15

CHAPTER 15 – RUINS IN THE SNOW

The field of flowers stretched on for untold acres in every direction. Countless yellow petals shone in the beaming midday sunlight, all looking as if they'd been bestowed with a heavenly splendor. It was breathtaking to behold. Besides a pair of worn, white stone buildings in the distance, it was a rare display of nature left undisturbed by man. Laguna sucked in a breath of crisp spring air through his nostrils; he was now more thankful than ever to not have pollen allergies. It might very well have been the most tranquil place in the world. It was certainly beyond anywhere else he'd seen during his tenure as a travel journalist, and a perfect locale as any to cap off his career.

Under normal circumstances, he would have been content to take his time; he'd have basked in the beautiful scenery for the rest of the day before taking his leave to organize his report. These were far from normal circumstances, however. For every moment he stood idly by, Ellone remained in captivity. Who knew what kind of treatment she might be receiving from her kidnappers with each passing day? Had only his boss in Timber been so understanding, he would already be on his way into Esthar with Kiros and Ward.

A desperate need for additional traveling money required he take on one last assignment. He'd considered returning to Winhill to ask Raine to spare some of her own savings, but couldn't bring himself to do so; she'd need every gil to support herself in his absence. Moreover, he'd sworn to her that he would return with their daughter. That was a promise he intended to keep. To face her again without Ellone at his side would be unacceptable.

Finally tearing his focus from the flowers, he cut across the field towards the nearby settlement. He could recognize the architectural style even at a distance. Its stone pillars were reminiscent of the Tomb of the Unknown King outside Deling City, implying it to be a remnant from the age of the Holy Dollet Empire. It appeared long abandoned; thick ivy and overgrowth ensnared much of the exterior. He couldn't guess what purpose it might have once served, situated on a lonely island so far south of the capital; he'd rented a motorboat from the coastal city of Torama roughly 30 miles northeast. As he drew closer, the top of a lighthouse poking out over the main building came into focus.

[Isn't that…?]

The tingling sensation shot through his mind again, forcing his attention back down to what lay directly ahead of him. Only then did he realize the building was not abandoned after all. A woman in a plain black dress knelt by a small garden on the edge of the flower field. Her long, flowing hair perfectly matched her drab attire. Her slender, pale arms were the only contrast. A small wooden basket hung from her left, filled with several tomatoes, an ear of corn, and two heads of lettuce. She'd raised her head to him by the time he'd drawn close enough to count.

She was quite young, likely in her early-to-mid twenties, green-eyed, and remarkably pretty. Her lips furrowed into a frown at his approach. He halted in his tracks, and brought his hand up to indicate he'd come in peace.

"Hi," he greeted her with a smile. Her frown did not waver.

"Hello," she apprehensively returned the greeting. She gingerly set down her basket, and rose from her knees.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude," Laguna apologized, rubbing the back of his head. "I didn't know anybody lived all the way out here."

"May I ask what brings you to this island?"

Her question was blunt, but expected. Laguna lowered his arm, and cleared his throat. He prepared to put forward the best air of professionalism he could; this woman clearly wasn't one who took kindly to strangers.

"I'm a travel journalist," he began. "I work for a fairly well known publication, Timber Maniacs. Perhaps you've heard of it?"

"I can't say I have," she answered frankly. Her eyes dipped to the soil at her feet. "But then, it's been so long since I've been back to the mainland. My husband is the one who keeps me up to date with everything going on in the world, and only whenever he comes home."

Laguna shrunk back but slightly; that she'd lived confined to this island for so long was difficult to fathom. Though part of him had wanted to stay in Winhill for the rest of his days, it had been wholly contingent on having Raine and Ellone to come home to.

"You mean… you live here all by yourself?" he delicately asked. "That must get very lonely."

"It does," she sighed.

"I mean, don't get me wrong, if I was surrounded by this every day, I probably wouldn't want to go anywhere else, either."

"You didn't answer my question," she reminded him, bringing her eyes back up to his. "Why have you come here?"

"Well, like I said, I'm a journalist. I've been traveling all over for the last year or so, writing articles about all the different places I've been to. Due to some… unexpected family circumstances, I'm going to have to put my career on hold. I asked my boss if he could give me my yearly bonus in advance. He told me I have to give him one more article before he'd make an exception like that, so I had to find somewhere new to cover, fast. I'd never been out to this island before. My home's just a couple hours north on the mainland, so I knew it was here. I figured it'd be as good a place as any. And I have to say, it's blown my expectations out of the water."

