Disclaimer : I don't own anything.
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(D-District Prison, Normal POV)
...Where am I?
Shaking his head as he sat up, Dustin checked out his surroundings. It looked like he was in a large and startlingly familiar room. No, not room...cell. The place wark dark and damp, with a constant drip of water in one corner of the room, and a sparking console on the far wall.
In the center of the room, Tori, Kapri and Marah sat with bored and almost defeated looks on their faces, turning to him when he stood up and walked over to sit beside them.
"Ahh, welcome back, Dustin." Tori said with a forced smile. "The Dream World again?"
He nodded.
"How's Tommy doin'?" Marah asked quietly.
Shrugging, Dustin sighed. "Dunno. I didn't see him. "It's not like I know everythin' about Jason, but... Well, you know how Tommy and company went to that Centra place and got into a real tight fix, right?" They nodded and he sighed again. "After that, Jason's been all alone. He's workin' in some prison-like place. And he's bored outta his mind! All he wants is to be fightin' alongside Tommy again."
There was silence for a moment before Tori frowned. "So, what is this we're experiencing?"
Rolling his eyes, Dustin raised his hands in a signal of cluelessness. "How the hell should I know?"
"I wonder what happened to Shane. Did they bring him here too?" Tori mused out loud.
Marah sighed. "Well, since were prisoners...shouldn't we be tryin' to break outta here??"
Kapri looked at Dustin for a moment. "Um, didn't you say Jason was working in some sort of prison?"
He nodded cluelessly. "Yeah, so?"
"And wasn't he from Galbadia?"
"Sure, he's a soldier there."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you supposed to be Jason in this 'Dream World'?"
Sighing in irritation, Dustin nodded again. "Just now I was."
"Does this room look familiar?"
Of all the stupid ques- Looking around, Dustin's eyes went wide as he realized she was right. Hey? Whoa?? Wait a sec... "I know this place!" Jumping into a standing position, he pumped his fist into the air. "Everyone listen up! This is the prison Jason works at! He's a janitor here! There's so many rooms just like this! It's got to be here!"
Sighing sadly, Kapri nodded. "There's a prison for political activists in Galbadia... This must be the place where Jason works at. Right here, where we are! I'm sure of it!"
"It's no surprise we're in jail, we did attack the sorceress." Tori put in with the same defeated tone.
Kapri's face paled. "We went up against the President. We'll all be sentenced to execution..."
"That President is no longer in charge." Tori reminded her, thinking back to the smoking body she'd spotted from the Gateway.
She nodded slowly. "Now that the sorceress is in control of Galbadia, I wonder what's going to happen to us...?"
"Things don't look so good." Marah agreed quietly.
Sitting back down heavily, Dustin felt the same sense of despair that the others felt and let his head drop. What's gonna happen to us? And where the hell's that guy, Hunter? And Shane... Did the sorceress...? Unable to finish that thought, he swallowed heavily and shook his head, not wanting to think about it.
(Another Part of the Prison)
Slowly returning to the world of the living, Shane groaned and tossed his head to the side, struggling and succeeding to crack his eyes open a little. Things were blurry but blinking a bit and squinting, he noticed he was in a small cell, meant for only one person. It held a single bed, which he was lying on, and not much else.
Frowning, he closed his eyes tightly and lifted an arm to his aching head, noting how it felt like lead. ...Where am I? he thought, slowly managing to sit up, though it took a lot of energy. He felt weak and drained, pain coursing through his whole body but having no fixated point.
Remembering what happened, he frowned deeper and kept his eyes closed and head lowered.
I...challenged Miko... My wound... His eyes flew open and he checked where he'd been hit by that ice blade, only to find a scar where the wound was. It had already been fully healed, but he was sure he was dead from the hit. ...? No wound... But how...? He began to remember more. The Galbadian Soldiers... We were surrounded. He was there...Blake, leering down at me.
Growling, Shane stood up straight and punched a nearby wall. "Damn you, Blake!" he hissed angrily. You betrayed us!
Suddenly, the cell began to shake, and Shane struggled to keep his balance, staggering around the cell as he felt it moving. What...?
(Back in the Cell, Kapri's POV)
Hearing a loud noice of something mechanical, I gasped and looked up with wide eyes, feeling all too alert.
"What, what?!" Marah called anxiously. "What was that loud noise?!"
The door to the cell flung open and three sneering guards entered, the biggest of the three walking forward and sneering even more at the prisoners. "It's the sound of your friend being tortured." he said coldly.
