Chapter 9 Progress?
Rinoa frowned as she lay in bed, staring at the lavishly decorated ceiling. Tomorrow. she'll be able to find out what's happening. Whether her father was truly behind these attacks, and why. Or maybe it's HER.
A soft knock on the door startled her and she climbed out of bed. Her instincts told her it was still a far cry from dawn -
"Prince Almasy?"
Seifer blinked as Rinoa frowned at him. 'I.uh... Squall told me to get you. He's gone with the others first - "
"What?! They've left?!"
Seifer was taken aback by her hiss. She was livid. "Well then, I'd better catch up." She slammed the door in his face and reappeared later, fully dressed in her 'commoner' clothes. In her hand she carried a strange projectile weapon. "I should stop relying on Quistis," She explained when she saw Seifer eyeing the weapon. He shrugged. The faster they leave the better chances of arriving in Trabia, getting Ellone and back without Squall knowing he's been there.
If only things were that simple.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Crown Princess Ellone paced the length of her room, not caring whether her pacing would caouse a rip in her skirts. She was too busy thinking to notice her mother the Queen Edea stare apprehensively. 'Darling, please stop your pacing. It's not proper."
"Forget propriety." She threw her hands up in the air. "Where's Father?"
"He's gone to meet our spies from Shumi Village. Since Galbadia occupied that settlement he's been busy keeping an eye on the soldiers, dear."
"He should,' Ellone muttered darkly. "Emperor Caraway's being too aggressive lately. I'm afraid for the safety of Trabia, Mother."
"He won't dare attack us - not when Esthar is so close and help is just a few hours away."
Ellone knew she meant the Balamb Regiment, but she didn't like to mention it. Balamb has been under Esthar's protection since the bloody battle on its shores fifteen years ago, but it had taken them a long time to recover from the battle. A lot of lives has been lost, and the central village has been totally annihilated. "Is that why you're sending me there?"
"You're safer in Esthar." Edea said gently. "We don't know what Caraway is after, but we don't want to risk it. Since you're the likely target, we need to put you in the best care."
"SeeD Knights." She muttered darkly. "Being protected like a helpless woman. How am I supposed to protect the country if I'm far away?"
"You're the Crown Princess," Edea got up and smoothed her skirts. "It's your responsibility to make the best decisions for the sake of Trabia. Now tell me; would you rather see the country face danger and be there to help rebuild it, or die and leave it in chaos?"
Ellone sighed. "You always make it so plainly, Mother. I wish you could talk to the Emperor and make him see sense."
Edea preferred not to answer. She knew deep inside that Emperor Caraway was not doing this intentionally - ever since the Balamb Battle, he had been perfectly agreeable - until he took a new wife. The Empress, Ultimecia. Since then she had received news that Timber has been attacked. But since Timber was on the Galbadian Continent and therefore not of their concern, they had made no move. She had also heard that her niece, the Princess Rinoa had escaped to Esthar following the attack on Timber. It was a strange event, and it prompted her to send a messenger to Esthar to request protection for her daughter. After all, if Rinoa seek refuge in the land of the enemy of Galbadia, there must be something going on.
Ellone stared out of the window. She wondered if her decision of sending Selphie to Esthar was a good one, since Selphie was. temperamental. King Loire might not have taken her presence too well.
"I wish you'd stop calling me Messenger Girl! I'm Selphie, Selphie!" Selphie hollered at Irvine, who was grinning as the two of them waited at the Royal Stables. So far there was no sign of Squall, Rinoa and Quistis. And the first fingers of dawn were creeping across the sky already. If they intend on making a quick getaway, they're running out of time.
Footsteps and Quistis came up, looking worried. "Have you seen the princess?"
"She should be still sleeping," Selphie offered helpfully. "Ellone's never up at this time - "
"You'd receive a whipping if she hears you talk like that," Irvine cocked his hat. He was dressed in his long coat and boots, looking like a common man. Selphie had changed from her Trabian gear into simple pageboy clothes. A nunchaku was strapped to her back, their trident ends gleaming dangerously.
Qusitis shook her head. She had a bad feeling. she came to Rinoa's room and found it untouched - she seems to have gone for a while. She suspected something and when Squall said he didn't see her either, she became suspicious.
"Two chocobos are missing from the stables," Squall scowled as he came out of the stables. "Seifer's chocobo and another one." He turned to Irvine, who looked at Selphie, who looked at Quistis, who frowned heavily. "Has she gone with the Prince?"
"How did he find out?" Squall demanded. Irvine shrugged. "Look here, prince, we don't know - "
"She's gone with the Prince," Quistis confirmed as she came out of the stables. "I'm sure."
"Then we'd better get going. Hyne knows how much time they have ahead of us," Irvine decided. "With any luck we'll catch up with them along the way."
