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 ran out of the house and a Galbadian soldier came up to us. "Not good!" Squall yelled getting out his gunblade. "It's me sir! It's me!" The soldier said in a familiar voice. "Got some info sir. Timber station will be shut down temporarily." Watts said scratching himself because of the itching, smelly Galbadia suit. "Maga-bummer!" Selphie said. "Not necessarily. It's not completely shut down yet. The last train out of here is bound for East Academy. Watts said looking at Selphie. "We're getting on that train." I said giving a slight nod. "You're going, too, right Rinoa?" "Yeah. What about you, Watts?" She said pointing a finger at him. "No need to worry 'bout me, I'll go gather more info!" Watts said holding a hand up and Rinoa ran up to him. "I promise I'll be back. You take care, ok?" Rinoa asked putting a hand on his shoulder. "Zell, please take care of Rinoa." Watts asked looking at Rinoa and me. "Yeah, don't worry, client's orders. What about you? Will you be safe here?" I asked glazing down at the pavement. "I'll be fine, sir! I'll put up the fight of my life!" Watts said doing a salute like wave. Then we all gave the SeeD salute.
"I'm happy, sir!" Watts said and ran off, as did we going our separate ways. On our way to the train station we ran into a weird looking man. "Rinoa, Zell! It's me!" The mysterious man yelled waving his hand at us. "Zone!" Rinoa said walking up to him happily. "You need to go to East Academy, right? There's no more tickets left." Zone said looking at the rest of us. "Super-Duper-Mega-Bummer!" Selphie yelled stomping her foot on the ground. "We'll do whatever it takes to get on that train." I said looking down at my hands while I tightening my gloves. "You won't have to do that." Zone said and my attention flew right to him. "Looky here! I have everyone's ticket right here!" Zone said pulling out five tickets and held them up in the air. He walked over to Rinoa. "One for you." He then walked over to me. "Three for you SeeD people. Here, I'll just give them to the leader." He said handing me three tickets. "And the last one is for me He then looked at Quistis then to the right. ".."
"Go on. Take it." Watts said sticking the ticket out for her to reach. "I can't take that. It's yours!" Quistis said shaking her head no. "Ouch!" Zone yelled and put his arms over his head. He shoved the ticket into Quistis's hand and ran to the corner. "Ouuuuuuuch! My stomach hurts!" Zone screeched. "Ouch! Just get going! The trains leaving." Zone moaned sitting down on the ground. "Thank you." Quistis said walking up to him. Rinoa ran up to Zone and kneeled down next to him. "Zone.. We're gonna see each other again, ok?" She said as a tear dripped down her face. "No matter what, you have to survive. We have to liberate Timber together, remember?" "I know, I know. I'll go hide in a bathroom or something. Now get going." Zone said shooing us away with his hands, Rinoa got up and we all ran for the train.
We ran up the stairs, past the house, over the bridge to where Quistis was waiting for us. "(This train is bound for Dollet stopping at East Academy. This is the last train for today please hurry on board.)" "Let me double check. .Get off at East Academy and go through the forest west of the station. Galbadia Garden is located up ahead.Is that correct?" I asked. "Indeed. Glad we have a leader with, good memory." Quistis said and we all ran on. "(This train, bound for East Academy, will depart shortly.)" The man on the intercom said and the train took off. "Well." I started but got cut off. "Please." Selphie said jumping around in front of the door. "Open up!" She said turning around to look at me. .Better let her have her way. I thought as I walked to the card slot and inserted the card. "Confirming.Access granted." "Tee-hee thanks!" Selphie said and ran through the door. "We should get there shortly, so we should be all right out here." Quistis said. "Weren't you just saying something?" Rinoa asked me.
I walked over to the door and leaned against it. "Well.we made it." I said looking out the door's window. "I have to thank Zones for that." Quistis said smiling. Rinoa turned her head to Quistis. "He's into naughty magazines." Rinoa said grinning. "I'll keep that in mind." Quistis said looking to the floor. A few minuets later the train pulled up to East Academy station and we got off. We walked west of the station until we saw a forest in between two canyons. "That's it!" Quistis yelled and we all ran for the forest. Once we made it inside we stopped for a breather. I started to study everything around us. There was a trail leading further into the forest. There were also cut down trees, grass, and some flowers. "We're not too far from Galbadia Garden!" Quistis said as she leaned against a tree. "Hey, I was just thinking." Selphie said walking up to me wiping dust off her yellow skirt. "There might be some bad news from the Galbadian government. What if we get caught and then brodcasted to the whole world.!?" That could be pretty bad. I thought looking around awkwardly and then Squall walked up to us shaking angrily. "Whatever happens, happens! Now come on! Let's just keep going!" Squall then stopped shaking and looked down at the ground. "I, I'm worried about Balmb Garden." Squall slumped down shaking his head. "If anything happens to Garden, it's all my fault. I'm the one who said we were all from Garden."
He then walked closer to me, his arms stretched out. "You think the president will retaliate on Garden?" "Maybe." I said turning to the side. Squall slumped his head and arms down again. ".Figures." He came up to me and started to shake me. "B-B-But, we have a whole bunch of SeeDs at Balamb Garden! They wouldn't lose to the Galbadian army, would they?" I looked to the others. What do they want me to say? I thought looking at the puzzling faces around me. "Depends how strong the army is." I said looking down at Squall and he let go of me. "I know but." Rinoa walked up to us angry, Squall left to sit on a log. "Oh, you're just a great leader, aren't you? Do you actually have fun acting so callous towards your comrades?" She said indicating the rest of the group. .Not this again. "Squall, wants your support." I knew it was going to be something like that. I thought rolling my eyes. Rinoa put her hands on her hips and stared at the ground. "Any kind of encouragement will make." Squall then put his head in his hands mumbling something. That's just to ease your mind. Am I the only one that thinks that? No, I'm sure Seifer.
"Don't you ever worry about or even think about the well-being of your comrades!?" I don't believe in relying on others. "Don't you understand!?" Rinoa said waving her arms all around. .Whatever. "Are listening, Zell?" All of a sudden a loud screeching sound started to go through my head again. .What the!? I started shaking putting my hands on my head. .This sensation. I thought falling on the ground hard. "Uhh." Quistis said also falling down and Squall ran over to her looking confused. "M.Me too." Selphie said falling on the ground and Squall ran over to her. Squall kneeled down letting her head rest in his hands. "What's going on!?" Rinoa yelled staring at Squall while kneeling down in front of me. Squall looked up from Selphie's trembling body then back down at her. "I think. they went to the 'Dream World'" Angelo ran up to Squall poking him with her nose, she also looking down at the fallen Selphie. Meanwhile in the 'Dream World'.
You see there is a big mountain with a trail going downward. Right on the edge of the cliff there are safety railings to prevent falling off. Over the cliff you see an old Excavation Site. Laguna's group is all here, his comrades looking rather aggravated with him. "Kiros you sure this is the place?" Ward asked as he put on his blue bandana. "Positive." Kiros said walking up to ward. "I don't wanna be patrolling the wrong place like last time." Ward said as Laguna walked a little ahead to the cliff. He then turned around to his group. "Ahh, sorry. This ain't the place." Kiros and Ward shook their heads no. "This is it. Let's go commander." Kiros said crossing his arms over his armor. Laguna stood there looking confused and ashamed. "?" He turned around, took out a map and looked down below. Laguna studied both very closely and turned back around to his group. "I brought the wrong map." He said crumbling the map into a ball and threw it over the edge. Ward put a hand on his head closing his eyes and Kiros just shook his head.
"Somehow, I have a bad feeling about this." Laguna said putting a hand on his forehead. "Seriously, I have a BAAAD feeling.! There's somethin' fishy goin' on here!" He said throwing his hand down pointing at the Site below. "You know what the old folks say.The unfamiliar always happens." Laguna said scratching his head and Kiros stepped forward. "You mean. 'Unexpected', right?" "You only got the 'un' part right." Ward said cleaning off his armor. "Aah, shaddup!" Stop your clamorin' and make sure all your gear's equipped. Now let's move out!" Laguna said running down the trail with both his comrades following close behind. When they got down there, there was a big orange battery type thing with blue and red cords going into the Excavation Site. Wonder what this thing does. Laguna thought pushing a button on the battery thing. Huh nothing happened.? It must be broken. "Come on Laguna, stop messin' around! Let's go!" Ward said and they continued onward. They stopped at the entrance of the Excavation Site. "But seriously.This place sure is strange." Laguna said looking all around. He then noticed something to the left and pointed at it. "What the heck is this big pile of rocks? You think these are natural rocks used for carving tombstones?" "Who knows.or cares?" Kiros said picking up some then throwing it to the side. "Speaking of strange.why have you been.running around so strange?" Ward said and Laguna turned around to him. "Strange.? What do you mean strange? .Just bein' cautious. That's the basic rule of thu." Laguna stopped due to hearing behind him.
An Esthar soldier was running up to them, ax in hand. ".Hey? Looks like we got company. Esthar Soldiers." Laguna said taking out his machinegun. Kiros took out his katals (knives) and Ward got out his spear. "Still wearn' those flashy uniforms?" Laguna said laughing and more footsteps were heard behind the group. ".?" Kiros thought turning around to see another Esthar soldier. "Laguna.!!!" Ward yelled as another one came. "Don't be such a wenie!" Laguna yelled back, loading his machinegun as another soldier came. Kiros tapped Laguna on the shoulder and he turned around to notice all the soldiers around them. "Why does it have to turn out like this? Ward said stomping on the metal beneath them. "Seriously.! I wasn't expecting this at all!" Laguna said glancing at his two comrades. The soldier behind them dashed for Laguna with his ax held high. Laguna saw the soldier out of the corner of his eyes.
The soldier intended to push him over the railing, but Laguna countered it by flipping the soldier over his back and into the air and over the railing. "AAAAh!!!" The soldier cried until there was a loud thud that came from down below. Kiros and Ward were fighting the other three soldiers while Laguna did his victory dance. Kiros was taking on two soldiers with his two katals and Ward had the last guy. "Laguna! A little help over here!" Kiros said cutting one soldier and dogging the other and Laguna nodded. "Hey stupid! Over here!" The soldier pointed at himself looking funny. "Yeah you! Did Sorceress Adel hit you over the head with an ugly stick, or were you just born that way!?" Laguna said and he started laughing with the rest of his group while they dogged attacks. The soldier ran straight for him with his ax in the air. Laguna shot his right hand and the soldier dropped his weapon. Laguna walked up to the unarmed soldier; he raised his gun and bashed him over the head with it. Kiros managed to cut the soldier's head off and Ward stabbed his victim to death.
They continued forward, putting there weapons away passing over the dead corpse. "Hey Laguna? Let me ask you something." Kiros said wiping the blood off his katals then putting them away. "Go ahead." "Wasn't our mission just to patrol.?" They all started to laugh once again. They came to a ladder and started thinking of what to do. Kiros came up to Laguna confused. "Maybe we should climb down it?" "Guys." "Nawh, It's to easy this gotta be a trap." Laguna said scratching his chin. "Yeah, maybe we can jump down?" Kiros said looking how far down the drop actually was. "Nah, we could probably." "Guys!" "What is it!" Kiros yelled at Ward. "Why don't we just take the stairs?" Ward said standing right next to the staircase. "You know? That's crazy enough it just might work." Laguna said pondering the idea. Let's see jump down and cause possible injury or walk down the stairs? .Hmmm Laguna thought then jumped up. "Let's go down the stairs!" They all ran down the stairs and ended up in a big icy blue cave.
"Look at this, it's just like the Esthar soldiers uniforms." Ward said pointing at all the shiny, blue icy walls. "It also looks like they were doing construction down here." Kiros said picking up a hammer then thew it back over to the side. Laguna wasn't paying any attention to them as they went on. He started eyeing everything suspiciously, he knew something bad was going to happen. He then saw something very strange on the floor and bent down to pick up. What's this.? He thought picking it up and blew on it to clean it off. "It's some sort of old key." He said and put it in his back pocket. I feel a daft.on my butt. Laguna thought and put his hand on his butt to make sure everything was all right. "..! T.There's a hole in my back pocket!" Laguna yelled and started looking around everywhere. Ward and Kiros stopped their conversation and looked at Laguna strangely. "Oh well.Nothing cheaper then something free." Laguna said getting up off the floor. "Nothing cheaper." "Then something free?" Kiros and Ward said together. "What.Is it something I said? C'mon.Let's go." They headed further into the Site.
Further down the Site they came across three large gray panels on the floor. When they walked over the second one it shifted as it screeched and they looked down. "Hmm.? The lever on the hatch is loose." Laguna said examining the floor panel closely. "..! I know!" Laguna said pushing back his hair jumping up. "If we use this.some stubborn Esthar fool won't be able to come after us!" "What the heck are you up to?" Kiros asked walking up to him. Ward came right next to Kiros with his arms crossed over his thick armor. "Somethin' stupid again I bet." "You guys.Your gonna regret sayin' that." Laguna said throwing his arms down. "They say, one who makes fun of the genius will end up cryin' in the end." He said taking a glance at Kiros and Ward. "?" Kiros thought with a confused expression on his face. ".So who's the.genius.?" Ward said grinning along with Kiros. "Erghhhhhh!" Just shut up! Anyway! The lever for the hatch is broken. So if we just loosen it a bit more." Laguna said looking down at the panel. "When they come after us from that side and." Kiros said catching on to his idea. "YES! Youuu guessed it! They'll walk over it without expecting a thing!" Laguna yelled throwing his arms in the air. "Then all of a sudden, WHOOPS!.And down they go." Laguna then put his hands on his hips laughing. "I have to admit.I really am a genius." He said calming himself down.
"Hah.Like the Esthar soldiers are really gonna fall for this trap." Ward said letting his arms fall to his sides and Laguna turned to him. "We won't know until we try! And those who never try will never know!" Laguna paused for a couple seconds. "So.I'm gonna do it. Just remember, if we tamper with the lever, we won't be able to make it back to the other side." Laguna said instructing his crew and then he scratched his head. "It'd be idiotic to fall for our own trap." His friends nodded and Laguna looked back at the panel. "So here it goes. You guys, stand back." He said walking up to the latch and bending down. Ward and Kiros backed up a little while Laguna tampered with the lever. "There!" Laguna said popping back up and walked over to his friends. Then Laguna led the way down the mysterious Excavation Site. A couple seconds later an Esthar soldier spotted the Galbadians and ran forth smiling evilly. While he was running he stepped on the panel that Laguna loosened and fell right through. "Aaaaaaggghhh.!" The soldier screamed until he hit the ground.
Laguna stopped at a crossroad and looked back at his trailing teammates. "You guys hear somthin'?" Ward and Kiros caught up to him breathing heavily. "What are you talkin' about Laguna? I didn't hear anything." Kiros said catching his breath by leaning on the wall. Ward nodded in agreement and Laguna just shrugged. Laguna turned back around to notice a whole bunch of metal pieces, and junk lying on the ground. Laguna noticed something under garbage and went down to inspect it. It was the key he had found earlier then lost it, He picked it up excited. This time.It's in my shirt pocket.So HA! He thought putting it in his shirt pocket and looked at his friends. "Ah.Hhh.ACHOO!" Laguna sneezed and he obviously lost the key again. "Not again!?" Laguna started looking everywhere, moving all the trash on the ground. Kiros just shook his head and Ward rolled his eyes. Can't find it.Ahh well, it's not like I'm gonna die. Laguna thought as he got up and they all decided to go left up the hill. They went right on through the room with boulders, icy walls, such, and went up another hill.
Up the hill they saw another boulder and right next to it was a weird looking device lying on the ground. Laguna went to it and picked it up. "The heck's this? A blue and a red switch, and two fuses.?" Kiros walked up to him looking at him stupidly. "A detonator.? You know." "Ohh, I get it. The short blue fuse is for that boulder." Laguna said pointing at the boulder next to Ward. "And the long red fuse is for the boulder further down?" "Hey, man.! Are you crazy!? You don't even know how powerful that thing will be!" Ward yelled at Laguna for even thinking what he did. "Ahh, I bet it's not all that. The detonator's right here, so as long as we stay behind it, we'll be all right." Laguna said throwing his arm in the air while looking at a very confused looking Ward. "Well., I guess so." Ward said rubbing his eyes. "Lets see..." Laguna began, already tampering with the device. He looked at the two switches and decided to try the red one. "I'm gonna try this red one first..." Laguna informed them. "The bomb blast won't reach us here. Just stay put." Laguna flipped the switch up. A loud boom rang throughout the cave. The boulder further down intensified the sound as it started rolling down the cavern.
"W-W-W-WHAT??!!" Laguna exclaimed over the noise and rumbling of the boulder. "That was... awfully loud." Kiros said, taking his hands off of his ears. "Lucky we were here..." Ward agreed. "That's what I told you before!" Laguna said. "You should always check how powerful the thing could be..." Ward interrupted him. "Wasn't that... me, who said that?" he said, folding his arms. Laguna scratched his head nervously. "...Uh...Ah...Hm.... Anyway, we're all still alive, right!?" Kiros and Ward looked at each other grinning then looked back at Laguna. "Okay!" Laguna said. "Let's give the other one a try. I'll bet this will really put a cramp in those soldiers style..." Laguna bent down again to flip the blue switch. He flipped it, and heard it start ticking. "It's gonna blow! Run for it!!!" The trio ran further up the hill quickly. Even Ward's heavy body ran faster than Kiros' or Laguna's. Upon reaching a safe distance they waited for the blast. There was nothing but a sound of a click. What happened.? Laguna thought raising his head and looking at his pals who were thinking the same thing.
"That was... awfully quiet." Kiors said, walking back down to the boulder. "I was expecting a blast of some sort." Ward said. The boulder started rolling down slowly. It had only taken a small detonation to move it. "See! I told you! I told you it wasn't all that powerful!" Laguna chided. Ward and Kiros shot knowing glances at each other and began following Laguna down the cavern again. As they did, Laguna found something else to interest him. A little metal bit attached to a large rock, lodged in the wall. "Hey what's this...?" Laguna said pressing on the device. The boulder suddenly shook and fell down into a deep hole. The rumbling scared Ward and Kiros. "Geez... You have to go around touching everything like a little kid, don't you?" Ward lectured him. "Chill out a little, will ya...?" Kiros agreed. "WHATEVER MAN!" Laguna yelled. "Thanks to ME, those Esthar soldiers and that rock are history. It's like killing two pigs with one stone. I am just so awesome... Genius, I tell you..." "Pigs?" Ward said. Then Kiros walked up looking at Laguna knowingly. "Don't you mean.birds?" Laguna ignored them and kept moving down the cavern checking everywhere looking for Esthar soldiers.
They all walked into a jungle like area of the cavern that had green all over the place. There was no longer ice or transparent blue just green. They kept moving until they came to another part of the cave that was ice. It seemed like they were walking in circles the path was so long, then they reached stairs that led to the outside. The three of them went on up smelling the beautiful fresh air. They were on a rocky cliff peering out to the ocean. All of them heard footsteps behind them again and were very aggravated with these Esthar soldiers. "Don't tell me..." Laguna whined. "Of all the worst possible..." Kiros began. "Predicaments?" Ward guessed. They turned around only to be greeted by two Esthar soldiers.
Laguna shot his off his machinegun at one of the Esthar soldiers, but the bullets hardly did anything to them. "What the.!" Laguna said looking at his friends. One soldier ran up to Ward and shot his ax/shotgun at him and Ward got blown far back. The bullets only hit his armor, but he had to stay on the ground to catch his breath. "Ward!" Kiros yelled with anger then looked at the soldier who shot him. Kiros ran up to him with anger in his eyes and sliced the soldier with as many swings he could with his katals. The soldier started to have steam come out of it, and broken machine parts were everywhere. Kiros looked at Laguna shocked of what he saw. "Kiros, get back! These aren't normal Esthar soldiers! They're Cyborg soldiers!" Laguna yelled dogging one of the last Cyborg's attacks. Kiros backed off to the rest of the group, Ward was now up and ready to fight.
"Hey Ward, see that your ok." Kiros said as he deflected the Cyborg's ax with his katals. "Yeah. Hey guys! Let me get this one!" Ward yelled glaring at the Cyborg. Laguna looked at Kiros and they both nodded then Ward grinned at this. He jumped up fifteen feet into the air with his Harpoon. Then all this yellowish light surrounded him and Ward flew down with his spear pointing at the Cyborg. The Harpoon went straight through the Cyborg while you heard machine parts braking and busting. The Cyborg pushed Ward then he ran up him slicing him in the process. Then the Cyborg jumped from Ward onto Kiros he also getting slashed, The attack just missing Laguna. The Cyborg walked a few feet back then it just broke into hundreds of different pieces of metal.
Laguna crawled over to Kiros and Ward who were lying just before the cliff. "Look, the ocean... We're saved!" Laguna said excitedly patting both Ward and Kiros on the back. "Lady luck is on our side! We can escape to Galbadia!" Laguna said smiling wickedly at both his best friends. Kiros looked up. He was barley able to lift his head, but he managed to roll his eyes and speak. "One would say we've been run down... That's what they'd normally say..." his voice sounded weak, but Laguna could still hear the familiar sarcasm come through. Laguna stood up looking down at him. "Don't say that." he teased. "It might come true. Didn't your grandmother tell you that?" Laguna walked over to Kiros, and squatted down. "...If you say something bad... It will come true... Yeah, I think she did." Kiros responded.
Ward tried to add his part in but something wasn't right. "Ggghh... rrrhhh.." "What did you say?" Laguna said glancing over at Ward. "I think... his throat... was injured... He lost... his voice." Kiros slowly explained. "It... wa...fu.. you..." Ward tried to talk again but was denied. "Say that again." Laguna said moving over to Ward a bit. "It...was...fun...you...guys..." Ward looked up at Laguna he didn't look to great. There was blood and scratches all over his face. "La...guna...Ki...ros... It...was...fun..." Laguna looked down at his hopeless friend and wiped the sweaty hair off his face. "Ward, that's way uncool. It's not cool to say things like that." "Just for that, you're gettin' the Cuchi-Cuchi treatment!" Laguna tickled Ward but nothing came from his mouth. "How's that, huh!? Want more!? Well!?" Laguna started tickling him again but still nothing. "......"
Laguna didn't know what to do with his two injured friends, he started looking around for anything that would help him. He looked over the cliff and couldn't believe what he saw. "WHOA!!!" he exclaimed. "Check it out, a boat! We're gettin' on!" he commanded. "A...vessel... They'd normally...call...it..."Kiros joked, weakly. "Boat, vessel, whatever. We're going back to Galbadia!" Laguna said. None of them made any attempt to move so Laguna thought he should help them out a little. He grabbed Kiros by the arm, and helped him up. Then he tossed him over the edge, into the cold water below. Laguna then went over to Ward and helped him up then he also tossed him over the edge. He then looked down at the water and saw how high the cliff was from the water. Laguna saw both of them floating in the water down below. "You guys... sure have guts." Laguna yelled down. "You know how high this cliff is...!?" Laguna was going to try climbing down instead of just jumping. He was a little afraid of hights. But as he was crawling over the edge, he slipped. "Oh sh...! Oh no! NO WAY!!!" He screamed all the way down. Then everything went black and I could finally think clearly now. What happened to him.?
Back at the forest Squall was pacing back and forth while Rinoa just hovered over me trying to see if I was all right. Angelo kept an eye on us to see if we were going to get up. Selphie, Quistis, and I were still lying on the floor. I started to move, and then the other two started to move as well. Angelo started to bark wildly which caught Squalls attention I slowly opened my eyes and my blurred vision came into focus. All I could see was a pair of beautiful brown almond-shaped eyes staring back at mine. Rinoa backed up from my face and smiled. She seemed relieved that I was okay. We all stood up, dusted ourselves off, and my head throbbed furiously. I held my head trying to make my headache subside. Squall looked at us excitedly. "Was it Laguna again?" "Sir Laguna's in BIG TROUBLE! I hope he'll be ok...!!!" Selphie said, I'm guessing she likes that guy or something. "Doesn't seem like the first time for you all. What is this?" Quistis asked still looking surprised. I looked at the others clueless they all had the same expression as me. If it were just me, I could tell the others it was only a crazy dream. I thought while I looked at the ground, and I was still tired.
"We'll just be wasting our time trying to figure it." I said trying to change the subject then looked up at everyone. "Let's keep going." "Yeah, let's go! I think were almost there." Squall said starting to walk forward with Selphie and Quistis. This left Rinoa, Angelo, and I we just stared at each other for a while. She walked up to me very nervous, she was shaking. "Umm... Zell..." she began. "I think I may have said too much. I'm sorry." Forget about it. I thought while gesturing to her it didn't matter, then she walked onward. "C'mon Angelo." She said, Angelo ran along side her, and I followed her out of the forest.
Outside of the forest we could already see the astonishing Galbadia Garden. It was about six miles, form the forest; the Garden was in the middle of dry land. The Garden was also in the middle of two canyon walls, it was tinted red which shown beautifully in the sunlight. The Galbadia Garden was a semi circle, the gate was a lot bigger then Balamb Garden's gates. We were all memorized by the sight of the great all mighty Galbadia Garden. "Come on guys! Lets get a move on!" Quistis yelled snapping her fingers in front of my face. I came out of my daze and walked forward. "Yeah lets go!" Selphie screamed running to catch up with me as did everyone else.
We were now walking for an hour and everyone was getting reckless plus the sun was getting ready to go down. "Can't we camp out here until morning?" Selphie asked jumping right in front of me. I looked down at my watch. 6:04 pm.nah we can keep moving. I thought then looked up at Selphie. "No we should keep moving." I said continued to walk ahead then Quistis ran forth blocking me. "Zell.I think we should set up camp. At least until morning.it seems like everyone's tired." I looked back at them to see Squall yawning, Selphie trying to keep her eyes open, Rinoa rubbing her eyes while Angelo laid on the ground panting. I nodded and walked back to the rest with Quistis. "Okay first.we should all split up and find supplies." I looked at everyone and they nodded in agreement. "Squall will be responsible for the firewood, Rinoa, and Quistis will set up camp. Selphie and I will take care of dinner." "What about Angelo?" Rinoa asked and I looked down at the sad looking dog. "She can accompany." I looked at everyone then my eyes stopped on Squall. "Squall." "What!" Squall yelled looking at me insanely. I glared at him crossing my arms over my chest. "Aye, aye commander! C'mon Angelo!" Squall yelled as he ran off to find firewood with Angelo hot on his heels. We looked at Selphie and She ran up to me, grabbing my hand and pulling me forward. "C'mon Zell, we got some dinner to catch!" She yelled and Quistis and Rinoa waved goodbye to us.
