Chapter 20 Once Again
Author's Note: The climax - but not the end, I think. So read on, and don't forget, I love your reviews, no matter what they are!
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Selphie grunted as she helped Irvine up the flight of stairs strewn with rubble. "You should lose some weight, do you know that?"
Irvine muttered something indistinctly, but he was too wounded to make much sense.
Quistis looked up through the large hole in the ceiling. Far away, she could hear the loud roars of the two titans. Ellone looked up too. "...I want to see Bahamut," She half mumbled, trying to get up. Quistis looked at her in alarm. "You're not healed yet, Princess. I can't - "
"I want to go!" Ellone cried out desperately. "Bahamut - he - My mother gave him... I need to see him..."
A gentle hand rested on her shoulder and Ellone looked up into the eyes of Squall. The Prince looked at Quistis. "Let her, Quistis. We need to see the outcome of this battle anyway."
Quistis bit her lip and nodded as she helped Ellone to her feet. Together the trio made their way to the sky gardens - the highest part of the castle that was accessible right now. In the distance, they could see the great dragon sweeping high and firing beam after beam of pure energy, pulverizing anything in its path. Krysta wasn't lying when he said he was the closest Ortagon to the Empress; his attacks were equally damaging.
Squall tensed as Krysta's crystal javelin caught Bahamut on the left shoulder. Quistis gripped Ellone harder, the terrible roars filling her ears. She can't imagine what would happen if Krysta won... no... she mustn't think such thoughts...
Ellone bit her lip as she watched the fight. Bahamut was strong, but he looked exhausted - like he had been battling before... maybe mother had used him before she passed it down to her...?
Rinoa and Ultimecia entered the city gates, the latter looking about with displeasure. The whole city was in a mess, with smoke rising everywhere and flames still licking at some premises in another. "Looks like there's nothing for you to demolish, daughter dear."
Rinoa simply stared blankly into space. The control Ultimecia had over her was very strong. Rinoa's mind was wiped from any feelings whatsoever. She was simply a host for the legendary GF.
Through the plumes of smoke Ultimecia could see the two monsters fighting. From her viewpoint it didn't seem preferably in favor of her. "Come, Rinoa!" She said imperiously. "Release Eden!"
Rinoa slowly raised her arms and the GF exploded out from her in a myriad of color. "Let's turn the tables now." Ultimecia smiled happily.
Seifer dazedly opened his eyes and saw Selphie kneeling on the floor next to him, tending to Irvine. The Knight grinned at him. "Feeling okay, Seifer?"
Seifer rubbed his sore head. "I feel like I've been hit over the head with a sledgehammer."
"Something like that," Xu said briefly. "Zidane stopped you from killing everyone within twenty feet of you. You should thank the monkey for risking his tail."
Seifer looked around and saw the King standing a little way off, staring at something in the distance. Getting up, he approached his father. "What happened to me?"
King Loire stared at him briefly. "Something unexpected." He said quietly. Xu heard it and nodded to herself. Up to the last moment, their main priority was taking care of Ellone, but now another summoner had appeared. This had made things more complicated than it already is. But it also induced another possiblity; Ellone might not need to be the sacrifice...
But we're still risking human lives, Xu sighed inwardly as she watched the battle. At the edge of the Sky Garden, Ellone, Squall and Quistis were crouched, watching the same thing. But Squall had seen something else. And Quistis heard it too. She tensed. "Eden...?"
"The crazy woman's here!" Zell and Zidane groaned simultaneously. Zidane looked around. He spotted Xu standing a little way off. "Oi, Xu! We're going down!"
"Don't do anything stupid - "
Too late, the two had jumped down, Zidane's weapon flashing in the fading light. Squall frowned hard. "What are they thinking?!"
"Bahamut cannot be distracted," Ellone whispered, holding on to Quistis. "We need time."
Squall paused for a while and turned around to face Xu, who was standing a little way off. "Xu, We need to distract the Empress."
Xu nodded and gave a shrill whistle, so loud it seems to echo in the air. And everyone heard it.
Dagger, standing in the ruins of the city looked up and signaled to the other men. "Come on!"
Zidane came up and spotted his wife. "Dagger, we need to distract the lunatic!"
Dagger nodded. "The Empress controls Eden through Rinoa... which means if we focus on Rinoa or the Empress - "
"It's suicide whichever person you think of attacking, Zidane," Zell was growling. Zidane balanced his weapon thoughtfully. "Maybe we can... we just need to give Bahamut time."
"Then it's settled." Dagger nodded and they band set out to stop Ultimecia.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
With a mighty roar, Bahamut shot a sizzling pillar of energy and blasted Krysta to pieces, to Ellone's relief. She called him back and the Dragon disappeared in a burst of light.
"Quistis, look after her," Squall said softly as he drew his gunblade. Quistis blinked. "And what are you doing?"
He stared at her like she was asking the obvious, and in a way, she was. And he should have known the answer was obvious. She firmly crossed her arms in front of her and said; "No."
