DISCLAIMER: Squaresoft deserves all the credit. With amazing talent,
imagination and creativity they are the ones who produced this oh-so-
wonderful game that got us gamers addicted to our TV screens. Hail,
Square! And FF8 does not belong to me *sobs*. I wish!
CHAPTER 3: Weaknesses
He woke up gasping and breathing heavily. In the darkness, though unseen the blond spiky haired young man shuddered. It was so vivid, he thought. This time his nightmare had no voice. Only images that horrified him. In his dream all the things that he dreaded was shown. His friends abandoned him. Each one turned against him telling him he's no longer needed. It felt like a massive blow to him. A blow harder and painful than he ever gave to an enemy that crossed his path.
It was his biggest fear. The rejection of his own friends that made him feel unaccepted. Behind his lively, rowdy attitude he wants to be accepted among his peers. He wants to be truly liked for being himself. Not that his friends don't respect and accept him. They do. But before he became close to all of them, even before he became a SeeD he always feared rejection. He always felt afraid that people only see a loud, brash young fighter. Inside he's more than that. He has a great potential that amazes even him when he gets a chance to use it. Fighting Ultimecia was one of those. By the strength of his friends he found strength in himself too. Together they achieved something that changed their lives. But in his dream they abandoned him. One by one.
A second image appeared soon after. It's vision more terrifying than before. His parents suffering. It kills him to know that he doesn't have the power to protect his parents. He saw them running. He doesn't know where or why, but the terror on his mom's face is enough to break him. Then suddenly their house is on fire. Flames licked the walls and spread like wildfire. Trapped inside, he saw his mom crying and calling out his name. His dad clutched her, terror written all over his face.
"Ma! Pa! I'm coming! Hold on!" he cried. He tried to run, but he gets nowhere. He just stays on one spot as if he's glued to the floor. He watched helplessly as the flames get nearer and nearer towards his parents. He watched in horror as if he's in a cinema watching his parents through the screen.
"Noooo! Maaaa! Paaaa!" an animal like scream rose from Zell's throat. The flames were so close he couldn't even see his parents anymore. He was crying uncontrollably now. Each sob a release of pain and agony he felt towards the loss of his parents. He may be adopted but he loved them both all the same. Tears flowed down his cheeks, an endless river. His heart hurt so much it's painful to breathe.
"Ma...Pa....I'm sorry.."
That's when it ended and he woke up in a sweat. His heart still pounding furiously. Never had he ever had a nightmare so frightening and clear.
The hell is this? He thought angrily. Lately he did notice he kept on having bad dreams. The same one over and over. He kept on hearing her voice. Taunting him, enjoying his every weakness. He never really mentioned this to anyone.
They'll think I've gone nuts, he told himself. She's gone. We took care of her. We kicked her ass hard! Knowing he won't be able to get back to sleep, he got changed from his white singlet and shorts to a black shirt and his navy blue track pants. With that he left his dorm and strolled towards the Training Centre hoping to take his mind off the disturbing visions clouding his mind.
* * * * * * *
His footsteps echoed softly among the halls of Balamb Garden as he wandered around mindlessly. He couldn't sleep, in fact didn't want to. The past couple of days were spent restlessly. He didn't understand it at all. He had nightmares before, but he never got one that happened so frequently. Once it happened he was shaken, but as days went on, his dreams became longer and vivid.
Every waking moment dreading the next would be worse. He knew it was her. He won't be able to forget that voice. He remembered every word.
At first it was babbling nonsense. About how he'll always be alone. No one to spend his times with, no one to talk to and no one to appreciate him. He'll always be the lone sharpshooter. Spending his days with his gun perfecting each shot.
Yes, he was alone a lot while he was still a novice with his gun. He accepted it because that's his job. Then he met his childhood friends again through a mission. First glance and he recognize those faces back in the orphanage. He met and knew them better. After what they've gone through together, he finally felt he was no longer alone. It's like a breath of fresh air to his lungs. Once in his life he could finally feel secure knowing he's got people whom he could depend on.
Then it became more threateningly. The voice let out words that struck him like a bullet. It spoke of how each one of his friends will leave him. How he'll always be forever alone. All this information is crazy. But in truth it touched his greatest fears. His friends are important to him. In fact they're all his got.
