Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Snow Drift ❯ First Down ( Chapter 7 )

Squall stands at the front gate of Balamb garden with a bored expression on his face as he watches his lover and a few cadets double checking their supplies. He honestly hoped that the supplies would be a pointless bring because the mission might be really short. Clear skies for February but the gray seems as though a bit of snow might come through the area a little later today or maybe even a couple days from now, as is February's nature of unpredictable cold. Irvine is wearing his favorite duster with a dark blue turtle neck underneath that are making his dark eyes stand out like a red dot in a field of white; Squall considered that to be cruel of the cowboy since they'll be apart for a while and Irvine happens to know what that particular color on him does to his lover. As if last night wasn't enough for him. They did manage to get in a few bites before they spent a good 35 minutes on the couch since it was the closest soft place.

Giggling, the one of the girls on the four man team pokes a blond boy in the ribs before leaning over to whisper. "Isn't it sweet how commander Leonhart wants to see off his lover?"

Cocking a brow the boy looks over his shoulder. "Are you kidding, he looks pissed to me." Mentally cowering he adds. "Kind of like he's thinking we're gonna fuck up."

"You've gotta read between the lines, Phineas." She says shaking her head.

Phineas only shrugs. He honestly didn't want to think about two men being in love- not that there's anything wrong with that, if they're happy, they're happy but if its gonna be the war hero commander Leonhart and SeeD lieutenant Kinneas he really didn't wanna think about it. 'Crap, I'm getting an image.' He tries blocking out the vision of Squall and Irvine getting on all fours after deciding who would be on top, which would probably be Squall- he seems very take charge in anything, with the sweet vision of the lovely leader of their group Eurydice Montego. 'That's right Phineas, think about the way her pretty brownish orange ponytail brushes her soft cheek when she bends over.' He coaches his mind only to have the thought interupted by Irvine who gives him a slight push to get to the trunk to put in a bag.

"Excuse me, partner." He says sitting the bag in the trunk before slipping one of his tresses behind his ear, he then closes the trunk. Noticing the odd face the boy is making he smiles at him then says. "Don't be so nervous, this'll be a cake walk."

"A-.. I.." Phineas mutters.

"Irvine get over here." Squall demands.

"Comin'!" To Phineas he says. "Be sure to check over the map for Centra Ruins, okay?"

Nodding the male watches as Irvine heads over to the front gate. Squall says something to him which makes the lieutenant laugh it sounded as though Irvine responded to Squall saying "you've gotta be kidding me?". The next thing he knew Squall called their team leader over. Eurydice bows her head respectfully to Squall but upon hearing what he had to say she blushed then nods before getting to the task of... Phineas' jaw dropped to the ground as Irvine pulled his long hair from the half ponytail he had put it in so that the girl could give him a long braid down his back instead. Eurydice worked quickly, her skilled hands entwinded the hair tightly and efficiantly before she tied it off with the band that Irvine handed to her. After being thanked the girl lowered her head speeding over to the van, climbing in. Coming out of his stupor of what just went on, he also climbs into the van wanting not to be the last man standing outside after such an odd scene.

"What was that all about?" Asks Luna.

"Commander Leonhart didn't like that Lieutenant Kinneas was parading around with his hair undone, that it was unprofessional and he should get it out of his way." She explains the conversation that went on. "So he asked that I braid it for him."

"Aaaww, I think the commander might have thought one of us might try to flirt with his boyfriend." Luna giggles.

Groaning Max is completely red; he asks them kindly. "Can we please stop talking about lovers and the things they do? Please?"

"Oh Phineas, don't be such a... such a..." She thinks for a word. "boy."

"Kinda hard considering that I am a boy."

