The Protector
Harry Potter and Final Fantasy VIII Crossover.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything! Not HP or Final Fantasy VIII. If I did Ginny (scary-obsession) and Rinoa (Whinny-perky-princess) would have died a death before they existed.
Summary: Squall meets a strange boy while out training, forming a connection with him. It's a friendship that will turn the tide of war and a love that changes the world. HPxSL. Lion Pair!
Note: Harry is the GF Fallen Mage. A non-elemental based offensive attack and provides protection for the caster(s). Known to KO enemies, he also grants the use of 3rd level magics to his user with the said user not having to have the magic in stock. Eg. Use Firaga even if user doesn't have it in their magic stock.
Note 2: Dedication!!! To the awesome DeathNoteMaker whom has drawn my pictures for this story. I'm quite honoured as this is the first time someone has done that. So, I was inspired to write. I'll post the link as soon as I get them. If I fail my law exams it was because I was inspired...
Note 3: Looking for a beta! I don't usually discuss ideas but I'm willing to hear them out. It's that I don't like them, I just sit down and write what pops into my head. My best ideas come that way, like this story. So, just someone willing to get the chapter before everyone else and check over the grammar and spelling mistakes.
Warnings: Rinoa bashing, slightQuistisbashing, Boys on boys, kissing, making out. Maybe even (gasp!) sex. Swearing. Power plays. My crazy ideas...
Pairings: HarryxSquall, SelphiexIrvine, ZellxLibrary Girl, slight Irvine-being-a-manwhore-and-flirting-with-Harry...
Chapter 3
Mission: Don't kill the Princess.
"Harry," Squall called out as he searched his surroundings. It seemed he was in a forest between Balamb and the Garden. And there was something wrong. His gut screamed at him to find Harry. Squall moved, walking in a random direction as he called for Harry.
But there was no sign of the raven haired emerald eyed beauty. Time passed and the panic was bubbling within him. Grey eyes were growing desperate now. Squall couldn't tell how much time had passed but now the sun was starting to set and Harry was nowhere to be found.
"Harry?!" he shouted yet again. Nothing. There was a strange silence that fell the area. No even the monsters responded. It was ominous to say the least. Something urged him to hurry, to go! Squall broke into a run.
His heart was pounding and there was this unpleasant churning in his stomach. everything was wrong. Breaking through the thick age, he arrived at a clearing.
Bile rouse in his throat as Squall stared the fallen figure. Blood was pooled around the body, dying the green grass a crude red. Black hair was flared around the head, like a raven halo of a forgotten angel. A pike of ice was lodged through the chest, and soulless green eyes stared at nothing.
"Harry?" Squall whispered as he approached the sight. "Harry!"
The desperation filled him, as he lurched forward to cradle the body. The cold body. Squall tilted Harry's head to face him. It was Harry. No one else had eyes that green and a faint lighting bolt scar on his forehead. But his eyes were void of life.
Squall felt his heart stutter, shatter and break. In that moment, nothing mattered. It was like everything he defined his world by was in his arms and it had just ended. His chest was painful, he was gasping for breath, and his eyes were burning, yet he was numb.
Everything was numb.
Slowly, he wiped the fleck on blood on cold lips, only to still when a droplet landed on Harry's cheek. Squall looked up to see a clear sky and frowned for a moment. Then he felt wetness on his cheeks.
Looking back down at Harry, the flood gate was open as the tears fell freely. "I'm sorry," Squall murmured as he hugged the body, "I'm sorry I failed as your protector, I'm sorry."
"Please, come back..." he murmured again and again as he cradled the cold body, rocking it gently, "Please, don't leave me alone."
"Squall!" the familiar voice called, "Wake up!" and the Squall felt the weird sensation of his body falling.
Squall woke up on the floor, staring at the ceiling and thoroughly confused. The sheer desperation and sorrow of the dream was fading into the back of his memories.
A head popped into his line of sight and Squall felt his heart lurch at the sight of laughing emeralds and raven hair.
"You sleep like a log even when you're having a nightmare," Harry said with a smile as he observed his confused friend on the floor, "I still don't know how you're always on time for class when you seem to always sleep through your alarm.
As Squall gathered his sleep ridden mind, Harry took the opportunity to check out his friend's upper body, and Harry prayed he wasn't drooling. Lean muscles, broad shoulders and a six pack, all the tall, dark and handsome package. Harry sighed. He mentally scolded himself, yet again. 'Stop checking Squall out! Don't ruin what you've got because you're getting greedy.'
"Harry?" Squall finally asked, throat scratchy from the night's sleep as he sat up.
Harry merely rolled his eyes and stood up from the bed and offered a hand to his friend. It was then Squall noted that Harry was already dressed. He glanced at his alarm clock, which only read eight. They were given today off, SeeD that is.
Standing up with a hand from Harry, Squall ruffled his hair. Stretching, he asked, "Why are you already dressed at eight in the morning on our day off?"
Harry dropped his gaze and sat down on the bed. He chewed his lip nervously. Squall sighed. He knew that reaction. It was when Harry was going to tell him something Harry knew he wouldn't like and Harry was nervous. Sitting down next to his raven friend and sighed. He gently reached over with his right hand and pulled Harry's bottom lip from between his teeth.
Tell me.
Harry sighed and met Squall's gaze.
"The Headmaster called me in early this morning when the seven o'clock announcements were on. He gave me my first mission," Harry said softly, not moving his eyes from Squall's.
Squall gave a start. "Your first mission?" the grey eyed male asked quietly, unknowingly leaving his hand cupping Harry's chin.
"Solo. Classified," Harry said with a sad smile. But his eyes said it all.
I want to tell you. I wish I could.
That dangerous?
Yeah.
"When?"
And it was Harry's answer that pulled the dregs of emotions from the half-forgotten dream. A fragile body lying on the floor, blood pooling...Squall's heart stuttered as he felt that if Harry left, he may not see him again. And that thought scared him.
"Today."
Two days after Harry disappeared, Squall was scowling as he walked through the Garden. Most of the students had realised what had happened to put the Ice Prince in Super-Frost mode and a stormy temper.