"Neither am I," A weak voice echoed and two stared in disbelief at Ellone, who was still holding on to Quistis. She smiled at Squall. "I'm supposed to be a part of this, right.?"
Xu came up to them, looking worried. 'Squall, Ellone might not need to do this."
Squall looked away. Seifer?
King Loire looked out at the Sky Garden. "Seifer, we have to guard - Seifer?!" He cried in alarm when he realized his son wasn't there. Irvine was unconscious and Selphie was too busy tending to him. "SEIFER?!"
Seifer leapt over fallen columns and beams towards the huge looming figure of Eden. Rinoa... Rinoa was there...
Ultimecia growled softly as she watched Krysta fall. Her Ortagon Knights are all gone... fools! She looked at Rinoa. "This city irritates me, child. Destroy them all."
Rinoa silently walked forward just as three figures leapt from a nearby roof. "Stop!"
A bright spell hit Rinoa and bounced right off just as the caster landed on all fours, clutching a pearl-colored scepter.
Ultimecia cried out in alarm just as she avoided a strike from a gleaming blade. Zidane landed, swinging his weapon. "You're fast, lady."
Ultimecia growled. "Rinoa!"
"Not so fast!" Zell cried and threw a noosed rope around the summoner. She looked blankly at the rope before it exploded to smithereens. Zell was taken aback and Ultimecia laughed. "Fool... do you think a summoner is so weak as to be trapped by simple spells and ropes?!"
Dagger furiously drove her scepter into the ground and a white glowing enchanted ring glowed on the ground. "If simple spells don't work then try white magic!"
"Zell, we have to cover her!" Zidane yelled and threw himself in front of a spell that was aiming for his wife. Ultimecia snarled. "You want to die so much, monkey-boy?"
"Rinoa!"
Ultimecia spun around and cried in pain as a sharp blade gashed her front. Doubling up in pain, she glared at Seifer, who was shaking Rinoa by the shoulders, ignoring everything. "Rinoa, wake up!"
"She's - Seifer, get out of the way!" Zidane yelled when he realized Dagger's circle was glowing brightly. Seifer might have been plain deaf, because at the next moment, the two of them were enveloped in a glowing white cage.
"Seifer!"
Ultimecia just can't believe it. "You!"
Quistis held out her hand. "Don't try anything, Empress," She said softly as a white energy sphere appeared in her palm. "I'm sorry."
"You've betrayed the Galbadian Empire, Trepe." Ultimecia snarled, clutching her wound. "Have you no shame as a Knight?!"
She flinched, but her hand was steady. She wouldn't; couldn't be deterred by her words... she was a SeeD Knight... "I will only do what is right." She said softly. "Even if it means turning against my Emperor."
Squall approached the shining cage and looked at Dagger, who was leaning heavily on her scepter. She must have drained her magic in creating the cage, but right now Seifer... Dagger raised her eyes to look at Squall and her eyes were hooded. "The cage cannot be released...unless the summoner can break it from inside."
"Rinoa, wake up..." Seifer desperately shielded his eyes against the white glare. Rinoa was trapped but she was still numb... Her eyes were blank as she stared into nothingness. "Damn the Empress!" He yelled.
Ellone stepped forward and stared at the orb. She had seen this cage before... hadn't her mother shown it to her when she was young? What had she said then...?
The white cage is a very strong spell, and only if the prisoner is strong enough can he break the cage from the inside. Even the Forbidden one cannot break the cage...
But right now Rinoa and Seifer is inside... she can't let them be trapped forever!
Quistis was distracted by another sound - a loud, rushing sound she had begun to recognize... "Princess?!"
Squall spun around and was startled when Bahamut shot to the sky. Ellone?!
Despite her injuries she focused on Ultimecia. Mega Flare!!!
Ultimecia screamed in pain as the pillar of fire burned her. But she wasn't the Empress for nothing. She collapsed to the ground, bloodied but still alive, hatred growing more than ever.
Seifer jerked when Rinoa began to tremble. "Rinoa?"
The pale princess began to tremble so hard that Seifer felt the very air around them vibrating with energy. "Rinoa?!"
Dagger and Squall were thrown back when the light cage blasted apart. "No!" Dagger yelled in fear, but Squall was back on his feet and ready. Quistis was distracted by Squall's yells. "Squall - Ahh?!"
Ultimecia blasted her with magic and stood her ground. "You are not the only one who knows magic, girl." She snarled and raised a bloodied hand. "Let me show you TRUE magic!" A dark circle appeared at her feet and engulfed the Empress completely.
Seifer crouched on the ground, feeling so dizzy he thought the world was spinning. And a hand was holding him... a voice was crying... calling his name...?
"Seifer... Seifer, please, get up Seifer..."
"Princess..." Quistis gasped in pain. "Princess!"
Dark clouds began to gather above the Empress, swirling in a menacing vortex. Quistis could feel it as the wind howled around her - this was beyond anything she had ever experienced before.
Rinoa held Seifer close, weeping in fear. "Seifer, wake up..."
The prince tried to move but his body was disobeying orders... "Rinoa... they're going to kill you..."
