Disclaimer: I own the chicken and rice in my stomach from lunch. Not much luck in owning Final Fantasy though.
AN: Sorry about the delayed posting of this chapter. The HP: HBP premiere owned my day/night/something else.
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'Nadia?' Nadia jerked in her chair, the books she had open in front of her crashed to the floor. Wildly she looked about the room. Reggie and Sam had left to pick up food at the cafeteria. "Whose there?"
'Nadia it's me Squall.'
"I'm going crazy." She muttered reaching to pick up her books.
'You are not. Your Aunt Ellone helped me find you.' It occurred to her she wasn't hearing anything, the voice was coming from her head.
"Dad?"
'Yes where are you?'
"Oh." She instantly closed her eyes.
'Ellone why can't I see anything?' Nadia was curious as to why she didn't feel like her head was going to explode. Shouldn't more than one person in her head hurt?
'She closed her eyes brother.' A woman's voice giggled. Nadia stood up with a start her eyes still closed. She recognized the voice from very early in her memory. It went with a brunette woman who had cooed at her when she was in Squall's arms being rocked to sleep.
"You have a sister?"
'Half-sister but that's beside the point. Where are you? Why haven't you called your mother and I?'
"I'm fine- I'm not telling you anything."
'Why?' She could picture the hurt look on her father's face.
"Because I want to be me."
Anger laced his voice this time, 'What's that suppose to mean!'
'Squall calm down, you know she's safe now. You can stop worrying.' Ellone's voice piped in again.
"I want to be Nadia Leonhart! Not Squall's daughter don't you see?" She paused for a moment, "I miss you." The silence was painful. She feared that she had been left alone.
'At least let me send you letters… or at least see you.' His voice whispered.
"I don't have any mirrors… I'll talk with my SeeDs, see if we can work something out."
'Promise? Your mother and I worry about you everyday…'
"I promise. I listen to mom's music spheres everyday when I am reading."
'She'll be happy to know that- I'll try to contact you again soon okay?' She wished she could hug him right now, but she had chosen this path.
"Yeah." She said wondering if this time she was truly alone.
Nadia didn't like that she had been contacted without her knowing. She didn't want Squall to find out where she was. She didn't trust him not to come running and that was something she didn't want. While it was true that Galbadia has called a trace at the end of the Ultimecia incident. She was almost certain those in power wouldn't mind getting their hands on the people who had stopped Galbadia's world domination. Who cared if it had saved them from the reign of an evil sorceress?
She finally opened her eyes and glanced at the clock. She would be late for Instructor Zan's class if she didn't hurry.
"Again!" Zan barked. Nadia threw herself at him, training dagger at the ready. Just as before, the unarmed weapon's master blocked her motion. Catching her by the wrist he spun her around disarming her. "You know candidate Patil… you'd think after two cycles of taking my class you would advance somewhat. You are a disgrace. Drop and give me eighty."
With a grunt she did as she was told. She had to admit while she still failed at basic weapon training, she had definitely progressed as a whole. Her muscles had finally adjusted after much abuse. She could now do pushups without Zan's extra weight urging her on. It was more of a day to day thing that she and Instructor Zan gotten into the habit of doing. He would test her, she would fail, and he would make her do pushups while teaching techniques to the class on their weapons.
She kept her eyes on the floor as he drilled the other students. This cycle of classes though, someone else had decided on a dagger as well. She was no longer alone in her choice of fight and she tried at every possible moment to study the boy that had taken up daggers. He was clearly on medic path and would never make SeeD, but that didn't stop them from training him. He could be very useful in a battle situation able to hold his own when needed, but otherwise focused on keeping people alive.
"Candidate Gregorik!" Zan shouted. The boy stood up just as Nadia was finishing her last few pushups. "I want you to spar with Candidate Nadia and show her how it's done." Gregorik looked clearly concerned against fighting with a girl a foot and a half taller than him. Sparring with the Instructor was okay. They were meant to try you hard and had the experience not to hurt you in the process. Nadia however was inexperienced and bad at her weapon. She could very well run him through by accident.
"Yes'sir!" He said taking his stance at Nadia. She stared him down, her hand tight around the hilt of her dagger. Zan slipped out between them waving a hand. Gregorik was after her before the motion was done leaving Nadia to spin out of his way. Little brat hadn't even waited for her to be ready.
"Always ready on the battle field." Zan hissed seeing Nadia's shock. She fumed and tried to slash out at Gregorik as he passed her. The boy ducked and rolled without hurting himself. She watched the nimble boy jump back to his feet turning towards her. She was already rushing to clip him on his free hand. He repeated her move spinning out of the way leaving Nadia to attack empty air.
