Wolf: Hi ya peoples! I don't own SeeD, instructors, or the regular FF
characters.
Tobias: Do you have to do that EVERY chapter?
Wolf: Quiet!
Tobias: Meanie, * is mysteriously pushed out the window*
Wolf: Oh I wonder what happened? I don't suppose anyone wants to sue? * Smiles evilly.* Okay no law suites yet so let's move on.
~*~
Part 1: The return of the dream
The ground shook violently where Alloran stood as Griever attacked the land. Why is this happening!? She thought furiously. Isn't there a way to stop this!?
" Yes there is," said a delicate female voice. " This future may not come to pass."
" Who the Hell are you!?" Alloran growled looking around. Alloran knew that voice. It was the voice that instructed her to call Leviathan when Balamb was attacked by monsters.
" That is something you can't find out till later," replied the voice.
" What do you mean, the future may not come to past?" Alloran said deciding they weren't going to answer her question.
" My child, this future has come to be several times in the past," the voice said sadly. " It is a cycle that has never had a chance to stop, until now."
" You're making no sense!" Alloran growled.
" There is more times then yours Alloran," the voice continued. " All the ones that were before your time have all lead to the dream you have seen when you were a young girl."
" Were you the one sending them to me!?" Alloran asked furiously.
" Not me," the voice replied. " But I have helped you in the past. The cycle may be stopped."
" What do you mean!?" Alloran asked frustrated.
" My child, you may be the one to stop the cycle," the voice told her. " Everything you have done, even your existence has influenced the future. You have stopped the plans of both Ultimecia and Karu many times already."
" Ultimecia!?" Alloran asked shocked. " Ultimecia is a future sorceress!"
" Her name is known as Ultimecia after centuries of your own time. A sorceress normally dies of old age if no one has slain her but Cal's anger kept her alive for those millenniums until SeeD came to the future."
" Cal's Ultimecia!?" Alloran asked wide-eyed. She had heard from her instructors who visited that time that many SeeD were dead and there was almost no signs of life. Thinking about it made her skin crawl.
" Not yet," the voice continued. " If she does get Griever then it will happen. The way time has gone on these times Karu will not let Cal die until Karu can complete his task."
" Who in Hyne's name is Karu!?" Alloran growled.
" A GF, much like your own GF Fenerir," the voice replied. " Karu has never completed his task but as long as he remains in a sorceress's hands the cycle will never end."
" Then what the Hell am I supposed to do!?" Alloran asked. " I just made it to SeeD, I don't have the experience or skill to take Cal down!" The voice didn't reply this time but Alloran could feel things changing. " Who the Hell are you?"
~*~
Part 2: Mission one.
Alloran's eyes flung open as she gasped for air. It had been three weeks since she had become SeeD. Alloran's fingers ran through her hair. It was covered with sweat. She was at some extent glad Tal was in another room- SeeD had their own rooms. If Tal had been here she would start asking Alloran questions she didn't want to answer.
It came back, Alloran thought. The dream of the GF Griever destroying the land had returned after three years. But it was different. The person who asked her to call Leviathan was talking to her, whoever they were. ~ Alloran? ~ ( The dream came back. ) - Dream? - * It's been three years since you had that nightmare. * - Care to explain, mortal. - Alloran told her GFs everything that was there and what happened. She knew Fenerir and Leviathan already knew part one but Bahamut didn't. ~ Karu? You sure you got that name right? ~ ( Positive. Do you know who Karu is? ) ~ Alloran, I'll tell you one day but not now. I expect you two won't tell her either. ~ ( Why not!? ) ~ Alloran, please don't ask me that. ~ Alloran fumed as she threw some water from the tap at her face. It was only 6:00AM. Great, I probably can count getting back to sleep out of the schedule, Alloran growled to herself. At least the hallways would be clear at this time. Alloran would have showered now but she was doing her work out and she would just get sweaty all over again. After braiding her hair strand again she geared up and grabbed some fresh clothes and sheaved Windhowler. Might as head down to the training center and kill a few Gnats.
~*~
Ninety-seven, Alloran thought lifting heavy weights as she used the bench press. Ninety- eight, Ninety-nine... Alloran grunted as she pushed the weight back on the rack. She would have done more but she was still bugged by the dream. Who was the person in her dream? And what did she mean Alloran might be the one to end the cycle? Coincidence? Not likely. Almost all the premonitions Alloran had came true. Alloran picked up one of the face cloths provided and wiped her face. Earlier she had done Gnat slashing until her mind kept drifting to the dream and a Gnat almost got her.
What the hell is the cycle? Alloran thought as she took a shower at the locker rooms. Why can't someone else stop the cycle? There is no way she would be able to make a difference. Anybody would be more qualified for something important but me, Alloran thought. Karu... not even the book of GFs mentioned anything about a GF called that.
"So many questions, no answers," Alloran sighed aloud after she got on her fresh extra clothes. Why do I have to be the one with these dreams? I don't think normal teenage girls have dreams about the future.
" Will the following please report to the office. Leo Leonhart, Alloran Wolfeyes, Tal Carter, Casseil Hunter, Flare Dincht and Sef Kinneas," the intercom stated. What did I did this time? Alloran thought grabbing her jacket. ~ Everything. ~ ( No funny. ) ~ Comedy is in the ear of the beholder. ~ ( That's ' beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' ) ~ Same thing. ~
~*~
" Hey Alloran," greeted Leo as Alloran made it to the office.
" Hey Leo," Alloran replied taking a seat in one of the provided chairs. " Do you know what's going on?"
" Don't know," Leo shrugged. " Hopefully we're been sent on a mission."
" Already?" Alloran asked. Her and the rest of squad E had only made SeeD three weeks ago.
" Don't be surprised," Leo shrugged again. " It would be a surprise if they assigned you on a mission the day after the exam."
" Boo!" A hand reached onto Alloran's shoulder. Alloran didn't bother flipping the person on the other end to find out who was there. Instead Alloran gripped one finger and jammed it into its socket.
" Yowch!" Casseil yelped pulling back as he pulled his hand away. " What were you trying to do? Break my finger!?"
" Not break it, at least not yet," Alloran grinned wickedly.
" Gee, thanks," Casseil grumbled taking a seat.
Alloran was relieved somehow that she never thought of Casseil the way she did at the party. She didn't know why she felt that way on the balcony but it never happened again. Things seemed to go back to normal with Alloran and Casseil but... Alloran wondered if Casseil meant what he said that night. If she asked him he would most likely deny it so she never asked him. Maybe one day she would ask him but not for a long time.
" Told ya you shouldn't have done that," Tal said laughing slightly as she took a seat.
" You could have warned me she'd do that," Casseil pouted.
" You never asked," Tal shrugged.
" What do you think is keeping Flare and Sef?" Leo asked looking at the clock. " They'd normally be here about now."
As if on cue the two panting teens carrying hotdogs ran in.
" We late?" Flare asked taking a big bite out of a hotdog.
" Hyne what's with all the hotdogs?" Leo asked cocking an eyebrow.
" Their Flare's," Sef said glaring at Flare. " The cafeteria actually had hotdogs and Mr. Pig over there just had them all. Then when we got called here and he paid me 20 gil to help him carry it over here."
" Hey!" Flare said almost coughing up some hotdog bits. " I offered you a bite!"
" After I finished my breakfast," Sef retorted. Flare shrugged as he stuffed another hotdog in his mouth.
" Anyone want a bite?" He asked showing a drool-covered hotdog.
" You're joking," Alloran said grossed out. " I wouldn't eat that if I was starving in the desert."
" Ditto," Tal said in the same way looking slightly green.
" What about you guys?" Flare said looking at Sef, Leo, and Casseil.
" I'm on diet," Casseil told him swiftly.
" I'm allergic," Leo replied.
" I've eaten," Sef said grimacing.
" Oh well, MORE FOR ME!" Flare said happily as he devoured his hotdogs while the rest of the teens watched shaking their heads. Then as he started his sixth he grabbed his throat and started making noises.
" What's with him?" Tal asked rolling her eyes. Flare started making motions to his throat.
" Who wants to bet he's choking?" Alloran asked watching Leo get up and started doing the hemlech maneuver. One push, nothing. Twice, nothing. Third, bingo. Flare hacked up hotdog bits bullet speed right at...
