AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hello, all my fanfic readers! Thank you so much for R&Ring so far! I'm really sorry for the lateness, but with school starting, well, I've been busy. I think the update rate will be increased to every two weeks. I'm really sorry, I'm just busy. Same author notes, as they apply to all chapters. A virtual chocolate or vanilla cake to anyone who reads this! And virtual ice cream if you review…
Disclaimer: Aurora: I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU!
PsychDragoonX: What? What'd I do this time!
Aurora: You don't own any Final Fantasies or the characters except your counterpart and ME!
PsychDragoonX: Yes… That's true… what of it?
Aurora: NOBODY OWNS ME!
PsychDragoonX: Calm down, dear God…
Enjoy!
…Aurora! Stop chasing me with that hammer!
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Ultima: High School Eccentricities
Chapter III: Life and Death… The Origins of All
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-/-/-/-/-/Vince's Point of View/-/-/-/-/-
Oh God, what have I done? I am in so much trouble… Have I disturbed the flow of souls? The cycle of life and death that stabilizes the allowance of power? I ran far away from the scene of which I possibly counterbalanced the flow of spirits and souls…
From the school, the place I was running towards was my favorite place in the world. It was far away from any civilization whatsoever. You may ask, how did I run so far without getting exhausted? For one, I teleported several times along the way. That would expend a large portion of my energy, but I don't know why I wasn't the least bit fazed. I can't worry about that now.
I must check… the power itself will overbalance according to the deeds of the users of the power. This anxiety repeated many times over until I've reached my destination, the Iifa Tree. Many people come here to pray for balance, while others come here to pray for the extremes. There is only Life and Death. Nothing more. A simple concept, but humans must crave their emotions by establishing a complex of divinities. Thus, is the birth of the fundamental idea of Good and Evil. Many, if not all, believe those idea are actual reality. Religions come from the same human need for answers. Why can't people just grasp the truth? Everything has to be complicated and complex for the humans. … On a more important note, why am I treating humans like they are in need for annihilation? I'm human also… but I don't feel grief for injuring a fellow human? Despite the fact he's Guado, in the end, we're all humans. I hurriedly contemplated as I trotted to the front of the tree, searching for the indicator. Maybe… Maybe I will justify it? Yes, that's the only way. The truth is… He injured my spirit, therefore, I had to take action. Yes, that's it.
Finally spotting a special insignia the Dragon's Heart, I sighed in relief as I stepped towards it. Only Sorcerers and Sorceresses can come within anywhere near the regulator of souls and life. I am a natural born sorcerer. So is Kuja, but none in our family line we have sorcerers or even demi-sorcerers. Is it fate? Is it the working of reality? … How are the souls regulating today, my precious hideaway? I lifted my hand slowly and touched my fingers upon the symbol and a Sorcerer's Sensation came over me. A Sorcerer's Sensation can mean one of several events, such as, a feeling of all emotions within that area, sensing the most subtle changes of the life and death flow of that area, a lapse of magic, and sometimes even to the extent of a miracle. Many people believe that miracles are from God or other gods, but a Sorcerer's power can reach to that extent.
It's hard to explain what a Sorcerer's Sensation feels like… It feels like all of the emotions in that area are experienced all at once… But there was more to this Sorcerer's Sensation than I had originally planned. A bright white light was soon fading on all that I can see, with a caringly light voice that sounded familiar saying, "It is not time yet. Enjoy this time now, for you will lose it later."
"Who are you? I can recognize your voice…" There was no reply. Slowly, the whiteness gathered in that place emitted a soft, blue tone trimming the outer edges… Slowly fading into the center, revealing clouds, then the tops of trees, then everything… including a group of people huddled around a bleeding Guado.
"He's unconscious and rapidly losing the ability to breathe!"
Garnet…? Seymour…? Have I been pushed back 5 minutes? Wait… what's that sound? I could hear the loud cries of a few chocobos coming this way, along with the squeaks of Moombas, and the chattering of humans. The local healers?
As soon as the chocobos stopped, the people and the Moombas got off and ran towards the group of people, breaking their crowd. They were dressed like traditional White Wizards, with experience and knowledge.
"Quick! Cast a Life spell! He's nearly dead! His breaths are shallow and few!" Garnet yelled with a panicked expression.
