Chapter 3: Sorceress's First Mission
I woke up and decided to head for the classroom then saw that almost everyone else was already there. Squall was giving the debrief and saw me enter then sighed putting a hand to his face "People have been late before but Ultimeya, youre... 20 minutes late." I narrowed my eyes at him and replied "So what? Im here and thats all that matters. Or maybe you can handle this mission without an experienced woman such as myself." I sat down and thought Squall mumbled something, but i couldnt make it out. Squall explained "So as everyone here may have heard except our new student Utimeya, Sorceress Edea has been missing for a few days at this point. We believe she may have been kidnapped and we will be heading to Dollet to begin a search and rescue. I cant say for sure that Galbadia is at it again or not, but at this point we can assume its a possibility." He paused, then continued "There are some reports of unknown armed forces taking hold in Dollet and searching for a now defeated Sorceress by the name of Ultimecia, according to complaints we received. the enemy has been harrassing and threatening the people of Dollet and a number of other cities demanding answers." I widened my eyes a bit, but shook my head to calm down and focus. One of the male students asked "But wasnt she far off in the future before her defeat ended time compression? how would they even reach her if she was still alive?" Squall sighed and crossed his arms looking down as if focused "We still dont know. and seeing that Sorceress Edea is the only remaining sorceress with any former connection to Ultimecia, im suspecting the enemy may be using her to reach that future and sow what she had initially done: time compression." Squall shook his head and gazed firmly at the class "Its too soon to know for sure what all is going on, so i could be entirely wrong. Especially since Ultimecia no longer lives anywhere on the temporal-spacial paradox. But if they plan to find ways to revive Ultimecia, we cant let them do it at all costs. if they were to succeed, her second coming might be the worst one yet." Seifer nodded as if very serious, sitting next to me. Seifer "Then why sit here and babble when we could just go do the mission?" Squall replied "We cant approach this problem recklessly. Especially since Edea's disappearance happened very briefly after Ultimecia's defeat. We cant take the enemy lightly either if theyre searching for Ultimecia. If they cant locate her, they will more than likely resort to reviving her. We cant let that happen at all costs." I managed to remain calm and act casual to avoid being discovered. But i feared if the enemy would recognize me or not. Squall continued "We will depart for Dollet shortly. Everyone else is to get ready for the mission. This will also be treated as an exam for this class." Everyone left the classroom and I stood up brushing off the sides of my gown and left the room to wait downstairs for everyone. Seifer caught up to me quickly and said "I hope we end up being partners. Youre strong and cool, you know." I nodded silently, then said "Yes. i dont like the sounds of the situation, however... its concerning." Seifer nodded and replied "Yeah, reminds me too much of my mess last year... but no way im doing that again." I nodded but didnt answer. Shortly after, everyone from class showed up and so did Squall. There was a girl with long black hair with him wearing blue and black clothing as well. Squall began "Youre each going to split into 2 groups for this mission. Rinoa, i want you to lead squad B." Rinoa nodded and said "I wont disappoint you, Squall. dont worry." Rinoa left with a few students and Squall turned to us "Seifer, Ultimecia, youll both be Squad A. And as for your third member, it will be..." He stopped to look at a paper he pulled from his pocket and finished "Oh, right... Yaru. Yaru Hajena." Seifer grumbled "Man for real? shes just annoying. cant we just go with us two?" Squall shook his head putting the paper back into his pocket "No, you know the rules. No switching, no leaving teammates behind." Yaru cried "Heck yes! I get to go with all the cool people!" I turned to her and saw she had long silver hair, wore leather black clothing and carried a katana with a strange glow to it. She also had blue eyes and wore a small black ribbon near her silvery bangs. She was a bit wild, but she seemed ok to me. I knew she wouldnt suspect anything about me which was comforting. She jumped a couple times and smiled excitedly. Seifer sighed "Yeah well... we'd better get a move on or we'll literally miss the boat." Yaru happily cried "Then lets hop to it already! Im totally passing this one." I laughed a bit and Seifer led us to a car in the garden parking area then drove off after we both got in. When we got to town, we headed straight for one of the boats and got in together. Yaru sat beside me and Seifer sat across from me. Yaru looked at me curiously "So uhh... where is your weapon exactly? You know we're probably gonna have to fight dont you?" I nodded, then answered "My weapon is my