Chapter Twenty-One- The Final Stand

 

 

Seifer kneeled beside Quistis; they stared down at the weak Ellone that lay limp on the floor, barely strong enough to stay awake, another boy he didn’t know was with him. Seifer lifted his head and looked across the room at where Squall was, with Laguna, Aurora and Rinoa who was just as weak as Ellone.

 

He stood up and began to walk towards Squall, to see if Rinoa was ok but slowed down and listened intently… there was commotion outside the doors. Just as he turned to see the doors burst open and several green soldiers filed in, seizing Ellone and Quistis, and knocked out the young boy.

 

Seifer ran over, fast as he could, and punched the soldier holing Quistis then the soldier with Ellone, knocking both to the ground. Several soldiers jumped him and knocked him over, out of the corner of his eye he saw three familiar people come into the room.

 

He shook off the soldiers and pulled out his gunblade, and swung it and anyone near him furiously and saw that Squall and Laguna had begun to run over leaving Rinoa and another girl, he wasn’t sure whom, alone.

 

“Squall… stay with Rinoa and… is that your daughter…?” he yelled and saw that Squall summoned Laguna and said something he couldn’t hear and Laguna ran back over to the to girls. “Yes, that’s my daughter, Aurora.” He yelled as he ran to fight some soldiers.

 

More soldiers jumped him and he was once again knocked to the ground, he looked up to see the three familiar people who arrived, Zell, Selphie and Irvine but someone else was with them, a young girl.

 

He lay on the ground, unable to get up as Selphie and Irvine began fighting the green soldiers, magic spells and weapon flashes went back and forth as Zell cam straight to Seifer and pulled off the soldiers, knocked them out and pulled him up.

 

Instead of joining him, Seifer noticed that Zell stepped back and looked ready to fight. “Seifer?” he said warily. “Yeah… it’s me, it’s ok. I’m not hypnotized anymore.” Seifer said quickly and saw that Zell didn’t seem to believe him. “How can I be sure… you could just be saying that…!”

 

Seifer gave him a funny look, “You know it’s me… Chicken-wuss.” He said while smirking and Zell frowned but smirked back a bit, “Jerk!”.

 

Seifer turned and began battling off soldiers around him. He threw several Firaga spells at them along with his powerful physical attacks with his gunblade along side Zell’s fighting skills with his fists and his numerous Thundara spells.

 

It seemed as if the soldiers just kept coming and wouldn’t stop, it became hard to fight and he noticed Quistis slowing down and her whip attacks weren’t causing as much damage. He found himself protecting her from back-attacks several times.

 

After awhile more of killing the on-coming soldiers it became too much, there was at least 100 soldiers to the six of them, Seifer, Squall, Zell, Selphie, Irvine and Quistis. The soldiers had them surrounded, along with Ellone, Rinoa, Aurora and the young girl across the room; they were also surrounded.

 

Just as they were about to admit defeat the soldiers stopped closing in, they began to back off but remained at the sides of the room, as if expecting something big to come. Just as the six began to walk towards Laguna and the other three the doors beside them opened and Sorceress Adel came in, glowering down at them all.

 

Seifer stopped so did the rest of them except Squall who remained inching forward and was gathering speed quickly. Seifer looked at Adel; she had put her attention on to Rinoa. Seifer looked back down at Squall, he was nearly there, he was now running but Seifer heard a swipe and a thud on the wall.

 

Seifer looked and saw that Laguna had stepped forward but Adel swiped her hand with such force he flew backward at the wall and landed on the ground with a thud, blood coming down from the back of his head, he was knocked out cold.

 

He looked back at Adel, she was moving rapidly towards the platform were Rinoa was and stopped, a glowering smirk crossed her face as she picked up Rinoa by the neck. In her one hand was Rinoa and she used her other to blast energy at Aurora and the unknown girl who stepped forward.

 

Seifer started after Squall, he knew something was going to happen and just as Squall reached Adel another blast of energy came from her hand and hit Squall so hard it threw him back so far he hit Seifer and knocked him to the ground.

