake like Squall does when he's angry. "You know... Maybe this was all a big mistake. I thought everything would work out fine once SeeD came to help us. But, I guess it's not that easy." She started to tear, but quickly rubbed her eyes. "You were all hired. It's not like you were one of us. Um, let's see...We'll cancel the plan, and we'll disperse for now. We don't stand a chance if we take 'em head on, right?" After hearing this I closed my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest. While Selphie and Squall shown some concern through their eyes and expressions. "So...you guys probably think this is all a game to us." I looked up to her surprised at her. "...Well, it's not! We're serious. So serious...it hurts." She screamed took one last look at me and ran back down the ally with Watts following. Selphie waved her arms in the air and watched as Rinoa dashed off. "...Heeey?" I watched as she ran back into the Pub. I can't deal with her right now but I told her the truth. I thought looking at the closing door to the Pub.
".Huh?" Squall said looking all around as the static sound got louder. "Are they starting?" The giant screen displayed a man in a suit behind a podium. He was tapping at the microphone. "T Testing...1...2...Testing...Testing... Ohhhh! P-People of the world! Can you see me!? Can you hear me!? Oh, this is incredible! Ladies and gentlemen, this is not a recording! This is an actual broadcast over the air! Yes, it's been 17 years since a live broadcast has been possible!" He coughed and then went on. "Oh, please excuse me...I seem to have lost my composure. We would like to present to you today a message from the lifelong President of Galbadia, Vinzer Deling. Ladies and gentlemen, President Deling." The announcer then stood down allowing President Deling to stand up to the podium. "Greetings. I am Vinzer Deling, lifelong president of Galbadia. Today, I stand before you to make the following proposition. We the people of the world have the power to end all wars." "See, see! It's a peace proposal to the world. I knew it!" Selphie screamed. "Unfortunately, there are some trifling problems standing between Galbadia and other nations, and they must be resolved." In the background, a sound of a loud noise is heard however the president ignored it and carried on. "I plan to convene with other nations' leaders immediately to resolve these problems. At this time, allow me to introduce the ambassador who will be my representative for the conference."
"Man! All this just to introduce an ambassador." Squall said as he leaned up against the steel railings and watched. "The ambassador is the Sorceress..." "...The Sorceress?" I asked as I scratched my head. Why would they have a Sorceress as an ambassador? I kept on thinking about it until something caught my eye on the huge TV screen. Seifer ran on to the screen running towards the president. A Galbadian soldier cut Seifer off but Seifer slashed him with his gunblade and he went down hard. "Heeey!" Selphie looked at me. "We've gotta help them!" "Seifer!" I said mad seeing he was messing everything up. We watched as Seifer was grabbed by two soldiers from behind. A third came charging for him from the front but found a kick placed to his groin. The soldier stumbled back knocking the main camera over and forcing a display of a side wards view. With a single movement, he then threw the two soldiers off from behind him and whirled around grabbing Deling and holding his gunblade to his throat.
Quistis then suddenly ran into the picture, she seeming to try to calm Seifer down. "What's he doin'!?" Selphie said as she gripped on the sleeve of my T-shirt. "Instructor Trepe!?" What are they doing here? I thought as I watched instructor Trepe try to calm Seifer down. "Stay back!" Quistis yelled trying to keep back Galbadian soldiers away. "Squall, what are we gonna do!?" I don't know! "For the last time, stay back! You're only going to provoke him." Quistis was looking back and forth making sure neither Seifer nor the soldiers did anything. "...Nothing. Our job is to assist the Owls. It's none of our business." I said looking at the helpless president under Seifer's grip. Quistis then looked at us through the TV screen. "Timber Team, are you watching? Get over here right now! You HAVE permission! I need your help!" "Zell!?" What! "Squad leader!" Selphie said tugging on my shirt. Without saying anything I ran towards the TV Station with Squall and Selphie following.
"We need to restrain him!" Quistis screamed while we ran into the TV Station. "What do you think you're doing?" I asked Seifer holding my fists up. "It's obvious, ain't it!? What are you planning to do with this guy?" Seifer asked staring straight through me. "...Planning to do?" That's right...He knows Rinoa. Is that why he's here? Squall looked up at Seifer surprised. "I get it! You're Rinoa's..." "Shut your damn mouth! You chicken!" Quistis pushed back one of the guards and looked at me. "He broke out of the disciplinary room, injuring many in the process." "YOU STUPID IDIOT!" Squall, please. "Be quiet." I said darting my eyes at Squall. "Instructor, I know! You're gonna take this stupid idiot back to Garden, right!?" "Shut up! NO!" Dammit Squall! I looked to Squall who had just noticed his mistake and covered mouth with his hand. President Deling started laughing. "I see...So you're all from Garden. Should anything happen to me, the entire Galbadian military will undoubtedly crush Garden. You can let go of me now." "Nice going, you dumb chicken! You and your stupid big mouth! Take care of this mess! Instructor and Mr. Leader!" Seifer spat to the side and then choked the President even more, dragging him down to a back room. Quistis quickly dashed after him.
Seifer was surprised to see a dark portal and a mysterious looking woman appeared from it. "...Poor, poor boy..." The woman said. "Stay away from me!" He held his gunblade even closer to the President's throat. "Such a confused little boy. Are you going to step forward? Retreat? You have to decide." "Stay back!" The mysterious woman looked to see Quistis running down the hall and held her hands out. Quistis was suddenly frozen in place, stopped in time. "The boy in you is telling you to come. The adult in you is telling you to back off. You can't make up your mind. You don't know the right answer. You want help, don't you? You want to be saved from this predicament." "Shut up!" "Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Besides, you're only a little boy." "I'm not...Stop calling me a boy." "You don't want to be a boy anymore?" "I am not a BOY!" "Come with me to a place of no return. Bid farewell to your childhood." Seifer then suddenly lets go of hold of Deling, Deling immediately running away. He looked down the hall to see Squall, Selphie, and I entering and waved at us, his face changed. The mysterious woman once again held her hand out and suddenly froze us as well. Without another word, she returned to the wall, Seifer following her through.
I came out of the trance and looked around confused. What just happened here? The others snapped out of the trance also looking equally confused. To the right the side door shot open and Rinoa came running from it. "Hey guys! Where's Seifer?" "We don't know." I answered looking around at the others. "...He'll be ok, right?" Rinoa nodded then smiled and dashed out the door. Selphie and Squall followed leaving me to follow them. I ran out the door catching up with them.
We met back up at the front of the TV Station. Rinoa explained the Forest Owl's condition. "They found our base. It's completely destroyed." "And everyone else?" Selphie asked stepping up. Rinoa then smiled. "They're fine. They're good at escaping." We all then walked down the ally heading towards the Pub. "We have to stay away from Timber for a while. Is there a safe place you can take me?" Rinoa said looking at me and I was still deep in thought. "This is an order, an order from your client, remember?" ".Alright." We have to get out of here first. Rinoa and Quistis ran ahead into the Pub while we followed.
"Rinoa! I heard your base is in serious trouble." The woman from the house said as we walked into the Pub. "Come over to my place until things settle down." "I appreciate it. Thank you." Rinoa said bowing her head down. " What are you waiting for Zell? Come on!" Quistis said turning around then walking out with Rinoa and the woman. "This way!" Rinoa yelled as we ran up the stairs in front of the Pub. We followed her down the street then she ran into a house. "This is it!" We walked into the house and Selphie went to look out the window. Squall went over to crouch in a corner in front of the steps. Then the woman walked up to me. "I'll let you know if anything changes. Til then, make yourself at home." I nodded and looked to the others. "Thanks, chief." Rinoa said as the chief walked to the front of the house. Chief.what? I turned and looked at Rinoa questionably. "Chief?" "She's the leader of the 'Forest Fox'. Almost everybody's a resistant member in this town."
Rinoa looked at the ground frowning. "But right now, we're the only ones that are really active." Rinoa looked at me brushing hair out of her face and I shrugged. About twenty minuets later we were all still in the same spot except I was sitting down in a chair at the table. Selphie scratched her head turning around. "I still don't get it." She looked at Rinoa and stretched her arms out. "What did Seifer come here for?" Rinoa walked forward a little looking at the ground. "I think. he came to help us the 'Forest Owls'. I talked about it a lot with him. So please.don't think too badly of him. Rinoa looked up at me over the salt and pepper shakers and I looked away. Then a loud bang was heard coming from outside.
"Anybody in there!?" A Galbadian soldier yelled banging on the door even harder. "What is this!? I have two small children in here. Don't do anything to frighten them!" The chief said cracking open the door a bit. The chief's daughter came running down the stairs. "Upstairs.Hurry!" Everyone ran up the stairs while Selphie stood on the stairs waiting for us. Rinoa ran up to the daughter looking at me then back at her. "Will she be ok?" "She'll be fine." She said patting Rinoa on the back. "The legend goes.that my mother took down many soldiers with her strength, cooking, and beauty." Yeah right. I thought as I rolled my eyes. "That beauty part sure makes it sound like a legend." Selphie said and started giggling along with Rinoa. I got up from the chair and we all ran up the steps.
When I walked up the stairs Quistis was just standing there, Selphie was sitting on the bed, Rinoa on the floor right next to it, and Squall was kneeling in a corner away from everyone again. Is Squall starting to act like me.? "So tired." Selphie said as she dropped her head on the bed. ".Wonder if he's all right.?" Rinoa asked taking a glance up at me. "He was so angry when he found out when it was only the three of you dispatched to Timber." Quistis said as she walked to the middle of the room. "What!? They might end up fightin' the whole Galbadian force!" Quistis paused for a second taking a look at Rinoa. "And all they dispatch are three rookie SeeD members!? Dammit! I'm going to Timber!" Quistis said mocking Seifer then she looked at Squall on the ground. After a couple seconds she turned to me. "I never would have guessed he was serious about it." That guy's always serious. You should know that by now. I thought shaking my head.
