Chapter 11 The First Move
"It's been ages since I've come here," Ellone said delightedly as she sat down in Edea's room. "I heard Uncle Laguna's here?"
"You're right, he is," Laguna grinned as he sauntered over and hugged his niece. "How are you, Ellone?"
"Uncle Laguna!" Ellone beamed. "Didn't think you could ever take a holiday! But - " She suddenly realized something was missing. Not that it was strange enough that Nida and a few other SeeDs came to her house and invited her to Balamb Garden; but where are the others?
"Ellone, dear." Edea suddenly appeared, smiling warmly at her little girl. "President Loire," She nodded respectfully at the man. "Are you looking for the others, Ellone?"
"Always read my mind!" Ellone laughed gaily, but stopped at Edea's grave face. 'Is - something the matter, Matron?"
Edea sighed. The Six have been gone for a long time - she was worried if something happened to them. Not that she was overtly worried - but it was important that they know who was behind this. "Ellone dear, we need your help," She said at last. "I'm sorry to bother you - "
The alarm suddenly blared and Nida's voice could be heard over the PA System. "Ambush! Black Mages again!!!! All SeeDs in position! All cadets at your stations!"
"What's happening." Edea murmured anxiously. She got up and sealed the door to the room. After the Sorceress's War, she had junctioned GFs to herself, and because of her natural magical abilities, she was almost as powerful as when she was a Sorceress. "I'm sorry, Ellone dear, President Loire - " She gasped as Laguna exited the room, carrying something that looked suspiciously like a machine gun. "Been waiting for a chance to use this!" He grinned.
Nida grit his teeth as he surveyed the situation from the bridge. The enemy was dressed in black, Nida had do idea who they were. But from the moment they appeared out of nowhere, Nida knew they were in for a long fight. Damn! Not to mention they were armed heavily with machine guns and magic - and there's darned lot of them - almost as many enemies as there were SeeDs and Cadets! And with the Six gone...
Laguna raced through the first floor hallway, shooting anything that didn't wear a Garden uniform. He was pretty pleased, since it had been ages since he used his gun. Some of the enemy recognized him and stopped long enough to stare - or in Laguna's case, long enough to get shot. But even the best has his limits. 'Where are the others?!" He yelled to nobody in particular.
" Blood fest!" Seifer roared and sliced his enemies in two. Was it him or do these soldier seem to come at him like flies? Are they sent by those men who captured him? The thought made his heart stop. If so, then he's a danger to Garden. But. he's not about to desert the place. Not yet. Seifer never gives up without a fight.
^^^In somebody's dream...^^^^
It was a rainy, gray morning. She peered out through the huge window in the living room. Waiting. A hand clasped hers and she led outside, into the pouring rain. "Where are we going?" She looked up into the face of the person, but it was shadowed. "We're going somewhere special."
"Why isn't mommy coming? Why are you taking me alone?"
"Hush, Quistis. We're nearly there."
It was an endless walk through and endless corridor, filled with faceless people in white clothes. And it was silent, and cold. Where am I?
"This is the girl."
She looked outside and to her delight, saw fishes swimming. But they weren't colorful fishes. They were huge, and she saw some even had sharp teeth. She felt a man grip her hand. "She'll be here for a long time."
A whir of color, and then - everything seemed to pass before her eyes.
"A unique experiment."
"Remarkable!"
"Her IQ surpasses a normal human being."
Straps at her neck, cold manacles at her hands and feet - she was trapped. The air was heavy, and the fear in her turned to anger, boiling until she couldn't stand it any longer. She screamed. And her screams brought chaos -
"Quistis?"
She opened her eyes with a snap and in reflex, punched the person squarely on the jaw. "Get away from me!!!"
"For Hyne's sake, control yourself!" Another gripped her wrists and pinned them to her sides, marring her movements. Quistis blinked. She was.
"About time you woke up too." Selphie remarked happily as she concentrated on maneuvering the Ragnarok through the dark water. Quistis moved her head and her forehead barely brushed Irvine's hat. She could see he was as confused as her as he pinned her arms.
"You were unconscious when I came back for you." Squall's voice broke through her mind. She glanced at him and her eyes widened. He was wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, looking slightly more than flustered.
Somehow the whole thing was funny; funny enough for a giggle to escape her lips as she watched her commander rub his jaw. Zell too was clutching his sides in silent laughter, tears pouring out of his eyes. Squall glared at her sharply, but before he could choose a suitable reprimand, the communication channel opened and Nida's voice came on air, shrieking; "Commander Leonhart! Garden is under attack again!!!"
Suppressing a groan, Squall approached the controls and spoke into the mike. "How's the situation?"
"Garden shields sustained minor damage, Cadets injured by the dozen - the only things that's keeping us from losing is President Loire, Headmistress and Seifer!"
So there's some kind of front after all, Squall thought. And Laguna. guess the man still has it in him. "We're on our way."
"You can't land in the hangar; the doors are jammed."
