Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Beginning Anew ❯ The Circle ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: Own none of the series involved in this fic, I do. Own the new gen. characters, I do. Own anything more than the $3 and change in my pocket, I do not.

 

Zeke Soft, inc. presents

Final Fantasy 8

Beginning Anew

 

Chapter 1: The Circle

In the years following the defeat of Ultimecia at the hands of Squall Leonheart and his friends, an uneasy peace has settled over the planet. The defeat of the President Deling of Galbadia and his army, the defeat of the Sorceress Edea and her Galbadian SeeDs, and the defeat of Ultimecia proved the Balamb SeeDs to be the most powerful military force on the planet. The second and third, Estar and Galbadia, respectively, had long since forged an alliance with Balamb and her Garden. The President of Estar, Laguna Loire, and the President of Galbadia, Former General Caraway, both have strong ties with the SeeDs of Balamb. Laguna is the father of the commander of the Balamb SeeDs, Squall Leonheart, and Caraway is the father of Squall's wife, Rinoa Leonheart. Those under the protection of Galbadia and Estar were glad such an alliance existed. The SeeDs remained a mercenary force, but would only fight their allies if specifically hired to do so. Other countries felt such an alliance was to be feared. What if one or all of them suddenly decided to conquer the world? With the current relations between each country, it was no doubt they would support each other. And so a secret alliance of various smaller countries was formed, dedicated to the destruction of the Alliance....

A dark room suddenly illuminates, harsh white lights and bright blue light from the many video screens flood the room. A lone woman stands at the center of the circular room, consulting a pda. One-by-one the screens flicker and turn green, indicators that they are in uses, except for one. The woman looks up and smiles, bowing slightly. “Welcome ladies and gentlemen, it is good to see your all in good health,” she says. Murmurs of greeting echo from around the room. “We have many things to discuss today. We have some new info, orders for you, and some good news. First, the good news. Our spies have finally managed to place trackers on both of the SeeDs mobile bases, although the Ragnarock still manages to elude us. Now for some new info. Since the defeat of Ultimecia, SeeD has become powerful, too powerful. The only two known sorceresses both work closely with them. I have uploaded pictures of each to you. The one on the right is the one to be feared, known as Rinoa Leonheart. She is the wife of the Commander of the SeeDs and his second in command, as well as the daughter of President Caraway. The one on the left is relatively harmless, having no combat abilities at all. We believe her name to be Ellone. Her location is unknown, only Squall has that information.”

At this point, a screen lit red, interrupting the woman. “We already know this Leena, why are you repeating yourself?” “Ah, Kochac, as impatient as ever. The answer is simple. Until recently these two ladies were thought to be the only sorceresses in existence, Edea non-withstanding. A small town near the Cetra ruins has joined us, bring with them a powerful ally. The name of this town will not be revealed, and the representative will be known by name. Her name is Reese and she is a powerful sorceress, with powers to rival Edea.” The final screen lit, unlike the others, with a face. An attractive young woman, her face framed by honey brown hair, stared arrogantly into the camera. Her startlingly clear green eyes were sharp and intelligent. A few murmured greetings met her arrival, but most were silent. Leena nodded to Reese. “Welcome to the Circle, Reese,” Leena spoke. Reese nodded slightly Leena. “Thank you Leena. It is a pleasure to be here today.” Her speech and manner seemed to have a regal air, noticeable even through camera. Kochac spoke up again, “How do you know she is truly a sorceress? Are you sure she is not a spy? Could she simply be using drawn magic like the SeeDs? What proof do you have?” he demanded. “Ever the skeptic, Kochac? I have seen her powers personally and have conducted extensive background checks as I have on all of you. Take a look at the footage, provided as proof of her powers. Silence ensues, followed by soft gasps and murmurs. Once the video was over, Leena resumed talking “That is all the new info I have to offer. No please begin your reports on troop status, training, and other matters. Cine, please start.” As the talk turns to mundane matters, Leena begins making notes on her pda. Talk continues for several hours more before the meeting ends. Reese and Leena talk for a short while before leaving as well.

Meanwhile, two people are seen in a forested area, standing side by side, similarly dressed. “On your left!” A voice rang out, followed by another, “Got it, watch your right!” Two flashing arcs, one of dull grey, the other bright blue, are followed by identical explosions. The word “Fire!” rings out shortly afterward. A man steps into the spotty light to inspect three dead Grats. Slung over his shoulder is a gunblade. Next to him stands another person, wielding a similar weapon, the Revolver version. “Good going. You've improved greatly. A little more practice and you'll be as good as me.” “HAH, old man, I AM as good as you. Admit it!” The man grins. Alright Kira, your….almost as good as me.” The young lady next to him grumbles sarcastically, “Thanks a lot pops.” She turns and inspects her gunblade, reloading it with more shells. “So pops, when do we go after the big fish?” The man stands and dusts himself off. Soon enough Kira. Seriously, your timing on your explosion was a little off. Your swordplay is much better though. Why did you use Fire on the last Grat?” “Well, he was a little out of my reach, so I draw/casted fire on him, since I didn't feel like using one of my junctioned spells.” “Hmph. Well, let's go get us some T-Rexuar. Think you can handle them alone? You have Quezacolt, Shiva and Ifrit, so I'll stand by and watch mostly.” Kira shrugs and brushes away a stray lock of hair. “I'll be fine pops, don't worry.” She pulls out a walkie-talkie and calls out. “Yo Zell, you there?” The walkie-talkie was silent for a moment before it crackled to life. “Booyah! Yeah, I'm here Kira. Hah! Take that! Thunder! And I'm Zellos, not Zell. That's my Dad. Alley Oop!” A distant crash rumbles through the jungle. “So what's your tally Zell? I've got 7 Grats, 5 Caterchipilars, and 12 Bite Bugs. I haven't found and T-Rexuars yet though.” Zellos laughs. “Man, I think we found a herd or sumthin. We've already taken down 3, plus 10 Caterchipilars, 3 Grats, 20 Bite bugs, and at least 2 Glacial Eyes. You're more than welcome to join us.” Kira chuckled, “We're on our way. Are they getting to tuff for ya?” Zellos snorts, `Hah, you wish!” “Yea well save me a few! Don't get all destructive happy now!” Kira retorted.

The instant Zellos mentioned the herd, she and her father had taken off in Zell and Zellos's general direction. A low rumble fills the jungle, as they made their way towards the sounds of battle. “Hey uh, Kira? I hope you guys are close, cause it sounds like the rest of the herd has decided to charge. I mean, I can handle a few T-Rexuar alone, but not a herd. Ma said not to let Dad push himself. `He's not as young as he used to be!'” Zellos mimicked. Seconds later, Kira and her father appeared where Zell and Zellos stood to their left. To their right, a dust cloud approached with at least 3 T-Rexuars visible. Quickly flanking Zell and Zellos, Kira and her father prepared to attack. Her father glanced at Zell and smirked. “Just like old times, eh Zell?” Zell laughed, “You know it Squall!” That said, the group charged at the T-Rexuar herd.