Quistis walked all the way to the back of the room. "What's going to happen to Seifer?" "He may already be dead." I said crossing my arms over my chest and looking to the ground. "How can you be so casual? I feel.sorry for him." Rinoa said stretching out on the floor looking at me. I looked at her strangely then turned around. .Feel sorry? Seifer would hate to hear that. Rinoa got off the floor mad. "What's so funny!? Your terrible!" "So.why do you think Seifer may already be dead?" Selphie asked jumping back into a sitting position. I turned to Selphie annoyed. Because. "The president of Galbadia and the Sorceress joined forces. Seifer attacked the president it's no surprise that Seifer may have been killed because of it." Rinoa ran up to me and I looked at her. What now? "Even so! I still hope he's alive." Rinoa said sinking down a little and I turned away from her.
Think what you want.Reality isn't so kind. Everything doesn't work out the way you want it to. That's why. "As long as you don't get your hopes up, you can take anything.You feel less pain." I said closing my eyes with my hand on my hip. "Anyway, whatever wish you have is none of my business." I said turning around looking at her. ".You're mean." Rinoa said walking away. "MEANY!!!" What's with her.? ".Sorry." The chief then walked up the stairs. "The Galbadian forces are withdrawing. Only the soldiers normally stationed here will stick around." I turned to look at her. "If you're gonna leave town, now's your chance!" She said as she raised her hands in the air. "You know how persistent those soldiers can be!" The lady said taking a look at all of us.
Everyone ran down the stairs but Rinoa stopped in front of me, looked at me for a couple seconds then followed the others. I shrugged my shoulders and went down too. When I got down stairs everyone were in their normal places. I walked by Selphie and she screamed. "I want to go home!" "Seems like everyone's tired." Quistis said rubbing her eyes. "Zell, any thoughts on where to go?" Quistis asked. We have to get out of here first. "Getting out of here is only the first step." What does she mean only the first step. "What do you mean?" "Garden code, article eight, line seven." Quistis answered. I pulled out my miniature Garden from my pocket. 8:7.. I looked for as I flipped through the pages. In the event that returning to the assigned Garden is not possible, report to the nearest Garden.. "Head for the nearest Garden." I said putting the book back into my pocket. "Very good! From here, that would be Galbadia Garden." Quistis said squinting her eyes like she was thinking.
"We can take a train from here and get off at a station called East Academy." Rinoa said looking up from the ground to me. "From there, we have to go through the forest west of the station to get to Galbadia Garden. I've been there several times, we should be ok." Quistis said looking at the others. ".Ok then." I said then nodded and looked to the right. "We'll escape from Timber and head to Galbadia Garden." I said looking up at everyone. "The party will be Squall, Rinoa, and I." "Let's go!" With that said Selphie and Quistis ran out the door. "You be careful, now." The chief said waving goodbye to us as we left.
That is the 3rd chapter I hope ya like it. I will post the 4th chapter soon so please review.
Note: Zell starts out with diamond knuckles. Italics mean what Zell is thinking. The whole story is written in Zell's POV. Some of the dialog and ideas belong to the fanfiction author team-senshi I would just like to say thanks to her for letting me use some of her stuff.
We walked out of the train and looked around there were plenty of shops. There was a sign hanging right above the stairs that said 'Welcome to Timber' and there was a guy standing at the bottom of the steps. "This place is pretty cool." Squall said looking at the new environment around us. "Let's get going Zell. We got a mission to do!" Selphie screamed jumping in the air. I nodded and we started to walk down the stairs when the guy at the bottom approached us. He had on a blue cap, yellow vest, army pants, and boots. "Oh, the forests of Timber sure has changed!" The guy said looking around then back to me. This must be the contact headmaster Cid told us about I thought while I looked at the man. "But the Owls are still around." I whispered saying the password and the man nodded scratching his head. "Welcome to Timber, sir. Come with me, sir." The man started to walk away and we followed him to another train pickup/ drop off platform, which was marked 'Galbadia'. "Please, please, this way, sir!" He said walking up the platform and we followed. Seconds later a dark navy colored train came and stopped at the platform. The door opened and the guy looked to us. "Please go on in." The man said and I nodded and walked in. The man waited for Selphie to enter then he got in, shut and locked the door.
Inside there was another man ant the entrance, he had a blue jacket on, dark shorts, and yellowish looking shoes. He was only a little taller then I. He stood very strangely by sticking his chest out. "So you guys are SeeDs?" The strange looking man said looking at me. "I'm the squad leader, Zell. This is Squall, and Selphie." I said looking at both Squall and Selphie. "Nice to meet ya. I'm the leader of the Forest Owls." He said extending his hand out to me but I just glanced at it then back to him. He then looked to the left and right and walked over to Selphie. He shook hands with her with Selphie grinning slightly. With that Squall brushed his hand down on his pants and put his hand out. I glared at Squall and he put his hand down and walked over to the steps and sat down on the stairs in the main hallway. "So let's get on with it. What do we do?" I said getting a bit annoyed with all this. "Just take it easy. Here, let me introduce you." He walked over and patted the man from earlier on the shoulder. "Looks like you already met Watts."
Watts gave a little wave. "I guess it's just our princess then." Watts looked to Zone and spoke up. "It's the princess' nap time, sir." "Ahh, man." Zone grumbled as he looked around then looked to me. "Hey Zell, sorry, but could you go get the princess? She's in the last room up those stairs." He pointed down the hall with a desperate look. "Some of our others guys are in the room on the way. Ask'em if you get lost." Like I'm really going to I thought as I rolled my eyes and looked back to Zone. ".Were we hired to run errands? Well?" I asked really get annoyed with this character. Zone flinched back on the ground looking scared. "A-Are you angry!?" I closed my eyes and shook my head with my hand on my hip. We're not gophers. We're SeeD. special forces. "This is the last time for this kinda thing." I answered glaring back only to find Zone retreat and hold his stomach. "OwOwOuccchhh." I started to walk towards the stairs when Selphie stopped me. "Zell, way t'go! You tell'm! They can't treat us that way!" I just kept walking to the stairs when Squall looked up to me. "These guys don't seem to have it together." I nodded and continued down the main hallway and stopped at a room.
I peered in to see three men working with machines and controls. It seemed to be a control room or radar room that functioned the train. Nope not the right room I kept on walking down the hallway to the last room to the left and walked in. I saw the room nearly covered with a rose like color. Some door leading to a room to my right, a dresser to my right, a dresser, and finally a neat bed where a sleeping girl was lying. It's her. from the party. I stood there for a while looking around until the train stopped, its breaks screeching, causing the girl to wake up. "Hey. You're.! You know, from the party. So. does that mean. You're a SeeD!?" The girl said excitedly rubbing her eyes. I nodded and stepped forward and looked in her eyes. "I'm Zell, the squad leader. There's 2 others with me." She clapped her hands together. "YEEESSSS! SeeD is here!" She screamed as she dove on me hugging me. I was surprised and after the swing I gently set her back down on the floor. "Take it easy." She walked away a bit a little embarrassed. "It's just that, I'm so happy! I've been sending requests to Garden forever, but nothing. I'm glad I spoke to Cid directly!" "Oh." I walked over to her she was fixing her hair with her fingers.
"So you were looking for the headmaster at the party?" She smiled and stretched her arms. "You know Seifer?" I frowned at the sound of his name and crossed my arms over my chest. ".Yeah." "Well, he's the one who introduced me to Cid. Cid is such a nice man. I really didn't think SeeD would come out to help a measly little group like us. But after explaining our situation to him, Cid gave the go ahead right away!" The princess then began giggling happily. "Now that you guys are here, we'll be able to carry out all kinds of plans!" I was still looking at her for anything else she had to say but nothing. "Yes?" "I'm goin' back to the others." "OK, let's go!" She started walking off then suddenly turned around. "Umm, Zell. Is 'he' here?" 'He'? I looked at her confused. "Seifer." ".. No, he's not a SeeD." "Oh." She began to walk out again but turned around to me once more. "Oh yeah, my name's Rinoa Heartily. Very pleased to meet you, Zell." She smiled and stared up to me. "SeeD members dance quite well, don't they?" "Approach your target inconspicuously at a dance party. There may be missions requiring this sort of subterfuge. It's expected of SeeD to learn various skills." I tried to say very professionally while I scratched the back of my neck.
"Ohhh. So it's work related. That's too bad." Rinoa said as she looked to the ground to see her dog come up to her. Rinoa knelt down and patted the dog's head. "Here, let me introduce you. This is my partner, Angelo. Angelo is really smart! He can do lots of neat tricks, like besides the basic roll over, play dead, sit, stay. you know. he's even a trained attack dog that actually knows some magic spells. Smart, huh?" I nodded as she went back to petting the dog. "I have some important work to do now. Be good, Angelo." She then turned to me and waved. "Ok, I'll meet you there." She gave Angelo one last pat and ran off.
We walked back to the rest of the group and I introduced Rinoa to Selphie and Squall. "This is Squall. and Selphie." "Hi everyone!" Rinoa said happily and she waved her hand indicating for us to follow. "This way." She said as she entered the door right next to the main hallway. We all followed her in to their 'meeting room' there was a large table with a toy model set up. The toy models were many trains put up together. "Just stand anywhere you want." Zone said standing forward with his chest out. In the back of the room there were a couple of lockers and a bulletin board. "This is a full-scale operation. Our resistance, 'The Forest Owls', will be forever known in the pages of Timber's independence!" He looked to the other SeeDs and me as we just stood waiting. "Exciting, huh?" With that, we then repositioned ourselves to a more relaxed, yet annoyed, state. "It all started when we got a hold of top-secret info from Galbadia." "I got the info, sir!" Watts yelled stepping forward with his hand up. "There's a VIP from Galbadia coming to Timber." Zone said, Watts again making a statement, "Super V-I-P!!!" "The Guy's name is Vinzer Deling! Our archenemy, and the President of Galbadia."
Squall already got bored of listening and walked over to read the bulletin board. "Vinzer Deling is a scoundrel!!! He's a dictator, not a president. Not even popular in Galbadia, sir!" Watts yelled angrily. "President Deling is taking a private train from the Galbadian capital." Rinoa said looking me in the eye. Zone cleared his throat then went on. "Our plan is to." Suddenly, Selphie stepped forward and jumped up. ".Blow it to smithereens with a rocket launcher!?" She shot a fist in the air and started laughing. "Ahh. not quite." Squall got annoyed with all the small talk and turned around mad. "So get to the point! Just tell us what to do!" Rinoa stepped forward sighing. "Shall we begin?" She walked up to the model trains and we all gathered around. "First, I'll go over the model. The yellow train on the top right is our 'base'. We're riding in it right now. Right next to it is the 'dummy car'. We made it look just like the president's car. Their train has three cars. First, there's the 'locomotive' followed by the '1st escort'. The red car is the 'president's car'. Deling should be inside. The last car is the '2nd escort'. Once we get on this one, we begin the operation.
