Final Fantasy VIII [2nd Instalment]
Grace Barton
Chapter Thirty
"Squall! Go to the 2F classroom. The enemy is coming in from the sky."
The sky…! So the army was commencing its second wave. Squall cursed. "We're going to the 2F classroom," he shouted to Irvine and Quistis, running behind him. The two nodded and ran faster.
When they neared the stairs, a Galbadian soldier drove up from the direction of the quad and skidded to a stop. He drew his sword and the blade glowed hot. When he swung his blade a Fira ball was released, heading in their direction. The trio dodged the fireball and then ran forward. Squall leapt, his sword raised. The soldier dived from his bike as Squall's gunblade came crashing down, slicing his bike in two. The soldier got to his feet and charged, but then he stopped and looked down. Ice was forming around his feet and was spreading upwards, along his legs and his waist, until at last it reached his face. The soldier's last cry was one of horror as the ice crept over his face, trapping him inside.
The group ran on. They got into the lift, which seemed to move agonisingly slow as it moved up to the 2F. Squall wished he could see through the doors and see what was going on with the Garden outside. He could hear, though. The sounds of battle echoed all around them. Squall wondered just how long they would be able to hold out. Their defences were already beginning to weaken. The army was full of experienced fighters and was showing them no mercy. It was only a matter of time before they were completely overwhelmed.
The Garden gave another shudder as Galbadia Garden slammed into it. The lift groaned and then stopped; the lights flickered and went out. Squall looked up in alarm. He was just thinking that they may have to get out and climb again, but then the lights came back on and the lift started moving. When it reached the top they piled out and hurried along the corridor, heading to the classrooms.
Slit windows opened up in the side of Galbadia Garden. Lined up inside were a squad of Galbadian soldiers in green uniforms, strapped into the aerial vehicles designed by the Garden. As the windows opened, the soldiers turned and put their backs to the outside. At their commander's orders the soldiers let themselves fall back, out of the window. The tumbled towards the ground, and towards the power ring spinning below.
Jets fired just seconds before they would have hit the power ring. The vehicles righted themselves and then flew up, carrying the soldiers over the gap towards Balamb Garden. They did not head to the quad or the front gate but instead headed towards the second floor. They picked up speed as they approached and then slammed into the wall. The arms of the vehicles pierced the Garden's outer wall and became stuck.
The soldiers unstrapped themselves from the vehicles and descended, with cables attached to their waists, down the side of the Garden. They slid down until they reached the classroom windows, where four of the soldiers lined up side by side. They planted their feet firmly against the glass and, at a nod from their commander, they jumped. They stretched out their bodies and struck the window with full force. The glass smashed, and the soldiers swung into the classroom.
Inside, a female SeeD screamed and ran back. She grabbed the two junior classmen she was protecting and pulled them behind her. The soldiers landed, detached the cables, and drew their swords. They advanced on the SeeD, who unhooked a whip from her belt and gave it a crack, ready to fight.
The classroom door burst open, and Squall and his team ran in. When they saw the soldiers about to attack the junior classmen, they also drew their weapons and ran at the soldiers. The soldiers turned and ran to meet them.
"Dispose of this Garden as planned!" the soldier commander ordered, as he clashed blades with Squall.
"Dispose!" Irvine repeated. So the army's plan was not to simply overthrow Balamb Garden, but to destroy it completely. His eyes narrowed. Knowing he could not let that happen, Irvine raised his gun and fired a shot through the chest of one of the soldiers. The soldier slumped to the floor.
"You little SeeD twerps!" another soldier cried, and he ran at Irvine. The gunman dodged a blow from the soldier's sword and then raised his gun, but the soldier was too quick. He thrust out his sword, and the blade sliced along the side of the gun. It scraped over Irvine's hand. The warmth of blood washed over him. The soldier struck again, forcing Irvine back against one of the desks. He pressed his sword against Irvine's gun, trying to pin him down.