"Stop!" Zan shouted. Nadia halted as commanded feeling a sharp point on her backside. "Candidate Patil you are dead, welcome to the afterlife." Turning to the class he harped, "What was wrong with Candidate Patil's form?"
A sheepish little red head raised her hand. Zan gave her a sharp nod, "Instructor, Candidate Patil was using a sword fighting style. Maybe she is using the wrong weapon."
Zan laughed, "Yes perhaps she is. However, what is wrong with giving Candidate Patil a sword?"
This time Gregorik chimed in, "Candidate Patil has neither the frame nor the grace for a sword. She has small wrists and delayed reaction time."
Zan nodded from the beaming instructor. "Exactly. Patil has picked the perfect weapon for her body and form. However, she lacks the grace to wield a weapon and continues to use the wrong fighting style. In short, don't think as much about the fighting and rely more on instinct."
The candidates were allowed to sit down and the class continued. Nadia tuned Zan out as he began talking about the mechanics of fighting with a whip. Gregorik was clearly gifted for the dagger and had proved as much. Poking the ring she had on her necklace she wondered if her Witch Embodiment could get her out of this class.
It was Saturday and she was due over in Deling City to meet with the president. He had called for her earlier in the week expressing urgency to meet with her. She wondered what the President wanted this time. Last time she had visited him it was like visiting a worried father. He asked what she had learned, watched as she displayed what little elemental practice she had, and at the end he berated her for learning nothing after six months at Galbadia Garden.
Zan gave his closing announcements for sparing partners and let the class go. Nadia sighed packing her things. She would have to find Sam and Reggie and book it out of the Garden to make her dead line with the President. Instructor Zan stopped her as she reached the door. "Listen Candidate Patil… I've tried and I've tried to get you to forget wherever you picked up that fighting style. If you don't learn how to properly fight with a dagger I will have to write my report on you. Anyone who takes more than three cycles to train in a weapon isn't worth the time to train anymore." She nodded bleakly walking away from her Instructor.
Sam and Reggie were waiting for her in their room. They had already known of the arrangement and packet accordingly. She dropped her pack on the floor and sighed. "Instructor Zan talked to me today." She watched the wrinkles gather as Reggie frowned. "He said that if I don't pass the next cycle they are giving up on me… I was thinking of using my powers to find a solution." This time Sam frowned. "I am not sure how yet, but I am going to think of a way. Why should I get this far and then get turned away? It's not fair."
"Life's not fair Nadie." Sam said sharply.
"I'm not going to hurt anyone! I'll make sure of it!" She insisted turning away from them. They had to get going or President Garland would be cross.
"Sorry we're late." Nadia said prancing into the room. She stopped short when she saw Irvine sitting in the room. President Garland didn't stand up to greet her. He merely waved her to sit in a seat nearby.
"How are you studies at the Garden Lady Kina?" Garland said with a smile. She forced a grin letting his comment slide. He hadn't properly addressed her as a Sorceress since she stopped meeting his expectations.
"I've concluded my theory and written classes. I am full time training in weapons training and when that is completely I will take my SeeD exams." She said chancing a look at Irvine. He looked the same as she had seen him at least three weeks ago. He was quietly drinking something from a crystal glass his eyes tracking Garland carefully.
"So again, no progress on the magical side of your training?" Garland questioned.
Reggie interrupted this time, "With all due respect Mister President, if you wanted Nadia to train in magic you should have sent her to Tribia or Balamb Garden. Everyone knows Galbadia is strictly physical training."
President Garland nodded. "You are quite right lad. I had expected more initiative on Lady Kina's part to do extra circumlunar activities. Has she no will to learn her own craft?" Nadia squeezed the arm rest trying not to lose her temper.
"You expect too much from a child Garland." Irvine snickered putting his drink down.
"If you want me to train in the arts of magic, you should give me a venue for it. I can't sneak into the training center. If I get caught with my current rank I will get expelled. I'm not sent on missions, because I don't have the proper weapon's training either!" She fumed trying to block Irvine from her view.
"Well then you must try harder. Learn your weapons and move on, when you are able I will send you on personal missions myself." He smiled peering curiously at her. "In fact, if you are willing to risk the wrath of your instructors, I have a mission for you now."
Nadia sat up in her seat, surprised to see Irvine do the same thing. "I want you to escort Mister Kinneas to Dollet. Follow him to Balamb Garden and return with him by tomorrow night." She bit her lip refraining from arguing. That would be a non-stop trip even if they left now.
"Have you made the travel arrangements?" Irvine questioned.
