XVI

Quad, Balamb Garden
« Totally blown to smithereens. » Selphie complained. Along the way, they too had lost their footing as the Garden had dropped into the water.
She and Irvine were assessing the damage inflicted by that one hit the Galbadians had scored. The outer section of the Quad was gone and the stage was wiped away.
« How can I organize a festival if it keeps getting blown up. »
Irvine wrapped his arm around her. « It can be fixed. Luckily, there was no one here. It's only material damage. »
« Yeah ! » Selphie cheered up. « I'll make it a bigger festival, with laser lights and all. »
« Now, Sefie, don't get »
She didn't let him finish. « Let's go, Irvy-boy, we've got plans to make. »

MD level
Squall, Zell and Duncan entered the MD level to check on the systems. The smell of burnt out systems and scorched insulation was overpowering.
« Over there. » Zell pointed ahead at a dark section of the bulkhead.
« That's the anti-grav unit all right. » Squall sighed.
Duncan silenced them. « You hear that ? »
« Hear what ? » Zell asked.
Skywalker ran ahead. « We're making water ! »
« WHAT ? » both Squall and Zell cried out and followed. Duncan stopped at a railing which overviewed a lower section of the MD level. He was right. Sea water was pouring into Garden through a gap in the hull.
« What do we do about it ? » Zell asked. « We can't stop that water flow by ourselves. The pressure is too high. »
« I know someone who can. »
« Who ? » they both asked again.
Skywalker went to the comm unit in the wall. « Rinoa, we need you down here. And bring a repair crew. »
« On my way. »
Five minutes later, she joined them. The repair crew began to repair the anti-grav unit. « What's up ? »
« That's up. » Zell said, pointing to the gap.
« Uh-oh. »
« Damn right : uh-oh. » Zell complained. « If we don't do something fast, we'll sink. »
« Rinoa, » Duncan said firmy. « I want you to freeze the water. I know you can do it. »
« But I'm still »
« Do it for Squall, for Garden, for all of us. »
« I'll try. » she said shakily and focused her mental energy on the leak.
Along the rim of the leak, ice started to form. But the pressure was too great, as Zell had said.
« The pressure is too great. » she said.
« That leak has to be sealed no matter what. » Skywalker said firmly. « Do you want to swim to Esthar ? It's a long way. »
Rinoa sighed and tried again. Blasted leak she swore in the back of her mind. This time the ice formed faster and sealed the leak and a large part of the wall.
« That'll do. »
Zell threw a small circular device at the frozen patch of wall. As it made contact, it magnetically attached itself to the wall and covered the ice with a force field.
Rinoa sunk to her knees while holding on to the railing, totally exhausted.
« I knew you could do it. » Skywalker said with a smile.
« Yeah, » she replied silently. « But now I need some rest. »
The repair crew closed the bulkhead panel. « All done here. »
The generator hummed to life as the anti-grav unit began to produce power and made the disc rotate again. Garden lifted itself out of the water and Squall took the chance to open a valve which let the water out of the MD level.
Another crew would come here later to weld the gap shut.

Bridge, third floor of Balamb Garden
« Well ? » Moira asked as they stepped off the small elevator pad.
« We had a leak on the MD level. » Duncan said.
« A leak ? » Quistis asked, shocked.
« Yeah, but it's sealed. My guess is that that blast to the Quad had shorted out the anti-grav unit which had already been destabilized a bit by the polaron burst. »
« Could be. » Xu pondered. « Well, at least we're on our way again. »
« Yeah. » Squall said sighing. Close call. If it wans't for Rinoa, we'd been a hulk on the ocean floor.
« Squall ? » Xu asked.
« Nothing, just thinking. I'm going to check on Rinoa. »
« Something wrong with her ? »
« No, just exhausted from sealing the leak. »
« Rinoa ? » Xu asked. « All by herself ? »
« She's still partly a Sorceress, remember ? »
« Sorry. I forgot. »
Skywalker had already gone down. Moira also went down and found him standing in the door frame to the ball room.
« What are you doing here ? » she asked.
« Haven't seen this part of Garden. »
« It's the ball room. And, by the way, this is the place where Squall and Rinoa met for the first time. »
« Get outta here. »
« No really. Believe me. Should've seen him. Totally couldn't dance, that Squall. But he got it right anyway. Maybe because of Rinoa. »
« Must be. » Duncan said, still gazing into the spacious ball room. Then he walked in.
« Wanna dance ? » Moira suddenly asked.
« What ? »
She walked to a nearby table where she switched on a small radio. The rich melodious tune seemed to fill the ball room.
« Why not. » he said.
Squall and Rinoa both grinned from behind the pillar they were hiding behind.
« Look at those two. » Squall said silently.
« Just like you and me. When we first met. »
« Yeah, only he can dance when he's dragged onto the dance floor. » Squall complained.
Rinoa elbowed him. « C'mon, let's leave them. »

