Disclaimer: I do not own FF8 or any of the characters from FF8.
AN: Cool, quite a few reviews this time! Thanks everyone! You guys are awesome, shout outs at the end! This chapter is a tiny bit different but should be quite a nice read. Hopefully you guys will like it! R&R Please!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 3: The Prodigal Child
Let's take a break from the mainstream story for a second. I'm going to tell you a little bit more. I'm going to tell you stuff I didn't even know at the time.
Metasite memory is very good. It's like having a second brain to store all your information. There have been some very important pieces of information that I have sworn never to forget. Pieces of information that I've memorized thoroughly.
I'm going to tell you one of those pieces of information right now. It's a scene from Kiros' past. It was a scene that was kept from me for five years until one day Kiros, himself told me.
That scene explained everything to me up to that point...
"Hey guys" Kiros said.
It was late at night. Around 2 in the morning. The metasite retrieval squad had just returned.
"Kiros, what're you doing up so late?" said Ward "I was just about to get to bed myself till I heard the retrieval squad just pulled in"
"I just wanted to get a glass of water" said Kiros.
The front doors opened and in walked the retrieval squad. In their arms was a skinny kid with messy brown hair that was too long and near perfect features.
Kiros stopped dead in his tracks and surveyed the kid with his metasite vision.
"Shit Ward" he said.
Ward calmly shifted his pale eyes to Kiros.
"What?"
"That kid" said Kiros "don't you see it?"
"No..." Ward thought Kiros was just tired.
Kiros felt as awake as he'd been six hours earlier.
"Ward, that kid's got something in him." he said in a barely audible whisper.
"Yeah, he's a metasite" said Ward much more loudly.
"No you idiot, look closely. There's something more to this kid" said Kiros.
"I still don't see it..."
Kiros just shook his head and followed the retrieval squad's captain. The kid had been ushered off into a separate room for tests to see if he was a metasite or not. Kiros already knew the answer to that question.
"Captain" said Kiros "who was that metasite you just brought in?"
The captain saluted and then rummaged through his bag pulling out a file.
"Ummm his name is Leon Loire. He's from Winhill and he's five years old sir." said the captain.
Kiros' eyes widened. This kid was destined for him.
"Leon Loire..." he whispered.
That name would have to go. Kiros would not be able to stand that name for very long. He was afraid that even a metasite like him would soon crumble to his own past. The boy's father is dead. Killed by the soldiers no doubt. He knew what their orders were. They had every right to kill the kid's parents if they didn't give him up freely. They would not have given in freely.
Kiros had been looking for a student. He retired from the army early last year and had been on the lookout ever since. He had found no one he liked so he just sat around and did nothing.
Normally, this would not have been allowed. But because he was Kiros, they made exceptions. Kiros only taught once a week. He taught a different A-S class metasite every week. This wouldn't really help the metasites since once a week is nothing in terms of training. But they still lined up in neat little lines every week to get chosen.
Why? Because Kiros was the best metasite the Galbadians had. He was probably the best in the world at the time. He held the record for just about everything. He was a spectacular teacher as well as leader and he led the Galbadians to many victories. Everybody wanted the instruction of Kiros. Even if it was just for two hours. "Thanks captain, tell Ellone in there to send the kid to the cafeteria in fifteen minutes. The tests should be done by then."
The captain saluted and walked away into a side room beside the one the kid went into.
Kiros went to the cafeteria and got his glass of water. He sat there waiting for what seemed like an hour. He couldn't wait any longer. Once fifteen minutes was up, he went back to the room with the kid and walked in. He saw Ellone talking to the kid.
The conversation was clear in Kiros' ears. His metasite hearing accenting every syllable. Ellone was telling this Leon kid about his parents. The kid was crying. Who wouldn't be crying?
Kiros could see the look of mingled anger and confusion on Leon's face. The look of a warrior. He knew this kid was meant for him.
After exchanging words with Leon, Kiros was not disappointed. He learnt quickly and he suppressed his past. Something extremely difficult to do at such a young age.
