Enter Xenophobia

----------------

The large screen with nine separate video panel makes up the major part of the makeshift studio. Four of these panels were blacked out, while the other five showed images of the remaining five teams of the race.

"SEIFER!" Fujin yelled blasting into Seifer's room, where he was seen sitting on the mattress cross-legged with Selphie behind him gently undid the bandage around the forehead.

"There, it's done!" Selphie said cheerfully, throwing away the old salt-smelling cloth into a basket. "Not a scar at all."

"APOLOGIES," Fujin bowed apologetically.

"She says that we're sorry for what we did today, ya know," Raijin translated after he tailed Fujin into the chalet room. He gave a short wink at Selphie and then diverted his attention to Seifer.

"I see the damage on your head has healed boss," Raijin chuckled boisterously, but soon shrank back into his sheepish and oafish self as Seifer banged on the bedside table hardly with his palm.

"Enough of your meaningless coaxing you fool," Seifer clamoured. Immediately, Selphie crept to Seifer's side tugging his arm.

"It's not their fault Seifer," she persuaded. "I just got a shock when they appeared suddenly from nowhere. I mean they're your friends and friends should forgive each other. You know the time when Zell broke my..."

"SHUT UP!" Seifer yelled furiously, causing everyone to freeze in their positions in silence. He then covered his face shamefully for a moment and climbed down the bed to approach the speechless duo in his usual sinister grin.

"I'm sorry that I burst out like that," Seifer cooed, standing between the duo and wrapping his arms around their shoulders. "Since I'm in a good mood and Selphie insisted that I do this, I forgive you all. Let's forget about the past and plan the future."

Seifer returned to Selphie's side after whispering to the duo for a short while. Fujin and Raijin closed the door behind them and walked along the open sandy terrace to their room. A look of frustration was carved on the woman's face.

"SELFISH BASTARD!" Fujin hissed in aggravation, causing the wound on her forehead to sting.

"Huh? Why do you say that?" Raijin asked. "I'm glad Seifer's still with us."

"NEGATIVE," Fujin uttered sharply as she stood in front of Raijin with her eye looking directly into Raijin's innocent pair of puppy eyes. "We do not have to serve Seifer like we used to. Seifer's a son-of-a-bitch who only cares for himself and remember how he treated us when he was under the Sorceress' control. Now I can see that he's repeating the same thing again because he wanted the money so badly. Besides, we have our future together to defend."

"But, but..." Raijin stammered.

"No buts," Fujin shook her head. A few drops of tears appeared under her eyelids as the both of them embraced each other passionately under the setting sun.

"Hey why don't we do this at the beach, ya know?" Raijin suggested. "It'll still be a young night."

Fujin gently released herself from Raijin's clutches and crept to his back, giving him a slap on his broad leathery back.

"RUN!"

Xu stared at the last orange capsule rotating between her fingers as she sat down on the bedside lonely.

"Only one left," she thought to herself. "It's hard to believe."

She turned to the glass of clear water on the bedside table. She picked up the glass, examining the clarity of the liquid, and then gulped it all down her throat. She placed the empty glass gently back on the table and kept the pill in a small ziplock bag in her pocket.

"Taken your medication already?" Quistis said emerging from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her body and her damp blonde hair tumbling down to her shoulders. Xu curved her lips into a smile with her spirit brightened a little. She thoughtfully wanted a soak in a warm bathtub after a hard day's work.

After doing a few articles of paperwork, Timber TV game-show producer Alex Axel emerged from the SUV studio into a dun, noisome alley. He surfaced from the alley clad in dull ragged clothes with a scarf and a felt hat, trudging along a street belittled by tall unprecedented skyscrapers and blue elevated highways of Esthar City. There was no moonlight while scanty stars were dim flickering weakly in the pitch-black darkness, but the sprawling city districts illuminated the whole continent like a chandelier. Pedestrians avoided the shabby stranger with a murmur amongst themselves. Unfriendliness was spelled on each block. It was truly a case of xenophobia notorious among the Estharians, which was the perfect quality for a good challenge in the producer's mind of the coming episode.

"Let's see what this town has to offer."

***

Daniel and Rachel picked up their backpacks and equipment as soon as they left their room. They came across small yellow light bulbs lighting up a sandy path under the complete darkness. The rustling sounds of coconut trees swaying to the bellowing wind added to the frigidity of the night.

"There are no stars today," Rachel muttered as she followed the trail of illuminating light bulbs. "Really creepy."

"There's our clue box," Daniel said in a cheery voice hurdling towards the wooden structure parked beside the beach, with seawater washing its base due to the high tide. The glowing screen on Daniel's wristwatch clearly displayed 0248 hours.

"Alright," Daniel sighed and began to rip his envelope open, while Rachel flashed a flashlight at his hands. "Get yourselves to the rocks of Baclava Atoll by boat. Pier only opens at 5 a.m. You've got 500G for this leg of the race." Daniel finished shuffling the 100 gil bank notes enclosed in the envelope.

"Okay let's start walking to the pier before Squall and Rinoa come here," Rachel suggested while Daniel folded the clue and stuck it into his backpack. He handed a green paper with the Fast Forward instructions to Rachel.

"Start your morning at a diner called 'Whippersnappers' in Fishermans Horizon. Serve 15 patrons to get the pass. Operation hours: 7.30 a.m. - 3.00 p.m."

Daniel spread out his polyester blanket beneath the canopy of palm trees, who soon was found lying on the pavement with Rachel beside him wrapped in a blanket half asleep. Forty minutes later, two familiar figures annoyingly emerged from the darkness and stood beneath a lamppost next to the couple. Daniel yawned with his eyes barely open to see Squall and Rinoa sitting beside him laying their backpacks and equipment on the ground.

"Hey Squall my man," Daniel groggily greeted giving Squall a firm handshake. Rachel motioned a little, as she was disturbed from her sleep. "Go back to sleep Rachel."

"Honey," Rinoa pleaded. "Can you help me unroll my sleeping bag?"

"Sure dear," Squall picked up the bundled sleeping bag and started to roll it out on the pavement for his girlfriend. He then lied on the turf beside Rinoa gazing at the starless sky.

"Are you going to use the Fast Forward?" Daniel asked.

"Why should we?" Squall replied coldly. "We want to keep it for later."

"Good," Daniel said nothing more, turning to his favourite side and continued his sleep.

"Squall, can you stop talking to yourself?" Rinoa asked as her body tossed and turned a little. "I'm trying to get some shuteye. Just go to sleep."

Squall did as told by Rinoa and turned to his side with his back facing Rinoa's. The air was chilling to the bone added to the whistling breeze but Squall was able to withstand the cold without a blanket. Weariness flooded his mind as his eyes slowly shut itself into a light sleep.

***

It was six in the morning at Esthar Airstation. Cid Kramer along with a team of cameramen and studio workers alighted from their flight and walked down the corridor. At the end of the corridor was an almost empty arrival hall except for the presence of two well-known Estharian figures waiting for him.

"Uncle Cid!" Ellone greeted as she approached Cid Kramer with a warm hug. Behind her was Laguna Loire, President of Esthar standing stoically in the background. His nobility was degraded into his humble and down-to-earth nature with the arrival of his old friend.

"So Mr. Cid, is Squall coming to Esthar?" he questioned unable to control his nervousness. "And can I know who else are coming?"

"Yes I'm glad Squall made it this far. He shows outstanding results," Cid answered calmly causing Laguna to jump in delight. "Seifer and his henchman and henchwoman are one of them unfortunately."

"The son of a bitch!" he fumed with his teeth clench and his hand balled into a tight fist.

"Oh dear, sorry for my blasphemy," Laguna apologised after releasing his anger and started to sound thoughtful, hugging himself. "Now I can see my boy again."

"We better hurry up or else the paparazzi will come here and tear the place down," Laguna said seriously, grabbing onto Ellone's hand dashed to the exit with Cid and the others before other people arrive. A black limousine with its driver was found parked outside the airport. Immediately, Laguna, Ellone and Cid squeezed themselves into the limo. The wheels of the limo were then folded into a vertical position and hovered a few inches above the road.

"Now go!" Laguna arched forward to order the driver. After the vehicle had left the scene, the President sat back on his seat gasping and sweating. He then turned his attention to Cid, who was sitting across him with Ellone in between. "Is there anyway to turn my place into one of the destinations?" he asked. "I really want to see Squall and his friends again."

"I wished I could but it's beyond my power," Cid answered, looking out the window to see the sun rising from the tall buildings. A white van was soon seen tailing the limo from behind. "It looks like company."

Laguna then examined the shiny vehicle from the side mirror with his own eyes, widening in alarm.

"PAPARAZZI!"

