_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Hyperblade: / / hi I'm back again. Yup it's time to end this fic. After this part you will / see the final part. Yes this will not have any sequels as it was mt first try and / surely not a good one. here's when you find out everything. So get ready for this / is going to be the longest and coolest chapter yet. / / E-mail: hyperblade@fantasysquare.com / ____________________________________________________________________________________/ Final Fantasy VIII sagas: part II the worst is yet to come ========== Previously ========== Reed and Rinoa have discovered that they knew each other in the past. Now it is time for them to get ready for thier biggest battle yet. Can Squall and his friends survive this time. All will be reavealed. Read on Anxious Reader: ============================================== Chapter V: A soft touch of happines and action ============================================== Reed waited impatiently for Squall to arrive. He had been waiting for him for half an hours now. Reed hoped he was in a good mood because what he was going to hear in Esthar, it wasn't going to be good. Finall after ten minutes more Squall arrived. "Good morning," said Reed. Squall simply nodded. "Well then let's get going?" came a voice. "Sorry Rinoa, this is a private meeting," said Reed. "Can I come Squall?" asked Rinoa, ignoring Reed's sentence. "Ummm, Rinoa, I don't know maybe......" said Squall a little uneasy. "Rinoa, come a little later please, I'll pick you up after the metting," said Reed. "Okay! you win," said Rinoa as she headed towards the exit of the Helipad, she stopped and kissed Squall on the cheek. "Remember Squall, whatever happens," saoid Rinoa as she winked at him and left. "Okay then let's go," said Reed. They boarded te ship and Reed headed it for Esthar. *********************************************************************** IT had been an hour since Rinoa had reached Esthar but nobody had come out of the President's room. Rinoa waited patiently in the airconditioned lobby of the palace. Hmmm, I wonder what is happening in there. What is Squall talking about and what buissness does Reed have in all this? Well I guess I'll find out soon enough. --------------------------------- IN THE OFFICE (at the same time: --------------------------------- "And that's about it," finished Laugna. "Hmm, Well explained dad," said Reed. "Thanks Son, What about you Squall, does this clarify anything?" asked Laugna. "Yes and No," replied Squall calmly. He did want to show his anger but not infront of Reed. Not infront of his brother. "Squall I thinlk something is still troubling you, What is it?" asked Reed. Then he looked out the window. It was raining and it was nearly evening. The whole day had gone just like anything. "Squall if anything is bothering you tell me," asked Laugna at once. "Yes there is," said Squall fighting to keep himself from burstong with anger. "What is it?" asked Laugna. "You left my mother alone and then you never even came back to take her with you, Instead you sent my Sis alone and later my mother died, throwing us in the orphanage. What right did you have to do that," said Squall completely losing control. "YOU ARE A .......," "That's not true and that's not the whole story," interrupted Reed. "Stop this and ....." "No Reed, he has the right, And it's my fault, he can call me whatever he wants," said Laugna cutting off Reed. "But that's not what happened..," said Reed. laugna signalled him to stop and Reed obeyed. "What's the real story," asked Squall in his calm tone again. "I....," said Laugna. "can't tell you cause it's still my fault," finished Laugna. "No it's not, Here Squall," said Reed as he threw Squall a piece of paper. When Squall looked at it he began to understand. It was a lettter from Raine to Laugna. IT SAID: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Dear Husband, I am writing this letter to tell you that you do not at all have to come here. The soldiers and Ellone are enough. I will surely come with them. I am about to have a child. Yes Laugna, Our Child! I will be arriveing in a few days. I am still packing. Hoping to see you soon. Raine. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Squall read the letter and nodded to Reed. Then Reed handed him another. Squall started to read again. THIS ONE SAID: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Dear Laugna, I was about to leave today but I have become Pregnant. I am soon to have a baby and shall Write to you soon. The soldiers are returning. After our childs birth I will come. Until then Laugna, please do not come back. You have a city to run, my request is that you stay there and come when I call you. Until Then My darling. Raine. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Squall retirned the letter to Reed. Then Reed gave him another Letter. "This one I found in my oldest bellonging. It's to Laugna. Read this one and you'll understand.: THIS ONE SAID: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dear Laugna, I'm very weak. This letter has reached and if you are reading it, I am very happy. Laugna. Please return now. I need your help. The doctor says that I need blood and because our blood is the same, You must become my blood donner. The Doctor is currently looking for anohter donor but I think you should come. If I Die, I want to see you. See your beautiful Eyes. Laugna i miss you. I hope we can see each other again. Carry my love with you always. Raine. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Squall eyes began to get watery. Laugna on the other hand release tears. "If only I had known Raine, If only I had'nt listend to you," said Laugna. This was very wierd for Squall. He had never seen Laugna in pain Sadnness. He had always seen Laugna, Happy, cheerful. Now Laugna was shedding tears. Squall gripped himslef from not asking a Question. However Reed answered him for it. "The last letter, Which I can't show you is about .......," said Reed. "Is about, how Raine named you both. One was to brave, strong, the would be kind loving and caring, I never got the letter about her blood donation, and I recieved this last letter. I wish, I could have .....," said Laugna. "What's done is done, you can't change the past," said Squall. "Your right, it's tinme to move on," said Laugna. "Yes it's the time," said Reed. ********************************************************************************** Rinoa had waited another 15 minutes. Finally the door openned but it was'nt Squall. It was Reed. "Rinoa, listen when Squall comes out you," said Reed. "I what?" asked Rinoa. "Well just cheer him up. He's heard about his past. He's Laugna's son. So just take care, he will be very grieved, explained Reed. "See you later," said Reed as he headed outside. "Wait!" said Rinoa. "Yes?" asked Reed. "Where are you going?" asked Rinoa. "Well back to Garden. I'm done here, but you Squall will be staying for a few days so, see you back at Garden," said Reed. After a few more minutes the door opened. It was Squall but he was'nt sad like Reed had predicted. He was smiling. Rinoa then Smiled. I guess it went well. *************************************************************************************** Seifer watched the moon with interest. The Garden Convention was in a few days. Seifer had to get what he wanted, but it was impossible. He wanted Revenge. Revenge against that poor excuse for a living creature Ultimecca. She had ruined his life . The things she had told him were lies. He had been fooled. Somehow Seifer knew that he would get his revenge at rhe Garden festival. "Yo Seifer, what are ya watching? it's cold out here ya know," said Rajin in his usual way. "Afirmative," said Fujin in her usual on word sentence. "Just looking at the moon," replied Seifer. Memories about Rinoa and him surged through. Rinoa had asked him the same Question. "Seifer what are you you watching?" she asked. "Just the moon," said Seifer. "It is beautiful tonight,"said Rinoa. "Not as beautiful as you," said Seifer. Rinoa smiled. The they ....... No! I can't remmeber that, it's the past. She has Squall now. Hmf. I ned some rest. Seifer headed towards the dorms. They were already being decorated by the excited students. Selphie in the lead. Quistis keeping everyone under control adn Irvien hanging around Selphie. Seifer shrugged and walked into his dorm. ****************************************************************************************** Reed was exausted. He was now about to reach Garden. It had been a long day. He had not had the time to even eat. well it did'nt matter. He would have a snack at the garden. Hmph, I wonder how Squalls feeling right now. I hope he does'nt tell Rinoa about our relation , that could lead to some very nasty problems. Reed was now nearing the garden's helipad. Well I guess I'm here. Reed thought as he carefully landed the ship. After about ten minutes, reed was out and in the Garden. Reed sighed with relief. He checked his watch, it was four A.M. He had rested on the mini-Ragnork, for three hours. He got ready for the day. Wet to his dorm and got hs sword the bathin. The Bathin was a very unique sword. When analyzed it was revealed that it's blade's edge was no thicker than a