Galbadian fleet
« Any ideas on what hit us ? » Heidegger inquired.
« It seemed to be a polaron burst, designed to make our computer systems go crazy. » the Fleet Commander said, reading it off the paper he had received.
« A polaron burst ? »
« Yes sir. It has the characteristics of an EMP-pulse. But an EMP-pulse shuts everything down permanently. A polaron burst, however, shuts the systems down or overloads them, but they can be reactivated after a certain period of time. »
« How are the repair efforts going ? »
« We're nearly done, sir. I expect they'll »
A soldier stepped onto the bridge and saluted. « The engines are repaired. All damaged systems are functioning at peak efficiency, sir. »
« Excellent. » Heidegger grinned. « Resume pursuit course. »
« Ehh, sir. » the Fleet Commander said. « They're off the scanners. We don't know where they are. »
« Our last scan indicated they were heading north-east, course 463. Lay in a pursuit course. » he told the helmsman. « Launch a scout jet to find them. »
« Aye sir. »
The Galbadian fleet resumed its course towards Esthar Continent as a scout jet departed from the second aircraft carrier.

Balamb Garden
Night descended.
The only people on the bridge of Balamb Garden were Nida, Squall and Rinoa.
« We should be reaching Esthar anytime soon. » Nida informed them. « You guys should get some rest. I got everything covered up here. »
« After I'm notified the gap is sealed. » Squall said.
His words were barely cold or a SeeD came onto the bridge platform. « We successfully sealed the gap. That metal panel won't budge. »
« Good. » Squall said, then looked outside. The Galbadians were after them once again. They had to stop running sometime. Squall decided to make their stand on Esthar Continent. « Reduce speed to half. »
« Roger. » Nida acknowledged.
« Let's get some rest. » Rinoa suggested.
« Yeah, I'm tired. »
Together, they exited the bridge and went to the Dorm. Once they arrived there, Rinoa saw that the door to Duncan's room was partially open. Giving in to her curiosity, she peeked inside. « Squall, look at this. »
Squall also peered through the slit. Two people lay on the bed, sleeping. Duncan and Moira. The latter in Skywalker's embrace.
« Now, ain't that cute. » Rinoa said silently.
« Yeah, let's get some rest too. »
The two went to their own room to rest.

The next day, Esthar Continent came into view.
The intercom beeped. It was Nida. « Squall, report to the bridge. Esthar's in visual range. »
Rinoa was still asleep beside him. He let her sleep and got out of bed without waking her. With a last look on the sleeping form of his girlfriend, Squall closed the door and went to the bridge.
« Esthar Continent dead ahead. »
Squall took a pair of electrobinoculars and gazed over the ocean at the continent on the horizon, steadily coming closer. « No sign of the Galbadians. » he said.
« What do we do when we reach the continent ? » Nida asked.
« Hide Garden in an inlet somewhere close to the city. That'll keep her from getting damaged. »
Nida nodded and turned back to the controls.
Rinoa stepped off the lift pad onto the bridge platform. « Morning all. »
« Hey. » Squall greeted. « We're almost there. »
« Finally. »
Nida found an inlet not far from Esthar City and steered the Garden there to hide it.
« Last station. » Nida joked. « Everybody out. »
Squall used Balamb Garden's comm system to notify Laguna they were coming.

Esthar City, Esthar Continent
« You know, this is the first time I'm in Esthar. » Moira said as they walked across the transparent walkways to the skyway.
« It's huge. » Tifa said. « A lot bigger than Midgar. »
« At least four times. » Cloud added.
« Shut up about Midgar. » Cid Highwind groused. « I don't want to hear that name again. »
Squall and the others accompanied by Duncan, Moira and Cloud and his friends went to the skyway and in pairs of three, they took the skyway that led to the Presidential Palace.
Those who got there first waited till the group was complete again before continuing.
Squall led them to the Presidential Palace and to the President's room. He told the soldier posted there they were being expected. The soldier went in to check if it was all right, then let them in.
« Squall, good to see you again. » Laguna said.
« Likewise. Look, I'll get to the point. » Squall said. « All the way we're being followed by the Galbadians. They've got uhh what was it again ? »
« Two carriers, seven destroyers and numerous support cruisers. » Duncan filled in.
« Skywalker, how are ya ? »
« Still fine, as you can see. »
« Yeah. So the Galbadians are giving you a hard time, huh ? »
« Well, » Squall began.
« We need something to fight them with. » Zell interrupted.
« I think we can arrange that. We've got a squadron of fighters here in the Esthar military base. »
« All right. » Zell cheered.
« Let me finish here and we'll have a look. » Laguna suggested. « Feel free to have a look around the city. »