The young woman did not respond immediately. Her gaze flitted all about him, as though she were sizing him up.

"I see," she finally muttered, turning her head away. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but… could you please find somewhere else to write your article about? Suffice it to say, I have reasons for keeping myself distanced from the mainland, and I just know having this island publicized will only bring unwelcome attention."

Laguna's tongue caught in his throat. On one hand, he could sympathize with her aversion to large scale tourism; it was the very same reason he'd never written an article about Winhill. With Ellone's fate becoming more uncertain by the day however, he couldn't afford to waste time searching for another locale.

"I can understand why you'd be wary of that," he tried to negotiate. "But I really need to get this assignment finished as soon as possible. This family situation I'm dealing with is a very serious one."

"I'm sorry to hear that, but my answer is final. I ask that you please respect my wishes. I'm sure the few days it will take you to find someplace else won't hurt. Good day, sir."

She reached down to retrieve her basket of fresh produce, and turned on her heel back towards her house.

"Wait!" Laguna blurted out. "Please, I'm begging you! You don't understand! I desperately need to get moving now! I need to find a way into Esthar as fast as I can!"

"Esthar?!"

The woman in black stopped in her tracks, and spun back around at frightful speed. Her face, so calm and unfazed before, now wore a mask of incredulity.

"Why in the world would you ever want to go there?"

He hesitated, pondering if he really ought to share something so personal with a total stranger. It wasn't for fear she would tell anyone; her self-imposed isolation assured him of that. Neither did she seem untrustworthy. It was the principle of the matter he was hung up on. Having already carried such hefty emotional baggage himself for the last two weeks, he did not wish to shift the load upon anyone else's shoulders without good reason. After a brief pause, he decided there was one; any possibility of convincing her was worth a chance.

"A couple of weeks ago, Esthar sent a detachment of soldiers to my town. And they… they took my daughter away."

"Your daughter?!" the woman repeated hysterically. "They… don't tell me… she was taken to be Sorceress Adel's successor, wasn't she?"

"That's what I think too," Laguna sighed, tilting his head down to his boots. "And I'm determined to get her back, no matter what the cost. That's why I need to get a move on, as quick as I can. Who knows what they've been doing to her all this time? I miss her… so, so much. I just wish I could hear her voice again…"

Tears began welling up in his eyes. He only barely found the strength to hold them back. He knew if he allowed a single one to fall, so too would he be plunged back into the despair Kiros had snapped him out of.

[I'd like to see her again, too…]

"I… I understand."

Laguna glanced back up to the woman, her face now visibly distraught.

"I've always longed to have children of my own. My husband and I have tried, but… it's just not possible for us. I truly do envy the bond shared between a parent and their child. I can't even imagine the pain of having it ripped apart at the seams. I'm so sorry."

"I never thought I'd get to know what that bond's like either," he spoke again, wiping his eyes. "It's strange… just a few years ago, I never could have seen myself as a father, or even an adoptive one. I was a slacker, the guy who wanted the easy life. All I ever thought about was looking out for myself. Living life on my own terms, day in and day out, without any care for the future. But… ever since Ellone came into my life… suddenly I know exactly what it means to love unconditionally, and how putting another person's well-being over your own can really be the most rewarding thing of all. I was always looking for something to give my life meaning, and I found it. I'd do anything for her, as if she were my own blood. As far as I'm concerned, she is!"

He stared into her eyes intensely. His heart pounded as a righteous pride flared up inside him. In a sudden flash of intuition, he knew exactly the words this young woman needed to hear.

"There are too many orphaned children out there, suffering. I've seen it firsthand plenty of times, back when I served in the army. So, if you really feel like there's a hole in your heart… maybe taking one or two in will give you the fulfillment you're looking for. It was the best decision I ever made. It's made me the man I am today."

She stood before him in silence, tears now welling in her own eyes. A moment later, it became clear she did not have his same emotional resilience to hold them back.

"I… I think you might be right," she stammered. The watery trails streaked down her face. "It's been miserable living here all by myself. I've been here for so long… keeping myself shut off from the rest of the world… just letting my life pass by without purpose. But… maybe now I can find that purpose… by making a difference in others' lives."

Laguna smiled contentedly. For a moment, he recalled his last night with Julia, when she'd told him of the inspiration he'd given her to follow her own dream. It couldn't have been a coincidence that the same feeling in his head had persisted both times, to speak nothing of all the others. It had to be a sign.

