Wolf: Hello again. I don't own any FF 8 characters. Story's almost over, long chapter. Took me a long time to update due to teachers piling the mother load of homework assignment and tests. Thanks to quick edit, [ mutters anger] I had to change the way I did dialogue between Alloran and the rest of the GFs. Also, I slipped in a few Latin words so if I screwed up royally please no reviews with pitchforks attached to them. (Wish I were kidding)
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Part one: Beginning of the end.
Cal awoke in full fury in the strange realm. Angry she hurled a fire spell into the air. Only half as strong as it could have been before. Howling she kept throwing spells until her temper cooled. Control yourself! Karu hissed angrily as his vengeful voice filled his head.
How can I!? We allowed that wench Ellone to send us here! Cal argued back.
You did, not me. Besides, there is always a way back. But from your weakened state you may need help, Karu said coolly in his-as-a-matter-of-fact tone.
From who!? No one else is here, or have you forgotten?
Not entirely dear Cal, there is one person here that awaits us. Hyne's messenger. 'Destined to change fate'. Use her my lady. Rub it in Hyne's face, show her that even her pitiful child is like all other humans. Easily used. Cal smiled at Karu's notion. It was fair, Hyne had robbed of her life before, now she would rob Hyne of her messenger.
----
Alloran opened her eyes with pain over her body. The stinging pain that Visser had left was still there. Muttering a few words of curative magic she looked around in awe. It was just as it had been before, but the eerie sensation was stronger. Much stronger. She actually did shiver this time. Pushing herself up the pale moonlight made the statues of this world glimmer and come alive. Ruins stood proudly though they had been crushed. Alloran's eyes gazed around. This was the only formation in this dark world. Eternity, land of the watchers.
Windhowler in hand she crept around the strange realm. The cold air bit at her freshly cut cheek. Taking steady breaths she glanced around. No sign of anything recent. Shivering she wrapped her fingers around the glowing sapphire. Where was Cal? Was she alone? She highly doubted that. Alloran didn't like this place; not one bit.
Fenerir? Alloran asked.
She's close, along with Karu. Alloran felt the anger and bitterness in Fenerir's words.
Just don't let it interfere with your fighting and be careful. Cal is still a powerful sorceress, even with her power weakened from the spell, Bahamut roared back.
As she walked alone she felt the air stiffen and tighten. Mist curled around her making her eyesight dull. No, not only her eye sight; her hearing as well. Every hair on the back of her neck rose. Alloran stopped moving all together. She did her best to keep her sounds limited but her breathing seemed to load. Alloran didn't know what to do.
" So young, so afraid," said an eerie women's voice. Alloran spun to see her but the voice was from all sides. " You don't know what to do."
" Stay away from me," Alloran ordered with a growl. Laughter filled the air all around her. Cruel laughter.
Through the air sharp painful objects tore through Alloran's skin. Swearing under her breath she distantly heard light objects clatter to the ground. Senbon acupuncture needles. ' Not many are used as weapons anymore but they are still deadly if used properly,' Irvine once warned. ' Originally made for medical usage they can cause either lethal injuries point or not depending on the user hits. They're thin and harder to see in hard conditions.' Cal hadn't killed her though she could have. Alloran didn't dare inspect the long needle at her feet. Blood was fresh from the wound to the needle.
" We finally meet, Hyne's messenger," Cal's voice rose in Alloran's ears tauntingly. " A little girl, a little girl is all the great goddess will send?" More needles flew through the air on all sides. Thrashing Windhowler only a few needles were stopped as many other's slipped past her defense. Hugging her arms in pain the needles continued to pass. " Is this all? I would have expected more." Alloran's grip on Windhowler tightened as the blood slowly dribbled down.
" Shit," she whispered. It was bad enough she couldn't see what was around her but she could hardly hear where the assault was coming from.
" It must be terrible, not being able to defeat something around you," Cal cooed.
Alloran glared intently at the mist. Taking deep breaths she continued to look. There had to be something that would tip off Cal's location. Silently she checked the clues supplied. If Cal was moving fast something would tip off her location. Suddenly it clicked. Mist was made of water, if Cal was moving through a puddle or something she would know! Alloran glanced around still she saw small beds of water on the ground.
" What's wrong? The great sorceress getting tired of attacking?" Alloran asked cockily flicking her wrist allowing a knife to fall. At that moment she saw the water move. At the sign of movement Alloran let the knife fly. Nothing. Instead she was greeted with more needles tearing through her skin followed by her screams of pain.
" Keep looking, your eyes will never find me," Cal's voice was sing songish. Damn it, Alloran thought gripping onto her arm. I'm being ripped to ribbons! What the hell is she up to!? Calming down she mentally kicked herself for what she was about to do next to maybe discover Cal's location.
" I thought a sorceress was a spell caster, a manipulator of magic," Alloran said aloud looking around. " Not someone who used measly needles-" Alloran was thrown back by an invisible force, followed by fira spell. Pushing herself up her muscles screamed in pain from the burns and cuts.
" Watch what you say girl, it may come and attack you," Cal taunted. Shit, Alloran thought as she let out a cough of blood. Seconds later the SeeD almost missed the fast glimmer of ice. Spinning on the ball of her foot three large icicles zipped past her, cutting through a bit of her hair.
----
Cal watched and almost laughed at the shocked look on the pitiful child's face. Her fingers twisted to match the smile she wore. What to do next? Cal's eyes examined the distorted image of the girl now. At first glance she had thought the child was a boy, clearly strong enough to protect her for awhile. And
Cal's eyes widened at the girl's eyes. They were a dark shade of sapphire that held Cal's eyesight. The same as someone she once knew Shaking her head angrily she brushed the image from her head. She didn't want to remember. It didn't matter. But there was something familiar. No matter, she thought coldly. I'll play with her, for awhile. There's nothing one SeeD can do.
----
Alloran gripped her side as she and icicle slashed her side. Muttering curses she centered her balance. How the Hell am I supposed to beat an opponent like this!? She thought.
THINK ABOUT IT! Alloran felt her ears roar from Bahamut's voice. There had only been one time it had been like that. The exam. It felt like very body would shatter. USE WHAT YOU HAVE! What do I have? Alloran thought. This time a whip of fire lashed out from all direction tasting her flesh 50% of the time of Alloran's dodges.
Barely able to keep calm Alloran reviewed her choices. She couldn't see through the fog any human shape let alone Cal's position, she definitely couldn't ear any movement, what was left? Even if she got an idea of where Cal was she'd move too fast to get a track with her eyes. Gripping onto Windhowler she closed her eyes. That's when she got the idea.
----
Cal silently laughed. Hyne must have been truly pitiful to have picked a worthless child. Make her feel true pain! Karu said smugly through her head in a small whisper. Make her regret ever thinking she could stand up against us!
Cal whispered the words that made her speed increase. Silently she moved like spectral through the mist surrounding her prey. Fool, Cal thought. She circled like a shark many times before she made her move. From her sleeve she quickly produced a dozen more needles and pitched them toward the blond SeeD. Cal eagerly awaited the cry of pain. It never came. All she heard was the sound of metal hitting against her needles.
What the- Cal started before she felt something tear through the tender skin on her back. Growling in pain the concentration on her mist spell started to lift. The Sorceress's blood started to spill on the ground much like the girl's had earlier. " You! That hurt!" Cal screeched seeing what had happened. Looking right into the pair of sapphire; the holder was holding a gunblade with fresh blood. The girl's bold sapphire eyes glaring sharply into Cal, the same as another's.
----
Alloran held Windhowler in guard position. Keeping her eyes transfixed on the sorceress. " Impressive," Cal remarked coldly in a rich tone that held poison in it. " How lucky it was for you to have flukes yourself into hitting me." Alloran growled hardly able to keep a straight face at this women. Losing your calm isn't how to win this, keep it under control! " Not that you would be able to do it again."
" I don't believe in luck," Alloran said curtly. " Even if I did, it had nothing to do with it, Cal."
" I find that hard to believe, little girl," Cal sneered. " I might just do the spell all over again."
" Do it again," Alloran challenged keeping a tight grip on Windhowler's handle. " I'll hit your heart this time." Cal's face held not emotion except burning hatred. Nothing like the woman Alloran had seen in Cal's past.
" And how would you do that?" Cal continued in a sneer that made Alloran's blood boil. " By luck?"
" I'm surprised you never noticed dear sorceress," Alloran sneered back. " You said my eyes wouldn't find you-"
" And your hearing wouldn't find me," Cal spat back angrily with poison in each word.
" So I used what you left me with," Alloran said almost smirking. " You practically tore me to ribbons so I'm covered with blood making me reek of it. Even the very air around us smelled of it. I've smelt it for years so I know what to expect. But" Alloran took a glance at the sorceress. The beast like eyes glared at her. " You smelled like what I expected you too. Incense, burned cedar, and other rich things for enhancing your powers. No matter where you moved, even at top speed I could track you. That was the problem with you attacking at that speed to long. I've adjusted to tracking your attacks. I figured you wouldn't expect 'a pitiful girl' to attack then, let alone know where you were."
Cal's expression changed followed a by a hoarse laugh. " Maybe I underestimated you child, maybe you are worth what Hyne thinks," her laugh quieted to a dangerous tone. " Rest assured, it won't happen again."
----
Cal's eyes faced the dark sapphire orbs. She knew there was something similar.
Forget about that! Cal almost lost her composure from Karu's voice. You've toyed around already get to business. Cal changed her tone of voice. " Why do you even bother fighting?"
Her eyes seemed to travel beyond the child as she attempted to push through her mind. The SeeD seemed to sense it and attempted to keep her mind clouded, unsuccessfully. The girl's mind was an open book. She could see an orphanage, battles, and other moments that Cal swiftly brushed past. Then she felt a big lock on one memory. Cal frowned. What was this girl trying so hard to hide?
----
Alloran and Cal faced each other with cool interest. " Why do you even bother fighting?" Cal asked, her tone was softer than the one she had used before, without the poison, which really surprised Alloran. " Are you surprised?" Her tone made Alloran think of a mother chiding a child.
