I'm revealing the ???? person in this chapter!!Sorry if it's too early,but
I needed it to go with the flow of the story!!
Chapter Thirty (Rinoa's POV)
A drop of water fell on my face.Grimacing,I moved my body and pressed my palm against my eyes,opening them.My body was still a little sore,but right now,I found myself in a beautifully furnished room.Something soft and cosy a beneath me,and when I looked down,I saw that it was a master-sized bed.Above,on the ceiling,was a lose pipe from which the water dripped.
~Wait...bed?!?!~ I immediately looked around to see if anyone was about.Nobody was.Then I remembered what happened last night.
Seryn....I couldn't believe she'd betray me..but it didn't sound logical or right....I thought she looked a little afraid when I opened the door for her,and when she attacked me,she didn't feel like her.I felt another evil presence.
But time pass...and people change....what if Seryn really was really evil?She looked and sounded normal to me...but.....you can't judge a book by it's cover....
My mind returned to the present and my problem.Where the heck was I?And why was I placed in such a posh room?I thought a kidnapped person would be just thrown into some dungeon or cell or someplace like that.....
~Squall....~ I ached for him and his protective embrace.Closing my eyes and concentrating hard,I tried to send telepathic messages to him,but failed.Panicked,I then tried to use my powers in another way.I held out my palm,intending to light a fire on it.
Not even a flicker of flame appeared.
~What?Is there some kind of anti-magic field here?~ I got off the bed and explored the whole room,trying to find any way out,but to no avail.As I checked the window,the door suddenly unlocked and flew open.I spun round only to find a familiar face there.
"Seifer?!" I squeaked.He simply smiled a wicked smile and shut the door.I heard a click,telling me that he locked the door again.
"Hello,Sorceress..." he said calmly.I blinked at him in surprise.Since when did Seifer started calling me 'Sorceress'?I was very sure that he was being controlled,judging by the unusual glint in his eyes and his weird character.
"Who are you?" I asked boldly.
"Mmm...perhaps it is time I introduce myself..." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully."I am Zoan...Sorceror Zoan..."
~Zoan...?That...that was the person the professor was talking about!~ I just stared at him without a word,and he laughed.
"Heard of me,I guess?I'm sure that silly little Vine told everyone about what he found and did..."
"So you're just...possessing Seifer....aren't you?" I felt that I just needed to make sure.He cast me a piercing stare and grinned.
"Of course.....how do you think he'd know about your mother,anyway?"
~Mother...no...~ "I didn't...I didn't kill her..." I said,tears beginning to moist my eyes."I didn't know anything..."
"Shh....do not be afraid,my dear.It isn't such a big deal...killing someone..."
"I didn't kill her!"
"You cannot hide the truth...you know that..."
"No,I didn't,I didn't!!!"
He simply laughed again and advanced to me slowly,taking Hyperion out.I took a few steps back,still crying helplessly.
"Why do you deny it?If so,then what caused Julia Heartilly to die?Who killed her...?"
"I...I don't..know..." I buried my face in my hands and cried louder.My aching for Squall was stronger now...if I was back in Garden,he'd hold me and tell me everything would be alright...he'd soothe me with his caresses and kisses...
~Squall....I need you...where are you?~
"Poor girl..." I felt him push me against the wall.Something cold touched my neck,but I didn't do anything.I didn't know what to do...what I wanted to do.....I didn't care what that Zoan guy was going to do to me...
I just wanted Squall...
"Squall..." I wailed softly,not remembering the fact that I wasn't alone.
"Ah,your knight,I suppose?Squall Leonhart...." He spat onto the ground in sudden anger."Leonhart...curse the Leonharts!Always trying to crash my plans...but this time,it will go as I want it to...even if that Leonhart comes...he'll die before he can even summon Griever..."
~What..?So it's true....what the professor said.....~ "He'll come and save me," I stated with confidence.
"Ahaha!How amusing!'He'll come and save me',you say?" Zoan taunted."Yes,he may know what has happened to you,but how would he know where you are?How will he find this place?He'll be at lost,my dear Sorceress...."
~No...~ "He'll find a way...I know he'll come!"
"Well...maybe he WILL come....only to find you dead...."
I stared at him with eyes wide in horror."What do you want with me?!" I demanded.
He smiled once more and pushed harder against me.He bent his head down to my ear."Just your powers.....but I have a request,though...." he whispered.His fingers ran along my cheek lightly and down to my abdomen through my chest.I wanted to shrink back...to melt into the wall...to do anything just to get away from him.