"Who...? Seifer, what's happening? What have I done?!"
Dagger tugged at the princess' arm. "Princess, we have to go," her voice was full of pain. "We have to leave, it isn't safe here."
"Seifer, what's going on?!" Rinoa yelled, trying to open her eyes in the raging winds. "Why is Mother - "
Too late, the column of darkness had dissolved, leaving a grotesque creature breathing heavily in its wake. It resembled a pale creature with its entrails hanging below what seemed to be its body. And if it had a face, the team was sure it was leering evilly at them.
Quistis shuddered at the rasping breathing and the horrible stench the creature brought with it. It was the smell of decay - rotten and disgusting.
"Tremble before me..." It rasped heavily; "The greatest sorceress ever!" A beam of light appeared in her hand and she hurled it at Ellone, only to be blocked by Dagger's shield. Ellone whirled around. "Rinoa!"
Rinoa cowered on the ground, holding Seifer. Ellone desperately released Bahamut again. "We need time! Rinoa, release Eden, please!"
Release it? But how? How does she control something she can't even feel?! Rinoa squeezed her eyes tight, fear gripping her heart in icy bands. Everyone was fighting... everyone had something to protect. No one was cowering like her - even if they were on the brink of death. But she...?
Eden, she pleaded, searching within herself. Eden, if you chose me, then answer me. Please come to my aid, Eden!
"Yaaahhh!!!" Ellone screamed as a powerful spell hit her. Quistis whirled around in horror. "Princess!"
Ultimecia turned on Rinoa. "Now for you..." She growled and another energy sphere appeared in her palm. Dagger's eyes widened in horror. "No!"
"Dagger!" Zidane yelled but too late, Dagger had thrown herself in front of Rinoa and was hit by the spell. Her body shook as her skin broke out in bloody gashes.
Rinoa cried out horror as Dagger collapsed in front of her. The girl was still alive, but barely. "Dagger...?"
"Help us, Princess," She breathed painfully, clutching her arm. "Please... save yourself."
"But..."
"Rinoa..." Seifer slowly croaked, his eyes open just slightly. "You can... just believe you can..."
Rinoa stared in disbelief at him and he slowly linked his hand with hers. "Don't... give in to fear."
"We can't hold on!" Quistis stumbled as her body finally gave way. Her mind was spinning and she felt like she was falling into a dark abyss... until someone broke her fall. Her hand reached out and touched something - someone. "You've done enough, Quistis."
She tried to reply, but she couldn't. Her body protested from being used in such a brutal manner, and every bone was throbbing like they were broken again and again. But she couldn't end - this wasn't finished yet. She can't give up - not when Rinoa was in danger - The Empress is now no longer human - she has become something from Hell.
A dazzling burst of light made Ellone stumble. To her amazement Zidane glowed red and he looked positively furious. He leapt high into the air and hurled sphere after sphere of glowing red energy at the Empress. "Grand Lethal!!!!!"
Rinoa gaped in surprise and looked at Dagger, who merely smiled weakly. "That's my husband..."
"Can't let him steal the limelight alone," Seifer whispered and seconds later Queazacotl made an appearance again, resplendent in his magnificent green plumage.
Rinoa bit her lip. Eden, she pleaded. Help me...! Answer my call, please!
"Child's tricks," Ultimecia growled when Queazacotl summoned lightning bolts to strike the Empress. "Dare you underestimate my powers?!"
"Give her everything we've got!" Zell yelled and everyone launched their attacks at the same time.
"I can't summon Bahamut anymore," Ellone whispered as she came to Squall. "Go and fight, Squall. I'll stay with Quistis..."
Squall looked helplessly at her before getting up and rushing to his friends' aid.
"You have someone who cares for you deeply," Ellone whispered to Quistis as she gently cradled the knight's head. Quistis could have smiled, but Ellone might have imagined it.
"Isn't she ever going to go down?!" Beatrix tossed her hair crossly and swung her sword in anger. "Climhazzard!!"
Squall stared at her strangely. He had seen that sword somewhere...but where? Now's not the time to ponder, he scolded himself silently as he dodged a spell. Concentrate. This will be a fight to the death...
Seifer winced as Queazacotl retreated in defeat. It's no use...
Dagger had gotten to her feet again as she slowly healed herself. Ultimecia's magic was incredible - without Eden it would be so difficult - virtually impossible. But in the human heart, hope resides. And until they admit defeat, they will still have a chance in victory.
"We can't just sit here," Selphie cried out desperately, clenching her fists. She felt so wrong standing here when everyone else were throwing their lives on the line. But, she thought desperately, she can't leave Irvine here. And King Loire...
The King was gazing at the battle spread below him with a strange expression. It wasn't fear, neither was it triumph. It was like he knew something that everyone else doesn't. As if noticing Selphie, he turned to her and smiled gently. "There isn't a reason to feel guilty, Selphie. They are fighting for everyone, and you will stand here, with me, protecting the very symbol of Esthar's majesty."
