Final Fantasy VIII: The Twilight Hour

after a few minutes of drawing spells from the sleeping Grat, the creature was starting to come to.

"Tina, you know what to do."

"Right"

As soon as Tina said that, she fired a .44 Magnum right into the heart of the creature, killing it.

"Well, we have the magic we need here, do you want to continue on."

Both Christi and Tina said, "Sure."

With magic stocked up, they now can hunt these oversized Venus flytraps for the heck of it. But instead of finding another monster, they instead found Stephen, from the briefing.
 
Stephen smiled as he saw three of the cadets finishing off a Grat that they had been stocking magic from "hey ladies" he muttered with a smirk, the three girls looked pritty prepared for the upcomming SeeD Exam, but Stephen had to check "you girls ready?" he questioned ina kind manor before pulling out the Grat Card he had just made. "any of you play Triple Triad?" Stephen added to his questions, "It's not very good, but one of you could have this Grat Card i just made" Stephen suggested.
 
"That's a relief, Elizabeth. You have to keep yourself safe as well. Remember, any sign of danger, you should pull out. If you or your men are capable of Drawing then do so. It could help us learn more about these creatures."

She sighed as she heard Elizabeth's next words. "War..." She cast her eyes to the ground. "I hate that word. But I know that no other alternative may be positive. Keep safe Elizabeth. You'll be needed in the days to come. As for the airship, you have my gratitude. A quick evacuation is essential. My fighting skills aren't what they used to be."
 
"Hey ladies, you girls ready?"

Christiane was the first to speak, "We're ready for our SeeD Exam, sir."

Tina added, "We're ready to kick some monster ass."

Luna said to Tina "Watch your confidence out there Tina, remember, acting like that out there will get you killed."

Tina gulped, then said, "Ok, Luna."

"Any of you play Triple Triad?"

Tina nodded, "I do, but I've only just started."

"It's not very good, but one of you could have this Grat Card i just made."

Tina took the card from Stephen and said, "Thanks!"

Christiane finally said to the SeeD, "Good luck out there. Hope to join your ranks soon enough."

The three friends started to head back to the dorms and wait for the operation to begin.
 
As Arukab entered the library, he sent a friendly smile out to the staff. He walked right up to the bookshelf to look for a good read. His eyes scanned the shelf until he reached a book titled "The Blue Winged Dragon." It was a fiction book centered around a nicknack of some sort. It was described to be a golden serpant like dragon with blue crystal wings.

With his book in hand, Arukab went to take a seat and open it up. It had a good start, so he kept reading. Eventually the book took all his attention, and he had to keep reminding himself that he would need to pay attention to when the exame announcement came to be. With this, he kept reading.
 
"Hey. Get up. You got orders." A member of the White SeeD stalked in and kicked a body that was sitting on the ground. The body just simply fell down to the side from the kick, slowly breathing deep. The member muttered something about he didn't get payed enough, then spoke up louder. "Oi, Balamb is on the move. You need to go tell Elizabeth. Move it!" The member drew back his foot to kick...

Only to be stopped mid-kick by a dangerously long katana pointed at his throat. Benjamin Percy, the samurai of the White SeeDs, picked himself up off the floor, sighing. "Break time's over. Balamb Garden moving. Anything else?" The member backed away fearfully from Masamune, Ben's katana. Ben realized he had it out and sheathed it across his back, with the hilt pointing towards the ground. The sheath was different then most, hilt downwards, since Masamune was an extremely long blade. It was made so it would support the katana until drawn, so it could be placed upside down.

The member took out a letter, handing it to Ben. "Yeah. Your supposed to read that, then let me burn it. Elizabeth is in Edea's orphanage." Ben opened the letter and read it quickly. It was short:

Elizabeth is now essential to us. You have been assigned to guard her. Do not let on you are doing so.

It was unsigned, but Ben guessed it was from one of his superiors. He put it back in the envelope and handed it to the member, who burned it with a lighter. "Alright, i'm heading out." Ben moved past the member out to the open deck of the ship.

The White Dragon, commonly referred to as the base of the White SeeD, is a massive ship. Parked outside Edea's orphanage, it was massive and rivaled Balamb in size. Ben looked over to the side, then looked at how far away he had to walk to get off. Then he shrugged, backed up a little bit, then ran forward, hopping over the rail to land on the ground, feeling a bit of jarring motion in his legs.

Ben stood up straight, carefully moving his legs to make sure he didn't sprain anything then walked to the orphanage. He saw Elizabeth and Edea talking, the former of which that Ben went towards. Ben tapped her on the shoulder. "Balamb's on the move."
 
ELIZABETH

"That's a relief, Elizabeth. You have to keep yourself safe as well. Remember, any sign of danger, you should pull out. If you or your men are capable of Drawing then do so. It could help us learn more about these creatures. War... I hate that word. But I know that no other alternative my be positive. Keep safe Elizabeth. You'll be needed in the days to come. As for the airship, you have my gratitude. A quick evacuation is essential. My fighting skills aren't what they used to be."