I felt my blood drain from my face as I stared at him in horror. Friend? But we had two friends missing. Hunter and Shane. But Shane.. Feeling tears well up in my eyes, I shook my head quickly, refusing to think about what happened.
"What?!" Dustin yelled, getting in the guard's face. "Whaddaya mean?!"
"Shut up! Don't screw with me!" the guy yelled, grabbing him tightly by the throat and lifting him off the ground. "You understand who's in charge around here?"
Dustin clawed at the hand around his throat and glared at the man holding him, remaining silent.
"I asked you a question!!" the guard yelled shaking him a bit. Shaking his head, he grabbed his baton and hit Dustin on the side of the head, stunning him. Laughing evilly, he dropped him on the ground and the other two guards rushed in, aiming their guns in his face and beginning to kick him continuously in the stomach.
No! I thought in horror, struggling to find a way to stop them. Shaking my head, I stood up and glared at them. "STOP!!"
They turned to me and the lead guy's eyes lit up. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot!" Leaning down to Dustin, he sneered. "Hey man, is there a Kapri with you?"
"I'm Kapri!" I answered before Dustin could make a smart comeback and get beaten more.
"Oh, all right." the guard answered giving me a suggestive glance. His eyes switched over Tori and Marah and then back to me. "Come over here, then." he said, walking to the door.
Swallowing heavily, I felt the cold shivers of fear run down my spine, but steeled myself and began to walk towards him.
"Whaddaya doing to Kapri, you lowlife!" Dustin roared, managing to lift his head off the ground.
The guard walked briskly back over and aimed another well placed kick to Dustin's stomach.
"STOP IT ALREADY!!!!" Tori screamed, jumping up and glaring dangerously at the guard.
"Stop." I said calmly, staring indifferently at the guard. If it'll protect my friends... "I'll go."
"Kapri..." Tori started, looking concerned.
Though I've been here for a while, the displays of compassion and concern still always startled me. After a moment of getting over my surprise, I nodded and smiled. "I'll be fine." Turning to the guards, I gave them cold looks. "Let's go."
Heading out of the room, I began to wonder if going willingly was such a good idea, but being unarmed, we didn't stand a chance. Anything could wait for me out here, but I was determined to face it courageously. I'll be strong for you...Shane.
(In Shane's Cell, Normal POV)
Leaning heavily against the wall, Shane panted for breath as the cell finally stopped moving. His vision swam in and out and he staggered back and forth, struggling to remain to consciousness.
It wasn't easy.
His whole body felt like lead, and he felt like he hadn't slept in ages. His mind was clouded with thoughts he couldn't make sense of, and he just couldn't keep his eyes open, despite how hard he tried.
The cell door suddenly opened and Shane quickly raised a hand to protect his eyes from the onslaught of bright light that shone in, squinting and wincing in pain. A single figure stepped into the cell and he took a shaky step backwards, trying to stay away from it.
"Shane, you're pathetic."
So it was Blake. You're one to talk. He thought darkly. You betrayed everyone and everything you knew.
Before he could say any of it out loud, though, he felt a painful grip in his hair and a sudden force. Blake had grabbed him by the head and thrown him. Feeling the sudden impact with something a lot harder than his skull, hlet himself slide to the door, welcoming the darkness.
"Take him away!" was the last thing he heard, and the last thing he saw were two orange and yellow creatures, about the size of a large, stuffed animal, running in and squeeking as they ran to his side. The liiked a little like lions but like really kind and gentle lions and were covered in yellow and orange fur, with a small ball of yellow fire burning on the tip of their tails.
Waking up a little while later, he frowned as he opened his eyes and noticed that he was hanging off the ground. About 6 or 7 feet off the ground, to be exact, and he couldn't move his arms or legs.
Turning his head to each side, he saw that his wrists were secured to a large metal wall with thick metal cuffs, and his legs were secured in the same fashion. Still, struggling to break free, he winced as a pain shot through his skull, no doubt, from the impact his head made with whatever he hit.
"Ahh, you're awake."
Glaring down at the ground coldly, he saw one of those orange creatures dash away and Blake stared up at him with a leer. "I'm sure you can guess what happens now." he continued as he gestured to a man standing at a machine behind him with cables and wires that traveled to the wall Shane was fastened to.
Frowning, he definitely recognized the torture device, but refused to answer him. After a moment, he sighed. "...What do you want?"