Our ultimate goal is to seize the president in his car using our 'base'. That means, we'll have to switch our 'dummy car' with their 'president's car'. We'll use the 2 switch points leading up to Timber to carry out this operation. "OK, now I'm going to explain the procedures in seven steps. 1) Sneak on board the '2nd escort'. We'll get on the roof of the '2nd escort' by jumping from our 'dummy car'. 2) Proceed cautiously across the roof of the '2nd escort'." "The '2nd escort' car is the only one that is equipped with sensors, sir." Said Watts. Rinoa then continued. "A high tech officer is onboard. I'll talk about the sensors later. 3) Proceed across the roof of the 'president's car'. We can move across the roof of the 'president's car' without worrying too much." "Deling hates the company of his guards and being surrounded by sensors, and keeps them away from his car." Mentioned Zone. "4) Uncouple the '1st escort' car. We'll have to complete the uncoupling before the 1st switch point. If we don't." "BOOM! . Game over, right?" Asked Selphie. ". Yeah, so we'll have to move fast. I'll explain the uncoupling process later. 5) Have the 'dummy car' and our 'base' move in after uncoupling.
After the car is uncoupled, we'll have the 'dummy car' and our 'base' move in. At this point, our train and their train will be linked and moving together. 6) Uncouple the '2nd escort' car. This is the last uncoupling the process will probably be similar to the first one. 7) Escape with the 'president's car' and our 'base'. If all goes well, we should be able to escape with the 'president's car'. After that, we'll return to our base and prepare to confront Deling. We have exactly 5 minutes to complete the 7 procedures. If we fail, our train will collide with theirs at the switch point and it'll be all over. Don't forget that." Squall raised his eyebrows while he watched the trains go down the tracks. "5 minutes.? You sure that's enough?" Zone then stepped up holding some papers and junk. "According to the simulation that we ran, it should take only 3 minutes to complete the operation. Piece of cake for SeeDs, right?" Selphie jumped up in the air. "Of course! Too easy!" She looked to Squall who gave her a high- five and I kept staring at the model. "Ok, now let's talk about how to avoid the sensors on the '2nd escort'. .. Go ahead Watts." Zone said pushing Watts forwards.
"The guards have a 'sound sensor' and a 'temperature sensor', sir. Any sound will trigger the 'sound sensor' so move across very quietly, sir! There's a guard, usually a petty officer, he'll be wearing blue, carrying this sensor. The 'Temperature sensor' will go off if you remain stationary, sir! A higher officer, usually in red, is carrying this one, sir. When a guard opens the blind, that means he is checking the sensor, so be careful! The range on these sensors is equal to the length of one window. So keep an eye on the window below, sir." ".So exactly how do you avoid 'em?" Squall asked as he scratched his head. "Umm. basically, run or stop, depending on which guard is below you. Stop if the guard in blue is below you, run if the one in red is below you." "That's about it for the sensors." Said Rinoa as she stopped the trains for a while. "Next, let's talk about how to uncouple the escort cars." "Question.!" Yelled Selphie. "How can you uncouple the cars from a moving train?" "Umm. we can't uncouple the car's directly." Zone stepped forward holding a little keypad and handing it to Rinoa. "Instead, we'll have to tamper with the control system that manages the coupling. If we temporarily disable the circuit for the connection, the car will uncouple automatically. To disable it, we have to enter several codes." He looked to Watts. ".And we have the codes. Rinoa has them, sir!"
"I'll be in charge of relaying the codes to Zell. Zell, you'll slide down on the side of the train using a cable and enter the codes into the system. Now I need you to listen carefully. Each code is made up of numbers between 1-4 and has 4 digits: 2341 is an example." She stopped and showed the circular keypad to me. "But the keypad won't have numbers, instead, it'll have four buttons." The keypad had an X, circle, triangle, and square. "Circle is 1, X 2, Square 3, and triangle 4. For instance, if I relay the code 3124, you'll push square, circle, X, and triangle, in that order. You'll have to be quick and precise. You'll have about 5 seconds to enter each code. Otherwise, the code will change and the past entries will become invalid. "So like we said, we have to enter all the codes to disable the connections. After we uncouple the cars, we'll wait for the others to operate the rail switch. Remember that we only have 5 minutes to do everything, so make sure that you're prepared. OK, let's try practicing entering the code. Enter 3 codes and you'll be finished." I nodded as she held out the keypad. She started yelling random numbers out. "1411!" I quickly tapped circle, triangle, circle, and circle buttons. "3412!" I once again began tapping. This went on until I did the third code. "You got it? In the real thing, there's a strict time limit leading up to the switch point. Don't forget that. Umm. that's all."
Selphie stepped up pointing at the president's car. "By the way. this model's nice but the president's car looks kinda shabby. .. Why is that?" Watts chuckled and walked forward. "Yeah, Rinoa made it. That's why. We bought everything else at the gift store." "Oh." Squall Said. "I thought some kid made it. The paint job sucks, too." I just gave it a glance and waited. .? Yeah. It kind of does. "Oh, shut up! I made it look like that on purpose. It represents my hatred towards Deling." Said Rinoa pouting. "Hatred, eh?." Squall shrugged and went back to reading the articles. "Yeah. right." Trying to make Rinoa feel better, Selphie spoke. "It's one of the. ugliest things that I've ever seen in my life. You must really hate him." "Are you guys finished!? Enough about the model! Can we get on with it now!?" She sighed and turned to me. "Do you guys understand?" I nodded. "Let's decide on the party!" "Gathering information is my specialty, sir!" Yelled Watts, trying to give a salute, then running out the door. Zone just plopped down to the corner once again holding his stomach. "OuuuucHHHH. My stomach!" Rinoa shook her head and looked around. The train had started moving. "We're moving again. I'll go take a look. Talk to Watts when you're ready. The sooner the better." She then ran off.
"Oh wait, Zell, check this stuff out, it's kinda interesting." It was Squall pointing to the bulleting board. I sighed and walked over, Selphie following. We all read the few articles together. All the articles were from "Anarchist Monthly," a short journal that began only a few months ago, and ended only weeks ago. The first one's headlines read. "Galbadia's dictator, President Vinzer Deling Special! How does he stay in power!? We reveal his darkest secrets!!!" while a second one read "President Deling became the president after the 2nd Sorceress War ended. To gain support quickly, he carried out the invasion of Timber. It was only a ploy to decorate an already corrupt man's immoral career. I started to get bored of that one and read a different one. Our land Timber was brutally destroyed. Here began Vinzer Deling's road to dictatorship." I skimmed down further until something caught my eye. "To imprison anti-government sympathizers, the D-District Prison was built in the desert south of Deling City. Millions were spent to build the facility. The threat of being sent to the prison intensified Deling's unpopularity. The prison began imprisoning Galbadian anti-government sympathizers just as they did in Timber. Moreover, the leaders of the resistance movements faced the threat of having family members imprisoned as well. Around this time, Deling began surrounding himself only with loyalists, which turned him into an even more fierce dictator."
I found a another article titled 'Final Issue!!!' "With the exception of Esthar, the Galbadian Military possess the world's only long range missiles. Although never used in combat, their existence has become a worldwide threat. It is said that the missiles have the ability to hit any target with astounding accuracy even without using radio signals. Will the time come for the president to push the button!? When the time comes, Ti." I sighed to find the print blurred out on the last part. "If anything, this information is useful." I said pointing to the last article. "Should this faction do anything. over zealous, that Deling and the rest of the Galbadian army might actually try to use one of these missiles on this 'base' to retaliate. Squall nodded and walked off. "C'mon guys, let's do this!"
* * *
Watts waited by a ladder leading up to the train's roof. Zone was still in the corner holding his stomach. "Have you seen the dummy of the president, sir? If you haven't, please take a look-see! It's like a piece of art!" I nodded and walked into the control room. Four men were now sitting there, one sprawled against a corner. The man standing walked in and pointed the dummy to me. "I'm the one who made the dummy president. It talks when you get close enough. I hope this will trick the guards." "We're gonna have the dummy hold a newspaper." Said the man in the chair watching some kind of monitor. "That way, his face is covered. No guard would dare look over the paper after what we programmed him to say." Looking to the dummy, I then slowly walked up to it. "I'm in a bad mood right now!" It yelled. "If there's nothing in particular, I order you to leave immediately!" I blinked at the lifelike dummy. It's not that bad either. even looks like that picture of him on that bulletin board. The man on the bench chuckled as he saw my eyes widen. "That dummy looks real, huh? No one will ever realize that it's a fake." I nodded and walked out where Squall was waiting for me. "Yo Zell, how was the dummy?" ".It's actually not that bad." I said as I continued to Watts. "I know the kidnapping plan must be tough, but best of luck to you, sir! Are you ready, sir!?" Asked Watts as he opened the top hatch. "Yeah, let's go." "Alright sir! I'll inform the engineers right away. Go ahead and head up to the roof of the Dummy car. The princess will meet you there." I nodded and we all exited the train.
* * *
Squall pointed to the top of the train and I looked up. "Let's go." I nodded and climbed up the ladder to the roof with Selphie and Squall following. "Zell, over here!" Rinoa yelled from atop the dummy car. The Forest Owls' train barreled down the tracks, it quickly approaching president Dealing's train. The Dummy Car was placed in front of the Forest Owls' locomotive. Selphie, Squall, and I ran over the dummy car and over to where Rinoa had been crouching, we too crouching down to avoid falling. "We'll catch up with the 2nd escort soon. Let's get ready. We should time our jumps well after we catch up to them to save some time. From now on we have exactly......5 minutes to complete the operation. Let's try and use every second." With that, Rinoa made her jump, The others and I quickly following. "Zell, over here!" I was the last over to make sure we all made it. Rinoa, Selphie, and Squall waited as I rushed over the 2nd escort, I heard Galbadian soldiers yelling "Activating sound sensor" and "Activating temperature sensor," from opened windows below. "This is the president's car. After we get across, we'll proceed with the first uncoupling." We then nodded and ran over the President's car following Rinoa.