"No, that'll send him into shock, and when barely breathing and in shock, there's a higher chance of him dying than he is now. I'll put a slow acting reviving spell on him, and put him under observation," a White Wizard said, while signaling a Moomba to put Seymour on the extra chocobo.
"H-How long will it take?" A female Guado from the Guado Posse asked, almost in tears.
"Well, there's no guarantee he'll come back, but there's a 80 chance that he will make it. It'll probably take around a week before he's in a condition of consciousness," the same White Wizard answered back. He also started to chant the stabilizing spell, "Rengenga!"
I opted to flee the scene, back into the school, before anyone sends me doom glares. When I eventually reached Lulu's classroom, I noticed it was empty and I took advantage to pack up my things and wait outside the next class. Things did not proceed exactly to what I have hoped. Oh my God, they're back! Err… She's back… yeah…
Lulu was standing in the doorway when I turned around to leave. "You've impressed me. And shocked me."
"W-What do you mean?"
"Such power… against a Sorcerer. Seymour thinks he's the only Sorcerer student in this school, therefore his obnoxious bragging." And he thinks he's better than me, just because I'm a Demi-Sorceress.
"I see… There are more Guados in this school, right?" Please say no.
"Yes, all of the Guados look up to him, because he's the son of the leader of Guadosalam."
"Great… all the Guados will be coming after me…" What have I done…?
"With that kind of power, I'm sure you'll be able to handle anything that they throw at you. Speaking of your power… That power belongs to a Demi-Sorcerer or a Sorcerer… You are a Sorcerer, correct?"
"Yes."
"Then that explains it. I, personally, am a Demi-Sorceress. Several of the teachers are also Demi-Sorcerers or Sorcerers. But coming back to your actions earlier…"
Oh, God… Suspension… I started to nervously play with a feather and my hair, fidgeting. Badly.
"School rules state that no harm should not be done to a person's body, spirit, or mind. We are all supposed to cooperate with each other in a non-abrasive manner. But, school rules also mandate that any counterattack to those who harmed you would result in minimal or no punishment, because you must defend yourself. On another hand, sending a fellow student or staff member into a critical condition is severely punishable. So, with those rules, I will explain how your consequences will be determined. Seymour is the one at main fault for harming your spirit by severely insulting you. Your counter is perfectly acceptable, but you've send him into possible death. And since nearly all the school hates him, even all of the teachers and staff, I'm going to let you off easily and give you half a detention. Any questions?"
"N-No Ms. Damia." Whew… that's… immorally relaxing… But he deserved it. Yet, I can't help to feel that I'm getting away with murder…
"Please, call me Lulu. The teachers and staff actually like to be called by their first name. And the bell should ring soon. Where are they? I told them to come back immediately as the healers left!"
As if on cue (Wow… so many things are contrived…), the other students come back in. All have a mix of shock, sorrow, amazement, and fear… Of course, all eyes were on me. The other 3 Guados looked as if as soon as the bell rang, they were going to strangle me. Others were scared of me now. Some others wanted to hug me. Some others wanted to simply gawk at me. With all of these eyes making me nervous and self-conscious, I had to say something, "So, am I the new public enemy?"
"I would be appalled at you, but since Seymour nearly raped me, (I do NOT want to talk about it) I'm glad he's not going to be showing his face for a bit," Garnet saw my nervousness and wanted to comfort it by saying that.
"He almost raped you? Oh dear… that must've been awful…" I would be more interested, but one of Seymour's lapdogs was walking up to me, ready to choke me.
"Do you want to wind up like Seymour?" Lulu observed from the background. The Guado just looked at her and clenched his teeth.
He only turned back around to say to me, "Watch it."
Conveniently, the bell rang. As the other students left, Lulu caught me by the shoulder and asked, "One more thing. Aren't you tired?"
All I could say was, "I'm not… but I don't know why…" I want to know as much as you.
"Be careful, news travels fast."
"A-Alright, thank you." She let go and I left to History 3, supposedly taught by a sorceress…
-/-/-/-/-/Kuja's Point of View/-/-/-/-/-
I was walking down the hall, making my way to Battle Tactics and Algebra II. Damn, the teacher can teach two subjects at once… but the damn Quistis - she is every student's nightmare, a teacher with a whip… Ah, I hope I can find Vince to ask what happened… Well, I found Vince, pinned up against a locker by the a few members of the Guado Posse.
