I do not own Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy VIII- Shadow of the Sorceress
Shoutouts-
Pretty Green Eyes- I checked that, you are definitely correct. Sorry, thing is, I have another story for something else, and one character's last name is Irvin, it's just a habit to write like that, that's all. I corrected that for the entire chapter 3, thanks for the heads up.
Frost- Thanks, and yes, I do intend for Seifer and Quistis to be more civil to each other, especially after this chapter.
Chapter 4-
'Coward' whispered through Drake's ear as he flew towards where he felt his ally Dingo.
"Shut up!" He snarled as the land traveled blew him, he had been flying for six hours now.
'If you had followed my plan, Coyote and Vampire would still be alive, you are failing me Drake,' her voice continued. He snarled, trying to do his best to ignore her.
He flew down and his feet crashed into the ground outside Balamb.
=== === Balamb === ===
"The Garden left?" Seifer said, trying to remain calm. Quistis just rolled her eyes behind him.
"Yes, it left a few days ago, after the big fight," The man at the port said. "Big fight?" Seifer asked. "Some freak attacked a young lady, and some Seeds came and stopped him," He explained.
"In fact, aren't you her?" He asked Quistis. She laughed nervously. "Guessed as much," He said shrugging and then walked off.
=== === Outside Balamb, near the Forest === ===
"Dingo!" Drake shouted.
No response.
"Come out, or I'll blast you out," Drake said, loud enough that he knew Dingo could hear.
The were-dingo crawled out from the trees looking scared to death. Drake could smell it on him almost.
"You failed, you do know that right?" Drake said with a cruel smirk as he crossed his arms.
Dingo whined and moved back defensively.
"Two of them you say? So are you saying one person stopped you from killing Seifer?" He asked with amusement. A growl came and that gave him his answer.
"So, you think she was strong? How so?" Drake asked. Dingo barked and Drake narrowed his eyes.
"A whip?" He answered in a dark tone, his face twisted darkly. "Are you sure?" He asked. A growl followed with a nod.
"All the better for me," Drake said. He turned around and narrowed his eyes on Dingo. "By the way Dingo, you will not be engaging in this fight, I want you to watch my back only, Seeds can be very good spies, I want no operatives following me, follow me wherever I go and as fast as you can, and ensure I'm not watched," Drake explained. Dingo barked and lurked behind him.
"Good, now then Dingo, where is Seifer?" He asked. Dingo barked. "Balamb? This is perfect," Drake purred. "If you get to the city in time to watch this battle, take a few notes on how it's done," Drake said and braced his wings before taking off.
=== === Balamb === ===
Seifer checked into the hotel, watching Quistis the entire time. "We're sleeping here tonight, tomorrow we'll try to get to the Galbadia Garden," Seifer explained.
Quistis realized right now she was still very much a prisoner, at this point and time, she knew she wouldn't be able to defeat Seifer, even with Alexander. She could tell, he had a junction with something too, or he would have forced her to rid herself of Alexander.
Once in their room Seifer looked outside for a moment and then sat on the bed. "Honey, when are we going to sleep?" He asked with a smirk. "You're sleeping on the couch," Quistis said. "Am I? May I remember you who paid for this," He said. "The couch or you can always share the bed," He said.
Quistis glared at him and sat down on the couch.
"So why did you leave the all wonderful Garden Quistis?" Seifer asked. "I don't think that's your business," She answered. "I think I'm making it my business," Seifer replied coldly.
"So you're threatening me just to know why I left Garden? Seifer that's low, even for you" She said. "Take it how you want," Seifer replied. She looked down.
"I didn't fit in anymore," She said. "Oh, so pubes doesn't pay attention to you?" He mocked. Quistis knew that wasn't the answer, but his cold reply still slapped her pride in the face. Her frown deepened and she said no more.
"I was right, nothing but puberty boys toy, and he found a new one, does it hurt knowing you where left behind?" He asked. "I think you already know the answer to that question, after all, we left your carcass behind," She said. Seifer's eyes flickered with rage. "Why you bitch," He snarled standing up.
An explosion was heard outside and the two immediately stopped fighting and rushed to the window, the bar was in flames.
=== === Outside === ===
Drake looked at his handiwork with a smile. He knew this would get some peoples attention.
He then put on a serious face and turned away from the flames.