The tone was eerie, inhumane almost. Though Cal's tone had changed every nerve on Alloran's body stayed alert. She almost lost hold of Windhowler as a sudden headache hit like a hurricane. It felt like someone was digging into her very soul. Alloran tried what she could but the pain was excruciating. ' An advanced sorceress may be able to break into a persons thoughts, see their desires or fears,' Seifer had once told her before she knew who he was. Alloran wanted to put up some defense but it seemed impossible. What if Cal found out of her lineage? Alloran didn't want to think about it. She stepped forward to attack but Cal just looked at her and an invisible force threw her back.
Extending her arm a yellowish-white aura escaped her fingers as she muttered, "holy." Cal barely winced as the spell made contact.
Idiot, she's not going to be off her guard this time! Bahamut growled.
" You and I are not much different girl," Cal whispered lightly. " Hyne betrayed both of us."
" Or really," Alloran said fighting to keep the sound of pain out of her voice as fire seemed to fill her veins.
" You have friends that you may never see again," Cal continued while her beast-like eyes seemed softer. Tal and Casseil, Alloran stiffened. Cal had just talked in her mind. How did she know? " I lost many people important to me and Hyne cursed me with these powers and you're here, burdened with carrying out Hyne's orders. Not that it matters to her of your happiness."
" Your point being?" Alloran felt another mental blast hit her as she attempted to keep her clouded and her mind closed but it was like a rabbit against a tank.
" Are you that blind child?" Laughed Cal another mental blast hit Alloran almost pushing her back farther. Fuck her, Alloran thought. " Join me, show Hyne she can't mess with your life. Serve me." Alloran let out a growl as she threw her self through the mental blast that Cal sent her way. Windhowler came in an overhead cleave ready to cut off Cal's hand but " Nice try, you'll have to get past my barrier," an invisible force blocked the silver blade and held it in place before throwing the blade and it's master to the side. " What do you say girl?"
" What can I say?" Alloran asked pushing herself up. " Two words, screw you." That obviously wasn't the answer Cal was looking for.
" Fool," Cal hissed. As she seemed to over in the air as she lifted her hand. " Better take cover," she whispered as a dark void engulfed the two of them. Oh shit, Alloran thought realizing what spell it was. Cal looked up the sky and yelled, "Meteor!"
" Shell!" Alloran yelled at the last second as a meteor crashed into her. Two hit her, hard, as the protective shield covered her and deflected most of the blows.
" Casting a spell at the last moment, impressive," Cal said coolly as she landed back on the ground. " But you could be stronger, Alloran Wolfeyes," Alloran let out another growl. But then gripped her head as another massive headache hit her.
----
Cal hadn't remembered the girl's name till she started to view the door of her memories. Visser had once told her but she never took consideration toward that name. Now she was intrigued by the memories running now.
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" Name."
" Alloran." The girl said.
" Last name."
" I don't have one."
" Well then," the women cleared her throat. " You'll just have to make one up."
" Wolfeyes," She said after a short silence.
----
The girl, Alloran, ran away looking bewildered, leaving a blond adult behind her. " Alloran!" The older women yelled.
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Cal almost felt her control on the spell as a force hit her mentally. What was she trying so hard to hide!? It couldn't have been the memory of her name but that one afterwards There had been something there that the child didn't want to be uncovered. Gritting her teeth she threw in extra magic into the spell. Seconds later she heard the SeeD yell in pain clutching her head. That's when the defense unlocked and the memory was now an open book. No way, Cal thought as her eyes widened. The secret was the shocking truth.
----
Alloran yelled in pain as a massive strike hit her. She distantly heard Windhowler clatter to the ground as it felt like fire exploded in her veins and her head throbbed. She couldn't focus at all as she felt like someone was repetitively poking around her head with a needle. Then abruptly it stopped. Gasping and savoring what air she could breathe.
" You should know by now it's useless to even think of the idea of fighting back," Cal said evenly, her eyes twinkled in malice. Damn, Alloran thought. Watch your language, Alloran almost jumped as she heard Cal's voice creep in her mind. " My, my," Cal's tone was lofty making Alloran think of Visser. " Imagine this, the daughter of a lapdog, fighting against the very kind he aided." The words made Alloran freeze in shock. " He was a fool Alloran Wolfeyes, a fool to fail the sorceress. And his reward? Tossed out to the trash. Is that your fate? If you were to join me now, I could give you power that he wasn't given."
" Like Visser?" Alloran sneered. " I'll pass." Cal's eyes glimmered.
" You really think I would bestow my true gifts to a worthless cockroach like him?" Cal asked with a laugh. " That is probably 1% of what I can give. I ask you again daughter of Seifer Almasy, do you accept my offer? The blood of a line of knights courses through your very veins." Cal's words made Alloran even surer of her choice. The sorceress said each word tauntingly as a hefty reminder of her descendants. Reminding her of two failed knights before her, Gunner Almasy and Seifer Almasy.
" After seeing how two before me fared under a sorceress I'd have to say I decline," Alloran growled. " Not like I'm going to let myself become a lapdog to a hag like you!"
" We shall see," Cal hissed. Her eyes rolled back slightly as a harsh wind blew past them. Her arms out stretched and the sky behind her turned ice blue as multiple icicles rose making a tidal wave grow. " Hiemalis basiare." The spell was pure ice, almost like a basic Blizzaga spell but twice as potent.
" Flare," Alloran whispered holding her left hand up letting the heat gather into the massive spell.
The two spells met each other mid air. Fire and ice merging together but unable to pass each other. Both elements opposed to each other blew apart sending both their casters flying backwards. Cal was the first up and ready to cast another spell.
Alloran scrambled to stand up. Her eyes plastered to Cal. The feeling of strength filled her body from the garnet in her pocket. Alloran moved swiftly to the side as a barrage of fire heated the air. Cal laughed bitterly as fire jumped from her fingers. " Is that all you have!?" Alloran's eyes studied the angle of the blaze and how Cal was using it. Mostly people used one hand for a spell like this but in this case Cal was using both hands to increase the power and speed of the blaze.
Cal's eyes widened causing another mental blast wallop Alloran head on. Crap, Alloran thought struggling to push herself up as the sorceress smiled coldly. The flames in her hands had just grown in intensity. There was no way she was going to be able to dodge this one; leaving her with one risky, painful option. Alloran felt the flames ready, hungry for her flesh as it moved like a giant wave. Sheathing the long gunblade she kept her eyes on the attack. Leaping into the fire the SeeD flinched as the fire burned her skin and her eyes watered. The power of Shell blocked only half the strength. Tight grip around Windhowler she drew quickly causing it to ram against Cal's shield. The iai technique. (A/N: Quick draw).
The force of the extra power gave Windhowler the extra boost needed to cause the shield to come close to shattering. Alloran unleashed several bullets against the force field causing its destruction. Cal's eyes looked up with malice in them. The twin flame-throwers stopped and started to glow in a mix of fire and a purplish blue.
That's when she noticed Cal had taken off her gloves and her fingers were twitching to fight. The fingers raked her shoulder like knives while purple fire passed through her body blowing her away from Cal. The purple fire seemed to jump through her body, tearing through each part altering something inside her. But not before Alloran did some damage. Using the force of Cal's blow she thrust the hilt of Windhowler to strike the sorceress's liver.
" Cura," Alloran whispered to her shoulder feeling the effects heal the torn tissues. Cal was gasping for air slightly as blood dribbled from her fingers.
----
Cal's lungs swallowed as much air permitted. There was definitely some power in the child to have been able to break the shield. A normal human wouldn't be able to do much after being hit there but Cal was far from normal.
Cal's eyes observed the girl now. Fairly different from her sire but just as power as he had been. Enough power for Cal on and get out of this world, then she could dump this child in the trash like she had done with her previous knight.
Again the sapphire orbs flashed in hatred that Cal had seen before, the same look from before. Cal felt Karu's snarl that blocked the memory from returning.
Fight now, fight with more than before. Crush Hyne's messenger and the holder of Fenerir!
----
Alloran held Windhowler ready as her eyes bore at Cal. Be careful, we've yet to see what Karu can drive her to. Fenerir warned.
" Why deny the inevitable?" Cal asked. " We both know what is to happen."
" More of a reason to change it," Alloran growled.
" You've already seen the deaths of those that could oppose me, you know that Tal and Casseil are supposed to die," Cal said temptingly, believably. " I can help you stop that from happening. I can help you, keep you from being betrayed by Garden, take away all you're painful memories and experiences, treat you like a daughter, anything you could ever wish. Give you a place to proper belong. Tal and Casseil may even end up betraying you after they find out about your parents. We can stop anyone else from finding out, all you need to do is trust me."
The offer was slightly tempting. It almost sounded like Cal could do that. Some of the things Cal had named she wanted. Each word seemed soft and kind like a parent's. But It didn't change the fact of Cal's true intentions. It didn't change what Alloran had seen in the future. It didn't change anything.
" Save it for someone for someone who wants to be led by the nose," Alloran sneered. Cal's face writhed with anger.
As Cal whispered spell words several rays that had focused themselves around Alloran and ran full speed into her body. It didn't hurt, much as the light beams shot back out of her body, but it took something with it. A massive amount of strength had just been yanked away since that spell was part of her junctions. She couldn't feel her Curaga spells anymore. Almost like they had been blown out of her.
" Blizzaga," Alloran whispered as the air around Cal became cold. Not that it did much good since Cal just outspread her arms creating a ring of fire that cancelled out the ice spell before it could even come into play. " Thundaga." The lightning lashed out at the sorceress in different spears, which Cal seemed to have absorbed and redirected back in Alloran's direction. It missed as Alloran moved to the side, barely
"I think we've played long enough Alloran dear, Flare," the sorceress said with a simple gesture.
Cal's fingers smoked and the flames leapt up at an alarming rate. Alloran couldn't move. Her body was frozen in place as the flare spell hit her dead on.