Headmaster Cid had sent off Mage on a mission and left Leonhart behind. And the students were cursing their beloved Headmaster for it. Squall was grumpier than usual and there was no Harry to act as a bumper. Seifer found out the hard way when they bumped into each other in the Training Centre.
Seifer landed up in the clinic, and Squall walked away from the battle to find a T-rexuar. Students parted like the red sea after that when they saw the grouchy lion.
At the moment, he was making his way to the Garden gates to meet the Headmaster. Squall gritted his teeth as he pushed the headache away. There was a good chance that this was a mission, considering who else was asked to meet there.
Squall was right. Zell, Selphie and he were going on their first mission together. This caused Squall to frown. Usually they mixed the new SeeD members with older, more experienced ones. Then again, Cid thought it was smart to send Harry off alone on a classified first mission. He was not being sensitive and biased about the topic because Harry was off alone doing Hyne knows what. Nope, not at all.
"Well, about your first mission," Cid said, "You're to go to Timber. There, you will be supporting a resistance faction. That is your mission. A member of the faction will contact you at Timber Station."
The creep Garden Faculty added, "This person will talk to you and say, 'the forests of Timber sure have changed'. At this time, you must reply, 'But the owls are still around'. That is the password."
"Just follow the faction's orders," Cid added helpfully.
Zell looked confused for a moment and apprehensive as he hesitantly asked, "Just us 3?"
The Garden Faculty answered, "Correct. We have agreed to do this mission for very little money. Normally, we would never accept such requests, but..."
Cid cut it off as he said, "Enough talk about that. Well then, Squall, you are the squad leader. Use your best judgement based on the situation. Zell and Selphie, you are to support Squall and give your all to carry out the faction's plans. Oh, and Squall, I forgot to give you this. It's a cursed item, but if one with enough power uses it, it should be of great help. Good luck."
The two then nodded and walked back into the Garden. Squall stared ta the object in his hands. He raised an eyebrow. At this time, both Zell and Selphie bounded closer to see the mysterious but powerful item. They stared at it in confusion.
"It's a lamp," Zell finally deadpanned.
No one had anything to say in response. Squall sighed as he brought the slightly tarnished gold lamp to his face. Upon closer inspection there was nothing special about it. He sighed again and moved to put the lamp into the item pocket. Squall paused midway. He felt himself pulled towards it. It called to him.
"It holds a GF," Squall murmured in realisation. It was the power the Headmaster was talking about."The Darkness, Diablos."
The two stared at him like he grew a second head. "How do you know that?," Selphie asked in a quiet voice as she looked at him with large, wide eyes.
Squall's attention snapped to her. For a moment he said nothing, then he sighed. "I was adopted into Harry's tribe of magic users. They are old blood that are powerful in magic. GFs have an unusual respect for them, and now, me. We are granted the power of a GF without a fight for its respect. Part of the training and well, gifts, is being able to sense the GF spirits."
"Oh," Zell said in response as Selphie stared at the lamp. "So, er, Diablos probably won't fight us if you're there?"
Squall shrugged and turned back to the lamp, "Be prepared for a battle just in case." Zell and Selphie nodded. Squall then tried to open the lamp, pulling on the lid. Only to find it sealed shut.
The three stared at the lamp. "Try rubbing it," Selphie offered and the two males stared at her. She huffed, "What? It's a lamp. You usually rubbed lamps, like for genies!"
Squall and Zell traded a look and a shrug. Squall rubbed the lamp and almost immediately the group was drawn into a gravity sphere.
They landed and were immediately on guard with weapons out. "Anyone hurt?" Squall asked quietly as he surveyed his surroundings. They were trapped in a pure darkness, as far as he could tell.
"Who dares to disturb my sleep?" came the rasping voice as a black bubble expanded above their heads. From the mysterious black substance a creature formed a black winged-demon with red markings. Eyes stared at the group.
The three swallowed and stared at Diablos. There was an unseen pressure pushing down on them, burdening their shoulders and it was growing with the seconds passing.
"Griever," Diablos said, surprise lacing his voice as he stared at Squall. Zell and Selphie shifted nervously. "And friends. I must ask were our favourite little Magus is."
The smirk stretched across dark lips as he stared down at Squall. Squall raised his eyes and met the stare head on. "He's on his own mission. I was not able to go with."
"Yet, you are his guardian. You're the Protector! You are gifted because Magus chose you to anchor his power," Diablos growled.
"Harry can take care of himself. If he needs me he knows I would be a his side in an instant. I trust him to handle it himself," Squall replied stubbornly. Zell and Selphie wisely stayed silently as they followed the conversation with swivelling heads.
Diablos said nothing before a rasping laughter filled the dark chamber, "Well said, Protector. Well said. I like you; you have guts. I will lend you my power."
And with that the darkness dissolved at the group found themselves still standing at the entrance to the Garden. The only difference was the dark presence lingering in the back of their minds: Diablos.
The group had quickly made their way to Balamb to catch the last train to Timber. They had a short visit to see Zell's mother and a polite introduction to the team. The woman had tears in her eyes and Zell was bashful. Squall had to smirk. In some ways the blond was still a kid at heart and somewhat of a mama's boy. Mama Dinct was very different to Shiva, then again, Squall suspected there wasn't anyone in the world like the ice cold woman that was an over-protective mother.
Squall forked over the 3000 Gil for the train tickets and they quickly boarded. Selphie was almost bouncing around and even Zell looked excited. Squall stayed silent as he stared at the pair. It was just a train.
"What?" Selphie asked, finally noticing the looks Squall was giving her and Zell, "Trains are awesome!"
Zell nodded in agreement, "Transcontinental railroad, baby! It even runs through an underwater tunnel to get to timber. It's pretty cool."
Squall said nothing though a small smirk escaped his mask as he entered the tickets in the panel to let them into the train. This train had a SeeD compartment that they would use. It ensured privacy for their discussions.
