Exhile87:Aloooha!!Hope ya enjoy this episode...I kinda don't know how to end 
this story so I think I'll just write my mind.Sorry if it isn't as good as 
you think!!
!~ENJOY~!

Chapter Twelve:A New Evil

"So,do we knock or what?" Irvine tried to make a joke,but only Selphie 
giggled and gave him a playful push.
They were all at the huge front door of the castle. Squall looked 
suspiciously at the dark liquid below them and frowned.
"What the hell is that?" he muttered.
"Doesn't look like water to me..." remarked Xu.
Squall shrugged and turned back to the door.He tried pushing it,but it 
didn't even budge.
"Maybe we're supposed to pull," Nida suggested.
Squall nodded and then pulled on the door.Sure enough,it
opened.
7 pairs of eyes looked in.The place was dimly lited and an eerie 
atmosphere floated in the air.
"I don't wanna say this again....but it really reminds me of 
Ultimecia's Castle," said Zell.
"Yeah,it kinda does," Quistis agreed.
"Whatever.Let's go in," Squall said and led his comrades into the 
castle.Selphie gave a gasp.
"Hey!Are our abilitis sealed?I can't seem to use one!"
The others blinked before checking themselves.
"You're right,Selphie," Zell nodded."I can't use my magic at all."
"Well maybe it's like the last time.We defeat a monster and unlock our 
abilities then," said Irvine.
"Uh,guys!I think we've got company!" Xu suddenly exclaimed.Everybody 
turned and froze.
From above,a Ruby Dragon flew down,roaring loudly.
Its bloodshot eyes stared hungrily at the SeeDs.
"Hey!We're supposed to fight it without magic and GFs?!" Zell sounded 
panicked and shocked.
"This is not good..." muttered Irvine."Commander!What're we gonna do?"
Squall himself was a little panciked."We'll try and fight it of 
first.If we fail,get the hell outta here!"
But before the SeeDs could prepare themselves for battle,the Ruby 
Dragon threw its head back and concentrated its energy,preparing for its 
Breath attack.
"Dammit!Get out before it attacks!" yelled Squall.
Unfortunately,the huge door was closed.Zell and Nida pushed on it 
frantically.
"It won't open!" Nida said in alarm.
"Try pulling it!" This time it came from Selphie.
Zell and Nida pulled the door with all their strength.The Ruby Dragon 
finally gave another roar before attacking all of them with its Breath.
Everyone's HP went low.Squall summoned all his strength and helped Nida 
and Zell with the door.
Then,to everyone's relief,it opened with a creak.
"Quick!Get out,everyone!" Squall ordered.When all of them were safely 
outside,he closed the door and slumped down onto the ground,breathing hard.
"Anyone got a Megalixir?" he asked.
Xu had,and she usd it on them.Zell wiped his forehead and sighed.
"Phew!That was close!" he said.
"How're we supposed to go in with that Dragon guarding the entrance?" 
Quistis frowned.
Nobody could answer her.Squall got up and looked around."Is there any 
other way we can get in?"
"Like to try the 'water' ?" Irvine glanced at the moat.
"We'll see." Squall toom a stone and threw it into the dark liquid.
The result shocked them all.
The stone burst into a ball of flames and exploded.
For a moment,no one said a word.Then Squall turned back."I'll pass."
"Do you think we can contact Sir Laguna?" Selphie suggested."We could 
tell him our problem.Maybe he knows what to do."
"Hmm...alright.We'd better all go back to the Ragnarok.You don't know 
what can happen here," Squall replied.His comrades nodded and set off to the 
Esthar spaceship.Just as Squall was about to sit down to contact 
Laguna,there was a beep and a voice called out.
"Ragnarok!DO you copy?Is anyone there?" The voice was familiar and 
Squall finally recognised it as Kiros'.
He hurriedly pushed the 'OK' button and said,"Yeah,we're
here.Is that Kiros?"
"Squall!Thank goodness you're there."
"What's up?"
"We've got new information.Are you leaving for the investigations?"
"No.We have a problem," Squall said and told Kiros what happened.Kiros 
paused for a while.
"Come to Esthar,Squall,and meet Laguna and me at the Presidential 
Palace.I believe Dr.Odine has some answers and the solution to your 
problem."
"Alright.We'll see you there."