"Don't worry." Squall closed the channel and turned to Selphie. The ever-present grin was on her face as she deftly pressed some buttons. "Hang on tight!"
The Ragnarok gave a sudden lurch and cut through the water like a bullet, thanks to turbo boosters. The surroundings passed in a blur, but Selphie seemed to know exactly where they were heading, not to mention avoiding sea debris and startled marine creatures.
"Approaching Galbadia continent in twenty seconds." She read the radar. Irvine clutched her seat, knuckles white. "Then why in Hyne are you still underwater?!" He shrieked. Selphie seemed to be a little confused. 'Oh, yeah!"
She sharply pulled the controls and the Ragnarok sped to the surface, breaking the water in a huge burst. "Changing to Air mode," Selphie announced happily. Irvine clutched his hat, feeling dizzy. "Next time, we take the train."
Quistis rubbed her head where she had banged against the seat. It was a dream. but it was so real. and somehow she could sense that; whatever is going on, she could very well hold the key to it.
"There," Selphie pointed to a shining blue structure up ahead, which was smoking slightly. What are we gonna do?"
"Maybe we can scare them off," Irvine suggested. Zell snorted. "Why don't we just barge in there?"
"If we land we'll be attacked the moment we open the doors," Quistis said heavily. She peered intently at the Garden. "Can you drop us off at the third floor?"
"No problem!" Selphie deftly turned the ship and soon they were flying at very low altitude. "Ready?"
Squall, opened the door and instantly was engulfed by the whipping wind. "The balcony outside the bridge!" He shouted as they approached. As he was abut to jump out he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Float!"
The spell probably saved his life. He landed on the balcony (if you can consider bouncing in mid-air a landing) and looked up. Quistis came next, also on Float. Apparently she cast the spell on everybody. "Dispel." Squall cast on himself and opened the door.
"Squall!"
For a moment he was blank, and then a girl tumbled right into his arms. "Sis?"
"Thank Hyne! Please help!"
Squall was still slightly confused when the door burst open and a masked man rushed into the room. Irvine instantly knocked him out. "Who the hell are these people?!" He bolted through the door, Execter ready. Quistis gave Ellone a hug and looked questioningly at her. "Uncle Laguna's downstairs - but." Ellone burst into tears. "Matron was captured!"
"What?!" Squall stared disbelievingly at her before rushing out of the door.
Laguna fired another round before stopping to reload. "They just won't die." He muttered. True enough, these men were very tough. Even after being hit, they can still get up and continue. This posed a little problem. He hastily reloaded while being watched by Seifer. "How much longer will this go?" He snarled.
"Not very long." Laguna bit his lip. He was nearing Limit Break. Seifer had long passed that point, and was getting dangerously close to being knocked out. A shout, and then - "Bad Breath!"
Instantly the enemy was engulfed in a cloud of bad smelling purple smoke, and they began running around blindly - those who weren't asleep, of course. Seifer looked up and saw Quistis leaning over the balcony, Squall next to her. The Commander put a foot on the ledge and jumped down - that's one floor!
But he saw Quistis cast something when he jumped. Quistis looked down and flashed them a smile.
"Desperado!" Laguna swung down on his enemies from a loose rope hanging from the second floor, yelling for all's worth. The machine gun spluttered bullet after bullet into the bodies of their enemies. Squall slapped his forehead. I can't believe I came from him. Raine must have been a very patient person.
Quistis peered anxiously at the sight. She knew Bahamut and Eden would not be able to act in Garden - the walls were protected by high-level magic and made from the hardest metals, but due to Bahamut and Eden's impossibly huge damaging attacks, there was a chance that it might not hold.
Garden was designed to withstand most physical attacks, magic and GFs, but due to their acquisition of the legendary GFs, those GFs were rendered helpless when fighting right inside the premises. She could see that Squall was having a little trouble due to this change - apparently he relied on Eden to cast damage on long-distance opponents, as Lion Heart was not a long range weapon.
Squall looked up right at Quistis. 'Find Matron!" he shouted. Quistis nodded and disappeared. Seifer approached Squall. "Where's Rinoa?!"
Squall kept silent, which Seifer mistook for his usual sullen self. Shrugging, he continued to fight, but this time he fought alongside Squall.
Quistis raced along the corridor, searching for any sign of Matron. There was something. not quite right, but she couldn't place it. Why? Mages attacking Garden every time they were gone, and in large numbers at that. And why Matron?
'Watch where you're going, Quisty!" Zell yelled as he pummeled a Mage who tried to ambush Quistis. The blonde mentally shook her head. As she did so, her senses prickled, just like they did every time she felt something wrong. "The balcony - hurry!" She raced through the corridor to the door at the furthest end - the door to the large patio-like balcony. As she and Zell burst through the door, they heard a furious scream and saw Matron being dragged towards a waiting airship. "Let me go, you Mage!"