XVII

Galbadian fleet
The scout jet returned from its mission and landed on the flight deck of the second aircraft carrier. His report was immediately transferred to Heidegger.
« They reached the Esthar Continent. » Heidegger read. « Set course for Esthar Continent and hold position at two kilometers distance. »
« Aye sir. » the helmsman acknowledged.
The fleet picked up speed and headed for Esthar Continent. In a matter of hours, they were at their destination and held position at two kilometers from the continent.
« I don't see them. » Heidegger said as he scanned the coast line of the continent with binoculars.
« Probably hidden. » the Fleet Commander suggested.
« Probably. » Heidegger snapped. « Ready the jets. »

Esthar military base
After their stroll through the city, Laguna had personally taken them to the military base just outside the city.
« The fighters are pretty advanced. » Laguna said as they walked to the hangers.
« Man, I can't wait. » Zell said, trembling with anticipation.
« Hold your horses. » Squall snapped. « You'll see in a few seconds. »
Eshtar's president opened the massive hanger door by using his personal keycode. Then, they al stepped into the dimly lit hanger.
« It's dark in here. » Tifa said.
« Wait a sec. » Laguna flipped on the lights. « How's this ? »
« Man, oh wow ! » Zell said exhilarated. In the massive hanger, some five sleek and snowy-white fighters stood in the stale air. They all had swept-back wings, various suspension points for missiles, chain guns and plasma pulse cannons. All the ships were loaded to full capacity.
Zell crawled into the nearest ship and activated the systems.
« Zell, go easy on those things. » Squall warned.
« Just a peek. » Zell replied from the open canopy. « Man, this is great. These babies fly themselves. » He pulled on the flight stick and saw the rear fins move.
« I wanna see too. » Selphie ran to another fighter, a two-seater, with Irvine close behind. She hopped into the cockpit and also activated the ship's systems. « This is similar to the Ragnarok. »
« Hey, these are the weapons controls. » Irvine said from the seat behind her and grinned. « That's my turf. »
Cloud had also taken the pilot seat of a two-seater fighter. « This looks easy. »
« It is. » Laguna said. « The controls are simplified. Even a kid can fly it. »
Tifa crawled into the seat behind him. « Weapons control. Interesting. »
Squall and Rinoa took the other two-seater. « Let's kick some Galbadian ass. » Rinoa suggested.
Meanwhile, Quistis had taken the last fighter. « Hm. Looks simple enough. »
« That's all very interesting. But we don't have a ship yet. » Duncan pointed out.
« Hm. That's a problem. Unless you like nostalgia. » Laguna replied and guided them to another part of the hanger where something large was hidden under a large piece of covering. Laguna pulled the forward part away, revealing the nose and cockpit of a Tomcat.
« No way ! » Skywalker exclaimed. « A Turkey'. »
Turkey' was the nickname for the Tomcat fighter. Although it looked lump, it was built for agility. The Turkey had been modified, as he saw. It was transformed from a normal jet to a VTOL-aircraft. VTOL was short for Vertical Take-Off and Landing and this jet had it all. Four repulsors similar to those the other fighters had were attached to the Turkey's ventral side and it had the same kind of weaponry as the others.
« Mr. President ! » an Esthar soldier came storming in the hanger and whispered something in Laguna's ear.
« WHAT ? » the latter backed off, then turned to the others in the ships. « The Galbadians have arrived. They're holding position at two kilometers from the continent. »
« Let's fry their asses. » Zell said and closed the canopy. The others did the same. Duncan and Moira crawled into the Tomcat and powered her up.
« Okay people, comm check. » Squall said over the comm. The results were optimal, all functioned perfectly.
« What do we call ourselves. You know, something like code names. » Selphie asked.
« Good thinking. » Squall observed. « Our code designation is Lion Heart. » Squall said as his and Rinoa's designation.
« Hot Dog. » Zell said.
« Party Girl. » Selphie added for her and Irvine.
« Avalanche. » Cloud suggested for him and Tifa.
« Scorpion. » Quistis said over the comm circuit.
Finally, Skywalker closed off. « Scorcher. »
« All right people, let's go. » Squall activated his ship's engines and headed out the hanger, followed by the others. « Our formation's name is SeeD Squadron. Got that ? »
« Gotcha. » Party Girl acknowledged.
« All right. » Hot Dog replied.
« You're the boss. » was the reply from Avalanche.
« Copy that. » Scorpion acknowledged.
« Roger. » Scorcher replied.
« All fighters, form on my wing. » Squall ordered. Then he looked back to see the others slip into formation behind and above him. It had the form of a dart. The SeeDs forming the V and Skywalker's Turkey in the middle, behind and above Squall's ship. « All ships, condition Kickass. »
Everyone acknowledged the change in fighter condition.
Laguna, Cid and Nanaki looked after the departing fighters. They would remain on the ground and keep an eye on the radars in the city to coordinate the attack, if it should come to that.
SeeD Squadron set course for the Galbadian fleet.

