The Sun Always Shines On TV
Yay. I guess I'm in a fanfiction mood - because I've written 2 chapters in the space of a week. Which is great for me - I am usually sooooo slow with updating. Anyway, this chapter is about the TV Station fiasco. Hope you enjoy anyway.
Selphie and the group headed back into the yellow train and surrounded the mock train track. Selphie could still smell the awful stench, and looked woefully around her, rubbing her neck, trying to become comfortable in her own skin again.
Zone: Man, I can't believe the president was a fake!
Rinoa: I can't believe we fell for it!
Watts: Info, sir! New info! It's big news! I found out the real reason why the president's here, sir! The president's going to the TV Station! Security's super tight, sir!
Rinoa: ...The TV Station? Why in Timber? They can broadcast just as easily from Galbadia.
Selphie furrowed her brow. What IS going on? She thought, desperately trying to make sense of each situation she has encountered so far.
Selphie: Do you think the Dollet communication tower has anything to do with this?
Zone: What's that?
Squall: Dollet has a communication tower that can transmit and receive radio waves. It had been abandoned for a long time, but the Galbadian Army got it up and running yesterday.
Zone: Ohhhh...I get it... The only TV station that can handle broadcasts over the air is in Timber. Other stations use HD cable, which only supports online broadcasting.
Rinoa: So, what's that supposed to mean?
Zone: They're planning on using radio waves. This way, they can transmit images to regions without cable.
Rinoa: I know that...! What I want to know is, what is the president going to broadcast!? Why use radio waves? There must be something they want to say to the whole world. What can it be?
Selphie: Everybody! Love! And Peace!
Selphie jumped around, and the others stared at her – bemused and slightly irritated. She raised her eyebrows and sighed, before walking to the window and staring out of it. I was only trying to lighten the mood…all this "cable this", "broadcast that"…it was so confusing…she sighed, thinking to herself.
Zone: If I remember correctly, radio waves haven't been used in 17 years.
Rinoa: It's been that long? Wouldn't it be wonderful if the first broadcast could be the declaration of Timber's independence?!
Zone: Hey! That might be possible.
Rinoa: Let's come up with a plan then!
Selphie turned just in time to see "The Forest Owls" drop to their knees and huddle in a corner, whispering.
Rinoa: Can you guys give us a minute?
Selphie: (What…are they…doing?!)
Zell: (Is this some sort of joke?! These are the people that are hiring us?! This is how they have staff meetings?)
Selphie: (Just like I said…a circus…)
Squall glanced at his frustrated, muttering colleagues and headed over the group of resistance members.
Rinoa: Oh, good timing! We've come up with a plan!
Squall: Before we get into that, can I see your contract with our Garden?
Rinoa: Oh, sure.
Rinoa produced a coffee stained piece of paper, and Squall read through it.
Zell: What's it say?
Squall:...'Balamb Garden (hereafter referred to as 'Party A') acknowledges 'The Forest Owls' (hereafter referred to as 'Party B') as the hiring party. SeeD (hereafter referred to as 'Party C') shall be dispatched upon signing of this contract. Party C shall operate under the supervision...
Zell: ...The hell...?
Selphie: I don't get it.
The SeeDs flashed looks of confusion and worry at each other. If they couldn't work out what they were there to do, and how long for, they'd never return home. Selphie imagined herself as a sixty year old woman, holding her nunchakus and being wheeled onto the yellow train. Nooooo, she glanced over at Rinoa, I can't be stuck here forever!
Rinoa: Oh yeah, that's one's pretty confusing. When I told him I didn't understand, he gave me a different one.
Squall snatched the papers from Rinoa's hands, and poured over them, desperate to find some sort of loop-hole, some way that would enable them to return to Garden.
Rinoa: Cid is such a nice man.
Selphie: What's it say this time?
Squall: ...To the Forest Owls, This SeeD deployment contract will last until Timber achieves independence. Please make good use of each SeeD member. I wish you the best with your objective. Please understand that this contract is an exception, and no replacement of any SeeD members can be made. Balamb Garden Headmaster Cid Kramer.