"Join me...together,we can rule the world....a Sorceror and a Sorceress....just like the past...." He was now beginning to rain short,gentle kisses on my neck.For a second,I was pulled back to the time when Seifer and I were involved--last summer.There was a moment when he had done the very same thing to me.Then it flashed in my mind;that man wan't Seifer.He was Zoan.
I ordered my suddenly weak and numb hands to reach up.As if my energy was being drained by his touches,I gave him a light shove."No....please,don't..." I whimpered."Stop!"
"Your answer,my Sorceress..." He simply replied.I was so weak that even my own legs couldn't support the weight of my body.If it wasn't for his hands holding and steadying me up against the wall,I'd have fall off to the floor.
"No...." I answered under my breath.Tired,I involuntarily rested my head against his.I tried to stop myself from doing so,but lack of energy made me fail.
~What's going on?Is he absorbing my energy or something?~
"I can't hear you," he said calmly.
"No..." It was softer this time.He irritatingly replied,"Louder.."
"I said.....NO!" With that last bit of energy,I fell limp against him.
Chapter Thirty One (Seifer's POV)
I clutched my head in depression.That Zoan guy!I wanted to kill him just at the mention of his name.He made me feel like a puppet...a little person he just wanted to use....
A lapdog...
~NO!!I promised myself I'm NOT going to be someone else's toy again!!~ I wanted to yell...scream my heart out to release my anger,but nothing came out of my voice box.My thoughts shifted back to Rinoa.It was torturing....and it hurt like hell to see her so scared and hopeless.I couldn't say that I didn't like the part where Zoan got a little kinky with her...it just refreshed some past memories of the last summer we spent together.I had to admit it,I still had some feelings for Rinoa although we agreed to just 'have some fun',as she put it.
Well...maybe not a lover's kind of feeling...~I'll leave that one to Puberty Boy...~ Just the concern feeling of a friend,I suppose.Oh yeah,it was concern,alright.It wasn't everyday that Seifer Almasy gets worried about something.I just hoped Rinoa was okay.Fortunately,that Zoan guy didn't plan to make any move on her.I was actually a little shocked when I found her leaning her whole body onto me,then realised that she had fainted.Controlling none of my movements at all,I carried her up and placed her onto the bed,walked out,and then finally gained real control of my body.
~What was that jackass-of-a-Sorceror trying to do with her?First,he gets all turned on,then he just pulls the plug off....~ (Not that I was hoping he didn't...)
I slammed my fist into the wall in frustration.Then I wondered,how did Rinoa get there?Did that Zoan guy had her transported from Garden?Or did he kidnapped her from there?Or maybe he had another puppet of his to do the dirty job..?
I decided to think that the answer was the last possibility.It was because I suddenly remembered the figure I saw the other day...the one that I couldn't recognize.Even then,I tried to,but I just couldn't remember where I'd seen that guy,or girl before.
With a sigh,I lowered my forehead into my hands again.Then,for the first time in my life,I began to really hope that Squall Leonhart would come and get me--to be precise,us--out of this mess....
Chapter Thirty Two (Squall's POV)
"I need to see Professor Vine!" I yelled at the guard,but he still shook his head and replied firmly,"The professor and doctor are busy now.Please leave."
"I need to see them,dammit!!" I wanted to take out Lionheart and just slice the idiot into pieces.I had already waited for 3 days before Dr.Kadowaki finally let me out of the Infirmary.3 days!Anything could happen to Rinoa in 3 days....~Dammit....~
"I told you,sir,they are busy.You have to leave."
This was going too far.I slid Lionheart out dangerously and was about to scream my head off when a calm voice interrupted our quarrel.
"Jose,let him pass."
The guard straightened up and saluted."Uh,Mr.President,sir!Yes,sir!"
I turned and saw Laguna--my father.Grunting,I just pushed pass the guard and rushed in without a word.Flinging the doors to the Lab. open,I strided in.Nobody was about.I marched to the other laboratory further in and finally saw both the professor and doctor in there,doing some kind of experiment and talking busily.
"Hey,you!" I pushed open the door and pointed at the pair.They gave a shocked exclamation and jumped apart.
"Zot!Vat iz thiz?!" demanded Odine angrily."You cannot see zat ve are doing sumzhing?"
"Shut up,I just want Vine," I replied just as angrily and pulled at Vine's collar,dragging my gunblade out."What do you know about Griever and Zoan?!"