"SEIFER, QUISTIS!" He shouted. "I want to play a little game, it's called hide and burn, I am assuming you can understand the dynamics of the game," He said. "If you do not come out, I will obliterate this city, and turn it to DUST," He shouted.
Quistis looked at Seifer.
"We have to stop him," She said immediately. "Yea right, we are getting out of here," Seifer said rushing for the door.
"We can't just let these people be slaughtered!" Quistis said, only to have her hand grabbed by Seifer. "We are leaving, NOW," Seifer stated.
Outside Drake saw a boat filling with people to leave the town.
"Unless you come out," He said and blasted another building with an earth shaking blast of magical energy. "They will be next," He declared.
Quistis broke Seifer's grasp and ran out of the Hotel. 'Fucking woman!' Seifer thought.
He was about to run the other direction and then froze. "FUCK!" He shouted and ran to follow.
A purple ball of energy formed in his hand and he was about to release when something cracked across the side of his face. He stumbled to the side in pain and reached up to his cheek to feel it sting.
He turned and then smirked. "It's you Quistis, my GF had done a number on my memory, before I was unable to recognize you," He said with a smooth tone.
Quistis had her whip ready and felt nervous at seeing him with burning buildings behind him. "Come here Quistis, I have a gift for you," Drake said with an emotionless face and started walking towards her.
"Stay there," She ordered. He stopped briefly and smirked, then started to walk towards her again as she backed up.
"This is foolish, resistance is really completely futile," He said and was about to lung when Fira hit him in the side of the face, burning off much flesh and Drake stumbled and nearly fell over.
He snarled as he turned to see Seifer standing there.
"Seifer," He said grinning as his face healed. Seifer felt nervous from the grin.
"So good of you to join us Seifer, it's been a long time," Drake said with a grin. "No it hasn't," Seifer replied looking slightly confused.
Drake lunged at him and was sliced by Hyperion. Drake fell to the ground and got up perfectly fine. Seifer looked enraged and started to slash Drake who stood perfectly still as Seifer cut his body. A moment later when Seifer backed away it all healed.
"Are you quite finished Seifer?" Drake asked calmly. Seifer shook with anger. "Haven't you figured it out yet? I'm immortal, I cannot die, and I cannot be stopped, especially by a worthless mongrel lapdog like you," He said dangerously.
He was cut off by a Thunder bolt from Quistis. Seifer rushed forward and cut off Drake's right arm while he was fazed.
Seifer then slashed Drake across the throat and the black blooded man started to gag on blood.
"C'mon!" Seifer shouted grabbing Quistis and running towards the train. Drake landed in front of the pair and let loose his unearthly screech that made the ground seem to rumble.
"How DARE you try to stop me," He spat. Seifer looked confident suddenly. "What?" Drake asked. Seifer closed his eyes and the ground started to rumble.
"A GF!" Drake shouted and turned looking for where it could be. He started to growl. Light cracked out of the ground below him and Drake was catapulted into the sky on a piece of rock.
He snarled as he looked for what Guardian it could be, a great red dragon flew in front of him. He just smirked at the dragon. "Neo Bahamut," He said in a low tone.
The Dragon roared and prepared to attack. Energy flickered off Drakes body as he braced himself for the incoming attack, he was as confident as ever.
"Give it your best shot," He said confidently. The Dragon fired a massive beam of golden light and everything seemed to go white.
Seifer and Quistis awaited on the ground the results of their attack.
"Get on the train," Seifer ordered. Quistis saw everyone else evacuating and did as well. "I'm staying," He said. "But didn't you want to leave before?" Quistis asked. "Did, not now," He said. "And besides, he wants you right? We won't get away like this, and I really don't want to give my soon to be killer what he wants," Seifer said.
Quistis was confused and got on the train as it left as fast as possible.
Drake's body fell from the sky, thousands and thousands of feet and finally smashed into the surface of the planet, right in the center of Balamb.
Seifer looked at the crater. Drake lay there with his mouth open, and his face frozen. His entire left side had been blasted off and was bleeding heavily.
Drake's eyes flashed to life and the large man sat up and groaned. He looked at Seifer with disbelief and then stood up.
"First you cut me, then you blast me with an incredible GF, I commend you Seifer," He said with a grin, a new left side sprouted out and was covered in the black blood.
