Legacies: Chapter 11
by: Gemini83
Disclaimer: You know it, I don't own FF8. But I do own this story.
Squall pensively rubbed his chin, glaring Seifer in the eye. The festive mood of the ballroom did nothing to lighten his spirits. he had too much to think about already, without this new problem.
Almasy nodded back, as he turned to General Caraway, "so, how long have these...irregularities been happening?"
The Galbadian general shrugged, "it started a couple of months ago. Supplies go missing, troops don't return from missions sometimes. And it isn't just the normal kind of thing. Something is going on."
"Have you alerted your president?" asked Squall, "isn't this his concern?"
Caraway sighed, "while Tarkin Deling has most of his uncle's wit, and more conscience, thank Hyne...I'm afraid he's not yet accustomed to his new role."
Squall nodded. The new President of Galbadia was nothing like his former, boorish uncle. They had never gotten along. It was rumored that there had been attempts on young Tarkin's life, at the behest of his uncle.
'Ah, family ties,' thought Squall, 'then again, I can't say mine are any better.'
General Caraway continued, waking Squall from his thoughts, "at any rate I wanted to discuss maybe having a Seed investigation of the surrounding areas. Rinoa suggested I talk to you."
Squall and Seifer both responded in time, "Rinoa?"
They may have been preoccupied, but both of them new Rinoa didn't get along with her father.
Caraway shrugged.
Seifer nodded, "in any case, we'll need to discuss this with Deling ourselves, get the proper authorization."
"Tarkin has asked for an audience with you," replied the General.
"Fine," answered Squall, "set it up, meanwhile..."
A cadet walked up to Squall, saluting. He returned the salute.
He furrowed his eyebrows, "something wrong?"
The student was visibly shaking, "uh...we need you in the Training Area...sir."
Squall narrowed his eyes, something was wrong here, "what is it?"
The cadet shook his head, "um...ah...Instructor Trepe told me to get you immediately."
Squall rose to his feet, excusing himself from the table, "duty calls."
Caraway halted him, "about the meeting?"
Squall sighed, first Esthar, now Galbadia. For one reason or another, everyone wanted his time. Sometimes, being Garden Commander wasn't all it was cracked up to be.
"Send me the details, I'll try to have a delegation sent there-"
"He wanted to see you personally," cut in Caraway.
"Fine," answered Squall, almost automatically, "set it up, I'll be in touch."
He waited, knowing there was some customary pleasantry required of him. He simply nodded, muttered something to the effect of "enjoy the party," and left with the beleaguered cadet.
Caraway turned to Seifer, "is he usually that...social?"
Seifer smirked, "for Squall...that IS social. Actually, it's not bad, for him. I'd better go see what's what at the Training Area. Fujin, Raijin, please get the details from our esteemed guest."
Caraway turned around to look, as to figures almost materialized right behind him. He had to commend Seed, they trained their people well. Not many could sneak up on him that easily anymore. Seifer grinned, catching the drift of the General's thoughts, before he turned to leave.
Caraway stopped him a moment, "tell me Almasy...what kind of man is Leonhart?"
Seifer lost the smirk for a moment, as if the question had touched something inside him. He looked back at the General silently.
When he answered, his voice was calm and controlled, "he's the kind of man that makes you both envy and pity him all at once...the kind of man who does what does because it's right...who'll do anything for those he cares about...and be damned the consequences."
Caraway was taken aback for a moment, before Seifer's customary smirk returned.
"Of course, he can't hold a candle to me. By the way General, as I seem to remember, back in the day, Galbadia had an interest in acquiring Grendels."
Caraway thoughtfully chewed his steak, then nodded, "yes, trying to condition them for use with shock troops. It didn't take though."
Seifer nodded, "tell me, what do you think of Grendels?"
Caraway raised an eyebrow, "I hate the filthy beasts. The only good one is a dead one. Why do you ask?"
Seifer shrugged, "oh nothing...it's just that the meal you are currently devouring happens to be authentic Galbadian Grendel meat."
Caraway looked up at Seifer, and swallowed audibly, "pardon?"
Seifer only grinned. Caraway shrugged, taking another bite.
Raijin started fidgeting, which drew a look from Seifer, "something on your mind?"
He shrugged, "well...hmmm...I was wonderin' Seifer, if it's true what they say about Grendel meat...ya' know?'
Seifer shook his head, "I don't follow...what do you mean?"
Raijin shuffled on his feet again, "you know...what they say about Grendel...and oyster?"
Seifer took a long nod, looking at his comrade askance, "ah...yes. Well, I'm not quite sure Raijin. But please, if you ever find out...resist the urge to tell me about it."
Caraway pushed back his plate in disgust, "uh...I've lost my appetite."
Seifer laughed, "You have to forgive my friend General. Now if you'll excuse me, I must see what the commotion is all about. Garden would fall apart without me. Enjoy the after dinner mints..."
Gabe took one look into the fierce green eyes of a giant leopard-like beast figure in front of him, and knew this just wasn't his day.
