This chapter is dedicated to Crystalight for being my very first reviewer.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OC's.
Chapter Two.
The majestic dragon ship soured through the air with a mind of his own, clouds gliding across the clear glass of the passenger room; where everyone was located, shock overtaking them as the lose of their friend and leader sank in. All of them being oblivious to the absence of Laguna, Kiros, Ward and Ellone.
Quistis was suffering. She shouldn't have left him alone, deep down she knew Raijin would fight dirty. It was probably Fujin who had ambushed him, those two were never far apart. The blonde turned her head to see the crushed sorceress sitting opposite. Her brown eyes drained of life. She had eventually stopped crying hysterically and now was staring into space, her empty eyes red and sore. Guilt over came Quistis, smothering her. She'll never forgive me, no one will; including myself.
"We'll bust him out Rinoa." A fully renewed Zell said trying make her feel better; but to no avail.
"Quistis." Reddish-brown hair appeared over the seat in-front of her. "We should be almost there now."
Their temporary leader nodded. "Go check."
The shorter girl left her seat and out the passenger room, followed closelyby Irvine, heading to the cockpit.
An uncomfortable silence remained in the room, nobody knowing what to say. What could anyone say to make the pain diminish?
The Ragnarok gently touched down; Selphie regaining control, her hands were shaking terribly. Irvine touched her shoulder in support and comfort.
Feeling the soft touch of landing, Quistis stood up and summoning all her guts to touch the shattered teen on the shoulder. She was surprised to find it was not shoved off just as quick. "Rinoa? We're here."
".........." Nothing, she didn't even turn her head. Did she even hear her?
"W-We're going outside, we won't be long."
Rinoa move her head showing she understood. The real first signs of life she had made since she stopped crying. Quistis gestured her head for Zell to follow as she headed out of the passenger room. They were joined by Irvine and Selphie before going outside to their awaiting sanctuary.
Out of the mighty ship, the sight that greated them was nothing any of them could have prepared for, but deep down expected. The world-famous mercenary school; that trained and dispatched some of the best SeeD's ever know, including the very people standing before it, was in ruins. Rubble was the only thing left, that signified it had even existed.
"What the hell? Did we take a wrong turn?" The martial artist blurted out, turning to each of his friends in turn looking for answers.
"No, this is it." Emerald eyes teared up, realisation kicking in. "This is Balamb Garden!"
"It's-It's destroyed." Quistis withheld her fury. How she wished she could explode with anger, or sit and weep until she was exhausted. She had always been fiercely protective of the Garden, her home since she was a child, her only true home, the place she felt safe. Content. No, she had to be strong; keep her cool, have her head screwed on for the others sake. If she broke down now they would be lost.
"WHY?" Selphie's voice filled the air, she fell to her knees, tears streaming down her pale cheeks. Light-brown leather sleeves embraced her. Pulling her to his chest, tears soaking his purple shirt. He stroked her hair in aid of comfort.
Quistis opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Why could not she say anything, she was a former instructor for crying out loud, she should be able to comfort and reassure her friends.
"NOOOOO!"
Quistis pushed back her thought, she ran to owner of the yell. Zell had wandered to Balamb town, which was it the same shape as the Garden - ageing ruins. Tears dripped off the blondes face, he pounded the ground mercilessly. "Ma no!" Quistis place her hand on his shoulder; trying to mask the shaking she felt.
"Ultimecia must have done this!" Zell fumed once regaining his composure. They sat in the middle of the remainder of their destroyed home. "I'LL KILL THE BITCH!!"
"Zell, please. Shouting isn't goin' to help." Her voice was authoritarian, but her blue eyes reflected her understanding and pain.
"Humph." Zell sat back down. "What now?"
"What about Galbadia or Trabia?" The sharpshooter inquired, his arm holding Selphie protectively against him.
"If Balamb is like this, we should assume the other Gardens are the same." Quistis seemed to be the giver of bad news lately. "I'm sorry."
"But what if your wrong!" Selphie eyes watered up again. Desperate for this to be a dream. Hoping she would wake up any minute. But there was no waking up from this.
"She's right Sefie." Irvine tightened his grip, Selphie clutching his chest never wanting to let go. "Why destroy one?"
"Hey! What about Esthar?" Blue eye's glimmered with hope. "It's concealed, right?"
"Zell!" Quistis own hope reivied. "That's brilliant!" She looked to Selphie and Irvine, their eyes coming back to life. Well, as much as possible. "Lets go!"
Let me know what you think, please.
See ya.
Silver Tigeress.