Elizabeth gave a curt nod. "Of course, Matron. The more information we can uncover, the better. I hate to leave Esthar under the eyes of but a few of my men... but it cannot be helped. As soon as we are finished at Trabia, my men and I shall return our vigil to Esthar. I don't like what's going on... There's something terribly wrong here." Elizabeth sighed, her gentle eyes turning to hard, twinkling like gemstones. "We shall leave at once. Guard the children. We shall come get you once this mission is over."

She was about to turn and leave. Feeling a light tap on her shoulder, Lizabeth tilted her head and peered at the newcomer just as those fateful words tumbled from his lips.

"Balamb's on the move."

Her eyes closed. "Looks like this won't just be information gathering. Seems Squall has discovered something we haven't." Looking her officer in the face, Elizabeth gave him a curt nod. "We leave immediately." She ran forwards at a sprint, her final words drifting back to Edea, barely audible as she shrank into the distance.

"I'm sorry..."


--------------------------------------------------------------
XU


"Try and relax a bit. Everything will be fine."

Xu felt herself relax under Nida's hands and she sighed softly. His lips brushed her forehead for only a second before he left her to follow through his own orders. She gazed at him sadly. How she wanted, no, needed, to spend some time alone with him right now. There was something about Nida's presence that always soothed her soul. She felt a little better, though, for he believed in her, and so long as he did, she would be alright.

"We're on our way."

Xu smiled at the communication device, pressing the button lightly to respond. "Thankyou."

The Seed Second-in-command watched as the others all left to prepare. It wouldn't be too long until they would arrive. Moving back to her desk, Xu pulled a case from the bottom of three drawers. Flicking the catch, two gleaming pistols caught the light as the lid was pulled back from them. The Silver Fox and the Golden Dragon. Xu's twin pistols modelled specifically to own taste. Making sure both guns were loaded, Xu slipped them into the concealed holsters at her waist. She did not turn to look at Squall as she slipped several extra magazines into various concealments.

"Make sure you're ready, Commander Squall. Something is wrong with this mission. I can't shake off the feeling that something bad is going to happen. Make sure you're fully prepared for anything... You might be needed sooner than expected." Slowly she turned to him, body straight, eyes determined. "This mission may fail... but we will not lose any cadets today. Keep an eye on Rinoa... this may just be the day that truly reveals the power hidden within her."
 
As Stephen left the training area, he sighed, so far the day had been boring and the sooner that they arrived at the mission the sooner he could get some blood on his sword and enjoy himself.

Even though he wasn't given specific orders to follow a group of SeeD candidates around, he knew that his job today was to stop any of them dying, how fun, as always the SeeD member was backup incase the Seed Candidates were incompitant. how he hated the SeeD Exam days.
 
Ben nodded as Elizabeth said that they were leaving immediately. As she sprinted off, Ben only paused for one second. "Good-bye, Matron." Ben bowed slightly, before turning and sprinting off to catch up to Elizabeth. As he would near closer to her, he would begin talking again.

"Ma'am, are we going to work with Squall's forces, or against them?" Ben called out as he neared the leader of the White SeeDs, his eyes always scanning across the plain. They hadn't been fighting for sometime now, but old grudges die hard.

Besides, there's always monsters. Ben's right hand never left the hilt of his sword.
 
Last edited:
"Hmmmmm hmmmm hmmmm" Selphie hummed a she left the training center.

It had been a while since she had fought and she had to brush up on her skills. She checked her stocks of Magic which were filled with the basic spells she needed. Selphie headed to the front gates where she told her team she would be waiting for them. As she waited by the front, Selphie couldn't help but feel slightly anxious for this mission to start. She had already told some of the younger cadets to take care of the decor for the ball in the evening. "Rinoa..." Selphie muttered softly.

She knew Rinoa had to shake off some of those nerves in order for the mission to go perfectly...
 
Squall Leonheart

"Make sure you're ready, Commander Squall. Something is wrong with this mission. I can't shake off the feeling that something bad is going to happen. Make sure you're fully prepared for anything... You might be needed sooner than expected." . "This mission may fail... but we will not lose any cadets today. Keep an eye on Rinoa... this may just be the day that truly reveals the power hidden within her."

Squall listened closely to what Xu had to say. He rubbed his right hand against his forehead, a habit he had started, he thought to himself... He was always prepared, despite working together for three years he and Xu had never got to know each other as well as Squall knew the others, he assumed that was why she had called him "Commander". He looked up as she said Rinoa's name. He knew she was nervous, he wanted to make sure she was calm before the mission started, she would fight so much better...

"Right, but why are you so worried about this mission in particular? We've had worse before..." He stood silent for a moment, "Rinoa is still nervous Xu, are you sure it's a good idea for her to be out there today, I'm... worried about her."

He waited for a reply and noticed the pistols Xu had removed from a box under the table were cleverly concealed, to prevent others knowing about them, he presumed. He then headed towards the lift and hit the button for the first floor in order to find Rinoa, and left Xu alone with Nida, who had headed up to the deck and started the Garden moving several minutes ago.

