Esca Fantasy

jj: I'm glad you like it, here's the next chapter for you, thanks for reviewing.

Love Witch: I'm glad you liked the dance scene. I thought fighting scenes were difficult to write but they are easy compared to that. And you're right, Dryden is going to be Irvine. I chose that pairing purely because of their hair :p That was nice of your friend, all that ff8 jewellery sounds very cool. I'm glad you didn't mind me using your brother's name. And I hope your brother doesn't mind either. I was trying to think of a name for the room mate that was different, but cool aswell and Jayce came into my mind. I'm glad you liked the extra scenes aswell. And it is hard trying to keep the right personalities for the characters. I chapter 5 I started to realise that Millerna was too hyper like Selphie and Merle was too mature and proper like Quistis, so I'm trying harder to keep them right now. Thanx for reviewing.

Snow blossoms: I'm glad you liked it so much. ^_^ And I'm always more than happy to hear what you guys have to say and will always take into consideration any suggestion you have. And I'm afraid you'll have to wait to see what caught her eye. But in the mean time, here's the next chappie, enjoy!

Shiane: I'm glad you liked this chapter so much. I think my favourite chapter is actually the first. I personally think that the quality of writing in it is much better than the others I've done. Thanks for reviewing.

Esca-lover: Thanks, and I'm glad the dance scene was as clear as other scenes like the fighting ones, even though as I said, it was extremely difficult. Oh, and update your story soon!

Little fairy: the last item you need is six remedy pluses. To get these you must have 10 remedy's, then you refine them using Alexander's Med LV up technique. I hope that helps you.

Ruby: thanks for the review and here's the next chapter for you.

SabineballZ: I'm sorry for stopping it there, but I just couldn't resist. Here's the next chappie for you, enjoy!

Previously, on Esca Fantasy

After a few minutes of lying there he opened his eyes, only to see a girl slightly older than himself, watching him from the other side of the glass wall. She had dark brown hair that was twisted up and was held in place with invisible pins, and light brown eyes. She wore a simple white skirt and blue top with a grass green sash wrapped around her arms. She smiled at him as she spoke softly.

"Van…..so we meet again". Van blinked his eyes to make sure he wasn't hallucinating, but when he looked back, he saw that she had disappeared, gone as quickly as she had come.

~*~*~*~

After a few minutes of waiting a faculty member appeared, in his hand he was carrying a rolled up piece of paper. He unrolled it and held it up, calling out the names on it, two of which were Van and Dilandau's.

~*~*~*~

They got in the elevator and climbed to the third floor where headmaster Cid's office was. When they entered his office they joined the four other students that were in a presentational line. Van took a quick look down the line and noticed that Millerna was there.

Cid stood up from his chair and smiled at them warmly. "First of all congratulations are in order, you have all passed the SeeD exam, and are now officially members of SeeD."

~*~*~*~

Taking his eyes away from the view of the night sky he looked back to the dance floor, and narrowed his eyes as something, rather, someone caught his attention. There, in the middle of the dance floor, also staring peacefully up at the night sky was a beautiful young girl.

~*~*~*~

With long confident strides she pulled him through the dancing couples to an empty spot in the middle of the hall. Turning to Van she smiled knowingly as a new tune struck up that Van recognized. Then as if they were mirror images of each other they began the steps to the routine.

~*~*~*~

Slowing their pace with the music she stepped towards him, so that their bodies were close with their palms pressed together, signaling the end of their dance. Then something over his shoulder caught her eye and her eyes lit up. Van turned back to face her and noticed that her gaze was directed behind him. She smiled at him brightly before breaking away from his hold and he watched as the mysterious girl left the dance floor. Van just stood there, quite overwhelmed and shocked at what just happened.

Chapter 7

The First Mission

Later that evening, Van was standing out on the large stone balcony that was connected to the hall. Ivy wrapped itself around the grey stone balusters and soft blue lights illuminated the area while music from the hall quietly drifted out through the open glass doors. But his surroundings went unnoticed by him as his thoughts were focused on that mysterious green-eyed girl.