Ellone nodded her head once and quickly pushed a pedal in front of her. A gun appeared from a slot below the trunk of the limo, aiming directly at the vehicle. The gun then catapulted a blast out green notes of gil, which stuck on the windscreen of the van, causing it to skid and halt at the middle of the road obstructing the traffic behind it.

"The President's giving away money!" a motorist exclaimed, halting its car beside the curb to join in the crowd of other motorists running amok to the money-laded vehicle.

"There's more where that came from," Laguna joked and soon chuckled with Cid all the way.

***

Squall woke up to the sound of a motor humming in the distance. Dawn was breaking with the sky and clouds brightening up and the weather pleasantly cool. Squall rose up to half his body and shook Rinoa's body.

"The sun's still not out yet daddy," Rinoa murmured turning her body to her side, reluctant to wake up from her dream. Daniel and Rachel were soon aroused from their sleep and rose up to their feet doing a little stretching. Rinoa followed to wake up a few minutes later. She recovered her senses to see orange linings in the sky and Squall standing in front of her with his head bowed down, carrying two cans of warm coffee in one hand.

"Good morning princess."

Squall and Rinoa got on a water taxi along with their backpacks. Not far from them were Daniel and Rachel in their water taxi heading to Fishermans Horizon.

"Take us to Baclava Atoll," Squall ordered.

The driver then started the engine, which sputtered as the boat was driven southwest to Centra Continent. Small outcroppings of volcanic rock came into view with the boat weaving deftly past them.

Squall wrapped his arms around Rinoa, gazing at the rugged seas while the windiness swept past his hair and clothes.

"Isn't this a wonderful sight?" Rinoa said in admiration with her hands clutching on Squall's arm and her head resting on his chest. She let out a sigh and her lips curved up into a smile. "Let's come here again for our honeymoon when all of this was over."

Daniel and Rachel hopped back on the piers branching out from the main island. The couple walked along the filthy streets, littered with empty wrappers, torn flyers, shattered glass and fish slime.

"It's so dirty here," Rachel commented. "I wonder who does the maintenance."

"The seagulls of course!" Daniel joked as he chased of the flock of seagulls blocking the pavement, feeding on leftover food residue.

The Trepies soon arrived at a quayside restaurant with 'Whippersnappers' in a thick, bright green font emblazoned on the signboard above the building. They were welcomed with the alluring aroma of freshly brewed coffee and toasted bread.

"Excuse me," Daniel said sitting in front of the counter. "We're here for the Fast Forward."

"Come on in," a man with a moustache clad in white chef garment replied and opened the flap at the end of the counter allowing Daniel and Rachel to enter the kitchen. As soon as Daniel finished dressing himself with an apron, the customers were already sitting in their tables.

"May I take your order sir?" Rachel said as confidently as she could, with a pen in one hand and a notepad firmly on her palm.

"I want a dory platter, two pieces of greased rye and the regular brew," the scruffy-looking male customer in a long trench coat replied with a local slang.

"Err... can you kindly please repeat what you ordered?" Rachel said scribbling on her notepad.

"Dory platter, two pieces of greased rye and a cup of regular brew," he raised his voice and repeated. "You're new here, aren't ya. Ya can't fool me with that uniform you're wearing."

"Alright, thanks." Rachel tore one page and tabbed a carbon copy on the man's table. She blasted into the kitchen and pinned the order on a rack.

"One dory platter, two pieces of greased rye and a cup of regular brew for table 2!" she shouted.

Daniel slid the piece of paper towards him and read it in puzzlement.

"What's a dory platter?"

***

The sky was now perfectly illuminated, with the clouds breaking away to the coming of a bright sun, displaying its dizzying golden complexion.

Squall and Rinoa could see the rocky inlets of Centra Continent from afar. Ahead of them was a string of rocky miniature islands, which were the remains of an extinct volcano, now known as Baclava Atoll.

"Over there!" Rinoa pointed to one of the islands with a clue box fitted between the black cindery rocks. The couple soon disembarked from the boat, with the sound of pebbles and ashes crushed beneath their feet as they treaded to the box. Squall opened the flap and took out a red envelope.

"Detour: Sink or Swim.

Sink - Get to Tokolos Sound and dive into the depths of the ocean. Retrieve one of the chests in an undersea cavern 1000 meters below sea level.

Swim - Get to Baclava Reef and snorkel around 300 square feet of reef to find hidden envelopes."

Rinoa could see a large area of shoal at the middle of the Centran Sea, which looked like a white patch from afar. The couple then carefully got back to their transport about to embark.

"Take us to Baclava Reef!" she ordered.

The water taxi took them to a boat floating above the reef after about fifty minutes treading through the calm waters. Rinoa paid the driver and climbed up to the boat, which had a glass surface at the center of the floor where she could see green seaweed and brushy corals waving and the colorful and myriad sea life. Rinoa gazed lovingly at the angelfish swimming below the boat. On the other hand, Squall took off his black T but his trunks, wearing a pair of goggles around his forehead and fitting the snorkel into his mouth as he dived into the ocean to meet the white coral reef in person.

"Careful out there!" Rinoa clamored. She then bent down to reach her backpack and fished out a blue swimsuit.

A school of Centran anchovies swam by, shining like a diamond bracelet in front of Squall. He looked down to the large cluster of coral below him shone by beams of sunlight, chasing out the inhabitants of a small burrow. He wiggled his fingers to find nothing as he dug his hand into the burrow. Squall rose up to the surface for air with Rinoa swimming towards him.

"I'll go look over there," she popped out her snorkel and said. Rinoa paddled to the other side of the reef not too far away from her boyfriend, searching every nook and cranny along the way but to no avail. After the first half-hour she found her fingers wrinkled as she emerged to the surface while Squall was still underwater. The task seemed burdening with the weather getting hotter and the water getting warmer as the sun awakened in its full glory.

"It seems endless but I won't give up!" she told herself, diving back into the water. She met a band of corals clustered singly with anemones growing on them which tickled Rinoa's skin. On one piece of coral, a red glossy material jutted from a small hole. Rinoa eyed at it delightfully, approached the coral and pulled out the envelope immediately.

"Squall I got it!" she yelled, waving the wet envelope. The couple swam back to the boat, dripping wet as they climbed to the deck. It was refreshing to have a fresh towel wrapped around their bodies, while removing every bit of fungus and seaweed stuck on their arms and legs. Squall grew impatient and ripped the envelope open without Rinoa noticing.

"For crying out loud!" Squall uttered a cry as she looked at Rinoa, drying her wet hair with wide eyes. He did not want to continue reading the clue for her and passed it to Rinoa.

"What's wrong Squall?" Rinoa asked and read the wet paper (at least the ink did not run) with an ecstatic gasp. "We're going to Esthar!"

Squall threw the towel on the floor and tilted his head upwards, slapping his forehead in agony.

"I hope I don't meet my dad."

***

Daniel gingerly slid out a prawn and onion omelet onto a plate from the hot skillet. The dish was then placed on a tray along with a hot bun.

"Here's your 'Nautilus' Roe'", Rachel smiled as she placed the dish presentably on the counter. She then hurdled to man in a white shirt, carrying a camera on his shoulder.

"Welcome to Whippersnappers. May I take your order sir?" she cooed. Her smile drooped as the muscles around her cheek started to weary.

"Uh," the cameraman scratched his head and browsed at the menu in front of him. "I'll have the err... what the heck. I'll have the Foie Gras Jubilee and a cup black coffee." He finished after being frustrated with the cryptic entrees in the menu. "Jeez, this diner's killing me."

"Uh are you sure about that?" she said with the pen still pressing on the empty notepad. "I don't think this guy's from here, like me."

"I said I wanted the house special and a cup of black coffee," he repeated in a clearer voice. "Aren't you serious enough to win one mil... oops... never mind."

Rachel looked at the cameraman in the eye, as if she was trying to say, "What did you say?"

"By the way," the man drew Rachel's attention and positioned the camera lens right in front of her face. "Say cheese."

Rachel grinned weakly a little and dropped her lips back into a straight line, turning away from the camera and heading into the kitchen.

"I better go get some close-up shots on the team," he thought as he stood up from his seat and marked it by putting his camera bag on the round seat. He ignored the 'Personnel Only' sign and went straight into the kitchen. "Mr. Axel will love this!"

"Final order Daniel!" Rachel exclaimed and pinned the paper on the rack. She then rushed to the coffee maker.

"One Special coming right up!" Daniel replied with a high voice.

"Ah the Foie Gras Jubilee!" the head chef sighed dreamily, picturing his signature dish in his mind. "Come here boy and get the fish liver to make the sauce."