After christening the kid Squall Leonhart, Kiros directed him to his room and left him.
On his way to see the headmaster, Kiros bumped into Ward again.
"Where've you been?" asked Ward.
"I've been with the kid Ward"
"What do you see in that kid?"
Kiros breathed a sigh and shook his head.
"I've seen many metasites Ward. Many top fighters and strong soldiers. That kid has something I've never seen before. I don't know what it is about him, but whatever it is, it's something none of us have. Not you, not me, NONE of us have what this kid has"
And that was all he said before heading off to the headmaster and telling him he had found a pupil...
Ward was impressed by my quick learning. He found that he only had to set aside five minutes to teach me the basics of how to control a metasite and then the rest was all natural. Our agility class was surprisingly fun since all we did the whole class was try to zoom around the forest as quickly as we could.
Controlling a metasite is different from controlling your own body. It's almost like you have to call up different parts of your body. It's difficult to explain if you haven't felt it yourself. But it's like there are pockets of energy dispersed withing your body and you have to reach out and touch those "pockets" to utilize the full extent of a metasite's powers.
I learnt how to use the thrusters and wings at the back of the metasite during Ward's class. But that was nothing, NOTHING compared to what I would learn in Kiros' class.
My first lesson with Kiros was a day that would forever be etched into my memory. The day I truly found a passion for something. It was a glorious day. It was fantastic.
It would also be the beginning of something I could never forgive myself for.
We stepped into the damp training center. It was covered in dense trees and tropical plants. Kiros led me over to an enclosed area where the monsters were kept from by an electrical fence.
"Squall. I know you're very tired from last night but I wanted you to learn something. The sooner you learn it, the better it'll be for you" he said.
I didn't feel tired at all. It was like I was reborn after my session with Ward.
I didn't care what those other kids said about me. There comments meant nothing to me. They could laugh all they wanted. I knew I had power now, and I could use this power to get my revenge. I didn't know there would be more.
"I'm not tired" I said.
"Then that's good, you'll learn how to wield a weapon"
I was so surprised my mouth was hanging open. Why would I need a weapon when I could throw a punch that could knock a grown man's head off?
"B-but..." I started to say
"No buts, listen to me. I believe Ward told you how to use the metasite?" he asked.
I nodded silently.
"Good, now reach out inside. You'll notice a particularly strong surge of power unlike all the others" he said "Don't worry if you can't find it now. You'll learn to find it later. I just want to s-" he stopped.
I remember seeing the hilt of Lionheart at my side. It just materialized like the armor. I looked at it then looked at Kiros not sure what this new thing was. It didn't look like a weapon. It looked more like a cross between a bug and a handgun not really dangerous looking. Kiros had his eyes wide open staring at the weapon.
"Wow, that's quite impressive" he said.
"What?"
"Well, normally it takes people quite awhile before they can call up their metablade. You did it just like that" he snapped his fingers.
"It's not that hard" I said.
"Okay, then that's not the point. Let's get down to business" he said
He then called his own suit up and ignited what looked like two blades from his wrists. His metablades were katals, extremely sharp, long blades that extended from the upper wrists of both hands.
"Ignite your blade. Feel it, use your mind to reach out to it" he said
I gripped the handle of the weapon as if I was holding a gun and held it up. I felt within the weapon and was shocked to find there was even more power inside it. I did as Kiros told and my eyes lit up as a deadly looking blade began to materialize from the hilt up. It was beautiful. Bright blue and white, it almost gave of a shine.
"Very good" said Kiros "now Squall, the blade should feel light in your hands. You have your metasite armor on and that will give you the strength to wield this blade easily"
While I was still looking at my blade, Kiros dashed at me. He moved lightning quick and he slashed at me with one of his blades. It was a blow that would have cleanly cut me in half. I didn't have time to think, just react. I brought my blade up with a quickness that would never be achieved by a grown man let alone a five year old, I just put it in front of my face.