"But you see, those are only parts of a fight, you see, there is much more to fighting then a strong sword and arm," He said smirking.
Seifer prepared himself for an attack. "Allow me to demonstrate," He added. He was almost a blur of speed and seemed to appear beside Seifer. With one strong right he punched Seifer in the face, sending him 20 feet and rolling on the now cracked street, dropping Hyperion as he flew.
Seifer twitched with pain as he got up, his eyes hurt to open even. When he squinted he saw a smirking Drake standing right in front of him. "Look at you, you sicken me," Drake said.
"From a knight of Ultimecia, to nothing but a worm," Drake said with a look of disgust on his face. Seifer cried with rage and threw a punch and Drake caught it. "That's very rude," Drake said smirking and started to crush the first. Seifer fell to his knees as his hand was being broken.
"Look, your right where you belong, at my boots," Drake said letting go of Seifer's hand and then kicking him in the chest as hard as he could. Seifer went flying through the air and slammed into the side of a car. He was barely able to move now.
Drake stood over him within seconds again.
"Why?" Seifer asked. "Because you are weak, and you cannot defend anything, let alone Ultimecia," Drake snarled. Seifer tried to move but was unable. "Even now, you think Quistis got away, I let her go, I first wanted to teach you a lesson Seifer, and I believe you are learning fast aren't you?" Drake said smirking.
"Why are you after her?" Seifer asked. "She's talking to me you know," Drake said. "Who?" Seifer replied. "Ultimecia, she's telling me that informing you of my plan is dangerous, but then again, you don't have long to live now anyway, so I see no harm in letting you know," He said.
"Ultimecia needs a new body, and there are only three she knows of that can take such an overwhelming amount of power and survive, Quistis is one of them, and is least guarded," Drake said with a cruel smirk.
"She only had you as protection it would seem, and that was bound to fail wasn't it?" Drake said and started to laugh.
"You call me the lapdog, but you do nothing but you're just like me," Seifer said darkly. Drake's face twisted to one of rage and he grabbed Seifer and lifted him up. Seifer could barely move and was limp in the other man's grasp.
"So Almasy, let's finish this game before I go to hunt down Quistis," He snarled. Seifer pulled a timed grenade from his pocket and slipped it into Drakes while Drake was talking.
"You are going to get a nice tan, compliment of the flames of this wretched town, it was nice to see you again Seifer, but it just proved that even in this time, you where still nothing but a weak cockroach," He said and threw Seifer into the burning building.
Drake flew into the air and saw the train about to enter the tunnel.
"Your mine," He said, he could almost feel Quistis there.
He imagined the Sorceress returning to life, and destroying everyone who opposed her. He then imagined her giving him unlimited power for his loyal service. But those ideas where cut short as his legs blew off in a high powered explosion from Seifer's grenade.
His body fell helplessly to the ground and he broke his neck on the fall. He watched as the train entered the tunnel.
'NO!!!!' His mind cried with rage. What happened? One moment he was flying, the next his legs where blown off. He started to regenerate, but he knew it was too late... for now...
=== === The next Day === ===
Squall had received reports of a massacre at Balamb, and he had to go, many of the SEEDS have family there, he just couldn't ignore it, especially with Zell on his back.
Garden was almost their, and then they saw the flames.
Balamb was on fire. Irvine and Selphie watched in horror.
Garden stopped outside the burning town and Seeds immediately rushed out to assist the town. Zell was at the front running as fast as he could.
Zell ran through the street and saw his burnt home. "NO!" He shouted and entered it.
"MA! MA!" Zell shouted desperately. Through the charred building he found no signs of bodies, and could only hope.
Irvine, Squall, Rinoa, Ian and Selphie arrived next. They saw the other SEEDs putting out flames as they walked past the already destroyed Balamb.
Squall entered the car rental and glanced around a moment and looked curiously at it. 'A survivor,' He thought.
Outside however Irvine picked up a long blade off the ground and looked at Rinoa.
"This look familiar to you?" He asked looking very serious. "Hyperion," She said and immediately glanced around. "Would Seifer do this?" She asked herself.
Ian saw the sword as well and drew his gun.
Squall inside pulled a few pieces of debris out of the way and was greeted by a shocking form.
Lying their, was none other then Seifer, and he looked to be in very bad shape.
Squall just looked down at him and moment and growled. He grabbed his recklessly and pulled him into a fireman's carry.