Irvine grunted. He struggled. Raising his boot, he pressed it against the soldier's chest and shoved him away. While the soldier was recovering Irvine fired, and the soldier dropped to the floor.
On the other side of the classroom, Quistis cracked her whip. The tail lashed around the neck of the soldier she was fighting. She dragged him onto the floor and then, placing her hand on his chest, she shouted: "Quake!"
A powerful vibration emanated from her hand, through the soldier's body, and into the ground. The classroom began to tremble, causing the chairs to rattle and the junior classmen to shriek. As for the soldier, he gave a loud cry as the vibration tore through his body. He shuddered and dropped his sword. His head rolled to one side, and his body went limp.
The commander gave a yell as he brought his sword down hard. Squall blocked it and then retaliated with a strike of his own, which the soldier also blocked. They both jumped back. Squall caught a glimpse of firelight in the soldier's hand. Realising that he was channelling his energy for a powerful magic attack, Squall charged straight towards him. He drew back his sword and then thrust it up. The gunblade sliced through the soldier's gut and came out the other side. The soldier gave a choke, the flames in his hand dissipating. Squall pulled out his sword and kicked the soldier to the floor, along with the rest of his comrades.
Squall wiped his blade clean. He then walked over to the female SeeD, who was kneeling on the floor with the two junior classmen. He looked down at the junior classmen. They were both trembling, but they were unharmed.
"Good work!" he said to the SeeD. "Take them somewhere safe."
The SeeD stood and saluted him. "Yes, sir!" she said. She turned to the two children. "Come on guys. Let's go."
The SeeD and the children ran out of the classroom. Squall was unsure if there was anywhere safe left in the Garden, but he hoped they would find somewhere they could hide. He had no sooner sheathed his sword when the intercom sounded once again.
"Squall! Squall!" shouted Nida's voice.
Squall looked up at the speaker with a frown. Now what?
"Squall, come up to the bridge. Dr. Kadowaki is here."
The doctor? Squall folded his arms. What does she want, he wondered. He had expected Dr. Kadowaki to be in the infirmary, tending to the wounded students. Whatever she had to say must be important for her to leave her patients.
They left the classroom. As they headed down the corridor, Balamb Garden gave yet another violent shake. Galbadia Garden had rammed into them again, and this time they managed to knock the Garden off-course. The Garden tilted to one side, and all those in the corridor cried out as they lost their balance.
Squall's group was among these. Quistis slipped and slid along the floor, hitting the far wall. Squall and Irvine came staggering beside her. A little further down the SeeD with the two junior classmen fell to her knees. She pulled the children towards her, and they clung to her uniform in fright.
After a few moments the shaking stopped, as Balamb Garden righted itself. Those in the corridor at once got back onto their feet and kept on running. The SeeD and the classmen headed into another empty classroom, while Squall and his team went straight to the lift and headed up to the 3F.
When they arrived at the headmaster's office, they saw that Dr. Kadowaki was waving for them. Squall noticed that her usually pristine white uniform had smudges of dirt and blood on it, and her hair was falling out of its bun. She had a grave look on her face as she turned to Squall.
"What's the situation?" she asked him at once.
Squall was unable to answer her at first, for he was breathless from all the running. "We were able to stop the first two waves of the attack," he reported when he could speak. "But our forces aren't looking too good. Many are injured. If they send another wave, I don't know if we can hold them."
Dr. Kadowaki nodded. She then turned to the door as it opened and Selphie also walked into the room. She looked as fatigued as Squall did, and Kadowaki noted she had cuts and scrapes all over her body from her battle with the enemy.
"How's your team?" Kadowaki asked her.
Selphie wiped a dirty scorch mark from her face. "Bad," she replied. "They're barely holding them off."
The doctor closed her eyes, mulling this over. Her frown deepened. "So…" she said at last. "Looks like this is it."
"Their Garden has more experienced fighters," Quistis said, folding her arms. "On the other hand, most of our troops are students who are still in training. Like Squall said, one more wave and we might be finished."
