A/N: 895 hits! Woo-hoo! So this chapter came out late, I had a busy week(stupid school) and a busy weekend. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter! Review please!
The golden ring above the garden, rotating, began to glow violently. It gleamed like the morrning sun and began to lower itself, expanding as it went. It looked as if it was putting a type of sheild on the garden, explading a 'Wing' onto the backside of it. in a flash, a large cloud of dust and dirt began to rise from the ground, covering the air in a blackish-brown cloud.
As the cloud of dust began to disapear, the dozens of missiles became more apparent next to the innocent blue of the sky. Just as it looked they were about to ram straight into the garden, they made a turn into the sky and turned back, passing through the wing of the garden and not hitting it. Then, in a golden flash of light, the garden rose! Bringing up an avalanche of earth with it, the garden slowly moved across the emerald hillside.
As it made its was across the landscape, the missiles followed. They rose into the air once more and shot at the garden. Like shooting stars, the shot into the garden, some of the missiles sticking out from where they were stuck. In an explosion of dirt and inferno, the garden disapeared from sight in a mixture of earth and fire.
"I see...So this is the secret?" Marriku heard a voice. She opened her eyes, she must have fallen to the floor when the garden took flight. She picked herself up and heard Squall say, "I wonder whats going on outside?" "Lets go check it out!" Rinoa said, and followed by Amaya, "Come on, Squall, lets go." They took the elevator on the platform down and then took the glass elevator towards the 2nd floor. Squall led them to the deck located at the end of the hall through a large, reinforced black metal door. Marriku was hit by the smell of upturned dirt and the smell of the fresh air.
White birds flew happily over head, looking like pearls against the azure sky, the golden sun radiating off of their white wings. Marriku moved closer to the edge and looked down at the rotating golden rings at the bottom of Garden. The warm breeze eagerly played with her hair and she looked towards Squall and smiled, as he leaned against the edge with her.
Amaya was looking on from afar with Rinoa, her eyes glancing at the oceanic landscape. When they went inside, they heard an announcment come from the loudspeakers. "Squall! This is the headmaster, get back to the brdige on the double!"
"What is it now?" Marriku yawned. The fresh air and sunshine felt really good and she was ready to take a bath and then take a nice, long nap. "Who knows" Squall said, leading them back towards the elevator. After a smooth ride up to the third floor, they headed up the next elevator to get to the controls. When they got up, they seen headmaster Cid running around in a frenzy, pacing on the metal floor. When he glanced at them, he cried out, "The controls arent responding! I dont know what to do! If we dont do something now, we're going to crash into the town of Balamb!"
"What? Isnt there anything we can do?" Rinoa said, her black eyes going from Squall to Cid. "Can any of you think of anything?" Cid asked, his voice shreaded with panic. Marriku looked at Amaya, and then, as if they had ESP, they both starting pressing random buttons on the control panel. "Whats that going to do?" Rinoa said looking on. "I dont know! We cant just sit here!" Marriku said, slamming her small fist onto a large black key. At that moment, they hearda vibration surge through the entire bridge.
"Whoa..." Amaya said, rocking on her feet. "W-we're turning!" Headmaster Cid said, followed by a happy giggle from Rinoa. From the gigantic view, they could see the image of the tiny town of Balamb turning out of view and the image, once again, of the fresh sea. "You did it..." Squall said, raising an eyebrow at them. "We though you were a little too used to being the leader" Marriku said, playfully shoving him. "Yeah w-whoa! AHH! We're gonna crash into the sea!" Amaya said, her eyes wide with freight.
"Hold onto something!" Cid shouted. Marriku squatted down and clung to a piece of the metal railing, Rinoa and Squall besides her as Amaya jumped almost under the panel. There was a loud crashing noise that rang in her ears, the whole metal ground shook around her. She heard Rinoa yelp as the lights flickered. and then...It just stopped.
Marriku, slowly, rose up, her eyes blearily glancing out the large window. Beautiful sea waters could be seen from it. "Its alright everyone!" Marriku said, helping Amaya and Rinoa up. "I think the worst is behind us now," Headmaster Cid sighed. "Where are we heading?" Squall asked. "We'll drift along for the time being until we figure out how to meneuver the Garden. So, it looks like we can finally relax for a while. And some time considering what to do next. So much for my room...where am i going to change now?" Cid said, letting out a hearty laugh. Marriku was glad to laugh as well. She was so tired, she couldnt wait for that bath.