Zell: Until Timber's independence?!
Selphie: That is soooo vague!
Please no, Selphie thought to herself. I will be stuck here forever!
Rinoa: Hey, you're paid professionals. No complaining! Ok, let's decide on the parties!
Watts: Gathering information is my specialty, sir!
Zone: OuuuucHHHHH... My stomach!
The two men left the room as quickly as possible, and Selphie sighed. How predictable. It was decided that Zell would travel with Rinoa and Squall to the station, and that Selphie should make her way there by herself.
Watts: The TV Station, sir!? It's quite close if you take the local train... But the local and transcontinental tains have stopped running, sir... Nothing to worry about, sir! There must be someone in town who knows. Are you ready, sir?! Best of luck, sir! I'll be keeping watch here!
Zell turned to Selphie, his face contorted. Selphie stared vacantly for a second, trying to work out why he was frowning so hard. Oh! He's worried! She smiled.
Zell: Listen…Sel…will you be okay alone?
Selphie: Ofcourse I will!
Zell: Hmm. Be careful, and head STRAIGHT to the TV Station – okay?
Selphie: So I can't stop off in a bar on the way there?
Zell: Selphie, you wouldn't even get served, so stop trying to mess me around – just…stay safe…okay?!
Selphie nodded and bounded off of the train running off in a random direction. She intended to see the sights of Timber before heading to the TV Station – safe or not. She heard Watts and Zone's shouting behind her, and the brief mention of Timber Maniacs – her favourite magazine – but nothing else. Selphie was too focused on seeing the sights to care.
Selphie skipped through town and along a small bridge across some train tracks, disappointed that all Timber seemed to be was one massive train station. As she skipped she stared at the tracks, remembering her first mission that took place an hour ago. She sighed, and glanced to the floor. If only thing had been simple – she could have had a nice job – a teacher, anything – but instead she'd been enrolled at Trabia Garden aged 10. What happened to her before that had left her memory. Thinking about these things made her cry. She'd forgotten so much – her parents, or siblings, or even grandparents and pets – she could have had a large family waiting for her back home – if only she could remember where home was. Suddenly Selphie collided with someone, and fell backwards. She timidly looked up, and cringed as she realised she'd collided with a Galbadian soldier.
Selphie: (Ohhh…crap…ermm…) SORRY!
She clambered to get up, and tried to hurry away, but the soldier extended his sword.
Galbadian Soldier: Excuse me. You're a teenager aren't you?
Selphie: Uh…yes?
Galbadian Soldier: RIGHT!
The soldier ran at her, wielding his sword, and all Selphie could do was duck. She pulled out her nunchaku, and whipped the soldier back.
Selphie: Leave me alone! You're making a HUUUUGE mistake Mister!
The soldier retreated, and Selphie grinned triumphantly. Yeah! She smiled, I did it alone!
Selphie continued on, and arrived at the entrance to a pub. She walked in, slightly worried that she'd be discovered as underage, but carried on walking to the back door.
Drunk: Hrgh…
Selphie: UH?! Hang on…Ace?
A young, red-headed, well-built man was brandishing a pint of Milmett alcohol at her. She watched him get up, and stumble towards her. It was Ace Knight – her old comrade from her first mission.
Ace: Yeaahhaa…Ace Knight…Squad A…Hahah…what a joke…
Selphie: Why…why are you here?
Ace: Hahah…this is on the way to Deling City – home. Althooough…I kinda didn't get that far…
Ace started to laugh and hiccup, and Selphie stared at her old ally, concerned.
Selphie: Listen Ace…you should go back to Balamb Garden…
Ace: HAH! You gotta be kidding…go back there?! My mother…she sent all my brothers to Galbadia…Dirk, Turin and Jake…even my sister…Natalia…ALL to Galbadia…but I was too "wimpy" to go…so I went to Balamb. And I bulked myself up, got really muscular, worked out with that weird…guy…Zell…
Selphie tilted her head towards Ace. He seemed in an awful state.
