Disclaimer : What did I say?
Note : JuseaPeterson - The flashback with Tommy took place in the same timeframe as the ones in WinHill and such, only maybe a few months ahead. Still 'in the past' for Shane and them, seeing as Kelly was still a child. Yeah. When Lunatic Pandora is positioned over Tears' Point, the Lunar Cry begins, where the monsters fall from the moon. Hmmm...? What phraze? LOL Oh yeah... LOL.
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(Back on Gaia, just Outside Ragnarok)
I sat in my seat, watching as Kapri gazed at the approaching Centra Continent with glazed eyes. Honestly, I was lost as to what to do. I didn't want to let her go, but Esthar wouldn't just let her leave with me so easily.
Was it best to let her go? But she didn't deserve to be sealed away! It's not like she chose to become a sorceress!
I don't know what to do... I thought in a daze, watching as a single tear slid down her cheek but she quickly wiped it away. ...This is just another cross-roads in my life, but for the first time ever, I don't know what to do. I don't know which way to go. Staring at the beautiful blonde next to me, I let my own tears slip out, knowing the fate that was coming. I've come this far because I've...fallen for you... Kapri...
Now...am I supposed to let you go...?
Once we landed, I sighed and led her silently out of the ship, not surprised at the two scientists that stood waiting for us. There was a car behind them and upon seeing us, they rushed over.
"Sorceress Kapri..." the tall, slender one bowed gracefully.
The other nodded and bowed. "Hyne's descendant."
With a nod, she walked over to them and stood with a strong, determined face. Behind them, I knew I must've looked aweful. I felt like I hadn't slept or eaten in a month, empty and hollow inside. I felt like I was sapped of all my energy and could only stand there weakly as she nodded when they said something about sealing her up for the world's protection.
Then, she turned to me, her beautiful blue eyes filled with tears as she walked over and gave a sad smile.
"...I should tell you this before I go. I finally remember what happened, and I was possessed by a sorceress out in space. Ultimecia, a sorceress from the future. She seeks to compress time because only she'd be able to live in a world like that. She, and no other. As long as I'm free, she'll continue using me to achieve her goal. I..." She hesitated and reached up to gently brush a hand against my cheek.
I felt a wetness roll down it and knew I was crying, but I felt like I didn't have the energy to move.
"I...We can't let that happen, right?" she asked softly, looking away. "...I should go now." Walking over to her escort, she nodded reluctantly. "...I'm ready."
"All right. We'll be heading to the Sorceress Memorial."
As they walked off, Kapri stopped and looked over her shoulder, absently holding her necklace and flashed me a small smile.
That's all it took. "Kapri!" I yelled, taking a few steps closer and feeling my heart break. "Don't go!" We'll find another way!
Tears slipped out of her eyes and she bit her lip before shaking her head. "...Thank you Shane, but I have to go." she said faintly before looking down at her throat. "Oh, I still have your ring!"
"...You keep it." What use would I have for it, anyway? I thought numbly.
"You sure?" she asked hesitantly.
I nodded. "Yeah..." Looking away quickly, I heard her walk off and a door slam before the engine of the car started up and it drove off.
...This is what Kapri decided. I thought weakly as I made my way to the Ragnarok Meeting room and collapsed into one of the chairs. I can't do anything about it, can I?
Closing my eyes, I jumped into a standing position when I heard a door opening and spun, hoping to find Kapri standing there. When my eyes met another blonde, I sighed and looked down.
"I'm home!" Tori called cheerily. "Phew! A lot's happened since we got back." Moving into the room, she folded her arms over her chest and groaned. "I was knocked out for a while when we made it back, and when I came to, it was just me and Andros."
Andros? I wondered in confusion, until I remembered the guy who was stating that I was crazy for going after Kapri. Oh, yeah. Him. The guy who escaped with us. Frowning, I stared at Tori as something hit me. Just them? Where's Kelly?
"Kelly's gone." she stated with a worried frown. "Not only that, but there were signs of a struggle. I hope everything's ok. The Esthar rescue crew brought me here and told me you were all safe."
"I see."
