Author's Notes: This 'Maze' sequence leading up to the next major part is
separated into two sections. One is Squall's journey, the other Seifer's.
This one will be mixed with fitting poetry. This poetry is written by
myself and is in the {} because Fanfiction.net is being bad with my
italics.. In truth, Squall and Seifer are not in a maze, but a corridor,
but as you know, maze sounds cooler. This will give us a nice view into the
minds of both our characters, the darker side of Squall's and the better
half of Seifer. So here we go! Oh yeah, the poem is entitled 'Wasn't It
True?'
Silver-nex: You know, I congratulate you. I held off this chapter in hopes that someone else would review too... No one did. So um.... I'd tell you how the story turns out but that would ruin it.
Chapter 13: The Maze- Squall's Darkness
{Wasn't it true so long ago,
You became what I am inside?}
When I first enter and the door closes behind me, there is nothing but myself and the darkness. Then there are the eyes, yellow and hungry. Now the dark black flames from my dreams spring up on both sides of me, as well as behind me. I can see these creatures now that intend to eat me. Sharp teeth, yellowed with age, line the sleek muzzles of Lionesses. One was icy white, another poisonously green. There was a large creature like a Geezard but burning, burning, burning. Too much, it's just too much.
{Forgotten 'tween peace and strife,
Caught between dark and light.}
Far too late I realize what I have done. Their bodies are lying around me and Lion Heart is covered in blood. They had all been human once, I know it. No other explanation is right. I have truly spilled more innocent blood on my hands than Seifer. Why had the sorceress taken him and not me on that day? Where would we be if it had been that way? Could the world have been saved, or would Ultimecia have triumphed?
Forward I went as I sensed Shiva beside me. Angry at her, at myself, at the world, I lashed out, gunblade coming close to her neck. The ice lady did not even flinch.
{Wasn't it true so long ago,
You were pure and I was not?}
"You see now, Seifer was right, you are very dark inside, and unable to face it. But to survive, you must let it loose! You know... You could have been a murderer like Ultimecia, simply because you enjoy the sight of blood. That is only because you are afraid to see your own!"
Liar, Shiva was a liar, had to be. In what could only be an attempt to prove her point, her fingers claw my face. In a moment I could feel the warm blood rolling down my cheek. Reaching up, I catch some of the blood and look at it. Without a thought I lash out at Shiva, anger ruling me. While I attack, I start to fear myself for Seifer's sake. What would happen if Seifer were to cut me during an intense duel? Would I kill him?
{In the dark, can't you see,
In the dark, I must face me.}
Finally I relent when icy water runs down my gunblade to my hand. This was Shiva's life blood. The GF glared at me and disappeared. Around me the black flames closed in. Guess I pay for my mistakes. There are two thoughts in my head, one begging Seifer to forgive my weakness, the other a prayer to Hyne to keep my soul.
Plunging into the fire, I find myself unharmed. Yes the flames lick my skin, but it is very comforting, as if it was tickling, or maybe like it was burning away my mortality. Forward I walk, pain suddenly consuming me. My knees and hands hit the metal floor, and I know I'm going to die.
{Wasn't it true so long ago,
My future was bleak?}
Glancing up, I smile at the figure towering over me. This being I recognize from many things from the ring and necklace I wore to the pendent and image etched onto my Revolver, to the very fight we'd had with him. I know this is Griever. Large paws covered in silky soft fur are tipped with great ebony claws. From past experience, I know they would cut one like steel. All around us the flames burned, but Griever was not fazed. Actually, the great GF was purring like a kitten.
"You hurt Shiva, my poor girl. Released the spirits of three who failed here. You Squall... you are ready. Stand."
{Lost 'tween death and life,
Stuck between wrong and right.}
How could I dent the order of Griever? I stood, and bowed to him, "Ready for what Griever?"
"To know the truth. Forward, go forward to find it. Soon you will know my chosen one. Like him you shall be strong," this Griever said, and then he was gone.
{Wasn't it true so long ago,
My fate was known?}
Now assured that I can make it, I start forward. Minutes pass as I march on. There is no clue as to how long I walk, or how far. When I feel I can go no father, a light breath of cool air pressed against my cheek. I fell forward with relief. So cool, this floor beneath me is so cool.