Selphie: Listen Ace…
Ace: Naah…nooo…you listen here little Missy…Garden…was a waste of my childhood…all these years, and I failed the test! It's over. I'm finished. And all because of some STUPID Galbadian soldiers that invaded and ruined it. HOW DID YOU PASS?! Why did I fail…
Selphie: Ace! You can try the test again you know – and until then just have fun – it's not just a place to become a Mercenary – Garden is where you make friends – it's home!
Ace: Hmm…you're right…I…I'll go home. Once I…sober up.
Selphie: How about you take some of my gil, and go buy a train ticket straight away. Here, I'll get you a coffee to help sober you up.
Selphie smiled as she handed the bartender some gil and was handed a coffee in return. She placed it in Ace's left hand, and placed 3000 gil in the other.
Selphie: Now listen, I've got to get going. I've got a mission…but…make sure you get that train. You can keep the gil.
Ace: Thank you…so much Sel.
Selphie: No problem, friend!
Selphie skipped off to the back door, smiling. She hoped Ace would return to Garden – and pass the next entrance exam. He was a special guy.
Selphie smiled as she could hear Zell shouting ahead. "Whoa, an outdoor TV!" She giggled to herself, and slowly headed on up the stairway.
Selphie looked up and spotted an irritated Squall, waving his arms at Rinoa. Oh no…she sighed. Are they going to argue? She could briefly hear the argument continuing. Squall was really letting rip, Selphie thought. Hmm…finally he's let some of his anger out.
Selphie sped up the stairs, intent on stopping the argument, but Rinoa bolted past her. She sighed and walked slowly to the top of the steps. Suddenly the air felt static.
Selphie:...Heeey? Are they starting?
The screen became clear and a man in a suit walked in front of a presidential podium. The group watched the Television, intrigued.
Announcer: T-Testing...1...2...Testing... Testing... Ohhhh! P-People of the world! Can you see me!? Can you hear me!? Oh, this is incredible! Ladies and gentlemen, this is not a recording! This is an actual broadcast over the air! Yes, it's been 17 years since a live broadcast has been possible! Oh, please excuse me... I seem to have lost my composure. We would like to present to you today a message from lifelong President of Galbadia, Vinzer Deling. Ladies and gentlemen, President Deling.
On the television the announcer hurried away, and the President slowly made his way onto the stage. Selphie glanced at her friends, who were staring intensely at the screen.
President Deling: Greetings. I am Vinzer Deling, lifelong president of Galbadia. Today, I stand before you to make the following proposition. We the people of the world have the power to end all wars.
Hee hee, maybe I was right, Selphie giggled, jumping up and down.
Selphie: See, see! It's a peace proposal to the world. I knew it!
Zell: (Sel…shh.)
Selphie: Hrmph.
President Deling: Unfortunately, there are some trifling problems standing between Galbadia and other nations, and they must be resolved. I plan to convene with other nations' leaders immediately to resolve these problems. At this time, allow me to introduce the Ambassador who will be my representative for the conference.
Selphie frowned, and jumped in shock as Zell began to shout out.
Zell: Man! All this just to introduce an Ambassador.
Selphie: (Zell…shh.)
Zell: Hrmph.
Zell folded his arms and looked away. Selphie laughed heartily –it was his own fault for silencing her.
President Deling: The ambassador is the Sorceress...
Selphie was in shock, but her shock increased when she noticed Squall shout out.
Squall: ...The Sorceress?!
Suddenly there was shouting heard from the TV, as a man ran onscreen and started to grapple with Deling. Selphie turned back to the screen and for a second she watched, confused. However, as she began to realise who had attacked the President, her body began to shake with fear. It was Seifer – and he'd just landed Garden and all SeeDs in an incredible about of trouble. The group stood glued to the spot as the tussle onscreen ensued. Quistis appeared on the screen, trying to stop her ex-student. Seifer took hold of the President, placing his gunblade across his throat. The group stared in silence for a few more seconds, and then they erupted - shouting short sentences at each other.
