Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Apocalypse part 1 ❯ Chapter 1: The beginning of the storm ( Chapter 1 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Apocalypse part 1

Chapter 1: The beginning of the storm.

Balamb Garden, twelve hours away from Halloween. In Cid's office,
Squall, Rinoa, Zell, Quistis and the others talk.

Cid: Well, you've all done a great job. Edea has just finished
decorating, so we're ready to begin the party!

Rinoa: Let's hope Squall will announce what he promised me to do
today.

Squall: Of course, honey ! Er, what was that?

Rinoa: Our wedding, you numbskull!

Squall: Oh, really? Gee, my memory's like a sieve today!

Rinoa: Squall, honey?

Squall: Yes, dear?

Rinoa: If you forget it, I'll break you in half, feed you to my dog
and leave you! Got that?

Squall gulps.

Squall: Of course, dear!

Seipher: That's why I'll never have a serious relationship! You always
end up getting married!

Zell: Well, judging by your manner, you'll never have a serious
relationship!

Seipher: Oh, shut up chicken-wuss!

Zell: Don't call me that, or I'll Duel your sorry butt so hard, that
you won't be able to sit for years!

Seipher: Oh dear! Look! I'm paralyzing! Listen here you sorry excuse
for a SeeD...

Quistis whips the ground

Quistis: Cut it out! You can kick each other's asses later!

Zell and Seipher: But he's getting on my nerves!

Quistis whips the ground twice

Quistis: Quiet! Both of you!

Seipher: Another word Almasy, and I'll have you writing 300 times
"I'll never tease Dicht again", with your left hand!

Seipher: Hey! That's not fair!

Zell: Ha!

Quistis: Same to you, Dicht!

Zell: Rats!

Seipher: Curses!

Quistis: Alright! You're both grounded! Now, sit in the corner! On one
foot!

Zell and Seipher sit in the corner

Cid: Wow, Quistis! You sure make yourself heard!

Quistis: Thank you, sir!

Selphie: Well, me and Irvy are gonna get costumes for tonight! See ya
in the party!

Quistis: You're right! Let's go!

Zell: Hey, what about us?

Quistis: When you're done with your grounding, you may pick costumes!

Seipher: I hate it when it happens!

Later in the evening, all the students and teachers of Balab Garden
are gathered in the festival room. Selphie enters wearing a mouse
costume

Selphie: C'mon Irvy, don't be shy! Oh, c'mon, man! (She drags Irvine
in who wears a Buffalo Bill costume.) Couldn't you get something
better?

Irvine: Actually, no! I wonder what the others are dressed in!

Quistis enters dressed as Terra

Irvine: Hey, Quistis! Cool costume!(Irvine whispers in her ear) How
about meeting in your room later?

Quistis: I'd love to, but I'm bored of being your chick! I wanna be
your "legal" affair! Aren't two years of relationship good for you?

Irvine: We'll talk about this later! Oh, there's Zell and Seipher!
Seems as if your grounding didn't give them time to get costumes! Hey,
guys!

Zell and Seipher wave their hands grudgingly

In the meanwhile, Cid is trying out his Barret suit, when the door
knocks. Cid opens it, and he sees a man dressed in a black suit
wearing a cape , an upside down cross and a metal mask that was
covering the whole head and a pentagram in the center. Instead of
shoes, he is wearing a pair of metal boots in the shape of a two
fingered hooked nail foot

Cid: Hey! Cool outfit! What? You want me to go downstairs?

Man:...

Cid: What!? Cid turns around, straight to his closet. You aren't
really talkative, are you?

Cid turns and sees another person, dressed just like the other, only
his silhouette was slimmer, and had woman's breasts

Cid: You must be his girl, huh? Okay, guys! Nice surprise! Gotta go!
See ya! (He goes past the woman, but the man blocks his exit). What
the...?

The woman draws two swords and stabs Cid's lungs. Cid screams in pain,
as his blood starts dripping on the floor. Then, she slits his throat
and stabs him continuously in the back. The man grabs her hand and she
stops. He then points at the door. They both go for the door.

The man looks behind. Cid tries to move in his blood pool. The man
draws a

Punishment. Cid looks up. The man hits Cid's head with the sword's
blade continuously. Cid's brains splatter everywhere, and his body
freezes. The man and the woman leave, shutting the door behind them.

Half an hour later, Edea enters the room.

Edea: Cid? Honey? Where are you? Cid?

Edea turns the lights on. She sees Cid's dead body lying in a pool of
blood.

Edea: No! No! Somebody! Anybody! Help!

Squall and Rinoa, who were just leaving their room, hear Edea's cries
for help.

Rinoa: Let's go!

They step into the office, where they see Edea over Cid's dead body.

Squall: Oh, no! I'm calling for help!

Squall grabs the microphone.

Squall: Dr Kadowaki, Irvine, Zell , Selphie and Quistis, make your way
to the cockpit! Now!

Half a minute later, they enter the cockpit.

Zell: Wassup, man? Oh, Jesus!

Everyone petrifies as they see Cid's dead body. Dr Kadowaki makes her
way trough the others.

Dr Kadowaki: Oh, God! What happened here?

Irvine: Apparently, our former CEO was murdered!

Edea: Yes, but, by whom, why?

Seipher: There ain't no signs of infraction, so that means that Cid
let the murderer in, or it's an inside job.

Squall: What you say makes no sense! The only ones with the pass in
this room are...us! Wait a minute! Do you think that I killed him, you
bastard?

Seipher: I was an orphan, so I can say that your insult didn't offend
me. At second, no I don't accuse you or anyone Squall, because
everyone's a suspect until the opposite is proved.

Squall: I don't want this to spread! Make sure no one finds out!
Irvine, Zell, Rinoa and I will guard . Seipher and Selphie, begin an
investigation to find the killer. Matron, please, stay calm and make
sure nobody finds out! Better go back to the Centra continent.

Seipher: Hey! Who died and made you leader?

Squall: Cid did.

Seipher: Oh, yeah! I forgot

Everyone leaves and Seipher with Selphie stay alone.

Selphie: So, if it WAS an inside job, then I have only five suspects.
At first, we have Squall. I mean, if Cid died, then Squall would be
CEO. Next, there is Rinoa. She might want to avenge Cid and Balamb
Garden, because they were mostly responsible for the defeat of her
homeland, Galbadia. Quistis could have also done it, I mean, hey she's
paranoid enough, ain't she? There is also Zell. Cid's ban on hot dogs
after that hygiene check, crushed him psychologically. You Seipher,
are also on the list.

Seipher: Why?

Selphie: Well, you never passed the examination because of your
manners, right? You might have blamed Cid for that, which created a
killer impulse, that led you to do this!

Seipher: Under those circumstances then, we also have two more
suspects. You and Irvine.

Selphie: Why would WE try to kill Cid?

Seipher: Well, you might have been planning to kill Cid for destroying
that date of yours when he sent you on a mission, remember?

Selphie: You're a bad, phony liar! Me and my Irvy would never do such
thing!

Seipher: Hey! Everyone's a suspect until the opposite is proved,
remember?

Two floors down, Squall's team are talking with one another.

Squall: Listen, everyone! Irvine and I will check upstairs. Rinoa and
Zell, check this floor. Quistis, check out the sub-level. Oh, take
these with you.

Squall gives everyone a cell phone.

Squall: Should you notice anything strange, contact the others. Don't
do anything stupid! Now, move! Good luck!

Everyone salutes soldierly and the parties split.

Rinoa: I'm taking the dormitory.

Zell: I'll check the library. Meet in 1 hour here.

The two of them go in different directions, meanwhile, Quistis checks
the sub-level.

Quistis: P.U! NORG's body still smells! Doesn't this guy decompose?

Somewhere else in the garden, Joker gets out of the bathroom, when a
woman's voice is heard.

Woman: Psst! Over here!

Joker: Who's there? Laura, baby, is that you? H-hey! Wait!

Joker follows the silhouette that left the room, in an empty corridor.

Joker: Laura? Honey? Where are you? The woman killer of Cid appears.
Oh, hi! Cool costume! Did you see a tall, blonde woman passing this
way?

The woman moves her head negatively.

Joker: Darn! Well, thanks, anyway!

The killer draws her swords and approaches Joker. Joker turns around.

Joker: Hey! Did you...?

The killer slashes him on the cheek with one of her swords. Joker
attempts to draw his gunblade, but she nails both her swords on his
chest. Joker falls on the ground dead.

The killer leaves. Meanwhile...

Seipher: I'll go to the sub-level. Check here for evidence.

Seipher leaves and Selphie starts searching the place.

On the second floor, Squall and Irvine check the classrooms.

Squall: I'll go left. Don't forget to call me, should you see anything
weird.

Irvine: Okay.

Irvine goes inside a room, when his cell phone rings. Irvine answers
it.

Irvine: Yeah?

A woman's voice is heard on the other side of the line.

Woman: Hi, baby! Get your swimming suit and meet me at the beach!

Irvine: Don't you think that we should know each other better first?

Woman: Oh, Wait! Is that 89-74-693?

Irvine: Nope, it's Irvine Kinneas!