 

Seifer stood up and helped up Squall, he looked around to see where Selphie, Zell, Quistis and Irvine had gone to; Selphie and Irvine had gone over to Laguna and Quistis and Zell ran towards Aurora and the other girl so Seifer followed them, leaving Squall to run at Adel.

 

Seifer arrived next to Zell, who was getting Aurora and the other girl to follow him, and they did willingly but Adel noticed and blasted more energy at Quistis and Zell, but hesitated when she placed her mean eyes on Seifer.

 

“You… you traitor… you will die!” she hissed and several beams that were bright red hit Seifer and threw him backwards about 50 feet, but didn’t kill him. Seifer tried to stand up but Adel was moving closer and blasted him with more energy, leaving him squirming around on the ground in pain.

 

Faintly in the distance he heard the faint cries of Quistis, who was running towards him screaming for Adel to stop but the power didn’t waver, it continued harsh as ever. The next thing he knew Adel was screaming out in pain and dropped Rinoa with a bang on the floor, Squall was attacking her.

 

With much effort Seifer sat up right but nearly fell over again as Quistis tackled him with a hug. He looked at Adel and Squall in horror as he realized what was going to happen. “Squall, NO!” he yelled but it was to late, Adel blasted him at least 100 feet backwards and 50 feet in the air, Squall lay either unconscious or dead on the floor, it was hard to tell.

 

Seifer stood up with the help of Quistis but there was no way to stop what was happening, they stood and watched helplessly as Rinoa tried to blast Adel but it only caused a bit of a burn on her back. “Let’s get this done!” Adel hissed at Rinoa as she once again lifted her up in the air.

 

“No! She’s gonna die… you have to stop this!” Seifer heard Aurora scream, but she was too helpless as she tried to run at Adel but Zell held her back and they tried to open the door but it was bolted shut by the several green soldiers had filed out while this was all happening.

 

 

A burst of purplish-blue beams erupted from Adel, bursting straight up and through the ceiling leaving a large whole in the roof. Aurora watched sadly as her mother hung limply from Adel’s grasp as a dome of whitish energy blasted from around them leaving them consumed together in the dome.

 

A white streak of light attached Adel’s eyes with her mothers, and a bead of red energy traveled slowly through it, turned the beam red as it went. Aurora looked in horror as Adel let go of Rinoa but she remained there, floating in mid air, attached by the beam of energy.

 

As the beam of red energy reached her mothers eyes, Rinoa’s hair flared out wards and the beam of energy wavered then disappeared. Her mother hung in mid-air for a moment or so but suddenly blue energy flowed from her mother’s body into Adel’s and Rinoa dropped to the floor.

 

The white dome was gone, so was the purplish- blue light, all that was left was Adel, standing there, smirking as she looked at Rinoa heaped on the floor.

 

“Mom!” Aurora screamed and ran over to her mother’s side, not leaving Zell anytime to stop her, at that Adel’s face twisted into a huge smile as she saw Aurora, right there in front of her.

 

“Aurora!” she heard Quistis scream from beside Seifer. Aurora looked up and saw Adel reached towards her, the smile even wider, Aurora tried to run but Adel caught her around the waist and lifted her into the air, and then held her by the neck.

 

“No…” she whispered as the purplish blue light came out from Adel again and the white dome appeared. “Yes” Adel smiled even wider, and the white streak of energy attached their eyes.

 

Aurora was confused, it was like she wasn’t even there anymore, it seemed like it was just her and Adel. (No!) She thought as the red bead of energy began to pass through the white energy beam.

 

(I’m not going to die… No way, I’m going to live!) She thought but now all she could see was the red bead. “I’m going to live” she blurted out and as she did that a green bead of light came from her eyes so fast it blasted the red bead backwards and went into Adel’s eyes.

 

Aurora watched Adel let go and swayed back and forth, leaving Aurora hanging in mid air. Suddenly beams of red energy from Adel streamed into Aurora’s body, and Adel swayed back and forth. “I’ll be back… I promise.” She hissed before disappearing into thin air with a burst of red light.

 

Aurora landed on the ground with a thud next to her mother. Without thinking twice about her painful fall Aurora crawled a few feet right to her mother and kneeled over her, tear drops falling off her face onto Rinoa’s.

