samaqi: This is the alternative of "Succession of Witches" G-day, the second battle of gardens, in which the Rainbow plan is executed perfectly (it fails in "Succession of Witches", leading to different fate of Acma and her friends).
"Are you sure not to bring a single X-97?"
"Their junctions are taken care of, no need to bring that messy thing. A hundred Sleep spells should suffice. You wouldn't want to cause a scene and attract attention from other military forces, would you? Also, even if they have junctions, twenty magic puppets from our side would easily overpower these apprentices."
"Keep it up. We can't fail, there's no turning back once we hit Balamb Garden."
"I understand. Can I… see E after that?"
"Depending on how it goes, girl."
"I'll try my best. Please keep your word."
Call dropped.
Wednesday, G-day. 0615. Balamb Garden's Dormitory.
"Everyone, we are under a test drill." Xu's voice calling from the PA. "All students and staff, please head to the basement immediately. Please use the stairs. Do not use the elevator. Do not bring weapons or junctions. This is a test drill."
Raddie was standing in front of Acma's room while hearing the announcement. She wasn't in her room.
"Are you looking for Acma?" a female voice walked in from the suite.
"Yeah… have you seen her? We're supposed to have a… walk." Raddie asked.
"No, I think she's left early." Trepie #23 replied. "You want to go to the basement together? The test drill… Maybe we'll see her there."
"Yes, good point."
They followed each other to the stairs which were now packed with students, some in their uniforms and some still in their pajamas.
"Hey, bro. What's up with your date?" Keannu spotted Raddie as he came down to the basement.
"What does it look like to you? Have you seen her down there?"
"Nope, I just got here. Come, help me with my homework."
Raddie let out a sigh, unable to think of anything else to kill time. "Fine."
As Raddie followed Keannu to a reserved spot taken by S20 classmen, he noticed something odd.
"What's wrong, bro?" Keannu asked.
"Eh… nothing…" Raddie replied.
These red triangle scarves they're wearing look just like Acma's. His thoughts wandered as he glanced at the two girls in the corner.
Xu's voice resounded through the PA once more. "All students and staff, this is the final reminder. Please head to the basement immediately. Please use the stairs. Do not use the elevator. Do not bring weapons or junctions. This is a test drill. Failure to reach the basement within two minutes will result in detention and a grade reduction. Once again, this is the final reminder. Please make your way to the basement immediately."
Wednesday 0620. Balamb Garden - 1F near Library.
"Commander Leonhart!"
Squall turned around to see Timeth calling out for his name. Squall was on his way up to the flying platform to find Xu, as her announcement came quite unexpectedly without any context.
"What's up?"
"Headmaster Xu wants to meet you in the training center."
"Did she tell you what it's about?" Squall asked as he followed Timeth.
"It's regarding the findings at the campsite. She said she needs to discuss it with you before informing the others. I'm sorry, that's all I know."
Squall nodded. The simulation room had become a frequent place to discuss new types of enemies. His experiences fighting monsters across the world had proven valuable in providing strategies to combat these creatures.
"She said she'll be inside," Timeth said, opening the door to the simulation room. "After you!"
Squall hesitated. He wasn't equipped with his gunblade, and even though it was just a training room, he felt uneasy without the proper gear.
"Squall? Please come in. I want to show you something real quick. No need to bring your gunblade!" Xu's voice from inside called out.
Wednesday 0630. Balamb Garden - 3F
Nida heard Xu's announcement and wondered when she had returned to Balamb Garden from the campsite. He had tried to find her last night as they had planned to hang out in Balamb, but her door remained closed. He had also attempted to find Selphie, but she seemed to be absent as well. Puzzled, Nida went up to the third floor to meet Xu.
"When did you come back?" Nida asked as he found her steering the flying engine.
Startled, Xu turned back with an angry face.
"I said no other personnel are needed here. Please leave!" she snapped.
Nida was surprised to see Xu being this aggressive. Her recent stress had made her more hot-tempered, but he had never seen her this angry.
"Hey, calm down, sweetie. What's wrong?" Nida reached out to her, attempting to embrace her as he usually did to help her cool down.
