Chapter 6 Hands Full
Laguna smiled and waved to everyone as he was taken slowly through the city. He knew he was safe, but still, even a hundred Eshtar soldiers couldn't make him feel secure. That was why he had his trusty machine-gun tucked under the floor of the vehicle in case he needed it.
Quistis was sending fault directions. "Let President reach Palace before move," She said under her breath as she keyed in the directive furiously.
"Stop where you are, SeeD."
Quistis whirled around and struck with her Save the Queen, but the whip sparked when it met the blade of a Gunblade - Hyperion.
"Well hello, Seifer," She said cynically. "I'd like my GF's back now, I'm sure you can't summon them fast enough."
Seifer did not answer, instead he sheathed his Hyperion.
Quistis gripped her Save the Queen tightly. "Are you going to stand there, or fight?"
Seifer shook his head. "Propogator!"
Quistis gawked as three Propagators lumbered into the room. Three. if Squall was here it would have been a different matter. Then her heart hardened. Hell, you're no weakling!
She dodged, lashed and summoned Bahamut again and again, until finally only Seifer remained. But Quistis was exhausted. She jumped from one torture to another, she thought wryly. Seifer approached her as Quistis aimed her whip.
"Very well, you can have your GFs back" Seifer said and in a second, cold energy slammed into Quistis, making her topple to the ground. A wave of dizziness hit her. "That."
"Was no GF," Seifer picked her up and stared into her clear blue eyes. He had hit her with Slow status, and she was struggling for control. 'Let - me - go.
"You're going to watch the world die,' He said jerkily. Quistis blanched and tried to pull away, but he was, evidently too strong. Summoning a strength she didn't know she possessed, she pushed him away and she herself banged against the control panel. It was then did she notice - Energy Release : Enter Code.
"This place is a bomb mine." Seifer swung his Hyperion. "And you'll blow up with it."
Quistis suddenly smiled, but it was triumphant. "Really? Top security codes always have anti-personnel security."
Seifer frowned, and then realization hit him. "What - "
Too late, Quistis had randomly punched in numbers and now the panel was blaring. "Warning, incorrect code. Preparing seal process."
Seifer tried to get to the door, but it was sealed tight. "Curse you, SeeD!"
Quistis slumped down at the control panel. She felt the air grow heavy - Bad Breath! She only had protection against Berserk and Sleep.eventually she'd die. She mentally berated herself for not stocking Esuna from Squall, and then thinking. what the heck?
Seifer was hit with all status, and was asleep. Quistis smiled briefly. As long as he's not awake, he won't be in any danger. She closed her eyes and felt her strength ebbing. At least I was able to do something constructive, the Instructor in her calmly reflected. Constructive? A chuckle escaped her lips. How much constructive can her life get? SeeD at the age of 15, Instructor at 16, Savior of the world at 17. a loner all the while. Alone. At first she had thought she could at least live it out with the cold-hearted Squall, but he's got Rinoa now, and in the end, she's been going in circles. She was about to reach for the transmitter on her vest when she checked herself. She had never called to him for help, and she certainly wasn't going to do so now.
Squall noticed several Eshtar soldiers were discussing among themselves, and then comparing something. These are the rebels, he thought. Elbowing himself through the crowd, he pushed up to the side of the vehicle. When he was there, he hoisted himself up and heard gasps of shock and outrage. Laguna spun around and was startled to see Squall. "Talk later, you life is in danger," Squall said curtly. Laguna nodded, thinking fast. Turning to the now speechless crowd, he smiled. "I have sent a request to Balamb Garden to borrow their Commander - I would like to give him my profound thanks; the thanks of the City of Eshtar! Everybody please, Commander Squall Leonhart!" There was an uneasy hush, and then slowly, but gradually, applause began to build until a thunderous applause greeted this speech, and Laguna watched in satisfaction as everyone beamed. But Squall wasn't paying attention. He had his Lion Heart by his side, his glacial eyes carefully examined every face he could catch. "I'm taking you to Garden once this parade is finished," He said, barely audible over the roar of the crowd. Laguna blinked. "But I have a feast with the Presidents of the world, I can't miss that."