The cameraman hid behind the food shelves spying on the activities happening around the kitchen. One on corner was a cook chopping up some vegetables coarsely and beside him was another cook filleting a piece of fish, which just arrived freshly from the market. At the far end was the head chef giving instructions to Daniel, who was sauteing the liver with seasoning until it melted into a crude paste.

"Man," he complained and quickly pegged his nose with his fingers after whiffing a fishy smell coming from Daniel's skillet. "Whoever's gonna eat that is going to throw up."

"Does anyone know where the man holding a video camera went?" Rachel's voice was heard, which was dampened by the cacophony of the kitchen.

"I'm sorry!" the cameraman apologised as he was seen coming out of the washroom. "Phew, thank goodness the washroom's connected to the kitchen." He sighed as he settled down to the comforting warmth of coffee. Rachel then headed back to the kitchen and emerged a few minutes later, carrying a dish resembling paella laded with grey sauce. The cameraman gagged as the slimy texture of the rice dish was presented straightforwardly in front of him.

"Here you go, your Foie Gras Jubilee," Rachel said masochistically tabbing the bill on the counter.

"Here's your reward for serving fifteen satisfied customers," the head chef said with a smile as he drew out a red envelope from his suit and handed it to the team who were undressing their uniforms. Rachel emerged from the kitchen in her street clothes to check on the cameraman.

"Don't stare at me," the man faced Rachel with puffy cheeks, trying to look like he was gorging the dish happily. "It's good stuff ya know."

After Rachel was out of sight, his face turned blue and urgently rushed to the washroom. Daniel and Rachel surfaced from the hectic diner to experience the scene of a typical busy morning on the streets of the island-city. Daniel leaped into the air and clicked his heels with delight as he and his partner read the clue while walking down the street together.

"Congratulations you earned the Fast Forward pass." Rachel's tone started to heighten as she continued to the next line. "Fly to Esthar City and proceed to the pit stop, the Dolletian Gardens in President's Park!"

***

Rinoa and Squall, and Rachel and Daniel were well on their way back to the Galbadian mainland. They could choose either one of the three major airports to get to their next destination - Deling City Airport, Timber's Redwood Airport or Jean Pierrot Airport in Dollet.

Meanwhile, Seifer and Selphie disembarked on one of the rocks of Baclava Atoll. Tears started to well in Selphie's eyes filled with terror after reading the clue.

"I don't want to swim!" she quavered.

"Okay," Seifer said and sat on the rock to rest, thinking for awhile. "I want to try diving!"

The water taxi took Seifer and Selphie to the rugged coastline of Centra Continent. It was a desolate, dreary and dangerous wasteland out there with weird monsters lurking among the shadows and mirages ready to strike and kill any unwary traveler. That was why the inhabitants (mostly aborigines but not many of them) dwelled at the coastline, where the vegetation was lusher, food was plentiful and more importantly the geographical structure acted like a barrier from the frequent attacks of wild monsters. The inlets had sharp rocks and tall cliffs, with waves pounding on them with a powerful sound. The couple now came across an excavation vessel floating in the serene atmosphere of the Tokolos Sound.

The couple arrived on the boat and they were greeted reasonably by the crewmembers, mostly aboriginal and working as excavators digging for undersea treasures and artifacts left by the pirates. After a few words on safety measure, Seifer fitted into a sleek black diving suit, which soon felt heavy after putting on the diver's belt and tank.

"My girlfriend can't swim, so can she stay and wait for me?" he asked and was approved.

Selphie loomed down to see Seifer and two other divers sinking and disappearing into the murky water. Her hope was that Seifer would come back safe and unscathed.

"Are there sharks in the water?" she asked full of concern.

The divers were now closer and closer to the darkness as they swam deeper into the depths of the ocean. There were not many fishes or other sea creatures but the seasoned divers hoped that they do not meet a hostile looking octopus whipping its tentacles. Seifer's ears started to ache with the increasing pressure. His lungs felt hot as he could only breathe limited amounts of stale oxygen. Soon, the three divers fired their waterproof torches and swam to the yellow area in front of them. It was an excavated undersea cavern, with every single gold coin looted. Nevertheless, what was lying on the bed of the cove was the envelope Seifer wanted to look for. Seifer and the other divers swam back to the boat. Selphie was a relieved to see her boyfriend after a few minutes, which felt like an eternity to her. Seifer tilted his head from left to right, pouring out the water collected in his ears, while Selphie greedily opened the envelope and gazed back at Seifer with admiration.

"We're going to Esthar honey!" she cried, hugging Seifer in his wet and rubbery diving suit affectionately. "It's been a long time I've seen Sir Laguna!"

"He's a sorry excuse for a president," Seifer muttered sardonically.

"What did you say?" Selphie said feeling a little enraged. Seifer sighed and touched her lips with his fingers, and Selphie did not doubt him anymore. He took the clue from Selphie and read it thoroughly.

"You can say goodbye to FH and now say hello to Esthar! Fly to Esthar City and once you land, get yourselves to the route marker at Times Plaza."

***

Seifer slouched on the bench, waiting impatiently for the ferry.

"Why don't the mayor build an airport instead of this useless underground port?" he thought sarcastically. Selphie on the other hand danced and skipped around the platform carrying the clue in the air childishly in rapture.

"I can't wait to meet Sir Laguna again!" she told Seifer in a cheery voice. "Do you know I have an enlarged photo of Laguna in his presidential uniform just waiting to be autographed?"

Quistis and Xu bought their tickets and browsed the navy museum before they enter the departure hall. Once they got through the gate, a sharp sound rang in the air and they immediately broke through the crowd to see Selphie kneeling on the floor weeping with tears dripping on the ground, while Seifer bent down to her trying to calm her down.

"You're heartless and cruel!" she sobbed and stood up to her feet, revealing the large red mark on her right cheek. "I HATE YOU!" she bellowed and stormed off to the restroom, locking up herself in the toilet.

"What happened Seifer?" Quistis asked as she took over Selphie's place. Seifer was still silent and dumbfounded. "What made you hurt her feelings?"

It was normal for an instructor to guide and care for their students when they were in a tough situation like what had happened between Seifer and Selphie, the most unlikely couple in the race. Xu just smiled, giving Seifer a pat on the back to mitigate his upset. Her action however had a concealed sneaky demeanor.

***

"I'm having a bad feeling Squall," Rinoa said in uncertainty, sitting beside the window of a taxi looking at a white airplane soaring above them as they headed for Redwood Airport. "I think Seifer just vented his anger on Selphie. And now the team is in shambles."

"No surprise," Squall said to himself thoughtlessly, as if he did not care even less for the couple. "I knew there's something the both of them do not agree mutually."

The airport was busy and hectic, with the cacophony of zooming noises from the planes as they land or leave the runway, added to the clicking of footsteps and chattering of people crowding the vicinity. Squall browsed through the ticket counters of different airline services while pushing a trolley with their backpacks. Rinoa on the other hand scanned the flight schedule on a large analogue signboard above her, where the letters rolled forming into a new destination and flight number. There were a few direct flights to Esthar, but to her dismay they were all fully vacant when Squall broke the bad news.

"I'm sorry, all our flights are fully booked" was the only response mundanely conveyed by every ticket counter.

"I got an idea," Rinoa sparked. The couple boarded an elevator to the second floor, where the airline offices were located. Rinoa chose to meet with the Deling Airlines office first, since her dad sponsored the airlines.

"May we come in?" she asked politely. The couple walked silently through the door to find a well-organised workplace with people doing their paperwork. She sat neatly in front of the desk of a frazzled-looking ticket salesgirl.

"We want two economy flights to Esthar City leaving at the nearest time possible," she asked.

The girl began inputting information into her computer, tugging her hair and mumbling profanity. In the end she looked up to Rinoa with a shake of the head.

"I'm sorry. All the flights to Esthar today are full," she told.

"Yes I know. Can you check for connection flight?"

The girl fogged her spectacles, sighing deeply as she returned to her typing.

"There are two flights connecting Deling City to Esthar at two-thirty and six-thirty."

"Oh great!" she cheered stretching her arms high into the air. "We want the two-thirty flight please."

"I'm sorry miss but the seats are on standby."

Rinoa pounded her fist on the table angrily and enraged, causing the girl to jerk backwards in surprise.

"Don't you know who you're messing with, girl?" she yelled pointing her finger at the girl who was starting to feel threatened. "My dad sponsored this goddamn airline!"

"You mean your dad's President Caraway?" the girl asked in a high tone with her eyes wide open ready to laugh hysterically. "If you're Miss Caraway then why aren't you on a private jet?"

"Well do I look like her?" Rinoa argued.

"Of course you do!" she replied and still giggling. "I bet you'll win a celebrity look-alike contest!"