Xu's eyes showed a hint of shock, and she instinctively stepped back, avoiding his touch. Nida realized something was amiss.
"What's wrong? Did something happen during your trip? I went to your room last night, but you weren't there. Did you just come back?" he pressed on.
"I just got back. Please go downstairs, I'll join you shortly for another update." She turned around to avoid making eye contact, her voice softened.
"Any update you can't share with a Garden Committee member?" Nida furrowed his brow.
The girl did not reply.
"Where's your necklace?" he asked.
Xu appeared slightly surprised. She slowly reached into her pocket.
"I may have dropped it in the restroom."
Nida immediately assumed a fighting stance, drawing his katanas. Xu never wore jewelry.
"Where is she? What have you done to her?"
"Relax, you'll see her soon," the imposter Xu smirked.
"What do you mean? Is she alive? Take your hands out of your pocket!" Nida commanded. He didn't sense any magic aura from this imposter and was certain he could take her down at any moment once he found out about the real Xu's status.
The fake girl raised her arms, holding a communication device. It was evident that she was contacting her folks, realizing Nida's suspicion.
"Talk, or I'll cut you open before your accomplice arrives!" Nida threatened. After all, they were in Balamb Garden, and no intruders could easily escape from this flying unit.
The imposter had no intention of saying one word, knowing she had the upper hand information. After a few moments, the elevator bell rang. Nida quickly glanced at the figure entering the platform, ready to attack until he realized it was a familiar friendly presence.
"Too bad, my friend arrived before yours," Nida smiled, continuing to approach the imposter.
"I wouldn't be so sure," she smirked.
Before Nida could process her words, the figure cast magic on him from behind.
"I'm sorry… Xu is fine. You'll see her soon. I promise."
Nida passed out.
Balamb Garden Basement.
"What's that gas?" Keannu asked, noticing a white fume emanating from the air vent.
Raddie instinctively glanced at the corner where he found the girls wearing triangular masks. One of them had disappeared, but the one who remained had put her mask on.
"Shit!" he exclaimed, quickly deciding to run towards the masked girl, forcefully grabbing her mask, and putting it on his face.
The girl was shocked by his reaction and swiftly pulled out a dagger, ready to fight to retrieve the mask.
"Everyone, run upstairs! It's a trap!" yelled Raddie.
People were confused by Raddie's yell and hesitated, lingering around without showing any signs of running.
"What's going on, Raddie?" Keannu approached him, shocked by the girl wielding a dagger.
"Give it back!" the girl commanded.
Raddie dodged the girl's dagger by grabbing her hand and delivering a blow to her wrist, causing the dagger to drop to the floor. He pinned her down and interrogated her, demanding, "What's going on? What is this gas?"
The girl struggled for a moment, but Raddie felt her movements slow down until she eventually fell unconscious. He looked up and realized that his friends were also clutching their heads, dropping to the ground one by one.
"Keannu!" Raddie exclaimed, grabbing his friend and checking his vital signs. "Sleep?"
Just then Raddie hurt a familiar cracking sound.
"Take it easy, boy," another student with a mask on said, pointing his gun at Raddie's head.
Raddie raised his hands in the air and slowly turned around.
"Stop. If you move, your instructor won't be happy," he said.
"Acma? Where is she? What did you do to her?" Raddie asked.
"She's fine. Do her a favor and stay still, okay? Look, we won't harm anyone here."
Just as Raddie debated whether to attack the guy, something sharp and small pierced through his neck.
"There… prepared just for you, Raddie."
And Raddie slowly went deep into a slumber.
Acma…
"You already have everyone under control, including all the members of Balamb Garden's committee?" a soldier in a red suit and helmet asked the two girls covered in black cloaks.
"They are all securely held in our mobile prison units. Our personnel are guarding the cells, and we have collected all their weapons in a separate room," one of the girls with red braids replied.
"Ha? We're done then?"
"Completely. I told you, it's been a piece of cake."
"Then why did you insist on bringing them along? It's such a nuisance to keep them confined," the soldier glanced at the large cages nearby, with pairs of eyes peering back at him.
