CHAPTER XIV: A CHILDHOOD THAT WASN'T
It has been an hour since Zack, Amber, Squall, Rinoa and Selphie left the palace. Since then, they did not have much to do but wander around the futuristic city. The group is now walking along the pathway, which was laid along the large glass tube that was for the usage of the transport saucers. On the glass tube, wrote "Left Side" and "Right Side" with the Esthar logo in between.
"This must be the pathway that stretches across Esthar from the left side to the right," Zack thought, remembering the same scenery from the game.
As they continued walking along the pathway, they were met up by Vies.
"So, there you are! It wasn't easy, trying to find you all in this large city," Vies first greeted to the group.
"That leaves the question. How did you find us?" Selphie asked.
Vies laughed before answering, "Coincidence, I guess. Would you like me to give you a tour of this city?"
"No thank you. We know our way around," Squall answered.
"Oh, don't be so rude, Squall," Rinoa said before turning back to Vies, "Why don't you give Zack and Amber a tour of the city? They're not. quite familiar of it."
"All right," Vies answered, "But then what about you three?"
"Don't worry, we'll just be around," Rinoa explained.
Just then, Selphie declined, "Neh, I think I'll join Zack and Amber. You two just spend some time alone. Come on, let's go!"
Selphie ran ahead of Zack, Amber and Vies, leaving Squall and Rinoa alone.
Squall sighed, "She'll never change, won't she?"
Hearing that, Rinoa giggled to herself.
*********
A while has passed. Vies is still showing Zack and Amber around the city. While following them, Selphie was feeling bored, walking around playfully, trying to just entertain herself.
"Vies?" Zack suddenly spoke.
"Yes, do you have a question?"
"Vies, you were Jacky's childhood friend, right?" Zack asked.
"Yes, I was."
"Do you mind telling me about his childhood?" Zack continued.
"Why-Why do you ask?" Vies, surprised by the question.
"When we arrived here, Jacky seemed to be. quite happy," Zack explained, "As if he thought he would never come back here again."
"Is that so.?" Vies muttered softly to himself before he smiled to Zack, "So, you want to know how Jacky's past was?"
Zack nodded.
"Well, it's a long story, but we've got time. I'll tell you one thing, Jacky's childhood wasn't like any others. When he was still young, if I'm not mistaken, around 4 years old, it wasn't about passing the school examinations or trying to get some time to play with his friends. It was absolutely different. It was all about training and doing his tasks correctly," Vies explained.
"Training? Tasks? At the age of 4?" Amber, who was surprised along with Zack, as well.
Vies nodded solemnly.
"I remember hearing about that from Headmaster Cid," Selphie cut in, "It was at the time when Esthar was still ruled by Sorceress Adel. She wanted to acknowledge the strengths of forces outside Esthar to maintain her own security from the world. To do so, she took children that were old enough to talk and walk from their families and force them to train to become spies."
"Train them to be spies?" Zack gasped.
Zack had played Final Fantasy VIII several times, over and over, from the start til the end, but he had never heard of that part of Sorceress Adel's past. Zack had always thought that Sorceress Adel only looked for children to be her heir, but it seems that there's more to the story than he thought.
"Besides Jacky, a lot of us had experienced Sorceress Adel's terror," Vies continued.
"You, too?" Amber muttered.
"David and Sophia, as well," Vies continued, recalling his past, "However, amongst us all, Jacky was the best. He quickly absorbed the training given to him, despite his age."
"Why was that?" Amber asked.
"He understood what would happened if he didn't? Sophia couldn't withstand the training and failed a lot of the training tasks given to her. Many times had the sorceress threatened to execute Jacky's parents if she continued to fail, but no matter what, Sophia was never suited to be a spy. Then, it wasn't long before Jacky's turn came when he would be trained. At first, he couldn't stand the training as well, but then, when Sorceress Adel said that if he failed the next training task, his parents and Sophia would be executed. Despite the heavy pressure, Jacky passed that task, though barely," Vies recalled.