Selphie: Heeey!
Zell: Seifer!
Selphie: What's he doin'?!
Zell: Instructor Trepe?!
Quistis could be seen onscreen, fighting to control Seifer.
Zell: Squall, what are we gonna do?!
Squall: ...Nothing. Our job is to assist the Owls. It's none of our business.
Quistis turned to the camera, as though she'd heard Squall. She stared into the camera, her blue eyes full of terror.
Quistis: Timber Team, are you still watching? Get over here right now! You HAVE permission! I need your help!
Zell: Squall?!
Selphie: Squad leader!
Squall nodded and the group ran into the television station. What's gonna happen to us all?! Selphie wondered. It seemed like several thousand questions were flooding through her mind.
Quistis: We need to restrain him!
Squall: What do you think you're doing?
Seifer: It's obvious, ain't it!? What are you planning to do with this guy?
Squall: ...Planning to do?
Zell: I get it! You're Rinoa's...
Seifer: Shut your damn mouth! Chicken-wuss!
Selphie stepped forward. How could he talk to Zell like that?!
Quistis: He broke out of the disciplinary room, injuring many in the process.
Zell: YOU STUPID IDIOT!
Squall: Be quiet.
Zell: Instructor, I know! You're going to take this stupid idiot back to Garden, right?!
Squall: Shut up! NO!
Oh no! Selphie screamed inside. Now Garden's definitely screwed! She stared at the floor for a few seconds, regaining her composure, and walked forward, placing her hands on Zell's shoulders and pulling him back towards her, and away from the others.
President Deling: I see... So you're all from Garden. Should anything happen to me, the entire Galbadian military will undoubtedly crush Garden. You can let go of me now.
Seifer: Nice going, Chicken-wuss! You and your stupid big mouth!
Zell fell forward, and began to shake slightly. Selphie watched her friend in horror. He looked like he wanted to cry.
Seifer: Take care of this mess! Instructor and Mr. Leader!
Seifer dragged Deling into the next room, followed by the SeeDs. A strange purple haze filled the room, and curtains fell from the ceiling and gathered in beautiful fabric circles on the floor. Selphie felt like her body was floating, but her heart felt heavy, as though it was keeping her feet on the ground. She climbed the small steps to see what was going on ahead, as she could only hear people talking – but some force slowed her and the others down, making it increasingly hard to breathe and move. A woman's voice – soft yet somehow harsh – glided through the air.
Woman: ...Poor, poor boy...
Seifer: Stay away from me!
Woman: Such a confused little boy. Are you going to step forward?
Retreat? You have to decide.
Seifer: Stay back!
Woman: The boy in you is telling you to come. The adult in you is telling you to back off. You can't make up your mind. You don't know the right answer. You want help, don't you? You want to be saved from this predicament.
Seifer: Shut up!
Woman: Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Besides, you're only a little boy.
Seifer: I'm not... Stop calling me a boy.
Woman: You don't want to be a boy anymore?
Seifer: I am not a BOY!
President Deling ran past the SeeDs as they tried to climb the stairs.
Woman: Come with me to a place of no return. Bid farewell to your childhood.
The SeeD group reached the top of the stairs in time to see a purple clad woman, enticing Seifer to follow her. The group couldn't move forward, the Sorceress had frozen them, and they could only watch as Seifer was led away. As soon as the mysterious pair vanished, the air was clear, and Selphie fell forward.
Selphie: What just…happened?
Zell: ...
Selphie sighed. Poor Zell…she patted his back as she stood up, and watched as Quistis walked forward and inspected the portal through which the woman and Seifer had left.
Rinoa: Hey guys! Where's Seifer?
Selphie turned and saw Rinoa – who was strangely upbeat. Maybe she hadn't caught all of the broadcasting, Selphie reasoned.