About an hour later Selphie and I made it back to the campsite. The sun was down and it was starting to get cooler. When we got there Squall was already back with a fire started, Rinoa and Quistis set up two tents and were already sitting around the fire with Squall. Angelo was sleeping on the ground also in front of the fire. "Hey guys! Were back!" Selphie screamed running over to them. "You guys catch anything?" Quistis asked looking at me and I nodded. I showed her the dead rodents and birds. "Great." Squall said walking up to me and I handed him the dead animals. Squall took them to the fire and started to cook them in the pot right above the fire. I walked over to the group and sat on the ground next to the fire. I looked up at the stars thinking about stuff.
What's gonna happen to us now? What if Garden does get destroyed.? I wondered lying on my back, using my hands as pillows. "Hey you guy's know anything about Galbadia?" Squall asked shaking some spices on the meat in the pot. "Besides the soldiers are idiots.no." Rinoa said rubbing her arms trying to get warmed up. "Not to much." Quistis answered and Selphie just shook her head no. "Thought so well.Galbadia is known for their impressive army. They are the second most deadly army on the face of this planet." "Who's the strongest army on this planet?" Selphie asked looking at Squall behind all the smoke and steam that came up from the pot. "Esthar, of course." Squall said flipping the meat on the other side. "Is that all.?" I asked sitting back up. "Yup." I rolled my eyes at this. Once again Squall has proved that he could know so much and so little at the same time. I thought while looking at Squall strangely. I never could figure him out, he knew everything about anything only he forgotten the most important parts. I checked my watch again it was now 8:22 pm and I yawned finally realizing how tired I was.
"Guy's dinner's ready!" Squall said putting the meat on the plates then handing one to each of us including himself. I grabbed my fork and popped a piece of meat into my mouth and everyone else did the same. This is actually not that bad. I thought shoving another piece into my mouth. "Squall, the food is.fantastic!" Selphie said swallowing the food in her mouth. Rinoa looked up surprised after she ate some, she never thought of Squall as a guy who could cook. "Where'd you learn to cook like this?" She asked. "My grandfather taught me." Squall said happily as he finished his dinner. When we were all done eating we all just looked around no one was even saying a word. "Well I'm beat. I'm going to sleep." Quistis said walking into her tent. "Me too." Selphie said following Quistis into the same tent. "Yeah I'm gonna go hit the sack. What about you, Zell?" Squall said getting up and looking at Rinoa and I. "Yeah I'm just going to stay out here for a bit." Squall nodded and walked into the other tent.
Rinoa and I lay on our backs looking up at the beautiful sky. "Zell?" Rinoa asked looking at me and I tilted my head so I could see her. "Do you think Seifer will be ok?" Seifer.? If it weren't for Seifer's stupid antics we wouldn't be in this mess right now. ".I don't know." I answered and she nodded and looked back up at the stars. "Brrr."Rinoa grumbled started to rub her arms again with her hands trying to generate heat. I looked up at her and saw that was shivering. She must be cold. She'll get a cold if she stays out here for much longer. I thought glancing down at my light jacket then back at her. "Here you can.wear my jacket." I started zipping off my jacket and she looked at me surprised. "You don't have to do that?" She said and I looked at her strangely. "Don't worry about it. Besides I don't need it right now anyway." I took off my jacket, wrapped it around her shoulders, and she grinned slightly. I walked back to where I was and layed back down looking at the sky once again. "You know? I was really frightened when you guys past out back there in the forest." She said taking a glance at me. "I'm glad you three made it back ok." So am I. I thought watching her as her hair blew in the slow wind. ".Me too." I said looking back up at the stars.
We stayed there looking up at the stars for a few more minuets. "What time is it?" She said trying to keep her hair neat in the wind. I looked down at my watch then back at the sky. "It's 10:43 pm." Man time sure does fly. I thought rubbing my eyes. "Well it's getting late see ya tomorrow Zell." I nodded sitting up. She got up, ran her hand through my bright blonde hair and walked into the girl's tent. Rinoa's not all bad. I pondered my eyes still on where Rinoa exited into the tent. It's getting pretty late, I should go to sleep. I thought getting up and walked into Squall and my tent and climbed into my sleeping bag. I closed my eyes putting my hands behind my head getting into a better position. Damnit Rinoa still has my jacket. I guess I'll just get it back tomorrow. I thought slowly drifting to sleep.
The next morning I got my jacket back from Rinoa and we set out for Galbadia Garden at the crack of dawn. We made it to the academy grounds right in front of the Garden about two hours later. There were a lot of men flying in machines all over the place and two of them landed right in front of us on the main sidewalk. All the students looked at us oddly but I just ignored them. Then on student came up to us. "Which academy are you from? You sure don't look like students from Galbadia Garden." He said noticing we were just wearing our casual outfits. "Were from Balamb." Quistis said and we walked on to the entrance. We continued forward, there were several students just walking around chatting. I overheard some students talking about the sorceress. "I heard the sorceress is residing in the capital..." "...Appointed as a 'peace' ambassador..." They probably knew about this before the TV broadcast.
We walked on until we reached the Garden's main gates and Selphie looked around. "Wow.completely different." "Sure is quiet." Squall said trying to see if he could hear anything. It's nice. I thought observing the place. ".I like it." I said noticing that in some ways it was different from Balmb Garden. Rinoa started giggling at my comment and I looked at her. Was it something I said.? I wondered looking at her weirdly, then Quistis came up to me. "Could you leave this one up to me?" She said. "I've been here several times, and I know the Headmaster pretty well." I nodded so we could just get this over with. "I'll go explain our situation." She said walking through the front gate.
We walked in and went our separate ways to explore the Garden. After a while of exploring an announcement came over the intercom. "Attention; SeeD party from Balamb. Please wait in the 2nd floor reception room." I walked up to an instructor to find out where the room was. He had on gray pants with a skin tight muscle shirt. He stood so straight you could easily mistake him for a statue. "The reception room in the first room up those stairs." He pointed to the hallway that led to the stairs. We all met up at the door except for Quistis and there was a guard standing in front of the door. I walked up to the guy and he looked me up and down. "This is the reception room. Please wait until you hear from the master." The guard said walking out of the way and we walked in to see a high class looking room. It had a dresser, a glass table with flowers on it, two white leather sofas on each side of the glass table, and a window that overlooked the inside of the Garden. Everyone went about in the room. Selphie went to look out the huge windows, Rinoa stood there looking at the wall, and Squall sat on the nearest couch. I decided to lean against the wall closest to the door.
Rinoa looked at the glass table also smelling the flowers on top of it then looked over at me. "So Quistis attended classes here?" "I wonder if they have a Garden festival too." Selphie asked still gazing out the window. Angelo ran over to the far sofa and jumped on it lying down. I put my hand on my hip thinking. What could be taking Quistis so long? Zell turned his head to see me. "How long are they gonna make us wait?" Squall whined and I shrugged. Just then Quistis walked in and we all tuned to her. "How'd it go?" I asked backing up a little so she could get in. She walked in a little and folded her arms over her chest. "They understand our situation." She then walked over to Squall and bent down to his face. "And Balamb Garden is safe." Squall got up looking relieved with the biggest smile on his face. I was also relieved, Balamb Garden was my home kind of in a way. If anything happened to it I don't know what I'd do. "Quistis then went on looking at the rest of us. "The attack on the president in Timber was classified as an independent action. There was an official notice from the Galbadian government saying that Balamb Garden is not being held responsible." "So Seifer's taking all the blame?" Squall asked leaning back on the sofa, trying to get into a better position.
A frown caught Quistis's lips as she spoke shakily. "The trial is over, and a sentence has been carried out." Rinoa's eyes filled with hot tears, Selphie's eyes got wider, Zell sat there in shock, and I stayed silent not knowing what to feel. ".He was executed?" Rinoa kneeled down wrapping her arms around her legs protectivly. "Of course he was. He attacked the president." She stood back up wiping away a freely open tear that ran down her cheek. "He sacrificed himself for the Forest Owls." Rinoa then walked and sat down on the sofa opposite of Squall. Quistis walked up to her having sympathy for Rinoa. "It was your group that got Seifer involved with this?" She asked Rinoa sitting next to her. "You're a resistance faction, right? You must have been prepared for the worst. I'm sure Seifer was prepared too. So don't think of it as Seifer sacrificing himself for you." Quistis then sighed and put a comforting arm around Rinoa's shoulder. "I'm sorry, I guess that wasn't much consolation."
A silence came through the room and I shook my head slightly while closing my eyes. What was everyone's problem? Everyone should be prepared for something like this. Were in Garden's military force SeeD and Rinoa supports an anti resistant fraction that hates the government. If you don't get close to anyone nothing can hurt you. "You really hated Seifer didn't you Squall?" Selphie asked breaking the silence and Squall looked up at her. A frown came on his face and you could see the sorrow in his eyes. "Yeah but.He was from Garden. He was one of us. If I can, I wanna get revenge." "I. really liked him." She paused and started to smile by thinking of him then continued. "Always full of confidence, smart. Just by talking to him I felt I could take on the world." Selphie put her arms on the top of the sofa and leaned on it. "Your boyfriend?" "I don't really know." Rinoa closed her eyes sighing. "I.I think I was in love. I wonder how he felt."
I shifted my weight to my other side and frowned thinking. Well there's another heart Seifer won. Seifer nearly had every girl in Garden practically drooling over him. It was no surprise he had won Rinoa's heart being the sweet talker and smart-ass he was. "Do you still like him?" Selphie asked getting a little nosey but it didn't seem Rinoa minded. "If I didn't." Rinoa began her face glistened from tears. "I wouldn't be talking about it." She hugged her legs. "It was last summer.I was sixteen. Lot's of fond memories." Quistis then looked up at the ceiling removing her arm from around Rinoa's shoulder. "I don't have any good memories of him. I've seen some troubled children, but he was beyond troubled," She then tried to see some of the good she saw in Seifer. "Well, he wasn't really a bad guy." "Kinda sad." Selphie said she didn't know Seifer all that well she only me him a couple of times.
Squall then looked around trying not to make eye contact with anyone. "I didn't like the guy, but executed?" I then pushed off from the wall looking at the people in front of me and I started thinking. I liked him.wasn't really a bad guy.He was one of us. Seifer you've become just a memory. Will they.Will they talk about me this way if I die, too? Zell was this and that. Using past tense, saying whatever they want. So this is what death is all about.Not for me! I won't have it!!! Quistis then stood up looking at me concerned. "What's wrong, Zell?" "I won't have it!" I yelled as I threw my arm out angrily. Angelo looked up from his sleeping position and barked. "W-what?" Squall asked a bit shocked by my outburst. "Are you MAD?" Selphie asked a bit frightened. I ran to the exit and looked back at the group. "I'm not having anyone talk about me in past tense!" I yelled and ran out the door. I sprinted down to stairs only to find the same instructor that told me where the room was. "You know the rules cadet! No running!" The man yelled and I wiped the spit on my face that came from his mouth. I nodded and walked out of the hallway.
When I reached the main part of the Garden a recognizing voice called out to me. "Yo, Zell!" I turned around to see Rajin and Fujin on the second floor balcony. Both of them ran down to me in a hurry. "What are you doing here?" I asked glancing at both of them. "What am I doing?" Rajin repeated, "I'm a messenger, ya know?" Rajin and Fujin looked at each other and nodded. Rajin continued on pointing at me. "Brought you a new order from Headmaster Cid, ya know?" They both nodded towards each other again. "What kind of order?" I asked raising my brow. "I dunno. Gave it to the head honcho here. Just did what Headmaster Cid wanted, ya know?" He said whispering so only us three could hear and I nodded. They nodded again. "EXPLAIN." Fujin said in her usual one-word sentences. "We were supposed 'ta go to Timber. But the trains have stopped, so we had no other choice but to come here. Kinda relieved to see you guys here."
They both nodded again at this statement. "SEIFER?" Fujin asked. "Oh yeah." Rajin started to scratch his head. "Wasn't Seifer with you?" Why would I have to be the one to tell him? His own pose and his only friends. Better get it over with. "I believe Seifer may be dead. I heard he was trialed in Galbadia then executed." I said all to casually. I saw their hurt faces for a second or two they turned back to normal. "LIES!" Fujin said stepping up to me. Rajin slightly laughed at the comment and also stepped up to me. "That's gotta be a lie, ya know? There's no way he'd put up with a trial, ya know?! Or an execution for that matter! It's just so not Seifer, ya know?" "FIND!" Fujin said and ran off and Rajin stopped at me. "Well, see ya Zell. Were off to Galbadia to find Seifer." Rajin said following Fujin out of Galbadia Garden. Why would they want to find Seifer's dead body. I wondered looking at the retreating duo. "Attention SeeD party from Balamb Garden. Please assemble at the front gate." The intercom said breaking my train of thought.
Once I got to the front gate my whole team was there waiting. Quistis was pacing back and forth, Squall was practicing techniques with his gunblade, Selphie was humming the same tune she always sings on the train, Rinoa was sitting on the edge of a rock, and Angelo was chasing bright yellow butterflies in the grass. I walked up to her and could tell she was still hurting from the news earlier before. She looked up at me smiling a little and noticed something behind me. "Oh, I think that's him. Just pretend I'm a SeeD too. It'll be less complicated that way." I nodded and we walked over to the others who already formed a line and did the same. All five of us waited in a line where we awaited the red and blue car that was coming towards us. The Headmaster emerged from the car about a few meters away. We saluted the Headmaster then Rinoa glanced at us and did the same. The Headmaster saluted back looking at each one of us. "Good day." The Headmaster said and started to pace left and right in front of us. "I have official orders from Headmaster Cid addressed to you. Following regulations, I have gone over these orders. After careful consideration of our options, we have decided to fully assist and cooperate with Headmaster Cid. Actually, we too have been planning for this for quite some time now." He stopped pacing and continued. "In order to stress the importance of this mission, I must first brief you of the current situation."
"At ease." He demanded and loosened up a little. "You all know about the sorceress being appointed as the peace ambassador for the Galbadian government." he began then looked at me. "However, this ambassador thing is just a cover up. There will be no peace talks, only threats. The sorceress creates fear among people. Therefore peace talks are impossible. Galbadia is planning to use this fear to negotiate favorable conditions for itself. It's clear that Galbadia's ultimate goal is world domination. Garden is no exception, either. In fact that the sorceress is planning to use this Garden as her base." The Headmaster stopped and studied Rinoa up then down and went on. "We have very few options available to us. We entrust world peace, and the future to you." We all gave the Garden salute and Rinoa quickly did the same. "Details of the mission are enclosed in these official orders." He said and handed me the paper, I took it and started to skim over it.
We must assassinate the sorceress. We need a sniper? I looked back up at the Headmaster and he walked up to me. "Any questions?" "The orders say by means of a sniper." I said and looked back at my comrades then back to him. "We have no one with that skill." "Don't worry about it," he replied, "Let me introduce an elite sharpshooter from Galbadia Garden." He then shouted toward the field, "Kinneas! Irvine Kinneas!" I looked out to where he called to and saw a yellow butterfly landed on a tip of a finger. The hand was held as if it was a gun and got pulled back as if it shot the butterfly. The butterfly flew away and a man got up from his lying position. He had a brown overcoat that swayed in the wind. Looked at us and rested his shotgun on his shoulder. He had black boots on, faded brown jeans, a purple shirt, and a unique necklace. He also had a long ponytail riding down his backside as he walked. When he reached us he tilted his hat as if that was the way he greeted people.
He walked back and forth sizing each of us up and down, he paid a lot more attention to the females of our small group. The Headmaster walked up and patted the new guy on the back. "This is Irvine Kinneas. He will be your sharpshooter. Leave whenever you're ready. Failure isn't an option." He said and got back into the car and drove away as Irvine pointed his hand in a gun like matter at the car. "BANG!" Irvine said then turned back around to us. "So what's the orders?" Squall asked running up to me very quickly. "This is no ordinary mission. It's a direct order from both Balamb and Galbadia Garden. We're to assassinate the sorceress." Everyone was taken back by this except Irvine who was paying a little to much attention to Rinoa who didn't like it that much. "We're to shoot from afar. Kinneas will be our sniper. We're to support him to out fullest."
I walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around to me. "Should the sharpshooter fail, we are to attack head on." "Thanks for the support, but I never miss my target." Irvine said shrugging both of his shoulders. "Eliminate the sorceress. That's our order. We're going to head to the capital of Galbadia, Deling City. There, we'll meet up with General Caraway." I took a look at everyone they all seemed to be alright with it except Rinoa. I think I saw her frown when I said 'General Caraway'. Nah must be my imagination. I thought and went on. "We'll go over the details for the plan with him. Let's get going." We all nodded and Irvine led us out of the Garden and to the Galbadia Train Station.
We entered the train and I went to go insert the ticket into the card activation panel. If I go in first Selphie will throw a fit. I thought and decided for Selphie to go in before I did. The rest entered and Selphie ran to the door. "Tee-hee, you caught on!" She screamed and ran into the second boxcar. "This train, bound for Deling City, will be departing shortly." The speaker over the intercom announced. With a little tug of energy the train roared to life and began to move. "Those damn tickets cost so much!" Squall said walking over to the far corner of the main part of the train. "This is the only train bound for Deling anyway." Rinoa said, everyone else nodded and I just shrugged. "Hmm.Perhaps it's fate?" Irvine said and walked into the next compartment and I rolled my eyes. What the hell is he talkin' about? He's even more annoying then Squall. I thought and looked to Squall who began shaking. "So what do we do about him?" Squall asked glaring at where Irvine went into the next boxcar. I can tell Squall doesn't really like Irvine either.
Rinoa looked at me concerned pointing at the door. "Shouldn't you go check on Selphie?" Then Quistis turned to me looking just the same as Rinoa. "Irvine just kind of went off.shouldn't you go check?" Why do I have to go check on him? It's not like he's doing anything wrong. I thought looking at everyone including Squall even showed concern. I turned to go in the next boxcar but Squall stopped me. "I don't want that Irvine guy using the guest room. Don't open it for him!" I nodded walking through only to find Irvine tormenting Selphie. "Selphie were destined to be together!" Irvine yelled dramatically. "Y-yeah right!" Selphie said blushing a deep reddish color. "A sign of love?" Irvine indicated to Selphie's red cheeks. "No.no" Selphie stuttered and Irvine noticed me there listening to the whole thing he made his way up to me. "Pardon me." He said tipping his hat and walked back into the first boxcar. I walked up to Selphie leaning on the railing gazing at the passing scenery going by outside. "My heart's pounding. What's this I'm feeling?" Selphie asked breathing rather loudly. I wouldn't know. I never felt that way about anyone. "It's an important mission. Get used to handling the pressure while you still can." I told her taking a glance at her. "You gonna be ok?" I asked brushing my hair back out of my face with my hand. ".Yeah I'll be fine." Selphie said closing her eyes while trying to steady her breathing. "Well.I'm going back to the others." I said, she nodded and I walked back to my comrades.
When I got back I noticed Squall was pissed off and Irvine was bothering Rinoa. "Rinoa!" Irvine yelled as Rinoa ran and hid behind Quistis while Squall shook with anger. "Irvine Kinneas!" Quistis yelled. "You're playing a major role in this mission. Now, behave yourself!" She yelled trying to keep Irvine away from Rinoa. "No one understands me." He said then looked down. "Snipers are loners by nature.We hone our instincts, pour our whole being into a single bullet. The pressure of the moment.An instant of tension.That's what - That's what I have to face alone. It's not easy. So like, just do me a favor, and let me be!" Irvine said and turned away. I looked to Squall who was still shaking angrily glaring at Irvine. Squall blew up when Irvine tipped his hat at him. "You get my drift?" Irvine said. Squall slammed his fist as hard as he could on the floor. The lights went off for a minuet and I think the train almost ran off the track. Man even for a gunblade specialist, he still has a pretty powerful punch. I thought looking at the ticked off Squall sitting on the floor. Then the announcer for the train came on. "Err, there was no damage to the train from that, err, minor vibration." Squall rolled his eyes putting his hands in his jacket pockets. "I repeat.Err, there was no damage to the train from that, err, minor vibration." The man on the intercom repeated while I tried to figure out why he hated Irvine so much.
When we arrived at Deling City it was all ready night time, and we stepped off the train. There were many trains, all of them going different places all over the world. The train attendant shouted out people's names that he read off of his clipboard. I led my group to the escalators and we waited for the machine to take us up. Rinoa decided to sprint up the escalator and waited for us. When we reached the top, I looked at the amazing scenery. Selphie gasped at the site before us while Quistis and Squall stood wide- eyed. The scenery ahead of us had a bunch of streets with cars driving through on them. They were much nicer then the Garden's cars were. Lots of amazing colored lights filled the dark sky. There was also a fountain in the middle of the street with beautiful blue waters splashing up from it. This is where Laguna parked his car, I wonder where it is now. I thought remembering my first encounter with him and his pals. "Well let's get going to Caraway's mansion." I said and everyone nodded. ".Ok, just take bus 08." Rinoa said walking ahead of us. "You seem to know a lot about this place." Squall said walking beside her with us following. "Yeah well, I've been here a couple of times." She answered and we took the bus to Caraway's mansion.
The mansion was huge, it was the biggest house I have ever seen in my life. There must have been more then two stories by the looks of it. It was in a castle like shape with gates right in front of it. At the entrance of the gate was a Galbadian soldier. "Wow. this Caraway guy's gota be rich." Squall said staring at the huge mansion. "I bet he's even got his own train!" Selphie screamed, she looked at me and I shrugged walking forward. Rinoa ran ahead to the guard and we walked up behind her. "Excuse me sir. We have to meet General Caraway." The guard just stood there looking at her. Then Squall peered over her shoulder. "It's very important." The rest of us nodded, and the guard crossed his arms over his chest. "General Caraway's mansion is right through this gate, but I can't just let you walk in." I looked at the guard strangely scratching my head. "I believe he's been informed on our arrival." I said looking at my comrades then back to him. "Yes, indeed, but I was ordered not to let you through until your skills have been tested." The guard replied and Selphie groaned along with Squall.
"He's still so skeptical of people." Rinoa said shaking her head and I looked at her confused. She's already met this Caraway guy. I then snapped myself back to reality and looked back to the guard. "Test our skills? What does he want us to do?" I asked annoyed that we had to do a task to prove we were worthy. "The Tomb of the Unknown King is to the northeast.Bring back proof you were there, a code number." The guard said yawning. It looks like this guy has been standing here all day waiting for us. "A code number?" I asked. "All the way out here for a test of courage?" Rinoa asked looking just as annoyed as the rest of us. "There are many students like yourself who wish to call on General Caraway. There was a student from Galbadia Garden yesterday, who has yet to return from the test at the Tomb of the Unknown King. Your objective is to go to the tomb, look for traces of this lost student, and return with his ID number." The guard explained then paused rubbing his eyes before he went on.
"You should be able to find what you're looking for shortly after you go in. The ID number should be written on it. I don't recommend going any further than you have to. You may never make it back alive... Anyway here is the map of the cave." He said handing me the map that was rolled up and tied like a diploma. I put the map in my coat pocket and looked back at the others. "So what are we waiting for!?" Selphie screamed jumping up in the air. "Yeah! Lets get this over with." Squall said taking his gunblade out and swinging it around. Irvine walked up to the street and sat down on the bench looking at me. "Well what do you say Mr. Leader?" He said with sarcasm. Why not it's not like we got any other choice. I thought and nodded turning back to the guard. "I can escort you outside town, but you have to journey to the tomb on your own." the soldier continued. "You can rent a car near the outskirts of the city if you would like. The tomb isn't far from here, but there have been a lot of monsters around lately. Riding in a car will help you avoid any unnecessary trouble with them." We nodded and he led us to Galbadian's car rental shop.
We all stood in front of the car rental shop just looking at each other Squall broke the silence. "Shouldn't we be leaving now?" "No." I said looking at the ground. "Why not?" Selphie asked bending her head down so my gaze was on her instead of the ground. "There's no use for all of us to go." I said looking back up at the others. "So who's coming with me?" "I'm up for it." Squall said doing the Balamb Garden salute and I nodded. No one else looked like they wanted to go so I looked at Squall and he looked at the rest. "Looks like it's just you and me huh Zell?" I nodded and we walked for the car rental station. We got a Galbadian car that seated four people. We walked for the car and Squall ran ahead to check out the car. "So who's driving?" Squall said glancing up from the polished green convertible. I jingled the keys and opened up the drivers side and got in and Squall walked to the other side and got in. "Fine I'm driving on the way back." I shrugged my shoulders and started up the ignition when Rinoa ran right in front of the car. She walked over to my side and I lowered the window.
"I'm coming with you guys." I looked at Squall and he nodded and then back at her. "Get in." I said leaning on the steering wheel watching her get in the car. "Hey Rinoa." Squall said looking back at her bobbing his head up as if he was saying what's up? "Seatbelt?" He said turning back around and fastened his seatbelt, as did we. "Check." "Meet back at the hotel!" Quistis yelled from where she, Irvine, and Selphie were waving at us. I rolled up the window while Angelo barked with dear life, Selphie had to hold Angelo back to keep him from running for us. "Looks like Angelo is going to miss you Rinoa." Squall said pulling out his sunglasses and putting them on. "Yeah I'm going to miss him too." Rinoa said putting her hand on the window. "Alright, lets rock'n roll!" Squall said trying to lighten the mood while dancing in his seat. I rolled my eyes and started up the car, driving out of Deling. I gazed up at the rear view mirror and saw Rinoa slowly drifting asleep. She sure looks cute. What's wrong with me! I thought shaking my head and looking at the fields ahead. Squall stared at me then back at Rinoa and grinned while shaking his head.
We road along the grassy fields and I looked up at the moon and the beautiful crystal like ocean. I wonder how the others are doing? I thought yawning and rubbing my eyes. "Yo, I think that's it!" Squall said taking off his sunglasses and pointed up ahead. I looked up to where Squall pointed to and saw a huge stone like figure. Rinoa leaned forward between Squall and I. "Lets just get this over with as soon as possible." We both looked back at her and nodded. I parked the car just outside the forest and led my team to the odd looking building. As we got closer to the tomb we heard screams from within and we froze. "The guy didn't say anything about ghosts!" Squall said shaking while hiding behind me. "F-Float!" Two female cadets ran out passing us, not even noticing us. Ghosts huh.? I thought glancing back at Squall. Rinoa looked at him too but oddly and Squall started to blush. "What, I wasn't scared." Yeah.right. I thought and probably Rinoa did too and I looked around. It was quite large, the stony walls and pillars had become overgrown with moss, and vines. The entire structure was surrounded by a moat but a bridge led across it and into the tomb. I led them into the darkness, the Tomb of Unknown King.