"Petrify!" Quistis screamed and instantly the Mage froze, turned to stone. But another was bearing down on her, and Matron's arm was stuck in the grip of the Petrified Mage. Zell rushed forwards and began attacking the coming Mage, but more and more Mages were coming. "How do they do it?" Zell said through gritted teeth. "They're like ants! How can they be in such numbers?!"
"No time to think, get Matron!" Quistis yelled. "I'll hold them back - go on!" She summoned Bahamut and blasted away mages who tried to get close to her. Zell was trying to free Matron, but seeing that the stone grip was extremely secure, he lost his patience and smashed the stone to pieces. Quistis almost laughed. "Matron - " she was about to say when they was a loud blast and Zell was thrown against the walls of Garden, unconscious with a trickle of blood running down his forehead. She whirled around and saw - a man. The man. HIM. Standing at the entrance of the airship. "What are you doing?!" She yelled over the roar of the airship. His gray hair was slicked back, and his arm was still aiming the gun which had shot Zell. "Accomplishing my job." He said calmly Quistis rushed at him with her whip, but again the same searing pain shot through her body, sending her crashing to the ground. "No!"
"You were a failure to us." He said quietly. "But there's still hope, Quistis Jedda."
Who? Her mind was fighting the pain that engulfed her, but she could still hear. Who is Quistis Jedda?
"The name's Trepe, you old man," She growled and with all her strength, lashed out with her whip, the barbs catching him on the face. He clutched his face, howling in agony. "Take the sorceress!" He bellowed and pointed a finger at Quistis. "Take this!" And a huge explosion threw Quistis against the wall and she slumped to the ground like a ragged doll. But she wasn't giving up. "Matron!" She shouted feebly, and the last thing she saw was Matron staring back at her with fear as she was pushed into the airship. Quistis wanted to cry out, but she was too weak. She closed her eyes and fainted.
Rinoa's vision swam as they made their way across the freezing plains of Hawkins's Plains. There was no wind, thank Hyne, but. She was only dressed in her blue suit, and in shorts at that - She stopped for a moment and wrapped her arms around her. Hyne. what was going on.?
"What's wrong, Rinoa?" Cody's eyes leveled on hers Rinoa shook her head. Cody's attitude nearly didn't change, but he was still insisting that they trek to Eshtar through Trabia. On foot! He still had reasoning capabilities, but the power of the Drug overrode others. And Rinoa knew what they were: Keep Sorceress Rinoa alive; Reach Eshtar by any means without discovery; Kill anybody who tries to take away Sorceress Rinoa. Quite simple, but with Cody it was enough. With Tiamat, he could single- handedly eliminate anything. She winced when she remembered the unfortunate Blue Dragon. Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt warm cloth draped over her shoulders. She looked questioningly at Cody, who had taken off his coat. He was now clad only in a turtleneck sweater. He smiled at her. "I'm sorry for not noticing you're cold."
Rinoa pulled the coat around her body. "I. how much can you remember, Cody?"
Cody's eyes flickered. "Everything. But whatever they injected into me, it doesn't seem to be working."
Rinoa almost wept. Cody's mind was controlled. he didn't realize he was being manipulated. She slumped on the ground, feeling weak. They had been walking for hours, and the bitter cold and hunger had taken its toll on her. "I. can't walk."
Cody thought for a moment, and then crouched down in front of Rinoa, his back to her. "Climb on my back. We'll get there faster."
"Get where?" Rinoa asked bitterly. "We're in the middle of Trabia. Eshtar is days journey on foot, Cody."
"We'll make it. I have to get you there." He insisted and helped her onto his back. "You're not going to die here." He began walking again. Rinoa tightened her grip around his neck, inhaling his fresh, clean scent. She wondered if this was what it felt like; when Squall carried her to Eshtar. How ironic - she was going there again, but on the back of another man. But she felt. safe. She watched from behind his shoulder, his hair tickling her nose. "Cody?"
"Yes."
"Do we have to go to Eshtar?"
No answer. Rinoa sighed and rested her chin on his shoulder. It wasn't long before she fell asleep.
Squall stared at the floor, unmoving. Dr. Kadowaki observed that he had been in the same position for the past hour. "Commander Leonhart, you should get some rest." She stated firmly, but her words fell on deaf ears. She figured he was thinking about the events that had just happened; how can on explain such a thing? All the sudden the blasted Mages jumped out of every available opening and vanished just like that. It was like they weren't even real. But they were, Dr. Kadowaki assured herself bitterly. Judging by the number of students in the Infirmary, they were very real indeed. Selphie and Irvine had taken it upon themselves to transport more urgent cadets and SeeDs to the nearest hospital, leaving her with some room to breathe.
She came into the room and silently took Quistis' pulse. Normal. If it wasn't for the impossibly pale complex and bruises she'd say the child was simply fast asleep. It was then did Squall notice her presence. Dr. Kadowaki nodded and answered the unasked question; "She's alright."
