Chapter 15 Revival of the Sorceress
"If it isn't Subject Number Seven."
Quistis eyed the man standing at the far end of the room with a degree of wariness. He rested against the far wall, his arms crossed before his chest, a smug smile crossing his wrinkled features. It was a smile that she had learnt to hate so long ago.
She turned her attention to the two figures in the glass cylinders. One was Matron, who was unconscious, and the other was Rinoa, who looked close to tears. She slowly walked up to Rinoa, pressing her palms against the glass. "Rinoa."
"Quistis, why are you here.?" her voice trembled. "you're walking into a trap."
'Shh." She smiled sadly. "I'm here to save you. Squall is waiting for you."
"Why isn't he here? Why did he let you come alone?" She burst into tears. "Why didn't he come and save me."
Quistis bit her lip. "He loves you." Was all she could say. "He loves you enough to want to see you live. he can't risk your life by coming."
Rinoa knew it was a lie. A lie! He would never leave his friends in danger, and he certainly won't let them act on their own! "Your life is just as important as anyone's else!" She argued. 'Why are you doing this?"
Quistis hesitated, pondering the answer. Her answer, and the answer she knew would be more suitable for Rinoa. She decided to follow he mind's advice.
"Life is only worth living when you're living for someone else," She said softly. "I don't intend to die selfish."
"Are you going to die for him?"
With a jolt she realized Rinoa had seen through her. Rinoa stared at her with tear-filled eyes. "Why are you doing this for Squall?"
Tears sprang to her eyes as Quistis moved away and faced Thorpe. "I am ready."
"Good." He chuckled and motioned to an empty cylinder. "Get in there."
She stepped into the cylinder and looked about uncertainly as the entrance sealed shut. Through the glass she watched as Vincent Thorpe moved to the controls and deftly input some codes. The cylinder began to hum, and all the sudden the air around her began to pulsate with energy.
"You will now receive the powers of both Sorceress. this will hurt, but I promise you will be invincible!" He laughed like a maniac. "Nobody will stop me. nobody."
The screen flickered and an image of Wheyern Rye appeared. 'Thorpe," He addressed the scientist. "Where is my son?"
"Your son?" Vincent laughed madly. "He will make a fine Knight. A fine Knight indeed. Don't you think so, Quistis?"
Quistis grit her teeth. "I'm not a Sorceress. Stop calling me one!"
"I'LL CALL YOU ANYTHING I WANT!" Vincent roared and a blinding pain shot through her body, tearing a scream from her throat.
"Can you see, Quistis? You and I. when we're close enough, I can do many things to you. don't try to resist."
"I'm a SeeD." She spat. "I won't consort with evil!"
"Then watch your friends die.." He sneered and Matron screamed as the cylinder engulfed in a Flare spell. "No!!" Quistis yelled but she was helpless. Her powers couldn't break the cylinder.
"Agree, Quistis." Thorpe said in a dangerous voice.
Quistis closed her eyes. She couldn't. but she didn't have a choice. She saw Squall in her mind, his worried frown. She didn't want to see him like that. Not when she could do something. She knew it was dangerous, but she didn't see any other choice. Besides. a small smile came to her lips. There was always an alternative. she knew the others would kill her if she gets out of hand.
"I'll do it."
Rinoa drew a sharp intake of breath. Quistis. the blonde girl stood up steadily. A golden aura enveloped her and Rinoa knew she was ready. She closed her eyes, her heavy heart beating slowly, erratically. She shouldn't do this. she was a sorceress. she should help, but why was she always a burden?
I don't think he considers you a burden.
Cody. he had so much faith in her. Where was he? Did he die? A low sob escaped her. He couldn't die. He had promised her. Cody had never broken promises. He had always been there, supporting her, fighting her, but always there for her to fall back. He quelled her fears. opened her eyes. He gave up his power to save her. Why? He hardly knew her.
"Rinoa."
Her eyes snapped open and saw Cody leaning against the door, looking exhausted, but alive. "Cody!!!" She shouted, half relieved, half afraid. 'Don't come!"
"Quistis, get away!" Cody raised an arm and a sizzling bolt of energy gathered in his palm, but Vincent Thorpe was still calm. "Hold it boy, or I'll fry your girlfriend." He had a finger poised over a button; a similar button to the one that caused Matron's cylinder to be filled with flames. Cody halted.
"Cody, let me." Quistis said slowly. "I'll end it."
"Good girl.. you were always so smart. maybe a little too smart." Vincent chuckled. "Well? Aren't you doing anything, Sorceress?"
Rinoa furiously fought back the tears. She looked for one last time at Quistis, admiring her calm composure, her admirable dignity of it all. And she saw the participle nod. Rinoa closed her eyes.
Matron watched in sorrow. Is this the end? Quistis fought so hard to recover her life, but now, she was powerless to protect anymore.This man had taken her one weakness and turned it against his creation. use it cruelly for an insane ambition.