But luck was certainly not on them. Seifer and Rinoa was already nearing the Trabian Canyon when the duo heard a roar and a huge Ruby Dragon come into sight. "Oh no." Rinoa breathed, but Seifer had dismounted and taken out Hyperion. "Race through the Canyon and wait for me," He instructed. "I'll distract him." Rinoa nodded and sprinted into the Canyon.
Seifer grit his teeth. What talk. who ever fought a Ruby Dragon while tending a massive hangover?
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Empress Ultimecia stepped out of the Ragnarok, her own battleship. The Trabian air bit at her skin, making her flesh crawl. But there are more important things to mind than bitter winds.
"Platoons are in position and ready to attack, my lady," A soldier saluted her. She nodded. "Begin attacking at sundown. Make sure you kill enough people to attract the Regiment from Balamb, do you understand?"
"Yes, Empress."
"Oh, and find that errant child of mine. How unbecoming of a princess to run to Esthar like that," She cackled in delight. Dear Rinoa, did you think you can run from me? I'll have those Guardians even if it means destroying the world. right now the Guardian that matters in the one that has been sleeping in Balamb for centuries - if only Caraway had captured Balamb fifteen years ago, she wouldn't have to go through all the trouble for it.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
The chocobos sped through the country so fast it was a blur. It was alright for the three as they could enjoy the view, but Quistis found the ride confusing. Squall had taken four of the fastest chocobos and man they gave a whole new definition to the word 'fast'.
"We'll arrive at the Pass soon," Squall called over the wind. Selphie responded with an excited yell and Irvine could not answer - he was too bust keeping his hat on his head. Quistis couldn't answer for fear of throwing up. She was annoyed, really. She had just arrived in Esthar and was thrown into a whirlwind of events that made things more complicated than it seems. Her sense of duty prevented her from abandoning Rinoa, but really, sometimes the girl could do with a little spanking!
"She's lonely, Quistis. She lost her mother at childbirth. I hope you can be a good friend to her."
Quistis remembered the pride at being chosen to be the Royal Knight, and entrusted to care for the Princess herself. But above the pride, her desire to find her lost blood kept her alert, always finding a chance to go to Esthar. She hated herself for being left to Galbadians when her twin was taken to Esthar... and this handicap made things all the more difficult. But she would find a way. She'll find him if it's the last thing she does.
"Owh!!!!!!!!!"
Quistis pulled sharply at the reins and her chocobo swung around to a stop. "What is it?"
Silence, and the Irvine burst into laughter. Squall was more gracious however. "Her chocobo sprained a foot," he said as he bent down and examined the chocobo's leg. It warked piteously at him. Quistis slid down from her steed and crouched down next to Squall. "Let me - "
"Incoming !!!!!!!!!!" Irvine suddenly yelled and Squall swung around to see two Ruby Dragons bear down on them. "Damn!!!!!!!"
"Let the chocobos go!" Irvine yelled and slapped the chocobos' rear, making them run away. Quistis healed the injured bird and let it run. Selphie jumped to the front and held out her hand. "Blizzaga!!"
"How come she knows magic?" Irvine muttered as he took aim and fired a bullet straight between the eyes of one. Squall did not answer. He swung his blade expertly, making his target roar in pain. He didn't count on it suddenly rearing up and slashing at him however. The sharp claws came within inches of scarring him when a whip darted in between and snapped at the dragon, making it howl. Another flash and blood gushed out of its eyes where Quistis struck it. "Kill it!" She cried and Squall leapt up, aimed and pushed his blade right between its shoulder blades, instant kill.
Irvine was having trouble with his target. His shot wasn't strong enough to kill it - just merely wounded and further enraged the dragon. It reared up and sprayed fire right in his face had he would have been fried if it wasn't for the sudden Shell spell. Selphie lunged out and struck with her nunchaku, hitting it in the eyes and blinding it. "What are you waiting for?" She yelled at Irvine. "Are you gonna stand there or be a gentleman and help me?!"
"Geez, keep it down, woman!" he growled and fired again, this time using a different ammo.
"Don't tell me there's more of these things?" Quistis sighed as she wiped the barbs on her whip clean.
"Without the chocobos it would take longer to track through the Pass," Selphie muttered. "It took me a good three days there."
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Rinoa waited fearfully until she finally saw Seifer climb out of the Pass, looking slightly the worse for wear - but alive.
"Let's get the hell out of here," he muttered as he grabbed the reins of his chocobo, but then stopped. Rinoa looked at him in confusion.
"If it isn't Princess Rinoa." An alien voice gloated. Rinoa swung around on her chocobo and her heart dropped into her stomach. Galbadian guards, lining the top of the hills.
"Great..." Seifer groaned.
Author's note: I'm so running low on inspiration... my other fics require attention too. review please, I beg you!