Galbadian fleet
On the carriers, the jets were being prepared as SeeD Squadron was heading for the fleet.
On the bridge of his carrier, Heidegger paced the bridge.
« First squadron ready, sir. » the deck officer reported.
« Prepare another. Just in case. » he ordered.
« Yes sir. »
The radar operator turned towards Heidegger. « Sir, I just picked up six contacts on an intercept course. They're haeding straight for us. »
« That's them. » Heidegger rubbed his hands. « Tell the first squadron to take off. »
« Aye sir. »
The jets took off, one at a time, from the second aircraft carrier.

SeeD Squadron
« Heads up, everyone. » Hot Dog reported over the comm. « Incoming enemy fighters. »
« I see em. » Lion Heart acknowledged. The others reported they saw them too. « Get ready people, engaging condition Kickass now ! »
Squall's wingmen acknowledged the activation in their new condition and the weapons systems were activated. Each ship had a complement of SideWinders, AGMs, AMRAAMs and Phoenix missiles. Next to that, came the plasma pulse cannons and the twin chain guns.
In the Tomcat, Duncan looked at Moira in the small mirror set into the side of the cockpit. She was nervous, but so was he. « Relax. » he said.
« I'm so nervous. »
« Me too. It's been a long time since I was in an aerial skirmish. »
« Where'd you get that name Scorcher ? »
« It's a long story. But it comes down to this : when we were checking the engines of my jet, a general had decided to do a surprise inspection. So he came in silently and stopped right below the engine. We let her rip and fried his cap clear off his head. »
Moira laughed. « That general sure must've been pissed. »
« He was. But when we explained we didn't know he was there, he forgave us. »
« Missiles incoming ! » Scorpion cried over the comm.
« Hold on. » Duncan told Moira and threw the Turkey out of formation to evade the missiles.
Squall's voice came over the comm. « All ships : break and attack. »
SeeD Squadron split up to engage he enemy. They were doing just fine, as Duncan saw. « Hot Dog, you've got a bogey on your six. »
Zell executed some evasive maneuvers and ended up behind the Galbadian jet. Then he blew it to smithereens with a SideWinder. « Thanks Scorcher. »
« Ey, no problem. That's what wingmen are for. »
« Three fighters closing in fast. » Moira reported.
« I hope you can take a lot of Gs. » Duncan said.
« I hope so. » she replied as Skywalker began to execute rolls, loopings and Immelmanns to evade the enemy fire.
« Slammer. » he ordered. Behind him Moira prepared an AMRAAM missile. AMRAAM stood for Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile. When she reported the missile was ready, he fired it at the spearhead of the enemy formation. The lead fighter exploded despite its maneuvers and took two others with him. « Yeah ! »
In their ship, Rinoa was equally nervous as Moira. « Two on our tail. »
« Hold on. » Squall threw the ship in another direction and saw that three bogeys were giving Party Girl a hard time. He fired his chain guns and killed one bogey's engines so it went down spiraling. The others peeled off. But the two were stil behind him. « I need some help here. »
« Coming. » Avalanche was with them in an instant, chain guns and plasma pulse guns blazing. The first bogey was vaporized by Cloud's attack, the second lost its tail fins and rear end.
« Thanks. »
« Any time. » Avalanche replied.
« Who can break through and try to do something about the fleet ? » Lion Heart inquired.
« I'm practically through. » Scorcher reported.
« Me too. » was the reply from Hot Dog.
« Get on it. »
« Gladly. » both replied and set course to the fleet.

Meanwhile, Scorpion was trying to keep the Galbadian jets at bay. « Geez, these guys are tough. »
« Not when I'm around. » Party Girl closed in fast and Irvine fired two SideWinders. Three of the six were toast as Selphie came in for another round. The Galbadians retaliated. Selphie's ship took three hits from the enemy's chain guns. « Gee man, watch the paint ! » she cried and fired a spread of plasma pulses. Two other fighters were lost. The remaining Galbadians concentrated their efforts on the two closing in on the fleet.
« Hot Dog ! Scorcher ! Heads up, they're coming your way. » Scorpion warned.
« I see em. » Duncan replied over the comm. « Can you guys give us some support ? »
« Consider it done. » Lion Heart replied. « All ships, support fire for Scorcher and Hot Dog. »
The other ships of SeeD Squadron opened fire on the remaining bogeys to give the two a clear shot at the fleet. Irvine's missile missed a bogey but hit one of the destroyers clear in the middle, right below the water line and the ship sunk.
More ships, especially destroyers, were hit with Phoenix missiles. Three support cruisers disappeared beneath the waves and the second aircraft carrier took severe damage. The fleet returned fire as Hot Dog and Scorcher broke off their attack and set course for Esthar.
More fighters were launched from Heidegger's carrier.
« Watch it people. Incoming. » Squall warned. His ship took a beating as two bogeys opened fire on him. The tail fins were hit and the ship lost maneuverability by thirty percent. But the attack didn't last long. Scorcher closed in with blazing weapons and fried the two fighters.
But then another bogey appeared behind Scorcher and fired its chain guns. Avalanche blew him out of the sky.
« All ships, report status. » Lion Heart's request echoed through the cockpit. As the others relayed their status, Duncan decided to check on his copilot. « Moira, you okay ? »
No response. All as silent behind him.
« Moira ? » he looked into the small mirror and saw her hanging in her safety belts, her right shoulder badly injured. « Shit ! You friggin' bastards !! »
« Scorcher, what's your status ? » Squall asked.
« Holes in the fuselage and copilot injured ! »
« All ships, form on my wing and return to base. Scorcher, you go on ahead. »
« Copy that. » Duncan replied and engaged the afterburners. « Hang in there, Moira. Stay with me. » he whispered.