Squall nodded and stretched his legs - it was a hard battle, and he was just about beat. It was one mission after another, one problem following another mishap - one elusive shadow to follow but never reach. And each time, someone had to get hurt. But what he didn't get was why Quistis. It seems like everything that was happening was merely an advance cover for another - grander plan designed by an unseen foe. And somehow they were the center of this grand design.
He mentally arranged the events in his mind, seeking a hole; anything that he had overlooked, but without Quistis to point out subtle hints he was stumped. He never thought how much he relied on his Aide, but now come to think of it; he relied a lot on her. To handle his work; to watch after his back when he so foolishly jumps into battle; to reproach him when he did something wrong; to decide when he can't. And now when he can't decide, there's no one he can look to. Xu? Even the Instructor looks to Quistis for help. Even Headmaster Cid couldn't help him now; being occupied with the safety of his students and his captured wife.
Odine peered at the tall reinforced crystal cylinder. He wasn't sure if his new invention would work, but it didn't matter. Science was all about trying.
"How is it going, Odine?" A deep male voice sounded too close for comfort, and Odine spun around to face a tall, elderly man, almost twice his height. "It is doing fine, Mr. Thorpe. We will be able to conduct the transfer very soon."
"Good, but we're in no hurry," The man known as Thorpe clicked his fingers and two Eshtar guards brought Edea into the room. Her eyes reflected quiet anger, but she knew resistance was futile. She had been bound by a Silence spell, and was truly bitter about it. "Dr. Odine," She said quietly. Odine nodded at the woman, knowing fully that she was older than he was, and without the spell, powerful enough to blast his laboratory apart. "Sorceress Edea." He said in his heavy French accent, hearing the slight tremble in his own voice. Thorpe laughed. "Don't tell me you're still afraid of her, Odine? She's a mere shadow of what she used to be."
"But she iz still a sorceress." Odine argued. "Zat is ze reason why she iz here, izn't it?"
"Yes." Thorpe ran a hand through his silver hair. "Edea Kramer, formerly known as Sorceress Edea. How does it feel to be human again?"
"I don't think you mean what I think you mean," She answered coolly. "I have always been human."
Thorpe threw her a mocking smile, a smile that that caused her to furrow her brows. There was something familiar about him; the way he smiled. recognition clicked and she frowned. "Aren't you the man who tried to come and adopt Quistis at my orphanage?"
Thorpe burst out laughing and shook his head. "Yes, you have a very good memory, Edea. I am Vincent Thorpe, a former scientist at the Deep Sea Research Center. Perhaps you would like to know why am I here?"
"It has something to do with my powers." Edea mused lightly. "I assume it was you who arranged Rinoa to traipse across the whole world?"
"All in due time, my lady," He chuckled. "I might as well explain, since I need your co-operation in this.
"The Sorceress power is a strange, mystical power which no ordinary mortal can ever achieve. During the time when Eshtar was under Sorceress Adel, I and my team of scientists slaved day and night to find a way to clone the powers, and create a being powerful enough to free Eshtar from the evil of Adel. With Dr. Odine's help, we were able to create a formula to enhance a person's mind to such a level - 200 percent of his or her usual brain capacity. With the formula in hand, we searched for a suitable candidate to test it on. No ordinary man can do; we needed a child - a child would follow orders without question; thus we can control the power without fear. And our search ended when we found a mother who was willing to sell her child and she became, Subject Number Seven. Her real name was lost in the records as we had to erase her identity, but I still remember her name. Because I was the one assigned to be her Controller.
"Subject Number Seven was subjected to tests for almost three years, where we enhanced her magical abilities until she could handle the strongest magic without use of artificial junctioning. And we also taught her a skill we thought would help us; the Mimic skill. You can understand that we took her in when she was a little over a year old; she was too young, but I wanted to test the effects first. It didn't matter if she died, but surprisingly she lived, even became the very thing we dreamed her to be at such a tender age. This Mimic skill, she could imitate any moves that is shown to her, until we have a single-person mercenary at our disposal.
"During our research however, Laguna Loire managed to beat us to it. At this point, we were at a loss. Our research was terminated, because she no longer has a function, and the other scientist feared her ever growing powers. But Subject Number Seven was much more intelligent than we thought. She broke out of the Center shortly after the defeat of Adel, taking with her years of research. Shortly after that, another subject, the GF Bahamut wrecked the Center and everything was abandoned.
"I searched for the Subject and found her in your orphanage, Edea. But you refused to let me adopt her, and it was apparent that in whatever way she came to be there, her powers seem to have been blocked totally. I saw no further use for her, and decided she might as well live.
"But fate was kind to me, and after all these years, the Quistis I have created resurfaced, this time defeating the greatest Sorceress of all time. It was clear that Fate wanted me to continue my research." His eyes gleamed madly. "You do know who she is, don't you?"
Edea closed her eyes. It was true, the visions that was disclosed to her. The child was indeed a prodigy, but know she knew how, and why.
"Her family name was Jedda, but now her name is:
"Quistis Trepe."
What do you think? Quistis, a rememnant of an experiment? The plot is unfolding... theeeheeee...^-^!!!!!!