He walked outside to be greeted by an armed Irvine and Ian, with Rinoa and Selphie behind them.
"Squall, put him down now," Ian ordered. Irvine stopped looking at Squall and looked at Ian, cocking an eyebrow.
"Why?" Squall asked. "I'm going to shoot him, so I suggest you put him down," Ian said.
Irvine grabbed Ian's gun and pulled it away from him.
"Are you mad?! He's responsible for all of this!" Ian shouted. "Well, maybe it can change this time around, because he hasn't done it yet, has he?" Selphie asked.
"It doesn't matter. I don't want the chance of my time's suffering to be here at all!" Ian stated. "And Seifer is FAR from innocent," He added. "He also might have valuable information," Squall said.
"It does not matter, we can go on without him, kill him," Ian ordered. "Last time I checked, I was the commander," Squall said looking annoyed and angry.
Ian trembled with rage, they wouldn't listen to him. He stormed off a moment and then turned back.
"FINE, you know what? You want to condemn yourselves and your world, FINE," He spat.
"Calm down kiddo," Irvine said. "I will not calm down!" Ian shouted. "Well, if you won't calm down, be quiet, we have to see what Seifer knows," Rinoa said looking annoyed.
Squall rested Seifer against a well. "Get some water," He said. Rinoa pulled out a canteen of water. Squall doused Seifer with water and the blond shook his head a moment. He was bleeding from many areas, but seemed to be spared from any burning. He was blackened however from the smoke and ash.
Seifer opened his eyes and immediately felt pain, his entire body felt like it had been crushed, the most pain was in his ribs and left arm through.
=== === Fishermen's Horizon === ===
Quistis got off the train along with the other refugees.
She quickly left to get some sleep, she knew the monster that attacked her and Seifer would be back. She felt terrible that Seifer stayed behind, just for the fact he stayed behind so everyone could escape. In a way, it really made sense, Seifer always loved to play the hero. She frowned. The Knight didn't always slay the dragon.
=== === Balamb === ===
Seifer looked up as his eyes adjusted to the light, it started to focus and he saw Squall standing over him.
"Ugh, not the best face to wake up to," Seifer said and tried to chuckle, but it hurt too much.
"Seifer, what the hell is going on here?" Squall asked. Seifer coughed a moment and regained his voice. "Water," He ordered. Squall growled and handed him the canteen. Seifer drank as much as he could and put it down.
"Quistis and I came here to find Garden," He said. "What?" Squall asked looking disbelieving. "We where attacked by two big ass dogs and some freak who talked smoothly," He said. "They claimed to work for some psychopath named Drake," Seifer said.
Everyone listened intently. "When we got here, we found no Garden, so we where going to head out tomorrow, then that FREAK came here," Seifer said looking angry. "He just about killed me," Seifer said.
"Where is Quistis?" Selphie asked. "Wherever the people of Balamb are, or the people who escaped anyway," Seifer explained. "So, did you do the valiant thing and stay here to hold off Drake?" Ian mocked bitterly.
"Actually, I did, because I knew he'd catch us unless SOMEONE stayed behind, and he wanted Quistis more then me," Seifer explained.
"Alright Squall, we have the information, can we kill him now?" Ian asked. "Why are you so eager to kill him?" Rinoa asked looking questioning. "He's responsible for this," Ian said.
"How, so far that's a pretty wide answer," Irvine growled. Ian looked at Seifer who was sitting against the wall. "Answer the question," Selphie said.
Zell ran towards the group and breathed hard. "We found about 10 people," He said. "Hold on," Squall ordered.
"He gave the piece of Ultimecia to Drake at his death," Ian said. "So? Killing him now wouldn't that just pass it on again?" Selphie asked. "No, it has to be... just kill him alright?" Ian asked. "I'm ordering you to answer that question," Squall said in a low tone.
"The part of the Sorceress which is inside him is dormant, and cannot be awakened while it is inside Seifer," He said. "He cannot transfer it either, unless someone who is a blood relation is near him," Ian explained. Seifer just looked up at the young man. He didn't like where this was going.
"Relation?" Irvine asked.
