President Laguna Loire smirked, gripping the shaft before him. The mid-morning sun poured over his shoulders, contrasting deeply with the warm emerald of his eyes. His pale skin was pulled over his high cheekbones, despite his age. The black shaft felt good in his hands, very warm; yet…very soft and smooth…and hard. It was slightly small in his large hands, but he didn't really mind. He was going to have to thank Kiros for picking this one out. He adjusted it slightly before licking his lips.
"FORE!" He called out, swinging the golf club and sending the little white ball sailing off the roof of the Presidential Palace.
"Great shot, Mr. President." One of his aides said, retrieving another ball from his golf bag.
"Thank you, Rich. I try." He answered stupidly, taking the ball and placing it between his legs on the ground.
"Is this wise, Laguna?" Ward asked, shaking his head.
"Of course it is!" Laguna replied, not noticing the paramedics gathering to assist a man his first ball hit.
As he was preparing to swing the ball, Kiros popped up from the latch leading to the roof. Just as his head emerged, another small, white ball sailed by. He ducked just in time for it to miss him and continue it's traveling, finally going through a window across the street and bouncing off the shiny forehead of the Centra Foreign Minster.
"Laguna, the paramedics, firemen, and polices of Esthar all chipped in to building you a golf course in the basement! Now use it!" He growled, pulling himself up out of the latch.
"Sorry, Kiros." Laguna mumbled like a 5 year old.
"Apology accepted. Now, march yourself downstairs. You have a phone call from General Caraway."
Laguna expression lighted suddenly, and his face was once again graced with a wide smile. "What did he want? Are we going to finish our game of Risk?"
"I don't know, why don't you go and ask?" Kiros suggested.
"Stop talking to me like a child." He answered snidely, walking over to the latch and climbing down.
A moment later he was in his office, his shoes making a small flip-flop noise as he walked across the floor.
"Heeeello." He said, picking up the phone.
"Good morning, Mr. President. I didn't wake you, did I?" General Caraway's cheery voice came over the other line.
"No, not at all. You forget that it's 9 AM here, General. We're 4 hours ahead of you."
"Ah, thank you, Mr. President. I forgot entirely." He laughed slightly, and then cleared his throat.
"What can I do you for, General? Finally up to finishing our game of world domination?"
"Not exactly. I'm calling about the real life game."
"Oh, so you dingbats in Galbadia finally have a plan?" Laguna mocked, the humor dripping from his voice.
"Yes, we do. As of yesterday afternoon, large armies of the SeeD's have been gathering at Esthar's northern border."
"We've been aware of this General."
"Yes, well we've finally decided to finally retaliate. I want to combine our armies, and launch a full attack. Also, we are forming a team to infiltrate the SeeD Garden, and take out the SeeD's leader."
"Sounds great. I'm going to assume that you will be coming to Esthar."
"I was just going to ask you that, Mr. President."
"When will you be arriving?"
"Is tomorrow morning cutting it too close?"
"Not at all. I'll have a room ready for you. Will you be bringing the lovely General Aring?" He asked. Fury could hear his smile through the receiver. Laguna always had a thing for his lover, although it never went anywhere other than harmless flirting.
"No…" The general answered.
"Oh? Are the two of you still…?"
"Yes, Mr. President."
"Then why is she not coming?"
"I was a fool and put her in charge of the invasion mission." Fury explained.
"Oh, so is she planning it and all?"
"No, she going on the mission."
"Good. It's about time you gave that girl a mission."
"Oh really?"
"She's a very skilled warrior. You would be stupid if you didn't use her."
"I know." Fury answered, suddenly sounding exhausted.
A small beeping sound interrupted the two, signaling that Laguna had another call. He sighed, looking down at the small call-waiting screen. It was the paramedics. Why in the world would they be calling me? He thought.
"I'm sorry, General, but I have another call."
"It's alright, Mr. President. I was due at the Council for United Efforts fifteen minutes ago. Goodbye."
"Goodbye." He answered, pushing the button for the lines to switch. "Hello?"