"You have your life to worry about," Squall said reproachfully. Laguna preferred not to answer - the ties between father and son weren't too good, but tolerable. Squall acknowledged Laguna because of Ellone, and only because of Ellone. For the duty of SeeD, he'd save Laguna, but for the honor of his position only. Not as a son.
Very soon the vehicle pulled up to the presidential palace and both men climbed down. Kiros and Ward came up and beamed at Squall. "Is he joining us?"
"I'm taking Laguna to Garden." Squall said. "There are rebels here, and he's in danger. He's safer with us."
Kiros nodded. Squall never joked about such matters. "We'll cover up."
'President Loire!" Another man came up, and judging by his uniform, he was the Head of the Eshtar army. "The other Presidents are waiting for you."
"Ah, I have something else to do, please give them my regards." Laguna started to follow Squall. The Head of Guard was shocked. "President!"
"Leave him," Kiros said sharply. "Didn't you hear? Tell them President Loire will be absent."
"Ah... yes." he stammered and turned away, so neither Kiros nor Ward saw the murder in his eyes. Damn Commander Leonhart!
Squall pulled Laguna through the crowds, clearing a path with his Lion Heart to scare away rabid fans. He tapped the transmitter. "Quistis?"
Crackle. Silence. "Quistis?!" And then. "Squall.?" it was barely audible, slightly more than a whisper. In the background, he heard a siren. 'What's going on?!"
'Did you get. Laguna?"
"Yes, I'm coming to get you. What's going on?!"
"No. go to Garden. Don't come."
"What's going on!!!! Answer me!"
"Seifer."
"He's there?"
"Go back, don't come."
"Hyne!" He cursed and entered the Ragnarok. "I'm not leaving you!"
"The place. It's activated high-security. I can hear monsters everywhere."
"Stop it! I'm coming, hold on!" He flipped the switches and the Ragnarok sprang to life.
"No." stronger, but still feeble. He landed the Ragnarok just outside the screen and entered through the hole. In wasn't long before he stood outside the Control Room, but true enough, Behemoths and Marlboros were abound. How the hell was he going to open the door?! Just then he heard a roar and the biggest Ruby Dragon he had ever seen was charging at him. It reared up and gave Breath, but Squall quickly evaded and in a second, the door blew up in flames. He threw a sleep spell at it and rushed through the door. "Quistis!!"
Quistis was leaning over Seifer, keeping him asleep. He had woken up several times and gone berserk, but Quistis quickly cast Sleep on him. He has to answer to Squall. even if I die, I need to keep him alive.
'Quistis!" Squall rushed to Quistis, but the latter was too drained to answer. Squall quickly rummaged in his pockets. He found a X-Potion and gave it to her as well as an Esuna spell. She blinked and looked at Squall. Squall pulled her. "Let's go."
"Wait! Seifer! We have to take him!"
"Whatever for?" Squall asked with the faintest hint of a growl. Quistis shook her head in exasperation. "He can tell us what's going on. We need to give a report to Cid, remember?"
Squall grudgingly had to admit her logic. 'Fine." He threw a float spell on him and the three rushed out of the place.
"MAGE ALERT!!!" Nida bellowed over the PA System. Everywhere, chaos ensued as SeeDs and cadets gathered around every available opening to stop the enemy. Irvine, Zell and Selphie ran around between the first and second floors, while Edea took care of the third floor. Dark Mages broke through glass panels, causing chaos similar to the Galbadia Garden attack. Selphie literally blew everyone away with Shiva, while Zell gave a fine show with his martial arts, though of course Pandemona was there to cover him. "Squad A report!" Irvine spoke into the transmitter.
"Quad clear!"
"Dorms clear!"
"Cafeteria clear!"
"We need help at the front gate!"
Irvine cursed slightly and let fly a round of shots as a Mage tried to use Stop on him. "Selphie, front gate!"
"On my way, cowboy!" Selphie replied cheerfully. Irvine shook his head in amazement. He and Zell were close to Limit Breaks and she can still smile?
The Transmitter cracked and Nida's voice rang shrilly. "Irvine! Galbadia Garden and Trabia are also reporting similar attacks!"
"Shoot." Irvine cursed again. "Tell them to give all they've got! Where are we now?"
"Nearing Eshtar, but I can't move so fast - the Mage ship's slowing us down!"
"Just keep on going. try and get Squall!"