Squall looked grim as he listened to these reports. Had he made the wrong decision in trying to focus their defences at the entry points? Maybe I should've focused on attacking instead of concentrating on our defence… he wondered. It was too late to regret his decisions now. All they had to focus on was maintaining their defences and find a chance to counterattack before another wave came in.
"Seifer is with them, right?" Kadowaki said, looking at Squall. The swordsman nodded. "You said it yourself. There's no way you can run from him… It's kind of like your destiny to face him."
The swordsman frowned. Destiny… There was that word again. Why did everyone talk like all of this was his destiny, like it had already been chosen?
Dr. Kadowaki walked up to him. She gazed into his eyes. "…Looks like it's now or never!" she declared. "You've come this far already." Seeing the look in his face, she frowned. "What's there to think about? You're not gonna run away are you?"
Squall's eyes hardened. Never! "There's no way I'm gonna run from him!" he replied with fierce determination. "Besides, attacking them might be our only chance. The only problem is, how are we going to board their Garden?"
"Say," said Irvine, stepping forward, "how about if we crash into their Garden? I know it sounds crazy, but at least we'll be able to get in. Their pilot's been ramming us all along. I'm sure Nida can do it, too."
Everyone thought this over. Irvine was right: that did sound crazy. Yet it could also work. When Galbadia Garden rammed into Balamb Garden, the gap between the two was narrowed. It was at these moments that the soldiers had chosen to strike, taking advantage of that narrow distance to board. If Nida could get them close enough, then it just might be possible.
"We have no choice," said Squall, with a nod to Irvine. "Let's do it."
Everybody nodded. The office door flew open and this time Zell ran in, red-faced and sweating, gasping for breath.
Squall turned to him. He glanced over Zell's shoulder. He saw Angelo sitting by the lift, but there was no one with him. "Where's Rinoa?" he asked.
Zell spoke between laboured breaths. "Sorry, man. There's nothin' I can do! There's no way to get to the quad! Those bastards have the area barricaded!" The fighter coughed and then sank to his knees, exhausted. "Man! The only way we can get to her is by going over the roof or flying there."
Hearing this, Squall slowly nodded his head. He turned away, his eyes closed.
…Rinoa.
Irvine caught the look on Squall's face, and he frowned. "Whoa, wait a minute. You just gave up on her, didn't you?" The swordsman looked up as Irvine stormed over to him. "Listen…" said the gunman. "Do me a favour. You…"—he prodded Squall in the chest—"go help Rinoa. It may be too late, but don't give up until you are CERTAIN that there's nothing you can do!"
Squall blinked. "I… I have to lead the attack," he said, hesitant.
Irvine gave an exasperated yell. "I don't care what you have to do, or how you feel," he snapped. "Just do it… please! For Rinoa!"
"Listen to Irvine, Squall," Quistis reasoned with him. "She's one of us."
Selphie stamped her foot. "What are you waiting for!" she demanded, outraged. "I can't believe you!"
"C'mon, Squall!" said Zell. "Please! It's got to be you! You're the one that has to save her!"
But still Squall hesitated. It wasn't just about saving Rinoa. There was more at stake than that. The fate of the whole Garden rested on the outcome of this battle. No matter what the sacrifice, they had to win it. If that sacrifice meant losing Rinoa… Squall shook his head. He did not want to picture that outcome.
Seeing Squall's will begin to waver, Irvine stepped up to him and placed his hands on Squall's shoulders. "I'll take everyone inside Galbadia Garden," he assured Squall. "Don't worry. I know the place like the back of my hand."
"We'll clear a path," said Quistis. "Once Squall arrives, we'll move in."
Squall looked at his friends. Everything was moving so fast, Squall did not know where to begin. He looked up at Irvine, and he saw that the gunman was smiling. Squall stared back at him. What was it Rinoa had said, about how when things started moving, she felt like she was being left behind? Was this what she meant?
"Squall," Dr Kadowaki said suddenly, cutting in as Squall held his head. "You're forgetting something very important."