The blow knocked my about ten feet back and into a tree. It didn't hurt as much as I expected. But that doesn't mean it didn't hurt. It felt like somebody smashed me in the back with a sledgehammer. The wind was knocked out of me.
I could barely lift my head to look up. But at the same time I felt the pain diminishing. I saw the same bluish smoke that I saw when the bullet scratched me. I looked at Kiros. His metasite armor was gone. He was looking down at me and...smiling?
"That's enough for today" he said "sorry about that Squall, I had to make sure"
AN: Hehe, I had a little Matrix reference in there at the end =P couldn't resist hahaha Anyway, this was sort of a chapter that was a little messed up from the other chapters. I saw Kill Bill the other night and that anime section in there inspired me to do something similar =) If you don't like this chapter, I don't blame ya, just keep reading 'cause the other chapters will be more like the last part of this chapter. Now for shout outs!
remote mine: thanks for being a dedicated reviewer =) I didn't realize the beginning part sounded like Cloud lol that part is put in there for a very special reason. You'll see why later on ~_^
Ari-Morrigan: another dedicated reviewer, this chapter explains why Ward says his "Dear Hyne" comment hahaha
Angefantasy: thanks a lot for the comments! Keep reading to find out more. Like I said, there are lot's of subtle hints here and there in the story.
Lugia-mew: hope you found out what Kiros was right about hahaha if not, I kinda feel sorry for ya =P Thanks for the comments though, appreciate it.
Etherealist: Yes I exaggerate, almost too much hahaha I'll pop by when I have time and read your fic and then leave a review there as well. Must be good since you seem to know quite a bit about good writing ~_^
Selphie Tilmitt-Kinneas: You're back! Good to see you caught up with the story. Keep reading!
Angie: Yes Squall is very powerful in this story hahaha I won't update the other one till this one is finished since there isn't really a point *sweatdrop* but keep reading this one and then you'll understand the other one better!
Alright, thanks for your reviews. I'll give shout outs every time a new chapter is posted so if you want one, just review! Simple as that! Thanks once again to everyone. Chapter four is on it's way!
AN: Cool, quite a few reviews this time! Thanks everyone! You guys are awesome, shout outs at the end! This chapter is a tiny bit different but should be quite a nice read. Hopefully you guys will like it! R&R Please!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 3: The Prodigal Child
Let's take a break from the mainstream story for a second. I'm going to tell you a little bit more. I'm going to tell you stuff I didn't even know at the time.
Metasite memory is very good. It's like having a second brain to store all your information. There have been some very important pieces of information that I have sworn never to forget. Pieces of information that I've memorized thoroughly.
I'm going to tell you one of those pieces of information right now. It's a scene from Kiros' past. It was a scene that was kept from me for five years until one day Kiros, himself told me.
That scene explained everything to me up to that point...
"Hey guys" Kiros said.
It was late at night. Around 2 in the morning. The metasite retrieval squad had just returned.
"Kiros, what're you doing up so late?" said Ward "I was just about to get to bed myself till I heard the retrieval squad just pulled in"
"I just wanted to get a glass of water" said Kiros.
The front doors opened and in walked the retrieval squad. In their arms was a skinny kid with messy brown hair that was too long and near perfect features.
Kiros stopped dead in his tracks and surveyed the kid with his metasite vision.
"Shit Ward" he said.
Ward calmly shifted his pale eyes to Kiros.
"What?"
"That kid" said Kiros "don't you see it?"
"No..." Ward thought Kiros was just tired.
Kiros felt as awake as he'd been six hours earlier.
"Ward, that kid's got something in him." he said in a barely audible whisper.
"Yeah, he's a metasite" said Ward much more loudly.
"No you idiot, look closely. There's something more to this kid" said Kiros.
"I still don't see it..."
Kiros just shook his head and followed the retrieval squad's captain. The kid had been ushered off into a separate room for tests to see if he was a metasite or not. Kiros already knew the answer to that question.
"Captain" said Kiros "who was that metasite you just brought in?"
The captain saluted and then rummaged through his bag pulling out a file.
