The Fourth Universe - 1

[08.07.00] » by Soul-Hunter

"Zell, slow down. There’s more where it came from."

"No way, instructor. I’m not taking any chances." Zell snapped back, grabbing an armful of the Garden delicacy as if his life depended on them.

"Is everyone here?"

"Oh, hello, headmaster Cid." Quistis cheerfully greeted the headmaster who had just made an entrance. "Selphie and Irvine took the northwest side with Xu. We’re just waiting for Squall and Rinoa to arrive."

"Okay, I’ll just head right on there."

"Zell! Enough already!" the instructor turned her attention back to her comrade, who by that time had managed to borrow a wide serving tray and is now currently loading it up with dozens of hotdogs. "You can’t possibly eat all that in one sitting."

"Come on, Quisty. I’m getting enough for everybody. One of me, one for you, one for me, one for Selphie, one for me, one for Irvine, one for me, one for…"

"Hey Zell, do you plan on going on a long journey?" Rinoa interrupted as she walked alongside the two, arm-in-arm with Squall.

"Sup, guys! Hey, Squall, where were you? I dropped by your quarters this morning and you weren’t there."

"Oh… uhh, I was… elsewhere…" Squall sheepishly replied, throwing a tender look at the smiling Rinoa. Zell blushed when he caught on to the SeeD commander’s implied message. Then he walked past the couple, his left hand balancing a tray full of hotdogs while his right balled to a fist, teasingly landing a soft jab on Squall’s solar plexus.

"You go, boy!" Zell mumbled to his grinning comrade.

Quistis’ reaction, however, wasn’t as affirming. As she eyed the couple walking just ahead of her, the melancholic instructor can’t help but let out a sigh of defeat, surrendering herself to the fact that she can never have that one thing which she longed for for as long as she can remember.

"Just let go… just let go…" Quistis whispered to herself.

"Hey! The gang’s all here! Pull up a chair, folks!" Irvine exclaimed as he greeted the newcomers. Seeming like this moment was way overdue, the group which consisted of Squall, Rinoa, Quistis, Selphie, Irvine, Zell, Headmaster Cid and Xu gathered together as they enjoyed a rare but delightful moment; talking, exchanging corny jokes and laughing with each other. Breakfast with hotdogs, in the company of friends and loved ones.

Assuming a more formal expression, Quistis broke the revelry with her usual serious demeanor. "So, headmaster, may I ask what this meeting is all about?"

"Come one, Quisty." Selphie retorted. "Can we like, forget about work for a while? We’re still having so much fun."

"Much as I hate to break the fun, Quistis is right. Let’s get down to business, everyone." Cid remarked, which elicited a whimper from the Trabian transfer student.

"Everyone, as you may all know, Esthar and Galbadia recently forged a peace agreement. President Laguna Loire of Esthar and acting President Richard Caraway of Galbadia are at the moment, in the process of drafting a treaty that, at the very least, could mean the end of the cold war between those two superpowers."

"Sounds good, headmaster." Squall commented. "We’re finally on the verge of lasting peace."

"Way cool!" seconded the excited Zell.

"Yeah. But hasn’t anyone ever considered another implication? Balamb Garden will lose its clientele." Xu interrupted, stressing the obvious effect that with the absence of warring factions, Garden will definitely lose its main source of income since no one would hire SeeDs anymore.

"Xu, we’re talking world peace here. Don’t you think Garden’s income should take a back seat in light of this vastly more important development?"

"I don’t think Xu wanted those two countries to start fighting again if that’s what you’re thinking, Irvine." Quistis countered the former Galbadian student’s remark.

"World peace is important. It is perhaps the one thing this war-torn planet needs most right now. I am definitely up to helping it if I can. But as of current, our job is to find some other way to finance Garden’s operations. That, or we may have to shut down soon." The headmaster stressed, as he noticed Squall assuming a visage of deep thought. "What’s on your mind, Squall?"

"Huh? Nothing, headmaster."

"Squall…" Rinoa muttered, as if imploring her lover to speak out his thoughts.

"Headmaster, Garden is… my home. Not having clients to finance its operation is admittedly a serious thing that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. But… I think shutting Garden down is a tad overboard, at the very least. I’m sure everyone in this table feels the same way." The head SeeD insisted, evoking a nod of approval from everybody.

"Now don’t get me wrong, Squall." Cid replied. "I feel just as attached to this place as everyone of you. Okay, since the consensus appears to be geared towards keeping Balamb Garden running, then we have to find alternative means to keep the cash flow coming in. Ideas, anyone?"