"Let's go look for another airline," Squall said, trying to soothe Rinoa's anger, as she was still fuming at the office workers laughing together at her.

"I hope your goddamn company will be in the red!" she bellowed as Squall dragged her away from the office.

***

Raijin stripped down to his swimming trunks and dived into the water with a massive splash. He paddled around the boat happily, as it was a long time he soaked himself in the sea.

"FOOL!" Fujin hissed as she looked down at Raijin from the body in her black swimsuit. "LOOK FOR THE CLUE!"

Raijin popped the mouthpiece of the snorkel into his mouth and immersed himself into the water. It was a pretty sight with colorful fish dancing around the chalky white coral. Below him lying lazily on the reef was a lonely sea urchin.

"Hey hey, what have we got here?" he thought as he curiously touched the black thorn of the urchin. Consequently, pain raced down to his whole right hand. He rose to the surface and floated on the water, sucking his finger.

"I can't feel my hand!" he exclaimed.

***

"Seifer, aren't you going to reconcile with Selphie?" Quistis advised Seifer who was leaning his back against the wall. There was only a few minutes left before the ferry arrived.

"It's no use," Xu said pessimistically, walking around the platform aimless in small steps. "I realised that despite Cid's view on the competition, it's not about strengthening camaraderie and unity between the different castes of Garden. It's a heinous and deceitful race. We compare our skills and abilities to see who's better at outplaying each other. It's the money that drives us," she paused and turned to Quistis and Seifer looking prominent. "But then again, Cid was right on one aspect; teamwork is in utmost importance." She raised her arm and pointed her finger directly at Seifer. "That's where you lack Seifer Almasy. You really disappoint me."

The women in the ladies startled at the forthcoming of a sinister-looking man clad in a sleeveless tee, baring the cross-shaped tattoo on his arm. Seifer approached the door that his instinct had strong feelings on. He knocked the door a few times, followed by the wail of a young woman.

"Stop bothering me you meanie!" Selphie yelled as she locked herself securely in the lavatory, where her voice echoed throughout the cubicle. Tears started to slide down her cheeks as she began to snivel.

"Look I know I've been an asshole just now," Seifer said with honesty and was not bothered about the other women staring curiously at him. He gulped and slowly opened his mouth to convey the most meaningful phrase he rarely said. "I'm sorry."

A creak of the door was sounded as Selphie unlocked the door to see Seifer's face again, reaching out her hand with the intention to embrace her boyfriend. Seifer felt forgiveness for the first time. It was beyond his imagination, which was formerly dimmed with torment, ego and rapaciousness.

Quistis was a little worried when the ferry was about to embark. She walked to the bow of the ship to gaze at the harbour again.

"Give him some time," Xu said softly, laying her hand on Quistis' shoulder. "I don't think they'll make it."

Ironically, two expected figures were soon seen emerging from the ladies' restroom. Seifer and Selphie slung their backpacks and quickly dashed for the ferry. They made it just before the sailor unhooked the ferry from the dock. The couple sat together, panting for breath and hydrating themselves by drinking more water. It was a sign of total relief and Quistis was glad to see the both of them as the unlikely couple again.

***

"Full again?" Rachel said raising her voice and displacing the receiver away from her ear. "Go to hell!" she shouted directly at the receiver and slammed it hardly on its holder. She leaned her back on the wall and slithered down into a lazy sitting position. She looked at the time flashing in front of her, which displayed '1243 hours DST (Dollet Standard Time)'.

Daniel was soon seen emerging from the crowd and pushing the trolley. He approached his downed partner with a lopsided smile.

"We've got standby tickets for a one-thirty flight," he informed, crossing his fingers tightly.

Daniel rubbed his thumbs as he waited nervously for their tickets. Rachel slouched on the vinyl seat, feeling enormously weary and sleepy.

"It's hopeless Dan," she whined, covering her forehead with a towel.

"Is there a Mr. Carzo?" a woman's voice exclaimed after an hour. Daniel stood up from his seat excitedly and slalomed through the queue towards the Dollet Air counter.

"Here are your tickets. Just head to Platform 3C," the wizened and affable ticket woman smiled passing two newly printed plane tickets and boarding passes to Daniel. "Congratulations and Godspeed," she said giving Daniel a peck on the cheek.

Rachel's spirit was immediately uplifted when Daniel came to her clicking his heels like a happy lark. She was eager to see her luggage wrapped in plastic and whisked away by the conveyor belt. Soon the couple was whisked away in the coach of a Boeing. It was shabby but at least the seats were downright comfortable.

"It feels so good!" Rachel remarked rubbed her back on the seat as she buckled her seatbelt. The plane was ready for liftoff.

***

Rinoa bit her fingernails nervously as she flipped through the pages of a woman's magazine while waiting for a response by the Timber Air ticketing agency. The neatly dressed blonde woman stopped typing and turned to look at the pessimistic faces with a frown.

"I'm sorry, all our flights are fully booked," she informed.

"Can you please check again?" Squall pleaded. "It's a desperate life-and-death situation."

The woman turned back to the computer screen and browsed through the flight list even deeper. Rinoa slanted her body towards Squall and rested her head on his shoulder.

"It's over!" she whined.

A slight trace of hope sparkled in the woman's eyes thereafter. Her lips soon curved up into a pleasant smile.

"You're in luck," she exclaimed. "We have two free seats for the two o'clock flight."

Rinoa let out a sigh of relief and shook the woman's hand gratefully. Immediately, the agency issued the tickets causing the couple to burst into hopefulness.

The plane took off in splendor, soaring like an eagle in the sky. The couple could see a miniature Timber as they looked down their window. The couple lifted their glass of orange juice in unison and made a toast.

"To the race," Rinoa said with a giggle after regaining her winning smile finally.

***

"The airport!" Selphie cheered as she popped her head out of the window to gaze upon the large glass building with her hair fluttering to the wind. Seifer quickly pulled her back into the seat as a cargo truck sped past the taxi.

"Fuck all the truck drivers," the cabdriver condemned, flicking a glowing cigarette by the window. "They're only showoffs!"

A cooling blast of air welcomed the couple as they gingerly entered Redwood Airport. Quistis and Xu were only a few minutes away. The couple could see them alighting from their taxi, bringing out their heavy backpacks from the trunk. The four of them soon went to all directions. Xu jostled to the phone booth and flashed out her telephone card, while Quistis inspected the counters. Seifer and Selphie were together pushing the trolley together while browsing through the row of ticket counters.

"Any other flights going to Esthar?" Xu asked furiously holding her pen and notepad in one hand. "Any connection flights? No I only want economy!" Xu puffed her cheeks and slammed the receiver angrily. She picked it up again, pressing her finger on a page of a phone book and dialed the number of another airline.

"Hello AeroEsthar? I would like two economy flight tickets to Esthar... I'm now in Timber... Hold on please," Xu clasped the receiver between her head and her shoulder and started writing information. A smile was traced on her lips. "4.45 p.m., counter 6, gotcha... My name is Xu Masao and my partner's Quistis Trepe. That's T-R-E-P-E... Oh thank you very much sir."

Xu placed the receiver lightly and repositioned her flat-cap. She then set out to look for Quistis.

"QUISTIS, WHERE ARE YOU?" she hollered.

"I'm sorry ma'am. Our flights are fully booked," the counterman apologised and resumed his work. Quistis left the counter infuriated and frustrated. She then bided by sitting on the sofa with her head between her arms.

"Quistis!" she heard a voice and stood up, spinning around until she saw Xu running towards her impatiently.

"Thank goodness I've found you!" Xu panted wiping off perspiration from her forehead. "Phew, this airport sure is big!"

"What happened?" Quistis asked as if she had no clue. Quistis was startled when Xu suddenly grabbed her hand and took her back to the row of counters. The two girls stumbled upon Counter 6 and queued.

"We'd like to retrieve our tickets," Xu said and indicated her name flashing on the computer screen. Without hesitation, the counter issued their tickets and boarding passes.

"Nice job girl," Quistis cheered, giving Xu a high-five.

Seifer and Selphie had already bought their tickets just before the team of instructors did. The couple did not believe their eyes and ears when Quistis and Xu possess a more superior flight than theirs. Selphie was disappointed when she peered at her Balamb-bound five o'clock economy ticket.

"Are there more of these tickets?" Seifer asked and was replied with a definite shake of the head.

"It's too bad. We're really sorry," Quistis said apologetically, which sounded like sarcasm to Seifer. Xu began pushing the trolley as the clocked chimed half-past six in the evening. "See you in Esthar," Quistis blew a kiss at Seifer as she and her partner walked away hurriedly.

Seifer and Selphie sat on their seats gloomily. Their flight tickets to Esthar (departing from Balamb) were still on standby and they certainly did not want to wish for the worse.