His words gave her some consolation, and she calmed down a little. "But I want to fight..."
"You've fought enough," King Loire interrupted quietly. "But I worry for someone who doesn't realize she has gone too far..."
"Let me...go." Quistis struggled weakly as Ellone held her down.. "You're too weak, Quistis, you can't - "
"Something's wrong," She blurted out, looking pale. "I can feel it..." The feeling - the same fear she had felt when Seifer went missing - it was the same dread, the same chill. Something bad was going to happen!
"I've had enough of your useless resistance," Ultimecia growled as she avoided a strike from Zell. "Let's end this foolish game." She pointed a finger at Squall; "Beginning with you, dear prince,"
A rune circle appeared under his feet and Squall felt his heart drop. He can't move!
"Feel the ultimate spell - Apocalypse!!!!"
Squall braced himself for the pain but suddenly something pushed him aside so hard he fell a clean five feet away, and he rolled up just in time to see Quistis scream in pain as the spell tore through her body. "Quistis!!!"
"How touching... I must commend you for being such a loyal knight, Trepe," Ultimecia snarled angrily. "'I suppose you want to die so much..."
Rinoa half stood. "Quistis...?" She whispered, expecting the knight to get up and continue on, like she always did. But she didn't get up. Those lifeless arms still gripped the whip, but it wasn't swinging and striking fear anymore. "...Quistis, why..."
"Quistis!!!!" Squall yelled but he couldn't come near her - Ultimecia was concentrating on him. "Quistis!!!"
Rinoa fell back on her knees, not realizing tears had spilled down her cheeks. The blonde knight wasn't stirring - she wasn't moving - she wasn't breathing!!!! Her head felt like it was trying to explode. Quistis, who never sat still, who never failed to be by her side - who put up with her and became more like a sister than a mere guard, was... defeated...?
"NO!!!!!!!!!"
Ultimecia stopped in her tracks as Eden materialized above Rinoa, who was kneeling with her hands over her ears, screaming in anguish. "...Impossible," She whispered in amazement. She cannot summon Eden - But why...?
Eden lunged at her and Ultimecia screamed as the huge Guardian enveloped her. Squall slowly stood up, not believing what he had just seen. In his absorption he didn't notice Ellone stepping forward. When he did notice, it was too late.
Ellone concentrated on Bahamut. Dear Guardian, please answer my call again, she pleaded silently. Seal this evil along with the forbidden one... and may man never set their eyes on them again...
With a loud roar Bahamut appeared, looking even more ferocious than ever. As if the two Guardians could understand each other, Eden changed into a dazzling sphere, bringing Ultimecia along with it.
Squall's eyes widened in horror. "Ellone!!!"
The princess turned to him, wearing a sad smile... or was it resignation? "This is what I'm meant to be, isn't it...? I am a summoner... and this is my destiny,"
"There has to be another way!"
"There is no other way.' She whispered, her eyes shielded by her wildly blowing hair. "There must be no more sacrifices. Besides," She raised her eyes, shining with tears - "There isn't anything else I can do. Ultimecia can never be completely defeated, thus we must imprison her. And I am willing to trap her...forever."
Squall closed his eyes against the tears that threatened to come. He had planned it - but why is it so hard to do?! Does saving one life mean sacrificing another?!
"Eden will be my very essence," Ellone said softly. "When I'm done, do what you have to do..."
She opened her arms and Bahamut joined the shining sphere, and slowly seeped into her, until there was nothing left. She turned to Squall, smiling sadly.
Squall couldn't look at her. He could merely hang his head in defeat.
With much effort, Dagger got to her feet. A nod from Ellone made her eyes water, but she knew... now that they've gone this far, they must carry on. She raised her scepter and thrust it into the ground. A glowing circle appeared under Ellone's feet and slowly, the light engulfed her, until it faded, and left Ellone, now turned completely to solid stone.
Rinoa dropped her arms and slowly looked at Squall, who didn't look back. The prince slowly knelt over Quistis and gathered her limp body into his arms, trying not to shed a tear. In Balamb she had given up her sight; here, she had thrown her life. Was his life to precious that one was willing to do everything to save him?
Zidane carefully supported Dagger and they approached the Prince. Slowly, everyone regained their strength and began to stand, help each other. Slowly the nightmare began to fade, and reality sank it. The Empress was gone. But so were so many other people.
Beatrix leaned heavily on her sword and stood facing the stone statue. It was finally over - this nightmare that began years ago was finally gone. But at a heavy price.
"Is she..." Zidane slowly touched Quistis' forehead, feeling only cold. But Dagger looked strange. With a strangled cry she released herself from Zidane and felt Quistis' pulse. "She - She's alive!" She croaked, hand trembling. "She's alive, Squall! She was badly hit, but she's alive!" She half yelled and Squall looked at her in astonishment. Zidane shrugged and grinned. "If she says she's alive, then you'd better run and hurry old man."
A/N: Whaddaya think???? I know it may seem muddled, but that's how I feel anyway. But hang on, there's another chapter updated following this one!!! Reviews, please?