* * *
Inside the president's car, President Deling quietly sat trying to enjoy his train ride. The key word, trying. Although he could get anything he wanted and his car was fitted with nearly every luxury a train could offer, he was getting impatient with the guards constantly giving him an update every minute or so. "Sir, everything is in order, sir!" Yelled a Galbadian soldier that just entered, he saluting. "You again...That's 27 times now." Deling turned around to see the soldier, his face looking irritated. "How many more times do you plan to disturb me with that meaningless report?"
The Galbadian soldier trembled. "Sir, I'm sorry sir....But it is my duty, sir!" ".. It's hard to believe that anyone would put up with this nonsense." Deling then sighed and shook his head. "I guess it's none of my business. Dismissed." "......! Sir, yes, sir!" The soldier saluted. Slowly walking away, he muttered something to himself. "(There goes next month's paycheck. How am I gonna propose to her now? I'm gonna have to put it off again...)" He then shook his head and walked off.
* * *
We were crouching on the 1st escort part of the train. "This is the 1st escort. We're gonna uncouple this first. Like Watts said, there should be 2 guards on this car. Selphie and Squall, you guys keep an eye on the guards. Let us know early if you see them coming." "Alright, I'll watch the blue guard." Said Squall. He ran over the 1st escort and knelt down to peer over to the windows. Selphie followed screaming "I'll take red." "The red guard is closer." Rinoa said looking to me. "Zell you might wanna keep an eye on him, too. OK, are you ready to enter the codes?" I nodded. "We'll have to enter 3 codes to disable the circuit for this uncoupling. Ok, Zell. Get the cable ready." I nodded and secured my cable. I attached it to the top of the train where Rinoa carefully latched it. The system to enter the code is down there. You can't miss it." She looked to her watch and sighed. "Ok, let's do it. We have 4 minutes left! Good luck Zell!"
I slid down the cable and looked to the keypad. "Alright, give me the codes!" "3124!" Yelled Rinoa. Let's see.Square, circle, X, triangle. "It's good. okay, next!" "2122!" . X, circle, X, X. "Quick, next one!" "Yo, the blue!" Yelled Squall. "4311!" . okay don't need to worry about this guy just yet. Selphie jumped. "And red!" .What the hell? So soon? Damn. Triangle, square, circle, circle. "Zell, this way!" As soon as I finished the last code, I climbed up the cable before any of the guards could activate their sensors. I jumped over to the president's car where the others waited. We all watched as the 1st escort and the president's car uncoupled and they slowly drifted away. Quickly making its way on the right, the base quickly rolled over from the parallel track and slid behind the 1st escort by means of the switch rail. It then slowed down and attached itself to the president's car and speed forward, it then attaching the dummy car to the 1st escort. All the train cars were then linked.
* * *
Once again the Galbadian soldier entered the President's car. What should I do...? I know he's not gonna like it. But it's my job. "S- Sir......Everything is in order, sir!" He waited for a few seconds expecting yelling but instead received silence. Huh......He's not angry. Phew. That's strange. Oh, he's reading the paper. I wonder where he got it? "What!? Is there a problem!?" Rushed in a Galbadian officer. He had felt a slight jolt and rushed in to see if the president was okay. He walked up to president Deling to find himself getting yelled at. "I'm in a bad mood right now! If there's nothing in particular, I order you to leave immediately!" Yelled the president from behind a newspaper.
"S-S-Sir aye aye...YESSIR!" Said the Galbadian officer. He then turned to the Galbadian soldier just waiting. "YOU! Don't just stand there! Get back to your station!" "S-Sir, yessir!" There goes another paycheck. That's two in one day. The G-Soldier sighed and walked over to the door drooping his head down. The officer walked out the door, but then rushed back in looking confused. "W-W-What the HECK!? Is this the right train?" The interior looks different. Looks shabbier. Maybe not. He then shrugged and again walked out the door leaving the other G-Soldier. What am I gonna do? No ring, and now no more candlelight dinner. I'm never gonna be able to get married.
* * *
"This is the 2nd escort. After this, we're home free. I think there are 2 guards on this car, too. Squall and Selphie are up ahead, working on uncoupling our train from theirs, so you're on your own this time. Watch your right side. Let's get this over with. We'll have to enter 5 codes to disable the circuit for this connection. Are you ready, Zell?" I nodded as I fastened my cable to the car. "We have 2 minutes left! Good luck, Zell!" Once again sliding down the cable, I popped the cover off the keypad and waited. "3123!" Square, circle, X, square. "2411!" X, triangle, circle, circle. "1112!" circle, circle, circle, X. uh oh, here comes the guy in Red. Quickly, I pulled myself up the cable and waited next to Rinoa. We watched as the guard opened the window blinds, hold his scanner up, then close it and walk away. With that, I then slid back down. "2131!" X, circle, square, circle. "Alright. last one!" I yelled. "And quick, here comes the blue guard!" Rinoa shuffled to the next page only to find the codes fly from her hands. "OH NO!!!" "Rinoa, hurry!" I said as the blue guard opened his blind. He scanned the area then went off on his own way, I froze still as ice during the process. "Oh.." "1231!" I sighed and punched in circle, X, Square, circle. "Pass code confirmed." With that, I once again pulled myself up to see a relieved Rinoa. "What? What's wrong?" I asked. Rinoa sighed and smiled. "Nothing!"
She then ran back over the president's car and over to the Forest Owls' rear car. "Zell, this way!" I jumped ahead to see Squall and Selphie running towards us. They had uncoupled the Forest Owls' locomotive from the dummy car. The Forest Owls' train then slowed down a bit, giving some room behind the dummy car and then suddenly sped forward and rushed over the rail switch. The sudden dash forward gave the suddenly uncoupling 2nd escort car a burst of speed due to momentum, catapulting the 2nd escort car forward and attaching itself to the dummy car. The operation was a success. "Let's head down everyone!" Rinoa shouted as she watched the president's ride roll away without the president.
* * *
"Finally...We've waited so long for this encounter with Vinzer." Zone said as he watched Rinoa and us file down the ladder. "Was that perfect, sir!? Amazing, sir! You're the best, sir!" Watts said to me. I took no notice and just looked to Rinoa waiting. "We'll call Garden and inform them of your progress." Alright! Can you say 'Your SeeD rank went up by 1?!" Selphie shouted. Squall nodded giving a big grin. "Well then..." Finally, Rinoa turned around, she holding her hand up to the rear exit heading into the president's car. "Leave the intelligence to me, sir!" Said Watts. He obviously didn't want to go. Zone was feeling the same he curling up by the corner holding his stomach screaming "OwOwOuccchhh." Zone then shook his head and ran to the meeting room. Narrowing her eyes and biting her lower lip, she then looked over to us. "You 3! Tell me when you're ready to go. As soon as you're ready, I'll begin 'serious negotiations' with the president!"
'Serious negotiations'...Better make sure my GF's equipped... I then closed my eyes and once again summoned forth energies around me. Squall and Selphie looked to each other and shrugged, following me, and summoned GF's of their own. I junctioned my mind and body with Shiva and Quezacotl. The other two did the same except Selphie had been the only one to junction the GF Siren. Squall junctioned Ifrit the God of Fire. "We're ready." "What was that?" "Our GF's, Guardian Forces. They help us cast magic, get stronger, give us special abilities and stuff!" Said Selphie. "Really!? You guys need to show me how to do that!" "Oh, it's easy! You just need to." I then stepped forward. "Selphie can teach you later. Let's just get this over with." Rinoa just nodded. "Uh wait Zell. I need to use the bathroom." Squall said as he began flustering around. "Oh, it's down the hall by the control room area." Said Rinoa.
Squall then grinned and ran down the hall, he slamming a door behind him. "Hey Rinoa, can we go and pet your dog while we wait!?" Asked Selphie excitedly. "Sure, let's go!" With that, they both ran off leaving me behind. I got bored and started to shadow box. I was throwing punches in the air before I knew what I was doing. I suddenly stopped, closed my eyes and shook my head. I can't believe it. I'm turning into Squall. "Zell are you ok?" Rinoa asked and I looked up to see Selphie, Rinoa, and Squall. They were all looking at me weirdly and I nodded. "Ok lets go" Rinoa said walking through the door followed by Squall and Selphie. "Best of luck, sir! I'll be keeping watch here!" Said Watts as I walked in.
* * *
As we walked in we saw president Deling sitting in his seat. He took a sip of his coffee and just sat there. Rinoa put on an angry face and stepped forward. "...President Deling! As long as you...don't resist, you won't get hurt..." "And if I do resist...What would you do...?" He then turned his head and looked at her. "Young lady?" "!!!" Rinoa gasped and slowly took a few steps away from the president. "What's wrong?" I asked as I tightened my gloves. "Boo-hoo...Too bad..." He stood up and started laughing. "I'm not the president. I'm what they call...a body double." He then straightened his face and glared at Rinoa. "All these rumors about the many resistance groups in Timber... You pass along a little false information and they fall for it...How pathetic...Seems like there are only amateurs around here." "Ama...teurs...!?" Screamed Rinoa as she held a weapon up. It was a sharp disk of some sort.
"Ahh...My butt hurts from all this sitting...Young...LADY... Ahh...So what did you have in stORE for me had I resiSTED...? Why doN'T you teLL mE... QuiTE aMUsing thouGH...For beING such anAtEurs...!!! HoW daRe YOU InSUlt tHe presIDent!!!" The fake president's posture had suddenly changed. He began wobbling around and his mouth hung wide opened, drool dripping from his teeth. His eyes were different as well, now burning a cold blue. "He's wiggen out! Squall yelled getting out his gunblade. "What the hell. he can't be human. can he?" Asked a frightened Selphie. She held her nunchaku forward and got into a fighting stance. The fake president jumped forward on top of Squall biting him. "He's so strong it's like he's not even. HUMAN! GET THIS THING OFF ME!" Squall screamed in agony while he was getting bitten.