"You! Weakling! You can't defeat Seymour! It's against the rules!" Please, what rules? Oh yeah, the naturally dominantly egotistical Guado rules. Oh dear, I'd better help… Vince doesn't seem to be breathing well with those goddamn nails…
I walked behind the one choking my brother and tapped him on the shoulder and smiled. "Hi. How are you?"
"What…? Stay away, fag."
"Oh, so you want me?"
"I said get away!"
Vince was starting to turn blue. I couldn't play anymore. So I continued our conversation with his personal meeting of my Bitchbeater hammer. And he got to meet my foot, on the ground, bleeding…
Gasping for air and rubbing his neck, Vince managed to say, "Thanks, a lot… But won't you get suspended for that?" The other Guados just ran away.
"School rules, protect those that you care about and relatives," I answered him. "So what happened? Are you alright? Aurora wants to know if that explosion hit you."
"She wanted to know? Aww… that's sweet, tell her I said thanks. And that explosion… I didn't get hurt."
"That's good." I patted his shoulder with a smile and picked up his books. "By the way, I've heard that Seymour was in the middle of the explosion. Do you know how it happened? And why the healers had to come?"
"Well, the cause… was me."
"What?" Alright, I'm officially intrigued.
"We were having a magic duel outside and I sort of… won…"
"You… do know the whole Guado population's going to be searching for your blood… Be careful." He started walking to our classes.
"Yes, thank you. Duly noted. Anyways, what are you doing here?" Vince changed the topic.
"I'm heading to Battle Tactics and Algebra II."
"Isn't that taught by… um… Quistis? The one with the whip?"
"Yes… and I hope she's in a good mood today, " I sighed, remembering how I fell asleep one day and she whipped me good…
"Err… wow… um… be careful?" He's so concerned…
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."
We eventually arrived at our destinations. "Well, see you at lunch!"
-/-/-/-/-/Vince's Point of View/-/-/-/-/-
I opened the door to my history class, and several students were there before me chatting in one group. Although, as soon as I took a step from the doorway, they all looked up at me and went to their own seats. Some were snickering, and some were keeping their eyes on me with fear. What…? What's going on? I continually kept my eye on one person laughing in particular, a Guado. Although, not any Guado from Black Magic. Eventually, I reached my seat and sat there, keeping watch on the laughing Guado. Alright, he's starting to scare me. Nonetheless, I took out my history book titled Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec.
Then, the rest of the students came in, nonchalantly talking upon themselves. It seems the topic of all of their conversations were about the duel that took place not too long ago, as they all eventually looked at me and had different reactions. Despite that, I've noticed one person that didn't care. He wasn't talking to anyone. It's more like, the girl sitting next to him was doing all the talking as he didn't pay any attention. The man's hair was chestnut brown and kept somewhat stylish without getting out of hand, his eyes… just staring out into space… he was wearing a black leather jacket that was shorter than his white t-shirt. The woman that didn't seem to take his hint of non-interest had long black hair, with a streak of brown on each side of her head. She also was wearing a blue… duster coat? Anyways, it was blue, and she was wearing a black blouse and black shorts. After a while, she looked concerned for the person next to her and started to poke him. "Squall? Squall…?"
Before Squall had a chance to answer, the bell rang and our teacher walked in. She was wearing… a long, sparkling red dress that exposed much of her body. Light blue and purple tattoos were covering her face and body. Her hair was a platinum silver almost like Kuja's; however, she had… horns and black wings…? Horns and wings? I thought I would be weird… Before I could think anymore, she got our attentions, "Welkome, klass. My name is Ms. Ultimecia Vinolekia. You may kall me Ultimecia, however. This is the advanced history klass, meaning, that you will learn every event of history that was ever dokumented. Today's lesson includes the basiks of the flow of Life and Death, also how magik is formed. Please open your books to the first chapter."
She walked over to the chalk board and wrote our assignments down. "You are to read the first two chapters, Life and Death, and Sorcerers: The Basik Knowledge. Komplete the kwestions at the end of the chapters and we shall diskuss them and any kwestions you may have. Any kwestions?"
Well, I don't have any. Might as well to start reading…
-/-/-/-/-/Textbook and Vince's Thoughts/-/-/-/-/-
Whatever is written here is the textbook, and Vince's thoughts are in italics.