The interior was dimly lit by the moonlight and the walls and ground were made out of stone, they too had vines and moss growing on it. We started to look around for any type of clues that might help us. Rinoa saw a spider crawling about and ran up to me. "This place is freaky." Squall walked up to her patting her on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it. Me and Zell will protect you." I nodded and Rinoa looked more relieved that she had us two to protect her. As we walked further into the cave it got darker scarier. "Sure is cold." Rinoa said rubbing her arms together and I looked at her. "Don't worry we'll be out of here in no time." I said trying to comfort her. Water was dripping from the ceiling and steam came up from the ground. We better find this ID number fast. I can tell that there is something definitely wrong about this place. I thought looking at the unsure faces of Squall and Rinoa. Then there was a weapon on the floor I bent down to study it closely. The weapon was a sword, it had a small tag attached to it which read. 'Student ID No. 163.' This is what we've been looking for. "Alright we got the ID number lets get the hell out of here." I said getting back up and turned around to face the others. They nodded and we headed out of the Tomb of the Unknown King.
We walked into the hotel only to find Quistis and Selphie sitting on the couch near the receptionist desk. Selphie and Quistis jumped up to greet us. "How'd you guys make out?" Quistis asked stretching her arms out. "It went okay, that place was kinda creepy." Squall said sitting on the couch Quistis and Selphie had previously been on. "You get the ID number?" Selphie asked dusting off her bright yellow dress. I nodded and leaned against a wall near the group. "Yo, where's that Irvine guy?" Squall asked looking all over the lobby from his seating position. "Oh he's down at the bar." Selphie said plopping down right next to him on the couch. "Shouldn't we get going to Caraway's mansion?" Rinoa asked playing with the ring on her necklace. "Yes, but first someone has to go get Irvine." Quistis said looking at everyone. "I'll go get him." I said and walked down the stairs to the bar.
I saw Irvine sitting at a table in the far corner of the bar. He seemed to be chatting up a very attractive female waitress, as I got closer I could hear what they were saying. "So if you would like to take a walk around the city with me. Just you, me, and the moon." Irvine asked winking at her. What the hell does he think he is doing? We have a mission to finish. I thought pushing my hair back and glaring at the sharpshooter. "Uh. sorry but I've got other plans." She said and walked away. "Is it another guy. He's probably cheating on you!" Irvine yelled and slammed his fist down on the table. "Damn it! That's the third one tonight." I walked up to him and sat down right across from him. "Don't you think that woman is out of your league?" I asked glancing back at the cute waitress. "Nah no ones out of my league." Irvine said tipping his hat at a woman across the room. "Whatever. we have to get going to Caraway's mansion." "Fine lets go. It's not like I'm getting any action tonight." Irvine said getting up and walking up the steps to the lobby. I just shrugged and followed him to the others and we took the bus to the mansion.
The guard noticed us and waved us to come forward. "What is it?" he asked and I stepped forward. ".We're ready to answer." The guard looked really surprised. "Well what is it? If you may?" ". Student ID; Number 163." I answered, the guard smiled, and he pointed at the mansion behind him. "That's correct! Please, right this way." He said and led us to the general's mansion. Both Balamb and Galbadia Garden are joining forces with the general from the Galbadian Army. ...Why? I thought and then shook my head changing my mind. ...No point in me thinking about it. SeeDs aren't meant to question why. We made it to the front door when Rinoa stopped me while the others went into the mansion. "Umm. Is my contract still in affect?" Rinoa asked looking down at the floor. What is it this time? I thought as I folded my arms over my chest. "Don't leave me in this house, ok?" I rolled my eyes and she continued. "Want me to explain why?" There's no time for this right now. I thought shaking my head no and let my arms fall from my chest. "You should know by now. Just tell us what to do and we'll do it." I said as calmly as I could and she smiled cheerfully. "Okay then. Thanks." She said and we both went in the mansion after the others.
We walked into a rather colorful room that had two windows with pink drapes, green wallpaper, pink carpet, a green sofa, a table with four chairs, and what looked like to be a study at the back of the room. "Wait here." The guard said and walked out of the room and we just stared at each other. About a half an hour later everyone got pretty reckless. Selphie was starring out the window, Quistis and Rinoa were sitting on chairs, Squall paced back and forth with his hand in his pockets, and Irvine was lying on a chair towards the back with his legs on the desk. "He's making us wait quite a bit." Quistis said wiping off some of the dust that was on the table. I was leaning against the wall near the window when Squall threw his arms up in the air. "Errghh." I looked at him and he looked pretty irritated "What's taking so long.!?" Selphie complained stopping her foot on the ground. Rinoa shook her head and then stood up. "Hmph... He always does this! So discourteous... making people wait. I'm gonna go complain." Rinoa started walking for the door and then turned to look at all of us. "Oh by the way, this is my house, so don't worry." Selphie turned around and widened her eyes in shock, Squall jolted back, Quistis and Irvine didn't look surprised at all, and I raised a brow as she left.
A couple of seconds later a middle aged man came through the door and closed it behind him. He had jet-black hair with white streaks showing on the sides and a black uniform which had war badges all over it. This must be General Caraway. Where's Rinoa. I thought getting off the wall. "Where's Rinoa?" I asked taking one step forward and he looked at me, I saw a glint of darkness in his eyes. "She has not received the type of training you all have and may become a burden. It's for the best that she stays out of this operation." Selphie tilted her head looking at the general oddly. "So your Rinoa's father?" She asked and he looked at the ground sadly. "I can't remember the last time she called me that." After hearing this Squall opened his mouth in shock. "So the fathers a top military officer, and the daughter's a member of a anti-government faction!?" He paused scratching his head. "That's bad.really BAD!" Squall just shut up. I thought glaring at him and he shut his mouth. "Yes indeed. It's a serious problem." He said and walked over to one of the windows and looked below at all the bright lights.
"But that doesn't concern you. It's our problem." He said and turned around to look at us. "Besides, we have far more important things to worry about." Caraway said changing the subject and I scratched the back of my head. "Once our mission is accomplished here," I told Caraway, "we're working for Rinoa, as per our contract, I don't know what your situation is, but please don't interfere when the time comes." "And if I do?" He said looking at me with the same look as before. What's his problem? I thought looking at him and crossed my arms over my chest. "We're all SeeDs here. We'll act accordingly." I told him with the same look he was looking at me with. Irvine then pushed his legs off the desk and leaned his arms on the desk. "Hey, hey, hey, fellas, We're here to knock off the sorceress, right? So let's get down to business." Irvine said and kicked himself over the desk, landing on the floor. "So let's get down to business." Irvine finished looking at everyone. After a couple of seconds General Caraway nodded. "Okay, let me explain the plan." he said as he walked out the door and we followed him. Walking through the front yard he continued. "I'm sure you know about the Galbadian government reaching an agreement with Sorceress Edea." So the sorceress' name was Edea. I thought looking down at the grass blowing in the slight wind. "There plans to be a ceremony tonight to commemorate the event. It'll be held at the Presidential Residence." he went on as he led us there.
We then came to an open road where a huge gate stood in front of us. "During the ceremony," Caraway started, "you will split up into two teams and get into position. The gateway team will enter the gateway and stand by. The sniper team will stand by at the front of the Presidential Residence until the ceremony is over. This is where the sniper team will wait, right here where I'm standing." He said pointing down at the street right before the huge black gate. The gate was attached to a rather large building with a big clock on the front. "That's the Presidential Residence. Once the ceremony ends, a parade for the sorceress will begin. That's when the gate will open. Lay low until then. The parade may be canceled if there is any commotion. We must avoid that at all costs. Once the gate opens the sniper team will move out. With the parade drawing the crowd and the guards' attention, it should be rather easy to move about. The sniper team will head for the roof of the residence. In the corridor by the sorceress's room, there is a hatch that leads to the clock tower. There you'll find a carousel clock. You'll find the sniper rifle there. Stand by in the tower until exactly o' twenty hours."
Caraway began to walk in demonstration and continued, "The parade will begin by the gate. The sorceress will be riding on the parade vehicle. After it leaves the gate, it will turn left like this," he ran in the parade's pattern, "The parade will circle once around the city along the outer road and return to this space. It will return on this side. Then it will return on this side. Then it will turn right and head this way. Here's where the gateway team comes into play." "At exactly o' twenty hours, the parade will pass under here. At this point, the gateway team will operate the console to drop the gates. The sorceress will be trapped inside the gateway. At o' twenty hours the carousel clock will rise out of the roof, carrying the sniper team up as well. There will be no obstruction between the sniper and the sorceress. Take the open shot." "BANG!!!" Irvine shouted with enthusiasm. Caraway stared at Irvine annoyed and then finished. "That is all. No we wait. You're free to go anywhere. Go check out the city if you wish. Just one thing, stay out of trouble." He said looking at me accusingly. Who does he think we are? .Were not like your daughter. I thought looking at the ground. "We are SeeDs, we may be young but that doesn't mean we don't know how to act mature. I then glanced at Irvine who pretend his hand was a gun and began aimlessly shooting as Selphie giggled and jumped with excitement. Well, some of us were mature anyway. "Report to my residence when you're ready. We'll hold a final meeting then. After that, we'll proceed with the operation. Dismissed." General Caraway informed us and left without another word.
"What do we do now?" Selphie asked no one in particular. "I say we all meet at General Caraway's mansion." I paused and looked down at my watch. "In about 45 minuets." I said looking back up at everyone. They all nodded and I walked away from the group. I walked away from the group with my hands stuffed in my coat pockets. I wonder what there is to do in this city? I thought looking at the ground when I heard loud footsteps behind me. "Hey, Zell! Wait up man!" I turned around to see Squall running to catch up to me. When Squall got to me he was breathing loudly to catch his breath. After a few seconds he regained his composure and looked up at me. "What is it?" I asked rolling my eyes at him. "I wanted to know if I could come with you?" "Yeah whatever." I said and started to walk away then Squall jumped up in excitement. "Alright!" He yelled and started to follow me. For some reason Squall liked to hang around with me, in sort of a way I think he looks up to me. "So what do you want to do?" I asked and Squall looked around and pointed towards the bright lights. "You want to go to the shopping center?" He asked and shrugged my shoulders in reply.
Squall and I sat were at the food court sitting down at a table just taking in the scenery. It was right next to the street with plenty of cars and people going by. "You want to see if Julia is still playing?" I said finishing my cheeseburger and taking a sip of my soda. "Sure." Squall said and looked around, he found a man about 50 years old sitting behind us and scratched the back of his head. "Umm.Do you know if Julia still plays at the Inn?" Squall asked and the man looked at us oddly. "How do you know about Julia? How old are you kids sixteen, seventeen?" We nodded and he looked at us even more strangely. "Julia hasn't played here in over 20 years. She mysteriously died about ten years ago." Squall looked back at me and I wiped my mouth with a napkin.
"Thank you sir, we have to get going now. Come on Squall." We walked off with the man still eyeing us very strangely. So the 'Dream World' we've been going into was the past. I thought looking at all the bight stores lit up with neon. "Hey Zell, now we know that Laguna is a man from the past." I nodded and we continued down the busy sidewalk. "How much time we got left?" Squall asked dogging all the people pushing past him. I raised my arm and looked down at my watch rubbing my eyes to see if my eyes were fooling me. Ten minuets, we should get back to the General's mansion. I thought and put my arm back down. "Well.?" Squall asked walking beside me and I looked to the side at him. "We have about ten minuets left. We should probably get back to Caraway's mansion." I said while we waited for the bus to take us to Caraway's mansion. "Okay."
As we walked into the study of the mansion everyone was already there. Irvine was leaning against the desk, Quistis sat on the couch with her hands linked together, and Selphie was standing right next to General Caraway. "It's time to form the teams." Caraway instructed and everyone looked at him. "The sniper and the leader of this operation will form the sniper team." The general paused. "The leader's role is vital." He said looking at me. .What does he mean? I thought glaring at him and he continued. "If the plan fails for some reason..." The general looked towards Irvine. "... Or should the sniper miss..." Irvine waved his hand at him smirking. "...The leader must carry out a direct assault against the sorceress." Everyone looked at me while I stared at the ground. So. if Irvine misses I have to take the Sorceress head on? I thought putting my hands in my pockets. "The plan was devised carefully, because we intend this to be a covert operation." the general continued. "But our ultimate goal is to eliminate the sorceress, and we must achieve this at all cost." He then cleared his throat and went on. "Even if they uncover our identities." The general then looked around the room. "So, who's going to lead the operation?" He said and everyone turned their heads to me, I didn't like the fact that everyone relies on me, but what other choice did we have. "I will." I said looking up and the general nodded. "Then I'll leave the rest up to you." He said and sat down on the green couch, I shrugged and walked up to Irvine then he got off of the desk.
"Irvine and I will make up the 'sniper team'." I said. "The 'gateway team' will be..." I said turning around to the rest of my comrades. It looks like the 'gateway team' is decided. I thought looking at Squall, Quistis, and Selphie. "Whoo-hoo!" Selphie screamed in excitement throwing an arm up in the air. "Roger." Quistis said nodding her head and Squall stared shaking. "Let's DO IT!" Squall yelled and then Selphie scratched her head looking around confused. "So who's gonna be the leader for the 'gateway team'?" She asked and Squall grinned at this and started dancing in place. I looked at Squall and sighed. Sorry, Squall. I thought I then looked up at Quistis. ".Quistis Trepe, your in charge." Squall then hung his arms and head down while Quistis seemed quite surprised. "OK! Leave it to me." Quistis replied happily and the general got off of the couch and walked towards us. "Ok. Let's begin." He said motioning Irvine and I to follow him while the 'gateway team' stayed in the room.
Squall walked up to Quistis putting a hand on her shoulder. "We're on your team, instructor. Let's kick some ass!" Squall encouraged her jumping up in the air. Selphie also jumped up in the air with Squall. "Whoo-hoo!" Quistis's face turned slightly red from all of the encouragement she was getting and led her team to the door. Before she could open it though someone ran in bumping into Quistis and almost sending her to the floor. That person was Rinoa and smiled when she saw the group. "Hi! Finally got out of there! Did that man say something?" She asked meaning General Caraway. "No, not really." Squall said shrugging his shoulders. "Where's Zell?" Rinoa asked looking around the room and Quistis was about to walk out the door. "I'm sorry Rinoa, but we have to get going." "Hold on a sec." Rinoa says and Quistis and the rest stop to look at her. Rinoa took out a small piece of metal that was in her pocket. "Take a look at this!" She said excitedly. The piece of metal was in a diamond shape form, it was light blue, and it was very shiny like it was covered with some sort of metallic. Everyone looked at the odd shaped figure strangely trying to figure out what it was.
"This is called an Odine Bangle. I found it in that man's room." She said glancing down at the bangle in her hand and then back up at the 'Gateway team'. Squall widened his eyes and scratched his head, taking one step forward. "Odine!?" Squall said shocked and Selphie put her hands on her hips. "Whatcha gonna do with it?" She asked and Rinoa walked to the center of the room. "It's supposed to suppress the sorceress' powers." Rinoa replied and turned to face the group. Quistis shook her head at this, they didn't have any time to fool around. "But, its' effects are still unknown. So I don't think they're going to use it for this mission." Rinoa finished, Squall still couldn't believe it he was actually gazing at an Odine Bangle. "If it's Odine brand, it should be pretty effective! They're number '1' when it comes to magical goods." Squall said scratching the back of his neck with his eyes still fixated on the Bangle.
Rinoa smiled at Squall nodding her head. "Right! Right!" She said jumping up a little. Quistis started to shake ever so slightly and looked up at Rinoa. "So what exactly do you want to do with it!? Are you planning to have the sorceress put it on!?" Quistis yelled and Rinoa's face winced a little. "Who? When? How?" Quistis said walking up to Rinoa. Quistis had her arm up pointing up at Rinoa. "That's what were going to discuss!" Rinoa said in the same tone putting her hands on her hips. Quistis hit her head with her hand frustrated, which shocked Squall and Selphie. "We don't have time for that. Squall and Irvine are already standing by. We have an operation to carry out, too." Quistis said really angrily. Quistis could see she had hurt Rinoa's feelings and calmed down a little. "You understand don't you?" She asked. Rinoa just glared at Quistis and she glared back angry once again. "This isn't a father-daughter quarrel. This isn't a game." Quistis screeched shaking even angrier then before. Squall shook his head in disapproval and Selphie closed her eyes. Quistis marched out of the room and signaled for her group to follow. Selphie and Squall looked at Rinoa one last time and ran after Quistis. After the group left Rinoa turned around with her eyes watering up. "Who said this was a game." She mumbled out loud. "I understand what's going on... It's not like I don't have a plan..." Rinoa whimpered as tears started to streak down her face.
We were right outside the general's mansion when Quistis stormed by with her group. "Wonder what's wrong with her?" Irvine asked and I shrugged my shoulders. "I'll make the first charge when we make the full-on attack. I'll try to buy some time." I said looking at the ground and Irvine shook his head. "That won't be necessary... I'll get the job done." Irvine said with full confidence. As we walked across the street, the general led us into the Deling City Park. "So like... Is it true that SeeDs aren't supposed to question their mission?" Irvine asked glancing at me and then looked up at the sky. I rolled my eyes gazing at the ground. ...Why does he want to know, anyway...? I thought looking at the green fields with little children running around on them. "Why do you care?" I asked crossing my arms over my chest but he just changed the subject. "So like... if you knew that your enemies were pure evil, you'd get more fired up to fight them, right?" Irvine asked kicking some of the rock on the pathway.
That question made me think a little. ...An enemy that is pure evil? Right and wrong are not what separate us and our enemies. It's our different standpoints, our perspectives that separate us. I thought looking up at Irvine to see if he had any more unanswered questions. As we entered the main street right near the archway. "Both sides blame one another. There's no good or bad side. Just two sides holding different views." I said looking at the ground answering Irvine's question and he just nodded in reply. I looked up to see such a huge crowd that has gathered around to se the parade. The two sidewalks were filled. ...I hope we don't stand out too much... I thought looking at the soldiers that stood by to keep the peace.
My team and the 'Gateway team' followed the general under the archway. This is when Caraway commanded the 'Gateway team'. "The 'gateway team' will wait inside the gate until 20:00. You can enter through this door." The general said pointing at the metal door inside of the archway. "The sorceress will pass through the gateway at exactly 20:00. In that instant, lower the gates using the control console located on the top floor and trap her inside the gateway." Caraway instructed and the group nodded. They entered the archway door and the General led Irvine and I to the presidential residence. "You two will wait here?" The General said pointing to an open spot in the crowd. We walked to it and waited, looking around at all the happy faces. "General, why has the sorceress decided to have such an extravagant parade?" I asked scratching my head and the General looked at Irvine and I. She wants to establish her place in Galbadia Garden, since she has chosen it to serve as her base." So that's why Galbadia Garden wants her out... I thought rubbing my chin. "It's starting. I'm returning to my residence. Good luck." The General said and we both nodded as he walked away.
Meanwhile Quistis, Selphie, and Squall went up the ladder onto the upper floor of the archway. They all looked out of the archways' window towards the presidential residence. Squall glanced at Quistis and noticed she looked troubled. "Instructor, what's up?" Squall asked looking at the very large crowd were Irvine and I waited. "Maybe I was to hard on her." Quistis said in a worried voice while shaking her head slightly. She turned away from the window and whipped her blonde hair back. "I'm going to go apologize." Squall also turned around and looked to the side. "You mean. Rinoa?" He asked and she nodded while Squall rubbed his eyes. "But... but... We can't just leave our post!" Selphie pouted and stomped her foot on the ground. "We still have until 20:00." Quistis said and started to climb down the metal ladder. "We can't.!" Squall said looking at Selphie until he realized that Selphie went down too. "Hey, wait up!" Squall yelled sliding down the ladder.
Back to the General's house where Rinoa still sat on the floor in the office. When General Caraway stepped into the room Rinoa looked up and then waved her hand up. It was supposed to tell him to leave her alone but he didn't. "It'll be chaos out there soon. You'll be safe here." He said looking down at his daughter. Rinoa waved him away again and then he sighed deeply. There was a long silence and Rinoa looked up and still saw her father there. He turned around and exited the room, Rinoa stood up trying to figure out what to do next. That's when she remembered something very important. "Oh no! He's gonna lock me in!" Rinoa screamed and started to run for the door. Then Rinoa stopped, she didn't want to go through with her plan alone but it looked like she didn't have any other choice. "I... I can do it..." She told herself nodding slowly and ran out the office and out the entrance.
After Rinoa left the office Quistis and her team ran into the room. "Rinoa, I'm sorry I..." Quistis began but stopped when she realized Rinoa wasn't in the room. The 'Gateway team' looked around the room when they heard a loud click behind them. The team turned around to notice the door had been closed. Quistis rushed over to the door and tried opening the door but it was locked. "Did we get...Locked in?" She asked trying to push and pull the door open. ".That Caraway guy!?" Selphie said sitting down in a chair. "We're smack dab in the middle of a family quarrel here!" Squall cried shaking with anger. "This is bad. .I'm worried about Rinoa too." Quistis said putting her hand on her forehead while shaking her head. "What do you mean?" Squall asked looking at Quistis with a brow raised. "Rinoa's probably on her way to see the sorceress as we speak." She said as she hung her head low. "She wanted to help us." She finished.
Rinoa walks into a dark ally right behind the presidential residence. There was an old Galbadian car that probably didn't work anymore with crates building up right next to it. She looked at all the crates and saw how high it went. She sighed and shook her head. "I'm not a SeeD but." Rinoa said and started to climb up the boxes with all the energy she had. "I can do this." She said to herself as she continued to climb on up. "This isn't some kind of game..." she said jumping from one set of boxes to the other. Rinoa gripped the top of the building and puled herself up. She started to run along the building until she reached a ladder, which led higher up the building. When Rinoa reached the top she found a large metal door and walked on through.
Rinoa entered the room slowly looking all around when she saw a weird looking woman in purple at the end of the room. "Umm... excuse me..." Rinoa stuttered as she stepped closer to the strange woman. "I'm ... the daughter of, um... Galbadian Army's, um... General Caraway." Rinoa continued as she kept her eyes on the floor. "I... thought I'd... come pay my respects... You know... 'cause of my father and all..." She said and glanced up at the woman, it didn't even seem that the lady in purple had heard her. "So, I... um... brought you a small gift. Please..." She took out the Odine Bangle and started to walk closer. The hand with the Odine Bangle in it started to shake uncontrollably. Rinoa started to get really frightened and she gulped, and walked towards the sorceress. Light from the chandelier above the sorceress' chair shone down, illuminating the pale, thin curtains in the room, and creating a glowing light around the long purple gown that the sorceress was wearing.
As Rinoa reached the Sorceress her arm was still shaking but that didn't stop her. She tried to put the Bangle on her somehow, but when she tried to a bright flash exceeded the whole room and Rinoa was thrown back on the floor. When she sat up and supported herself on her hands she noticed she was missing the Odine Bangle. She didn't know if she has succeeded or failed miserably. Rinoa arm started to shake again, when she looked down she saw the Odine Bangle on herself. Rinoa started to panic, her arm started to shake even more violently. "(...Please... stop....)" Rinoa said in almost a whisper through squinted eyes. Then her arm stopped shaking and her arm got pulled up. Rinoa got lifted up by her arm her legs dangling in the air. Her arm was still now but her whole body started to shake now. "Ugh." Rinoa gasped through clenched teeth. After a couple of seconds she fell to the ground with her eyes closed. Rinoa was breathing heavily now just waiting for what was to come next. Finally, the woman seated before her showed some signs of life. Flowing strands of black hair glowed red with rippling energy, tucking themselves into the Sorceress' head- covering. The head-covering itself started transforming, as well. The front, which came out to a point, covering her eyes, started to glow brightly, and disappear.
The Sorceress stood up, and a sudden gust of wind blew back her flowing shoulder adornment, a large half-circled metal decoration, attached to her upper back, with a cape coming out on each side. Suddenly, Rinoa got lifted off the ground and onto her feet by the Sorceress' mysterious powers. Rinoa remained standing there as the sorceress stretched out her arms, and brought then back, almost wrapping them around herself. She started walking away now, towards the huge, solid, double doors before her, and walked right through with out touching the handles. The doors liquefied, allowing her to pass, and then quickly regained their solidity. Rinoa followed the Sorceress not because she wanted to but because the Sorceress was controlling her.
Irvine and I were watching the balcony just waiting for it to start. We saw Vinzer Deling standing there, with his hands behind his back. "Here she comes." Irvine said pointing to the Sorceress walking up to the balcony. As she reached the podium she looked down at all the people that were cheering for her while a smirk met her lips. She went up to the microphone with President Deling standing right beside her. Rinoa swayed left to right while she walked up to the balcony following the Sorceress. Irvine squinted and tapped me on the shoulder. "H... Hey... That girl...!" He stuttered. I looked to where he was looking and I saw a woman in a blue duster with tight black pants. "Rinoa.?" I asked taking a glance at Irvine and he nodded his head.
On the balcony above the Sorceress was staring at the crowd below and started her speech. ".Lowlifes." She said in a threatening tone. "Shameless filthy wretches." She screeched her voice lower and louder then before. "How you celebrate my ascension with such joy. Hailing the very one whom you have condemned for generations." She said picking up her hand and shaking it. "Have you no shame?" Edea continued "What happened to the evil, ruthless, sorceress from your fantasies? The cold-blooded tyrant that slaughtered countless men and destroyed many nations?" The crowd cheered harder at this and she put her hand down. "Where is she now?" Edea asked sarcastically. "She stands before your very eyes to become your new ruler. HAHAHAHAHA." She said laughing evilly. That's when Vinzer Deling shook his head and looked at Edea oddly. "A new era has just begun." The Sorceress continued, putting her arms up in the air. "E-Edea... Are you alright...?" The Sorceress said nothing. She simply raised her arm to meet the president's chest, just barely touching it with her sharp pointed gloves. "Ede...!" The president began, but his voice was stopped. Yellow smoke emitted from the president's body as Edea lifted him, effortlessly, from the balcony floor.
"This is reality. No one can help you." She said never taking her eyes off the crowd. "Sit back and enjoy the show." Edea said and the crowd cheered even harder. Edea smirked again, lowering her eyebrows. She tossed the president behind her, throwing his body into the balcony stairwell. He hit the edge with a loud thud, and green smoke emitted from his dead body. "Rest assured, you fools...." Edea started again. "Your time will come. This is only the beginning." "Let us start a new reign of terror. I will let you live a fantasy beyond your imagination." She yelled into the microphone while she put up her arms. "Let us start a new reign of terror. I will let you live a fantasy beyond your imagination." Edea then turned around then slowly walked away off the balcony. When she reached the hallway right before the commencement room, she stopped. "Let us end this ceremony with a sacrifice." The Sorceress said bringing her hands together and focusing her energy. A serene sound came from her mysterious spell. Then she put her hand on her forehead and walked through the doors.