"It's been ages since I've come here," Ellone said delightedly as she sat down in Edea's room. "I heard Uncle Laguna's here?"
"You're right, he is," Laguna grinned as he sauntered over and hugged his niece. "How are you, Ellone?"
"Uncle Laguna!" Ellone beamed. "Didn't think you could ever take a holiday! But - " She suddenly realized something was missing. Not that it was strange enough that Nida and a few other SeeDs came to her house and invited her to Balamb Garden; but where are the others?
"Ellone, dear." Edea suddenly appeared, smiling warmly at her little girl. "President Loire," She nodded respectfully at the man. "Are you looking for the others, Ellone?"
"Always read my mind!" Ellone laughed gaily, but stopped at Edea's grave face. 'Is - something the matter, Matron?"
Edea sighed. The Six have been gone for a long time - she was worried if something happened to them. Not that she was overtly worried - but it was important that they know who was behind this. "Ellone dear, we need your help," She said at last. "I'm sorry to bother you - "
The alarm suddenly blared and Nida's voice could be heard over the PA System. "Ambush! Black Mages again!!!! All SeeDs in position! All cadets at your stations!"
"What's happening." Edea murmured anxiously. She got up and sealed the door to the room. After the Sorceress's War, she had junctioned GFs to herself, and because of her natural magical abilities, she was almost as powerful as when she was a Sorceress. "I'm sorry, Ellone dear, President Loire - " She gasped as Laguna exited the room, carrying something that looked suspiciously like a machine gun. "Been waiting for a chance to use this!" He grinned.
Nida grit his teeth as he surveyed the situation from the bridge. The enemy was dressed in black, Nida had do idea who they were. But from the moment they appeared out of nowhere, Nida knew they were in for a long fight. Damn! Not to mention they were armed heavily with machine guns and magic - and there's darned lot of them - almost as many enemies as there were SeeDs and Cadets! And with the Six gone...
Laguna raced through the first floor hallway, shooting anything that didn't wear a Garden uniform. He was pretty pleased, since it had been ages since he used his gun. Some of the enemy recognized him and stopped long enough to stare - or in Laguna's case, long enough to get shot. But even the best has his limits. 'Where are the others?!" He yelled to nobody in particular.
" Blood fest!" Seifer roared and sliced his enemies in two. Was it him or do these soldier seem to come at him like flies? Are they sent by those men who captured him? The thought made his heart stop. If so, then he's a danger to Garden. But. he's not about to desert the place. Not yet. Seifer never gives up without a fight.
^^^In somebody's dream...^^^^
It was a rainy, gray morning. She peered out through the huge window in the living room. Waiting. A hand clasped hers and she led outside, into the pouring rain. "Where are we going?" She looked up into the face of the person, but it was shadowed. "We're going somewhere special."
"Why isn't mommy coming? Why are you taking me alone?"
"Hush, Quistis. We're nearly there."
It was an endless walk through and endless corridor, filled with faceless people in white clothes. And it was silent, and cold. Where am I?
"This is the girl."
She looked outside and to her delight, saw fishes swimming. But they weren't colorful fishes. They were huge, and she saw some even had sharp teeth. She felt a man grip her hand. "She'll be here for a long time."
A whir of color, and then - everything seemed to pass before her eyes.
"A unique experiment."
"Remarkable!"
"Her IQ surpasses a normal human being."
Straps at her neck, cold manacles at her hands and feet - she was trapped. The air was heavy, and the fear in her turned to anger, boiling until she couldn't stand it any longer. She screamed. And her screams brought chaos -
"Quistis?"
She opened her eyes with a snap and in reflex, punched the person squarely on the jaw. "Get away from me!!!"
"For Hyne's sake, control yourself!" Another gripped her wrists and pinned them to her sides, marring her movements. Quistis blinked. She was.
"About time you woke up too." Selphie remarked happily as she concentrated on maneuvering the Ragnarok through the dark water. Quistis moved her head and her forehead barely brushed Irvine's hat. She could see he was as confused as her as he pinned her arms.
"You were unconscious when I came back for you." Squall's voice broke through her mind. She glanced at him and her eyes widened. He was wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, looking slightly more than flustered.
Somehow the whole thing was funny; funny enough for a giggle to escape her lips as she watched her commander rub his jaw. Zell too was clutching his sides in silent laughter, tears pouring out of his eyes. Squall glared at her sharply, but before he could choose a suitable reprimand, the communication channel opened and Nida's voice came on air, shrieking; "Commander Leonhart! Garden is under attack again!!!"
Suppressing a groan, Squall approached the controls and spoke into the mike. "How's the situation?"
"Garden shields sustained minor damage, Cadets injured by the dozen - the only things that's keeping us from losing is President Loire, Headmistress and Seifer!"
So there's some kind of front after all, Squall thought. And Laguna. guess the man still has it in him. "We're on our way."
"You can't land in the hangar; the doors are jammed."
