Chapter 6
Arrival
It had been three days since Fisherman's Horizon. Eve waited as the ship docked at Dollet. The sea air was getting her sick and she vowed never to sail. She jumped off the deck and onto the docks. People scattered out of her way; To jump from a ship's prow was dangerous and yet she was not harmed. She walked around until she found an Inn who stabled Chocobo's. Sly Fox pranced wildly as Eve walked her into the stable. The groom came by and took a look at Sly Fox.
"Quite a beauty you have there. She is one of the first I have ever seen with markings that rare." He waited for Eve to say something and when she didn't he shrugged. Eve didn't have time for people like that. All she wanted now was to find out where she could find the best military institute for her training. She left and walked into a tavern and ordered a drink. There were two men in suits and she decided to ask them if they knew anything about combat schools.
"Where can I find a school which teaches people to become trained soldiers?" she asked neutrally.
"Excuse me? We were having a very long conversation before you butted in." One of the men said.
"Now c'mon Jarred. It would be impolite not to answer this young lady." The other said. "Did you say a school for soldiers?" He saw Eve nod her head, "There are three which I know. There's Galbadia Garden, Balamb Garden, and Trabia Garden. Though I do recommend Balamb garden, Galbadia has a bad rep and Trabia is far away from here. Almost half the world away."
"Thanks." Eve answered.
"Oh, do you know how to get to Balamb Garden? You can take a ship." He said.
"No, I had my fill of ships. Is there another way?" she asked.
"Yes, but you'll have to travel to Timber and get a train ride there. It travels underneath the ocean." He explained.
Eve nodded and left the tavern. When she reached her hotel room she slept, but with nightmares that seemed endless. She called them visions and in one of them she saw a bird the spew lightning. In the early morning she checked out and went to the stables. Sly Fox was already awake and alert. She would have to save the last four hundred gil for the school. So she sat onto Sly Fox's back and waited to be thrown off. In return she heard a whisper in her mind.
:Do not be afraid, you are my chosen.:
Eve shook her head and looked down at Sly Fox. She turned to face Eve and purred a chocobo sort of sound. Eve shook her head and led her mount outside. Sly Fox sped away out of town and into the plains. It must have been three hours later when Eve got caught in a severe thunderstorm. The grasses of the plains whipped savagely at Sly Fox's legs, but they kept on moving. There was no shelter in sight and a non-moving object was more at risk of getting struck by lightning then a moving one. They came up to a raging river all charged up with electrolytes. They had to cross. There was no other way. When Eve ushered Sly Fox toward the riverbank, her mount fought her.
"Come on! We have to pass through this river! There's no other way!"
: Chosen! No! I cannot, it's against my nature! We will perish if we go through that torrent. Please! Listen to me! A force lurks there and it is angry!:
Eve stopped and thought for a bit. A force? What does she mean by that? She slid of her chocobo's back and advanced the river. Sly Fox came up behind her and tugged at Eve's hair with her golden beak.
"No, I have to see what this is!" Eve yelled between the howling winds. Her chocobo shrieked but followed her chosen. When Eve was a foot within the reach of the water, the surface began to shimmer in an aura of white gold. Eve stepped back as she saw a creature emerge from the depths. It was the bird from her dreams! She couldn't believe it! Instinctively, she pulled lionheart out and poised it at the crackling bird. The bird was all golden and lightning crackled out of its head and wings. It was beautiful and deadly. This creature was not going to stop her even if she had to destroy it with her bare hands.
: Child.: a male voice rumbled. : There is no need for your weapon. I have heard of your rage. It travels far and I have decided to accompany you on this dangerous journey. Your father would have wanted me to guard you.:
"Who are you!? How do you know my father?!" she yelled through the howls of the icy wind.
: I am the guardian force called Quezocotl. With me you shall win countless battles.: it answered. It flickered into a globe and floated down toward its holder.
Eve was bewildered and frozen at the same time. She heard of the famous father of guardians. Though she never knew he existed. The sphere melted into her body and she slumped down to the ground shivering. Flashes of memories past through her and they were not her own. She felt Sly Fox sit onto the soggy wet ground and cover Eve with her feathered yellow black wing. The storm raged on and she slept to dream of visions, which were either from the past or the future.
When Eve awoke she felt somehow complete and ready for anything. She brushed Sly Fox down and saddled her once again. They raced through the plains and past through several streams and forests until they came upon a town near the sea.