Zell quickly made himself comfortable in their compartment while Selphie stared out the window singing a song about trains. Squall only stared at her for a moment before shrugging and heading for their compartment. After Harry and all his quirks, Squall was used to the strange and mad actions.
Taking a seat, Squall glanced through the weapon magazines. But he couldn't help but let his mind wonder to Harry. It was already two days and now that they were on a mission, he didn't know when he would see his raven again. It could be awhile considering that the rebel faction of Timber had been revolting for years.
He had always imagined their first mission was one they took together. After all, everyone said their teamwork was the stuff of high level SeeDs. If Harry was there on the train with them, he would probably joke around for a bit before putting together a battle plan. He always liked to know what 'shitstorm' he was entering. Squall snorted.
"What's up, Squall?" Selphie asked, and Squall almost jumped off his seat and pulled his gunblade out of his space-pocket. Dead useful those things were. A combination of magic and technology that created large pockets of space for storing weapons, items ect.. in virtually small spaces like pants pockets and belts.
Looking up, Squall realised that both Zell and Selphie were staring at him, waiting for an answer. Squall shook his head. "Just thinking of our first mission. It's not what I had been expecting."
It was surprisingly Zell who understood as his eyes widened in realisation, "I guess you expected that Harry would he here with you. You guys were the best training team the Garden has ever seen."
Selphie tilted her head slightly as she frowned, "Harry? That's your friend, right? The one that made SeeD with us and saved is on the beach. The one at the party, who was nice!"
Squall sighed at that, "He was just causing chaos like he always does, intentionally or not. I was just remembering some advice he gave him about battle. We need to plan our mission."
"well," Zell said thoughtfully, "Headmaster Cid said just follow the faction's orders."
"Well," Selphie added, "I think we should have two aggressive attackers and one passive. These are civilian that are planning attacks. Can we trust their battle knowledge?"
Squall nodded, "Exactly. Zell and I will be the aggressive. You will be back-up. It's a natural reaction to doubt the strength of the only female fighter in the group. Play medic for the meantime. We follow orders but change in accordance with the object of the mission and it's succession."
Selphie nodded and then frowned. She touched her head. "Guys, I don't feel so well..."
Not a moment later she slumped in her chair. Zell jumped up before, he too, felt dizzy and stood unsteadily. "Something's wrong with me too..I ..feel..sleepy..."
Squall had stood when Selphie collapsed and drew his sword as Zell fell onto the floor in a dead slumber.
A high pitched whistle screamed in Squall's head. He winced in pain and clutched his head with one hand as he fell to his knees. He too, fell asleep on the train floor...
Harry sighed at he slipped into the shadows yet again as he got off the train. He was in Galbadia. Quickly making his way down the streets, his first priority was to get a room in a hotel and decide his next plan of action.
Even though it was somewhat late at night, the streets were growing with the night light. And the night life. Harry had to smirk as he slipped into the crowds, effectively avoiding the soldiers stationed about the city. That was strange as Galbadia was not in militia mode; but then again, they did attack Dollet.
Harry had taken the last train out of Balamb and into Timber. He spent a day there, subtly investigating the foothold Galbadia had in the small town. It seemed meaningless. Yet, despite the brewing rebellion from the people and the lack of interest in the town, Galbadia refused to give it up. They kept visible military presence. It was more than a political move but Harry just couldn't figure it out.
He had often wondered in his spare time while travelling by train, how Squall was. And how much he missed the grey-eyed male's company on the solo mission. It was strange but he always imagined their first mission together. All their missions in fact. Squall was always at his side.
His next stop was Galbadia and the crux of the matter. Somewhere in this city there was the information he desperately needed to finish his mission. Not that Harry hadn't used every resource available. He also put out a request to the other GFs for help.
Smiling at the lady at the desk, he quickly procured a room. His cover was a simple one: he was medic travelling around before attending a medical university. He came to the city to find vacation work and to see a big city after apprenticing his villages Healer.
Slipping into the room, Harry secured it magically; throwing various wards and scanning for bugs or dangers. Finding none, he drew the curtains closed and spelled them so no one could see inside.
Groaning, Harry fell onto the bed. His first mission was a big one. SeeD were created to stop the rise of sorceresses. The irony didn't miss Harry. The second sorcerer was a SeeD. That brought a grin onto his face, for only a moment.
'Cid said that my mission was to find the location of the current Sorceress Edea. And the uncover her plans, and the whispered connections to the Galbadia Militia. I must find the information and report back. Depending on the severity of the information I must act accordingly. Bloody bastard,' Harry scowled, 'he means that if she is planning world domination I must take her out before she gets the chance. And the only reason I ended up with this mission is due to my high magical capabilities. I have the best chance of surviving her magical attacks.'
Harry snorted at the thought. He knew the truth. He could probably tear her apart with the mountain of power he possessed as the GF-Sorcerer-Wizard he was. And being a SeeD made him all the more dangerous.
The train announcement sounded over the intercom, "Next stop. Timber...Timber..."
Squall stirred as she sat up. He blinked his eyes as he remembered his strange dream. 'I was a moron,' he thought bitterly, 'but I actually remember the dream'. That was a fact to ponder in itself. He very rarely remembered his dreams.
"Zell, Selphie, anyone hurt?" Squall asked, yet again. He got a negative from a groggy Selphie and suspicious Zell.
"Maybe someone released some sleeping gas?" Zell mused, "There's lots of people who resent SeeD."
Squall thought about it and nodded, "We better be careful in Timber if they have tried to attack us already. Be on your guard."
Selphie giggled slightly, "The Headmaster is right to name you Captain. You're a natural leader."
Squall said nothing as they stood up and checked their belongings. Zell was stretching and sighed as something popped, "I had a cool dream, though."
Selphie hummed in agreement, "Me too, Sir Laguna was so cool!"
Zell's head snapped to her and so did Squall's.
Zell exclaimed, "Hey! There was a Laguna in my dream, too! He's a Galbadian soldier, right!?"
Squall quietly added, "Lagina, Kiros and Ward..."
"Wow, that's freaky!" Zell yelped as he stared at the two of his teammates.