" What the-" hot dog bits sprayed onto Squall's face. With an angry wipe across thew face he growled. " Who in Hyne's name is responsible!?" All six pointed to someone. Everyone pointed at Flare who had pointed at Alloran. " Flare Dincht!"
"I'm so sorry! Please don't demote me pleeeaaassseee!" Flare said practically begging on his knees.
" Fine you are forgiven," Squall sighed putting a hand on his head. " Any ways do you know why you have been called down here?"
" For a mission sir?" Leo asked in military form.
" Correct," Squall told them. " Now for the briefing. You are to go to Timber. There you will support the rebel troops and are expected to listen to their leader Seifer Almasy's orders." Squall said 'Seifer' like poison. We're assisting the rebels!? Alloran thought with shock. This was a mission she only dreamed of doing when she read Timber Maniacs. But why so few for this mission then? Alloran thought glancing everyone over. " No matter what remember your jobs. Listen to their orders, suggest advice, and never falter to give support. At the train station a member will escort you to their headquarters outside of town. Look for a person with a red armband. That is the man you follow. Your leader is Leo Leonhart and second in command is Alloran Wolfeyes." Alloran didn't know whether to feel to feel relieved or shocked. Again she had been picked for a leader position. She didn't want the responsibility! " You will remain with the rebels until the job is done. That may take months or years but you are bound by your contract." The six nodded. Squall pulled out something that looked like a compact and handed it to Leo then passed out small I.D cards. " This is the communicator that you or the rebels can use for contact. These I.D cards are fakes but they should get you through Timber if you are questioned. The train will leave at 1300 hours. The train will take nine hours to get there so you will arrive at 2200 hours. Till then you are dismissed." The six saluted Squall and filed out of the office. Outside Alloran gave Flare a shove.
" You really shouldn't try and put the blame on someone who can kick your butt," Alloran growled.
" You beat me up? Not likely!" Flare retorted. Alloran and Flare glared at each other until Leo pushed them apart.
" Care not to kill each other until after the mission," Leo sighed. " I was hoping I wouldn't be stuck being leader."
" Well you ARE the commander's son and you DO have a lot of pressure on you," Tal commented.
" Yeah," Leo admitted. " Being the son of a legend isn't easy."
" It could be worse," Flare quipped. " You could be the son of that asshole Seifer Almasy. My dad went to Garden with him and my dad said he was a slimy, arrogant, sorceress's bitch."
" No way!" Alloran growled. " He's not that bad!"
" Hah! Not what I heard," Flare told her. " I hear he's hated in most places they wouldn't let him near with a ocean's length!" Alloran gulped slightly. That was true that he wasn't forgiven by many after the incident with Ultimecia. But to Alloran he didn't really seem the type.
" Have you even met him?" Alloran asked coldly glaring him down.
" Have you?" Flare shot back.
" Knock it off!" Sef said pulling Flare away. " How about you guys stop arguing. We're stuck together for who knows how long."
" Chicken boy," Alloran muttered.
" THAT DOES IT!" Flare broke loose from his friend and gave Alloran a hard punch right on the face. Too bad for Flare he wasn't the only one trained for martial arts. Alloran moved under his arm and hammered him in the stomach. " B, Bitch," Flare gasped as Alloran felt his body starting to go limp.
" No a bitch is a female dog," Alloran whispered giving Flare to Sef. " And be thankful this isn't my field specialty."
" You didn't have to hit him THAT hard," Leo told Alloran sternly helping Flare up.
" He attacked me first," Alloran replied quietly ignoring Leo's angered gaze.
" You provoked me!" Flare growled. He struggled to go after Alloran but was held by Leo and Sef.
" So," Alloran replied. " Does that mean if an enemy makes fun of you that you're supposed to let them provoke you?" Flare just muttered curses under as Casseil and Tal quickly led Alloran away.
" Hey Alloran," Leo called after them making the three stop. " You, Tal and Casseil meet us at the gate at 1100 hours. We'll go to Balamb by car and catch the train."
" Yes sir," Alloran said with a nod. Her instincts were telling her it would be best to leave Flare alone for awhile. In ' A sorceress Knight' it said not to go after an opponent all at once. Wait awhile if you wish to keep their anger at bay.
~*~
" Casseil!" Chorused the other five as Casseil drove the car over the plains to Balamb.
" Do you even know what you're doing!?" Alloran growled digging her fingernails into her bag pretending it was Casseil's head.
" Yeah!" Casseil replied defensively as he just barely missed the mountainside. " Just hang onto your stuff! I don't want to drive back because your stuff flew out of the car!" He keeps this up and HE'LL be flying out the car! Alloran thought feeling another bump.
" WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!!!" Flare whined out for the twentieth time.
" Stop being a wimp man," Sef said as he swiftly grabbed Flare's bag, which almost flew out of the car. " Even the monsters are going to start laughing at us to death."
" Oh be quiet," Flare growled snatching his bag. "I take it back what I said about your driving Alloran, Casseil's is truly the worse!"
" I'm not that bad!" Casseil said dodging a bite bug in the middle of the road. "When we were learning tank control last year I was one of the best!"
" Then I guess we'd better start praying the rebels don't have tanks or we'll destroy Timber instead of saving it," Tal said shooting Casseil a wicked smile. Alloran was in the back seat but she was almost positive she heard Casseil pout. This is going to be a looooonnnnnggggggg ride, Alloran thought as Flare said ' we're all going to die! ' for the twenty first time.
~*~
" Do you have to do that here?" Tal asked Flare as the garden attendant drove the car back to Garden. They had miraculously survived a ride with Casseil as the driver. Flare had just been vomiting in the bushes while they waited for Leo to return with their tickets.
" This is so embarrassing," Alloran muttered as passbyers would occasionally stop and look at the SeeD shaking their heads at Flare.
" Kinda makes you think Leo's taking his time on purpose," Sef grumbled.
" Oh be quiet," Flare said roughly. A second later they heard more vomit spew. Why me? Alloran thought.
" Got em," Leo said cheerfully passing them each their tickets. " Flare done yet?"
" Yep," Flare said looking a deep shade of green. "Not a word," he said to an amused Sef. With a load ring of the train bell the six teens took to the train station with half an hour to go before the train would take off to their first mission.
~*~
Part three: Knowing.
" How much longer?" Flare said as he practiced his combat moves with Sef. The SeeD had been given a V.I.P room so everyone was doing their own thing in the private car. Tal and Casseil were exploring the train, Flare and Sef were practicing hand to hand combat, Leo was napping, and Alloran was just being bored.
" Eight more hours," Alloran sighed feeling tempted to clobber Flare. This had been the fifth time in one hour he had asked.
" Leo, you awake?" Flare asked dodging Sef's punch. " Leo?"
" I am NOW," Leo grumbled pushing his hair wisps out of away from his face. Alloran hadn't noticed it before but Leo's eyes were slightly red. Wonder where that's from? Alloran thought.
" Want to check out the food car?" Flare asked as he did a double somersault before kicking Sef.
" You ate I don't know, fifteen hotdogs," Sef said ducking a round house kick. " And you're hungry?"
" Yeah but I kinda barfed that up on the way over here," Flare said blushing.
" Too much information," Leo said yawning. " Fine, you probably won't let me be until I let go with you."
" Hey," Flare said giving Leo a slight punch.
" You want to come Alloran?" Leo asked.
" No thanks," Alloran replied. " Me and Flare would probably tear apart the dining car in attempts to kill each other."
" I can live without you," Flare said in an overly sweet voice. " We'll be thinking of you when we stuff our faces."
" If you're going to leave car care to do it now?" Alloran said with a glare saying ' now!' Flare obliged happily as he practically skipped out of the cart with Sef and Leo behind him. Great, what now? Alloran thought. There really wasn't much there to do for a high class room. Fashion magazines? No way! Look out the window? We're were riding in an underwater passageway. Jump on the couch? Too Flare like. Guess I can always see if I can find Tal and Cass- All the sudden Alloran felt dizzy and tired like had the first few days she woke up from the bullet assault. What the? She thought weakly. She struggled to stand but it felt like all her strength had been zapped away. Before she realized it the floor came to meet her.