Two statues were connected to the outside of the archway. They looked like monsters. They were half lizard and half was shaped like a lion. Amongst the people of Deling City they considered these statues Iguana type gargoyles. A mass of energy started to run through these statues, turning their stone bodies to flesh and blood. They both were now two monsters crawling across the roof. Both the Iguanas jumped off the archway and onto the street below. They ran through the crowds of people, the people hardly noticing them they were running so fast. From the streets they leapt onto the presidential balcony where Rinoa was. Rinoa fell out off the trance blinking her eyes a couple of time to see the two beasts in front of her. Rinoa screamed as the monsters jumped for her. Irvine and I were there watching the whole thing. "Hey, hey, hey, she's in trouble big-time!" Irvine said, hitting me on my shoulder. "We've gotta go help Rinoa!" He yelled pointing to the balcony. I looked around for a way in but couldn't find a way. "The parade hasn't started yet. The gates not open." I said crossing my arms over my chest. "You've gotta be kidding!" Irvine yelled shaking his head.
Inside the office at Caraway's mansion stood the restless 'Gateway team'. Squall was leaning against the locked door while silently hitting the back of his head on the door. Selphie sat down at the table lying her head in her arms. While Quistis stood by the window that showed the view of the archway and the Presidential Residence. "Oh no! It's starting" Quistis yelled hitting the window softly with her hand. Selphie got up from the table and Squall stopped banging his head on the door. They started to pace around the room nervously. "We need to get out of here, quick." Quistis stated turning away from the window. "There's gotta be a key." Selphie said getting down on the floor and looking under the table. "Let's just search everywhere. That's all we can really do." Selphie suggested getting back up on her feet and continued on her search. Squall wondered over to the bookshelf right behind the General's desk. "Maybe there's something in these books..." Squall said. Then he hung his head, frustrated. "It'd take forever to look through all of them..." With that said Squall walked away from the bookshelf. "Maybe there's some kind of secret exit... You know! Like in the spy movies...." Selphie said looking and shuffling through all the papers on Caraway's desk. "It's all that guy's fault!" Squall yelled angrily while he walked over to the locked door. "Hey a key!" Squall said sarcastically looking at the ground. Selphie looked up at this instantly and stopped what she was doing "...NOT." He huffed and Selphie shook her head in disappointment.
Selphie got up from the desk and went over to the odd looking painting hanging up next to the bookshelf. "There's something' fishy about this painting...." She said scratching her chin and Quistis walked over also. The painting was all tinted pink with a woman holding a wineglass. After a couple of seconds of trying to figure it out Quistis just shrugged her shoulders. "Yo... This old statue looks kinda suspicious..." Squall said. Quistis looked in his direction on the other side of the room and saw the statue. The statue was a woman and which had long cloth covering her body. Quistis figured out it looked exactly like the woman in the painting except for one thing. The statue had nothing in her hands that were cupped together. "Hmm." Quistis groaned searching for anything that would fit in the statue hand. Then she came across a very valuable collection of wineglasses. "I wonder." Quistis pondered thinking back to the painting and the statue. The woman in the painting had a wineglass in her hand. The statue that resembled to the woman in the painting had nothing. "I got it!" Quistis said excitedly and took a wineglass. "Got what?" Squall asked looking at her strangely.
Quistis just ignored him and walked towards the statue. Selphie and Squall were now standing behind her. Quistis gently placed the wineglass into the statue's hands. As if they were in slow motion the arms dropped down revealing a secret passage leading into the sewers. "NO WAY!" Squall yelled jolting back surprised. "Pretty sneak-y!" Selphie said putting a hand on Squall's shoulder and pushing herself up so she could see. "Let's go." Quistis commanded pointing at the ladder leading down. "But we don't even know where it leads!" Selphie argued and Squall glared at her. "No use staying here!" Squall said and pushed her hand off of his shoulder. Selphie nodded and they all went down the ladder to the sewers below Deling City.
Quistis led her team into the Deling City sewers. There were two pathways with water between them. "Something smells!" Selphie complained using pinching two fingers to her nose. "It's a sewer Selph. Get used to it." Quistis said glancing back at the very distressed Selphie. Squall walked beside Selphie and scratched the back of his head. "Look on the bright side Selphie. At least there are lights down here." He said noticing the brightness down here. Selphie looked around and nodded in agreement. "Enough, let's just move on." Quistis said walking even faster than before with Squall and Selphie trailing behind. They came to a wooden water wheel that blocked their only means of proceeding onward. "So.what do we do now." Selphie asked looking at both her comrades. "I've got an idea." Squall said and squeezed between Quistis and Selphie so that he was now in front of the water wheel. Squall jumped onto the wheel as it brought him to the floor above. When Squall got up there he motioned with his hands for the other two to do the same. Quistis glanced back at Selphie, she was shaking her head no. Quistis shrugged her shoulders and rode the wheel to the top where Squall helped her get to the next floor. Selphie didn't look to sure about this and was pacing around nervously. "Come on Selphie." Squall said holding his hand down to help her up the water wheel.
"There's no way I'm touching that!" She said pointing to the rusty and old water wheel. "Selphie just do it. If you don't we fail the mission." Quistis demanded leaning on a wall that was behind Squall. Selphie slowly nodded and climbed onto the water wheel, her legs shaking. When Selphie tried to step further up the wheel she slipped on the watery wheel. Selphie closed her eyes tightly prepared for a painful impact but it never came. Selphie opened her eyes slowly only to meet the eyes of blue. The eyes of the beholder was Squall who stood there with his arms around her. He had saved her from a very ugly fall and was now both their heads were getting closer to each other. Squall and Selphie closed their eyes but before their lips could meet Quistis walked up to them. "Excuse me. We have a mission to do. So if we could continue?" Quistis asked grinning a little but also a little frustrated because they were wasting time. Selphie and Squall opened their eyes to see Quistis standing there watching them.
Squall let go of Selphie and scratched the back of his neck looking at the ground embarrassed. Selphie looked away blushing a deep red and bit her bottom lip. "Now come on Squall and Selphie. This is not the time to be embarrassed." Quistis said putting her arms around her two allies. Squall nodded and jumped up in the air. "Let's kick some ass!" Squall said feeling now more comfortable. Selphie looked up still a little shy from what happened. "Yeah." She said then shook her head. "Yeah! Let's do it!" Selphie said correcting herself and bouncing right back into her cheery self. They all walked forward through the gate when they heard strange noises from above. "It's starting." Squall said looking up along with everyone else.
Irvine and I were on the streets above waiting for the parade to begin so we could make a dash for the Presidential Residence. As the huge gate opened fireworks went off showing the Sorceress' float. The Sorceress was sitting on her throne that was a very bright gold color. There were two black bowls on either side of her that was producing flames. A large neon ring resting atop the parade vehicle gleamed with an eerie luminescence. About a couple dozen performers danced in front of the float to the dark music that was being played. Irvine and I were at a loss that everyone was cheering her on when she killed Vinzer Deling. All these people seemed to worship the Sorceress. Irvine looked at me then to the gate. "Now's our chance. Come on!" Irvine yelled and I just stood there looking at all the people. Someone might see us. I thought and Irvine glared at me mad. "What are you waiting for!? Rinoa might die!" I nodded and we started to run through the crowd with our backs hunched over. We made our way out to the street this way, just as the sorceress' float was passing through two huge pillars lit with fire.
We passed the side of the float carefully to not be seen by all the strange dancers. I squatted down beside the float to make sure if the coast was clear but when I looked up I couldn't believe my eyes. A man stood just as proudly as she sat. He leaned on his gunblade as if it were a cane. His gray trench coat with the red medieval-age crosses on the sleeves blew gracefully in the slight breeze. He wore a tight blue vest-like shirt lined with sliver at the zipper and connected were two sliver blocks, which together formed a cross. His baggy dark navy pants covered most of his black boots. He then ever so slowly ran his hand through his short spiked blonde hair. His evil smile made his bluish eyes to slightly squint. I stared at his sloping scar on his head that was the exact opposite of mine. Seifer was alive. Both of us made it right through the gate before it closed. To the right was a car and boxes that stacked up in a way so we could easily sneak in.
We climbed up all the things that we could until we reached the balcony. We saw the mangled body of President Deling lying right next to the stairwell that led to the commencement room. I ran up the stairs and threw the doors open with Irvine following close behind. When we entered the room we saw Rinoa in the back of the room lying on the ground shaking. In front of her were the two Iguana monsters. "RINOA!!!" I yelled running towards the monsters with my fists in the air. Irvine cocked his shotgun and followed me. Both the monsters turned around hissing at us with their sharp teeth. Before either of us could make a move both the Iguanas opened their mouths and let out a trail of fiery magma coming straight towards us. I dove to the left the lava just missing me. I could feel the heat burn my sensitive skin. Irvine ran to the right as he shot off bullets at the one on the right. The monster on the left went left and the one on the right went right.
It was just the monster and I fighting each other. I ran up to it and punched it in the head with my fist. The Iguana growled out in pain and tried to slash me with its tiger like claws. I swerved to the right but I still felt a sharp pain in my left arm. "Damn it!" I yelled looked down at my arm, my coat was torn and there was blood seeping through it. I looked up at the lizard like freak with rage in my eyes. It's head was about to snap down and bite me but I countered it by doing a back flip and kicking the monster's head while I was in the air. When I landed on my feet, I looked up and saw the monster on its hind feet. "Draw Carbuncle!" I commanded focusing my energy taking the last bit of life from it and letting Carbuncle enter my body. A small green sphere appeared on my hand. I analyzed the GF I just got with the magic spell scan. Carbuncle is a cute little fury animal that has the ability to reflect magic. I shrugged and junctioned Carbuncle to myself. I walked up to the assumed to be dead body on the floor. My eyes lowered to the lifeless body on the floor. It didn't seem to be breathing so I turned around. I saw Irvine a couple of yards away from me with his gun pointing at me. He held up his gun aiming it at me and I started shaking with anger. "What the hell are you doing!?" I yelled taking a step forward. "Shh. don't move." Irvine said calmly as he still had his gun aiming at me. "Irvine put the gun down!" I yelled and he just shook his head no. Just as Irvine shot the gun I awaited the bullet to go straight through my head. I closed my eyes but nothing came, I heard the shot but nothing.
I let my left eye open to see a grinning Irvine standing in front of me. "What are you smiling about?" I asked angrily folding my arms over my chest. "You just tried to kill me!?" I yelled throwing my hands up in the air and he just shook his head no. "Then what's with you pointing and shooting your gun at me!" I asked frustrated and he pointed behind me. I turned around only to the Iguana standing on its back feet. The monster had a bullet hole through its head. I gently poked the thing with my finger and it fell to the ground dead. I turned back to Irvine who started chuckling and I looked to the ground. "Don't do that again." I said firmly and Irvine finally stopped his laughter. "Yes sir!" Irvine said and he tried to do the SeeD salute. I shook my head and mind suddenly shifted over to Rinoa. .Rinoa. I thought as I ran over to Rinoa lying down on the floor.
I bent down next to her and she was breathing but it didn't look like she's been hurt at all. She pushed herself up onto her knees and she was shaking badly. "I was scared." Rinoa said letting tears streak down her face. I got up onto my feet to get going but she gripped onto me tugging my back down. "Really scared," she went on looking into my eyes. "It's over now." I said brushing the hair out of her face. Rinoa kept tugging on my jacket. "I was scared," she repeated, "I was really, really scared." "You're used to battles aren't you?" I asked a bit confused with her being an anti- government faction. "I couldn't. I just couldn't," she cast her head down in shame as she explained, "I couldn't fight alone."
.You're not ready for all this. I thought looking at how terrified Rinoa was. "Better get going." I said shaking her hand off. Rinoa's eyes widened as she saw me walk away and clung onto me again. I sighed looking back at her with sympathy. "I haven't forgotten your order." I said trying to reassure her. Rinoa still hung onto me tightly with her eyes closed. "Just stay close to me." I said and Rinoa nodded her head. She let go of my arm and got up. "Hey guys follow me. I know where the hatch is." Irvine said leading us out of the commencement room and into the hallway. Irvine walked over to a crack in the floor and bent down to open it up. He led the latch up for Rinoa and I to go down. Then he followed closing the hatch behind him. Inside we found a large machine, apparently the carousel clock tower. The chamber was circled by small holographic projectors, which would emit horses, clowns, and other 'circus theme' images. Right next to one of the projectors was the sniper rifle. I picked it up and handed it to Irvine. "Irvine Kinneas, it's in your hands now." I said and he nodded his head slowly and walked over to the far side of the clock tower. He sat down with the sniper rifle in his lap.
Huh...? Why'd he get all quiet? I thought looking at Irvine who was fiddling his thumbs. Rinoa sat down on one of the projectors and I continued thinking. Oh he must be concentrating. I thought sitting down right across from Rinoa. Loneliness of the sharpshooter... I guess he has a point. I concluded looking at the ground. Seifer. so he's alive. Rinoa'll want to know. but. I looked up at Rinoa and scratched my head. "Rinoa." I said and she flipped her hair back and looked at me. "Seifer's alive. He was in the parade with the Sorceress." I said stuffing my hands in my jean pockets. At this Rinoa widened her eyes in surprise. ".What does it mean?" She asked rubbing her arm and I just shrugged my shoulders. "Who knows?" I said bringing my hand up to my head. I'm just as confused as anyone else. I thought closing my eyes and continued to wonder what was going to happen. If I were to face the Sorceress directly. Would I have to go through Seifer? As this thought crossed my mind I pushed my hair back with my hand letting it rest on my neck.
.That's the way it goes as a SeeD. You can't choose your enemies. I thought lowering my gaze to my red and black sneakers. "I may end up killing Seifer." I said glancing up at Rinoa and she shook her head lightly. "Your both.prepared, right?" Rinoa asked swing her legs back and forth. "That's the kind of world you live in. You've had a lot of emotional training." Rinoa said cuffing her hands together and placing them in her lap. "But... Of course, I'd rather it not happen..." Rinoa continued and I looked up at her playing with the ring on her necklace. I looked over to the sharp shooter who was still sitting on the floor. "It's all up to Irvine." I said and got up off the projector. I started to walk towards him and squatted down next to him. Irvine looked kind of odd like he was terrified or something. Huh.? Is he freakin' out!? I thought as he started to shake. "Don't tell me you're getting the jitters." I said realizing how frightened he really was. "I.I can't do it." Irvine announced crossing his arms over his chest. I shook my head putting my hand on my forehead. .Oh no.
Back down in the sewers the 'Gateway team' was trying to find the way out. "We gotta get out of here quick." Squall said as they walked through the Deling City Sewers. "Yeah before the float does." Selphie said looking all around for a possible way out. "Yeah I know!" Quistis said getting quite frustrated. "Well if we don't get out of here quick, we can kiss our. Waaah!?" Squall yelled tripping over something and falling on the ground. Selphie and Quistis looked back to see Squall on the floor. "Squall!" Selphie screamed trying to help him up along with Quistis. "What happened?" Quistis asked dusting Squall off and Selphie looked him up and down to make sure he was okay. "I don't know? I tripped over this stupid metal pole." Squall said kicking it and then grabbed his foot in agony. "Damn it!" Squall yelled holding his foot from the pain. "You okay?" Selphie asked putting a hand on his shoulder. He nodded and got up glaring at the pole. "Stupid ass pole." Squall said crossing his arms over his chest. While this was happening Quistis was to busy studying the pole Squall tripped over.
There were two bars going up instead of one and poles going horizontally between them. "Guys, that's not a pole." Quistis said getting the attention of Selphie and Squall. "What are you talking about? Of course it is." Squall said staring at Quistis oddly and Selphie just glanced between the two. "Nope it's a ladder." Quistis said looking at her teammates. Squall walked around the ladder observing it and after a few seconds he turned to Quistis. "Your right." He said and Quistis ran to the ladder starting to climb it. "What are you waiting for!" Quistis yelled staring at Squall and Selphie. They nodded and started to climb it to the top. As they climbed higher and higher everything seemed to be more familiar. "What the." Quistis said looking around while climbing up. "Wow! This sure is lucky." Squall said in excitement while he glanced around franticly. They were inside the archway, the 'Gateway teams' post for the night.
They passed the first floor and continued up. "Phew! We just made it." Squall said walking over to were Selphie was and peered out the window with her. The parade was nearing them when Quistis also went over to look out the window. The Presidential Residence and the huge clock atop it read 20:00. Below the Sorceress's float was just passing underneath the archway. "Instructor, now! Hit the switch!" Squall screamed looking back at Quistis. Quistis ran over to the switch and operated it. "Please work, please work." Selphie said closing her eyes and crossing her fingers. The archway began to shake. Rod-iron gates started coming down from the upper portion of the arch, surrounding the sorceress float. Atop the Sorceress's float Edea jumped off her throne glaring at the gates.
Inside the clock tower sat staring at our sharp shooter. Suddenly, the machinery around them started moving. Rinoa gasped a little, as the clock rang 20:00. The holographic emitters bean shining brightly. The carousel started rising, and finally, Irvine, Rinoa, and I had a clear shot across the area at the Archway. "Irvine Kinneas!!!" I yelled throwing my in the air and Irvine slowly looked up at me. "I... I can't" Irvine started. "I'm sorry, I can't do it. I always choke like this..." Oh man oh man oh man... I thought shaking my head in frustration. "I try to act all cool, joke around, but I just can't handle the pressure..." Irvine said looking at the ground below us. "Forget it. Just shoot." I replied coldly scratching my head nervously. Irvine didn't pay any attention to me and went on.
"My bullet... The sorceress... I'll go down in history. I'd change the history of Galbadia... Of the world!" He said raising his hand up in the air. We don't have time for this. I thought glancing down at my watch, we were already about a minuet past 20:00. "It's all to much." Irvine said bring his hand down to his forehead. "Enough! Just shoot!" I yelled pounding my fist down on the floor and Irvine glared up at me. "I can't, damn it!" He yelled starting to cry softly and I rolled my eyes. "Irvine, calm down." I said. "Everyone's waiting on you." I said putting a hand on his shoulder. "I don't care if you miss. Whatever happens, happens, just leave the rest to us." I said taking my hand off his shoulder and he wiped his tears away.
"Just think of it s a signal. A sign for us to make our move." I continued and Irvine looked up at me. "Just a signal." That's it. I thought and handed him the Sniper Rifle again. "Please." I said and Irvine took it out of my hands. But before he did he made sure to put his cowboy hat back on his head. Irvine took his stance positioning himself correctly, aiming at the Sorceress. She was just standing there as if she was waiting for Irvine's bullet to hit her. "...Just a sign." Irvine reminded himself while he cocked the gun. Irvine shot and the bullet headed straight for the Sorceress. But right before it hit Edea a blue cup of energy surrounded Edea, clanging loudly as the bullet hit it. Irvine closed his eyes ashamed and sat down next to me. "...I'm sorry." He said looking down. "It's ok. Your aim was perfect." I said trying to reassure him. "Leave the rest up to me." I waved my hand at Rinoa motioning her to come closer. "I'm goin' in for the sorceress. Irvine, Rinoa, just be ready to back me up." I commanded and they both nodded in agreement. I took a look below and then glanced back at Irvine. "Take care of Rinoa." I told Irvine and jumped from the top of the clock.
I landed on the balcony below and ran over to the podium. The crowd down on the streets turned to total chaos. The reason for this was that Edea became trapped underneath the gateway. The Galbadian soldiers had to fight the now hostile crowd with their shields to keep them away from the Presidential Residence. Looks like I'm jumping. I thought looking at all the streets below. I leapt off the edge of the balcony with my hands bawled into fists. There was one soldier fighting off a bunch of Deling City citizens and I was coming down right to him. Right before I landed on him he looked up and sees me about to fall on him. I hit him and he stumbled to the ground and I never got knocked off my feet. I looked up to see a light blue convertible right in front of me. .That might work. I thought as I ran for the car dogging all the angry citizens and Galbadian soldiers. I jumped into the drivers' seat hoping the keys were somewhere in the car. I ran my hands over the keyhole to find out the keys were in the ignition. I turned the key and the car roared to life.
I pulled back on the stick shift while also pushing down the clutch and I backed out of the parking lot. I swung the steering wheel spinning the car around. The archway was a few hundred feet ahead of me. I then slammed down on the clutch and pushed the stick shift into 1st wheel drive. I floored the gas heading straight for the gateway. I didn't stop for any of the people who dove out of the way to avoid being hit by the convertible. I put the car into 2nd wheel drive driving even faster to the Sorceress. As I neared the gateway I slammed on the brakes as I turned the steering wheel hard to the right. The car spun out closing in on the gate. .Oh shit! I thought right before the convertible hit the metal bars of the gate on its side sending me flying out of the car. I landed beyond the gate on my knees right behind the float. I lifted myself up on the float to see Seifer standing before the Sorceress.
"Well, this is how it turned out." Seifer said bouncing his gunblade on his shoulder. I glared at him partly because he had joined forces with the Sorceress and the other part was that I just didn't like him at the time. "So you've become the Sorceress' lapdog?" I asked sarcastically while I smirked at him. Seifer brought down his gunblade from his shoulder to the floor of the float. He leaned on it like it was a cane. "I prefer to be called her knight." He said looking back at her and she nodded. "This has always been my dream." Seifer said putting a hand through his hair. "Zell, your mine!" Seifer yelled pointing his gunblade at me. He ran for me slashing his gunblade at my head. I dogged it by ducking right under it feeling a gust of air pass through my hair. I countered the attack by jabbing my fist across his cheek. "Ugh." Seifer groaned stepping back and spiting blood out to the side. "Not bad." He said looking me up and down. "So, thought I was dead, eh?" Seifer said looking down at the float we stood on. "Well, not until I fulfill my dream!" He yelled lunging at me with his gunblade high up in the air. I tried stepping to the side to avoid the attack but nearly got my left leg. I looked down at my leg to see the blood seeping through my jean shorts. I looked up at Seifer infuriated at him and sprinted for him.
He swung his gunblade at me again but this time I jumped over his gunblade and kicked him in the head. Seifer hit the floor of the float and stayed there for a couple of seconds. Either I'm getting stronger or Seifers' getting weaker. I thought slightly grinning as he scrambled to his feet. Seifer shook his head wildly trying to get rid of the horrible pain in his head. "Pretty impressive." He said holding his head with his left hand. "Let's see you dodge this!" Seifer yelled running towards me. He raised his gunblade up about to slash me but before he did I kicked the hand which held his gunblade. Seifer's Typhoon flew up in the air. Both of us watched as the gunblade spun in the air. The half sword half gun fell into my right hand and I looked at Seifer who was hunched over. "I. lost.!?" Seifer groaned as he pouted on the ground. I turned around and tossed his gunblade onto the streets. "You're losing it Seifer." I said turning back around to find Seifer return to the side of the Sorceress.
The Sorceress shook her head ashamed at Seifer's loss. She then glared at me and stood from her throne. ".A SeeD." Edea begun her voice rising. ".Planted on a run-down Garden." She said taking a step towards me. I tightened the gloves on my hands and started to shake with my fists out in front of me. Right before the fight begun there was some commotion heading for the float. The next thing I knew Rinoa appeared on the left of me while Irvine on the right of me. I looked at Rinoa who simply whipped her hair out of her face. "I can fight if I'm here with you." Rinoa said loading the steel disc into her Blaster Edge. "That's why I'm here." Rinoa said aiming her weapon at the Sorceress. I nodded and turned my head to the right to see Irvine loading his shotgun. "I have to redeem myself." Irvine said cocking his gun by jolting his shotgun upward. ".The accursed SeeD."
Edea raised her hand high in the air while focusing on a dark forbidden magic. "Maelstrom!" She screamed a huge black cloud appeared surrounding us. The thick black smog made me cough and wheeze as did it make the others. As the darkened cloud disappeared we all were on the floor gasping for air. Irvine was shaking his head while breathing hard and Rinoa was just grasping onto her necklace also trying to take in clean air. "Sorry guys I'm sitting this one out." Irvine said hoarsely and he rolled off the float onto the street. I looked at him oddly and he just put his hands around his mouth. "Don't worry I've got a plan." He mouthed without making a sound and then disappeared out of sight. Rinoa looked up confused and tapped me on the shoulder. "Where's Irvine?" She whispered while she looked around. "He'll be back." I said glancing up at the Sorceress who was just standing there with her arms crossed. I hope. I thought and we both got onto our feet. "Is that all you got?" Edea asked and I shook my head getting irritated with her. I rushed up to her with my fists out in front of me and I leapt up into the air towards her. But before I could even touch her she lifted up her left arm.
This caused a yellow barrier knocking me backwards onto my back. Before I could get back up the Sorceress raised her arms again. "Thundaga!" Edea screamed casting it making a huge lighting bolt come out of the sky and hit Rinoa. Rinoa screamed out in pain as she fell down to the ground. I looked at her while focusing my energy. "Cura!" I yelled as a bunch of blue lights floated over her body and went into her. Rinoa got back up on her feet and looked at me thankfully and I looked back at Edea. She likes to use magic. I think I got something that can counter that. I thought as yelled. "Carbuncle!" I summoned and a hole appeared on the floor of the float between the Sorceress and us. Then a green fury head with a red diamond on its forehead popped its head through the hole. The green rodent turned its head looking at the Sorceress and us. It leapt out of the hole into the air and pointed the red diamond on the GF's head. It shot a bright shiny light causing to put the magic spell reflect on Rinoa and I. With that Carbuncle dove back into the hole as the hole disappeared after it.
Edea not noticing that we had reflect on ourselves still used an attack magic. "Blizzaga!" She yelled throwing her arms up in the air causing a bunch of ice to come towards me. Luckily the ice hit the reflect shield making the ice to go back to Edea. Edea let out an agonizing scream while she knelt on the floor. I took advantage of the situation and ran up to her and jabbed her in the face. I ran back to Rinoa and she shot the metal disk out of her Blaster Edge. The disk barely caught the Sorceress cutting her arm. Edea glanced down at her arm and glared at Rinoa her eyes starting to turn yellow. But before the Sorceress could do anything Irvine came from behind her in the air. Irvine had climbed up the back of the float and leapt onto the Sorceress. So Irvine was planing a sneak attack. I thought watching Irvine trying to choke her to death with his gun. Then everything went bad when Edea elbowed Irvine in the stomach making him loosen his grip as he let out a groan.
Edea took Irvine's arm and flipped him over her shoulder. Irvine went flying into the brick wall of the Archway. "Impudent SeeD." The Sorceress said in an awkward voice due to she was trying to recover from being strangled. Edea raised her arm, and light blue energy began glowing around her. The sorceress held her hand out, as if grasping something. Suddenly, large spears of Ice formed above her head. She moved her hand back and swung the ice javelin. The ice soared through the air at Rinoa and I. Rinoa was able to duck to avoid the attack on the other hand I wasn't as lucky. The spear of ice had gone into my right shoulder went through my back. Rinoa turned around to me and let out a horrible scream. I just stood there shocked at what just happened. It hurt so much I could barely breath. I stumbled back and fell off the edge of the float. The last thing I remember seeing was Rinoa leaning over the end of the float and extended her hand. She screamed my name and my vision blurred and I hit the ground with everything fading to black.
That's the 4th chapter. Sorry that it took so long. I'm also sorry to all you Selvine fans out there. The fact is that I like the idea of Squall and Selphie together better. Please review and I'll post the next chapter in the future.