----
Cal laughed as the flames swallowed the blond SeeD. Alloran Wolfeyes vanished from view. That may not be enough to kill her but maybe now she'll see things my way, Cal thought smugly as she turned her back. Big mistake.
----
Alloran braced herself as the fire spell made contact. Silently she forced herself to think of worse situations she had been in. As the spell faded she was thankful she had junctioned ice magic Cal had turned her back. " Hey, sorceress!" She yelled holding Windhowler tightly. As Cal turned around she immediately went to work.
Running forward she dragged Windhowler like it was the heaviest object through the dirt. Demon slice. Moving faster than before, like something possessed her, she slammed Windhowler into Cal throwing her into the air. Alloran continued spinning slicing through Cal in all directions and pulling the trigger with no hesitation. As the two hit the ground she continued the onslaught. " Flare!" The giant blaze that could put Flare to shame leapt out in full strength toward the sorceress. Cal raised her hands and created a barrier against the raging fires.
Alloran slumped to the ground breathing hard. She had done what she had wanted to do. Put Cal down a few pegs. She was out of bullets in her weapon. " Cursed SeeD!" Yelled Cal as blood dribbled down her. " Cataclysmus!" Alloran frantically tried to reload Windhowler as a large volume of water slammed down on her. Alloran coughed and sputtered from the power of the spell. She didn't know there was that powerful a water spell existing.
" Here is where you regret it all," Cal said coldly as her eyes widened. Alloran was lifted into the air and thrown against one of the many ruins of Eternity by a psychic blast.
Crack! The sound off glass breaking. The SeeD looked down and saw many liquids soak the rocks while objects pierced her back. There went her medicines. Again before she could make a move the same force hurled her against the ground. She was coughing up large amounts of blood. Her own endurance really surprised her. But she couldn't hold out much longer, not when losing dangerous amounts of blood. Forcing herself up she held Windhowler in guard position.
" Impudent girl, I'll make sure you stay down this time," Cal hissed slumping. Whoops, pissed off the sorceress, Alloran thought sarcastically. "I've had enough of your resistance. " Her fingers wrapped around her moonstone.
The stone's steady glow was suddenly bursting with energy. A summoning. she wouldn't be able to move out of the way when Karu attacked. She also seriously doubted she could make it out alive if Karu attacked. Alloran had one option, call a GF before Cal. But which one? Bahamut was the most powerful but what about the speed of making a connection? When she summoned Bahamut the connection they made was slow and distant. Fenerir felt glorious whenever she connected with her. She needed speed this time not power. Fenerir?
Understood.
Both her and Cal started at the same time. Alloran relived the moment of the connection that felt so wonderful and peaceful. It was swift, almost like her and Fenerir were the same person. She could feel Fenerir's emotions and thoughts to destroy Karu. Her thoughts melded into Fenerir and the feelings of the Guardian Force was forgotten. ' Earth's protector,' they both whispered together. At the exact time Cal had finished as well.
The silver moon overhead was now split into two halves. One was the regular silver while the second half was a blood red hue. Followed by two howls both contrary to each other. The first was lighter like the howls of a thousand wolves mixed with wind chimes while the second was charged with the snarls and anger of wolves along with the horns of war. Two different blurs, white and black, rushed past each other toward their summoners both contrary in appearance.
"It's been awhile, brother," said Fenerir in a rich tone, her eyes were emotionless icicles.
"YES, AND I SEE YOUR STILL A PEST IN FAVOR OF MORTALS," Karu roared in a tone that made both Alloran and Cal shake. His red eyes were unlike Fenerir's. They were filled with anger, fiery anger.
" Die," Alloran heard the white wolf whisper.
The howls began to rise as the two creatures faced across from each other beside their wounded masters. Their howls rose until their voices became silent to mortal ears and the attack began. The ground around the two began to shake and break apart while magma sprang from the cracks and landed everywhere. Rocks shot out into the air barely missing the two. Rocks rose up and attacked both the GFs and their summoners. Alloran was barely able to evade the assault as several columns rose and the ground started sinking into the land. But as the land developed several cracks the howls suddenly the two wolves broke into opposing lights and disappeared. Something was coming from within these cracks.
The shadows were starting to turn and twist and reap from the cracks caused from Fenerir and Karu's twin assault. The strange feeling of before was different was suddenly magnified. Alloran found herself shaking in awe. Several sets of invisible eyes were focused on the two.
The watchers, Leviathan silently remarked, almost as if she were a child hearing that a fantasy was true. Alloran's eyes strayed to Cal. Cal was looking in great surprise at the beings from the depths of the world.
----
The watchers! Cal looked at the dark shadows and shapes. The mortal girl probably couldn't see their shapes but she saw them. They resembled those that had long since passed on. A few looked like SeeD while others Galbadian soldiers.
It's not over yet, Karu remarked dryly. Karu's words broke Cal's concentration. You were too reckless and let your anger take over you. We still need this child. After we are gone from this world may do away with her.
You are forgetting she is just a defiant child. I don't suppose you would have any plans to change her mind. The male laughter of Karu filled her head at full volume.
The watchers Cal, the watchers. They see all and know what may be, they may help you with the right incentive. You and I know the secret in her family, we can show her the truth of her so-called friendship and what is destined for her. Cal's eyes trailed to the sapphire eyes looking her over then to the sky.
" Do you want to know the truth of your family?" Asked Cal eerily " See the hatred you should have toward Leonharts not me." Alloran snorted. " The watchers know all, every secret you have or that lies in history and what will come."
" I'll pass."
" You don't get a choice in the matter." Cal said coldly as her eyes rolled back. She threw her magic into the shadows overhead mixing with the watchers. As loud as possible she yelled one of the ancient languages for sorceresses. " Watchers sealed long ago, arise from the darkness, show secrets lost long ago. I command thee. " (A/N: Yep, too lazy to look up the Latin words without slandering them.) The creatures above twisted around in anger of being ordered.
What do have to offer us? They asked in her head. In her mind appeared a spectral of a man Cal was sure she had seen before on the aftermath of battle. I can offer you a chance out of here,Cal offered. I need you to show the time of the fall of sorceress Mia. Will that suffice? Cal could make out the shapes the mortal girl couldn't. The watchers all replied in unison.
That will work, but only this, they said through the man. The ground started to shake again this time worse. Then everything went white.
----
" Do you want to know the truth of your family?" Asked Cal eerily making Alloran almost jump. What 's she getting at? Alloran thought. " See the hatred you should have toward Leonharts not me." Alloran snorted. She had no reason to hate Leo and never would. " The watchers know all, every secret you have or that lies in history and what will come."
" I'll pass," Alloran said flatly.
" You don't get a choice in the matter," Cal said coldly. Her eyes were rolled back now in a trance like state. The wind around them was changing. Cal was whispering words in a language Alloran. What the- The ground was shaking violently almost throwing her off balance. Then everything went white.
----
Part 2: Tragic end in the future
" There goes another," Ariel said as she loped off a soldier's head.
" Almost wrapped up here commander," yelled one of the SeeD with her. Normally Ariel would have snapped at the comment about the title but there was something else on her mind. Ellone.
Ariel raced down the damp corridors passing her fellow, remaining SeeD. The ones that hadn't died at the hands of Cal Ultimecia Dragonfang. The last few SeeD and only Ariel knew the knew the future to come. None would learn till it was too late.
Ariel kicked the door to the confinement area. Nothing. The lock kept in place. Taking a lock pick from her pocket she fiddled with it only to have it melt! Since when did they start using tough locks? Ariel thought grimly dropping the now useless pick. Placing her hands on the door she called on a Fira spell and changed the shape. Holding it in her hands, it took shape of a lock pick. The magic she threw into the spell and the spell on the lock clashed against each other. Both spells broke against each other causing them to fail. That takes care of that problem, Ariel thought pushing the door open.
Ariel's cold eyes widened in disgust as the smell of death filled her lungs. This chamber, it didn't seem like an area of confinement. It was a death trap. The enemy had obviously left to stop the SeeD attack leaving bodies of many innocents. Shit, she thought feeling a sick feeling for the first time in a long time. They had all been people she had seen, all those associated with SeeD. Was Ellone dead? Ariel scowled and walked through the sea of blood past the cells there. The final one at the end held the person she had been looking for.
" Ellone!" Ariel exclaimed running to the cell but was pushed back by an invisible force field. The sight of the closest thing she had to a mother in a death like state was strong in Ariel's eyes. Her magic started flaring up. Blasting against the thing that kept her from her great aunt. Her cold eyes were now burning as her magic lashed out violently against the shield causing it to shatter along with the door. Ariel flinched feeling the blast of energy tear through whatever protection were there. " Ellone," she whispered seeing her aunt on the ground barely breathing. Her hands started to glow as she whispered, "Curaga," the powerful magic flew from her to Ellone. " Curaga," she repeated, this time firmer. The blue green magic covered her target but was having little affect.
" A-Ariel?" Ellone choked, her eyes seemed to be looking further. Ariel smiled.
" It's going to be okay auntie," Ariel said softly as she went through another curaga spell.
" Alloran made it," Ellone said, each breath was getting shorter. Ariel's eyes sharpened remembering the girl she had met.
" She must be able to do it if Hyne is putting so much faith in her," Ariel remarked feeling another curaga blast.
" We hope," Ellone whispered. Ariel looked at Ellone in a bewildered look seeing she was getting weaker. Why isn't it working!? Ariel thought. " There are times where a God can't even predict the outcome. The crossroads in time. It can fall either way, all we can do is that it falls in our favor." Ariel let out another curaga feeling the affects becoming useless. What if
" Are you sure, it's too late for us?" Ariel blurted out to try and keep the thought out of her mind.
Ellone let out a small nod as more blood spilled from her head. " I'm going to see him," said Ellone in a faint tone. Ariel felt a great chill run through her, colder then ice.
" What are you trying to say!?"