The professor gave a shriek and trembled from head to toe."V-v-v-vat do you vant?" he stammered.
Fortunately,at that moment,the door opened again and my comrade splashed in.Selphie gave a tiny scream when she saw us.
"Eeek!Squall,put that down!You just want some answers,not kill him!"
Realising that sensible remark from her,I lowered Vine and slided Lionheart back into its case.Vine huffed and shrugged."Vat do you vant,SeeD?'
"Tell me all you know about Griever,Zoan and the whole thing.Tell me now!!"
He gave me a weird look,then chuckled."So...you finally believed me?Hehehe...zat is good..."
"Tell me,dammit!" I reached out for his collar again but he backed off immediately."TELL ME!!"
"Squall,calm down,man." Zell pulled me back from plunging forward.
"Yeah.Being panicked isn't gonna help Rinoa...." Quistis stated.I closed my eyes and massaged my temples,trying to keep cool.
~Yes...cool....think....focus...be cool...~ "Dammit,Vine how many times am I gonna repeat it?Tell me about Griever!"
"Hmmph...ve shall go to my office and--" began the professor but I cut him off.
"Just say it all here.I don't have anymore time to waste.."
"Pfft...if you vish." Vine straightened his outfit."Vat do you vant to know?"
"Where's this Sorceror Zoan?"
"Hemm....it iz hard,but I am still looking for him.I have a few places zat he might be,but I haven't actually checked zem.But since ze Sorceress Rinoa is on our side,we have an advantage.She can use her--"
"Rinoa's gone.She....got kidnapped by a bitch and disappeared into no where.I think Zoan got her..."
"Eh?Oh...mmm...I forgot to tell you zat zat may have happened when you came here zat day...Zoan wants her powers.."
Anger flared up in me suddenly."What?!You knew she might get kidnapped?!Why didn't you tell me?!" I plunged in front and almost reached that little mite of a professor when Zell and Irvine tugged me back hurriedly."You lit--"
"SQUALL!!" echoed my comrades.I clenched my fists and breathed heavily.Vine and Odine seemed nervous at my outbreak,but I waved my hand wearily.
"Continue..."
"Emm...Zoan vants her powers to summon ze evil Guarzian Force,Hixon.He isn't strong enough after a few centuries of...being locked up in a ring.Az you already know,only the legendary Guarzian Force,Griever,may defeat it.Ze summoner vill face Zoan,while both the Guarzian Forces battle each other."
"But how come Griever told me to call him 'when it's time'?What did he mean?" I asked.
Vine looked shocked."He told you?Vhen?How?"
"In my dreams....he told me he would communicate with me through my dreams...." I anwered,then rubbed my chin."And he also knew that Rinoa would be kidnapped..." I added quietly.
My comrades,who hadn't heard of these before,looked surprised and glanced at each other,but they said nothing.
"Amazing!Griever actually communicates with his summoner?I must get zat down in my notebook..." Vine looked around for something,but I frowned,irritated.
"Write it down later.Keep going...."
Vine muttered something under his breat,but I didn't bother to know what he said.He crossed his arms and continued,"You zo not know?"
"Know what?"
"You can only summon Griever when Zoan and Hixon are veak.But do not worry.When Zoan is veak,Hixon vill follow him.Griever doe not battle them to death,he only acts as a--how do you say it?--he only returns them to their rightful places,as you do not have ze power to do zat."
"You mean...I just call him when I think that Zoan and Hixon are going down?How will I do that?Just yell out 'Griever,come here' ?"
"No,no,no,no...he...hasn't told you?"
I blinked."Told me what?"
Vine suddenly looked rather serious."I vill explain everything.Griever will tell you how to summon him...I do not know how,for only the summoner may know.But...you have to--how do you say?--pay your price for vat you vant."
"What do you mean?"
Vine took a deep breath,looking more serious than ever."Zoan and Hixon vill perish,but...."
A pause.
"But what?" I asked.His answer made my heart cold uncontrollably.
"You vill die."
There were alarmed gasps from my comrades.My eyebrows burrowed deeper.
"And why is that?"
"Griever alone iz not enough to banish Zoan and Hixon.Both of you need to combine your powerz...meaning,he'll extract all your energy from you,using it and his to defeat them.But take note,not only your energy goez to him.Your mind,soul....everything else vill follow.In other words,you vill be him...just both of you sharing the same body..."