"Great, a Torama," he spat, "I don't you'd mind leaving me alone and saving me the trouble, would you?"
His only reply was a low growl. From the corner of his eye, he could see Quistis fending off several monsters with her whip. He'd like to help her, but first, he needed a weapon. He didn't have enough spells stocked for this kind of situation.
He can't a glint in his eye, and almost immediately formed a plan. Gabe turned away from the great cat, and ran for all his worth. The Torama pounced after him, Gabe barely staying ahead, from the combination of magic and adrenaline coursing through his system. When he finally dared to look forward, Gabe shouted in dismay...several Grats were blocking his path, lashing their leafy tentacles out at him. He didn't slow down. Instead, he ran faster, summoning up all his energy as he vaulted over the giant plants and the thrashing vines.
The tentacles missed him, but hit the Torama squarely in the face. Gabe kept running, as he heard the Torama growl and tear into the hapless Grats. He ran onward, until he finally reached his weapon. He pulled the gunblade, which had been imbedded in the ground, and turned to face the Torama. He brought his blade up just in time to clip the beast's muzzle. He leapt into the air, bringing his gunblade down with all his strength, shearing clean through the Torama's skull. He pulled the trigger, withdrawing his blade. Gabe ran on, tearing into what was left of the Grats, swiping left and right, until all that was left were scraps of vegetation. Gabe looked about him, searching for danger.
He ran to where Quistis was making her stand, blasting away at several monsters with fire and ice. Gabe ran on, cutting through anything that got in his way. Everything was a blur of reds and greens, as he thoughtlessly cut a swath to Quistis. He finally reached her, putting his back to her.
"Come to join the party?" asked Gabe.
Quistis quirked a smile, "mind telling me what's going on?"
Gabe shrugged, "later."
He raised his blade, looking back and forth, at several monsters still snapping their teeth. Gabe glared at the beasts with their bared teeth, then fired the gunblade into their midst. Quistis followed suit, as hues of blues and reds shot from her hand, annihilating the monsters.
Gabe smiled as the beasts backed away, disappearing into the foliage. Quistis turned to him, raising an eyebrow in question. Gabe was about to speak, when he saw something pass through her eyes. He narrowed his eyes, then quickly turned, blade raised, and saw what she was staring at.
A writhing mass of black flesh, scales and tentacles, glared back at them through a single yellow, cracked horrid looking eye.
"Great," cursed the Instructor, "all we need now is a Malboro. I hate those things."
Gabe looked at the huge beast, towering above them, and let out a whistle.
Quistis pushed Gabe out of the way, as the Malboro spewed a rain of black at them. She shrieked in pain as the acidic fluid singed through her counter spells. She tried in vain to heal herself. Her body was too overridden. She gasped for breath, and could do nothing, as Gabe turned to fight the one eyed horror.
Gabe brought up his trench coat, like a cloak, as the beast attacked again. He disappeared underneath the jet black attack again. Quistis shouted out in dismay, as the Malboro screeched.
When the smog cleared, he was still standing.
Gabe stared defiantly at the Malboro, "hmph...is that all? Well, my turn..."
He raised his hand, firing several blasts of ice at the monster. As the writhing mass dealt with the balls of ice, circling around it, Gabe ran to it, brandishing his gunblade. He jumped high into the air, screaming as the Malboro turned to look at him.
It struck out with its tentacle, but Gabe was too close, and struck home, as he imbedded his weapon into the Malboro's eye. Pulling the trigger, he wrenched the blade free, as he jumped away from the pulsating heap of black flesh.
Gabe turned to Quistis, who was stammering and breathing heavily, "are you okay?"
She nodded, "just give me a moment, I was caught by surprise there."
He shook his head, bringing out a vial of shimmering blue fluid from his belt, "here, drink this."
Quistis did as she was told, as Gabe explained, "my own concoction. Consider it bottled Esuna."
She immediately understood, as the antitoxin cleared her system of the poison in her blood. Quistis was about to thank him when she screamed out a warning.
Gabe wasted no time, turning as her swiped his blade to the side, deflecting a Grendel's tail blade attack. It missed his chest, but seared through his side, just below his ribs. Gabe cried out in pain, as the Grendel pulled its tail from his side, roaring at him. It stared cruelly at him, through blood red eyes that almost glowed with intensity.
"Cheap...shot," he said between breaths.
The Grendel pounced, and Gabe brought his gunblade up for defense. But he was blinded by a flash of yellow light, as the beast disintegrated in midair. He blinked several times, until all that was left of the monster was its screams, echoing from the walls.
He turned back, seeing Quistis lower a glowing yellow hand. Soon, the color faded from her hand, and she weakly sat up.
Gabe nodded, "thanks."
"You too," she returned.
He faltered slightly.
"You're bleeding," said Quistis.
He nodded pointing at her with his gunblade, "so are you."
She tenderly felt at the nasty looking gash on her right shoulder, "it'll be fine, but we need to get you to an infirmary."