"Vies, since you were also one of those children, how do you know about all this?" Zack asked.
"Uncle Calv was one of Sorceress Adel's prime ministers. He told us some of the events that we never understood when we were young. However, even at such a young age, if you were to experience such terror, you can never forget it," Vies explained, "When Sophia was chosen to be the new President of Esthar and Uncle Calv and I to be her assistants, we sometimes look back to the past, to remember how terrible it was and always remind ourselves never to do the same as Sorceress Adel did."
"I see," Zack muttered softly.
Vies then continued, "Few years after saving his family from execution, Jacky was declared the youngest spy to be sent out on an actual mission. At that time, he was only 7.
~~~~~~~~~
FLASHBACK: JACKY'S PAST - PART 1
Several years ago, while Sorceress Adel still ruled Esthar, she had a throne room. When the sorceress had fallen, her throne room was turned into the Esthar President's office, like how it is in the present. The event of Jacky's ordeal happened when Sorceress Adel still ruled.
In the throne room of the Esthar Presidential Palace, surrounded by several ministers, Sorceress Adel is sitting on her throne, her eyes as piercing red as always and her smile as devilish as everyone recognized it to be. She was patiently waiting for her newest spy recruits. Just then, the door of her throne room opened widely, revealing two young children, wearing the Esthar uniforms. Their hair were neatly cut and their faces showed extreme seriousness that should not have been for children of their age. When the door was opened widely, the two children walked several paces into the room before kneeling down in respect of the powerful sorceress, who smiled devilishly with delight.
"Excellent, amongst many of the children, you two have been the best amongst them. for the time being. While others had failed in some of our practices, you two had been able to succeed," the sorceress said.
Staring piercingly at the boy on the right, Sorceress Adel said, "Vies Keynos, you've gone through 5 years of my training before being able to come here and kneel before me. Being at the age of 9, I am impressed by your progress."
"But, there is another that impresses me even more," the sorceress continued before turning her attention to the other boy, "Jacky Cage, your elder sister had not been very successful in her training. I had actually planned for your family's execution, but then, you proofed to be more worthy than your sister will ever be. And thus, your family stayed away from death. Being only 7, you have indeed shown abilities that were beyond the others and had truthfully earned the right to be the youngest spy in Esthar. I am especially intrigued by you."
Holding his hate against Sorceress Adel, Jacky just glared angrily at her. Noticing that, Sorceress Adel just laughed softly.
"Don't hold your grudge against me, Jacky. I do understand you despising me, but do you think it will be healthy for you?"
Understanding what she meant, Jacky just closed his eyes and faced down. Seeing that, the sorceress laughed softly but triumphantly as one of the ministers could not help but feel sorry for the boy.
"Minister Calv!" suddenly Sorceress Adel called.
Surprised, the minister shook himself from his pity and stepped forward.
"Yes, Sorceress Adel."
"Brief them on their mission."
"Yes, your Highness," the minister said before turning to the two, "Both of you will be sent to infiltrate the Galbadian forces in the city of Deling to retrieve information of their military and political strengths. However, caution is a priority. The Galbadian forces will not tolerate enemy spies. That is all."
"Now, go," the sorceress announced.
"Yes, your Highness!" David exclaimed before standing and slowly walking towards the door.
Jacky was still kneeling down. Surprised by that, the ministers in the throne room began whispers amongst themselves as David stopped and turned to look at Jacky. Besides the ministers, Calv was also surprised while Sorceress Adel just stared suspiciously at the boy.
"What seems to be the matter?" Calv asked nervously at the boy, who was still kneeling down.
Responding to his question, Jacky looked up towards the throne, right at Sorceress Adel.
"I have a wish, Sorceress Adel," Jacky finally spoke up while standing up.
Amused by the boy, the sorceress continued to stare at him.
"After I'm done with my mission, can you make my wish come true?" Jacky continued.
"What may your wish be?" Sorceress Adel asked calmly.
"Stop training everyone to be spies!" Jacky answered bravely.
