To Antimony Sulfide: I would LOVE to include that in the story if I can do it justice. If you have an email address I would love to discuss some things with you. I think it would be interesting to include that in the story. I would love to know more! Also, I have a question for you that I would like to keep secret. ::glances at all the curious eyes around her:: BACK OFF! IF HE AGREES YOULL FIND OUT LATER!!! ::watches everyone step back a bit:: LMAO!! Anyway, if not I'll find another way to get around it. ^_^ As for Zuzu being an extension of a person I do not know. Ninja Girl Emi? What say you? ^_^ About my music. ::looks at her pile on the desk and sorts through them:: Just got the Clay Aiken cd. ::hears sniggers:: DON'T LAUGH! ITS GOOD! ::continues flipping:: Linkin Park, One Twelve, Nsync ::hides it blushing:: Lifehouse, A-Teens, The ORIGINAL Doctor Doolittle musical soundtrack. . . I have tons and they are REALLY diverse. I just go through phases once in awhile. Evanescence just fit how I was feeling for awhile. ^_^ Oh, and I LOVE BILLIE HOLIDAY! ::sighs:: Her voice is so wonderful. She is truly a great. And thanks for the song suggestion for Jen. I like it! ^_^ I'll most likely be using that idea.
To everyone: Just a few notes. What I write in this story, I am sorry if not everyone is comfortable with it. And just as a clarification, I have strong convictions about certain things such as sex that this story in no way reflects. I consider myself a writer and try to get out of the box I reside in by writing about things I would normally either not agree to, would not be possible, or interests me. So, that's just for everyone who is wondering about that. Jen is SOMEWHAT like me in some cases, but not in everything. Okay, not much, just a little, but still. Heh, I be quiet now and get typing. More notes at the end about the themes and such. Don't wanna take up too much room up here! ^_~
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A few hours later everyone in the compound, with the exception of the cadets and the few "elders" there were, were gathered in a large, dark grey room with a mahogany table and chairs. The room itself was soundproof, and with the assurances of both Sypher and Arlington, completely "bug-free."
Everyone stood, sat, or leaned against the wall in various locations. Jen stood in between Lexiter and Daniel, much suspecting they were flanking her to promote the fact that she was extremely short. She narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips, standing in their shadows. The effects from the drug and antidote had worn off, and all three of them felt only one emotion at that moment: revenge. BlackJack swore to herself repeatedly that she would find the bartender and beat the living crap out of him for everything he caused.
Eric stood against one of the walls by himself, arms crossed, looking at the floor. Lynn sat in a chair at the table next to Amarent, who she kept glancing up at every few seconds, hiding a slight grin. Dagger, Zidane, and Vivi sat on the other side of her, Vivi almost actually standing on the chair in order to see over the table top.
Squall stood in a corner of the room, hand on his Gunblade, with Seifer standing a ways away from him. Rinoa sat at the table with Angelo in her lap. Zell stood behind her with Quistis and Irvine on both sides of him. Once in awhile Zell would look over at Jen, who just stared at the table.
Blade, Alessa, Ryu and Angel stood off to one side looking bored and waiting for the "meeting" to start. Mal sat at the table near the captains also looking bored until Michael came and sat next to her, leaning back on the chair. Chaos Angel sat down in an empty seat near them and put his hands on the table, while Oren took a seat next to him.
Zuzu and Badguy came in with Sypher and sat while Sypher took a spot near the captains on the other side of the table. Jen didn't look at him. Zuzu sat down near Irvine and looked at him, grinning. He smiled at her and she winked, then turned her attention back to the front of the room. Spike and Aeris came in and stood near the door, arms crossed, wondering why they were all supposed to be there. Bennett walked in then with a stack of papers and handed them to Lexiter when Jen wouldn't touch them. She looked at them briefly and he nodded, taking a seat next to Sypher.
Ebonie wandered in then with Tidus and Yuna followed by Auron. They sat down near Oren and waited, Ebonie quietly explaining what was most likely happening. Alex came in with Wakka shortly after still talking about soccer and blitzball. They took seats next to Yuna and Tidus.