{I must fight, will all my might.
I must fight, to find the light.}
As unconsciousness threatens to swallow me, a gentle voice like a nightingale calls out, "I knew he would make it."
"Squall!" another person cries out before the blackness consumes me.
{ Isn't it true that I'm all alone}
Silver-nex: You know, I congratulate you. I held off this chapter in hopes that someone else would review too... No one did. So um.... I'd tell you how the story turns out but that would ruin it.
Chapter 13: The Maze- Squall's Darkness
{Wasn't it true so long ago,
You became what I am inside?}
When I first enter and the door closes behind me, there is nothing but myself and the darkness. Then there are the eyes, yellow and hungry. Now the dark black flames from my dreams spring up on both sides of me, as well as behind me. I can see these creatures now that intend to eat me. Sharp teeth, yellowed with age, line the sleek muzzles of Lionesses. One was icy white, another poisonously green. There was a large creature like a Geezard but burning, burning, burning. Too much, it's just too much.
{Forgotten 'tween peace and strife,
Caught between dark and light.}
Far too late I realize what I have done. Their bodies are lying around me and Lion Heart is covered in blood. They had all been human once, I know it. No other explanation is right. I have truly spilled more innocent blood on my hands than Seifer. Why had the sorceress taken him and not me on that day? Where would we be if it had been that way? Could the world have been saved, or would Ultimecia have triumphed?
Forward I went as I sensed Shiva beside me. Angry at her, at myself, at the world, I lashed out, gunblade coming close to her neck. The ice lady did not even flinch.
{Wasn't it true so long ago,
You were pure and I was not?}
"You see now, Seifer was right, you are very dark inside, and unable to face it. But to survive, you must let it loose! You know... You could have been a murderer like Ultimecia, simply because you enjoy the sight of blood. That is only because you are afraid to see your own!"
Liar, Shiva was a liar, had to be. In what could only be an attempt to prove her point, her fingers claw my face. In a moment I could feel the warm blood rolling down my cheek. Reaching up, I catch some of the blood and look at it. Without a thought I lash out at Shiva, anger ruling me. While I attack, I start to fear myself for Seifer's sake. What would happen if Seifer were to cut me during an intense duel? Would I kill him?
{In the dark, can't you see,
In the dark, I must face me.}
Finally I relent when icy water runs down my gunblade to my hand. This was Shiva's life blood. The GF glared at me and disappeared. Around me the black flames closed in. Guess I pay for my mistakes. There are two thoughts in my head, one begging Seifer to forgive my weakness, the other a prayer to Hyne to keep my soul.
Plunging into the fire, I find myself unharmed. Yes the flames lick my skin, but it is very comforting, as if it was tickling, or maybe like it was burning away my mortality. Forward I walk, pain suddenly consuming me. My knees and hands hit the metal floor, and I know I'm going to die.
{Wasn't it true so long ago,
My future was bleak?}
Glancing up, I smile at the figure towering over me. This being I recognize from many things from the ring and necklace I wore to the pendent and image etched onto my Revolver, to the very fight we'd had with him. I know this is Griever. Large paws covered in silky soft fur are tipped with great ebony claws. From past experience, I know they would cut one like steel. All around us the flames burned, but Griever was not fazed. Actually, the great GF was purring like a kitten.
"You hurt Shiva, my poor girl. Released the spirits of three who failed here. You Squall... you are ready. Stand."
{Lost 'tween death and life,
Stuck between wrong and right.}
How could I dent the order of Griever? I stood, and bowed to him, "Ready for what Griever?"
"To know the truth. Forward, go forward to find it. Soon you will know my chosen one. Like him you shall be strong," this Griever said, and then he was gone.
{Wasn't it true so long ago,
My fate was known?}
Now assured that I can make it, I start forward. Minutes pass as I march on. There is no clue as to how long I walk, or how far. When I feel I can go no father, a light breath of cool air pressed against my cheek. I fell forward with relief. So cool, this floor beneath me is so cool.
{I must fight, will all my might.
I must fight, to find the light.}
As unconsciousness threatens to swallow me, a gentle voice like a nightingale calls out, "I knew he would make it."
"Squall!" another person cries out before the blackness consumes me.
{ Isn't it true that I'm all alone}