~*~
" Hello my child," said the voice who had talked to Alloran before.
" Where are you?" Alloran asked looking around. She almost shrieked. She was up high in the sky above the ocean.
" No where that you can see," chuckled the voice.
" If you have a message care to deliver it now?" Alloran sighed. Looks like I'm going to be stuck with more questions than answers again, Alloran thought.
" You catch on quick," said the voice. " I should have expected that from the blood that runs through your veins."
" Cut to the chase!" Alloran hissed at the body less voice.
" So eager," laughed the voice. In a more serious tone she replied. " Do you wish to find out more of Visser?"
The words came to Alloran's mouth before her mind grasped it. " Hell yeah!" There I go shooting off my mouth, Alloran thought mentally kicking herself.
" Very well," the voice said. Immediately the landscaping was changing.
" What the Hell!?" Alloran asked. It felt like she was flying through the sky.
" He's waiting for you," an image of the Galbadian region appeared.
" Who?"
" Visser."
The landscape below showed a teenager Alloran knew. His hair was pitch black as it had always been in the past. His ice blue eyes sharpened as he tightened the grip on his gunblade. A blue model known as Lionheart. Many soldiers ran at him all Galbadian A cold smile came across his face that sent shivers down her spine. As the soldiers came closer Alloran knew they were doomed from the start. Visser brought Lionheart up and with swift movements ran in the center of the mass. Alloran watched helplessly as his blade cut through them all soldiers. He threw back his head and let out laughter silent to Alloran. Blood covered the ground everywhere he stepped killing more and more without remorse. Alloran could almost feel the pain the soldiers experienced as they hit the ground covered in crimson. Their screams were heard threw her head as they were killed mercilessly. Visser acted like this was a game. Laughing as blood gushed from wounds as his blade was covered with a sickening red. Alloran could feel rage fill her body. A rage that had been dormant for three years. Her finger nails dug deep into her hand until she felt the red liquid start to slid down her hand.
" There is nothing you can do yet," the voice told Alloran nonchalantly. " Ever since that night he's been training hard. Killing is a natural thing of life for him now. Everyday he eliminates Cal's weakest and takes a life as the sorceress's executioner."
" So there's nothing I can do!?" Alloran snarled. Her calm sapphire eyes had turned into a raging thunder storm ready to strike Visser down. She watched Visser shoot a survivor in a pile of dead bodies. Alloran felt what felt like a hand resting on her shoulder.
" Not yet," the voice said softly. " But you will have your chance young wolf. Visser will only keep killing until he faces you. You are his rival and enemy. He awaits the day you two will fight. You know what he wants to do. Put an end to you. He will wait as long as it takes just to fight you. If you ever wish to fight Cal he will be a threat to you as are you to his sorceress and the future of Galbadia."
" A threat?" Alloran muttered. Her, a threat to Galbadia? Not possibly.
" He can wait as long as it takes. I'll face him when we can fight. I'll wait as long as it takes to defeat that bastard."
" That's what I wanted to hear young wolf," the voice said.
" What's with young wolf all the sudden?" Alloran asked with suspicion.
" You act like one don't you?" The voice said humorously. Alloran felt things change again like it did after the first dream that day.
" Wait!" Alloran yelled realizing what was going to happen.
~*~
" I think she moved!" Alloran heard someone say.
" Alloran? EARTH TO ALLORAN WOLFEYES!" Alloran instinctively kicked in the direction of who said that. " Ow!" Alloran opened her eyes finding herself surrounded by the rest of the team. " Why do you have to kick so hard!?" Casseil said casting cure on his broken nose.
" Whoops," Alloran said blushing slightly. " How long was I out?"
" We don't know," Leo told her as Flare started to open his mouth. " I came back here to grab my jacket and I saw you lying on the ground looking sick." Damn who ever was in that dream! Alloran thought mentally kicking herself.
" So what did happen?" Sef asked. Should I tell them? Alloran thought. Your choice. - ( Gee, thanks for the advice. ) - Your welcome mortal. -
" Nothing," Alloran said simply.
" You're lying," Tal said dryly. Drat! Alloran thought.
" Well, er," Alloran started.
" Next stop Timber, I repeat Timber!" Said the conductor over the intercom.
" Guess we better get going," Alloran said relieved. Saved by the conductor. Before anyone said a word she grabbed her bag and went out. ~ You got lucky. ~ * And why don't you want to tell them about those dreams? * ( The dreams are my problem no one else's. I want to keep them to myself. )
~*~
Part four: Another loss
Alloran and the rest of the teens had made it off the train with great ease compared to some of the other passengers. No wonder there has ever been a revolt, Alloran thought looking around. Galbadian soldiers walked through the streets hassling anyone out in the open except for the new arrivals. ~ And its 10:00 at night. That means security is probably tighter in the day. ~
" What next?" Flare yawned.
" We wait of orders," Leo told him making a hushing signal as a Galbadian soldier approached them.
" Hello brats," he said in a rough voice that sounded like nails down a chalk board. " Show me your I.D or else." We could take him, Alloran thought.
" Okay," Leo said with a smile. " We got nothing to hide right?" The soldier grinned behind his mask as he pulled out a scanner. The six handed their fake I.D hoping he wouldn't confirm fakes.
" Meh," he grumbled handing them back. " All clear."
" Thank you," Leo said with a nod. " We just came up from Deling city."
" Oh really," the soldier replied with a nod. " What's the news up there girl?" He directed that to Alloran.
" Deling city?" Alloran asked thinking up anything that would work. " I er, hear that the rebels are making fools of the soldiers up here. Personally I think the people who said that are fools."
" Damn straight!" The soldier said moving beside Alloran. Alloran almost gagged. This man smelt of urine and smog. Seeing him close made it clear he had been smoking cigarettes by the putrid smell and his yellow teeth. " Those rebels won't know what hit them. We've got a secret weapon that'll blow them sky high! A victory for us Galbadians eh?"
" Quite right," Tal said with fake interest.
" Those stinking rebel dogs ain't so tough," he said lighting a cigarette. " We caught one just about an hour ago right here." That perked Alloran's interest along with everyone else.
" Really now?" Alloran said doing her best to look happy. " My sir would you mind telling us?"
" If you kids insist," the soldier grinned. " It was 10:05 PM pitch black. I had just started the night shift. The street was empty aside from myself and my partner. A man with a red armband kept walking around the station impatiently. At first me and my partner took no interest until I realized something," the soldier paused. " That man had been with the rebels during the last battle I had been. I immediately called the watch and we got him in ten minutes."
" So it sounds like you played an important role," Leo said raising his eyebrows. " Amazing I wish I was like that."
" I bet they get plenty of information on the rebels from that spy," Sef said smiling. The soldier grinned back.
" Nope not likely," he said taking a deep drag on his cigarette. " We've caught some bastards in the past and its like squeezing a rock for water." The soldier looked at his watch and then them. " I hope you have relatives in town or something. The hotels are reserved for the high class of Galbadia."
" We do," Flare said quietly. The soldier nodded.
" Then good night. My shift is done," he said waving his hand. As soon as he left they started talking again.
" Damn!" Flare growled punching a wall leaving a dent. " What now? Our escort's been caught!" Leo stopped to think when they heard a soft beeping.
" What the-" Casseil started as Leo pulled out the communicator. Leo undid the lock and it flipped open to reveal a image of a man.
" You SeeD?" The man asked.
" Yes we are," Leo replied.
" Good, we were expecting you ya know," he said. " Listen your going to have to hike it to our headquarters."
" How come?" Flare complained. Alloran could tell he wasn't in the mood for a nice nature walk battling monsters in the night.
" We can't spare anyone ya know," the man shrugged. " We can send you directions but that's all." Flare opened his mouth to object but Leo beat him to it.
" We'll take the map," Leo replied.
" Okay, sending now!" The image of the man was replaced with a map layout of the land outside Timber. " Good luck ya know." The six SeeD were silent a moment.
" Guess that's it," Alloran said breaking the silence.
" Are you crazy Leo!?" Flare yelled in a low voice. " We can't go hunting for a base in the middle of the night."
" Which is why we're going to rest the night," Leo told him. " We'll get away from Timber and camp out until daybreak. Then we'll hike to the base."