XVIII

Esthar military base
The Tomcat came in with roaring engines and touched down vertically in front of the hanger. Skywalker switched off the engines and made the cockpit canopy retract into the hull. An Esthar soldier came at the jet with a small ladder. Duncan crawled out, moved the ladder to the right and carefully took out his wounded copilot. He then took her inside and laid her down on a couch in the mess room.
The others came in several seconds later. When Squall and the others came in, Skywalker was already treating Moira's injured shoulder. He had taken off her SeeD jacket and had ripped off the sleeve. The bullet had passed through due to the Tomcat's and the bullet's speed.
« How is she ? » Zell asked.
Duncan said nothing and continued working. She had lost a considerable amount of blood. Only time and good nutrition would make her regain strength. The only thing he took out of the first-aid kit were bandages and used them to bandage the wound.
Finally, he stood up. Then, he turned and walked outside.
« What's with him ? » Quistis asked, completely baffled.
« Beats me. » Cloud said.
« We don't exist or what ? » Squall wondered.
But only Rinoa saw the real meaning. « We have to save Moira, at all cost. Or he'll be lost. Permanent madness. »
« What ? » Irvine asked.
« History is about to repeat itself if we don't help her. Duncan lost his wife seven and a half years ago. Now, he's about to lose her again. We I can't let that happen. »
« Well, it seems he has taken care of the most important things. Bandaging the wound and stop the bleeding. » Selphie observed.
« Why don't we get some rest. » Tifa suggested.
« Good idea. Kicking Galbadian ass makes me tired. » Zell said.

Galbadian fleet
« Fleet status ? » Heidegger spat.
« We've lost four destroyers, nine support cruisers and the second carrier has sustained severe damage. » the Fleet Commander reported. Their carrier only had sustained some bullet impacts.
« Well, evening is setting in and we can't do anything more than make repairs. Get on it, Commander. »
« Yessir. » the Fleet Commander replied and issued orders.
« We'll get them next time. » Heidegger vowed silently. « Next time. »

Esthar military base
Everyone went off to sleep as the Esthar soldiers refueled the ships and rearmed them. But only one didn't sleep. He stayed up al night.
During sunrise, from a high hill, Duncan Skywalker could see the entire bay where Balamb Garden was hiding and the Galbadian fleet in the distance. Some ships were still smoking. His eyes narrowed as they became hard as stone. Hard enough to cut glass. His fists clenched in frustrated rage. He turned and went back to the hanger where he took a piece of paper and a pen and started to write.
After that was done, he folded the paper an wrote on the back : To Moira.
He stood up a the last ounces of self-control vanished. In the hallway he ran into Squall.
« Where are you going ? » Squall asked.
« Squall, if you are a true friend, let me be and let me do the things I must do. »
Leaving Squall staring at his back, he went to the hanger where he found his Turkey.
« Fully armed and fueled up ? » he asked, trying to control his voice.
« Yes sir. » the Esthar soldier reported.
« Good. » Duncan crawled in and closed the canopy. He looked back at the copilot's seat where a red stain was still visible. He turned back and powered the Tomcat up. He took off while the soldier tried to stop him, but failed. « Unauthorized departure. » he said into his radio.
The Turkey set course for the Galbadian fleet with full afterburners.

Galbadian fleet
All was silent on Heidegger's carrier. The bridge was manned by a skeleton crew. Repairs were going steady.
The radar operator jumped in surprise as the radar beeped. He punched the intercom and called Heidegger and the Commander. « We've got a bogey closing in fast. »
« Which one is it ? » Heidegger asked.
« Can't tell right now, sir. He's still too far off. »
The Tomcat closed in. Duncan changed the fighter's condition from Kickass to Hellcat. He passed the fleet just above the water.
« It's that Tomcat. » the Commander pointed out. « A very able pilot. »
« But able enough against SAMs ? » Heidegger grinned and gave the order to launch SAM missiles.
The lock-on radar beeped at him. Skywalker steered the Turkey down as the SAMs came after him. He had an idea that had hit him like a thunderbolt. While closing in on the second carrier with the SAMs in tow, he could see the crew jump off or take the lifeboats to get out of there as fast as they could. Right before he turned, Duncan activated the missile radar jammer and veered off, flying neatly through the two compartments of the carrier's command island. The first SAM hit the carrier in the command island, the second hit the weapons storage facility. The carrier transformed into a blazing ball of fire as the Tomcat pulled up. You're going to pay bigtime flashed through Duncan's mind, which had taken on the oriental way of life : avenge the loved ones and honor above all.
« There goes the carrier. » the weapons officer said, breaking the silence.
« And half of our squadrons. » the Fleet Commander added.
« Launch a wave of fighters to stop him ! » Heidegger ordered.
From the flight deck, a squadron of Galbadian fighters took off. But they didn't realize they were going into battle with a tormented soul, bent on destroying the evil that was responsible for what had happened to Moira.