" I was dead the moment I accepted this fate," Ellone said softly. " Take care of this time"
Ariel watched Ellone's chest move up and down as her heart beated, each time exhaling and breathing with it. Up Down Up Down. It didn't rise after that. Ariel started taking deep breaths of air after realizing how long she had been holding her breath. That split second she thought she saw Trance and Ellone together with her father, Leo in a flower field of poppies. Then she was back in the cold chamber, alone.
" Sorceress Ariel?" Said a voice followed by the footsteps of her companions. Ariel always objected to being called that but now She didn't care.
Everyone there stood in angst over those they had known. Some shed tears, other looked blank like dolls. Ariel looked at her hands. She had failed. ' Take care of this time' What was the point? All that happened before was going to happen. Again Ellone's words hit her. Ellone was gone to see Trance and her father, her mother was gone, what was left for her?
Ariel blinked back the hot tears and balled her hand into a fist. " What now?" Asked someone beside her. They'll pay, Ariel thought. They'll pay for this!
"Commander-"
" We move out and keep trying against them," Ariel snapped walking away as fast as possible. ' The crossroads in time. It can fall either way, all we can do is that it falls in our favor.'
Ariel punched the wall leaving a crack in the stone wall thanks to Ifrit. Alloran had better do something, Ariel thought with a growl. If Ellone had never gotten involved in Alloran maybe this wouldn't have happened Whose fault had it been!? For the first time since her father, Leo died she fell down against the wall and started letting out small sobs. At least if she was going to cry it wouldn't be in front of the rest of the soldiers.
----
Part 3: Two secrets, two tales of betrayal
Alloran couldn't move, couldn't see, couldn't breath even. She couldn't feel the pain that she had been feeling the entire fight, her guilt was gone, her mission seemed to fade away.
"Behold your ancestor's pasts," whispered Cal in her mind. Alloran wanted to shout, to insult or do something to the sorceress but she couldn't. She was trapped.
Suddenly a person appeared in front of her. Alloran would have stepped back but couldn't. They looked exactly like someone Alloran had seen before in life except for the eyes. The person in front of her had glassy eyes, emotionless, as they seemed to study her. Alloran was terrified. "Rose," the words managed to escape.
I pity you slightly, 'Rose' responded. Betrayed like us, and now stuck here because of a sorceress.
Alloran was scared as the scene of Rose's death replayed itself in front o f her eyes. She still couldn't move but she attempted to speak again. She had no mouth, and no way to speak normally. " How did I-" Alloran stopped. They came from her thoughts. " Are you, are you Rose?"
The being's eyes seemed to light up slightly as they looked at her before becoming glass again. No, we watchers are not the dead. Remember that.
"Why are you-"
I have a deal to fulfill, the image started to fade and Alloran's regained her ability of sight though she didn't have a body.
"Watch, watch their past!" Urged a faint disembodied voice. Cal. Alloran had no choice but to watch. Her vision didn't belong to her but it was forced. She couldn't blink or look away.
The setting was an old fashioned castle covered in the stench of battle. Thunder rolled over head as lightning flashed. Rain pounded against the walls like gunfire while drops blended into the blood that lay on the ground.
"He's gone insane!"
"Move, run!"
"He's out of control!"
Several people ran through Alloran's vision all with faces that spelled terror. All were dressed similar to those that had attacked Cal. All by her guess rebels. They were all grown men, all afraid of something. Or someone.
The perspective changed to an large upstairs tower. On the bed was a dead women dressed in an old fashioned dress with her dark hair outlining her face. Her fingers were still glowing faintly almost in a silver aura, even though she was dead. She had died a short time ago. Alloran couldn't help but feel fear here. Something her was wrong. Very wrong.
A cry ran through the air as a blade tore through them. A large brunette was in a frenzy of blood making Alloran think of a demon from hell. All around him were dead bodies that had been madly chopped apart and decapitated. They weren't clean cuts but had hit most of the vital points. His cold gray eyes were filled with a crazed fire as all the men seemed possessed. Alloran recognized the expression and the hair though, she knew him to some extent.
" Leo, snap out of it!" Yelled a man in armor from behind Alloran's point of view. Leo Leonhart, Squall's great grandfather, snarled in an angered look as a blond haired man stepped into the picture holding a sword. The newcomer had blond hair and piercing emerald eyes while keeping them on Squall's ancestor. They both leapt at each other but Leo was more aggressive. " Hey idiot, I don't want to have to hurt you but I will if I have to!"
" Shut up," hissed Leo throwing the other man down.
" Fine then, don't blame me if I knock you to the next realm!" yelled the blond.
" On your guard, Iorek," Leo said in a low growl putting emphasis on the word.
They both charged forward with seriousness in both their eyes. Iorek's sword rose as spun in a rapid fast right cut. But his opponent deflected the attack with great ease. The blond thrust his sword back in but the brunette was already under his arm and sweeping his own sword toward Iorek. Iorek was quick to react though. Moving in a swift duck he walloped Leo with a strong kick in the chin stopping the fight momentarily. Leo stumbled back, for a second.
" Fira," whispered the brunette haired knight.
A cry of pain ran through the walls of the chamber as Iorek hit the ground. His sword hadn't been able to fully block the spell. Seifer's ancestor cursed under his breath running finger over the slightly burnt right arm.
Both charged in and out not willing to give in. One was taller, more powerful, and much more aggressive while the second was quicker and more experienced. They knew each other's movement, their strategies, they way they thought, and could anticipate and counter each move. But Leo had the advantage this case. His mind was in a berserk mode he would not wake from very soon and his moves were slightly different then his usual grace. Sparks flew through the air as the two exchanged several different techniques Alloran didn't even know.
A strong realization hit Alloran. These two were better than herself, and possible Squall and Seifer. The two in front of her were far from average and went far back together. Even if she could look away it seemed impossible. The intensity, the skill, all no different then a dance of death. What had started it? What did Cal want her to see?
Iorek moved in fast sword raised while Leo responded with a jab, connecting his powerful fist against the taller man's jaw snapping his head back. The crazed blade in Leo's other hand moved in a rapid strike, it's target being the center of Almasy's face! A split second later blood ran off the end of Leo's blade.
" The old snake would be ashamed Leo, you missed your target," sneered Almasy. The sword had only cut deeply across the side of his head. He had moved his head out of the direct way in just the right time. Leo's eyes were still cold embers as the two fighters jumped away once more.
" Die," whispered Leo as his body started to heat up. Iorek's expression changed into a look of fear. " Join the other bastards."
"So, it's come to this," he chuckled looking down at his sword. " Well, the old snake's prediction came true, one us would die at the other's hand." His body also started to heat up as both their eyes fell on each other.
Alloran knew the technique they both started. She had seen it done before but this time it would be done properly and not just a slackened version by Visser. This was the way the limit break should have been. But, why were they doing this? She had no more time to think of it as a strange light covered both the users and their weapons. Both charged at each other with greater speed then she had ever seen from before. It was a limit break. Renzokuken.
Both knew the right move each other made as the two blades weaved in their way in and out. Clattering against each other blocking the other's move while their eyes were on the look out for an opening. Some chance that the other would make a mistake.
In that short while one of them messed up when they attempted to gut the other. Rest assured, it was a fatal mistake that Alloran didn't even see. It had been small but it made all the difference. Alloran hadn't seen it, until the one who made that mistake hit the ground after being hit in a vital organ.
" Old snake was right," Iorek, his emerald eyes never leaving his opponent "One of us were destined to" . Even after he had died.
Everything was white again as Alloran heard a voice talk. " Sir Iorek Almasy is dead. Murdered by his best friend, Sir Leo Leonhart, sorceress knight of Sorceress Mia."
The Leonhart betrayed him, Cal whispered in her head. Killed by his 'dear friend.' Hah!
Alloran was back in neutral land. Once again she had lost all senses. " Shut up Cal!" She heard a loud laughter in her head. Cal's.
And I suppose you and your 'friendship' with Leo is going to be different from theirs?
Alloran was surprised in the worst possible way. No way, it couldn't be possible that Almasys and Leonharts went that far back. And even if it HAD been true, why would Leo have done that? Did it have to do with that women? What had happened there to cause it?
What does it matter? Leo killed Iorek, his so-called best friend as you mortals put it. It figures Alloran, humans, all pitiful. They destroy the planet Hyne gave them, when their not killing each other. But you're different aren't you? You saw the look in Iorek's eyes as Leo fought against him, betrayed him. Your friend' even shares the same name as his great, great grandfather. Do you want to see what awaits the truth for you and Leo? You are the daughter of a family destined to hate the Leonharts.
Alloran was once again watching, looking around her. The scene, it was very familiar. It was, similar to the remains of what Griever had left. She could now smell the death, the betrayal, and the fight that had occurred.
" Stand still," said a voice, one that Alloran knew from anywhere.
An older version of herself was standing across from a man, his expression, his eyes, the exact same as Leo. No, it was Leo. At his feet were two people Alloran knew, trusted, cared for.
" Tal, Casseil," Alloran breathed in a low whisper. Both her friend's blood dribbled off of Leo's blade, a Lionheart, like Squall and Visser's.
" Your next, Almasy," said Leo in a cold growl. Alloran hardly recognized his tone. The mischievous glint in his eyes had vanished replaced with one thought. Death.
" We'll see about that," replied Alloran's other self as she charged forward, Windhowler meeting Leo's Lionheart.
" It's not possible," Alloran whispered watching the two figures fight. Her future self and Leo's future self were evenly matched launching different magic spells and techniques with one intent, to kill each other.
Slowly the image dissolved leaving her alone in neutral land.
Oh but it is, it is what will await you and Leo one day, Cal's voice was a cruel laugh in her head. And your two dear friends are doomed as well.
It couldn't be, it just couldn't. This couldn't have been the Leo Alloran had spared with several times in the past and lost to, the same one she had fought side by side with. This could not be what awaited them. Desperately Alloran wanted Fenerir, or Leviathan, or even Bahamut's opinion. But no opinions came, no familiar sense from the three, just loneliness. Both Tal and Casseil's faces flashed in front of her.