magic. I have no need for swords and such." Yaru smiled curiously "Ooh nice! A Sorceress?!" I nodded calmly. Yaru said "This is gonna be cool. We've never had a sorceress student before!" Yaru continued "This could really make good changes for Garden having a Sorceress pass the exam!" Seifer nodded and replied "Thats actually why i brought her here. Shes not gonna go down easy for sure." I started to see why Seifer found Yaru a bit annoying: she was too excited easily and very energetic. I actually didnt mind it, though. Her lively and cheerful personality helped me forget the things i was worried about. Yaru said "Shes gonna do great. i know she will if shes a sorceress!" I replied "Erm... dont announce it too much. Remember the evaluation we were given about the enemy, Yaru." Seifer nodded and added "Shes right. I wanna see what shes capable of too but if we give it away too soon they might try to get her. We cant risk that." Yaru calmed down, and said "Oops... right..." Yaru nodded in understanding and kept quiet the rest of the ride there. When we arrived, we all got out and started walking into the town with Seifer leading the way. Yaru drew her katana to prepare for possible battles. I also stayed focused as best i could, forcing my fears aside. We were confronted very quickly by a group of enemy soldiers who wore black uniforms i didnt recognize. Yaru said "Those uniforms... i dont think this is Galbadia we're dealing with." Seifer replied "No way... this is a new one." One of the two soldiers demanded "Where is Sorceress Ultimecia?!" the other added "Tell us, or suffer the painful consequences!" Yaru widened her eyes a bit "Yikes... theyre actually serious...." I hardened my expression said "We cant give them what they want no matter how they choose to threaten. I... or she died remember?" Yaru nodded and got into a fighting stance. Seifer replied "Youre not gonna find her no matter how hard you attack or threaten people. so why dont you get outta here and stop wasting time on people who dont even know that name?" The soldiers both drew their weapons and one of them shouted "Fine! Then die like everyone else who refused to tell us!" Yaru hardened her expression "They actually think we're lying... theres no reasoning with them!" I replied "Which is why we're here. if we let them go more people will die for doing nothing wrong." Yaru and Seifer nodded and we ended up fighting them both. Yaru and Seifer took one of them down and i used a thick icy stake with my magic to kill the other one. Seifer said "We better hurry up. These men arent fooling around." Yaru worried "If they actually have Edea i cant imagine what horrible things theyre doing to her! Ive got a bad feeling about this whole thing..." Seifer replied "Well theres no use standing around. Lets check the town square." Me and Yaru nodded and we followed him to the square. Before long, we encountered another group of enemy soldiers in the same black uniforms. They confronted us and one of them demanded "Where is Sorceress Ultimecia?!" Yaru groaned and shouted "We dont know! what dont you get about that?!" I held my hand out to signal her to back down and i stepped forward firmly. I asked "How about this... where is Sorceress Edea?" The second soldier hesitated to speak, and i immediately assumed they had her captive somewhere. The third soldier said "We dont have her. We want Ultimecia not whoever that is!" The first one studied me suspiciously and another asked "Something wrong captain?" The soldier shook his head "No. Take them out!" Yaru groaned "Ugh, seriously?! what is with these idiots?!" We ended up in another fight and defeated two of them , weakening the third one and i grabbed him by the neck squeezing very hard "Tell us where Edea is. Now." Seifer mumbled "Shes smart. I knew i was right to have her join." The soldier gagged, then tried to speak "The... radio tower... shes in the radio tower...! ack...!" He coughed and went unconscious, and then i dropped him. I turned back to Yaru and Seifer. Yaru shook her head crossing her arms "Talk about thick... they just dont listen." Seifer added "As expected... your enemy isnt gonna give you your way without a serious battle. Even then they might refuse." I nodded and Yaru asked "You think he was telling the truth, Ultimeya?" I answered "I dont know. This might be a trap... but we dont have many options. We either keep going and risk it, or stay here and risk getting surrounded from causing too much commotion for the enemy." Seifer suggested "Then we're gonna go find out. Im not up for getting surrounded." Yaru nodded and Seifer led us to the radio tower. There were very few enemy forces on the way there. Yaru said "Um something isnt right... why is there like zero guard this close to the tower?" Seifer sighed and replied "I dont know. but be careful you two. Ultimeya was right: we risk something bad either way. If we go straight into here at least they wont be able to surround us." I sighed and shut my eyes "Something tells me Edea isnt at the top of this place... whether its a trap or a way for them to buy time, i cannot