Shock was the next one to come in trailing Rikku and Yuffie who were chatting happily as he watched them, slightly adoring. Daniel looked up briefly, a questioning look on his face before turning to the door to watch Reise, Lisa, Vincent, Cloud and Tifa stroll through. Cid burst through a second later followed by Nanaki. Angelo saw him and barked once cheerfully until Rinoa put her hand on his head to calm him. They all took seats except for Cloud, Cid, Vincent and Nanaki, who stood behind their new friends.
Lexiter looked at her watch and nudged Jen. "What?" She asked, seemingly coming out of a trance.
"Guess who's not here." Jen looked around at all the faces and sighed.
"Severine." She shook her head and was about to say forget her, get on with it when a loud shriek was heard down the hall. Half the new people jumped out of their seats. Everyone else just raised an eyebrow and watched as Severine burst through the door laughing madly.
"I DID IT!" She screamed, dancing around. Jen blinked a few times.
"Did what?"
"Elizabeth Three is COMPLETE!" She shouted.
"Where is it?"
"Back at the lab. I didn't want to bring it here. I want you to come see it there and test it out for me."
"Oh alright."
"Can we get on with this then?" Lexiter asked rather impatiently. Severine looked hurt for a moment before cheering up and sitting down next to Sypher. Everyone quieted down as Lexiter stood up straight, the papers in her hand.
"Ladies and gentleman," she started, and paused for effect. A slow grin broke over her face. "It's payday." There was a deep silence as everyone stared at her, the newbies looking around the room at the others as some mouths started to fall open.
"Wait, does- does that mean-" Alex stammered, barely able to contain his excitement.
"We've been hired out." There was another pause before a loud burst of cheers erupted in the room. Lexiter dropped the papers on the table and looked at them. Most of them were talking excitedly amongst themselves. "All the Circle members have been spotted all over the world. The leaders of those nations have contacted us, and are quite desperate for our help."
"What's the pay?" Michael asked from his seat. Lexiter looked over at him.
"Fifty grand a piece." There were a few whistles and more jaw dropping at the sound of their new paychecks.
"They must be getting desperate." Alex snorted, putting his feet on the table. "But hey, that's fine with me!"
"Finally get to see some fucking action!" Badguy shouted. Zuzu and Sypher laughed, Bennett just snorting.
"Why is everyone so happy about the upcoming battles?" Vivi asked from his seat, now standing on the chair to see everyone clearly. "You could all die." The room grew silent for a few moments before Oren cleared his throat and spoke.
"We were all born into this war. We've never known a time of peace. The only thing we can do is fight." Mal leaned forward as everyone finished agreeing to the statement and stood up slowly. They all turned to her.
"Most of us would die protecting the things we love. You tell me, what's the point of living when you know you can do something to stop others from being in pain?" The room burst into applause by all the NA members and Mal blushed, sitting back down.
"Well said Mal! Well said!" Reise cheered from his spot.
"Then if that's settled, we need to know, which of you new people are going to fight with us." Daniel said, leaning against the table.
"It's going to be hard. The Archon Circle is ruthless. They have nothing to lose, and everything to gain." Jen continued.
"Some of you may die." Lexiter finished. The group turned to the newbies and watched them expectantly. Cloud stepped forward.
"We'll fight. We've known danger before." A few claps were heard and they looked over to Squall.
". . ." They waited a minute as he collected his thoughts. "We're here and you need our help. The only right thing to do would be to fight." Zell cheered, pumping his fist in the air.
"Careful chicky. Don't hurt yourself before you get the chance to prove yourself." Seifer snickered. Zell turned on him and launched himself at the taller man, Spike, who was near them, stepping in between.
"No fighting between allies. It gives the Circle something to use against you. Not a safe decision." Zell frowned and backed off, Seifer grinning deeply. Next they looked to Zidane who sat in his chair, tail whipping around behind him.
"Why are you looking at me?" He asked. Jen smirked.
"Well it does appear you have more leadership qualities than anyone else that came with you." Dagger nodded to him and he jumped up onto his chair.
"Alright! We'll do it!" Vivi shook his head and hung it, while Amarent remained stoic. Lastly they looked at Tidus and Auron. Lexiter grinned a bit at Auron who instead turned his attention to Tidus.
"Of course we'll fight! Get rid of this circle so everyone can live a normal life!" Wakka nodded.
"Alright then. Now, we just have to figure out who is going to go after whom." BlackJack said, sighing as she picked up the papers again.