I was suddenly washed with the feeling of slight shock,and,though I didn't want to admit it,I was a little afraid too,I guess.But I was bewildered.Why was I afraid?I'm a SeeD,aren't I?SeeDs shouldn't be afraid of dying...they train their mind and body to accept death...to accept their fate...
~If I call Griever....I'll die...but...~
Then I made my decision.I wanted Rinoa to live.I didn't care what was going to happen...I just wanted her alive and safe....away from any other evil...
"So,after that,it's guarenteed that the Sorceror will never appear again?" I said.
"Ve must lock Zoan's spirit into his ring and destroy it.But here iz another thing you must remember.Lock him up only after Griever has done his work.Once he is inside the ring,destroy it vith every power you have....only zhen can the future be free of his evil grasp once more..."
There was another pause,this time longer.I lowered my eyes to the floor."Find where Zoan is." It wasn't a request but a command I wanted Vine and Odine to obey."When you know,inform me.Then I'll make sure he's dead for good..."
My comrades gasped again."Squall," said Selphie urgently."Don't you know that--"
"Yeah,you'll die,man!!" Zell finished in panic.
"Do you know what you're doing?" Irvine demanded.I gave him a cold stare and replied in a hard tone,"I'm saving Rinoa.That's what I'm doing."
Even so,they still looked uneasy and fidgeted around.Only Quistis looked normal.I guess she understood my reason...I knew she had this....well,crush or something,on me before...and that's why she didn't object to my answer,I suppose.I turned to Vine once more.
"You heard me,didn't you?Find that Zoan.Search every nook and corner for him.I want him dead by tomorrow...and I'll do the deed.." I said coldly.
Vine looked at his cousin,rubbing his chin thoughtfully.Odine nodded and he gave the answer,"Very vell.I vill try my best."
"Don't try your best.Do it," I commanded.
"Zot!You dare order me around?!" Vine flared up but Odine patted him and whispered something into his ear.Then he grinned from ear to ear.
"On vann(one) condition."
I narrowed my gaze."What the hell...?"
"You vill send ze Sorceress to me and let me examine her!" replied Odine gleefully.I almost took out my gunblade and slashed at him,but when I thought again,I realised I had no choice.If I didn't know where Zoan was,Rinoa would probably die.And if Odine and Vine examined her,her chances of dying is probably lesser.
"Alright." I hated to say that word,but I had to."But I swear,if you hurt her or plan to seal her powers up or something,I'm really gonna..." Then I stopped.What was I gonna do?I'd be dead,wouldn't I?How would I protect Rinoa?
"We'll kill ya!" Selphie came to my rescue."Rinoa's our friend too,you know?We're not gonna let ya do something to her!"
"Yeah!!" Zell smacked his fist into his palm."So you just watch out!"
I looked at my comrades gratefully and nodded slightly."Tomorrow...tomorrow morning...let me know..." I said to Vine.He simply chuckled.
~Rinoa...hang on....~
Chapter Thirty Three (Quistis' POV)
I knew Squall loved her with all his heart,but to tell you the truth,I was actually a little shocked too when he said he'd wanted to save her.I didn't want to show it because I knew doing so wouldn't change Squall's deicison.I mean,how long has he been my student?4 or 5 years?I understood him through,though maybe not as good as Rinoa does.Sometimes I just feel...well,in awe..and disappointed too.Awe because Rinoa simply opened Squall up as fast as someone opening an unlocked door,and disappointment because I wasn't Squall's choice.
But they deserved each other...I knew that.They were simply meant for each other.It was like fate,and I couldn't believe it too,at first....how he'd met her in the SeeD Graduation Party...then met her again in Timber for his mission....and then saved her in space....it was just like....like...
~A novel....a romance novel....everything was planned properly...everything suited the others....~
Chapter Thirty Four (Zoan's POV)
"How is the Sorceress?" I asked,running a finger along my chin.
"Still unconscious.You must have extracted a lot of energy from her,master," my little pawn replied.I simply laughed.
"Just a little....I feel refreshed now...next,it's just her powers and the ritual for Hixon...then the world will be mine..."
"Is there anything else I can get for you,master?"
I thought for a moment,then nodded and answered,"Yes.I need a body.Find me one...anything,just something I can control."
"But what about Almasy?You can use him,master."
"Almasy will be a sacrifice.I cannot possess him when Hixon is here.Just find me a body by tonight."
She lowered her head and bowed."Yes,master..."
I smiled and made sure she heard my next sentence clearly.
"Do not fail me,Xu....."
GWA HAH HAHAHAHAHA!!!I bet ya didn't think of it!!!HAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAH!!!Anyway,review...