molequel. It was an ancient sword that Reed had brought with him to Garden. now it was tine for him to kill a few dozen monsters. It was'nt the same without Zell and Quistis. They had left each on Vacation. Zell and Erika were currently in Timber, while Quistis was well in Garden spending much time in her dorm. Only God knew what she did alone in there. Oh well it did'nt matter. Reed headed to the cafeteria. "Good morning, how can I help you?" asked the attendant. "I'd like a scrambled Egg and loaf of Bread, plus an orange juice please," replied Reed. "Alright, that'll be 90 Gil," said the attendant. "Okay," said Reed as he handed her the money and took his tray towards an empty table. Although Reed was almost famous throughout the whole garden he preferred to eat alone. just than a girl sat beside him. "Do you mind if I ...," asked the girl. Reed had seen her before somewhere. "Of course have a seat," said Reed as he slowly ate his egg. She had blue eyes, dark brown hair wrapped in a ponytail. Oh yeah there was something familiar about her. "thanks," said the girl as she was eating her's. It was three donuaghts and coffe. For a while non of them spoke. Finally Reed finished his Egg and the girl her donught. "So, pleased to meet you, I'm Reed," said Reed. "I'm Crystie, head of the library comitee," said the girl. Now Reed remembered, she was in the Library comitee. "So do you open the library this early and open close after 2 in the night," said Reed. "Yes, actually, we have shifts. Mine's up till any mission, So I stay till mid day," said Crystie. "I see," said Reed as he sipped on his Juice. "So we like got a job on this Garden convention, we have to like organize some parts of the program," said Crystie. "I'd love to help, if that's what you want?" said Reed, making it easy for Crystie. "Yes that was it," said Crystie. "just curious, why me?" asked Reed. "Well......, as you know, we have een asking you to join the comitee fore along time," replied Crystie. "That was because I can't handle the library comitee on my own," finished Crysite. "So let me guess, I'm second in command?" asked Reed. "Nope, your first," said Crystie. "Any particular reason?" asked Reed. "Well, you are a good leader and the library comitee, needs one like you. See I wanted to step down as leader, so we had a vote on who should be the next candidate," said Crystie. "That's where I come in I guess," said Reed. "Right," said Crystie. "So will you?" asked Crystie. "Alright I'l give it a try," said Reed. "Thanks," said Crystie smiling. "Meet me and the entire Library comitee after lunch okay?" asked Crystie. "okay sure," said Reed. Hmm, looks like something is going to keep me busy. ****************************************************************************************** (Midi: balamb Garden) Finally. After days of waiting the garden Convention started. Reed and the others were busy organising it. Everybody was having fun, everybody except Seifer. Seifer waited, waited for Destiny to give him another chance, another chance to prove himself worthy of existernce. He hated how he had lied to himself. Only he knew what bhis romantic dream was about and he would never tell it to anyone. Seifer usually stayed oin the training centre. Since he had quit the Desiplinary comitee, he had noithing to do but strenthen his fighting skills. He was now three times as powerful as Squall. For Squall had not faught for a long time while Seifer kept himself active. The only other people who kept their skills fresh were Reed and Zell. They usually faught against one another and had improved a hell lot more than ever. Zell had devoloped a new Limit Break called "Dual shock." In this move, Zell manipulated the power of sound. He used to add triple damage to his oponent. His moves would echo and repeat resulting in mass dmamge. Seifer ha devoloped, "Final Cross". In this Limit he he spun his gunblade until you could barely see it. While it was spining he would attack an oponent and would slice him to pieces. The only problem was that If this move was performed it would put Seifer in critical condition. Reed on the other hand had increased his strenth to a 50 times more than his previous. He knew the three styles of sword play. Assasin, Double hand, and single Hand. Reed on the other hand was killing to see the outside world again. It had been three moinths since he had been out of Garden. Except The trip to Esthar ofcourse. Squall and Rinoa had still not returned. Reed wished that he would be given a part in some great adventure. He wanted to fight the forcess of Evil an all that nonsense. He wished he could leave "Normal Life" and