Squall shook his head, "We'll put this incident on hold. I'll report it to the headmaster once we get back to Garden."
Getting off the train, they quickly found the correspondent and gave the password. After a quick welcome, they made their way to the Forest Owl's base, which turned out to be a train at they moment. All the while Squall was talking to the over-excited man, Selphie and Zell kept a discreet eye out for soldiers.
Boarding the train, they met another. The way their guide was looking at the man, it seemed he was the leader, or at the very least, higher up on the ladder.
"So you guys are SeeDs?"
Squall gave him a hard look, and said, "I'm the squad leader, Squall. This is Zell, and Selphie."
Zell and Selphie nodded their greetings to the man. He grinned back.
"Nice to meet ya. I'm the leader of the Forest Owls, Zone. That's Watts."
They said nothing as he offered a hand. Squall merely looked at him and raised an eyebrow. Zone flushed and withdrew his hand.
"So, let's get on with it. What do we do?" Squall asked. The faster they start the faster they finish.
Zone laughed nervously, "Well, our princess is napping at the moment and we need all members here to explain the plan. Do you mind getting her?"
Zell rolled his eyes and Selphie snorted. If possible, Squall's glare got icier as he stared down the leader of the Forest Owls. "Were we hired to run errands? Well?"
Zone tripped backwards in fright. He fell to the ground as he clutched his stomach, moaning in pain.
Squall rolled his eyes before ordering, "Zell check and secure the train. Selphie check our stocks and magic stocks. We need to be prepared for battle at a moment's notice. Watts, go and wake this princess of your up. Zone and I will be in the meeting room. We meet their ASAP."
And the look he gave them ensured that everyone complied with orders.
Selphie had followed Squall and Zone into the room. She then took up a corner and checked over their stocks. Zone was still crouching and clutching his gut. Squall surveyed the makeshift room and eyes the model on the table. Looking at the trains he got a bad feeling about the whole mission.
Zell entered moments later, "Everything is secure and I placed lookouts to ensure we aren't being followed. It would be better if we could stop and let off some members as sleepers in Timber in case someone is monitoring us. And a way to relay messages back to us."
Squall nodded in agreement. Zone just let out another moan of pain. Selphie joined the group at the table, "Everything is good to go. We have a good stock though he should buy a few extra potions just in case, even though I'm the medic."
Then, the door opened and Squall had to suppress a groan as he stared at the Princess. It was the girl from the party.
"YOU!" she shrieked, "You're the SeeD they sent?!"
Squall pulled on his cold mask and nodded. "I'm Squall, the squad leader. This is Zell, combat specialist and Selphie, our medic."
She groaned and pouted at Zone, "Where's Seifer? He helped me get help from Cid and SeeD. I wanted him here! Not Mr. Gay!"
Zell and Selphie snorted. Squall glared at her, "Harry is not my boyfriend. He is my best friend. And Seifer is not SeeD."
"You forced their hand when you insisted on dancing,' Selphie added, "then insulted the skill of a SeeD. Squall merely acted accordingly. He's quite the dancer."
The girl glared at Selphie who shrugged her off. Huffing, she introduced herself, "I'm Rinoa."
They nodded in greeting. They felt the train slow down and a man entered the room. Everyone stared at him.
"Erm," the man said nervously under the scrutiny, "We are at the destination so we are stopping..."
Squall nodded, "Good. Can you arrange for about five of your men to go into Timber to keep a lookout for any news. And to keep an eye out if anyone is monitoring us. Any information really, and a way to relay it back to the base without suspicion."
The driver nodded and left. Zell grinned and nodded at Squall.
"Well then," Zone said, "Let's begin..."
Harry had spent the next day drifting around the city, pretending to take in the sights of the city whilst he listened to the gossip in the city. There was definitely something brewing. There was a rumour of a parade to show off a new 'diplomat'. The announcement had yet to be made but the rumours were running around the city like wildfire. And like all rumours, there was a grain of truth buried in them.
Sitting in a cafe, Harry contemplated all the information he knew. 'Okay,' he thought, 'there is a diplomat, an ambassador actually, for Galbadia and everyone's excited. The announcement has yet to be officially made and there is a parade planned.'
Harry's mouth dried. 'The ambassador is the sorceress. The woman were talking about her exotic dress style and the sightings the Headmaster gave said she was in Galbadia.'
Draining his ice tea, Harry paid the bill and hurried out onto the street. He quickly made his way to the nearest exit, smiling and admiring the city. He didn't dodge the soldiers this time and made sure one of them noted his exit. If he had to take out the Sorceress, Harry would rather he had an alibi that was outside the city. Considering this was a mission, Galbadia Garden could offer that.
There were ruins, located to the northwest of Galbadia and he was to meet the Gardens' contact there. Harry arrived there a few hours earlier than expected, but then again, he didn't expect to find out that the elusive new official was really his target.
And she was his target. There was no way putting a half-crazed sorceress in a position of power with a power-crazy president of a military nation. That was asking for trouble. But having a Sorceress as a diplomat was one way to get another nation to agree with Galbadia. It was like holding a gun to their head and telling them to sign the papers while smiling. Harry snorted at his thoughts as he entered the ruins.
Looking around, Harry mused as he felt the brush of another GF's power. 'The Brothers?' he pondered. Shrugging, he entered the ruins and followed the trail of power. The bridge lowered itself and Harry found himself in front of a crypt.
There was a bright light and the two Brothers stood in front of him, grinning. Harry sighed as he smiled back. There was a shift in power and Harry felt their connection to him grow as a summons.
"It was silly of you to cut all our summons, you know?" the tiny minator said. He was really the big brother. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Yes, because it's not suspicious at all for a student to have all the GFs in the world," Harry replied sarcastically. He turned serious for a moment, "How have you been? How is everyone? Any new information?"
"Everything is fine and everyone misses you," and the younger but larger brother winced, "Siren still bemoaning that you've really left us. That you will live as a human and leave her."
Harry blushed slightly but snorted, "She's just mad she can't tease me anymore. She likes being a mother slash elder sister."