" We might not need to camp out," Casseil said with a grin. " We can stay at my orphanage. The one I grew up at. They never were friends of the Galbadians and they always spare shelter for travelers."
" There's a problem Casseil," Alloran said rubbing her temples. " What if it's not around anymore? How do we know it isn't closed down you haven't been there since you came to Garden."
" But there's still a chance," Casseil shrugged. " Besides its less likely we'll get attacked by monsters if we're in a building." Alloran agreed there about that. For some unfathomable reason monsters only entered a building when they were starving of hunger or they were released there. And it WOULD be better than sleeping in a tent.
" How far do you think it is Casseil?" Leo asked yawning.
" About a five minute walk north of Timber," Casseil said shrugging. " Well what's the verdict?"
" The base is north of Timber as well," Tal added.
" Does anyone object?" Leo asked. Everyone shook their heads. Alloran was sure they were all tired from the trip over to Timber. " It's decided. Casseil think you can remember the way?"
" Leave it to me," Casseil said with a grin.
~*~
Casseil was practically beaming on the walk to his orphanage. I guess he really wants to get back there, Alloran thought. * It will be good for your team. You all look like your going to need a rest. *
" It's just up this hill," Casseil said happily as he ran ahead. The rest just took their time but... Something's wrong, Alloran thought. She stopped in her tracks. The hair on the back of her neck was standing on end and her arms were getting goose bumps.
" Alloran?" Tal asked. " Why'd you stop?"
" Can't you feel it?" Alloran asked. " Something here is wrong. Very."
" Is it monsters?" Sef asked reaching for his gun.
" It's not that," Alloran muttered. " But whatever it is, it's still here."
" HEY YOU GUYS!" Flare yelled from over the hill. " Get over here!" Alloran had a feeling what awaited them wasn't good news. After a quick exchange of glances Alloran, Sef, and Tal sprinted to catch up to the group to see a heart breaking sight.
All that was standing at the bottom of the hill was ruins of a building. By the marks on the wooden remains showed there had been a fire there. Alloran felt like vomiting at the sight of burned corpses. Almost all them were kids by the looks. Dried blood covered the ground all over. Bricks had been broken and the stench of death was here. It was like the sorrow of the dead lay on the ground weeping. A wind swept up ashes from the ground and swirled them like a small tornado as Alloran and Tal ran to Casseil.
" Damn it!" Casseil snarled kicking a broken plank.
" Casseil," Alloran whispered.
" What do you think happened?" Tal asked putting her hand on Casseil's shoulder. Casseil scornfully pushed her hand off him.
" Galbadians!" He growled pointing at what looked like a Galbadian flag sticking out on a stick. The flag was new, if there had been an attack it had probably been recently. With another snarl he yanked the flag out of its place and threw it up in the air where he shot it several times.
~*~
" So, what do you think?" Leo asked Sef. They had set up camp right there in the middle of the ruins.
" It was recent," Sef replied. " By the burn marks I'm thinking a couple of days. Those burned bodies haven't rotted much so there's another sign it's recent." Alloran nodded and looked over at Casseil. He had kept a distance the entire time. She wanted to say something, anything. But saying simply ' I'm sorry' didn't seem to work. She wondered, would she have felt the way Casseil did if Miss Fallow's had been like this?
" Alloran what do think our plans should be tomorrow?" Leo asked. Alloran just barely had time to register what he said.
" Well," Alloran started. Casseil had gotten up and walked toward some ruins. " I've looked at the map and I think if we get going around 0800 hours we can make it to the base by the evening if we hurry and don't run into many monsters."
" Sounds good to me," Leo agreed. " We'd better get some rest then. Keep the fire going, it'll keep away monsters." Alloran nodded and instead of taking off to the tent she shared with Tal she went in the direction Casseil went.
Alloran found Casseil digging through some rubble.
" Hey," Alloran said softly making Casseil almost jump.
" Did you have to do that!?" He snapped as he continued his search. Alloran could have left him alone but she didn't want to.
" What are you looking for?" Alloran asked. Casseil ignored her and kept looking. He probably wasn't going to answer so why bother talking? Alloran just kept silent. After a few minutes Casseil finally gave in.
" You aren't going to leave me alone are you?" Casseil sighed.
" Yep," Alloran said simply. " So what are you looking for?"
" Something important," he grumbled. Alloran just stood there looking expectant. She didn't even need to say her next sentence. " A locket my parents gave me okay? It had a picture of my mom and dad. I lost it the day I had to leave for Garden. The owners of the orphanage said if they found it they'd keep it until I returned for it. I don't remember what they look like and I really wanted to see that picture again." Casseil shook his head. " Let me guess what you're going to say, I probably won't find it." That was what Alloran was going to say. ( Poor Casseil, I wish I could help but the chances of finding it are slim to none. ) ~ He can always ask Diablos or Carbuncle to bring up a memory of them. ~ ( Do you think he'd believe me? ) ~ It's worth a try if you want to help him. ~
" You probably won't find it," Alloran admitted. " But there might be a way to see them," Casseil glared at her with an expression that said 'how?' " I know it sounds crazy but ask one of your GFs. You see, we know they can affect memory right? Well I, I talk to my GFs all the time and they can bring up even some of the least memorable memories. Just ask them." Casseil glared at her with a puzzled look.
" Are you serious?" He asked. Alloran nodded and waited for the laugh, it never came. " Why didn't you tell Tal and me?"
" Well," Alloran started. " You guys probably wouldn't believe me."
" Really? You thought that," he asked stepping closer. " What do I have to do?"
" Just send your thoughts to them," Alloran said. It was hard telling Casseil what to do. " You can here them if you tried. Just focus on them and talk through your mind." Casseil sighed and nodded as he closed his eyes. Alloran was assuming he was trying. A few seconds later he opened his eyes in shock. ~ Makes me think of when I started talking to you. ~ ( Yeah right. ) ~ It's true. You had a look of shock when I started talking to you. ~ " Well Casseil?"
" I just," he started. " Heard two voices. They told me to wait a while before they tried. They said they haven't tried calling back memories for centuries. Though one sounded kinda resentful I asked." * Sounds like Diablos. He's just like Bahamut. * - Barely. - Alloran hadn't noticed how close Casseil was to her. " Thanks," he said clearing his throat. " So um," he was turning a light red. His hazel eyes held Alloran gaze. She could see the sadness that was there. " Do you remember, the night of the graduation party? When we were on the balcony?"
" Yeah," Alloran said blushing. This had to be something, she hardly blushed. " What about it?"
" Well," Casseil faltered. " You see-"
" Hey guys!" Flare yelled. " Leo says you should get some sleep. We've got a long hike tomorrow. "
" Never mind," Casseil squeaked jogging off to the tents. Why, why did I feel that way? Alloran thought walking slowly to the camp. It's not like I have feelings for Casseil. Right?
~*~
Wolf: Sorry that this chapter isn't as long as the last two but I have to limit myself. Besides I'm sure some will be happy because of the shorter chapter.
Review answers:
Sorceress Fujin: I'm writing!
GirlsDon'tCry: Phew that's a relief. My story's too young to get married anyway.
Verdanii: He, he, he glad you liked it.
Dark Hope: This won't exactly be a love story but there will be sparks throughout the story.
Mini Sorceress: * hands you a pair of glasses.* That's for your eyes. ^_^. Oh and for the record the chapter was 31 pages long written in font 11. Tsk, tsk, you skimmed the end and didn't do your homework.
DarkAngel666: Glad you liked the long length though I got a complaint but oh well. Yes Alloran is one of the SeeD after all I need to build a plot for later. I could tell you but I won't. And yes my story kicks ass, especially Tobias's.
FantasyWolf: The answer to your question is a math one. What's 10+8=? Do this and you get Alloran's age.
Emrelle Elendal: Written and done. I'll write more just be patient.
edenblack18: Glad you liked it. And I upload when I can.
Blueflamerose: Thanks. I try to explain things the best I can.
~*~
Tobias: * in a body cast* I'll get you Wolf!
Wolf: You really shouldn't make threats.
Tobias: Why?
Wolf: Because your in a wheel chair and can't do anything.
Tobias: Oh God. * pushed mysteriously out the window again.*
Wolf: Oh we must have a poltergeist. * a glass vase just misses her.* Um I guess we really do... BYE PLEASE REVIEW!
