La Belle au Bois dormant
Loud cackle filled the atmosphere before bright sparks of fireworks burst through the black sky. Crowds of people cheered in unison as they admired the traces of glimmer above the Deling Palace. The opening ceremony for the birth of a baby Princess was about to begin and the people of the kingdom were having a hard time containing their excitement. Noblemen would gently push through the soldiers that lined the gates in order to escort their lady into the Palace. After much stalling, the Deling Grand Orchestra immediately started playing their instruments. The sound of the trumpets and flutes offered a warm entrance as the main gate to the Palace opened.
Streams of citizen immediately poured in while hastily trying to grab on to their valuable presents that were at risk of being detracted.
Stop. Right here. A deep masculine voice commanded.
A white carriage halted in its tracks right next to the Deling Palace. A middle aged man walked out and was met by a cool breeze, one that he was longing for after the weary hot journey he had to endure in order to arrive on time. A tiny boy peered through the curtains of the carriage and found his father having a discussion with a nearby nobleman. He sighed in boredom as he watched rows of people enter the Palace. He wondered what was so interesting that the entire kingdom was in such an uproar.
the boy called through the small window.
Oh! Son! Come on. We have to get going. Laguna jogged back to the mobile and lifted his son out of the carriage. He stopped when he noticed the frown on the child's face. What's the matter?This looks boring. Why are we here again?Squall. Like I said before...we are here because of the birth of the Deling Princess! Wouldn't you like to meet her?I think I would rather be at home reading or riding horses, said Squall as he hugged onto a toy moogle that was going to be handed over to the new Princess as a gift. He frowned at that thought too. And why does she get all the good presents?Ah. I'll buy you tons more when we get back home all right? Come on! I heard from Her Majesty Julia that the child was absolutely gorgeous. Hey who knows? Maybe you'll end up marrying her one day! Laguna chuckled to himself at that thought.
Eww. But she's just a baby! Squall said as he rolled his eyes and followed his father into the castle.
The journey to the main hall was an arduous one mostly because of the amount of steps there were. Upon reaching the final step, Squall crashed on the ground and wheezed while clutching the toy moogle tightly. His eyes widened as he opened his mouth to allow for the inhalation of fresh air.
My. You're one fine boy making your way up all those steps. You'll make a fine knight one day... complimented Laguna as he gave the boy a gentle pat on the head. Too bad your mother couldn't come. She would have been so proud to see you climb all the way up here!Why would she come here? This place is kinda scary. After fixing his black shirt and pants, his young eyes wandered around. He ducked his head slightly when his gaze came across large stone gargoyles resting on the towering pedestals. The sight of their size and claws sent shivers down his spine. What are those things?Ah. Those are statues of the legendary Elnoyles. They are a fine source for energy crystals. But anyway, we wouldn't want to be late now so let's go. Picking up the last remaining gifts from the floor, the man quickly ushered his son into the main hall where the entire kingdom patiently awaited for the appearance of the Princess.
Moments later, King Caraway signaled the band to cease the music. The entire chamber grew silent as Queen Julia stepped out of from her room with the new born baby in her arms. The infant was draped in a light pink blanket that covered the tiny blue velvet dress underneath. Julia lifted her daughter up for the entire kingdom to witness. The chamber broke out in awe as they gave their blessings to the child. Smiling at her husband, Julia warmly hugged her baby as she greeted and thanked each of the citizens for coming to the ceremony.
Ah! Prince Squall. Come here and let me have a good look at you! King Caraway beckoned the young boy to come closer. Squall nodded and trotted to the Queen's throne and handed her the toy moogle. It's for the Princess... he said in an almost disappointed tone. He squinted his eyes at the baby when none of the adults were looking. It was SO unfair that he had to give up his toy. I hope you're happy! he whispered to the sleeping child.
What was that lad? Laguna warned loudly while tapping his foot in slight frustration.
Oh! N-nothing father!
Julia giggled and placed the toy moogle aside. She bent down and kissed boy's forehead. Thank you Prince Squall. I'm sure Rinoa will love it when she grows older.Yeah yeah...OH! Caraway, I was just telling my son before that maybe one day he will marry Rinoa. Think about it. It'll be a wonderful way to reunite our kingdom! Laguna let out a full hearted laugh.
Ahh ah! Yes! How old are you now Squall? Five I believe? Caraway inquired.
Squall modestly corrected. I'm six now. He folded his arms across his chest. He was definitely not enjoying this party. His eyes helplessly wandered over to the banquet table where numerous plates of food were available for the guests.
He silently wondered if Deling had better roasted chicken than Centra. His mouth started to water as he watched the hungry noblemen and noblewomen filled their plates with fine delicacies. He wanted to go and grab a slice of cake but his mother had taught him manners and slipping away in the presence of a King would be downright rude.
Having nothing else to do while the royal family members conversed deeply among themselves, Squall turned to look at the baby girl nestled against her mother's bosom. Her small pink lips formed a smile as she slept in perfect tranquility. He noticed that the child was quite pale, which resembled Julia. Her dark lashes and brows played the perfect contrast against her alabaster complexion. All her facial features were revealed to him except her eyes. He pondered if she was born with blue eyes like him. Curiosity got the best of him when he extended one tiny finger to try to poke the baby's eye lid. However, something else caught his interest.
Behind the couple, Squall saw a dark mist that scattered like vapor. His eyes immediately widened as he saw the black energy take form into a woman. She was a tall and slender female clad in a dark purple dress with various ornaments adorning her clothing. Her face held pure evil as she grinned wickedly, her eyes instantly revealing endless black voids bordered with dramatic purple and pink shades. She played with a single strand of her silver hair before raising a hand that tightly gripped a golden staff. A ball of blue light burst from her fist and traveled across the hall to the entrance. Moments later, huge clashes were heard outside. Screams followed as the statues Squall previously encountered were brought to life. The Elnyoles screeched in delight and crashed into the main chamber awaiting their master's command.
Sorceress Ultimecia! Caraway gasped with spite. His face was flushed red with anger as he commanded his soldiers to raise their weapons against the woman. Before they even got a chance to withdraw their spears, the Sorceress calmly clasped her hands together and formed a spell between her palms. A bright light was emitted into the air and the soldiers were instantly petrified.
How lovely. What do we have here? Ultimecia peered over Julia's shoulder at the infant Princess. She reached out to stroke the child's cheek but her hand was instantly slapped away by Laguna.
Get your filthy hands off of her.
She bitterly narrowed her eyes at the child. She is perfect for my Time Compression plan and you will regret what you have done. Ultimecia closed her eyes and chanted a few inaudible words under her breath. Her body wracked back and forth as intangible energy escaped herself. She directed her essence into the baby.
Julia cried while protectively hovering herself over Rinoa. What are you doing?
The spell stopped and Ultimecia smiled with satisfaction as she created a shifting warp gate. Knowing her job was complete, she began walking towards her exit. Upon your child's sixteenth birthday, she will be cursed to become a Sorceress. She will be destined to be killed by a Knight and sleep for eternity. Without a single witness of the horrified looks on the people's faces, Ultimecia stepped into her portal and vanished without a trace.