Woman: Oh, my god! I don't believe it! I'm actually talking to Irvine
Kinneas!

Irvine: Yup!

Woman: You know I'm a fan of you Mr. Kinneas! I'd love to see you from
close!

Irvine: Well, How about meeting each other one of those days?

Woman: I'd love to, but, won't your girlfriend have a problem?

Irvine: How did you know that I've got a girlfriend?

The woman's voice changes, as it turns into a male, cold voice.

?: Maybe because she's right in front of me! Oh, Irvy, you just don't
know what a beautiful girl you have!

Irvine: Who the heck are you?

?: I'm the one that killed your CEO, Mr. Kramer!

Irvine: Listen here, you bastard ! If you hurt her...

Killer: Chill, man! I just called to warn you that I'm watching over
you, Metalblade is watching you...

He hangs up.

Irvine: I don't believe this! He dials a phone number. Squall answers
it.

Squall: Squall here!

Irvine: You won't believe it! The killer just gave me a ring!

Chapter 2: Thou shall not kill

In Cid's office, Squall, Irvine and the others talk.

Seipher: This is totally insane! Why would he give you a ring? To
chat?

Quistis: Shut up you no good blond moron!

Seipher: Oh, yeah, or what? You'll ground me?

Rinoa: Shut up! Both of you! Tell us Irvine, what happened?

Irvine tells the others what happened

Irvine: He also told me that his name was Metalblade.

Squall: Metalblade? Gee, that name IS weird!

Zell: This name...

Quistis: What about it?

Zell: It reminds me of something, but now my mind's a blank...

Selphie: You know, maybe we should go downstairs. For all I know,
Metalblade might butch a few students while trying to kill us.

Seipher: I know it sounds impossible, but she's right! Let's go!

Dr. Kadowaki steps in the room.

Dr. Kadowaki: The killer attacked again, guys! Joker is dead.

Irvine: We'd better hurry, or more innocent people will die! Let's
move!

Everyone, besides Dr. Kadowaki, leaves the room.

Dr. Kadowaki: It's gonna be a long night...

Quistis: Okay, we must all guard the exhibition room! Don't forget! If
you see the killer, call the others!

They all run in the exhibition room.

Rinoa: Keep your eyes open for anything strange!

The characters split and make their way through the dancing students.
Zell reaches the end of the room, where the all the Trepies are
gathered. A girl greets Zell.

Girl: Mr. Dicht, over here!

Zell: ( Damn! Take it easy Zell, act casually. Yeah that's it,
casually... no problem.)

Zell approaches the girl.

Zell: H-hi...

Girl: Chloe, sir!

Zell: Excuse me?

Chloe: My name is Chloe sir! Would you like some tequila?

Zell: As a matter of fact, yes!

Chloe offers him a glass of tequila. Zell notices Club, who is
standing behind Chloe.

Zell: Yo, Club , my man! How are things?

Club: Great.

Zell: Say... did anyone of you guys see anything weird happening?

Xu: Such as? Xu's voice was heard behind him. Zell jolts, surprised.

Zell: Xu! Oh, God! You scared me! Don't you ever sneak up on me again
like that! Hey! What's that you're wearing?

Xu was dressed in a black, long outfit, covered with pearls.

Xu: You... you like it?

Zell: I love it! It's great!

Xu blushed.

Xu: Thank you sir!

Zell: That's Zell for you!

The lights turn suddenly off and the music stops.

Zell: What the...he dials Quistis' number on his phone. Hey, what
happened, Quisty?

Quistis: Whish I knew. Squall is going to check it.

Meanwhile, Metalblade, hidden in the dark draws his Punishment and
stabs Club in the back. Club falls on Chloe's lap.

Club: Watch...out...

Chloe: For what? Metalblade approaches her and gags her. Then, he
lifts her up, puts her on his shoulders and runs. The lights turn on
again, and Zell looks around.

Zell: Everyone okay?

Xu: Sort of... hey Club, what are you doing on the floor? Xu touches
him and sees the blood on her hands. Oh my God! She faints.

Zell: Club, Club oh, c'mon don't die! Please, man!

Club: He took...Chloe... Club stops breathing.

Zell: What? Oh shit! Xu, call Dr. Kadowaki. He uses his cell phone.
Yo, Quistis, we have a situation here! Get the guys here! My God!

A few minutes later, Squall and the others arrive.

Seipher: The hell happened here?

Zell: Club is dead. And Chloe has been kidnapped...

Quistis: What? Oh, Jesus! She puts her hands on her head and falls on
her knees.

Irvine: Um, Squall...

Squall: Yeah?

Irvine: Don't you think the students should know about the situation?
I mean... we can't hide this any longer, man!

Seipher: He has a point there! Go tell them, Commander!

Squall walks to the stand, clears his throat and talks.

Squall: Dear students of Balamb Garden, a few hours ago, Cid Kramer,
our CEO was murdered brutally in his office.

Many students start talking to one another. Squall freezes and looks
at his companions. Rinoa smiles bitterly. Squall smiles also bitterly
and continues.

Squall: And, as if that weren't enough, Joker and Club have been
killed and a girl from the Trepe Club was kidnapped two minutes ago.
The girl was named Chloe Zimmerman.

A girl from the Trepies faints and Zell grabs her

Squall: Thus, from this moment on, all students and SeeDs below rank A
must stay in their rooms. No one is allowed to leave his room until
the killer is caught. Now, concerning the A rank SeeDs, I announce you
that the use of all weapons, of any type as well as lethal force is
fully authorized.

Nida: What about the spells?

Squall: If you are referring to the pain and death assorted spells, I
feel obliged to inform you that you may as well use them. Oh, and one
last thing...everyone is a suspect until the opposite is proved. Thank
you.

Seipher: That bastard! He stole my line!

Squall approaches his companions.

Squall: You okay Quisty?

Quistis wipes her tears and turns to Squall.

Quistis: I'm...fine Squall...NO! NO! I'm not okay! I feel like shit!
Cid is dead, Chloe is caught, how can I feel okay?

Quistis starts crying, when her phone rings. She wipes her tears and
answers it.

Quistis: Yes?

Metalblade: Hi, Quisty, how are you?

Quistis gets up.

Quistis: You're Metalblade, aren't you? Squall and the others stare at
Quistis. Where is Chloe, you son of a...

Metalblade: Tch, tch, tch. We don't wanna hear Miss Trepe saying the
bad word, do we?

Quistis: Where is Chloe? Is she dead?

Metalblade: No, she's right here, right Chloe?

Chloe's tremulous voice is heard.

Chloe: Please, help...me

Quistis: Oh, dear! Chloe, are you okay?

Chloe: I'm so...scared... please help me, please let me go!

Quistis kneels and grabs her hair.

Metalblade: See, she's fine! Now listen here, Quisty. You do as I say
and the girl will be fine. But if you try to do anything stupid, then
I'll hand her vital organs on my Christmas tree. Have I made my self
clear?

Quistis: Yes...sir!

Metalblade: Oh, and give Squall my congratulations for the speech. It
was great.

The phone hangs up and Quistis starts crying.

Squall: What did he say?

Quistis: Chloe is fine and he asked me to give you his congratulations
for the speech.

Quistis gets up.

Quistis: Now, if you'll excuse me sir...

Quistis leaves and Selphie with Rinoa follow her.

Squall: Zell, Irvine, let's go!

In the corridors of Balamb Garden, Squall and the other SeeDs patrol.

Squall: Irvine, Zell, take the dormitory. Rinoa, guard the library.
Selphie, get the sub-level. Me and Seipher will guard the second
floor. Nida, take the others and split. Quistis, you don't have to
take part in the search.

Quistis: Listen Squall, if somebody is going to kill Metalblade,
that's me! I'll take the third floor.

Squall: Let's move!

The teams split and Irvine with Zell reach the dormitory.

Zell: Man, I can't believe this! Chloe was in front of me, but
Metalblade got her! Club and Joker are dead...I'm, I'm scared, man !

Irvine: Yeah, I understand you Zell, I am really scared too. I mean,
everything is wrong tonight! Cid's dead, and who knows what is gonna
happen next!

Zell: I say that we mustn't split, no matter what!

Irvine: Right! Left or right?

Zell: Let's head left!

Irvine and Zell go left, when footsteps are heard behind them. They
look around the place.

Irvine: Did you hear that?

Zell: Loud and clear! How much AP ammo you got?

Irvine: Enough to blow the heck out of Esthar!

Zell: That's good to hear!

A diabolical laugh echoes from the end of the corridor. Irvine aims at
the dark point from where the laugh was heard and Zell clenches his
fists.

Metalblade: Ha! Do you believe you stand a chance against me, you
little parasitic beings?

Irvine: Who in the name of Buffalo Bill's white horse are you?

Metalblade: That, is none of your concern. You see, I'm no freakin'
psycho that loves to kill. I'm the one that now pulls the strings,
whether you like it or not!

Zell: Oh yeah? Come out and face us like a man, then!

Metalblade: I'm not a man, I'm much greater than that, but since you
insist...

