A/N: I was waaaaaaaay too busy to put up another chapter, so heres chapter 7! yay! I have to get writing now, lol. Please enjoy! Also, please review!
Marriku was about to head out the door, when Quistis said, "Leave him." She sighed and leaned against the door and said, "So what do we do now?" "Well, i was going to say we were supposed to meet at the front gate, we are getting offical orders from Balamb and Galbadia. So lets head down there." Quistis explained. They filed out of the room and headed down the stairs, past the symboled floor and past the turnstiles. "You guys go on ahead, ill wait for Squall." Quistis said, waving them away.
Marriku yawned and followed Zell, Selphie, Rinoa and Amaya out towards toe front gates. Rinoa leaned against the metal railings, Amaya and Selphie were looking at the courtyard and Zell was in his own little world. Marriku was just wondering what Squall was thinking. It was so easy just to play the game and have that grey box come up and to be able to read their thoughts. 'I guess its diffrent when your actually in the game' She sighed. She seen Quistis and Squall heading their way, a car following.
"So that must be that guy..." Marriku said. "You know what we have to do next," Amaya whispered to her. The sorceress. "Just pretend im a seeD, it will be easier that way." Rinoa explained as they lined up as the car screeched to a halt. A blonde man in Galbadian unifrom came from the car and walked towards them. "Good day" He said, as they saluted him. "I have official orders from Headmaster Cid addressed to you. Following regulations, I have gone over these orders. After careful consideration of our options, we have decided to fully assist and cooperate with Headmaster Cid. Actually, we too, have been planning for this for quite some time now" he said. Marriku glanced at the confused faces of her comrades, besides Amaya.
She knew what they had to do. "In order to stress the importance of this mission, I must first brief you on the current situation. At ease. You all know about the sorceress being appointed as the peace ambassador for the Galbadian government. However, this ambassador thing is just a cover up. There will be no peace talks, only threats. The sorceress creates fear among people. Therefore, peace talks are impossible." he said, sounding nervous talking about the Sorceress. 'He too is afraid.' "Galbadia is planning to use this fear to negotiate favorable conditions for itself. It is clear that Galbadia's ultimate goal is world domination. Garden is no exception, either. It is a fact the sorceress is planning to use this Garden as her base. ...We have very few options available to us. We entrust world peace and the future to you." he said, sighing.
They saluted him and the blonde handed Squall a packet of papers, his blue eyes scanning the paper. "Any questions?" The blonde asked, looking over them. "The order says by means of a sniper, but we dont have anyone in our party with that skill." "We have that taken care of, Kinneas! Irvine Kinneas!" he called towards the courtyard.
A teenager stood up, his long honey brown hair tied back in a pony tail, with a tan cowboy hat sat on his head. He had a long tan coat and darker brown pants, shouldering his rifle. "This is your sharpshooter, Irvine Kinneas." The blonde explained, backing up towards the car. "Failure is not an option," he crypticly said. Irvine walked up to them, his hat lowered so they covered his eyes. He stood next to Squall as Quistis said, "So, what exactly is our mission?"
Squall looked very serious. "Our next mission, is no plain mission. They are direct orders from both Balamb and Galbadia garden. We are to...assassinate the sorceress. Kinneas is to shoot her from afar. We are to support him to our fullest. Should he fail, we are to attack head on" he explained. "Dont worry about that, I never miss," Irvine said confidantly. Marriku rolled her eyes and said, trying to sound curious, "where are we supposed to go? where will the sorceress be?" "She will be at the capital of Galbadia, Deling city. Once we are there, we'll meet up with General Caraway to go over the details." Squall informed.
Marriku glanced at Rinoa, her eyes quinted with hidden rage. 'Ha ha, we're going to meet Rinoa's dad!' Marriku giggled to herself as they exited the garden area, heading towards the train station close to the garden. "8 tickets to Deling city, please" Selphie excitedly said to the ticket manager. She handed over 3,000 gil and they entered the train. "open up!" she said, tapping on the metal door to go in towards the cabin.
Squall used the ticket to let Selphie near the windows, and sneakily Irvine followed. Marriku headed towards the cabin and she heard Selphie sigh. "A sigh of love?" Irvine said. "uh...no!" Selphie shouted at him. Irvine sighed and then walked back towards the group, Marriku following, snickering. The train lurched to a start and Irvine walked over to Rinoa. "Rinoa" he says dreamily. But Quistis cought on. "Irvine Kinneas! Behave yourself!" She snapped. He crossed his arms over his chest and said "No one understands me. Sharpshooters are loners by nature." 'Give me a break' Marriku giggled. "just do me a favor and let me be!" He said, over dramaticly.