Yes, his biggest fear is loneliness. Loneliness has become his close friend during the endless hours of training he took. No one to share his hopes, dreams and life. It leaves you empty. But his friends took all of that. Now he could say that life finally has a purpose.
"You think your friends will stick around? You think your friends really care about you? You are just another individual to them. Oh yeeessss..you are beginning to depend on people, Irvine. You are becoming weak! Your friends won't be there for you.you will always be alone. Nothing lasts forever.I will take your friends away from you.just as you took something precious from me."
That same haunting voice. Every word becoming more hateful than the last. He always woke up fearing everyone he cared about is gone.
I actually believe that this stupid dream is going to come true, Irvine said miserably. Each night he finds himself wandering aimlessly, avoiding sleep.
"This is pointless. I'm letting a stupid nightmare run my life", he said to no one in particular. He still couldn't hold block out her voice. How he gets the chills whenever he thinks of how she said his name. He could practically see the sneer on her sinister face as she is saying those cruel words.
He sighed. He stopped and looked up finally aware where his feet are leading him to. He had stopped in front of the Training Centre. He stared at the giant double doors leading inside in as he has never seen the place before. He narrowed his eyes. A gentle breeze brushed against his form.
"Might as well", he muttered under his breath. This is one gonna be one hell of a night, he said silently walking towards the centre, cocking his gun.
* * * * * * * *
Quistis lay down on her bed wide awake. As usual during the past several days she couldn't have a decent shut eye. She's been having disturbing dreams lately. She couldn't tell exactly when they started, but each dream became more and more disturbing each time if occurred.
The first time wasn't really frightening. It was just darkness. She found herself wandering around, lost. Next time she heard a voice. It was a female voice, but not a soft feminine one. This one's cold. Cruel. Harsh. A steel knife that stabs through you. It taunted her and pointed out her fears. She described it in such a detail, it frightened her.
"Quistis, Quistis.you poor little child. You have everything most people want.except one. You don't have someone. You will never have one. Squall? He was never interested in you. You are nothing but an instructor to him. Oh well.at least he found someone. You didn't. You will never."
She woke up realizing her breath in short gasps. The dreams did bother her. Was it her inner self conscious to her great fears? Why was it Ultimecia's voice?
A thousand questions ran through her head. Each one unexplainable. We've taken care of her, she thought. Why is this happening? Why now?
She closed her eyes tightly as she ran through the voice. I will never find anyone huh? It did scare her. Truthfully, Quistis did feel lonely. She did once think that she was in love with Squall. She later realized that she wasn't really in love with him. It was her instinct to protect as an older sister that she confused as being "in love". Squall has Rinoa. After seeing the two of them together she finally accepted the fact that she and Squall aren't meant to be together. She never could touch his heart the way Rinoa did. After realizing the past about her childhood she figured out that the only reason she felt drawn to Squall was the fact that she was trying to take Ellone's place.
After accepting the truth she still hoped deep inside that he'll come to her. Everybody needs someone to love. Squall has Rinoa. Irvine is a naturally charismatic man; he won't have any trouble finding a lady. Selphie seems so young and innocent; she doesn't really need any romance in her life at the moment. Zell is a boisterous young man with many goals in his life. Like Selphie he's not really looking for romance at this time.
But herself she knows she wanted to feel needed and be loved. She sometimes envies Squall and Rinoa for their relationship. She wanted to have someone too, to be taken care of and to take care of him. She longed for the moment when "he" meets up with her and they fall in love.
She let out a deep breath. But wasn't that a fairy tale? Too perfect, too good to be true. I'm being silly, she though distressed. Such things only exist in fairy books. In stories. In dreams. Life is crueler. Reality isn't so kind.
The last part of her nightmare is unforgettable. It showed a vision that chilled her. She saw her hands covered and dripping with blood. She doesn't know whose blood, but seeing it froze her own. Bright scarlet blood running over her smooth pale skin. She raised them towards her face. So bright it made her dizzy.
Is this a warning? She thoughtfully chewed her bottom lip. The vision is short, but it's enough to keep her awake lying there alone for hours.