Gabe winced, "no arguments there. Thanks, by the way. That's twice I owe you."
Quistis furrowed her eyebrows, "twice."
"Uhm...yes, once for the dance, once for the save..."
He turned as he heard several shouts from the doorway.
All Zell saw was Quistis, lying on the floor, bleeding, with a man standing over her, also bleeding, holding a sword on her. That was all he needed to rush at the stranger, yelling obscenities along the way.
Gabe looked up at the rushing figure, "oh great, what now?"
He barely had time to cross his arms in front of his face, as Zell lashed out with a glowing fist. Gabe's vision turned slightly dark for a moment, as he felt himself thrown back from the forces behind the energized punch. Gabe quickly got to his feet, punching the ground with his fist. Zell cried out as the ground around him began to shake. Streamers or light shot from the ground. Indefinite shapes began to emerge from the ground, but a simple Meteor spell decimated the things before they could attack. The shower of fire and earth still hailed around him, from above and below. Zell shouted in pain, and jumped to the side, again getting to his feet, as he jumped over the waves of earth leaping up to attack him. He soon reached Gabe, and lashed out again. Gabe, for his part, found enough trouble trying to avoid Zell's attacks, while dodging several other punches, blocking kicks with his arms.
Quistis shouted at Zell to stop, but he wasn't listening. He send his fist flying into Gabe's stomach, and lashed out again. But Gabe rammed his shoulder into Zell's gut, and spun around, backhanding him. Zell saw stars, but followed the flow of attack, spinning around to kick Gabe in his exposed side. He grunted past the pain, as he wrapped his arm around Zell's leg, twisting it.
Zell staggered, falling to his chest. He lashed out with his other leg, expecting a following attack. He was right, and Gabe fell back, as Zell's foot landed squarely in his chest. Wheezing heavily, blood leaking from his mouth Gabe regained his footing, facing Zell again. The two glared at each other, but were distracted as the roar of a giant T-Rexaur caught their attention.
Both fighter backed away, for it wasn't only one dinosaur which threatened them, but four.
Zell cursed again, "four of them? What the hell is this?"
A torrent of blasts bombarded the beasts, as the two fighters looked on in awe.
Irvine Kinneas calmly rested his shotgun on his left arm, and barely felt the recoil from the blast as he fired volley after volley of energized rounds at the giant T-Rexaurs.
"Okay guys," he called out, "that's your cue."
Squall Leonhart and Seifer Almasy rushed past him, gunblades drawn, as they rushed at the towering creatures.
Squall coldly eyed the beast, weaving around its thrashing legs and tails. The monster was confused, simultaneously trying to fight both Squall and fend off Irvine's shots.
The T-Rexaur snapped at Squall. The Balamb Commander sidestepped, as the gaping jaws missed him by inches. He quickly hammered down with his blade, feeling it imbed itself to hilt into the neck bone. Squall pulled the trigger, pulling his blade free from the ruined, bloody mass. The monster raised its lopsided head, roared once, then collapsed to the ground, twitching as it died.
Zell wasted no time, rushing to the nearest T-Rexaur at full speed. Charging his fist with all his energy, Zell swept past the beast's tail swipes and claw attacks, punching into the T-Rexaur's soft underbelly.
He felt his hand sink in to the shoulder. The beast was pulled back as the force of an atomic explosion threw it away. Irvine finished off the beast with several more blasts to its head.
Seifer grinned, "nice job, but I'm not being upstaged."
He calmly walked up to another T-Rexaur, his blade glowing. He raised his weapon, drawing in energy, and lashed out. A powerful blast leapt form the gunblade, a typhoon of raw energy pelting the beast to insanity. It charged Seifer, snapping at him. Almasy ducked beneath the jaws, swiping upwards, and slit the beast's throat. The T-Rexaur sputtered as it faltered and died.
He turned to the last one, to see it already engaged. Gabe stood on the head of the last T-Rexaur, as it thrashed about, trying to wrench him free. But Gabe held on, his weapon stuck to the T-Rexaur's skull. It was already dead, but the beast's body and it's mind didn't seem to agree. He fired his gunblade into it's skull, as he pulled it free, and flew back, landing hard on the ground. The terror shuddered once and fell, finally and utterly dead.
Seifer walked up to the stranger, Squall and Zell at his side, "nice job. I'd applaud, but my hands are full."
Gabe grabbed his bleeding side, breathed heavily, and nodded his thanks.
Quistis slowly walked up to them, as did Irvine.
"Are you okay?" asked Zell.
Quistis looked at him sternly, "I'm fine Zell, thanks to our new friend here. Why did you attack him?"
Zell shrugged sheepishly, "I thought he..."
"Well, he didn't," replied Trepe, rather crossly, "in fact, he saved me."
"Uh, sorry," Zell lamely said to Gabe.
He shook his head, "no harm done, don't worry about it."
Nida walked into the area, followed by Xu, "Gabe!"