The swordsman lowered his hand. What, he wondered.
Dr Kadowaki crossed the room and stopped beside the lift. She signalled for Squall to follow her, before she stepped onto the platform. Squall hesitated, and she signalled again. The swordsman joined her, and they went up to the bridge.
When they arrived on the bridge, Nida was still at the controls, his attention fixed on Galbadia Garden. The enemy had pulled away from them and was trying to build some distance between them, ready for another strike.
Dr Kadowaki stepped off the platform. She stood beside Nida, who glanced at her. The doctor turned to Squall and smiled. She moved her hand and gestured to the control panel. Squall saw what she was pointing to. It was the microphone. Squall stared at it and then at Kadowaki, looking confused.
"Talk to your men, Squall," the doctor said to him. "Encourage them. As their leader, it's your duty." Beside her, Nida let go of the controls and turned around to listen. Kadowaki went on. "You probably don't know, but everybody in this Garden looks up to you. They like you."
Squall's lips parted, and he took in a sharp breath. He looked at Kadowaki in surprise. Everybody… liked him? The swordsman's eyes slowly widened. How was that possible? He was always so cold and distant towards others who never got involved in other people's affairs, and never allowed others to get involved in his. He was Squall, the lone wolf of Balamb Garden. And yet, despite all of this, everybody liked him and looked up to him?
He looked to Nida, who smiled and nodded his head. Kadowaki, too, gazed at him with a fond smile. They saw, as did everyone else, that there was a brave and noble heart beating in Squall's chest. The swordsman was cold and aloof at times, he was awkward in social situations and to some he appeared insensitive, but as a leader and a friend he commanded only the greatest respect. Every student knew this, and it was for this reason that not one person had objected when Headmaster Cid named him as the leader of Balamb Garden.
A lump formed in Squall's throat. He swallowed it, and then nodded his head. Dr Kadowaki stepped aside, while Nida turned and turned on the intercom. Then he too stepped out of the way, leaving the way clear for Squall. The swordsman stepped up to the microphone—stepping up willingly for the first time—and began to address the Garden.
"…Everybody," he said. His voice cracked; his throat dry. He cleared his throat and started again. "This is Squall. How's everyone doing? You're all probably too tired to even stand up after all the fighting."
When Squall went up to the bridge with Dr Kadowaki, Irvine and the others returned to the 1F lobby. Irvine was making his way down the steps when Squall's voice began to echo throughout the Garden. He stopped to listen.
"I want everyone to listen to me… We still have a chance to win and I need your help. This is going to be our final battle. We're going to attack them before they come in again."
Irvine tipped back his hat and smiled. Down in the lobby, Selphie jumped and clapped her hands together, while Zell threw his fists into the air and Angelo barked encouragingly at Squall's words. By the front gate, Quistis and Xu stood side-by-side, calling for them to hurry. Selphie and Zell ran to catch up, but Irvine stayed put. He closed his eyes for a moment, listening to Squall's speech.
"To do that, we're going to head straight into their Garden. So I want everyone to prepare for a major collision. Take care of all the junior classmen."
Over by the lift, a female student ran over to a male student who had collapsed at the top of the stairs. Her hands glowed as she cast Cura into the wounds he had sustained during the battle. When they were healed she put his arm around her and helped him to his feet. They raised their heads, listening in awe.
"Irvine, Quistis, Zell and Selphie will lead the attack into their Garden. As for everyone else, please support them if you can."
On the 2F corridor lay the bodies of several Galbadian soldiers. Around them, a dozen students sat slumped against the walls, panting hard. Some students who had lost their strength completely had fallen to the floor and were unable to move, their bodies twitching in pain. When they heard Squall's voice, the students all opened their eyes and those who could raised their heads.
"SeeD was formed to fight the sorceress: at least, that's what I heard. And Garden was created to train SeeDs. So this battle is Garden's destiny and also our destiny. It's a gruelling battle, and I'm sure you guys are all exhausted.
"But I don't want to have any regrets. I don't want anyone to look back and regret this day."
