MARCH OF THE UNDEAD - A FINAL FANTASY 8 FANFIC by SiLeNcEr. PROLOGUE Last year six people saved the world form its doom. A mad sorceress - Ultimecia , that searched for time compression threatened the existence of reality. However six characters rose to face her , defeated her , and lived to tell the tale. Those people , led by Squall Leonheart managed to survive the sorceresses' magic and traps only by staying together , to the very end. Soon each hero went back to his own business - Zell , Selphie and Quistis returned to Balamb Garden , witch now became the only garden in existence. Squall went with Rinoa for a long deserved vacation , and Irvine disappeared a few days after Ultimecia's defeat. Now a new danger awakens somewhere on the Cetra continent. Ultimecias' last and most powerful ally is about to emerge , and test humanity... Again... *** Squall stood on the edge of a cliff. The sight was amazing. Way down bellow him waves crushed into the wall of stone. Some seagulls flew past him , and continued on their way north. He had reached his goal for today , the northern edge of the Great Eshtar Forest. "You could have waited up" he heard behind him. As he turned around , he saw Rinoa , as cheerful as ever. "I did , belive me" he answered. "You're no fun... Are we having a vacation TOGETHER or not?" Rinoa seemed to be up to something. "Guess so" Squall answered. "Good" Rinoa said "Time to swim" "Wha..." was the only thing Squall managed to say before Rinoa jumped him , and they both fell down into the water bellow. Both of them immediately surfaced. "Are...you...crazy?" Squall gasped. "No , just wait up for me next time. C'mon lets go back up" *** "Another perfect day" Quistis Trepe muttered. She exited her room in Balamb Garden's dorms. She remembered that last night she spent a lot of time in the training center, the place where every bored SeeD can find action nowadays. Actually SeeD's were still dispatched around the world , but their assignments limited to killing a few cactuars and bite-bugs. The last big thing happened last week when Zell and two other SeeD's encountered a T-Rexaur during a rescue- op. It was big not because the T-Rexaur was strong , but since Zell managed to kill it with one blow - nobody knew how , even Zell. 'Wonder what exciting assignment will I get today' Quistis really missed some elements of the old days. There was much more going on , much more to do. Now Balamb even stopped training SeeD's , due to financial problems. Zell was waiting near the exit. "Greetings instructor" he boomed. Both Zell and Selphie called Quistis 'instructor' even though her license was revoked a year ago "The garden has been up lately, something big seems to be coming up" "Is it bigger then last week?" Quistis asked. "Much bigger" Zell said "Supposly a Balamb scientist found out the reason why the beasts are so damn weak. And suposley it has somtin' to do with the Cetra continent" "Quistis Trepe , Zell Dincht and Selphie Tilmitt report to the bridge immediately , we have important news" a loudspeaker boomed. *** "No no no goddang" Irvine Kinneas shouted through a mic "I don't want any SeeD's to help me , just tell them that it would be cool if they'd see this" "See what?" a speaker answered. "Just tell them I'm Irvine , and I've found out somthin' cool OK? Thanks" With that Irvine turned his radio of. CHAPTER ONE "Every journey has its beginning..." The day was about to end on the Cetra continent. The animals returned to their homes in the forests. The sun slowly started melting into the ocean , but there was another source of light , artificial light. It came from a destroyed and deserted airship , once Galbadia garden. The garden was a reminder of the fight one year ago , but what was to be recovered , was took a long ago , and even the animals did not venture inside. Still the garden itself maintained a life of its own - a reminder of sorceress Ultimecia's powers. The garden was surrounded by graves - of those that once fought to destroy it. But today the garden's lights shined stronger than ever before. A dark figure emerged from the ruins. The light seemed to be afraid of it , as it was covered in darkness , even though the area around the garden was illuminated as if it was day. The figure seemed to wear the darkness , or it seemed to be the darkness. A rise of its hand , and several other figures emerged from the garden. This time they were perfectly visible - skeletons. "Hunt" The dark one ordered. The skeletons immediately dispersed into the woods , to seek their prey. Several flying creatures took off from the roof of the Garden and speed off in the direction of other continents. Each creature carried three skeletons on its back. The dark one retreated to the garden. *** Quistis , Zell and Selphie were all assembled at the bridge. Headmaster Cid stood before them , next to him stood Xu. "Ah we're all here" The headmaster spoke "Let's get this show on the road. I think all of you heard about the apparent weakening of the monsters. Well you should know that the whole world is worried - it is not only the monsters that are weak and few in numbers , but all kinds of wild animals" "Yes" Quistis interrupted "I heard it had something to do