He turned and raised his hand. However, the gesture seemed to pain him, and the man winced again, crumpling at the pain in his side.
"Are you alright?" asked Nida
Gabe nodded, "I'll be fine, thanks."
Squall eyed Nida and the newcomer, "who is this?"
Nida glanced at Squall, "sorry Squall. I forgot. Gabe, I think you know most of us already."
Gabe nodded, presenting himself, "I'm helping out with the...investigation of the Seed exams."
Xu nodded, "you got a last name?"
Gabe smiled, "I prefer not to use it."
Squall rubbed his temples, "so, what happened here?"
Quistis answered, "I found Gabe here, fighting with a strange man in a black hood."
Nida raised an eyebrow, "really? That fits the profile of our stranger from the training session. What do you think Gabe?"
The man shrugged, "I've no idea. He never drew his weapon. It could have been Grey...I mean...our strange friend. However, when I came in, I saw a brief glimpse of several others. Unfortunately, they disappeared through the balcony before I could ask questions."
Xu shook her head, "this doesn't make sense."
Seifer nodded, "General Caraway told us about several strange occurrences with missing supplies and soldiers. Then our dark stranger shows up. You think the two are related?"
Squall continued to rub his temples, "I don't know, but this is too much for coincidence. If the organization we were talking about is involved, it explains a lot of things."
Irvine nodded, "yeah, the missing weapons and kidnapped people, right up there alley. But why attack here?"
Quistis shook her head, "I don't know."
Squall shook his head, as if to clear it, "whatever. Okay people, we've still got a party to attend. Let's close off this area for now, say it was a training accident. We'll discuss this later as new things develop. Meanwhile, I want Gabe to fill me in on the details when he gets back from Dr. Kadowaki."
Nida nodded, "no problem."
"One thing though," said Quistis.
Gabe turned.
She raised an eyebrow, "how did you manage to break the lock to the weapons' room?"
Squall blinked, he hadn't noticed that. However, he did nod, acknowledging his curiosity.
Gabe smiled sheepishly, "tsk tsk, now that would be telling."
"Come on," taunted Seifer, "you're not Seed, you didn't have any keys. Moreover, how'd you break past the anti-magic field."
Gabe's eyes glimmered as he answered, "ah, there are ways, and there are ways. Let's just say it was simple physics...force and pressure."
Squall nodded, "fine, you can explain it to me when you report."
"Hmmm," pondered Gabe, "you see, Commander, that could be a problem."
"Oh really?" asked Zell, a hint of aggressiveness in his voice, "and why is that?"
Nida hurried Gabe out of the room, "don't worry guys, I'll get it from him and pass it along."
Gabe glanced at Nida, thanking him, then turned to the others, "forgive me if I come off as rude, but...ah well, I trust Nida to tell you. Fare well."
He turned and left, leaving the others eyeing Nida.
"Nida, why in Hyne's name did you do that?" asked Irvine.
"Yeah," added Seifer, "for once, I agree with the cowboy. What's the deal?"
Nida glanced about, as if to make sure nobody else was listening.
"What is it Nida?" asked Quistis, "we know he's working on the Greymalkin case."
He shook his head, "no, you don't get it, it's more than that."
"Then tell us," urged Seifer sarcastically, "before the suspense kills us."
Nida coolly returned his grin, "if you must know...let me put it like this. If our sources of information could be made into stock options, Gabe would be substantially more than just a shareholder, he'd be on the director's board."
"I thought you said Commander Nox set up the spy net," said Zell.
Nida winced, as if loathing to talk of such things in the open, "let's just say...he needed help. I really don't want to say more here, it may draw unwanted attention."
"Which," reasoned Quistis, "is why you rushed Gabe out of here."
Nida assented, "just so."
Thus, the group left the Training Area, each going off in their own direction, left pondering what
had really happened that night.
Erebus waited in his dark throne room again, as several messengers slowly came in.
"Contact made sir," said one of the soldiers through his hood, "Odine told us what to do."
Erebus nodded, "good, anything else?"
"Just one thing sir, we think Greymalkin may have been there."
WHAT?" stormed Erebus.
The soldier looked fearfully at his master, "we still don't know. But the monsters reacted strangely, as they always do when he exposes himself."
Erebus nodded, dismissing them. The messengers happily obliged. Erebus slowly walked up to the frozen sorceress again. Her eyes were still glowing, but otherwise, she seemed dead. Erebus looked to the other side of the room, examining the black marble coffin there.
"So," he whispered, "the game begins."
He looked into the red ice once more, and did a double take. He shook his head and walked out, thinking it preposterous. For a moment, he had almost thought the sorceress had been smiling.
He passed by the coffin, which began to make a grating noise, "soon Gitano...soon."
Author's Note: Okay, that was better. One more chapter done in a day. I should do this more often. Unfortunately, life likes to put demands on me, so you readers will have to bear with me. Anyway, as always, thanks for reading. Now, for a good transition chapter for my next series of action sequences. What will I write, I wonder...
by: Gemini83
Disclaimer: You know it, I don't own FF8. But I do own this story.
