Author's Notes: Hey, no reviews to reply to. Oh well. The story is finished in my notebook, which means that I can finish this up right away and thus finish Perfection.
Chapter 9: The Plan
Dawn came again, a blessing really, because we never knew if it would. One can never tell with Ultimecia around. She could suddenly decide that the sun no longer suited her, much like she did with any Seed but her Black SeeDs so many years ago. Still, the conversation with Squall last night reassured me slightly. Somewhere inside he is fighting her. He obviously knows where we are, and yet most of the time we are safe. And most of all, he wants me to save him.
When I see the others I do not tell them about the encounter, not even my wife, his sister. But I will tell them of the inspiration that has reached me in the aftermath, how we will win. Well, how we will free the Black SeeDs so that their teenaged selves don't run into them in the castle and ruin time, or far worse, lose to them.
I alone am awake when the sun rises, and I do not hate that fact. It gives me time to perfect my plan. Something grand that will distract the sorceress.
At breakfast's end I clear my throat and the other five look hard at me. This plan relies on them and their willingness to give their lives for others. Ellone looks hurt; I've been avoiding her so far. Fuu and Rai have a look of understanding. They know more than I ever tell them. Xu looks slightly confused, and Nida, my best friend, grave.
"You know how you are getting in, don't you?" Nida asked.
"Yes," I responded.
"And it involves putting ourselves at risk…" Fuu chose to help Nida along.
"Affirmative again."
Silence and then from Raijin, "So, small chance of success, certain death, blindly following Seifer's insane orders… What are we waiting for, ya know?"
Ellone looked shocked when ever Xu nodded in agreement. "Is this why I'm never given briefings on the missions of you five?"
"Very likely love," Nida teased.
"So… What is this plan?" Oh my dear Xu was always a tactical wizard.
"A five pronged attack," I declared with a smirk. Quickly I whipped out a map. "We split into six groups. Xu, you will get the SeeDs you can and take out Balamb with the help of the natives. Nida, I'll need you to take Trabia as swiftly as possible. Rai, you've got Galbidia, and Fuu, I leave Esthar in your hands. Ellone will take the remaining forces, including those here in FH to attack in Cetra and do what she can to help you all as well."
"And you Seifer?" Nida asked.
"I am going to get Squall," I said, appreciating the looks of concern.
"Seifer," Ellone whispered, "You can't not alone."
"I must. Guys, if you pull her attention multiple ways at once, we could possibly break her control over Squall and the others."
Silence met my words.
"Please, we must do this, or we might never win."