CHAPTER I: LIFE AND DEATH
There are two pre-existing forces that govern power and magic. One is the force of Life, and the other is the force of Death.
Life is the source of all anything that is living, therefore, allowing an increase of power and protective magic. Many consider the magics and powers of healing and protectiveness to be White Magic. Of course, the person's faith in the power of Life helps determine how efficient their Life power is used. (More on Magic and Magic Usage will be explained later) Several common spells that are an example of healing are Cure, Cura, Curaga, Poisona, Stona, and Esuna. A few examples of protective spells are Protect, Shell, Wall, and Regen. (You may find the effects in Appendix A: Magic Effects) However, not all White Magic is purely supportive. A knowledgeable White Mage can cast harmful spells at any target. Such spells with these capacities include Minimum, Hold, Holy, and Dia.
Life also has a major impact on beings that are alive. Energies from the main source of Life are borrowed constantly to create and support life in every way possible. Such as mainly to allow beings to live and breathe. Essentially, Life is the source of all things that continue. Thus, since Life is the source of continuity, it is the source of healing and progression.
Death, however is the source of all anything this is dead, therefore, allowing spells and powers to decrease life in another being. This is where many obtain Black Magic, which is used mainly for damaging and elemental control. The power is simply there and existing, but users need to have a high intelligence in order to summon and control this power, since controlling the specifics is delicate and can easily be transformed into a different form. For example, if you want to control the element of fire, it can be easily mischanted as a water spell because elemental spells have similar chants to one another. The force of Life can control elements also, but controlling the elements with Death reaps more power. But not all Death powered spells are purely elemental. You can cast non-elemental spells and other types, but they are more difficult to chant.
Also, Death controls the condition of non-life. Any being that dies contributes to the Death cycle. In short, the Death cycle helps counteract the Life force, by keeping overpopulation nonexistent. More of these concepts will be explained later.
Yeah, many people call these forces Good and Evil, but in reality, they are two forces of power that regulate each other. If there is an excess of Life, there will be too many people and our resources are nearing minimal. We use old and new technology, we have computers and hi-tech conveniences, while we fend off monsters with ancient weapons and magic. I suppose the people want to preserve magic, as it is actual pieces of Life and Death. None knows what might happen if the power is tinkered with.
This chapter is short, but most of the explanation of how these powers are controlled are explained next chapter. There are no questions for this chapter. And I'm sure I know all this already. I just want to see what the majority thinks…
CHAPTER II: SORCERERS AND MAGIC
Each generation, there are few that are born with powers to control the forces of Life and Death themselves beyond others' power. These people are called Sorcerers and Sorceresses. These people can use magic more effectively than other non-Sorcerer people.
Magic works in mysterious ways. Although, we know the basics of how magic works. Whenever a power of Life or Death is called upon, the desired effect of the caster takes place and the both forces drain a miniscule amount. However, soul power from a person recycles back into both forces gradually. No one knows why this happens.
Also, to the ancients' knowledge, that both forces regulate each other over time to help keep balance in the world. If an excess of Life is present, there will be an overpopulation and resource decay. If an excess of Death is present, there will be a loss of life and healing.
The Iifa Tree is the physical form of the regulation of souls. Research has yet to be conducted on how the Iifa Tree works, but we know the location of it is on a peninsula far away from Esthar.
These theories have been popular only within the recent decade, and other theories have been proven false.
What is this? A cheap cop-out? Although… it is hard for non-Sorcerers to understand… They have the main points down anyways.
-/-/-/-/-/Vince's point of View/-/-/-/-/-
The questions were easy to answer and there were so few. I answered them quickly and decided to lean back in my chair and stare at the ceiling. That always gives me such pleasure… Until my gaze ended by Ultimecia slowly walking towards a desk behind me.
It turns out the student she was heading to was asleep. Oh dear… Judging by the way she's holding that ruler, I can say it's not going to be without screaming… But more interestingly, the student has a tail… Odd…
Ultimecia slammed the ruler on his desk and yelled in his ear, "Zidane! Wake up now! You sleep at home! Unless you want me to kompress you into a stick of gun, chew you, and spit you out in the garbage, I suggest you stay awake!"
Zidane, huh… Laughs came from all over the room, except from Squall, who was done answering the textbook's questions and reading another book. Zidane was quite awakened by her… threat… It's a threat no matter how hilarious it was. He muttered a "Yes ma'am" before he wrote on his paper as if he was actually answering the questions. The laughing deceased as Ultimecia handed him a slip and saying, "You will serve detention!"