"Shane... When you jumped into space, you weren't thinking of anything else but saving Kapri, were you?"
I shook my head. "Nope."
"I wonder if anyone would ever do that for me?" she asked whistfully.
Biting back a grin, I raised an eyebrow. Probably Blake... Then I had to bite back a wince. ...If he hadn't lost his mind to an evil sorceress... Then I thought about how he'd probably harp on her being 'reckless' for a long time afterwards and how he was 'the hero' who saved her life.
"Oh well." She looked around and frowned deeply in confusion. "So where's the princess who changed the ever cautious Shane?"
Kapri is...
The door surged open just then and Dustin, Hunter and Marah rushed in, stopping and staring at me in shock.
"S'up Shane!!!" Dustin yelled, as exciteable as ever. "So glad your safe!"
I could tell. Marah collapsed into a seat and breathed heavily with a relieved look on her face, Hunter stared at her with a lecherous grin, which faded when he caught my warning glare, and Dustin was all grins.
Tori kept eyeing the room pointedly and suspiciously.
"I hate to tell you this now, but we've got major problems down here!" Taking a deep breath, he nodded to himself and stood at attention, saluting me. "Well, here goes."
His first report to his commanding officer, and it had to come now?!
"Some big thing called Lunatic Pandora came outta no where. Matron couldn't achieve what she set out to do, because of it, but that's ok. Matron isn't a sorceress anymore. She passed on her powers accidentally, without realizing it."
To Kapri... I thought sadly.
"And, uh... Oh, yeah! The Galbadian Military is controlling Lunatic Pandora. They excavated it from the ocean, where Esthar sank it years ago. Inside, there's this thing called the 'Crystal Pillar' which calls the monsters down from the moon. Monsters are raining from the moon and it's total chaos down here! Adel came down with the monsters, and Lunatic Pandora caught her! Dr. Odine thinks that might've been Galbadia's true intent, meaning-"
"Dustin!" Rubbing my temples, my head ran over all the information he gave me and I frowned as my thoughts returned to Kapri. "That's enough for now." I repled calmer.
"But, Shane..."
"I know." I replied firmly. "I know we've got problems. But I can't think right now."
Tori frowned in concern and walked over. "What's wrong?"
I'm so gonna get it now, but it's what I deserve. "Kapri's a sorceress now. She's the one who received Matron's power. An escort from Esthar came and picked her up. That's where she is right now."
"We gotta go save her!" Marah cried before racing out of the room.
"Was she taken by force?" Tori asked in confusion.
I shook my head and sank back down in one of the seats. "No. It's was Kapri's decision. She was scared of being a sorceress. Scared of being hated... Feared... Scared that no one would want to be around her." But I want to be around her. "She said she couldn't handle that."
Hunter frowned and shook his head before leaving, presumably, to follow Marah.
"Didn't you try to stop her, Shane?" Tori demanded in disappointment.
No. Not really. "It was Kapri's decision." I repeated weakly, wondering in reality, why I'd let her go.
"Oh, stop that!" Tori scolded, shaking her head and glaring at me. "What are you talking about?! Why did you go all the way out, into space, to save Kapri? To hand her over to Esthar?! No, right? wasn't it because you wanted to be with Kapri? You're a fool!"
"Seriously." Dustin stated with a frown.
...A fool? "Maybe..." What am I doing...? I may never get to hear Kapri's voice again... What the hell am I doing just sitting here?! What can I do?! ...Of course... Standing up immediately, I felt a frown on my face as I checked my gunblade.
"Have you decided?" Tori asked with a slight grin tugging at her face.
Dustin grinned fully and flexed his fingers, fixing his gloves. "We're going after her, right?"
Glaring at the door, I nodded. "Lunatic whatever and Adel are out of my hands. I don't even know where to find Sis. All I know is Kapri. The only thing I want to do, for sure, right now, is for Kapri. We're going to get Kapri back!" Like hell I'm gonna lose her now!!
I took a few steps to the door when the whole ship began to shake and I stumbled to the side.
"Whoa!" Dustin cried as he staggered to his knees.