While Sorceress Adel continued staring calmly at Jacky, everyone in the room was surprised by Jacky's wish as the ministers continued on with their whispers.
"Sorry, but I won't," the sorceress answered, "Your accomplishments are not worth that wish, which has a much higher price."
Though turned down, Jacky continued staring bravely at the sorceress.
"What are you doing, Jacky?" David said softly under his breath while staring in awe at Jacky's bravery.
"But I understand you," Sorceress Adel suddenly continued, "I know you won't take 'no' for an answer. So, I'll grant another wish for you."
When she said that, the room immediately went silent as the brave Jacky continued staring at her.
"If you successfully return from your mission, I shall grant freedom to your sister and your family," Sorceress Adel said.
The room stayed silent as shock went through everyone, except Jacky.
"And my friends as well," Jacky continued.
"Agreed, but you shall pay the price of choosing only some and not all," Sorceress Adel said.
"Fine," Jacky answered before turning around and walking towards the door. Walking pass the shocked David, Jacky exited the room. David quickly chased after him when he did. When the door was closed, one of the ministers suddenly stepped forward.
"Your Highness, why did you grant the boy's wish?" the minister asked.
"Galbadia is known for their tight security of their military and political information. For the child, it won't be easy to succeed," Sorceress Adel explained, "Besides, did you not hear me? I said that he was worth more than his sister will ever be. I do not wish to bother with his sister or his family any longer."
"Then, what about his friends?" another minister suddenly spoke.
"That is a price he will pay, not me," Sorceress Adel explained.
"What do you mean?" Calv asked, confused.
The sorceress laughed softly to herself before continuing, "I gave him freedom to choose only some of his friends. Choosing only some meant sacrificing the rest. I am curious at how he will handle such dilemma."
*********
Months has passed since that day, Jacky and Vies are now running exhaustingly on the streets of Deling City, in Jacky's hands was a small bag. They were running away from the Galbadian soldiers, who were chasing after them. As they were running, Vies suddenly saw a dark narrow alley and pulled Jacky towards it. Hiding against the walls of the alley, the two panted heavily. Just then, they heard the soldiers coming and covered their mouths and lessened their breathing. The group of soldiers ran passed the alley without any thought about it. When the group disappeared, only two stood outside the alley.
"I can't believe this!" suddenly one of the soldier exclaimed, "Galbadia's most well-kept information, all stolen by a couple of children! Who knows what else they've found?"
"No point complaining. Let's just keep looking for them," the other said before the two ran off.
When they disappeared, Jacky and Vies immediately dropped their hand down and continued panting heavily.
Breathing heavily, Vies looks at Jacky, "Let's. Let's get going."
Jacky nodded before the two went deeper into the alley. A while later, the two came to the end of the alley and ran for the train station. At the station, a train was ready to leave for Fisherman Horizon. An announcement was made saying that the train will be leaving in a few moment. Just then, Jacky and Vies appeared. At that point, they felt extreme relief in them.
"Let's go!" Vies shouted, smiling widely at Jacky.
However, their relief soon disappeared when suddenly they heard from behind, "There they are!"
The soldiers have found them again and were running towards them now.
"Get back to Esthar, Jacky!" Vies shouted.
"What do you mean?"
"I'll distract them. You get back to Esthar."
"But what about you?" Jacky asked, confused.
"Don't worry about me. After all, you're the one who has a wish to fulfill."
Jacky was shocked by that.
"Now go!!" Vies shouted before pushing Jacky into the train.
Jacky fell into the train, the bag falling from his hand onto the steel- plated floor as the door slid shut.
"Vies!" Jacky shouted, getting up and looking out the small window of the slide door.
Vies waved at him for a while before he looked at the soldiers and tried to escape. Just as the train went out of the station, Jacky saw the soldiers surround Vies and forcing him to the floor.
"Vies!!!" Jacky screamed when the train exited the station.