Garland nodded, "Why yes, I have your tickets prepared for the train, as well as a rental in Balamb for a car. You had better start walking if you want to reach Dollet in time."
Irvine stood up clearly distressed. Seeing that President Garland was not joking he turn to Nadia, "Let's get going." Sam and Reggie had their arms on her pulling her up. She was in shock as they guided her out of the room. President Garden was sending them on foot to Dollet? It was almost Sunset the wild monsters would come out and there would be trouble!
"I swear you and your mother are just magnets for this kind of stuff." Irvine snapped when they were out of the building. "Old bag of bones doesn't trust me." He muttered still stalking alongside Nadia, Reggie, with Sam making fast chase.
"Why are we going back to Balamb Garden?" Nadia questioned as they hit the city's outer limits.
"Easy, President Garland doesn't expect me to keep my mouth shut, but I can't miss the SeeD graduation tomorrow night. You father invited me. I have yet to miss a graduation. Suspicion would be raised if I suddenly missed one without a reason." Nadia was curious at Irvine's annoyed voice.
"I see." Nadia said wondering if President Garland didn't trust him because of his ties with an 'enemy' Garden. Team pride was one thing, obsession was another. The men on the Garden chocobo racing guild were adamant about always being first place between the three gardens. Not to mention the annual tournament, Galbadia Garden had taken first place three years running.
"Nadia make with the hocus pocus." Irvine snipped as he fired off yet another round into the face of the offending monster. Mentally she was drained from the casting. Her practice had always been made with time and patience in mind. The way she worked up her magic just took so much work for a consistent volley.
Sam charged in swinging his sword with Reggie following up with his own sword. She absently noted that she had stolen their form without consideration, it wouldn't work with dagger. Foolishness on her part, but she couldn't blame them for her failure in weapons. This would be the first time she would have to forget something she learned. She wondered if she could do it.
"Nadia!" Irvine shouted again with more authority this time. Closing her eyes she concentrated. She felt the vast source of her power and pulled a thin sliver wiling it to appear. 'Colder.' She pleaded to the watery strand. The ice shard formed and struck the beast. It gave a great shriek before charging at Irvine. She watched it sink its teeth into his leg, he didn't even grunt.
Sam finished the beast off in with a laugh. "There problem solved." He said sheathing his sword. Irvine was busy pouring a potion over his leg. Reggie was reaching for their packets to start off again.
"Problem is far from solved. Nadia is very slow casting- and she has nothing to wear to the ball." Irvine grinned ready to move on again. Sam burst out laughing leaving Nadia feeling left out and ignorant. Reggie patted her gentle on the back trying to spur her into motion. "We're half way there by the way. Should get there by day break, I'm sure Garland was an ass and set on us the first train leaving Dollet."
Nadia frowned. Why did Irvine hate Garland so much? She had much to thank him for so much. She really didn't understand. "You use para-magic right Irvine?" He nodded to her question. "How do you cast it?"
"Well, I just cast it. It was hard the first time to be honest, but after I cast a spell once it's much easier the next time. Think of it as a template. Making the first copy takes forever, but the spells are all the same afterwards." She didn't quite understand what he said, but she could think of a way to repeat what he had said. She would try it the next monster.
The chance came soon enough as another monster charged at them. The fight was on, Sam and Reggie put slices in the monster while Irvine emptied round after round into the snarling wolf-beast. Nadia took a deep breath reaching into her power again this time the image of what she wanted clear in her mind. The magic obeyed without question waiting for the command to strike. She flicked her wrist the shard falling from the air onto the beast.
"Again!" She hissed urging her power on. Another shared formed in mere seconds gleaming in the light of the full moon. It felled the wolf-beast as it came crashing into its side. She watched with wide eyes as the wolf-beast gave a pitiful whine and passed on. "Again!" She cackled feeling a nagging sense of the forbidden. Another shard formed and struck the carcass, its skull popping with a wet crack.
"Nadia stop it!" Sam said shaking her. She looked away from the figure seeing his concerned face. She didn't like his fake face anymore, perhaps she would change it, but after she put another ice shard in that monstrous corpse. She curled her hand into a fist imagining another shard instantly popping into existence above her head. Slapping Sam's arms away she strung her arm at the beast again watching as the shard shattered the first splitting the beast's head in two.
"That was- exhilarating." She whispered only now noticing her hand had changed. Her fingers seemed longer and the points of her nails sharper. "How odd." She muttered her mind screaming something was wrong, but unable to care exactly why.