"Cheer up honey," Selphie said and patted on Seifer's shoulder full with optimism. "I'm sure we'll make it."

The airplane rose into the air and Selphie could see the world below her shrinking into sprawling dollhouses, as they were on their way to connect their flight in Balamb.

***

"I know it's a bigger airport," Raijin said, staring at the wide-open spaces of the interior in Deling City Airport. "But where are the flights?"

"FOOL!" Fujin irately barked kicking Raijin on the knee and tugged her hair looking frazzled. She crossed her arms firmly and ordered Raijin to gather more information. Fujin leaned her back on the wall beside the phone booth, feeling really tired. "FATIGUED."

"FUJIN!!" Raijin's loud and bold voice rang in the air when he dashed towards Fujin excitedly.

"WHAT?" she barked at Raijin, bending down panting for breath.

"I found our flight!" he exclaimed.

It was seven in the evening and the only 'Deling City - Esthar' flight of the day was teeming with passengers. The couple displayed their tickets to the stewardess as they stepped into the coach.

"This way!" the stewardess in pink uniform said and rushed them into a coach where passengers savoured the luxurious food and state-of-the-art facilities.

"This has to be a mistake!" Raijin yelped. "This doesn't like the economy class coach, ya know!"

"Just take the seat you lousy meathead," she fumed and pushed the duo into their seats. "Enjoy your flight and don't forget to buckle your seatbelts," the stewardess smiled affably and walked away busily. The duo could feel the plane lifting and in a few minutes, foggy clouds inundated the scenery.

"Would you like to have some trademark wine?" a steward offered holding a bottle of clear white wine. In front of him was a cart of parfaits and other drinks.

"No thanks," Raijin obliged. "We want beer please."

Fujin and Raijin held onto the cold surface of the beer can, sipping the warm refreshing drink. The duo was still puzzled about the current situation. Was it a mistake or were they just plain lucky to be in business class.

"Whatever it is, I like it here, ya know," Raijin said groggily as he was lulled into a deep sleep.

Her seat was so soft and comfortable that Fujin felt a hint of sleepiness in her mind. She reclined her chair and slowly closed her eyes.

"FATIGUED..." she purred before she finally rested for the day.

***

Tension was building up as Seifer and Selphie arrived at Little Continent Airport in Balamb. The interior of the airport was influenced by the architecture in Balamb and a little from Garden, proven by the shell-like carvings on the corners of the ceiling. The people backed away as the couple dashed along the walkway. They seemed like in a hurry, and they had a good reason for it.

Their flight was now parked on the part of the runway connected to Platform 4B. Seifer rudely shoved away the people queuing to retrieve their tickets from the counter at the platform.

"Sir you are not allowed to cut queue," the girl informed the blonde man pressing his palms on the counter as he panted for breath. "Can you kindly please go to the back of the queue like a Good Samaritan?"

"Ma'am you have to understand," Seifer insisted in a stammering voice. "It's a life-and-death situation!"

"What's going on here?" a man in a business suit appeared from the office and approached the girl in front of the counter.

"Sir this guy cut the queue," she stood up and explained.

"Sir I just want the tickets for the eight o'clock flight to Esthar," Seifer interrupted. "It's an emergency!"

"I'm sorry but it's too late," the man said looking at the clock above him displaying 1957 hours BST (Balamb Standard Time). "We don't allow other passengers the board the flight within five minutes before the plane embarks."

"I told you it's an emergency!" Seifer yelled. Out of desperation, he tugged the man's collar and shook him violently. The girl then sounded the alarm and immediately two security guards came to apprehend the frantic-looking man.

"It's really important! I beg you!" he pleaded as he was carried away by the security. The man brushed and ruffled his collar giving Seifer a strict look.

"The plane..." Selphie muttered as she stared blankly at the plane from the glass window. "It's moving away!" Selphie wailed as she helplessly looking at the plane motioning slowly, preparing for takeoff. The security guards relinquished their grip on the man. Seifer hurdled to Selphie's side to see the plane lifted the runway. The tires beneath the plane were retracted as it soared into the night sky. Selphie fell to her knees and started to cry.

"Don't worry," Seifer rubbed Selphie's back with his hand, trying his best to alleviate the anguish. "There's still another flight an hour from now."

"We're doomed!" she whined as she stared at the ceiling blankly with teardrops around her eyes. She then turned to Seifer and shook his arms violently. "I don't want to be last!"

***

The clock tower of the Imperial Library chimed as the hour aged into noonday. Esthar was a city with a mad proliferation of skyscrapers - each new one overpowering the older buildings, a proof of the existence of that craze to defeat the tallest. Elevated highways sprawled across the city, covering the shady old pavements, streets and gardens, which had existed since the humbling founding of what was now a futuristic megalopolis. Despite the city's glory, its citizens were still defending sequestration. The scars of war were not forgotten on everyone's expression. The aftermath of the war caused the city to close its doors, disconnecting all contact with the outside world although it was a period of allayment.

Esthar's new ruler, Laguna Loire, decided to open Esthar's doors to the outside world by shutting down the barrier around the continent, an action ridiculed by the local populace. Now everyone can see Esthar illuminating under the night sky and its fascinating tall buildings soaring towards the clouds. A lot had been done to cater the millions of tourists flocking into Esthar to soak in the hustle and bustle in its purest form.

It was another busy day at the newly relocated Esthar Airstation. The Trepies, Daniel and Rachel, alighted from their flight with gnarled and beaten faces. They were relieved when they inhaled fresh air after being cooped up in a stuffy space for a long time.

"I can't believe we're in Esthar!" Daniel said with a yawning voice as the couple sauntered along the walkway. The scenery outside the window seemed alien to them. It was sure going to be an exciting first-time visit to Esthar for the Trepies.

"It is different here, isn't it," Rachel commented, examining the people around them dressed differently than their usual attire. It was fresh experience, but she felt a deep hollowness since she stepped with her first footstep into the building. "Why do the locals seem to avoid us?"

"It's called xenophobia," Rachel and Daniel turned around to see a man clad in a business suit, holding a black leather briefcase. "It has been the fear of many for more than a hundred years," he added.

"Do you know the quickest way to get to the Dolletian Gardens?" Daniel asked, assuming that the businessman had been traveling to Esthar quite often.

"You can take the subway," the businessman replied. "And I don't suggest taking a taxi. Honestly, taxi drivers are the worst. I can take you to the Gardens if you like."

"Wow thank you mister," Rachel cheered gratefully.

Squall and Rinoa were next to disembark from their flight. The cityscape across them was discernable - it was definitely like the scenery in a postcard. It had been almost two years since Squall visited the city. To Rinoa however, it was a good chance get an in-depth revisit of the city. Besides, the first time she came here she was unconscious, not able to see much of the city she took this opportunity to learn about the megalopolis even deeper.

"Don't ride the taxis," Squall warned, remembering a former heinous experience dealing with an unscrupulous Esthar taxi driver.

"Why's that?" she asked queerly.

"It came from a really bad experience," he said cynically. "I really hate it when a leader covers up the REAL problems of HIS country by building more skyscrapers and reeling in more tourists."

"Aw... you're talking about your dad again aren't ya," Rinoa drawled. "I think your dad's not bad."

"You don't understand!" he cried. "Whatever! What do I expect from a unworldly rich man's daughter?"

"Hey watch your mouth buster," Rinoa bit her lip and pinched Squall's ear excruciatingly.

"Well isn't this great?" Rinoa said in fascination commenting at the modern-look of interior of the airport, while Squall waited in front of the carousel for their luggage. "I must tell this to dad!"

Once again, Rinoa was in awe at the intricate subway system beneath the airport. It was technology that was not found in any other city in the world and it could be said Esthar pioneered the technology to build something underground, just like the underground port back at Fishermans Horizon. The couple bought an Esthar city map and asked questions on how to get to their next destination. They were totally intimidated when they spectacled at the new generation of Estharians who were dressing up like themselves.

"Hey man you're wearing the same thing like I am," a college student jumped in comparing his black sleeveless tee and jeans with Squall's.

"Whatever," Squall emphasized coolly, who was queuing to use the ticket machine. "Do you know how to get to Times Plaza?"

"Oh hitting the wildest part of town?" he replied excitedly. "Just get to GT Central and you won't miss its trademark once you're outside. Ciao!"

***

The paling view of the skyscrapers belittled the Trepies as they emerged from the subway station. It was breathtaking to see the skyscrapers soaring into the heavens and the highways and streets filled with hovering vehicles.

"The Park is just a few blocks away," the businessman said and led them to the city parklands, which was the only part of the city unsheltered by the crisscrossing elevated highways. He then turned to look at his watch displaying 1.35 p.m. "This is as far as I can take you. Gotta run and good luck!"