Author's Note: The climax - but not the end, I think. So read on, and don't forget, I love your reviews, no matter what they are!
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Selphie grunted as she helped Irvine up the flight of stairs strewn with rubble. "You should lose some weight, do you know that?"
Irvine muttered something indistinctly, but he was too wounded to make much sense.
Quistis looked up through the large hole in the ceiling. Far away, she could hear the loud roars of the two titans. Ellone looked up too. "...I want to see Bahamut," She half mumbled, trying to get up. Quistis looked at her in alarm. "You're not healed yet, Princess. I can't - "
"I want to go!" Ellone cried out desperately. "Bahamut - he - My mother gave him... I need to see him..."
A gentle hand rested on her shoulder and Ellone looked up into the eyes of Squall. The Prince looked at Quistis. "Let her, Quistis. We need to see the outcome of this battle anyway."
Quistis bit her lip and nodded as she helped Ellone to her feet. Together the trio made their way to the sky gardens - the highest part of the castle that was accessible right now. In the distance, they could see the great dragon sweeping high and firing beam after beam of pure energy, pulverizing anything in its path. Krysta wasn't lying when he said he was the closest Ortagon to the Empress; his attacks were equally damaging.
Squall tensed as Krysta's crystal javelin caught Bahamut on the left shoulder. Quistis gripped Ellone harder, the terrible roars filling her ears. She can't imagine what would happen if Krysta won... no... she mustn't think such thoughts...
Ellone bit her lip as she watched the fight. Bahamut was strong, but he looked exhausted - like he had been battling before... maybe mother had used him before she passed it down to her...?
Rinoa and Ultimecia entered the city gates, the latter looking about with displeasure. The whole city was in a mess, with smoke rising everywhere and flames still licking at some premises in another. "Looks like there's nothing for you to demolish, daughter dear."
Rinoa simply stared blankly into space. The control Ultimecia had over her was very strong. Rinoa's mind was wiped from any feelings whatsoever. She was simply a host for the legendary GF.
Through the plumes of smoke Ultimecia could see the two monsters fighting. From her viewpoint it didn't seem preferably in favor of her. "Come, Rinoa!" She said imperiously. "Release Eden!"
Rinoa slowly raised her arms and the GF exploded out from her in a myriad of color. "Let's turn the tables now." Ultimecia smiled happily.
Seifer dazedly opened his eyes and saw Selphie kneeling on the floor next to him, tending to Irvine. The Knight grinned at him. "Feeling okay, Seifer?"
Seifer rubbed his sore head. "I feel like I've been hit over the head with a sledgehammer."
"Something like that," Xu said briefly. "Zidane stopped you from killing everyone within twenty feet of you. You should thank the monkey for risking his tail."
Seifer looked around and saw the King standing a little way off, staring at something in the distance. Getting up, he approached his father. "What happened to me?"
King Loire stared at him briefly. "Something unexpected." He said quietly. Xu heard it and nodded to herself. Up to the last moment, their main priority was taking care of Ellone, but now another summoner had appeared. This had made things more complicated than it already is. But it also induced another possiblity; Ellone might not need to be the sacrifice...
But we're still risking human lives, Xu sighed inwardly as she watched the battle. At the edge of the Sky Garden, Ellone, Squall and Quistis were crouched, watching the same thing. But Squall had seen something else. And Quistis heard it too. She tensed. "Eden...?"
"The crazy woman's here!" Zell and Zidane groaned simultaneously. Zidane looked around. He spotted Xu standing a little way off. "Oi, Xu! We're going down!"
"Don't do anything stupid - "
Too late, the two had jumped down, Zidane's weapon flashing in the fading light. Squall frowned hard. "What are they thinking?!"
"Bahamut cannot be distracted," Ellone whispered, holding on to Quistis. "We need time."
Squall paused for a while and turned around to face Xu, who was standing a little way off. "Xu, We need to distract the Empress."
Xu nodded and gave a shrill whistle, so loud it seems to echo in the air. And everyone heard it.
Dagger, standing in the ruins of the city looked up and signaled to the other men. "Come on!"
Zidane came up and spotted his wife. "Dagger, we need to distract the lunatic!"
Dagger nodded. "The Empress controls Eden through Rinoa... which means if we focus on Rinoa or the Empress - "
"It's suicide whichever person you think of attacking, Zidane," Zell was growling. Zidane balanced his weapon thoughtfully. "Maybe we can... we just need to give Bahamut time."
"Then it's settled." Dagger nodded and they band set out to stop Ultimecia.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
With a mighty roar, Bahamut shot a sizzling pillar of energy and blasted Krysta to pieces, to Ellone's relief. She called him back and the Dragon disappeared in a burst of light.
"Quistis, look after her," Squall said softly as he drew his gunblade. Quistis blinked. "And what are you doing?"
He stared at her like she was asking the obvious, and in a way, she was. And he should have known the answer was obvious. She firmly crossed her arms in front of her and said; "No."