"I've changed my mind," she spoke, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Write as much as you want about this place. Who knows? Maybe by the time word gets around to people, I'll have something to show them when they get here. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much you've helped me today. I really do hope you get your daughter back."

"I will," Laguna affirmed. He flashed her a thumbs-up. "And once I do, you can bet I'll bring her here to see the flowers. She'd love it."

For the first time, the woman smiled. She looked positively radiant, as though she were touched by the same divine gift as the golden field.

"I'll be looking forward to meeting her…"

"Man, did I miss these things!"

Squall glanced up from his cup of coffee and the remains of his lunch on the cafeteria table. Zell had appeared by his side, his teeth presently sunk into a fresh hot dog smothered with relish. It couldn't have been his first since they'd restocked on food from their private supplier in Balamb. Regardless, his sheer elation would have fooled most. Squall was more thankful for a return to standard portion sizes. Although life as they'd all known it would never be the same again, such a small but significant shift back to normalcy was welcome.

"You'd think it was a gourmet meal," he muttered.

"Might as well be, the way we've been eating up 'till now," he replied. He took the seat opposite him without waiting for an invitation. "Plus before, when me and the others were undercover. Really makes you appreciate the little things. I don't even wanna think what it's been like for the new arrivals."

"Or the survivors at Trabia," Squall quietly concurred. "Provided there are any left at this point."

Fujin and Raijin had reportedly kept to their word. Within a day, Balamb had been rid of any trace of Galbadian occupation. The dispatched SeeDs reported that the townspeople were celebrating in the streets upon their arrival. The remaining Garden loyalists had likewise come out of hiding, and promptly been shuttled back aboard later that night along with the first shipment of provisions. Had any defectors remained behind, none dared admit their short-lived act of treason.

Despite his skepticism, Squall truly hoped the pair would be able to convince Seifer to turn back from the dark path he'd started down. Their success or lack thereof would determine SeeD's next course of action. Should he refuse to come to his senses, would he order the army be dispatched back to Balamb just as quickly? The possibility presented a dilemma. Would it be more prudent to remain stationed on the island? Or set off in search of the mobile Galbadia Garden?

A third option, and the one they'd ultimately decided upon, had been presented to him when he'd returned. Rinoa and Selphie had both pleaded with him to put in a word with the commandant to head for Trabia Garden. It was an easy choice to make. Beyond Selphie's ties to the academy, he understood their alliance necessitated SeeD act accordingly to ensure any survivors were extricated. Evidently, so did Xu; it had already been the next order of business on her agenda all along.

And so, after another 2 days spent resupplying, and 4 more on the ocean bound for the northern continent, the Garden now gently crested across the sprawling Bika Snowfield. The frosty plains passed on by through the cafeteria windows; even now, in early April, the ground was still coated with a light gloss. The sight alone brought a subliminal chill over Squall, making his steaming hot coffee all the more satisfying. Further, his sleep had been restless. So it had been for the entire week, culminating with his most recent Laguna dream. After more than a month, another vision from Ellone had finally come. Why had she waited so long? To reassure him that she was okay? Or was it a call for help? There was no way for him to know, and no use wracking his brain over it now.

"Must be rough living up here in the winter," Zell observed as he scarfed down the last of his hot dog. "Even now, without heating, you'd be freezing your ass off. I guess we've just gotta hope those guys were resourceful enough to last this long."

"That's given anybody survived the missiles to begin with," Squall reminded him; the White SeeDs had given explicit confirmation of the strike to the headmaster.

"I just don't get what's going on here," Zell threw his hands up. "So, the sorceress is the headmaster's wife, and helped him put SeeD together in the first place, right? None of us knew anything about her for all these years – or at least I sure as hell didn't – and now she just up and decides she wants to burn it all down? It doesn't make any sense."

"We didn't know about her," Squall corrected him. He clenched his coffee cup tighter. "But somehow, that guy did. And I'm convinced Seifer must have, too. It's the only reason I can think of for why he'd throw his entire life away to serve her."

"I still think he's been brainwashed. I mean, come on, you saw what happened to everyone else that night."

"I don't think so… he still acts too much like himself. The civilians that night were all mindless zombies. He's too self-aware to be just another one of them. And when I think about what he said to me in the prison, and based on what Collin told us… there's got to be something he knows that none of us do. Well, all except one of us."