Tobias: Do you have to do that EVERY chapter?
Wolf: Quiet!
Tobias: Meanie, * is mysteriously pushed out the window*
Wolf: Oh I wonder what happened? I don't suppose anyone wants to sue? * Smiles evilly.* Okay no law suites yet so let's move on.
~*~
Part 1: The return of the dream
The ground shook violently where Alloran stood as Griever attacked the land. Why is this happening!? She thought furiously. Isn't there a way to stop this!?
" Yes there is," said a delicate female voice. " This future may not come to pass."
" Who the Hell are you!?" Alloran growled looking around. Alloran knew that voice. It was the voice that instructed her to call Leviathan when Balamb was attacked by monsters.
" That is something you can't find out till later," replied the voice.
" What do you mean, the future may not come to past?" Alloran said deciding they weren't going to answer her question.
" My child, this future has come to be several times in the past," the voice said sadly. " It is a cycle that has never had a chance to stop, until now."
" You're making no sense!" Alloran growled.
" There is more times then yours Alloran," the voice continued. " All the ones that were before your time have all lead to the dream you have seen when you were a young girl."
" Were you the one sending them to me!?" Alloran asked furiously.
" Not me," the voice replied. " But I have helped you in the past. The cycle may be stopped."
" What do you mean!?" Alloran asked frustrated.
" My child, you may be the one to stop the cycle," the voice told her. " Everything you have done, even your existence has influenced the future. You have stopped the plans of both Ultimecia and Karu many times already."
" Ultimecia!?" Alloran asked shocked. " Ultimecia is a future sorceress!"
" Her name is known as Ultimecia after centuries of your own time. A sorceress normally dies of old age if no one has slain her but Cal's anger kept her alive for those millenniums until SeeD came to the future."
" Cal's Ultimecia!?" Alloran asked wide-eyed. She had heard from her instructors who visited that time that many SeeD were dead and there was almost no signs of life. Thinking about it made her skin crawl.
" Not yet," the voice continued. " If she does get Griever then it will happen. The way time has gone on these times Karu will not let Cal die until Karu can complete his task."
" Who in Hyne's name is Karu!?" Alloran growled.
" A GF, much like your own GF Fenerir," the voice replied. " Karu has never completed his task but as long as he remains in a sorceress's hands the cycle will never end."
" Then what the Hell am I supposed to do!?" Alloran asked. " I just made it to SeeD, I don't have the experience or skill to take Cal down!" The voice didn't reply this time but Alloran could feel things changing. " Who the Hell are you?"
~*~
Part 2: Mission one.
Alloran's eyes flung open as she gasped for air. It had been three weeks since she had become SeeD. Alloran's fingers ran through her hair. It was covered with sweat. She was at some extent glad Tal was in another room- SeeD had their own rooms. If Tal had been here she would start asking Alloran questions she didn't want to answer.
It came back, Alloran thought. The dream of the GF Griever destroying the land had returned after three years. But it was different. The person who asked her to call Leviathan was talking to her, whoever they were. ~ Alloran? ~ ( The dream came back. ) - Dream? - * It's been three years since you had that nightmare. * - Care to explain, mortal. - Alloran told her GFs everything that was there and what happened. She knew Fenerir and Leviathan already knew part one but Bahamut didn't. ~ Karu? You sure you got that name right? ~ ( Positive. Do you know who Karu is? ) ~ Alloran, I'll tell you one day but not now. I expect you two won't tell her either. ~ ( Why not!? ) ~ Alloran, please don't ask me that. ~ Alloran fumed as she threw some water from the tap at her face. It was only 6:00AM. Great, I probably can count getting back to sleep out of the schedule, Alloran growled to herself. At least the hallways would be clear at this time. Alloran would have showered now but she was doing her work out and she would just get sweaty all over again. After braiding her hair strand again she geared up and grabbed some fresh clothes and sheaved Windhowler. Might as head down to the training center and kill a few Gnats.
~*~
Ninety-seven, Alloran thought lifting heavy weights as she used the bench press. Ninety- eight, Ninety-nine... Alloran grunted as she pushed the weight back on the rack. She would have done more but she was still bugged by the dream. Who was the person in her dream? And what did she mean Alloran might be the one to end the cycle? Coincidence? Not likely. Almost all the premonitions Alloran had came true. Alloran picked up one of the face cloths provided and wiped her face. Earlier she had done Gnat slashing until her mind kept drifting to the dream and a Gnat almost got her.
What the hell is the cycle? Alloran thought as she took a shower at the locker rooms. Why can't someone else stop the cycle? There is no way she would be able to make a difference. Anybody would be more qualified for something important but me, Alloran thought. Karu... not even the book of GFs mentioned anything about a GF called that.
"So many questions, no answers," Alloran sighed aloud after she got on her fresh extra clothes. Why do I have to be the one with these dreams? I don't think normal teenage girls have dreams about the future.
" Will the following please report to the office. Leo Leonhart, Alloran Wolfeyes, Tal Carter, Casseil Hunter, Flare Dincht and Sef Kinneas," the intercom stated. What did I did this time? Alloran thought grabbing her jacket. ~ Everything. ~ ( No funny. ) ~ Comedy is in the ear of the beholder. ~ ( That's ' beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' ) ~ Same thing. ~
~*~
" Hey Alloran," greeted Leo as Alloran made it to the office.
" Hey Leo," Alloran replied taking a seat in one of the provided chairs. " Do you know what's going on?"
" Don't know," Leo shrugged. " Hopefully we're been sent on a mission."
" Already?" Alloran asked. Her and the rest of squad E had only made SeeD three weeks ago.
" Don't be surprised," Leo shrugged again. " It would be a surprise if they assigned you on a mission the day after the exam."
" Boo!" A hand reached onto Alloran's shoulder. Alloran didn't bother flipping the person on the other end to find out who was there. Instead Alloran gripped one finger and jammed it into its socket.
" Yowch!" Casseil yelped pulling back as he pulled his hand away. " What were you trying to do? Break my finger!?"
" Not break it, at least not yet," Alloran grinned wickedly.
" Gee, thanks," Casseil grumbled taking a seat.
Alloran was relieved somehow that she never thought of Casseil the way she did at the party. She didn't know why she felt that way on the balcony but it never happened again. Things seemed to go back to normal with Alloran and Casseil but... Alloran wondered if Casseil meant what he said that night. If she asked him he would most likely deny it so she never asked him. Maybe one day she would ask him but not for a long time.
" Told ya you shouldn't have done that," Tal said laughing slightly as she took a seat.
" You could have warned me she'd do that," Casseil pouted.
" You never asked," Tal shrugged.
" What do you think is keeping Flare and Sef?" Leo asked looking at the clock. " They'd normally be here about now."
As if on cue the two panting teens carrying hotdogs ran in.
" We late?" Flare asked taking a big bite out of a hotdog.
" Hyne what's with all the hotdogs?" Leo asked cocking an eyebrow.
" Their Flare's," Sef said glaring at Flare. " The cafeteria actually had hotdogs and Mr. Pig over there just had them all. Then when we got called here and he paid me 20 gil to help him carry it over here."
" Hey!" Flare said almost coughing up some hotdog bits. " I offered you a bite!"
" After I finished my breakfast," Sef retorted. Flare shrugged as he stuffed another hotdog in his mouth.
" Anyone want a bite?" He asked showing a drool-covered hotdog.
" You're joking," Alloran said grossed out. " I wouldn't eat that if I was starving in the desert."
" Ditto," Tal said in the same way looking slightly green.
" What about you guys?" Flare said looking at Sef, Leo, and Casseil.
" I'm on diet," Casseil told him swiftly.
" I'm allergic," Leo replied.
" I've eaten," Sef said grimacing.
" Oh well, MORE FOR ME!" Flare said happily as he devoured his hotdogs while the rest of the teens watched shaking their heads. Then as he started his sixth he grabbed his throat and started making noises.
" What's with him?" Tal asked rolling her eyes. Flare started making motions to his throat.
" Who wants to bet he's choking?" Alloran asked watching Leo get up and started doing the hemlech maneuver. One push, nothing. Twice, nothing. Third, bingo. Flare hacked up hotdog bits bullet speed right at...