Irvine made a mental note that if he could find a moment alone with Rinoa he was going to have a talk with her. He wondered if Rinoa ever felt a bit swayed by her magic. Nadia's display worried him. The girl had no proper training as a sorceress, unlike Rinoa who had Edea at her ever beck and call when something wasn't right.
The rest of the trip was a fight to control Nadia as she began to experiment more. She had gone mad casting thunder spells and went so far as to strike Reggie with one. The SeeD was trained to overcome the pain and managed to subdue the insane sorceress before she could turn on the rest of them. They were a mere thirty minutes from Dollet when Irvine spoke up. "You know she hasn't casted a single fire spell… why is that?"
"She's not good with fire in the least bit." Sam said shifting his arms again. He had been tasked with carrying the unconscious sorceress the rest of the way. "In fact, it's because her master element is water. She has problems keeping a fire alive long enough to do anything."
"So what's the deal with you and the President? I'm sure he has something on you that is keeping Squall and Rinoa from knocking down the door to Galbadia Garden. You must have not told them since they haven't come for her yet." Reggie said trying to stare a hole into Irvine's back.
"I'm sure they know by now. He hasn't called me fretting about her anymore." Irvine shot back knowingly.
"Well they do somewhat know now. We have system setup to get mail without rousing suspicion." Reggie noticed Nadia shift. "Our princess is waking up."
"Morning Sunshine." Sam grinned down at Nadia. She groaned shaking her head. Sam dared a glance at her hands which had gone back to normal. "Looks like you're okay, ready to stand?" She gave a weak nod as he put her down on her feet.
"Oh great here comes another." Reggie said pointing to the beast charging in their direction. Irvine flipped his shotgun open, loading fresh rounds he glanced in Nadia's direction. She was clearly still sleepy but prepared to fight. He wondered if he would have to knock her out, Reggie didn't look as though he were ready to do it again.
It was struck by an ice shard before Irvine even had his gun fully loaded. Sam ran in for a hit Reggie a close second. Irvine fired off a shot that was topped with another ice shard. There was no cackling from their resident loon this time. As they continued Nadia fired of a series of Aeros topped off by a fierce Thunder.
"Ah, channeling thunder- bad idea." She stuttered. Reggie turned around to see their sorceress shooting off sparks at the tips of her fingers. She looked a bit frazzled. Even her illusion's hair had a bit more volume than before.
"Oh jeez Nadie you need practice badly. First the Ice bolts now this?" Sam said urging the dazed teen forward. It was not lost on Irvine that yet again, he was watching someone else decide something for Nadia. He wondered how much of that girl was herself and not what someone else told her to be. He had seen her plushy collection modeled after Squall's Guardian Force, her music spheres that she liked because Rinoa liked them, her taste in books matched Edea's reading list, and even her wardrobe was a mix of what she had seen around Balamb Garden. He eyed the trademark vest she flaunted with pride wondering if the girl even liked leather and fur.
"We're here!" She danced with joy prancing around on the side walk next to the pub he had met her at. He watched the insane brat skip, hop, and twirl around Reggie in delight.
"Enough fooling around the train station will be open soon and we have to be there in time." Irvine strode passed the overactive teen continuing to lead the way.
Nadia felt ridiculous. She was standing in front of Irvine, Sam, and Reggie in a plain white t-shirt and shorts. They were lucky, they only had to dress in their uniforms which they toted around with them. She had to dress up all nice and pretty and with their limited time they couldn't go to a store. So here she stood while the argued with each other what would look good, but not good enough to remember.
"Red- Definitely red, people can always remember the girl in the red dress, but not what she looks like." Reggie winked at her. She relaxed a bit but was still annoyed. What did it matter what she wore? She could change her appearance at will. It took her a bit more time to recast the illusion on her necklace. But she was proud to have at least figured out how to bind illusions to physical things. Reggie and Sam both had discarded their rings for the night and had put on their old uniform blues.
She took a deep breath and worked an illusion. It was a plain red dress, ankle length covering all of her. Irvine raised a questioning brow a smirk playing across his lips. "Shorter Nadie, You're going for flirt, not nun." Sam snickered. The dress dissolved up to her knees. "A bit shorter please. Still too conservative." She raised it bit more, stomping her foot in agitation.
"It's to plain still, maybe add something." Reggie said almost at a whisper. She imagined a black lace ribbon around just under her bust and scattered silver studs over the bottom of the dress.
"Lose the straps and you're good." Irvine said shortly packing his gun away. He didn't even wait to see her finish the illusion before heading towards the door. She slipped on a pair of dress shoes Reggie had thought to pack for her. She followed quickly behind the trio as Irvine spoke. "We'll make this simple. Mingle a bit, in out in less than two hours okay?"