"What do you think Sly Fox? Could that be Timber Town?" Eve muttered. No mind speech entered her thoughts. Hmm, guess we just have to find out. They ran at a steady pace and reached the town. There were two guards at the entrance. Eve passed them and sighed inward when they didn't stop her. The town looked so familiar and she couldn't grasp it. Somewhere.she must have seen this place somewhere, but when? There was a weapon's shop nearby and Eve decided to go see what was new. A man probably in is middle thirties appeared from the back room.
"May I help you?" he asked.
"Yeah, is this the town of Timber?" she asked as her eyes searched the room. There were all sorts of weaponry hung on walls.
"Yes, miss. by what name shall I call you?" he asked.
"Eve Li.." Eve snapped her attention back at the clerk. He could have known her father and if he did he would send her back home. "Eve Lissen is my name." The man looked at her closely and shook his head, "All right Miss Lissen, what interests you?" Eve brought out her blade and showed it to the man. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped.
"What worth is this and are there any others like it?"
"That is the.the most rarest blade ever from several years ago. The only one of its kind and used against the evil sorceress Ultimecia. Where in the seven hells have you gotten it?" he asked staring at her with suspicion.
"Who used this precious blade?" Eve asked. She wanted the truth about her father's past. She might as well get it from this merchant.
"The famous Squall Leonhart and his squad. Sixteen years ago they saved the world. Now Miss Lissen, where did you get this artifact? Did you steal it?"
"That is none of your business. I came for what I wanted and now I'm leaving. Goodbye weapon's master." Eve said and left the shop. The man knew who Squall Leonhart was. He met him several years back when he was hired to help the Timber Owls out. Rinoa Heartily was their princess. She married Squall and had a child as he remembered. A little girl and he remembered when they came to visit. Could this woman be? No! But where did she get the blade? He ran to the back room and began writing a letter to his old friend, Rinoa. Maybe she could find out what in the world was going on.
Eve kept on walking to the train stations and on the way she bought some potions and health reserves which she would need for her new GF. Sly Fox followed behind quiet and alert as ever.
: Chosen, that man might know you. You have taken a great risk in reveling some of your identity.:
"I know. And don't call me chosen. It's very annoying. Eve will be suffice." She ordered.
: As you wish, Eve.:
After shopping for equipment, she went to go buy a train ticket. On the way she noticed a few brochures hanging on the wall. One of them had a picture of her father on it. It said only a few words.
We are looking for bright students! Come and train to be a great hero like Squall Leonhart. Balamb Garden is always looking for new students who have a dream to become a great hero.
Eve grabbed one of the brochures and went to the clerk who waited for her. The man nodded as Eve gave him the gil and she walked Sly Fox to her own train car. Eve jumped aboard the train and gave her ticket to the conductor. She went to her own compartment and fell asleep.
Gwena and Dark Blade stood in the foredeck looking at the ocean. Dolphins could be seen clearly traveling with the ships speed. The sun was setting and they both talked together on several subjects. Dark Blade realized that they were like two of a kind.
"So who is this guy my mom mentioned about?" Gwena asked.
"Seifer Almasy. He's my father and for some reason my dad knows your mom and they decided that you should come here for a year or so. We have the best school in the world. If you want to join they will be more then happy to accept you. You are how old?" He asked.
"Almost seventeen, a month away. My mother was a teacher at Balamb Garden a long time ago. She was taught there and from what I've heard it's pretty interesting. Maybe I will join." She replied.
"Your mom? A teacher? I didn't know that. My teacher is Mistress Edea, wife to the headmaster Cid. She's very tough and yet she can teach you a valuable lesson." Blade explained. They were quiet for a bit and when the sunset they went down below to their rooms. Later that night.
"Everyone! To the decks on the double! Incoming!" one of the crewmen yelled. The yelling startled Blade straight out of his bunk and behind him Gwena followed him out of her own cabin. When they reached the decks, they both saw one spot in the sea shine brightly. From the dark secret depths of the ocean came a brilliant light that turned night into day. Suspended in the waters was a large water dragon and it appeared to be sleeping.