Feeling confused and stressed she changed into her usual peach outfit. Picking up her blue clip she pinned her hair back in its usual style. Grabbing more hair pins she made sure every strand is secure up. She let down two long strands in front of her face. She swiftly picked up her Save the Queen and with one last glance at her dresser mirror left her dorm shutting the door quietly.
A nice stroll around the Garden will do me well, she thought as she rounded the hallway. She stopped in front of Squall's room. She wondered if he's awake. For a split second she considered telling him her dreams but decided against it as soon as she figured it's hopeless. She hadn't forgotten what he told her last time she tried to speak to him heart to heart.
She continued around the halls just walking. I need some fresh air, she said to herself silently. I need a place where I can think alone. She looked around. She was completely alone. Funny, most of the time I really do feel that way.
Her eyes landed on the entrance of the Training Centre. Of course! The Secret Area!
Walking quickly towards it she thought about all the things invading her mind. At least I'll get some peace there. She stepped silently towards the double doors.
* * * *
Selphie had just started to doze off. It was a little after midnight, and she hadn't slept a wink at all. She had trouble sleeping the last few nights. All because of her unusual dreams. She doesn't even know what they mean, but lately it started scaring her.
Each dream seems so real, so vivid. She hasn't told anyone yet, but considered telling Quistis about this.
She felt her body relax, and her breathing even. Wait, something doesn't feel right. She felt her body stiffen, and her mind froze. This happens every time. Somehow she expected that voice to speak again. Ultimecia. Her worst enemy. She doesn't have any idea why she's dreaming about her.
She's dead! We defeated her! She didn't hear any words. Not tonight. She feared something much worse. She was right.
Laughter. Evil laughter that chilled her blood. Laughter that continued on and on.
Stop! Stop it!" She cried desperately. She tried to cover her ears hoping to block out the horrible noise. It still penetrated through her ears. She looked around. Darkness everywhere. She was in a middle of a void.
"Please stop! Enough!" She begged. She couldn't take it anymore. Her laughter so cruel and evil. So haunting. But what came next stuck to her mind. So horrific.
They were images. Very short but terrifying images, but to remember for as long as you live.
The images were all of her close friends. Dead. Each one died of a brutal and graphic way. Squall was lying on the ground, blood running down his face. His face is unrecognizable of the brutality of the mangled flesh. Half of his face was ripped off showing a little bit of the skull inside. She wasn't able to tell it's him until she saw the Griever necklace hanging around his bloody neck.
The image quickly disappeared and replaced by another chilling picture. It was Irvine's face frozen in a look of pain and terror. His eyes staring accusingly back at her. A sharp piece of metal embedded in his chest. A dark pool of blood surrounded underneath his dead body.
"No! Please stop this! I don't wanna see!" Selphie cried desperately. Her heart pounding fast.
But it didn't stop. The next image was of Zell. First she didn't see him. Then she saw a pale limp hand protruding through the two giant pillars fallen down. A closer look and she wished she wished she hadn't. The light blond spiky hair didn't betray that it was Zell. He was crushed painfully beneath the two pillars. His face expressed a pained look, blood running from his mouth. His face tattoo hidden under his own bright red blood. His legs are in an unnatural angle.
A sob escaped her throat. She couldn't believe any of this.
The next image she saw water. A calm peaceful ocean. Then she saw a lifeless body floating on the surface. It was a female. She was lying face down on the water her face unseen by the tangle of long blonde hair. She knew who it was. She knew what was coming next. As a wave rolled by and the body turned over to reveal Quistis. She tried to not look but no matter what she did the image appeared before her eyes. Quistis's face was deathly pale. Her usual red lips now turned into a shade of bluish-grey. Her skin pale and lifeless and her hair floating around her head in a tangled mess. But the things that scared her were the eyes. Empty and cold. Death everywhere. Under her eyes were dark rings as if she's been drowned for a few days now. Her eyes just stared blankly at her. Her serene face now a ghost.
The very last image struck her. Surprised, she saw an image of Seifer. Why she was shown this is a mystery to her. He wasn't one of her close friends. He was in the middle of a roaring flame. His mouth opened in a silent scream. Fire burning his clothes, his flesh. His trench coat was on fire, the fire running up burning his body. He thrashed around but no avail. In the end he fell to the blazing fires.