The two nodded but the both had a serious look in their eyes, "We tried tracking the sorceress down. It was not possible. Something is disrupting us. She's not an ordinary sorceress, Harry. You better be careful. Hyne was killed by his own daughter. She was not an ordinary sorceress either. It is how Griever came into existence. She bound the man she loved but did not love her back, into a GF and ordered his to protect her for all of eternity. Her obsession tainted the magic with the madness and deliria."
Harry swallowed and nodded determinedly. "I'll be fine. Thanks guys. I better go."
They said their goodbyes and Harry hurried to the entrance, though not before taking a lost ID card lying there. 'Hyne was killed by his sorceress daughter Hyna. I'm the last sorcerer but all of them have been killed by sorceress. Not a good track record.'
Outside, half hidden in the shade was an elder man. He was in his forties and wore a suit. He was clearly a high ranking official of Galbadia. Harry sighed and made his way to a small sheltered area just behind the man.
Taking a seat, Harry said nothing as he listened carefully. There was only the sound of running water and the wind in the trees. Discreetly, he cast privacy charms around them.
"Callaway?" Harry murmured quietly, eyes looking for potential threats.
"You are Mage?" the man asked briskly.
"Yes. Cid sends his regards. He's quite remorseful he didn't have time to send a fruit basket." There, the password was said.
"The new ambassador will make a worldwide announcement. It was the reason Dollet was attacked and the command tower taken over. She is no longer in Galbadia though. Nor have I met her. The President will have a parade to introduce her to the people and the officials meet her afterwards at private party."
"Her name?" Harry asked quietly.
"Edea Kramer," the man finally said after a moment, "Sorceress Edea."
Harry sighed and nodded. The Dollet Tower and an international broadcast. That would be impossible without a station to send the airwaves from. And the only one under Galbadia's control would be... in Timber! Harry suppressed a gasp.
"She's heading to Timber, isn't she?" Harry asked.
"Rumoured but not confirmed," Callaway said reluctantly.
There was only on question left to ask.
"When's the broadcast?" Harry breathed out, heart racing.
"Tomorrow, I would guess. The president has already left."
Harry cursed and stood.
"I will try to intercept her. If I do not take her out, a team will be sent here. I suggest you prepare a plan to assassinate her during the parade," Harry said and he hurried away.
He needed to get to Timber and get the information to the Garden. And ask the Headmaster why the Hell his wife, and the Matron of an orphanage, is a Sorceress!
The mission was surprising rather well thought out, if only they didn't expect SeeDs to be superhuman and infallible. They had to sneak onto the train carrying Galbadia's president and travel along the roof. Uncouple and re-couple the cars so that they made off with the president's car and left a fake one behind. All in a time limit.
The Forest Owls were readying themselves and Rinoa was still glaring at him from across the room.
"Who's going to enter the code to release the locks?" Zell asked as he eyed the rebel group.
Squall sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. 'What had headmaster Cid being thinking to send me on a mission where the client was the same girl I turned down,' Squall pondered, 'That evening had being almost ruined that to her, though it made up when I danced with Harry...'
Squall hid his surprise at his own thoughts. He couldn't help but notice that his thoughts had changed somewhat when around his friend. He was even more drawn to Harry as of late and there was the lingering fear of his death from that dream. And it all started when Seifer shot his mouth off with fantasies starring the arrogant blond and Harry. Squall couldn't help the images that Seifer conjured in his mind, picturing Harry in the throes of passion.
Black and red hair forming a dark halo above a heart-shaped face. A tainted bush on cheeks and glazed, darkened half-lidded eyes begging for more. Lips, red and bruised and little moans falling from those lips. Arms around his neck as Harry threw his head back in passion, in pleasure. soft, pale, flawless skin...
"Squall?" Zell's voice brought him back from the pictures Seifer had painted. Squall suppressed a blush and focussed on the situation at hand.
"I will. This is a relatively easy assignment. Zell, you're leader if anything happens to me," Squall bit out. There was heat uncurling through his body from thoughts of Harry in passion. It was strange but... desirable. But that was his best friend he was thinking about. That was not normal. What he was feeling went beyond the realms of friendship, or even being a protector. It was bordering on something that Squall did not want to go into...
Zell and Selphie eyed their leader. He was distracted and obviously had a lot on his mind. And the little princess was not helping matters by mouthing off at him. She had dared to try and mouth off Harry only to be met with three glares. Selphie liked the boy and was not one to let the chit bad talk him. Anyone willing to stay behind to wait for them and help her out was a good person in her books. Plus, Squall obviously cared for him. Zell, surprising enough, gave her a cool look and told her not to talk about the high ranking SeeDs in such a manner. Squall just gave a look that could have killed her on the spot.
They eventually moved out and captured that car with the president in. Now that their job was supposedly done, they stood back and watched their clients discuss the next part of the plan. Both Watts and Zone backed out of the 'serious negotiations' leaving them with the princess.
Squall sighed, "Make sure you're junctioned," was all he said. His look was matched with Zell's and Selphie's. It was surprising. He has thought that Selphie would have liked her but it seemed that the Princess had rubbed her the wrong way by insulting SeeD, and Harry.
They entered the car and stood behind her, waiting for their cue. This was her show, after all. And the sooner they were done the sooner they could get out of Timber.
Rinoa began, "...President Deling! As long as you...don't resist, you won't get hurt..."
The man merely replied, "And if I do resist...What would you do...? Young lady?"
Rinoa looked at him and took a stepped backed, shocked. That was their cue. Squall moved forward with Zell.
"What's wrong?" he asked, hand going for him gunblade.
"Boo-hoo...Too bad..." the president mocked, "I'm not the president. I'm what they call...a body double. All these rumours about the many resistance groups in Timber. You pass along a little false information and they fall for it...How pathetic...Seems like there are only amateurs around here."
"Ama...teurs...!?" Rinoa bit out, her eyes blazing. Really, Squall would have found her pretty and may have been interested in her if she was well, not spoilt. He seemed to like fiery tempers. Selphie pulled her back and out of any harm's way.