Chapter Thirty (Rinoa's POV)
A drop of water fell on my face.Grimacing,I moved my body and pressed my palm against my eyes,opening them.My body was still a little sore,but right now,I found myself in a beautifully furnished room.Something soft and cosy a beneath me,and when I looked down,I saw that it was a master-sized bed.Above,on the ceiling,was a lose pipe from which the water dripped.
~Wait...bed?!?!~ I immediately looked around to see if anyone was about.Nobody was.Then I remembered what happened last night.
Seryn....I couldn't believe she'd betray me..but it didn't sound logical or right....I thought she looked a little afraid when I opened the door for her,and when she attacked me,she didn't feel like her.I felt another evil presence.
But time pass...and people change....what if Seryn really was really evil?She looked and sounded normal to me...but.....you can't judge a book by it's cover....
My mind returned to the present and my problem.Where the heck was I?And why was I placed in such a posh room?I thought a kidnapped person would be just thrown into some dungeon or cell or someplace like that.....
~Squall....~ I ached for him and his protective embrace.Closing my eyes and concentrating hard,I tried to send telepathic messages to him,but failed.Panicked,I then tried to use my powers in another way.I held out my palm,intending to light a fire on it.
Not even a flicker of flame appeared.
~What?Is there some kind of anti-magic field here?~ I got off the bed and explored the whole room,trying to find any way out,but to no avail.As I checked the window,the door suddenly unlocked and flew open.I spun round only to find a familiar face there.
"Seifer?!" I squeaked.He simply smiled a wicked smile and shut the door.I heard a click,telling me that he locked the door again.
"Hello,Sorceress..." he said calmly.I blinked at him in surprise.Since when did Seifer started calling me 'Sorceress'?I was very sure that he was being controlled,judging by the unusual glint in his eyes and his weird character.
"Who are you?" I asked boldly.
"Mmm...perhaps it is time I introduce myself..." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully."I am Zoan...Sorceror Zoan..."
~Zoan...?That...that was the person the professor was talking about!~ I just stared at him without a word,and he laughed.
"Heard of me,I guess?I'm sure that silly little Vine told everyone about what he found and did..."
"So you're just...possessing Seifer....aren't you?" I felt that I just needed to make sure.He cast me a piercing stare and grinned.
"Of course.....how do you think he'd know about your mother,anyway?"
~Mother...no...~ "I didn't...I didn't kill her..." I said,tears beginning to moist my eyes."I didn't know anything..."
"Shh....do not be afraid,my dear.It isn't such a big deal...killing someone..."
"I didn't kill her!"
"You cannot hide the truth...you know that..."
"No,I didn't,I didn't!!!"
He simply laughed again and advanced to me slowly,taking Hyperion out.I took a few steps back,still crying helplessly.
"Why do you deny it?If so,then what caused Julia Heartilly to die?Who killed her...?"
"I...I don't..know..." I buried my face in my hands and cried louder.My aching for Squall was stronger now...if I was back in Garden,he'd hold me and tell me everything would be alright...he'd soothe me with his caresses and kisses...
~Squall....I need you...where are you?~
"Poor girl..." I felt him push me against the wall.Something cold touched my neck,but I didn't do anything.I didn't know what to do...what I wanted to do.....I didn't care what that Zoan guy was going to do to me...
I just wanted Squall...
"Squall..." I wailed softly,not remembering the fact that I wasn't alone.
"Ah,your knight,I suppose?Squall Leonhart...." He spat onto the ground in sudden anger."Leonhart...curse the Leonharts!Always trying to crash my plans...but this time,it will go as I want it to...even if that Leonhart comes...he'll die before he can even summon Griever..."
~What..?So it's true....what the professor said.....~ "He'll come and save me," I stated with confidence.
"Ahaha!How amusing!'He'll come and save me',you say?" Zoan taunted."Yes,he may know what has happened to you,but how would he know where you are?How will he find this place?He'll be at lost,my dear Sorceress...."
~No...~ "He'll find a way...I know he'll come!"
"Well...maybe he WILL come....only to find you dead...."
I stared at him with eyes wide in horror."What do you want with me?!" I demanded.
He smiled once more and pushed harder against me.He bent his head down to my ear."Just your powers.....but I have a request,though...." he whispered.His fingers ran along my cheek lightly and down to my abdomen through my chest.I wanted to shrink back...to melt into the wall...to do anything just to get away from him.