Selphie awoke with a start. She was back in her dorm again. The familiar yellow blanket covered her body. Pictures of her friends sat along her bedside table. She rubbed her eyes. They were wet. Her cheeks tear stained.
What a horrible, horrible nightmare! She thought. She sat up and clicked on her yellow daisy lampshade. Her neat and tidy room came before her. She hadn't realized but she was still shaking badly.
I need to get outta here, she said to herself. Swinging out of bed she went to her closet and got changed into a denim skirt and a red shirt. She neatly folded her yellow nightdress. Leaving her dorm she headed down the hall. She passed Rinoa's room.
I wonder if she gets nightmares like me, she thought stopping by her door. Her light is off seeing how it doesn't show through the bottom of the door. She was tempted to talk to anyone about her nightmares. She thought about it and felt she's just going to disturb Rinoa by waking her up.
Walking quietly she headed out of the dormitories alone.
* * * * * * * *
Squall had an idea what was going to happen, but what he saw shocked him.
It was his mother. He only saw her a few times, but their resemblance is uncanny. He never got the chance to know her except through his dreams by Ellone. Her familiar smiling face appeared, eyes twinkling and a small smile upon her face. Her long dark hair which he inherited flowed around her shoulders like a curtain of silk.
That's when the image deteriorated. It was still the same person, but all the loveliness disappeared. A cold hatred placed her expression. It was strange. It was as if it was his mother, but at the same time it wasn't her.
Sensing he was confused, she spoke. Usually her voice is soft and gentle but what came out of her mouth was a voice hard like steel with a hint of iciness.
"Squall.what a pathetic excuse for a human being. You disgust me." Said his mother, a sneer forming in her face.
Squall wasn't deceived. He knew who it really was behind his mother's form.
Is that the best you can do, Ultimecia? Because if it is, you've lost. You can't fake this act. What is it that you want from me?" Squall said heatedly anger rising from within him. The thought of Ultimecia using his own mother to mess him up outraged him.
The sneer vanished from his mother's face. Anger, but even more so, hatred replaced it. The sight was quite surprising. Squall himself never saw him mother mad even in his dreams.
"I want revenge. For ruining my plans to conquer the world. Kurse you SeeDs! You will pay, unfortunately. You stupid, stupid boy. And you will pay dearly each and every one of you", Ultimecia said menacingly. Her voice sounded inhuman.
"Leave my friends out of this! You deserved what you got, sorceress! You are no longer one, so deal with it", Squall said his voice becoming threateningly low.
"Yessss, I am no longer one. The girl in the blue is now. Perhaps I should save something for her as well", she hissed. She gave a high cackling laugh.
"Don't mess with Rinoa. If you do I swear that last thing you'll see is me, and the last thing you'll feel is my gunblade embedded deep into your heart", Squall said his voice low an dangerous. He meant every word he said.
"We'll see about that, Squall. Let's see if you and your friends live through by the end."
Squall felt every muscle tense up. What did she mean by that? "Stop playing games, Ultimecia! I'm not falling for you stupid crap. This is nothing! We've finished you", he insisted getting fed up with her. What was wrong with him? He's taking this nightmare seriously.
His mother's face was replaced by the sorceress, a cold sneer still on it.
"You just don't believe this, don't you? Soon enough you'll get what's coming for you. Be careful, Squall. You might lose more people than you know".
She hissed the words putting more emphasis on his name. Squall never heard anyone so hateful and angry.
"You'd better watch out. Say good bye. The first victim is tomorrow."
Squall was about to bite back a response when he woke up. Cursing himself he was left to wonder who will be in danger the next day. He groaned.
Could she really be back? He wondered. Hyne, what is happening now? Who will be the first victim?
He heard faint footsteps passing his dorm. Frowning he got up and peered outside careful not to be wake anyone up. He caught a glimpse of a petite figure rounding a corner out of sight.
Selphie? What could she be doing up this late? He knew Selphie was busy with her duties as a SeeD and her training. She didn't really have the time to train at nights.
Sensing something was up; he changed into his usual attire of black leather pants, white shirt and black leather jacket. Slipping into his boots, he grabbed his gunblade from its case and slipped quietly after night to confront Selphie.
Author's note: sorry for not updating for a long time! I hope you enjoyed this new chappy^_^. Please don't forget to review afterwards and jot down constructive criticism. Well what should I write next? How would this story go? Will Squall get some answers to his troubling questions? Who is the first victim?