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Laguna smiled and waved to everyone as he was taken slowly through the city. He knew he was safe, but still, even a hundred Eshtar soldiers couldn't make him feel secure. That was why he had his trusty machine-gun tucked under the floor of the vehicle in case he needed it.
Quistis was sending fault directions. "Let President reach Palace before move," She said under her breath as she keyed in the directive furiously.
"Stop where you are, SeeD."
Quistis whirled around and struck with her Save the Queen, but the whip sparked when it met the blade of a Gunblade - Hyperion.
"Well hello, Seifer," She said cynically. "I'd like my GF's back now, I'm sure you can't summon them fast enough."
Seifer did not answer, instead he sheathed his Hyperion.
Quistis gripped her Save the Queen tightly. "Are you going to stand there, or fight?"
Seifer shook his head. "Propogator!"
Quistis gawked as three Propagators lumbered into the room. Three. if Squall was here it would have been a different matter. Then her heart hardened. Hell, you're no weakling!
She dodged, lashed and summoned Bahamut again and again, until finally only Seifer remained. But Quistis was exhausted. She jumped from one torture to another, she thought wryly. Seifer approached her as Quistis aimed her whip.
"Very well, you can have your GFs back" Seifer said and in a second, cold energy slammed into Quistis, making her topple to the ground. A wave of dizziness hit her. "That."
"Was no GF," Seifer picked her up and stared into her clear blue eyes. He had hit her with Slow status, and she was struggling for control. 'Let - me - go.
"You're going to watch the world die,' He said jerkily. Quistis blanched and tried to pull away, but he was, evidently too strong. Summoning a strength she didn't know she possessed, she pushed him away and she herself banged against the control panel. It was then did she notice - Energy Release : Enter Code.
"This place is a bomb mine." Seifer swung his Hyperion. "And you'll blow up with it."
Quistis suddenly smiled, but it was triumphant. "Really? Top security codes always have anti-personnel security."
Seifer frowned, and then realization hit him. "What - "
Too late, Quistis had randomly punched in numbers and now the panel was blaring. "Warning, incorrect code. Preparing seal process."
Seifer tried to get to the door, but it was sealed tight. "Curse you, SeeD!"
Quistis slumped down at the control panel. She felt the air grow heavy - Bad Breath! She only had protection against Berserk and Sleep.eventually she'd die. She mentally berated herself for not stocking Esuna from Squall, and then thinking. what the heck?
Seifer was hit with all status, and was asleep. Quistis smiled briefly. As long as he's not awake, he won't be in any danger. She closed her eyes and felt her strength ebbing. At least I was able to do something constructive, the Instructor in her calmly reflected. Constructive? A chuckle escaped her lips. How much constructive can her life get? SeeD at the age of 15, Instructor at 16, Savior of the world at 17. a loner all the while. Alone. At first she had thought she could at least live it out with the cold-hearted Squall, but he's got Rinoa now, and in the end, she's been going in circles. She was about to reach for the transmitter on her vest when she checked herself. She had never called to him for help, and she certainly wasn't going to do so now.
Squall noticed several Eshtar soldiers were discussing among themselves, and then comparing something. These are the rebels, he thought. Elbowing himself through the crowd, he pushed up to the side of the vehicle. When he was there, he hoisted himself up and heard gasps of shock and outrage. Laguna spun around and was startled to see Squall. "Talk later, you life is in danger," Squall said curtly. Laguna nodded, thinking fast. Turning to the now speechless crowd, he smiled. "I have sent a request to Balamb Garden to borrow their Commander - I would like to give him my profound thanks; the thanks of the City of Eshtar! Everybody please, Commander Squall Leonhart!" There was an uneasy hush, and then slowly, but gradually, applause began to build until a thunderous applause greeted this speech, and Laguna watched in satisfaction as everyone beamed. But Squall wasn't paying attention. He had his Lion Heart by his side, his glacial eyes carefully examined every face he could catch. "I'm taking you to Garden once this parade is finished," He said, barely audible over the roar of the crowd. Laguna blinked. "But I have a feast with the Presidents of the world, I can't miss that."