Tori fell into one of the seats and turned to look out the window, paling at what she saw. "Ahh...excuse me, but... We're flying?!"
Dustin's face paled next and he stood up shakily, looking around like he was expecting something bad to happen. "I really hope this ain't the case, but, I can just see Marah in the pilot seat, and..."
Tori stood so fast, I jumped in surprise and her eyes widened in horror. "...Marah screaming "Whoo-hoo!! We're flying!!""
...And beside her, a very excited Hunter. I finiedh the thought with wide eyes.
Racing to the cockpit, I watched as an over-excited Hunter stood beside Marah with a huge grin.
"Whoo-hoo! We're flying!" Marah called hyperly as she bounced a little.
Hunter looked at me with amazement written across his face. "Isn't Marah amazing?!"
"You sure you can fly this?" I asked Marah nervously.
She shrugged and offered a nervous grin. "Well, it just kinda took off on it's own. I think I can control it all right, but there's no guarantee it won't crash..."
No one can predict the future, right? I thought hesitantly, nodding as I decided to put my trust in Marah. I'd trusted Dustin earlier and he kept Matron safe, so now it was time to trust Marah. "We're heading to the Sorceress Memorial. Kapri'll likely be there."
With a nod, she lifted the controls slightly and the ship raised higher, flying over Esthar and towards the distant buildings marking the Sorceress Memorial.
(Sorceress Memorial)
Landing the ship just outside the Sorceress Memorial, I gathered Tori, and Marah, having Dustin and Hunter as backup in case there was a battle. We rushed out of the ship, but as we approached the building, I shot the others a look that told them to keep their weapons put away fro now and follow my lead quietly.
Walking slowly up to the guards at the door, I nodded to them and looked at the building a moment.
"Come to say farewell to your comrad, eh? ...Well, I'll make an exception for you, this once." the guard stated reluctantly, standing aside and allowing us to enter.
His indifferent way of speaking made me want to knock him silly, but for the sake of getting in quickly, I bowed my head and refused to look at him, knowing I'd knock his block off if I did.
Heading straight to the control room, I saw Kapri standing in the center of a small bubble with megal and plastic tubing all over the place. She looked terrified and seemed to look for a way out, but otherwise, she remained motionless.
One of three scientists saw us and frowned as he rushed upto stand in front of me. "Hey! This is a restricted area! What're you doing here?!"
"...To do what I should've done earlier..." I said absently, seeing Kapri look at me, and smiling as her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "I'll never know unless I do it." I almost whispered.
The guy gave me a look like I was insane, and blinked blankly. "What are you talking about?"
"I know what I want and what I have to do." Seeing that she was still conscious and seemed ok, I nodded. "There's still a chance. I'm not gonna look back." Glaring at the scientist, I withdrew my gunblade and pointed it in his face. "I'm taking Kapri with me."
"What?!" He laughed angrily and shook his head. "You must be joking! It's too late!" He gestured to the chamber, which was filling with gas, and Kapri who looked terrified, pounding on the glass.
The others drew their weapons and moved to stand by each of the scientists, keeping them from making a move.
"Shane, now's your chance!" Tori called.
Marah nodded. "Go get her, Shane!"
Running through a long hallway, I ound the chamber and saw Kapri holding her hands to her chest as the chamber filled with gas. Pounding on the flass, I frowned when I realized it was unbreakable and glared at the machine. "What do I do?! Come on!" Losing it, I grabbed my gunblade ans swiped at the wires.
The wires split open and a gas escaped into the room. Sheathing my gunblade, I looked into the white gas and smiled as Kapri came running through it with her arms open wide. Reaching out, I pulled her to me and let her hug me as tightly as she wanted, hugging her back just as tight and running my hand through her hair, chanting to myself that I got to her in time.
Suddenly, she shook her head and tried to pull away. "Shane, don't! I'm a sorceress!" she protested weakly.
I shook my head and wrapped my arms around her waist before leaning in and staring into her eyes. "I don't care." I told her honestly. Leaning in further, I kissed her deeply, getting lost in the feel of her warm lips on my own. Tightening my hold on her, I reveled in the feeling of being complete that I got from this.