Metalblade steps forward, and the moonlight, coming from an open
window, shines on his mask. Zell and Irvine gasp with fear.

Metalblade: Now, meet your doom!

Irvine: Oh yeah, well eat hot lead, son of a bitch!

Irvine shoots, but Metalblade evades the attack.

Irvine: What the...this time I'm not gonna miss! Diiiiiiiiiiiiiie
BASTARD!

Irvine goes into a shooting frenzy, but none of his shots manage to
hit Metalblade, who dodges them in a flash.

Irvine: I...I can't read the moves!

Zell: It's humanly impossible to move so fast! Unless...Goddamit! He
can't be...no! Meteor strike!

Zell leaps to Metalblade, but he disappears suddenly. Zell falls on
the hard ground, and Metalblade suddenly appears behind him, then
kicks Zell in the face. Metalblade's claws slash Zell's face, who is
thrown a few meters away, screaming with pain. Irvine points at
Metalblade, but he hits him on the jaw with his Punishment's hilt.
Irvine loses his balance and falls to his knees. Zell tries to get up,
but the blood covers his eyes. Metalblade looks at Irvine and then at
Zell.

Metalblade: Hey, Dicht! Watch your friend die!

Metalblade stabs Irvine on his stomach. Irvine's artery bursts and he
falls to the ground, holding his stomach and moves spasmodically.

Irvine: Zell...run...

Zell( who had just wiped the blood off his eyes): No, Irvine!

Metalblade: I love it when it happens!

Metalblade starts stabbing Irvine continuously, while Irvine's blood
sprays on the wall. Irvine stops moving.

Zell: You bastard! Die! My final heaven!

Zell boosts and charges to Metalblade, but he points at him with his
right hand.

Metalblade: Demi!

Zell starts feeling a growing weight on his body, and his speed starts
to slacken, as the weight grows enormously great. Zell starts to
blunder, and then falls down, unable to move.

Metalblade: You survived the first Demi scale. Good! Now, lets
increase the difficulty!

The weight doubles and Zell is pushed on the ground. The power
increases, and Zell feels his ribs and backbone break. He tries to
scream, but the pain is so great, that he can't even whisper.

Metalblade: It was just a game, Zell. You could have won!

Zell: ( If you're gonna kill me, then do it now)

Zell shuts his eyes, waiting for Metalblade's strike, when some of the
students' voices are heard.

Student A: Firaga!

Student B: Pain!

Student C: Flare!

Zell listens to the magic attacks flying over him, while at the same
time, the Demi dissolves. He slowly opens his eyes and sees Metalblade
on the ground, trying to get up.

Zell: Now I'll kill you, son of a bitch! My final heaven!

Metalblade: I doubt it!

Metalblade shoots an energy attack at Zell, who falls down again.

Metalblade: See you around! Stealth!

Metalblade disappears.

The students approach Zell.

Student A: You okay sir?

Zell: Thanks, but I was doing fine. Ugh...

Zell passes out. Later, he opens his eyes, seeing that he is in the
Infirmary. He turns his head to the left and sees Seipher standing
next to him.

Seipher: Rise and shine, sleeping beauty!

Zell: S...Seipher? Why are you here?

Seipher: It was my turn to watch over you, duh! I'm gonna tell the
others you're okay.

Zell: Seipher?

Seipher: Yeah?

Zell: What happened?

Seipher: I'll try to be brief. Metalblade kicked your ass, but some
students saved you. Now, if you'll excuse me... Doctor! Zell's awake!

Dr. Kadowaki and the others come in.

Dr. Kadowaki: Well, it took you only six hours to recover. That's
unforeseen!

Zell: What about Irvine?

Squall: Irvine couldn't make it man, I...I'm sorry.

Zell gets up.

Zell: Am I fully recovered, doctor?

Dr. Kadowaki: Yes you are! We had to use a few Elixirs, but now you're
fine. I couldn't do anything about the tattoo though...

Zell: Doesn't matter! I think I know who the killer is guys!

Quistis: Who?

Zell: Twenty years ago, there existed a group of Satanists, attempted
to do some thing unbelievable. They managed to find the Cetra relics
that were thought to be possessed by demonic powers. They were held
into the bodies of six people. Laguna Loire's, General Caraway's,
Matron's, my mother's and in Ultimecia's and Adel's

Rinoa: You...you mean that my father's body contained a demonic relic?

Zell: Precisely. They wanted to use them so that they could bring back
to life Omega.

Everyone, besides Rinoa gasps

Rinoa: Who is Omega?

Quistis: About 66.000.000 years ago, the people had been enslaved by
the forces of Hell and lived in underground cities, as slaves to the
demons. When suddenly, a man, named Arus, helped by his loyal friends
and their holy weapons, freed the humans from the demons. What they
didn't know was that humans learned the secret of the holy weapons.
Thus, a mass production began. What humans were unaware of , was that
the holy weapons gathered an unforeseen power. As a result, when the
great Gaia war began, Earth was almost destroyed. Arus and his friends
had died during the war, leaving people ungovernable, when Omega
appeared. He ended the war and was accepted by the humans as their
leader. All the holy weapons were destroyed, or that's what they
believed. In fact, Omega used the weapons in order to create the
Ultimate weapon.

Rinoa: Ultimate weapon?

Quistis: The one known as the Soul Crusher. It contained a power
greater than any other in the universe. The Lionheart is a butter
knife comparing to it. It could destroy everything. Even the Weapons'
all-powerful armor was nothing but tinfoil in front of its tremendous
strength. He used the weapon to kill the Gods of Chaos. Thus, the
human race believed he had found its savior, when the true colors of
Omega were revealed. He started destroying the planet, draining it
from its resources, he scorched the land, killing everyone that tried
to go against him. Until one day, happened something inexplicable.
There was a moon eclipse that made him lose his power and disappear.
No one ever saw him again.

Rinoa: Gee, and I thought that Ultimecia was bad enough! How did you
know that, Zell?

Zell: About the Satanists? Well, Matron had told me about it.

Squall: That means that we'll have to ask for her help. Tell Nida to
head for the Centra continent. By the way, where's Selphie?

Seipher: She must be still crying over Irvine's body. I'm gonna call
her.

Chapter 3: The Soul Crusher

Three hours later, Balamb Garden reaches Edea's house. Squall and the
others go into her house. Edea is sitting by the fire.

Squall: Matron?

Edea gets up.

Edea: You found the killer?

Squall: No, but I think we've found something greater. Matron, tell us
about the Cetra relics. What do they have to do with Omega?

Edea: I shall tell you. When Omega disappeared, the Cetra, that lived
in the darkest corners of the planet, created a seal that was supposed
to keep Omega away. The seal consisted of those relics, where demons
lived in. The five mages of the Cetra made sure that it would never be
found by sealing it into bodies. The ancestors of those humans carried
those relics always inside them from fear of being found. But in the
end, those Satanists managed to acquire them. But, thank god, they
don't know how to use them.

Seipher: How can you use them?

Edea: They need the blood of someone pure, the flesh of a warrior, the
spittle of a sorceress and a lock of hair from a true lion hearted.

Selphie: These sounds like a weird magic filter's ingredients!

Squall: That means that Metalblade isn't Omega, but one of the
Satanists! They must have killed Cid and the others just to draw our
attention! We're going back in Balamb Garden!

Edea: I'm coming too. I have to help you guys, or you'll die without
me!

Seipher: Let's go!

Later, on the third floor of Balamb Garden...

Squall: So, now we have to find the guys that would want to bring
Omega back and stop them the soonest possible.

Quistis: We also gotta get Chloe, Squall!

Edea: There's no need to worry about her. For all I know, she must be
the pure person from which they will take the blood from.

Quistis: That means that they must have already taken it and now
they're gonna kill her!

Edea: Take it easy, Quistis. They can't use the ingredients whenever
they wish. They must be used all together, and if she's dead, it will
be useless. You don't have to worry.

Selphie: Let's get those bastards!

Squall: Selphie, wait! We have to find them at first! I'm calling the
other SeeDs.

Squall grabs the microphone.

Attention! All SeeDs ranked A or higher, proceed to the cockpit!

Seipher: Why did you call these guys for?

Squall: If we're gonna catch that killer, we must work all together.

Two minutes later, the SeeDs enter the room.

Squall: Is everyone here? Good. Listen. We are beginning a search to
find Metalblade. The man that killed headmaster Cid, Joker, Club and
Irvine. The man we are searching for is highly dangerous and
psychotic. What I want you to do is not let anyone in or out of the
Garden. Search every corner of this place. Don't let him get away. Any
questions?

SeeDs: ...

Squall: Good. Notify if you see anything suspicious. Dismissed!
The SeeDs leave the room.

Squall: Nida, I'm gonna need you here!

Nida: Okay Squall! What do you need me?

Squall: You know the reactor room and the sub-level better than anyone
else. I want you to help us.

Nida: With pleasure!

Squall: Thanks man! Let's get to the sub-level.

Two minutes later, the characters reach the sub-level.

Squall: Well, Nida do you have any idea about a place where you could
use as a hideout here?