with some kind of disease" "Not exactly" Cid said "Some people brought those weak animals home , and Doc Odine down at Eshtar did some research... These animals do not seem to be weak but exhausted. Odine said that most animals he brought in had to sleep for three of four days before he could even do any research. This news spread across the world fast. All governments have requested SeeD specialists to answer the question: If it is not a disease , than what? This is where you three come in" "I bet we have to find the answer?" Selphie asked. "Zell and Selphie" Xu pointed out "You will be dropped off by the garden at the Cetra continent. There you will meet with an independent investigator , who said he has some valuable information. Then you will catch up with the SeeD's already there , and help them with the investigation" "Err ... 'An independent investigator?' What is that?" Zell asked" "A merc" Xu answered quickly. "Go prepare yourselves - we will reach the Cetra continent in 15 minutes. Dismissed" "Yes , sir" Zell and Selphie said , saluted both Cid and Xu , and walked out of the bridge. "As for you Quistis" Xu continued "you will be placed in Eshtar , where you will talk to president Laguna. Also there you will rendezvous with another SeeD already there. The two of you will then exit Eshtar and look for Squall Leonheart" "Squall???" Quistis was surprised. "If you want him to help us , forget it. He said that he will never again reach for his gunblade , remember?" "Yes we do" Cid said "But it is still nice to try , Isn't it? And if he doesn't agree , at least try to borrow the Ragnarok form him , that is your primary goal. Dismissed" *** Zell and Selphie have been walking for almost two hours. The point in witch the mercenary awaited them was 30 km away from the place in witch they were dropped by the garden. Zell had to stop and wait up for Selphie several times. "How long 'till we get there?" Selphie asked "How should I know?" Zell snapped back "We've been walking this wasteland for two hours now... Geez what does that merc think?" He had just about enough of this walking , there was sand in his boots and his head hurt. Suddenly he saw a flash of light from a nearby hill. "That might be him" He said. "Let's move it" It took them ten minutes to get to the hill on witch Zell saw the light. A short climb , and they saw a small camp. In the middle of it Irvine stood , looking at them with a smile. "No way!" Selphie shouted "Fraid' so" Irvine answered with a smile. "I suppose you wonder why I disappeared so suddenly a year ago..." "Yeah , you bet we do! What were you thinking??" Zell said "Easy man" Irvine sat down on the ground "After the sorceresses' demise , I thought a lot. After all we were heroes and then what? We return to our assignments , you'd probably make a SeeD out of me. But that is not exactly what I wanted. I want to catch what I can form each day , and to use life to the fullest. So one night i snaked out of the garden and were on my way. I went through the whole world , just like Laguna did in the old days... Heh it was fun , till i found out something strange here , something related to the recent problems of the world's animals and monsters" "Yeah..." Zell looked up to the horizon "Isn't that..." "Garden. Galbadia Garden. " Irvine looked at the red structure in the distance. His eyes darkened. "A symbol of the sorceressess' power , and of mankind's foolishness... Such a waste" "So" Selphie said "What is that info you wanted to give us?" "I was in Garden last week... The place is still running , as if someone was maintaining it... But that is not it. Someone is rebuilding it... Inside I saw stuff that wasn't ever there , and the forest around it - completely dead , nothing not even grass grows there , and the trees are dead... That place seems to be coursed by something" "So how does that connect to our problems?" Zell asked "I'm still connecting the dots... Seems that each night creatures fly out of that forest. Your SeeD buddies on the other side might know more , they didn't let me onto anything though..." "The SeeD's here are... well beginners" Zell explained "That's at least what Xu told us. We're going there, anyway , so you might just as well go with us , we'll probably go into the Garden later , so we will need a guide" *** "The SeeD in Eshtar awaits you in front of the presidential palace. He's quite a character , we know very little about him. Good luck with Squall" Xu said to Quistis , as the garden lifted itself. Quistis sat down on a chair , and moments later she was traveling into the heart of Eshtar. So much has changed since she was here last time. The city was darker , sinister now. Since its near destruction during the latest Lunar Cry , the city has been developing rapidly. Large buildings towered above the futuristic roads , the city seemed even bigger than last time. Quistis walked along the road , admiring the architecture and new look of the city. Soon she reached the presidential building. Lots of people walked around , attending their own business. Quistis looked around , but saw no sign of the person she was supposed to meet. "Hello , Instructor" A voice said behind her "Did the garden bore you that much , that