Squall: We don't know.
Rinoa: ...He'll be ok, right?
Everyone shrugged and walked past her, not knowing how to answer. As they left, Quistis and Rinoa walked ahead, greeting each other, and nervously exchanging pleasantries. Selphie could tell that both women were worried for Seifer. Rinoa and Quistis stopped, and turned to the Timber team.
Rinoa: They found our base. It's completely destroyed.
Selphie: And everyone else?
Rinoa: They're fine. They're good at escaping.
Rinoa: We have to stay away from Timber for a while. Is there a safe place you can take me? This is an order, an order from your client, remember?
Squall: ...Alright.
The group carried on, and Selphie watched Zell as he walked beside her. His sad face worried her. Zell had just done something awful…she knew that…but it wasn't his fault. It was a slip of the tongue, and she was scared that he would blame himself should something happen to Garden. The all ended the pub in which Selphie had earlier seen Ace. She glanced around the room quickly – there was no sign of Ace – it was a good thing – he must have headed home to Garden. A middle aged woman approached the group, frowning and biting her bottom lip.
Woman: Rinoa! I heard your base is in serious trouble. Come over to my place until things settle down.
Rinoa: I appreciate it. Thank you...
Quistis: What are you waiting for, Squall? Come on!
The group continued walking, following Rinoa. What was to become of the world now? Selphie asked herself. Now that another Sorceress had taken power?
Rinoa: This way! This is it.
The group entered the family home, and the woman quickly followed, uttering a few words and then leaving.
Woman: I'll let you know if anything changes. 'Til then, make yourself at home.
Rinoa: Thanks, chief.
Squall: Chief?
Rinoa: She's the leader of the 'Forest Fox'. Almost everyone's a resistance member in this town. But right now, we're the only ones that are really active. Let's stay here for a while.
Selphie: I still don't get it. What did Seifer come here for?
Rinoa: I think...he came to help us, the 'Forest Owls'. I talked about it a lot with him. So please...don't think too badly of him.
Selphie sighed, and turned to Zell.
Selphie: Zell?
Zell: ...
Selphie: Zell…just…don't think about it…
Zell frowned, and turned away. Selphie sighed. What could she do? Suddenly a man's voice boomed through the front door, the wooden frame nearly coming off it's hinges as the man outside punched at it.
Galbadian Soldier: Anybody in here?!
Selphie jumped, and walked backwards, closer to Zell. A second voice - that of the woman of the house -began to shout loudly outside.
Woman: What is this!? I have 2 small children in here. Don't do anything to frighten them!
A teenage girl in a green dress bounded down the stairway, and whispered to the group.
Teen: Upstairs... Hurry!
Rinoa: Will she be okay?
Teen: She'll be fine. The legend goes...that my mother took down many soldiers with her strength, cooking, and beauty.
Selphie: That 'beauty' part sure makes it sound like a legend.
The group sped up the stairs, all except for Zell, who remained in his position near the fireplace. Selphie sighed and pulled his sleeve, almost dragging him up the stairs and into the nearest bedroom.
Selphie: (Zell…please…I can't be carrying your lofty weight around…)
Zell: (I didn't ask you to help me.)
Selphie's attempt at joking with Zell fell flat, and he crossed the room to stand near the window. Selphie lay back on the first bed, giving up. She wished she could help him, that he'd let her in…she owed him so much for helping he rout on the train. If only he'd open up to her. Selphie closed her eyes and thought of Balamb Garden – she wanted to go back so much – even though it had only been her home for a week or so. Quistis, Squall and Rinoa began to discuss Seifer – who seemed to be a passionate subject for all for them – but Selphie tried to block out their voices, thinking through the days events.
Quistis: He was so angry when he found out it was only the 3 of you dispatched to Timber. 'What!? They might end up fightin' the whole Galbadian force! And all they dispatch are 3 rookie SeeD members!? Dammit! I'm going to Timber!' I never would have guessed he was serious about it. What's going to happen to Seifer?