say..." Yaru said "Well, hopefully this doesnt end badly..." Seifer nodded and led us into the elevator and we ended up at the top of the tower. I walked around a bit surprised "Nobody home... whats going on here?" Seifer groaned "Dang it....! I knew it wouldnt be that easy but still...!" Yaru looked up and widened her eyes in shock "Look out guys! Something's coming!" I looked up and saw a large black monster flying this way and it roared heavily when it got close, causing a heavy tremor to occur. Seifer hardened his expression "Dang! A setup or what?!" My gloved hands started glowing, and i was ready to fight it "Doesnt matter. Just get rid of it before it gets us instead!" Yaru panicked "No! We cant win this fight! That monster is a legendary black dragon said to kill whatever its dark breath touches!" I widened my eyes "What?!" Yaru looked at us turning serious "One hit from its black flames and youre done for. We have to retreat and warn the others! We're no match for this creature!" Seifer cried "And what if we let it go huh?! How many people do you think will die if we let it go?!" Yaru panicked "Urk....! But... we cant win without a legendary Sorceress's powers of time compression....! its the only thing that can stop its deadly flames!" Seifer turned to her furious "What?! What did you just say?!" I backed away nervously looking from them to the approaching monster, not knowing what to do. Seifer went on "Ultimecia is the only one who can defeat it?! What are we supposed to tell the captain about that?!" Yaru panicked "I... I dont know...! We'll need another Sorceress to do it i guess....!" I saw its mouth frothing with black mist and it started to spit dark flames at us. Panicked, i accidentally used my ability to compress time to make them vanish. I shut my eyes tight, unable to do anything else. Yaru was shocked "What the... did she just...?" Seifer shook his head "Forget about it just run! If we dont have anyone with that power we're dead if we try fighting!" Yaru shakes her head to focus then nods and we both followed him to the ground floor and out of the radio. Seifer got out his radio and warned "Squad B and squad C, withdraw! Theres a dangerous monster on the loose we lack the power to defeat! Make haste to the shore immediately! And no matter what, do not try to fight if it attacks--keep going and run away!" Seifer groans putting it back "I hate running from a fight but goddang this thing..." Yaru sighed "I never thought wed see that on this mission... to think its actually real too..." I replied "We'll figure something out eventually... for now we need to withdraw. Its not safe to proceed with that creature lurking around." Yaru nodded and we got to the shore, quickly boarding our boat and so did Rinoa's group and Squad C.
I sat down after the boats took off and sighed "What a shame... to think that would happen..." Yaru agreed "Yeah. i hope i still pass the exam... i mean it wasnt expected to see a legendary dragon at the radio tower..." Seifer added "Got that right. I thought Calamity Flame was just a myth." Yaru worried "Captain Squall said Sorceress Ultimecia is dead... how are we going to defeat it without her powers?" Seifer shook his head sadly "I have no idea... we might have to find Edea and hope she knows how to stop it." I sighed "At any rate, wed better report this incident to him when we return..." Seifer nodded then shook his head in disappointment "What a shame... if we killed it then everything would be fine." Yaru said "Youd rather die is that it? are you crazy?!" Seifer cried "No! Its just... those soldiers are killing enough people for doing nothing wrong. and that tough monster is just gonna add to it. of course i wanted to try beating that thing!" I looked down "I get his point... its true you have to make dangerous choices in a job like this. sometimes its the only way to save many lives and protect the future." Yaru sighed "I guess youre right... no arguing with that..." By the time we arrived, we headed back to Balamb Garden and met up with Squall and the other groups. After dismissing the others, Squall went to us and said "So you had to withdraw... wanna tell me what happened?" Yaru nodded and explained what happened at the summit of the radio tower and then said "And the legend also says that only time compression can nullify its deadly flames. Its no ordinary fire that can be countered by ordinary means... the Calamity Flame's fire is so hot and powerfully condensed, not even a water tower could put it out." Squall tightened his fist "Sorceress Ultimecia... did she create this thing? Why else would that be the only way?" Seifer shrugged "Beats me. But we better find Edea, and fast. Shes the only one who might know about that creature and how to defeat it." Squall nodded "You three did well with your actions and choices on the mission. Your score will be issued tomorrow during class, so rest up for now. As for this dragon called the Calamity Flame, i'll look into it. From here our efforts need to be focused on finding Sorceress Edea. With Ultimecia deceased, shes our only chance at