She saw Rinoa's powers travel to Quistis, and the blonde wince in pain as the unaccustomed power entered her body. She could almost feel the way Quistis' body rebelled at this new power, mistaking it for an assault. She could feel Quistis fighting to draw it all, to end it as quickly as possible. And she saw the change that over came her. Her golden hair slowly changed to silver-purple, and grew longer with each passing moment. What was truly evident was the pain across her features as she finally gave way and collapsed. "Quistis!"
"Your turn now, Edea." Vincent said, a maniac glint in his eyes. "We have to complete Hyne."
Hyne? Is that what he was trying to create? To combine all the power, enhance it in a human and try to make her the great Goddess? "You're crazy." She trembled. "You're playing with people's lives, Vincent."
"Do it or I'll terminate the transfer!" he snapped. "And then you will see what happens to your precious Quistis!"
Quistis was screaming in agony. the pain was like being buried in glowing coal, or freezing ice. Her whole body rebelled, but she had to take it. she had to absorb every bit of it. She could feel her GFs screaming with her, but she couldn't stop. For Matron.
For Squall.
Something inside awakened and slowly the pain subsided. It was a mellow feeling, spreading like a warm glow throughout her body, comforting her. The pain had vanished, leaving a feeling of emptiness as she lay on the cold floor, trying to gather her bearings. The transfer. she could feel power coursing through her veins, throbbing in her pulse, ready to burst through her fingertips. But she was still so weak. too weak to move.
"My creation." She dimly heard Vincent breathe in her mind. I can feel your power. Such power! Show it to me, Quistis. show your power to your Creator.
Her mind balked at his command, but her body began to stir, and she wanted to scream. No!!! She fought to regain control, but he was in her, insisting, pressing deep, forcing her. She raised an arm and in one single movement, shattered the cylinder holding her captive into a million fragments. It was then did she notice - she had morphed. She was as pale as Shiva, and she saw her hair fanning out behind her - was it that long? It was a strange hue, and her whole body glowed with power. She heard Vincent laugh behind her. 'Wonderful!!!! She's simply wonderful!!!" And in that moment's lapse he had over her, she did the same motion to Rinoa and Edea's prisons, shattering them. "Run.." She rasped. "Run!"
Rinoa grabbed Cody's hand and together they ran out of the lab. But Edea did not move. Her dark eyes were filled with sorrow as she beheld this girl - the girl who stood before her now was no longer the same.
"Matron.."
"So you wish to witness the power of my Sorceress?!" Vincent shrieked. "Quistis, destroy her!"
Her body began to move towards Edea, but Quistis fought again. Bastard, she growled in her mind. I won't let you hurt Matron! She tried to swing around but a blinding pain shot through her, sending her crumpling to the ground. "Didn't I tell you what would happen if you dare disobey me.?"
She was unable to speak from the pain. "Let... me...die"
"Matron!!"
She heard it. was it Zell? It was. Hyne, she thought as she shakily got to her feet. But she musn't let Zell get hurt. She turned around saw it wasn't only Zell, but also Selphie, Irvine and. Squall. Everyone had their weapon drawn and were gaping at Quistis, but she saw that they knew what had happened.
"What a party." Vincent said, cackling. "Quistis, show them the price of trying to defy a Sorceress."
"She's not a Sorceress, she's Quisty!" Selphie retorted. "And she'll never follow your orders!"
"Oh?" Vincent raised an eyebrow. "Them maybe we should have a little demonstration?"
"Squall, run.' Quistis managed to say. "I don't - " A wave of drowsiness washed over her and her neck stung - as she realized she had been shot with something. Kill the boy.
What? Her conscious struggled. Kill?
Kill the boy.he's my enemy, your enemy. look deep inside you, find all the hate you have for this man.
And in her mind she saw, the many things she had overlooked, the many actions she had done for him without a single word of appreciation. Rinoa. Funny how things seem so heartbreaking. how dare he ignore her? How dare he use her, after all she had done for him?
Enemy! A surge of hatred like she had never felt burned through her and she launched at Squall, eyes burning. My enemy.!
"Shell!" Squall managed to raise it just in time as a blow so had it rocked the lab smashed into him. "Oh crap!" Zell cursed. 'Quistis, snap out of it!"
But she wasn't listening, they realized. "She's been controlled!"
Irvine ducked as a Blizzaga spell flew over his head. "And she's fast! Dammed, any ideas?"
"How do we break it? She's gonna kill us!" Selphie cried as Cerberus shielded her. Her blows were so powerful it killed Cerberus in an instant. If they keep it up they'll have to start attacking.
"Beautiful, isn't she?" Vincent laughed. 'And that's not half the power. Let me show you, Bahamut!"
Quistis summoned Bahamut and the great GF appeared, but he looked so different.