" What the-" hot dog bits sprayed onto Squall's face. With an angry wipe across thew face he growled. " Who in Hyne's name is responsible!?" All six pointed to someone. Everyone pointed at Flare who had pointed at Alloran. " Flare Dincht!"
"I'm so sorry! Please don't demote me pleeeaaassseee!" Flare said practically begging on his knees.
" Fine you are forgiven," Squall sighed putting a hand on his head. " Any ways do you know why you have been called down here?"
" For a mission sir?" Leo asked in military form.
" Correct," Squall told them. " Now for the briefing. You are to go to Timber. There you will support the rebel troops and are expected to listen to their leader Seifer Almasy's orders." Squall said 'Seifer' like poison. We're assisting the rebels!? Alloran thought with shock. This was a mission she only dreamed of doing when she read Timber Maniacs. But why so few for this mission then? Alloran thought glancing everyone over. " No matter what remember your jobs. Listen to their orders, suggest advice, and never falter to give support. At the train station a member will escort you to their headquarters outside of town. Look for a person with a red armband. That is the man you follow. Your leader is Leo Leonhart and second in command is Alloran Wolfeyes." Alloran didn't know whether to feel to feel relieved or shocked. Again she had been picked for a leader position. She didn't want the responsibility! " You will remain with the rebels until the job is done. That may take months or years but you are bound by your contract." The six nodded. Squall pulled out something that looked like a compact and handed it to Leo then passed out small I.D cards. " This is the communicator that you or the rebels can use for contact. These I.D cards are fakes but they should get you through Timber if you are questioned. The train will leave at 1300 hours. The train will take nine hours to get there so you will arrive at 2200 hours. Till then you are dismissed." The six saluted Squall and filed out of the office. Outside Alloran gave Flare a shove.
" You really shouldn't try and put the blame on someone who can kick your butt," Alloran growled.
" You beat me up? Not likely!" Flare retorted. Alloran and Flare glared at each other until Leo pushed them apart.
" Care not to kill each other until after the mission," Leo sighed. " I was hoping I wouldn't be stuck being leader."
" Well you ARE the commander's son and you DO have a lot of pressure on you," Tal commented.
" Yeah," Leo admitted. " Being the son of a legend isn't easy."
" It could be worse," Flare quipped. " You could be the son of that asshole Seifer Almasy. My dad went to Garden with him and my dad said he was a slimy, arrogant, sorceress's bitch."
" No way!" Alloran growled. " He's not that bad!"
" Hah! Not what I heard," Flare told her. " I hear he's hated in most places they wouldn't let him near with a ocean's length!" Alloran gulped slightly. That was true that he wasn't forgiven by many after the incident with Ultimecia. But to Alloran he didn't really seem the type.
" Have you even met him?" Alloran asked coldly glaring him down.
" Have you?" Flare shot back.
" Knock it off!" Sef said pulling Flare away. " How about you guys stop arguing. We're stuck together for who knows how long."
" Chicken boy," Alloran muttered.
" THAT DOES IT!" Flare broke loose from his friend and gave Alloran a hard punch right on the face. Too bad for Flare he wasn't the only one trained for martial arts. Alloran moved under his arm and hammered him in the stomach. " B, Bitch," Flare gasped as Alloran felt his body starting to go limp.
" No a bitch is a female dog," Alloran whispered giving Flare to Sef. " And be thankful this isn't my field specialty."
" You didn't have to hit him THAT hard," Leo told Alloran sternly helping Flare up.
" He attacked me first," Alloran replied quietly ignoring Leo's angered gaze.
" You provoked me!" Flare growled. He struggled to go after Alloran but was held by Leo and Sef.
" So," Alloran replied. " Does that mean if an enemy makes fun of you that you're supposed to let them provoke you?" Flare just muttered curses under as Casseil and Tal quickly led Alloran away.
" Hey Alloran," Leo called after them making the three stop. " You, Tal and Casseil meet us at the gate at 1100 hours. We'll go to Balamb by car and catch the train."
" Yes sir," Alloran said with a nod. Her instincts were telling her it would be best to leave Flare alone for awhile. In ' A sorceress Knight' it said not to go after an opponent all at once. Wait awhile if you wish to keep their anger at bay.
~*~
" Casseil!" Chorused the other five as Casseil drove the car over the plains to Balamb.
" Do you even know what you're doing!?" Alloran growled digging her fingernails into her bag pretending it was Casseil's head.
" Yeah!" Casseil replied defensively as he just barely missed the mountainside. " Just hang onto your stuff! I don't want to drive back because your stuff flew out of the car!" He keeps this up and HE'LL be flying out the car! Alloran thought feeling another bump.
" WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!!!" Flare whined out for the twentieth time.
" Stop being a wimp man," Sef said as he swiftly grabbed Flare's bag, which almost flew out of the car. " Even the monsters are going to start laughing at us to death."
" Oh be quiet," Flare growled snatching his bag. "I take it back what I said about your driving Alloran, Casseil's is truly the worse!"
" I'm not that bad!" Casseil said dodging a bite bug in the middle of the road. "When we were learning tank control last year I was one of the best!"
" Then I guess we'd better start praying the rebels don't have tanks or we'll destroy Timber instead of saving it," Tal said shooting Casseil a wicked smile. Alloran was in the back seat but she was almost positive she heard Casseil pout. This is going to be a looooonnnnnggggggg ride, Alloran thought as Flare said ' we're all going to die! ' for the twenty first time.
~*~
" Do you have to do that here?" Tal asked Flare as the garden attendant drove the car back to Garden. They had miraculously survived a ride with Casseil as the driver. Flare had just been vomiting in the bushes while they waited for Leo to return with their tickets.
" This is so embarrassing," Alloran muttered as passbyers would occasionally stop and look at the SeeD shaking their heads at Flare.
" Kinda makes you think Leo's taking his time on purpose," Sef grumbled.
" Oh be quiet," Flare said roughly. A second later they heard more vomit spew. Why me? Alloran thought.
" Got em," Leo said cheerfully passing them each their tickets. " Flare done yet?"
" Yep," Flare said looking a deep shade of green. "Not a word," he said to an amused Sef. With a load ring of the train bell the six teens took to the train station with half an hour to go before the train would take off to their first mission.
~*~
Part three: Knowing.
" How much longer?" Flare said as he practiced his combat moves with Sef. The SeeD had been given a V.I.P room so everyone was doing their own thing in the private car. Tal and Casseil were exploring the train, Flare and Sef were practicing hand to hand combat, Leo was napping, and Alloran was just being bored.
" Eight more hours," Alloran sighed feeling tempted to clobber Flare. This had been the fifth time in one hour he had asked.
" Leo, you awake?" Flare asked dodging Sef's punch. " Leo?"
" I am NOW," Leo grumbled pushing his hair wisps out of away from his face. Alloran hadn't noticed it before but Leo's eyes were slightly red. Wonder where that's from? Alloran thought.
" Want to check out the food car?" Flare asked as he did a double somersault before kicking Sef.
" You ate I don't know, fifteen hotdogs," Sef said ducking a round house kick. " And you're hungry?"
" Yeah but I kinda barfed that up on the way over here," Flare said blushing.
" Too much information," Leo said yawning. " Fine, you probably won't let me be until I let go with you."
" Hey," Flare said giving Leo a slight punch.
" You want to come Alloran?" Leo asked.
" No thanks," Alloran replied. " Me and Flare would probably tear apart the dining car in attempts to kill each other."
" I can live without you," Flare said in an overly sweet voice. " We'll be thinking of you when we stuff our faces."
" If you're going to leave car care to do it now?" Alloran said with a glare saying ' now!' Flare obliged happily as he practically skipped out of the cart with Sef and Leo behind him. Great, what now? Alloran thought. There really wasn't much there to do for a high class room. Fashion magazines? No way! Look out the window? We're were riding in an underwater passageway. Jump on the couch? Too Flare like. Guess I can always see if I can find Tal and Cass- All the sudden Alloran felt dizzy and tired like had the first few days she woke up from the bullet assault. What the? She thought weakly. She struggled to stand but it felt like all her strength had been zapped away. Before she realized it the floor came to meet her.
~*~
" Hello my child," said the voice who had talked to Alloran before.