"Mr. President, this is Donald Yers from the 21st Emergency Rescue Station. We need to have a little talk…"
~*~
Seifer groaned, adjusting himself so the spring of the chair wasn't stabbing him in the back. It was 5 AM. Still dark. And in his book, still night. Nida, Irvine, Selphie and himself all were on their way to Deling City for a briefing. Despite the fact that they were all injured in someway. Nida could barely walk. However, the sergeant that had called them at three AM had been insistent that they come to Deling City for a mission. The nurses at the SI hospital weren't going to let their patients go until the sergeant uttered the words "General" and "Full-Cure". The next thing they knew, the four of them were roused from their beds and herded onto a train.
They were currently sitting in the Officer's Car, complete with a small bar, two chairs, and a couch.
Nida had laid himself on the couch, his face twisting in pain occasionally because of the bumps and quick turns the train often endured that would send him banging against something. Selphie was sitting on the floor, her legs tucked under her. She mumbled curses and other things, rubbing her eyes. Irvine was sitting in the other chair; one leg flung over one of the arms, and his head resting against the back. He was asleep, his ponytail trailing down his right shoulder. He wore an old army-issue tan shirt with black uniform pants.
They had all agreed that one good thing about having to go to Deling City was they could change out of their issued clothing. Deling City was not only the country's capital, but it was also the home of just about every military base. Selphie and Nida both lived in the same apartment complex, and Seifer and Irvine lived on the Alenstato Military Base. They had received permission to visit their homes and freshen up before their briefing, which they were all very grateful for.
The train's brakes were applied suddenly, throwing Nida against the back of the hard couch. He yelped in pain, trying to lift himself up with his arms. Seifer and Selphie raced to help him. He grumbled something, and sat up.
"Could one of you help me tighten my brace?" He asked, fidgeting with the clasps on it.
"Yeah, sure." Selphie said, unclasping one of them and tightening it. Irvine was awake now stretching out like a big tabby cat.
"Are we there?" He asked sleepily.
"I think so." Seifer answered, standing from his spot near Nida and Selphie. Irvine stood as well, almost the same height as him.
Irvine smiled at him, a lazy, kind smile that made Seifer smirk. His deep amber eyes were dancing as they always were, hiding something behind sincerity and kindness. Seifer wondered what the hell he was doing in the army. After the talk the two of them had last night, Irvine proved himself to be both naïve and wise. And before last night, Seifer didn't think it was possibly to be both.
"We have arrived at our final destination, Deling City. Please be sure to take all of you personal belongs with you, and thank you for traveling Galbadia Continental." A recorded voice played out over the speakers.
"Alright. We've got an hour to kill." Irvine said, smiling. "Wanna share a cab to the base?"
"Sure." Seifer answered. "Are you gonna need a wheel chair, Nida?" He asked, turning his attention to Selphie and Nida.
"I can help him. The apartments aren't that far." Selphie offered, helping him stand.
"Alright. See you guys at the United Efforts building. Do you know how to get there?"
"We'll just take a cab." Nida answered, smiling.
"Bye, guys." Irvine said, leaving the car and Seifer in tow behind him.
"Well, are you ready to head home, Nida?" Selphie asked, helping Nida walk from the car.
"Yes, and then maybe I can finally put on a shirt." He answered.
~*~
Phoenix stretched, arching her back and extending her legs as far as they would go. Silk sheets wrapped themselves around her long legs, and she smiled. However, it only took her a moment to remember she didn't own silk sheets. Her eyes burst open, and she was greeted by the warm sunlight that drifted through the window. Then it hit her: She was in Fury's bed.
She rolled to her left, looking to the spot where Fury should have been lying. However, the place next to her was empty. She sat up slightly, looking around the room. There was a note tucked under the alarm clock, and when she noticed she had slept in an hour, she quickly snatched it and opened it up.
Phoenix,
Don't worry. I turned off the alarm, and I'm taking care of your team. I plan on showing them the very tedious tour to the CFUE Building. Take your time. You need your rest.
Love Always,
Fury
She smiled, setting the note off to the side. She stretched again, pulling the down comforter, velvet blankets and silk sheets off of her body. She was still clad in her General uniform, meaning that Fury had been a complete gentleman while she slept. Not that she was worried that he wouldn't be one.