Selphie snapped her nunchaku forward hitting the crazed man off Squall. "You...fEll...For...iT.aMusINg...tHIs iS AmuSinG!" I ran forward and punched it in the face. My fist made contact with his face and his head got knocked to the side. What the hell. it's like he has no bones in his head just skin. I backed up and watched with the others. He turned his head in a complete 360 degrees. "What the hell!?!" Squall yelled and then Squall made a dash forward and slashed at the man's torso. He was surprised to see that he had not fallen, only was pushed back, even after the explosion from the trigger. "What the.?" Squall gripped his gunblade forward and watched as the man slowly pulled at the tears; He began pealing away his skin. "The hell is he?" I said putting my fists up. "Brrawghh!" He burst his skin apart revealing his true face. He was a monster now towering a little higher over us. His skin was dripping with acid, his body smoking, he looking like a melting skeleton, all white with eyes burning blue.
"It's a Gerogero! A high level monster, I read a little bit on it back at the monster database in the classroom!" Yelled Squall. Squall charged forward and jabbed his gunblade forward in the monster. He found that it had barely any effect, his gunblade just sliced right through. Some kind of black goo splattered on his face and it was all over his gunblade too. "EEEYO! What the hell is this stuff!?" He ran back shaking the greasy liquid off. "Argh, dammit! It's starting to burn!" Squall yelled running around complaining. "Hold still Squall!" Selphie said. "Esuna!" Selphie screamed and all kinds of sparks and lights formed around Squall then went into him. Squall started to shake and the burning affect subsided. "Thanks Selphie!" Squall yelled running up to Selphie and hugged her. "Shiva!" The Ice Queen came and shot a blat of ice at the monster. The ice shattered and the Gerogero was still standing strong. "Damn! Nothing seems to work against this thing!" Squall yelled looking at us. "Scan!" Selphie yelled focusing all her energy into the spell.
Health 3000-3650 Type: Undead very weak against Holy "Guys it's an Undead monster!" Selphie yelled looking to the others and I. "Elixir!" Rinoa yelled throwing the potion at the monster. "Oh, great what are you planning to do? Heal it to death!?!" I yelled at Rinoa's stupid action. Rinoa glared at me and looked back at the monster. There was a bright flash of light and when the light was gone the monster had melted to the ground. My jaw dropped and Squall's eyes widened. "Hey Zell technically you were right." Selphie said patting me on the back. "Hey Rinoa how'd you know a strong healing potion would finish it off." Squall asked looking dumbfounded at her. She smiled and said, "It's all up here." She said pointing to her head. Squall laughed and walked out of the room while we dusted ourselves off. Selphie walked up to Rinoa and put her hand on her shoulder. "Good job Rinoa." Selphie said looking at the goo on the ground and she left. I then came up to her feeling a bit embarrassed. "Y.ou.uh.did g-good." I choked out feeling stupid for my last remark. Rinoa laughed and we both followed the others.
* * *
"Man I can't believe the president was a fake!" Zone yelled with anger as he took a deep breath and blew it back out slowly. Rinoa was feeling pretty bad as well, especially after the Gerogero's remark about amateurs. "I can't believe we fell for it!" She said looking at us and sighing with her eyes closed. I eyed her up and down trying to figure out something. I'll admit that whole train operation was well thought out, but running all your hopes on one hunch will just waste time. Then Watts ran in with his hands high with papers in it. "Info, sir! New info! It's big news! I found out the real reason why the president's here, sir! The president's going to the TV Station! Security's really tight, sir!" "...The TV Station? Why in Timber? They can broadcast just as easily from Galbadia." Rinoa looked to Zone who merely shrugged. Watts just shook his head.
Selphie tapped me on the shoulder then nudged Squall. "Do you think the Dollet communication tower has anything to do with this?" I shrugged. Maybe. If they're planning to do a broadcast of some sort, that tower would definitely boost the signal. but what about the interference? Have they found a way around it? And does Timber have the ability to broadcast using them? Zone turned to us and raised a brow. "What's that." . I suppose that's it. I then looked to the Forest Owls. "Dollet has a communication tower that can transmit and receive radio waves. It had been abandoned for a long time, but the Galbadian Army got it up and running yesterday." "Ohhhh...I get it..." Zone tapped his shoe on the ground and then looked to the group. "The only TV station that can handle broadcasts over the air is in Timber. Other stations use HD cable, which only supports online broadcasting."
Rinoa turned to Zone a bit confused. "So, what's that supposed to mean?" "They're planning on using radio waves. This way, they can transmit images to regions with cable." "I know that...!" Rinoa rolled her eyes over then placed a hand on her head. "What I want to know is, what is the president going to broadcast!? Why use radio waves? There must be something they want to say to the whole world. What can it be?" "Everybody! Love and Peace!" screamed Selphie as she jumped and displayed a little peace sign with her hands. "If I remember correctly, radio waves haven't been used in 17 years." Zone looked to us and we nodded in agreement. "It's been that long? Wouldn't it be wonderful if the first broadcast could be the declaration of Timber's independence!?" Rinoa looked all around and sighed.
All was quiet for a moment. "Hey! That might be possible." Zone looked to Rinoa and Watts and nodded. "Let's come up with a plan then!" Rinoa smiled as she looked at us. "Can you guys give us a minute?" She then ran over to Watts and Zone, they all-stooping to their knees chatting in the corner. Selphie squinted her eyes at the resistant group trying to figure out what the hell they were doing. Squall looked to the Forest Owls and rolled his eyes while he shook his head. Selphie tapped my shoulder and pointed to the group huddled on the ground. "Can't we go home now? What about our contract? Shouldn't we check it, Zell?" That's a good idea. We should've done that in the first place. I looked over to Selphie and nodded. I then looked to Squall who had an expression of disgust. "They call that a strategy meeting!?" Squall said to me, being as loud as possible, raising his arms to the Forest Owls' direction. I agree. this isn't some game where they can come up with a plan just like that.
I walked over to the group huddled on the floor when Rinoa popped up and smiled when she saw me. "Oh, good timing! We've come up with a plan!" A plan. of course you've come up with a plan. "Before we get into that, can I see your contract with our Garden?" "Oh, sure." Rinoa then took it out of her pocket and held it out for me to take. I yanked it right out of her hands. "What's it say?" Squall asked. "...... 'Balamb Garden' (here after referred to as 'Party A') acknowledges 'The Forest Owls' (here after referred to as 'Party B') as the hiring party. 'SeeD' (here after referred to as 'Party C') shall be dispatched upon signing of this contract. Party C shall operate under the supervision......" Squall hovered right over my shoulder looking confused. "...The hell.?" "I don't get it." Selphie said leaning over my other shoulder. Rinoa started laughing. "Oh yeah, that one's pretty confusing. When I told him I didn't understand, he gave me a different one." She took out another contract and I yanked it out of her hand again. "Cid is such a nice man." Selphie and Squall both leaned in closer trying to get a better look.
---------- To the Forest Owls,
This SeeD deployment contract will last until Timber achieves independence. Please make good use of each SeeD member. I wish you the best with your objective. Please understand that this contract is an exception, and no replacement of any SeeD members can be made.
Balamb Garden Headmaster
Cid Kramer ----------
"Until Timber's independence!?" Squall yelled mad with Headmaster Cid's words. "That is soooo vague!" Selphie said quite as mad as Squall was and I stayed silent. Rinoa smiled and looked over at us. "Hey, you're paid professionals. No complaining! Ok, let's decide on the parties!" "Gathering information is my specialty, sir!" said Watts who gave a little salute like wave. He then ran out of the room. Zone stumbled over to the corner and crouched down. "OuuuucHHHHH...... My stomach!" Those two the same as usual. I thought as I shook my head. "So, I guess it's just us four huh?" Rinoa said as she walked out of the room and the rest of us followed. We all walked to the entrance of the base and huddled up in a group. "Alright, this TV station, where is it and what exactly did you want us to do?" I turned to Watts who jumped to that. "The TV station, sir!? It's quite close if you take the local train... But the local and transcontinental trains have stopped running, sir... Nothing to worry about, sir! There must be someone in town who knows."
"You mean you don't know?" I asked and Watts shook his head. "Do you?" I asked looking to Rinoa she also shook her head no. What's with these people. I turned around and softly banged my head against the wall. After a couple of seconds I turned around and faced everyone. "You know what? It doesn't matter no we'll just find someone who knows the way to the TV station." I said sarcastically and I walked out the door with and Squall following. "Best of luck, sir! I'll be keeping watch here!" Watts said to me happily. "Yeah, yeah." I said out the door. "You're coming too Angelo." Rinoa said looking down petting her dog. "Hey don't worry about Zell. He just gets mad easily." Selphie said also petting Angelo. Rinoa nodded and both of them walked out the door with Angelo trailing behind.
* * *
We all walked off of the train on to the platform looking around. "...Say! I remember now, sir!" said Watts as he tapped me on the shoulder. "I think the TV Station is located behind a building called Timber Maniacs! Please head in that direction, sir! I hope you find it!" Watts yelled pointing to the right I nodded and looked to the rest of the group. "Lot's of guards patrolling the city now! Please be careful, sir! Seems like the hotel's not available, either! You're all SeeDs, you'll be fine, right, sir!?" We all nodded. Watts smiled then looked behind him. The train was on its way out of Timber and Watts jumped off the platform. "Hey...!!! Don't leave me, sirrrr!" Watts yelled as he ran after the speeding train. "Lets get going." I said walking in the direction Watts appointed us to. The rest followed as Rinoa told Squall and Selphie more about the history of Timber.
As we went over a bridge that peered over the train tracks Angelo came running up to Squall and started poking him with his nose. "Rinoa I think there's something wrong with your dog." Squall said trying to push the dog away. "Nah that just means Angelo likes you." Rinoa said and Angelo barked in agreement. "Zell, hold up." Squall said to me, I stopped and turned around to them only to see a guy talking to Rinoa. "Ahhh...Hi...Rinoa...? T- The...weather......sure is nice...today..." The guy said nervously as he scratched his head. Rinoa smiled at him brushing her hair back with her hand. "Beautiful day, isn't it?" The guy nodded and smiled back and Squall stared at him weirdly. Squall and Selphie got tired of waiting and came up to me. "Come on, Zell let's go." I nodded and started to walk away with both of them following. Rinoa looked at us and noticed we were walking away then she glanced back at the man. "Um, well, nice to see you again, bye!" Rinoa said running to catch back up with us. The guy started to hit himself over the head frustrated. "Stupid, stupid! I'm... stupid!" The guy yelled and walked off.