Nadia stumble a bit, her exhaustion hitting her. She had gotten a little sleep; she couldn't imagine how the mens felt. They had been on foot up until day break, rode the train coming into town just before ten. They had spent a few hours sorting things out and making themselves presentable. It was now two when the official proceedings would start. They had at least another hour before they would be at the Garden.
"But aren't we staying for the dance?" Nadia whispered. She had been to one before as a toddler. Her parents had dressed her up in a pink princess monstrosity and pranced her around the ball in joy. She remembered being held in her father's arms dancing to ridiculous music. Her mother had been off talking to some liaison of some sort. Why was it, Commanders had a moment to breath, but a sorceress's work was never done?
"If we stay for the dance you will miss your Monday classes too." Irvine commented off handedly. He was thinking of her, how sweet. It was true he only had to make an appearance. He could excuse himself with some random lie. They would be back in Deling City in time if he did. She tried to remember seeing Irvine at the last SeeD graduation ball. She could only remember seeing him argue with Selphie for a moment before she ran off.
"How's Selphie doing?" She asked curious as to the argument she had seen but never heard anyone talk about.
"She's doing fine." Irvine shot back a bit too quickly. Sam and Reggie trailed behind as they made their way lazily to the car rental shop. "I don't see her much anymore, but I hear she is seeing Nida." Nadia felt bad, Irvine sounded regretful about Selphie. However, she knew Nida to be a good round person and would be good to counter Selphie's over active personality. Perhaps it was better that Selphie was with Nida instead of Irvine.
The car ride was a silence affair. Irvine lay back, hiding behind his hat as he had on the train. Reggie and Sam read up on the latest weapons magazines. Nadia found she was bored to tears. She had brought no reading material or form of entertainment. She thought of a small exercise to practice her elemental skill.
Opening her palm she conjured a small ball of ice. Like Irvine had told her she made another copy in half the time it took her to make the first. She had a mini pile of melting ice pebbles before she felt satisfied. Thunder proved to be harder. The first bolt she tried to make fizzled out instantly. She watched the sparks fall to the floor dying silently with a tilted head. She concentrated again this time giving more energy for the bolt which had an adverse effect. She snapped her hand closed as the bolt threatened to dance free about the cabin. She felt intense pain riding up her arm as the bolt leeched her power growing stronger.
"Help." She squeaked her hand shaking with the effort of trying to contain the bolt. Irvine's hands closed over her strained one and she felt the thunder bolt die out. Did he wear leather on purpose? She watched his hands smoke, singe marks on his gloves.
"You are your mother's daughter that's for sure." He grinned sitting back. Before he could reset into lazy cowboy position she stomped her foot.
"Why do you keep saying that?"
He bowed his head his face hiding behind his hat. "You and your mother always get into trouble. I hesitate to say that maybe even trouble comes looking for you. I mean your mother got the Witch Embodiment from two different sorceresses in the span of a week. What are the chances of that?"
She sat back digesting the information. Perhaps what he said was true. After all, the random trip to Dollet had turned disastrous. She had been found out as a Sorceress. She had also almost got run over, nearly killed Irvine with a television, and even got sent to the wrong kind of Garden for the training she wanted. While it made her slightly proud she was so like her mother, she wondered if she would ever start being a person people would see. She resented that while she and Irvine were 'friends' again, he still always referred to her Rinoa's clone or Squall's daughter. It was very degrading.
"It must be a Heartilly thing." She grinned laying back into a cool position like Irvine. However, her grace was cut short by a bump on the road. Her head bounced off the interior wall and she winced. Irvine gave a small giggle. Reggie looked up concerned, "You okay?" She nodded meekly rubbing her head.
"So why don't your illusions flicker anymore? I can't count the number of times I've seen you hit your head or pass out at the garden." Nadia watched Irvine with a glare. She did have to admit he was always there when she did her worst. In basic training when she had toppled of the obstacle course and broke her arm, he was there to drag her off to the infirmary. And even though he had been on a month long mission he somehow happened to be at the garden when she had gotten pummeled by a mace. Ever since that incident, they called the wielder Butter-Fingers-Makie.
"Well," She answered proudly, "I learned how to bind them to objects!" She took off her necklace feeling the illusion fall. Reggie gave a frown at the sight of Nadia's natural hair. When the illusion faded her braid fell free. When was the last time he had seen her natural hair? He couldn't remember, but it had grown too long. It slipped down her shoulder and pooled into her lap making a considerable pile.