Who was she?

He certainly didn't recognise her from Garden and she couldn't be a new student as she was too old and only SeeD's were allowed to attend the party last night. And she couldn't be a new transfer SeeD like Millerna as she wasn't wearing the SeeD uniform. He could only guess that she was a guest to the celebrations, probably invited by one of the other SeeD's.

He still couldn't quite comprehend what had happened earlier. He had never allowed anyone to get that close to him before. But that girl was different, it was as if he lost all control of himself when she was near. He couldn't explain it. Ever since he could remember he had been alone, not getting close to anyone and relying on himself completely. So why did he allow her to take him onto the dance floor? If he really hadn't wanted to dance with her then he wouldn't have, but for some reason, he did want to.

He didn't even know her name, she had disappeared so quickly and he couldn't find her again. Guessing that she must have left, Van decided to come out onto the balcony for the rest of the evening. But he still couldn't get her out of his mind. He wondered if they would ever meet again.

"You really are an excellent student. Even that dance was perfect." Van had been so lost in his thoughts that he had failed to hear the approaching footsteps. He glanced over his shoulder at Merle who was wearing her usual pink out fit, with her arms crossed over her chest and leaning her weight casually on one leg. After confirming it was her he then turned back to face the view.

"Thank you." Was his simple, yet appropriate reply to her compliment.

After a few moments of silence he sighed, "Yes?"

Merle unfolded her arms indignantly. "So you'll dance with someone you don't even know. But you can't stand being around me?" As much as she tried to hide it she could still hear a hint of jealousy and hurt in her voice.

"…Whatever." Van turned around to face her, putting a hand on his hip and leaning against the balcony. "You're an instructor and I'm your student. It's kind of awkward when you stand there and don't say anything."

Merle put a hand on her hip and chuckled slightly.

"That's true. I was like that when I was a student…..Oh! I completely forgot," she said as she folded her arms again, "I've come to give you an order." She announced, "You and I are to go to the 'secret area'. It's where students secretly meet up and talk after curfew. It's inside the training centre."

Van had heard about the 'secret area', although he had never been there as he never had reason to, and never particularly wanted to either

"What do we need to go there for?" he asked, "Are we going there to tell everyone that they're violating curfew? If that's the case forget it. Leave that for the disciplinary committee."

Merle chuckled at his attitude, she'd never heard him disagree with an order before.

"No, it's nothing like that. Just go and get changed and meet me at the training centre's entrance…..This will be my last order."

Van was going to ask her what she meant by that but he decided not to as he had a feeling she'd tell him soon enough. So following her order he left the balcony and exited the hall, heading for his dormitory where he ran into Dilandau in the hallway.

"Finally! There you are!" he said, placing a hand on his hip, "Where the hell were you? I was looking all over the place." Van just gave Dilandau a questioning look.

"What did you want me for?" he asked.

"We're both members of SeeD now, right?" Van just nodded, "Well guess what!? We got our own rooms now! Your new one is right across the hall from your old one, and all your stuff has been moved already, you just need to sort it out. Anyway, that's what I was asked to tell you, it took me forever!"

They both walked up the corridor to the dorms where they went their separate ways and Van entered his new room. It was bigger than his last one, with his bed on the left and a desk and shelves on the right and a bathroom and a kitchenette adjoining it. Pushing a few boxes to the side he moved to his cupboards where he pulled out his usual black jacket and trousers and changed into them. He also strapped his gunblade around his waist, seeing as they were going to the training centre he might need it. He then left his room and made his way to the training centre, where Merle was waiting for him.

"Well I'm glad to see you're here," she said when he arrived, "I was beginning to think you weren't coming. Come on it's this way." She said and she started walking into the training centre, with Van following. She led him through a few doors, pathways and thick forestation before they eventually came to a door that was concealed behind a large rock and hidden by creeping plants and vines. When they entered the 'secret area' Van looked around. It was a fairly dark area, just a plain room that led out to a balcony, which was where Merle was headed. Van couldn't help but notice as he followed her that the only other people there were couples that were cuddled up to each other. When they got to the balcony Merle walked over to the metal railing.