"The enhancement, and the transfer worked to enhance whatever GF is junctioned to her. Bahamut is now the ultimate weapon of destruction!" Vincent 's eyes were wild, and he was laughing uncontrollably. "Quistis, eliminate them!"
Bahamut charged at them, and they knew defense was out of the question. Just them there was a roar, and another dragon charged from behind them. Squall turned around and saw Cody, and Rinoa clinging to him with fear. 'What are you doing here?!"
"You have to break the control!" Cody shouted as Tiamat and Bahamut battled. "Once she realizes what she's doing is wrong, she'll snap out of it! Speak to her!" he yelled. Rinoa let go of Cody and walked up to Squall. Her lips trembled. "Squall. speak to her. She'll listen to you. She has to."
Squall looked down at the girl he had come to find. but deep inside he knew he had lost her. Someone else had given her a new light, and he knew, but strangely he didn't feel bad about it. "Rinoa."
"Squall. listen to me." She said quietly. 'All these years, I thought I really, really loved you. But. After a while I realized the feeling I had was for someone who opened my eyes to love, and not - love itself. I was afraid to lose you, but now I realize you were never mine to begin with. You were my savior, but." She hesitated.
Squall shook his head. "It's alright, Rinoa. I guess sooner or later we should know it won't work out. And I'm glad you found someone who can show you life." He smiled a little. Rinoa returned his smile and hugged him, maybe for the last time. "Please save her." She whispered. "She did this for you. She tried to save me. if only you can see the pain she had to go through. even I can't do that, Squall. I can't." She pulled back and smiled through teary eyes. "Life is only meaningful when you live for someone else," She whispered. "Quistis taught me that."
"I'm sick of this," Vincent rolled his eyes. For the past few minutes Zell, Selphie and Irvine had tried to attack him, but Quistis shielded him, and there was simply no way to break through.
"Kill them, Quistis." Vincent said almost lazily. 'We have the whole world to conquer. we shouldn't waste precious time dawdling with insects."
"Why you. My Final Heaven!!!" Zell roared and was about to plummet the man when a dazzling light surrounded him. A light that was too familiar. "Zell, NO!!!" Selphie screamed. Degenerator!
Selphie launched herself onto Zell and vainly tried to shake him out of it, but he was jerking in spasms, the magic working to destroy his body.
"Ah!"
The light faded and Zell collapsed in Selphie's arms, who instantly began using Full-Cure. 'Don't die, don't die."
Irvine turned to Quistis to see why she stopped, and saw a thin line of blood stretching down her left cheek - a life so fine it could only have been done by a finely- sharpened gunblade. It contrasted so starkly against her alabster skin.
Squall stood a little way off, the gunblade pointing to Quistis. A single drop of blood hung at the tip, and as if in slow motion, the single drop trembled and slipped off the tip to the floor. It took that long for Qusitis to lunge, and Squall to evade, leaving a small crater in the floor.
Hatred so thick it coiled in her veins, she attacked Squall like a wild animal, giving in to the hatred. She hated him. she so hated him! For making her like this, for leaving her to her own devices, for not loving her back!
"Quistis!" Squall yelled over the roar of Holy. She had 100 of spells in stock, and with her current power, magnified each attack to almost fifty times. "Quistis, listen to me!"
Something in her stirred, but the hate she was feeling consumed her to the point of being deaf. Seeing no choice, he decided to move the battle area. Fighting right in the middle of Eshtar was not a good idea, and hampered his moves badly. He raised his sword and yelled; "Blasting Zone!"
The move blasted a huge hole right through the rooftop. He jumped out and felt her follow. "Leviathan, carry me!" he summoned and the huge serpent appeared and he jumped on its back as it flew over the city. But the summoning would hold for long - he was not that compatible with it and Leviathan would soon protest his conduct. He landed outside the city and watched as Leviathan retreat.
A rush of wind made him whirl around and he came face to face with Quistis. She stood calmly a little way off, her silver-purple hair rippling in the sun. The glow that surrounded her was just as eminent, making her a bright star in the desert.
"Why are you fighting me?" He said in a calm voice. Her eyes flickered. "You're Vincent Thorpe's enemy." She said lifelessly. "He wishes you to die."
"Why do you follow his orders?" Squall asked again. He hoped he could stall her.
"I am his Sorceress," She said quietly. "You must die." She raised her arm and a line of fire exploded right under his feet, injuring him. Gatling Gun! "Quistis, you're not a Sorceress." He said as he Recovered himself. "Rinoa is. You're using her power. Can you understand that?"
"it is my power." She attacked again. He fended it off with a Reflect and she quickly countered by casting dispel on him. Hyne, she was just as smart as ever. "Quistis, are you listening to me?" he said in half- exasperation. "Why do you want to kill me?"
"I hate you!"
"There really is nothing you can do," Vincent grinned. Irvine had cocked his gun at him and currently the mad scientist was looking down the barrel of a very famous gun. "She will follow my orders. Shouldn't you be looking after your Commander?"