You want to help them don't you? Asked Cal in a soft tone, tauntingly. Save poor Tal and Casseil, I can give you the power you need to save them. To keep you safe as well, no one else will accept you once the truth surfaces and there is the consequences to your actions. You even said so yourself, they would never turn against you like that.
Now Cal's offer was looking sorely tempting. The image was still there, still fresh. Like a livid scar in her mind. A thought went off, join the sorceress.
Take it, Whispered a voice. Take it.
Alloran was afraid to either decline or accept. Continue fighting, possibly get back home, and face the consequences? Maybe even wait for the event she had seen come true? Or embrace what Cal had to offer, get home and what Cal offered, and stop what just happened?
SNAP OUT OF IT ALLORAN! Screamed a voice in her head. USE YOUR COMMON SENSE HERE! Alloran snapped back into mind. Suddenly a memory popped up, one where Quistis had lectured a question about the future from a freshman student. Some say destiny decides what happens, others say we make the choices that lead to what happens. No one can prove either way, but what you think may be different from others. Make your decision, try to make these things happen or wait for it to come to you, it's your choice. Take which road you want.'
Alloran now knew what to say now, maybe she was wrong but she'd take the risk. She now knew which choice would suit her. " No, I decline."
"WHAT!?" Cal's tone was an angry roar of anger and shock.
" You're as mortal as I am no matter how hard you try and hide it," Alloran said feeling her own rage build. " Your nothing but a hypocrite, I've seen enough of your past to know there's more then meets the eye. I've seen who you used to be and I've seen what the future holds, and I know one little thing. I was told I could change the future, and that's what I plan on doing. In fact, since you were so kind enough to dig into my ancestor's past why don't we see yours, Cally?" The last word came out on it's own. Alloran was surprised she even remembered that name, let alone blurting it out.
----
Cal was also in a neutral part but she could see the young SeeD quite well. As well as hear her. Cal's anger was quickly replaced with shock with Alloran's next sentence. "In fact, since you were so kind enough to dig into my ancestor's past why don't we see yours, Cally?"Cal almost lost control of this neutral world. That name, she knew it. She had once been called that, particularly by someone whom had the same eyes as Alloran.
" I'd like to see you try," Cal hissed poisonously. The watchers hated Hyne now and those related to her. They would never serve the will of a follower of Hyne, let alone a messenger. " They will never listen too you."
----
By they' Alloran assumed the watchers. The watchers vanished into the land never to see the sunlight again. Legend speaks of them always watching, waiting for their chance.' Leviathan's talk of the watchers was now in her mind.
The answer would be no, Alloran heard from Rose' as they reappeared in her mind again. We do not answer to Hyne now, we have no obligation to you or that sorceress. We are just watchers, we have already struck a bargain with sorceress Cal.
" And Cal will actually follow up on her promise?" Alloran asked.
We have no choice, responded the watcher in it's monotonous voice.
" Can't you do anything that could change Hyne's mind about you?" Alloran asked.
Are you trying to bargain with us? Demanded Rose', her glassy expression suddenly flared up in anger. We do not need to accept help from one of Hyne's servants.
" And yet you will accept help from Cal? Even thought you're aware of what she plans on doing?" Alloran inquired. " I was told that you were sealed here, in Eternity for opposing Hyne until you proved your loyalty, this just adds to Hyne's reason to keep you sealed, doesn't it?"
Enough, what do you have to offer? Rose' answered as her eyes became glass once more.
" By helping me, wouldn't that be helping Hyne ultimately in a way?" Alloran asked. " Besides, what do you have to lose? Your agreement with Cal's already fulfilled so if I can't do anything about her you might be liberated from Eternity courtesy of Cal, if I succeed then perhaps Hyne might free you. Do we have an accord?"
By showing what really happened to Cal? The watcher seemed to become faint as it's voice became a small whisper.
" And What happened that day with Sorceress Mia."
We accept. We can't guarantee everything but we will try.
The white background faded into color. Lightning flashed overhead like before only the castle wasn't covered fully in blood yet. This, was the place Alloran had seen.
" Mia!" Yelled a man that entered Alloran's perspective. Leo. The women, sorceress Mia, was breathing hard and laying in bed with beads of sweat pouring down her forehead. In truth, it was like she was fighting an invisible opponent.
" We can't we can't" Mia gasped for air. Something was choking her lungs. " THE SPELL!" A fireball flared from her fingers torching the wall.
" No! How did they" Leo had a confused look on his face. At his feet, in his sorceress's chamber several men lay dead. There was nothing he could do. The spell If not killed by age they can die if someone were to get their hands on something with the sorceress's power. There was once a spell that could seal their power and kill the sorceress with it.' Ellone's words echoed through Alloran's head. " How could they, get their hands on" Leo didn't finish that sentence as his sorceress was now screaming in pain.
" Your ring!" Mia managed to choke out. Leo's eyes widened in shock but followed order. Removing his gantlet he handed Mia a ring. Mia closed her eyes, her body covered in lightning. " They shall Not have my power" Leo suddenly leapt toward Mia, fear was in his eyes. But it was far too late. Mia was covered in light, her screams becoming more and more faint Until they stopped. " This is my gift, my knight," Mia fell back onto her bed. Opening her hand the ring lay there, but now there was a lion embedded onto the metal.
Leo took the ring, looking at it disbelief. His eyes were shadowed now. " It's Sir Leo!" Leo whirled around to face several attackers. " Well, that takes care of the sorceress-" Before the man in front finished his sentence a long sword gutted him.
" I'll kill you, I'll kill you all!" Leo screamed as the massacre began. His eyes held insanity and hatred. Fear and confusion. Shock from Mia's death.
----
Cal was shaking in rage. NO! Cal silently screamed as the background started to fade, melt and change. She didn't WANT to see the past! Suppressed memories were suddenly crawling loose. Things that she had forgotten, forced it's way to the surface.
" I'll always be here, Cally," Cal was terrified at the voice.
" NO!" Cal screamed.
"Always," said the male voice again.
Two people were standing in a garden, a rose garden. One was a male, a captain, dressed in clothing made for someone of high ranking. His black hair blew gently in the breeze while his green eyes were on the other. The second was a women, her golden hair shone making her pale face stand out and her eyes were a strange golden amber color. Dressed in a long emerald dress. Around her neck was a moonstone, dangling on a silk cord.
" Can you even follow up on that?" Asked the women named Cally.' She sounded doubtful to the man's promise. " You know there are rumors about Sorceress Mia-"
" I know," the man cut in with a positive smile. " Trust me, in fact" He looked up at the moonlit sky. " I can be your knight. You know, like Sir Leo is to Sorceress Mia," he said dramatically.
" You're an idiot," Cally responded with a small laugh, much like wind chimes. " But, I think that's what I like about you."
" Well then," he hugged Cally. " Then in that case it's settled, no matter what I'll always be by your side and be ready to help you."
" Always?"
" Always." He said as they got closer
" That bastard!" Cal snarled the scene was changing again. " He was nothing but a liar! He was nothing but a betrayer!"
" Is that all he was?" Asked a voice. The girl, that SeeD. "He seemed like a lot more, Cally."
Akaia. That was the name that ran through Cal like a bullet.
She was in the plains of Galbadia now. A mansion stood proudly, despite the fact several men stood outside. Cal felt an inner rage boiling. This had been a day she had completely forgotten. The mansion was made of wood, to make the place seem expensive but not practical.
" Fire!" Yelled the person beside Akaia.
Whispering words fast the women raised a shield over the house temporarily blocking the attack. It wasn't enough though. In a short few moments the shield had broken. Letting the assault hit the house dead on.
" Maria!" Yelled the women sending her power through the smoke filled room. She was searching for the little girl who had been there. " Where are you!?"
Maria. A name that Cal had tried so hard to bury. More then Akaia's or the memory of other matters.
When the golden haired women found Maria it had been too late. The little girl had been hit by an arrow, not moving, not moving. The women's bottom lip quivered as blood was now fresh on Maria's chest. Gently the women ran her fingers over the little girl's now cold face. Stone cold. The small girl's eyes were still wide open, forever looking up in a pained expression. Sapphire eyes, just like Alloran's.
The scene faded now. They were back in that neutral place. Memories flashed before Cal. Her first kiss, Akaia's death, Maria's death, her brother leaving her, discovering Karu.
Karu, he had been the one that told Cal what to do that moment Maria died. Karu helped her gain full control over her powers, Karu had instructed her. Karu had helped her murder Akaia. Having Karu helped Cal forget what she wanted.
" You think those images change anything girl!?" Cal screamed to Alloran, wherever the SeeD was. " That just proves humans are foolish!"
"Then haven't you wondered why Akaia did that?" Alloran retorted.
" Don't you-" Before Cal finished the background swelled with color.
This next scene Cal didn't recognize. There was a conference room No, it was the room for the officials of Galbadia. Akaia stood in front of seemingly older men, all their faces were angry or sad. Akaia's was angry. Cal didn't know what to think, except she had the strangest feeling what this was about.
" You cannot be serious!" Akaia roared, his voice filling the entire room. "We just can't persecute sorceress's because of Sorceress Mia!"
" You are overstepping your authority Captain," said the leader nonchalantly. " The slayers of Sorceress Mia has brought it too our attention the this race of women are dangerous. Sorceress Mia as you know was an empress, a powerful one at that. She and her knights slew many against those that opposed. Several of thousands fell. We need to bind the powers of any sorceresses we encounter and that will be that."
" But that means death!" Countered Akaia.
" We understand where you are coming from," said the man at the end. "Sorceress Cal is from a family of knights, they are very influential and has served as without any problems. She is even sister to Sir Nealan, and even though she hardly has much powers a sorceress is a sorceress. You know what they are capable of."
" We will not force you to carry out this task against Sorceress Cal," spoke the leader emotionlessly. " But think of your family's honor and standing, Captain. You do know the penalty for declining an order like this, don't you?"