have an adventous one. he sighed as he instructed one of the students to move the banner a little more to the left. Finally his job was finished and he could rest. Ever sonce he had joined, Crystie had quit and moved along to SeeD with her partner and Boyfriend. His name was Frien. Frien was a tough guy, who cared much for people adn never hesitaed to kill if needed. he very rarely saw them as they were having fun inside the garden Convention. In the Garden Conventon all Gardens joined and in the centre a great building was held. Here there were hotels, stalls, and other coll things. Reed did'nt want o have fun. Twice Irvine, Selphie and Quistis had dragged him to the Convention. This time he was sure he would'nt go. He was too bored to do anything. He was sick of this fun. No this was no fun. He regarded fun as risking his life. staring death in the face, this was whta he enjoyed. He always survived one way or the other. As a child he had liked Video Games and now he was the Video Game. He could do all the suff that people in Video Games did. Finally all the students retired all except Reed went to the GGarden Convention. Very Few people were in the Garden. he had readily Volunteered to gaurd the garden in the night as the garden faculty was needed to organize the Convention. Reed ran his hand through his hair. he then headed towards Trainign centre. He needed to waste something. Monsters would be insinerrated in a second. he headed towards the Gym. There he began punching the puching bag. His spedd incressed and he finally punched the bag of it's hinges. he retied the Bag and headed towards the kicking bag. He began to use combos of kicks. He finished his workout with a roundhouse kick. The bag flew out of it's hinges and Reed stopped to catch his breath. Suddenly something hit him hard in the face. he flew ino the air and hit the nearest wall. The kicking bag had not acctually comeoff and had swung back at him. He laughed and found that he was bleeding from the mouth.He hurried to his dorm to bandage it and get a shower. Finaaly after much nagging on Selphie and Irvine's part Reed joined them to the Garden Convention. There he had fun but not the kind of fun he wanted to have. he wanted the thrill of adventure. he wanted Death to chase him and then he would elude it or it would catch him. He was'nt a coward and did'nt get scared of dieing. Afterall he did'nt have anyloved ones behind. Quistis and the others were having a ball as Headmaster Cid noted but he saw that Reed was not that amused. He then Asked Reed to join him n his sweep of the Garden. Reed gratefully agreed. he just wanted to get out of here. He followed Cid as Cid watched the Garden then, they entered his Office. (midi: timber owls) "Now Reed, there is something I must ask you," said Cid. "Yes Sir?" asked Reed. "Well I can see that you are not enjoying the Garden Convention, was it poorely organized?" asked Cid. "No, No, ofcourse not Sir, It's just that... ah nothing," said Reed. "No, please proceed," urged Cid. "Sir, I just enjoy fighting and adventure more, more than anything," said Reed. "I see, any particular reason?" asked Cid. "Well Sir, Everytime you fight a certain feeling devolpes in you, a feeling that askes you, will you live or Die. The feeling and the feel of excitment while fighting is my most treasured time," Finished Reed. "That is good to hear. Anyway, I think I can arrange a mission for you, if you don't mind?" asked Cid. "It would be my pleasure," said Reed. "Well then, You will have to lave in two hours, you r partner will be Seifer," said Cid. "Sir, What is the mission if I may ask," said Reed. "As you know, Centra has now many cities. Of these three cities are owned by Dedorian empire. In the City of Dedor, the princess of the castle needs body gaurds as roumours tell that somebody is plotting against her. You two, have to protect her. Be warned though this is no ordainary mission. The princesss had been assualted and many of her gaurds dieing in the prcocess. Her parents now have to employ us as he have fighters with unique Skills. I guess that covers it up," said Cid. (midi: Blue Fields) After a few more minutes of Disscusion Reed left to get ready. He adnSeife headed on a train for Dedor. Reed's heart pounding as he wondered what dangers were ahead of him. Seifer on the other hand remained Quite with a wierd look on his face. Reed buried himself in thoughts as the train speed off. ******************************************************************************************* Squall and Rinoa on the other hand were having a marvelous time. They were really enjoying themselves for it had been