"Join me...together,we can rule the world....a Sorceror and a Sorceress....just like the past...." He was now beginning to rain short,gentle kisses on my neck.For a second,I was pulled back to the time when Seifer and I were involved--last summer.There was a moment when he had done the very same thing to me.Then it flashed in my mind;that man wan't Seifer.He was Zoan.
I ordered my suddenly weak and numb hands to reach up.As if my energy was being drained by his touches,I gave him a light shove."No....please,don't..." I whimpered."Stop!"
"Your answer,my Sorceress..." He simply replied.I was so weak that even my own legs couldn't support the weight of my body.If it wasn't for his hands holding and steadying me up against the wall,I'd have fall off to the floor.
"No...." I answered under my breath.Tired,I involuntarily rested my head against his.I tried to stop myself from doing so,but lack of energy made me fail.
~What's going on?Is he absorbing my energy or something?~
"I can't hear you," he said calmly.
"No..." It was softer this time.He irritatingly replied,"Louder.."
"I said.....NO!" With that last bit of energy,I fell limp against him.
Chapter Thirty One (Seifer's POV)
I clutched my head in depression.That Zoan guy!I wanted to kill him just at the mention of his name.He made me feel like a puppet...a little person he just wanted to use....
A lapdog...
~NO!!I promised myself I'm NOT going to be someone else's toy again!!~ I wanted to yell...scream my heart out to release my anger,but nothing came out of my voice box.My thoughts shifted back to Rinoa.It was torturing....and it hurt like hell to see her so scared and hopeless.I couldn't say that I didn't like the part where Zoan got a little kinky with her...it just refreshed some past memories of the last summer we spent together.I had to admit it,I still had some feelings for Rinoa although we agreed to just 'have some fun',as she put it.
Well...maybe not a lover's kind of feeling...~I'll leave that one to Puberty Boy...~ Just the concern feeling of a friend,I suppose.Oh yeah,it was concern,alright.It wasn't everyday that Seifer Almasy gets worried about something.I just hoped Rinoa was okay.Fortunately,that Zoan guy didn't plan to make any move on her.I was actually a little shocked when I found her leaning her whole body onto me,then realised that she had fainted.Controlling none of my movements at all,I carried her up and placed her onto the bed,walked out,and then finally gained real control of my body.
~What was that jackass-of-a-Sorceror trying to do with her?First,he gets all turned on,then he just pulls the plug off....~ (Not that I was hoping he didn't...)
I slammed my fist into the wall in frustration.Then I wondered,how did Rinoa get there?Did that Zoan guy had her transported from Garden?Or did he kidnapped her from there?Or maybe he had another puppet of his to do the dirty job..?
I decided to think that the answer was the last possibility.It was because I suddenly remembered the figure I saw the other day...the one that I couldn't recognize.Even then,I tried to,but I just couldn't remember where I'd seen that guy,or girl before.
With a sigh,I lowered my forehead into my hands again.Then,for the first time in my life,I began to really hope that Squall Leonhart would come and get me--to be precise,us--out of this mess....
Chapter Thirty Two (Squall's POV)
"I need to see Professor Vine!" I yelled at the guard,but he still shook his head and replied firmly,"The professor and doctor are busy now.Please leave."
"I need to see them,dammit!!" I wanted to take out Lionheart and just slice the idiot into pieces.I had already waited for 3 days before Dr.Kadowaki finally let me out of the Infirmary.3 days!Anything could happen to Rinoa in 3 days....~Dammit....~
"I told you,sir,they are busy.You have to leave."
This was going too far.I slid Lionheart out dangerously and was about to scream my head off when a calm voice interrupted our quarrel.
"Jose,let him pass."
The guard straightened up and saluted."Uh,Mr.President,sir!Yes,sir!"
I turned and saw Laguna--my father.Grunting,I just pushed pass the guard and rushed in without a word.Flinging the doors to the Lab. open,I strided in.Nobody was about.I marched to the other laboratory further in and finally saw both the professor and doctor in there,doing some kind of experiment and talking busily.
"Hey,you!" I pushed open the door and pointed at the pair.They gave a shocked exclamation and jumped apart.
"Zot!Vat iz thiz?!" demanded Odine angrily."You cannot see zat ve are doing sumzhing?"
"Shut up,I just want Vine," I replied just as angrily and pulled at Vine's collar,dragging my gunblade out."What do you know about Griever and Zoan?!"
The professor gave a shriek and trembled from head to toe."V-v-v-vat do you vant?" he stammered.