"Hey, why not hold a benefit concert? I think we did a pretty good job before, so…"

"Oh get real, Selphie." Zell reacted. "Who’d want to listen to a bunch of amateurs like us? I mean, playing ‘Eyes on Me’ can only get us so far. No offense, Rinoa."

"None taken." Rinoa nodded. "And Zell’s got a point. Garden needs something long term."

The meeting was abruptly interrupted by the sudden arrival of Nida, who pulled the headmaster aside to deliver an urgent news. After a few moments, Cid returned to the table, eyes brimming with anticipation.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen. As the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for."

"What’s up, headmaster?" Zell curiously asked.

"It seems a certain malevolent faction of the Galbadian army isn’t a bit pleased with the ongoing peace talks. And they’ve just forcibly gained control of the Presidential Residence in Deling city, demanding for General Caraway to be relieved of his command."

"What?!?" Rinoa exclaimed, as the news made her bolt up from her seat. "What about my… General Caraway?"

"Don’t worry, Rinoa." Cid assuaged her. "Fortunately, General Caraway was out when the coup de tat came down. Right now he’s in Esthar. President Loire was gracious enough to offer Esthar’s protection until this crisis gets resolved. And that, my friends, is where we come in."

"Cool!" Irvine blurted out. "I’ve been dying for some action. So what do we do?"

"Major General Moyet is leading the rebel group. As it is, they’re holding some key government officials hostage. And Moyet is dangerously hardcore. So storming the place is out of the question because they might just execute some hostages." Cid paused for a few seconds before continuing. "General Caraway himself personally requested for your assistance. Your job is to enter the Presidential Residence – unnoticed – and secure the hostages. It includes eliminating everything and everyone that gets in your way. When the hostages are safe, then you can leave the mop up operation to the Galbadian army and the Presidential Guard Corps."

"I got the Ragnarok fueled up and ready to go." Nida added. "You are to rendezvous with Presidential Guard commander, Captain Elias Mockingbird at the Tomb of the Unknown King. He will then escort you to Caraway Mansion, where you will access the secret passageway leading to the underground waterways. I have the schematics right h…"

"No need for that, Nida. I know how to navigate the tunnels." Quistis interjected.

"Very well, unless you have some questions, I suggest that you be underway." Cid instructed.

The six wasted no time and immediately hurried forth. However, they were stopped dead on their tracks when Cid suddenly called them back.

"Rinoa, Irvine. You can’t go with them."

"B-But why, headmaster?" a perplexed Rinoa echoed.

"Not until you read these." The headmaster responded while handing them two silver-lined documents. Irvine became wide-eyed after browsing through the papers.

"Headmaster… this is a SeeD Rank Report! Does this mean…"

"Just wanna make it official. Effective this very moment, you and Rinoa are hereby appointed as full-fledged SeeDs. You have to forgive me though if we can’t hold a formal inauguration just ye…"

"WOOWWW! Thank you, headmaster!" Rinoa jubilantly exclaimed while wrapping her arms excitedly around Cid’s neck.

"Come on, guys. We can hold a bash later." Squall remarked amidst his crew’s festive mood brought about by the unexpected yet welcome development. "We have a job to do."

"And so, the drama commences. Vainly putting their faith on their vaunted invincibility, these six brave warriors speed to the aid of the weak. With their great powers, this simple task should be mere child’s play for them. And yet…"

Two clandestine figures watch as the speeding juggernaut known as the Ragnarok, a wondrous product of mighty Esthar’s advanced technology, draws to a halt in mid-air. Intently staring at the object of their fascination and loathing, their eyes followed its movement, as it descended slowly on a wide patch of green land.

"And yet, little do they know that these same potent abilities they wield will provide me with the means to conquer them, and everything they stand for."

"IF you’re plan works, that is." The heftier one interrupted.

"You doubt my scheme, Tengu. It’s a wonder how much your faith for your master has waned. Do you find me inadequate now?"

"No, it’s not that. It just sounds so far-fetched. That’s all. The para-magic technology required for such a strategy is at the very least… mind-boggling."

"Well, I guess I shouldn’t expect too much from someone like you. All brawns and… no matter. Just wait and see, my ignominious behemoth. In a short while, your disgusting moss-hued eyes will finally witness one of the most incredible feats in the history of mystic warfare."

"Hey, hey. I don’t want to spoil you oratory fit, mistress. But the six have just joined the Galbadians. They’re on their way to the arched city."

"And so are we, Tengu."

Picking up a crystal wine glass from the wall-mounted shelf, Rinoa examined the exquisite piece of glassware for a moment before setting it down on the statue right next to her. With the exception of Quistis, Zell and Selphie, the crew was startled when the sculptured form suddenly rotated to reveal a secret hallway.