Still leaning against the steel door, Jacky clenched his right fist and slammed it onto the door before dropping to the floor and curling himself up into a ball. He cried uncontrollably as the train continued on its trip.
*********
Hours later, Jacky has arrived at Esthar and is now walking into the throne room where Sorceress Adel was sitting on the throne. She seemed to have been waiting for him, smiling devilishly at Jacky as he entered the room.
"I see that you have return a success?" the sorceress said.
Jacky glared up at her angrily as he lifted the small bag in his hands. Seeing the bag, Sorceress Adel smiled even wider.
"So, what happened to the other?" she asked.
Jacky just scowled as the sorceress laughed triumphantly.
"You are pathetic! I knew you would experience such sadness, but I never thought that it would be this sweet to see that!" the powerful sorceress laughed.
Hearing her laugh, Jacky struggled hard not to lose to his hatred and exclaimed, "Now release my family! And my friends!"
Sorceress Adel continued laughing for a moment.
"And you still wish for more. As you wish. Choose who will be free and who will not," the sorceress laughed again.
Never predicting it, Jacky was tortured emotionally once more. As he chose some to be freed, others desperately begged him to choose them. It was such a horrible feeling to free some but sacrifice others. Jacky couldn't bear with it since he was still young. What was even worse, Sorceress Adel was there to enjoy his pain.
*********
Jacky is now on a balcony of the grand palace, looking at the view of the great city. Though a month had passed since he came back to Esthar, he still can feel the emotionally pain he suffered when Vies was caught and also when he could only free some while sacrificing the rest of his friends. Besides the feeling of suffering, Jacky also felt another feeling, the feeling of hatred for the sorceress. Since he could remember, he had always hated the sorceress, but he felt even worse knowing how he couldn't do anything about her.
"Jacky?" suddenly a voice from behind him.
Jacky turned around to see who it was. There, standing at the wide door, was Calv, his face full of concern. However, Jacky just ignored it and looked back at the city. Seeing the sadness in the boy, Calv walked up to him.
"Jacky?" Calv muttered again, but still the boy ignored him.
"I know how you must feel about me," Calv said, "I am the Prime Minister of Esthar and at the same time, the brother of your father. Yet. I am not doing anything to help you or your family."
Though he heard his words clearly, Jacky just closed his eyes, trying to ignore them.
"You've grown so much, yet, you're only seven. I am in extreme amazement," Calv said clearly, though softly.
This time, Jacky's stubbornness was slowly disappearing as he opened his eyes.
"You may hate me if you want, but I'll always be your uncle, an uncle who would try anything to help his nephew."
Done, Calv turned to leave Jacky alone when suddenly, Jacky spun around.
"Let me go and save Vies!" Jacky quickly exclaimed.
Surprised, Calv looked at the boy, "What?"
"Let me go and save Vies," Jacky said, softly but confidently.
"But. but." Calv, who was speechless.
"Just let me go! I have to save Vies!" Jacky said, almost in the brink of crying as tears were starting to form in his eyes.
Calv was silent. He didn't know what to say. He knew Jacky would go anyway even if he said no, but he also knew that it wouldn't be safe for him if he did go.
"No!" Calv finally answered.
"Why not?"
"It's too dangerous. Vies should be in the Desert Prison. It will be too dangerous for you to save him from there," Calv explained.
"I don't care! I want to save Vies!" Jacky screamed.
Silence settled on the two as Jacky stared right into his uncle's eyes. Although Jacky was still young, Calv could see in his eyes, a determined soul that was abnormal to have already taken form inside a young body.
Finally giving in, Calv answered, "All right. Go ahead."
Hearing that, Jacky's stern face quickly turned relief as he collapsed into Calv's arms, surprising him a little.
"Thank you. Uncle." Jacky said under his breath, smiling in relief.
Though it was soft, Calv could hear him clearly and smiled happily. However, in the throne room, Sorceress Adel, who was sitting calmly on her throne, finally opened her red piercing eyes. She smiled widely as if she has succeeded once more.
"I knew he would plan for that sooner or later," the sorceress laughed softly, "He is so predictable."