"Don't worry." Squall closed the channel and turned to Selphie. The ever-present grin was on her face as she deftly pressed some buttons. "Hang on tight!"
The Ragnarok gave a sudden lurch and cut through the water like a bullet, thanks to turbo boosters. The surroundings passed in a blur, but Selphie seemed to know exactly where they were heading, not to mention avoiding sea debris and startled marine creatures.
"Approaching Galbadia continent in twenty seconds." She read the radar. Irvine clutched her seat, knuckles white. "Then why in Hyne are you still underwater?!" He shrieked. Selphie seemed to be a little confused. 'Oh, yeah!"
She sharply pulled the controls and the Ragnarok sped to the surface, breaking the water in a huge burst. "Changing to Air mode," Selphie announced happily. Irvine clutched his hat, feeling dizzy. "Next time, we take the train."
Quistis rubbed her head where she had banged against the seat. It was a dream. but it was so real. and somehow she could sense that; whatever is going on, she could very well hold the key to it.
"There," Selphie pointed to a shining blue structure up ahead, which was smoking slightly. What are we gonna do?"
"Maybe we can scare them off," Irvine suggested. Zell snorted. "Why don't we just barge in there?"
"If we land we'll be attacked the moment we open the doors," Quistis said heavily. She peered intently at the Garden. "Can you drop us off at the third floor?"
"No problem!" Selphie deftly turned the ship and soon they were flying at very low altitude. "Ready?"
Squall, opened the door and instantly was engulfed by the whipping wind. "The balcony outside the bridge!" He shouted as they approached. As he was abut to jump out he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Float!"
The spell probably saved his life. He landed on the balcony (if you can consider bouncing in mid-air a landing) and looked up. Quistis came next, also on Float. Apparently she cast the spell on everybody. "Dispel." Squall cast on himself and opened the door.
"Squall!"
For a moment he was blank, and then a girl tumbled right into his arms. "Sis?"
"Thank Hyne! Please help!"
Squall was still slightly confused when the door burst open and a masked man rushed into the room. Irvine instantly knocked him out. "Who the hell are these people?!" He bolted through the door, Execter ready. Quistis gave Ellone a hug and looked questioningly at her. "Uncle Laguna's downstairs - but." Ellone burst into tears. "Matron was captured!"
"What?!" Squall stared disbelievingly at her before rushing out of the door.
Laguna fired another round before stopping to reload. "They just won't die." He muttered. True enough, these men were very tough. Even after being hit, they can still get up and continue. This posed a little problem. He hastily reloaded while being watched by Seifer. "How much longer will this go?" He snarled.
"Not very long." Laguna bit his lip. He was nearing Limit Break. Seifer had long passed that point, and was getting dangerously close to being knocked out. A shout, and then - "Bad Breath!"
Instantly the enemy was engulfed in a cloud of bad smelling purple smoke, and they began running around blindly - those who weren't asleep, of course. Seifer looked up and saw Quistis leaning over the balcony, Squall next to her. The Commander put a foot on the ledge and jumped down - that's one floor!
But he saw Quistis cast something when he jumped. Quistis looked down and flashed them a smile.
"Desperado!" Laguna swung down on his enemies from a loose rope hanging from the second floor, yelling for all's worth. The machine gun spluttered bullet after bullet into the bodies of their enemies. Squall slapped his forehead. I can't believe I came from him. Raine must have been a very patient person.
Quistis peered anxiously at the sight. She knew Bahamut and Eden would not be able to act in Garden - the walls were protected by high-level magic and made from the hardest metals, but due to Bahamut and Eden's impossibly huge damaging attacks, there was a chance that it might not hold.
Garden was designed to withstand most physical attacks, magic and GFs, but due to their acquisition of the legendary GFs, those GFs were rendered helpless when fighting right inside the premises. She could see that Squall was having a little trouble due to this change - apparently he relied on Eden to cast damage on long-distance opponents, as Lion Heart was not a long range weapon.
Squall looked up right at Quistis. 'Find Matron!" he shouted. Quistis nodded and disappeared. Seifer approached Squall. "Where's Rinoa?!"
Squall kept silent, which Seifer mistook for his usual sullen self. Shrugging, he continued to fight, but this time he fought alongside Squall.
Quistis raced along the corridor, searching for any sign of Matron. There was something. not quite right, but she couldn't place it. Why? Mages attacking Garden every time they were gone, and in large numbers at that. And why Matron?
'Watch where you're going, Quisty!" Zell yelled as he pummeled a Mage who tried to ambush Quistis. The blonde mentally shook her head. As she did so, her senses prickled, just like they did every time she felt something wrong. "The balcony - hurry!" She raced through the corridor to the door at the furthest end - the door to the large patio-like balcony. As she and Zell burst through the door, they heard a furious scream and saw Matron being dragged towards a waiting airship. "Let me go, you Mage!"