defeating it. And moreover, the enemy really is looking for Sorceress Ultimecia... and based on Ultimeya's explanation, it seems like they do know Edea's whereabouts." Yaru said "I dont really know whats going on, but someone's definitely trying to start some kind of crisis here. I hope nothing happens to garden..." Squall nodded "You three get some rest and grab a snack. You guys had the most dangerous route this time. Youll need it." I nodded and then we disbanded. I went to my room and sat on the bed trying to relax. I knew they would spend forever trying to find or revive Ultimecia... because that was my real name and identity. I knew i wasnt the one who made the Calamity Flame, but i didnt know who did either. As long as i kept my truth hidden, this war would never end unless both sides slaughtered each other completely. I didnt know what to think of that. But i didnt want Seifer and Yaru getting hurt because of personal incompetence on my end either. That i definitely knew. I realized i started actually caring for them both. Yet despite knowing of this, I just couldnt reveal the truth so soon. I had to wait for the right time and place so everyone in SeeD would trust me and have faith in me during a crisis. I couldnt return to my former time either because of getting too weak during my fight with Squall's group, which caused the 'future' where time was compressed to disappear. Yet for some reason my being still remained despite my era collapsing completely. How did i survive? Why couldnt i pass on my powers to that woman i saw when i was barely breathing and standing? I began to suspect there was a disturbance in time that happened due to my last minute desperation that allowed me to live. But even with all of this being said, i still didnt forget the day my mother lost her life protecting mine. That was the flashback i had on the brink of death, yet i somehow lived... was it to defend this era or regain my former glory and reign of power? No matter the reason, those were my only choices. I thought i knew which to choose at first, but after everything that happened during today's mission, i didnt know what to choose. I dont want to fight Seifer and Yaru. Even Squall seemed to lighten up around me. I sighed laying down, and tried to forget all of this once again. I had no way to know what tomorrow would bring.
To Be Continued...
I woke up and decided to head for the classroom then saw that almost everyone else was already there. Squall was giving the debrief and saw me enter then sighed putting a hand to his face "People have been late before but Ultimeya, youre... 20 minutes late." I narrowed my eyes at him and replied "So what? Im here and thats all that matters. Or maybe you can handle this mission without an experienced woman such as myself." I sat down and thought Squall mumbled something, but i couldnt make it out. Squall explained "So as everyone here may have heard except our new student Utimeya, Sorceress Edea has been missing for a few days at this point. We believe she may have been kidnapped and we will be heading to Dollet to begin a search and rescue. I cant say for sure that Galbadia is at it again or not, but at this point we can assume its a possibility." He paused, then continued "There are some reports of unknown armed forces taking hold in Dollet and searching for a now defeated Sorceress by the name of Ultimecia, according to complaints we received. the enemy has been harrassing and threatening the people of Dollet and a number of other cities demanding answers." I widened my eyes a bit, but shook my head to calm down and focus. One of the male students asked "But wasnt she far off in the future before her defeat ended time compression? how would they even reach her if she was still alive?" Squall sighed and crossed his arms looking down as if focused "We still dont know. and seeing that Sorceress Edea is the only remaining sorceress with any former connection to Ultimecia, im suspecting the enemy may be using her to reach that future and sow what she had initially done: time compression." Squall shook his head and gazed firmly at the class "Its too soon to know for sure what all is going on, so i could be entirely wrong. Especially since Ultimecia no longer lives anywhere on the temporal-spacial paradox. But if they plan to find ways to revive Ultimecia, we cant let them do it at all costs. if they were to succeed, her second coming might be the worst one yet." Seifer nodded as if very serious, sitting next to me. Seifer "Then why sit here and babble when we could just go do the mission?" Squall replied "We cant approach this problem recklessly. Especially since Edea's disappearance happened very briefly after Ultimecia's defeat. We cant take the enemy lightly either if theyre searching for Ultimecia. If they cant locate her, they will more than likely resort to reviving her. We cant let that happen at all costs." I managed to remain calm and act casual to avoid being discovered. But i feared if the enemy would recognize me or not. Squall continued "We will depart for Dollet shortly. Everyone else is to get