Squall pensively rubbed his chin, glaring Seifer in the eye. The festive mood of the ballroom did nothing to lighten his spirits. he had too much to think about already, without this new problem.
Almasy nodded back, as he turned to General Caraway, "so, how long have these...irregularities been happening?"
The Galbadian general shrugged, "it started a couple of months ago. Supplies go missing, troops don't return from missions sometimes. And it isn't just the normal kind of thing. Something is going on."
"Have you alerted your president?" asked Squall, "isn't this his concern?"
Caraway sighed, "while Tarkin Deling has most of his uncle's wit, and more conscience, thank Hyne...I'm afraid he's not yet accustomed to his new role."
Squall nodded. The new President of Galbadia was nothing like his former, boorish uncle. They had never gotten along. It was rumored that there had been attempts on young Tarkin's life, at the behest of his uncle.
'Ah, family ties,' thought Squall, 'then again, I can't say mine are any better.'
General Caraway continued, waking Squall from his thoughts, "at any rate I wanted to discuss maybe having a Seed investigation of the surrounding areas. Rinoa suggested I talk to you."
Squall and Seifer both responded in time, "Rinoa?"
They may have been preoccupied, but both of them new Rinoa didn't get along with her father.
Caraway shrugged.
Seifer nodded, "in any case, we'll need to discuss this with Deling ourselves, get the proper authorization."
"Tarkin has asked for an audience with you," replied the General.
"Fine," answered Squall, "set it up, meanwhile..."
A cadet walked up to Squall, saluting. He returned the salute.
He furrowed his eyebrows, "something wrong?"
The student was visibly shaking, "uh...we need you in the Training Area...sir."
Squall narrowed his eyes, something was wrong here, "what is it?"
The cadet shook his head, "um...ah...Instructor Trepe told me to get you immediately."
Squall rose to his feet, excusing himself from the table, "duty calls."
Caraway halted him, "about the meeting?"
Squall sighed, first Esthar, now Galbadia. For one reason or another, everyone wanted his time. Sometimes, being Garden Commander wasn't all it was cracked up to be.
"Send me the details, I'll try to have a delegation sent there-"
"He wanted to see you personally," cut in Caraway.
"Fine," answered Squall, almost automatically, "set it up, I'll be in touch."
He waited, knowing there was some customary pleasantry required of him. He simply nodded, muttered something to the effect of "enjoy the party," and left with the beleaguered cadet.
Caraway turned to Seifer, "is he usually that...social?"
Seifer smirked, "for Squall...that IS social. Actually, it's not bad, for him. I'd better go see what's what at the Training Area. Fujin, Raijin, please get the details from our esteemed guest."
Caraway turned around to look, as to figures almost materialized right behind him. He had to commend Seed, they trained their people well. Not many could sneak up on him that easily anymore. Seifer grinned, catching the drift of the General's thoughts, before he turned to leave.
Caraway stopped him a moment, "tell me Almasy...what kind of man is Leonhart?"
Seifer lost the smirk for a moment, as if the question had touched something inside him. He looked back at the General silently.
When he answered, his voice was calm and controlled, "he's the kind of man that makes you both envy and pity him all at once...the kind of man who does what does because it's right...who'll do anything for those he cares about...and be damned the consequences."
Caraway was taken aback for a moment, before Seifer's customary smirk returned.
"Of course, he can't hold a candle to me. By the way General, as I seem to remember, back in the day, Galbadia had an interest in acquiring Grendels."
Caraway thoughtfully chewed his steak, then nodded, "yes, trying to condition them for use with shock troops. It didn't take though."
Seifer nodded, "tell me, what do you think of Grendels?"
Caraway raised an eyebrow, "I hate the filthy beasts. The only good one is a dead one. Why do you ask?"
Seifer shrugged, "oh nothing...it's just that the meal you are currently devouring happens to be authentic Galbadian Grendel meat."
Caraway looked up at Seifer, and swallowed audibly, "pardon?"
Seifer only grinned. Caraway shrugged, taking another bite.
Raijin started fidgeting, which drew a look from Seifer, "something on your mind?"
He shrugged, "well...hmmm...I was wonderin' Seifer, if it's true what they say about Grendel meat...ya' know?'
Seifer shook his head, "I don't follow...what do you mean?"
Raijin shuffled on his feet again, "you know...what they say about Grendel...and oyster?"
Seifer took a long nod, looking at his comrade askance, "ah...yes. Well, I'm not quite sure Raijin. But please, if you ever find out...resist the urge to tell me about it."
Caraway pushed back his plate in disgust, "uh...I've lost my appetite."
Seifer laughed, "You have to forgive my friend General. Now if you'll excuse me, I must see what the commotion is all about. Garden would fall apart without me. Enjoy the after dinner mints..."
Gabe took one look into the fierce green eyes of a giant leopard-like beast figure in front of him, and knew this just wasn't his day.