And just in time too as the man attacked. It was a quick battle and Squall and Zell hacked away with Selphie healing. The thing even turned into a Gerogero before it died, solving the mystery of how it looked like the president.
They were back in the meeting room and back at the beginning of their mission. With the fake president gone, Squall wondered where the real one was and did the Forest Owls even check their information?
Now the three were standing and waiting for their clients to come up with an order, or a new plan. But even Zell raised an eyebrow at the 'meeting' they held.
Rinoa, Zone and Watts squat together in a corner whispering.
Selphie shook her head disbelieving. Out of their squad she was the most happy-go-lucky person and not even she would dare call that a strategy meeting. And why were they whispering? They had to tell everyone their plans eventually. She turned to Squall, and half-whined, "Can't we go home now?"
Squall did not react but was wishing the same thing. He needed to sort out his head, away from missions and princesses. And preferably before he met Harry again. Though a little voice whispered that maybe it wouldn't be too bad because Harry is gay. And that was another conundrum: his sexuality. Squall had always thought of himself as straight, but who admired beauty. There were plenty females at the Garden who were beautiful but their personalities irked him. And, more than once, he found his eye straying towards the beautiful males that walked the corridors, one of them being his petite friend.
'Maybe I'm bisexual?' Squall mused.
"What about our contract? Shouldn't we check it, Squall?" Zell asked as he too stared wide-eyed at the 'meeting'.
Squall sighed and once again redirected his thoughts. He nodded and approached the three on the floor.
Rinoa turned around with a grin on her face, "Oh, good timing! We're come up with a plan!"
Squall nodded and amused himself with the thought that at least she wasn't trying to glare him into Hell, "Before we get into that, can I see your contract with our Garden?"
Rinoa looked puzzled but nodded and handed the contract, "Oh, sure."
Zell and Selphie came up behind him, curious. They wanted to go back to the Garden.
Squall read the contract out loud, trailing into a murmur and eventually silence, "'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 looked confused, "What?"
Squall sighed and cut Rinoa off as she opened her mouth, "It basically says that we have to help them until they achieve independence and that we 3 SeeDs cannot be replaced and the contract would not usually be made. It also holds them in liability of a favour to the Garden and any political mess we may enter."
Selphie took the contract to read through herself as Zell whined, "Until Timber's independence!?"
Selphie also shook her head from the contract, "That is soooo vague!"
Rinoa huffed, indignant that they didn't believe the Forest Owls could free Timber, "Hey, you're paid professionals. No complaining! Now we need to decide on the team that will be heading to the TV station."
Squall sighed as she included herself on the team. "Zell, you're with me. Selphie, you're running recon and get in touch with the Garden to clarify the contract."
Harry entered Galbadia and made for the train station immediately. He got a ticket for the first train to Timber. He was lucky as the train would be leaving in a few minutes time. There were no economy seats so Harry forked over for a private compartment, acting like he meant that all the while.
He jumped on board, moments before the train started to pull away from the station and made his way to his compartment. Getting inside, locking the door and barricading the room with magic, Harry allowed himself to calm down.
The sorceress was the ambassador and was heading for Timber to make the announcement. He needed to kill her before she did. And at that Harry swallowed. Squall had told him of the kind lady that opened an orphanage for the war orphans and her kind husband who started a school. Harry realised that the school was most likely the Garden. It was a very big possibility that Edea was Cid's wife and that was how he knew that a sorceress was rising again. When she started losing herself in the tainted power.
Harry bit his lip, could he bring himself to kill Squall's Matron? Would Squall forgive him for that? And, if she has already lost herself in the power, how much would he, Harry, have to show to kill her? Would he have to become a sorcerer in the eyes on everyone, of Squall?
It all boiled down to his best friend, and well, crush.
Harry pinched the bridge of his nose and pushed the thoughts away. He had to contact the headmaster. Pulling out his communicator, the one the headmaster had given to him when his personal one had been handed in. It was too dangerous to take your communicator on missions, after all. He speed-dialled the Garden.
"Harry?" Cid's voice came over the line. Harry double checked the privacy charms and that there were no bugs in the room.'
"Sir," Harry replied in a cold tone, "I have discovered that Galbadia has commissioned the Sorceress Edea Kramer to be an ambassador and will announce this over airwaves in Timber Television Station, using the Dollet Communication Tower. I am now heading for Timber. What are my new orders, or to the old ones stand? Must I assassinate the Sorceress?"
Cid was silent. Harry heard a sigh, "So you suspect it? It's true, she is my wife. It was her idea to create the Garden to stop her if she ever went mad with the power. Your orders stand, SeeD. Stop her."
Harry noticed that Cid did not say kill and his eyes softened, "I will try to restrain her. Maybe till we can get her to Esthar to bind her powers, sir." His tone was kinder.
Cid chuckled remorsefully, "You must do what you must, but if you can do that, I would be grateful. I love my wife and she is a gentle, kind soul. Love sometimes impairs ones judgement."
"I know," Harry replied quietly, "Squall has told he stories of the day at the orphanage."
Cid went silent at that, "Harry, there is a squad at Timber. They are working for the Forest Owls. If you need back-up, you have permission to call on them. Squall in squad leader, with Zell and Selphie."
Harry went silent at that. Squall was on his first mission. A pang went through Harry's heart at the mention of Squall. He missed the man dearly. "Understood sir."
There was some yelling in the background and Cid said a hasty farewell and good luck before hanging up. Harry sighed as he relaxed into the comfortable seat. Running a hand through his hair, he pondered if he would run into Squall while in Timber. A part of him wanted to and the other part of him wanted his love as far away as possible from the sorceress.
'Love?' Harry thought, shocked at his own thoughts. He groaned. He was just falling deeper and deeper.
Following Watts Intel, they headed for the Timber Maniacs. It was Zell who offered to get the information and Squall let him. It meant that he didn't have to talk. Though it did leave him with the princess, standing guard.
"So, you aren't gay?" she asked as soon as they were alone. Squall rolled his eyes but didn't reply.
"Cause you and the midget were really close at the party and all.." she continued. Squall could imagine what Harry would do to her if he heard her call him that. Squall repressed a smile.