It has been an hour since Zack, Amber, Squall, Rinoa and Selphie left the palace. Since then, they did not have much to do but wander around the futuristic city. The group is now walking along the pathway, which was laid along the large glass tube that was for the usage of the transport saucers. On the glass tube, wrote "Left Side" and "Right Side" with the Esthar logo in between.
"This must be the pathway that stretches across Esthar from the left side to the right," Zack thought, remembering the same scenery from the game.
As they continued walking along the pathway, they were met up by Vies.
"So, there you are! It wasn't easy, trying to find you all in this large city," Vies first greeted to the group.
"That leaves the question. How did you find us?" Selphie asked.
Vies laughed before answering, "Coincidence, I guess. Would you like me to give you a tour of this city?"
"No thank you. We know our way around," Squall answered.
"Oh, don't be so rude, Squall," Rinoa said before turning back to Vies, "Why don't you give Zack and Amber a tour of the city? They're not. quite familiar of it."
"All right," Vies answered, "But then what about you three?"
"Don't worry, we'll just be around," Rinoa explained.
Just then, Selphie declined, "Neh, I think I'll join Zack and Amber. You two just spend some time alone. Come on, let's go!"
Selphie ran ahead of Zack, Amber and Vies, leaving Squall and Rinoa alone.
Squall sighed, "She'll never change, won't she?"
Hearing that, Rinoa giggled to herself.
*********
A while has passed. Vies is still showing Zack and Amber around the city. While following them, Selphie was feeling bored, walking around playfully, trying to just entertain herself.
"Vies?" Zack suddenly spoke.
"Yes, do you have a question?"
"Vies, you were Jacky's childhood friend, right?" Zack asked.
"Yes, I was."
"Do you mind telling me about his childhood?" Zack continued.
"Why-Why do you ask?" Vies, surprised by the question.
"When we arrived here, Jacky seemed to be. quite happy," Zack explained, "As if he thought he would never come back here again."
"Is that so.?" Vies muttered softly to himself before he smiled to Zack, "So, you want to know how Jacky's past was?"
Zack nodded.
"Well, it's a long story, but we've got time. I'll tell you one thing, Jacky's childhood wasn't like any others. When he was still young, if I'm not mistaken, around 4 years old, it wasn't about passing the school examinations or trying to get some time to play with his friends. It was absolutely different. It was all about training and doing his tasks correctly," Vies explained.
"Training? Tasks? At the age of 4?" Amber, who was surprised along with Zack, as well.
Vies nodded solemnly.
"I remember hearing about that from Headmaster Cid," Selphie cut in, "It was at the time when Esthar was still ruled by Sorceress Adel. She wanted to acknowledge the strengths of forces outside Esthar to maintain her own security from the world. To do so, she took children that were old enough to talk and walk from their families and force them to train to become spies."
"Train them to be spies?" Zack gasped.
Zack had played Final Fantasy VIII several times, over and over, from the start til the end, but he had never heard of that part of Sorceress Adel's past. Zack had always thought that Sorceress Adel only looked for children to be her heir, but it seems that there's more to the story than he thought.
"Besides Jacky, a lot of us had experienced Sorceress Adel's terror," Vies continued.
"You, too?" Amber muttered.
"David and Sophia, as well," Vies continued, recalling his past, "However, amongst us all, Jacky was the best. He quickly absorbed the training given to him, despite his age."
"Why was that?" Amber asked.
"He understood what would happened if he didn't? Sophia couldn't withstand the training and failed a lot of the training tasks given to her. Many times had the sorceress threatened to execute Jacky's parents if she continued to fail, but no matter what, Sophia was never suited to be a spy. Then, it wasn't long before Jacky's turn came when he would be trained. At first, he couldn't stand the training as well, but then, when Sorceress Adel said that if he failed the next training task, his parents and Sophia would be executed. Despite the heavy pressure, Jacky passed that task, though barely," Vies recalled.