"Your," Irvine paused as if looking for the right words, "hair is way too damn long." Looking down she frowned, her hair had gotten too long. She hadn't been out of her illusion for a good three months. It hadn't occurred to her to make sure that her original self had been well kept. Her illusion was always flawless. She wondered if any other sorceress throughout time had forgotten themselves like this? She had started to half believe the brunette green eyed girl was really how she looked. She had worn the illusion for far too long.
"So it is," She muttered slipping the necklace back on. That awed Irvine. His mouth dropped open as he watched the braided locks shrink and weave themselves around her head. "It kind of becomes my new hair, but not… when I wash it, my hair it feels like it looks but- well it's almost like shape shifting. Except I can't do that, my insides don't change or anything like they're suppose to."
Irvine nodded mutely. Their driver's voice came through the speakers, "We've arrived."
The night had been an utter failure. Nadia stood at the punch table eyeing her father doing his Commander duties unable to talk to him. Irvine had promised they would be in and out, yet still there were here. Music was playing in the background softly, the chatter at an ear splitting level. Sam and Reggie were connecting with old teammates their eyes checking on her every minute or so. She huffed. It wasn't like she was going to disappear on them. She had only studied portal theory; Adel's book had instructions, but she admitted to never have tried it.
She saw Irvine interrupting a dance between Selphie and Nida. It was very cute to see the SeeD dancing. Selphie in a banana yellow evening gown was a stark contrast to Irvine's SeeD outfit. He looked completely out of place without his cowboy hat on. In fact, he looked almost sheepish as he did a traditional dance with Selphie. Nadia felt her heart constrict seeing how handsome a pair they were. Even though she knew they weren't an item, she hated that she would never match up to Irvine. She was too short, feeble looking, and somber.
"You look bored." Her father's voice reached her through all the noise. She turned to him sharply taken back by how close he was. When had he stopped talking to the Headmaster and Matron? Holding out his hand he smiled warmly, "Care to dance?"
She was flabbergasted, where was her mother to dance with him? The idea thrilled her; she hadn't danced with her father in a long time. Realizing she would dance proper with him this time she repressed the urge to squeal. Taking his hand with a weak nod they left the drink table behind. It didn't escape her notice that Sam and Reggie had doubled their watchmen efforts.
The music switched to a slow somber melody inviting couples to migrate to the dance floor. Her father had his hand lazily on her waist the other firmly grasp her hand. She hadn't seen him since she had left Dollet. Seeing him so up close, she couldn't help but smile up at him. "There, haven't see you smile the whole ball." He grinned still keeping time with the music.
She blushed, he had been watching her? Did he know who she was? She was almost certain he had never seen her under illusion before, or was it that as her father he could sense it. "I came with a friend- I wasn't meant to be here." She answered.
He scoffed at her comment. "Ah I see, well you know anyone a SeeD invites is allowed to come. You shouldn't feel like you aren't a part of the party. It's a celebration after all. You should be happy for the recent SeeD graduates." She nodded feeling bad for her sour mood. It was truly a thing to celebrate, her own goals of SeeD rank far in the distance. She shouldn't diminish the cause of celebration just because she wanted to go.
"You dance well."
Squall gave a laugh his eyes so warm and happy. She wondered if he really didn't know who she was. How he could be so happy without her? Perhaps Rinoa was enough in his life and he didn't really need or want a daughter? "I've had lots of practice. My wife is an excellent dancer and well my daughter," He paused, discomfort written on his face, "she was fun to dance with."
Nadia clung to that fleeting hope she had not been forgotten. Carefully she phrased her next question. "Was? Why the past tense?"
He shook his head, "Oh it's not what you think. She went on a trip, she's been gone a while, just missing her." Her heart felt like it was going to burst. He did miss her and cared for her. Why had she doubted this? He sent her care packages all the time. She had a full set of guardian force dolls sitting on her shelf in Galbadia Garden. His letters were always short, vague, and unsigned. She had wondered why once, to which Sam and Reggie had told her was to keep him from being identified should anyone read his letters. Not that the relation between them was public knowledge, but she valued ever effort he did to assist in her quest for secrecy.
"Oh nice! I bet she is enjoying herself." She said flashing a grin at him.
"Ah. Sorry to interrupt your lovely dance Squall! Can I steal your lady here?" Irvine laughed waving at the pair. The sudden absence of Squall's hand sent chills though her. Her father patted Irvine on the shoulder before politely bowing to her. He slipped away before she could even protest.
"Why did you do that?" She hissed.
Clearly not one to be put out Irvine continued to smile his hand taking hers. He put his other hand on her waist and intoned, "We've got very little time to get back to Galbadia. In fact it's not possible- we're going to be in trouble- both you and me. My 'contract' expires tonight I'm due at the Garden in the morning and you're already in trouble."