" Where are you?" Alloran asked looking around. She almost shrieked. She was up high in the sky above the ocean.
" No where that you can see," chuckled the voice.
" If you have a message care to deliver it now?" Alloran sighed. Looks like I'm going to be stuck with more questions than answers again, Alloran thought.
" You catch on quick," said the voice. " I should have expected that from the blood that runs through your veins."
" Cut to the chase!" Alloran hissed at the body less voice.
" So eager," laughed the voice. In a more serious tone she replied. " Do you wish to find out more of Visser?"
The words came to Alloran's mouth before her mind grasped it. " Hell yeah!" There I go shooting off my mouth, Alloran thought mentally kicking herself.
" Very well," the voice said. Immediately the landscaping was changing.
" What the Hell!?" Alloran asked. It felt like she was flying through the sky.
" He's waiting for you," an image of the Galbadian region appeared.
" Who?"
" Visser."
The landscape below showed a teenager Alloran knew. His hair was pitch black as it had always been in the past. His ice blue eyes sharpened as he tightened the grip on his gunblade. A blue model known as Lionheart. Many soldiers ran at him all Galbadian A cold smile came across his face that sent shivers down her spine. As the soldiers came closer Alloran knew they were doomed from the start. Visser brought Lionheart up and with swift movements ran in the center of the mass. Alloran watched helplessly as his blade cut through them all soldiers. He threw back his head and let out laughter silent to Alloran. Blood covered the ground everywhere he stepped killing more and more without remorse. Alloran could almost feel the pain the soldiers experienced as they hit the ground covered in crimson. Their screams were heard threw her head as they were killed mercilessly. Visser acted like this was a game. Laughing as blood gushed from wounds as his blade was covered with a sickening red. Alloran could feel rage fill her body. A rage that had been dormant for three years. Her finger nails dug deep into her hand until she felt the red liquid start to slid down her hand.
" There is nothing you can do yet," the voice told Alloran nonchalantly. " Ever since that night he's been training hard. Killing is a natural thing of life for him now. Everyday he eliminates Cal's weakest and takes a life as the sorceress's executioner."
" So there's nothing I can do!?" Alloran snarled. Her calm sapphire eyes had turned into a raging thunder storm ready to strike Visser down. She watched Visser shoot a survivor in a pile of dead bodies. Alloran felt what felt like a hand resting on her shoulder.
" Not yet," the voice said softly. " But you will have your chance young wolf. Visser will only keep killing until he faces you. You are his rival and enemy. He awaits the day you two will fight. You know what he wants to do. Put an end to you. He will wait as long as it takes just to fight you. If you ever wish to fight Cal he will be a threat to you as are you to his sorceress and the future of Galbadia."
" A threat?" Alloran muttered. Her, a threat to Galbadia? Not possibly.
" He can wait as long as it takes. I'll face him when we can fight. I'll wait as long as it takes to defeat that bastard."
" That's what I wanted to hear young wolf," the voice said.
" What's with young wolf all the sudden?" Alloran asked with suspicion.
" You act like one don't you?" The voice said humorously. Alloran felt things change again like it did after the first dream that day.
" Wait!" Alloran yelled realizing what was going to happen.
~*~
" I think she moved!" Alloran heard someone say.
" Alloran? EARTH TO ALLORAN WOLFEYES!" Alloran instinctively kicked in the direction of who said that. " Ow!" Alloran opened her eyes finding herself surrounded by the rest of the team. " Why do you have to kick so hard!?" Casseil said casting cure on his broken nose.
" Whoops," Alloran said blushing slightly. " How long was I out?"
" We don't know," Leo told her as Flare started to open his mouth. " I came back here to grab my jacket and I saw you lying on the ground looking sick." Damn who ever was in that dream! Alloran thought mentally kicking herself.
" So what did happen?" Sef asked. Should I tell them? Alloran thought. Your choice. - ( Gee, thanks for the advice. ) - Your welcome mortal. -
" Nothing," Alloran said simply.
" You're lying," Tal said dryly. Drat! Alloran thought.
" Well, er," Alloran started.
" Next stop Timber, I repeat Timber!" Said the conductor over the intercom.
" Guess we better get going," Alloran said relieved. Saved by the conductor. Before anyone said a word she grabbed her bag and went out. ~ You got lucky. ~ * And why don't you want to tell them about those dreams? * ( The dreams are my problem no one else's. I want to keep them to myself. )
~*~
Part four: Another loss
Alloran and the rest of the teens had made it off the train with great ease compared to some of the other passengers. No wonder there has ever been a revolt, Alloran thought looking around. Galbadian soldiers walked through the streets hassling anyone out in the open except for the new arrivals. ~ And its 10:00 at night. That means security is probably tighter in the day. ~
" What next?" Flare yawned.
" We wait of orders," Leo told him making a hushing signal as a Galbadian soldier approached them.
" Hello brats," he said in a rough voice that sounded like nails down a chalk board. " Show me your I.D or else." We could take him, Alloran thought.
" Okay," Leo said with a smile. " We got nothing to hide right?" The soldier grinned behind his mask as he pulled out a scanner. The six handed their fake I.D hoping he wouldn't confirm fakes.
" Meh," he grumbled handing them back. " All clear."
" Thank you," Leo said with a nod. " We just came up from Deling city."
" Oh really," the soldier replied with a nod. " What's the news up there girl?" He directed that to Alloran.
" Deling city?" Alloran asked thinking up anything that would work. " I er, hear that the rebels are making fools of the soldiers up here. Personally I think the people who said that are fools."
" Damn straight!" The soldier said moving beside Alloran. Alloran almost gagged. This man smelt of urine and smog. Seeing him close made it clear he had been smoking cigarettes by the putrid smell and his yellow teeth. " Those rebels won't know what hit them. We've got a secret weapon that'll blow them sky high! A victory for us Galbadians eh?"
" Quite right," Tal said with fake interest.
" Those stinking rebel dogs ain't so tough," he said lighting a cigarette. " We caught one just about an hour ago right here." That perked Alloran's interest along with everyone else.
" Really now?" Alloran said doing her best to look happy. " My sir would you mind telling us?"
" If you kids insist," the soldier grinned. " It was 10:05 PM pitch black. I had just started the night shift. The street was empty aside from myself and my partner. A man with a red armband kept walking around the station impatiently. At first me and my partner took no interest until I realized something," the soldier paused. " That man had been with the rebels during the last battle I had been. I immediately called the watch and we got him in ten minutes."
" So it sounds like you played an important role," Leo said raising his eyebrows. " Amazing I wish I was like that."
" I bet they get plenty of information on the rebels from that spy," Sef said smiling. The soldier grinned back.
" Nope not likely," he said taking a deep drag on his cigarette. " We've caught some bastards in the past and its like squeezing a rock for water." The soldier looked at his watch and then them. " I hope you have relatives in town or something. The hotels are reserved for the high class of Galbadia."
" We do," Flare said quietly. The soldier nodded.
" Then good night. My shift is done," he said waving his hand. As soon as he left they started talking again.
" Damn!" Flare growled punching a wall leaving a dent. " What now? Our escort's been caught!" Leo stopped to think when they heard a soft beeping.
" What the-" Casseil started as Leo pulled out the communicator. Leo undid the lock and it flipped open to reveal a image of a man.
" You SeeD?" The man asked.
" Yes we are," Leo replied.
" Good, we were expecting you ya know," he said. " Listen your going to have to hike it to our headquarters."
" How come?" Flare complained. Alloran could tell he wasn't in the mood for a nice nature walk battling monsters in the night.
" We can't spare anyone ya know," the man shrugged. " We can send you directions but that's all." Flare opened his mouth to object but Leo beat him to it.
" We'll take the map," Leo replied.
" Okay, sending now!" The image of the man was replaced with a map layout of the land outside Timber. " Good luck ya know." The six SeeD were silent a moment.
" Guess that's it," Alloran said breaking the silence.
" Are you crazy Leo!?" Flare yelled in a low voice. " We can't go hunting for a base in the middle of the night."
" Which is why we're going to rest the night," Leo told him. " We'll get away from Timber and camp out until daybreak. Then we'll hike to the base."
" We might not need to camp out," Casseil said with a grin. " We can stay at my orphanage. The one I grew up at. They never were friends of the Galbadians and they always spare shelter for travelers."