"It’s either I’ve been away too long or my d… that man has started hiding a lot of things from me. I never knew about this hidden door until now."

"How would you know? You never even talk to your old man anymore." Zell voiced out in reaction to Rinoa’s accusing remark.

"Y… Yeah, but…"

"That’s quite enough of that, you two." Squall intermitted. Turning to Quistis, "Are you sure you know the way around the sewers?"

"Hey, don’t you trust me?" the instructor replied with a slight pout. "I’ll take point. Everyone, be sure you’re all junctioned.

Quietly, the group strutted into the dimly-lit channel. Following the familiar path of revolving waterwheels and hardwood bridges, they eventually made their way around the dank sewer system and finally to a rusty metal ladder leading up. Squall firmly held the ladder, shaking it repeatedly to assess its rigidity.

"It’s quite unstable. Okay, guys, let’s do this one at a time. Zell, you go first."

"Roger that, Squall." Zell replied with a mock salute.

"Strange, no Creeps or Red Bats…" Quistis softly wondered.

"Heh, I have Diablos junctioned." Selphie revealed. "Not quite as exciting as fighting, but it’s good enough for government work."

Deeper into the north branch of the tunnel system, an ominous figure stirred in reaction to the young SeeD’s remark.

"Diablos! My hated foe is with them!"

"Quiet, you beast. Do not spoil my plan with your petty thirst for revenge."

"Hrrrrrr…" the dark shadow quivered, his steel-hard muscles tensing in unison with the clicking sound of his gnashing fangs. The vile monstrosity wanted desperately to attack, but his intense desire for vengeance is still easily overwhelmed by his fear of his mistress’ wrath.

Meanwhile, the SeeD team managed to successfully make their way to the kitchen undetected. But not totally undetected. Zell and Irvined lagged behind, dragging four unconscious Galbadian rebels who were unfortunate enough to have stationed themselves along the SeeDs' path.

Regrouping inside the abandoned galley, Squall gathered his comrades together for a quick rebriefing.

"So far, so good. The good news is, there’s a lift hatch inside the kitchen that leads straight to the bedrooms on the third floor. The bad news is, we don’t know in what room they’re holding the hostages. I suggest we split up." Turning once more to the esteemed instructor, "Quistis, choose your party, go upstairs and secure the area. Just leave Selphie with me. We’ll need her to operate the computers in the central security office."

"Got it. Zell, Irvine, you’re with me."

As the heroic six dispersed, the two dark figures stalking them once again congregated. "Tengu, I trust that you performed your task well."

"Have no fear, my lady. Those youthlings are in for the surprise of their lives once they get to face the Galbadian weapon."

"Okay, two more to go. Selphie, punch in the code for the master bedroom."

"Okay, let’s have it, Squall."

"Rinoa?"

The new SeeD nodded, then turned her attention back to the only Galbadian soldier in the room left conscious.

"Just two more codes, Eiling. And I won’t tell my father that you’re with this rebellion."

"Damn spoiled brat…" the cornered soldier murmured before giving out the required code. "Couch-potato Chocobo."

"Are these guys serious?" Selphie blurted out while punching in the access string. "First there’s Bratty Moogle, then there’s Catatonic Wendigo… how do these people think up these pass codes anyway?"

"Who cares? Just type it in, Sefie."

"Okay, o great and fearless leader."

The monitor blurred for a second as the camera control switched from one room to the next. Squall’s fists clenched when the picture came back to reveal four Galbadian soldiers pointing their guns toward at least a dozen hostages.

"Bingo!" Turning on his communicator, Squall alerted the other party of their vital discovery. "Quistis, the master’s bedroom at the left wing. Get a move on and secure the hostages."

"We’re right outside it, Squall." Quistis’ voice reverberated from the communicator’s micro-speaker. "Zell’s managed to climb inside the ventilation shaft and is currently right on top of the Galbadian soldiers. We’re just waiting for your signal."

"Don’t wait for us. Move now!"

Irvine heard Squall’s faint order and took it as a cue. However, even before kicking the door open, the pair heard loud thumping sounds and tortured groans from inside the room. The noise lasted for a few seconds, after which the door opened to reveal a widely grinning Zell. Behind him, four azure-clad Galbadian infantry men lay unconscious on the floor.

"I love this sneak attack bit." Zell beamed.

His smirk then disappeared when the security alarm suddenly went off.

"Dammit! We’re spotted like Dalmatians!" Irvine exclaimed.