Stay tuned for the next chapter!!!
CHAPTER 3: Weaknesses
He woke up gasping and breathing heavily. In the darkness, though unseen the blond spiky haired young man shuddered. It was so vivid, he thought. This time his nightmare had no voice. Only images that horrified him. In his dream all the things that he dreaded was shown. His friends abandoned him. Each one turned against him telling him he's no longer needed. It felt like a massive blow to him. A blow harder and painful than he ever gave to an enemy that crossed his path.
It was his biggest fear. The rejection of his own friends that made him feel unaccepted. Behind his lively, rowdy attitude he wants to be accepted among his peers. He wants to be truly liked for being himself. Not that his friends don't respect and accept him. They do. But before he became close to all of them, even before he became a SeeD he always feared rejection. He always felt afraid that people only see a loud, brash young fighter. Inside he's more than that. He has a great potential that amazes even him when he gets a chance to use it. Fighting Ultimecia was one of those. By the strength of his friends he found strength in himself too. Together they achieved something that changed their lives. But in his dream they abandoned him. One by one.
A second image appeared soon after. It's vision more terrifying than before. His parents suffering. It kills him to know that he doesn't have the power to protect his parents. He saw them running. He doesn't know where or why, but the terror on his mom's face is enough to break him. Then suddenly their house is on fire. Flames licked the walls and spread like wildfire. Trapped inside, he saw his mom crying and calling out his name. His dad clutched her, terror written all over his face.
"Ma! Pa! I'm coming! Hold on!" he cried. He tried to run, but he gets nowhere. He just stays on one spot as if he's glued to the floor. He watched helplessly as the flames get nearer and nearer towards his parents. He watched in horror as if he's in a cinema watching his parents through the screen.
"Noooo! Maaaa! Paaaa!" an animal like scream rose from Zell's throat. The flames were so close he couldn't even see his parents anymore. He was crying uncontrollably now. Each sob a release of pain and agony he felt towards the loss of his parents. He may be adopted but he loved them both all the same. Tears flowed down his cheeks, an endless river. His heart hurt so much it's painful to breathe.
"Ma...Pa....I'm sorry.."
That's when it ended and he woke up in a sweat. His heart still pounding furiously. Never had he ever had a nightmare so frightening and clear.
The hell is this? He thought angrily. Lately he did notice he kept on having bad dreams. The same one over and over. He kept on hearing her voice. Taunting him, enjoying his every weakness. He never really mentioned this to anyone.
They'll think I've gone nuts, he told himself. She's gone. We took care of her. We kicked her ass hard! Knowing he won't be able to get back to sleep, he got changed from his white singlet and shorts to a black shirt and his navy blue track pants. With that he left his dorm and strolled towards the Training Centre hoping to take his mind off the disturbing visions clouding his mind.
* * * * * * *
His footsteps echoed softly among the halls of Balamb Garden as he wandered around mindlessly. He couldn't sleep, in fact didn't want to. The past couple of days were spent restlessly. He didn't understand it at all. He had nightmares before, but he never got one that happened so frequently. Once it happened he was shaken, but as days went on, his dreams became longer and vivid.
Every waking moment dreading the next would be worse. He knew it was her. He won't be able to forget that voice. He remembered every word.
At first it was babbling nonsense. About how he'll always be alone. No one to spend his times with, no one to talk to and no one to appreciate him. He'll always be the lone sharpshooter. Spending his days with his gun perfecting each shot.
Yes, he was alone a lot while he was still a novice with his gun. He accepted it because that's his job. Then he met his childhood friends again through a mission. First glance and he recognize those faces back in the orphanage. He met and knew them better. After what they've gone through together, he finally felt he was no longer alone. It's like a breath of fresh air to his lungs. Once in his life he could finally feel secure knowing he's got people whom he could depend on.
Then it became more threateningly. The voice let out words that struck him like a bullet. It spoke of how each one of his friends will leave him. How he'll always be forever alone. All this information is crazy. But in truth it touched his greatest fears. His friends are important to him. In fact they're all his got.
Yes, his biggest fear is loneliness. Loneliness has become his close friend during the endless hours of training he took. No one to share his hopes, dreams and life. It leaves you empty. But his friends took all of that. Now he could say that life finally has a purpose.