For a moment there Irvine was tempted to actually shoot, but restrained himself. There must be a way to reverse the drug. "It'll wear off," He said.
"Aha. that's where you're wrong. The drug Cody Rye and Quistis were injected is non-reversible."
"It's not," Cody said shakily. "But it can be countered. I countered mine when I realized that you were playing with my mind - you threatened to kill Rinoa. so you see, it's not that perfect." He grinned, seeing Vincent furrow his brow. "So it's the power of the mind. interesting. Rationalization can null my drug," He chuckled. "But I need not fear. Quistis is fueled by her own hate towards the Commander. she will bring his corpse back for a requiem," he chuckled maniacally. 'And you can't kill me, because you'd want to transfer the powers back, don't you?"
Squall was thrown against the mountain wall and his Lion Heart clattered to the ground. He slumped at the foot of the wall, gasping for breath. It was useless. she was deaf to his words. "Quistis."
She stood over him and prepared to give him the final blow; when the Quistis in her screamed in anguish. Look at him! Look what you've done to him! Why do you hate him?! He's putting his life at stake for you!
"I."
Squall hazily saw Quistis stare at him blankly. "Quistis... just ... kill me..." He groaned in pain. He had run out of healing spells and was too weak to cast Recover. and he didn't want to. He had tried, but she wouldn't listen. And he was too weak. If he was going to die, at least he would say what he wanted to say.
"Quistis. I. don't do this to yourself.." He said, choking on his own blood. Slowly the light gave was to darkness and he sank lifeless, at the feet of the woman who loved him.
It was like someone pulled up the curtains that shrouded her darkness - all the sudden she saw Squall, lying, crumpled and motionless. She sank to her knees, not quite believing what she saw. "Squall?" she half-whispered, almost believing he was only asleep. Almost. The blood covering his white shirt slowly sank in her mind, and the sob that threatened to burst tightened her throat. "Squall.!" She half wailed, and shook his shoulders. "Squall, answer me!"
Nothing. Did she? Was it her? She pulled his body away from the wall and cradled his head in her arms. "Squall, answer me." She choked as tears flowed freely down her face, stinging the cut. Unable to stand it, she pulled him close, sobbing into his shoulder. "Why?" She cried achingly. "Why does this happen?" She cried softly into his shoulder, the realization of what she had done sinking into her. Her silver hair covered him like a silken mantle, and slowly something happened.
The glow that had surrounded her slowly seeped into his body, making him briefly glow with the same light. But she didn't notice it. The only thing she could feel was hatred for herself, for killing Squall.
Squall slowly came to focus and he briefly wondered if he was buried under rubble - did she bury him in an avalanche of stones? But slowly he came to notice that the weight above him was warm, and moving. Crying. He could feel his shoulder already soaked with tears.
"I love you. please don't leave me. don't leave me Squall.!"
He almost smiled. Quistis.He slowly reached up a protesting arm and touched her shoulder, and she jolted off him immediately. 'Squall?!" She squeaked.
"Urgh. mean one you gave me there," he groaned as he felt every inch of him hurt. She gasped in relief and almost suffocated him again. 'Oh-ow." He winced and she quickly pulled away, blushing furiously. "I. what happened back there?"
"Let's just say you weren't yourself," He said hoarsely. He sort of liked the feeling of lying on her lap with her staring absently at him. Then she realized she had been caught staring again and she turned red. It was rare to see the great Quistis Trepe blush.
"Move it!!" A voice caught her attention and she looked up to see Irvine, pushing a distraught looking Vincent Thorpe in front of his Execter. Selphie marched along, alongside Matron. Cody and Rinoa brought up the rear, smiling as they caught sight of Squall. Quistis, sensing what it must look like to the others, gently nudged him. "You'd better get up."
"Why is he still alive?" Vincent growled to Quistis. The latter narrowed her eyes. "Because I don't want to kill him."
"You brat!" Simultaneously a burning pain shot through her systems, causing her to scream in pain. This must be his favorite punishment, she thought angrily and got to her feet. "You're at a dead end, Thorpe. My friends are free. and I have more than enough power to destroy you. Hadn't that occurred to you?"
"You can't reverse the process without me." He said smugly. Selphie grinned. "That, I've taken care of."
Squall shot her a questioning look. Selphie grinned triumphantly. "I contacted Ward and Kiros - I told them we needed Dr. Odine's co-operation. I told them everything, and they've put him under house-arrest." She laughed. 'So. anything else to say, sucker?" She snickered at his livid face.
Yeah!!!!! I think I managed that chapter quite well... I had some trouble fixing the scene where Rinoa talked to Squall, and Quistis killing him... Review please, and tell me, what should come next? Squall celebrating Quistis' birthday in Balamb Garden.
Squall and Quistis stuck in another conspiracy.