Fortunately,at that moment,the door opened again and my comrade splashed in.Selphie gave a tiny scream when she saw us.
"Eeek!Squall,put that down!You just want some answers,not kill him!"
Realising that sensible remark from her,I lowered Vine and slided Lionheart back into its case.Vine huffed and shrugged."Vat do you vant,SeeD?'
"Tell me all you know about Griever,Zoan and the whole thing.Tell me now!!"
He gave me a weird look,then chuckled."So...you finally believed me?Hehehe...zat is good..."
"Tell me,dammit!" I reached out for his collar again but he backed off immediately."TELL ME!!"
"Squall,calm down,man." Zell pulled me back from plunging forward.
"Yeah.Being panicked isn't gonna help Rinoa...." Quistis stated.I closed my eyes and massaged my temples,trying to keep cool.
~Yes...cool....think....focus...be cool...~ "Dammit,Vine how many times am I gonna repeat it?Tell me about Griever!"
"Hmmph...ve shall go to my office and--" began the professor but I cut him off.
"Just say it all here.I don't have anymore time to waste.."
"Pfft...if you vish." Vine straightened his outfit."Vat do you vant to know?"
"Where's this Sorceror Zoan?"
"Hemm....it iz hard,but I am still looking for him.I have a few places zat he might be,but I haven't actually checked zem.But since ze Sorceress Rinoa is on our side,we have an advantage.She can use her--"
"Rinoa's gone.She....got kidnapped by a bitch and disappeared into no where.I think Zoan got her..."
"Eh?Oh...mmm...I forgot to tell you zat zat may have happened when you came here zat day...Zoan wants her powers.."
Anger flared up in me suddenly."What?!You knew she might get kidnapped?!Why didn't you tell me?!" I plunged in front and almost reached that little mite of a professor when Zell and Irvine tugged me back hurriedly."You lit--"
"SQUALL!!" echoed my comrades.I clenched my fists and breathed heavily.Vine and Odine seemed nervous at my outbreak,but I waved my hand wearily.
"Continue..."
"Emm...Zoan vants her powers to summon ze evil Guarzian Force,Hixon.He isn't strong enough after a few centuries of...being locked up in a ring.Az you already know,only the legendary Guarzian Force,Griever,may defeat it.Ze summoner vill face Zoan,while both the Guarzian Forces battle each other."
"But how come Griever told me to call him 'when it's time'?What did he mean?" I asked.
Vine looked shocked."He told you?Vhen?How?"
"In my dreams....he told me he would communicate with me through my dreams...." I anwered,then rubbed my chin."And he also knew that Rinoa would be kidnapped..." I added quietly.
My comrades,who hadn't heard of these before,looked surprised and glanced at each other,but they said nothing.
"Amazing!Griever actually communicates with his summoner?I must get zat down in my notebook..." Vine looked around for something,but I frowned,irritated.
"Write it down later.Keep going...."
Vine muttered something under his breat,but I didn't bother to know what he said.He crossed his arms and continued,"You zo not know?"
"Know what?"
"You can only summon Griever when Zoan and Hixon are veak.But do not worry.When Zoan is veak,Hixon vill follow him.Griever doe not battle them to death,he only acts as a--how do you say it?--he only returns them to their rightful places,as you do not have ze power to do zat."
"You mean...I just call him when I think that Zoan and Hixon are going down?How will I do that?Just yell out 'Griever,come here' ?"
"No,no,no,no...he...hasn't told you?"
I blinked."Told me what?"
Vine suddenly looked rather serious."I vill explain everything.Griever will tell you how to summon him...I do not know how,for only the summoner may know.But...you have to--how do you say?--pay your price for vat you vant."
"What do you mean?"
Vine took a deep breath,looking more serious than ever."Zoan and Hixon vill perish,but...."
A pause.
"But what?" I asked.His answer made my heart cold uncontrollably.
"You vill die."
There were alarmed gasps from my comrades.My eyebrows burrowed deeper.
"And why is that?"
"Griever alone iz not enough to banish Zoan and Hixon.Both of you need to combine your powerz...meaning,he'll extract all your energy from you,using it and his to defeat them.But take note,not only your energy goez to him.Your mind,soul....everything else vill follow.In other words,you vill be him...just both of you sharing the same body..."
I was suddenly washed with the feeling of slight shock,and,though I didn't want to admit it,I was a little afraid too,I guess.But I was bewildered.Why was I afraid?I'm a SeeD,aren't I?SeeDs shouldn't be afraid of dying...they train their mind and body to accept death...to accept their fate...
