Chapter 6

(Okay, I know it may be weird, but I didn't have any good bad guys. So I've decided to make the GFs as enemies. I hope this doesn't offend anyone.)

Meanwhile, inside earth's dark side, stood the mighty GFs.

Ifrit roared in frustration as he continued to pound on the seal that held all of the GFs.

Shiva sat in the air, watching Ifrit carefully. "Calm yourself, Ifrit. Soon our time will come. These pitiful humans will soon taste our wrath," she said calmly.

At this, the flaming GF turned to his icy companion. "It has already begun, the end of all human creatures!" he snapped. "Are we to wait here as captives?"

There was a flash of light as the mighty Quetzalcoatl appeared. "Patience my fiery friend. Our time will come."

Siren giggled, beginning to stretch. "Yes, and it will be splendid! But we must wait a little longer. The dark one hasn't fully awakened yet."

At this Diablo laughed throatily. "That's right. The dark one has only awakened her other half. Soon, she will realize the fullness of her destiny, and she will free us all!"

Carbuncle opened a sleepy eye and made a small squeak. "But in order for her to fulfill her destiny, she must choose the path of the light or the path of the dark," it pointed out, beginning to float in mid air.

Suddenly, there was a fierce wind as Pandemonium arrived at the scene. "If she doesn't choose the path of darkness, we will all be destroyed. We will all perish by her will," Pandemonium growled.

At this the icy GF grinned. "Not quite. You see, even if she doesn't choose the dark side, we will still have to destroy her. That is our destiny. If she does not master her powers, then we have no choice but to destroy her…then the earth…" Shiva said in her icy voice.

"I tire of all your silly bickering!" Bahamat screeched impatiently. "We should already be conquering this pitiful earth, not discussing about useless matters."

"Well, then you better be ready for this," Siren interrupted as a bright light began to surround them.

*

Quistis stared into space, thinking for a moment. "Me? One of the Three Keys? What do the Three Keys have to do with the Final Trepe?" she mumbled to herself.

"Don't scowl so much," Zell said, stepping out of the room and towards the balcony. "You know how crazy you get if your complexion is ruined."

The princess broke away from her thoughts and glanced at her brother. "Oh, I was just thinking," she answered, smiling weakly.

"Here," Zell said, handing Quistis a plate of hotdogs. "Have a hotdog."

Quistis looked at her brother uneasily. "W…what's this? My own brother finally decides to share his hotdogs with his sister? How shocking," she teased.

"Shut up and eat," Zell growled, shoving the tray into his sister's hands. After a moment or so, Zell finally asked, "You nervous?"

Quistis thought for a moment before answering. "I guess so. But if I'm going to have a Protector, I guess I shouldn't be worried, right?" she asked, trying to smile reassuringly.

At this Zell nodded and left the balcony. As he stepped back into the room, he caught site of Squall leaning against the wall.

"She sounds unsure of herself," Squall said softly so only Zell could hear.

"Well what would you expect from someone put under so much pressure?" Zell replied, glancing at Squall.

Squall shrugged. "It's not something I would be very willing to protect," he finally said.

Zell stared at his friend in amazement. "So, you knew all along."

"I've known about this ever since I was a child. It doesn't thrill me as much as it thrills Irvine though," Squall retorted, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Are you willing to?" Zell asked curiously.

At this Squall looked away from his friend. "It doesn't matter," he answered before walking away. "The future cannot be decided be a mere prediction."

*

Fujin stared into the mirror in front of her, beginning to concentrate. After a moment or so, the mirror began to ripple as if it were a liquid. Quietly, she began to chant under her breath, as she closed her eye.

Suddenly she gasped as she saw a vision in her mind.

There was figure surrounded in darkness. The figure had her back turned towards Fujin, and was crouching on the floor. Suddenly, there was a loud shriek as the figure split in half, one side moving towards the dark side, and the other turning towards the light side. After a moment or so, the split figure slowly turned towards Fujin and smiled.

Fujin suddenly jerked away from her vision as she felt someone gently touch her shoulder.

"You shouldn't stress your powers so much," Seifer said from behind Fujin.

The albino shook her head, puzzled by her vision. "Two…there are two of them," she whispered, staring in the mirror.

"Two? Of what?" Seifer asked curiously.

Fujin didn't answer as she shook her head. "NEVERMIND," she answered, regaining her composure. She brushed off Seifer's hand and walked away, saying nothing more.

*

Selphie sighed restlessly as she tossed small breadcrumbs towards the small birds in front of her. Normally, Selphie would be cheerful and oblivious of all the problems in the world. But recently, her cheerfulness has faded.

Meanwhile, from a distance, Irvine watched the sulking girl and grinned. Slowly, he made his way towards her and asked, "Mind if I sit down?"

The lady in waiting glanced up and shook her head. "Help yourself," she answered, patting the empty space next to her.

The sharpshooter nodded and sat down next to Selphie. For a moment he stayed silent, thinking of what to say. "Did it hurt?" he finally asked, grinning mischievously.

Selphie glanced at Irvine curiously. "Did what hurt?"

"When you fell out of Heaven," Irvine answered, his grin growing wider.

At this, Selphie's face grew hot as a blush crept up towards her cheeks. "Um…well…" she stammered, not used to being complimented.

Irvine studied Selphie's face again. Apparently, he found her embarrassed face adorable. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Do you believe in love at first site…or do I have to walk by again?" Irvine teased.

Hearing this, Selphie chuckled softly. "If you're trying to woo me with your lines, then it's not working," she finally replied.

"Why not? Don't you find me attractive?" the sharpshooter inquired.

Selphie smiled at Irvine. "Well, I have to admit, you are very attractive indeed. Maybe even sweet on the inside. But I'm not interested. Sorry," she answered, patting his shoulder.

"What makes you think I'm trying to make a move on you?" Irvine asked brazenly.

"Because…because you're making things difficult, Lord Kinneas. Here we are, trying to protect the only person who can save the world, and you are trying to romance me with your…"

"Charm?" Irvine finished, still smiling. "I know, it's a gift. The ladies love it."

At this Selphie stood up from the marble bench, looking aggravated. "You see what I mean? I've had it. Good day, Lord Kinneas," she growled, stomping away.

Irvine watched the frustrated Selphie leave before shrugging silently.

"Well, that went well," Rinoa said, walking towards Irvine.

Irvine glanced at Rinoa sitting next to him before leaning against the bench. "I think she likes me."