"The thing that burnt this town to the ground, and is trying to kill Quistis," Ian said. "His full name is Drake Trepe-Almasy,"
=== === End Chapter === ===
Final Fantasy VIII- Shadow of the Sorceress
Shoutouts-
Pretty Green Eyes- I checked that, you are definitely correct. Sorry, thing is, I have another story for something else, and one character's last name is Irvin, it's just a habit to write like that, that's all. I corrected that for the entire chapter 3, thanks for the heads up.
Frost- Thanks, and yes, I do intend for Seifer and Quistis to be more civil to each other, especially after this chapter.
Chapter 4-
'Coward' whispered through Drake's ear as he flew towards where he felt his ally Dingo.
"Shut up!" He snarled as the land traveled blew him, he had been flying for six hours now.
'If you had followed my plan, Coyote and Vampire would still be alive, you are failing me Drake,' her voice continued. He snarled, trying to do his best to ignore her.
He flew down and his feet crashed into the ground outside Balamb.
=== === Balamb === ===
"The Garden left?" Seifer said, trying to remain calm. Quistis just rolled her eyes behind him.
"Yes, it left a few days ago, after the big fight," The man at the port said. "Big fight?" Seifer asked. "Some freak attacked a young lady, and some Seeds came and stopped him," He explained.
"In fact, aren't you her?" He asked Quistis. She laughed nervously. "Guessed as much," He said shrugging and then walked off.
=== === Outside Balamb, near the Forest === ===
"Dingo!" Drake shouted.
No response.
"Come out, or I'll blast you out," Drake said, loud enough that he knew Dingo could hear.
The were-dingo crawled out from the trees looking scared to death. Drake could smell it on him almost.
"You failed, you do know that right?" Drake said with a cruel smirk as he crossed his arms.
Dingo whined and moved back defensively.
"Two of them you say? So are you saying one person stopped you from killing Seifer?" He asked with amusement. A growl came and that gave him his answer.
"So, you think she was strong? How so?" Drake asked. Dingo barked and Drake narrowed his eyes.
"A whip?" He answered in a dark tone, his face twisted darkly. "Are you sure?" He asked. A growl followed with a nod.
"All the better for me," Drake said. He turned around and narrowed his eyes on Dingo. "By the way Dingo, you will not be engaging in this fight, I want you to watch my back only, Seeds can be very good spies, I want no operatives following me, follow me wherever I go and as fast as you can, and ensure I'm not watched," Drake explained. Dingo barked and lurked behind him.
"Good, now then Dingo, where is Seifer?" He asked. Dingo barked. "Balamb? This is perfect," Drake purred. "If you get to the city in time to watch this battle, take a few notes on how it's done," Drake said and braced his wings before taking off.
=== === Balamb === ===
Seifer checked into the hotel, watching Quistis the entire time. "We're sleeping here tonight, tomorrow we'll try to get to the Galbadia Garden," Seifer explained.
Quistis realized right now she was still very much a prisoner, at this point and time, she knew she wouldn't be able to defeat Seifer, even with Alexander. She could tell, he had a junction with something too, or he would have forced her to rid herself of Alexander.
Once in their room Seifer looked outside for a moment and then sat on the bed. "Honey, when are we going to sleep?" He asked with a smirk. "You're sleeping on the couch," Quistis said. "Am I? May I remember you who paid for this," He said. "The couch or you can always share the bed," He said.
Quistis glared at him and sat down on the couch.
"So why did you leave the all wonderful Garden Quistis?" Seifer asked. "I don't think that's your business," She answered. "I think I'm making it my business," Seifer replied coldly.
"So you're threatening me just to know why I left Garden? Seifer that's low, even for you" She said. "Take it how you want," Seifer replied. She looked down.
"I didn't fit in anymore," She said. "Oh, so pubes doesn't pay attention to you?" He mocked. Quistis knew that wasn't the answer, but his cold reply still slapped her pride in the face. Her frown deepened and she said no more.
"I was right, nothing but puberty boys toy, and he found a new one, does it hurt knowing you where left behind?" He asked. "I think you already know the answer to that question, after all, we left your carcass behind," She said. Seifer's eyes flickered with rage. "Why you bitch," He snarled standing up.
An explosion was heard outside and the two immediately stopped fighting and rushed to the window, the bar was in flames.
=== === Outside === ===
Drake looked at his handiwork with a smile. He knew this would get some peoples attention.
He then put on a serious face and turned away from the flames.