Squall: He may already be dead.
Rinoa: How can you be so casual? I feel...sorry for him……What's so funny!? You're terrible! So...why do you think Seifer may already be dead?
Squall: The president of Galbadia and the sorceress joined forces. Seifer attacked the president. It's no surprise that Seifer may have been killed because of it.
Rinoa: Even so! I still hope he's alive.
Squall: As long as you don't get your hopes up, you can take anything...You feel less pain. Anyway, whatever wish you have is none of my business.
Rinoa: ...You're mean. MEANY!!!
Squall:...Sorry.
Selphie sighed. "MEANY!!!"...It was something she would have been likely to say – had she been less worried about Garden and Zell. She sat up suddenly as the owner of the house entered.
Woman: The Galbadian forces are withdrawing. Only the soldiers normally stationed here will stick around. If you're gonna leave town, now's your chance! You know how persistent those soldiers can be!
The group began to leave the room and head downstairs. The teenage girl passed them on the stairs, and Selphie vaguely heard her shout at her brothers. "Boris! Billy! Get out of my room!" Selphie smiled. "But Romie! You know we couldn't go in there, there were SeeDs in our bedwoom!" A child's voice replied. Selphie didn't usually think about family – she didn't think she'd had any – all she could remember was Trabia Garden, not family, or family life. However in this family home, surrounded by normal people, bickering over how tidy the rooms were, or keeping their things private - she knew that that was where she should be – not working as a Mercenary and fighting monsters. Selphie sighed, maybe I'll have it one day, she concluded. Selphie was brought back to reality quickly as Quistis began to question Squall.
Quistis: Squall, any thoughts on where to go? Getting out of here is only the first step.
Squall: What do you mean?
Quistis: Garden Code, Article 8, line 7.
Squall: Head for nearest Garden...
Quistis: Very good! From here, that would be Galbadia Garden.
Rinoa: We can take the train from here and get off at a station called East Academy.
Quistis: From there, we have to go through the forest west of the Station to get to Galbadia Garden. I've been there several times. We should be okay.
Squall: ...Ok then...Let's go!
The group thanked the Forest Fox leader, and left the house, heading towards the station. When they arrived, and old man approached them, slowly creaking towards Squall.
Mystery Man: Rinoa, Squall! It's me!
Rinoa: Zone!
Zone: You need to go to East Academy, right? There's no more tickets left.
Selphie: Super-Duper-Mega-Bummer!
Squall: We'll do whatever it takes to get on that train.
Zone: You won't have to do that. Looky here! I have everyone's ticket right here! One for you. 3 for you SeeD people. Here, I'll give them to the leader. And the last one is for me...Go on. Take it.
Zone had kindly handed his ticket to Quistis - Selphie was tempted to wolf whistle at the pair, but decided against it when she saw Squall's solemn face glaring at her.
Quistis: I can't take that! It's yours!
Zone: Ouch!
Zone pushed his ticket into Quistis' hand, and doubled over, clutching his stomach.
Zone: OuuuuuuucH! My stomach hurts! Ouch! Just get going! The train's leaving.
Quistis: Thank you.
Rinoa: Zone... We're gonna see each other again, okay? No matter what, you have to survive. We have to liberate Timber together, remember?
Zone: I know, I know. I'll go hide in a bathroom or something. Now get going.
The group walked on towards the stationary train, and boarded one by one. Selphie stood next to Zell, and looked at him, still worried.
Zell: Sel…I…
Selphie: Ssh! Now as soon as this train starts, me and you are gonna go into the SeeD cabin, and we're gonna talk. And I won't take no for an answer!
Zell nodded, and Selphie pushed through her worry and smiled slightly. What was going to happen to the world? To Garden? To them? To Zell?
Not very good I know. But, oh well! Next stop - Irvine and Galbadia Garden!
Please Read and Review - but don't be too mean!