Zell growled and hit the floor of the train, the train stopped momentarily, and then once again picked up speed. "Err, there was no damage to the train from that, umm...Minor Vibration. I repeat, there was no damage to the train from that minor vibration." Came a confused manly voice from the speakers. Quistis shook her head and headed towards the cabin, followed by Zell, Rinoa and Amaya. Irvine was just moodily looking out the window, trying to create this Loner vibe about him. Marriku glanced at Squall, she noticed he was looking at her too.
She felt herself blush and she hurried into the cabin. She sat on the bottom bunk of the bunk bed and sighed. Rinoa was gazing out the window and said, "we're getting close to Deling." "how do you know?" Amaya said, smirking. "I-uh, I've been there a couple of times before," Rinoa said, smiling weakly. She didnt, not yet, want to reveal that General Caraway was her father. whom she hated.
The sky was slowly turning from a bright beautiful blue to a purple-red haze of dusk. Marriku yawned and thought, 'i need a nap. And im long overdue for a shower...Maybe we can go to a hotel before the mission takes place or something. probally not...but i can dream!' The train smoothly stopped and they filed out of the door. They came into a fancy looking train station, workers were yelling for people to get aboard the trains and where trains were departing to.
Rinoa led the way up the escalators, and the came upon a night-time view of the beautiful sky, a view floats were hanging in the sky, the moon nor the stars were visable. Deling City seemed very busy, a fancy town for people who could keep up with the hussle and bussle of city life. "Well, im pretty sure the Caraway mansion is this way," Rinoa said, pointing towards the west, "We can take one of these buses thou." They climbed aboard a bus. Marriku settled herself into a black seat and sighed, resting her head against the window. She was dozing off, just as Selphie shook her awake. "C'mon 'Rikku! Were here!" She said, jumping off the bus.
Marriku sighed and climbed off the bus, streching. They were heading under a stone archway that led into the mansions courtyard, when a Galbadian soilder came into view, pointing his blade at them. "Who are you?" He said, glaring at them through his helmet. "We're seeDs, here to see General Caraway." Quistis informed him. "Caraway's mansion is this way...But i cant just let you walk in" he said mischeviously. "Why? I believe hes been informed of our arrival" Squall said. "I was order not to let you through these gates until your skills have been...tested" he said.
"C'mon!" Selphie said, jumping up and down. "What does he want us to do?" "Well, there is a tomb called the Tomb Of the Unknown King to the northeast. All you have to do is go in anf find a students ID number on his weapon. Zell sighed angrily, the Soilder retorted "There are many students like yourself who wish to call on General Caraway. There was a student from Galbadia Garden yesterday, who has yet to return from the test and we are asking you to find his ID number. Its simple enough." He handed them a map. "Come back when you have the ID number."
Squall looked over the group and said, "Its pointless if we all go, so why dont i take 2 other people and the rest of you guys can get some rest?" "Im going with 'ya man" Zell said, punching at the air. "I suppose ill go as well" Quistis said. "Well, we'll go to the hotel to get you guys once we have the number and we'll come back here" Squall said, as He, Zell and Quistis headed towards the north. Marriku sighed and said, "Hurry, lets get to that damn hotel, im dying here!"
Rinoa, Selphie, Irvine, Amaya and herself wearily headed into the shopping district, Marriku was sick of careless people running into her. When they reached the Galbadia Hotel, she almost collapsed at the front desk. "May I help you?" The woman at the front counter said. "Yes, 3 rooms please," Rinoa said, handing over the gil.
"A room for me and Selphie, One for Amaya and Marriku, and one for Irvine" Rinoa said, handing over the keys to the rooms. Irvine looked disappointed. "Pervert" Amaya said as she and Marriku headed up to room number 10. They burst through the door. There were two twin beds with black sheets on it, a dresser, and a small bathroom. "I wish i would have worn my normel clothes insted of this uniform" Amaya sighed, laying on the bed. She was right. Marriku felt uncomfortable fighting a skirt and the uniform wasnt so comfortable for running around.
Marriku headed into the bathroom and ran warm water into the small bath, she was greatful for being able to come to a hotel. She knew Squall and the others would be fine. She took off the uncomfortable uniform and sank into the bath, very happy to be able to relax. She washed up and wraped up in a robe and headed out of the bathroom and sat on her bed. Amaya was laying on her bed, eyes closed. Marriku put on her uniform and sighed, placing her hands behind her head and tried to doze off.