six months since they had had time for each other. Squall smiled as Rinoa made her move on the Board. They were playing the card game (Hyperblade: i can't rmember the name of it sorry). Squall easily used a combo and won another game. Squall smirked as he saw Rinoa lose. "That's it, I quit, you and Elle, play," said Rinoa as she went to the sofa nearby. Squall and Rinoa were staying at Esthar, with laugna for a long earned Vacation. Laugna smiled as he saw them quarrel. He dug back into his work. "Take a break Laugna, You've been at it since 5 in the morning," urged Kiros. ward nodded in agreement. "Only A little bit more and I'm finished," replied Laugna without even removing his facefrom the papers. "That man is going to work himself to death." said Kiros. "Cut it out," pleaded Laugna. Kiros smiled. Squall and Ellone were fighting for a win. Three games had been ties and they were looking for some way to beat the other. Finnaly Laugna ordered Some juice for himself and relaxed himslef from his work. "About time," said kiros. "Come on Kiros, Running Esthar is'nt bread and Butter," said Laugna. "No it's paper and pens,' joked Kiros and everybody laughed. Finally Rinoa, Kiros, Ellone and Ward left the room. Squall and Laugna discussed a very important matter. When was Squall going to get married. Squall and Laugna began to chat. Meanwhile, Ellone and Rinoa began to walk in the Palace Garden. It had recently been constructed and was very beautiful. "Rinoa, Did I aske you to the lake?" asked Ellone. "There's a lake," Rinoa asked excited. "Yes, I'll show you," said Ellone. "That'd be great let's go," said Rinoa. They hopped on on one of the small cars that carried people around the Garden. The Garden was acctually a park and an even grander one had been made for the public. They got oof on the lake. there they took a boat operated by robots. They enjoyed this very much. After about half an hour, Rinoa began to get edgy. "I think we should return, It's almost Lunch time,"said Rinoa. "Yes, let's get back or Squall and Uncle Laugna might start to look for us," said Ellone as they instructed the control centre to bring them back. ********************************************************************************************************* Meanwhile Reed and Seifer had arrived at Dedor. Reed and Seifer were waiting in the Palace guest room. Man these people must really be loaded considering that they're treating themselves like Kings and Queens. Reed looked observed the palace with great Interest as he had nothing else to do. He noted that the Castle still had medievil stuff but modern technology was fitted inside as well. like a an old fire torch had been fitted in with a bulb. Seifer on the other hand still had that look on his face. He was partially smiling and parcially looking like he was very weak. Reed could'nt understand but decided not to ask. he waited for some thing to arrive. He hated these palace people. They always made people wait on porpose so that they could show that they controlled thier fates, he hated that kind of attitude. Waiting for hours, he was still bored. Maybe he shoud'nt have left Garden. Maybe, nah, he knew he wanted to get out off Garden at all costs. Finally Reed could'nt resist. He finally asked Seifer what was wrong with him. "Nothing," said Seifer. Reed nodded but in his head he was amazed. Seifer would usually have said "It's none of your Buissnes" something was definately wrong. Reed just waited for the answers to be told. An HOUR LATER: "WHAT?" asked Reed. "Yes, it's true," replied the princess. "No way never,' said Reed. "I see you have'nt changed, Crystie," said Seifer. "None of your Buiesness!" said Crystie. "Well, I was'nt hired to play this game, I'm not your playmate, I'm just youir protector, That's all my Job is," said Reed. "No, you also have to follow my orders," said Crystie. "That's an order I would rather Die than follow," said Reed. "It was a joke but it was nice to see you so angry, you've changed," replied Crystie with a smile. "Umm, do I know you?" asked Reed really confused indeed. "Yeah, boy you sure forgot, we trained together, in the Dojo of Master Huma," said Crystie. "You're the Crystie?" asked Reed, still astonished. "Yes," said Crystie. "The Crystie who I saved and she saaved me, many times," asked Reed confirming. "Yes," she replied. "The one who, taught me how to forget and how to feel for others?" asked Reed. "Yes, and you learned very well, as I ca see," She relied. "You know each other?" ased Seifer. "Yeah, we do," said Reed. "We learned how to fight, in the same Dojo," said Crystie. "I never knew you were royalty," said