 

“Mom! MOM! Please don’t be dead… please…!” she whispered. Aurora lay her head next to Rinoa as everyone ran over. She quickly lifted her head, Rinoa was stirring; she wasn’t dead.

 

Aurora looked at her, shocked but happy and hugged her so tight that Rinoa had to push her off a bit as she sat up and looked around; Quistis and Seifer had wobbled over, Quistis hugging Seifer tightly; Selphie and Irvine kneeled over her. Zell and another girl right behind her and Squall had limped over, and was kneeling right in front of her, smirking with Laguna right behind him. Sirus had wakened up from being knocked out and was running over to join them.

 

“Are you guys all right?” Squall whispered, looking at Aurora then to Rinoa. They both nodded quickly and smiled a bit. Aurora looked up at the huge hole in the ceiling and out into the starlit sky, the big bright moon shone brightly done into the huge room.

 

ONE MONTH LATER

 

Quistis stood on the deck of her office in the garden, looking at the big bright moon, shining brightly in the black starlit sky. She sighed while thinking about the recent events that had taken place a month earlier.

 

After Aurora had received Adel’s powers she unknowingly got her mothers too leaving Rinoa not a sorceress anymore and Aurora the only one in this era. Squall, Rinoa and Aurora had resided in Balamb instead of going back to Winhill, they live near Zell and his wife now.

 

Zell had gone back to his wife happily, Irvine and Selphie remained here at the Garden since the events. Laguna, Kiros and Ward went back to Esthar to sort out the city that was under chaos. Sirus remained at the garden to become a SeeD.

 

Seifer stayed at the Garden with Quistis who made him the Headmaster along with her being the headmistress, it was a partnership. A few weeks before Seifer and Quistis started plans for their wedding.

 

 

Seifer walked out onto the balcony of their office to join Quistis. He put his arm around her waist and cuddled next to her. He looked up at the moon and at the stars then down to Quistis.

 

“You know… I never would have thought…” he began but Quistis finished his sentence. “…That this would ever happen for us!” she giggled.

 

Seifer smiled, “Tomorrow’s a big day, isn’t it…” he said softly into her ear. “I know… a big day… and I can’t wait!” she said happily.

 

They both smiled and kissed, while they watched the moon go higher into the sky as the night hours deepened.

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Wedding

 

Quistis awoke with a start as she heard loud knocking at the door; she looked at her clock it read 8:00. She looked around, her and Seifer had fallen asleep on one of the office sofas together while they talked the previous night.

 

“Quisty!” she heard Selphie say from outside. “Seifer!” Quistis stood up and walked over to the door and opened it, Selphie was outside looking excited. “C’mon… C’mon… we have to…” she stopped as she looked at Quistis and giggled.

 

“Hahaha… your hairs a mess! You’ve gotta go get ready, C’mon!” she said excitedly. Quistis laughed a little and was shocked when she felt and an arm go around her shoulder, Seifer had awoken. “Your awake! You’ve gotta get ready too, Squall, Irvine and Zell are waiting for you!”

 

Quistis smiled and told Seifer to go ahead and he left, “See you in awhile!” he said brightly. Quistis turned around and headed back into her office with Selphie. “Let’s get going! The wedding starts in four hours!” Selphie exclaimed.

 

Quistis stopped, “Where’s Rinoa and Aurora?” she said as Selphie walked over to her closet and pulled out her wedding gown. “They’ll be here in a while, they’re in the ballroom right now helping, at 10 they’ll come and Zell and Irvine will take over.” Selphie said hastily. “Now, let’s get ready!”

 

 

Squall sat next to Irvine and Zell in the dormitory’s awaiting Seifer’s arrival, they had to get him ready! “Wow… Quisty and Seifer… I never would of thought them too…” Zell exasperated.

 

Squall smiled lightly, “I think its great!” he said as Zell nodded. “You know, when we were teenagers, I had a crush on her…” Zell said as if drifting off into oblivion.

 

“Hmm, If I had known that… I wouldn’t have been so nice to you!” said a voice from behind them. Squall turned around and smiled, Seifer had arrived and was also smiling brightly.