Akaia looked down. His face was red hot with rage. He did know the penalty, and so did Cal. Death was the punishment. Death to the entire family and they would all be marked as traitors.
" I understand," Akaia said quietly.
" We knew you would."
----
Part three: Fight to the death.
Alloran opened her eyes, her own, not what was provided in the neutral place. The ruins that had once survived these years had crumbled, courtesy of Karu and Fenerir. The watchers were still there though. Overhead in the dark sky it was as though invisible pairs of eyes were on the two figures in the strange moonlight.
Cal was in front of her breathing hard. For the first time Alloran had seen Cal she noticed there was something else there. In Cal's strange eyes
There lay fear and confusion.
----
The images played through Cal's head like a waltz. Akaia and Maria's deaths repetitively flashed before her eyes. Karu's massive body in the night sky, and a blood red moon behind him. She was remembering the day Karu truly awoke.
----
"Maria," the younger Cal whispered. No response, no sign of life. Already the young girl's body was becoming cold.
Sad, isn't it? Cal's face didn't change, but those words echoed through the sorceress's mind.
Who, who are you? She heard a laugh, a cruel in human laugh.
I am your destiny, I have been with you since the day you received your powers, I promise I can help you. Cal was frightened. You want help, don't you? You want vengeance, you want Akaia to fry. To burn, suffer beyond anyone's imaging. It was more then strange, it was as though this, thing knew her every thought. Read every emotion she was feeling. I know what it's like dear Cal, the feeling you call betrayal. I know that emotion, and I can fulfill that wish. The being's words entranced Cal. It felt like she could trust whoever was speaking to her.
What do I, what do I do?
Summon me. His voice becoming a low whisper. I am Karu, your Guardian Force. Summon me dear Cal.
----
It had been so long since that day, so long that the memory had been buried. Cal looked at her fingers, she thought of her who she had been. A fool. The first thought that came to mind. She had changed, all because of that day. Her hair, her eyes, her thoughts. She had lived longer then most sorceresses.
Confusion now played it's role. The forgotten memories and goals were now surfacing. Wasn't it her anger toward Akaia that started this? Did she have a right to be angry after seeing the past? The reason she started all this was for vengeance, and to find a way back to Maria through a spell Karu had spoke of Or maybe-
ENOUGH! Cal's thoughts were broken completely. Karu had lost any patience in his voice. It should be over here, finish it!
But-
It's time we stopped stalling, it's time we finished her off. She is related to the people that ruined your life. Or do you need a visit down memory lane to jog your pitiful mind?
Cal grabbed her head. She screamed in pain. Her powers were now surging beyond belief. Attacking all around.
Flash!
Her and Akaia's first meeting
Their first kiss and promise
Him running, pitifully trying to get away from Karu's onslaught
His death.
Flash!
Maria's sweet, innocent smile
Cal's brother, Nealan with her and Maria, smiling
Nealan's tombstone
Maria's innocent eyes
Maria's stony face after death.
Flash!
Almost receiving Griever in Balamb seven years ago
A certain blond cadet, firing a bullet that broke her concentration
The cadet that had the same eyes as Maria, the possessor of Fenerir, the one that got her stuck in Eternity
Alloran Wolfeyes.
None of this would have happened if she hadn't meddled. Karu whispered venomously. Finish her now, finish her and Fenerir. This power will help you unlock your true power.
Yes, Cal answered accepting all of Karu's words, trance-like.
Cal's eyes were becoming shadowed. Karu must have been right. The power that had fallen dormant over a century ago awoke. The strength Karu lent her. The moonstone's faint glow was no longer that way. It was blazing light, heat searing around her.
Her already amber-beast like eyes suddenly sharpened, almost impossible to see the pupils. Her claws' grew longer, sharper while she felt energy pulse through her body. Her midnight black hair was no longer black, it was changing a grayish color while it's length doubled. And on her back
Black wings ripped through the tissues of her skin and clothes.
" It's time to finish this," Cal said, her tone was different. Mixed with Karu's voice. But that instant, Cal felt something else happening with Alloran. A change of power.
----
" Cal!" Alloran yelled as the sorceress screamed in pain. Energy rippled through the air tearing up concrete as if it were paper.
She's far beyond help! Yelled Bahamut.
What's going on!? Alloran yelled back.
Humans and Guardian Forces are linked remember? Being a sorceress she can borrow massive amounts without much problem, said Leviathan.
Cal was beginning a terrifying transformation, one that scared Alloran by just watching it. Several bits of gravel flew up hitting Alloran hard. Things have just gone from worse to worser, she thought grimly. At that moment Alloran suddenly remembered the pain all over her body as all her limbs screamed pain of being thrust through so much pain.
What now? Alloran was out of ideas, nearly all her items had been smashed, and facing a pissed off sorceress with a guardian forces powers didn't help. Guys? She called out again. No answer
----
It is out of the question! Roared a serpent-like voice.
You do not have to pretend you are not worried, said a cool voice, relaxed almost.
You're just as worried us as, responded a rich calm voice.
She is NOT a sorceress! The chance of her actually surviving and using the power is slim to none! Growled the serpent-like voice. Her body is different from Cal's it won't be able to stand the energy as well as Cal, IT COULD KILL HER!
Ah, but suppose she does, suppose she can use it, much like Cal is Karu's powers, said the third voice. We understand the risk already, besides, don't you think she's already facing slim to none odds? Have a little faith.
And is she fails then it is the end for her AND us.
She WON'T fail, snapped the third voice.
Enough you two, your answer? Asked the second voice.
Very well.
----
Alloran, would you be willing to accept great power? Only temporary seeing your body can't fully contain it. Fenerir asked, after a short silence.
What are you talking about? Alloran asked. Great power? From where?
You will see in a moment, was the simple reply.
But it costs a price. First of all you might not survive, second is that after using it your body becomes vulnerable and we'll be too exhausted to help. If we don't get it right the first time it's game over. Surprisingly enough, Bahamut's voice actually sounded concerned. If Cal runs out of energy before you she will also be vulnerable. Be aware, once we lend you this power we may not be able to help you afterwards. You are human meaning we have to exert more force to get the energy in proper amounts inside you while Karu doesn't need to exert as much force. Still wish to do it?
A pair of wings had now sprouted from Cal's back. Black wings.
Do I have much of a choice? Alloran asked somewhat rueful.
Brace yourself, was all Leviathan said.
All three stones, the sapphire, the aquamarine, and the garnet's faint glows suddenly intensified. Alloran felt three massive amounts of energy pulse through her body, each one more powerful then the other. Her very skin seemed to leap up as the energy clung to each bit, almost repelling something inside of her. Her heart was quickening dangerously fast while her vision swirled. Her blood boiled, gushing out from the already opened wounds. The two lines that created the cross, one that had been reopened by either Visser or Cal opened yet again leaving a blood cross. Alloran's body was burning from the power given, but she would survive. Hopefully.
As your guardians, this is our gift. Use it well, finish this, Fenerir whispered weakly. Fenerir and the other two guardian forces presence's seemed to fade almost but Alloran could still feel the. At her feet Windhowler lay, it's silver blade seeming to call her. After picking it up and looking at her reflection she saw herself, looking the same but not exactly. If there was truly something different She didn't know.
Her eyes met Cal's. Any sense of sanity was now gone leaving only madness and sorrow. But one thing was sure just from looking at Cal, this would the final bout. Both had been fighting hard gaining an advantage to different points in the battle and were exhausting quicker then before. Each had their own reasons, only one would walk away alive.
" It's time to finish this," Cal said, her tone was a mix of herself and Karu, Karu being the dominant voice.
" Let's," Alloran said surprisingly calmly.
" Ignis," Cal whispered letting loose the powerful fire magic with no difficulty, almost as if she were just using a basic fire spell.
As it neared Alloran's body seemed to take it's own control as she moved to the side and ran full speed toward Cal. She was moving faster than ever before. Dodging another mental blast Windhowler's silver cleaved through the heated side of the sorceress. So hot Alloran could feel the heat travel from the end of the blade to the handle. Cal just looked at the SeeD, amber eyes ablaze before raising a hand throwing a psychic her way. This time it didn't seem to hit as hard as the other times. As Alloran was thrown to the side she aimed the sharp blade down at the ground, dragging it through the ancient rocks taking the force out of Cal's blow.
Almost immediately Cal's wounds started healing over, much like a guardian forces wounds. Again Alloran rushed forward as protective magic covered Cal. Windhowler bit against the barrier, that was starting to show signs of a crackling weakness. This barrier however was different from Cal's past self. It was much greater. Alloran slid back as it repelled her leaving sparks on the gunblade.
" Hell's Judgement!" Cried Cal. Several runes appeared at Alloran's feet. It was as if her feet were frozen as dark energy swelled in that place. Lifting up from the ground, dragging up into the air past Alloran's body. Taking granite, light, and a fair bit of Alloran's borrowed strength.
"Flare"," Alloran whispered wincing as she felt the energy torn away. Cal just smiled as the spell collided into her side. As if it only tickled. The most powerful fire based technique Alloran knew.
" You call that a spell?" Cal asked mockingly. "Venenum."
Alloran felt an explosion of pain as a green mist seemed to enter her lungs and veins. Striking the insides of her body. A burning pain was in her veins, it had been a poison-based spell. "Esuna!" Alloran cried as the healing magic did it's work. Not before the spell had done some damage.
Magic was now out of the question in Alloran's mind. She needed high-leveled magic in the first place to keep up with Cal in the first place, but now Cal could cream her in the magic department easily. Meaning
She was going to have to make this a contest of physical strength.
Alloran burst into a sprint as the ground around her was being steadily reduced to rubble, ashes.
" Hey, is magic all a sorceress is good for?" Alloran yelled. Cal answered with a sick grin as she held up her hand and swiped at the air from both directions. Invisible claws struck Alloran on both sides. Bahamut's claws were worse, she silently told herself as she kept sprinting. She had to keep moving. Only a two dispels Her only shot.