Rinoa caught back up with us and started to breathe heavily. "Hey Rinoa who was that guy?" Selphie asked looking at Rinoa, Squall was also looking at her. "Oh, he's just a guy I met at a resistance meeting. He joined the Forest Owls a while back. Kind of cute if you ask me, but he is waaay too nervous. He needs to loosen up." "Loosen up huh? You mean like Zell here?" asked Squall as he placed a hand on my shoulder. He slowly retreated when I glared at his hand. "Whatever. Let's just get moving already, we're wasting enough time as it is." The others nodded and we walked on. We walked down the small district and saw that several townspeople eyed us on the way through.
We ran into two Galbadian soldiers harassing two security guards. One of the security guards was shaking like he was frightened. "Better keep your eyes peeled. If you let one resistant member in here, your dear kids are.well, dead meet. Heh heh heh. One of the security guards begun to shake angrilly. "So I heard everyone here supports the resistance. You guys are such fools. Just imagine how much this place would thrive if you were loyal to us. This place is gonna be stuck in the backwoods forever." The Galbadian soldier said to the two. The security guard that had been shaking finally exploded. "...And you? Are you happy with your life? Blindly following orders everyday, doing things you probably don't believe in?" The Galbadian soldier stumbled back surprised. Then the other security guard spoke up. "So what if we're undeveloped. We're not looking to thrive. All we want is to be able to stand on our own feet; to be independent and live according to what we believe." "You guys will probably never understand, having thrown away your pride and dignity. We're not the fools. You are." "You're both DEAD!" screamed the second Galbadian soldier. He raised his machine gun in the air and prepared to fire. "No!" Rinoa jumped from behind the alley and fired her weapon. The sharp blade catapulted from the launcher on her arm and slammed right into the soldier's weapon, knocking him off balance and sending him into confusion. "WHO DID THAT!?" the soldier screamed. His comrade pointed over to the girl in blue as they watched a blade return to the launcher on her wrist. "Come on you two." I said and we ran out in front of Rinoa pulling out our weapons. "You're the one's we've been looking for! You're all going to get it!"
The first soldier dashed forward and clashed swords with Squall while Selphie and I went for the other. The soldier shot his gun at us and Selphie dove behind some dumpsters. I ran up the side of a wall the bullets just barely missing me. I jumped off the wall and kicked him in the head he getting knocked to the side. I walked over to the body on the floor and checked his pulse it was still beating. "Hey Selphie he's unconscious open up that dumpster." She nodded and I picked up the body and threw it in and closed it. "Let's go help Squall." I nodded and we ran over to Squall who was still sword fighting with the soldier. Squall hit the soldier's sword out of his hands and the soldier held his hands up scared. "Please don't kill me." The soldier said frightened and Squall grinned at that. "Man I'm not going to kill you." Squall said and the soldier put his hands down relieved. "I'm just going to kick your ass!" Squall said as he hit the soldier in an upward motion in the head with the bottom end of his gunblade and the guy also fell down unconscious.
One of the security guards, the one that lost his temper, stepped forward and looked at us. "Thank you for your help. I got a little carried away. We appreciate your help...But we can't let you through here. I'm sorry. Don't worry about these two soldiers. We'll tie them up and hand them over to a resistance group to dump in the forest somewhere." "So, we can't get through this way?" asked Rinoa. "Again, I'm sorry, but we can't make any exceptions. Even if it is a bluff I could never risk my daughter's life...I'm really sorry." "Don't worry then, we understand." The other security guard sighed and looked to the four. "Be careful. The Galbadian soldiers are all over the place. Things will cool down once Deling finishes his business here." "Hey Zell, check it out!" screamed Selphie pointing to a sign behind them. "Alright! Timber Maniacs, we found it!" Squall dashed ahead, Selphie and Rinoa following.
I rolled my eyes thinking .and now they actually start moving. I followed; running back through the small business district, past the train station and towards a large building only to find them stopped, talking to a woman and a man. "Watts got left behind again... He looks so funny when he chases after the train." Said the woman. The man just yawned. "Looking for the TV Station? Yeah, that's in this town. You wanna know about it? Maybe the lady next door would know..." "Hey, Zell? You think we can check the place out?" Squall asked pointing at Timber Mechanics. "Maybe we can grab the latest issue of Weapons Monthly while we're at it." "I'm actually looking for a magazine for Angelo as well." said Rinoa as she patted Angelo on the head. I could use a new issue of a Combat King. I nodded and we walked in. There were a lot of magazines all stacked up in many piles all over the place. I walked up to the receptionist desk where the woman greeted me. "Hello. What can I do for you honey?" "Nothing." "Okay feel free to look around." I nodded and turned around to see my comrades were gone. Where did they go I wonder?
I walked to the left through all the magazine piles when something caught my eye. "A copy of the 'Girl Next Door'." I said as I picked it up studying the cover. It had a half naked woman on it looking all slutty. Might as well keep it. I could get some Gil off this. I thought as I shoved the magazine in my back pocket. Then I turned the corner and walked down the long hallway and entered a door. They were in the room looking around. I walked into the room and went to the guy that sat behind a large black desk that was covered with papers and magazines. "What? Did you say I look like an artist? As a matter of fact, I am." I didn't say anything. I thought confused looking at the man. "Have you seen my work yet? It's a collection of photographs titled 'Jacket Over Skin: The Beautiful Women Edition'. It's a major sell out, and we don't have any in stock. A lot's happening in Timber, but art is definitely the way to go. Hey, I heard that card games are getting pretty popular. Maybe collections of photographs on cards might sell." I rolled my eyes and looked around the room. A man in the back, apparently the editor, saw me and approached. "Oh man. Why do battle series books sell so well? We're sure living in a terrible age." He looked to me and I shrugged. "Oh. You're looking around? Is there anything you want to know?" ... why not? "Tell me about Timber's situation." "I don't care about what's happening in Timber today. You know, in my childhood, it wasn't like this. Back then, we were in the middle of a war against the sorceress. So I kept writing letters to Timber Maniacs stressing how meaningless the war was. I was really happy, even tough there was a war going on. It gave me hope about my future." After a while I got bored of the guy's story.
Rinoa, Squall, and Selphie had come up to me and started listening, but they too got bored and just hung around the room. ...This is getting so boring. "It was different back then. Those were the good times. It was great to be young. Look at all the young people these days. They're all so lazy. I don't know what they're thinking... We are a publisher that was established 20 years ago. We used to publish a magazine called Tim Mani, short for Timber Maniacs. It was compilation of freelance writing: letters, reports, etc... The majority of the fans wanted to become journalists. I joined the company because I wanted to become an editor for Tim Mani." Just another stupid story by a boring adult. This guy needs to grow up. "But times have changed. Now the only things that sell are books like the battle series. It's so sad. I've lost my will to work here."
We slowly made our way out, the editor making quick parting words. "Hey guys! A word of advice! You're still young! Don't let your life pass you by!" "He must be the most boring grown up ever." Squall said as he stretched his arms. "How long did that take?" I asked as I rubbed my eyes. "Can we get on with the mission? I want to go home." Selphie said looking to me then I looked at Rinoa. "Well?" "Let's head next door she can help us." I nodded and we headed for the house next door.
"What? You're walking to the TV Station?" The woman asked surprised when we asked her about it. Isn't that what we just said? I thought while I rolled my eyes. "We have no choice. The trains aren't running." Rinoa explained to the woman. "Let's see... There used to be a way through the back alley of this house... The Pub was built around the time they stopped broadcasting. We haven't used the back alley too much since then. Why don't you look through the second floor window room? You should be able to see the back alley." "If you want to go through the back alley, why don't you talk to the owner of the Pub? He's scary lookin', but... Well, I guess he ain't so nice, either. Just go talk to him anyway." "Huh? What's that supposed to mean?" Squall asked looking at the woman confused. We headed up the stairs to the 2nd floor. The upstairs was like a huge bedroom and the back of the room had two large windows, one on the wall to the left and another to the far end. A bed was just to the left and upon it rested a brown cat.
There were two boys in the room, one in the far right corner doing a handstand against the wall, and another on the ground counting coins upon a large circular green rug. "Wanna take a look-see? Go to that...Ughh...window there..." said the slightly older looking boy, doing a handstand. I looked over to the window on the far wall, pushed it open, and peered down to the alley. The alley was a mess, full of old boxes, barrels, crates, and a few broken bottles. I could see the back door of the Pub just to my right. Along a fire escape ladder, a man holding a bottle sat down. I then closed the window and looked back to see the boy against the wall roll over and hold his hand out. "That's 10 Gil please..." "HEY! You at it again!?" From behind them, the scream of the woman we spoke to earlier boomed. The boy spun around and then put his head down. "How many times have I told you not to take money from strangers!!!" Taking the boy, she bent him over and gave him a quick spank. "Awwwaah...(sob) I...I reduced the pwice from 1,000 Gil, though...(sob)"
"It's not about the money! I didn't raise you this way!" The woman said, then she shook her head, and walked back downstairs. "U don't hav'ta...pay me..." The boy said as he went back to the wall and sat down ashamed. "Let's go to the Pub." I said and we walked out of the house. To the right of the woman's house there was a staircase leading down to the Pub. "That was too easy, man. Heh heh...for a country bumpkin he sure had some good stuff" said one of two Galbadian Soldiers walk out of the Pub. "Yo, better ease off a little. These Timber hicks hate us enough as it is. ......!" The guard stopped cold as he saw us and a dog walk down the steps. "Uh Zell. they don't seem too happy to see us." Squall said as he tightened his grip around his gunblade. "Seriously." replied Selphie as she whipped out her nunchaku. "!!! Let's get 'em!" screamed the first soldier as he quickly drew his sword. "Rinoa! You and Angelo get back!" I yelled as I tightened my gloves and went after the first soldier.