She stumbled over to Fury's old oak armoire, opening to the doors. She fingered through the neatly pressed clothing searching for her own garments. She had told her future team that it would be a casual briefing, meaning that yesterday she didn't feel like dressing up. She found a pair of old tan chinos, and a black button-up V t-shirt. She headed toward the bathroom, and proceeded to take the hottest, laziest shower she ever had. Afterward she blew-dry her hair, dressed, and slipped on a pair of old tennis shoes. By the time she had grabbed her gray corduroy jacket and was out the door, it was almost a quarter to eight. She hoped that Fury wasn't too upset.
~*~
Ashlin Herksken sighed, sitting down in one of the nifty black swiveling chairs that sat around the large glass table. He stretched out and watched as the other filed in. They had just returned from General Caraway's super fun tour of the CFUE building. Before they had started the tour, the General had healed the four injured people. Although the one named Selphie had insisted that she was healed, she received a full-cure anyway.
He smiled at the girl named Rinoa, the General's daughter. She smiled slightly back at him, sitting on the other side of the table. He stood out amongst the group, mainly because of his chocolate skin and matching eyes. He was almost as tall as the cowboy, Irvine, but was twice as agile and sleek. He screamed what he was: a spy. His movements were full of cat-like grace. It was a natural talent, something that couldn't be taught.
"I have a question, General. How long will we be waiting for General Aring?" Seifer asked, taking a seat next to him.
"Not too long, I assure you." He answered, clearing his throat. "Let's move on to GF assignments."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! GF Assignments? Aren't those the things that erase your memories and stuff?" Irvine broke in, shaking his hands in front of his face as if to emphasize his protests.
"Not as much as you would think." A strange voice interrupted. At the doorway stood General Aring, her long auburn hair billowing around her as she walked.
"Good Morning, General Aring. How are you?" Fury said, smiling like a Cheshire cat.
"Wonderful, General Caraway." She answered, walking toward the table. The two had decided long ago to keep their relationship under wraps. It would be considered inappropriate by the Council and one of them would loose their job. Although this was unfair, they complied, not wishing to be booted off the Council. They were planning to go public after the invasion mission, success or not.
She sat down at the head chair after shaking Fury's hand. She casually slipped him a note as she did, both of their smiles widening. It was practically a custom of theirs to do such things.
"I best be going. Good day." Fury said, walking toward the door.
"Father?" Rinoa called out. He turned to look at her briefly.
"Yes?"
"Are we still going to lunch?"
"Yes, meet me in my office and we'll decide where to go."
"I don't know where your office is…"
"I can show you." Phoenix offered.
"Thanks." She replied, returning a smile.
"Alright. Now onto GF assignments. It has already been brought up that-" Phoenix's voice got smaller and smaller until Fury closed the door. He looked down at the note in his hand, carefully unfolding it. On the paper, a little chibi-looking Phoenix was lying in a bed. Next to it, Phoenix's messy writing spelled out thanks. He smiled, placing it into his pocket.
~*~
The girl approached the office door, looking up and down the hallway. She walked like startled cat, her dark eyes resembling iridescent orbs. Her clothes hung loosely from her shoulders and waist, making her look as skinny as she was. Finally, she turned the doorknob with her delicate hand, and entered the well-lit office.
Behind the desk sat her captain, looking rather sick. Her face was pale with light green undertones. Her eyes were sunken, and her hand shook as she sat her pen down. Her smile was weak, and her forehead was highlighted with a slick sheen of sweat.
"Are you ill, Captian?" The girl asked, frowning.
"I'm out of medication."
"Will base ship you more?"
"By the time it arrives I'll be in Esthar. But I'll be at base soon. I'll have Kadowaki shoot me up with something."
There was silence between the two. The girl stepped forward, sitting in one of her Captains chairs before the desk. She crossed her legs, chewing on her lip.
"There's more than meets the eye with General Aring." She said.
"I know."
"Is she going to be disposed of?"
"Oh the mission, yes."
"Good." The other girl answered smugly. "Do you think that our Commander and Mistress will want her?"
"No. They both enjoy weak people. Mistress says it's too much work trying to destroy the strong. It's such a waste as well."
"If they enjoy the weak, then why did they take Trepe?"
"You know why. Don't you ever speak of her again." Her captain hissed, standing from her chair.