"My lords! It's the Leviathan! Run for your lives!" a man screamed from somewhere above. Gwena stared at the serpent that slept in its radiant lair. She was one of the guardian forces, which her mother told her about. Leviathan lately had been known to destroy several ships that passed by. It seemed to her like it was searching for someone or something. Dark Blade was not even aware of everything that was happening around him. Gwena thought he was possessed or something. She snapped her fingers and waved her hands and even tried to slap him across the face. Neither one of her tactics worked.
Dark Blade felt the pain when Gwena slapped him but he couldn't wake up out of his trance. It seemed to call him. He began to walk up to the ships prow and look out about the calm waters. He felt Gwena trying to stop him, pull him away but she had no strength. Some of the crewmen tried to help her but with all their strength combined they still couldn't budge him. His body screamed yet his heart wouldn't listen. He climbed over the railing a dove into the cool waters. His dive didn't even cause a ripple on the surface! Gwena cried out and wanted to go after him but the captain stopped her.
"He can't be helped now. We must wait and see what shall happen next." He said in a harsh tone.
"But he'll die if he doesn't breathe!" Gwena cried out. She was helpless and all she could do was watch Blade swim toward the mighty Leviathan.
Dark Blade's lungs screamed for air, but he kept on swimming until he reached the wall of blue. As he passed through there was no water, except for air. His lungs swallowed the air in ecstasy. When he looked up at the sleeping Leviathan he didn't notice that he was standing on thin air.
"What do you want?" he asked. The guardian opened its eyes and looked at the young man that stood before her.
:I have been waiting for you. You are my holder and I your guardian. Together we shall win this war that approaches the destruction of our planet.: she replied through mind speech. Leviathan was a GF? He remembered learning about the creatures that helped the hero's of long ago defeat the sorceress. Suddenly the sea dragon shimmered into an orb and with great speed hurled itself into Blade's body. The force struck him rigid and after a few seconds the pain began to fade. The blue light started to die out and water rushed inward below him. He took a large breath of air before the water reached him. The ocean's strength began to suck him down into the depths. He fought violently to the ocean's surface and when he broke through he gulped in more air.
Gwena shouted and the captain gave orders to fetch Dark Blade out of the waters. When they got Dark Blade onto the ship he was sent straight to his cabin to rest. Dark Blade smiled to himself. Leviathan was his.
Arrival
It had been three days since Fisherman's Horizon. Eve waited as the ship docked at Dollet. The sea air was getting her sick and she vowed never to sail. She jumped off the deck and onto the docks. People scattered out of her way; To jump from a ship's prow was dangerous and yet she was not harmed. She walked around until she found an Inn who stabled Chocobo's. Sly Fox pranced wildly as Eve walked her into the stable. The groom came by and took a look at Sly Fox.
"Quite a beauty you have there. She is one of the first I have ever seen with markings that rare." He waited for Eve to say something and when she didn't he shrugged. Eve didn't have time for people like that. All she wanted now was to find out where she could find the best military institute for her training. She left and walked into a tavern and ordered a drink. There were two men in suits and she decided to ask them if they knew anything about combat schools.
"Where can I find a school which teaches people to become trained soldiers?" she asked neutrally.
"Excuse me? We were having a very long conversation before you butted in." One of the men said.
"Now c'mon Jarred. It would be impolite not to answer this young lady." The other said. "Did you say a school for soldiers?" He saw Eve nod her head, "There are three which I know. There's Galbadia Garden, Balamb Garden, and Trabia Garden. Though I do recommend Balamb garden, Galbadia has a bad rep and Trabia is far away from here. Almost half the world away."
"Thanks." Eve answered.
"Oh, do you know how to get to Balamb Garden? You can take a ship." He said.
"No, I had my fill of ships. Is there another way?" she asked.
"Yes, but you'll have to travel to Timber and get a train ride there. It travels underneath the ocean." He explained.
Eve nodded and left the tavern. When she reached her hotel room she slept, but with nightmares that seemed endless. She called them visions and in one of them she saw a bird the spew lightning. In the early morning she checked out and went to the stables. Sly Fox was already awake and alert. She would have to save the last four hundred gil for the school. So she sat onto Sly Fox's back and waited to be thrown off. In return she heard a whisper in her mind.