It was a painful reminder this wasn't a pleasure trip. It was an order from the President and why she was dragged along she wasn't sure. She rested her head on Irvine's chest. "What are you doing?" He asked his body stiffening. She could hear his heartbeat and while he was unhappy, it gave her strength.
"Sorry, I'm just not looking forward to my punishments. Did you know Instructor Zan likes to weight me down with his foot when I don't do pushups at his pace?" She muttered refusing to move from his chest.
"Oh I remember him. He's like that. By the way, did you ever think of getting tutoring so you don't flunk out of basic weapons again?" It had not occurred to her to ask a tutor. Maybe she could convince Gregorik to spend extra time with her. He was gifted enough to spare the time and miss some personal training time.
"Not a ba-"She stopped jerking away from Irvine. He looked at her in concern but she couldn't reply. The room suddenly seemed like a prison the intense pressure surrounding her. It reminded her vaguely of the bottom of the ocean. She started to feel increasing nauseas.
"Kina?" Irvine questioned careful to use her alias in present company. He laid a hand on her arm. Her hand shot up to grip his arm, it was only a slight comfort. She was doing all in her power to fight the overwhelming presence, her body shaking from the effort. Sam and Reggie were by her side the urge to escape overwhelming her thoughts.
"We have to get her out of here." Sam insisted his hands on her back. Reggie's hands were on her free arm and Irvine frowned at her in discomfort.
"What the heck is happening to her?"
"We don't know. We've never seen this before." Reggie said. Nadia turned her eyes just in time to see Squall staring at them. Painfully she mused. Even if she wanted to she couldn't run from the realization dawning on his face. In the very distance parts of her mind she wanted him to run to her and keep her safe from this painful presence. However he turned away from her shouting fiercely at the entrance hall.
A shot rang out and the presence retreated in shock. Before she could relish the relief Irvine's weight brought her to the floor. "Great Hyne!" Sam shouted hands retreating from Nadia and reaching for Irvine. She looked down at his kneeling figure confused. "He's been shot Nadie! We have to do something!" Sam insisted wild eyes looking up at her.
'Escape.' Her mind hissed again. 'Portals- use the portals!' a harsh memory screamed in her mind. It wasn't one of her own memories. She was in Sorceress Spera's mind as the woman drew on her strength. "A doctor." She whispered turning away from Irvine visualizing in her mind's eye as Spera had. A thin sheet of magic formed a picture of Doctor Kadowaki's office. "Go!" She gasped as the presence suddenly filled the room again.
She managed to pitch herself forward into the portal before she was frozen with pain again. Sam and Reggie stumbling through the portal behind her. "Another drunk patient, just my lu- Great Hyne's Ghost! Irvine!" Doctor Kadowaki cried out. Rolling over she fought the presence as it leaked through her portal, she had to close it. Spera's memories didn't come to her this time. How could she shut off this thing leeching her power? Cursing herself for her stupidity she forced her link to the portal to break.
"That without power cannot exist," She whispered quoting Adel. She slumped back for a moment regaining her strength as the portal shrank and fizzled out completely.
Remembering her place she shot back up. Sam, Reggie, Doctor Kadowaki, and Irvine had already shuffled into the operating room. "How did this happen?" She heard Kadowaki shouting. Getting to her feet she mentally reached out for Irvine. His presence was a mere whisper compared to the shouting coming from his room.
'He's not going to make it.' Her mind cried out. She had to help, but she didn't have any practice in medical magic. Someone near death was definitely not someone to practice magic on. Shaking her head she tried to think of something else. She reached for his mind again. It seemed even weaker than before. Confident that this solution would work she began to lend him her power.
"This wound is too deep. I can get the bullet out, but without a medic mage he's going to die." Kadowaki said looking at the wound. Nadia slumped onto the door way still feeding Irvine her strength.
"Just do it! I have some medical training. It's a chance we can take if it means saving him." Reggie answered back looking at still figure below them.
"Right, a chance is all we need." Kadowaki said before reaching for the proper tools. Irvine's mind seemed to awaken stronger than before. The blood had stained his uniform black, she felt sorrow grip her and she looked away. 'Get out of my head.' Irvine's weak mental voice snapped.
'Never.' She spat back sending another wave of power to him.
"Almost got it." Kadowaki muttered. Reggie raised his hands ready to fire off as many rounds of healing magic as it took. Nadia could feel herself starting to weaken. It was taking too much energy to keep him strong enough for what Kadowaki was doing.
"Hurry." She whined feeling her legs give out.
"He's moving!" Sam snapped rushing to the other side of the table. He pressed Irvine's figure down.