Rinoa frowned as she lay in bed, staring at the lavishly decorated ceiling. Tomorrow. she'll be able to find out what's happening. Whether her father was truly behind these attacks, and why. Or maybe it's HER.
A soft knock on the door startled her and she climbed out of bed. Her instincts told her it was still a far cry from dawn -
"Prince Almasy?"
Seifer blinked as Rinoa frowned at him. 'I.uh... Squall told me to get you. He's gone with the others first - "
"What?! They've left?!"
Seifer was taken aback by her hiss. She was livid. "Well then, I'd better catch up." She slammed the door in his face and reappeared later, fully dressed in her 'commoner' clothes. In her hand she carried a strange projectile weapon. "I should stop relying on Quistis," She explained when she saw Seifer eyeing the weapon. He shrugged. The faster they leave the better chances of arriving in Trabia, getting Ellone and back without Squall knowing he's been there.
If only things were that simple.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Crown Princess Ellone paced the length of her room, not caring whether her pacing would caouse a rip in her skirts. She was too busy thinking to notice her mother the Queen Edea stare apprehensively. 'Darling, please stop your pacing. It's not proper."
"Forget propriety." She threw her hands up in the air. "Where's Father?"
"He's gone to meet our spies from Shumi Village. Since Galbadia occupied that settlement he's been busy keeping an eye on the soldiers, dear."
"He should,' Ellone muttered darkly. "Emperor Caraway's being too aggressive lately. I'm afraid for the safety of Trabia, Mother."
"He won't dare attack us - not when Esthar is so close and help is just a few hours away."
Ellone knew she meant the Balamb Regiment, but she didn't like to mention it. Balamb has been under Esthar's protection since the bloody battle on its shores fifteen years ago, but it had taken them a long time to recover from the battle. A lot of lives has been lost, and the central village has been totally annihilated. "Is that why you're sending me there?"
"You're safer in Esthar." Edea said gently. "We don't know what Caraway is after, but we don't want to risk it. Since you're the likely target, we need to put you in the best care."
"SeeD Knights." She muttered darkly. "Being protected like a helpless woman. How am I supposed to protect the country if I'm far away?"
"You're the Crown Princess," Edea got up and smoothed her skirts. "It's your responsibility to make the best decisions for the sake of Trabia. Now tell me; would you rather see the country face danger and be there to help rebuild it, or die and leave it in chaos?"
Ellone sighed. "You always make it so plainly, Mother. I wish you could talk to the Emperor and make him see sense."
Edea preferred not to answer. She knew deep inside that Emperor Caraway was not doing this intentionally - ever since the Balamb Battle, he had been perfectly agreeable - until he took a new wife. The Empress, Ultimecia. Since then she had received news that Timber has been attacked. But since Timber was on the Galbadian Continent and therefore not of their concern, they had made no move. She had also heard that her niece, the Princess Rinoa had escaped to Esthar following the attack on Timber. It was a strange event, and it prompted her to send a messenger to Esthar to request protection for her daughter. After all, if Rinoa seek refuge in the land of the enemy of Galbadia, there must be something going on.
Ellone stared out of the window. She wondered if her decision of sending Selphie to Esthar was a good one, since Selphie was. temperamental. King Loire might not have taken her presence too well.
"I wish you'd stop calling me Messenger Girl! I'm Selphie, Selphie!" Selphie hollered at Irvine, who was grinning as the two of them waited at the Royal Stables. So far there was no sign of Squall, Rinoa and Quistis. And the first fingers of dawn were creeping across the sky already. If they intend on making a quick getaway, they're running out of time.
Footsteps and Quistis came up, looking worried. "Have you seen the princess?"
"She should be still sleeping," Selphie offered helpfully. "Ellone's never up at this time - "
"You'd receive a whipping if she hears you talk like that," Irvine cocked his hat. He was dressed in his long coat and boots, looking like a common man. Selphie had changed from her Trabian gear into simple pageboy clothes. A nunchaku was strapped to her back, their trident ends gleaming dangerously.
Qusitis shook her head. She had a bad feeling. she came to Rinoa's room and found it untouched - she seems to have gone for a while. She suspected something and when Squall said he didn't see her either, she became suspicious.
"Two chocobos are missing from the stables," Squall scowled as he came out of the stables. "Seifer's chocobo and another one." He turned to Irvine, who looked at Selphie, who looked at Quistis, who frowned heavily. "Has she gone with the Prince?"
"How did he find out?" Squall demanded. Irvine shrugged. "Look here, prince, we don't know - "
"She's gone with the Prince," Quistis confirmed as she came out of the stables. "I'm sure."
"Then we'd better get going. Hyne knows how much time they have ahead of us," Irvine decided. "With any luck we'll catch up with them along the way."