Several icicles created themselves, each one would be deadly if they hit. In a throwing motion she tossed them Alloran's way. Slicing her skin as she attempted to evade. At least they had missed the vital points. " Dispel," Alloran muttered letting loose one of the last ones. The barrier nearly broke completely open, Cal was reinforcing each shield now. " Dispel," she ordered again. Cal wasn't slow though. Spreading her wings she started to lift herself into the sky. The gunblade had only scratched her side, cutting a deep gash. Not deadly, but it was painful and making progress at the least.
" Thundaga!" Cal hissed letting loose the lightning spell.
Alloran swung Windhowler up, catching most of the impact as the lightning barely raced up the long blade to her hands. She was still fighting and in the game. As long as that happened that was all that mattered. Cal threw up another barrier, this time stronger. Cal just looked at her and hammered her with another telekinetic blast of energy. Pushing Alloran back, she raised her hands and let loose another Ignis spell. As the ground around Alloran was blasted into rubble the SeeD leapt out at the sorceress slamming the silver blade against the barrier. Whack! An invisible hand swatted Alloran like she was a fly.
" Hell's judgement!" Cal cried again. Alloran gritted her teeth to stop from screaming as the rays of energy pasted through her body taking away more of the strength her guardians had lent her. Breathing hard she took off again of Cal continued her crazed assault. " Is this all SeeD is good for? Running?" Cal asked mockingly. In a way Cal was right, the only way to beat her was to go offensive, but what good was it when your opponent had a powerful barrier on?
" Aero!" Alloran yelled as the wind technique took place against Cal. Hopefully it would give enough time.
Cal simply held her hand up, twisting her fingers the tornado changed it's rotation the other way. Causing it to fade. " Is that it?" Cal asked. She would have said more, if a gunshot hadn't gone off. Against her barrier part of it started to quake as an explosion went off.
" No, here's part two," Alloran said letting loose what few bullets she had. But they weren't normal bullets easily stopped by barriers easily, they were pulse ammo. The most powerful in the world.
The first two shots were stopped in dead air as they exploded while the other three hit right on target. Yes, Alloran thought with a grin. Another moment later proved her wrong. Cal was still standing, and extremely ticked off.
" I congratulate you, for making it this far," Cal said, her tone was smug. She knew something Alloran didn't. " I'm afraid this is where it all ends." Another barrier was erected, but it wasn't like any of the other ones. It was powerful enough to see it clearly like a wall without anything hitting it. "Draw, Apocalypse," Cal breathed gathering all the magical power left in her. Enough to call on a power strong enough to put an end to Alloran. Her long fingers twitched, wanting to taste this girl's blood. It was time for this fight to draw to a close.
Alloran knew the risk that Bahamut had told her was about to come true. She was tired, losing large amounts of blood, and Cal was about to call on her strongest magic. One option left, one unlikely option. She needed every boost she could get to summon this skill.
One chance left, one last chance before she lost all the power her guardians had lent her. Cal and her had nearly spent all their power, and now it was time for one final attack.
Alloran closed her eyes, building up al the pain she had felt throughout this entire fight. Pushing it to the breaking point, but it still needed that extra boost "Aura," Alloran whispered feeling the light fill her body. Her last Aura spell, and she needed it to work the first time. Closing her eyes she searched her mind for memories lost long ago, for the first time in her life she was willingly trying to find them without the help of Fenerir. Three elements for this skill, her limit break. All focused into one single usage.
Her body was heating up more then it ever had before, the pain intensified but it was in a good way. Both pains she had felt before, the wounds she had been feeling and the emotional ones she had locked away in her mind were stinging. For once she felt something else in this limit she had never felt during any of the attempts she had done to obtain this limit. A will to live, remembrance not that she needed to destroy Cal but to get back home. While Cal created runes on the ground, building up for the spell, Alloran spun Windhowler in a circular motion in front of her leaving it's own markings. Even though the area around Alloran had gone dark Some how Alloran felt this was the way, the limit Dark Moon was truly meant to be. She would probably never be able to use it this way again.
"Apocalypse!" Cal cried as the each rune brought out it's own ray of energy that went into the sky, converging and becoming one single ball of power.
" Dark Moon!" Alloran yelled at the same time pushing Windhowler into the center of the circle, much like a key. Both attacks soared past each other at top speed.
Alloran hardly noticed at first as the rainbow of colors first engulfed her as the now unified beam hit. She heard someone screaming in utter pain
But then she realized it was her screaming. Each and every muscle burned as the force that knocked her up slammed her back down.
Cal's eyes widened as the dark blast of energy came speeding toward her. She raised her already worn arms and raised a shield. Both sources of energy collided. One worry remained, would the shield hold out? Half the attack had already passed over the shield and starting to fade when
The sorceress hadn't noticed it, but each part of the attack had slowly eaten up the shield. Normally Cal could make the shield strong enough to possible withstand the total force of the limit break but after keeping the shield up for so long and slowly wasting magical strength were starting to take it's toll. By the time Cal had taken the time to check the strength of the barrier, it had been hammered by one final assault of the dark wave and already collapsed.
It became de ja vu all over again for Cal as the barrier broke. The sudden memory of her younger-self failing to keep up the shield flashed before her eyes. That was what cost Maria her life and now she was paying the price as the wave pummeled Cal's body.
----
Alloran blinked, she was still alive. Hyne, it hurt to breath. Hardly conscious of the fact she was lying belly-side up she winced from the pain. Several burns and aches, maybe a few cracked ribs at the least. Maybe she could have still been able to fight, if she hadn't tried so many spells, or hadn't tried taking so many risks, or lost so much blood
The sound of movement broke her trance. And in the air she smelt something other then blood. Perfumes and incense, meaning one thing. She was coming for her. Struggling to get onto her knees at the least (rather unsuccessfully) her opponent came into view. She was in front of her, much like herself she was bleeding profusely, exhausted, but unlike the SeeD still capable to fight.
" So, this is how it ends?" Cal said, her tone was smug. Her eyes were still the same way they had been since Karu lent her his power. The twin black wings were now torn, if Cal was in pain the expression on her face didn't show it. " I don't need any special power to tell, when an opponent is stripped of their weapons.
After failing to get up to face Cal properly her left arm slipped. That's when she felt it, her shortest knife. A concealment blade, still in it's sheaf on her left arm. It wasn't as handy as her long knife but she knew for sure it was sharp.
Cal was still a few yards away, Alloran was stupid enough to try and throw her only real weapon now. Flicking her wrist she let the small blade fall into her left hand while her right groped the ground around her for a rock. Ignoring the pain in her right arm she thrust the rock forward at Cal, just weakly hitting the shoulder. Cal's barrier was gone Now all she needed was Cal to come closer.
Cal looked off a yard away from Alloran toward Windhowler, covered in blood. Cal simply snapped her fingers and the blade made it's way over too her, very weakly until it the ground right in front of her.
" Looks like I'm not the only one that can't use magic at the moment," Alloran said forcing a sneer.
" I don't need magic to finish this," Cal retorted picking up Windhowler, defiling it. " You failed to defeat me, you'll never make it back to your world, your about to die on your own weapon, am I missing anything?" Come on, Alloran thought tightening her grip. She had to make sure Cal went down this time and stayed down. There wouldn't be time for a third chance. Just one more step
Cal took that step, now within an arm's length, she raised it, ready to strike down it's master. Alloran suddenly leapt forward without grace or regard to coordination. Moving under Cal's arm Alloran used her right hand to hold back Cal's arm as she pushed the knife forward, cleaving through Cal's pale skin. Across the chest, with as much strength Alloran could muster, trying to ignore the sorceress's cries and thrashing. Blood sprayed drenching them both. Right before Cal suddenly dematerialized, disappearing. Leaving behind her blood, Alloran's Windhowler, and a certain moonstone that had been cut from its silk cord.
----
Darkness swirled in Cal's mind. For brief moments the sorceress felt sharp stings of pain. She should have been dead, should have passed on by now. Should have entered hell and be free of the ludicrous world. But then, why was she still here?
Lights flashed in front of her eyes as the pain began to swell. Cal was walking, but where too? There was no place now, she didn't even have Karu to guide her. Another sharp pain gripped Cal at all points in her body. Why did it still hurt? A sorceress cannot rest in peace till she is free of all her powers.' The rule was now in her mind. Why hadn't she been able to give them to Alloran? Was she destined to suffer here, cursed eternally with her powers?
That's when Cal saw it, a portal to another time.
Cal didn't care or wonder how it had gotten there, but in any case she walked through. Leaving the void and ending up
At an orphanage.
It couldn't be right; this wasn't the right place for her. Each step Cal took was heavy and painful. A women with long dark hair, fairly young rushed to her side. Already Cal was feeling Lighter.
" How did-" Started the other women. Cal now felt it. This women was also a sorceress, cursed with the same legacy.
" SeeD Garden," Cal managed to cough out. Her voice wasn't it's normal self, it was slowly growing thinner. The dark haired women looked at her confused.
" SeeD? Garden?" She asked completely bewildered. How could she not know who SeeD were?
" They destroy Us," Cal whispered in a hardly audible tone. " Our race they are trained to defeat us." It seemed now the other sorceress understood.
" You're not from this time, are you?" She asked. Cal shakily nodded her head. She wanted to say more, warn her of what SeeD would do but it was now too late. Cal was now hovering in the air slightly as the wind picked up. Out stretching her arms ribbons of her power transferred between the two, each ribbon that left Cal feeling more free, for the first time in her life she was just human. Smiling the former sorceress finally vanished, unknowingly leaving behind the woman that would start Garden.
Part 4: Final problems
It cannot end like this! Years of planning, millenniums wasted! Rage boiled in the creature's mind. It was her fault, both that girl and Cal. I may never get another chance, but at least I can insure that girl won't leave here alive.