"SEIFER, QUISTIS!" He shouted. "I want to play a little game, it's called hide and burn, I am assuming you can understand the dynamics of the game," He said. "If you do not come out, I will obliterate this city, and turn it to DUST," He shouted.
Quistis looked at Seifer.
"We have to stop him," She said immediately. "Yea right, we are getting out of here," Seifer said rushing for the door.
"We can't just let these people be slaughtered!" Quistis said, only to have her hand grabbed by Seifer. "We are leaving, NOW," Seifer stated.
Outside Drake saw a boat filling with people to leave the town.
"Unless you come out," He said and blasted another building with an earth shaking blast of magical energy. "They will be next," He declared.
Quistis broke Seifer's grasp and ran out of the Hotel. 'Fucking woman!' Seifer thought.
He was about to run the other direction and then froze. "FUCK!" He shouted and ran to follow.
A purple ball of energy formed in his hand and he was about to release when something cracked across the side of his face. He stumbled to the side in pain and reached up to his cheek to feel it sting.
He turned and then smirked. "It's you Quistis, my GF had done a number on my memory, before I was unable to recognize you," He said with a smooth tone.
Quistis had her whip ready and felt nervous at seeing him with burning buildings behind him. "Come here Quistis, I have a gift for you," Drake said with an emotionless face and started walking towards her.
"Stay there," She ordered. He stopped briefly and smirked, then started to walk towards her again as she backed up.
"This is foolish, resistance is really completely futile," He said and was about to lung when Fira hit him in the side of the face, burning off much flesh and Drake stumbled and nearly fell over.
He snarled as he turned to see Seifer standing there.
"Seifer," He said grinning as his face healed. Seifer felt nervous from the grin.
"So good of you to join us Seifer, it's been a long time," Drake said with a grin. "No it hasn't," Seifer replied looking slightly confused.
Drake lunged at him and was sliced by Hyperion. Drake fell to the ground and got up perfectly fine. Seifer looked enraged and started to slash Drake who stood perfectly still as Seifer cut his body. A moment later when Seifer backed away it all healed.
"Are you quite finished Seifer?" Drake asked calmly. Seifer shook with anger. "Haven't you figured it out yet? I'm immortal, I cannot die, and I cannot be stopped, especially by a worthless mongrel lapdog like you," He said dangerously.
He was cut off by a Thunder bolt from Quistis. Seifer rushed forward and cut off Drake's right arm while he was fazed.
Seifer then slashed Drake across the throat and the black blooded man started to gag on blood.
"C'mon!" Seifer shouted grabbing Quistis and running towards the train. Drake landed in front of the pair and let loose his unearthly screech that made the ground seem to rumble.
"How DARE you try to stop me," He spat. Seifer looked confident suddenly. "What?" Drake asked. Seifer closed his eyes and the ground started to rumble.
"A GF!" Drake shouted and turned looking for where it could be. He started to growl. Light cracked out of the ground below him and Drake was catapulted into the sky on a piece of rock.
He snarled as he looked for what Guardian it could be, a great red dragon flew in front of him. He just smirked at the dragon. "Neo Bahamut," He said in a low tone.
The Dragon roared and prepared to attack. Energy flickered off Drakes body as he braced himself for the incoming attack, he was as confident as ever.
"Give it your best shot," He said confidently. The Dragon fired a massive beam of golden light and everything seemed to go white.
Seifer and Quistis awaited on the ground the results of their attack.
"Get on the train," Seifer ordered. Quistis saw everyone else evacuating and did as well. "I'm staying," He said. "But didn't you want to leave before?" Quistis asked. "Did, not now," He said. "And besides, he wants you right? We won't get away like this, and I really don't want to give my soon to be killer what he wants," Seifer said.
Quistis was confused and got on the train as it left as fast as possible.
Drake's body fell from the sky, thousands and thousands of feet and finally smashed into the surface of the planet, right in the center of Balamb.
Seifer looked at the crater. Drake lay there with his mouth open, and his face frozen. His entire left side had been blasted off and was bleeding heavily.
Drake's eyes flashed to life and the large man sat up and groaned. He looked at Seifer with disbelief and then stood up.
"First you cut me, then you blast me with an incredible GF, I commend you Seifer," He said with a grin, a new left side sprouted out and was covered in the black blood.