"Neither am I," A weak voice echoed and two stared in disbelief at Ellone, who was still holding on to Quistis. She smiled at Squall. "I'm supposed to be a part of this, right.?"
Xu came up to them, looking worried. 'Squall, Ellone might not need to do this."
Squall looked away. Seifer?
King Loire looked out at the Sky Garden. "Seifer, we have to guard - Seifer?!" He cried in alarm when he realized his son wasn't there. Irvine was unconscious and Selphie was too busy tending to him. "SEIFER?!"
Seifer leapt over fallen columns and beams towards the huge looming figure of Eden. Rinoa... Rinoa was there...
Ultimecia growled softly as she watched Krysta fall. Her Ortagon Knights are all gone... fools! She looked at Rinoa. "This city irritates me, child. Destroy them all."
Rinoa silently walked forward just as three figures leapt from a nearby roof. "Stop!"
A bright spell hit Rinoa and bounced right off just as the caster landed on all fours, clutching a pearl-colored scepter.
Ultimecia cried out in alarm just as she avoided a strike from a gleaming blade. Zidane landed, swinging his weapon. "You're fast, lady."
Ultimecia growled. "Rinoa!"
"Not so fast!" Zell cried and threw a noosed rope around the summoner. She looked blankly at the rope before it exploded to smithereens. Zell was taken aback and Ultimecia laughed. "Fool... do you think a summoner is so weak as to be trapped by simple spells and ropes?!"
Dagger furiously drove her scepter into the ground and a white glowing enchanted ring glowed on the ground. "If simple spells don't work then try white magic!"
"Zell, we have to cover her!" Zidane yelled and threw himself in front of a spell that was aiming for his wife. Ultimecia snarled. "You want to die so much, monkey-boy?"
"Rinoa!"
Ultimecia spun around and cried in pain as a sharp blade gashed her front. Doubling up in pain, she glared at Seifer, who was shaking Rinoa by the shoulders, ignoring everything. "Rinoa, wake up!"
"She's - Seifer, get out of the way!" Zidane yelled when he realized Dagger's circle was glowing brightly. Seifer might have been plain deaf, because at the next moment, the two of them were enveloped in a glowing white cage.
"Seifer!"
Ultimecia just can't believe it. "You!"
Quistis held out her hand. "Don't try anything, Empress," She said softly as a white energy sphere appeared in her palm. "I'm sorry."
"You've betrayed the Galbadian Empire, Trepe." Ultimecia snarled, clutching her wound. "Have you no shame as a Knight?!"
She flinched, but her hand was steady. She wouldn't; couldn't be deterred by her words... she was a SeeD Knight... "I will only do what is right." She said softly. "Even if it means turning against my Emperor."
Squall approached the shining cage and looked at Dagger, who was leaning heavily on her scepter. She must have drained her magic in creating the cage, but right now Seifer... Dagger raised her eyes to look at Squall and her eyes were hooded. "The cage cannot be released...unless the summoner can break it from inside."
"Rinoa, wake up..." Seifer desperately shielded his eyes against the white glare. Rinoa was trapped but she was still numb... Her eyes were blank as she stared into nothingness. "Damn the Empress!" He yelled.
Ellone stepped forward and stared at the orb. She had seen this cage before... hadn't her mother shown it to her when she was young? What had she said then...?
The white cage is a very strong spell, and only if the prisoner is strong enough can he break the cage from the inside. Even the Forbidden one cannot break the cage...
But right now Rinoa and Seifer is inside... she can't let them be trapped forever!
Quistis was distracted by another sound - a loud, rushing sound she had begun to recognize... "Princess?!"
Squall spun around and was startled when Bahamut shot to the sky. Ellone?!
Despite her injuries she focused on Ultimecia. Mega Flare!!!
Ultimecia screamed in pain as the pillar of fire burned her. But she wasn't the Empress for nothing. She collapsed to the ground, bloodied but still alive, hatred growing more than ever.
Seifer jerked when Rinoa began to tremble. "Rinoa?"
The pale princess began to tremble so hard that Seifer felt the very air around them vibrating with energy. "Rinoa?!"
Dagger and Squall were thrown back when the light cage blasted apart. "No!" Dagger yelled in fear, but Squall was back on his feet and ready. Quistis was distracted by Squall's yells. "Squall - Ahh?!"
Ultimecia blasted her with magic and stood her ground. "You are not the only one who knows magic, girl." She snarled and raised a bloodied hand. "Let me show you TRUE magic!" A dark circle appeared at her feet and engulfed the Empress completely.
Seifer crouched on the ground, feeling so dizzy he thought the world was spinning. And a hand was holding him... a voice was crying... calling his name...?
"Seifer... Seifer, please, get up Seifer..."
"Princess..." Quistis gasped in pain. "Princess!"
Dark clouds began to gather above the Empress, swirling in a menacing vortex. Quistis could feel it as the wind howled around her - this was beyond anything she had ever experienced before.
Rinoa held Seifer close, weeping in fear. "Seifer, wake up..."
The prince tried to move but his body was disobeying orders... "Rinoa... they're going to kill you..."