Marriku opened her eyes slowly and her eyelids fluttered softly until they opened wide. She was suprised to see she was comfortably laying in her large, luxerious bed in her palatial room. She glanced at her window, very faint sunlight could be seen. She sat up in her bed and rubbed her eyes, then glancing at her alarm clock. 5pm. "I slept that...late? whoa" She whispered, getting up from her bed and grabbing her clothes from her desk, which she had carelessly throwren about after taking her bath. She was glad. She slipped into her comfortably broken in jeans and pulled on her plain black tanktop and then putting on her red sweatshirt on after that. After putting her shoulder length hair into a loose ponytail, she walked out the door.
Streching, she wasnt sure what to do. Marriku glanced around and shrugged. The hallway was empty and lonely. She walked down the hallway and into the "heart" of garden. She seen many students pass her by and even wave at her. 'What the? I dont know any of those people. Maybe because im a SeeD?' She thought, raising an eyebrow and heading towards the cafeteria. She couldnt remember the last time they had eaten something on their mission and she was famished.
When she came inside, she seen Amaya sitting at one of the lunch tables with Rinoa and Zell. Marriku sat down at the table and said, "what are you guys doing here?" She casually grabbed a french fry from Amaya's plate. "Well, we havent heard anything from the headmaster yet, so we're just kinda hanging around." Amaya replied. "I might do myself some training!" Zell said, punching the air with his gloved fists. "I think ill take a look in the library" Rinoa said, smiling at her plate. "Im...i dont know!" Amaya said. "Same here..." Marriku said, resting her head in her hands.
When Rinoa and Zell had gone their own ways, Amaya and Marriku had left to go to the quad. Sitting near the fountain, Marriku leaned back and said, "so...any idea how we can get outta here?" "I dont know...Do you think we'll be stuck in here forever?" "I dont know...its possible...Lets pray it wont happen. maybe if we beat Ultimecia...maybe we'll just kinda poof back into our world."
Amaya sighed and looked at her feet. "I guess we should be worrying about these things, but lets try to have fun. Lets just...not think about it. I mean, theres nothing we can do. Even if there is...well, we dont know it!" she said, looking up and smiling. "your right, but what if the days are passing like they are here? Are we in comas our something?" Marriku said. "Its possible. I hope not." Amaya said. She looked up and her cheeks turned pink. Marriku looked and Squall and Quistis had entered.
"Whats with you?" Marriku said, nudging her, her eyes still on Squall. "N-nothing, uh. I better go. yeah, bye!" She said, getting up and running out, Quistis looking back at her. "Hello Marriku," Quistis said, smiling and sitting down. She gazed at the glass ceiling and Squall sat next to her. "Um...So what are you two up to?" 'gah! im such a loser! stupid akward silences!' she thought. "Nothing really, theres not alot to do now that the garden can fly." Quistis said.
Marriku turned to Squall and locked eyes with him. She could feel her cheeks slowly turn hot and she sighed inwardly as Quistis began to talk again. "Whats wrong with you two?" her voice was suspecious, but she could tell...well, that Quistis knew there was tension between the two of them. "Well, I better just leave you to alone" She giggled, jumping up from her seat on the bench and walking away, humming.
'Oh great, im such a dork. Curse you, Quistis!' Marriku thought, twiddling with her thumbs. "...um, hi" She said, laughing at herself. 'Smooth, Yurameshi. Smoooooth.' "Hi" Squall said back, raising an eyebrow slightly at her. "so, whats up?" She said, trying to make herself seemed calm and relaxed. Nonchalant. "Nothing." He replied. "You dont talk much, do you?" Marriku said, poking him in the arm. "Lets go for a walk" Marriku said, feeling oddly brave and hooking her arm with his, pulling him up. They exited the Quad and walked towards the directory.