Esthar military base
During the night, Moira had stirred and woken up several times. But not longer than a few seconds. Rinoa stayed with her. But then she heard the report of someone who had taken off without permission.
Rinoa stood up and went to check it out. She passed the spot where Skywalker had wrote the note and saw it. Although it wasn't sealed, she didn't dare to open and read it.
Moira woke up again. Rinoa went back to check on her.
« How are you ? »
« Searing pain in my right shoulder. » she replied.
« Take it easy. » Rinoa said and handed her Duncan's note. « I found this. It's for you. »
Moira took it and opened it. With wide eyes she read :

Moira,
I write you this little message with the last ounces of self-control I have left.
I found Charlene in you and I didn't want to lose her again. When you are reading this, I'm giving the enemy fleet a real hard time. I'll make the bastards pay for what they've done. You're the only one that can save me.
I hope you pull through.

Duncan.

« Oh my god. » Moira stammered.
« What ? » Rinoa asked.
« He's out there. »
« Who ? »
« Duncan. He's lost all self-control and is attacking the enemy fleet by himself. »

Galbadian fleet
« Four destroyers and nine support cruisers gone. And on top of that we lost the second carrier. » Heidegger swore. He looked out the window at the lone Tomcat flying in circles around their position.
« Prepare every SAM we have. I want to blow him out of the sky. »
« Aye sir. » the weapons officer replied.
« When he passes again, try to get a glimpse of who's in the cockpit. »
« Aye sir. » the Fleet Commander replied and waited for the lone bogey to close in again. After several seconds he did.
While eyeing the fleet with his hardened eyes, Skywalker passed the first carrier and the Fleet Commander scanned the jet. « Gotcha. » The Fleet Commander made a print-out and handed it to Heidegger. « Don't know him. »
Heidegger took the picture and held it into the light to have a better look. But when he saw the pilot's face, it seemed his heart skipped a few beats. « Sephiroth ! »

High above the ocean, the Tomcat went into a dive for another round. Duncan prepared four Phoenix missiles. While he closed in, he eyed the HUD.
« For you, Moira. » he whispered and fired two Phoenix missiles. Two destroyers vanished beneath the waves. The radar beeped. A squadron was closing in. Skywalker grinned, fired the other two Phoenixes at the nearest destroyers and, while the targets slowly sank, he got out of there to face the enemy squadron.
« I'm not scared of you pipsqueaks ! » he snarled and fired a round of plasma pulses. The spearhead was wiped away as three other bogeys returned to the carrier because of heavy damage.
The enemy fired their chain guns. Duncan heard the distinctive tak tak tak of multiple bullet impacts. But it didn't do anything about his drive to finish the job. He came around and fired an AMRAAM missile. The targeted bogey tried to get away, but the missile had remorselessly locked on. As the pilot ejected himself out of the doomed fighter, the jet exploded in a blazing display of flames and falling debris. The squadron of nine had been decimated to one of four.

Esthar military base
« Uhh, would you mind running that by me again ? » Squall asked, not believing what he was hearing.
« Duncan has lost all self-control and now he's out there fighting the Galbadians. » Moira said again.
« I thought he was going for a walk. » Squall said.
« Lost all self-control ? » Cloud asked. Rinoa and Moira both nodded. Cloud stared in front of him. « Sephiroth. »
« What ? » Tifa aksed bewildered.
« He's changed into a second Sephiroth. » Cloud explained. « Squall, did you get a good look at him ? »
« Yeah, he was all tensed up and had this really weird look in his eyes. They seemed to be glowing a bit, I think. »
« Shit man. » Zell blurted out. « He's out there all by himself. Wicked ! »
« Who knows whatll happen to him. » Selphie said.
Squall called the control tower. « Scorcher has taken off in the early morning. What's the condition of his Tomcat ? »
« It's changed, sir. » came the reply. « His current condition is Hellcat. »
« What does that mean ? »
« It means, sir, he's gone way over the red. Only a miracle can keep him from getting destroyed. »
« We'd better go. » Quistis suggested.
« Right. » Moira said and got to her feet.
« Oh no, you're staying here. » Squall ordered.
« Hey, I'm the only one he knows. If we are to confront him, it's for the best that I'm around. »
« Okay. Come on. »