"But you see, those are only parts of a fight, you see, there is much more to fighting then a strong sword and arm," He said smirking.
Seifer prepared himself for an attack. "Allow me to demonstrate," He added. He was almost a blur of speed and seemed to appear beside Seifer. With one strong right he punched Seifer in the face, sending him 20 feet and rolling on the now cracked street, dropping Hyperion as he flew.
Seifer twitched with pain as he got up, his eyes hurt to open even. When he squinted he saw a smirking Drake standing right in front of him. "Look at you, you sicken me," Drake said.
"From a knight of Ultimecia, to nothing but a worm," Drake said with a look of disgust on his face. Seifer cried with rage and threw a punch and Drake caught it. "That's very rude," Drake said smirking and started to crush the first. Seifer fell to his knees as his hand was being broken.
"Look, your right where you belong, at my boots," Drake said letting go of Seifer's hand and then kicking him in the chest as hard as he could. Seifer went flying through the air and slammed into the side of a car. He was barely able to move now.
Drake stood over him within seconds again.
"Why?" Seifer asked. "Because you are weak, and you cannot defend anything, let alone Ultimecia," Drake snarled. Seifer tried to move but was unable. "Even now, you think Quistis got away, I let her go, I first wanted to teach you a lesson Seifer, and I believe you are learning fast aren't you?" Drake said smirking.
"Why are you after her?" Seifer asked. "She's talking to me you know," Drake said. "Who?" Seifer replied. "Ultimecia, she's telling me that informing you of my plan is dangerous, but then again, you don't have long to live now anyway, so I see no harm in letting you know," He said.
"Ultimecia needs a new body, and there are only three she knows of that can take such an overwhelming amount of power and survive, Quistis is one of them, and is least guarded," Drake said with a cruel smirk.
"She only had you as protection it would seem, and that was bound to fail wasn't it?" Drake said and started to laugh.
"You call me the lapdog, but you do nothing but you're just like me," Seifer said darkly. Drake's face twisted to one of rage and he grabbed Seifer and lifted him up. Seifer could barely move and was limp in the other man's grasp.
"So Almasy, let's finish this game before I go to hunt down Quistis," He snarled. Seifer pulled a timed grenade from his pocket and slipped it into Drakes while Drake was talking.
"You are going to get a nice tan, compliment of the flames of this wretched town, it was nice to see you again Seifer, but it just proved that even in this time, you where still nothing but a weak cockroach," He said and threw Seifer into the burning building.
Drake flew into the air and saw the train about to enter the tunnel.
"Your mine," He said, he could almost feel Quistis there.
He imagined the Sorceress returning to life, and destroying everyone who opposed her. He then imagined her giving him unlimited power for his loyal service. But those ideas where cut short as his legs blew off in a high powered explosion from Seifer's grenade.
His body fell helplessly to the ground and he broke his neck on the fall. He watched as the train entered the tunnel.
'NO!!!!' His mind cried with rage. What happened? One moment he was flying, the next his legs where blown off. He started to regenerate, but he knew it was too late... for now...
=== === The next Day === ===
Squall had received reports of a massacre at Balamb, and he had to go, many of the SEEDS have family there, he just couldn't ignore it, especially with Zell on his back.
Garden was almost their, and then they saw the flames.
Balamb was on fire. Irvine and Selphie watched in horror.
Garden stopped outside the burning town and Seeds immediately rushed out to assist the town. Zell was at the front running as fast as he could.
Zell ran through the street and saw his burnt home. "NO!" He shouted and entered it.
"MA! MA!" Zell shouted desperately. Through the charred building he found no signs of bodies, and could only hope.
Irvine, Squall, Rinoa, Ian and Selphie arrived next. They saw the other SEEDs putting out flames as they walked past the already destroyed Balamb.
Squall entered the car rental and glanced around a moment and looked curiously at it. 'A survivor,' He thought.
Outside however Irvine picked up a long blade off the ground and looked at Rinoa.
"This look familiar to you?" He asked looking very serious. "Hyperion," She said and immediately glanced around. "Would Seifer do this?" She asked herself.
Ian saw the sword as well and drew his gun.
Squall inside pulled a few pieces of debris out of the way and was greeted by a shocking form.
Lying their, was none other then Seifer, and he looked to be in very bad shape.