"Petrify!" Quistis screamed and instantly the Mage froze, turned to stone. But another was bearing down on her, and Matron's arm was stuck in the grip of the Petrified Mage. Zell rushed forwards and began attacking the coming Mage, but more and more Mages were coming. "How do they do it?" Zell said through gritted teeth. "They're like ants! How can they be in such numbers?!"
"No time to think, get Matron!" Quistis yelled. "I'll hold them back - go on!" She summoned Bahamut and blasted away mages who tried to get close to her. Zell was trying to free Matron, but seeing that the stone grip was extremely secure, he lost his patience and smashed the stone to pieces. Quistis almost laughed. "Matron - " she was about to say when they was a loud blast and Zell was thrown against the walls of Garden, unconscious with a trickle of blood running down his forehead. She whirled around and saw - a man. The man. HIM. Standing at the entrance of the airship. "What are you doing?!" She yelled over the roar of the airship. His gray hair was slicked back, and his arm was still aiming the gun which had shot Zell. "Accomplishing my job." He said calmly Quistis rushed at him with her whip, but again the same searing pain shot through her body, sending her crashing to the ground. "No!"
"You were a failure to us." He said quietly. "But there's still hope, Quistis Jedda."
Who? Her mind was fighting the pain that engulfed her, but she could still hear. Who is Quistis Jedda?
"The name's Trepe, you old man," She growled and with all her strength, lashed out with her whip, the barbs catching him on the face. He clutched his face, howling in agony. "Take the sorceress!" He bellowed and pointed a finger at Quistis. "Take this!" And a huge explosion threw Quistis against the wall and she slumped to the ground like a ragged doll. But she wasn't giving up. "Matron!" She shouted feebly, and the last thing she saw was Matron staring back at her with fear as she was pushed into the airship. Quistis wanted to cry out, but she was too weak. She closed her eyes and fainted.
Rinoa's vision swam as they made their way across the freezing plains of Hawkins's Plains. There was no wind, thank Hyne, but. She was only dressed in her blue suit, and in shorts at that - She stopped for a moment and wrapped her arms around her. Hyne. what was going on.?
"What's wrong, Rinoa?" Cody's eyes leveled on hers Rinoa shook her head. Cody's attitude nearly didn't change, but he was still insisting that they trek to Eshtar through Trabia. On foot! He still had reasoning capabilities, but the power of the Drug overrode others. And Rinoa knew what they were: Keep Sorceress Rinoa alive; Reach Eshtar by any means without discovery; Kill anybody who tries to take away Sorceress Rinoa. Quite simple, but with Cody it was enough. With Tiamat, he could single- handedly eliminate anything. She winced when she remembered the unfortunate Blue Dragon. Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt warm cloth draped over her shoulders. She looked questioningly at Cody, who had taken off his coat. He was now clad only in a turtleneck sweater. He smiled at her. "I'm sorry for not noticing you're cold."
Rinoa pulled the coat around her body. "I. how much can you remember, Cody?"
Cody's eyes flickered. "Everything. But whatever they injected into me, it doesn't seem to be working."
Rinoa almost wept. Cody's mind was controlled. he didn't realize he was being manipulated. She slumped on the ground, feeling weak. They had been walking for hours, and the bitter cold and hunger had taken its toll on her. "I. can't walk."
Cody thought for a moment, and then crouched down in front of Rinoa, his back to her. "Climb on my back. We'll get there faster."
"Get where?" Rinoa asked bitterly. "We're in the middle of Trabia. Eshtar is days journey on foot, Cody."
"We'll make it. I have to get you there." He insisted and helped her onto his back. "You're not going to die here." He began walking again. Rinoa tightened her grip around his neck, inhaling his fresh, clean scent. She wondered if this was what it felt like; when Squall carried her to Eshtar. How ironic - she was going there again, but on the back of another man. But she felt. safe. She watched from behind his shoulder, his hair tickling her nose. "Cody?"
"Yes."
"Do we have to go to Eshtar?"
No answer. Rinoa sighed and rested her chin on his shoulder. It wasn't long before she fell asleep.
Squall stared at the floor, unmoving. Dr. Kadowaki observed that he had been in the same position for the past hour. "Commander Leonhart, you should get some rest." She stated firmly, but her words fell on deaf ears. She figured he was thinking about the events that had just happened; how can on explain such a thing? All the sudden the blasted Mages jumped out of every available opening and vanished just like that. It was like they weren't even real. But they were, Dr. Kadowaki assured herself bitterly. Judging by the number of students in the Infirmary, they were very real indeed. Selphie and Irvine had taken it upon themselves to transport more urgent cadets and SeeDs to the nearest hospital, leaving her with some room to breathe.
She came into the room and silently took Quistis' pulse. Normal. If it wasn't for the impossibly pale complex and bruises she'd say the child was simply fast asleep. It was then did Squall notice her presence. Dr. Kadowaki nodded and answered the unasked question; "She's alright."
Squall nodded and stretched his legs - it was a hard battle, and he was just about beat. It was one mission after another, one problem following another mishap - one elusive shadow to follow but never reach. And each time, someone had to get hurt. But what he didn't get was why Quistis. It seems like everything that was happening was merely an advance cover for another - grander plan designed by an unseen foe. And somehow they were the center of this grand design.