XIX

Galbadian fleet
« Send in the monsters. » Heidegger ordered. Before their departure, a load of monsters had been brought aboard to aid them in their invasion attempt of Balamb Island. From the bridge, he saw the boats head for the coast.
« Garden is hiding out there, somewhere. I'll find it. »
« Sir, we've lost five fighters. What should we do ? » crackled through the comm.
« Keep at it ! »
« Aye sir. »
High above the remaining part of the enemy fleet, the squadron of four Galbadian fighters confronted Skywalker's Tomcat. The lead fighter fired a heat-seeking missile. The Tomcat went into a dive with the missile in tow. Then, it pulled up again and darted through the enemy formation. The missile's heat-seeker got confused and locked on to a Galbadian fighter. As the Turkey sped away, the last fighter exploded. Three fighters left. A round of plasma pulses took care of those.
But then, the destroyers opened fire. Shells exploded all around him as he tried to get away. One shell exploded real close and fried his tail fins.
Duncan engaged the afterburners and darted away in his out-of-control Tomcat.
The Turkey hit the ground just past the coast right after the engines shut down and slid to a stop. Skywalker blew out the canopy which was jammed and crawled out. The Tomcat was buried half-way under the ground.
The boats with the monsters had arrived. He saw the cages all around him, every one of them empty.
He saw them a bit further, under Galbadian control. The Galbadians had spotted him and sent their monsters.
Skywalker himself didn't waste any time. While drawing his Daïkatana, he ran towards them.
The nearest monster, a Grendel was slashed in two. Then came a few Blood Souls which were killed in an eyeblink.
The Galbadians themselves entered the fray but bit the dust as fast as the monsters. He ran again to the city. But a Ruby Dragon barred his path. It lunged out with its claw. Skywalker sidestepped it and brought his blade down. The dragon roared in pain as the blade sliced through its claw. Taking advantage of the situation, he grabbed one of his daggers and threw it at full force in the dragon's chest. The creature collapsed on the ground. Duncan walked over and retrieved his dagger.
Skywalker's hard eyes scanned the surroundings.

Squall and the others ran through the corridors and out into the open air and headed for the coast.
« There he is ! » Selphie pointed up at the speck which was heading for the coast. Then it crashed.
« Wipeout. » Zell remarked.
« C'mon, let's go check. » Cloud suggested.
They all ran to the crash site but found no one. The canopy lay a bit further.
« He ain't here. » Irvine said.
« Over there. » Moira pointed ahead at him, fighting some monsters.
« Look at him go. » Quistis said. « They don't stand a chance. »
« A second Sephiroth. » Cloud said again.
« What ? » Cid harrumphed. « He's here again ? »
« No, Cid. It's Skywalker. He's gone bananas. »
« Shouldn't we try to stop him ? »
« Great idea. » Rinoa said. « How ? »
« We'll think of something. C'mon. » Squall ran ahead while taking his gunblade.
A Marlboro showed up while Squall and the others were running towards him. Skywalker made himself as small as possible and held his breath as the Marlboro used its Bad Breath. He stood up again after it had passed over.
Duncan took a swing and slashed off three of the creature's arms. Then, he brought the blade down to cleave its head. Instant kill.
« Hey Duncan ! » Squall called.
Skywalker whirled and hit the gunblade.
« Easy man. What's with you ? » Squall kept dodging and warding off attacks as he stepped backward. The others didn't dare to make a move.
Squall tripped over a rock and fell flat on his back and lost grip of his gunblade in the process. Skywalker came to stand over his and reversed his blade so it pointed down at Squall, ready to run him through.
« NOO ! » Rinoa cried.
Somehow that got through to him. While standing there, holding his blade up and looking down at a scared Squall, he cocked his head as if trying to remember.
« Don't do it, Duncan. » Rinoa said gently. « Please don't. »
Images of Squall and Rinoa flashed through his mind.
« Moira's fine. She woke up a few hours ago. » Irvine added.
Skywalker's hard eyes still held Squall's as Moira stepped forward. But she stopped, as around Skywalker a ring of blue-green energy appeared on the ground. Tendrils of energy shot up and touched his chest.
Do you really want to see the girl of which you had saved her life suffer ? If you strike here and now, she'll go through the same you've gone through. In his mind's eye, he saw himself and Charlene, then to be replaced by Moira Luna. The moments they had shared. In the Dorm, on the observation deck and the bridge of Balamb Garden.
For her sake and your own, don't run him through !
The energy tendrils vanished. Duncan's sword was slowly lowered. Squall got out of there as fast as he could, picked up his gunblade and ran to his beloved Rinoa who was scared out of her wits.
Duncan sunk to his knees, then fell on his back on the ground and closed his eyes. Moira knelt beside him, wondering if he'd died.
« I screwed up real bad, haven't I ? » he asked while slowly opening his eyes.
« You were worried about me. I got hurt and you were afraid of losing me. That's why you freaked out. » Moira explained.
He sat up. « If I hurt anyone in the process, I »
« No one's hurt. We were all still in the base. »
She hugged him and he returned the hug while a tear ran down his face. « I got your message. »
« Forgive me. » he pleaded silently.
« It's okay. »
With a roar, more Galbadians stormed over the nearest hill.
« Incoming ! » Irvine yelled.
Skywalker jumped up and took his sword. But Moira stopped him. « No more bloodshed. »
Rinoa seemed to have her fill of it too. She spread out her arms and yelled : « ENOUGH ! » A white bank of energy enveloped them and the Galbadians. Rinoa and the others remained unaffected while the enemy stumbled to the ground. It seemed similar to the same energy field that had appeared when Ultimecia had taken control of Rinoa. After five seconds, it disappeared.
« Neat. » Zell said.
Moira turned back to Duncan who was standing there, a bit dazed and gazed into his eyes. The hard, hate-filled look was gone and was replaced by a gaze filled with confusion.
« I'm fine. Just tired. » she lost her footing but Duncan's arms shot forward and caught her. Then he took her into his arms.
« Take it easy. » he said. The confusion had disappeared and the same old blue-green eyes of his were back.
« Okay. Whatever you say, doc. » she teased.
« C'mon. » Squall said. « Let's go back to Garden. »
Duncan stopped and turned to look at the remains of the fleet. A damaged aircraft carrier, three support cruisers and a sinlge destroyer. His eyes closed and a giant tsunami rose up.
« Duncan, you're not going to ? » Moira asked hesitating. He shook his head. The tsunami crashed into the sea right in front of the enemy fleet. The ships were taken away by the stream and disappeared from view. They would continue to be toys in the wave until it diminished in force. Then, with Moira in his arms, he turned and followed the others to Garden.