The students shared looks with one another. One student nodded, and then together they began to move. Though their muscles burned and their bodies were wracked with pain, they forced themselves to their feet. Even those students who had fallen to the floor found strength they did not know they had, as they too got to their feet. Fighting against the pain of their bodies, the students picked up their weapons. They raised their heads high, their faces filled with pride.
"So just this once, I want you guys to give everything you've got! For yourselves and for me!"
Outside the classrooms, more students were getting to their feet. In fact, all throughout the Garden, SeeDs and students alike were finding their strength again. They picked themselves up, brushed off the dirt and blood from their weapons, and stood tall, proud to be members of Garden. Inspiration was spreading like wildfire throughout the Garden, and there was no student or SeeD who was left untouched by Squall's words. His belief in them, and the love they had for their home, gave them that strength. They would keep on fighting and fulfil their destinies as SeeD.
His speech over, Squall lowered his head and let out a sigh. Destiny… So he had ended up using that term, after all. Beside him, Nida, his lips parted in awe, leaned over and flicked off the intercom.
"You did great," Dr Kadowaki told him. "That was wonderful." She wiped a tear from her eye, sniffed, and then tightened her fist. "Ok! Let's bash into them!"
Squall's eyes hardened. He nodded to Nida, who retook his position at the controls. The pilot cast his eyes around him, taking in the enemy's position. Then he pulled the control stick back and thrust it to the right.
Almost at once the Garden started to turn. The building did not even shudder as it turned, as though it too was inspired by Squall's speech and wanted to give everything it had into the attack.
Balamb Garden surged forward and slammed into the side of Galbadia Garden. The two power rings clashed against one another, sending more sparks raining down onto the forest. Galbadia Garden's engines revved and then pushed back against Balamb, which did not relent. The two Gardens pushed against one another, locked in a battle of strength.
At that moment when the two Gardens collided, Irvine's squad was in position at the front gate. The collision had almost sent them flying, but they were prepared and had secured themselves beforehand. Now that the Gardens were close together, they hurried over to the end of the courtyard.
Irvine stepped up to the edge and peered over. As he had hoped, the front gate courtyard was hovering right over one of Galbadia Garden's rear gardens, which had been pulled up along with the rest of the building. A strong breeze was blowing up from the power rings, and the gunman held onto his hat to keep it from blowing off.
The courtyard trembled as Balamb Garden inched forward, bringing the garden within range. At Irvine's signal the team, including Angelo, leapt from the courtyard and landed inside the perimeter of the garden. Moments later a group of students jumped down after them, not willing to be left out of the final battle. They followed Irvine and his team, swarming the courtyard.
"OHHH YEAHHH!" Zell cried in triumph. "We're in!"
"Ready guys!" asked Quistis.
"You betcha!" replied Selphie, unhooking her nunchaku and whipping them in front of her.
Not wanting to be left out, Angelo gave a loud bark.
Irvine looked ahead. Directly ahead of them, a set of doors leading into Galbadia Garden opened and a squad of soldiers emerged. They shouted and drew their weapons, running to meet them. The gunman raised his gun and placed it against his shoulder, his fingers running over the trigger.
For me and Selphie, he thought.
This is it! For the world, thought Quistis.
Selphie's eyes narrowed. For Balamb and Trabia.
Zell grinned. It's payback time!
The soldiers were drawing close, and more were emerging from the doorway. Zell raised his fists and smacked them together. Adrenalin rushed through his veins, heightening his senses, in anticipation of the battle. Around him, the others also readied their weapons, and behind them the students also prepared themselves. Zell glanced around, smirked, and then raised his fist high.
"Let's rock!" he shouted.
Everyone shouted back, and they charged.
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORESS
Well, it's almost the end of 2011! I, uh, actually have the rest of this instalment finished. So, for an end-of-year special, I am going to upload one chapter each day and complete this instalment by New Year's. There is also a special chapter right at the end that I prepared. So, this is update one. I hope you enjoy!