But luck was certainly not on them. Seifer and Rinoa was already nearing the Trabian Canyon when the duo heard a roar and a huge Ruby Dragon come into sight. "Oh no." Rinoa breathed, but Seifer had dismounted and taken out Hyperion. "Race through the Canyon and wait for me," He instructed. "I'll distract him." Rinoa nodded and sprinted into the Canyon.
Seifer grit his teeth. What talk. who ever fought a Ruby Dragon while tending a massive hangover?
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Empress Ultimecia stepped out of the Ragnarok, her own battleship. The Trabian air bit at her skin, making her flesh crawl. But there are more important things to mind than bitter winds.
"Platoons are in position and ready to attack, my lady," A soldier saluted her. She nodded. "Begin attacking at sundown. Make sure you kill enough people to attract the Regiment from Balamb, do you understand?"
"Yes, Empress."
"Oh, and find that errant child of mine. How unbecoming of a princess to run to Esthar like that," She cackled in delight. Dear Rinoa, did you think you can run from me? I'll have those Guardians even if it means destroying the world. right now the Guardian that matters in the one that has been sleeping in Balamb for centuries - if only Caraway had captured Balamb fifteen years ago, she wouldn't have to go through all the trouble for it.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
The chocobos sped through the country so fast it was a blur. It was alright for the three as they could enjoy the view, but Quistis found the ride confusing. Squall had taken four of the fastest chocobos and man they gave a whole new definition to the word 'fast'.
"We'll arrive at the Pass soon," Squall called over the wind. Selphie responded with an excited yell and Irvine could not answer - he was too bust keeping his hat on his head. Quistis couldn't answer for fear of throwing up. She was annoyed, really. She had just arrived in Esthar and was thrown into a whirlwind of events that made things more complicated than it seems. Her sense of duty prevented her from abandoning Rinoa, but really, sometimes the girl could do with a little spanking!
"She's lonely, Quistis. She lost her mother at childbirth. I hope you can be a good friend to her."
Quistis remembered the pride at being chosen to be the Royal Knight, and entrusted to care for the Princess herself. But above the pride, her desire to find her lost blood kept her alert, always finding a chance to go to Esthar. She hated herself for being left to Galbadians when her twin was taken to Esthar... and this handicap made things all the more difficult. But she would find a way. She'll find him if it's the last thing she does.
"Owh!!!!!!!!!"
Quistis pulled sharply at the reins and her chocobo swung around to a stop. "What is it?"
Silence, and the Irvine burst into laughter. Squall was more gracious however. "Her chocobo sprained a foot," he said as he bent down and examined the chocobo's leg. It warked piteously at him. Quistis slid down from her steed and crouched down next to Squall. "Let me - "
"Incoming !!!!!!!!!!" Irvine suddenly yelled and Squall swung around to see two Ruby Dragons bear down on them. "Damn!!!!!!!"
"Let the chocobos go!" Irvine yelled and slapped the chocobos' rear, making them run away. Quistis healed the injured bird and let it run. Selphie jumped to the front and held out her hand. "Blizzaga!!"
"How come she knows magic?" Irvine muttered as he took aim and fired a bullet straight between the eyes of one. Squall did not answer. He swung his blade expertly, making his target roar in pain. He didn't count on it suddenly rearing up and slashing at him however. The sharp claws came within inches of scarring him when a whip darted in between and snapped at the dragon, making it howl. Another flash and blood gushed out of its eyes where Quistis struck it. "Kill it!" She cried and Squall leapt up, aimed and pushed his blade right between its shoulder blades, instant kill.
Irvine was having trouble with his target. His shot wasn't strong enough to kill it - just merely wounded and further enraged the dragon. It reared up and sprayed fire right in his face had he would have been fried if it wasn't for the sudden Shell spell. Selphie lunged out and struck with her nunchaku, hitting it in the eyes and blinding it. "What are you waiting for?" She yelled at Irvine. "Are you gonna stand there or be a gentleman and help me?!"
"Geez, keep it down, woman!" he growled and fired again, this time using a different ammo.
"Don't tell me there's more of these things?" Quistis sighed as she wiped the barbs on her whip clean.
"Without the chocobos it would take longer to track through the Pass," Selphie muttered. "It took me a good three days there."
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Rinoa waited fearfully until she finally saw Seifer climb out of the Pass, looking slightly the worse for wear - but alive.
"Let's get the hell out of here," he muttered as he grabbed the reins of his chocobo, but then stopped. Rinoa looked at him in confusion.
"If it isn't Princess Rinoa." An alien voice gloated. Rinoa swung around on her chocobo and her heart dropped into her stomach. Galbadian guards, lining the top of the hills.
"Great..." Seifer groaned.
Author's note: I'm so running low on inspiration... my other fics require attention too. review please, I beg you!