Irvine had still yet to provide the explanation he'd promised in Balamb. He'd said then that it was something everyone needed to hear, but made no effort to organize a gathering. Squall expected the talk to come within a matter of days at the most. It had already been a full week.

"Yeah, I keep bugging him to tell me what's up," Zell said. "He just tells me it's 'not the right time'. The suspense is killing me. Why's he have to be so cryptic?"

"Maybe he needs a little incentive."

Squall set his coffee back down, and rose up out of his chair. What little patience he had for Irvine's shiftiness had finally worn out.

"Hey, take it easy!" the blonde rose to meet him. "It's not that big a deal. We're gonna be at Trabia soon, anyway, right? It'll be the perfect opportunity to get everyone together. So, let's just cool it for now."

At Zell's insistence, he stifled the urge to storm out of the cafeteria, and eased himself back down into his chair. He was right; their imminent arrival would be an ideal time to organize their group. Moreover, as the newly ordained commandant-to-be, he needed to maintain his composure.

"As soon as we're all on the ground, he's talking."

"Sure thing," Zell agreed. "Just try to keep it civil when it happens."

"If you insist," he replied. He took another sip of coffee to calm himself.

"Cool. Oh, and while I'm here… do you think I could borrow that ring of yours?"

Squall resisted the urge to spit all over himself in surprise; he only just managed to keep the coffee on its intended course down his throat. He then glanced at his left hand resting on the table. The custom-made silver band was engraved with a lion's head in mid-roar. It was the same design as on his gunblade, and the pendant around his neck.

"Why?"

"It just looks kinda cool," Zell said nonchalantly. "I promise I won't lose it or anything. Please?"

"Not until you tell me what you need it for."

The blonde's naivete unsettled him. What's more, there was an unmistakable air that he was hiding something.

"Oh, come on!" he pleaded. "Just trust me, will ya? I'm not gonna do anything weird with it. I promise I'll give it back in a few days, good as new. So, just humor me this one time, alright?"

He knew Zell was up to no good, and that he ought to simply ignore him. He also knew just how relentless his pestering could be, however. He reluctantly brought his hand up, and slipped it off his finger.

"It better not get so much as a scratch on it," he warned as he extended the ring out over the table.

"No problem," Zell beamed.

He caught it as Squall dropped it into his open palm. Rather than sliding it onto one of his own fingers, he placed it in one of his jacket's pockets, and pulled the zipper shut.

"Thanks man," he grinned, rising out of his seat. "Well, I've got some stuff to take care of before we arrive. I'll see ya when we touch down, I guess."

First Selphie, then Irvine, and now him… I am so sick of people keeping secrets from me…

Of the five continents which made up the planet's total land mass, Trabia was the last to be settled by mankind. To date, its population density lagged woefully behind Galbadia's, and even Esthar's last recorded pre-war figures. Having never shown any aspirations of becoming a major power on the world stage, its government had long been content to take a neutral stance in most geopolitical affairs. Their rationale was simple: keeping themselves amicable meant more outlets for trade. Agriculture was their bread and butter. Advances in the field over the years had been enough to keep their own civilization prosperous despite the frigid climes.

Naturally, sharing a border with Esthar along with their lack of military strength had made them a prime target during the early days of the Sorceress War. Many skirmishes had been fought across the southeastern shore of the Bika Snowfield, and the northern edge of the Vienne Mountains. With Galbadia's aid, they'd managed to repeatedly beat back Adel's forces, to where attacks eventually stopped altogether after the first two years. Still, tensions only continued to rise once the famous crater was suddenly blown open in the mountains. No one knew what had caused it, or what it meant for the state of the world if Esthar had a weapon so destructive.

Despite the lull over the following years, Galbadia's troops had remained stationed in Trabia. Once SeeD brokered the deal to construct Galbadia Garden however, the Trabian government had stepped in and insisted for a spot at the table as well; the opportunity to finally build up a professionally trained army of their own had been too tempting to let slip by. And so, Trabia Garden was founded under the same legal agreement that its graduates be split between SeeD and the nation's own military, and Galbadia accordingly withdrew its forces.

By comparison, they'd remained on good terms with Balamb through the years, even after Norg's decision to withhold GF technology. Despite the region's lower population totals, the Garden had still housed a student body numbering in the thousands. As it slowly came into Squall's view however, it was obvious that number had been utterly decimated.

