Chapter 8

"They've escaped!" one of the men yelled, just before Seifer cut through him like he was nothing. The three other men quickly turned and fired as Seifer, whom dived behind cover. While they were distracted, Tseng popped out from behind his cover, and opened fire with his assault rifle he had "borrowed" from the enemy. The three men went down quickly, but the alarm was already sprung.

"Which way to this portal?" Seifer asked.

"We're close, follow me!" Tseng called over the alarm that was now ringing loudly overhead. Tseng lead the way through the strangely empty halls, heading for what he hoped was the laboratory that held the portal. They turned down the final hallway, just to see the security gate closing down to seal off the lab. Both men sprinted for the opening and dove. Tseng slid under the closing gate, clearing it. However, Seifer found himself trapped on the other side.

"You'd better wait for me!" Seifer threatened, before taking off in the other direction to find a way around. Tseng was uncertain why, but he felt Seifer deserved Tseng's loyalty, and decided to make his way to the lab and get it ready. He would wait for him. Now alone, Tseng made his way down the remainder of the hall, and reached the door. He stopped when he heard sounds of battle from inside, he waited, trying to get a sense of what was going on when suddenly, the door opened. Tseng barely had time to blink as the glint of steel flew towards him.

==##==

Seifer ran down the hall full speed, searching for a way around to reach the lab. He ran past door after door, none holding the answer to his problem. Suddenly, a door opened as he passed it. The stunned man didn't have time to react as Seifer cut him down. The Esthar soldier didn't stand a chance as the blade sliced through his skin, killing him instantaneously. However, the man was not alone. Seifer quickly pulled his blade back, just fast enough to knock the attempted strike away. Seifer stared angrily at his foe, the scar on his face mirroring his own.

"Seifer!" Squall gasped out loud, shocked to see his long time rival and adversary. His shock paid off for Seifer, giving him enough time to kick Squall in the mid section. Squall stumbled back, regaining his balance just as Seifer lifted his arm. Squall barely had time to shield himself as the fire spell struck him, knocking him down. Slowly, Seifer raised his blade over his head, preparing to strike at the downed Squall. He stared at Squall, his eyes full of hate. Using all his force, he swung downwards. Squall raised his gunblade, blocking the attack. Blades locked, Squall kicking Seifer in the stomach. Two, three, four times before Seifer recoiled. Squall quickly jumped to his feet.

"I'm glad." Seifer said. "Only a chicken wuss would make the same mistake twice."

Squall glared, rushing at Seifer. Seifer quickly lept to the side, letting Squall run past him. Now out of the confining doorway, the two really had room to fight. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed, both styles unique, but neither giving the advantage. The two were evenly matched, as always.