ready for the mission. This will also be treated as an exam for this class." Everyone left the classroom and I stood up brushing off the sides of my gown and left the room to wait downstairs for everyone. Seifer caught up to me quickly and said "I hope we end up being partners. Youre strong and cool, you know." I nodded silently, then said "Yes. i dont like the sounds of the situation, however... its concerning." Seifer nodded and replied "Yeah, reminds me too much of my mess last year... but no way im doing that again." I nodded but didnt answer. Shortly after, everyone from class showed up and so did Squall. There was a girl with long black hair with him wearing blue and black clothing as well. Squall began "Youre each going to split into 2 groups for this mission. Rinoa, i want you to lead squad B." Rinoa nodded and said "I wont disappoint you, Squall. dont worry." Rinoa left with a few students and Squall turned to us "Seifer, Ultimecia, youll both be Squad A. And as for your third member, it will be..." He stopped to look at a paper he pulled from his pocket and finished "Oh, right... Yaru. Yaru Hajena." Seifer grumbled "Man for real? shes just annoying. cant we just go with us two?" Squall shook his head putting the paper back into his pocket "No, you know the rules. No switching, no leaving teammates behind." Yaru cried "Heck yes! I get to go with all the cool people!" I turned to her and saw she had long silver hair, wore leather black clothing and carried a katana with a strange glow to it. She also had blue eyes and wore a small black ribbon near her silvery bangs. She was a bit wild, but she seemed ok to me. I knew she wouldnt suspect anything about me which was comforting. She jumped a couple times and smiled excitedly. Seifer sighed "Yeah well... we'd better get a move on or we'll literally miss the boat." Yaru happily cried "Then lets hop to it already! Im totally passing this one." I laughed a bit and Seifer led us to a car in the garden parking area then drove off after we both got in. When we got to town, we headed straight for one of the boats and got in together. Yaru sat beside me and Seifer sat across from me. Yaru looked at me curiously "So uhh... where is your weapon exactly? You know we're probably gonna have to fight dont you?" I nodded, then answered "My weapon is my magic. I have no need for swords and such." Yaru smiled curiously "Ooh nice! A Sorceress?!" I nodded calmly. Yaru said "This is gonna be cool. We've never had a sorceress student before!" Yaru continued "This could really make good changes for Garden having a Sorceress pass the exam!" Seifer nodded and replied "Thats actually why i brought her here. Shes not gonna go down easy for sure." I started to see why Seifer found Yaru a bit annoying: she was too excited easily and very energetic. I actually didnt mind it, though. Her lively and cheerful personality helped me forget the things i was worried about. Yaru said "Shes gonna do great. i know she will if shes a sorceress!" I replied "Erm... dont announce it too much. Remember the evaluation we were given about the enemy, Yaru." Seifer nodded and added "Shes right. I wanna see what shes capable of too but if we give it away too soon they might try to get her. We cant risk that." Yaru calmed down, and said "Oops... right..." Yaru nodded in understanding and kept quiet the rest of the ride there. When we arrived, we all got out and started walking into the town with Seifer leading the way. Yaru drew her katana to prepare for possible battles. I also stayed focused as best i could, forcing my fears aside. We were confronted very quickly by a group of enemy soldiers who wore black uniforms i didnt recognize. Yaru said "Those uniforms... i dont think this is Galbadia we're dealing with." Seifer replied "No way... this is a new one." One of the two soldiers demanded "Where is Sorceress Ultimecia?!" the other added "Tell us, or suffer the painful consequences!" Yaru widened her eyes a bit "Yikes... theyre actually serious...." I hardened my expression said "We cant give them what they want no matter how they choose to threaten. I... or she died remember?" Yaru nodded and got into a fighting stance. Seifer replied "Youre not gonna find her no matter how hard you attack or threaten people. so why dont you get outta here and stop wasting time on people who dont even know that name?" The soldiers both drew their weapons and one of them shouted "Fine! Then die like everyone else who refused to tell us!" Yaru hardened her expression "They actually think we're lying... theres no reasoning with them!" I replied "Which is why we're here. if we let them go more people will die for doing nothing wrong." Yaru and Seifer nodded and we ended up fighting them both. Yaru and Seifer took one of them down and i used a thick icy stake with my magic to kill the other one. Seifer said "We better hurry up. These men arent fooling around." Yaru worried "If they actually have Edea i cant imagine what horrible things theyre doing to her! Ive got a bad feeling about this whole thing..." Seifer replied "Well theres no use standing