Both girls roll their eyes. Rakuta sat quietly in his seat looking out the window over the hills as though trying to see town or the train station. He's so excited to be on this mission since, like the others, its his first. He's been to the ice caves and had to battle the frightening Shiva; its been told that Shiva was naturally drawn to Squall and he often has her around just living inside of him unjunctioned. Man it must be cool to have a G.F. that compatable with you for it to go as far as actually liking you. But some say, that she's drawn to the natural icy cold heart the male has but, from where he's sitting the commander doesn't look so icy to him as he grabs his lover's shoulder to lean him over for a kiss, on the cheek, good bye. He wished his boyfriend Lucky would be so bold. The four of them: Phineas, Luna, Rakuta, and team leader Eurydice perk up when they see their senior coming. They are to drive the twenty minutes to the train station, take the B train to Fisherman's Horizan and rent a boat that will sail them out to the Centra Ruins. They had to start the journey early in order to make it to the check point in time to stop the rebelians from succeeding in their plans to create another sorceress, and the boat ride will take at least half the day. But this is so exciting for them and as the car starts up and they head towards town they all share similar smiles. Mission time.

...

Coming from class Zell spots Squall on the bench; eyes closed, head tilted back, arms up on the back on the seat. Grinning his dashes over plopping himself down beside the male as he wraps his arms around Squall's waist and rests his head on the male's shoulder. "Aaaww." He says as he steals a hug from the unsuspecting lion. "Sorry buddy, but when you sit like this you're asking for a cuddle."

"And if anyone else had pulled it, they'd get punched in the ear." Comments the relaxed male, "Hey, Zell." he then greets not moving from his position, though, he does open his eyes to stare at the ceiling.

"Hi. Good to have you back amongst our ranks." He releases his hold on him taking a similar position on the bench; his muscular arm overlapping Squall's.

"Good to be back."

Snickering the martial artist turns his head to look at Squall's profile and his thin blond brow goes up. "You mean to tell me that you didn't like being all alone with Irvine playing house with the baby?"

"Alone with Irvine I like, but having a baby is just... strange."

"Mmm. Maybe. I thought it was kinda cool- I mean, let's face it, you and I and Irvine and Seifer aren't ever gonna have kids any other way but adoption" He shrugs at the matter. "wouldn't you ever want a kid?"

"Not sure."

"Oh come on, everybody does."

"I'd settle for being an uncle to one of the girls' babies."

"Oh you're no fun."

"I hear that a lot." Replies the male.

"Aaaw." Rinoa wraps her arms around the male resting her head on Squall's shoulder.

"I told ya." Zell snickers.

"So, who's having babies?" Rinoa asks joining the half heard conversation. Taking a seat on the bench at the relaxing male's other side, she moves into the same position as they have; once releasing her hold on Squall, and she looks up at the ceiling.

Straightening, he looks over at her saying as though it were a truth that's about to happen any minute; he was beginning to make a habit out of speaking that way. "You and Selphie and Quistis."

"Me? Since when?"

"Since Squall doesn't want any kids."

"How can you not want kids?" Rinoa asks.

Squall shrugs. "Just never thought about it."

The two shrug repeating simultaniously. "Just never thought about it."

Rinoa giggles to herself at how cute Squall could be sometimes with his halfway and dry answers to any question thrown his way; but she can't rule out the fact that he can also be very blunt to the point of rude when he's passionate about it.

"Can we not talk about babies for a while, I wanna enjoy my time back at Garden." Squall asks closing his eyes again.

Snapping his fingers the martial artist stands up. "You just reminded me why I've been looking for you! Wanna go to the training center and get some experience in? They've got new monsters" He says in a sly tone. "you know you can't resist it."

Sitting upright Squall gives a nod. "All right."

"Rinoa, you in?"

"Yeah, but I have to get my weapon from my room. Wait for me at the entrance, I'll be there." Getting off the bench she tugs the wrinkles from her pink turtle neck then heads off towards the dorms.

"Don't you wanna get your new gunblade? Seifer's been showing me his- he practically sleeps with the thing." The blond laughs while following Squall to the training room since the brunet began to walk that way.

"I'll use one of the school's they have there."

"Oh come on! I wanna see yours." The male puts his hands together in prayer to Hyne. "Be a friend..." He whines.

Sighing in half defeat he rolls his eyes. "I just finished cleaning it earlier; why would I wanna get it dirty again? Its just training."

Bottom lip quivering he turns blue eyes as big as saucers at the male. "Why do you always do this; you act so cold and distant when all anyone ever wants is t-..."

"Okay! I'll go get it, just spare me the sob routine."

Recovering as though he were never about to pitch a fit at all, he leaps into the air. "Sweet! I'll be waiting at the entrance." He dashes off. "Hi Allison!" He waves to a girl down the hall who waves back.