"You think your friends will stick around? You think your friends really care about you? You are just another individual to them. Oh yeeessss..you are beginning to depend on people, Irvine. You are becoming weak! Your friends won't be there for you.you will always be alone. Nothing lasts forever.I will take your friends away from you.just as you took something precious from me."
That same haunting voice. Every word becoming more hateful than the last. He always woke up fearing everyone he cared about is gone.
I actually believe that this stupid dream is going to come true, Irvine said miserably. Each night he finds himself wandering aimlessly, avoiding sleep.
"This is pointless. I'm letting a stupid nightmare run my life", he said to no one in particular. He still couldn't hold block out her voice. How he gets the chills whenever he thinks of how she said his name. He could practically see the sneer on her sinister face as she is saying those cruel words.
He sighed. He stopped and looked up finally aware where his feet are leading him to. He had stopped in front of the Training Centre. He stared at the giant double doors leading inside in as he has never seen the place before. He narrowed his eyes. A gentle breeze brushed against his form.
"Might as well", he muttered under his breath. This is one gonna be one hell of a night, he said silently walking towards the centre, cocking his gun.
* * * * * * * *
Quistis lay down on her bed wide awake. As usual during the past several days she couldn't have a decent shut eye. She's been having disturbing dreams lately. She couldn't tell exactly when they started, but each dream became more and more disturbing each time if occurred.
The first time wasn't really frightening. It was just darkness. She found herself wandering around, lost. Next time she heard a voice. It was a female voice, but not a soft feminine one. This one's cold. Cruel. Harsh. A steel knife that stabs through you. It taunted her and pointed out her fears. She described it in such a detail, it frightened her.
"Quistis, Quistis.you poor little child. You have everything most people want.except one. You don't have someone. You will never have one. Squall? He was never interested in you. You are nothing but an instructor to him. Oh well.at least he found someone. You didn't. You will never."
She woke up realizing her breath in short gasps. The dreams did bother her. Was it her inner self conscious to her great fears? Why was it Ultimecia's voice?
A thousand questions ran through her head. Each one unexplainable. We've taken care of her, she thought. Why is this happening? Why now?
She closed her eyes tightly as she ran through the voice. I will never find anyone huh? It did scare her. Truthfully, Quistis did feel lonely. She did once think that she was in love with Squall. She later realized that she wasn't really in love with him. It was her instinct to protect as an older sister that she confused as being "in love". Squall has Rinoa. After seeing the two of them together she finally accepted the fact that she and Squall aren't meant to be together. She never could touch his heart the way Rinoa did. After realizing the past about her childhood she figured out that the only reason she felt drawn to Squall was the fact that she was trying to take Ellone's place.
After accepting the truth she still hoped deep inside that he'll come to her. Everybody needs someone to love. Squall has Rinoa. Irvine is a naturally charismatic man; he won't have any trouble finding a lady. Selphie seems so young and innocent; she doesn't really need any romance in her life at the moment. Zell is a boisterous young man with many goals in his life. Like Selphie he's not really looking for romance at this time.
But herself she knows she wanted to feel needed and be loved. She sometimes envies Squall and Rinoa for their relationship. She wanted to have someone too, to be taken care of and to take care of him. She longed for the moment when "he" meets up with her and they fall in love.
She let out a deep breath. But wasn't that a fairy tale? Too perfect, too good to be true. I'm being silly, she though distressed. Such things only exist in fairy books. In stories. In dreams. Life is crueler. Reality isn't so kind.
The last part of her nightmare is unforgettable. It showed a vision that chilled her. She saw her hands covered and dripping with blood. She doesn't know whose blood, but seeing it froze her own. Bright scarlet blood running over her smooth pale skin. She raised them towards her face. So bright it made her dizzy.
Is this a warning? She thoughtfully chewed her bottom lip. The vision is short, but it's enough to keep her awake lying there alone for hours.
Feeling confused and stressed she changed into her usual peach outfit. Picking up her blue clip she pinned her hair back in its usual style. Grabbing more hair pins she made sure every strand is secure up. She let down two long strands in front of her face. She swiftly picked up her Save the Queen and with one last glance at her dresser mirror left her dorm shutting the door quietly.