around. Lets check the town square." Me and Yaru nodded and we followed him to the square. Before long, we encountered another group of enemy soldiers in the same black uniforms. They confronted us and one of them demanded "Where is Sorceress Ultimecia?!" Yaru groaned and shouted "We dont know! what dont you get about that?!" I held my hand out to signal her to back down and i stepped forward firmly. I asked "How about this... where is Sorceress Edea?" The second soldier hesitated to speak, and i immediately assumed they had her captive somewhere. The third soldier said "We dont have her. We want Ultimecia not whoever that is!" The first one studied me suspiciously and another asked "Something wrong captain?" The soldier shook his head "No. Take them out!" Yaru groaned "Ugh, seriously?! what is with these idiots?!" We ended up in another fight and defeated two of them , weakening the third one and i grabbed him by the neck squeezing very hard "Tell us where Edea is. Now." Seifer mumbled "Shes smart. I knew i was right to have her join." The soldier gagged, then tried to speak "The... radio tower... shes in the radio tower...! ack...!" He coughed and went unconscious, and then i dropped him. I turned back to Yaru and Seifer. Yaru shook her head crossing her arms "Talk about thick... they just dont listen." Seifer added "As expected... your enemy isnt gonna give you your way without a serious battle. Even then they might refuse." I nodded and Yaru asked "You think he was telling the truth, Ultimeya?" I answered "I dont know. This might be a trap... but we dont have many options. We either keep going and risk it, or stay here and risk getting surrounded from causing too much commotion for the enemy." Seifer suggested "Then we're gonna go find out. Im not up for getting surrounded." Yaru nodded and Seifer led us to the radio tower. There were very few enemy forces on the way there. Yaru said "Um something isnt right... why is there like zero guard this close to the tower?" Seifer sighed and replied "I dont know. but be careful you two. Ultimeya was right: we risk something bad either way. If we go straight into here at least they wont be able to surround us." I sighed and shut my eyes "Something tells me Edea isnt at the top of this place... whether its a trap or a way for them to buy time, i cannot say..." Yaru said "Well, hopefully this doesnt end badly..." Seifer nodded and led us into the elevator and we ended up at the top of the tower. I walked around a bit surprised "Nobody home... whats going on here?" Seifer groaned "Dang it....! I knew it wouldnt be that easy but still...!" Yaru looked up and widened her eyes in shock "Look out guys! Something's coming!" I looked up and saw a large black monster flying this way and it roared heavily when it got close, causing a heavy tremor to occur. Seifer hardened his expression "Dang! A setup or what?!" My gloved hands started glowing, and i was ready to fight it "Doesnt matter. Just get rid of it before it gets us instead!" Yaru panicked "No! We cant win this fight! That monster is a legendary black dragon said to kill whatever its dark breath touches!" I widened my eyes "What?!" Yaru looked at us turning serious "One hit from its black flames and youre done for. We have to retreat and warn the others! We're no match for this creature!" Seifer cried "And what if we let it go huh?! How many people do you think will die if we let it go?!" Yaru panicked "Urk....! But... we cant win without a legendary Sorceress's powers of time compression....! its the only thing that can stop its deadly flames!" Seifer turned to her furious "What?! What did you just say?!" I backed away nervously looking from them to the approaching monster, not knowing what to do. Seifer went on "Ultimecia is the only one who can defeat it?! What are we supposed to tell the captain about that?!" Yaru panicked "I... I dont know...! We'll need another Sorceress to do it i guess....!" I saw its mouth frothing with black mist and it started to spit dark flames at us. Panicked, i accidentally used my ability to compress time to make them vanish. I shut my eyes tight, unable to do anything else. Yaru was shocked "What the... did she just...?" Seifer shook his head "Forget about it just run! If we dont have anyone with that power we're dead if we try fighting!" Yaru shakes her head to focus then nods and we both followed him to the ground floor and out of the radio. Seifer got out his radio and warned "Squad B and squad C, withdraw! Theres a dangerous monster on the loose we lack the power to defeat! Make haste to the shore immediately! And no matter what, do not try to fight if it attacks--keep going and run away!" Seifer groans putting it back "I hate running from a fight but goddang this thing..." Yaru sighed "I never thought wed see that on this mission... to think its actually real too..." I replied "We'll figure something out eventually... for now we need to withdraw. Its not safe to proceed with that creature lurking around." Yaru nodded and we got to the shore, quickly boarding our boat and so did Rinoa's group and Squad C.