Nida: Well, the headmaster had told me about a place designed for
cases of emergency. If I remember well, one of the eyes of NORG was a
secret switch. Let me see...oh yeah!

Nida pushes the left NORG eye, and the capsule moves to the right,
revealing a secret hideout.

Zell: That's awesome!

Seipher: Does it have any rooms?

Nida: Nope! It's basically an escape pod, in case Balamb Garden got
hit or something and an emergency occurred.

Rinoa: Is anything diabolical here, Matron?

Edea: Let me see...Edea folds her hands and closes her eyes. Red
sparkles fly and surround her. Then the sparkles start flying around
the pod, when they suddenly stop. They turn blue and move to a dark
corner of the room. Suddenly, a burst of flame is created from that
spot, that blows the sparks away. The burst grows, creating a hotbed.

Quistis: Shoot! Take cover!

The hot bed blows, pushing Rinoa and the others on the wall. Then the
fire flies out of the sub level.

The characters get up.

Quistis: Fire spirit. Just as I expected.

Edea: That's what the sparks had spotted.

Seipher: Jesus! The fire spirit! We've gotta stop it before...

Seipher gets hit by a burst of Firaga. Everyone looks at the laughing
fire spirit that flies over the ground.

Rinoa: It looks like a flaming man...never expected to see one of
these...

The fire spirit points its bony finger at her and starts moving his
hands in the air. A fire ball appears over his head.

Squall: Rinoa, LOOK OUT!!

Squall leaps in front of Rinoa, as the fire ball strikes Squall, who
falls down.

Rinoa: Oh honey! Are you okay?

Squall: Don't worry Rinoa, I've got 100 Firagas in my elemental
defense. I didn't feel a thing.

Seipher: Right, Squall, The one that should worry is this freak!
Water!

The water magic strikes the fire spirit, that starts laughing.

Quistis: You wanna play rough, eh? Aura!

Quistis casts Aura on herself.

Quistis: Degenerator!

The degenerator strikes the spirit, but misses. The spirit
counterattacks with a blast of Flare, that shoots Quistis on the wall.

Rinoa: It's no good striking it one by one! Let's hit it all at the
same time! Use your limit breaks!

Squall: Right! Cerberus, Counter Rockets!

Cerberus appears and uses his power up.

Seipher: Good! Aura!

Everyone casts Aura on himself.

Quistis: Shockwave pulsar!

Zell: Duel!

Rinoa: Wishing star!

Seipher: No mercy!

Squall: Grand finale! Renzokuken!

The limit breaks, followed by the Lionheart, strike the fire spirit,
that blows up into a million fiery pieces.

Zell: Wow! What a fight! Nice finish, Squall!

Squall: Thanks! Hey, Matron, got any ideas on who might have sent it?

Edea: Well, this is indeed strange. Only a great sorcerer could summon
such great force as a fire spirit!

Seipher: Could have it been Metalblade?

Edea: Well, it depends on his magic power...Oh! Edea staggers, and
Seipher grabs her.

Zell: W...what is that?

Edea: The Soul Crusher...I...I feel its presence.

Rinoa: Why can't I feel it too?

Edea: It's...because...you...are...a...beginner...in sorcery...

Edea faints.

Seipher: Matron! Oh, damn!

Later, in the Infirmary, Edea wakes up holding her head.

Selphie: You okay, Matron?

Edea: Yes, thank you Selphie. Did I miss anything?

Squall: Nope. Nothing at all. Some false sightings of Metalblade,
that's all.

Quistis: Back there Matron, before you lost consciousness, you
mentioned about feeling the power of the Soul Crusher and that it was
close. Could you specify the location?

Edea: I'm not able to tell where it exactly is, but it is on this
continent, somewhere in the north, within a temple.

Squall: The temple of the Cetra!

Rinoa: Matron, what about the Soul Crusher? Didn't it disappear along
with Omega?

Edea: No, it didn't. And the Cetra knew that Omega's rebirth was
possible as long as the sword was left unsupervised. This is the
reason for their creating of the temple, that was specially
constructed to confine the Soul Crusher's power and placed a guardian
to watch over it and protect it from all daredevils that might attempt
to take it.

Squall: Nida! Head for the temple of the Cetra! We've got to save the
universe! Again!

Nida: Yes sir!

Selphie: Let's hope nothing else will go wrong!

Rinoa: Cross your fingers, everyone!

Quistis: Chloe, we're coming for the rescue!

Metalblade: You think!

Seipher: How the heck did he get in?

Metalblade: I have the ability to become invisible, you see...so,
you're heading for the temple, eh? Believe me, I've been waiting for
twenty years and I won't let you stop us!

Squall: Oh yeah? What are you gonna do, you jackass?

Metalblade: I'll do...THIS! Hasan-tenshor-kyyaku!

Dark energy bursts from Metalblade, that hits everyone in the room
sending them on the floor, weakened.

Metalblade: I love my job! He draws his gunblade. Even more when it
has to do with killing women! He turns to the women. Nothing personal!

Metalblade lifts his Punishment in the air and prepares to strike
Quistis.

Metalblade: Well, bye-bye, Quisty! Ugh! OH SHIT!!!

Metalblade looks at Angelo who is biting him on the "tender" area. All
look at the scene and petrify.

Metalblade: Let me down, you mutt!

He brings his gunblade down on Angelo, who jumps to the side. As a
result, Metalblade hits himself with his blade on the groin. He
screams in pain and falls down dead. Angelo approaches Rinoa and she
pets him on the head.

Rinoa: Good dog! What's that in your mouth?

Angelo spits a badly chewed small piece of meat. The men around gasp
in disgust. Zell faints.

Seipher: Jesus! This dog chewed his balls off!

Quistis: Really? That's so...

Selphie: Cool!

Squall: Hey, Zell, you okay?

Zell: Y-yeah! J-just keep the dog away from me!

Dr. Kadowaki: Well, Metalblade didn't die because of Angelo's attack,
though!

Zell: What did he die of then?

Dr. Kadowaki: He was so shocked, that he had a heart attack!

Seipher: Well, I can't blame him!

Squall: Just throw the man out of here!

Nida comes in.

Nida: Sir, we've just reached the Cetra temple!

Squall: Good! Let's move!

The characters get out of the Garden, and walk on the land. About a
mile away, lies the huge Cetra temple.

Zell: Well, what are we waiting for? Come on!

Zell starts running towards the temple.

Rinoa: No! Zell, I sense an evil presence here!

Zell: What? One of the Satanists?

Rinoa: No, it's...a monster...

Zell: What? A Death Claw? Oh, don't exaggerate!

Edea: Unfortunately, it's much bigger...

Zell: Oh, yeah? Well, I'm gonna kick its huge ass before it even
blinks! There's no monster in the universe able to defeat Zell! So
bring the freak on!

A huge shadow appears behind Zell, that covers him and the rest of the
team, who look at the monster, petrified.

Zell: Hey, is it dark already? What are you looking at guys?

Zell feels drool dripping on his shoulder and he touches it.

Zell: My brand new shirt! That's it! You're dead meat!

Zell turns around an comes face to face with the center head of a
three-headed dragon. The dragon's body is green colored with a Ruby
dragon body shape and three heads. One of a Ruby, a Golden and a
Sapphire dragon.

Zell: Of...course, I don't mean you...He! W...want to fetch the stick?

The dragon roars and Zell faints terrified.

Squall: What the heck IS that?

Quistis: It's a Dragoner. And as far as I can see, it's a male, thank
god for Zell!

Selphie(looking at Zell's direction full of anxiety.): What is that?
And why is Zell lucky?

Quistis: Well, the Dragoners are a Ruby, Gold and Sapphire dragon
hybrid. That stands for being able to use fire, thunder and ice magic.
It was said to have disappeared 9.000 years ago.

Rinoa: But you still haven't told us why is Zell lucky to have
encountered a male!

Quistis: Well, you see, Zell probably knew that if during the period
from May to July, a any being that stands still, playing dead,
regardless of sex, will not be raped by the Dragoner. You see, it's
the end of their mating season then and...well, usually not even the
female Dragoners survive the male's "basic instinct"

Rinoa and Selphie sigh.

Rinoa: I wish Squall was more like that...

Selphie: Same here...

Rinoa looks at her furiously.

Selphie: I was talking about Irvine...

Seipher: Wait a damn minute! Did you say that the mating season stops
from May to July?

Quistis: Yeah, but, why are you asking?

Seipher: Because we're in the middle of August!

Edea: Oh, Jesus! Zell! Get out of there! Zell! Wake up!

Everyone starts shouting, while in the meantime, the Dragoner stands
over Zell, snuffling over his face. Then, it pushes him slightly with
his foot, making Zell turn to the right.

Zell: Hey, mum, don't wake me up yet!

The Dragoner pushes him to the right.

Zell: I don't wanna go to school today! I wanna sleep!

Seipher: Hey! Chicken-wuss! Get up!

Zell opens his eyes, feeling dizzy and seeing nothing but a blur
around him. He gets up and approaches the Dragoner.

Zell: Don't you ever call me like that!

Squall: Zell! We're over here!