Marriku was roughly awoken by Amaya, her wet hair was wrapped into a bun, and said, "hurry, we're ready to go!" "Damn, i was finally relaxin' too..." She said, groggily, putting on her shoes. "At least we got a bit of sleep" Amaya said, shouldering her Staff and exiting the room. Marriku streched and picked up her Katanas, sadly taking one last look at the comfortable room and sighed, exiting the room. The party regrouped in the lobby of the hotel.
"Did you guys get the number?" Selphie asked, yawning. "Yeah!" Zell said, excitedly. "Lets head over to the mansion," Squall said, heading out the door. They followed and took one of the buses towards the mansion. When they got off, they headed towards the solider. "So, what is the number?" he asked, smuggly. "47" Squall said. The solider lost his smirk and said, "thats correct. Follow me." The solider led them towards the large doors of the mansion. The mansion was old and grey looking, with wide windows that were elumniated with light.
The solider opened up the door for them and they were led into a lobby area. "C'mon, this way." Rinoa said, pointing towards an oak door. They entered into a study room. With 2 windows looking down on the city, and a couch and a desk, an odd shrine with a woman with her hands outstreched was in the corner.
Irvine sat on the plush chair and put his feet up on the desk. "You sure are making yourself comfortable," Amaya said leaning on the desk. he looked like he was going to say something, his eyes looked deep in thought, but then he let it go. Rinoa looked around, her eyes knowing of the room. Squall stood near the door. Selphie watched out the window and Quistis and Zell sat on the couch. Marriku paced, trying to make herself look nervous. Inwardly, she was sighing tiredly. 'I wish i would have gotten just a bit more time to sleeeep' she thought, sheepishly.
Rinoa stomped her booted foot and said, "He always does this! Always making guests wait, i think ill go and complain! ugh! so rude!" She said, annoyed, walking over towards the door. Her pale hand was on the knob when she turned around and said, "oh yeah, this is my house." Everyone must have raised an eyebrow at her. "Is anything going to happen to you?" Squall said. "No way!" she said, smiling, "Just dont leave me behind, kay?" She exited.
After maybe another 20 minutes of waiting, the door opened and a man came in. He wore a regal black suit with matching tie, his grey hair slicked to the side. His eyes were onyx, unknowning. "wheres Rinoa?" Squall said suspeciously. "My daughter is not trained like you seeDs are, so I think its best if she stays home. She could become a problem to you in the future" he said. "Sooo, your rinoa's dad?" Selphie said, turning away from the window. "I cant remember the last time she's called me that." he said, his voice almost twinged with pain. "So your a general. Rinoa is a member of a anti-government faction...thats bad!" Zell said. "Yes. But it is our problem." Caraway said, walking towards the window.
"We have far more things to worry about than my daughter" He said, chuckling. No one was laughing with the old man. "We were hired by Rinoa. Once this mission is over, we are under her command. I dont know your situation, but dont get in the way when the time comes." "And? If I do?" Caraway said, narrowing his beady black eyes to Squall. "Uh, easy guys" Irvine said, brushing a strand of honey hair out of his eyes and getting up from the desk.
"We're here to knock off the sorceress, so lets get down to buisness" he said casually. "yes" Caraway said, regaining his formal posture. "Follow me, I shall explain this mission." He headed towards the door and the party followed. "im sure you know that Galbadia has announced that the sorceress Edea is the Peace Ambassador." He said, leading them out into the courtyard. "tonight, there will be a cermony to commeorate the event. a parade. it will start at the presidental residence." They continued to follow the General. Marriku noticed a couple sitting together on a blanket near a little pond. She sighed and continued on.
"Now, during the ceremony, we will have you split into two teams, The gateaway team and the sniper team. The gateway team will enter the gateway and standby. The sniper team will stand at the front of the presidental residence until the ceremony is over." They came to a large set of metal gates, leading into a larger important looking building. "This is where the sniper team will be waiting, right here." Marriku glanced at Squall, his blue eyes were contently fixed on Caraway. "Once the ceremony is over, a parade for the sorceress will then begin. Thats when the gate will open. We have to make sure nothing happens, this parade could be canceld if there is any commotion. We must avoid that at ALL costs. Once the gate opens, the sniper team will move out. It should be easy to get inside the residence, all eyes will be fixed on the sorceress at that point. The sniper team will head for the roof of the residence. In the corrider by the sorcresses room, there is a hatch that leads to the clock tower."
"Inside the clock tower is a carousel clock, the sniper rifle will be hidden. Stand by in the clock tower until exactly 20:00. The parade will begin by the gate. The sorceress will be riding on the parade vehicle. After it leaves the gate, the vehicle will turn left. Like this." Caraway began to run around the spacious road they were standing in. This way. The parade will circle once around the city along the outer road and return to this space. It will return on this side. Then it will turn right... ...and head this way." He said, demonstrating again. Marriku wanted to laugh at him, but she kept her mouth shut.