Galbadian fleet
« Uhh, sir ? » the Fleet Commander pointed out the window at the giant tidal wave closing in.
« Hell ! » Heidegger cursed. « Reverse course ! Get us out of here ! »
The tidal wave crashed into the sea right in front of them and took them away.
« This has been a total wipeout. » the Weapons officer said. « They whooped our asses real good. »
« Yeah. » the helmsman chimed in. « All we have left is this carrier, three support cruisers and one destroyer. »
« Follow the tide. » Heidegger ordered. « Set course for the shipyards. »
« Aye sir. »
« This isn't over yet, SeeD. » Heidegger hissed.

Balamb Garden
Skywalker had gone straight to his room in the Dorm to rest. The actions he had taken had exhausted him totally.
The others were seated at a table in the Cafeteria.
« Okay, the fleet is gone and the monsters are all killed. » Selphie said.
« Yeah, man. » Zell added. « Mega fight. I wonder where he learned all that. »
« Let's let him rest for now, shall we ? » Moira said.
« Okay. » they all agreed.
« And that tidal wave. » Rinoa said. « Sure beats Leviathan's Tsunami. »
« Like totally. » Irvine added.
« But you're forgetting, Selphie, that Heidegger is still on the loose. » Cloud pointed out.
« Oh yeah, bummer. »
« No doubt planning another move. » Tifa added to what Cloud had said.
« Maybe so. » Squall gazed out the window. « We still have to be careful. »
« You guys keep working on those details. I'm going to check on Duncan. » Moira got out of her seat and went to the Dorm.

Dormitory
Moira walked silently to his door. She took a deep breath and opened the door. Inside, she saw him sitting on the bed, cross-legged, his arms crossed in front of him, eyes closed.
« Hey. » she said gently. « How's it going ? »
He opened his eyes. « Much better. »
Moira stepped into the dimly lit room. She hardly saw him in the scarse light and decided to switch on the lights. « You scared the hell out of me. »
« What d'you mean ? »
« When your jet crashed. I thought you'd perished in the crash. »
« Nah, not me. I don't die that easily. »
She sat down on the bed beside him. « That I noticed. »
Duncan put his arm around her, drawing her nearer.
« Where's your partner ? That falcon ? »
« Shirrah ? I think he's outside on a hunt. »
He changed the subject. « So, are you gonna come with me when this mess is over ? »
« Maybe. I just might. »
« You said you wanted out of SeeD to get a more quieter life, right ? »
« Right. »
It became silent for a moment.
« What are the others doing ? »
« They're discussing the situation with Heidegger and the Galbadians. »
« Let's go see. » he said and got to his feet.

Cafeteria
« But what can we do ? » Cid Highwind asked.
« Don't ask me. » Quistis held up her hands.
« Why don't we blow up the shipyards ? » Irvine asked.
« No man, » Zell protested. « security is way too tight for us. »
« How about their computer system ? » came a voice. They all turned to see Skywalker and Moira standing in the entrance to the Cafeteria.
« What are you getting at ? » Rinoa asked.
« I get it. » Zell said for him. « We hack into their system and disable it. »
« Can you do that, Zell ? » Squall asked.
« Well, I know the basics. »
« And with my help, it should work out. » Duncan said.
« Yeah. » Zell added. The two stuck their heads together to work it out.