"I still need them, just in case any Seeds manage to escape. You know better than anyone else that only a few Seeds can wipe out an entire army."
The soldier's silhouette made it difficult to discern his emotions, but based on his multiple encounters with legendary Seeds, it was clear that he was more than concerned.
"They dislike crowded spaces," the girl continued. "Let's have them in the 2F classroom. It's less stressful for them there."
He remembered very well the room where Squall and his friends smashed his team one by one.
"Very well. Take them downstairs. It will be easier to dispatch them from the second floor."
The soldiers in the blue suit followed the order and began pushing the large boxes from the third floor toward the elevator.
"Can I see her now?"
"What for?"
The girl who asked bit her lips. "But you promised."
"I said you can. I didn't say when."
"And what's the problem with now? I've just completed the mission even before you arrived, haven't I? Just think about how that detail will be included in the report."
The red soldier locked eyes with the girl who kept her burgundy eyes wide open.
"Are you daring to threaten me?"
"You think? Can't you see that I have nothing to lose?" the girl stood her ground.
"Please," sensing the tension, the other girl, who had been quiet the whole time while carrying a large backpack, intervened. "I'll accompany her to ensure it's done quickly. Just a few minutes, we have plenty of time anyway."
The red soldier finally found an excuse to concede this negotiation and save his face.
"Fine. Five minutes, then back down here and proceed to the next step."
The two girls then entered the mobile elevator that had been attached from the third floor to a newly installed chamber at the top of the Garden. Inside, a girl with long red hair sat in a wheelchair, looking surprised at the sight of her visitors. However, her visitors were startled to see that she was not alone but guarded by two blue soldiers.
After a few moments, the girl with red braids addressed the guards. "The Commander needs help moving the cages to the 2F classroom. You two can access the room by climbing down the balcony and entering through the windows."
"These are commands from the Commander?" One of the guards expressed skepticism.
"Tch. There are already two other guards down there. But go ahead, double-check with the Commander and waste a few more minutes. It's not my responsibility," the girl responded coldly. "Now do whatever you want to do. I'm talking to my sister." She then knelt down in front of the girl in the wheelchair.
"I'll watch her. Go!" the girl carrying the big bag instructed the guards, who reluctantly climbed down to the balcony. "Phew! Nice move, A... I'll get us prepared. You two catch up." She then stepped into a corner, allowing the twin sisters to face each other for the first time after years of separation.
"Elutia. Finally…"
"Acma… You're here." Elutia smiled.
"Of course, I'm here. I promised." Acma squeezed her sister's cold hands for reassurance. Her gaze briefly shifted to Elutia's legs, which had become mere bones due to muscle atrophy. "Let's get you out of here first. Take off your clothes. Use this make-up powder to cover your bruises. Lina, are you ready?"
"Ready, Acma." Lina replied.
"Alright. Let's go."
Xu slowly opened her eyes, but her vision remained blurry. The Blind spell had been cast on her, and she knew from experience that it would wear off in about ten minutes. Her hands and feet were tightly bound, and even when she tried to move her knees, she realized her assailants had done a fair job by tying them up as well.
Suddenly, she heard a squeaking sound as the box that held her captive was opened. An intentionally distorted voice spoke to her. "Balamb Garden is programmed to crash in fifteen minutes. In five minutes, you will be set free. Run, steer the garden back to its course."
They then closed the box and left.
Xu screamed internally, feeling helpless as she counted down the minutes, hoping she could make it to the third floor on time from wherever she was.
"Stop!" The Commander ordered the girls in black cloaks who had just returned from the top chamber.
The girls halted, their hearts pounding as they awaited his next move.
The Commander walked around, then suddenly delivered a hard kick to the girl with red braids, causing her to fall to the floor and scream in pain.
"What was that for? I still have more tasks to complete!" the girl barked.
The Commander glanced at her for a moment before waving his hand, signaling for them to leave.
The girl grimaced, limping alongside the other girl carrying the large bag as they hurried out of the room.