Shaking his head in dismay that he can be tricked by the look everytime, Squall heads to the dorm wing to retrieve Black Lionhart.

The boat rocks back and forth a little more rough than expected but its a clear beautiful day in the southern hemosphere, as usual, so the sea is merely being playful rather than violent. The boat captain, who's below deck, calls up to them that he's leaving them at this drop.

"Thanks for the ride," Phineas calls to the man receiving a pop on the back of his head from Rakuta and Luna. Shrugging, he removes the grappling hook from his bag. "What? Its polite to thank someone when they've helped you out."

"Yeah, but you don't have to sound like such a dork." Luna rolls her eyes during the comment.

"Pay attention now." Irvine warns them.

Eurydice could have slapped herself for not speaking up first. Irvine is only here to observe and see that everything goes alright but with this group and her lack of officiancy he'll end up taking charge of the entire mission while she sits in the side lines. "You guys ready?" She asks.

"Ready." They respond.

On her nod they shoot the grapple from the gun-like hook and with four nearly synced blast of air the guns go off slamming their sharp 3 claw hooks into the side of the mountain. Hooking into the craggy hunks of mountain the four give the ropes a good tug to be sure its inside well; assured, they grab onto their, one each, bag that is tied to a cable which will hold them on the side of the mountain. If the enemy shows up they won't happen upon their bags or campsite lying around somewhere whilst they're taking their positions. Bags secured, the five continue up the mountain taking a quick break once reaching the top.

Rakuta, rolling the sleeves of his uniform jacket, says to himself. "Its so hot here. You think it would be a little cooller since its still winter."

Phineas nods, wishing he grabbed a bottle of water from his bag before hooking it to the mountain side. Removing his uniform jacket all together, he ties it around his waist tugging at his white t-shirt that hid underneath to vent some air over his body.

"Come 'ere and take one of these." Irvine asks pulling silver sticks from a green packet. "Chewing gum will keep moisture in your mouths until we can get water later."

"Thanks."

"Thank you."

Says the girls, the boys just take it and nod.

Eurydice remains beside Irvine while they other walk a short distance away shading their eyes with their hands. They can see the entire canyon from as high up as they are. "We use Scan to check the area?"

"You are correct, Miss Montego."

"And we do it to scout the area for any monsters roaming around."

"Yep." He gives a nod.

Murmuring the spell for scan both Irvine and Eurydice's eyes flash with a green glow that sharpens their vision in range, allowing them to see a green grid over the area. Monster after monster is pointed out to them with bits of detail flicking through their thoughts as it passes over each one and with two hard blinks the spell is removed.

"There isn't that many, so they shouldn't hinder the mission- although, we should keep an eye on the Grand Mantis for just incase." Though she couldn't help but think that being attacked with a water bubble right now would really hit the spot, although, the force of the blast she can do without. 'Its fifteen minutes until the ritual, so I should check my team out.' Clearing her throat, she calls to the others. "You guys come over here, I wanna make sure you're properly junctioned."

Phineas, who was doing hand stands, falls onto his butt getting laughed at by Luna and helped up by Rakuta. The three come over to where their lieutenant and commander stand, giving the salute they stand at ease.

"I wanna make sure you all have the proper magic junctioned, remember, we're not here to harm these men if we can avoid it. We're only going to stop them and bring them in to arrest."

"Yes, ma'am." They reply earning a smile from their team leader.

"Luna?"

"I've got Sleep junctioned in my whip, and Pain junctioned to my body should they use magic." The dark haired girl replies.

Shocked both Phineas and Rakuta eye the girl, but Phineas speaks up first. "Where'd you get Pain?! Cadets aren't allowed high level magic until they become SeeD rank."

Blushing, the girl glances at Irvine to see if he's disappointed in here but seeing that the male is only looking around the area, though, she's sure he heard Phineas she replies. "I went to the training room over night and drew some from one of the monsters. I didn't take much." Is her best defense from the attack of her team.

"That doesn't make it fair!"

"Sure it does! You just didn't think of it." Barks the girl before crossing her arms in an angry huff.

"Calm down you guys." Commander Montego says calmly. "It doesn't matter that Luna has Pain, what have the rest of you got."