you've come to Eshtar" Quistis turned around and recognized the person immediately. "Seifer?" She gasped "What are you..." "Visiting" Seifer Almasy , the rogue SeeD candidate said , and smiled "It's been a while." "Yes... It sure was. Why did you never return to garden? You know we would accept you with open arms." "Suppose I would come back" Seifer said "then what? A SeeD exam , and possibly a boring life of preserving the world peace and saving dying animals... Speaking of witch , I heard SeeD was told to save them?" "Yes" Quistis answered "Hmph" Seifer smiled once again "Never accepted your ways... Let' em die I say , the world would be much safer place. Maybe it was all Ultimecia's work? You know the Lunar cry , and all other disasters..." "Maybe" Quistis remained reserved. "But than again you did serve under her , didn't you. Wasn't it your dream to become 'The Sorceressess' Knight' ?" "Trepe? Quistis Trepe?" Someone shouted form the crowd. "That's my cue. Bye Seifer" Quistis said and ran of to the source of the voice that called her. "Bye Instructor" Seifer said and turned around. He looked up into the sky. "Something's brewin'" He said and wandered off. Qusitis reached the person that called her. A tall massive man , that wore dark armor. His face was covered with a mask , only his bright red eyes were visible. And a gun. A very big handgun that hung from his hip. Quistis saluted him. He replied with the same salute. "Quistis Trepe , SeeD rank 22" She introduced herself. "Shade , SeeD rank A" He replied. His dark armor glittered in the sun. "We have to go. The target was seen on the northern end of Eshtar. I've arranged for a car..." "Not target" Quistis interrupted , her eyes darkened "Squall. He did more than you ever will , remember that" "Point taken" Shade replied with lack of any emotional response. "Shall we go?" *** "What the hell happened here???" Zell thought , as Selphie , Irvine and him searched through the abandoned SeeD camp. It looked like a firestorm went through it - rubble lying around , some tents torn and burned stood or laid on the ground. Around the camp all trees were burned , there were black marks on the ground. It all seemed like an ambush. "I know what you are thinking" said Irvine "and I can tell you that if it were an ambush - we would see some bodies" "But something had to happen here!!!" Zell snapped back. This whole thing didn't have any sense for him. "Everything is left behind - all supplies , even most weapons" "Scuse'me" Selphie interrupted "But I think that the best thing to do is to report to garden about this" "Yeah... I think you're right" Zell said , and looked for a radio. When he fond one he looked at it briefly. "Broken" he muttered and looked for another one. All radios he found did not work. "C'mon" Irvine said "There's a radio at my camp , let's..." He did not finish. An explosion ripped through the air. All eyes turned to the place on the from where it came from. "Is it?" Zell asked. "Yeah" Irvine answered. "Umm... Are those figures approaching your buddies???" "I don't think so..." Zell was interrupted by a salve from Irvine's shotgun. One dark figure approaching them fell to the ground. It lay there for a while , but it stood up and resumed it's march. Irvine was surprised. "Looks like we're in trouble" "No kidding..." Zell said as one creature closed to him. His punch ripped it's head off. Three other ones attacked Zell. "Err... Help?" Zell said , and kicked another one. A short 'BOOM' and The chest of one of Zell's attacker laid a few meters away form its owner. "Thanks" "Umm..." Selphie said as she hit one creature with her nunchako "There is definitely a lot of them" "What are those things anyway??? They look like us , but are completely mindless" Zell thought as he slammed two of their heads against each other. "Are they zombies???" "Incoming form air" Irvine shouted , and jumped , avoiding a slash from a strangely deformed bird. The Zombies advanced. "Damn it! We're cornered!" Irvine said as the zombies formed a circle around the three fighters. *** "There" Shade said as he looked through his binoculars. "The ship is there" "Then let's go" Quistis answered. Both of them walked in the direction pointed out by Shade. Soon the giant red ship was before them. Parked on a small clearing , the Ragnarok was looking majestic , as usual. It's metal - colored guns reflected the sun. On it's side a small replaced plate , witch held the signatures of the six people that saved the world. "Back than we were all friends" Quistis thought. "Now look at us... Ultimecia was right... time will not wait" "Looks like nobody's here" Shade interrupted Qusitis' thinking. "Where could they have gone to?" "How should I know? They could be anywhere around here!" "Yeah , sure. Mind if I take a look around?" "Be my guest" Shade departed. "Who is that guy?" Quistis thought "Seems to be a SeeD , but he acts quite different... Ever since we started walking , he never said a word until he went to take a look around , and he always asks me for permission. Wonder how did he ever reach A..." "Quistis???" A voice said behind her. She turned around and saw Squall... He hasn't changed a bit... Still wearing his coat , and his red