Squall just looked down at him and moment and growled. He grabbed his recklessly and pulled him into a fireman's carry.
He walked outside to be greeted by an armed Irvine and Ian, with Rinoa and Selphie behind them.
"Squall, put him down now," Ian ordered. Irvine stopped looking at Squall and looked at Ian, cocking an eyebrow.
"Why?" Squall asked. "I'm going to shoot him, so I suggest you put him down," Ian said.
Irvine grabbed Ian's gun and pulled it away from him.
"Are you mad?! He's responsible for all of this!" Ian shouted. "Well, maybe it can change this time around, because he hasn't done it yet, has he?" Selphie asked.
"It doesn't matter. I don't want the chance of my time's suffering to be here at all!" Ian stated. "And Seifer is FAR from innocent," He added. "He also might have valuable information," Squall said.
"It does not matter, we can go on without him, kill him," Ian ordered. "Last time I checked, I was the commander," Squall said looking annoyed and angry.
Ian trembled with rage, they wouldn't listen to him. He stormed off a moment and then turned back.
"FINE, you know what? You want to condemn yourselves and your world, FINE," He spat.
"Calm down kiddo," Irvine said. "I will not calm down!" Ian shouted. "Well, if you won't calm down, be quiet, we have to see what Seifer knows," Rinoa said looking annoyed.
Squall rested Seifer against a well. "Get some water," He said. Rinoa pulled out a canteen of water. Squall doused Seifer with water and the blond shook his head a moment. He was bleeding from many areas, but seemed to be spared from any burning. He was blackened however from the smoke and ash.
Seifer opened his eyes and immediately felt pain, his entire body felt like it had been crushed, the most pain was in his ribs and left arm through.
=== === Fishermen's Horizon === ===
Quistis got off the train along with the other refugees.
She quickly left to get some sleep, she knew the monster that attacked her and Seifer would be back. She felt terrible that Seifer stayed behind, just for the fact he stayed behind so everyone could escape. In a way, it really made sense, Seifer always loved to play the hero. She frowned. The Knight didn't always slay the dragon.
=== === Balamb === ===
Seifer looked up as his eyes adjusted to the light, it started to focus and he saw Squall standing over him.
"Ugh, not the best face to wake up to," Seifer said and tried to chuckle, but it hurt too much.
"Seifer, what the hell is going on here?" Squall asked. Seifer coughed a moment and regained his voice. "Water," He ordered. Squall growled and handed him the canteen. Seifer drank as much as he could and put it down.
"Quistis and I came here to find Garden," He said. "What?" Squall asked looking disbelieving. "We where attacked by two big ass dogs and some freak who talked smoothly," He said. "They claimed to work for some psychopath named Drake," Seifer said.
Everyone listened intently. "When we got here, we found no Garden, so we where going to head out tomorrow, then that FREAK came here," Seifer said looking angry. "He just about killed me," Seifer said.
"Where is Quistis?" Selphie asked. "Wherever the people of Balamb are, or the people who escaped anyway," Seifer explained. "So, did you do the valiant thing and stay here to hold off Drake?" Ian mocked bitterly.
"Actually, I did, because I knew he'd catch us unless SOMEONE stayed behind, and he wanted Quistis more then me," Seifer explained.
"Alright Squall, we have the information, can we kill him now?" Ian asked. "Why are you so eager to kill him?" Rinoa asked looking questioning. "He's responsible for this," Ian said.
"How, so far that's a pretty wide answer," Irvine growled. Ian looked at Seifer who was sitting against the wall. "Answer the question," Selphie said.
Zell ran towards the group and breathed hard. "We found about 10 people," He said. "Hold on," Squall ordered.
"He gave the piece of Ultimecia to Drake at his death," Ian said. "So? Killing him now wouldn't that just pass it on again?" Selphie asked. "No, it has to be... just kill him alright?" Ian asked. "I'm ordering you to answer that question," Squall said in a low tone.
"The part of the Sorceress which is inside him is dormant, and cannot be awakened while it is inside Seifer," He said. "He cannot transfer it either, unless someone who is a blood relation is near him," Ian explained. Seifer just looked up at the young man. He didn't like where this was going.
"Relation?" Irvine asked.
"The thing that burnt this town to the ground, and is trying to kill Quistis," Ian said. "His full name is Drake Trepe-Almasy,"
=== === End Chapter === ===