Zell turns around and rubs his eyes. He blinks and his eyes start to
focus again.

Zell: Hey, Squall! Don't interrupt me when I'm talking to Seipher!

Seipher: You were saying...?

Zell: Wait a minute! If you're Seipher, then who am I talking to?

Zell turns around and comes face-to-face with the Dragoner. All of the
Dragoner's heads puff on Zell, who feels cold, fire and the pinches of
thunder breath on his face.

Seipher: Get away from there, or he'll rape you to death!

Zell: Oh, damn! Duel!

Zell leaps at the monster, that hits him with his tail , throwing him
on the ground.

Selphie: The End!

Selphie's attack fails to hit the dragon that turns to her. Selphie
freezes with fear, as the monster approaches her.

Squall: Ultima!

The magic wounds the Dragoner, that breathes out the Ruby Dragon's
Breath attack at him. Squall leaps to the side, as the flames fly next
to him.

Squall: It's as if it is unaffected by almost anything! No elemental
attack can hurt this creature, unless...That's it! Zell! Hey, Zell!
Summon Tonberry!

Zell(Dodges the Dragoner's tail): Why would I do that?

Squall: Just do it, damn it!

Zell: I hope it works! Tonberry, Chef's knife!

Tonberry appears out of his black hole as usual on a bathtub singing.
He looks around, and then a curtain surrounds the bathtub. He gets out
of it a few seconds later, dressed in his robe and approaches Zell. He
jumps on him and comes close to him face to face.

Tonberry: Alright, Mr. Kick-ass, give me a very good explanation for
bothering me while I was having a bath in thirty seconds!

Zell points behind Tonberry.

Tonberry: Oh, a monster, eh? What is it this time? A Glacial Eye or
let me guess...a Bite Bug?

Zell: Nope, it's bigger!

Tonberry: There's no monster powerful or strong enough for Tonberry,
the Grand Master of Knives!

Tonberry draws two chef knives and turns around, ready to shoot them
at the monster.

Tonberry: En garde, foul creature! Prepare to meet oblivion!

The Dragoner breathes out fire, thunder and ice at Tonberry, who
breaks into pieces. He quickly recreates himself and gets up.

Tonberry: Of course, we could also discuss the matter, right?

The Dragoner approaches Tonberry slowly. Tonberry steps back until he
reaches a rock. The Dragoner grins with all its heads, allowing
Tonberry to see all of his heads' sharp teeth.

Tonberry: He, he he...good boy, gooood Dragoner...want a biscuit?

The Dragoner waves negatively with his three heads.

Tonberry: Hey, look! It's Eminem!

The monster turns his head around and Tonberry goes back into his
hole. The dragon, pissed, turns to Tonberry who has disappeared. It
starts to sniff the air, trying to find Tonberry, who appears behind
him and draws his knife.

Tonberry: "Doink!"

He stabs the Dragoner's rear with his knife and he screams in pain and
anger. Tonberry tries to hide in his hole again, but the monster hits
him with its tail. Tonberry gets thrown a few meters away, with his
body full of bruises.

Seipher: Tonberry!

Edea: Fear not, my child, for no GF can be killed by a normal power.

Selphie: No, but they can get walloped until they hate to live!

Rinoa: I'm going to help him!

Squall: No! It's too dangerous! Besides, you're...

Rinoa: I'm a woman Squall, indeed! We'll talk about the sexual
discrimination matter some other time!

Zell: Look! He's moving!

Tonberry gets up slowly and takes his lantern out of his cape. Then,
he brushes the dust away from him and tries to make a step forward. He
falls down and gets up again.

Tonberry: Alright, you Mr. Look-I'm-too-strong-to-be-beaten! You of
course realize that this means war! Now you shall feel the wrath of
the Chef!

Tonberry draws a huge gun with unrealistically many barrels. The gun's
sides open and from them pop out some nuclear missiles.

Tonberry: Okay, punk! Make my day!

Tonberry throws himself in a shooting frenzy, as the missiles and the
bullets blow the ground up. After several minutes of shooting,
Tonberry stops and waits for the smoke to disappear. Through the
smoke, the Dragoner appears, walking on the destroyed ground of the
Centra continent. Tonberry sticks his gun in the monster's face.

Tonberry: Listen `ere, punk! We both know that it's a NX-3562890 with
auto fire and aim. We also know that it can carry up to a million
bullets. I had it fully loaded but in all the shooting, I lost count.
Now, this could still have a bullet that will blow your brains out, or
if you're lucky, it could be empty. So, you've got to ask yourself a
question. "Do I feel lucky?". So, do ya, punk!?

Tonberry pulls the trigger but the weapon is empty. He shakes it and
looks into a barrel.

Tonberry: Piece of junk! Shoot, damn you, shoot!

The Dragoner sarcastically and approaches Tonberry. He checks the gun
carefully with all his heads and turns to Tonberry, who kicks the
ground pissed.

Tonberry: You don't believe me, huh? Check for yourself!

The Dragoner looks at the barrels with all its heads, and the weapon
detonates on his faces, blowing them all up. Big chunks of meat and
brains fall on the air, as the body of the Dragoner falls down dead.

Tonberry: Fell for the old Elmer trick!

Zell: Tonberry, you're the best!

Tonberry: Hey! I'm the greatest! Well, back to my house!

Tonberry goes back in his hole and disappears.

Edea: Oh my god! The blood of the Dragoner!

Selphie: What about it?

Edea: It can resurrect the dead! Quickly! Gather it!

Squall: I only have two Hi-potions with me!

Seipher: Then pour them! We only need the bottles!

Squall pours the blue shining fluid on the ground, where plants start
to grow. He approaches the dragon and cuts his stomach with his
Lionheart. The blood springs on him, as he tries to put the blood in
the bottles. He turns around a few minutes later, covered in blood.

Squall: Don't laugh! Let's go!

In Balamb Garden, the characters enter the Infirmary.

Squall: Doctor! Where are the bodies of our friends?

Dr. Kadowaki: This way...oh dear! What's wrong with you?
You're...you're covered in blood!

Squall: I'll explain to you later Doctor!

He comes over Cid's body and looks at his crushed head.

Squall: I don't think that it's gonna work, Matron...

Edea: Just do it! I'll get the other bottle and take care of the
others!

Squall pours the Dragoner blood in Cid's mouth and then looks
astonished at Cid's head that turns slowly back to normal. He starts
to breathe again and gets up suddenly. The same happens to the others,
that get up again.

Irvine: What the...

Selphie: Oh, Irvy, how good to see you!

Selphie hugs him.

Irvine: It hurts darling...my back hurts!

Selphie: Sorry!

Cid: What in the world happened?

Seipher: Well, it's quite a long story, sir...

Seipher tells the others what has happened up to now.

Irvine: Well, why are we still here? Let's go!

Rinoa: We had better call for help. God knows what we might face! And
I know exactly who to call...

Squall: You don't mean...

Rinoa: Precisely! The Man with the Machinegun!

Chapter 4: The rebirth of Omega

In the Esthar Presidential Palace, Laguna, Kiros, Ward and Dr. Odine
are on their knees, like they are searching for something.

Kiros: Hey, are you sure that you lost your contact lenses here,
Laguna?

Laguna: But of course Kiros! When Dr. Odine here was telling us about
the new weapon system of Ragnarok, I yawned and then my contact lenses
fell down.

Odine: I just can't believe zis! I ze gveat Dr. Odine, searching for
the contact lens of...Vait a minute! Mr. Laguna never used to vear
contact lenses, as far as I know!

Kiros: Vat? I...uh mean, what? You've had us all searching for the
lenses that you never used to wear?

Laguna: I didn't? Damn, I forgot about it!

Ward:...! ...

Laguna: What did you say?

Kiros: He said "Whatever! Let's hope that Squall will never have your
memory!"

The phone rings and Laguna answers it.

Laguna: Esthar Presidential Palace! This is Laguna speaking! It's your
charge, speak freely!

Odine: Doesn't he have a better way to say hello?

Rinoa answers from the other side of the line.

Rinoa: Oh hi Laguna!

Laguna: Rinoa! How pleased I am to hear from you!

Rinoa: Yes, it's good to speak to you too! Listen...

Laguna: Let me guess...You and Squall are tying the knot at last?

Rinoa: No, but we are planning to do so next month...

Laguna: Oh, that's so great! Does Squall know it?

Rinoa: Of course he does! Listen Laguna, we're gonna need your help.
You see...

Rinoa briefs Laguna on the current situation. So, are you gonna help
us?

Laguna: Consider it done!

Rinoa: Thanks a lot! Bye!

Laguna puts down the receiver and turns to Kiros and Ward.

Laguna: Alright boys, Balamb Garden and the world seek for our help
once again!

Ward:...?

Laguna: What?

Kiros: He asked when it was the first time they did so.

Laguna: Just move!

Three hours later, the Ragnarok lands on the Centra Continent, outside
Balamb Garden.

Squall: Hi, Laguna!

Laguna: Hi, son! Oh, and you may as well call me dad!

Zell: This way!

Squall: Who the hell told him about Raine?

Selphie: C'mon, Squall!