"Great, a Torama," he spat, "I don't you'd mind leaving me alone and saving me the trouble, would you?"
His only reply was a low growl. From the corner of his eye, he could see Quistis fending off several monsters with her whip. He'd like to help her, but first, he needed a weapon. He didn't have enough spells stocked for this kind of situation.
He can't a glint in his eye, and almost immediately formed a plan. Gabe turned away from the great cat, and ran for all his worth. The Torama pounced after him, Gabe barely staying ahead, from the combination of magic and adrenaline coursing through his system. When he finally dared to look forward, Gabe shouted in dismay...several Grats were blocking his path, lashing their leafy tentacles out at him. He didn't slow down. Instead, he ran faster, summoning up all his energy as he vaulted over the giant plants and the thrashing vines.
The tentacles missed him, but hit the Torama squarely in the face. Gabe kept running, as he heard the Torama growl and tear into the hapless Grats. He ran onward, until he finally reached his weapon. He pulled the gunblade, which had been imbedded in the ground, and turned to face the Torama. He brought his blade up just in time to clip the beast's muzzle. He leapt into the air, bringing his gunblade down with all his strength, shearing clean through the Torama's skull. He pulled the trigger, withdrawing his blade. Gabe ran on, tearing into what was left of the Grats, swiping left and right, until all that was left were scraps of vegetation. Gabe looked about him, searching for danger.
He ran to where Quistis was making her stand, blasting away at several monsters with fire and ice. Gabe ran on, cutting through anything that got in his way. Everything was a blur of reds and greens, as he thoughtlessly cut a swath to Quistis. He finally reached her, putting his back to her.
"Come to join the party?" asked Gabe.
Quistis quirked a smile, "mind telling me what's going on?"
Gabe shrugged, "later."
He raised his blade, looking back and forth, at several monsters still snapping their teeth. Gabe glared at the beasts with their bared teeth, then fired the gunblade into their midst. Quistis followed suit, as hues of blues and reds shot from her hand, annihilating the monsters.
Gabe smiled as the beasts backed away, disappearing into the foliage. Quistis turned to him, raising an eyebrow in question. Gabe was about to speak, when he saw something pass through her eyes. He narrowed his eyes, then quickly turned, blade raised, and saw what she was staring at.
A writhing mass of black flesh, scales and tentacles, glared back at them through a single yellow, cracked horrid looking eye.
"Great," cursed the Instructor, "all we need now is a Malboro. I hate those things."
Gabe looked at the huge beast, towering above them, and let out a whistle.
Quistis pushed Gabe out of the way, as the Malboro spewed a rain of black at them. She shrieked in pain as the acidic fluid singed through her counter spells. She tried in vain to heal herself. Her body was too overridden. She gasped for breath, and could do nothing, as Gabe turned to fight the one eyed horror.
Gabe brought up his trench coat, like a cloak, as the beast attacked again. He disappeared underneath the jet black attack again. Quistis shouted out in dismay, as the Malboro screeched.
When the smog cleared, he was still standing.
Gabe stared defiantly at the Malboro, "hmph...is that all? Well, my turn..."
He raised his hand, firing several blasts of ice at the monster. As the writhing mass dealt with the balls of ice, circling around it, Gabe ran to it, brandishing his gunblade. He jumped high into the air, screaming as the Malboro turned to look at him.
It struck out with its tentacle, but Gabe was too close, and struck home, as he imbedded his weapon into the Malboro's eye. Pulling the trigger, he wrenched the blade free, as he jumped away from the pulsating heap of black flesh.
Gabe turned to Quistis, who was stammering and breathing heavily, "are you okay?"
She nodded, "just give me a moment, I was caught by surprise there."
He shook his head, bringing out a vial of shimmering blue fluid from his belt, "here, drink this."
Quistis did as she was told, as Gabe explained, "my own concoction. Consider it bottled Esuna."
She immediately understood, as the antitoxin cleared her system of the poison in her blood. Quistis was about to thank him when she screamed out a warning.
Gabe wasted no time, turning as her swiped his blade to the side, deflecting a Grendel's tail blade attack. It missed his chest, but seared through his side, just below his ribs. Gabe cried out in pain, as the Grendel pulled its tail from his side, roaring at him. It stared cruelly at him, through blood red eyes that almost glowed with intensity.
"Cheap...shot," he said between breaths.
The Grendel pounced, and Gabe brought his gunblade up for defense. But he was blinded by a flash of yellow light, as the beast disintegrated in midair. He blinked several times, until all that was left of the monster was its screams, echoing from the walls.
He turned back, seeing Quistis lower a glowing yellow hand. Soon, the color faded from her hand, and she weakly sat up.
Gabe nodded, "thanks."
"You too," she returned.
He faltered slightly.
"You're bleeding," said Quistis.
He nodded pointing at her with his gunblade, "so are you."
She tenderly felt at the nasty looking gash on her right shoulder, "it'll be fine, but we need to get you to an infirmary."