At this Blake's expression turned serious and dangerous. "Tell me what SeeD is. Miko demands to know."
"SeeD..." A code name, for Balamb Garden's elite mercenary force... SeeD... Combat specialists... Frowning, Shane thought... "Don't you already know?"
Giving a bitter laugh, Blake shook his head. "I'm not a SeeD."
Oh yeah.
"There must be some kind of secret you're given when you become a SeeD." he continued, almost looking desperate to know.
Not really. Shaking his head, Shane rolled his eyes. "There's nothing. Even if there was, you think I'd tell you?" he spat, feeling his strength returning little-by-little.
"You're on my 'tough-nut-to-crack' list. Didn't think you'd talk that easily." he said with a grin that let slip a hint of respect.
Shane rolled his eyes again. "...Geez, I'm honored." he said sarcastically.
"So here's a little somethin' for ya." he continued as if not hearing a word Shane said. Snapping his fingers, the man flipped a switch, and voltage ran through Shane's body, making him shaking and grit his teeth, allowing a slight groan of pain to escape as he felt his heart clenching tightly, and his lungs deflate, not allowing any air in.
He stopped the machine and Shane sagged as much as the restraints would allow, breathing heavily as he struggled to remained conscious. The pain in his head and body had returned with a vengence and was threatening to knock him out.
"Even if you don't talk, others will. The instructor, the little messenger girl, or chicken wuss... He wouldn't last 3 seconds!" Blake boasted.
Th-They're... Weakly lifting his head, Shane stared into Blake's eyes. "T-They're all...here?"
"Oh, you bet!" he exclaimed with an excited grin. "But since I like you so much, I thought you shgould go first." His eyes seemed to reminice. "I was hoping you'd be there, Shane. So, how'd I look in my moment of triumph? My childhood dream, fulfilled. I've become the sorceress' knight."
...Sorceress' Knight... Shane thought dazedly. This was Blake's dream? This was what he always wanted? His...romantic dream...? But...Blake...Now you're...just... "...A torturer." he managed to weakly whisper before he passed out from the pain.
Blake's face contorted into one of confusion. "What did you say?!" he demanded, anger shining bright in his eyes as a flash of purple shot through them. Taking a closer look at the limp form in front of him, he sighed. "Passed out cold, eh?" Raising his gunblade to the sky, he laughed. "This is the scene where you swear your undying hatred for me! The tale of the evil mercenary vs, the sorceress' knight!"
Lowering his blade so it pointed to Shane, he grinned evilly and spoke in a quiet voice. "The fun's just starting, Shane. Don't disappoint me, now!" Walking over to the machine, he sheathed his blade, pushed the man out of the way and flipped the switch, watching as Shane's body shook as the voltage ran through him, but he never once woke up.
(Prison Cell)
Dustin was up again. Well, at least he was sitting up. He had a nasty bruise on the side of his head from the impact with the baton, and easily some cracked ribs from the kicks, but he was alive. That ws made evident when Marah tried to draw a Cure spell from him, and then cast it on him.
"Draw...Cure!" she called.
The spell was cast, but instead of healing the wounds, it caused an overwhelming burning pain to rush through them, causing Dustin to whimper as he jerked around, trying to escape the spell. "Ow! Ow! Ow!" he chanted, wincing every time he tried to move.
Finally the effects seemed to fade and for all the pain they caused him, he did feel marginally better afterwards.
Tori sighed and shook her head. "It's no use. It seems there's an anti-magic field here."
The door opened and they all turned, finding a small, fluffly-looking lion-like creature with orange and yellow fur, and a small ball of fire on the tip of it's tail. It had compassionate eyes, and carried a tray of food in it's large front paws as it made it's way into the room.
A Moomba. They were a gentle race of sentient creatures, but for all they could understand, it was extremely rare to find one that could even say one human word. More often than not, you'd hear them squeeking to each other.
Then, it tripped, and the tray went flying.
The door opened again and the guard that beat Dustin from before entered, looking filled with rage at the mess before turning to look at the people in the room. "What was that noise?!" he demanded, obviously wondering who caused the tray to fall. Looking at the Moomba, he glared. "You again?!?" Shaking his head, he lifted his leg and kicked the little creature in the stomach.
Damn him...that numbskull! Dustin thought, jumping up and balling up his fists. "YO! Who do you think you are?!" he shouted angrily.
Tori followed his lead and stared coldly at the soldier.