"Ummm his name is Leon Loire. He's from Winhill and he's five years old sir." said the captain.
Kiros' eyes widened. This kid was destined for him.
"Leon Loire..." he whispered.
That name would have to go. Kiros would not be able to stand that name for very long. He was afraid that even a metasite like him would soon crumble to his own past. The boy's father is dead. Killed by the soldiers no doubt. He knew what their orders were. They had every right to kill the kid's parents if they didn't give him up freely. They would not have given in freely.
Kiros had been looking for a student. He retired from the army early last year and had been on the lookout ever since. He had found no one he liked so he just sat around and did nothing.
Normally, this would not have been allowed. But because he was Kiros, they made exceptions. Kiros only taught once a week. He taught a different A-S class metasite every week. This wouldn't really help the metasites since once a week is nothing in terms of training. But they still lined up in neat little lines every week to get chosen.
Why? Because Kiros was the best metasite the Galbadians had. He was probably the best in the world at the time. He held the record for just about everything. He was a spectacular teacher as well as leader and he led the Galbadians to many victories. Everybody wanted the instruction of Kiros. Even if it was just for two hours. "Thanks captain, tell Ellone in there to send the kid to the cafeteria in fifteen minutes. The tests should be done by then."
The captain saluted and walked away into a side room beside the one the kid went into.
Kiros went to the cafeteria and got his glass of water. He sat there waiting for what seemed like an hour. He couldn't wait any longer. Once fifteen minutes was up, he went back to the room with the kid and walked in. He saw Ellone talking to the kid.
The conversation was clear in Kiros' ears. His metasite hearing accenting every syllable. Ellone was telling this Leon kid about his parents. The kid was crying. Who wouldn't be crying?
Kiros could see the look of mingled anger and confusion on Leon's face. The look of a warrior. He knew this kid was meant for him.
After exchanging words with Leon, Kiros was not disappointed. He learnt quickly and he suppressed his past. Something extremely difficult to do at such a young age.
After christening the kid Squall Leonhart, Kiros directed him to his room and left him.
On his way to see the headmaster, Kiros bumped into Ward again.
"Where've you been?" asked Ward.
"I've been with the kid Ward"
"What do you see in that kid?"
Kiros breathed a sigh and shook his head.
"I've seen many metasites Ward. Many top fighters and strong soldiers. That kid has something I've never seen before. I don't know what it is about him, but whatever it is, it's something none of us have. Not you, not me, NONE of us have what this kid has"
And that was all he said before heading off to the headmaster and telling him he had found a pupil...
Ward was impressed by my quick learning. He found that he only had to set aside five minutes to teach me the basics of how to control a metasite and then the rest was all natural. Our agility class was surprisingly fun since all we did the whole class was try to zoom around the forest as quickly as we could.
Controlling a metasite is different from controlling your own body. It's almost like you have to call up different parts of your body. It's difficult to explain if you haven't felt it yourself. But it's like there are pockets of energy dispersed withing your body and you have to reach out and touch those "pockets" to utilize the full extent of a metasite's powers.
I learnt how to use the thrusters and wings at the back of the metasite during Ward's class. But that was nothing, NOTHING compared to what I would learn in Kiros' class.
My first lesson with Kiros was a day that would forever be etched into my memory. The day I truly found a passion for something. It was a glorious day. It was fantastic.
It would also be the beginning of something I could never forgive myself for.
We stepped into the damp training center. It was covered in dense trees and tropical plants. Kiros led me over to an enclosed area where the monsters were kept from by an electrical fence.
"Squall. I know you're very tired from last night but I wanted you to learn something. The sooner you learn it, the better it'll be for you" he said.
I didn't feel tired at all. It was like I was reborn after my session with Ward.
I didn't care what those other kids said about me. There comments meant nothing to me. They could laugh all they wanted. I knew I had power now, and I could use this power to get my revenge. I didn't know there would be more.
"I'm not tired" I said.