Gabe winced, "no arguments there. Thanks, by the way. That's twice I owe you."
Quistis furrowed her eyebrows, "twice."
"Uhm...yes, once for the dance, once for the save..."
He turned as he heard several shouts from the doorway.
All Zell saw was Quistis, lying on the floor, bleeding, with a man standing over her, also bleeding, holding a sword on her. That was all he needed to rush at the stranger, yelling obscenities along the way.
Gabe looked up at the rushing figure, "oh great, what now?"
He barely had time to cross his arms in front of his face, as Zell lashed out with a glowing fist. Gabe's vision turned slightly dark for a moment, as he felt himself thrown back from the forces behind the energized punch. Gabe quickly got to his feet, punching the ground with his fist. Zell cried out as the ground around him began to shake. Streamers or light shot from the ground. Indefinite shapes began to emerge from the ground, but a simple Meteor spell decimated the things before they could attack. The shower of fire and earth still hailed around him, from above and below. Zell shouted in pain, and jumped to the side, again getting to his feet, as he jumped over the waves of earth leaping up to attack him. He soon reached Gabe, and lashed out again. Gabe, for his part, found enough trouble trying to avoid Zell's attacks, while dodging several other punches, blocking kicks with his arms.
Quistis shouted at Zell to stop, but he wasn't listening. He send his fist flying into Gabe's stomach, and lashed out again. But Gabe rammed his shoulder into Zell's gut, and spun around, backhanding him. Zell saw stars, but followed the flow of attack, spinning around to kick Gabe in his exposed side. He grunted past the pain, as he wrapped his arm around Zell's leg, twisting it.
Zell staggered, falling to his chest. He lashed out with his other leg, expecting a following attack. He was right, and Gabe fell back, as Zell's foot landed squarely in his chest. Wheezing heavily, blood leaking from his mouth Gabe regained his footing, facing Zell again. The two glared at each other, but were distracted as the roar of a giant T-Rexaur caught their attention.
Both fighter backed away, for it wasn't only one dinosaur which threatened them, but four.
Zell cursed again, "four of them? What the hell is this?"
A torrent of blasts bombarded the beasts, as the two fighters looked on in awe.
Irvine Kinneas calmly rested his shotgun on his left arm, and barely felt the recoil from the blast as he fired volley after volley of energized rounds at the giant T-Rexaurs.
"Okay guys," he called out, "that's your cue."
Squall Leonhart and Seifer Almasy rushed past him, gunblades drawn, as they rushed at the towering creatures.
Squall coldly eyed the beast, weaving around its thrashing legs and tails. The monster was confused, simultaneously trying to fight both Squall and fend off Irvine's shots.
The T-Rexaur snapped at Squall. The Balamb Commander sidestepped, as the gaping jaws missed him by inches. He quickly hammered down with his blade, feeling it imbed itself to hilt into the neck bone. Squall pulled the trigger, pulling his blade free from the ruined, bloody mass. The monster raised its lopsided head, roared once, then collapsed to the ground, twitching as it died.
Zell wasted no time, rushing to the nearest T-Rexaur at full speed. Charging his fist with all his energy, Zell swept past the beast's tail swipes and claw attacks, punching into the T-Rexaur's soft underbelly.
He felt his hand sink in to the shoulder. The beast was pulled back as the force of an atomic explosion threw it away. Irvine finished off the beast with several more blasts to its head.
Seifer grinned, "nice job, but I'm not being upstaged."
He calmly walked up to another T-Rexaur, his blade glowing. He raised his weapon, drawing in energy, and lashed out. A powerful blast leapt form the gunblade, a typhoon of raw energy pelting the beast to insanity. It charged Seifer, snapping at him. Almasy ducked beneath the jaws, swiping upwards, and slit the beast's throat. The T-Rexaur sputtered as it faltered and died.
He turned to the last one, to see it already engaged. Gabe stood on the head of the last T-Rexaur, as it thrashed about, trying to wrench him free. But Gabe held on, his weapon stuck to the T-Rexaur's skull. It was already dead, but the beast's body and it's mind didn't seem to agree. He fired his gunblade into it's skull, as he pulled it free, and flew back, landing hard on the ground. The terror shuddered once and fell, finally and utterly dead.
Seifer walked up to the stranger, Squall and Zell at his side, "nice job. I'd applaud, but my hands are full."
Gabe grabbed his bleeding side, breathed heavily, and nodded his thanks.
Quistis slowly walked up to them, as did Irvine.
"Are you okay?" asked Zell.
Quistis looked at him sternly, "I'm fine Zell, thanks to our new friend here. Why did you attack him?"
Zell shrugged sheepishly, "I thought he..."
"Well, he didn't," replied Trepe, rather crossly, "in fact, he saved me."
"Uh, sorry," Zell lamely said to Gabe.
He shook his head, "no harm done, don't worry about it."
Nida walked into the area, followed by Xu, "Gabe!"
