Disclaimer: Final Fantasy belongs to Squaresoft not me. This is only for fun..
Chapter 3
The Esper's Call
"If we continue like this then he'll die!" a brown haired nurse shouted over the pain-filled screams of their tortured charge. No response came from the black high backed chair across the darkened office. Not sure if her leader had heard her she spoke again, "Sir, this is serious! If-"
"I know what I am doing, girl," his voice came in a low growl. A cold chill traveled up the young nurse's spine. " He is merely a key... and nothing more."
"B... but, sir..." she stammered. In a dark blur of motion the tall and looming form of her master was upon her. Her vision blurred as she felt her head connect with the cold stone of the office wall. She gasped for air as a gloved hand closed around her small throat, constricting her airway.
"I care not if he dies! He is nothing more than a pawn, just keep him alive long enough to find it!" he shouted at the girl tightening his grip around her throat to emphasize the severity of his words. Pale hands clawed at the silken fabric of his gloves, as she attempted to free herself from her master's rage.
"P...pl..please...s..sir..."
"Away with you, Girl!" He said with disgust as he effortlessly cast her small frame aside.
Heavy and regal steps echoed off the stone walls of Figaro Castle. Edgar Roni-Figaro slowly made his way to his personal parlor. The Chancellor informed him he had a rather stubborn, and dark visitor. His deep purple cape made a hushed rustling noise as he picked up his pace ever so slightly. He grinned to himself as he thought of Shadow actually visiting him. 'Whatever could be wrong?' He thought as he turned the knob of the parlor door. Instantly he regretted not announcing himself before entering the darkened sitting room.
"My friend," he said slowly, and hoarsely, "we could reminisce far easier if you put your weapon away." A low and course sound came from the king's former companion as he withdrew the dagger he had pressed against Edgar's throat. Edgar assumed the sound was as close to a laugh he would ever get with Shadow.
"So, what brings you here?" Edgar said slowly straightening his collar. "No horrible happenings in the world I hope?"
"There is strange activity in the mountains surrounding Zozo," the masked man said softly as he moved to stand by the window across from Edgar. "There is word that some of Kefka's followers are congregating there."
Edgar remained silent, taking this news in before speaking. "Do you believe them to be a threat to any of us?"
Shadow shook his head, " There is talk of a child..."
They saw her collapse. Setzer reached the child first, dropping to his knees he rolled the small girl onto her back. He barely spared Terra a glance, instinctively checking the child's pulse and breathing, both normal.
"Lorelei?" Terra said placing her hands on the child's face, fear and panic evident in her voice. "Setzer, why won't she answer!" The tall gambler remained silent as Katarin came up behind him.
"What happened?" The younger woman asked as a small cry arose from the tiny form below them.
"Lorelei? Lorelei?!" Terra cried, panic rising, threatening to strangle her. Lorelei's eyelids fluttered open, momentarily revealing chilling blue eyes. "Lorelei?" The child took in a sharp breath as her eyes rolled back showing only whites. Her tiny frame went rigid as she made small choking sounds. Gathering the girl's small frame in her arms Terra raced into the main house Setzer and Strago close on her heels. They took the small girl into Terra's personal chamber,and laid the child on the large patchwork quilt that adorned her massive bed.
"Duane! Bring the medical case!" Terra shouted as she began checking the small child's pulse. "Her heart is racing," she said more to herself than to the two men in the room with her. Suddenly, the girl went rigid once again, then she began to convulse violently.
Screams filled the room, the only other sound was the shouts of nurses and orderlies that were fighting to hold down the thrashing form of their tortured patient. A young nurse screamed as the man bucked trying to throw off the orderlies that were holding him down.
"What are you waiting for girl?!" one of the orderlies shouted. Snapping back to reality the girl stuck the syringe she had into the man's arm. Slowly, his screams died and pale blue eyes glazed over and his fighting stopped.
"Someone has to watch over him," An orderly said sharply, "you," he pointed to the young nurse, "get first watch."
Setzer watched with disbelieving eyes at the strength displayed by the small form on the large four poster bed. It took both he and Duane to hold the child down as Terra administered what little medical treatment she could. The only sounds in the room came from Lorelei as she struggled to force air into her tiny lungs. The gambler cringed as Terra injected a potion directly into a vein in the child's neck. Almost instantly the thrashing ceased and Lorelei's breathing and heartbeat regulated.
"Lorelei?" Terra said softly. Once again no response came, she looked to Setzer confusion, and fear etched into her smooth porcelain features.
"The child is out of immediate danger," he said softly, "But I have no idea what else is going on."
Voices... so many voices... Mama... my head... it hurts...
A/N: Alright, hopefully this will be the last time that I revise this chapter, the last version was way too short and moved to fast, hopefully this version is a little more satisfying although I still feel as though something is missing. Leave some reviews!!!