"I haven't been here in a while." She said, as she leant forward, resting her forearms on the railing. Van turned to face the view of Garden and rested one elbow on the railing, his other hand placed on his hip. Garden looked so big from here. He could see the outside of the main hall from where he stood; brightly lit with elegant blue lights, with only trees covering the distance. Both of them stood there for a while, lost in their own thoughts.

"What time is it?" Merle asked after a few moments silence, keeping her gaze on the view.

Van gave her a side-ways glance before answering. "It's after midnight."

Merle sighed heavily and leant forward on her arms, resting her chin on them and looking down.

"Oh well…." Then she stood up straight from her slouched position, "I, Merle Trepe, am no longer an instructor as of now!" She announced, then she turned to Van, letting one arm fall to her side, "I'm a member of SeeD now, just like you. Who knows, maybe we'll end up working together." Van looked at her, his expression blank, then turned back to the view.

"…Oh really?" Merle also looked back out at the view.

"Is that all you're going to say?"

"If that's how it was decided then you have to abide by it." He replied nonchalantly. Merle leant forward on the balcony sadly.

"They told me that I failed as an instructor. Basically, that I lacked leadership qualities. I was a SeeD by the age of fifteen, got my instructor's license at seventeen…..It's only been a year since I got it…I wonder where I went wrong…I did me best…" then she turned to Van but realised that he had turned his back on her and was looking away, seemingly not paying any attention to her.

"Are you listening?" she asked hotly.

Van sighed heavily.

"Are you done yet?…." he asked, Merle didn't know what to say to that. There she was, telling him her thoughts and feelings and he didn't even care. He leant back on the railing and propped his elbows up on it, "If you're expecting me to be able to give you some advice or comforting words then don't. What am I supposed to say about other people's problems?"

"I'm not asking you to say anything. I just want you to listen." She replied.

"Then go talk to a wall." He said dryly.

"Aren't there times when you want to share your feelings with someone?" she asked. Van folded his arms and looked away.

"Everyone has to take care of themselves. I don't want to carry anyone's burden." And with that he pushed himself off the railing and walked away.

Merle sighed and looked up at the night sky.

"No leadership qualities…. failed instructor….maybe they're right…"

***

Van left the secret area and walked through the training centre towards the entrance. He heard Merle catch up to him but she didn't say anything. She just followed his lead. Suddenly, after a few minutes of walking in silence they heard something. Both paused in their steps as they strained to hear it again, and identify what it was. It didn't take them long. From near by they could clearly hear the desperate cries of someone.

"Somebody help!"

Merle was the first one to come to her senses and ran past Van.

"Come on, Van!" she called to him over her shoulder. They followed a narrow dirt path that led through the training centre and as they came round a corner that's when Van saw her.

It was the girl from the infirmary.

A large, bug-like monster that was flying over head was attacking her. She shrieked, as it made another dive towards her and that's when she saw them.

"Van!! Van! Merle!" she called out to them desperately.

Van didn't have any time to ponder about what that girl was doing here or even how she knew their names as the monster was getting ready to launch it's next attack. Van unsheathed his gunblade and ran over to stand in front of the girl. Merle did the same as she uncoiled her chain whip from her side.

The monster, a Granaldo it was called, swooped down towards them. It's wings buzzing behind it, sounding like a swarm of bees. Van raised his gunblade, ready to strike it as it passed, but the Granaldo was too fast, and didn't fly low enough, so his attack missed.

Granaldo's were monsters that weren't found very often in the training centre. They mainly came out at night, so Van had only ever fought on or two of them. And whenever he did it was always a pretty tough battle because of their aerial advantage. The only way he had beaten them before was by using powerful wind magic, but that was a long time ago and he hadn't used wind magic in a long while. This Granaldo was also larger than any others he had ever fought.