"So..." Marriku said, putting her hands behind her back, "...okay, nevermind...I'm just kinda nervous" She laughed. "Nervous? Why?" Squall asked, looking towards her. She turned away and was unsure why she was being so open towards him. She felt so nervous inside. "Um...I dunno..." She said, smiling at him. Just as Squall was about to say something, a Garden Worker came up to him. His golden eyes glared at them under his equally golden cabby hat.
"Student ID Numbers 41269 and 41258, Squall Leonheart and Marriku Yurameshi?" He asked. "Yes?" Marriku asked, looking at Squall and then back at the garden worker. "The Garden Master wishes to see you, report to the Master's Room at once" He informed. "Where is the Master's Room?" Squall questioned. "Take the elevator to B1. Dont worry, you have permission," The garden worker said impatiently as he walked away.
"Guess we better go" Marriku said, smiling at Squall. He nodded, and Marriku almost thought he was going to smile back. They made their way to the elevator and headed down. On the trip down, they came upon a steamy landing. The room they entered as have covered by a silky silver cloth, They exited the elevator and moved past it. Smoke rose from the ground eerily and Marriku almost sneezed. She turned when she heard the elevator move and Marriku turned around in suprise and seen Amaya. She had Squall's Lionheart, Her Katanas, and Amaya's staff in her hands. Amaya nodded her head half an inch at Marriku before turning to Squall. "I seen you guys come down here and I had to know what was going on. I kinda thought you'd need these" She said, handing him his gunblade, and smiling lightly.
She handed Marriku her katanas before they all jumped at someone shouting. "Let go of me!" the person shouted, anger and frustration clearly noted in his voice, "Im not finished yet!" A Garden worked came into view, restraining a horribly angry looking Headmaster Cid. The Garden worker pushed him forword, Cid crashing to the ground. "headmaster..." Amaya whispered, Squatting down. "Greedy Son-of-a-bitch!" Cid said, glaring devilishly at the Garden Worker. Marriku's eyes were widened at Headmaster Cid's language. She tried to supress a giggle, for she knew this wasnt the time for childish laughter.
"Why did I even both talking you! SeeDs were brought up for the future!" Cid shouted, his face ripe cherry red, "And that future is now! Why can't you understand!" Amaya helped him up, but the Garden Worker pushed him down again. Amaya and Marriku both stepped up to the Garden worker, glaring at them and clenching their fists. The garden Worker noted that they both had highly dangerous weapons in their hands and backed off.
"Squall! Marriku? Amaya?...You guys heard everything?" Cid asked. "Yes" Everyone awnsered at the same time. "I'm embaressed, but somtimes even old men like me lose their temper. Lets...lets get out of here" He said, getting up and brushing off his red blazer. "Sir," Squall said, "I have to give you my report." "Please come to my office later" Cid said, nodding his head and heading towards the elevator. The Garden worker, reluctantly, stepped forword.
"You're the SeeDs who returned from Galbadia, correct?" He asked, his voice almost quivering. "Yes" Amaya awnsered for the group. "Its about time. Master NORG has been waiting for you. Come" He said, motioning for them to follow. "W-whenever Master NORG calls you, be sure to be there within 3 seconds" The Garden Worker said, almost sounding terrified to say the Garden Master's name. "FUSHURURU! 3-SECONDS-ARE-UP." a large booming voice shouted.
The alien man revealed himself. His skin was yellow like corn and he had bug like feelers coming from his head. He wore a large purple robe and sat on a large, throne like chair. He smelled horribly like garlic and it was gagging Marriku. He was like a garlic smelling giant.
"FUSHIFURUFUSHIFURU...GIVE-YOUR-REPORT-ON-THE-SORCERESS." He shouted at them. Marriku wasnt even sure he was shouting, but it was his normel "inside" voice. After a moment of silence, the Garden Worker scolded, "Awnser him quickly!" Squall nodded and stepped forward.
"We failed to assassinate Sorceress Edea. Confirmation of Headmaster Cid's order was made at Galbadia Garden. After Irvine Kinneas of Galbadia Garden joined our party...We set off to carry out the "Sorceress Assination" order from Balamb and Galbadia Gardens-" "BUJUJURURU!' BALAMB-AND-GALBADIA'S-ORDERS? BUJURURURURU! YOU-WERE-FOOLED!" NORG shouted. "I...dont understand" Squall said, a look of almost childish innocence and confusion on his face. "FUSHURURURURU! EXPLAIN-TO-THEM!" NORG ordered the tiny Garden Worker.