~If I call Griever....I'll die...but...~
Then I made my decision.I wanted Rinoa to live.I didn't care what was going to happen...I just wanted her alive and safe....away from any other evil...
"So,after that,it's guarenteed that the Sorceror will never appear again?" I said.
"Ve must lock Zoan's spirit into his ring and destroy it.But here iz another thing you must remember.Lock him up only after Griever has done his work.Once he is inside the ring,destroy it vith every power you have....only zhen can the future be free of his evil grasp once more..."
There was another pause,this time longer.I lowered my eyes to the floor."Find where Zoan is." It wasn't a request but a command I wanted Vine and Odine to obey."When you know,inform me.Then I'll make sure he's dead for good..."
My comrades gasped again."Squall," said Selphie urgently."Don't you know that--"
"Yeah,you'll die,man!!" Zell finished in panic.
"Do you know what you're doing?" Irvine demanded.I gave him a cold stare and replied in a hard tone,"I'm saving Rinoa.That's what I'm doing."
Even so,they still looked uneasy and fidgeted around.Only Quistis looked normal.I guess she understood my reason...I knew she had this....well,crush or something,on me before...and that's why she didn't object to my answer,I suppose.I turned to Vine once more.
"You heard me,didn't you?Find that Zoan.Search every nook and corner for him.I want him dead by tomorrow...and I'll do the deed.." I said coldly.
Vine looked at his cousin,rubbing his chin thoughtfully.Odine nodded and he gave the answer,"Very vell.I vill try my best."
"Don't try your best.Do it," I commanded.
"Zot!You dare order me around?!" Vine flared up but Odine patted him and whispered something into his ear.Then he grinned from ear to ear.
"On vann(one) condition."
I narrowed my gaze."What the hell...?"
"You vill send ze Sorceress to me and let me examine her!" replied Odine gleefully.I almost took out my gunblade and slashed at him,but when I thought again,I realised I had no choice.If I didn't know where Zoan was,Rinoa would probably die.And if Odine and Vine examined her,her chances of dying is probably lesser.
"Alright." I hated to say that word,but I had to."But I swear,if you hurt her or plan to seal her powers up or something,I'm really gonna..." Then I stopped.What was I gonna do?I'd be dead,wouldn't I?How would I protect Rinoa?
"We'll kill ya!" Selphie came to my rescue."Rinoa's our friend too,you know?We're not gonna let ya do something to her!"
"Yeah!!" Zell smacked his fist into his palm."So you just watch out!"
I looked at my comrades gratefully and nodded slightly."Tomorrow...tomorrow morning...let me know..." I said to Vine.He simply chuckled.
~Rinoa...hang on....~
Chapter Thirty Three (Quistis' POV)
I knew Squall loved her with all his heart,but to tell you the truth,I was actually a little shocked too when he said he'd wanted to save her.I didn't want to show it because I knew doing so wouldn't change Squall's deicison.I mean,how long has he been my student?4 or 5 years?I understood him through,though maybe not as good as Rinoa does.Sometimes I just feel...well,in awe..and disappointed too.Awe because Rinoa simply opened Squall up as fast as someone opening an unlocked door,and disappointment because I wasn't Squall's choice.
But they deserved each other...I knew that.They were simply meant for each other.It was like fate,and I couldn't believe it too,at first....how he'd met her in the SeeD Graduation Party...then met her again in Timber for his mission....and then saved her in space....it was just like....like...
~A novel....a romance novel....everything was planned properly...everything suited the others....~
Chapter Thirty Four (Zoan's POV)
"How is the Sorceress?" I asked,running a finger along my chin.
"Still unconscious.You must have extracted a lot of energy from her,master," my little pawn replied.I simply laughed.
"Just a little....I feel refreshed now...next,it's just her powers and the ritual for Hixon...then the world will be mine..."
"Is there anything else I can get for you,master?"
I thought for a moment,then nodded and answered,"Yes.I need a body.Find me one...anything,just something I can control."
"But what about Almasy?You can use him,master."
"Almasy will be a sacrifice.I cannot possess him when Hixon is here.Just find me a body by tonight."
She lowered her head and bowed."Yes,master..."
I smiled and made sure she heard my next sentence clearly.
"Do not fail me,Xu....."
GWA HAH HAHAHAHAHA!!!I bet ya didn't think of it!!!HAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAH!!!Anyway,review...