I dogged all his attacks and threw in some punches here and there. Selphie and Squall went after the second soldier. Squall ran up to the soldier and started to clash his gunblade against the soldier's sword. Selphie came up to the soldiers' side and started swinging her nunchaku at him. He then pushed Squall down with his sword and kicked Selphie to the ground. Squall cursed when he hit the ground and was about to get up when a sharp blade came to his face and he froze. "I'm finally going to get to kill you." The soldier said as he laughed and Selphie stumbled up and noticed what was happening. She ran up behind the soldier and placed her nunchaku over his head, to his neck, and started to choke him with the chain part of her weapon. The soldier struggled for a while then all of a sudden he stopped and fell on top of Selphie. "Eeww! Get this guy off me!" Selphie screamed unable to lift him off of her. Squall got the soldier off her and helped her up.
While that was happening I was still fighting off the other soldier. The soldier took a slash at me and I ducked the blade just missing my head. I got up and jabbed him in the head and I think I broke his nose. He took a swing at me and cut my arm and blood started to drip from it. I bent down on the ground and did full 360-degree kick. The kick hitting him in the legs he fell down and his sword flew forward. I kicked his sword so it was out of reaching distance. I walked back to the body on the ground and kicked it so he was lying face up he was about to get back up. "Sleep." I casted the spell and his head fell back down on the cement, falling asleep. There was something sticking out of his pocket. What's this. I pulled it out of his pocket and examined it. It was a Triple Triad card of a Buel monster and I shoved it in my pocket. I saw a guy behind a stand and above him said 'Shop'. "Don't worry I'll take care of the bodies. Good luck to you all." I nodded and Rinoa thanked him. Squall and Selphie waited and we all entered the Pub.
The Pub was pretty large, the counter and bar over to the left while some tables were set up to the right. Looking up, the group could see a monitor displaying the image of a face morphing to a lion and back. Behind the counter was the bartender, who was also the owner, and his female assistant. By the tables sat a man quietly drinking. To the back of the Pub was a drunken guy on the ground. "I've had enough of this city! I came from Dollet to have me a good time. And now... Trains are no longer running... Can't even stay in a hotel because of some stupid official...!" The man that lay on the floor complaining, he was blocking the exit to the back ally. "Harassed by Galbadian soldiers... Had my precious card stolen...This hasn't been my day... Those jerks... They think they can use brute force to get anything they want. Hell...This town's a good example... Yeah... Everything's messed up because the resistance tried to kidnap the president. Thanks to them, the trains have stopped...There's Galbadian soldiers all over the place.........All because of them!!! Don't they understand I'm the one suffering from their reckless actions!? Stupid, boneheaded, good-for-nothing, resistance! You can just kiss my..."
"Hey!" The quiet man at the table slammed his fist down and stood. "You don't understand anything! The resistance is fighting for Timber's future! They're all doing the best they can. It's the Galbadian soldiers and their leader who are at fault!" "Pshhh..." The drifter then snorted and waved his hand in the air. I walked up to the bar staring at the drunk on the floor. "That drunk thinks that 'Bitter' ones are good and 'Sweet' ones are bad. Our drinks are all good quality. He should try them all, really" said the woman behind the counter. The owner looked to us and smiled. "Look uh, I can't let you all drink, you're all too young, or at least you look that way. I've got some other beverages here that you can though." Rinoa then quickly explained their situation. "You wanna go through the back alley? Might be a little difficult right now. He's being pretty stubborn. The guy throws a fit when you try to move him from that spot." Rinoa nodded then looked at me whispering in my ear. "(What should we do?)" "We need to get through." I said trying to be as polite as possible. "Geez, and now I'm getting dissed by some punk...!?
Mabey those Galbadian soldiers took his Triple Triad card. I pulled out the Triple Triad card from my pocket. "Is this your card?" I asked showing him the card. "Huh? ...It is! Why do you have it!?" "......Found it outside." "Are you serious?......Okay. Thanks. You know what? I'm feelin' generous! So you can keep that card. And also...this one! I'll move out of the way now." He handed me the Buel card along with a Tonberry Card. "Hey, owner. I can't stand up. Can ya help me?" Rolling his eyes, the Owner smiled and slowly pulled the man away from the doorway. "Whoa...(hic) I'm totally wasted..." The owner came up to me and scratched his head. "You can get to the back alley through that door. We were kind of lost on what to do about him. Thanks." "The scary looking...mean owner of the pub?" The woman asked Squall and Rinoa. Squall nodded. "Did you hear that from his wife? The owner's actually a mellow guy. But not when he's with his wife. They fight like wild animals. Well, you know what they say: the more they fight, the closer they are." "I dunno. it still sounds weird to me" said Squall. "Let's move on." I said and we all walked out the back exit.
We walked through the back ally way stopping at the homeless guy near the fire escape. "Aww. It's a poor homeless man." Selphie said bending down to see if he was all right. "Here you can have my Gil." Selphie said handing over 200 Gil and the man was ecstatic. "Oh thank you miss. Thank you." The homeless man said as we continued down the ally way, which led over to a steel walkway leading to the TV Station. "Whoa, an outdoor TV!" yelled Squall along with Selphie screaming, "Heeey, an outdoor TV!" On the wall of the building was an array of monitors to create a larger image. "This is creepy...What is it?" Rinoa said petting her dog that was feeling nervous as well. I stepped up to Rinoa. "This noise is broadcast over most of the frequencies. Something has to be done about this before they can broadcast it over the air." "Oh, really? Actually, I was wondering myself." Watts said coming out of nowhere.
"Right on!" yelled Selphie as she saw watts coming their way. "Look guys, Watts made it out okay." Watts looked at me and pointed to a stairwell that led to the TV station. "The president's in the studio now, sir. Too many guards now, so we won't be able to storm the place, sir!" Rinoa put a hand on her chin. "So we can't just rush in... We've gotta come up with a new plan now! If the president leaves, maybe the guards will be gone, too? That's when we do OUR broadcast. It might not be as influential but it's better than nothing, right? We don't stand a chance if we take 'em head on, right?" I crossed my arms and faced the other way. "Don't worry about us. We'll fight your enemies based on your decision. That's our duty." You're the boss here. Stop asking us what we should do, start telling us. This is why that Gerogero called you all amateurs, don't you see? You're second- guessing yourselves and that's no way to run a resistance of any sort. You've got to be firm on decisions and be sure for yourself. "You tell us to go, we go. Even if it is losing a battle." Squall said looking up in the sky. "Heeey, I'm a SeeD, too. Just want you to know, I'm ready for anything" screamed Selphie jumping up in the air.
"How sad..." Rinoa looked to the ground. "Act on my decision? That's your duty? Oh, what an easy life it must be, just to follow orders..." "Call it what you want. All we want is for you to achieve your goal using our help. I find it hard to believe that you can do it, though..." Rinoa darted her eyes straight at me. "W-What did you say!? If you have something to say, just say it!" "Forget it." "You started it. The least you can do is finish it. Come on, what's on your mind?" What a pain. "...Just forget it." "...Tell me. This is an order. An order from your client!" I looked at her then walked up to her. "How serious are you...? Really...? The 3 of you plop down on the floor to discuss strategy? On top of that, you can't make a decision without our input, right? How do you think we feel, working for such an organization?" Squall came behind me and whispered in my ear. "(You're being too hard, man.)" Selphie also came up to me and did the same. "(You're being a little too hard.)"
I glanced back at my team then looked to Rinoa she looked like she was about to burst into tears. "...Sorry. Guess I got a little carried away." I said not meaning any part of it. Rinoa started to shake like Squall does when he's angry. "You know... Maybe this was all a big mistake. I thought everything would work out fine once SeeD came to help us. But, I guess it's not that easy." She started to tear, but quickly rubbed her eyes. "You were all hired. It's not like you were one of us. Um, let's see...We'll cancel the plan, and we'll disperse for now. We don't stand a chance if we take 'em head on, right?" After hearing this I closed my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest. While Selphie and Squall shown some concern through their eyes and expressions. "So...you guys probably think this is all a game to us." I looked up to her surprised at her. "...Well, it's not! We're serious. So serious...it hurts." She screamed took one last look at me and ran back down the ally with Watts following. Selphie waved her arms in the air and watched as Rinoa dashed off. "...Heeey?" I watched as she ran back into the Pub. I can't deal with her right now but I told her the truth. I thought looking at the closing door to the Pub.
".Huh?" Squall said looking all around as the static sound got louder. "Are they starting?" The giant screen displayed a man in a suit behind a podium. He was tapping at the microphone. "T Testing...1...2...Testing...Testing... Ohhhh! P-People of the world! Can you see me!? Can you hear me!? Oh, this is incredible! Ladies and gentlemen, this is not a recording! This is an actual broadcast over the air! Yes, it's been 17 years since a live broadcast has been possible!" He coughed and then went on. "Oh, please excuse me...I seem to have lost my composure. We would like to present to you today a message from the lifelong President of Galbadia, Vinzer Deling. Ladies and gentlemen, President Deling." The announcer then stood down allowing President Deling to stand up to the podium. "Greetings. I am Vinzer Deling, lifelong president of Galbadia. Today, I stand before you to make the following proposition. We the people of the world have the power to end all wars." "See, see! It's a peace proposal to the world. I knew it!" Selphie screamed. "Unfortunately, there are some trifling problems standing between Galbadia and other nations, and they must be resolved." In the background, a sound of a loud noise is heard however the president ignored it and carried on. "I plan to convene with other nations' leaders immediately to resolve these problems. At this time, allow me to introduce the ambassador who will be my representative for the conference."
"Man! All this just to introduce an ambassador." Squall said as he leaned up against the steel railings and watched. "The ambassador is the Sorceress..." "...The Sorceress?" I asked as I scratched my head. Why would they have a Sorceress as an ambassador? I kept on thinking about it until something caught my eye on the huge TV screen. Seifer ran on to the screen running towards the president. A Galbadian soldier cut Seifer off but Seifer slashed him with his gunblade and he went down hard. "Heeey!" Selphie looked at me. "We've gotta help them!" "Seifer!" I said mad seeing he was messing everything up. We watched as Seifer was grabbed by two soldiers from behind. A third came charging for him from the front but found a kick placed to his groin. The soldier stumbled back knocking the main camera over and forcing a display of a side wards view. With a single movement, he then threw the two soldiers off from behind him and whirled around grabbing Deling and holding his gunblade to his throat.