"Master NORG has known about the alliance between the President of Galbadia and the Sorecress. He heard it frmo the Galbadia Garden master himself." "The Galbadian Garden Master?" Squall asked. "FUSHURURURURU! THE-MASTER-OF-GALBADIA-GARDEN-IS-A-SUBORDINATE-OF-MINE-NAMED-MARTINE." NORG explain/shouted. "Yes, in fact the sorecress and Garden are closely connected. That is why the sorceress will definitely try to gain hold of all Gardens. It was to kill the sorceress. An assassination was thought to be the best means. But...-" The Garden Worker explained, but NORG cut him off.
"BUJURURURURU! THAT-SLY-WEASEL-MARTINE-USED-YOU-AS-A-LAST-RESORT-FOR-THE-ASSINATION! HE-GAVE-THAT-ORDER-TO-PLACE-THE-BLAME-ON-ME! THAT-BASTARD!" NORG shouted angrily. Marriku shuddered as spit came from his mouth. "Are you saying that Balamb Garden had nothing to do with that order?" Squall asked.
"You just happened to show up just before the mission was to be carried out. They used you. But the operation failed and the Sorceress is still alive and..." The Garden Worker said, and another Garden worker appeared from behind master NORG's chair. "The sorceress retaliated. Just as we suspected. No doubt, it was the sorceress who ordered the missile attacks. Something must be done to calm the sorceress' anger. In order to do so, we needed to hand over those involved in the assassination to the sorceress. We had to show Balamb Garden's sincerity." He explained.
"Wait a minute...That's just-" "BUJRURURURURU! OFFER-THE-SEEDS-HEAD-ON-A-SILVER-PLATTER-AND-PRETEND-WE-OBEY-THE-SORCERESS!" NORG shouted with, what Marriku suspected to be, glee. "We're supposed to be fighting the sorceress!" Marriku shouted out. "Yeah!" Amaya cheered on. "What about all the training we endure everyday? What good is it?" Squall shouted.
"WHAT-DID-YOU-SAY? YOU-LOST-TO-THE-SORCERESS! QUIT-YOUR-WHINING!" NORG shouted, almost spitting at them and rocking in his giant throne. "Headmaster Cid was saying the same thing..." one of the Garden Workers said. "h...hey..." The other whispered. NORG glared at them with pure hatred as if he'd just been slapped in his giant, blubbery face. "BURURURURU! CID?" He roared at them. The Garden Workers jumped and ran towards the elevators, pushin themselves inside as the glass doors opened and closed.
"THAT-IDIOT-CID-DISPATCHED-SEED-TO-KILL-THE-SORCERESS. AND-IF-YOU-FAIL? THIS-GARDEN-WILL-BE-DONE-FOR! MY-GARDEN! IT-WILL-ALL-BE-OVER! THAT-IDIOT-CID. HAS-HE-FORGOTTEN-THAT-IT-WAS-I-WHO-PUT-UP-THE-MONEY-TO-ESTABLISH-GARDEN? I-WANTED-TO-OFFER-THE-SORCERESS-CID'S-HEAD-ALONG-WITH-THE-SEEDS. I-ORDERED-THE-STUDENTS-TO-FIND-CID-BUT-THEY-SIDED-WITH-HIM. BUJURURURU! BUJURURURURU! THIS-IS-MY-GARDEN!"
"NO!" Squall shouted, angrily, "It's not just yours!" "BUJURURURU! THEN-WHAT-IS-IT? IS-IT-CID'S-AND-EDEA'S? THAT-PATHETIC-MARRIED-COUPLE'S?" NORG shouted at them, almost tipping over on his fat face. "Wha-" "BUJURURURU! NOW-I-UNDERSTAND! CID-AND-EDEA-ARE-TRYING-TO-TAKE-GARDEN-AWAY-FROM-ME! YOUR'RE-ONE-OF-CID'S-FOLLOWERS-ARENT-YOU? PREPARE-TO-DIE!"