In the Memory

By Soulbade Dark Knight

Disclaimer: well you know the drill, I do not own final Fantasy 8 or their characters or Elune (they are rights to Blizzard Entertainment) I just got bored and wrote….. Lots. Any characters that are added I do own and I wish to keep that way unless you ask me really nicely.

Summary: What happens when Squall loses the ability to think in his own head? (Thanks to Rinoa.) The secrets of the 'Commander' are coming out, but are some too late to tell now. A new power is rising as 'the Leonhart's' they want their revenge for a forgotten promise.

Author's note: Zac is dedicated to well Zac, who is no longer here among us but will always be remembered. Died in 2003 age 15.

Chapter 6: Irathmia

The woman smiled again then took a few steps towards the group, she stop in front of Squall. He then noticed the weapon that she was carrying; it was none other than a Gunblade. The woman took a closer look at Squall, suddenly her eyes widened

"Lower your weapons!" She barked a frightened tone in her voice. She continued to stare at Squall, which caused a small growl from Rinoa. She looked at Rinoa and smirked at her, the men behind her lowered their weapons. "Squall Le-" she stopped thinking carefully as though some thing had almost slipped "Leader of the SeeD's! Welcome to our woods!"

"Commander" Squall corrected with a grunt. The blue haired woman giggled at Squall's face and grunt, she shook her head.

"Sorry Commander" she relied. "Zac! Go to the base and warn the others of commander Squall's arrival" Zac was an extremely well built man and was tall. He had sandy blonde hair that was spiked up and sharp green eyes. His face held no emotion what so ever to the SeeD's. His cold stature reminded them all too well of some one they all knew. Zac nodded and ran off ahead towards what seemed to be their base. "Follow me" She beckoned them to follow and Squall was the first to follow which allowed the others to follow in his suit.

She led them deeper in the woods; Selphie's whimpering could be heard by them all. The woods became darker and thicker until no sunlight could come through the trees. Owls that never seemed to be sleeping, were hooting as though warning to the seven SeeD's. The water they heard running was becoming louder, they soon found that it was a waterfall! But how did a waterfall get into the woods, the woods were becoming more like a rainforest. They were led behind the waterfall to found the other side, a cave. The cave was large and the there were pillars holding up the cave, obviously they had carved out parts of the cave. The cave was cool and damn and water was falling from the ceiling. Squall welcomed the cool cave, after the heat of the woods that were transforming into a tropical rainforest. They walked through the cave until they reached a whole bunch of vines that were hanging down in what seemed to be the exit. The blue haired woman pulled back the vines allowing the rays of sunlight to pour into the dark torch lit cave.

"Welcome" the blue haired woman cried "to the city of Irathmia"

The blue haired woman smiled at the shocked faces that were looking forward towards their glorious city. The city was built on a lake that was surrounded by mountains as it seemed. The city was a glorious red and gold colour, although that may have just been the sun setting behind the city. The cities building were made from that of stone, wood and gold. There seemed to be a huge sort of temple in the middle of the city then in the four corners of the city another four smaller buildings. The buildings around the lake had walkways in which even though the time of day still people walked by. Many stopped walking and looked to the seven, many were pointing and whispering excitedly. The blue haired woman led them down some stairs and into a red and gold boat, the seven entered the boat. The boat carried them towards the centre building, which was the biggest out of all the buildings easily. The lake was clear as glass, Squall watched the fish and other life in the water. Some of these creatures were indescribable as nothing had ever been seen like this before by any one. Squall looked up at the other six, and wasn't surprised by their reactions to the city. Selphie was leaning off the side of the boat at the creatures in the water; she didn't notice Irvine trying to flirt with the other red haired female in the boat. Zell was holding his stomach which was growling from hunger, the blue haired woman was giving him a strange look. Quistis was staring off into the far horizon; Seifer was clutching his stomach, although he had once been on a boat, this just made him feel sea sick. Rinoa was staring at everything wide eyed as usual, until of course her eyes landed on Squall. She smiled a warm loving smile at him which he returned, no one but the blue haired woman saw this and she gave Rinoa an evil glare. The boat finally reached the large building in the centre of the city, and they were taken to the steps which seemed to go all the way to the top. The blue haired woman paused at the start of these steps, turning around to the seven SeeD's she smiled.