"and you wouldn't dance with me..."
Squall cut in, "I don't dance unless the mission call for it."
"Oh," Rinoa said slightly stunned, "you're whole life is about missions?"
Squall sighed as he eyes a soldier who was lurking outside the building, "I am a mercenary, so yes. We do what we must."
"That's so sad," Rinoa replied, "what about family? Or love? Is your future only war and missions?"
Squall was satisfied when the soldier moved on, and he turned to Rinoa, "SeeD is my family as I am a war orphan. I chose this is be my life so I don't resent it. And what does that have to do with love? We can love someone and be loved in return."
Rinoa shook her head, "I meant what if they didn't want you to be away all the time. If they didn't want you to be a SeeD? Isn't it hard to love someone while being a mercenary?"
Squall snorted as he returned to looking out the window, "No. If someone loves you, they should accept you as you are. SeeD chose to become SeeD, it's a part of who we are. Plus, most SeeD fall in love with SeeD. It's our life style and our supervisors understand when he fall in love and marry. Married SeeDs go on missions together or leave field duty."
"Do you love someone?" Rinoa asked in a quiet, coy voice, "because it sounds like you have thought of this before."
Squall was slightly startled about this. He had thought of his life as a SeeD before and what his future meant. But that was when he was wondering about his and Harry's future. And whether they would remain together like they did in school. And when the Princess mentioned someone he loved, Harry was the first person to come up.
Thankfully, he was saved from answering as Zell came in, informing them that he knew how to get to the TV Station.
Harry got off the train at the station and made his way to the front of the TV Stations. He had eavesdropped, with the help of a little magic, to find out the way. He opted to take the direct route as the president and his guest was probably already there. Getting to the building, he pulled out his trust invisibility cloak and cast silencing charms.
Sneaking into the building reminded him of sneaking around Hogwarts. His heart gave a pang and he quickly locked those memories away. He made his way to the room they were filming in. There was an announcer and the president but no sorceress. Harry cursed mentally. Under the cloak he pulled out a piece of black clothe and wrapped it around his head, hiding his face. He charmed it to stay on, even after knotting it. With another wave, he wore plain black clothing with no link to the Garden and his eyes were now a murky brown.
And he waited.
"Whoa, an outdoor TV!" Zell and Selphie both said at the same time as they stared at the screen.
Watts then piped in, "The president's in the studio now, sir. Too many guards now, so we won't be able to storm the place, sir!"
Rinoa sighed and replied, So we can't just rush in...We've gotta come up with a new plan now! If the president leaves, maybe the guards will be gone, too? That's when we do OUR broadcast. It might not be as influential but it's
better than nothing, right? We don't stand a chance if we take 'em head on, right?"
Squall gave her a levelled stare, "Don't worry about us. We'll fight your enemies based on your decision. That's our duty."
Zell nodded with a lopsided smiled, "You tell us to go, we go. Even if it is losing a battle."
Selphie nodded and she too smiled, getting out her num-chucks, Heeey, I'm a SeeD, too. Just want you to know, I'm ready for anything."
Rinoa turned to Squall in shock, "How sad... Act on my decision? That's your duty? Oh, what an easy life it must be, just to follow orders..."
Squall shrugged and said, "Call it what you want. It's what we chose. Right now, all we want is for you to achieve your goal using our help. I find it hard to believe that you can do it, though..."
Rinoa spluttered, "W-What did you say!? If you have something to say, just say it!"
Squall rolled his eyes and said in a cold voice, "How serious are you...? Really...? The 3 of you plop down on the floor to discuss strategy? On top of that, you can't make a decision without our input, right? How do you think we feel, working for such an organisation?"
Zell and Selphie winced but said nothing. It was feeling like a hopeless mission for them.
Rinoa glared at him, hackles raised, "We ARE serious! So serious that it hurts! But you don't understand! You don't know what it's like to live here. You aren't one of us! You're just mercenaries, paid to do what people tell you. You don't have the hearts to understand what we feel! What we love!"
She turned and stormed away, though not from throwing one last cold comment, "I bet you can't even love!"
The three stare at where she left. Zell made a confused noise, "We were arguing over management issues and seriousness and she goes for us being heartless and not being able to love?"
Selphie shook her head, eyes glistening, "We can love," she said in a small voice, "we love our family and friends. And even wish for that one person that gives our life meaning to appear. That one person we would protect with our lives, that understands us completely. We are human and we can love too!"
Squall said nothing but before Selphie could say anything else, the TV screen began to stutter.
Harry hid in the shadows at they counted down the ten seconds to the broadcast. He pulled the cloak off and shrunk in inside his pockets, charming the pockets with a notice-me-not charm.
Announcer began, "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 the lifelong President of Galbadia, Vinzer Deling. Ladies and gentlemen, President Deling."
The plump man moved away for an older one. Harry charged his magic and he got ready to attack. In his right hand was a dagger. He would try to take her out with a throw but it was likely he would have to enter combat with her.
President Dueling said with a sleazy smile, "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. 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."
He gestured to his right, the opposite side of where Harry was standing, and said, "The ambassador is the Sorceress Edea..."
Behind the President the wall rippled and from it entered a woman. She was tall with black hair and pale eyes. She was pale and dressed in a black dress. Harry smirked as he thought how that would restrict her movement though he noted her claw-like hands.
The president moved out of the way and before she could say a word, Harry threw the dagger. He then rushed at her, katana ready.
Edea smirked at the fool of man that was her puppet. The world will lay in ruin once she was done. Her attention snapped as she felt her shield stop a dagger just in front of her heart. She looked up and her eyes widened as a figure in black sped at her, swinging a sword.
Edea gave a cold laugh as the sword stuck on the shield. The figures brown eyes stayed cold as he flipped over her and a Thundaga spell his her shield, which finally gave away.
Edea's face contorted in anger as she raised her arms, the power of ice filling her as she launched spears of ice at her opponent.