Squall Follows Selphie into Cid's office, where everyone is gathered.

Irvine: Well, Rinoa told about how things are now, so you have a brief
understanding of the situation...

Laguna: Then let's move! We'll be safer on the Ragnarok!

Zell: Right! Let's kick their asses, partner!

Laguna: Oh yeah!

Laguna fires on the air and hits the chandelier, that crashes on the
floor. Everyone runs for cover.

Squall: Easy with that thing...Laguna.

Cid: I'll clean the place up. Go on and I'll catch up with you guys
later.

Squall and the others enter the Ragnarok. Selphie sniffs the air
around her.

Selphie: Oh, sweet odour of machinery! Cockpit! Here I come!
Yaaaaaaaaaaahooooooooo!

Laguna: Well I guess that we should leave the rest on Selphie for
now...Coffee anyone?

Squall: No, thanks but...(He looks around) I'm dying for a
cigarette...

Kiros: Here, I've only got two left...

Seipher: Wait a minute! You had cut it three months ago!

Squall: Well I started it again!

Seipher: I can't believe this... Give me one of these!

Kiros gives his two last cigarettes to the men.

Squall and Seipher: Filtered...I hate'em!

Kiros: I'll be up stairs if you need me...

Kiros goes up the stairs and enters the door.

Seipher: Damn! I ain't got no fire!

Squall: Check this out!

Squall flicks his thumb with his index finger and a little flame
bursts from his palm. He lights his cigarette with it.

Seipher: Cool! Where did you learn that?

Squall: Joker taught me, but you must have at least one Fire spell
available...

Seipher: Damn! And I threw them all away! Gimme your light!

Seipher lights his cigarette and begins to inhale and exhale the smoke
fast, as if he was in a hurry, in case someone might come in,
anxiously in away Squall had never seen him act before.

Squall: Easy, man...

Seipher( exhales a big ring of smoke): Sorry, but I'm doing this in
case Rinoa comes in...

Squall: Yeah, she's really into the idea of the "no smoking"
campaign...

Seipher: You know, Squall...don't get mad at me, but I...I liked Rinoa
for a while and I still do...

Squall: Well?

Seipher: You're not mad at me, are you?

Squall: Nope.

Seipher: Thank God. Tell me Squall, do you really love Rinoa?

Squall: Of course I do! What kind of question is that?

Seipher: Well, when she miscarried three months ago, you didn't seem
to care much, man! You didn't even console her...

Squall: I was mourning inside. I had been making dreams for this
child, you know...If he was a boy ,I'd name him Tempus. If she were a
girl... I'd call her Raine...

Seipher: Just like her Grandma, right?

Squall (nods positively): I didn't want my kid to end up a SeeD, you
know like me...living like a rolling stone and stuff...I wanted him to
become a teacher, to tell the future generations, to teach them not to
do the same mistakes like those that we did...

Seipher: I can totally understand you.

A long pause follows, as the two men look at each other. They stand
there still, as if they are trying to collect their words and say what
they think. Seipher broke the silence.

Seipher: Friends? He stretches his hand to Squall, who handshakes with
him and the two men smile.

Squall: Friends.

In the meanwhile, Rinoa is sitting in the cockpit on a chair alone.
Quistis, holding a cup of coffee, approaches her.

Quistis: Want some coffee, grumpy face?

Rinoa: No, thanks. Why don't you offer some to Selphie?

Quistis: Well, she's already drank two cups and her nerves are really
stretched, you now.

Selphie: MY....NERVES ARE FREAKING FINE, BLONDIE!

Quistis: See? What's bothering you?

Rinoa: I was thinking about my miscarrying three months ago, you
know...when I lost our baby...

Quistis: What about it?

Rinoa: Remember what had happened back then?

Quistis: As if it happened yesterday...

Balamb Garden, three months ago...

Squall is in the Training Center where a long line of SeeDs is
stringed out in front of him.

Squall: Listen here, you potato-filled sacks! I'll be your trainer and
guide in the use of gunblades for this year and for every following
until you graduate! And I must inform you that it's really hard work!
If You can't take the pressure or have cold feet, then leave! The
gunblade is a man's weapon!

A few women look at him surprised.

Squall: It's a weapon made for people with a manly bravery, strength
and cunning, regardless of gender! Now, Mr. Jones, would you be so
kind so as to explain the basics of the gunblade to the students?

Jones: Yes sir!

Rinoa comes in running and approaches Squall.

Rinoa: Squally-pooh! I've got you great news!

Squall: Was I certified for the annual Battle Arena contest?

Rinoa: No! I'm pregnant!

Squall: Come again?

Rinoa: I said that I'm pregnant! I'll give birth to our first child!

Rinoa looked at Squall, who was stunned with surprise, having a
surprised look on his face. Rinoa's smile disappeared from her face
and looked at Squall.

Rinoa: You, you don't like...the news?

Squall: No, I don't. I LOVE THEM! My god, thank you! I LOVE YOU
LORD!!!!!

The students looked at Squall who was jumping around the room shouting
happily.

Squall: Yes! Yes! Fatherhood, here I come!

Jones: Are you alright, sir?

Squall: No, I'm not! I'm not alright! You know why?

Jones: W-why?

Squall: Because I'm gonna be a dad! Ha-ha! He approaches Rinoa and
heaves her on his arms. Come my lady, let me take you to our chamber!

Rinoa: Oh, baby...

Squall Lifts her up and gets out of the training center. The students
follow him and wish for good luck to the couple, as Squall enters the
dormitory. Squall starts kicking the doors and the students inside the
chambers wake up and look out in the corridor at the shouting man.

Squall: Step aside, Leonheart-Loire the Second is coming through!

In Zell's chamber, Iris, the pig-tailed library girl gets up from the
bed due to the noise.

Iris: What's all this fuss about?

Passing student: Ms. Heartily is pregnant!

Iris: Did you hear that Zell?

Zell(rubbing his eyes): What? *yawn*

Iris: Rinoa is going to have a baby!

Zell: WHAT?

Zell leaps from his bed and run out in the corridor following the
student parade, wearing his underwear only.

Iris: Zell! You forgot to get dressed! Zell!

Irvine, Quistis and the other students follow the couple outside their
chamber.

Squall: Ladies, gentlemen, ... please excuse us!

Squall pushes the door and the room, always holding Rinoa in his arms.

Squall: When did you find out?

Rinoa: What?

Squall: That you're pregnant, baby.

Rinoa: Oh, well I had been having nausea and I was throwing up for a
month or so, when I decided to visit Dr. Kadowaki to have a check-up.
And that's when she told me that I was going to be a mother!

Squall: So, when will he...she...whatever the baby is, arrive?

Rinoa: In the middle of November. In the fifteenth.

The next morning, the students in the Training Center are once again
in line, waiting for Squall.

Student A: I'm telling you, something's wrong here! Squall would have
never been late! Especially for his class!

Student B: If he doesn't show up soon, the champagne will get warm,
you know!

Jones: Well, I at least brought a few bottles of beer...By the way,
where are the girls?

Student C: They went to congratulate Rinoa. Shhhh! I hear footsteps!
Hide!

Squall comes in the room smiling and looks around.

Squall: They're playing truant...well then, I can spend some more time
with Rinoa, then!

Seipher: Hey, Squall!

Squall: Yeah?

Seipher: Congratulations!

The students come out from their hide outs and open the champagne. The
cork pops and the other students raise their beer bottles.

Jones: A toast to our Commander and his son! May thou be a better
father than thou are a swordsman, sir!

Squall looks at him with a frozen look. Jones stands still and looks
at him, waiting for a reaction. Squall suddenly smiles.

Squall: That was a good one Jones! So, boys, what is this? A cemetery?
Let's have a serious party!

Seipher: Oh, yeah!

Two hours later, Squall gets out of the training Center smiling,
feeling drowsy. As he walks trough the corridors of the Garden, the
running student bumps on him.

Boy: Oh, I'm so sorry, sir! I just didn't see you! I...I didn't mean
to bump in you!

Squall: Doesn't matter. Hey, by the way, we've seen each other so many
times and I still don't know your name!

Boy: My name is Edward, sir!

Squall: Call me Squall.

Squall helps Edward to get up.

Squall: And try to be more careful next time, okay?

Edward: I will be more careful, don't worry...Squall!

As Squall continued to walk trough the corridors, the passing students
looked at him with obvious surprise. Some girls giggled as they looked
at Squall's facial expression and the other students started to
chatter. Suddenly, Zell approached Squall.

Zell: Yo, would-be dad! How are things?

Squall: Never been better!

Zell: Squall...you...you're smiling man! I've never seen you do that
before!

Squall: Yeah, it feels great!

Zell: Rinoa's pregnancy sure has changed you man, it has changed you
to the best!

Squall: Yes, indeed

Irvine's voice was heard behind him.

Irvine: So, how does it feel, man?

Squall: It's much better than anything in the world! It's like feeling
that you are being rewarded for having done your best, you know! I
just can't wait for the child to come!

Quistis, who had just got off the elevator, talked to Squall.

Quistis: Let me guess, you want a son, don't you?