:Do not be afraid, you are my chosen.:
Eve shook her head and looked down at Sly Fox. She turned to face Eve and purred a chocobo sort of sound. Eve shook her head and led her mount outside. Sly Fox sped away out of town and into the plains. It must have been three hours later when Eve got caught in a severe thunderstorm. The grasses of the plains whipped savagely at Sly Fox's legs, but they kept on moving. There was no shelter in sight and a non-moving object was more at risk of getting struck by lightning then a moving one. They came up to a raging river all charged up with electrolytes. They had to cross. There was no other way. When Eve ushered Sly Fox toward the riverbank, her mount fought her.
"Come on! We have to pass through this river! There's no other way!"
: Chosen! No! I cannot, it's against my nature! We will perish if we go through that torrent. Please! Listen to me! A force lurks there and it is angry!:
Eve stopped and thought for a bit. A force? What does she mean by that? She slid of her chocobo's back and advanced the river. Sly Fox came up behind her and tugged at Eve's hair with her golden beak.
"No, I have to see what this is!" Eve yelled between the howling winds. Her chocobo shrieked but followed her chosen. When Eve was a foot within the reach of the water, the surface began to shimmer in an aura of white gold. Eve stepped back as she saw a creature emerge from the depths. It was the bird from her dreams! She couldn't believe it! Instinctively, she pulled lionheart out and poised it at the crackling bird. The bird was all golden and lightning crackled out of its head and wings. It was beautiful and deadly. This creature was not going to stop her even if she had to destroy it with her bare hands.
: Child.: a male voice rumbled. : There is no need for your weapon. I have heard of your rage. It travels far and I have decided to accompany you on this dangerous journey. Your father would have wanted me to guard you.:
"Who are you!? How do you know my father?!" she yelled through the howls of the icy wind.
: I am the guardian force called Quezocotl. With me you shall win countless battles.: it answered. It flickered into a globe and floated down toward its holder.
Eve was bewildered and frozen at the same time. She heard of the famous father of guardians. Though she never knew he existed. The sphere melted into her body and she slumped down to the ground shivering. Flashes of memories past through her and they were not her own. She felt Sly Fox sit onto the soggy wet ground and cover Eve with her feathered yellow black wing. The storm raged on and she slept to dream of visions, which were either from the past or the future.
When Eve awoke she felt somehow complete and ready for anything. She brushed Sly Fox down and saddled her once again. They raced through the plains and past through several streams and forests until they came upon a town near the sea.
"What do you think Sly Fox? Could that be Timber Town?" Eve muttered. No mind speech entered her thoughts. Hmm, guess we just have to find out. They ran at a steady pace and reached the town. There were two guards at the entrance. Eve passed them and sighed inward when they didn't stop her. The town looked so familiar and she couldn't grasp it. Somewhere.she must have seen this place somewhere, but when? There was a weapon's shop nearby and Eve decided to go see what was new. A man probably in is middle thirties appeared from the back room.
"May I help you?" he asked.
"Yeah, is this the town of Timber?" she asked as her eyes searched the room. There were all sorts of weaponry hung on walls.
"Yes, miss. by what name shall I call you?" he asked.
"Eve Li.." Eve snapped her attention back at the clerk. He could have known her father and if he did he would send her back home. "Eve Lissen is my name." The man looked at her closely and shook his head, "All right Miss Lissen, what interests you?" Eve brought out her blade and showed it to the man. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped.
"What worth is this and are there any others like it?"
"That is the.the most rarest blade ever from several years ago. The only one of its kind and used against the evil sorceress Ultimecia. Where in the seven hells have you gotten it?" he asked staring at her with suspicion.
"Who used this precious blade?" Eve asked. She wanted the truth about her father's past. She might as well get it from this merchant.
"The famous Squall Leonhart and his squad. Sixteen years ago they saved the world. Now Miss Lissen, where did you get this artifact? Did you steal it?"
"That is none of your business. I came for what I wanted and now I'm leaving. Goodbye weapon's master." Eve said and left the shop. The man knew who Squall Leonhart was. He met him several years back when he was hired to help the Timber Owls out. Rinoa Heartily was their princess. She married Squall and had a child as he remembered. A little girl and he remembered when they came to visit. Could this woman be? No! But where did she get the blade? He ran to the back room and began writing a letter to his old friend, Rinoa. Maybe she could find out what in the world was going on.
Eve kept on walking to the train stations and on the way she bought some potions and health reserves which she would need for her new GF. Sly Fox followed behind quiet and alert as ever.