" There's a problem Casseil," Alloran said rubbing her temples. " What if it's not around anymore? How do we know it isn't closed down you haven't been there since you came to Garden."
" But there's still a chance," Casseil shrugged. " Besides its less likely we'll get attacked by monsters if we're in a building." Alloran agreed there about that. For some unfathomable reason monsters only entered a building when they were starving of hunger or they were released there. And it WOULD be better than sleeping in a tent.
" How far do you think it is Casseil?" Leo asked yawning.
" About a five minute walk north of Timber," Casseil said shrugging. " Well what's the verdict?"
" The base is north of Timber as well," Tal added.
" Does anyone object?" Leo asked. Everyone shook their heads. Alloran was sure they were all tired from the trip over to Timber. " It's decided. Casseil think you can remember the way?"
" Leave it to me," Casseil said with a grin.
~*~
Casseil was practically beaming on the walk to his orphanage. I guess he really wants to get back there, Alloran thought. * It will be good for your team. You all look like your going to need a rest. *
" It's just up this hill," Casseil said happily as he ran ahead. The rest just took their time but... Something's wrong, Alloran thought. She stopped in her tracks. The hair on the back of her neck was standing on end and her arms were getting goose bumps.
" Alloran?" Tal asked. " Why'd you stop?"
" Can't you feel it?" Alloran asked. " Something here is wrong. Very."
" Is it monsters?" Sef asked reaching for his gun.
" It's not that," Alloran muttered. " But whatever it is, it's still here."
" HEY YOU GUYS!" Flare yelled from over the hill. " Get over here!" Alloran had a feeling what awaited them wasn't good news. After a quick exchange of glances Alloran, Sef, and Tal sprinted to catch up to the group to see a heart breaking sight.
All that was standing at the bottom of the hill was ruins of a building. By the marks on the wooden remains showed there had been a fire there. Alloran felt like vomiting at the sight of burned corpses. Almost all them were kids by the looks. Dried blood covered the ground all over. Bricks had been broken and the stench of death was here. It was like the sorrow of the dead lay on the ground weeping. A wind swept up ashes from the ground and swirled them like a small tornado as Alloran and Tal ran to Casseil.
" Damn it!" Casseil snarled kicking a broken plank.
" Casseil," Alloran whispered.
" What do you think happened?" Tal asked putting her hand on Casseil's shoulder. Casseil scornfully pushed her hand off him.
" Galbadians!" He growled pointing at what looked like a Galbadian flag sticking out on a stick. The flag was new, if there had been an attack it had probably been recently. With another snarl he yanked the flag out of its place and threw it up in the air where he shot it several times.
~*~
" So, what do you think?" Leo asked Sef. They had set up camp right there in the middle of the ruins.
" It was recent," Sef replied. " By the burn marks I'm thinking a couple of days. Those burned bodies haven't rotted much so there's another sign it's recent." Alloran nodded and looked over at Casseil. He had kept a distance the entire time. She wanted to say something, anything. But saying simply ' I'm sorry' didn't seem to work. She wondered, would she have felt the way Casseil did if Miss Fallow's had been like this?
" Alloran what do think our plans should be tomorrow?" Leo asked. Alloran just barely had time to register what he said.
" Well," Alloran started. Casseil had gotten up and walked toward some ruins. " I've looked at the map and I think if we get going around 0800 hours we can make it to the base by the evening if we hurry and don't run into many monsters."
" Sounds good to me," Leo agreed. " We'd better get some rest then. Keep the fire going, it'll keep away monsters." Alloran nodded and instead of taking off to the tent she shared with Tal she went in the direction Casseil went.
Alloran found Casseil digging through some rubble.
" Hey," Alloran said softly making Casseil almost jump.
" Did you have to do that!?" He snapped as he continued his search. Alloran could have left him alone but she didn't want to.
" What are you looking for?" Alloran asked. Casseil ignored her and kept looking. He probably wasn't going to answer so why bother talking? Alloran just kept silent. After a few minutes Casseil finally gave in.
" You aren't going to leave me alone are you?" Casseil sighed.
" Yep," Alloran said simply. " So what are you looking for?"
" Something important," he grumbled. Alloran just stood there looking expectant. She didn't even need to say her next sentence. " A locket my parents gave me okay? It had a picture of my mom and dad. I lost it the day I had to leave for Garden. The owners of the orphanage said if they found it they'd keep it until I returned for it. I don't remember what they look like and I really wanted to see that picture again." Casseil shook his head. " Let me guess what you're going to say, I probably won't find it." That was what Alloran was going to say. ( Poor Casseil, I wish I could help but the chances of finding it are slim to none. ) ~ He can always ask Diablos or Carbuncle to bring up a memory of them. ~ ( Do you think he'd believe me? ) ~ It's worth a try if you want to help him. ~
" You probably won't find it," Alloran admitted. " But there might be a way to see them," Casseil glared at her with an expression that said 'how?' " I know it sounds crazy but ask one of your GFs. You see, we know they can affect memory right? Well I, I talk to my GFs all the time and they can bring up even some of the least memorable memories. Just ask them." Casseil glared at her with a puzzled look.
" Are you serious?" He asked. Alloran nodded and waited for the laugh, it never came. " Why didn't you tell Tal and me?"
" Well," Alloran started. " You guys probably wouldn't believe me."
" Really? You thought that," he asked stepping closer. " What do I have to do?"
" Just send your thoughts to them," Alloran said. It was hard telling Casseil what to do. " You can here them if you tried. Just focus on them and talk through your mind." Casseil sighed and nodded as he closed his eyes. Alloran was assuming he was trying. A few seconds later he opened his eyes in shock. ~ Makes me think of when I started talking to you. ~ ( Yeah right. ) ~ It's true. You had a look of shock when I started talking to you. ~ " Well Casseil?"
" I just," he started. " Heard two voices. They told me to wait a while before they tried. They said they haven't tried calling back memories for centuries. Though one sounded kinda resentful I asked." * Sounds like Diablos. He's just like Bahamut. * - Barely. - Alloran hadn't noticed how close Casseil was to her. " Thanks," he said clearing his throat. " So um," he was turning a light red. His hazel eyes held Alloran gaze. She could see the sadness that was there. " Do you remember, the night of the graduation party? When we were on the balcony?"
" Yeah," Alloran said blushing. This had to be something, she hardly blushed. " What about it?"
" Well," Casseil faltered. " You see-"
" Hey guys!" Flare yelled. " Leo says you should get some sleep. We've got a long hike tomorrow. "
" Never mind," Casseil squeaked jogging off to the tents. Why, why did I feel that way? Alloran thought walking slowly to the camp. It's not like I have feelings for Casseil. Right?
~*~
Wolf: Sorry that this chapter isn't as long as the last two but I have to limit myself. Besides I'm sure some will be happy because of the shorter chapter.
Review answers:
Sorceress Fujin: I'm writing!
GirlsDon'tCry: Phew that's a relief. My story's too young to get married anyway.
Verdanii: He, he, he glad you liked it.
Dark Hope: This won't exactly be a love story but there will be sparks throughout the story.
Mini Sorceress: * hands you a pair of glasses.* That's for your eyes. ^_^. Oh and for the record the chapter was 31 pages long written in font 11. Tsk, tsk, you skimmed the end and didn't do your homework.
DarkAngel666: Glad you liked the long length though I got a complaint but oh well. Yes Alloran is one of the SeeD after all I need to build a plot for later. I could tell you but I won't. And yes my story kicks ass, especially Tobias's.
FantasyWolf: The answer to your question is a math one. What's 10+8=? Do this and you get Alloran's age.
Emrelle Elendal: Written and done. I'll write more just be patient.
edenblack18: Glad you liked it. And I upload when I can.
Blueflamerose: Thanks. I try to explain things the best I can.
~*~
Tobias: * in a body cast* I'll get you Wolf!
Wolf: You really shouldn't make threats.
Tobias: Why?
Wolf: Because your in a wheel chair and can't do anything.
Tobias: Oh God. * pushed mysteriously out the window again.*
Wolf: Oh we must have a poltergeist. * a glass vase just misses her.* Um I guess we really do... BYE PLEASE REVIEW!