Squall: I'd rather have a daughter, frankly.

Quistis: Why is that?

Squall: I believe that a sister is really necessary to any boy.

Zell: So, you are planning for another little Leonheart, right?

Squall: In a year or so...

Rinoa: Squall was so happy. He was making dreams for this baby, you
know and he was so good to me...he really wanted this kid, you
know...but unfortunately, three months later, I miscarried.

May the fifteenth, in Balamb Garden, that had landed on the Centra
continent, Rinoa suddenly wakes up.

Rinoa: Oh my god...No, it's too early... Squall, wake up!

Squall: W-what is it?

Rinoa: The baby...

Squall: Oh,shit!

Squall takes Rinoa on his arms and runs to the Infirmary. He pushes
the door and enters the room running.

Squall: Doctor! Rinoa! S-she is having problems...

Dr. Kadowaki: Oh, Jesus! Bring her in!

Squall brings Rinoa in the room running.

Dr. Kadowaki: Put her on the table.

Rinoa: It...it hurts, doctor...

Dr. Kadowaki: Calm down, calm down... Squall! Call Quistis and Xu!

Squall runs to the cockpit and grabs the microphone.

Squall: Quistis and Xu, make your way to the Infirmary! Now!

Squall goes back to the Infirmary and bumps into Quistis and Xu, that
were coming running from the Dormitory. Zell, Irvine and Selphie
follow them.

Zell: What's wrong man?

Squall: Something's wrong with Rinoa!

Irvine: What are we waiting for? Move, move, move!

In a matter of seconds, the characters reach the Infirmary. Dr
Kadowaki comes out from the surgery running.

Dr. Kadowaki: Quistis, Xu, this way! Selphie you may come as well!

Squall: Hey! I wanna help too!

Dr. Kadowaki: Believe me, you'll be of greater help if you stay
outside.

Dr. Kadowaki runs to the surgery and closes the door behind her. Zell
and Irvine sit down.

Zell: All we have to do now is wait.

Squall: Wait? Damn you, Zell! My child is dying in there and Rinoa's
life is in danger too! How can I wait!

Irvine: Just calm down, man!

Seipher: He's right! By worrying you make things worse.

Squall: When did you come in?

Seipher: Well, I just arrived. I heard your announcement and decided
to come here. I mean, you need all the support you can get in a time
like this!

Squall: Thanks. Anyone got a cigarette?

Irvine: You're not smoking Squall!

Squall: Well I'm beginning to do so now! Give me one!

After three long hours, Zell and Irvine have fallen asleep on their
chairs, while Seipher and Squall are the only ones still awake. Then,
the surgery door opens and Dr. Kadowaki comes in.

Squall: Is...she alright?

Dr. Kadowaki: I'm sorry...

Squall: No!

Squall runs into the surgery and looks at Quistis and Xu that were
consoling Rinoa. Selphie was looking at the spectacle astonished.
Squall approached and looked at Rinoa, who was sitting in the bed,
crying. He looks at her and snuggles Rinoa.

Rinoa: I...I lost our child...my god...

Squall: It doesn't matter, my love, we're still young. We can do it.
We can try again. Don't worry.

Rinoa: Maybe...maybe I wasn't supposed to have a child, you know.

Squall: No, Rinoa... it's not this...listen, as long as we're alive,
we can try again.. we can...

Squall turns away and leaves the room running. He bumps into Zell,
Irvine and Seipher that were just entering the room.

Zell: Squall...I'm sorry...

Squall: Shut up! I don't want to hear anymore from you! Leave me
alone!

Rinoa: Squall disappeared for the next two days. Nobody ever heard
from him. It was like he was trying to ignore me...to avoid me...

Edea: I'm sorry my child, but I overheard...

Quistis: Matron...

Edea: Squall wasn't trying to avoid you. After that terrible thing
happened, I found him in the flower field next to my house. He was
lying there, all alone, looking at the stars just like he used to do
when he was sad as a child.

Edea approaches Squall and sits next to him.

Edea: Squall? Why are you here, my child? How is Rinoa?

Squall: Rinoa...lost the child, Matron...she miscarried a few minutes
ago.

Edea: Oh, I'm so sorry. I understand you...

Squall gets up and looks at Edea furiously.

Squall: Shut up, woman, do you hear me, shut up! No one, no one can
understand me, no one can feel like I do!

Edea: My child... please, calm down!

Squall: Oh, stop speaking you hag! Only words! This is all I get from
you! Just words! Meaningless, empty, useless words and fake sympathy!
I don't need your pity! I don't!

Squall covers his face with his hands and kneels crying. Edea patters
him on the back.

Edea: Calm down... please my child...calm down...don't shag all those
that can help you, please...

Squall: Why? WHY, GOD! WHY? What game are you playing? Why do I have
to be tortured like this?

Edea: Sometimes god works in a way that we cannot understand...

Squall: I...I was changed due to that child, you know...all my hopes
and dreams were based on the birth of our first child and now they're
all gone, Matron...gone...

Edea: Don't worry, my child, you can try again. It's not over yet.

Edea embraces Squall and he begins to cry on her shoulder.

Quistis: I didn't know that Squall knew how to cry...

Edea: You are wrong, my child. Squall was the most sensitive and
caring child of all of you. He used to talk to me about his problems
and he had cried on my shoulder innumerous times. He just didn't want
you to know that he was weak inside. He didn't want anyone to know
about that. Never. This is why he became a SeeD

Quistis: B-but...why? We were his friends...

Edea: Yes, you were, but you had all got adopted. You were loved by
your custodians and your parents had died a long time before you were
brought to the orphanage. You never got to know them...But he was all
by himself...All of the couples that had met him didn't want him. He
was left alone after all of you had been adopted and even worse, he
knew that his mother was dead and that his father was travelling all
over the world, without knowing that he even existed and his sister
had left him when he was young.

Rinoa: Poor Squall...

Laguna: (I must go talk to Squall. Edea is right, I didn't even know
that he existed)

Laguna leaves the cockpit and enters the main hangar.

Seipher( puts out his cigarette): Well, I'll be leaving now...

Seipher gets out of the hangar.

Laguna: Hey, Squall! How are ya?
Squall: Not so good...

Squall sits down with his back against the wall.

Squall: Why are you here?

Laguna: Squall, Rinoa miscarried and you didn't even tell me...I'm
your father goddamn it!

Squall: Who told you that? Huh? Who? How did you know about me? Let me
guess... you overheard the discussion of two travelers from Winhill
while you were journeying the world?

Laguna: Raine had left me a letter in her room. It told me everything.
About the time compression event, when did she give labor to
you...that I was your father...But when I found that out I was already
too late. I had lost all hope, Squall. I didn't even know how you
like! Only your name I knew and with the hope of finding you I
journeyed the world...with the hope that my child would have a father
that would help him and stand by him, no matter what. Why didn't you
tell me Squall?

Squall: Because I hated you! I hated Mum, I hated Sis... I hated you
all! I was left alone in the world. ( Squall laughs bitterly ). Did
you know that all the couples that had met me hated me? Did you? All
the other orphans had finally found a home and I was left alone...

Laguna: I can't say that I understand you Squall, I can't understand
you, no, I can't... You can hate me all you want, but just listen to
me for once in your life, listen to me! Don't hate all those that try
to help you Squall, don't shag them! For one day, you'll wake up and
be sixty years old, all alone, thinking about your mistakes, having no
one to share your time and life with and then, my son, this will be
your end. Lonely and miserable.

Laguna turns away and move to the door.

Squall: ...Dad?

Laguna stops and smiles.

Laguna: Yes, my son?

Squall: Thanks.

Laguna laughs.

Laguna: I love you, Squall!

Squall: Me too...dad

Laguna: I just love to hear that!

In the meanwhile...

Seipher enters the hangar grinning from ear to ear. He sits between
Edea and Rinoa.

Seipher: How's it goin' girls?

Rinoa: Are you trying to begin a conversation with us, Seipher?

Seipher: As a matter of fact I do...

Quistis: Your accent...

Seipher: What about it?

Edea: It's purely British. Why did you alter your accent, my child?

Seipher: Oh, but I didn't Matron! This is my normal accent! I was
pretending all this long!

Quistis: You look really happy. What has happened?

Seipher: Well, let's just say that me and Squall finally became
friends. Oh and by the way, Rinoa, why don't you go talk to him...

Rinoa: About what?

Seipher: About the "accident" that occurred three moths ago...he was
thinking about it a lot, you know...

Rinoa looks at the others.

Quistis: Oh, c'mon! Go talk to him!

Rinoa: Right!

She gets up and runs to the elevator, that was just ascending. She
sees Laguna.

Laguna: Go talk to him.

Rinoa nods her head affirmatively and goes into the hangar. Squall
sees her and gets up.

Squall: Rinoa...

Rinoa: Squall...

Squall and Rinoa: I wanted to tell you...

They stand still for a few seconds.

Squall and Rinoa: You go first...

Rinoa: Squall ...I was thinking about what had happened and...