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 ran out of the house and a Galbadian soldier came up to us. "Not good!" Squall yelled getting out his gunblade. "It's me sir! It's me!" The soldier said in a familiar voice. "Got some info sir. Timber station will be shut down temporarily." Watts said scratching himself because of the itching, smelly Galbadia suit. "Maga-bummer!" Selphie said. "Not necessarily. It's not completely shut down yet. The last train out of here is bound for East Academy. Watts said looking at Selphie. "We're getting on that train." I said giving a slight nod. "You're going, too, right Rinoa?" "Yeah. What about you, Watts?" She said pointing a finger at him. "No need to worry 'bout me, I'll go gather more info!" Watts said holding a hand up and Rinoa ran up to him. "I promise I'll be back. You take care, ok?" Rinoa asked putting a hand on his shoulder. "Zell, please take care of Rinoa." Watts asked looking at Rinoa and me. "Yeah, don't worry, client's orders. What about you? Will you be safe here?" I asked glazing down at the pavement. "I'll be fine, sir! I'll put up the fight of my life!" Watts said doing a salute like wave. Then we all gave the SeeD salute.
"I'm happy, sir!" Watts said and ran off, as did we going our separate ways. On our way to the train station we ran into a weird looking man. "Rinoa, Zell! It's me!" The mysterious man yelled waving his hand at us. "Zone!" Rinoa said walking up to him happily. "You need to go to East Academy, right? There's no more tickets left." Zone said looking at the rest of us. "Super-Duper-Mega-Bummer!" Selphie yelled stomping her foot on the ground. "We'll do whatever it takes to get on that train." I said looking down at my hands while I tightening my gloves. "You won't have to do that." Zone said and my attention flew right to him. "Looky here! I have everyone's ticket right here!" Zone said pulling out five tickets and held them up in the air. He walked over to Rinoa. "One for you." He then walked over to me. "Three for you SeeD people. Here, I'll just give them to the leader." He said handing me three tickets. "And the last one is for me He then looked at Quistis then to the right. ".."
"Go on. Take it." Watts said sticking the ticket out for her to reach. "I can't take that. It's yours!" Quistis said shaking her head no. "Ouch!" Zone yelled and put his arms over his head. He shoved the ticket into Quistis's hand and ran to the corner. "Ouuuuuuuch! My stomach hurts!" Zone screeched. "Ouch! Just get going! The trains leaving." Zone moaned sitting down on the ground. "Thank you." Quistis said walking up to him. Rinoa ran up to Zone and kneeled down next to him. "Zone.. We're gonna see each other again, ok?" She said as a tear dripped down her face. "No matter what, you have to survive. We have to liberate Timber together, remember?" "I know, I know. I'll go hide in a bathroom or something. Now get going." Zone said shooing us away with his hands, Rinoa got up and we all ran for the train.
We ran up the stairs, past the house, over the bridge to where Quistis was waiting for us. "(This train is bound for Dollet stopping at East Academy. This is the last train for today please hurry on board.)" "Let me double check. .Get off at East Academy and go through the forest west of the station. Galbadia Garden is located up ahead.Is that correct?" I asked. "Indeed. Glad we have a leader with, good memory." Quistis said and we all ran on. "(This train, bound for East Academy, will depart shortly.)" The man on the intercom said and the train took off. "Well." I started but got cut off. "Please." Selphie said jumping around in front of the door. "Open up!" She said turning around to look at me. .Better let her have her way. I thought as I walked to the card slot and inserted the card. "Confirming.Access granted." "Tee-hee thanks!" Selphie said and ran through the door. "We should get there shortly, so we should be all right out here." Quistis said. "Weren't you just saying something?" Rinoa asked me.
I walked over to the door and leaned against it. "Well.we made it." I said looking out the door's window. "I have to thank Zones for that." Quistis said smiling. Rinoa turned her head to Quistis. "He's into naughty magazines." Rinoa said grinning. "I'll keep that in mind." Quistis said looking to the floor. A few minuets later the train pulled up to East Academy station and we got off. We walked west of the station until we saw a forest in between two canyons. "That's it!" Quistis yelled and we all ran for the forest. Once we made it inside we stopped for a breather. I started to study everything around us. There was a trail leading further into the forest. There were also cut down trees, grass, and some flowers. "We're not too far from Galbadia Garden!" Quistis said as she leaned against a tree. "Hey, I was just thinking." Selphie said walking up to me wiping dust off her yellow skirt. "There might be some bad news from the Galbadian government. What if we get caught and then brodcasted to the whole world.!?" That could be pretty bad. I thought looking around awkwardly and then Squall walked up to us shaking angrily. "Whatever happens, happens! Now come on! Let's just keep going!" Squall then stopped shaking and looked down at the ground. "I, I'm worried about Balmb Garden." Squall slumped down shaking his head. "If anything happens to Garden, it's all my fault. I'm the one who said we were all from Garden."
He then walked closer to me, his arms stretched out. "You think the president will retaliate on Garden?" "Maybe." I said turning to the side. Squall slumped his head and arms down again. ".Figures." He came up to me and started to shake me. "B-B-But, we have a whole bunch of SeeDs at Balamb Garden! They wouldn't lose to the Galbadian army, would they?" I looked to the others. What do they want me to say? I thought looking at the puzzling faces around me. "Depends how strong the army is." I said looking down at Squall and he let go of me. "I know but." Rinoa walked up to us angry, Squall left to sit on a log. "Oh, you're just a great leader, aren't you? Do you actually have fun acting so callous towards your comrades?" She said indicating the rest of the group. .Not this again. "Squall, wants your support." I knew it was going to be something like that. I thought rolling my eyes. Rinoa put her hands on her hips and stared at the ground. "Any kind of encouragement will make." Squall then put his head in his hands mumbling something. That's just to ease your mind. Am I the only one that thinks that? No, I'm sure Seifer.
"Don't you ever worry about or even think about the well-being of your comrades!?" I don't believe in relying on others. "Don't you understand!?" Rinoa said waving her arms all around. .Whatever. "Are listening, Zell?" All of a sudden a loud screeching sound started to go through my head again. .What the!? I started shaking putting my hands on my head. .This sensation. I thought falling on the ground hard. "Uhh." Quistis said also falling down and Squall ran over to her looking confused. "M.Me too." Selphie said falling on the ground and Squall ran over to her. Squall kneeled down letting her head rest in his hands. "What's going on!?" Rinoa yelled staring at Squall while kneeling down in front of me. Squall looked up from Selphie's trembling body then back down at her. "I think. they went to the 'Dream World'" Angelo ran up to Squall poking him with her nose, she also looking down at the fallen Selphie. Meanwhile in the 'Dream World'.
You see there is a big mountain with a trail going downward. Right on the edge of the cliff there are safety railings to prevent falling off. Over the cliff you see an old Excavation Site. Laguna's group is all here, his comrades looking rather aggravated with him. "Kiros you sure this is the place?" Ward asked as he put on his blue bandana. "Positive." Kiros said walking up to ward. "I don't wanna be patrolling the wrong place like last time." Ward said as Laguna walked a little ahead to the cliff. He then turned around to his group. "Ahh, sorry. This ain't the place." Kiros and Ward shook their heads no. "This is it. Let's go commander." Kiros said crossing his arms over his armor. Laguna stood there looking confused and ashamed. "?" He turned around, took out a map and looked down below. Laguna studied both very closely and turned back around to his group. "I brought the wrong map." He said crumbling the map into a ball and threw it over the edge. Ward put a hand on his head closing his eyes and Kiros just shook his head.
"Somehow, I have a bad feeling about this." Laguna said putting a hand on his forehead. "Seriously, I have a BAAAD feeling.! There's somethin' fishy goin' on here!" He said throwing his hand down pointing at the Site below. "You know what the old folks say.The unfamiliar always happens." Laguna said scratching his head and Kiros stepped forward. "You mean. 'Unexpected', right?" "You only got the 'un' part right." Ward said cleaning off his armor. "Aah, shaddup!" Stop your clamorin' and make sure all your gear's equipped. Now let's move out!" Laguna said running down the trail with both his comrades following close behind. When they got down there, there was a big orange battery type thing with blue and red cords going into the Excavation Site. Wonder what this thing does. Laguna thought pushing a button on the battery thing. Huh nothing happened.? It must be broken. "Come on Laguna, stop messin' around! Let's go!" Ward said and they continued onward. They stopped at the entrance of the Excavation Site. "But seriously.This place sure is strange." Laguna said looking all around. He then noticed something to the left and pointed at it. "What the heck is this big pile of rocks? You think these are natural rocks used for carving tombstones?" "Who knows.or cares?" Kiros said picking up some then throwing it to the side. "Speaking of strange.why have you been.running around so strange?" Ward said and Laguna turned around to him. "Strange.? What do you mean strange? .Just bein' cautious. That's the basic rule of thu." Laguna stopped due to hearing behind him.
An Esthar soldier was running up to them, ax in hand. ".Hey? Looks like we got company. Esthar Soldiers." Laguna said taking out his machinegun. Kiros took out his katals (knives) and Ward got out his spear. "Still wearn' those flashy uniforms?" Laguna said laughing and more footsteps were heard behind the group. ".?" Kiros thought turning around to see another Esthar soldier. "Laguna.!!!" Ward yelled as another one came. "Don't be such a wenie!" Laguna yelled back, loading his machinegun as another soldier came. Kiros tapped Laguna on the shoulder and he turned around to notice all the soldiers around them. "Why does it have to turn out like this? Ward said stomping on the metal beneath them. "Seriously.! I wasn't expecting this at all!" Laguna said glancing at his two comrades. The soldier behind them dashed for Laguna with his ax held high. Laguna saw the soldier out of the corner of his eyes.
The soldier intended to push him over the railing, but Laguna countered it by flipping the soldier over his back and into the air and over the railing. "AAAAh!!!" The soldier cried until there was a loud thud that came from down below. Kiros and Ward were fighting the other three soldiers while Laguna did his victory dance. Kiros was taking on two soldiers with his two katals and Ward had the last guy. "Laguna! A little help over here!" Kiros said cutting one soldier and dogging the other and Laguna nodded. "Hey stupid! Over here!" The soldier pointed at himself looking funny. "Yeah you! Did Sorceress Adel hit you over the head with an ugly stick, or were you just born that way!?" Laguna said and he started laughing with the rest of his group while they dogged attacks. The soldier ran straight for him with his ax in the air. Laguna shot his right hand and the soldier dropped his weapon. Laguna walked up to the unarmed soldier; he raised his gun and bashed him over the head with it. Kiros managed to cut the soldier's head off and Ward stabbed his victim to death.
They continued forward, putting there weapons away passing over the dead corpse. "Hey Laguna? Let me ask you something." Kiros said wiping the blood off his katals then putting them away. "Go ahead." "Wasn't our mission just to patrol.?" They all started to laugh once again. They came to a ladder and started thinking of what to do. Kiros came up to Laguna confused. "Maybe we should climb down it?" "Guys." "Nawh, It's to easy this gotta be a trap." Laguna said scratching his chin. "Yeah, maybe we can jump down?" Kiros said looking how far down the drop actually was. "Nah, we could probably." "Guys!" "What is it!" Kiros yelled at Ward. "Why don't we just take the stairs?" Ward said standing right next to the staircase. "You know? That's crazy enough it just might work." Laguna said pondering the idea. Let's see jump down and cause possible injury or walk down the stairs? .Hmmm Laguna thought then jumped up. "Let's go down the stairs!" They all ran down the stairs and ended up in a big icy blue cave.
"Look at this, it's just like the Esthar soldiers uniforms." Ward said pointing at all the shiny, blue icy walls. "It also looks like they were doing construction down here." Kiros said picking up a hammer then thew it back over to the side. Laguna wasn't paying any attention to them as they went on. He started eyeing everything suspiciously, he knew something bad was going to happen. He then saw something very strange on the floor and bent down to pick up. What's this.? He thought picking it up and blew on it to clean it off. "It's some sort of old key." He said and put it in his back pocket. I feel a daft.on my butt. Laguna thought and put his hand on his butt to make sure everything was all right. "..! T.There's a hole in my back pocket!" Laguna yelled and started looking around everywhere. Ward and Kiros stopped their conversation and looked at Laguna strangely. "Oh well.Nothing cheaper then something free." Laguna said getting up off the floor. "Nothing cheaper." "Then something free?" Kiros and Ward said together. "What.Is it something I said? C'mon.Let's go." They headed further into the Site.
Further down the Site they came across three large gray panels on the floor. When they walked over the second one it shifted as it screeched and they looked down. "Hmm.? The lever on the hatch is loose." Laguna said examining the floor panel closely. "..! I know!" Laguna said pushing back his hair jumping up. "If we use this.some stubborn Esthar fool won't be able to come after us!" "What the heck are you up to?" Kiros asked walking up to him. Ward came right next to Kiros with his arms crossed over his thick armor. "Somethin' stupid again I bet." "You guys.Your gonna regret sayin' that." Laguna said throwing his arms down. "They say, one who makes fun of the genius will end up cryin' in the end." He said taking a glance at Kiros and Ward. "?" Kiros thought with a confused expression on his face. ".So who's the.genius.?" Ward said grinning along with Kiros. "Erghhhhhh!" Just shut up! Anyway! The lever for the hatch is broken. So if we just loosen it a bit more." Laguna said looking down at the panel. "When they come after us from that side and." Kiros said catching on to his idea. "YES! Youuu guessed it! They'll walk over it without expecting a thing!" Laguna yelled throwing his arms in the air. "Then all of a sudden, WHOOPS!.And down they go." Laguna then put his hands on his hips laughing. "I have to admit.I really am a genius." He said calming himself down.
"Hah.Like the Esthar soldiers are really gonna fall for this trap." Ward said letting his arms fall to his sides and Laguna turned to him. "We won't know until we try! And those who never try will never know!" Laguna paused for a couple seconds. "So.I'm gonna do it. Just remember, if we tamper with the lever, we won't be able to make it back to the other side." Laguna said instructing his crew and then he scratched his head. "It'd be idiotic to fall for our own trap." His friends nodded and Laguna looked back at the panel. "So here it goes. You guys, stand back." He said walking up to the latch and bending down. Ward and Kiros backed up a little while Laguna tampered with the lever. "There!" Laguna said popping back up and walked over to his friends. Then Laguna led the way down the mysterious Excavation Site. A couple seconds later an Esthar soldier spotted the Galbadians and ran forth smiling evilly. While he was running he stepped on the panel that Laguna loosened and fell right through. "Aaaaaaggghhh.!" The soldier screamed until he hit the ground.
Laguna stopped at a crossroad and looked back at his trailing teammates. "You guys hear somthin'?" Ward and Kiros caught up to him breathing heavily. "What are you talkin' about Laguna? I didn't hear anything." Kiros said catching his breath by leaning on the wall. Ward nodded in agreement and Laguna just shrugged. Laguna turned back around to notice a whole bunch of metal pieces, and junk lying on the ground. Laguna noticed something under garbage and went down to inspect it. It was the key he had found earlier then lost it, He picked it up excited. This time.It's in my shirt pocket.So HA! He thought putting it in his shirt pocket and looked at his friends. "Ah.Hhh.ACHOO!" Laguna sneezed and he obviously lost the key again. "Not again!?" Laguna started looking everywhere, moving all the trash on the ground. Kiros just shook his head and Ward rolled his eyes. Can't find it.Ahh well, it's not like I'm gonna die. Laguna thought as he got up and they all decided to go left up the hill. They went right on through the room with boulders, icy walls, such, and went up another hill.
Up the hill they saw another boulder and right next to it was a weird looking device lying on the ground. Laguna went to it and picked it up. "The heck's this? A blue and a red switch, and two fuses.?" Kiros walked up to him looking at him stupidly. "A detonator.? You know." "Ohh, I get it. The short blue fuse is for that boulder." Laguna said pointing at the boulder next to Ward. "And the long red fuse is for the boulder further down?" "Hey, man.! Are you crazy!? You don't even know how powerful that thing will be!" Ward yelled at Laguna for even thinking what he did. "Ahh, I bet it's not all that. The detonator's right here, so as long as we stay behind it, we'll be all right." Laguna said throwing his arm in the air while looking at a very confused looking Ward. "Well., I guess so." Ward said rubbing his eyes. "Lets see..." Laguna began, already tampering with the device. He looked at the two switches and decided to try the red one. "I'm gonna try this red one first..." Laguna informed them. "The bomb blast won't reach us here. Just stay put." Laguna flipped the switch up. A loud boom rang throughout the cave. The boulder further down intensified the sound as it started rolling down the cavern.
"W-W-W-WHAT??!!" Laguna exclaimed over the noise and rumbling of the boulder. "That was... awfully loud." Kiros said, taking his hands off of his ears. "Lucky we were here..." Ward agreed. "That's what I told you before!" Laguna said. "You should always check how powerful the thing could be..." Ward interrupted him. "Wasn't that... me, who said that?" he said, folding his arms. Laguna scratched his head nervously. "...Uh...Ah...Hm.... Anyway, we're all still alive, right!?" Kiros and Ward looked at each other grinning then looked back at Laguna. "Okay!" Laguna said. "Let's give the other one a try. I'll bet this will really put a cramp in those soldiers style..." Laguna bent down again to flip the blue switch. He flipped it, and heard it start ticking. "It's gonna blow! Run for it!!!" The trio ran further up the hill quickly. Even Ward's heavy body ran faster than Kiros' or Laguna's. Upon reaching a safe distance they waited for the blast. There was nothing but a sound of a click. What happened.? Laguna thought raising his head and looking at his pals who were thinking the same thing.
"That was... awfully quiet." Kiors said, walking back down to the boulder. "I was expecting a blast of some sort." Ward said. The boulder started rolling down slowly. It had only taken a small detonation to move it. "See! I told you! I told you it wasn't all that powerful!" Laguna chided. Ward and Kiros shot knowing glances at each other and began following Laguna down the cavern again. As they did, Laguna found something else to interest him. A little metal bit attached to a large rock, lodged in the wall. "Hey what's this...?" Laguna said pressing on the device. The boulder suddenly shook and fell down into a deep hole. The rumbling scared Ward and Kiros. "Geez... You have to go around touching everything like a little kid, don't you?" Ward lectured him. "Chill out a little, will ya...?" Kiros agreed. "WHATEVER MAN!" Laguna yelled. "Thanks to ME, those Esthar soldiers and that rock are history. It's like killing two pigs with one stone. I am just so awesome... Genius, I tell you..." "Pigs?" Ward said. Then Kiros walked up looking at Laguna knowingly. "Don't you mean.birds?" Laguna ignored them and kept moving down the cavern checking everywhere looking for Esthar soldiers.
They all walked into a jungle like area of the cavern that had green all over the place. There was no longer ice or transparent blue just green. They kept moving until they came to another part of the cave that was ice. It seemed like they were walking in circles the path was so long, then they reached stairs that led to the outside. The three of them went on up smelling the beautiful fresh air. They were on a rocky cliff peering out to the ocean. All of them heard footsteps behind them again and were very aggravated with these Esthar soldiers. "Don't tell me..." Laguna whined. "Of all the worst possible..." Kiros began. "Predicaments?" Ward guessed. They turned around only to be greeted by two Esthar soldiers.
Laguna shot his off his machinegun at one of the Esthar soldiers, but the bullets hardly did anything to them. "What the.!" Laguna said looking at his friends. One soldier ran up to Ward and shot his ax/shotgun at him and Ward got blown far back. The bullets only hit his armor, but he had to stay on the ground to catch his breath. "Ward!" Kiros yelled with anger then looked at the soldier who shot him. Kiros ran up to him with anger in his eyes and sliced the soldier with as many swings he could with his katals. The soldier started to have steam come out of it, and broken machine parts were everywhere. Kiros looked at Laguna shocked of what he saw. "Kiros, get back! These aren't normal Esthar soldiers! They're Cyborg soldiers!" Laguna yelled dogging one of the last Cyborg's attacks. Kiros backed off to the rest of the group, Ward was now up and ready to fight.
"Hey Ward, see that your ok." Kiros said as he deflected the Cyborg's ax with his katals. "Yeah. Hey guys! Let me get this one!" Ward yelled glaring at the Cyborg. Laguna looked at Kiros and they both nodded then Ward grinned at this. He jumped up fifteen feet into the air with his Harpoon. Then all this yellowish light surrounded him and Ward flew down with his spear pointing at the Cyborg. The Harpoon went straight through the Cyborg while you heard machine parts braking and busting. The Cyborg pushed Ward then he ran up him slicing him in the process. Then the Cyborg jumped from Ward onto Kiros he also getting slashed, The attack just missing Laguna. The Cyborg walked a few feet back then it just broke into hundreds of different pieces of metal.
Laguna crawled over to Kiros and Ward who were lying just before the cliff. "Look, the ocean... We're saved!" Laguna said excitedly patting both Ward and Kiros on the back. "Lady luck is on our side! We can escape to Galbadia!" Laguna said smiling wickedly at both his best friends. Kiros looked up. He was barley able to lift his head, but he managed to roll his eyes and speak. "One would say we've been run down... That's what they'd normally say..." his voice sounded weak, but Laguna could still hear the familiar sarcasm come through. Laguna stood up looking down at him. "Don't say that." he teased. "It might come true. Didn't your grandmother tell you that?" Laguna walked over to Kiros, and squatted down. "...If you say something bad... It will come true... Yeah, I think she did." Kiros responded.
Ward tried to add his part in but something wasn't right. "Ggghh... rrrhhh.." "What did you say?" Laguna said glancing over at Ward. "I think... his throat... was injured... He lost... his voice." Kiros slowly explained. "It... wa...fu.. you..." Ward tried to talk again but was denied. "Say that again." Laguna said moving over to Ward a bit. "It...was...fun...you...guys..." Ward looked up at Laguna he didn't look to great. There was blood and scratches all over his face. "La...guna...Ki...ros... It...was...fun..." Laguna looked down at his hopeless friend and wiped the sweaty hair off his face. "Ward, that's way uncool. It's not cool to say things like that." "Just for that, you're gettin' the Cuchi-Cuchi treatment!" Laguna tickled Ward but nothing came from his mouth. "How's that, huh!? Want more!? Well!?" Laguna started tickling him again but still nothing. "......"
Laguna didn't know what to do with his two injured friends, he started looking around for anything that would help him. He looked over the cliff and couldn't believe what he saw. "WHOA!!!" he exclaimed. "Check it out, a boat! We're gettin' on!" he commanded. "A...vessel... They'd normally...call...it..."Kiros joked, weakly. "Boat, vessel, whatever. We're going back to Galbadia!" Laguna said. None of them made any attempt to move so Laguna thought he should help them out a little. He grabbed Kiros by the arm, and helped him up. Then he tossed him over the edge, into the cold water below. Laguna then went over to Ward and helped him up then he also tossed him over the edge. He then looked down at the water and saw how high the cliff was from the water. Laguna saw both of them floating in the water down below. "You guys... sure have guts." Laguna yelled down. "You know how high this cliff is...!?" Laguna was going to try climbing down instead of just jumping. He was a little afraid of hights. But as he was crawling over the edge, he slipped. "Oh sh...! Oh no! NO WAY!!!" He screamed all the way down. Then everything went black and I could finally think clearly now. What happened to him.?
Back at the forest Squall was pacing back and forth while Rinoa just hovered over me trying to see if I was all right. Angelo kept an eye on us to see if we were going to get up. Selphie, Quistis, and I were still lying on the floor. I started to move, and then the other two started to move as well. Angelo started to bark wildly which caught Squalls attention I slowly opened my eyes and my blurred vision came into focus. All I could see was a pair of beautiful brown almond-shaped eyes staring back at mine. Rinoa backed up from my face and smiled. She seemed relieved that I was okay. We all stood up, dusted ourselves off, and my head throbbed furiously. I held my head trying to make my headache subside. Squall looked at us excitedly. "Was it Laguna again?" "Sir Laguna's in BIG TROUBLE! I hope he'll be ok...!!!" Selphie said, I'm guessing she likes that guy or something. "Doesn't seem like the first time for you all. What is this?" Quistis asked still looking surprised. I looked at the others clueless they all had the same expression as me. If it were just me, I could tell the others it was only a crazy dream. I thought while I looked at the ground, and I was still tired.
"We'll just be wasting our time trying to figure it." I said trying to change the subject then looked up at everyone. "Let's keep going." "Yeah, let's go! I think were almost there." Squall said starting to walk forward with Selphie and Quistis. This left Rinoa, Angelo, and I we just stared at each other for a while. She walked up to me very nervous, she was shaking. "Umm... Zell..." she began. "I think I may have said too much. I'm sorry." Forget about it. I thought while gesturing to her it didn't matter, then she walked onward. "C'mon Angelo." She said, Angelo ran along side her, and I followed her out of the forest.
Outside of the forest we could already see the astonishing Galbadia Garden. It was about six miles, form the forest; the Garden was in the middle of dry land. The Garden was also in the middle of two canyon walls, it was tinted red which shown beautifully in the sunlight. The Galbadia Garden was a semi circle, the gate was a lot bigger then Balamb Garden's gates. We were all memorized by the sight of the great all mighty Galbadia Garden. "Come on guys! Lets get a move on!" Quistis yelled snapping her fingers in front of my face. I came out of my daze and walked forward. "Yeah lets go!" Selphie screamed running to catch up with me as did everyone else.
We were now walking for an hour and everyone was getting reckless plus the sun was getting ready to go down. "Can't we camp out here until morning?" Selphie asked jumping right in front of me. I looked down at my watch. 6:04 pm.nah we can keep moving. I thought then looked up at Selphie. "No we should keep moving." I said continued to walk ahead then Quistis ran forth blocking me. "Zell.I think we should set up camp. At least until morning.it seems like everyone's tired." I looked back at them to see Squall yawning, Selphie trying to keep her eyes open, Rinoa rubbing her eyes while Angelo laid on the ground panting. I nodded and walked back to the rest with Quistis. "Okay first.we should all split up and find supplies." I looked at everyone and they nodded in agreement. "Squall will be responsible for the firewood, Rinoa, and Quistis will set up camp. Selphie and I will take care of dinner." "What about Angelo?" Rinoa asked and I looked down at the sad looking dog. "She can accompany." I looked at everyone then my eyes stopped on Squall. "Squall." "What!" Squall yelled looking at me insanely. I glared at him crossing my arms over my chest. "Aye, aye commander! C'mon Angelo!" Squall yelled as he ran off to find firewood with Angelo hot on his heels. We looked at Selphie and She ran up to me, grabbing my hand and pulling me forward. "C'mon Zell, we got some dinner to catch!" She yelled and Quistis and Rinoa waved goodbye to us.