Still bitter and side long glaring at the black haired girl, the blond says. "I've got Stop in my weapon and Sleep on my body."

Rakuta nods. "Same with me in my weapon, as Phin's, but I've got Slow on my body."

"And I've got Sleep and Thunder junctioned." She wanted to ask if all that sounded good but decided against it. "Take your position, we'll be a half a mile from each other and be sure to cast Haste when the battle starts so we're ready to protect whoever needs it."

The three nod eagerly then dash off to take their positions hidden among the rocks and caves or bits of forest that managed the grow out in the dry wasteland. Irvine remained on top of the tallest cliff only he lays down in order to be out of the way. Removing a pair of binoculars from his belt he raises them to his face to watch out for the four man team. He isn't supposed to interfere but he can't help it. Its in his nature to wanna look out for people at least a bit. He's got Pain himself, Thundaga, and Stop spells to use on the men and as far as the cadets go he's got Protect, Shell, and a little Reflect should they not be prepared for the strength behind high level magic.

"Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!"

A loud scream got all of their attention as heads turn in unison off to where a crop of trees lay. A crying woman, no older looking then 24, is being dragged from the woods gripped by her arms and hair at the back of her head. 3 other men walk behind them chanting quietly of how the Sorceress will lead them to a better world; in a cage big enough to hold a medium sized dog is what appears to be a crystal which isn't so strange but beyond the glass he can see an animal that looks a bit like a bird.

"Let me gooooooooooo!" She drops her legs to drag herself and hopefully slow the men down but it only ended in her getting her legs grabbed by two of the the three men that were walking behind her original bounders.

Nerves pricked, Eurydice wets her mouth then whispers the spell for Thunder aiming it between the men rather than at them, it scattered the men apart having them drop to the ground. Confused they all look about the area wondering where the blast of lightning came from when they spot Rakuta. The male ducked back behind his tuck in the cliff side but it was too late.

"Get him, get the non-believer!" Shouts the head of the men, decidedly because he is dressed in blue rather than black like the others.

"Shit." The male figures hiding will do him no good so he darts through the woods knowing that three men are on his heels but his back will be watched by the others. Chanting the spell, he casts Ice turning quickly to aim it at one of the men missing them as they break apart amongst the trees; one of which gets frozen by his attack. "Damn I missed." He continues to run.

Eurydice would have followed Rakuta but the two men holding the woman from the start continue to where they intended to go. The satelite looms in the distance but she can tell the men aren't necessarily heading into the place since there seems to be a strange machine set up just infront of the place. Following them she cast another Thunder spell again only aiming at them to stop their pace and release the woman.

One of the men threw his arm out releasing a thin piece of metal that looks a little like a ninja star; it came straight at the girl who raised her nunchucks in hopes to swat it away whacking the thing just in time but three more soar her way. Luna takes the opportunaty to stop he man sneaking close enough to grab him by the ankle with her whip and as she does this her spell tags kick in casting Sleep. The man fought it as hard as he could but his eyes droop and sag easing him down to a hard nap. She pulls him across the land tying him up when he's close enough.

The woman continued screaming for help as the leader is binding her to the machine by her wrists and ankles. Eurydice cast Haste on herself darting forward bashing the man in the face with her nunchuckle before spinning on her heel kicking him in the face with a round kick.

"Phin', go get Rakuta!" Luna calls. "I'll help Eury'."

Phineas nods dashing off after his comrad.

In the distance Irvine watches the group, proud of them as they seem to be handling the situation nicely at least until seven other guys come dashing out of the Satelite catacombs, weapons drawn and ready for combat. They must have been waiting on the ritual to start, though, the weapons had the sharpshooter wondering if they hadn't been tipped off that someone would try to stop them. Phineas and Rakuta seem to be doing all right, but the girls are about to get swamped. Winking an eye he looks through the scope of his gun taking aim at a worshipper who has a sword in his hands.

"Sorry partner, but harm can't help but be done sometimes." Pulling the trigger a bullet is fired from his gun Ulysses. Pain is cast as the blank hits the male square in his chest knocking him to the ground. He cries out in pain as he's suddenly struck blind and poisoned unable to notice any of the other things done to him so focused on the pain of that. Firing another shot he cast Stop on that person but not before the man is able to press the button on the machine. A loud screech fills the sky as a magnificent looking bird with a pale purple body spreads its wings showing off a multitude of colors on the tips of the feathers. Its huge, its strong, its...