"Sit down, Captain. You're ill, and I was merely asking a question." She turned and looked at the wall clock, chewing her bottom lip. "I have to go."
"Very well. Take care."
"Drink a lot of water, Captain. We don't need you passing out before you arrive at base."
"FORE!" He called out, swinging the golf club and sending the little white ball sailing off the roof of the Presidential Palace.
"Great shot, Mr. President." One of his aides said, retrieving another ball from his golf bag.
"Thank you, Rich. I try." He answered stupidly, taking the ball and placing it between his legs on the ground.
"Is this wise, Laguna?" Ward asked, shaking his head.
"Of course it is!" Laguna replied, not noticing the paramedics gathering to assist a man his first ball hit.
As he was preparing to swing the ball, Kiros popped up from the latch leading to the roof. Just as his head emerged, another small, white ball sailed by. He ducked just in time for it to miss him and continue it's traveling, finally going through a window across the street and bouncing off the shiny forehead of the Centra Foreign Minster.
"Laguna, the paramedics, firemen, and polices of Esthar all chipped in to building you a golf course in the basement! Now use it!" He growled, pulling himself up out of the latch.
"Sorry, Kiros." Laguna mumbled like a 5 year old.
"Apology accepted. Now, march yourself downstairs. You have a phone call from General Caraway."
Laguna expression lighted suddenly, and his face was once again graced with a wide smile. "What did he want? Are we going to finish our game of Risk?"
"I don't know, why don't you go and ask?" Kiros suggested.
"Stop talking to me like a child." He answered snidely, walking over to the latch and climbing down.
A moment later he was in his office, his shoes making a small flip-flop noise as he walked across the floor.
"Heeeello." He said, picking up the phone.
"Good morning, Mr. President. I didn't wake you, did I?" General Caraway's cheery voice came over the other line.
"No, not at all. You forget that it's 9 AM here, General. We're 4 hours ahead of you."
"Ah, thank you, Mr. President. I forgot entirely." He laughed slightly, and then cleared his throat.
"What can I do you for, General? Finally up to finishing our game of world domination?"
"Not exactly. I'm calling about the real life game."
"Oh, so you dingbats in Galbadia finally have a plan?" Laguna mocked, the humor dripping from his voice.
"Yes, we do. As of yesterday afternoon, large armies of the SeeD's have been gathering at Esthar's northern border."
"We've been aware of this General."
"Yes, well we've finally decided to finally retaliate. I want to combine our armies, and launch a full attack. Also, we are forming a team to infiltrate the SeeD Garden, and take out the SeeD's leader."
"Sounds great. I'm going to assume that you will be coming to Esthar."
"I was just going to ask you that, Mr. President."
"When will you be arriving?"
"Is tomorrow morning cutting it too close?"
"Not at all. I'll have a room ready for you. Will you be bringing the lovely General Aring?" He asked. Fury could hear his smile through the receiver. Laguna always had a thing for his lover, although it never went anywhere other than harmless flirting.
"No…" The general answered.
"Oh? Are the two of you still…?"
"Yes, Mr. President."
"Then why is she not coming?"
"I was a fool and put her in charge of the invasion mission." Fury explained.
"Oh, so is she planning it and all?"
"No, she going on the mission."
"Good. It's about time you gave that girl a mission."
"Oh really?"
"She's a very skilled warrior. You would be stupid if you didn't use her."
"I know." Fury answered, suddenly sounding exhausted.
A small beeping sound interrupted the two, signaling that Laguna had another call. He sighed, looking down at the small call-waiting screen. It was the paramedics. Why in the world would they be calling me? He thought.
"I'm sorry, General, but I have another call."
"It's alright, Mr. President. I was due at the Council for United Efforts fifteen minutes ago. Goodbye."
"Goodbye." He answered, pushing the button for the lines to switch. "Hello?"
"Mr. President, this is Donald Yers from the 21st Emergency Rescue Station. We need to have a little talk…"
~*~
Seifer groaned, adjusting himself so the spring of the chair wasn't stabbing him in the back. It was 5 AM. Still dark. And in his book, still night. Nida, Irvine, Selphie and himself all were on their way to Deling City for a briefing. Despite the fact that they were all injured in someway. Nida could barely walk. However, the sergeant that had called them at three AM had been insistent that they come to Deling City for a mission. The nurses at the SI hospital weren't going to let their patients go until the sergeant uttered the words "General" and "Full-Cure". The next thing they knew, the four of them were roused from their beds and herded onto a train.