 

Squall looked back at Irvine, who was doubled over laughing and to Zell whose face flushed a bright red.

 

Squall stood up and walked over to the dorm room and opened it, the other three followed and they began to get ready for a big day!

 

After awhile Irvine and Zell left to go and help in the ballroom with food and such leaving Squall and Seifer together. “You know, I never would have thought we’d get along…” Seifer said happily. “Who says were are!” Squall said jokingly and smiled while they laughed, thinking about the times when they used to be enemies.

 

A FEW HOURS LATER

 

The ballroom was covered in chairs for seating, the sunlight shone through the glass ceiling. Tables were pushed off to the sides, flowers were everywhere in all colors. People were beginning to fill the ballroom to see the wedding.

 

Zell stood with Irvine on the slightly raised white platform watching everyone fill in. They were dressed in their old styled SeeD uniforms, Irvine not being a former SeeD dressed that way anyway.

 

He watched as Rinoa, Selphie and Aurora came in wearing light fuchsia gowns that hung loosely to the ground. Each had their hair tied back tightly with a pink flower at the back, very elegant.

 

“Oh la la!” Selphie said as she saw Irvine who replied, “Oh la yourself, you guys look great” and they all glowed.  Soon the ballroom was full, Irvine and Zell stood on one side of the white platform and awaited the time when Seifer would come and the girls would graze down the long aisle.

 

Zell saw Squall come in quickly accompanied by Seifer and Laguna, Seifer stood next to Zell, closer to the middle while Squall explained that since Quisty didn’t have a father that Laguna would walk her down the aisle and also he would be performing the actual ceremony.

 

Zell moved over and Squall squeezed between him and Seifer who was glowing with happiness as he awaited his bride and Laguna walked quickly back down the aisle to wait for Quistis.

 

A soft music began and everyone looked backwards to see when the girls would come down the aisle. First was Aurora, she walked slowly, a smile was spread across her delicate features as her long dress swished the floor.

 

Next was Selphie, who also looked very happy and she came down the aisle very quickly, she looked kind of embarrassed by the look of her face, she never seemed to like walking down aisles. The last bridesmaid, Rinoa came slowly down the aisle, her face had a small smirk as she looked up at Squall. He could tell they were thinking about their own wedding.

 

The soft music changed and there was a break then Laguna and Quistis appeared. Quistis looked amazing, her hair hung loosely around her shoulders, and she had small white flowers on the top of her hair with a long trailing white veil behind it. Her dress flowed around her, the sleeves were silk and just a little transparent, and her gown was covered with lace and she carried a bouquet of white flowers.

 

Zell looked sideways at Seifer who looked absolutely drowned in happiness as he laid his eyes on Quistis; his smile grew wider with every step she took. At last they reached the platform and Laguna faced them, Seifer took Quistis’s hand and they stood in front of him.

 

 

Quistis looked at Seifer with much happiness, then back to Laguna who started the ceremony right away then back into Seifer’s eyes and smiled. It seemed like Laguna’s voice had disappeared, like it was only the two of them they’re together holding hands, it was true love.

 

At last she snapped out of it when someone coughed, just as Laguna asked for their vows. Quistis started.

 

(Even when you were a trouble making student there was still something about you… I wasn’t sure what… but I just loved you, and now look where we are… I hope that we can spend the rest of out lives together happily and I love you with all of my heart.) She said and everyone awed them, then Seifer started his.

(When we were kids, I had a crush on you… when we were teenager’s… I had a crush on you and loved you. Even when I was taken over by the sorceress, something inside me still loved you, no matter how evil I may have been… I still loved you and I always will and I know that you’re the only one for me.) He said. Quistis smiled and some tears rolled down her face, she was finally going to be happy.

 

Quistis stared at Seifer, then looked down at the front row. Kiros, Ward and Ellone all sat together next to Dawn, Sirus and Clarissa (Zell’s wife) they all looked so happy. Quistis listened as Laguna finished and told them they could kiss, so they did and then walked back down the aisle and out of the ballroom.