"Who...? Seifer, what's happening? What have I done?!"
Dagger tugged at the princess' arm. "Princess, we have to go," her voice was full of pain. "We have to leave, it isn't safe here."
"Seifer, what's going on?!" Rinoa yelled, trying to open her eyes in the raging winds. "Why is Mother - "
Too late, the column of darkness had dissolved, leaving a grotesque creature breathing heavily in its wake. It resembled a pale creature with its entrails hanging below what seemed to be its body. And if it had a face, the team was sure it was leering evilly at them.
Quistis shuddered at the rasping breathing and the horrible stench the creature brought with it. It was the smell of decay - rotten and disgusting.
"Tremble before me..." It rasped heavily; "The greatest sorceress ever!" A beam of light appeared in her hand and she hurled it at Ellone, only to be blocked by Dagger's shield. Ellone whirled around. "Rinoa!"
Rinoa cowered on the ground, holding Seifer. Ellone desperately released Bahamut again. "We need time! Rinoa, release Eden, please!"
Release it? But how? How does she control something she can't even feel?! Rinoa squeezed her eyes tight, fear gripping her heart in icy bands. Everyone was fighting... everyone had something to protect. No one was cowering like her - even if they were on the brink of death. But she...?
Eden, she pleaded, searching within herself. Eden, if you chose me, then answer me. Please come to my aid, Eden!
"Yaaahhh!!!" Ellone screamed as a powerful spell hit her. Quistis whirled around in horror. "Princess!"
Ultimecia turned on Rinoa. "Now for you..." She growled and another energy sphere appeared in her palm. Dagger's eyes widened in horror. "No!"
"Dagger!" Zidane yelled but too late, Dagger had thrown herself in front of Rinoa and was hit by the spell. Her body shook as her skin broke out in bloody gashes.
Rinoa cried out horror as Dagger collapsed in front of her. The girl was still alive, but barely. "Dagger...?"
"Help us, Princess," She breathed painfully, clutching her arm. "Please... save yourself."
"But..."
"Rinoa..." Seifer slowly croaked, his eyes open just slightly. "You can... just believe you can..."
Rinoa stared in disbelief at him and he slowly linked his hand with hers. "Don't... give in to fear."
"We can't hold on!" Quistis stumbled as her body finally gave way. Her mind was spinning and she felt like she was falling into a dark abyss... until someone broke her fall. Her hand reached out and touched something - someone. "You've done enough, Quistis."
She tried to reply, but she couldn't. Her body protested from being used in such a brutal manner, and every bone was throbbing like they were broken again and again. But she couldn't end - this wasn't finished yet. She can't give up - not when Rinoa was in danger - The Empress is now no longer human - she has become something from Hell.
A dazzling burst of light made Ellone stumble. To her amazement Zidane glowed red and he looked positively furious. He leapt high into the air and hurled sphere after sphere of glowing red energy at the Empress. "Grand Lethal!!!!!"
Rinoa gaped in surprise and looked at Dagger, who merely smiled weakly. "That's my husband..."
"Can't let him steal the limelight alone," Seifer whispered and seconds later Queazacotl made an appearance again, resplendent in his magnificent green plumage.
Rinoa bit her lip. Eden, she pleaded. Help me...! Answer my call, please!
"Child's tricks," Ultimecia growled when Queazacotl summoned lightning bolts to strike the Empress. "Dare you underestimate my powers?!"
"Give her everything we've got!" Zell yelled and everyone launched their attacks at the same time.
"I can't summon Bahamut anymore," Ellone whispered as she came to Squall. "Go and fight, Squall. I'll stay with Quistis..."
Squall looked helplessly at her before getting up and rushing to his friends' aid.
"You have someone who cares for you deeply," Ellone whispered to Quistis as she gently cradled the knight's head. Quistis could have smiled, but Ellone might have imagined it.
"Isn't she ever going to go down?!" Beatrix tossed her hair crossly and swung her sword in anger. "Climhazzard!!"
Squall stared at her strangely. He had seen that sword somewhere...but where? Now's not the time to ponder, he scolded himself silently as he dodged a spell. Concentrate. This will be a fight to the death...
Seifer winced as Queazacotl retreated in defeat. It's no use...
Dagger had gotten to her feet again as she slowly healed herself. Ultimecia's magic was incredible - without Eden it would be so difficult - virtually impossible. But in the human heart, hope resides. And until they admit defeat, they will still have a chance in victory.
"We can't just sit here," Selphie cried out desperately, clenching her fists. She felt so wrong standing here when everyone else were throwing their lives on the line. But, she thought desperately, she can't leave Irvine here. And King Loire...
The King was gazing at the battle spread below him with a strange expression. It wasn't fear, neither was it triumph. It was like he knew something that everyone else doesn't. As if noticing Selphie, he turned to her and smiled gently. "There isn't a reason to feel guilty, Selphie. They are fighting for everyone, and you will stand here, with me, protecting the very symbol of Esthar's majesty."