"Damn, they've got a G.F." Eyes flashing Irvine scans the creature having never seen anything like it before but he can only make out a single ability of Slow before the machine blocks out his use of magic.

A shield flashes around the G.F. as the machine kicks out a loud whine Luna and Eurydice turn their attention to the action going on beside them amazed at the size of the bird. Sparks turn into long waves of electricity causing the creature and the woman to cry out.

"They're tryin' to extract the G.F.'s ability and put it into that woman." Irvine stands from his hiding place. He has to stop that machine.

Rakuta and Phineas exit the forest victorious, ready to join the girls they're momentarily stunned at the sight of what's going on. Shaking it off the two head for the fight. Startled Rakuta jumps before hearing Irvine's voice in his ear.

"Rakuta stop that machine, throw your boomerang but watch out for the woman."

"Yes sir." Swinging the large bone based weapon over his head two to three times he shoots it across the field toward the machine. Having aimed at the long poles coming from the hoop atop the machine he hopes it stops whatever is going on rather than make it worse. The boomerang slams into the machine denting it but not breaking it and the shock flings it lifelessly to the ground rather than returning it to the male.

"I'll get the woman." Phineas says. "You try to stop the machine."

Nodding Rakuta darts toward the fight while Phineas moves out of view to avoid being attacked by one or more of the worshippers. While the battle is taking place the sound of shots being fired continues to ring out only none of the men are going down by them, Irvine is aiming for the bird. He has to injure it low enough to get Siren to put the thing to sleep, since he has no clue how strong it is preventing him from using the G.F. right off. The bird let out another cry as a hole pierces through its flesh. Phineas grabs a hold of the woman seeing that the machine is going haywire from being slammed into with the large weapon. Ducking from blast sweeping this way and that he unties the binds on the womans hands and feet catching her lifeless body as it drops to the ground.

Checking the scene with his binoculars Irvine is relieved to see that the woman is being safely taken away but now there's the matter of the battle and the Guardian flailing and crying out over the battle field. "Take cover." Irvine says to the team.

"Yes sir." Says the team leader. "Everybody fall back!" Eurydice calls.

"Right!" Says Rakuta.

Luna is already heading off the field helping Phineas with the unconcious woman. Taking safety up high they're out of the way in time to avoid being hit by a very large tidal wave of water slamming its way down over the battle field putting the worshippers to sleep as well as the fallen G.F. that was large enough to crush the machine trying to extract its life force to have transfered into the woman.

"Now all I need to do is capture it..." Chanting the spell for the binding contract the beast lets out a weak roar as it shrinks away into a flash of light being drawn into Irvine. Mission accomplished!

Rakuta looks around at the pile of sleeping men a proud look in his eyes. "Should we tie them up?"

"I've got some rope in my bag, if this is a G.F.'s sleep spell it should last long enough for me to get it while we notify the authorities." Luna says already heading back to where they left their bags on the mountain side.

"Commander Kinneas we're ready for clean up. We can head back to Garden as soon as the police get here." Eurydice waits for a response. "Commander?" Blinking her face sets itself on confusion. "Maybe my communicater is broken; hey you guys, can you call the squad commander for me, I think my radio is busted."

"Sure." Phineas presses the button on his radio. "Commander are you there? Hello?"

"Hello?" Luna asks.

"Why won't he answer?" Rakuta wonders after giving his a try.

Concerned, the team leader shakes her head trying to make sense of it. "He captured the weird Guardian, I heard him chant the spell so he should still be on the cliff."

"Let's go back and look for him. Maybe he's getting the bags ready for camping out."

They all start away towards the cliff.

"But why wouldn't he say anything?" Phineas wonders.

"Maybe he's just trying to surprise us on a job well done." Eurydice offers.

"Or scare us." Rakuta accused. "Its not gonna work! We're too steady to be frightened from some boo!"

Reaching the top of the cliff they look around but no Irvine.

"Here's his hat." Eurydice says picking it up. "But where is he?"

The four exchange looks and with fear running around in their heads they split up and look for the missing cowboy.