"You have your life to worry about," Squall said reproachfully. Laguna preferred not to answer - the ties between father and son weren't too good, but tolerable. Squall acknowledged Laguna because of Ellone, and only because of Ellone. For the duty of SeeD, he'd save Laguna, but for the honor of his position only. Not as a son.
Very soon the vehicle pulled up to the presidential palace and both men climbed down. Kiros and Ward came up and beamed at Squall. "Is he joining us?"
"I'm taking Laguna to Garden." Squall said. "There are rebels here, and he's in danger. He's safer with us."
Kiros nodded. Squall never joked about such matters. "We'll cover up."
'President Loire!" Another man came up, and judging by his uniform, he was the Head of the Eshtar army. "The other Presidents are waiting for you."
"Ah, I have something else to do, please give them my regards." Laguna started to follow Squall. The Head of Guard was shocked. "President!"
"Leave him," Kiros said sharply. "Didn't you hear? Tell them President Loire will be absent."
"Ah... yes." he stammered and turned away, so neither Kiros nor Ward saw the murder in his eyes. Damn Commander Leonhart!
Squall pulled Laguna through the crowds, clearing a path with his Lion Heart to scare away rabid fans. He tapped the transmitter. "Quistis?"
Crackle. Silence. "Quistis?!" And then. "Squall.?" it was barely audible, slightly more than a whisper. In the background, he heard a siren. 'What's going on?!"
'Did you get. Laguna?"
"Yes, I'm coming to get you. What's going on?!"
"No. go to Garden. Don't come."
"What's going on!!!! Answer me!"
"Seifer."
"He's there?"
"Go back, don't come."
"Hyne!" He cursed and entered the Ragnarok. "I'm not leaving you!"
"The place. It's activated high-security. I can hear monsters everywhere."
"Stop it! I'm coming, hold on!" He flipped the switches and the Ragnarok sprang to life.
"No." stronger, but still feeble. He landed the Ragnarok just outside the screen and entered through the hole. In wasn't long before he stood outside the Control Room, but true enough, Behemoths and Marlboros were abound. How the hell was he going to open the door?! Just then he heard a roar and the biggest Ruby Dragon he had ever seen was charging at him. It reared up and gave Breath, but Squall quickly evaded and in a second, the door blew up in flames. He threw a sleep spell at it and rushed through the door. "Quistis!!"
Quistis was leaning over Seifer, keeping him asleep. He had woken up several times and gone berserk, but Quistis quickly cast Sleep on him. He has to answer to Squall. even if I die, I need to keep him alive.
'Quistis!" Squall rushed to Quistis, but the latter was too drained to answer. Squall quickly rummaged in his pockets. He found a X-Potion and gave it to her as well as an Esuna spell. She blinked and looked at Squall. Squall pulled her. "Let's go."
"Wait! Seifer! We have to take him!"
"Whatever for?" Squall asked with the faintest hint of a growl. Quistis shook her head in exasperation. "He can tell us what's going on. We need to give a report to Cid, remember?"
Squall grudgingly had to admit her logic. 'Fine." He threw a float spell on him and the three rushed out of the place.
"MAGE ALERT!!!" Nida bellowed over the PA System. Everywhere, chaos ensued as SeeDs and cadets gathered around every available opening to stop the enemy. Irvine, Zell and Selphie ran around between the first and second floors, while Edea took care of the third floor. Dark Mages broke through glass panels, causing chaos similar to the Galbadia Garden attack. Selphie literally blew everyone away with Shiva, while Zell gave a fine show with his martial arts, though of course Pandemona was there to cover him. "Squad A report!" Irvine spoke into the transmitter.
"Quad clear!"
"Dorms clear!"
"Cafeteria clear!"
"We need help at the front gate!"
Irvine cursed slightly and let fly a round of shots as a Mage tried to use Stop on him. "Selphie, front gate!"
"On my way, cowboy!" Selphie replied cheerfully. Irvine shook his head in amazement. He and Zell were close to Limit Breaks and she can still smile?
The Transmitter cracked and Nida's voice rang shrilly. "Irvine! Galbadia Garden and Trabia are also reporting similar attacks!"
"Shoot." Irvine cursed again. "Tell them to give all they've got! Where are we now?"
"Nearing Eshtar, but I can't move so fast - the Mage ship's slowing us down!"
"Just keep on going. try and get Squall!"
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