Harry sent the Thundaga spell and cursed as the guards snapped out of their stupor. He could not split his attention to take them out. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw them change direction and scuffle broke out behind him. Feeling a surge of power, Harry snapped back to Edea as she smirked at him and sent pikes of ice his way. Harry cursed and brought up his Fire Barrier, stopping the pikes.
Two soldiers tried to grab the man from behind as he stormed the room. It must be the assassin's accomplice! But he threw them off and heading for the trapped president. The man blocked the only way out, considering the duel the assassin and the sorceress was in. Grabbing Dueling, the blond man held a gunblade to his throat as another blond burst into the room.
Her eyes stared wide at the scene in front of her. There was an all out magic duel happening and Seifer had the president at sword point. Groaning, she did what she had to do.
"Stay back!" she shouted to the guards, "Timber Team, are you watching? Get over here right now! You HAVE permission! I need your help!"
Outside the station, Zell and Selphie turned to Squall, "Squad leader?" He nodded and they broke into a run for the station.
Harry cursed as he dodges the spike of fire she sent after him. This was a mess. What the hell was SEIFER doing? And Trepe? They were going to get killed if they stayed any longer. Harry knew he had to subdue her ASAP.
Seifer gripped the president as he took in the scene before him. Someone was trying to kill the sorceress?
Harry threw yet another barrage of spells and tried getting closer. She was strong, too strong for him to try as kill her alone as a SeeD. And she knew it.
"You think you could kill me, boy?" she mocked. Harry said nothing as he dodged yet again and sent more knives. But her shield has not breaking. He had only scraped her with his spells.
"Well," Harry said back in the same mocking tone, "I'm not the one injured, am I?" She had multiple cuts where he was unarmed. She growled at him and sent magic to capture him. Harry smirked as he twisted various magics together to form his own barrier like hers.
Squall and his team burst into the room as Quistis was trying to talk Seifer to let the President go. She turned to him, "We need to restrain him!"
Squall turned to Seifer, keeping half an eye on the magic battle. He frowned at the figure that looked so familiar, "What do you think you're doing?"
Seifer looked at him like he was an idiot, "It's obvious, ain't it!? What are you planning to do with this guy?"
Squall groaned. The blond was doing this because of the Princess.
Zell exclaimed at the same time, "I get it! You're Rinoa's..."
Seifer growled, "Shut your damn mouth! You chicken!"
But before more could be said, a stray spell the ceiling above them, setting the wiring on fire. They looked over at the battle taking place, only to find the Sorceress staring shocked at the man in black.
"MAGE!" she hissed, "But the Mage tribes have all but died out! Adel ensured that!"
"One survived to ensure the line survived," was all the man said as they stared at each other.
Quistis explained quietly while Seifer's attention was distracted, "He broke out of the disciplinary room, injuring many in the process."
Edea screamed again and sent another wave of pure power at Harry. This threw him against the wall. Harry groaned as his head collided with the wall. The ceiling shook at the same time above the others. Looking over for a second, his eyes widened as Squall stood there. The ceiling was going to come down soon.
"It was Cid's fault for sending 3 SeeDs to do all the work!" Seifer said furiously. Squall growled as a scared light entered his eyes.
"I see...So you're all from that fool Cid's Garden," Dueling said from within his hold, "Should anything happen to me, the entire Galbadian military will undoubtedly crush Garden. You can let go of me now."
Seeing her opponent distracted, Edea threw magic at him again as she rushed at him. Harry's eyes widened as she pinned him against the wall, holding his throat.
"You should focus on our battle and not those pathetic humans, Mage," she sneered.
Squall's attention was split as the Sorceress held the man against the wall. His heart pounded because he had a very good idea who that was. But he said nothing.
Harry growled at her as he called his magic forth. "Humans are more precious that what is in our blood, Tainted."
She brushed him off as she demanded, "What is your Mage Trait and name, so I may whom I killed."
"You've made your mistake," Harry smirked
Gripping the hand that was holding his throat, Harry forced the magic to attack her as his left hand buried a dagger into her side.
Edea yelled in pain as she drew back. The dagger was not a lethal hit, but would take skill to heal. Harry fell on his hands as he threw a Firaga at her.
But before he could act again, she made a pulling motion with her hand. Harry's eyes widened as he stared at the scene. Edea laughed.
Squall and the others looked up as the ceiling began to crumbling and fall for no apparent reasons. Seifer cursed and dragged the president out of the door. Quistis made to follow but found a barrier over the doorway, stopping her. Zell and Selphie made to move but stopped when they noticed Squall did not.
"Squall?" Selphie asked their leader as he stared at the man in black.
"You can't kill me and save all of them. You can't save all of them. Surrender and I will spare their 'precious' lives!" Edea mocked as she threw spells at him. The barrier was holding up. Harry knew he had to act. Edea was backing away, retreating, gripping her side as she bled.
"Who said I was a Mage, Sorceress?" he asked in a cold voice, hand still raised as he held the ceiling.
Her eyes widened as she breathed out softly, "Hyne!" And she turned and fled through the door. Quistis had backed away from the said door and was completely ignored by the woman.
Harry turned to the group, "Go! You should be able to get through now!" Quistis nodded and raced after Seifer. She got to the backroom only to see him help the sorceress through a portal with the president.
The group moved to the door and found Quistis alone on the other side. Hearing crashing, they turned around to find the masked man leaning against the doorway, panting slightly.
Squall turned to the man and sighed, "You're hurt, Harry."
Harry's head jerked upwards, emerald eyes once again widening. "Ow!" he whined as he touched the back of his head. It was wet and Harry sighed.
"We can chat later," Harry said to Squall, "we need to regroup and heal and get out of Timber. We have to send a warning to Cid. There will be retaliation."
Squall nodded and the group moved to leave.
You need to explain some of the things I saw, Harry.
I know, Squall, I know.
I am evil, I know. All will be explained, next chapter! What is a Mage Trait? How Squall remembers Matron? And how much will Harry tell Squall? Oh, and when will on of the two snap and admit they like the other? (That irritating even me!) Next chapter! Leave a review if you want me to update!
Read and Review!
Amira D.