C. Laguna and Ellone try to play cupid.
"If it isn't Subject Number Seven."
Quistis eyed the man standing at the far end of the room with a degree of wariness. He rested against the far wall, his arms crossed before his chest, a smug smile crossing his wrinkled features. It was a smile that she had learnt to hate so long ago.
She turned her attention to the two figures in the glass cylinders. One was Matron, who was unconscious, and the other was Rinoa, who looked close to tears. She slowly walked up to Rinoa, pressing her palms against the glass. "Rinoa."
"Quistis, why are you here.?" her voice trembled. "you're walking into a trap."
'Shh." She smiled sadly. "I'm here to save you. Squall is waiting for you."
"Why isn't he here? Why did he let you come alone?" She burst into tears. "Why didn't he come and save me."
Quistis bit her lip. "He loves you." Was all she could say. "He loves you enough to want to see you live. he can't risk your life by coming."
Rinoa knew it was a lie. A lie! He would never leave his friends in danger, and he certainly won't let them act on their own! "Your life is just as important as anyone's else!" She argued. 'Why are you doing this?"
Quistis hesitated, pondering the answer. Her answer, and the answer she knew would be more suitable for Rinoa. She decided to follow he mind's advice.
"Life is only worth living when you're living for someone else," She said softly. "I don't intend to die selfish."
"Are you going to die for him?"
With a jolt she realized Rinoa had seen through her. Rinoa stared at her with tear-filled eyes. "Why are you doing this for Squall?"
Tears sprang to her eyes as Quistis moved away and faced Thorpe. "I am ready."
"Good." He chuckled and motioned to an empty cylinder. "Get in there."
She stepped into the cylinder and looked about uncertainly as the entrance sealed shut. Through the glass she watched as Vincent Thorpe moved to the controls and deftly input some codes. The cylinder began to hum, and all the sudden the air around her began to pulsate with energy.
"You will now receive the powers of both Sorceress. this will hurt, but I promise you will be invincible!" He laughed like a maniac. "Nobody will stop me. nobody."
The screen flickered and an image of Wheyern Rye appeared. 'Thorpe," He addressed the scientist. "Where is my son?"
"Your son?" Vincent laughed madly. "He will make a fine Knight. A fine Knight indeed. Don't you think so, Quistis?"
Quistis grit her teeth. "I'm not a Sorceress. Stop calling me one!"
"I'LL CALL YOU ANYTHING I WANT!" Vincent roared and a blinding pain shot through her body, tearing a scream from her throat.
"Can you see, Quistis? You and I. when we're close enough, I can do many things to you. don't try to resist."
"I'm a SeeD." She spat. "I won't consort with evil!"
"Then watch your friends die.." He sneered and Matron screamed as the cylinder engulfed in a Flare spell. "No!!" Quistis yelled but she was helpless. Her powers couldn't break the cylinder.
"Agree, Quistis." Thorpe said in a dangerous voice.
Quistis closed her eyes. She couldn't. but she didn't have a choice. She saw Squall in her mind, his worried frown. She didn't want to see him like that. Not when she could do something. She knew it was dangerous, but she didn't see any other choice. Besides. a small smile came to her lips. There was always an alternative. she knew the others would kill her if she gets out of hand.
"I'll do it."
Rinoa drew a sharp intake of breath. Quistis. the blonde girl stood up steadily. A golden aura enveloped her and Rinoa knew she was ready. She closed her eyes, her heavy heart beating slowly, erratically. She shouldn't do this. she was a sorceress. she should help, but why was she always a burden?
I don't think he considers you a burden.
Cody. he had so much faith in her. Where was he? Did he die? A low sob escaped her. He couldn't die. He had promised her. Cody had never broken promises. He had always been there, supporting her, fighting her, but always there for her to fall back. He quelled her fears. opened her eyes. He gave up his power to save her. Why? He hardly knew her.
"Rinoa."
Her eyes snapped open and saw Cody leaning against the door, looking exhausted, but alive. "Cody!!!" She shouted, half relieved, half afraid. 'Don't come!"
"Quistis, get away!" Cody raised an arm and a sizzling bolt of energy gathered in his palm, but Vincent Thorpe was still calm. "Hold it boy, or I'll fry your girlfriend." He had a finger poised over a button; a similar button to the one that caused Matron's cylinder to be filled with flames. Cody halted.
"Cody, let me." Quistis said slowly. "I'll end it."
"Good girl.. you were always so smart. maybe a little too smart." Vincent chuckled. "Well? Aren't you doing anything, Sorceress?"
Rinoa furiously fought back the tears. She looked for one last time at Quistis, admiring her calm composure, her admirable dignity of it all. And she saw the participle nod. Rinoa closed her eyes.
Matron watched in sorrow. Is this the end? Quistis fought so hard to recover her life, but now, she was powerless to protect anymore.This man had taken her one weakness and turned it against his creation. use it cruelly for an insane ambition.