And Marah jumped up as well, glaring at the man. "Yeah, you big MEANIE! Stop that!!" she yelled.
The guard raised his baton at Dustin's head, but he swiftly grabbed it, throwing the arm behind him and pushing the guard away. Staggering back, the guard glared at them all and shook his head. "Y-You'll regret those words!" he shouted shakily, taking off.
"He's so mean..." Marah whined, crouching next to the small Moomba. "You ok?" The Moomba squeeked and stared at her. "Doesn't work so well, but..." Raising her hand, she cast a spell. "Cure!"
The light surrounded the Moomba and it squirmed. Once it faded, the little guy jumped up and squeeked again.
Apparently it worked after all.
(Torture Chamber)
Finally, after about an hour, Shane managed to regain consciousness, only to be met by Blake's sneering face. Looking around, he realized he was still on that damned device, and frowned deeply.
Pain coursed through his body from the attacks, and he sighed silently, not bothering to straighten up, though his arms were hurting from being restricted in those chains and the way he was slouched against the wall.
"Well now, Shane. I'll ask again. What is SeeD and why do they oppose the Sorceress?" Blake said in a calm, fairly pleasant voice.
Seed...Oppose the sorceress...? he wondered in confusion.
A guard then ran in and saluted Blake. "Sire! The missiles targeted for the Garden are ready to launch!"
"Excellent." Blake grinned sadistically. Turning to Shane he laughed. "Balamb Garden is to be destroyed on charges of training SeeDs to oppose the sorceress."
Shane's eyes widened and his head shot up at that. ...WHAT?!?! Balamb Garden, his home, to be destroyed?! But Headmaster Kanoi...Cam...Dr. Shayla...
"It's a pity, really. I grew up there, too..." Blake mused, his eyes holding only the faintest hint of regret. "But orders are orders, and Miko wants it destroyed." he said with a grin and shrug.
"...N-No..." Shane weakly protested, fighting his restrainsts the best he could. Don't, please!
Ignoring him, Blake swung his blade around with a wicked, excited grin. "After the Garden's gone, the SeeD hunt will begin. I'll be Miko's bloodhound and hunt down every one of your kind." Placing his blade away, he stopped and laughed before grinning evilly at Shane. "It'll be fun, Shane. Don't die on my yet." Turning to the guard, he nodded. "Continue with the interrogation." he ordered before walking off.
The guard stalked over and grinned. "Ready to talk?"
Looking at him in honest confusion, Shane struggled to shrug a little. "I...don't understant...the question..." he admitted out loud.
"Don't mess with me! Miko says you know something! Now spit it out!" he yelled angrily, backtracking to the machine as he glared at Shane. "Talk!! What is SeeD all about ?!" he shouted, pulling the switch and electrocuting Shane.
SeeDs... Aren't we...mercenaries from Balamb Garden... Special Forces...? Shane thought weakly as his lungs constricted again and his vision swam dangerously.
The guard flipped the switch off and walked over. "Hm? Yeah, so?" he said, tapping his foot on the floor impatiently.
I...I don't know...anything... W-Why...do you...keep...asking...me...? ...Just let m-me...die... Pulling on the last of his strength, Shane looked up and glared at the guard, managing to weakly croak something.
"What's that?" the guy asked, coming closer.
"...Your..."
Frowning, he shook his head and walked even closer. "What did you say?"
Smirking weakly, Shane shook his head. "Your...breath st...stin...stinks!"
Glaring at him, the guard practically ran to the switch. "Punk! You asked for it!" Flipping the switch, he laughed loudly as Shane was electrocuted. "How's that?! Huh? How do you like me now?!?!"
Letting the darkness overcome him, Shane sighed in relief. ...Goodnight...
"Tch! Completely knocked out! Hey!" Looking to an open doorway, the man spotted two Moombas. "You two Moombas! Watch him!"
Waiting for the Moombas to run over, he nodded and walked out. As soon as he was out of sight, the Moombas turned to each other. "Tommy!" one squeeked. The other looked at the unconscious Shane and nodded. "Tommy!" it squeeked back.
One ran to a green button and boosted the other on it's back. Hitting the button, they spun to watch as Shane was released and he slid down the wall to land in a sitting position, still unconscious.
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Don't ask me how the Moombas know Tommy or that Shane's linked to him, 'cause I got no idea. LOL.
Hope you like it.
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"Well, we can't rely on magic here, so we have to go with weapons. So we have to somehow get them back."
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R+R please.
Thank you.
Tenshi