----
For a long moment Alloran just lied there, too tired to move. Slowly she undid her firm grip on the knife, each finger off hurting more then the next. Wherever Cal was Alloran didn't care at the moment. Looking at the puddle of blood she was covered in she nearly vomited. At least, it was over
Rumble! The ground was shaking violently. Dark shadows seemed to leap out as the ground beneath Alloran started to sink. Desperately she attempted to move, grip onto Windhowler for security but it was too late. Out from the air rang a terrible voice of anger. A pair of sharp claws buried themselves into Alloran's back throwing her to the side, nearby the chasm.
" You dared to interfere," hissed the large Guardian Force. Alloran couldn't help but tremble staring at his blood red eyes. Chances are you will have to fight Karu as well. You will have to break the point of his power.' The letter's in Ellone's letter. Now of all the times for something like this to happen. Fenerir! The connection with her GFs had been low since they lent her power, so much she could hardly feel them.
I'm here, Fenerir answered weakly.
Karu seemed to understand what Alloran was up to, because in a quick second he came back down and hammered Alloran into the ground knocking the wind out of her. The SeeD braced herself as Karu's massive fangs came closer. Locking themselves around the object hanging on her neck.
Before Alloran could do anything she watched the black wolf lift his massive head and hurled the glowing stone far away from her, right into the chasm. Alloran turned to see the stone slowly fade into the darkness. And with it her connection with her friend. Fenerir! She called. Her friend didn't answer.
" NO ESCAPE, THIS TIME," his breath smelt of death. She was suddenly remembering her experience with the T-rexeaur. Except this time, she probably couldn't muster a limit break at the moment. Her mind was racing, she didn't have Fenerir, not much strength Looking through her mind she found who she needed right now. She just needed the time. Can you fight? She called out to Bahamut. She still had a solid connection with him, she needed him for some distraction.
Till the day I die, answered the mighty dragon.
Closing her eyes she attempted to find the proper connection with Bahamut. This time it was moving faster then before, this time they had one thing in common. Rage toward this Guardian Force. She just needed stalled time " So, since you plan to kill me how do you plan of leaving here?" Alloran managed to choke feeling more pressure on her chest as the wolf pressed down harder.
" AS LONG AS I DRAG YOU DOWN TO HELL I DON'T CARE HOW LONG I STAY HERE," snarled the GF. " I PLAN ON MAKING THIS PAIN LAST, UNLIKE THAT FOOL CAL."
" So she really was a pawn in your game?" Alloran asked trying to force the pain out of her voice. A little longer, just a little longer
" WHAT DO YOU THINK!?" There! Alloran thought with grim satisfaction, at the same time as Bahamut roared the same thought. The upper corner of her mouth jerked up.
Karu caught Alloran's smile. Before he could apply more pressure a massive roar screamed through Eternity. One time Alloran was happy to hear for the first time. Out from the sky came Bahamut, the king of dragons. Walloping Karu off her she tried taking big gulps of air to be greeted by pains from her lungs.
"I'LL DEAL WITH YOU FIRST!" Screamed Karu leaping at the dragon. Karu was a smaller GF then Bahamut in a long shot, weaker probably too, at full strength Bahamut probably could beat Karu. But now Karu hadn't needed to give up as much power as her GFs, and was charged by anger and had sorceress powers still in him.
What can I do now? Alloran silently asked forcing herself to get up. Shakily she was now on her feet at the least. Think, there had to be something in that letter that stated what to do. Silently she really wished Fenerir were there to give her boost in remembering the exact words in that letter.
Alloran looked down guiltily. Fenerir She felt pangs of guilt. Fenerir had saved her hide that night when Visser hit her head on but she couldn't stop Karu from tossing the sapphire over the edge. Hyne, that hurt just as much as bleeding right there and now. A cry of pain jerked Alloran back to reality. Fenerir was digging his fangs into Bahamut's neck and ripping through delicate tissues. Though GFs had regenerative powers it was clear how this fight would end. Come on, Alloran thought scanning through her memories. What did the letter say AFTER the part about fighting Karu. You will have to break the point of his power. I can't tell you how, but I can give you a hint. It's something the sorceress's powers related to GFs.'
What type of a hint was that!? The only relation she had seen was when Karu lent his own powers to Cal! There had to be something else More bits of the letter ran across her mind. Once Cal is defeated you will have to get your hands on the moonstone around her neck.' The charm I gave you is a back up item.' Why a back up item? Alloran painfully picked out the charm from her pocket. It wasn't special, just a moonstone on the center, just like the one on the ground a bit farther away. Wait, Ellone mentioned this before when they first met. There was once a spell that could seal their power and kill the sorceress with it. The seal of power became a Guardian force.' That's how Fenerir and other GFs came into existence right? And she had been told crystals were often used to hold power
That was it! The moonstone, that was the key! Another cry filled the air as Bahamut got slammed into the ground with a very ticked off Karu leapt at him after being roasted by Bahamut's flames. Not much time left before Karu decided to quit playing with Bahamut and get back to work on her. Even if she got her hands on the moonstone it wouldn't due her much good seeing Ellone warned her not to junction Karu. Weakly, and fairly pitifully she started walking toward the moonstone that was a yard away, along with her own gunblade.
"NICE TRY," Karu sneered. " TRYING TO GIVE HER TIME TO GET TO WORK WITH THAT STONE." That's when Alloran heard the bone-shattering howl that belonged to Karu.
The ground started shaking and the rocks broke apart separating. Several columns of spiraled rocks started tearing into Bahamut. After a painful cry, the king of dragons broke into white light. Not dead, just inaccessible for awhile. Karu could have smiled, if a wolf could. One out of the way, back to- A sharp pain gripped Karu, an internal pain no Guardian Force could inflict. Meaning one thing " YOU!" Karu snarled poisonous, after spotting a certain blond SeeD at work.
Alloran had been lucky enough to get over to her destination, slamming a heavy weapon against an extra strong crystal wasn't exactly helping. The first strike had been weak and barely chipped it, but it was clear it had an effect on Karu. Now I've done it, Alloran thought seeing the pure anger in Karu's eyes. Hyne help me! Karu's was fast as he rushed toward her. Tightening her grip she lifted Windhowler up for what seemed to be the final time
Flash!
Alloran took a piece of paper and lightly pushed on the blade and it ripped through fast. Imagine what it could do if someone tried to cut something fast.
Flash!
Visser slashed upward and Alloran swiped as fast as she could against Twin Lance and... Crack, Twin Lance broke into several different pieces.
Crack! Karu froze right in front of her as Windhowler's blade severed the crystal into different pieces. A sudden rush of air blew against them, a powerful aura escaped as Karu screamed in pain. Alloran had hardly noticed it as her fingers wrapped around the charm. The faint blaze was now a roaring fire in her hand, burning it slightly. Karu almost seemed to vanish in small tendrils, each one entering it's new home. Until his screams and threats were silent Alloran just stood there, when it stopped she fell over. Windhowler still in hand everything went white.
Would you like to get back? Asked a voice, it was that same female voice Survival is not a guarantee, but I see it. You at least want to make it back instead of dying in this alien world.
"Yes," Alloran whispered.
----
Water gently lapped against the shores of Balamb. Often carrying debris, this time something else. Alloran could hardly see the world around her but she could smell the salt in the air, the feeling of the sand. She could see now, just barely. Crimson water, Alloran thought absently seeing the color red in the water. She couldn't move, just feel pain. She was back, but she could already feel her life slipping away. All the pressure, the extra energy from Eternity was now gone leaving her to deal with the wounds Cal had given her. That's when in the distance she saw a place that it felt like she hadn't seen in an eternity. Balamb Garden, parked a fair distance away.
She painfully lifted her right hand upward, at least she thought it was upward. " Firaga," she whispered as pain exploded everywhere in her body and her arm hit the water again. Hyne it hurt. At least, someone might find her now. At least Tal and Casseil would see what happened to her.
Her vision was becoming white again, already her pain was starting to null. Someone was there, she couldn't see anything else. That was all. It was warm there, wherever she was now. The faceless person looked in her direction, " Come with me," whispered the person. It was the same person of Alloran's dreams. They wanted her now. She was too tired to argue or ask. If this was death
She didn't care anymore.
----
Wolf: That's the end of the story! [ receives glares] Well actually no it ain't the end, YET. [ Crosses chapter off list] I haven't finished my work with Cal, you can expect a bit more of her later. If your wondering why I added the part with Ariel and the dead future it was to add a bit of closure to the story so I don't leave people hanging over what happened with Ariel.
Shout outs:
rikku-chan: [Takes deep breathes] Got to watch.. those hugs Thanks for the praise, for that I won't get angry because of what you said about Seiftis.
Verdanii: Thanks!
Ghost140: At least it was worth it I'll try and make the two as or better then this.
Oo: I will, eventually mark my words. After all, I started them I'll finish them if my attention stays on them.
Emrelle Elendal: Tobias says he's happy someone is on his side for once, but he kinda lost it after you asked whether he was guy or girl. (this seriously happened) The answer is that he's a guy.
Dark Angels: Neglecting homework, tsk, tsk (remembers skipping homework a dozen times) Um, I mean I understand. Whoops, didn't update soon sorry.
Sorceress Fujin: This enough?
edenblack18: Thanks for the hint. (places it in the book, how to kill/torture a lackey'.
Dark Hope: I got you other review, why it wasn't posted I don't know.
MiNi SoRcErEsS: Your welcome, just glad you like my fic cause you've got a really good humor one going.
Kikoken: Done and reviewed.
Legendary Super Candyce: Read minds? Not likely, but there's still that little chance. I was as surprised as you were probably. One of Toby's favorite lines, great minds? What great minds?' [shrugs] Keep up the good work on you fic.
chiefs18: You really think I'd leave this unfinished? After spending nights late up slaving away I'd stop? I think you get the idea
----
Wolf: That's all for now, I promise the next chapter will be shorter but it'll hold a lot of important stuff. Keep reading and reviewing. Also, expect the next chapter up relatively soon, it won't be so long.
Tobias: It should! This one took forever!
Wolf: Don't make me use the book.
Tobias: I'll be good.