She saw Rinoa's powers travel to Quistis, and the blonde wince in pain as the unaccustomed power entered her body. She could almost feel the way Quistis' body rebelled at this new power, mistaking it for an assault. She could feel Quistis fighting to draw it all, to end it as quickly as possible. And she saw the change that over came her. Her golden hair slowly changed to silver-purple, and grew longer with each passing moment. What was truly evident was the pain across her features as she finally gave way and collapsed. "Quistis!"
"Your turn now, Edea." Vincent said, a maniac glint in his eyes. "We have to complete Hyne."
Hyne? Is that what he was trying to create? To combine all the power, enhance it in a human and try to make her the great Goddess? "You're crazy." She trembled. "You're playing with people's lives, Vincent."
"Do it or I'll terminate the transfer!" he snapped. "And then you will see what happens to your precious Quistis!"
Quistis was screaming in agony. the pain was like being buried in glowing coal, or freezing ice. Her whole body rebelled, but she had to take it. she had to absorb every bit of it. She could feel her GFs screaming with her, but she couldn't stop. For Matron.
For Squall.
Something inside awakened and slowly the pain subsided. It was a mellow feeling, spreading like a warm glow throughout her body, comforting her. The pain had vanished, leaving a feeling of emptiness as she lay on the cold floor, trying to gather her bearings. The transfer. she could feel power coursing through her veins, throbbing in her pulse, ready to burst through her fingertips. But she was still so weak. too weak to move.
"My creation." She dimly heard Vincent breathe in her mind. I can feel your power. Such power! Show it to me, Quistis. show your power to your Creator.
Her mind balked at his command, but her body began to stir, and she wanted to scream. No!!! She fought to regain control, but he was in her, insisting, pressing deep, forcing her. She raised an arm and in one single movement, shattered the cylinder holding her captive into a million fragments. It was then did she notice - she had morphed. She was as pale as Shiva, and she saw her hair fanning out behind her - was it that long? It was a strange hue, and her whole body glowed with power. She heard Vincent laugh behind her. 'Wonderful!!!! She's simply wonderful!!!" And in that moment's lapse he had over her, she did the same motion to Rinoa and Edea's prisons, shattering them. "Run.." She rasped. "Run!"
Rinoa grabbed Cody's hand and together they ran out of the lab. But Edea did not move. Her dark eyes were filled with sorrow as she beheld this girl - the girl who stood before her now was no longer the same.
"Matron.."
"So you wish to witness the power of my Sorceress?!" Vincent shrieked. "Quistis, destroy her!"
Her body began to move towards Edea, but Quistis fought again. Bastard, she growled in her mind. I won't let you hurt Matron! She tried to swing around but a blinding pain shot through her, sending her crumpling to the ground. "Didn't I tell you what would happen if you dare disobey me.?"
She was unable to speak from the pain. "Let... me...die"
"Matron!!"
She heard it. was it Zell? It was. Hyne, she thought as she shakily got to her feet. But she musn't let Zell get hurt. She turned around saw it wasn't only Zell, but also Selphie, Irvine and. Squall. Everyone had their weapon drawn and were gaping at Quistis, but she saw that they knew what had happened.
"What a party." Vincent said, cackling. "Quistis, show them the price of trying to defy a Sorceress."
"She's not a Sorceress, she's Quisty!" Selphie retorted. "And she'll never follow your orders!"
"Oh?" Vincent raised an eyebrow. "Them maybe we should have a little demonstration?"
"Squall, run.' Quistis managed to say. "I don't - " A wave of drowsiness washed over her and her neck stung - as she realized she had been shot with something. Kill the boy.
What? Her conscious struggled. Kill?
Kill the boy.he's my enemy, your enemy. look deep inside you, find all the hate you have for this man.
And in her mind she saw, the many things she had overlooked, the many actions she had done for him without a single word of appreciation. Rinoa. Funny how things seem so heartbreaking. how dare he ignore her? How dare he use her, after all she had done for him?
Enemy! A surge of hatred like she had never felt burned through her and she launched at Squall, eyes burning. My enemy.!
"Shell!" Squall managed to raise it just in time as a blow so had it rocked the lab smashed into him. "Oh crap!" Zell cursed. 'Quistis, snap out of it!"
But she wasn't listening, they realized. "She's been controlled!"
Irvine ducked as a Blizzaga spell flew over his head. "And she's fast! Dammed, any ideas?"
"How do we break it? She's gonna kill us!" Selphie cried as Cerberus shielded her. Her blows were so powerful it killed Cerberus in an instant. If they keep it up they'll have to start attacking.
"Beautiful, isn't she?" Vincent laughed. 'And that's not half the power. Let me show you, Bahamut!"
Quistis summoned Bahamut and the great GF appeared, but he looked so different.