"I still have not told you my name, my name is Drew and I am the guardian of Irathmia" The blue haired woman spoke to them quickly before heading up the stairs.

Irathmia was unusual city that much was obvious, the building seemed to of looked to be standing for centuries. The seven SeeD's seemed to have a lot of time to get a look at the glorious Irathmia, and by the time that they reached the top it was almost dark. They entered the temple, and were amazed yet again by the beauty that these people had created. The room was a deep rich red which included serval large paintings on the walls. In the middle of the room stood a large golden table which seemed to contain many maps and arrangements. Drew walked over to the table and slowly the others followed, they noticed Zac from early on sitting around the corner watching with keen interest.

"So I take it then that you are the one that contacted us then?" Quistis spoke softly to Drew. Drew turned a smirked before nodding her, she motioned them to come forward next to her. They obeyed and stood around the table watching her as her eyes scanned the maps.

"Are you going to tell us why we are here, or are we going to stand here looking at pieces of paper?" Squall asked rudely, getting a raised eyebrow from Irvine. Drew smiled at him and shook her head.

"I know this may all seem impossible to you, but its not. We only asked for you help for two reason 1) battle tactics 2) to end a search" Drew paused and sighed at the looks of confusion "Allow me to explain. Many years ago we were called the Leonharts, as that was the name of our leader's family. Each of us has to some point magical abilities, such as… Rinoa does, but nothing compared to the Leonharts. As time went by the people of the city divided, one side continued to follow the Leonharts and the others wanted to know why they were so strong. See they wanted the power, to rule, and in the end the Leonharts were attacked. The family tired to escape but only one was able to do so, they hid their powers and became everyday people in the world. The remaining Leonharts were killed but before they died they placed a curse on those that turned against them, that was the end of the Centra City. The Leonharts here are long gone, we wish to find the heir. But there are those that would do everything to stop that from happening. They are the betrayers although they wish to stop us finding the heir, they also fear it. They know what they can do, and will do everything to stop the heir from knowing their heritage. I need you to find the heir, you have all are resources at your command"

Drew looked from one face to another they seemed to understand, Rinoa nodded. These people were the ones that didn't betray the Leonharts or so they said, it was possible that they themselves were the betrayers. Squall's thoughts were obviously along the same line, as it seemed Rinoa's spell was still in affect.

"How can we be so sure that you, yourselves, aren't the betrayers making us find the heir to kill them?" Squall folded his arms and glared at Drew, she forced a smile.

"I don't believe that in your contract that is necessary for you to trust me?" Drew smirked, much like Seifer's that is was scary.

"I believe that we do need to know" Squall growled.

"I'll be the judge of that" Drew glared at him, Squall was only to happy to return the favour. The others watched and knew that if look could kill both would be dead, it wasn't until they were interrupted that they stopped.

"Drew…. It is becoming late" Zac spoke for the first time since they had met. "We should show them were they are staying for the time being" Drew nodded and turned her back on them leaving as quickly as possible. "Follow me" Zac beckoned

As they walked back down the steps Quistis whispered in Seifer's ear

"Well that couldn't have gone any worse…."

…….. How very wrong she was.

Author's Notes: Hey sorry about the delay but I got caught up in the holidays as my parents were trying to see how long I could last without electricity which meant no computer, no internet! But yes I did survive my ordeal any way I'll try and put up a new chapter. I just hope that you somehow understood this chapter. Plus beatix I'm glad that you like my story, sorry it took so long. Please R&R!

Soulbade Dark Knight