About an hour later Selphie and I made it back to the campsite. The sun was down and it was starting to get cooler. When we got there Squall was already back with a fire started, Rinoa and Quistis set up two tents and were already sitting around the fire with Squall. Angelo was sleeping on the ground also in front of the fire. "Hey guys! Were back!" Selphie screamed running over to them. "You guys catch anything?" Quistis asked looking at me and I nodded. I showed her the dead rodents and birds. "Great." Squall said walking up to me and I handed him the dead animals. Squall took them to the fire and started to cook them in the pot right above the fire. I walked over to the group and sat on the ground next to the fire. I looked up at the stars thinking about stuff.
What's gonna happen to us now? What if Garden does get destroyed.? I wondered lying on my back, using my hands as pillows. "Hey you guy's know anything about Galbadia?" Squall asked shaking some spices on the meat in the pot. "Besides the soldiers are idiots.no." Rinoa said rubbing her arms trying to get warmed up. "Not to much." Quistis answered and Selphie just shook her head no. "Thought so well.Galbadia is known for their impressive army. They are the second most deadly army on the face of this planet." "Who's the strongest army on this planet?" Selphie asked looking at Squall behind all the smoke and steam that came up from the pot. "Esthar, of course." Squall said flipping the meat on the other side. "Is that all.?" I asked sitting back up. "Yup." I rolled my eyes at this. Once again Squall has proved that he could know so much and so little at the same time. I thought while looking at Squall strangely. I never could figure him out, he knew everything about anything only he forgotten the most important parts. I checked my watch again it was now 8:22 pm and I yawned finally realizing how tired I was.
"Guy's dinner's ready!" Squall said putting the meat on the plates then handing one to each of us including himself. I grabbed my fork and popped a piece of meat into my mouth and everyone else did the same. This is actually not that bad. I thought shoving another piece into my mouth. "Squall, the food is.fantastic!" Selphie said swallowing the food in her mouth. Rinoa looked up surprised after she ate some, she never thought of Squall as a guy who could cook. "Where'd you learn to cook like this?" She asked. "My grandfather taught me." Squall said happily as he finished his dinner. When we were all done eating we all just looked around no one was even saying a word. "Well I'm beat. I'm going to sleep." Quistis said walking into her tent. "Me too." Selphie said following Quistis into the same tent. "Yeah I'm gonna go hit the sack. What about you, Zell?" Squall said getting up and looking at Rinoa and I. "Yeah I'm just going to stay out here for a bit." Squall nodded and walked into the other tent.
Rinoa and I lay on our backs looking up at the beautiful sky. "Zell?" Rinoa asked looking at me and I tilted my head so I could see her. "Do you think Seifer will be ok?" Seifer.? If it weren't for Seifer's stupid antics we wouldn't be in this mess right now. ".I don't know." I answered and she nodded and looked back up at the stars. "Brrr."Rinoa grumbled started to rub her arms again with her hands trying to generate heat. I looked up at her and saw that was shivering. She must be cold. She'll get a cold if she stays out here for much longer. I thought glancing down at my light jacket then back at her. "Here you can.wear my jacket." I started zipping off my jacket and she looked at me surprised. "You don't have to do that?" She said and I looked at her strangely. "Don't worry about it. Besides I don't need it right now anyway." I took off my jacket, wrapped it around her shoulders, and she grinned slightly. I walked back to where I was and layed back down looking at the sky once again. "You know? I was really frightened when you guys past out back there in the forest." She said taking a glance at me. "I'm glad you three made it back ok." So am I. I thought watching her as her hair blew in the slow wind. ".Me too." I said looking back up at the stars.
We stayed there looking up at the stars for a few more minuets. "What time is it?" She said trying to keep her hair neat in the wind. I looked down at my watch then back at the sky. "It's 10:43 pm." Man time sure does fly. I thought rubbing my eyes. "Well it's getting late see ya tomorrow Zell." I nodded sitting up. She got up, ran her hand through my bright blonde hair and walked into the girl's tent. Rinoa's not all bad. I pondered my eyes still on where Rinoa exited into the tent. It's getting pretty late, I should go to sleep. I thought getting up and walked into Squall and my tent and climbed into my sleeping bag. I closed my eyes putting my hands behind my head getting into a better position. Damnit Rinoa still has my jacket. I guess I'll just get it back tomorrow. I thought slowly drifting to sleep.
The next morning I got my jacket back from Rinoa and we set out for Galbadia Garden at the crack of dawn. We made it to the academy grounds right in front of the Garden about two hours later. There were a lot of men flying in machines all over the place and two of them landed right in front of us on the main sidewalk. All the students looked at us oddly but I just ignored them. Then on student came up to us. "Which academy are you from? You sure don't look like students from Galbadia Garden." He said noticing we were just wearing our casual outfits. "Were from Balamb." Quistis said and we walked on to the entrance. We continued forward, there were several students just walking around chatting. I overheard some students talking about the sorceress. "I heard the sorceress is residing in the capital..." "...Appointed as a 'peace' ambassador..." They probably knew about this before the TV broadcast.
We walked on until we reached the Garden's main gates and Selphie looked around. "Wow.completely different." "Sure is quiet." Squall said trying to see if he could hear anything. It's nice. I thought observing the place. ".I like it." I said noticing that in some ways it was different from Balmb Garden. Rinoa started giggling at my comment and I looked at her. Was it something I said.? I wondered looking at her weirdly, then Quistis came up to me. "Could you leave this one up to me?" She said. "I've been here several times, and I know the Headmaster pretty well." I nodded so we could just get this over with. "I'll go explain our situation." She said walking through the front gate.
We walked in and went our separate ways to explore the Garden. After a while of exploring an announcement came over the intercom. "Attention; SeeD party from Balamb. Please wait in the 2nd floor reception room." I walked up to an instructor to find out where the room was. He had on gray pants with a skin tight muscle shirt. He stood so straight you could easily mistake him for a statue. "The reception room in the first room up those stairs." He pointed to the hallway that led to the stairs. We all met up at the door except for Quistis and there was a guard standing in front of the door. I walked up to the guy and he looked me up and down. "This is the reception room. Please wait until you hear from the master." The guard said walking out of the way and we walked in to see a high class looking room. It had a dresser, a glass table with flowers on it, two white leather sofas on each side of the glass table, and a window that overlooked the inside of the Garden. Everyone went about in the room. Selphie went to look out the huge windows, Rinoa stood there looking at the wall, and Squall sat on the nearest couch. I decided to lean against the wall closest to the door.
Rinoa looked at the glass table also smelling the flowers on top of it then looked over at me. "So Quistis attended classes here?" "I wonder if they have a Garden festival too." Selphie asked still gazing out the window. Angelo ran over to the far sofa and jumped on it lying down. I put my hand on my hip thinking. What could be taking Quistis so long? Zell turned his head to see me. "How long are they gonna make us wait?" Squall whined and I shrugged. Just then Quistis walked in and we all tuned to her. "How'd it go?" I asked backing up a little so she could get in. She walked in a little and folded her arms over her chest. "They understand our situation." She then walked over to Squall and bent down to his face. "And Balamb Garden is safe." Squall got up looking relieved with the biggest smile on his face. I was also relieved, Balamb Garden was my home kind of in a way. If anything happened to it I don't know what I'd do. "Quistis then went on looking at the rest of us. "The attack on the president in Timber was classified as an independent action. There was an official notice from the Galbadian government saying that Balamb Garden is not being held responsible." "So Seifer's taking all the blame?" Squall asked leaning back on the sofa, trying to get into a better position.
A frown caught Quistis's lips as she spoke shakily. "The trial is over, and a sentence has been carried out." Rinoa's eyes filled with hot tears, Selphie's eyes got wider, Zell sat there in shock, and I stayed silent not knowing what to feel. ".He was executed?" Rinoa kneeled down wrapping her arms around her legs protectivly. "Of course he was. He attacked the president." She stood back up wiping away a freely open tear that ran down her cheek. "He sacrificed himself for the Forest Owls." Rinoa then walked and sat down on the sofa opposite of Squall. Quistis walked up to her having sympathy for Rinoa. "It was your group that got Seifer involved with this?" She asked Rinoa sitting next to her. "You're a resistance faction, right? You must have been prepared for the worst. I'm sure Seifer was prepared too. So don't think of it as Seifer sacrificing himself for you." Quistis then sighed and put a comforting arm around Rinoa's shoulder. "I'm sorry, I guess that wasn't much consolation."
A silence came through the room and I shook my head slightly while closing my eyes. What was everyone's problem? Everyone should be prepared for something like this. Were in Garden's military force SeeD and Rinoa supports an anti resistant fraction that hates the government. If you don't get close to anyone nothing can hurt you. "You really hated Seifer didn't you Squall?" Selphie asked breaking the silence and Squall looked up at her. A frown came on his face and you could see the sorrow in his eyes. "Yeah but.He was from Garden. He was one of us. If I can, I wanna get revenge." "I. really liked him." She paused and started to smile by thinking of him then continued. "Always full of confidence, smart. Just by talking to him I felt I could take on the world." Selphie put her arms on the top of the sofa and leaned on it. "Your boyfriend?" "I don't really know." Rinoa closed her eyes sighing. "I.I think I was in love. I wonder how he felt."
I shifted my weight to my other side and frowned thinking. Well there's another heart Seifer won. Seifer nearly had every girl in Garden practically drooling over him. It was no surprise he had won Rinoa's heart being the sweet talker and smart-ass he was. "Do you still like him?" Selphie asked getting a little nosey but it didn't seem Rinoa minded. "If I didn't." Rinoa began her face glistened from tears. "I wouldn't be talking about it." She hugged her legs. "It was last summer.I was sixteen. Lot's of fond memories." Quistis then looked up at the ceiling removing her arm from around Rinoa's shoulder. "I don't have any good memories of him. I've seen some troubled children, but he was beyond troubled," She then tried to see some of the good she saw in Seifer. "Well, he wasn't really a bad guy." "Kinda sad." Selphie said she didn't know Seifer all that well she only me him a couple of times.
Squall then looked around trying not to make eye contact with anyone. "I didn't like the guy, but executed?" I then pushed off from the wall looking at the people in front of me and I started thinking. I liked him.wasn't really a bad guy.He was one of us. Seifer you've become just a memory. Will they.Will they talk about me this way if I die, too? Zell was this and that. Using past tense, saying whatever they want. So this is what death is all about.Not for me! I won't have it!!! Quistis then stood up looking at me concerned. "What's wrong, Zell?" "I won't have it!" I yelled as I threw my arm out angrily. Angelo looked up from his sleeping position and barked. "W-what?" Squall asked a bit shocked by my outburst. "Are you MAD?" Selphie asked a bit frightened. I ran to the exit and looked back at the group. "I'm not having anyone talk about me in past tense!" I yelled and ran out the door. I sprinted down to stairs only to find the same instructor that told me where the room was. "You know the rules cadet! No running!" The man yelled and I wiped the spit on my face that came from his mouth. I nodded and walked out of the hallway.
When I reached the main part of the Garden a recognizing voice called out to me. "Yo, Zell!" I turned around to see Rajin and Fujin on the second floor balcony. Both of them ran down to me in a hurry. "What are you doing here?" I asked glancing at both of them. "What am I doing?" Rajin repeated, "I'm a messenger, ya know?" Rajin and Fujin looked at each other and nodded. Rajin continued on pointing at me. "Brought you a new order from Headmaster Cid, ya know?" They both nodded towards each other again. "What kind of order?" I asked raising my brow. "I dunno. Gave it to the head honcho here. Just did what Headmaster Cid wanted, ya know?" He said whispering so only us three could hear and I nodded. They nodded again. "EXPLAIN." Fujin said in her usual one-word sentences. "We were supposed 'ta go to Timber. But the trains have stopped, so we had no other choice but to come here. Kinda relieved to see you guys here."
They both nodded again at this statement. "SEIFER?" Fujin asked. "Oh yeah." Rajin started to scratch his head. "Wasn't Seifer with you?" Why would I have to be the one to tell him? His own pose and his only friends. Better get it over with. "I believe Seifer may be dead. I heard he was trialed in Galbadia then executed." I said all to casually. I saw their hurt faces for a second or two they turned back to normal. "LIES!" Fujin said stepping up to me. Rajin slightly laughed at the comment and also stepped up to me. "That's gotta be a lie, ya know? There's no way he'd put up with a trial, ya know?! Or an execution for that matter! It's just so not Seifer, ya know?" "FIND!" Fujin said and ran off and Rajin stopped at me. "Well, see ya Zell. Were off to Galbadia to find Seifer." Rajin said following Fujin out of Galbadia Garden. Why would they want to find Seifer's dead body. I wondered looking at the retreating duo. "Attention SeeD party from Balamb Garden. Please assemble at the front gate." The intercom said breaking my train of thought.
Once I got to the front gate my whole team was there waiting. Quistis was pacing back and forth, Squall was practicing techniques with his gunblade, Selphie was humming the same tune she always sings on the train, Rinoa was sitting on the edge of a rock, and Angelo was chasing bright yellow butterflies in the grass. I walked up to her and could tell she was still hurting from the news earlier before. She looked up at me smiling a little and noticed something behind me. "Oh, I think that's him. Just pretend I'm a SeeD too. It'll be less complicated that way." I nodded and we walked over to the others who already formed a line and did the same. All five of us waited in a line where we awaited the red and blue car that was coming towards us. The Headmaster emerged from the car about a few meters away. We saluted the Headmaster then Rinoa glanced at us and did the same. The Headmaster saluted back looking at each one of us. "Good day." The Headmaster said and started to pace left and right in front of us. "I have official orders from Headmaster Cid addressed to you. Following regulations, I have gone over these orders. After careful consideration of our options, we have decided to fully assist and cooperate with Headmaster Cid. Actually, we too have been planning for this for quite some time now." He stopped pacing and continued. "In order to stress the importance of this mission, I must first brief you of the current situation."
"At ease." He demanded and loosened up a little. "You all know about the sorceress being appointed as the peace ambassador for the Galbadian government." he began then looked at me. "However, this ambassador thing is just a cover up. There will be no peace talks, only threats. The sorceress creates fear among people. Therefore peace talks are impossible. Galbadia is planning to use this fear to negotiate favorable conditions for itself. It's clear that Galbadia's ultimate goal is world domination. Garden is no exception, either. In fact that the sorceress is planning to use this Garden as her base." The Headmaster stopped and studied Rinoa up then down and went on. "We have very few options available to us. We entrust world peace, and the future to you." We all gave the Garden salute and Rinoa quickly did the same. "Details of the mission are enclosed in these official orders." He said and handed me the paper, I took it and started to skim over it.
We must assassinate the sorceress. We need a sniper? I looked back up at the Headmaster and he walked up to me. "Any questions?" "The orders say by means of a sniper." I said and looked back at my comrades then back to him. "We have no one with that skill." "Don't worry about it," he replied, "Let me introduce an elite sharpshooter from Galbadia Garden." He then shouted toward the field, "Kinneas! Irvine Kinneas!" I looked out to where he called to and saw a yellow butterfly landed on a tip of a finger. The hand was held as if it was a gun and got pulled back as if it shot the butterfly. The butterfly flew away and a man got up from his lying position. He had a brown overcoat that swayed in the wind. Looked at us and rested his shotgun on his shoulder. He had black boots on, faded brown jeans, a purple shirt, and a unique necklace. He also had a long ponytail riding down his backside as he walked. When he reached us he tilted his hat as if that was the way he greeted people.
He walked back and forth sizing each of us up and down, he paid a lot more attention to the females of our small group. The Headmaster walked up and patted the new guy on the back. "This is Irvine Kinneas. He will be your sharpshooter. Leave whenever you're ready. Failure isn't an option." He said and got back into the car and drove away as Irvine pointed his hand in a gun like matter at the car. "BANG!" Irvine said then turned back around to us. "So what's the orders?" Squall asked running up to me very quickly. "This is no ordinary mission. It's a direct order from both Balamb and Galbadia Garden. We're to assassinate the sorceress." Everyone was taken back by this except Irvine who was paying a little to much attention to Rinoa who didn't like it that much. "We're to shoot from afar. Kinneas will be our sniper. We're to support him to out fullest."
I walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around to me. "Should the sharpshooter fail, we are to attack head on." "Thanks for the support, but I never miss my target." Irvine said shrugging both of his shoulders. "Eliminate the sorceress. That's our order. We're going to head to the capital of Galbadia, Deling City. There, we'll meet up with General Caraway." I took a look at everyone they all seemed to be alright with it except Rinoa. I think I saw her frown when I said 'General Caraway'. Nah must be my imagination. I thought and went on. "We'll go over the details for the plan with him. Let's get going." We all nodded and Irvine led us out of the Garden and to the Galbadia Train Station.
We entered the train and I went to go insert the ticket into the card activation panel. If I go in first Selphie will throw a fit. I thought and decided for Selphie to go in before I did. The rest entered and Selphie ran to the door. "Tee-hee, you caught on!" She screamed and ran into the second boxcar. "This train, bound for Deling City, will be departing shortly." The speaker over the intercom announced. With a little tug of energy the train roared to life and began to move. "Those damn tickets cost so much!" Squall said walking over to the far corner of the main part of the train. "This is the only train bound for Deling anyway." Rinoa said, everyone else nodded and I just shrugged. "Hmm.Perhaps it's fate?" Irvine said and walked into the next compartment and I rolled my eyes. What the hell is he talkin' about? He's even more annoying then Squall. I thought and looked to Squall who began shaking. "So what do we do about him?" Squall asked glaring at where Irvine went into the next boxcar. I can tell Squall doesn't really like Irvine either.
Rinoa looked at me concerned pointing at the door. "Shouldn't you go check on Selphie?" Then Quistis turned to me looking just the same as Rinoa. "Irvine just kind of went off.shouldn't you go check?" Why do I have to go check on him? It's not like he's doing anything wrong. I thought looking at everyone including Squall even showed concern. I turned to go in the next boxcar but Squall stopped me. "I don't want that Irvine guy using the guest room. Don't open it for him!" I nodded walking through only to find Irvine tormenting Selphie. "Selphie were destined to be together!" Irvine yelled dramatically. "Y-yeah right!" Selphie said blushing a deep reddish color. "A sign of love?" Irvine indicated to Selphie's red cheeks. "No.no" Selphie stuttered and Irvine noticed me there listening to the whole thing he made his way up to me. "Pardon me." He said tipping his hat and walked back into the first boxcar. I walked up to Selphie leaning on the railing gazing at the passing scenery going by outside. "My heart's pounding. What's this I'm feeling?" Selphie asked breathing rather loudly. I wouldn't know. I never felt that way about anyone. "It's an important mission. Get used to handling the pressure while you still can." I told her taking a glance at her. "You gonna be ok?" I asked brushing my hair back out of my face with my hand. ".Yeah I'll be fine." Selphie said closing her eyes while trying to steady her breathing. "Well.I'm going back to the others." I said, she nodded and I walked back to my comrades.
When I got back I noticed Squall was pissed off and Irvine was bothering Rinoa. "Rinoa!" Irvine yelled as Rinoa ran and hid behind Quistis while Squall shook with anger. "Irvine Kinneas!" Quistis yelled. "You're playing a major role in this mission. Now, behave yourself!" She yelled trying to keep Irvine away from Rinoa. "No one understands me." He said then looked down. "Snipers are loners by nature.We hone our instincts, pour our whole being into a single bullet. The pressure of the moment.An instant of tension.That's what - That's what I have to face alone. It's not easy. So like, just do me a favor, and let me be!" Irvine said and turned away. I looked to Squall who was still shaking angrily glaring at Irvine. Squall blew up when Irvine tipped his hat at him. "You get my drift?" Irvine said. Squall slammed his fist as hard as he could on the floor. The lights went off for a minuet and I think the train almost ran off the track. Man even for a gunblade specialist, he still has a pretty powerful punch. I thought looking at the ticked off Squall sitting on the floor. Then the announcer for the train came on. "Err, there was no damage to the train from that, err, minor vibration." Squall rolled his eyes putting his hands in his jacket pockets. "I repeat.Err, there was no damage to the train from that, err, minor vibration." The man on the intercom repeated while I tried to figure out why he hated Irvine so much.
When we arrived at Deling City it was all ready night time, and we stepped off the train. There were many trains, all of them going different places all over the world. The train attendant shouted out people's names that he read off of his clipboard. I led my group to the escalators and we waited for the machine to take us up. Rinoa decided to sprint up the escalator and waited for us. When we reached the top, I looked at the amazing scenery. Selphie gasped at the site before us while Quistis and Squall stood wide- eyed. The scenery ahead of us had a bunch of streets with cars driving through on them. They were much nicer then the Garden's cars were. Lots of amazing colored lights filled the dark sky. There was also a fountain in the middle of the street with beautiful blue waters splashing up from it. This is where Laguna parked his car, I wonder where it is now. I thought remembering my first encounter with him and his pals. "Well let's get going to Caraway's mansion." I said and everyone nodded. ".Ok, just take bus 08." Rinoa said walking ahead of us. "You seem to know a lot about this place." Squall said walking beside her with us following. "Yeah well, I've been here a couple of times." She answered and we took the bus to Caraway's mansion.
The mansion was huge, it was the biggest house I have ever seen in my life. There must have been more then two stories by the looks of it. It was in a castle like shape with gates right in front of it. At the entrance of the gate was a Galbadian soldier. "Wow. this Caraway guy's gota be rich." Squall said staring at the huge mansion. "I bet he's even got his own train!" Selphie screamed, she looked at me and I shrugged walking forward. Rinoa ran ahead to the guard and we walked up behind her. "Excuse me sir. We have to meet General Caraway." The guard just stood there looking at her. Then Squall peered over her shoulder. "It's very important." The rest of us nodded, and the guard crossed his arms over his chest. "General Caraway's mansion is right through this gate, but I can't just let you walk in." I looked at the guard strangely scratching my head. "I believe he's been informed on our arrival." I said looking at my comrades then back to him. "Yes, indeed, but I was ordered not to let you through until your skills have been tested." The guard replied and Selphie groaned along with Squall.
"He's still so skeptical of people." Rinoa said shaking her head and I looked at her confused. She's already met this Caraway guy. I then snapped myself back to reality and looked back to the guard. "Test our skills? What does he want us to do?" I asked annoyed that we had to do a task to prove we were worthy. "The Tomb of the Unknown King is to the northeast.Bring back proof you were there, a code number." The guard said yawning. It looks like this guy has been standing here all day waiting for us. "A code number?" I asked. "All the way out here for a test of courage?" Rinoa asked looking just as annoyed as the rest of us. "There are many students like yourself who wish to call on General Caraway. There was a student from Galbadia Garden yesterday, who has yet to return from the test at the Tomb of the Unknown King. Your objective is to go to the tomb, look for traces of this lost student, and return with his ID number." The guard explained then paused rubbing his eyes before he went on.
"You should be able to find what you're looking for shortly after you go in. The ID number should be written on it. I don't recommend going any further than you have to. You may never make it back alive... Anyway here is the map of the cave." He said handing me the map that was rolled up and tied like a diploma. I put the map in my coat pocket and looked back at the others. "So what are we waiting for!?" Selphie screamed jumping up in the air. "Yeah! Lets get this over with." Squall said taking his gunblade out and swinging it around. Irvine walked up to the street and sat down on the bench looking at me. "Well what do you say Mr. Leader?" He said with sarcasm. Why not it's not like we got any other choice. I thought and nodded turning back to the guard. "I can escort you outside town, but you have to journey to the tomb on your own." the soldier continued. "You can rent a car near the outskirts of the city if you would like. The tomb isn't far from here, but there have been a lot of monsters around lately. Riding in a car will help you avoid any unnecessary trouble with them." We nodded and he led us to Galbadian's car rental shop.
We all stood in front of the car rental shop just looking at each other Squall broke the silence. "Shouldn't we be leaving now?" "No." I said looking at the ground. "Why not?" Selphie asked bending her head down so my gaze was on her instead of the ground. "There's no use for all of us to go." I said looking back up at the others. "So who's coming with me?" "I'm up for it." Squall said doing the Balamb Garden salute and I nodded. No one else looked like they wanted to go so I looked at Squall and he looked at the rest. "Looks like it's just you and me huh Zell?" I nodded and we walked for the car rental station. We got a Galbadian car that seated four people. We walked for the car and Squall ran ahead to check out the car. "So who's driving?" Squall said glancing up from the polished green convertible. I jingled the keys and opened up the drivers side and got in and Squall walked to the other side and got in. "Fine I'm driving on the way back." I shrugged my shoulders and started up the ignition when Rinoa ran right in front of the car. She walked over to my side and I lowered the window.
"I'm coming with you guys." I looked at Squall and he nodded and then back at her. "Get in." I said leaning on the steering wheel watching her get in the car. "Hey Rinoa." Squall said looking back at her bobbing his head up as if he was saying what's up? "Seatbelt?" He said turning back around and fastened his seatbelt, as did we. "Check." "Meet back at the hotel!" Quistis yelled from where she, Irvine, and Selphie were waving at us. I rolled up the window while Angelo barked with dear life, Selphie had to hold Angelo back to keep him from running for us. "Looks like Angelo is going to miss you Rinoa." Squall said pulling out his sunglasses and putting them on. "Yeah I'm going to miss him too." Rinoa said putting her hand on the window. "Alright, lets rock'n roll!" Squall said trying to lighten the mood while dancing in his seat. I rolled my eyes and started up the car, driving out of Deling. I gazed up at the rear view mirror and saw Rinoa slowly drifting asleep. She sure looks cute. What's wrong with me! I thought shaking my head and looking at the fields ahead. Squall stared at me then back at Rinoa and grinned while shaking his head.
We road along the grassy fields and I looked up at the moon and the beautiful crystal like ocean. I wonder how the others are doing? I thought yawning and rubbing my eyes. "Yo, I think that's it!" Squall said taking off his sunglasses and pointed up ahead. I looked up to where Squall pointed to and saw a huge stone like figure. Rinoa leaned forward between Squall and I. "Lets just get this over with as soon as possible." We both looked back at her and nodded. I parked the car just outside the forest and led my team to the odd looking building. As we got closer to the tomb we heard screams from within and we froze. "The guy didn't say anything about ghosts!" Squall said shaking while hiding behind me. "F-Float!" Two female cadets ran out passing us, not even noticing us. Ghosts huh.? I thought glancing back at Squall. Rinoa looked at him too but oddly and Squall started to blush. "What, I wasn't scared." Yeah.right. I thought and probably Rinoa did too and I looked around. It was quite large, the stony walls and pillars had become overgrown with moss, and vines. The entire structure was surrounded by a moat but a bridge led across it and into the tomb. I led them into the darkness, the Tomb of Unknown King.
