Author's Note: I don't own any characters, ideas, etc., that compose Final Fantasy VIII, as well as the other games.  Please enjoy!  And remember, this is a work in progress, so it's rusty and unfinished!  Let me know if I should continue, onegai! 

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 1: Lethe

            "The world seems to have chaos once again, due to the actions of Ciaran," Maura Daexis commented to her four Sisters of the Council of Five.

            "You have a talent for understatement, Sister," Adriane Alanis, Queen of Lethe and Head of the Council of Five, noted dryly.  "One would think that we would have more control over our dear departed Brother, but perhaps our powers have been weakened by his activities."

            "Do you truly think so?" Kolby Vlyrdis asked, a note of worry creeping into her normally even voice.

            "It is but a theory, Sister, but it is plausible all the same.  We cannot let a single possibility out of our minds until a stronger hypothesis for his increased power is presented."

            "Are we going to do something about him?" Darcele Nuvis queried politely.

            "Of course we are.  Before we can decide on a course of action the issue must be brought up before the Assembly, but you do know that that has become a simple formality," Adriane reminded them, her eyes and voice betraying no malice.

            The other four nodded in agreement.  "That being said," Duvesse Herefis began, "we should look for ways to neutralize his newfound power."

            "Good point, Sister," Queen Adriane replied.  "We must then look to the source.  From where does his power come, and how does he derive this power?"

            "My servants have reported rumors in which hints are made of the derivation of his newfound power from a Stone," Maura informed them.

            "That would make sense," Adriane acknowledged, nodding.

            Darcele added, "I have heard that he was able to place under his sway a renegade from the northern tribe, Aithne."

            All but the queen greeted her comment with shocked gasps.  "One of our kind allowed herself to succumb to the seductive talents of a man?" Duvesse exclaimed, outraged.

            Darcele nodded.

            "That would explain a few things," Adriane mused.

            "And what of the boy, Sister?" Kolby inquired, suddenly switching the topic and addressing their Head, looking her in the eye.

            An expression of surprise flashed across Adriane's face briefly before she was able to regain control.  'I had almost forgotten about Sister Kolby's talents as a telepath.'  Adriane paused before replying, standing in the process.  Gracefully she clasped her hands together behind her back as she turned to look out the window.  "Matthew Leonhart is a strong young man, but his lack of experience makes him too easy a task for one of us, Sisters."  Adriane then turned to face her four direct subordinates and fellow members of the Council of Five.  "I believe it is time to test my niece—this will be a suitable task for her."  She briefly outlined the plan, which was applauded by the other four.

            "It is most appropriate, Sister," Maura commended her.

            "Thank you," Adriane replied modestly with a small bow of her head.  "Now, call a meeting of Lethe—we will speak to the rest of our Sisters in one hour."

* * *

            The room was large and circular, built to impress the viewer.  Its imposing height and gold-lined walls and floor lent a feeling of majesty and power to the atmosphere.  Directly across from the entrance, seated on a raised platform with five steps leading up to it, a semi-circle of five throne-like chairs was found.  Each was gilded with gold, matching the chamber's décor perfectly, but the center chair was even more inlaid with riches than the other four.  Gems studded the five points atop the seat's back and a rich crimson fabric lined the chair itself.

            The side door opened.  One by one the Council of Five walked regally into the Ruling Chamber of Lethe, each sitting in her designated chair.  The last in line sat in the center throne, her floor-length raven-black hair flowing behind her, a regal cape for the tribe's leader.

            "This assembly is now in session," Queen Adriane announced evenly, her voice easily carrying throughout the room without echoing off the curved walls, the centuries-old volume enhancement spell still in effect.

            The rest of the members of Lethe, gathered on the floor before the raised platform, sat down at her words and each assumed a respectful state of attention.

            "It has been called to our attention," the queen began, indicating the other four members of the Council with an elegant wave of her hand, "that first of all, our renegade Brother, Ciaran, has decided to bring uncontrolled chaos to this land."

            A few staccato cries of outrage followed her statement but died down quickly.

            "My sentiments exactly, my dear Sisters," Adriane replied.  "We all know better than that—it is most unwise to unleash uncontrolled darkness in such a world as ours.  However, since our Brother decided to abandon his home before his schooling was complete, he does not know as we do the foolishness of such actions.  Thus we have decided to take action against him, so that all of our hard work in the world thus far does not go to waste.

            "As we are a close-knit group, a governing body all, I am open to propositions submitted in the normal fashion as to how we should go about bringing our renegade Brother Ciaran back to the correct path.  We will hold another session soon to discuss the then-proposed ideas and the choosing of the best course of action.

            "Another matter brought to this Council's attention is the issue of a young man.  I know you all remember the pain and rage the man named Squall Leonhart brought to our community through his dealings with our Sister, Edea."  Adriane paused momentarily for the predicted screams of rage and anguish to pass.  After raising her hand for silence she continued, "We have discovered that his son, Matthew, is following in his father's footsteps.  Soon he will take his SeeD examination, having excelled in all of his training and classes.  He is strong yet inexperienced, making him a worthy opponent for one of our own.  Lady Jade Alanis, please come forward."

            A respectful silence settled over the gathered sisters of Lethe as a raven-haired young woman stood and approached the platform.  "As we all well know, my niece and our Sister has progressed rapidly in her training as a sorceress, excelling in each area far more rapidly than any of us would have ever hoped or dreamed, yet still following in our teachings perfectly.  Since this is the case, her serefine testing will consist of learning about, gaining the trust of, and then bringing to us Matthew Leonhart, son of Squall and Rinoa Leonhart, for further questioning and research into the minds of the Leonhart family."

            Queen Adriane Alanis stood and with a regal bearing stepped forward to greet her niece.  Formally taking Jade's right hand in both of hers, she said, "Lady Jade Alanis, we, the Council of Five and the Assembly of Lethe, do now entrust to thee the task we hath set before thee.  We trust that thou will perform it to the best of thy ability and return with success and many honors for us to present to thee."

            The young sorceress inclined her head to her aunt and replied, "I will do my best, for my Sisters, my queen, and Lethe herself."

            Adriane smiled, slipped a piece of paper in her niece's hand unseen, and turned to the assembly.  "Let us send off our Sister to the task that lies ahead of her, and wish her good fortune on her journey."  As she spoke she raised a hand, palm open to the ceiling, and formed a crown of gray vapor that then settled on top of Jade's head in blessing.

           While Jade formally walked back down to the floor and out the door, the queen turned to Kolby and thought openly, 'That went very well—thus we are able to kill two men with one kiss, are we not?'

            Her Sister simply nodded in reply, her eyes telling her queen that she had indeed understood her thought.

            Adriane nodded in return and turned back to watch her niece's outline dissolve and fade as soon as she had walked out the door.  'Jade will perform very well, I am sure—I have high hopes for her.  She is certainly making up for the failure her mother was.'

            With a low snort of derision she pushed the thought of her deceased youngest sister out of her mind and turned back to the Assembly to conclude the meeting.