Squall: Listen to me, Rinoa...this thing is something that we should
leave behind. I...can't leave while I am haunted by the memories of a
terrible thing that happened so long ago...

Rinoa: What do you mean?

Squall: I mean that I don't want to wake up one day and be sixty years
old, all alone understanding that I had kicked away all my chances
that I had in life, without having no one to share my good and bad
times with...So, Ms. Heartily, do you ...

Rinoa: Yes, I do.

The two kiss and the other characters come out from the cockpit and
look at the scene cheerfully. Ward starts crying on Kiros' shoulder,
who patters him on the back.

Ward:...!

Kiros: No, my large friend, it's not a happy ending yet...this is just
the beginning...

Selphie: That's so cool!

Irvine: Yes, it is. Hey Selphie, why aren't you in the cockpit?

Selphie: I left Seipher in my place, don't worry!

Seipher: What? I had Quistis to take my place, you know!

Quistis: Well, I don't know how to pilot it, so I asked Laguna to do
it.

Laguna: Well, I let Kiros to take care of it.

Kiros: When was that?

Squall: Wait a minute! You mean that no one is on the pilot's seat?

Rinoa: Then that means that...

All: WE'RE FALLING!!!

The Ragnarok begins to lose height, as it bolts straight to the
ground. Squall runs to the cockpit elevator and enters the cockpit. He
tries to reach the controls, when suddenly the aircraft starts to
spin. Squall hits on its walls , but in the end he manages to grab the
lever. He pulls it up and it starts to gain height again. Selphie
enters the cockpit.

Selphie: Let me handle it from here!

Selphie takes over the control and lands the Ragnarok. The hangar door
opens an the others get out dizzy.

Seipher: What a flight!

Irvine: I...think I'm gonna...puke!

Zell: Me too!

Quistis: Look! The temple!

Squall: Well, let's go then!

They enter the Temple, where there is absolute dark. Quistis grabs a
torch and lights it with a Fire spell. They continue their way through
the dark and covered with spider webs corridors. Suddenly, they reach
a dead end.

Laguna: Dead end...

Selphie: Well, there's gotta be a way through, right?

Selphie and the others check the wall for switches.

Zell: Not a damn thing.

Seipher: Damn!

Seipher kicks the wall and one of its symbols submerges. The wall
starts to shake, as another wall appears from the floor, that traps
them between. The floor starts to shine underneath them, as huge metal
tentacles emerge and shake over them.

Seipher: You think I'm gonna let you get me, huh? Come and get some!

A tentacle turns to Seipher's side, who draws his Hyperia. The
tentacle strikes Seipher on the side, who is thrown on the wall with
force. The tentacle attacks him again, but he nails it on the ground.

Seipher: You lose!

The other tentacles attack the rest of the group, that fight back.
Soon, the injured tentacles retreat and go back to the light from
which they came, that slowly fades away.

Irvine: And stay out!

Ward: ...!

Irvine: What?

Kiros: He said " Ha!"

Zell: Well, I guess we're safe now...

The floor tumbles and everyone starts to fall. The tentacles reappear
and grab them, as they draw them underground. After a few minutes, the
tentacles throw them into a pitch dark room and disappear.

Rinoa: W...where are we?

Quistis: This is a good question indeed.

Squall: How do you feel Matron?

Edea: I...sense an evil presence...

Seipher: The Soul Crusher?

Edea: No, not as great...but yet strong.

A slim figure appears in the dark. It stretches its finger to their
side. Squall and the others fall down unconscious.

Squall wakes up, realizing that he is tied to a chair. He looks around
him and looks around. He finds himself in a dome like room, that is
being scantily lighted by a unworldly blue light. The whole room is
made of crystals, and wall paintings decorate the walls. In the room's
center, there a big cauldron, out of which comes a green colored
steam. A man dressed in cloak, looks at Squall.

Man: Well, I'm impressed. Your friends aren't still awake and my sleep
spell is too powerful for a mere man like you to wake up so quickly.

Squall: Who are you?

Man: You shall know real soon...

The others wake up and look around.

Squall: Rinoa, are you okay?

Rinoa: Yeah, where are we?

Edea: This man...

Irvine: You know him, Matron?

Edea: Atropos!

Atropos: Ah, it is good that you still remember me Edea! I thought you
had forgotten me!

Edea: Disgusting guys like you are not easily forgotten!

Zell: Who are you? How do you know Matron?

Atropos: Well, you see, a very long time ago, I had tried to make her
love me. I even fought against her mortal lover, that Cid for her.

Edea: But he did beat you in the end, didn't he?

Atropos: Indeed, the mortal was much faster than I expected.
Nevertheless, though, that made me devote myself to Necromancy.
Yes...and now I am the most powerful of all Necromancers, pledged to
my Master, the great Omega! Now, I shall bring him back to life!

Squall: Hey, Atrocious...what's in that cauldron?

Atropos: That, my friend, is the conjuration filter that I shall use
to bring my Lord back to life. Dimnistra! Bring the girl in!

The woman killer appears out of the shadows and goes towards the wall.
There, she approaches a wall painting. She touches a part of it and
Chloe falls down.

Quistis: Chloe!

Chloe: Miss Trepe, help me...

Dimnistra: Oh, shut up woman!

She ties the girl on a chair and approaches Atropos.

Atropos: And now, for the final ingredients...

He draws a knife out of his cloak and approaches Chloe.

Atropos: The blood of someone pure...

He cuts the tip of Chloe's finger and gathers the blood that drips in
a little bowl.

Atropos: The flesh of a true warrior...

He draws a pentagram with his knife's tip on Zell's arm and then
sticks the knife in one of the pentagram's edges, then uses it to rive
that part of the flesh from Zell's skin, who bites his lips in order
not to scream. The blood gushes out from Zell's hand trough the
bleeding injury where a part of his flesh once was. Atropos throws the
piece of flesh into the bowl along with the blood and points at Zell.

Atropos: You won't die, not yet at least. Don't worry.

His hand starts to glow blue and the injury starts to close, until it
disappears.

Atropos: You are all needed to be alive...unfortunately. Now, the
spittle of a sorceress...

Edea: I'll never help you in fulfilling your psychotic designs!

Dimnistra (Puts her knife on Edea's throat) : Shut up, woman!

Atropos: Oh, my dear, you are not the required sorceress in this case,
you see. The one that must give me her spittle isn't you, but Rinoa!

Rinoa: What? No way!

Atropos: Yes way as a matter of fact my dear. You see, for the spell
to succeed, we need the spittle of a young one and more powerful than
Edea is, which is Rinoa! Now, would you be so kind so as to assist me?

Rinoa: Now way!

Atropos: It doesn't matter my dear. Even if you don't, I'll find a way
to do it. And when I do, I'll ask you as my prize from my master... Ha
ha ha...

Atropos licks her cheek.

Squall: Get your tongue off her, you bastard!

Rinoa spits at his face and Atropos covers his face using the bowl.
The spit goes right into the center of the bowl.

Atropos: Bull's eye! And now, for the last ingredient...a lock of hair
from a true lionhearted...

He cuts a lock of hair from Squall and throws it into the bowl.

Squall: Hey, Atropos...

Atropos: Yes?

Squall: Where were you keeping Chloe all that time?

Atropos: In the wall paintings. It's an old Necromancer's trick, you
see...well, let's get to business!

The blood, hair, flesh and spittle inside the bowl start to liquefy
and in the end they turn into a black, thick liquid with an intense
odor.

Atropos: Yes...Dimnistra! Put the relics into place!

Dimnistra sets the relics in four holes in the floor, around the
cauldron. She stops.

Dimnistra: Two are missing...

Atropos: And I know exactly where they are...

Two green beams burst from his hand and go into the chests of Edea and
Laguna. A light starts to shine as two strange items come out of their
chests. A little wand in the shape of a snake and a coin with a
pentagram on, fly to Atropos' hand. Dimnistra puts them in the two
remaining holes. Atropos moves close to the cauldron and pushes it.
The cauldron's content spills on the floor with a sizzling sound.

Atropos: Oh, great Omega, it's time for you to wake up from your
sleep! Wake up! Your last followers summon you!

He pours the bowl's black fluid on the spilt substance, that begins to
glow blue. Then, it begins slowly to expand and glow even more as a
little beam is emitted from the floor to the roof of the temple. The
beam starts to increase in size and goes through the roof of the
temple, increasing I height as it leaves the planet. The beam hits on
the moon's surface, that becomes dark. The beam turns black and is
sent back to the temple, on the substance. The relics create an energy
dome around the substance, that increases slowly in size. Suddenly,
the substance explodes, releasing a dark light, that surrounds the
planet. A black blast radius begins from the temple, that is destroyed
in the explosion. The light that was surrounding the planet starts to
increase, as more and more planets are being covered by it.

Somewhere in the universe, a Pupu and a Propagator look at the
increasing light horrified.

Pupu(translated): Oh, dear, what is this?

Propagator(translated): I don't know, but I believe that it is
threatening the whole universe...

The light blows up and Squall with the others are being drifted away
by strange burst of energy. The figure of a man appears in the center
of the burst.

It was the rebirth of Omega.

The Beginning