Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ About Darkness ❯ War ( Chapter 10 )

Quistis paced up and down her studies, hands clasped behind her back. Headmaster Cid sat on one of the stuffed armchairs which stood in front of the high shelves that were packed with leather-bound books and scrolls.

 

“Galbadia has called for help. Edea and her puppet Lord Audebel have launched an attack at the North”

 

Irvine, who was leaning against the wall, flicked back his Stetson and raised an eyebrow. “What is there to attack? No town in Galbadia holds more than a few hundred inhabitants. They pay tribute to Audebel, anyway. What is there to gain?”

 

Squall cast him a dark, grave glance. “They are demonstrating their strength. The men will have to join Edea's troops if they want to protect their families from her wrath”

 

Rinoa who was sitting on the edge of Quistis' massive desk let out a gasp. Her eyes were wide as she sought Squall's gaze. “They are gathering for an attack at Balamb”

 

“And they will move on to Esthar afterwards. If Balamb falls no obstacle will lie between Audebel and his desire to rule over the East anymore”

 

Irvine absent-mindedly shoved a cigarette between his lips without lighting it. “They won't stand a chance against us. Trabia will…”

 

“Trabia has not recovered from the last war, yet. They have barely any SeeDs they can spare and will try to protect their own borders. As soon as word about the oncoming war gets out their Garden will be overrun by refugees looking for shelter and protection” Headmaster Cid cut in.

 

“What are we supposed to do then?” Rinoa asked.

 

“Crush the fire before it starts to spread” Quistis stated stiffly. “We will send troops to Galbadia before Edea gets a hold of the ports. They need a capable sea force to attack Balamb. We will not give that to them”

 

“Squall” Headmaster Cid addressed the swordsman. “You and Irvine will lead a group of five hundred…”

 

“Five hundred?!” Irvine exclaimed. That would leave Balamb Garden nearly defenseless…”

 

“We will not need defenses if you fulfill your mission” Quistis interrupted dryly. “Choose our men tonight; you will head for Galbadia at sunrise. Your ships are being prepared and equipped with supplies as we speak”

 

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