I sat down after the boats took off and sighed "What a shame... to think that would happen..." Yaru agreed "Yeah. i hope i still pass the exam... i mean it wasnt expected to see a legendary dragon at the radio tower..." Seifer added "Got that right. I thought Calamity Flame was just a myth." Yaru worried "Captain Squall said Sorceress Ultimecia is dead... how are we going to defeat it without her powers?" Seifer shook his head sadly "I have no idea... we might have to find Edea and hope she knows how to stop it." I sighed "At any rate, wed better report this incident to him when we return..." Seifer nodded then shook his head in disappointment "What a shame... if we killed it then everything would be fine." Yaru said "Youd rather die is that it? are you crazy?!" Seifer cried "No! Its just... those soldiers are killing enough people for doing nothing wrong. and that tough monster is just gonna add to it. of course i wanted to try beating that thing!" I looked down "I get his point... its true you have to make dangerous choices in a job like this. sometimes its the only way to save many lives and protect the future." Yaru sighed "I guess youre right... no arguing with that..." By the time we arrived, we headed back to Balamb Garden and met up with Squall and the other groups. After dismissing the others, Squall went to us and said "So you had to withdraw... wanna tell me what happened?" Yaru nodded and explained what happened at the summit of the radio tower and then said "And the legend also says that only time compression can nullify its deadly flames. Its no ordinary fire that can be countered by ordinary means... the Calamity Flame's fire is so hot and powerfully condensed, not even a water tower could put it out." Squall tightened his fist "Sorceress Ultimecia... did she create this thing? Why else would that be the only way?" Seifer shrugged "Beats me. But we better find Edea, and fast. Shes the only one who might know about that creature and how to defeat it." Squall nodded "You three did well with your actions and choices on the mission. Your score will be issued tomorrow during class, so rest up for now. As for this dragon called the Calamity Flame, i'll look into it. From here our efforts need to be focused on finding Sorceress Edea. With Ultimecia deceased, shes our only chance at defeating it. And moreover, the enemy really is looking for Sorceress Ultimecia... and based on Ultimeya's explanation, it seems like they do know Edea's whereabouts." Yaru said "I dont really know whats going on, but someone's definitely trying to start some kind of crisis here. I hope nothing happens to garden..." Squall nodded "You three get some rest and grab a snack. You guys had the most dangerous route this time. Youll need it." I nodded and then we disbanded. I went to my room and sat on the bed trying to relax. I knew they would spend forever trying to find or revive Ultimecia... because that was my real name and identity. I knew i wasnt the one who made the Calamity Flame, but i didnt know who did either. As long as i kept my truth hidden, this war would never end unless both sides slaughtered each other completely. I didnt know what to think of that. But i didnt want Seifer and Yaru getting hurt because of personal incompetence on my end either. That i definitely knew. I realized i started actually caring for them both. Yet despite knowing of this, I just couldnt reveal the truth so soon. I had to wait for the right time and place so everyone in SeeD would trust me and have faith in me during a crisis. I couldnt return to my former time either because of getting too weak during my fight with Squall's group, which caused the 'future' where time was compressed to disappear. Yet for some reason my being still remained despite my era collapsing completely. How did i survive? Why couldnt i pass on my powers to that woman i saw when i was barely breathing and standing? I began to suspect there was a disturbance in time that happened due to my last minute desperation that allowed me to live. But even with all of this being said, i still didnt forget the day my mother lost her life protecting mine. That was the flashback i had on the brink of death, yet i somehow lived... was it to defend this era or regain my former glory and reign of power? No matter the reason, those were my only choices. I thought i knew which to choose at first, but after everything that happened during today's mission, i didnt know what to choose. I dont want to fight Seifer and Yaru. Even Squall seemed to lighten up around me. I sighed laying down, and tried to forget all of this once again. I had no way to know what tomorrow would bring.
To Be Continued...