"Then that's good, you'll learn how to wield a weapon"
I was so surprised my mouth was hanging open. Why would I need a weapon when I could throw a punch that could knock a grown man's head off?
"B-but..." I started to say
"No buts, listen to me. I believe Ward told you how to use the metasite?" he asked.
I nodded silently.
"Good, now reach out inside. You'll notice a particularly strong surge of power unlike all the others" he said "Don't worry if you can't find it now. You'll learn to find it later. I just want to s-" he stopped.
I remember seeing the hilt of Lionheart at my side. It just materialized like the armor. I looked at it then looked at Kiros not sure what this new thing was. It didn't look like a weapon. It looked more like a cross between a bug and a handgun not really dangerous looking. Kiros had his eyes wide open staring at the weapon.
"Wow, that's quite impressive" he said.
"What?"
"Well, normally it takes people quite awhile before they can call up their metablade. You did it just like that" he snapped his fingers.
"It's not that hard" I said.
"Okay, then that's not the point. Let's get down to business" he said
He then called his own suit up and ignited what looked like two blades from his wrists. His metablades were katals, extremely sharp, long blades that extended from the upper wrists of both hands.
"Ignite your blade. Feel it, use your mind to reach out to it" he said
I gripped the handle of the weapon as if I was holding a gun and held it up. I felt within the weapon and was shocked to find there was even more power inside it. I did as Kiros told and my eyes lit up as a deadly looking blade began to materialize from the hilt up. It was beautiful. Bright blue and white, it almost gave of a shine.
"Very good" said Kiros "now Squall, the blade should feel light in your hands. You have your metasite armor on and that will give you the strength to wield this blade easily"
While I was still looking at my blade, Kiros dashed at me. He moved lightning quick and he slashed at me with one of his blades. It was a blow that would have cleanly cut me in half. I didn't have time to think, just react. I brought my blade up with a quickness that would never be achieved by a grown man let alone a five year old, I just put it in front of my face.
The blow knocked my about ten feet back and into a tree. It didn't hurt as much as I expected. But that doesn't mean it didn't hurt. It felt like somebody smashed me in the back with a sledgehammer. The wind was knocked out of me.
I could barely lift my head to look up. But at the same time I felt the pain diminishing. I saw the same bluish smoke that I saw when the bullet scratched me. I looked at Kiros. His metasite armor was gone. He was looking down at me and...smiling?
"That's enough for today" he said "sorry about that Squall, I had to make sure"
AN: Hehe, I had a little Matrix reference in there at the end =P couldn't resist hahaha Anyway, this was sort of a chapter that was a little messed up from the other chapters. I saw Kill Bill the other night and that anime section in there inspired me to do something similar =) If you don't like this chapter, I don't blame ya, just keep reading 'cause the other chapters will be more like the last part of this chapter. Now for shout outs!
remote mine: thanks for being a dedicated reviewer =) I didn't realize the beginning part sounded like Cloud lol that part is put in there for a very special reason. You'll see why later on ~_^
Ari-Morrigan: another dedicated reviewer, this chapter explains why Ward says his "Dear Hyne" comment hahaha
Angefantasy: thanks a lot for the comments! Keep reading to find out more. Like I said, there are lot's of subtle hints here and there in the story.
Lugia-mew: hope you found out what Kiros was right about hahaha if not, I kinda feel sorry for ya =P Thanks for the comments though, appreciate it.
Etherealist: Yes I exaggerate, almost too much hahaha I'll pop by when I have time and read your fic and then leave a review there as well. Must be good since you seem to know quite a bit about good writing ~_^
Selphie Tilmitt-Kinneas: You're back! Good to see you caught up with the story. Keep reading!
Angie: Yes Squall is very powerful in this story hahaha I won't update the other one till this one is finished since there isn't really a point *sweatdrop* but keep reading this one and then you'll understand the other one better!
Alright, thanks for your reviews. I'll give shout outs every time a new chapter is posted so if you want one, just review! Simple as that! Thanks once again to everyone. Chapter four is on it's way!