A nice stroll around the Garden will do me well, she thought as she rounded the hallway. She stopped in front of Squall's room. She wondered if he's awake. For a split second she considered telling him her dreams but decided against it as soon as she figured it's hopeless. She hadn't forgotten what he told her last time she tried to speak to him heart to heart.
She continued around the halls just walking. I need some fresh air, she said to herself silently. I need a place where I can think alone. She looked around. She was completely alone. Funny, most of the time I really do feel that way.
Her eyes landed on the entrance of the Training Centre. Of course! The Secret Area!
Walking quickly towards it she thought about all the things invading her mind. At least I'll get some peace there. She stepped silently towards the double doors.
* * * *
Selphie had just started to doze off. It was a little after midnight, and she hadn't slept a wink at all. She had trouble sleeping the last few nights. All because of her unusual dreams. She doesn't even know what they mean, but lately it started scaring her.
Each dream seems so real, so vivid. She hasn't told anyone yet, but considered telling Quistis about this.
She felt her body relax, and her breathing even. Wait, something doesn't feel right. She felt her body stiffen, and her mind froze. This happens every time. Somehow she expected that voice to speak again. Ultimecia. Her worst enemy. She doesn't have any idea why she's dreaming about her.
She's dead! We defeated her! She didn't hear any words. Not tonight. She feared something much worse. She was right.
Laughter. Evil laughter that chilled her blood. Laughter that continued on and on.
Stop! Stop it!" She cried desperately. She tried to cover her ears hoping to block out the horrible noise. It still penetrated through her ears. She looked around. Darkness everywhere. She was in a middle of a void.
"Please stop! Enough!" She begged. She couldn't take it anymore. Her laughter so cruel and evil. So haunting. But what came next stuck to her mind. So horrific.
They were images. Very short but terrifying images, but to remember for as long as you live.
The images were all of her close friends. Dead. Each one died of a brutal and graphic way. Squall was lying on the ground, blood running down his face. His face is unrecognizable of the brutality of the mangled flesh. Half of his face was ripped off showing a little bit of the skull inside. She wasn't able to tell it's him until she saw the Griever necklace hanging around his bloody neck.
The image quickly disappeared and replaced by another chilling picture. It was Irvine's face frozen in a look of pain and terror. His eyes staring accusingly back at her. A sharp piece of metal embedded in his chest. A dark pool of blood surrounded underneath his dead body.
"No! Please stop this! I don't wanna see!" Selphie cried desperately. Her heart pounding fast.
But it didn't stop. The next image was of Zell. First she didn't see him. Then she saw a pale limp hand protruding through the two giant pillars fallen down. A closer look and she wished she wished she hadn't. The light blond spiky hair didn't betray that it was Zell. He was crushed painfully beneath the two pillars. His face expressed a pained look, blood running from his mouth. His face tattoo hidden under his own bright red blood. His legs are in an unnatural angle.
A sob escaped her throat. She couldn't believe any of this.
The next image she saw water. A calm peaceful ocean. Then she saw a lifeless body floating on the surface. It was a female. She was lying face down on the water her face unseen by the tangle of long blonde hair. She knew who it was. She knew what was coming next. As a wave rolled by and the body turned over to reveal Quistis. She tried to not look but no matter what she did the image appeared before her eyes. Quistis's face was deathly pale. Her usual red lips now turned into a shade of bluish-grey. Her skin pale and lifeless and her hair floating around her head in a tangled mess. But the things that scared her were the eyes. Empty and cold. Death everywhere. Under her eyes were dark rings as if she's been drowned for a few days now. Her eyes just stared blankly at her. Her serene face now a ghost.
The very last image struck her. Surprised, she saw an image of Seifer. Why she was shown this is a mystery to her. He wasn't one of her close friends. He was in the middle of a roaring flame. His mouth opened in a silent scream. Fire burning his clothes, his flesh. His trench coat was on fire, the fire running up burning his body. He thrashed around but no avail. In the end he fell to the blazing fires.
Selphie awoke with a start. She was back in her dorm again. The familiar yellow blanket covered her body. Pictures of her friends sat along her bedside table. She rubbed her eyes. They were wet. Her cheeks tear stained.