"Vies, since you were also one of those children, how do you know about all this?" Zack asked.
"Uncle Calv was one of Sorceress Adel's prime ministers. He told us some of the events that we never understood when we were young. However, even at such a young age, if you were to experience such terror, you can never forget it," Vies explained, "When Sophia was chosen to be the new President of Esthar and Uncle Calv and I to be her assistants, we sometimes look back to the past, to remember how terrible it was and always remind ourselves never to do the same as Sorceress Adel did."
"I see," Zack muttered softly.
Vies then continued, "Few years after saving his family from execution, Jacky was declared the youngest spy to be sent out on an actual mission. At that time, he was only 7.
~~~~~~~~~
FLASHBACK: JACKY'S PAST - PART 1
Several years ago, while Sorceress Adel still ruled Esthar, she had a throne room. When the sorceress had fallen, her throne room was turned into the Esthar President's office, like how it is in the present. The event of Jacky's ordeal happened when Sorceress Adel still ruled.
In the throne room of the Esthar Presidential Palace, surrounded by several ministers, Sorceress Adel is sitting on her throne, her eyes as piercing red as always and her smile as devilish as everyone recognized it to be. She was patiently waiting for her newest spy recruits. Just then, the door of her throne room opened widely, revealing two young children, wearing the Esthar uniforms. Their hair were neatly cut and their faces showed extreme seriousness that should not have been for children of their age. When the door was opened widely, the two children walked several paces into the room before kneeling down in respect of the powerful sorceress, who smiled devilishly with delight.
"Excellent, amongst many of the children, you two have been the best amongst them. for the time being. While others had failed in some of our practices, you two had been able to succeed," the sorceress said.
Staring piercingly at the boy on the right, Sorceress Adel said, "Vies Keynos, you've gone through 5 years of my training before being able to come here and kneel before me. Being at the age of 9, I am impressed by your progress."
"But, there is another that impresses me even more," the sorceress continued before turning her attention to the other boy, "Jacky Cage, your elder sister had not been very successful in her training. I had actually planned for your family's execution, but then, you proofed to be more worthy than your sister will ever be. And thus, your family stayed away from death. Being only 7, you have indeed shown abilities that were beyond the others and had truthfully earned the right to be the youngest spy in Esthar. I am especially intrigued by you."
Holding his hate against Sorceress Adel, Jacky just glared angrily at her. Noticing that, Sorceress Adel just laughed softly.
"Don't hold your grudge against me, Jacky. I do understand you despising me, but do you think it will be healthy for you?"
Understanding what she meant, Jacky just closed his eyes and faced down. Seeing that, the sorceress laughed softly but triumphantly as one of the ministers could not help but feel sorry for the boy.
"Minister Calv!" suddenly Sorceress Adel called.
Surprised, the minister shook himself from his pity and stepped forward.
"Yes, Sorceress Adel."
"Brief them on their mission."
"Yes, your Highness," the minister said before turning to the two, "Both of you will be sent to infiltrate the Galbadian forces in the city of Deling to retrieve information of their military and political strengths. However, caution is a priority. The Galbadian forces will not tolerate enemy spies. That is all."
"Now, go," the sorceress announced.
"Yes, your Highness!" David exclaimed before standing and slowly walking towards the door.
Jacky was still kneeling down. Surprised by that, the ministers in the throne room began whispers amongst themselves as David stopped and turned to look at Jacky. Besides the ministers, Calv was also surprised while Sorceress Adel just stared suspiciously at the boy.
"What seems to be the matter?" Calv asked nervously at the boy, who was still kneeling down.
Responding to his question, Jacky looked up towards the throne, right at Sorceress Adel.
"I have a wish, Sorceress Adel," Jacky finally spoke up while standing up.
Amused by the boy, the sorceress continued to stare at him.
"After I'm done with my mission, can you make my wish come true?" Jacky continued.
"What may your wish be?" Sorceress Adel asked calmly.
"Stop training everyone to be spies!" Jacky answered bravely.