Van braced himself again as the monster made a turn in the air and flew back down towards them. It was Merle's turn to attack this time. When the monster was close enough she flicked out her chain whip and managed to crack it against the Granaldo's body. Her attack inflicted a small amount of pain but no damage to the flying insect. Seeing this, Van managed to devise a plan in his mind.

"Merle," he said, "next time the Granaldo flies round, use your chain whip and trap it. Then we can pull it in so I can attack it." Merle thought about his plan and agreed that it was the best solution.

"Ok." She replied, and she turned to face the Granaldo. She kept her eyes locked on it as it made a loop through the air and once again advanced towards them. Holding her chain whip at the ready, she stood perfectly poised, her body on full alert as she waited for the right moment to attack.

As the monster neared she mentally prepared herself and when she saw her opening she swung her chain whip out, successfully looping it around one of the monsters pointy, leg-like limbs. She hung on tight to her chain whip as the monster carried on flying, and stumbled forwards. She may have caught it but it was still stronger than she was and she couldn't hold it. Seeing this, Van rushed forwards and held onto the chain whip with her. With their combined strength they managed to slowly pull the creature down. Although they now had the creature detained, Van wouldn't be able to attack it if he had to hold the chain whip, and Merle couldn't hold it on her own.

As they struggled with the monster, in the corner of his eye, Van could see two figures in white uniforms approaching. They crouched next to the girl who had fallen to the floor as a result of her knees giving way.

"It's not safe here. Please, let's go." One of the figures said.

"Alright." She replied shakily and let them help her to her feet then guide her out of the training centre. Van didn't have a chance to say anything to them as the monster was thrashing wildly at them, trying in vain to break free.

After much struggling with the monster they managed to drag it to a near by tree trunk and tied their end of the make shift snare around it. Once they had done this they were able to let go of it and hastily moved away from the monster which was still fighting to get away, more furious than ever. Van reassessed the situation.

He didn't see any need to kill the creature. His only objective in the fight was to protect the girl, but she was now gone. He also didn't fancy having to get too close to it because of its aggressive state. So instead of attacking it with his gunblade like originally planned, he cast a sleep spell on it. As the spell took effect, the monster stopped it's thrashing against it's bonds and as drowsiness came over it, it's wings slowly stopped working and it drifted to the ground. Landing in a mess of spiky limbs and translucent wings.

With the fight now over Van sheathed his Gunblade and helped Merle detach her chain whip. He untied the loop around the creature's leg while she removed it from the tree trunk.

"Who was that?" she asked, jerking her head in the direction of the place the girl had been as she coiled her weapon up at her side.

Van didn't reply, as he didn't have any idea better than she did. But somehow that girl had known who they were, even though he was sure they had never met before. Then he remembered her words from the infirmary.

~*~*~*~

"Van…..so we meet again".

~*~*~*~

What did she mean by that? Did that mean he did know her? But how? And why couldn't he remember? He decided that there was no point in pondering over it anymore. She was gone now, it didn't matter.

"Van, it's not like everyone can get by on their own you know, and this was a perfect example." And with that said, Merle walked off.

"….Say's who?" he whispered to her disappearing form.

***

Van had decided to go straight back to his dormitory after that incident and get some sleep as it was already really late and the past few days had been pretty hectic. The next morning he was woken up earlier than he had expected, to a loud banging at his door and a feminine voice shouting from the other side.

"Van! Van! Hey, are you awake?" The voice called out. He recognized the voice as Millerna's.

"Yeah." He replied, with his voice rough and scratchy from sleeping.

"We've got our first SeeD mission today! Looks like we're going to Timber." She informed him, her voice slightly muffled by the door. "We've got to meet by the front gate as soon as possible, hurry!" and he heard her footsteps slowly disappear as she ran off down the corridor.

Van pushed himself out of bed and set about getting ready. He pulled on his usual outfit and grabbed a small bite to eat before heading out of his room down to the front gate with his gunblade strapped faithfully to his side. Van walked down the steps from the main hall and through the barriers where an old man, who's job was to keep track of who came in and out of Garden and to help visitors was sitting in his little side office. The old man said a cheery 'good morning' to Van as he walked past, to which Van replied with a small nod and carried on walking down the large and long path to the front gate. When he got there, Millerna, headmaster Cid and a faculty member were all waiting silently. Millerna had changed out of her uniform and now wore a yellow denim dress with dungaree style straps and brown boots that came half way up her shins. A red arm band adorned her left wrist and strapped to her back were her red nunchakus.

