Disclaimer: usual
a/n: alrightys. Another chapter. Just before you read this I want to say completely forget the timescale and laguna and squall relationship of 8 and all okay, don't think of the laguna/Julia/raine/ellone things in terms of the game time scale as this one is different and will become much clearer later on.
But on with this chapter. So, like in the end of 1, we are still 15 years on from the prologue and we now meet some of our main characters. Hope you enjoy. And thanks to r, Selphie ivy, crazy turkey, zellycat, renegade seraph, leonhartilly, lilnaych,that belle and EmoDiva. You guys rock! Hope everyone enjoys this chapter. This is hort, it is just so you can learn a little about squall and stuff. There wil be more soon if you guys want it xx
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Squall Leonhart awoke to the sound of flute music floating through the house.
"Zell is practicing again" he sighed to himself
Squall was the son of Laguna Loire, a legendary soldier who disappeared-presumed dead-when Squall was just a child. Since then he had been raised by a close friend of Lagunas, Lady Dincht.
Lady Dincht was a kindly woman, who had already taken in a young orphan to raise as her own. She had been expecting some friends to arrive on a ship form Balamb to Esthar, and sadly storms crashed the ship. The lone survivor was a boy whom washed up on shore. With no one else to claim him, she eventually adopted him as her own. This child, Zell Dincht, had practically grown up as Squalls brother as they were close as children. When Laguna had disappeared, squall was only 5, both Zell and Lady Dincht had been only too happy to take Squall in until his father returned. But he never did.
15 years had passed and squall had grown up, his whole life spent with the Dinchts. Laguna was a highly regarded Soldier and a popular man in Esthar, but he was one of Squalls least favourite people. Laguna had gone off to war and never returned and Squall never really forgave him for abandoning him. His mother had died in childbirth, and Laguna was always busy, even when Squall was just a baby. Then one day he just left and never returned., As Squall grew older it bothered him less and less, but he always became resentful when people talked of Lagunas reputation as a great soldier. Perhaps he was a great soldier, but in squalls opinion he was far from a great man. Squall was 21 now, he had lived his whole life without a father, so he did not need one now, he couldn't care less if Laguna ever returned. But whenever he said this to people, they reacted as if it was strange. A lot of people thought Squall was strange. He was considered to be somewhat anti-social and cold. Most young men of his age were married, betrothed or at least looking for possible brides, but Squall was not. He preferred being on his own.
"Good morning Zell" Squall said when he entered the room "still practicing I see"
"Yes" Zell nodded enthusiastically "I am becoming quite good, must you not say so?"
"I must say….I find it to be a little early" Squall sighed, raising an eyebrow.
Zell and Squall were very close friends, and Zell was about the only person Squall trusted.
"Good morning" Lady Dincht said entering the room "What are your plans for the day boys ?"
"oh, I believ the market is in town today, perhaps it would be nice to visit it" Zell said "Shall we Squall?"
Squall sighed. Why did Zell always have to be so enthusiastic "I Suppose"
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The Market Square was packed full of stalls selling various produce. Some selling jewels, some fine clothes, some fine foods. Squall never really understood markets. The people selling the goods were usually wealthy and not in need of the money they got from sales, they just wanted it. And those who were poor and may actually need the money could never provide goods of a good enough quality to impress the rich and wealthy enough, so they made no money.
"These things are pointless" Squall muttered to his friend
"Are you ever happy Squall?" Zell sighed "We really should find you a wife"
"I do not want a wife. I am happy by myself. I do not need anyone else"
On the road back form the market, Zell and Squall encountered a lone young woman sitting on the roadside. A small selection of beautiful woven charms lay in front of her.
"Excuse me sires" She said quietly "Would you care for a charm"
Zell stopped and examined the charms. He was a huge believer in sorcery and magic, but to Squall it was nothing but a myth, nonsense.
The Legend of the sorceress prevailed still, but now Sorceresses were viciously hunted. Squall presumed this is why this woman had covered her ace with beautiful covered scarves. But still, she was risking a lot. Squall, or any other by passer could have easily turned her in to the authorities and she would be burnt for sure.
" Zell" he sighed "do not start with all the charms and magic again"
"Do not be so sceptical. You could do with some faith, something to believe in."
"I believe in what is real. Magic is not"
"How do you know" muttered the girl "How can you be so sure."
"Ignore him" Zell said to the girl as he picked up a small blue charm "And what is this for?"
"That will bring you luck, Sir"
"Excellent. I will take it" Zell said, producing some gold coins
"Do not be ridiculous. It does nothing. It is junk. This wench is after your money"
"Perhaps" Zell sighed "But look at the girl, she looks as if she has not eaten for weeks. And it will do us no harm"
"Thank you Sir" the girl said, lowering her head. She took the charm and chanted something over it, before handing it back to Zell "you will have luck from this day forward"
Zell took the charm, then he and Squall turned to leave, but the girl called out to them
"Excuse me" she picked up a small red charm, which she attached to the stem of a red rose that had been laying in front of her. She then stood up and handed the rose and charm to Zell "Take this for your kindness" she said 'it will bring you love, peace and happiness"
Then Squall and Zell watched as she gathered her things, and fled down the path with them.
"Damn witches" Squall sighed "she is lucky I did not turn her in"
Zell laughed slightly and handed the charmed rose to Squall "I think you should take this. You could use it. If anyone in the world needs love and happiness Squall, it's you."
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Like I said pretty short, but next chapter will be quite long as we get more into it.so i wonder what is the significance of the rose and the charm ho hum. i'll give bubblegum to anyone who can guess who the mysterious girl who sold them the charm was. lol! yes, i hope you will read on. Review if you want and let me know what you think. Hope you liked it.