The interior was dimly lit by the moonlight and the walls and ground were made out of stone, they too had vines and moss growing on it. We started to look around for any type of clues that might help us. Rinoa saw a spider crawling about and ran up to me. "This place is freaky." Squall walked up to her patting her on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it. Me and Zell will protect you." I nodded and Rinoa looked more relieved that she had us two to protect her. As we walked further into the cave it got darker scarier. "Sure is cold." Rinoa said rubbing her arms together and I looked at her. "Don't worry we'll be out of here in no time." I said trying to comfort her. Water was dripping from the ceiling and steam came up from the ground. We better find this ID number fast. I can tell that there is something definitely wrong about this place. I thought looking at the unsure faces of Squall and Rinoa. Then there was a weapon on the floor I bent down to study it closely. The weapon was a sword, it had a small tag attached to it which read. 'Student ID No. 163.' This is what we've been looking for. "Alright we got the ID number lets get the hell out of here." I said getting back up and turned around to face the others. They nodded and we headed out of the Tomb of the Unknown King.
We walked into the hotel only to find Quistis and Selphie sitting on the couch near the receptionist desk. Selphie and Quistis jumped up to greet us. "How'd you guys make out?" Quistis asked stretching her arms out. "It went okay, that place was kinda creepy." Squall said sitting on the couch Quistis and Selphie had previously been on. "You get the ID number?" Selphie asked dusting off her bright yellow dress. I nodded and leaned against a wall near the group. "Yo, where's that Irvine guy?" Squall asked looking all over the lobby from his seating position. "Oh he's down at the bar." Selphie said plopping down right next to him on the couch. "Shouldn't we get going to Caraway's mansion?" Rinoa asked playing with the ring on her necklace. "Yes, but first someone has to go get Irvine." Quistis said looking at everyone. "I'll go get him." I said and walked down the stairs to the bar.
I saw Irvine sitting at a table in the far corner of the bar. He seemed to be chatting up a very attractive female waitress, as I got closer I could hear what they were saying. "So if you would like to take a walk around the city with me. Just you, me, and the moon." Irvine asked winking at her. What the hell does he think he is doing? We have a mission to finish. I thought pushing my hair back and glaring at the sharpshooter. "Uh. sorry but I've got other plans." She said and walked away. "Is it another guy. He's probably cheating on you!" Irvine yelled and slammed his fist down on the table. "Damn it! That's the third one tonight." I walked up to him and sat down right across from him. "Don't you think that woman is out of your league?" I asked glancing back at the cute waitress. "Nah no ones out of my league." Irvine said tipping his hat at a woman across the room. "Whatever. we have to get going to Caraway's mansion." "Fine lets go. It's not like I'm getting any action tonight." Irvine said getting up and walking up the steps to the lobby. I just shrugged and followed him to the others and we took the bus to the mansion.
The guard noticed us and waved us to come forward. "What is it?" he asked and I stepped forward. ".We're ready to answer." The guard looked really surprised. "Well what is it? If you may?" ". Student ID; Number 163." I answered, the guard smiled, and he pointed at the mansion behind him. "That's correct! Please, right this way." He said and led us to the general's mansion. Both Balamb and Galbadia Garden are joining forces with the general from the Galbadian Army. ...Why? I thought and then shook my head changing my mind. ...No point in me thinking about it. SeeDs aren't meant to question why. We made it to the front door when Rinoa stopped me while the others went into the mansion. "Umm. Is my contract still in affect?" Rinoa asked looking down at the floor. What is it this time? I thought as I folded my arms over my chest. "Don't leave me in this house, ok?" I rolled my eyes and she continued. "Want me to explain why?" There's no time for this right now. I thought shaking my head no and let my arms fall from my chest. "You should know by now. Just tell us what to do and we'll do it." I said as calmly as I could and she smiled cheerfully. "Okay then. Thanks." She said and we both went in the mansion after the others.
We walked into a rather colorful room that had two windows with pink drapes, green wallpaper, pink carpet, a green sofa, a table with four chairs, and what looked like to be a study at the back of the room. "Wait here." The guard said and walked out of the room and we just stared at each other. About a half an hour later everyone got pretty reckless. Selphie was starring out the window, Quistis and Rinoa were sitting on chairs, Squall paced back and forth with his hand in his pockets, and Irvine was lying on a chair towards the back with his legs on the desk. "He's making us wait quite a bit." Quistis said wiping off some of the dust that was on the table. I was leaning against the wall near the window when Squall threw his arms up in the air. "Errghh." I looked at him and he looked pretty irritated "What's taking so long.!?" Selphie complained stopping her foot on the ground. Rinoa shook her head and then stood up. "Hmph... He always does this! So discourteous... making people wait. I'm gonna go complain." Rinoa started walking for the door and then turned to look at all of us. "Oh by the way, this is my house, so don't worry." Selphie turned around and widened her eyes in shock, Squall jolted back, Quistis and Irvine didn't look surprised at all, and I raised a brow as she left.
A couple of seconds later a middle aged man came through the door and closed it behind him. He had jet-black hair with white streaks showing on the sides and a black uniform which had war badges all over it. This must be General Caraway. Where's Rinoa. I thought getting off the wall. "Where's Rinoa?" I asked taking one step forward and he looked at me, I saw a glint of darkness in his eyes. "She has not received the type of training you all have and may become a burden. It's for the best that she stays out of this operation." Selphie tilted her head looking at the general oddly. "So your Rinoa's father?" She asked and he looked at the ground sadly. "I can't remember the last time she called me that." After hearing this Squall opened his mouth in shock. "So the fathers a top military officer, and the daughter's a member of a anti-government faction!?" He paused scratching his head. "That's bad.really BAD!" Squall just shut up. I thought glaring at him and he shut his mouth. "Yes indeed. It's a serious problem." He said and walked over to one of the windows and looked below at all the bright lights.
"But that doesn't concern you. It's our problem." He said and turned around to look at us. "Besides, we have far more important things to worry about." Caraway said changing the subject and I scratched the back of my head. "Once our mission is accomplished here," I told Caraway, "we're working for Rinoa, as per our contract, I don't know what your situation is, but please don't interfere when the time comes." "And if I do?" He said looking at me with the same look as before. What's his problem? I thought looking at him and crossed my arms over my chest. "We're all SeeDs here. We'll act accordingly." I told him with the same look he was looking at me with. Irvine then pushed his legs off the desk and leaned his arms on the desk. "Hey, hey, hey, fellas, We're here to knock off the sorceress, right? So let's get down to business." Irvine said and kicked himself over the desk, landing on the floor. "So let's get down to business." Irvine finished looking at everyone. After a couple of seconds General Caraway nodded. "Okay, let me explain the plan." he said as he walked out the door and we followed him. Walking through the front yard he continued. "I'm sure you know about the Galbadian government reaching an agreement with Sorceress Edea." So the sorceress' name was Edea. I thought looking down at the grass blowing in the slight wind. "There plans to be a ceremony tonight to commemorate the event. It'll be held at the Presidential Residence." he went on as he led us there.
We then came to an open road where a huge gate stood in front of us. "During the ceremony," Caraway started, "you will split up into two teams and get into position. The gateway team will enter the gateway and stand by. The sniper team will stand by at the front of the Presidential Residence until the ceremony is over. This is where the sniper team will wait, right here where I'm standing." He said pointing down at the street right before the huge black gate. The gate was attached to a rather large building with a big clock on the front. "That's the Presidential Residence. Once the ceremony ends, a parade for the sorceress will begin. That's when the gate will open. Lay low until then. The parade may be canceled if there is any commotion. We must avoid that at all costs. Once the gate opens the sniper team will move out. With the parade drawing the crowd and the guards' attention, it should be rather easy to move about. The sniper team will head for the roof of the residence. In the corridor by the sorceress's room, there is a hatch that leads to the clock tower. There you'll find a carousel clock. You'll find the sniper rifle there. Stand by in the tower until exactly o' twenty hours."
Caraway began to walk in demonstration and continued, "The parade will begin by the gate. The sorceress will be riding on the parade vehicle. After it leaves the gate, it will turn left like this," he ran in the parade's pattern, "The parade will circle once around the city along the outer road and return to this space. It will return on this side. Then it will return on this side. Then it will turn right and head this way. Here's where the gateway team comes into play." "At exactly o' twenty hours, the parade will pass under here. At this point, the gateway team will operate the console to drop the gates. The sorceress will be trapped inside the gateway. At o' twenty hours the carousel clock will rise out of the roof, carrying the sniper team up as well. There will be no obstruction between the sniper and the sorceress. Take the open shot." "BANG!!!" Irvine shouted with enthusiasm. Caraway stared at Irvine annoyed and then finished. "That is all. No we wait. You're free to go anywhere. Go check out the city if you wish. Just one thing, stay out of trouble." He said looking at me accusingly. Who does he think we are? .Were not like your daughter. I thought looking at the ground. "We are SeeDs, we may be young but that doesn't mean we don't know how to act mature. I then glanced at Irvine who pretend his hand was a gun and began aimlessly shooting as Selphie giggled and jumped with excitement. Well, some of us were mature anyway. "Report to my residence when you're ready. We'll hold a final meeting then. After that, we'll proceed with the operation. Dismissed." General Caraway informed us and left without another word.
"What do we do now?" Selphie asked no one in particular. "I say we all meet at General Caraway's mansion." I paused and looked down at my watch. "In about 45 minuets." I said looking back up at everyone. They all nodded and I walked away from the group. I walked away from the group with my hands stuffed in my coat pockets. I wonder what there is to do in this city? I thought looking at the ground when I heard loud footsteps behind me. "Hey, Zell! Wait up man!" I turned around to see Squall running to catch up to me. When Squall got to me he was breathing loudly to catch his breath. After a few seconds he regained his composure and looked up at me. "What is it?" I asked rolling my eyes at him. "I wanted to know if I could come with you?" "Yeah whatever." I said and started to walk away then Squall jumped up in excitement. "Alright!" He yelled and started to follow me. For some reason Squall liked to hang around with me, in sort of a way I think he looks up to me. "So what do you want to do?" I asked and Squall looked around and pointed towards the bright lights. "You want to go to the shopping center?" He asked and shrugged my shoulders in reply.
Squall and I sat were at the food court sitting down at a table just taking in the scenery. It was right next to the street with plenty of cars and people going by. "You want to see if Julia is still playing?" I said finishing my cheeseburger and taking a sip of my soda. "Sure." Squall said and looked around, he found a man about 50 years old sitting behind us and scratched the back of his head. "Umm.Do you know if Julia still plays at the Inn?" Squall asked and the man looked at us oddly. "How do you know about Julia? How old are you kids sixteen, seventeen?" We nodded and he looked at us even more strangely. "Julia hasn't played here in over 20 years. She mysteriously died about ten years ago." Squall looked back at me and I wiped my mouth with a napkin.
"Thank you sir, we have to get going now. Come on Squall." We walked off with the man still eyeing us very strangely. So the 'Dream World' we've been going into was the past. I thought looking at all the bight stores lit up with neon. "Hey Zell, now we know that Laguna is a man from the past." I nodded and we continued down the busy sidewalk. "How much time we got left?" Squall asked dogging all the people pushing past him. I raised my arm and looked down at my watch rubbing my eyes to see if my eyes were fooling me. Ten minuets, we should get back to the General's mansion. I thought and put my arm back down. "Well.?" Squall asked walking beside me and I looked to the side at him. "We have about ten minuets left. We should probably get back to Caraway's mansion." I said while we waited for the bus to take us to Caraway's mansion. "Okay."
As we walked into the study of the mansion everyone was already there. Irvine was leaning against the desk, Quistis sat on the couch with her hands linked together, and Selphie was standing right next to General Caraway. "It's time to form the teams." Caraway instructed and everyone looked at him. "The sniper and the leader of this operation will form the sniper team." The general paused. "The leader's role is vital." He said looking at me. .What does he mean? I thought glaring at him and he continued. "If the plan fails for some reason..." The general looked towards Irvine. "... Or should the sniper miss..." Irvine waved his hand at him smirking. "...The leader must carry out a direct assault against the sorceress." Everyone looked at me while I stared at the ground. So. if Irvine misses I have to take the Sorceress head on? I thought putting my hands in my pockets. "The plan was devised carefully, because we intend this to be a covert operation." the general continued. "But our ultimate goal is to eliminate the sorceress, and we must achieve this at all cost." He then cleared his throat and went on. "Even if they uncover our identities." The general then looked around the room. "So, who's going to lead the operation?" He said and everyone turned their heads to me, I didn't like the fact that everyone relies on me, but what other choice did we have. "I will." I said looking up and the general nodded. "Then I'll leave the rest up to you." He said and sat down on the green couch, I shrugged and walked up to Irvine then he got off of the desk.
"Irvine and I will make up the 'sniper team'." I said. "The 'gateway team' will be..." I said turning around to the rest of my comrades. It looks like the 'gateway team' is decided. I thought looking at Squall, Quistis, and Selphie. "Whoo-hoo!" Selphie screamed in excitement throwing an arm up in the air. "Roger." Quistis said nodding her head and Squall stared shaking. "Let's DO IT!" Squall yelled and then Selphie scratched her head looking around confused. "So who's gonna be the leader for the 'gateway team'?" She asked and Squall grinned at this and started dancing in place. I looked at Squall and sighed. Sorry, Squall. I thought I then looked up at Quistis. ".Quistis Trepe, your in charge." Squall then hung his arms and head down while Quistis seemed quite surprised. "OK! Leave it to me." Quistis replied happily and the general got off of the couch and walked towards us. "Ok. Let's begin." He said motioning Irvine and I to follow him while the 'gateway team' stayed in the room.
Squall walked up to Quistis putting a hand on her shoulder. "We're on your team, instructor. Let's kick some ass!" Squall encouraged her jumping up in the air. Selphie also jumped up in the air with Squall. "Whoo-hoo!" Quistis's face turned slightly red from all of the encouragement she was getting and led her team to the door. Before she could open it though someone ran in bumping into Quistis and almost sending her to the floor. That person was Rinoa and smiled when she saw the group. "Hi! Finally got out of there! Did that man say something?" She asked meaning General Caraway. "No, not really." Squall said shrugging his shoulders. "Where's Zell?" Rinoa asked looking around the room and Quistis was about to walk out the door. "I'm sorry Rinoa, but we have to get going." "Hold on a sec." Rinoa says and Quistis and the rest stop to look at her. Rinoa took out a small piece of metal that was in her pocket. "Take a look at this!" She said excitedly. The piece of metal was in a diamond shape form, it was light blue, and it was very shiny like it was covered with some sort of metallic. Everyone looked at the odd shaped figure strangely trying to figure out what it was.
"This is called an Odine Bangle. I found it in that man's room." She said glancing down at the bangle in her hand and then back up at the 'Gateway team'. Squall widened his eyes and scratched his head, taking one step forward. "Odine!?" Squall said shocked and Selphie put her hands on her hips. "Whatcha gonna do with it?" She asked and Rinoa walked to the center of the room. "It's supposed to suppress the sorceress' powers." Rinoa replied and turned to face the group. Quistis shook her head at this, they didn't have any time to fool around. "But, its' effects are still unknown. So I don't think they're going to use it for this mission." Rinoa finished, Squall still couldn't believe it he was actually gazing at an Odine Bangle. "If it's Odine brand, it should be pretty effective! They're number '1' when it comes to magical goods." Squall said scratching the back of his neck with his eyes still fixated on the Bangle.
Rinoa smiled at Squall nodding her head. "Right! Right!" She said jumping up a little. Quistis started to shake ever so slightly and looked up at Rinoa. "So what exactly do you want to do with it!? Are you planning to have the sorceress put it on!?" Quistis yelled and Rinoa's face winced a little. "Who? When? How?" Quistis said walking up to Rinoa. Quistis had her arm up pointing up at Rinoa. "That's what were going to discuss!" Rinoa said in the same tone putting her hands on her hips. Quistis hit her head with her hand frustrated, which shocked Squall and Selphie. "We don't have time for that. Squall and Irvine are already standing by. We have an operation to carry out, too." Quistis said really angrily. Quistis could see she had hurt Rinoa's feelings and calmed down a little. "You understand don't you?" She asked. Rinoa just glared at Quistis and she glared back angry once again. "This isn't a father-daughter quarrel. This isn't a game." Quistis screeched shaking even angrier then before. Squall shook his head in disapproval and Selphie closed her eyes. Quistis marched out of the room and signaled for her group to follow. Selphie and Squall looked at Rinoa one last time and ran after Quistis. After the group left Rinoa turned around with her eyes watering up. "Who said this was a game." She mumbled out loud. "I understand what's going on... It's not like I don't have a plan..." Rinoa whimpered as tears started to streak down her face.
We were right outside the general's mansion when Quistis stormed by with her group. "Wonder what's wrong with her?" Irvine asked and I shrugged my shoulders. "I'll make the first charge when we make the full-on attack. I'll try to buy some time." I said looking at the ground and Irvine shook his head. "That won't be necessary... I'll get the job done." Irvine said with full confidence. As we walked across the street, the general led us into the Deling City Park. "So like... Is it true that SeeDs aren't supposed to question their mission?" Irvine asked glancing at me and then looked up at the sky. I rolled my eyes gazing at the ground. ...Why does he want to know, anyway...? I thought looking at the green fields with little children running around on them. "Why do you care?" I asked crossing my arms over my chest but he just changed the subject. "So like... if you knew that your enemies were pure evil, you'd get more fired up to fight them, right?" Irvine asked kicking some of the rock on the pathway.
That question made me think a little. ...An enemy that is pure evil? Right and wrong are not what separate us and our enemies. It's our different standpoints, our perspectives that separate us. I thought looking up at Irvine to see if he had any more unanswered questions. As we entered the main street right near the archway. "Both sides blame one another. There's no good or bad side. Just two sides holding different views." I said looking at the ground answering Irvine's question and he just nodded in reply. I looked up to see such a huge crowd that has gathered around to se the parade. The two sidewalks were filled. ...I hope we don't stand out too much... I thought looking at the soldiers that stood by to keep the peace.
My team and the 'Gateway team' followed the general under the archway. This is when Caraway commanded the 'Gateway team'. "The 'gateway team' will wait inside the gate until 20:00. You can enter through this door." The general said pointing at the metal door inside of the archway. "The sorceress will pass through the gateway at exactly 20:00. In that instant, lower the gates using the control console located on the top floor and trap her inside the gateway." Caraway instructed and the group nodded. They entered the archway door and the General led Irvine and I to the presidential residence. "You two will wait here?" The General said pointing to an open spot in the crowd. We walked to it and waited, looking around at all the happy faces. "General, why has the sorceress decided to have such an extravagant parade?" I asked scratching my head and the General looked at Irvine and I. She wants to establish her place in Galbadia Garden, since she has chosen it to serve as her base." So that's why Galbadia Garden wants her out... I thought rubbing my chin. "It's starting. I'm returning to my residence. Good luck." The General said and we both nodded as he walked away.
Meanwhile Quistis, Selphie, and Squall went up the ladder onto the upper floor of the archway. They all looked out of the archways' window towards the presidential residence. Squall glanced at Quistis and noticed she looked troubled. "Instructor, what's up?" Squall asked looking at the very large crowd were Irvine and I waited. "Maybe I was to hard on her." Quistis said in a worried voice while shaking her head slightly. She turned away from the window and whipped her blonde hair back. "I'm going to go apologize." Squall also turned around and looked to the side. "You mean. Rinoa?" He asked and she nodded while Squall rubbed his eyes. "But... but... We can't just leave our post!" Selphie pouted and stomped her foot on the ground. "We still have until 20:00." Quistis said and started to climb down the metal ladder. "We can't.!" Squall said looking at Selphie until he realized that Selphie went down too. "Hey, wait up!" Squall yelled sliding down the ladder.
Back to the General's house where Rinoa still sat on the floor in the office. When General Caraway stepped into the room Rinoa looked up and then waved her hand up. It was supposed to tell him to leave her alone but he didn't. "It'll be chaos out there soon. You'll be safe here." He said looking down at his daughter. Rinoa waved him away again and then he sighed deeply. There was a long silence and Rinoa looked up and still saw her father there. He turned around and exited the room, Rinoa stood up trying to figure out what to do next. That's when she remembered something very important. "Oh no! He's gonna lock me in!" Rinoa screamed and started to run for the door. Then Rinoa stopped, she didn't want to go through with her plan alone but it looked like she didn't have any other choice. "I... I can do it..." She told herself nodding slowly and ran out the office and out the entrance.
After Rinoa left the office Quistis and her team ran into the room. "Rinoa, I'm sorry I..." Quistis began but stopped when she realized Rinoa wasn't in the room. The 'Gateway team' looked around the room when they heard a loud click behind them. The team turned around to notice the door had been closed. Quistis rushed over to the door and tried opening the door but it was locked. "Did we get...Locked in?" She asked trying to push and pull the door open. ".That Caraway guy!?" Selphie said sitting down in a chair. "We're smack dab in the middle of a family quarrel here!" Squall cried shaking with anger. "This is bad. .I'm worried about Rinoa too." Quistis said putting her hand on her forehead while shaking her head. "What do you mean?" Squall asked looking at Quistis with a brow raised. "Rinoa's probably on her way to see the sorceress as we speak." She said as she hung her head low. "She wanted to help us." She finished.
Rinoa walks into a dark ally right behind the presidential residence. There was an old Galbadian car that probably didn't work anymore with crates building up right next to it. She looked at all the crates and saw how high it went. She sighed and shook her head. "I'm not a SeeD but." Rinoa said and started to climb up the boxes with all the energy she had. "I can do this." She said to herself as she continued to climb on up. "This isn't some kind of game..." she said jumping from one set of boxes to the other. Rinoa gripped the top of the building and puled herself up. She started to run along the building until she reached a ladder, which led higher up the building. When Rinoa reached the top she found a large metal door and walked on through.
Rinoa entered the room slowly looking all around when she saw a weird looking woman in purple at the end of the room. "Umm... excuse me..." Rinoa stuttered as she stepped closer to the strange woman. "I'm ... the daughter of, um... Galbadian Army's, um... General Caraway." Rinoa continued as she kept her eyes on the floor. "I... thought I'd... come pay my respects... You know... 'cause of my father and all..." She said and glanced up at the woman, it didn't even seem that the lady in purple had heard her. "So, I... um... brought you a small gift. Please..." She took out the Odine Bangle and started to walk closer. The hand with the Odine Bangle in it started to shake uncontrollably. Rinoa started to get really frightened and she gulped, and walked towards the sorceress. Light from the chandelier above the sorceress' chair shone down, illuminating the pale, thin curtains in the room, and creating a glowing light around the long purple gown that the sorceress was wearing.
As Rinoa reached the Sorceress her arm was still shaking but that didn't stop her. She tried to put the Bangle on her somehow, but when she tried to a bright flash exceeded the whole room and Rinoa was thrown back on the floor. When she sat up and supported herself on her hands she noticed she was missing the Odine Bangle. She didn't know if she has succeeded or failed miserably. Rinoa arm started to shake again, when she looked down she saw the Odine Bangle on herself. Rinoa started to panic, her arm started to shake even more violently. "(...Please... stop....)" Rinoa said in almost a whisper through squinted eyes. Then her arm stopped shaking and her arm got pulled up. Rinoa got lifted up by her arm her legs dangling in the air. Her arm was still now but her whole body started to shake now. "Ugh." Rinoa gasped through clenched teeth. After a couple of seconds she fell to the ground with her eyes closed. Rinoa was breathing heavily now just waiting for what was to come next. Finally, the woman seated before her showed some signs of life. Flowing strands of black hair glowed red with rippling energy, tucking themselves into the Sorceress' head- covering. The head-covering itself started transforming, as well. The front, which came out to a point, covering her eyes, started to glow brightly, and disappear.
The Sorceress stood up, and a sudden gust of wind blew back her flowing shoulder adornment, a large half-circled metal decoration, attached to her upper back, with a cape coming out on each side. Suddenly, Rinoa got lifted off the ground and onto her feet by the Sorceress' mysterious powers. Rinoa remained standing there as the sorceress stretched out her arms, and brought then back, almost wrapping them around herself. She started walking away now, towards the huge, solid, double doors before her, and walked right through with out touching the handles. The doors liquefied, allowing her to pass, and then quickly regained their solidity. Rinoa followed the Sorceress not because she wanted to but because the Sorceress was controlling her.
Irvine and I were watching the balcony just waiting for it to start. We saw Vinzer Deling standing there, with his hands behind his back. "Here she comes." Irvine said pointing to the Sorceress walking up to the balcony. As she reached the podium she looked down at all the people that were cheering for her while a smirk met her lips. She went up to the microphone with President Deling standing right beside her. Rinoa swayed left to right while she walked up to the balcony following the Sorceress. Irvine squinted and tapped me on the shoulder. "H... Hey... That girl...!" He stuttered. I looked to where he was looking and I saw a woman in a blue duster with tight black pants. "Rinoa.?" I asked taking a glance at Irvine and he nodded his head.
On the balcony above the Sorceress was staring at the crowd below and started her speech. ".Lowlifes." She said in a threatening tone. "Shameless filthy wretches." She screeched her voice lower and louder then before. "How you celebrate my ascension with such joy. Hailing the very one whom you have condemned for generations." She said picking up her hand and shaking it. "Have you no shame?" Edea continued "What happened to the evil, ruthless, sorceress from your fantasies? The cold-blooded tyrant that slaughtered countless men and destroyed many nations?" The crowd cheered harder at this and she put her hand down. "Where is she now?" Edea asked sarcastically. "She stands before your very eyes to become your new ruler. HAHAHAHAHA." She said laughing evilly. That's when Vinzer Deling shook his head and looked at Edea oddly. "A new era has just begun." The Sorceress continued, putting her arms up in the air. "E-Edea... Are you alright...?" The Sorceress said nothing. She simply raised her arm to meet the president's chest, just barely touching it with her sharp pointed gloves. "Ede...!" The president began, but his voice was stopped. Yellow smoke emitted from the president's body as Edea lifted him, effortlessly, from the balcony floor.
"This is reality. No one can help you." She said never taking her eyes off the crowd. "Sit back and enjoy the show." Edea said and the crowd cheered even harder. Edea smirked again, lowering her eyebrows. She tossed the president behind her, throwing his body into the balcony stairwell. He hit the edge with a loud thud, and green smoke emitted from his dead body. "Rest assured, you fools...." Edea started again. "Your time will come. This is only the beginning." "Let us start a new reign of terror. I will let you live a fantasy beyond your imagination." She yelled into the microphone while she put up her arms. "Let us start a new reign of terror. I will let you live a fantasy beyond your imagination." Edea then turned around then slowly walked away off the balcony. When she reached the hallway right before the commencement room, she stopped. "Let us end this ceremony with a sacrifice." The Sorceress said bringing her hands together and focusing her energy. A serene sound came from her mysterious spell. Then she put her hand on her forehead and walked through the doors.