belts... Still bearing a scar on his face. "You haven't changed Squall... " she said "But you look better with a gunblade by your side" "Whatever" "Whatever..." Quistis laughed "Still haven't changed a bit" At this moment Rinoa emerged from the forest. "Quistis!" She shouted. "Fancy meeting you here. She walked up behind Squall and put her arms around him , sticking out her head form behind Squall. "So , have you been taking care of Squall??" Quistis put her hands on her hips. "Sure I've been!" Rinoa smiled "What brings you here???" "Squall actually" Shade interrupted the reunion "The SeeD Squall Leonheart , is that you???" "Who' se he?" Rinoa asked. "Please do not speak as if I am not here" Shade looked at Rinoa "I'm Shade... that is all you need to know. Now I shall ask again , are you Squall???" "Yes I am" Squall answered. He measured Shade with his eyes. "Good. The garden has a message for you" Shade said and reached for an envelope underneath his armor. "Letter?" Quistis asked "I have not been told of no letter" "You haven't???" Shade was surprised. "No matter..." Squall read the letter. He held it in a way Rinoa could see it too. Her smile seemed to turn into terror within moments. She looked at Quistis , then at Shade. "This.... this..." she muttered "came from Garden?" "Yes" Shade turned around and looked at the Ragnarok. "What if I refuse?" Squall said. "I'll act accordingly... Of course I'd prefer to do it peacefully..." "Peacefully???" Quistis walked up to Shade and whispered: "What the hell is this letter???" "You don't know??? Truly you don't know?? That means nobody told you... And that means that Cid screwed the job. The letter is an acquisition order from Galbadia , and a SeeD request from General Carnaway." "Carnaway??? That is Rinoa's father!" "I didn't know that... The letter orders Squall to hand the Ragnarok to the disposal of the G-Army. SeeD has been hired to force the order" "I... I didn't know" *** "There is too many of them!!! We won't handle them!" Zell screamed as he deflected the attack of an aerial beast. For the last 20 minutes Selphie , Irvine and himself have been fighting undead creatures. They stormed them wave after wave, and there seemed to be no end of them. "Put yourself together man!" Irvine kept cool "They are weakening!" "Hope you're right man!!!" Zell said and bashed into another set of Zombies. Irvine WAS right. Another ten minutes and the battle was over. "What the hell are those critters????" Irvine looked at one of the undead "They LOOK dead already... Still that didn't keep them from attacking us..." "Look" Selphie took a shred of clothing from one of the zombies. It was a piece of a SeeD uniform. "SeeD's..." "SeeD's... dead SeeD's... The second group..." Zell said as he looked at the piece of cloth. "Not only them" Irvine looked at another dead body "Galbadians... Those fallen during the battle of the gardens. Our brethren and enemies..." "We have to report back to garden!" Zell said. "How??? These radio's are dead , and my camp's blown..." "Galbadia..." Selphie said as she looked in the direction of the ruined Garden. "Silly... But might just work" Irvine walked up to Selphie "The Garden will probably have a working comm system... Still you never know what we might find there..." "Standin' round here won't help. Let's go!" Zell said *** Shade and Quistis stood and whispered to each other. Behind them Squall was finishing reading the letter, that Shade gave to him. "Are you with me , or do will I have to get through you" Shade asked Quistis. "Something is wrong here Shade. Deeply wrong. Cid would never accept such a job... I want to find out what happened" "You find out. I'll do what I have to" Shade turned around "You made up your mind???" "Quistis will you let him rob us , just like that???" Rinoa said. "I do not want to... hurt you" Shade said and drew his hand-gun. "The demon's fire. This pistol lights anything its projectiles touch... Death is slow and painful , belive me" "NO!" Quistis shouted. "Do not kill them! Just take the ship! Go to the pilot's room , I'll hold them" "Very well" Shade said and entered the Ragnarok. "Quistis how can you!" "Something is wrong... Deeply wrong... Squall , Rinoa... The world is collapsing. We might need to fight again" The hangar bay of the Ragnarok started closing. Quistis ran up to it. "I'll find you , once I know more... Sorry..." She said as the hatch closed. The Ragnarok took off , and flew in the direction of Balamb , and farther behind it - Galbadia. *** In the main room of the presidential palace a man sat. He braced his head on his thumbs , his pointing fingers went around his nose. He had his eyes closed. "President Laguna!" a voice crackled through the intercom witch was on a desk , next to witch the man was sitting. "They took of , and are heading to Galbadia now! The garden itself is heading for Timber to retrieve the artifact!" "Good" Laguna answered , and lowered his hands. "Keep me informed" Laguna stood up and went to a window. "It has started" he thought. END OF CHAPTER ONE COMING UP: The second new character - Kaede Escape from Cetra Island The Garden under siege!!!!! ALL IN CHAPTER TWO! Any questions , comments and other mail to: silencer@polbox.com