"Ahh good morning Van," Cid greeted him warmly, "excited about your first mission?"

"…I suppose." Was all Van could think to say.

"We're just waiting for one more person." Cid informed him.

"He's got one more minute…." The faculty member announced. Obviously possessing less patience than the others. Suddenly from near by they heard a quiet humming sound. They all turned in the direction of the noise and saw Dilandau approaching, riding on a hoverboard. When he reached them he hopped neatly off the board.

"Made it!" he said triumphantly, as he flicked up his hoverboard with his foot like a skater would his skateboard and grinned at them.

The hoverboard was a large blue and red metal board; roughly the size and shape of a surfboard except it could hover a few feet in the air and was extremely fast and maneuverable. They were mainly used as entertainment and fun for kids and young people, but could also be used as a type of simple transportation.

"Hoverboards are prohibited within Garden, or have you forgotten?" The faculty member rebuked.

"Yeah, sorry." Dilandau replied, "But this is really cool. It may come in handy on a SeeD mission, someday."

"We'll be the judges of that." The faculty member replied, and took the board off of him, "This item will be confiscated, you may come and reclaim it from me when you return to Garden."

Dilandau glared at the faculty member but didn't say anything, just crossed his arms in a huff.

"All of you are members of SeeD, but…nevertheless, you are still students at this Garden." Said the faculty member. "Furthermore, because you are now SeeD's you must set an example to all others and abide by the Garden's rules. Understood!?" All three students nodded in reply, Cid took this opportunity to step forward.

"Well about your first mission," he began, "You are to go to Timber. There you will be supporting a resistance faction. That is your mission. A member of the faction will contact you upon your arrival at Timber." He informed them, the faculty member then took over.

"This person will talk to you and say, 'The forests of Timber sure have changed'. At this time you must reply, 'But the owls are still around'. That is the password." All three students listened intently to their superior's words, storing the information in their minds.

"All you have to do is follow the faction's orders." The faculty member added. Dilandau looked around, slightly confused.

"Just the three of us?" he asked.

"Correct," replied the faculty member, "we have agreed to do this mission for very little money. Normally we would never accept such requests, but…"

"Enough talk about that," Cid cut in, waving his hand as if to wipe away the conversation. He then clasped his hands behind his back and turned to Van, a bright smile across his face, making his blue eyes twinkle.

"Well then Van, you are the squad leader. Use your best judgment based on the situation. Millerna and Dilandau," he said, tilting his head towards the other two, "you are to support Van and give your all to carry out the faction's plans." Both Millerna and Dilandau nodded in reply, showing their understanding. "Oh and Van, I forgot to give you this." He said and from behind his back he bought out what appeared to be a small black lamp. (A/N: Genie style lamp)

"It's a cursed item, but if one with enough power uses it, it should be of great help." He informedthe raven haired student. Van took the item and pocketed it, giving a nod of thanks to the headmaster. Cid then straightened up.

"Best of luck on your first mission. Make us proud." He said, and with that the three new SeeD members walked out of Garden.

It was still very early when they left. The sun had only been up for about a half an hour, slowly warming the chilly air. The cold, dewy grass crunched under foot as they walked and bird song could be heard all around them. They followed the same path as before to get to Balamb town and it was extremely quiet there, as most of the people weren't up yet. Millerna, who was never one for long silences, had once again talked for most of their journey. Chattering about the mission and wondering what they would be asked to do. And once again it was Dilandau who responded to most of what she said, while Van remained silent most of the way.

When they reached the station they spoke to a warden who, after they had paid 3000 Gil, gave them their train tickets and informed them that, 'The train to Timber will be arriving shortly'. When it did, they climbed up the steps into it. They were one of the last few on so they didn't have to wait long for it to start moving.