Two statues were connected to the outside of the archway. They looked like monsters. They were half lizard and half was shaped like a lion. Amongst the people of Deling City they considered these statues Iguana type gargoyles. A mass of energy started to run through these statues, turning their stone bodies to flesh and blood. They both were now two monsters crawling across the roof. Both the Iguanas jumped off the archway and onto the street below. They ran through the crowds of people, the people hardly noticing them they were running so fast. From the streets they leapt onto the presidential balcony where Rinoa was. Rinoa fell out off the trance blinking her eyes a couple of time to see the two beasts in front of her. Rinoa screamed as the monsters jumped for her. Irvine and I were there watching the whole thing. "Hey, hey, hey, she's in trouble big-time!" Irvine said, hitting me on my shoulder. "We've gotta go help Rinoa!" He yelled pointing to the balcony. I looked around for a way in but couldn't find a way. "The parade hasn't started yet. The gates not open." I said crossing my arms over my chest. "You've gotta be kidding!" Irvine yelled shaking his head.
Inside the office at Caraway's mansion stood the restless 'Gateway team'. Squall was leaning against the locked door while silently hitting the back of his head on the door. Selphie sat down at the table lying her head in her arms. While Quistis stood by the window that showed the view of the archway and the Presidential Residence. "Oh no! It's starting" Quistis yelled hitting the window softly with her hand. Selphie got up from the table and Squall stopped banging his head on the door. They started to pace around the room nervously. "We need to get out of here, quick." Quistis stated turning away from the window. "There's gotta be a key." Selphie said getting down on the floor and looking under the table. "Let's just search everywhere. That's all we can really do." Selphie suggested getting back up on her feet and continued on her search. Squall wondered over to the bookshelf right behind the General's desk. "Maybe there's something in these books..." Squall said. Then he hung his head, frustrated. "It'd take forever to look through all of them..." With that said Squall walked away from the bookshelf. "Maybe there's some kind of secret exit... You know! Like in the spy movies...." Selphie said looking and shuffling through all the papers on Caraway's desk. "It's all that guy's fault!" Squall yelled angrily while he walked over to the locked door. "Hey a key!" Squall said sarcastically looking at the ground. Selphie looked up at this instantly and stopped what she was doing "...NOT." He huffed and Selphie shook her head in disappointment.
Selphie got up from the desk and went over to the odd looking painting hanging up next to the bookshelf. "There's something' fishy about this painting...." She said scratching her chin and Quistis walked over also. The painting was all tinted pink with a woman holding a wineglass. After a couple of seconds of trying to figure it out Quistis just shrugged her shoulders. "Yo... This old statue looks kinda suspicious..." Squall said. Quistis looked in his direction on the other side of the room and saw the statue. The statue was a woman and which had long cloth covering her body. Quistis figured out it looked exactly like the woman in the painting except for one thing. The statue had nothing in her hands that were cupped together. "Hmm." Quistis groaned searching for anything that would fit in the statue hand. Then she came across a very valuable collection of wineglasses. "I wonder." Quistis pondered thinking back to the painting and the statue. The woman in the painting had a wineglass in her hand. The statue that resembled to the woman in the painting had nothing. "I got it!" Quistis said excitedly and took a wineglass. "Got what?" Squall asked looking at her strangely.
Quistis just ignored him and walked towards the statue. Selphie and Squall were now standing behind her. Quistis gently placed the wineglass into the statue's hands. As if they were in slow motion the arms dropped down revealing a secret passage leading into the sewers. "NO WAY!" Squall yelled jolting back surprised. "Pretty sneak-y!" Selphie said putting a hand on Squall's shoulder and pushing herself up so she could see. "Let's go." Quistis commanded pointing at the ladder leading down. "But we don't even know where it leads!" Selphie argued and Squall glared at her. "No use staying here!" Squall said and pushed her hand off of his shoulder. Selphie nodded and they all went down the ladder to the sewers below Deling City.
Quistis led her team into the Deling City sewers. There were two pathways with water between them. "Something smells!" Selphie complained using pinching two fingers to her nose. "It's a sewer Selph. Get used to it." Quistis said glancing back at the very distressed Selphie. Squall walked beside Selphie and scratched the back of his head. "Look on the bright side Selphie. At least there are lights down here." He said noticing the brightness down here. Selphie looked around and nodded in agreement. "Enough, let's just move on." Quistis said walking even faster than before with Squall and Selphie trailing behind. They came to a wooden water wheel that blocked their only means of proceeding onward. "So.what do we do now." Selphie asked looking at both her comrades. "I've got an idea." Squall said and squeezed between Quistis and Selphie so that he was now in front of the water wheel. Squall jumped onto the wheel as it brought him to the floor above. When Squall got up there he motioned with his hands for the other two to do the same. Quistis glanced back at Selphie, she was shaking her head no. Quistis shrugged her shoulders and rode the wheel to the top where Squall helped her get to the next floor. Selphie didn't look to sure about this and was pacing around nervously. "Come on Selphie." Squall said holding his hand down to help her up the water wheel.
"There's no way I'm touching that!" She said pointing to the rusty and old water wheel. "Selphie just do it. If you don't we fail the mission." Quistis demanded leaning on a wall that was behind Squall. Selphie slowly nodded and climbed onto the water wheel, her legs shaking. When Selphie tried to step further up the wheel she slipped on the watery wheel. Selphie closed her eyes tightly prepared for a painful impact but it never came. Selphie opened her eyes slowly only to meet the eyes of blue. The eyes of the beholder was Squall who stood there with his arms around her. He had saved her from a very ugly fall and was now both their heads were getting closer to each other. Squall and Selphie closed their eyes but before their lips could meet Quistis walked up to them. "Excuse me. We have a mission to do. So if we could continue?" Quistis asked grinning a little but also a little frustrated because they were wasting time. Selphie and Squall opened their eyes to see Quistis standing there watching them.
Squall let go of Selphie and scratched the back of his neck looking at the ground embarrassed. Selphie looked away blushing a deep red and bit her bottom lip. "Now come on Squall and Selphie. This is not the time to be embarrassed." Quistis said putting her arms around her two allies. Squall nodded and jumped up in the air. "Let's kick some ass!" Squall said feeling now more comfortable. Selphie looked up still a little shy from what happened. "Yeah." She said then shook her head. "Yeah! Let's do it!" Selphie said correcting herself and bouncing right back into her cheery self. They all walked forward through the gate when they heard strange noises from above. "It's starting." Squall said looking up along with everyone else.
Irvine and I were on the streets above waiting for the parade to begin so we could make a dash for the Presidential Residence. As the huge gate opened fireworks went off showing the Sorceress' float. The Sorceress was sitting on her throne that was a very bright gold color. There were two black bowls on either side of her that was producing flames. A large neon ring resting atop the parade vehicle gleamed with an eerie luminescence. About a couple dozen performers danced in front of the float to the dark music that was being played. Irvine and I were at a loss that everyone was cheering her on when she killed Vinzer Deling. All these people seemed to worship the Sorceress. Irvine looked at me then to the gate. "Now's our chance. Come on!" Irvine yelled and I just stood there looking at all the people. Someone might see us. I thought and Irvine glared at me mad. "What are you waiting for!? Rinoa might die!" I nodded and we started to run through the crowd with our backs hunched over. We made our way out to the street this way, just as the sorceress' float was passing through two huge pillars lit with fire.
We passed the side of the float carefully to not be seen by all the strange dancers. I squatted down beside the float to make sure if the coast was clear but when I looked up I couldn't believe my eyes. A man stood just as proudly as she sat. He leaned on his gunblade as if it were a cane. His gray trench coat with the red medieval-age crosses on the sleeves blew gracefully in the slight breeze. He wore a tight blue vest-like shirt lined with sliver at the zipper and connected were two sliver blocks, which together formed a cross. His baggy dark navy pants covered most of his black boots. He then ever so slowly ran his hand through his short spiked blonde hair. His evil smile made his bluish eyes to slightly squint. I stared at his sloping scar on his head that was the exact opposite of mine. Seifer was alive. Both of us made it right through the gate before it closed. To the right was a car and boxes that stacked up in a way so we could easily sneak in.
We climbed up all the things that we could until we reached the balcony. We saw the mangled body of President Deling lying right next to the stairwell that led to the commencement room. I ran up the stairs and threw the doors open with Irvine following close behind. When we entered the room we saw Rinoa in the back of the room lying on the ground shaking. In front of her were the two Iguana monsters. "RINOA!!!" I yelled running towards the monsters with my fists in the air. Irvine cocked his shotgun and followed me. Both the monsters turned around hissing at us with their sharp teeth. Before either of us could make a move both the Iguanas opened their mouths and let out a trail of fiery magma coming straight towards us. I dove to the left the lava just missing me. I could feel the heat burn my sensitive skin. Irvine ran to the right as he shot off bullets at the one on the right. The monster on the left went left and the one on the right went right.
It was just the monster and I fighting each other. I ran up to it and punched it in the head with my fist. The Iguana growled out in pain and tried to slash me with its tiger like claws. I swerved to the right but I still felt a sharp pain in my left arm. "Damn it!" I yelled looked down at my arm, my coat was torn and there was blood seeping through it. I looked up at the lizard like freak with rage in my eyes. It's head was about to snap down and bite me but I countered it by doing a back flip and kicking the monster's head while I was in the air. When I landed on my feet, I looked up and saw the monster on its hind feet. "Draw Carbuncle!" I commanded focusing my energy taking the last bit of life from it and letting Carbuncle enter my body. A small green sphere appeared on my hand. I analyzed the GF I just got with the magic spell scan. Carbuncle is a cute little fury animal that has the ability to reflect magic. I shrugged and junctioned Carbuncle to myself. I walked up to the assumed to be dead body on the floor. My eyes lowered to the lifeless body on the floor. It didn't seem to be breathing so I turned around. I saw Irvine a couple of yards away from me with his gun pointing at me. He held up his gun aiming it at me and I started shaking with anger. "What the hell are you doing!?" I yelled taking a step forward. "Shh. don't move." Irvine said calmly as he still had his gun aiming at me. "Irvine put the gun down!" I yelled and he just shook his head no. Just as Irvine shot the gun I awaited the bullet to go straight through my head. I closed my eyes but nothing came, I heard the shot but nothing.
I let my left eye open to see a grinning Irvine standing in front of me. "What are you smiling about?" I asked angrily folding my arms over my chest. "You just tried to kill me!?" I yelled throwing my hands up in the air and he just shook his head no. "Then what's with you pointing and shooting your gun at me!" I asked frustrated and he pointed behind me. I turned around only to the Iguana standing on its back feet. The monster had a bullet hole through its head. I gently poked the thing with my finger and it fell to the ground dead. I turned back to Irvine who started chuckling and I looked to the ground. "Don't do that again." I said firmly and Irvine finally stopped his laughter. "Yes sir!" Irvine said and he tried to do the SeeD salute. I shook my head and mind suddenly shifted over to Rinoa. .Rinoa. I thought as I ran over to Rinoa lying down on the floor.
I bent down next to her and she was breathing but it didn't look like she's been hurt at all. She pushed herself up onto her knees and she was shaking badly. "I was scared." Rinoa said letting tears streak down her face. I got up onto my feet to get going but she gripped onto me tugging my back down. "Really scared," she went on looking into my eyes. "It's over now." I said brushing the hair out of her face. Rinoa kept tugging on my jacket. "I was scared," she repeated, "I was really, really scared." "You're used to battles aren't you?" I asked a bit confused with her being an anti- government faction. "I couldn't. I just couldn't," she cast her head down in shame as she explained, "I couldn't fight alone."
.You're not ready for all this. I thought looking at how terrified Rinoa was. "Better get going." I said shaking her hand off. Rinoa's eyes widened as she saw me walk away and clung onto me again. I sighed looking back at her with sympathy. "I haven't forgotten your order." I said trying to reassure her. Rinoa still hung onto me tightly with her eyes closed. "Just stay close to me." I said and Rinoa nodded her head. She let go of my arm and got up. "Hey guys follow me. I know where the hatch is." Irvine said leading us out of the commencement room and into the hallway. Irvine walked over to a crack in the floor and bent down to open it up. He led the latch up for Rinoa and I to go down. Then he followed closing the hatch behind him. Inside we found a large machine, apparently the carousel clock tower. The chamber was circled by small holographic projectors, which would emit horses, clowns, and other 'circus theme' images. Right next to one of the projectors was the sniper rifle. I picked it up and handed it to Irvine. "Irvine Kinneas, it's in your hands now." I said and he nodded his head slowly and walked over to the far side of the clock tower. He sat down with the sniper rifle in his lap.
Huh...? Why'd he get all quiet? I thought looking at Irvine who was fiddling his thumbs. Rinoa sat down on one of the projectors and I continued thinking. Oh he must be concentrating. I thought sitting down right across from Rinoa. Loneliness of the sharpshooter... I guess he has a point. I concluded looking at the ground. Seifer. so he's alive. Rinoa'll want to know. but. I looked up at Rinoa and scratched my head. "Rinoa." I said and she flipped her hair back and looked at me. "Seifer's alive. He was in the parade with the Sorceress." I said stuffing my hands in my jean pockets. At this Rinoa widened her eyes in surprise. ".What does it mean?" She asked rubbing her arm and I just shrugged my shoulders. "Who knows?" I said bringing my hand up to my head. I'm just as confused as anyone else. I thought closing my eyes and continued to wonder what was going to happen. If I were to face the Sorceress directly. Would I have to go through Seifer? As this thought crossed my mind I pushed my hair back with my hand letting it rest on my neck.
.That's the way it goes as a SeeD. You can't choose your enemies. I thought lowering my gaze to my red and black sneakers. "I may end up killing Seifer." I said glancing up at Rinoa and she shook her head lightly. "Your both.prepared, right?" Rinoa asked swing her legs back and forth. "That's the kind of world you live in. You've had a lot of emotional training." Rinoa said cuffing her hands together and placing them in her lap. "But... Of course, I'd rather it not happen..." Rinoa continued and I looked up at her playing with the ring on her necklace. I looked over to the sharp shooter who was still sitting on the floor. "It's all up to Irvine." I said and got up off the projector. I started to walk towards him and squatted down next to him. Irvine looked kind of odd like he was terrified or something. Huh.? Is he freakin' out!? I thought as he started to shake. "Don't tell me you're getting the jitters." I said realizing how frightened he really was. "I.I can't do it." Irvine announced crossing his arms over his chest. I shook my head putting my hand on my forehead. .Oh no.
Back down in the sewers the 'Gateway team' was trying to find the way out. "We gotta get out of here quick." Squall said as they walked through the Deling City Sewers. "Yeah before the float does." Selphie said looking all around for a possible way out. "Yeah I know!" Quistis said getting quite frustrated. "Well if we don't get out of here quick, we can kiss our. Waaah!?" Squall yelled tripping over something and falling on the ground. Selphie and Quistis looked back to see Squall on the floor. "Squall!" Selphie screamed trying to help him up along with Quistis. "What happened?" Quistis asked dusting Squall off and Selphie looked him up and down to make sure he was okay. "I don't know? I tripped over this stupid metal pole." Squall said kicking it and then grabbed his foot in agony. "Damn it!" Squall yelled holding his foot from the pain. "You okay?" Selphie asked putting a hand on his shoulder. He nodded and got up glaring at the pole. "Stupid ass pole." Squall said crossing his arms over his chest. While this was happening Quistis was to busy studying the pole Squall tripped over.
There were two bars going up instead of one and poles going horizontally between them. "Guys, that's not a pole." Quistis said getting the attention of Selphie and Squall. "What are you talking about? Of course it is." Squall said staring at Quistis oddly and Selphie just glanced between the two. "Nope it's a ladder." Quistis said looking at her teammates. Squall walked around the ladder observing it and after a few seconds he turned to Quistis. "Your right." He said and Quistis ran to the ladder starting to climb it. "What are you waiting for!" Quistis yelled staring at Squall and Selphie. They nodded and started to climb it to the top. As they climbed higher and higher everything seemed to be more familiar. "What the." Quistis said looking around while climbing up. "Wow! This sure is lucky." Squall said in excitement while he glanced around franticly. They were inside the archway, the 'Gateway teams' post for the night.
They passed the first floor and continued up. "Phew! We just made it." Squall said walking over to were Selphie was and peered out the window with her. The parade was nearing them when Quistis also went over to look out the window. The Presidential Residence and the huge clock atop it read 20:00. Below the Sorceress's float was just passing underneath the archway. "Instructor, now! Hit the switch!" Squall screamed looking back at Quistis. Quistis ran over to the switch and operated it. "Please work, please work." Selphie said closing her eyes and crossing her fingers. The archway began to shake. Rod-iron gates started coming down from the upper portion of the arch, surrounding the sorceress float. Atop the Sorceress's float Edea jumped off her throne glaring at the gates.
Inside the clock tower sat staring at our sharp shooter. Suddenly, the machinery around them started moving. Rinoa gasped a little, as the clock rang 20:00. The holographic emitters bean shining brightly. The carousel started rising, and finally, Irvine, Rinoa, and I had a clear shot across the area at the Archway. "Irvine Kinneas!!!" I yelled throwing my in the air and Irvine slowly looked up at me. "I... I can't" Irvine started. "I'm sorry, I can't do it. I always choke like this..." Oh man oh man oh man... I thought shaking my head in frustration. "I try to act all cool, joke around, but I just can't handle the pressure..." Irvine said looking at the ground below us. "Forget it. Just shoot." I replied coldly scratching my head nervously. Irvine didn't pay any attention to me and went on.
"My bullet... The sorceress... I'll go down in history. I'd change the history of Galbadia... Of the world!" He said raising his hand up in the air. We don't have time for this. I thought glancing down at my watch, we were already about a minuet past 20:00. "It's all to much." Irvine said bring his hand down to his forehead. "Enough! Just shoot!" I yelled pounding my fist down on the floor and Irvine glared up at me. "I can't, damn it!" He yelled starting to cry softly and I rolled my eyes. "Irvine, calm down." I said. "Everyone's waiting on you." I said putting a hand on his shoulder. "I don't care if you miss. Whatever happens, happens, just leave the rest to us." I said taking my hand off his shoulder and he wiped his tears away.
"Just think of it s a signal. A sign for us to make our move." I continued and Irvine looked up at me. "Just a signal." That's it. I thought and handed him the Sniper Rifle again. "Please." I said and Irvine took it out of my hands. But before he did he made sure to put his cowboy hat back on his head. Irvine took his stance positioning himself correctly, aiming at the Sorceress. She was just standing there as if she was waiting for Irvine's bullet to hit her. "...Just a sign." Irvine reminded himself while he cocked the gun. Irvine shot and the bullet headed straight for the Sorceress. But right before it hit Edea a blue cup of energy surrounded Edea, clanging loudly as the bullet hit it. Irvine closed his eyes ashamed and sat down next to me. "...I'm sorry." He said looking down. "It's ok. Your aim was perfect." I said trying to reassure him. "Leave the rest up to me." I waved my hand at Rinoa motioning her to come closer. "I'm goin' in for the sorceress. Irvine, Rinoa, just be ready to back me up." I commanded and they both nodded in agreement. I took a look below and then glanced back at Irvine. "Take care of Rinoa." I told Irvine and jumped from the top of the clock.
I landed on the balcony below and ran over to the podium. The crowd down on the streets turned to total chaos. The reason for this was that Edea became trapped underneath the gateway. The Galbadian soldiers had to fight the now hostile crowd with their shields to keep them away from the Presidential Residence. Looks like I'm jumping. I thought looking at all the streets below. I leapt off the edge of the balcony with my hands bawled into fists. There was one soldier fighting off a bunch of Deling City citizens and I was coming down right to him. Right before I landed on him he looked up and sees me about to fall on him. I hit him and he stumbled to the ground and I never got knocked off my feet. I looked up to see a light blue convertible right in front of me. .That might work. I thought as I ran for the car dogging all the angry citizens and Galbadian soldiers. I jumped into the drivers' seat hoping the keys were somewhere in the car. I ran my hands over the keyhole to find out the keys were in the ignition. I turned the key and the car roared to life.
I pulled back on the stick shift while also pushing down the clutch and I backed out of the parking lot. I swung the steering wheel spinning the car around. The archway was a few hundred feet ahead of me. I then slammed down on the clutch and pushed the stick shift into 1st wheel drive. I floored the gas heading straight for the gateway. I didn't stop for any of the people who dove out of the way to avoid being hit by the convertible. I put the car into 2nd wheel drive driving even faster to the Sorceress. As I neared the gateway I slammed on the brakes as I turned the steering wheel hard to the right. The car spun out closing in on the gate. .Oh shit! I thought right before the convertible hit the metal bars of the gate on its side sending me flying out of the car. I landed beyond the gate on my knees right behind the float. I lifted myself up on the float to see Seifer standing before the Sorceress.
"Well, this is how it turned out." Seifer said bouncing his gunblade on his shoulder. I glared at him partly because he had joined forces with the Sorceress and the other part was that I just didn't like him at the time. "So you've become the Sorceress' lapdog?" I asked sarcastically while I smirked at him. Seifer brought down his gunblade from his shoulder to the floor of the float. He leaned on it like it was a cane. "I prefer to be called her knight." He said looking back at her and she nodded. "This has always been my dream." Seifer said putting a hand through his hair. "Zell, your mine!" Seifer yelled pointing his gunblade at me. He ran for me slashing his gunblade at my head. I dogged it by ducking right under it feeling a gust of air pass through my hair. I countered the attack by jabbing my fist across his cheek. "Ugh." Seifer groaned stepping back and spiting blood out to the side. "Not bad." He said looking me up and down. "So, thought I was dead, eh?" Seifer said looking down at the float we stood on. "Well, not until I fulfill my dream!" He yelled lunging at me with his gunblade high up in the air. I tried stepping to the side to avoid the attack but nearly got my left leg. I looked down at my leg to see the blood seeping through my jean shorts. I looked up at Seifer infuriated at him and sprinted for him.
He swung his gunblade at me again but this time I jumped over his gunblade and kicked him in the head. Seifer hit the floor of the float and stayed there for a couple of seconds. Either I'm getting stronger or Seifers' getting weaker. I thought slightly grinning as he scrambled to his feet. Seifer shook his head wildly trying to get rid of the horrible pain in his head. "Pretty impressive." He said holding his head with his left hand. "Let's see you dodge this!" Seifer yelled running towards me. He raised his gunblade up about to slash me but before he did I kicked the hand which held his gunblade. Seifer's Typhoon flew up in the air. Both of us watched as the gunblade spun in the air. The half sword half gun fell into my right hand and I looked at Seifer who was hunched over. "I. lost.!?" Seifer groaned as he pouted on the ground. I turned around and tossed his gunblade onto the streets. "You're losing it Seifer." I said turning back around to find Seifer return to the side of the Sorceress.
The Sorceress shook her head ashamed at Seifer's loss. She then glared at me and stood from her throne. ".A SeeD." Edea begun her voice rising. ".Planted on a run-down Garden." She said taking a step towards me. I tightened the gloves on my hands and started to shake with my fists out in front of me. Right before the fight begun there was some commotion heading for the float. The next thing I knew Rinoa appeared on the left of me while Irvine on the right of me. I looked at Rinoa who simply whipped her hair out of her face. "I can fight if I'm here with you." Rinoa said loading the steel disc into her Blaster Edge. "That's why I'm here." Rinoa said aiming her weapon at the Sorceress. I nodded and turned my head to the right to see Irvine loading his shotgun. "I have to redeem myself." Irvine said cocking his gun by jolting his shotgun upward. ".The accursed SeeD."
Edea raised her hand high in the air while focusing on a dark forbidden magic. "Maelstrom!" She screamed a huge black cloud appeared surrounding us. The thick black smog made me cough and wheeze as did it make the others. As the darkened cloud disappeared we all were on the floor gasping for air. Irvine was shaking his head while breathing hard and Rinoa was just grasping onto her necklace also trying to take in clean air. "Sorry guys I'm sitting this one out." Irvine said hoarsely and he rolled off the float onto the street. I looked at him oddly and he just put his hands around his mouth. "Don't worry I've got a plan." He mouthed without making a sound and then disappeared out of sight. Rinoa looked up confused and tapped me on the shoulder. "Where's Irvine?" She whispered while she looked around. "He'll be back." I said glancing up at the Sorceress who was just standing there with her arms crossed. I hope. I thought and we both got onto our feet. "Is that all you got?" Edea asked and I shook my head getting irritated with her. I rushed up to her with my fists out in front of me and I leapt up into the air towards her. But before I could even touch her she lifted up her left arm.
This caused a yellow barrier knocking me backwards onto my back. Before I could get back up the Sorceress raised her arms again. "Thundaga!" Edea screamed casting it making a huge lighting bolt come out of the sky and hit Rinoa. Rinoa screamed out in pain as she fell down to the ground. I looked at her while focusing my energy. "Cura!" I yelled as a bunch of blue lights floated over her body and went into her. Rinoa got back up on her feet and looked at me thankfully and I looked back at Edea. She likes to use magic. I think I got something that can counter that. I thought as yelled. "Carbuncle!" I summoned and a hole appeared on the floor of the float between the Sorceress and us. Then a green fury head with a red diamond on its forehead popped its head through the hole. The green rodent turned its head looking at the Sorceress and us. It leapt out of the hole into the air and pointed the red diamond on the GF's head. It shot a bright shiny light causing to put the magic spell reflect on Rinoa and I. With that Carbuncle dove back into the hole as the hole disappeared after it.
Edea not noticing that we had reflect on ourselves still used an attack magic. "Blizzaga!" She yelled throwing her arms up in the air causing a bunch of ice to come towards me. Luckily the ice hit the reflect shield making the ice to go back to Edea. Edea let out an agonizing scream while she knelt on the floor. I took advantage of the situation and ran up to her and jabbed her in the face. I ran back to Rinoa and she shot the metal disk out of her Blaster Edge. The disk barely caught the Sorceress cutting her arm. Edea glanced down at her arm and glared at Rinoa her eyes starting to turn yellow. But before the Sorceress could do anything Irvine came from behind her in the air. Irvine had climbed up the back of the float and leapt onto the Sorceress. So Irvine was planing a sneak attack. I thought watching Irvine trying to choke her to death with his gun. Then everything went bad when Edea elbowed Irvine in the stomach making him loosen his grip as he let out a groan.
Edea took Irvine's arm and flipped him over her shoulder. Irvine went flying into the brick wall of the Archway. "Impudent SeeD." The Sorceress said in an awkward voice due to she was trying to recover from being strangled. Edea raised her arm, and light blue energy began glowing around her. The sorceress held her hand out, as if grasping something. Suddenly, large spears of Ice formed above her head. She moved her hand back and swung the ice javelin. The ice soared through the air at Rinoa and I. Rinoa was able to duck to avoid the attack on the other hand I wasn't as lucky. The spear of ice had gone into my right shoulder went through my back. Rinoa turned around to me and let out a horrible scream. I just stood there shocked at what just happened. It hurt so much I could barely breath. I stumbled back and fell off the edge of the float. The last thing I remember seeing was Rinoa leaning over the end of the float and extended her hand. She screamed my name and my vision blurred and I hit the ground with everything fading to black.
That's the 4th chapter. Sorry that it took so long. I'm also sorry to all you Selvine fans out there. The fact is that I like the idea of Squall and Selphie together better. Please review and I'll post the next chapter in the future.