What was left of the looming academy became visible from the command bridge well before they'd begun their landing procedure. Its demolished remains towered above all else in the vicinity, with shards of its shattered flotation ring stuck into the snowy earth all around. With a set of binoculars, Squall had noticed a reasonably large gathering of tiny specks scatter all over the premises as they drew near. At Xu's command over the intercom, the outgoing first-response team had assembled in the parking garage for deployment. Their transports were outfitted with snow treads to better cover the terrain. Squall's usual entourage were among them, all outfitted in their formal Garden attire. Even Irvine was dressed in a blue cadet uniform, which he'd been given in lieu of having no other clothes besides those from Fisherman's Horizon. Among them all, Squall kept his attention fixed on Selphie. Her face looked positively dour as she'd filed into her vehicle.

This is going to be one of the hardest days of her life…

The motorcade swiftly rolled out of the garage and across the snowy plains. From the passenger side of the commandant's leading vehicle, Squall watched the ring of scorched earth draw closer. A jagged, cracked roadway ran through what must have once been a dense forest; only charred, splintered remnants dotted the expanse now. The transport jerked and lurched as its treads fought to surmount each and every crag.

The ruined gateway leading onto the premises soon came into view. A congregation of survivors stood before it with their weapons drawn. All wore matching grey cadet uniforms akin to Balamb's blue variant, save for a dark-haired, middle-aged man at the front. His outfit might have once been an elegant robe; its color had faded from having accumulated so much grime. Xu gradually slowed to a stop before the crowd. The motorcade behind followed her example. Squall threw open the passenger-side door, and followed her out onto the ruined roadway.

"Commandant Xu Adrastia of SeeD, at your service," she loudly announced herself with the usual salute. "We're terribly sorry for how long it's taken us to make our way up here. We're ready and willing to assist in any way we can."

The restless murmuring among the Trabia cadets swelled in volume. Appearing to take her at her word, most re-holstered, sheathed, or otherwise stowed away their weapons. Squall momentarily craned his neck back to the rest of the transports. His fellow SeeDs and cadets all emerged, fortunately without their own arms drawn. He turned back to see the robed man step forward to meet Xu.

"Headmaster Dodonna," he introduced himself with a handshake. "It's quite alright. I understand Balamb Garden must have had its own share of struggles over this last month. Please, forgive us for the less than warm welcome just now. When we first saw you coming this way in the distance, we thought… well, we'd gotten word in about the sorceress' takeover of Galbadia Garden, and how it's been somehow mobilized. I could hardly believe it when I first heard it, but to actually see such a thing firstha-"

"Ami!"

Squall spun on his heel towards the cry. Selphie raced forward across the cragged roadway; she stumbled several times, yet largely maintained her speed all the while. A second girl from the Trabia side yelped her name in return, and likewise sprinted ahead. The two collided to form an embrace several feet from Squall's side. Under usual circumstances, he would have found himself wincing in disgust at Selphie's lack of professionalism. As the two stayed locked in their hug however, he understood it was only natural. This was her home. Seeing a close friend safe after such a horrifying ordeal would bring out the same emotional response in anyone. He'd felt it himself, when he'd discovered she, Zell, and Irvine had survived their infiltration mission.

You're sure as hell never going to see me give any hugs, though…

"Perhaps it would be best if we discussed these matters somewhere more private," Xu suggested. "I'm sure all of the transfer students would appreciate some time for catching up. Wouldn't you say so, Leonhart?"

Squall's attention shot back around to the commandant and Trabia's headmaster. He solemnly nodded, and waited as they gave their respective factions leave to mingle and provide assistance where needed. Both parties began to disperse and trail off in all directions. Some gathered around the parked vehicles to chat. Others started inward through the arched entrance to the ruined campus. Dodonna beckoned him and Xu to follow his lead after them. They were quick to oblige, although he'd been expecting a return to Balamb Garden, where the two headmasters would be at leisure to speak with one another. They passed on through, moving ahead towards a ruined courtyard.

"I assume the casualty figures are massive," Xu raised the all-important question.

"It could have been far worse," the headmaster replied. "Some of our scouts out west on the Hawkind Plains spotted the missiles, and sent us a transmission right away. We ordered an evacuation as soon as we got the word, but… well, it just wasn't enough time. We managed to get maybe a little less than half of the student body clear of the blast radius."