What a horrible, horrible nightmare! She thought. She sat up and clicked on her yellow daisy lampshade. Her neat and tidy room came before her. She hadn't realized but she was still shaking badly.
I need to get outta here, she said to herself. Swinging out of bed she went to her closet and got changed into a denim skirt and a red shirt. She neatly folded her yellow nightdress. Leaving her dorm she headed down the hall. She passed Rinoa's room.
I wonder if she gets nightmares like me, she thought stopping by her door. Her light is off seeing how it doesn't show through the bottom of the door. She was tempted to talk to anyone about her nightmares. She thought about it and felt she's just going to disturb Rinoa by waking her up.
Walking quietly she headed out of the dormitories alone.
* * * * * * * *
Squall had an idea what was going to happen, but what he saw shocked him.
It was his mother. He only saw her a few times, but their resemblance is uncanny. He never got the chance to know her except through his dreams by Ellone. Her familiar smiling face appeared, eyes twinkling and a small smile upon her face. Her long dark hair which he inherited flowed around her shoulders like a curtain of silk.
That's when the image deteriorated. It was still the same person, but all the loveliness disappeared. A cold hatred placed her expression. It was strange. It was as if it was his mother, but at the same time it wasn't her.
Sensing he was confused, she spoke. Usually her voice is soft and gentle but what came out of her mouth was a voice hard like steel with a hint of iciness.
"Squall.what a pathetic excuse for a human being. You disgust me." Said his mother, a sneer forming in her face.
Squall wasn't deceived. He knew who it really was behind his mother's form.
Is that the best you can do, Ultimecia? Because if it is, you've lost. You can't fake this act. What is it that you want from me?" Squall said heatedly anger rising from within him. The thought of Ultimecia using his own mother to mess him up outraged him.
The sneer vanished from his mother's face. Anger, but even more so, hatred replaced it. The sight was quite surprising. Squall himself never saw him mother mad even in his dreams.
"I want revenge. For ruining my plans to conquer the world. Kurse you SeeDs! You will pay, unfortunately. You stupid, stupid boy. And you will pay dearly each and every one of you", Ultimecia said menacingly. Her voice sounded inhuman.
"Leave my friends out of this! You deserved what you got, sorceress! You are no longer one, so deal with it", Squall said his voice becoming threateningly low.
"Yessss, I am no longer one. The girl in the blue is now. Perhaps I should save something for her as well", she hissed. She gave a high cackling laugh.
"Don't mess with Rinoa. If you do I swear that last thing you'll see is me, and the last thing you'll feel is my gunblade embedded deep into your heart", Squall said his voice low an dangerous. He meant every word he said.
"We'll see about that, Squall. Let's see if you and your friends live through by the end."
Squall felt every muscle tense up. What did she mean by that? "Stop playing games, Ultimecia! I'm not falling for you stupid crap. This is nothing! We've finished you", he insisted getting fed up with her. What was wrong with him? He's taking this nightmare seriously.
His mother's face was replaced by the sorceress, a cold sneer still on it.
"You just don't believe this, don't you? Soon enough you'll get what's coming for you. Be careful, Squall. You might lose more people than you know".
She hissed the words putting more emphasis on his name. Squall never heard anyone so hateful and angry.
"You'd better watch out. Say good bye. The first victim is tomorrow."
Squall was about to bite back a response when he woke up. Cursing himself he was left to wonder who will be in danger the next day. He groaned.
Could she really be back? He wondered. Hyne, what is happening now? Who will be the first victim?
He heard faint footsteps passing his dorm. Frowning he got up and peered outside careful not to be wake anyone up. He caught a glimpse of a petite figure rounding a corner out of sight.
Selphie? What could she be doing up this late? He knew Selphie was busy with her duties as a SeeD and her training. She didn't really have the time to train at nights.
Sensing something was up; he changed into his usual attire of black leather pants, white shirt and black leather jacket. Slipping into his boots, he grabbed his gunblade from its case and slipped quietly after night to confront Selphie.
Author's note: sorry for not updating for a long time! I hope you enjoyed this new chappy^_^. Please don't forget to review afterwards and jot down constructive criticism. Well what should I write next? How would this story go? Will Squall get some answers to his troubling questions? Who is the first victim?
Stay tuned for the next chapter!!!