He turned and raised his hand. However, the gesture seemed to pain him, and the man winced again, crumpling at the pain in his side.
"Are you alright?" asked Nida
Gabe nodded, "I'll be fine, thanks."
Squall eyed Nida and the newcomer, "who is this?"
Nida glanced at Squall, "sorry Squall. I forgot. Gabe, I think you know most of us already."
Gabe nodded, presenting himself, "I'm helping out with the...investigation of the Seed exams."
Xu nodded, "you got a last name?"
Gabe smiled, "I prefer not to use it."
Squall rubbed his temples, "so, what happened here?"
Quistis answered, "I found Gabe here, fighting with a strange man in a black hood."
Nida raised an eyebrow, "really? That fits the profile of our stranger from the training session. What do you think Gabe?"
The man shrugged, "I've no idea. He never drew his weapon. It could have been Grey...I mean...our strange friend. However, when I came in, I saw a brief glimpse of several others. Unfortunately, they disappeared through the balcony before I could ask questions."
Xu shook her head, "this doesn't make sense."
Seifer nodded, "General Caraway told us about several strange occurrences with missing supplies and soldiers. Then our dark stranger shows up. You think the two are related?"
Squall continued to rub his temples, "I don't know, but this is too much for coincidence. If the organization we were talking about is involved, it explains a lot of things."
Irvine nodded, "yeah, the missing weapons and kidnapped people, right up there alley. But why attack here?"
Quistis shook her head, "I don't know."
Squall shook his head, as if to clear it, "whatever. Okay people, we've still got a party to attend. Let's close off this area for now, say it was a training accident. We'll discuss this later as new things develop. Meanwhile, I want Gabe to fill me in on the details when he gets back from Dr. Kadowaki."
Nida nodded, "no problem."
"One thing though," said Quistis.
Gabe turned.
She raised an eyebrow, "how did you manage to break the lock to the weapons' room?"
Squall blinked, he hadn't noticed that. However, he did nod, acknowledging his curiosity.
Gabe smiled sheepishly, "tsk tsk, now that would be telling."
"Come on," taunted Seifer, "you're not Seed, you didn't have any keys. Moreover, how'd you break past the anti-magic field."
Gabe's eyes glimmered as he answered, "ah, there are ways, and there are ways. Let's just say it was simple physics...force and pressure."
Squall nodded, "fine, you can explain it to me when you report."
"Hmmm," pondered Gabe, "you see, Commander, that could be a problem."
"Oh really?" asked Zell, a hint of aggressiveness in his voice, "and why is that?"
Nida hurried Gabe out of the room, "don't worry guys, I'll get it from him and pass it along."
Gabe glanced at Nida, thanking him, then turned to the others, "forgive me if I come off as rude, but...ah well, I trust Nida to tell you. Fare well."
He turned and left, leaving the others eyeing Nida.
"Nida, why in Hyne's name did you do that?" asked Irvine.
"Yeah," added Seifer, "for once, I agree with the cowboy. What's the deal?"
Nida glanced about, as if to make sure nobody else was listening.
"What is it Nida?" asked Quistis, "we know he's working on the Greymalkin case."
He shook his head, "no, you don't get it, it's more than that."
"Then tell us," urged Seifer sarcastically, "before the suspense kills us."
Nida coolly returned his grin, "if you must know...let me put it like this. If our sources of information could be made into stock options, Gabe would be substantially more than just a shareholder, he'd be on the director's board."
"I thought you said Commander Nox set up the spy net," said Zell.
Nida winced, as if loathing to talk of such things in the open, "let's just say...he needed help. I really don't want to say more here, it may draw unwanted attention."
"Which," reasoned Quistis, "is why you rushed Gabe out of here."
Nida assented, "just so."
Thus, the group left the Training Area, each going off in their own direction, left pondering what
had really happened that night.
Erebus waited in his dark throne room again, as several messengers slowly came in.
"Contact made sir," said one of the soldiers through his hood, "Odine told us what to do."
Erebus nodded, "good, anything else?"
"Just one thing sir, we think Greymalkin may have been there."
WHAT?" stormed Erebus.
The soldier looked fearfully at his master, "we still don't know. But the monsters reacted strangely, as they always do when he exposes himself."
Erebus nodded, dismissing them. The messengers happily obliged. Erebus slowly walked up to the frozen sorceress again. Her eyes were still glowing, but otherwise, she seemed dead. Erebus looked to the other side of the room, examining the black marble coffin there.
"So," he whispered, "the game begins."
He looked into the red ice once more, and did a double take. He shook his head and walked out, thinking it preposterous. For a moment, he had almost thought the sorceress had been smiling.
He passed by the coffin, which began to make a grating noise, "soon Gitano...soon."
Author's Note: Okay, that was better. One more chapter done in a day. I should do this more often. Unfortunately, life likes to put demands on me, so you readers will have to bear with me. Anyway, as always, thanks for reading. Now, for a good transition chapter for my next series of action sequences. What will I write, I wonder...