"Thank you," Kadowaki muttered not even looking at Sam, "I've got the bullet. I just need to pull it out without doing more damage."
"Damage be damned! Pull it out now- I can't keep this up." Nadia shrieked her knuckles white against the frame as she fought to keep conscious. Irvine was now taking greedily from the connection. She gave it freely, realizing that if Kadowaki did indeed pull out recklessly Irvine would need the magic.
"It's out!" Kadowaki shouted triumphantly. Reggie started forcing the Cura magic onto the hole in Irvine's back.
'Can you leave now?' Irvine's mind said weakly. Nodding Nadia broke the connection. Her entire body felt like a massive puddle. Sam came to her aid lifting her up. "Thank you." She whispered slumping against him.
"He'll be alright now." Kadowaki said eyeing the trio. Irvine seemed to agree as he turned over in his bed. He looked as white as the sheets and far too exhausted to be moving.
"There is so much blood." Nadia whispered wondering if he would live. How much blood had he lost?
His arm shot up towards her latching on to her necklace. "I'll be fine, now what did I say about going into my head?" His voice shot acidly. Looking into his face she could see none of the threat. In fact she could have sworn she saw gratitude before he frowned.
"Where is he?" Squall's voice shouted. Nadia froze feeling the presence swamp the room again.
"We have to go." She squeaked. She only had a moment to wonder how she would be able to conjure another portal. Bracing herself, she accepted the presence. Before she had enough magic to complete the spell she began casting. The filmy portal appeared this time an image of Deling Cities outer limits in view.
"Nadie- be careful." Irvine whispered as she jerked forward her necklace breaking. She didn't have time to make sure it came with her as her illusion faded. Sam and Reggie taking hold of her arms seeing her lock up. Together the three of them jump through the portal.
This time as Nadia was turned to look at the view of infirmary she saw Squall run into view. She didn't want to leave her father, but she had to. She had to report back to President Garland or she would get into serious trouble. Another person ran into view as she cut off the link to the portal.
Her mother turned to look through the portal. She could see the intense shock on Rinoa's face. The presence that had been smothering her redoubled, it struck her through the portal. "Nah." She cried out mentally clawing at the spell to make the door close faster. The intense pain of her magical reserves forced to full after being depleted was sending her body into shock.
"Nadia- you have to put your illusion back up. We can't see the President like this." Reggie insisted.
She gave a weak nod her body still shaking. She didn't want to come to terms with the facts presented to her. Tears springing to her eyes she turned to look at Deling City. Her mother hadn't distanced herself by choice. The presence must have been hers. She felt broken inside thinking how dangerous it was to be near her mother. She wanted to be with her mother so much, but seeing that she couldn't even function in her presence, would she ever be able to?
Shaking off her distress and physical discomfort she put her mind to rebuilding their illusions.
"So where is Mister Kinneas?" President Garland asked peering over a crystal glass. Nadia stared blankly back hating the calm and collected leader of Galbadia. He was sitting in his comfy chair, in the middle of the night, getting wasted to spirits and fine dining. She wanted to spend her rage and her pain on this man. No one would miss a selfish man such as this.
"He got shot. We had to leave him in Balamb." She said tartly. She watched Garland's calmness. She was furious that he did not even look surprised.
"I see. Looks like I will have to hire another SeeD to do chores for me."
"SeeDs are people Mister Garland! Show him some respect." She said more sharply than she had intended. The man looked at her his beady black eyes calculating. She could feel her fear of his gaze, but her anger rose to meet it.
"You know as well as I do SeeD are paid mercenaries. They are expendable to any cause."
"Is that why you got me into Galbadia Garden? To train me as a SeeD, rent me out, and kill me off when you don't need me anymore?" She snapped standing up. She desperately wanted to throw thunder bolt, ice shards, maybe even a tornado or two at him, but she knew better. She remembered wise words somewhere before, The moment one must show their power is the moment they no longer have it.
He gave a sarcastic laugh, "Dear, you are a sorceress. Those are never expendable. Takes too long to find and train the next one."
"I see. Well then, we're done. Irvine went to his event as he was told. Don't know why I even had to miss class for it. He's recovering in the infirmary there. He'll be back before you know it." She said noticing his small motion of distress. She wasn't going to lie to herself. She was sure of her vision when the man grimaced into a scone. So he was unfazed by the news Irvine was shot, but was surprised by the news that he had lived? Perhaps Irvine's dislike of the President wasn't misplaced.
She did not wait for him to say another word and strode out of the room Sam and Reggie in tow. She had to get back to the Garden and try to get some sleep before her first class.