Squall saluted and the others did the same.Laguna nodded and gestured 
to the seats at the long table.They sat down.
"So,it's been a while.How're you all doing?" Laguna asked,clearly 
forgetting the main point of the meeting.
Squall sighed and rolled his eyes.Kiros whispered something to Laguna,who 
straightened up immediately.
"Oh yes,yes.Sorry 'bout that." He cleared his throat
and waved to Ward."Bring the Doctor in."
The door opened and a bothered looking Dr.Odine came in.He nodded at 
the SeeDs and President.
"So what can you tell us?" asked Squall,wanting to be quick.
"Ahem.You have entered ze building?" the Doctor said.
Squall nodded."Yeah,but our abilities were sealed and a Ruby Dragon was 
guarding the foyer.We couldn't fight it off without magic and GFs."
Dr.Odine chuckled darkly."So Marcia haz good guardians...."
"Excuse me?" Squall raised his eyebrows.
The Doctor turned to him."You vant answers?Very good..." He walked 
nearer to the table."Zat bulding....or
ze castle...belongs to Sorceress Marcia."
There was a shocked silence.
"But...but I thought Rinoa's the Sorceress of this generation.How can 
there be another one?" Quistis spoke out,puzzled.
"Zat is true.Now here iz ze juicy news.Sorceress Marcia comes from ze 
future!"
Another silence.
"Wait,wait....from the future?Didn't we defeat Ultimecia already?" Zell 
scratched his head.
"Indeed.And herez another juicy information.
Sorceress Marcia is Ultimecia's daughter."
The SeeDs stared at him.Irvine frowned and asked the question that was 
in everyone's mind.
"Why is she here?"
"It iz simple.She haz ze same goal as Ultimecia the last time....and 
she vants revenge."
"Revenge?What,on us?" Selphie echoed.
"Yez.But zis time,it iz rather different.She planz to get zis 
generation's Sorceress' powers and make herself stronger.Zhen,she vill be 
able to bring darkness upon us."
"Exactly,how?" asked Xu.
"She vil summon the dark Guardian Force,Valdr,and perform a ritual so 
zat it vil join forces vith her."
"And she needs Rinoa's powers for that?" Squall said,his voice a little 
worried.
"Zat is correct."
"How will she do that?"
"By killing her,then forcing her to pass her powers to herself."
A pause.
"That means Rinoa's in danger."
"Yez."
Squall frowned and laid his chin on his hand."But..
how come this Marcia is here?Why didn't Ultimecia pass her powers to her own 
daughter and not to Matron..err,
Edea."
"I have thought about zat.From vat I studied, Sorceress Ultimecia gave 
three-quarters of her powers to Marcia.Ze other quarter went to Edea.For vat 
reason,I am yet to know." Dr.Odine paused for a while."Oh,one more,I almost 
forgot.She also needz other humanz az offeringz."
"Offerings?" Selphie widened her eyes.
"Yez,for Valdr.From my stuides,I should think she needz a baby or a 
toddler,a teenager,and adult,and an elder.In other wordz,a newborn blood,a 
young blood,and experienced blood,and a dying blood."
Zell whistled softly."That Marcia lady has got some nerve..."
Just then,the computer on Laguna's table gave a beep.He went to it at 
once and it appeared to be a call.
"Oh,it's your Headmaster," Laguna said,looking at the 
SeeDs."Yes,Headmaster Cid?"
"President Loire!" Cid's voice sounded relieved."I'd
like to ask you for a favour.Could you patch me to Squad A?"
"Why,they're here!Right in my office," Laguna replied,surprised.
"They are?Could you please get Squall?"
Laguna looked at the SeeD Commander,who was already standing up.Squall 
took over the computer.
"Yes,sir?"
"Squall,I have bad news."
"What is it?' Squall felt his heart beating faster.
"It's Rinoa.She has disappeared."
A knife stabbed Squall's heart.He stared at Cid through the 
screen,speechless and shocked.
"What?What happened?" He was frantic.
"Edea was finding her to continue thier Sorcery Lessons,but she was no 
where to be found.I have already ordered all the students to look around,but 
no one has found her.Angelo is here,though."
Squall swallowed a lump in his throat."She doesn't go out without 
Angelo..."
"I'm sorry,Squall.But she's not the only one who's disappeared.Rikku is 
also missing.Somebody found her motorbike at the beach,but she wasn't 
around."
This time,it was Nida who went numb.He gazed at Squall and the 
computer,feeling in a daze.
A sudden burst of anger overwhelmed Squall.He gritted his teeth and 
clenched his fist.
"I think I know where she is,sir.And I'm going to save her."
Cid was silent for a while.Then he sighed."Squall I'm really sorry that 
I couldn't do anything."
"No,sir,it wasn't your fault."
"Good luck."
Squall pressed the 'OFF' button and looked around his comrades.
A silence.
"If I may ask....how old iz zis 'Rikku'?" Dr.Odine broke the heavy 
atmosphere.
"16," answered Nida.
Dr.Odine crossed his arms and narrowed his gaze.
"Zhen I'm afraid Marcia already haz her Sorceress,and ze young blood..."