But what strikes me even more odd is that Squall had no reaction whatsoever. I'm not obsessing over him… its just… weird… He must be quite antisocial. Good luck, Squall's girlfriend…
Before I could take out another book to read, the bell rang. The students walked away, snickering and laughing. About what? I don't know, I'm just going to the next class, Biology…
-/-/-/-/-/Zidane's Point of View/-/-/-/-/-
"But Ultimecia! I was just resting my head!" I complained to her.
"While snoring? You cannot take away your detention. End of story," that's all she said.
Damn! I speed walked out of the room. Something else isn't quite right… was that the guy who owned Seymour? If he is, he must have a tail… Interesting… I'll have to ask him why. He's trying to steal my women!
-/-/-/-/-/Kuja's Point of View/-/-/-/-/-
I managed to survive Quistis' whip happy dungeon of a classroom. Why must she crack her whip at every syllable she says? And then at the end of the class, she manages to swing her mood over to manic depression… Whatever.
As I had to walk in the opposite direction of everyone else to reach my next class, I bumped into Vince again.
"Hey, Kuja. Listen, do you know where Biology is?" he asked me.
"Sure, just follow me, its on my way to P.E." I replied.
Along the way, we were silent until I've warned him about Hojo… "Vince, listen. The teacher is Hojo, a sick individual. Last year, on one of his students named Aeris, he made his experimental cat… go wild on her…(Yes, wild. As in sodomizingly wild.) I'm sure with your black magic, you can prevent his new cat from going on you."
"…" After a short silence, he managed to say, "Why would the cat do anything to me?"
"Vince, he controls the cat's actions and he's deranged beyond all belief. So, be careful just in case. See you next period," I continued walking.
-/-/-/-/-/Vince's Point of View/-/-/-/-/-
Cat? Wild? … … Does he mean… Oh God… If he's THAT sick… I'd better be careful… I thought over Kuja's warning for a minute outside.
I don't know why, but I feel someone was watching me…
Anyways, as I opened the door to Hojo's class, a girl bumped into me. Well, isn't everybody bumping into me today? I asked her, "Are you alright?"
She replied, "I'm fine." With that, I helped her up. Although I saw out of the corner of my eye that she quickly plucked a feather from my hair. I winced a little to this surprise. She said under one breath, "Thanks. I'm going into this class now. Thank you. Bye!" She ran inside before I could say anything.
…What…? Well I just hope nothing out of the ordinary happens this class…
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I'm really sorry this took long. But with school in effect, I will try to update every two weeks. Again, sorry for the delay… Interview is with our resident antisocial, Squall!
PsychDragoonX: So, Squall, why are you so… quiet and nonchalant of everything.
Squall: That's none of-
PsychDragoonX: -your business!
Squall: …
PsychDragoonX: Ahem, anyway, is it true that you are Rinoa's boyfriend?
Squall: That's none of your business.
PsychDragoonX: So… we're not getting a response out of you?
Squall: …Whatever.
PsychDragoonX: Then care to explain the girl flirting with you? She is Rinoa, right?
Squall: …I'm not saying anything. Go talk to a wall.
…Hey. YOU try talking with Squall before disc 2.
Thank you list!
Twilidra/Rappy28: Yeah, I know of your guy obsessions quite well… And P.E. will come soon, so don't panic. See you later! -Sends you a chocolate cake. Or vanilla, whichever-
Rajata Sashi: Thank you for waiting. I agree, my favorite part of last chapter was "ULTIMA, BITCH!" XD Anyway, thank you for reading again! More people will be owned as thoroughly as Seymour. -Sends a cake of your choice-
Yuffie-Babe: Glad you like this! I hope you're looking forward to later chapters! -Cake of your choice-
LadyKadaj: Seymour fan? I hope I haven't insulted him. BTW, he's leader of all the Guados at school, but only 4 Guados attend Black Magic with him. Well, I can't say he becomes nicer… An important event regarding Seymour will happen soon! Thank you for reading! -Chocolate or Vanilla?-
BTW, if you have AIM installed, I've started a FF9/Kuja chatroom called KujaChat. My username is DragoonKujaX. Hope to see you there! -Starts writing next chapter-