 

 

Squall kissed Rinoa on the cheek and hugged Aurora; they stood up on the platform for a moment watching everyone before helping out with moving all the chairs so that the ballroom dance could begin after the mid-day feast. They timed it so that the dance would begin at sunset.

 

The feast began; tables were placed all around the ballroom floor leaving the platform with a table set for ten; Quistis, Seifer, Squall, Rinoa, Irvine, Zell, Clarissa (his wife), Selphie, Aurora and Sirus.

 

Squall, Rinoa, Aurora, Zell, Clarissa, Selphie and Irvine all sat down. Sirus, Seifer and Quistis joined them. Plates of delicious meats and veggies were served followed by plates of desserts that filled up everyone. After the long feast the sun was beginning to set and people were beginning to clear off leaving room for the ballroom dance.

 

Squall walked over to a nearby table where Laguna, Kiros, Ward, Nida and Ellone all sat together. “You guys staying for the ball?” he said but they shook their heads. “Sorry… gotta get back!”

 

“Oh… thankyou for coming…” Squall said quietly, he hoped that they’d stay but they couldn’t. They all said their good-byes and left.

 

The dance was beginning with Quistis and Seifer grazing the dance floor alone, Squall leaned against the wall looking around and saw Rinoa coming over to him, he smiled as she stopped right in front of him.

 

“You’re the best looking guy here!” she said playfully. Squall just smiled. “Dance with me.” She continued but Squall just smiled at her.  “Oh, let me guess, you only dance with someone you like.” She said still playfully.

 

“You’re going to like me! You’re going to like me!” she giggled and Squall stared at her happily. “I can’t dance!” he said as he decided to play along. “Oh come on, You’ll be fine… I can’t go on the dance floor alone!” she said as she pulled him onto the dance floor with people following and soon the dance floor was full.

 

They danced along happily, thinking about the first time they met and just as the music slowed down fire works blasted off into the sky and Squall smiled, thinking about how much this was like when they were young.

 

 

Sirus sat beside Aurora, debating in his mind whether or not he should ask her to dance. (I should… NO… Yes…) then he said, “A…Aurora… do you want to dance?”

 

He looked at her, thinking about what a coward he was but instead of her refusing like he’d thought she smiled and took up his hand. “I thought you’d never ask!” she said excitedly as they got onto the dance floor and began to dance.

 

“I’m sorry…” he said. “For what?” she said confusedly. “Well, you know… last month… I was, you know…” he began but Aurora put a finger to his lips, “Don’t worry.” She said simply and the danced some more in silence.

 

A slow song came on, it was ‘Eyes on Me’ and Sirus was ready to keep dancing but Aurora backed off a bit and began to walk off but Sirus grabbed her hand lightly and she turned around, it looked like a few tears were rolling down her face.

 

“What is it?” he asked while frowning and she looked at him sadly. “It’s just… this song. The first time a boy told me he loved me it was to this song… then he found out what I really was and…” She stopped.

 

Sirus stared at her, mad at whoever this stupid guy was. “You know… if he was afraid of that then he didn’t love you… anyone who really loves you wouldn’t care about a silly thing like that!” he said softly and this seemed to make Aurora feel a little better and she began to dance with him again.

 

“Aurora… would you ever consider going out with me or something….” He said, regretting it right away when he remembered that this wasn’t a good time for her but she smiled anyway. “Y...Yes… I would like that, Sirus.” She said softly.

 

After she said that something happened, he wasn’t sure what but her eyes turned black, her hair flared out breaking her perfect hairdue and it turned black too. Sirus held onto her, not knowing what to do, and Aurora swung her head back up and looked at Sirus before throwing him to the ground.

 

“Aurora?” he said with his voice wavering and his eyes widening. “No… Not Aurora, you little fool. Adel!” she said in a dry harsh voice. Sirus stared at her, everyone was gathering around and her parents rushed over, shocked to see what was happening, they tried to get to her but she blasted them away.

 

“I told her I’d be back, that little girl…” said the deep harsh voice again, then she cackled, her body raised into the air and floated out the doors. Sirus looked up at her parents and are at everyone else, he wasn’t the only that was dumbstruck on what just happened.

 

THE END UNTIL NEXT TIME