"The enhancement, and the transfer worked to enhance whatever GF is junctioned to her. Bahamut is now the ultimate weapon of destruction!" Vincent 's eyes were wild, and he was laughing uncontrollably. "Quistis, eliminate them!"
Bahamut charged at them, and they knew defense was out of the question. Just them there was a roar, and another dragon charged from behind them. Squall turned around and saw Cody, and Rinoa clinging to him with fear. 'What are you doing here?!"
"You have to break the control!" Cody shouted as Tiamat and Bahamut battled. "Once she realizes what she's doing is wrong, she'll snap out of it! Speak to her!" he yelled. Rinoa let go of Cody and walked up to Squall. Her lips trembled. "Squall. speak to her. She'll listen to you. She has to."
Squall looked down at the girl he had come to find. but deep inside he knew he had lost her. Someone else had given her a new light, and he knew, but strangely he didn't feel bad about it. "Rinoa."
"Squall. listen to me." She said quietly. 'All these years, I thought I really, really loved you. But. After a while I realized the feeling I had was for someone who opened my eyes to love, and not - love itself. I was afraid to lose you, but now I realize you were never mine to begin with. You were my savior, but." She hesitated.
Squall shook his head. "It's alright, Rinoa. I guess sooner or later we should know it won't work out. And I'm glad you found someone who can show you life." He smiled a little. Rinoa returned his smile and hugged him, maybe for the last time. "Please save her." She whispered. "She did this for you. She tried to save me. if only you can see the pain she had to go through. even I can't do that, Squall. I can't." She pulled back and smiled through teary eyes. "Life is only meaningful when you live for someone else," She whispered. "Quistis taught me that."
"I'm sick of this," Vincent rolled his eyes. For the past few minutes Zell, Selphie and Irvine had tried to attack him, but Quistis shielded him, and there was simply no way to break through.
"Kill them, Quistis." Vincent said almost lazily. 'We have the whole world to conquer. we shouldn't waste precious time dawdling with insects."
"Why you. My Final Heaven!!!" Zell roared and was about to plummet the man when a dazzling light surrounded him. A light that was too familiar. "Zell, NO!!!" Selphie screamed. Degenerator!
Selphie launched herself onto Zell and vainly tried to shake him out of it, but he was jerking in spasms, the magic working to destroy his body.
"Ah!"
The light faded and Zell collapsed in Selphie's arms, who instantly began using Full-Cure. 'Don't die, don't die."
Irvine turned to Quistis to see why she stopped, and saw a thin line of blood stretching down her left cheek - a life so fine it could only have been done by a finely- sharpened gunblade. It contrasted so starkly against her alabster skin.
Squall stood a little way off, the gunblade pointing to Quistis. A single drop of blood hung at the tip, and as if in slow motion, the single drop trembled and slipped off the tip to the floor. It took that long for Qusitis to lunge, and Squall to evade, leaving a small crater in the floor.
Hatred so thick it coiled in her veins, she attacked Squall like a wild animal, giving in to the hatred. She hated him. she so hated him! For making her like this, for leaving her to her own devices, for not loving her back!
"Quistis!" Squall yelled over the roar of Holy. She had 100 of spells in stock, and with her current power, magnified each attack to almost fifty times. "Quistis, listen to me!"
Something in her stirred, but the hate she was feeling consumed her to the point of being deaf. Seeing no choice, he decided to move the battle area. Fighting right in the middle of Eshtar was not a good idea, and hampered his moves badly. He raised his sword and yelled; "Blasting Zone!"
The move blasted a huge hole right through the rooftop. He jumped out and felt her follow. "Leviathan, carry me!" he summoned and the huge serpent appeared and he jumped on its back as it flew over the city. But the summoning would hold for long - he was not that compatible with it and Leviathan would soon protest his conduct. He landed outside the city and watched as Leviathan retreat.
A rush of wind made him whirl around and he came face to face with Quistis. She stood calmly a little way off, her silver-purple hair rippling in the sun. The glow that surrounded her was just as eminent, making her a bright star in the desert.
"Why are you fighting me?" He said in a calm voice. Her eyes flickered. "You're Vincent Thorpe's enemy." She said lifelessly. "He wishes you to die."
"Why do you follow his orders?" Squall asked again. He hoped he could stall her.
"I am his Sorceress," She said quietly. "You must die." She raised her arm and a line of fire exploded right under his feet, injuring him. Gatling Gun! "Quistis, you're not a Sorceress." He said as he Recovered himself. "Rinoa is. You're using her power. Can you understand that?"
"it is my power." She attacked again. He fended it off with a Reflect and she quickly countered by casting dispel on him. Hyne, she was just as smart as ever. "Quistis, are you listening to me?" he said in half- exasperation. "Why do you want to kill me?"
"I hate you!"
"There really is nothing you can do," Vincent grinned. Irvine had cocked his gun at him and currently the mad scientist was looking down the barrel of a very famous gun. "She will follow my orders. Shouldn't you be looking after your Commander?"