The beleaguered SeeDs wasted no time in leading the hostages to the roof of the Presidential Residence, where the Ragnarok quietly hovered. "Quickly! Get on!" Zell hollered as the hostages frantically climbed aboard the magnificent spacecraft. The last captive had barely pulled his legs up when a battalion of Galbadian rogues appeared.

The three embattled warriors braced for battle. Then suddenly, the rebel soldiers were violently swept off their feet and sucked inside the grotesque form of the Guardian Force known as Pandemona. The mighty GF gathered his strength, then ejected the rogues with an even more forceful jet that carried them high into the air. A series of loud thuds resonated when the rogues landed hard on the concrete embankment of the rooftop.

"That’s one windbag I don’t mind tagging along with me." a smiling Rinoa cracked.

As the six SeeDs gathered together, a loud metallic shriek pierced the still night air. It was followed by a steady hum of an approaching Galbadian war machine. Squall held his gunblade tight when he recognized the robot.

"A Mobile Type 8. Be careful, team. Watch out for its Corona."

"Damn! Let’s hit it hard and fast" Zell yelled, followed by a quick magic attack. "Thundaga!"

The robot winced when a powerful bolt of lightning exploded from the heavens, bombarding it with debilitating negative energy. The others immediately followed suit, wantonly casting Water and Thundaga attacks on the fearsome automaton. After two waves, the SeeDs were flabbergasted to see the robot still standing. Rinoa and Selphie contorted their faces in pain after the machine connected on them with twin homing lasers.

"Shit, this one is tough." Irvine remarked anxiously. "Squall, any ideas?"

"Go for the clincher." The SeeD commander echoed before summoning his GF. "QUEZACOTL!"

A pair of watchful eyes eagerly fixed their gaze on the spectacular bird-creature while it rained devastating lightning bolts on the enemy.   Faintly flickering yellow lights flashed just before the Thunder Bird retreated into the void.    "That’s one, mistress. Seven more to go."

"IFRIT!"

"LEVIATHAN!"

"ALEXANDER!"

"BROTHERS!"

"DOOMTRAIN!"

The crimson-garbed owner of the wicked gaze smiles widely as yet another soft flash, this time in the hue of green, emanates from her pupils simultaneously with the dissipating locomotive of death.

"PANDEMONA!"

And yet another in the shade of heavenly blue...

"SHIVA!"

Pristine azure white...

The summoned Guardians relentlessly pummeled the robotic foe with their dreaded elemental blows. Mobile Type 8 twitched, reeled back, and recoiled. After the smoke cleared, the SeeDs were gripped anew with shock when they saw the automaton still floating in front of them.

"One more to go. Come on, you wretched pretenders. Summon your mightiest ally."

"If this doesn’t destroy this bucket of bolts, nothing will." A furious Zell shot out. "EDEN!"

Overcome by wicked rejoicing, the mysterious woman in red drew a deep breath. Above, the menacing form of the fabricated Guardian Force descended upon the vile machine. Using its unearthly energies, Eden mystically transformed the planet itself into a gigantic cosmic cannon, all the while drawing its target in front of its pulsating muzzle. Unimaginable power crackled through the galactic void, cutting a swath across the stellar realm as the cannon-world hurled the Galbadian machine towards a waiting nebula hundreds of light-years away. As if it had ingested a repulsive substance, the heavenly body exploded with even more violent cosmic energies, rejecting the unwanted intruder and sending it crashing back to the earth. A final death wince heralded the robot’s climactic demise, culminated by a loud explosion that reduced it to scrap metal.

Deafening silence reclaimed its dominion amidst the subtle heaves of humid Galbadian air made by the exhausted SeeDs. Focused as ever, Quistis disturbed the permeating stillness to make contact with the Presidential Guard commander through her communicator.

"Captain Mockingbird. The hostages are secure. You can move in now." After which the SeeD allowed her fatigued body to slump on the concrete floor. "We are obviously out of shape. Never felt this tired in my whole life."

"Yo, speak for yourself, instructor. I feel fantastic! I always feel this way after a successful mission." Zell exclaimed while executing his usual shadow-boxing routine.

"Yeah, I know what you mean, Zell." Rinoa seconded. "Sure feels good when you get to save people’s lives, doesn’t it?"

Hidden in the darkness, the arcane mistress muses at her self-proclaimed enemies. "Revel in your victory for as long as you can, damnable SeeDs." The incognito figure in crimson garb silently meditated. "Rejoice, and savor the moment, counting the last seconds of your precious existence in this puny world. For in saving the lives of those pathetic fools, you have just secured your personal places in hell."

Chapter Three