The case opened as steam rose in the air.Squall and his comrades peered 
into it.There were 7 ball-like ornaments inside.
"Zis...iz called ze Orb or Xyton.It vill prevent your abilities from 
being sealed in the castle.Marcia's castle isn't like Ultimecia's.Your 
abilities vill remain
sealed even if you defeat thousands of monsters.So zis Orb vill mae your 
task eazier,vill it not?" Dr.Odine explained,handing each of the SeeD and 
orb.
"Hey,why didn't you give this to us when we were fighting 
Ultimecia,then?" demanded Zell,looking at the orb carefully.
Dr.Odine flew into his usual rage."It wazn't 
developed,zhen!I,Dr.Odine,have only recently made it!You are lucky I managed 
to creat 7,so all of you vill be protected!"
"Hey,hey,chill,man," Zell said,a little afraid."I was just asking...."
Dr.Odine snorted."You must put ze orb near you,like in your pocket.It'z 
better if you junctioned it to your GFs." He crossed his arms."Remember,you 
must finish Marcia off before dusk.Zat means you have....exactly 2 hours.Is 
she already haz everything she needz for ze ritual,she may even start it 
before duck,though it iz better if she perform it later."
"How do we actually 'finish her off'?" asked Squall.
"Unlike Ultimecia,Marcia can be killed in the present.I do not know how 
you can do it...but make sure her knight iz killed first.He may revive 
her,but she vill not revive him."
'Yeah.The knight revies the Sorceress,but the Sorceress doesn't revive 
the knight...so...what about Rinoa and me?If I died,would she revive me?' 
Squall thought.Then he shook his head.'I don't wanna think 'bout
it.If I died,she'd die with me too.'
"Thanks for your help." Squall nodded at Dr.Odine.
"It iz my pleasure."
After saluting to Laguna,the SeeDs left for Sorceress Marcia's Castle.

Chapter Thirteen:Marcia's Trance

"Uggh.." Rikku slowly opened her eyes and tried to touch her head,but 
couldn't.There ws the sound of chians jingling.Only then did she realise 
that her wrists were in iron clasps chained to the wall behind her.She 
looked around the room she was in.It looked like some sort of dungeon 
cell,dark and stone walled.
Rikku looked down at her waist,but her wound was gone.As she leaned 
back,the cold surface of the wall and
floor stung her skin.She tugged on the chains but they held fast.
Then she tried summoning a GF."Titan," she whispered for the Earth 
GF,but nothing happened.When she rechecked,she found out that nothing was 
junctioned to her at all.Her magic was also gone.Exasperated,she sighed and 
began pulling on the chains again.
After a while,she heard voices,one a lady and the other a man.
"Is she in there?" the lady asked.Rikku could vaguely recognised her as 
the lady who threw the knife at her.
"Yes,my lady," the man replied.
"Good.And the Sorceress?"
"In the other room."
"Now,I don't want you messing about with her.Let me do it."
There was a chuckle."Mmm...then I'll have my fun on this blonde thing 
in here."
"Have it your way." There were footsteps,fading.
Rikku held her breath,hearing for a sound.Her green eyes were locked to 
the door.
There was a jingling of keys.Then the door opened sowly and someone 
stepped in.Rikku's eyes widened.
It wasn't a man,but a teenager about 17 or 18.His hair was the colour 
of very pale blonde,almost white.His eyes were purple and had a wicked gleam 
in them.A modified gunblade hung at his waist.His features were handsome,but 
the slightly cruel expression on his face changed Rikku's opinions on him.
When he saw her,his eyes gleamed as he smiled."Oh...
so you're awake..." his voice,clearer now,was a-tone and calm.He stepped in 
and closed the door.His footsteps echoed as he walked to her.
For a moment,they simply stared at each other.
"Who're you?And where am I?" Rikku demanded.
The guy smiled again and knelt down.He placed his hand near her 
legs."You're in Sorceress Marcia's Castle.
And I'm Trance....her knight." He eyed her carefully.
"What a pretty little thing you are...what's your name?"
Rikku didn't actually know much about Sorceresses and stuffs like 
that,so she put on a defiant face and answered boldly,"It doesn't concern 
you..."
He leaned closer."Oh really...." His eyes gleamed dangerously."I'll 
give you one more try....what's your name,pretty girl?"
"I said,it does NOT concern you at all..."
Quick as lightning,he reached out and twisted her chained arm,pressing 
it against her.
"Uggh....ohhh...." The pain was unbearable,but she continued to stare 
defiantly at Trance,who twisted more.
"Man,you can hold up quite long,you know," he said,
clearly enjoying her pain.He pushed harder."Like it now?"
Feeling that her arm was going to break,she answered 
softly,defeated,"Rikku...."
He let go slowly,grinning."Now,that wasn't so hard, wasn't it?"
"What the hell do you want?!"
His hand reached out again and began to caress her neck and hair.She 
twitched,but realised that she couldn't do anything.
"Fun," Trance answered.And then she suddenly kicked out at him with her 
free legs,but he was ready for that. He made a grab at them and laughed a 
low laugh.
"Ah,ah,ah..musn't be too excited.I like my girls cool and slow...." he 
murmured and ran a light finger along her thigh.Once again,she kicked out.
This time,he was pissed.He drew his gunblade and pressed the cold metal 
against her neck.
"Anymore surprises?"
Rikku didn't answer,just stared back at him.He pressed the gunblade 
harder,and the sharp blade but her skin lightly.She bit her lip,but still 
didn't say anything.
Trance smiled evilly."Don't I just love your innocence..." he said as 
he leaned closer.
A voice called out from outside."Trance!Come along,
we've work to do!"
"Be right there!" answered Trance,turning to the door.He looked back at 
Rikku and lowered his gunblade a little.Then he moved in and kissed the cut 
on her neck. She struggled but couldn't move her hands or legs, which he 
held firmly.
Trance stopped and smiled again.As he got up and placed his gunblade 
back,he licked his lips.
"Mmmm...a sweet and young blood.Just what Valdr desires." And then he 
left the room,locking the door.
Rikku stared after him,wondering what he meant.