Quistis then suddenly ran into the picture, she seeming to try to calm Seifer down. "What's he doin'!?" Selphie said as she gripped on the sleeve of my T-shirt. "Instructor Trepe!?" What are they doing here? I thought as I watched instructor Trepe try to calm Seifer down. "Stay back!" Quistis yelled trying to keep back Galbadian soldiers away. "Squall, what are we gonna do!?" I don't know! "For the last time, stay back! You're only going to provoke him." Quistis was looking back and forth making sure neither Seifer nor the soldiers did anything. "...Nothing. Our job is to assist the Owls. It's none of our business." I said looking at the helpless president under Seifer's grip. Quistis then looked at us through the TV screen. "Timber Team, are you watching? Get over here right now! You HAVE permission! I need your help!" "Zell!?" What! "Squad leader!" Selphie said tugging on my shirt. Without saying anything I ran towards the TV Station with Squall and Selphie following.
"We need to restrain him!" Quistis screamed while we ran into the TV Station. "What do you think you're doing?" I asked Seifer holding my fists up. "It's obvious, ain't it!? What are you planning to do with this guy?" Seifer asked staring straight through me. "...Planning to do?" That's right...He knows Rinoa. Is that why he's here? Squall looked up at Seifer surprised. "I get it! You're Rinoa's..." "Shut your damn mouth! You chicken!" Quistis pushed back one of the guards and looked at me. "He broke out of the disciplinary room, injuring many in the process." "YOU STUPID IDIOT!" Squall, please. "Be quiet." I said darting my eyes at Squall. "Instructor, I know! You're gonna take this stupid idiot back to Garden, right!?" "Shut up! NO!" Dammit Squall! I looked to Squall who had just noticed his mistake and covered mouth with his hand. President Deling started laughing. "I see...So you're all from Garden. Should anything happen to me, the entire Galbadian military will undoubtedly crush Garden. You can let go of me now." "Nice going, you dumb chicken! You and your stupid big mouth! Take care of this mess! Instructor and Mr. Leader!" Seifer spat to the side and then choked the President even more, dragging him down to a back room. Quistis quickly dashed after him.
Seifer was surprised to see a dark portal and a mysterious looking woman appeared from it. "...Poor, poor boy..." The woman said. "Stay away from me!" He held his gunblade even closer to the President's throat. "Such a confused little boy. Are you going to step forward? Retreat? You have to decide." "Stay back!" The mysterious woman looked to see Quistis running down the hall and held her hands out. Quistis was suddenly frozen in place, stopped in time. "The boy in you is telling you to come. The adult in you is telling you to back off. You can't make up your mind. You don't know the right answer. You want help, don't you? You want to be saved from this predicament." "Shut up!" "Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Besides, you're only a little boy." "I'm not...Stop calling me a boy." "You don't want to be a boy anymore?" "I am not a BOY!" "Come with me to a place of no return. Bid farewell to your childhood." Seifer then suddenly lets go of hold of Deling, Deling immediately running away. He looked down the hall to see Squall, Selphie, and I entering and waved at us, his face changed. The mysterious woman once again held her hand out and suddenly froze us as well. Without another word, she returned to the wall, Seifer following her through.
I came out of the trance and looked around confused. What just happened here? The others snapped out of the trance also looking equally confused. To the right the side door shot open and Rinoa came running from it. "Hey guys! Where's Seifer?" "We don't know." I answered looking around at the others. "...He'll be ok, right?" Rinoa nodded then smiled and dashed out the door. Selphie and Squall followed leaving me to follow them. I ran out the door catching up with them.
We met back up at the front of the TV Station. Rinoa explained the Forest Owl's condition. "They found our base. It's completely destroyed." "And everyone else?" Selphie asked stepping up. Rinoa then smiled. "They're fine. They're good at escaping." We all then walked down the ally heading towards the Pub. "We have to stay away from Timber for a while. Is there a safe place you can take me?" Rinoa said looking at me and I was still deep in thought. "This is an order, an order from your client, remember?" ".Alright." We have to get out of here first. Rinoa and Quistis ran ahead into the Pub while we followed.
"Rinoa! I heard your base is in serious trouble." The woman from the house said as we walked into the Pub. "Come over to my place until things settle down." "I appreciate it. Thank you." Rinoa said bowing her head down. " What are you waiting for Zell? Come on!" Quistis said turning around then walking out with Rinoa and the woman. "This way!" Rinoa yelled as we ran up the stairs in front of the Pub. We followed her down the street then she ran into a house. "This is it!" We walked into the house and Selphie went to look out the window. Squall went over to crouch in a corner in front of the steps. Then the woman walked up to me. "I'll let you know if anything changes. Til then, make yourself at home." I nodded and looked to the others. "Thanks, chief." Rinoa said as the chief walked to the front of the house. Chief.what? I turned and looked at Rinoa questionably. "Chief?" "She's the leader of the 'Forest Fox'. Almost everybody's a resistant member in this town."
Rinoa looked at the ground frowning. "But right now, we're the only ones that are really active." Rinoa looked at me brushing hair out of her face and I shrugged. About twenty minuets later we were all still in the same spot except I was sitting down in a chair at the table. Selphie scratched her head turning around. "I still don't get it." She looked at Rinoa and stretched her arms out. "What did Seifer come here for?" Rinoa walked forward a little looking at the ground. "I think. he came to help us the 'Forest Owls'. I talked about it a lot with him. So please.don't think too badly of him. Rinoa looked up at me over the salt and pepper shakers and I looked away. Then a loud bang was heard coming from outside.
"Anybody in there!?" A Galbadian soldier yelled banging on the door even harder. "What is this!? I have two small children in here. Don't do anything to frighten them!" The chief said cracking open the door a bit. The chief's daughter came running down the stairs. "Upstairs.Hurry!" Everyone ran up the stairs while Selphie stood on the stairs waiting for us. Rinoa ran up to the daughter looking at me then back at her. "Will she be ok?" "She'll be fine." She said patting Rinoa on the back. "The legend goes.that my mother took down many soldiers with her strength, cooking, and beauty." Yeah right. I thought as I rolled my eyes. "That beauty part sure makes it sound like a legend." Selphie said and started giggling along with Rinoa. I got up from the chair and we all ran up the steps.
When I walked up the stairs Quistis was just standing there, Selphie was sitting on the bed, Rinoa on the floor right next to it, and Squall was kneeling in a corner away from everyone again. Is Squall starting to act like me.? "So tired." Selphie said as she dropped her head on the bed. ".Wonder if he's all right.?" Rinoa asked taking a glance up at me. "He was so angry when he found out when it was only the three of you dispatched to Timber." Quistis said as she walked to the middle of the room. "What!? They might end up fightin' the whole Galbadian force!" Quistis paused for a second taking a look at Rinoa. "And all they dispatch are three rookie SeeD members!? Dammit! I'm going to Timber!" Quistis said mocking Seifer then she looked at Squall on the ground. After a couple seconds she turned to me. "I never would have guessed he was serious about it." That guy's always serious. You should know that by now. I thought shaking my head.
Quistis walked all the way to the back of the room. "What's going to happen to Seifer?" "He may already be dead." I said crossing my arms over my chest and looking to the ground. "How can you be so casual? I feel.sorry for him." Rinoa said stretching out on the floor looking at me. I looked at her strangely then turned around. .Feel sorry? Seifer would hate to hear that. Rinoa got off the floor mad. "What's so funny!? Your terrible!" "So.why do you think Seifer may already be dead?" Selphie asked jumping back into a sitting position. I turned to Selphie annoyed. Because. "The president of Galbadia and the Sorceress joined forces. Seifer attacked the president it's no surprise that Seifer may have been killed because of it." Rinoa ran up to me and I looked at her. What now? "Even so! I still hope he's alive." Rinoa said sinking down a little and I turned away from her.
Think what you want.Reality isn't so kind. Everything doesn't work out the way you want it to. That's why. "As long as you don't get your hopes up, you can take anything.You feel less pain." I said closing my eyes with my hand on my hip. "Anyway, whatever wish you have is none of my business." I said turning around looking at her. ".You're mean." Rinoa said walking away. "MEANY!!!" What's with her.? ".Sorry." The chief then walked up the stairs. "The Galbadian forces are withdrawing. Only the soldiers normally stationed here will stick around." I turned to look at her. "If you're gonna leave town, now's your chance!" She said as she raised her hands in the air. "You know how persistent those soldiers can be!" The lady said taking a look at all of us.
Everyone ran down the stairs but Rinoa stopped in front of me, looked at me for a couple seconds then followed the others. I shrugged my shoulders and went down too. When I got down stairs everyone were in their normal places. I walked by Selphie and she screamed. "I want to go home!" "Seems like everyone's tired." Quistis said rubbing her eyes. "Zell, any thoughts on where to go?" Quistis asked. We have to get out of here first. "Getting out of here is only the first step." What does she mean only the first step. "What do you mean?" "Garden code, article eight, line seven." Quistis answered. I pulled out my miniature Garden from my pocket. 8:7.. I looked for as I flipped through the pages. In the event that returning to the assigned Garden is not possible, report to the nearest Garden.. "Head for the nearest Garden." I said putting the book back into my pocket. "Very good! From here, that would be Galbadia Garden." Quistis said squinting her eyes like she was thinking.
"We can take a train from here and get off at a station called East Academy." Rinoa said looking up from the ground to me. "From there, we have to go through the forest west of the station to get to Galbadia Garden. I've been there several times, we should be ok." Quistis said looking at the others. ".Ok then." I said then nodded and looked to the right. "We'll escape from Timber and head to Galbadia Garden." I said looking up at everyone. "The party will be Squall, Rinoa, and I." "Let's go!" With that said Selphie and Quistis ran out the door. "You be careful, now." The chief said waving goodbye to us as we left.
That is the 3rd chapter I hope ya like it. I will post the 4th chapter soon so please review.