He mentally arranged the events in his mind, seeking a hole; anything that he had overlooked, but without Quistis to point out subtle hints he was stumped. He never thought how much he relied on his Aide, but now come to think of it; he relied a lot on her. To handle his work; to watch after his back when he so foolishly jumps into battle; to reproach him when he did something wrong; to decide when he can't. And now when he can't decide, there's no one he can look to. Xu? Even the Instructor looks to Quistis for help. Even Headmaster Cid couldn't help him now; being occupied with the safety of his students and his captured wife.
Odine peered at the tall reinforced crystal cylinder. He wasn't sure if his new invention would work, but it didn't matter. Science was all about trying.
"How is it going, Odine?" A deep male voice sounded too close for comfort, and Odine spun around to face a tall, elderly man, almost twice his height. "It is doing fine, Mr. Thorpe. We will be able to conduct the transfer very soon."
"Good, but we're in no hurry," The man known as Thorpe clicked his fingers and two Eshtar guards brought Edea into the room. Her eyes reflected quiet anger, but she knew resistance was futile. She had been bound by a Silence spell, and was truly bitter about it. "Dr. Odine," She said quietly. Odine nodded at the woman, knowing fully that she was older than he was, and without the spell, powerful enough to blast his laboratory apart. "Sorceress Edea." He said in his heavy French accent, hearing the slight tremble in his own voice. Thorpe laughed. "Don't tell me you're still afraid of her, Odine? She's a mere shadow of what she used to be."
"But she iz still a sorceress." Odine argued. "Zat is ze reason why she iz here, izn't it?"
"Yes." Thorpe ran a hand through his silver hair. "Edea Kramer, formerly known as Sorceress Edea. How does it feel to be human again?"
"I don't think you mean what I think you mean," She answered coolly. "I have always been human."
Thorpe threw her a mocking smile, a smile that that caused her to furrow her brows. There was something familiar about him; the way he smiled. recognition clicked and she frowned. "Aren't you the man who tried to come and adopt Quistis at my orphanage?"
Thorpe burst out laughing and shook his head. "Yes, you have a very good memory, Edea. I am Vincent Thorpe, a former scientist at the Deep Sea Research Center. Perhaps you would like to know why am I here?"
"It has something to do with my powers." Edea mused lightly. "I assume it was you who arranged Rinoa to traipse across the whole world?"
"All in due time, my lady," He chuckled. "I might as well explain, since I need your co-operation in this.
"The Sorceress power is a strange, mystical power which no ordinary mortal can ever achieve. During the time when Eshtar was under Sorceress Adel, I and my team of scientists slaved day and night to find a way to clone the powers, and create a being powerful enough to free Eshtar from the evil of Adel. With Dr. Odine's help, we were able to create a formula to enhance a person's mind to such a level - 200 percent of his or her usual brain capacity. With the formula in hand, we searched for a suitable candidate to test it on. No ordinary man can do; we needed a child - a child would follow orders without question; thus we can control the power without fear. And our search ended when we found a mother who was willing to sell her child and she became, Subject Number Seven. Her real name was lost in the records as we had to erase her identity, but I still remember her name. Because I was the one assigned to be her Controller.
"Subject Number Seven was subjected to tests for almost three years, where we enhanced her magical abilities until she could handle the strongest magic without use of artificial junctioning. And we also taught her a skill we thought would help us; the Mimic skill. You can understand that we took her in when she was a little over a year old; she was too young, but I wanted to test the effects first. It didn't matter if she died, but surprisingly she lived, even became the very thing we dreamed her to be at such a tender age. This Mimic skill, she could imitate any moves that is shown to her, until we have a single-person mercenary at our disposal.
"During our research however, Laguna Loire managed to beat us to it. At this point, we were at a loss. Our research was terminated, because she no longer has a function, and the other scientist feared her ever growing powers. But Subject Number Seven was much more intelligent than we thought. She broke out of the Center shortly after the defeat of Adel, taking with her years of research. Shortly after that, another subject, the GF Bahamut wrecked the Center and everything was abandoned.
"I searched for the Subject and found her in your orphanage, Edea. But you refused to let me adopt her, and it was apparent that in whatever way she came to be there, her powers seem to have been blocked totally. I saw no further use for her, and decided she might as well live.
"But fate was kind to me, and after all these years, the Quistis I have created resurfaced, this time defeating the greatest Sorceress of all time. It was clear that Fate wanted me to continue my research." His eyes gleamed madly. "You do know who she is, don't you?"
Edea closed her eyes. It was true, the visions that was disclosed to her. The child was indeed a prodigy, but know she knew how, and why.
"Her family name was Jedda, but now her name is:
"Quistis Trepe."
What do you think? Quistis, a rememnant of an experiment? The plot is unfolding... theeeheeee...^-^!!!!!!