His words gave her some consolation, and she calmed down a little. "But I want to fight..."
"You've fought enough," King Loire interrupted quietly. "But I worry for someone who doesn't realize she has gone too far..."
"Let me...go." Quistis struggled weakly as Ellone held her down.. "You're too weak, Quistis, you can't - "
"Something's wrong," She blurted out, looking pale. "I can feel it..." The feeling - the same fear she had felt when Seifer went missing - it was the same dread, the same chill. Something bad was going to happen!
"I've had enough of your useless resistance," Ultimecia growled as she avoided a strike from Zell. "Let's end this foolish game." She pointed a finger at Squall; "Beginning with you, dear prince,"
A rune circle appeared under his feet and Squall felt his heart drop. He can't move!
"Feel the ultimate spell - Apocalypse!!!!"
Squall braced himself for the pain but suddenly something pushed him aside so hard he fell a clean five feet away, and he rolled up just in time to see Quistis scream in pain as the spell tore through her body. "Quistis!!!"
"How touching... I must commend you for being such a loyal knight, Trepe," Ultimecia snarled angrily. "'I suppose you want to die so much..."
Rinoa half stood. "Quistis...?" She whispered, expecting the knight to get up and continue on, like she always did. But she didn't get up. Those lifeless arms still gripped the whip, but it wasn't swinging and striking fear anymore. "...Quistis, why..."
"Quistis!!!!" Squall yelled but he couldn't come near her - Ultimecia was concentrating on him. "Quistis!!!"
Rinoa fell back on her knees, not realizing tears had spilled down her cheeks. The blonde knight wasn't stirring - she wasn't moving - she wasn't breathing!!!! Her head felt like it was trying to explode. Quistis, who never sat still, who never failed to be by her side - who put up with her and became more like a sister than a mere guard, was... defeated...?
"NO!!!!!!!!!"
Ultimecia stopped in her tracks as Eden materialized above Rinoa, who was kneeling with her hands over her ears, screaming in anguish. "...Impossible," She whispered in amazement. She cannot summon Eden - But why...?
Eden lunged at her and Ultimecia screamed as the huge Guardian enveloped her. Squall slowly stood up, not believing what he had just seen. In his absorption he didn't notice Ellone stepping forward. When he did notice, it was too late.
Ellone concentrated on Bahamut. Dear Guardian, please answer my call again, she pleaded silently. Seal this evil along with the forbidden one... and may man never set their eyes on them again...
With a loud roar Bahamut appeared, looking even more ferocious than ever. As if the two Guardians could understand each other, Eden changed into a dazzling sphere, bringing Ultimecia along with it.
Squall's eyes widened in horror. "Ellone!!!"
The princess turned to him, wearing a sad smile... or was it resignation? "This is what I'm meant to be, isn't it...? I am a summoner... and this is my destiny,"
"There has to be another way!"
"There is no other way.' She whispered, her eyes shielded by her wildly blowing hair. "There must be no more sacrifices. Besides," She raised her eyes, shining with tears - "There isn't anything else I can do. Ultimecia can never be completely defeated, thus we must imprison her. And I am willing to trap her...forever."
Squall closed his eyes against the tears that threatened to come. He had planned it - but why is it so hard to do?! Does saving one life mean sacrificing another?!
"Eden will be my very essence," Ellone said softly. "When I'm done, do what you have to do..."
She opened her arms and Bahamut joined the shining sphere, and slowly seeped into her, until there was nothing left. She turned to Squall, smiling sadly.
Squall couldn't look at her. He could merely hang his head in defeat.
With much effort, Dagger got to her feet. A nod from Ellone made her eyes water, but she knew... now that they've gone this far, they must carry on. She raised her scepter and thrust it into the ground. A glowing circle appeared under Ellone's feet and slowly, the light engulfed her, until it faded, and left Ellone, now turned completely to solid stone.
Rinoa dropped her arms and slowly looked at Squall, who didn't look back. The prince slowly knelt over Quistis and gathered her limp body into his arms, trying not to shed a tear. In Balamb she had given up her sight; here, she had thrown her life. Was his life to precious that one was willing to do everything to save him?
Zidane carefully supported Dagger and they approached the Prince. Slowly, everyone regained their strength and began to stand, help each other. Slowly the nightmare began to fade, and reality sank it. The Empress was gone. But so were so many other people.
Beatrix leaned heavily on her sword and stood facing the stone statue. It was finally over - this nightmare that began years ago was finally gone. But at a heavy price.
"Is she..." Zidane slowly touched Quistis' forehead, feeling only cold. But Dagger looked strange. With a strangled cry she released herself from Zidane and felt Quistis' pulse. "She - She's alive!" She croaked, hand trembling. "She's alive, Squall! She was badly hit, but she's alive!" She half yelled and Squall looked at her in astonishment. Zidane shrugged and grinned. "If she says she's alive, then you'd better run and hurry old man."
A/N: Whaddaya think???? I know it may seem muddled, but that's how I feel anyway. But hang on, there's another chapter updated following this one!!! Reviews, please?