Rinoa looked around the furnished room cautiously.
She looked up as the door unlocked and opened.A figure stood at the 
entrance.
"Sorceress Rinoa?"
"Who's there?" Rinoa asked.The figure stepped in and approached her.It 
was a lady.....Sorceress Marcia.
"I am Marcia....Sorceress Marcia..."
"Huh?What?Sorceress...but how can that be?I thought I--"
"I come from the future.."
Rinoa gazed at Marcia in shock."You...are from the future?"
"Indeed.Surely you remember my mother."
"Your..mother?"
"You killed her...with the help of SeeDs."
Then it dawned Rinoa.She widened her eyes.
"Ultimecia?"
"Yes.I am her daughter."
"Why am I here?What do you want?"
Marcia laughed and paced to and fro."Plenty. First,I want your 
powers.Then I want revenge.Next I want the world."
"You want my powers?"
"Yes.Only then will mine be the ultimate."
Rinoa kept silent for a moment."And how do you plan to do that?"
"By killing you...then forcing you..."
"The SeeDs will come,and they'll kill you before that," Rinoa muttered 
boldly.Marcia chuckled gleefully.
"Nonsense!Their abilities will be sealed...and all
my guardians will finished them off." She narrowed her gaze at Rinoa.
"My knight'll save me."
"Do you mean that pathetic Squall Leonhart?" Marcia said and 
laughed."Please!He's a SeeD!"
"He'll come..."
"Do you actually expect a SeeD to save a Sorceress?
You must be joking....SeeDs kill Sorceresses!However do you think that he'll 
come rescue you?"
"No,he loves me."
"Yes,he loves you now,but when the time comes,he'll do what he's 
supposed to do...." Marcia's eyes shone.
"He'll kill you...."
"No."
"He'll set the whole Garden against you when you already have his 
trust.SeeDs are like that..they wait....
and then pounce..."
"No!Squall's not like that!" Rinoa almost shouted,
but Marcia continued her brainwashing.
"You're a Sorceress...and he's a SeeD.SeeDs don't love 
Sorceresses.....they kill them..."
"NO!!He won't!He loves me!!" Rinoa was crying. Marcia smiled.
"And how do you know that?He may be faking it.. trying to get you 
closer....into the trap...and then he will KILL you!"
"No!Get away!Squall won't do that!!"
"SeeDs are cunning creatured.You never know what they may do."
"Go away!That's not true!!"
Marcia chuckled again and went out of the room.Rinoa continued 
sobbing,but the painful words kept echoing in her mind.
*SeeDs kill Sorceresses....he'll kill you....you
never know what they may do....*
Rinoa clutched her head and cried more.

!~THE END~!
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