They were currently sitting in the Officer's Car, complete with a small bar, two chairs, and a couch.
Nida had laid himself on the couch, his face twisting in pain occasionally because of the bumps and quick turns the train often endured that would send him banging against something. Selphie was sitting on the floor, her legs tucked under her. She mumbled curses and other things, rubbing her eyes. Irvine was sitting in the other chair; one leg flung over one of the arms, and his head resting against the back. He was asleep, his ponytail trailing down his right shoulder. He wore an old army-issue tan shirt with black uniform pants.
They had all agreed that one good thing about having to go to Deling City was they could change out of their issued clothing. Deling City was not only the country's capital, but it was also the home of just about every military base. Selphie and Nida both lived in the same apartment complex, and Seifer and Irvine lived on the Alenstato Military Base. They had received permission to visit their homes and freshen up before their briefing, which they were all very grateful for.
The train's brakes were applied suddenly, throwing Nida against the back of the hard couch. He yelped in pain, trying to lift himself up with his arms. Seifer and Selphie raced to help him. He grumbled something, and sat up.
"Could one of you help me tighten my brace?" He asked, fidgeting with the clasps on it.
"Yeah, sure." Selphie said, unclasping one of them and tightening it. Irvine was awake now stretching out like a big tabby cat.
"Are we there?" He asked sleepily.
"I think so." Seifer answered, standing from his spot near Nida and Selphie. Irvine stood as well, almost the same height as him.
Irvine smiled at him, a lazy, kind smile that made Seifer smirk. His deep amber eyes were dancing as they always were, hiding something behind sincerity and kindness. Seifer wondered what the hell he was doing in the army. After the talk the two of them had last night, Irvine proved himself to be both naïve and wise. And before last night, Seifer didn't think it was possibly to be both.
"We have arrived at our final destination, Deling City. Please be sure to take all of you personal belongs with you, and thank you for traveling Galbadia Continental." A recorded voice played out over the speakers.
"Alright. We've got an hour to kill." Irvine said, smiling. "Wanna share a cab to the base?"
"Sure." Seifer answered. "Are you gonna need a wheel chair, Nida?" He asked, turning his attention to Selphie and Nida.
"I can help him. The apartments aren't that far." Selphie offered, helping him stand.
"Alright. See you guys at the United Efforts building. Do you know how to get there?"
"We'll just take a cab." Nida answered, smiling.
"Bye, guys." Irvine said, leaving the car and Seifer in tow behind him.
"Well, are you ready to head home, Nida?" Selphie asked, helping Nida walk from the car.
"Yes, and then maybe I can finally put on a shirt." He answered.
~*~
Phoenix stretched, arching her back and extending her legs as far as they would go. Silk sheets wrapped themselves around her long legs, and she smiled. However, it only took her a moment to remember she didn't own silk sheets. Her eyes burst open, and she was greeted by the warm sunlight that drifted through the window. Then it hit her: She was in Fury's bed.
She rolled to her left, looking to the spot where Fury should have been lying. However, the place next to her was empty. She sat up slightly, looking around the room. There was a note tucked under the alarm clock, and when she noticed she had slept in an hour, she quickly snatched it and opened it up.
Phoenix,
Don't worry. I turned off the alarm, and I'm taking care of your team. I plan on showing them the very tedious tour to the CFUE Building. Take your time. You need your rest.
Love Always,
Fury
She smiled, setting the note off to the side. She stretched again, pulling the down comforter, velvet blankets and silk sheets off of her body. She was still clad in her General uniform, meaning that Fury had been a complete gentleman while she slept. Not that she was worried that he wouldn't be one.
She stumbled over to Fury's old oak armoire, opening to the doors. She fingered through the neatly pressed clothing searching for her own garments. She had told her future team that it would be a casual briefing, meaning that yesterday she didn't feel like dressing up. She found a pair of old tan chinos, and a black button-up V t-shirt. She headed toward the bathroom, and proceeded to take the hottest, laziest shower she ever had. Afterward she blew-dry her hair, dressed, and slipped on a pair of old tennis shoes. By the time she had grabbed her gray corduroy jacket and was out the door, it was almost a quarter to eight. She hoped that Fury wasn't too upset.