As the door slid shut behind them, they sprinted forward with Hyne's speed.
"Acma… we're free…" Lina murmured.
"We're almost there… so close... You two get to the aircraft as planned. T should be there by now. L, come back to 2F to back me up in ten minutes. We can do this!" Acma exclaimed.
Thank you, Z. This plan is perfect. I'll remember every turn today and tell you when you're back. I'll make you proud, Acma thought, a smile forming on her face as she descended alone into the basement.
Wednesday. G-day. Balamb Garden's Basement.
"Raddie, wake up!" Acma pinched Raddie to wake him up from the Sleep spell about to expire.
Raddie woke up and found Acma next to him in the mobile prison cell.
"Acma… Where were you? I didn't see you in the basement."
"I was knocked down in the lab, and lured here."
Raddie saw her backpack still under her clothes, they hadn't taken it from her for some reason.
Acma glanced at her watch and then turned to Raddie with a sudden request.
"Raddie, I'm going to give you an order. No questions asked. It's urgent. Listen carefully because I won't repeat it. Ready?"
"Okay, I'm listening." Raddie was surprised, but receiving such sudden orders from higher-ranking SeeDs was not uncommon.
"I'm going to talk us out of this room. Inside this backpack, you will find enough junctions for everyone. Commander Squall's prison room is right next to us on the left. Rescue and junction him first, then proceed to the other rooms in this row. All the high-ranking SeeDs are kept there. Do not open the rooms in other rows until you break through the first wave of guards that will come when the alarm goes off. We need to keep the lower-ranking cadets safe. Free them once you've taken down the first wave of guards. Do you copy?" Acma laid out the plan.
"Ok, but where do you get the junctions?" Raddie was confused as Acma handed him her backpack. Old junctions? Raddie thought, looking inside the backpack.
"No questions asked, please. Here, take this Xiphos. It's not as good as your sword, but it should be enough to get through the first wave along with GFs and magic. All the weapons are located in a safe at the corner of this basement. The code for it is MYSTIC - 697742. Once you're upstairs, dive straight in and attack the puppets again. They won't have their magic refilled this time. When one falls, retrieve their corpse immediately. If possible, try to keep them alive. Do you copy?" Acma continued.
Raddie felt confused but did his best to absorb Acma's plan.
"Wait... where will you be if you're not coming with me? How do we even get out of here?"
"You'll know the answers soon." Acma glanced at her watch again. "It's time. Good luck, Cadet Smailes!" She walked to the door and knocked on it three times.
The guard opened the door immediately, and Acma whispered something to him. Suddenly, she cast a Sleep spell on him and moved him behind the door, then started to undress him.
"Are you impersonating the enemy?" Raddie asked.
"Now it's your turn. Get Commander Leonhart! We have to part ways now." Acma put on the guard's uniform and signaled for him to execute the plan.
Raddie nodded, still having more questions than answers, but he knew it was crucial to follow orders and not waste any precious moments in a critical situation like this.
As he reached Squall's room, he was faced with a passcode that he didn't have. He turned around and saw Acma, dressed as an enemy, typing something on a control panel.
ZIP! ZIP! ZIP!
All the doors in the row turned green. Acma nodded at Raddie, signaling him to proceed to Squall's room.
"Commander Leonhart!" Raddie entered and saw Squall looking perplexed at his presence.
"Raddie, what's going on?"
"There's no time to explain!" Or rather, Raddie couldn't make sense of the situation yet. "Here's your junction, and I have all of our junctions."
The experienced commander nodded and took action, saving questions for later. As Raddie and Squall left the room, they saw Acma giving Raddie a thumbs up and smashing the alert button before running away.
"What the..." Raddie was more confused.
"Raddie, give me your sword, I'll hold off the guards. Go help others." Squall gave the order.
"Roger."
Raddie had more questions than answers, but followed his commander's lead. A surge of pride filled him as he fought alongside Squall who had saved his life more than once during the previous garden attack. Back then, he was just a vulnerable boy, but today he stood at the forefront with the legend commander. He couldn't imagine a better way to start his first day as a SeeD.