Squall flitted his eyes all about as he listened. Legions of small tents were erected all across the area, trailing on to the academy's collapsed entrance. Untold numbers of students ducked between them, carefully maneuvering around all manner of scattered debris. A set of larger tents stood on the far end of the camp; he assumed them to be the kitchen and mess hall based on the number heading in and out. He imagined the camp must have been similar to the one established at the Balamb waterfront, albeit on a wider scale, and with far less hospitable weather.

"The government in Trabia has offered us all the support they can give," Dodonna continued. "After the dust settled, we gathered up all the wounded, and had as many as we could shuttled to the hospital in the city. We moved the rest to what's left of the gymnasium; it was the only building with much of a roof still intact. The number of deaths since then far outweighs the amount who've recovered. Rather than working to rebuild our home, we've been spending most days digging fresh graves to add to our ever growing cemetery."

"We'll take aboard as many wounded as we can, and set them up in our infirmary," Xu promised. "As for the rest of your student body, I'll have to speak with Headmaster Cid. It's highly unlikely we'd be able to bring along everyone here."

"I wouldn't dream of imposing on you so much. In fact, my only request for the moment is that you stay here to assist us in the coming battle."

"Battle?" Squall repeated. He stopped in his tracks.

"Indeed," Dodonna sighed. "It is clear that the sorceress will not stop until she has conquered every last refuge of free civilization. Dollet has fallen, and it seems she has now turned her eyes to the north. My scout regiments have been keeping me informed of the army's movement. Galbadia Garden was last sighted moving due north on the continent. Once they've finished there, Trabia will surely be next. It may only be a matter of days. Perhaps a week. We stand as the last line of defense, but with our numbers so vastly decimated, there's simply no way we can fend them off on our own."

"Then it falls to us," Squall declared on the spot. "If we combine our forces, there may be a chance we can halt their advance. It's a long-shot, but it might be our only shot. If we fail, there won't be another army with the manpower or training to stand in their way, especially against the sorceress' power. We need to make sure it ends right here."

He looked to the headmaster for approval. His eyes had gone wide. Squall's own bulged a moment later as he realized just how brashly he'd spoken his thoughts aloud. He awkwardly turned to Xu at his side, and hastily stammered to correct his lapse in judgment.

"T-That is… if the commandant deems such action necessary."

"She does," she smirked back. "Apologies, sir. This is my protégé, the next in line for the rank of commandant. And it sounds like he's antsy to up and take over already."

Squall averted his eyes out of embarrassment. What had been causing him to put his foot in his mouth so frequently of late?

"Well, he's certainly got the right spirit," Dodonna continued with the teasing. "So, I take it that means you'll help us?"

"All decisions of this magnitude need to be cleared with Headmaster Cid first. But I'm just going to come right out and say, consider it done. Let's start by getting all the wounded we can aboard the Garden. We'll then begin formulating our battle plan, putting weapons in the hands of any Trabia students without them, and setting up a perimeter."

"Excellent!" the headmaster clapped his hands together. "I'll go tell the attendants in the gymnasium to get a move on it. If you could send some of your vehicles around to the side entrance, we can get started right away. Thank you so very much."

Dodonna took his leave with a gracious bow. He turned, and started across the ruined courtyard towards a derelict building in the distance. Squall swiveled his head back to Xu again; he felt the need to follow up on his apology.

"Sorry about that," he muttered. "I didn't mean to step on your toes."

"Tact is the last thing to be hung up on right now," she bluntly told him. "You were right when you said there's no other army that stands a chance, especially now that they've got their own regiment of GF users. This is going to be the fight of our lives, the one we've been training for all this time, even if we didn't know it. SeeD's last stand against the sorceress."

Only then did the true severity of the matter hit Squall. Should they succeed, they would in fact fulfill the very goal SeeD had been founded to carry out. History would remember their collective bravery for centuries to come, if not longer. Should they fail however, Edea's conquest would continue unabated. Her forces would spread across the globe in search of Ellone, until there was nowhere left for her to run. He still had no idea what the sorceress sought to achieve by exploiting her mysterious power, but knew nothing good could come of it.

"We all need to be sure we're prepared to face this head on," Xu continued. "Mentally and emotionally. Without any reservations or regrets. It's a leader's responsibility to make sure their subordinates are focused and ready for anything. So, 'Commandant' Leonhart… is there anyone in your immediate circle who might need that kind of support right now?"

Squall knew exactly what she'd been alluding to before she'd even popped the question.

"Permission to take my leave, Commandant?" he saluted.

"Granted. Make me proud."