~*~
Ashlin Herksken sighed, sitting down in one of the nifty black swiveling chairs that sat around the large glass table. He stretched out and watched as the other filed in. They had just returned from General Caraway's super fun tour of the CFUE building. Before they had started the tour, the General had healed the four injured people. Although the one named Selphie had insisted that she was healed, she received a full-cure anyway.
He smiled at the girl named Rinoa, the General's daughter. She smiled slightly back at him, sitting on the other side of the table. He stood out amongst the group, mainly because of his chocolate skin and matching eyes. He was almost as tall as the cowboy, Irvine, but was twice as agile and sleek. He screamed what he was: a spy. His movements were full of cat-like grace. It was a natural talent, something that couldn't be taught.
"I have a question, General. How long will we be waiting for General Aring?" Seifer asked, taking a seat next to him.
"Not too long, I assure you." He answered, clearing his throat. "Let's move on to GF assignments."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! GF Assignments? Aren't those the things that erase your memories and stuff?" Irvine broke in, shaking his hands in front of his face as if to emphasize his protests.
"Not as much as you would think." A strange voice interrupted. At the doorway stood General Aring, her long auburn hair billowing around her as she walked.
"Good Morning, General Aring. How are you?" Fury said, smiling like a Cheshire cat.
"Wonderful, General Caraway." She answered, walking toward the table. The two had decided long ago to keep their relationship under wraps. It would be considered inappropriate by the Council and one of them would loose their job. Although this was unfair, they complied, not wishing to be booted off the Council. They were planning to go public after the invasion mission, success or not.
She sat down at the head chair after shaking Fury's hand. She casually slipped him a note as she did, both of their smiles widening. It was practically a custom of theirs to do such things.
"I best be going. Good day." Fury said, walking toward the door.
"Father?" Rinoa called out. He turned to look at her briefly.
"Yes?"
"Are we still going to lunch?"
"Yes, meet me in my office and we'll decide where to go."
"I don't know where your office is…"
"I can show you." Phoenix offered.
"Thanks." She replied, returning a smile.
"Alright. Now onto GF assignments. It has already been brought up that-" Phoenix's voice got smaller and smaller until Fury closed the door. He looked down at the note in his hand, carefully unfolding it. On the paper, a little chibi-looking Phoenix was lying in a bed. Next to it, Phoenix's messy writing spelled out thanks. He smiled, placing it into his pocket.
~*~
The girl approached the office door, looking up and down the hallway. She walked like startled cat, her dark eyes resembling iridescent orbs. Her clothes hung loosely from her shoulders and waist, making her look as skinny as she was. Finally, she turned the doorknob with her delicate hand, and entered the well-lit office.
Behind the desk sat her captain, looking rather sick. Her face was pale with light green undertones. Her eyes were sunken, and her hand shook as she sat her pen down. Her smile was weak, and her forehead was highlighted with a slick sheen of sweat.
"Are you ill, Captian?" The girl asked, frowning.
"I'm out of medication."
"Will base ship you more?"
"By the time it arrives I'll be in Esthar. But I'll be at base soon. I'll have Kadowaki shoot me up with something."
There was silence between the two. The girl stepped forward, sitting in one of her Captains chairs before the desk. She crossed her legs, chewing on her lip.
"There's more than meets the eye with General Aring." She said.
"I know."
"Is she going to be disposed of?"
"Oh the mission, yes."
"Good." The other girl answered smugly. "Do you think that our Commander and Mistress will want her?"
"No. They both enjoy weak people. Mistress says it's too much work trying to destroy the strong. It's such a waste as well."
"If they enjoy the weak, then why did they take Trepe?"
"You know why. Don't you ever speak of her again." Her captain hissed, standing from her chair.
"Sit down, Captain. You're ill, and I was merely asking a question." She turned and looked at the wall clock, chewing her bottom lip. "I have to go."
"Very well. Take care."
"Drink a lot of water, Captain. We don't need you passing out before you arrive at base."