While Sorceress Adel continued staring calmly at Jacky, everyone in the room was surprised by Jacky's wish as the ministers continued on with their whispers.
"Sorry, but I won't," the sorceress answered, "Your accomplishments are not worth that wish, which has a much higher price."
Though turned down, Jacky continued staring bravely at the sorceress.
"What are you doing, Jacky?" David said softly under his breath while staring in awe at Jacky's bravery.
"But I understand you," Sorceress Adel suddenly continued, "I know you won't take 'no' for an answer. So, I'll grant another wish for you."
When she said that, the room immediately went silent as the brave Jacky continued staring at her.
"If you successfully return from your mission, I shall grant freedom to your sister and your family," Sorceress Adel said.
The room stayed silent as shock went through everyone, except Jacky.
"And my friends as well," Jacky continued.
"Agreed, but you shall pay the price of choosing only some and not all," Sorceress Adel said.
"Fine," Jacky answered before turning around and walking towards the door. Walking pass the shocked David, Jacky exited the room. David quickly chased after him when he did. When the door was closed, one of the ministers suddenly stepped forward.
"Your Highness, why did you grant the boy's wish?" the minister asked.
"Galbadia is known for their tight security of their military and political information. For the child, it won't be easy to succeed," Sorceress Adel explained, "Besides, did you not hear me? I said that he was worth more than his sister will ever be. I do not wish to bother with his sister or his family any longer."
"Then, what about his friends?" another minister suddenly spoke.
"That is a price he will pay, not me," Sorceress Adel explained.
"What do you mean?" Calv asked, confused.
The sorceress laughed softly to herself before continuing, "I gave him freedom to choose only some of his friends. Choosing only some meant sacrificing the rest. I am curious at how he will handle such dilemma."
*********
Months has passed since that day, Jacky and Vies are now running exhaustingly on the streets of Deling City, in Jacky's hands was a small bag. They were running away from the Galbadian soldiers, who were chasing after them. As they were running, Vies suddenly saw a dark narrow alley and pulled Jacky towards it. Hiding against the walls of the alley, the two panted heavily. Just then, they heard the soldiers coming and covered their mouths and lessened their breathing. The group of soldiers ran passed the alley without any thought about it. When the group disappeared, only two stood outside the alley.
"I can't believe this!" suddenly one of the soldier exclaimed, "Galbadia's most well-kept information, all stolen by a couple of children! Who knows what else they've found?"
"No point complaining. Let's just keep looking for them," the other said before the two ran off.
When they disappeared, Jacky and Vies immediately dropped their hand down and continued panting heavily.
Breathing heavily, Vies looks at Jacky, "Let's. Let's get going."
Jacky nodded before the two went deeper into the alley. A while later, the two came to the end of the alley and ran for the train station. At the station, a train was ready to leave for Fisherman Horizon. An announcement was made saying that the train will be leaving in a few moment. Just then, Jacky and Vies appeared. At that point, they felt extreme relief in them.
"Let's go!" Vies shouted, smiling widely at Jacky.
However, their relief soon disappeared when suddenly they heard from behind, "There they are!"
The soldiers have found them again and were running towards them now.
"Get back to Esthar, Jacky!" Vies shouted.
"What do you mean?"
"I'll distract them. You get back to Esthar."
"But what about you?" Jacky asked, confused.
"Don't worry about me. After all, you're the one who has a wish to fulfill."
Jacky was shocked by that.
"Now go!!" Vies shouted before pushing Jacky into the train.
Jacky fell into the train, the bag falling from his hand onto the steel- plated floor as the door slid shut.
"Vies!" Jacky shouted, getting up and looking out the small window of the slide door.
Vies waved at him for a while before he looked at the soldiers and tried to escape. Just as the train went out of the station, Jacky saw the soldiers surround Vies and forcing him to the floor.
"Vies!!!" Jacky screamed when the train exited the station.
Still leaning against the steel door, Jacky clenched his right fist and slammed it onto the door before dropping to the floor and curling himself up into a ball. He cried uncontrollably as the train continued on its trip.