"We really appreciate your help!" Daniel yelled gratefully to the man hurrying away.

Daniel and Rachel set foot for the first time on the well-known President's Park. There were people sauntering along the cobblestone pavements enjoying the green landscape of the park, but it was not to be for the team as they had a race to continue. The first thing they did was checking the layout of the park on a large signboard. The park was divided into different sections according to the parts of the city it covered. Rachel meticulously sketched the map in her notepad.

Following the right direction, they now arrived at an outdoor garden of flowers and plants native to Dollet. At the middle of the Garden was a duplicate of the Nautilus Fountain, and standing in a porch near the fountain was Cid Kramer and Ellone Loire.

"Welcome to Esthar!" Ellone greeted and shook hands with the Trepies, who were looking very confident in the outcome of the race.

"Daniel and Rachel," Cid paused. "I bet you two already know the result. You're team number one!"

***

A river of pedestrians carried Squall and Rinoa away after they disembarked at the subway station. The couple brushed their clothes as they were brought into the open. It was a fascinating sight to be appreciated. Rinoa gazed dizzily to the top of a tall building, which was way taller than the apartments and skyscrapers in Deling City and Timber. The elevated highways provided a pleasant shade for the older and traditional concrete pavements and streets below, but the place was overcrowding with tourists and the local populace, making the area one of the busiest. Construction workers tore down the tubes where Squall and his friends once used the peculiar form of transportation to traverse from one area to another. It was deemed unpopular, unconventional and unsafe, but the sight and smells of the city was still notoriously unchanged.

In front of them stood a tall building with a triangular base that acted like a divider, where the heavy traffic diverged to both sides of the building. Countless billboards were erected on every building and corner. A few blocks away from the left turnoff stood a cylinder-shaped glass building with a revolving roof at the top. Hanging proudly at the top of the building was a giant plasma screen that could be seen visibly from afar, displaying an advertisement of a teenage model promoting a certain brand of soft drink.

"Welcome to the Golden Triangle," Squall introduced.

"Wow it's more lively than Deling City!" Rinoa commented with a sparkle in her eyes as she gazed at every building above her in fascination. Along the streets were boutiques displaying their latest creations and shops selling electronic goods that had never been seen and imported to other cities. Rinoa was tempted to own at least one of the newest fashions she eyed adoringly at every store window but was strongly declined.

"There's no time for shopping!" Squall exclaimed.

"The fashion here are unlike the ones in Galbadia!" Rinoa sighed, tugging Squall's hand. "I wish I could come back here in the future."

"That's Times Plaza," Squall explained pointing to the giant plasma screen in the horizon.

"Wow it's pretty," Rinoa awed at the crystal complexion of the cylindrical building. "And that's a darn big TV screen."

The clue box was standing on the middle of the broad stairway heading up to the entrance of Times Plaza. The couple was eager to see the challenge in store written on a piece of red paper in the long red envelope.

"As I expected," Squall held the clue in his hand as he read it. "It's a Roadblock."

"Who likes to take pictures?" Rinoa continued, reading the description on the front cover of the clue. "I wanna try!"

"No way," Squall barked, thinking that Rinoa would wander around the city for hours browsing every single boutique. "I'll do it since I know the city better."

"All right, all right," Rinoa gestured by waving her arms as if she was passing something to Squall. She then sat down on the stairs with other anonymous teenagers, muttering 'whatever, sucker' in her breath.

"What did you say?" Squall asked as he picked up one of the five cameras provided on a red table beside the clue box. Rinoa shook her head gently, urging him to proceed with the task. She began to pop a really silly question.

"Can I go in and do some window shopping?" she asked.

"NO and double NO!" Squall insisted. "Stay there and don't move okay?"

Squall walked down the stairs with the digital camera and Roadblock clue in one hand. He then tore of the front cover to reveal the set of instructions as he landed on the crowded pavements.

"Use the provided digital camera to take five pictures of different places within the Golden Triangle area. The pictures must match the following.



---------------- ---------------- -----------------

|| | / / | |__| |\ ~\ /~ / \ | | \ | _____ | / |

|| |/ / | __| | \ ~\/~ / OO \| |\ \ |_@=@_| / /|

|| \ | | | |O \ ~~ / O/\O | | \ /| |\ / |

|| |\ \ | --| |\O \ / O/ \O| | / / ^ \ \ |

---------------- ---------------- -----------------

---------------- ----------------

|REMEMBERANCE ~| | / \ \ \|

| | |_ | | \ |

| 31.8.1985 ~| |/ _\ /__/ /|

| | | / __/ |

---------------- ----------------

Once you've finished taking all five pictures, rejoin your partner and head to 'Snap Photos' in Times Plaza. Develop the pictures and if you got all pictures correct you'll receive your next clue. Good luck and happy hunting."

***

"Welcome to Esthar International Airstation. Please make sure that you have your personal documents ready and follow the rules and regulations. Anyone who fails to do so will be sent to federal court immediately. Have a nice day."

Quistis and Xu grew impatient as they were undergoing a series of thorough scrutiny at the customs department. It was finally Quistis' turn to walk past the metal detector after having to face a horrendously long queue.

"You're clear," the fierce and tough looking customs officer in blue uniform allowed Quistis and Xu to reclaim their luggage. The couple slung their backpacks and at once motioned into a frantic dash to the exit. It look quite a while to get to the outside as the building was gigantic. The couple huffed and puffed as they arrived at the outside. It was a barren desert wasteland out there with the view of the city in the horizon. The sky above them was cloudy and thundery, a telltale prediction that it was about to shower very soon. Signs of gladness appeared on the instructors' faces as a hovering taxi arrived in front of their footsteps.

"We want to get to Times Plaza and fast!" Quistis ordered as she opened the trunk to store her backpack. She then turned to Xu who suddenly clutched her stomach while perspiration appeared like tiny beads on her forehead.

"Don't worry about me," Xu insisted as she stopped rubbing her abdomen. "I'm fine. We got a race to move on."

Looking out at the window, the instructors gaze in awe at the magnificent skyscrapers standing on every side of the highway. Sure it was not the first time they visit the megalopolis, but it had been a breathtaking sight as always. Their eyes sparkled once again as they peered in fascination at the enormity and eminence of the distinguishable monolith-shaped landmark poising nobly with its glittering scarlet complexion.

"The Presidential Palace sure is beautiful today," Xu commented and then lulled into a short nap.

***

"Sir do you know how to operate this camera?" Squall asked blocking the way of an Estharian gentleman who soon ignored and walked away rudely. Squall was really outraged but he had to behave and maintain his composure anyhow.

Finally, a teenage girl came to his aid. Without further ado, Squall took the picture of a billboard displaying a male model wearing a certain brand of jeans above him. "That's one, four more to go."

Squall examined the other four pictures while he jogged along Kemplar Street. He was careless, not looking where he was going and eventually hit his head painfully on a sturdy lamppost. He was embarrassed when some of the pedestrians chuckled hysterically, while the others walked past him minding their own businesses.

"Wait a minute," Squall spotted something familiar as he was struggled to rise to his feet. He looked down at the ground and compared the zigzag pattern on the pavement with the picture on his clue. They were totally alike!

"Three more to go," he told himself after solving the second puzzle.

***

A repeated beeping sound was emitted after Raijin walked gingerly past the metal detector gate. He was terrified when two officers drew out their batons and started inspecting his body.

"Sir, can you please check your pockets and remove any metallic objects?" a female officer said as she scrolled her baton-shaped detector towards his navel. Fujin slapped her forehead in embarrassment when Raijin giggled to the tickling sensation. Eventually, another beep emitted from the detector and the female office dug her hand into Raijin's left pocket to bring out a silver compass. The other officer shook his head and the both of them slapped Raijin on the back and tossed the compass at Fujin, who soon caught it neatly in her cupped hands.

"You're free to go!" Raijin hurdled to Fujin's side to receive a light kick in the heel.

Fujin's heart burned as the taxi took the duo to the edge of the city. The fury and wrath sparked hotly as the scarlet complexion of the Presidential Palace came into view.

"CURSED CITY," she muttered with veins bulged on her forehead as she glared at the eyesore of the city. Frankly, everything in sight was an eyesore to her.

"Aww... what's the matter honey?" Raijin tapped Fujin's shoulder. "I think Esthar's a nice place. Look at the tall..."

Raijin's senses were instantly blacked out after Fujin punched him powerfully on the abdomen. The taxi driver felt a little threatened as he could see Raijin's body lying on the passenger's seat motionlessly.

"HURRY!" Fujin hissed, ordering the driver to drive a little faster. "NO TIME TO LOSE!"