"Here's where the gateway team comes into play." Caraway continued, catching his breath and leading the team towards the gateway. It was a long arched building, with a door hidden on the side. "At this point, the gateway team will operate the console to drop the gates. The sorceress will be trapped inside the gateway. At 20:00, the carousel clock will rise out of the roof, carrying the sniper team up as well. There will be no obstruction between the sniper team and the sorceress. Take the open shot... BANG! That is all. Now we wait. You're free to go anywhere. Go check out the city if you wish. Just one thing. Stay out of trouble" he said, pointing a chubby finger at them. He sighed and began to walk back towards his large mansion home.
The party walked off towards the shopping center, Squall said they should be prepared. Marriku sighed as she looked through the shopping arcade. Amaya had walked off with Selphie and Marriku was walking witht the rest of the party. She sighed, Rinoa was looking at types of potions and Zell was Quistis was looking through the weapon shop. When they had stocked up on plenty of potions and phoenix downs, they headed towards the mansion.
Playing the game was so much easier, you couldnt feel pain. They would be up against the sorceress, some evil woman with powers that could pretty much kill them. 'Thats what phoenix downs are for...' She thought to herself, rubbing at her eyes. Caraway was sitting comfortably at his desk as they entered. "So. You are ready" He said to himself. He got up from the chair and brushed his suit off of any dust. "It's time to form the teams. The sniper and the leader of this operation will form the sniper team. The leader's role is vital" he said. Now, since there is seven of you, one extra person should go with the sniper team. Um, howa bout you young lady?" Caraway asked, pulling Marriku forword. She stood with Irvine and Squall as Caraway said "If the plan fails for some reason... ...or should the sniper miss... ...the leader must carry out a direct assault against the sorceress. The plan was devised carefully, because we intend this to be a covert operation. But our ultimate goal is to eliminate the sorceress, and we must achieve this at all cost. Even if they uncover our identities. So, who's going to lead the operation?" "I will" Squall said.
"Then ill leave the rest up to you" he said, exiting the small room. "So, who is going to be the leader of the gateway team?" Squall asked. Zell instantly looked regal, raising his fists as if ready to fight someone. "Instructor Trepe...Your in charge," Squall said. Zell frowned, but he instantly gained back his momentum. Squall, Irvine and Marriku left the room, Caraway was outside the door. Quistis, Zell, Selphie and Amaya were about to leave the room when Rinoa ran inside.
"So! I finally got out of there, what did that man say to you guys?" She asid excitedly. "Im sorry Rinoa, but we have to get going," Quistis said, pushing her out of the doorframe. "Wait! wait!" She said, pulling something out of her duster pocket. It was like a necklace with an elaborate oval stone on it. "Take a look at this thing! I found it in that mans room, its an odine bangle! It should supress the sorceress's powers!" She said. 'What are you going to do with it?" Selphie asked. "It should be effective if its Odine brand, they are number one when it comes to magical goods." Zell informed.
"Right!" Rinoa said, smiling. Quistis crossed her arms over her chest and said, "So what exactly are you going to do with it, huh? Are you planning to have the sorceress put it on? Who? When? How?" "Thats what we're going to discuss" Rinoa said softly, rasing her eyebrow at the woman. "We dont have time for this!" Quistis said, heading toards the door. "Squall, Irvine and Marriku are already standing by.; We have an operation to carry out too, ya know. Dont you understand? This isnt some father-daughter quarrel, this is not a game." With that said, Amaya, Zell, Selphie and Quistis left the beautiful room.
They exited the beautiful, but lonely mansion and headed towards the presidental residence. "Ill make the first charge when we make the full on attack-" Squall began, but cocky Irvine cut him off. "That wont be nescassary. I never have missed my targets, this wont be any diffrent." 'Shut up you little bastard' Marriku said. Quistis, Amaya, Zell and Selphie caught up to them. They came upon the golden gateway.
"The gateway team will wait inside the gate until 20:00. You can enter through this door. The sorceress will pass through the gateway at exactly 20:00. In that instant, lower the gates using the control console located on the top floor and trap her inside the gateway" Caraway said. Quistis and her team nodded, and they stood by as caraway led the sniper team to their positions. "So, why did the sorceress want to have extravagant parade?" Squall questioned. "She was to make a place for herself in Galbadia Garden, sicne she has chosen it to serve as her base." Caraway explained. "Okay, its starting" Caraway said as the crowds started to push against the metal gates. he quickly retreated to the safety of his mansion home. Marriku looked up to the sky and sighed to herself, her hands wrapped dearly around the handles of the katanas.