*********
Hours later, Jacky has arrived at Esthar and is now walking into the throne room where Sorceress Adel was sitting on the throne. She seemed to have been waiting for him, smiling devilishly at Jacky as he entered the room.
"I see that you have return a success?" the sorceress said.
Jacky glared up at her angrily as he lifted the small bag in his hands. Seeing the bag, Sorceress Adel smiled even wider.
"So, what happened to the other?" she asked.
Jacky just scowled as the sorceress laughed triumphantly.
"You are pathetic! I knew you would experience such sadness, but I never thought that it would be this sweet to see that!" the powerful sorceress laughed.
Hearing her laugh, Jacky struggled hard not to lose to his hatred and exclaimed, "Now release my family! And my friends!"
Sorceress Adel continued laughing for a moment.
"And you still wish for more. As you wish. Choose who will be free and who will not," the sorceress laughed again.
Never predicting it, Jacky was tortured emotionally once more. As he chose some to be freed, others desperately begged him to choose them. It was such a horrible feeling to free some but sacrifice others. Jacky couldn't bear with it since he was still young. What was even worse, Sorceress Adel was there to enjoy his pain.
*********
Jacky is now on a balcony of the grand palace, looking at the view of the great city. Though a month had passed since he came back to Esthar, he still can feel the emotionally pain he suffered when Vies was caught and also when he could only free some while sacrificing the rest of his friends. Besides the feeling of suffering, Jacky also felt another feeling, the feeling of hatred for the sorceress. Since he could remember, he had always hated the sorceress, but he felt even worse knowing how he couldn't do anything about her.
"Jacky?" suddenly a voice from behind him.
Jacky turned around to see who it was. There, standing at the wide door, was Calv, his face full of concern. However, Jacky just ignored it and looked back at the city. Seeing the sadness in the boy, Calv walked up to him.
"Jacky?" Calv muttered again, but still the boy ignored him.
"I know how you must feel about me," Calv said, "I am the Prime Minister of Esthar and at the same time, the brother of your father. Yet. I am not doing anything to help you or your family."
Though he heard his words clearly, Jacky just closed his eyes, trying to ignore them.
"You've grown so much, yet, you're only seven. I am in extreme amazement," Calv said clearly, though softly.
This time, Jacky's stubbornness was slowly disappearing as he opened his eyes.
"You may hate me if you want, but I'll always be your uncle, an uncle who would try anything to help his nephew."
Done, Calv turned to leave Jacky alone when suddenly, Jacky spun around.
"Let me go and save Vies!" Jacky quickly exclaimed.
Surprised, Calv looked at the boy, "What?"
"Let me go and save Vies," Jacky said, softly but confidently.
"But. but." Calv, who was speechless.
"Just let me go! I have to save Vies!" Jacky said, almost in the brink of crying as tears were starting to form in his eyes.
Calv was silent. He didn't know what to say. He knew Jacky would go anyway even if he said no, but he also knew that it wouldn't be safe for him if he did go.
"No!" Calv finally answered.
"Why not?"
"It's too dangerous. Vies should be in the Desert Prison. It will be too dangerous for you to save him from there," Calv explained.
"I don't care! I want to save Vies!" Jacky screamed.
Silence settled on the two as Jacky stared right into his uncle's eyes. Although Jacky was still young, Calv could see in his eyes, a determined soul that was abnormal to have already taken form inside a young body.
Finally giving in, Calv answered, "All right. Go ahead."
Hearing that, Jacky's stern face quickly turned relief as he collapsed into Calv's arms, surprising him a little.
"Thank you. Uncle." Jacky said under his breath, smiling in relief.
Though it was soft, Calv could hear him clearly and smiled happily. However, in the throne room, Sorceress Adel, who was sitting calmly on her throne, finally opened her red piercing eyes. She smiled widely as if she has succeeded once more.
"I knew he would plan for that sooner or later," the sorceress laughed softly, "He is so predictable."