Reed. "So is he," said Crystie, pointng to Seifer. "Huh?" asked Reed confused again. "I'm her brother," said Seifer with a smile, an evil one. "My long lost brother who probably was dead," said Crystie. "long lost, Were you two seperated?" asked Reed. "Seperated, hehe, he ran away form home and went to the orphanage, then he visted us every summer,' finished Crystie. "Um why dd you," said Reed. "Run away? Well tha's easy, life was to simple, to easy," said Seifer. "I see, same with me," said Reed. "So i decided to train ad study," said Reed. "Are you two through? ased Crystie. "Sorry,' said Reed. "Don't mind her, she's always this way,' said Seifer. "Oh, pulease, be QUITE," said Crystie. "Sibling fights, hmmm," said Reed. Seifer shruged. "Boys," complained Crystie. "Gir.." "SEIFER," said Crystie. Seifer shruged again. "Umm, so what are we here to do," asked Reed. "What's your problem, got to catch or someting?" asked Crystie. "Nope, just curious as, we've been here for THREE whole hours with nothing to do," said Reed. "Just be my bidy Gaurds and stay whereever I am, that's it," said Crystie. "I think you want us to," said Seifer as he laghed. "Shut up,' said Crystie. "As Squall would say, Whatever," replied Seifer. "Umm, here's my second question, why do you need protection," asked Reed. "Well, I need proteection cause I'm a princess, Well actually they are a buch of anti-Ruler people, they want to hold e in eschange for money," said Crystie. "They're being tracked down but until then I need some peple to gaurd, me and you two are the lucky ones," smiled Crysite. "Lucky Us," said Seifer in a torchured tone. "Grrr,' said Crystie. "Here we go again, what do you want to do fight or just take this seriously?" asked Reed. "Fight!" said Seifer and Crystie at the same time. "oh boy,' said Reed as he slumped back in his seat, it's going to be a long mission, he thought. ********************************************************************************************* Squall walked throught the coridors of the Garden, in The presidential Palace. He loved the way the wind ran thorught his face. Somehw today, he knew something big was going to happen, very big. Was it good or Bad he did'nt know. All the Bad was behind he hope. Rinoa's Sorcerry powers had been destroyed or removed, all was the way it had been. Well he coukd'nt say that. He knew wh his father was. He was soon going to retire from Garden a nd live a life of peice. Rinoa by his side, it would be the best life for both of them. Rinoa never liked fighting and he was getting sick of risking his life too. He'd be Vice president of Esthar, after a few years. For once his life was set. He was going to have things right for a change. He sighed as he saw th snrise. T was time to go back inside. MEANWHIE AT LAUGNA'S OFFICE: "Not again," said Laugna. "Oh yes, it's time, Laugna," said Kiros. "Maybe later, some other day,"said Laugna. "No Laugna, it's got to be now, When are you going to tae him to Winhill? He deserves to go with you," said Kiros. "I don't think now's such a good time, I'm sure if Ward was here, He'd agree with me," said Laugna. "No he would'nt and besides he won't back for a few days, he is getting his voice back, and recovering from the operation will take time,' said Kiros. "Maybe we should wait for Reed, It'd be better," said Laugna. "No Laugna, besides, Reed is on a mission, who knows where, the world has increased with cities and towns, you two will go alone this time," said Kiros. "And don;t try to protest because you always do it in the end," finished Kiros. "Fine you win," said Laugna. "Good, then go and tell him, Ill cover for you in the office," said Kiros. "Okay,' said laugna as he got up. ****************************************************************************************************** ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hyperblade: The longest Chapter finished. Yes Squall will soon retire and won't play a much big role for a while. But I will be showing you what happens in Esthar as an ATE like in FF9. For those of you have'nt played FF9, it's an active time event, an event that happens at the same time. I have decided not t end my fic. It will go on as I ahd planned orignally. Noiw yes Now acctaully, Now I will start the story. Simple at first but afterwards complicated to the extreem. Okay See you next time. Oh wait! The next chapter will be much longer and so will take longer to write. Anyways, tell em hwo you feel about my fic by E-mail or the FS Forums. It'll be credited. Till next time, SLASH! E-mail: hyerblade@fantasysquare.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________