***

Quistis examined the meter near the driver's seat, with numbers rolling into a three-digit figure which was close to half of the team's budget.

"Are we there yet?" Xu woke up with a yawn. She looked around to see the buildings around her, which looked frighteningly familiar. The roads also looked familiar and they did not expect to see the Presidential Palace coming into view once more.

"Hey driver, are we going the right way?" Quistis asked doubtfully.

"Of course I know where we're going. Now sit back and enjoy the ride," the driver insisted.

"This doesn't sound right," Xu drew out the Esthar City Map from her pocket and examined every freeway, intersection and turnpike. It was a startling discovery when Quistis and Xu had already figured out the taxi driver's crummy plan.

"I can't believe you're driving in circles!" Quistis exclaimed. "We're still at the edge of the city."

"Fine," the driver choked. "I'll gladly take you there."

After about thirty minutes, the taxi stopped and dropped the team at the side of the highway within the Golden Triangle vicinity. The taxi driver alighted from his vehicle along with Quistis and Xu and opened the trunk to dump their backpacks carelessly in front of them.

"What are you trying to do?" Quistis demanded.

"Now you've reached your destination, I demand my pay!" the taxi driver gave a sleazy grin and reached out his hand, waving his fingers back and forth. "375G please."

"No I won't pay that amount of money since you wasted a lot of our time!" Quistis strongly argued. She suddenly felt a scratching sensation while Xu felt a weight removed from her pockets as the man ripped Quistis' Rolex off her wrist and pillaged Xu's purse. The two instructors chased after the man who managed to squeeze into his vehicle and sped off.

"No our money!" Xu cried as tears trickled down her cheek.

"Get back here you BASTARD!" Quistis tossed a steel bar into the air, hoping to hit the taxi but clattered uselessly at a few metres away from the team. "Man, I'm starting to abhor this city!"

***

"Do you know this picture?" Squall pointed at the yellow and blue picture of a stick-person at the pedestrian, who still ignored and walked away impolitely. Nevertheless, he did not give up and finally he received a somewhat positive answer.

"I've seen this picture in Techno Dance Club, I think," a girl wearing a blouse with spagetthi straps and knee socks replied with uncertainty.

Squall was now heading to the intersection about ten blocks away, asking directions along the way but was still given the cold shoulders. The discotheque was clearly the silver painted building at the intersection between Loire Boulevard and Broadway, about fifteen blocks away from the heart of the Golden Triangle. Lively and choppy disco music could be heard as he approached the building.

"Hold it buster," a bald-headed bouncer in a white tuxedo suddenly appeared guarding the entrance like a sentinel. "We'll not open until after six."

"I just want to take the picture of the ceiling," Squall calmly pleaded, waving his camera and pointing at the painted ceiling with yellow stick-people in dance movements on a red and blue background.

"Make it quick," the sentinel allowed Squall to take a quick snapshot at the painting.

"Phew now I've found all the pictures I better hurry back," Squall thought in his mind happily and began pacing into a brisk jog. "Rinoa must've been really impatient and worried. I hope she doesn't wander off buying me another leather jacket."

***

Quistis and Xu were now close to the tall cylindrical building. They then climbed wearily up the steps of the complex, and they could hear Rinoa whistling to herself on top of the stairs.

"Well if it isn't the dirty little whore and her tramp," Rinoa muttered, giving Quistis and Xu a friendly hug when they finally arrived. Quistis knew Rinoa's clandestine demeanor and was always careful when dealing with her toughest competitor.

"Rinoa you won't believe what happened to us," Xu exclaimed.

"We've been robbed, unfortunately," Quistis added with a weak tone, crossing her arms below her breasts.

"Well that's too bad," Rinoa grinned sleazily. "I know you want to borrow some money from us right? Well bad news is Squall owns the wallet and we're not giving away any," she emphasized with a serious tone. "It's a tight budget you know."

"Well we're fine with that," Quistis smiled devilishly. "We don't need your pity anyway."

Quistis turned to the clue box and grabbed an envelope while Xu picked up one of the cameras, which they assumed to be a vital tool for the next task.

"Let's go Xu," Quistis said allowing Xu to lead her. She then turned around to Rinoa blowing a kiss. "We'll meet next time."

"Huh!" Rinoa puffed and sat back on her seat, squinting at the tall blonde woman as she disappeared down the stairs. "Think you can go away easily?" she thought. "You'll learn a valuable lesson sooner or later Quisty!"

A few minutes later, Squall appeared climbing up the stairs. Rinoa stood up to be embraced by her boyfriend as he arrived.

"Are you okay?" Squall asked in concern.

"I should be asking that ya know," Rinoa joked for a while but she began to worry as she pointed at the horizontally straight cut on his forehead. "That's a nasty bruise. Are you hurt?"

"It's nothing," Squall assured trying not to reveal his folly. "Let's go in the plaza and get the clue."



Squall pulled a small disk from the camera and inserted it into a slot of a photo-making machine. A series of options soon flashed on the screen. Squall pressed the screen a few times and eventually five processed photos slithered out of a slot one at a time.

"Are these the correct photos?" Squall asked as he displayed all five photos to the female cashier. She then bent down and arose to hand over the clue as a mark of completion of the task.

"Thanks," Squall immediately unraveled the envelope. "Walk to the next pit stop, the Dolletian Gardens in President's Park!"

"Let's go!" Rinoa raised her arm into the air as the couple began running to outside. "Is it far from here?"

"It's a few blocks away," Squall replied vehemently in singly utterances as he ran, with pedestrians walking in the opposite direction siding away allowing them to pass. "Don't worry, I know where it is. Just stick with me."

"Please I need some money, it's an emergency!" Quistis pleaded to the pedestrians after she emerged from a shop, holding a sign in her hand. She turned to her left to see the backs of two familiar figures. "Dang, Squall even didn't notice me this time," she mumbled in irritation.

A hint of green came into view as the couple was close approaching the parklands. The pigeons flocking around Laguna Loire's statue whisked away as Squall and Rinoa arrived at the heart of the large sprawling greenery surrounded by colossal manmade structures.

"It's the pit stop!" Rinoa cheered pointing to the familiar figure expecting their arrival.

"Big Sis!" Squall immediately embraced Ellone when he saw her smiling sweetly like the caring 'elder sister' she was meant to be.

"How did we fare?" Rinoa asked straight to the point.

"Good tidings," Cid began while Squall and Rinoa held hands. "Squall and Rinoa, you're team number 2!"

"Yes," Ellone agreed. "Welcome back to Esthar, Squall."

***

"NEGATIVE!" Fujin denied firmly while Raijin sat back on the curb watching a squabble between the outraged one-eyed woman with the insidious taxi driver.

"You have to face it," the taxi driver persuaded. "300G is considered standard."

"LIES!" she hissed. "NO GOOD SON OF A BITCH!"

"Well, if you insist," the taxi driver strode to his vehicle and immersed half of his body into the side of the car where the driver's seat should be. He emerged with a cellphone in his hand. "I'll call the police!" he threatened by dialing the first number of the police hotline.

"RAGE!" she fumed, forcing the taxi driver to move his finger about to dial the second number.

"Hold it!" Raijin neighed as he charged towards the man, pinning him down on the blue fibreglass surface of the road. The two men struggled as they wrestled to grasp the cellphone. Subsequently, Raijin overpowered the taxi driver and tossed the cellphone into the middle of the highway.

"RUN!" Fujin immediately picked up her backpack and ran as far as they could away from the taxi driver, who was still peering at his mobile phone lying on the highway with speeding vehicles hovering over it.

"Fujin!" Fujin could hear the voice of a woman's calling for her. She could see Quistis among the thick crowd begging for some money.

"I'm sure glad you two are here," she started her explanation. "Our purse was stolen and we need some money."

Fujin and Raijin turned to face each other staring momentarily, and then turned back to Quistis shaking their heads in unison.

"PITY," Fujin uttered.

"I'm sorry Quisty. We have to be frugal sometimes, ya know," replied Raijin, who soon walked away in a rushing state with Fujin by his side. Quistis turned around to look at the duo heading to the clue box, stomping her foot on the pavement in frustration.

"I hope Xu's alright," she thought anxiously.

***

Seifer and Selphie were the last couple to arrive at the airport about four hours behind Daniel and Rachel. A trace of vehemence was found on both of their faces as they were whisked away by the city's subway system.

"Wow I can't believe I'm riding the subway in the coolest city in the world!" Selphie cheered full with excitement, stretching her arms into the air.

"Calm down or else you'll fall from your seat," said Seifer, who was sitting beside Selphie.