For a moment there Irvine was tempted to actually shoot, but restrained himself. There must be a way to reverse the drug. "It'll wear off," He said.
"Aha. that's where you're wrong. The drug Cody Rye and Quistis were injected is non-reversible."
"It's not," Cody said shakily. "But it can be countered. I countered mine when I realized that you were playing with my mind - you threatened to kill Rinoa. so you see, it's not that perfect." He grinned, seeing Vincent furrow his brow. "So it's the power of the mind. interesting. Rationalization can null my drug," He chuckled. "But I need not fear. Quistis is fueled by her own hate towards the Commander. she will bring his corpse back for a requiem," he chuckled maniacally. 'And you can't kill me, because you'd want to transfer the powers back, don't you?"
Squall was thrown against the mountain wall and his Lion Heart clattered to the ground. He slumped at the foot of the wall, gasping for breath. It was useless. she was deaf to his words. "Quistis."
She stood over him and prepared to give him the final blow; when the Quistis in her screamed in anguish. Look at him! Look what you've done to him! Why do you hate him?! He's putting his life at stake for you!
"I."
Squall hazily saw Quistis stare at him blankly. "Quistis... just ... kill me..." He groaned in pain. He had run out of healing spells and was too weak to cast Recover. and he didn't want to. He had tried, but she wouldn't listen. And he was too weak. If he was going to die, at least he would say what he wanted to say.
"Quistis. I. don't do this to yourself.." He said, choking on his own blood. Slowly the light gave was to darkness and he sank lifeless, at the feet of the woman who loved him.
It was like someone pulled up the curtains that shrouded her darkness - all the sudden she saw Squall, lying, crumpled and motionless. She sank to her knees, not quite believing what she saw. "Squall?" she half-whispered, almost believing he was only asleep. Almost. The blood covering his white shirt slowly sank in her mind, and the sob that threatened to burst tightened her throat. "Squall.!" She half wailed, and shook his shoulders. "Squall, answer me!"
Nothing. Did she? Was it her? She pulled his body away from the wall and cradled his head in her arms. "Squall, answer me." She choked as tears flowed freely down her face, stinging the cut. Unable to stand it, she pulled him close, sobbing into his shoulder. "Why?" She cried achingly. "Why does this happen?" She cried softly into his shoulder, the realization of what she had done sinking into her. Her silver hair covered him like a silken mantle, and slowly something happened.
The glow that had surrounded her slowly seeped into his body, making him briefly glow with the same light. But she didn't notice it. The only thing she could feel was hatred for herself, for killing Squall.
Squall slowly came to focus and he briefly wondered if he was buried under rubble - did she bury him in an avalanche of stones? But slowly he came to notice that the weight above him was warm, and moving. Crying. He could feel his shoulder already soaked with tears.
"I love you. please don't leave me. don't leave me Squall.!"
He almost smiled. Quistis.He slowly reached up a protesting arm and touched her shoulder, and she jolted off him immediately. 'Squall?!" She squeaked.
"Urgh. mean one you gave me there," he groaned as he felt every inch of him hurt. She gasped in relief and almost suffocated him again. 'Oh-ow." He winced and she quickly pulled away, blushing furiously. "I. what happened back there?"
"Let's just say you weren't yourself," He said hoarsely. He sort of liked the feeling of lying on her lap with her staring absently at him. Then she realized she had been caught staring again and she turned red. It was rare to see the great Quistis Trepe blush.
"Move it!!" A voice caught her attention and she looked up to see Irvine, pushing a distraught looking Vincent Thorpe in front of his Execter. Selphie marched along, alongside Matron. Cody and Rinoa brought up the rear, smiling as they caught sight of Squall. Quistis, sensing what it must look like to the others, gently nudged him. "You'd better get up."
"Why is he still alive?" Vincent growled to Quistis. The latter narrowed her eyes. "Because I don't want to kill him."
"You brat!" Simultaneously a burning pain shot through her systems, causing her to scream in pain. This must be his favorite punishment, she thought angrily and got to her feet. "You're at a dead end, Thorpe. My friends are free. and I have more than enough power to destroy you. Hadn't that occurred to you?"
"You can't reverse the process without me." He said smugly. Selphie grinned. "That, I've taken care of."
Squall shot her a questioning look. Selphie grinned triumphantly. "I contacted Ward and Kiros - I told them we needed Dr. Odine's co-operation. I told them everything, and they've put him under house-arrest." She laughed. 'So. anything else to say, sucker?" She snickered at his livid face.
Yeah!!!!! I think I managed that chapter quite well... I had some trouble fixing the scene where Rinoa talked to Squall, and Quistis killing him... Review please, and tell me, what should come next? Squall celebrating Quistis' birthday in Balamb Garden.
Squall and Quistis stuck in another conspiracy.
C. Laguna and Ellone try to play cupid.