"I want Aerick." Jen said softly.
"I know you do. Says here that he's been spotted in New York City in the United States. The president has requested some people go over and aid them. He's apparently already caused the destruction of some town in Connecticut."
"I'm going too." Sypher said, standing. Jen looked at him briefly before turning away. Hardly anyone knew about what had recently happened between the two.
"Won't you be needed here?" Jen asked, looking towards Daniel.
"Please! Arlington can run the show while I'm gone. I want a piece of Aerick. He killed my family." He finished, slamming his fist on the table. She nodded and looked up.
"I'll go." Zell said, stepping forward. Severine raised her hand grinning.
"Someone has to watch out for you." Jen snorted before nodding.
"What about the others?" Jen asked. Lexiter picked up the next paper.
"Daniel Mendoza has been spotted in Spain." Eric picked his head up and walked forward.
"I'm going."
"Who do you want to take?" Daniel asked. Eric narrowed his eyes.
"No one. I fight him alone."
"No. You aren't going alone." Jen said. He shook his head.
"I will get him myself. I don't need help." Jen narrowed her eyes as they flashed a dangerous green.
"You will take someone with you." She said through clenched teeth. He shook his head and Jen lost it. She jumped on the table and walked over to him, Mal sinking in her seat and Michael quickly getting out and moving away as her hand reached for the gun. She towered over him and he looked up at her. "DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE I FOUND YOU AND BROUGHT YOU HERE?" She yelled. He didn't move. "Well I'll TELL YOU! And this is for EVERYONE who doesn't know!" She spun around, Lexiter sinking back and leaning against the wall with Daniel. Sypher looked down. Severine looked away as did Mal, Zuzu and Badguy.
"Before have you of you came here we were all in the same group." She pointed to everyone that had looked away in shame. "We were under a captain by the name of Adrian Irons. He was the best damn captain you could ever have! And you know what happened? He went on a mission alone. I don't see him here, do you?" She asked Eric, getting in his face. His eyebrow twitched briefly.
"No one goes alone since that incident." Lexiter said, as Jen stalked back to her end of table. "I may want to go alone, but I never will. It's not fair to everyone who has to suffer the loss."
"I'll go with him." Nanaki said, his tail curled around him. Lynn nodded and shot her hand up in the air.
"Us too!" She pointed to Amarent who shrugged.
"I'm not baby-sitting."
"Lynn can take care of herself." Mal argued. Lynn looked at her gratefully and nodded. Eric sighed and stepped back, defeated.
"Now that that's settled." Daniel grabbed the next sheet of papers. "Matt Randedrum is still here in France."
"I'M STAYING!" Zuzu shouted, jumping up. "There is no way in HELL I'm going elsewhere when that fucker is right in my neighborhood." Jen grinned.
"I think we should send her elsewhere."
"Do it and I kick your ass bitch!"
"I'd like to see you try!"
"NAME IT GIRL!" She grinned, toying with her fans. Jen laughed, shaking her head.
"I should stay too." Badguy said. "What with running the fucking hospital and all." He took out a cigarette and lit it. "Can't just leave all the cadets to killing themselves now could I? Sides, I'd like to have another go with Matt." He winked at Zuzu who grinned.
"I'm staying." Mal said. She didn't want to leave the country just yet when her sister still needed to get situated. Jen nodded, understanding.
"I'll stay." Irvine said, nodding. Daniel picked up the next report.
"That bastard." He swore. He frowned. "Zack Daghar is in Germany. I'm going." He looked up at Quistis, a small smile playing across his face for a second. She didn't know why but she smiled back.
"I'd like to help out if I may." He nodded and looked at everyone else. Lisa pointed a finger in the air signaling she would go while Vincent looked on. He didn't know what to do. Reise grinned.
"So what country has the hottest girls?" Angel almost fell over.
"You've GOT to be kidding me!" She frowned and would have hit him if he were closer. He chuckled merrily, not yet making his choice.
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Okay, this was only part one of two parts for this chapter. My reasons? A) I'm WAY tired and need to go to bed but I wanted to get SOMETHING up. B) If I just left it the way I intended it would have been really long and I probably would not have been able to upload it. So, if your character did not say anything THIS chapter, gomen, and they WILL next chapter!! ^_^ Laterz!! ::goes to sleep which she direly needs::