: Chosen, that man might know you. You have taken a great risk in reveling some of your identity.:
"I know. And don't call me chosen. It's very annoying. Eve will be suffice." She ordered.
: As you wish, Eve.:
After shopping for equipment, she went to go buy a train ticket. On the way she noticed a few brochures hanging on the wall. One of them had a picture of her father on it. It said only a few words.
We are looking for bright students! Come and train to be a great hero like Squall Leonhart. Balamb Garden is always looking for new students who have a dream to become a great hero.
Eve grabbed one of the brochures and went to the clerk who waited for her. The man nodded as Eve gave him the gil and she walked Sly Fox to her own train car. Eve jumped aboard the train and gave her ticket to the conductor. She went to her own compartment and fell asleep.
Gwena and Dark Blade stood in the foredeck looking at the ocean. Dolphins could be seen clearly traveling with the ships speed. The sun was setting and they both talked together on several subjects. Dark Blade realized that they were like two of a kind.
"So who is this guy my mom mentioned about?" Gwena asked.
"Seifer Almasy. He's my father and for some reason my dad knows your mom and they decided that you should come here for a year or so. We have the best school in the world. If you want to join they will be more then happy to accept you. You are how old?" He asked.
"Almost seventeen, a month away. My mother was a teacher at Balamb Garden a long time ago. She was taught there and from what I've heard it's pretty interesting. Maybe I will join." She replied.
"Your mom? A teacher? I didn't know that. My teacher is Mistress Edea, wife to the headmaster Cid. She's very tough and yet she can teach you a valuable lesson." Blade explained. They were quiet for a bit and when the sunset they went down below to their rooms. Later that night.
"Everyone! To the decks on the double! Incoming!" one of the crewmen yelled. The yelling startled Blade straight out of his bunk and behind him Gwena followed him out of her own cabin. When they reached the decks, they both saw one spot in the sea shine brightly. From the dark secret depths of the ocean came a brilliant light that turned night into day. Suspended in the waters was a large water dragon and it appeared to be sleeping.
"My lords! It's the Leviathan! Run for your lives!" a man screamed from somewhere above. Gwena stared at the serpent that slept in its radiant lair. She was one of the guardian forces, which her mother told her about. Leviathan lately had been known to destroy several ships that passed by. It seemed to her like it was searching for someone or something. Dark Blade was not even aware of everything that was happening around him. Gwena thought he was possessed or something. She snapped her fingers and waved her hands and even tried to slap him across the face. Neither one of her tactics worked.
Dark Blade felt the pain when Gwena slapped him but he couldn't wake up out of his trance. It seemed to call him. He began to walk up to the ships prow and look out about the calm waters. He felt Gwena trying to stop him, pull him away but she had no strength. Some of the crewmen tried to help her but with all their strength combined they still couldn't budge him. His body screamed yet his heart wouldn't listen. He climbed over the railing a dove into the cool waters. His dive didn't even cause a ripple on the surface! Gwena cried out and wanted to go after him but the captain stopped her.
"He can't be helped now. We must wait and see what shall happen next." He said in a harsh tone.
"But he'll die if he doesn't breathe!" Gwena cried out. She was helpless and all she could do was watch Blade swim toward the mighty Leviathan.
Dark Blade's lungs screamed for air, but he kept on swimming until he reached the wall of blue. As he passed through there was no water, except for air. His lungs swallowed the air in ecstasy. When he looked up at the sleeping Leviathan he didn't notice that he was standing on thin air.
"What do you want?" he asked. The guardian opened its eyes and looked at the young man that stood before her.
:I have been waiting for you. You are my holder and I your guardian. Together we shall win this war that approaches the destruction of our planet.: she replied through mind speech. Leviathan was a GF? He remembered learning about the creatures that helped the hero's of long ago defeat the sorceress. Suddenly the sea dragon shimmered into an orb and with great speed hurled itself into Blade's body. The force struck him rigid and after a few seconds the pain began to fade. The blue light started to die out and water rushed inward below him. He took a large breath of air before the water reached him. The ocean's strength began to suck him down into the depths. He fought violently to the ocean's surface and when he broke through he gulped in more air.
Gwena shouted and the captain gave orders to fetch Dark Blade out of the waters. When they got Dark Blade onto the ship he was sent straight to his cabin to rest. Dark Blade smiled to himself. Leviathan was his.