"Seifer, have you seen Sir Laguna in person before?" Selphie asked with playfulness in her eyes, which was replied harshly by a piercing look. She then reverted back to peer at the shiny surface of the floor. "Forget it," she muttered glumly.

The couple finally arrived at their destination, which had cars and other vehicles jamming every street corner as it was about to be a rush hour. The sky above them was darkened into a gloomy and miserable state. Rain should fall pretty soon. Selphie tried to discipline herself from creating another outburst, hoping to please Seifer, as they lightly jogged along the crowded street to get to the eminent plaza.

"Take pictures?" Selphie said exuberantly. "I wanna do it!"

Fujin soon appeared from the top of the steps, giving Seifer a hostile impression as she began to sit beside him for a little company. Quistis was the next person to appear. Coming from the bottom of the stairs, she dipped her hand into her pocket where she safeguarded the money, while her face had a trace of anxiety and depression.

"Seifer, have you seen Xu?" she asked.

***

"Sir!" Xu ran to catch up with a tourist walking away. The tourist stopped on his tracks turning his attention to a fair-skinned woman with straight hair flowing to her shoulders. "May I ask you a question?" she said showing the top left picture clearly in front of the tourist's eyes. "Do you know where I can find this place?"

"Yeah I've seen this in a shop back there," the tourist pointed to the shops along the pavement before her.

Xu thought she had thoroughly inspected the part of the street the tourist pointed definitely. But she found out she was wrong, as she stepped into a shop selling electronic goods she had never seen before. Names of brands were emblazoned on plastic signs hanging down from the ceiling. And one of them in particular was a perfectly fit to the picture showing only a small part of the sign.

Xu happily walked out of the shop, as she was about to complete the task. She sauntered along the street and did not want to miss looking at the splendor of each building with its individual uniqueness. Subsequently, she felt a sharp pain in her stomach and her senses blurring away, causing her to crouch as she squirmed to the intense pain in her abdomen.

"No, why does it have to start now?" she whined, with her hand pushing onto a sturdy pillar as a support to bring herself up. The pain grew more excruciating and unbearable after every small step she took. Her forehead began to perspire greatly as well. "I can't give up yet!" she said to herself full of determination, taking every step one at a time as she struggled to reach to the drinking fountain a few feet away, but it was the burning and corrosive sensation, which gradually diminished her will power.

Xu finally laid her hands on the fountain, looking like a beaten up rag doll. Without ado, she fished out her only pill from her pocket and popped it into her mouth. The bitterness of the medicine wafted around her tongue as she accidentally chewed the rubbery capsule, but was washed away by a jet of cool refreshing water splashing directly into her mouth. Xu smeared the moisture around the lips on her sleeve. Slouching on the bench, she could feel the pain slowly dissipating and her senses anaesthetized as she slowly dropped into temporary unconsciousness.

***

Agony raced through Quistis' veins as wondered anxiously and impatiently about Xu's whereabouts, more than she worried about the team's lacking budget. On the other hand, Seifer and Fujin turned their heads away from each other, brooding in deep silence. The effects of the race had taken its toll as it caused the strong relationship between Seifer and the duo to be in disharmony.

"Quistis!" Xu climbed up the stairs as she waved her hand at Quistis. The anxiety within Quistis was immediately cleared away when she gave a warm hug to her partner.

"Why did you take so long?" she asked.

"It's a long story," said Xu, who then trailed Quistis into the plaza.

Seifer and Fujin were now starting to feel the intensity growing between them. The both of them slowly turned their heads to the other side and eventually met each other with vengeful eye contact.

"BRACE YOURSELF," Fujin stood up to her feet suddenly and posed into her attacking stance. Seifer then followed to stand straightly, but his gesture looked a little cooler and sleazier instead.

"You still can't forgive me, can you?" he taunted with his arms outwards on his sides. Fujin tightened her grip, as she could not forget the humiliation she alleged that Seifer brought to her and Raijin. The people around the vicinity began to circle around the two with watchful eyes, while some tried to provoke them into a duel.

"Fujin!" Raijin squeezed his way through the crowd just to meet Fujin. He tilted his head to the left signaling Fujin to return to her usual posture. The crowd was disappointed when Fujin and Raijin headed into the plaza to continue the race instead of continuing their duel with their former leader.

A few minutes later, while Seifer was sulking glumly by himself, Raijin could be seen flying out of the main entrance and tumbled down the stairs towards the street, startling the pedestrians as he rose to his feet unscathed but feeling pain in the joints. Fujin then slowly surfaced from the building with the glass doors withdrawing into an opening due to her presence. She was frustrated and disappointed at the same time as Raijin failed the task. She never even gave a cheer of support to her partner unlike other teams. But it had been in her favour as Raijin was a devoted person who would do anything to his superior, no matter the circumstance.

This time Fujin approached and sat beside him calmly with no intention whatsoever. Seifer seemed gloomy and desperate at the same time, denoted by the lack of ego, confidence and integrity he had shown upon waiting.

"What are you thinking of?" Fujin asked in her normal tone at Seifer whose head was sulking in between his legs, notwithstanding she knew his demeanor.

"Come to think of it," Seifer answered as he raised his head and engaged eye contact with Fujin. "Why do I need you two anyway?" he said critically. "Besides I can manage on my own."

Fujin felt heartbroken and disheartened when she listened to Seifer. She wanted to punch Seifer right in the face and end their friendship. Nevertheless, she kept her cool since this was the time when Seifer gets too desperate to fulfil his ambitions. He had always been loyal, trustworthy and selfless, NO! he was always selfish all the time, but this time it had gone as far as if history was repeating itself.

Fujin just walked away from Seifer peacefully. Almost thirty minutes later, Fujin could see Raijin coming back, feeling rejoiced as the both of them reentered the complex. However, it added the agony on Seifer, although Selphie managed to finish the task at the same time as Raijin.

"Seifer!" Selphie yelled her lungs out as she rigorously climbed up the stairs to meet Seifer. The couple immediately took off, hoping to catch up with the duo.

"Is Snap Photos this way?" Seifer asked while the person pointed to the direction away from the escalator. Seifer and Selphie found themselves in a crammed hallway with shops on both sides of the corridor. They could see the yellow sign from afar, but they were unpleased when Fujin and Raijin came out of the shop with happy faces, holding their new clue in one's hand. It was a tense moment when Selphie was figuring out a way to operate the machine. Her five snapshots were finally developed and immediately fanned them to the person behind the counter.

"Please, please, please!" Selphie repeated with an antsy feeling to it. "Can we get our clue now?"

The girl examined the photos and smiled in affirmation. She tossed the envelope to the couple while they both of them tabbed a five-gil note on the counter in return.

"Keep the change," Seifer told the girl and soon paced into a mad dash.

"I see the park, ya know!" Raijin referred to the green landscape after the rows of buildings. Their legs felt sore and stiff while their feet felt hot and sweaty, but it was not the time to pause and take a breather as they had a pit stop to catch up.

"YES!" Fujin stomped on the mat with her arms in the air, while releasing a sigh of relief. The both of them were utterly exhausted as they could barely stand on their feet and walk anymore.

"Fujin and Raijin, it has been a close call," Cid smirked. "You're team number four and you're qualified to continue the race."

Selphie and Seifer were the next team to arrive at the pit stop. Instead of seeing a plain and calm expression on Cid Kramer, they were greeted gloomily. Rain began to drizzle over the city, and the first lightning struck when the couple found out that they were only a few minutes behind Fujin and Raijin, resulting them to be the last team to arrive. Tears flowed heavily down Selphie's cheeks upon hearing the verdict.

"I know it has been a long day," Cid began, brightening up the situation. "But the good news is you're not eliminated as this is a non-elimination round."

"Oh that's so sweet," Selphie released a sigh of relief and stopped mourning, while receiving a hug and a pat on the back by Ellone.

Five teams are left to face an all elimination race in the next twelve hours. Daniel and Rachel - the two youngest competitors of the race but are a force to be reckoned with youth and ingenuity as their prime advantage. Squall and Rinoa - another favorable team since the both of them have the ability to predict and possess invaluable traveling experience. Quistis and Xu - the only all-female team that possesses an unbreakable determination to prove that they are unlikely to be quitters. Fujin and Raijin - considered as the luckiest team since they barely escaped elimination despite having hefty penalties. Their feud with Seifer still continues and the question is will it disfavor them? Seifer and Selphie - an unlikely combination as the both of them have opposite interests. They were underestimated by others but surprised them by gushing to the point of the race where the climax is intense.

Squall and Rinoa, and Quistis and Xu still have their Fast Forward bonus available. It is plain to see that nothing can stop them from outdoing each other nail and tooth to grasp the ultimate reward. However, only three will be qualified for the final part of the race. Who will be the next team to be eliminated?