The train cabin that they had entered into was fairly small, made out of a bluish metal with silver metal designs on the wall. Millerna was standing by the window, looking out at the scenery and Dilandau stood in the centre of the room, with his hands on his hips. Van was in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed and gazing out at the passing trees and fields.

"This train is amazing." Said Millerna in awe.

"It's on a transcontinental railroad. It even runs through an underwater tunnel to get to Timber." Said Dilandau to Millerna, he then turned to Van, "Pretty cool don't you think?"

"Sure is…" Van replied nonchalantly.

Dilanda flopped in exasperation and shook his head.

"Guess you're not interested," said Dilandau, more to himself than to Van. Van just ignored Dilandau's mumbling and continued gazing out the window.

"By the way Van, you have to use the ticket to open the door to the cabin." Said Dilandau.

Van pushed himself away from the doorframe and strode over to a small computer system in the wall that looked sort of like a cash point. He placed the ticket in the slot and pressed a few buttons, the door to the right of him then slid open, revealing a small corridor. Millerna walked over to investigate the new area.

"I'm going to go have a look out the front." She said as she disappeared inside.

"Let's go take a look Van." Said Dilandau eagerly. Van just gestured for Dilandau to go in first and then followed him. They walked a little way down a narrow corridor with blue carpet and a window running right along the side where Millerna was again watching the view. When they reached a small door to their left Dilandau was the first to walk in and stopped in the doorway.

"Whoa, take a look at this," he exclaimed excitedly and stepped right in, Van following behind. "So this is the SeeD's private cabin," he said and they looked around the interior. It was quite lavishly decorated, wooden walls with gold trim, red carpet and a few green plants along a shelf, with soft lights in the ceiling. Dilandau sat down on a white couch that ran along once side of the room and started bouncing up and down on it, with a gleeful smile across his face he looked like a little kid.

"I'm glad you're so excited." Said Van, slightly amused at Dilandau's childish antics. He obviously had more sides to him than just the 'cool' image that he portrayed to everyone.

"This is pretty damn amazing!" Dilandau exclaimed, sitting forward and resting his forearms on his thighs, "It pays to be a member of SeeD!…. Hey Van, do you know anything about Timber?"

"Not too much." Van replied as he sat down on the couch.

"Thought so," Dilandau said simply, "Well then let me fill you in," and he leant back on the couch, stretching his arms along the back of it casually, "Timber used to be a country surrounded by deep forests. But eighteen years ago Galbadia invaded. Timber fell quite easily to Galbadia. So now Timber is under Galbadia occupation. It's said there are a bunch of resistance factions big and small that operate within Timber, trying to liberate it."

"….And?" said Van.

"Nope, that's it."

"………..Well thank you Mr know-it-all-Dilandau."

"Hey, no problem." Dilandau replied casually, waving his hand in the air.

Then they both looked towards the door as it slid open and Millerna entered, looking slightly queezy.

"I'm not….feeling well…." She said groggily, holding her head and wobbling slightly on the spot.

Van stood up, slightly concerned.

"You should get some rest if you're tired." He advised, indicating towards some bunk beds in the corner. Ignoring his offer of the bed, Millerna walked slowly towards the couch, her eyes half-lidded.

"Hey…huh?" Dilandau cried and he jumped up from his seat, as she nearly fell on him.

"I'm really sleepy…" she whispered as she fell onto the couch and curled up.

"You ok?" Van asked. He had never seen someone come down with an illness this quick before, he wasn't too sure what was wrong.

"What the!?" exclaimed Dilandau, "Something's wrong with me too, I, feel….sleepy." And he fell back onto the couch.

"What's going on?" said Van, full of confusion and perplexity. Suddenly he felt it too. A sharp pain shot through his head accompanied by a high pitched sound. "Urgh….What is this?" he asked in anguish and held his throbbing head as he fell to his knees. Blackness consumed his vision and he fell forwards onto the floor, completely unconscious.

Thanks for reading! Natalie xXx