"Kapri! Shane!" Marah's voice called from the other room.
Pulling away reluctantly, I took a deep breath and held her hand tightly with a smile. "Let's go." I said quietly before hugging her once again and pulling her out of the room after me.
Making our way to the entrance of the Sorceress Memorial, I frowned and quickly withdrew my gunblade as I noticed our friends were surrounded by Esthar soldiers. Suddenly, a large, heavily muscled man with pale skin, dark hair and dark eyes came walking forward, dressed in Esthar robes of a leading official. He gestured to the guards and they lowered their guns, hesitantly moving out of our way so we could pass.
That man... I thought suspiciously as he gave me a grin and nodded with his head for me to follow my friends when they took off. I've seen him before... As Kapri and I walked past him, he nodded again and placed his hands on his hips with a satisfied look in his eyes.
(Ragnarok)
Standing in the meeting room of the Ragnarok, everyone welcomed Kapri back with open arms, especially Marah who clung to her all teary-eyed. Through the whole thing, Kapri seemed awkward but happy, and after a little while, everyone began to notice.
"What's wrong, Kapri?" Tori asked softly.
Looking down, Kapri clearly blushed and gave an embarrassed smile. "I'm just...embarrassed. I mean, I was so set on staying in Esthar, but when you guys came to get me, I was so happy, and-"
"No need to be embarrassed." Hunter stated easily with a grin.
"Yeah! Happy is good!" Marah insisted with a giggle.
"Thank you so much, everyone."
"Shane...you're awefully quiet. What's up?" Dustin asked in confusion.
Just got a lot on my mind. I thought with a shrug.
Tori grinned and shrugged in sync. "As an expert Shane observer... He's thinking : What do we do now? Blah, blah, blah. If you think and worry too much, everything'll turn out bad." She sighed and shook her head. "Shane, why don't we just paint a brighter future?"
"...Whatever." I stated blankly.
"But seriously, what do we do, now?" Dustin asked with a frown. "I'm not really sure, but... Don't we have to do something about Lunatic Pandor, in Esthar? After all, the Galbadians are controlling it. Which means that Blake's behind it all, too, right?"
"Blake is...Ultimecia's puppet." I stated quietly. Unwillingly, too.
"Yeah, and that Ultimecia!" Dustin continued. "We can't let that Sorceress from the future mess up our world! Let's go kick her ass!" By now, he'd completely lost himself in his rant and forgot that one of our team was a sorceress. "We're SeeDs! We're here to destroy the sorceress, right?!"
"DUSTIN!!!" I yelled, grabbing the hilt of my gunblade and getting into his face.
His face paled and he quickly glanced to Kapri, who was looking at the ground silently. "...S-Sorry..." He muttered quickly, looking down in shame.
"So Shane, where we goin'?" Hunter asked as he cleared his throat, obviously trying to change the topic.
"Umm... Can we go to the orphanage you all keep talking about?" Kapri asked quietly.
"That place is a ruin." Tori stated softly. "There's not much to see there."
"Well, I want to stay away from places where there are lots of people." she said with a slight wince. "In case I'm possessed again."
With a nod, I turned to Marah. "Let's go." I stated calmly. "Head to Miko's house."
Turning to Kapri as everyone split up, I watched as she sat down and knelt at her side. "I'm going through so many emotions at once. I'm happy, sad, angry, worried... I'm starting to feel schizophrenic." she stated with a nervous giggle. "Will I never be at peace?"
With a pat to her knee, I got up and left the room, finding Dustin standing outside with a nervous look in his eyes. "Dustin..."
"Look. I didn't mean... I wasn't thinkin' when I said those things in front of Kapri, earlier." He stated with a sigh. "I don't care if she's a sorceress! She's still our friend!"
I nodded a little and gave him an awkward smile, letting him know I didn't hold it against him, before heading off.
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Hope you like it.
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"I'll be waiting here, for you. So, if you come here, you'll find me. I promise."
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R+R please.
Thank you.
Tenshi