As he stepped out of the lift at the bottom, Squall looked around and saw Zell standing to the right of the lift, apparently waiting for him. He rubbed his palm against his forehead again, not wantin to speak to anyone at the minute, he was too busy thinking about where Rinoa could have gone to.

"What do you want Zell?" He said, looking up for a brief moment to look his friend in the eye...

-------------------------------------------------
​
Laguna Loire

"Sir there are more monsters everywhere, and they're getting closer to the city and the Luna Gate! Also the sorceress Memorial is even more dangerous than before, we need more soldiers out of the city and protecting those areas!"

Laguna had been surprised by the soldier but heard most of what he said. He was looking at the holographic map of the city of Esthar. Blue lights showed the soldiers he had stationed at every entrance to the city and strategically on the streets between there and the palace, and red lights around the edges showed how far away from the city the monsters were. He thought back to the launch of the new research station last year and was gald Dr. Odine had found a way of getting it completed so quickly as he would be without this vital information without it...

He opened up a military channel on the conference room speakers.
"Ok, here's what we're gonna do, most of the monsters are coming from the east of the city, via Luna Gate and the Sorceress Memorial, so, I need units 12, 14 and 17 to move away from their posts at the West of the Palace to help bolster defences along the Eastern edge of the city, and Units 1, 4 and 5 from the North side of the Palace to get hold of some transports and make your way to Luna Gate. Those going to Luna Gate are gonna have to get there fast because the shut down mechanism for the Gunagi research station is based on the ground, and we need the information it's feeding us to keep up our tactical advantage. Ok everyone, MOVE OUT!"

He switched of the speaker system off and dismissed the soldier in the room with a smile and a wave. He then stood up and began pacing around the room, his leg was cramping up, it was a long time since he had seen a war of this scale, and he was anxious to be out there helping. In fact, he could be out there helping. No-one could stop him, and he was itching to find a use for all the practice he had had over the last few years.

He opened up another channel on the speaker system, this time a private one, which only Kiros and Ward would be able to hear.
"Gear up guys, we're gonna go hunt ourselves some monsters!"

And with that he turned off the speakers leaving the map in the middle of the room, shouting to one of his aide's to keep him up to date and ran out of the room and towards his private quarters, to grab some more suitable clothing and his machine gun.

As he changed he caught his reflection in the mirror, the scientists from Esthar truly were genious, although he was now 47, he barely looked a day over 35, and felt as young as he had during the war against Timber almost 20 years ago. He was ready for this fight, and he would make sure that every last monster was killed before it could make it within the borders of his city...​
 
"Dammit!" Edea massaged her head as she watched Elizabeth run off into the distance. This wasn't good. This wasn't good at all.
If monsters did attack her orphange, she could probably fend them off, but a large number of children would almost surely die. But how could she evacuate them safely on her own. She needed help.
 
"Balamb's on the move!! Yeah, time for some action!"

"READY"

"Can't wait for some action, ya know"

Seifer was ready. He had prepared his equipment and was riled up for some serious action. He was excited to be able to take part in a mission. And he was sure that he would show everyone who he was and what ability he possessed. He kept slashing at the air with his Hyperion as he and his squad went to wait for further orders. He loaded his Hyperion with it's normal amount of ammunition and went from just swinging the sword in the air, to actually practicing his slashes. He knew that people might be too focused on the mission, so they wouldn't mind his act of endangerment for those around him, nor did he care if anyone did reprimand him. He was indeed ready to kick some ass.
 
OOC: Sorry, it took so long to get this posted, guys. :gonk:

Nida hummed softly to himself as he looked out over the expanse of blue-green ocean in front of him. Even with the SeeD exam looming ahead, he still felt more relaxed now than he had in some time. The weeks leading up to the field exam were usually hectic but this particular test had put everyone on edge, especially Xu.

He knew Xu wasn't one to worry needlessly so there was certainly something out of the ordinary happening in Trabia. Still, he had to remain calm for her sake if anyone's. An once the exam was over, hopefully they both could relax a bit.

A sliver of land appeared on the horizon. 'Has that much time passed?' he thought. They were already nearing Trabia. Nida picked up the microphone on the control board and cleared his throat.

"May I have everyone's attention? We're nearing Trabia. Those participating in the field exam should make sure they are completely prepared."

Nida set the microphone down. He always felt sill talking into it. His voice wasn't exactly authoritative.

The trabia shore drew closer; he pulled the control handle down to make the garden rise above the shallow blue water. Trabia Garden appeared in the distance. The academy had been completely rebuilt after the missile base incident. After what the students and faculty had gone through then, it was sad to see them in trouble again.

Nida pulled another control handle to slow the garden down. He halted the floating academy about a quarter-mile from Trabia. He picked up the communication device that connected to Xu.

"We've arrived."
 
Stephen had returned to his room in order to change into his Seed Uniform, he had just pulled up his trousers when Nida's voice came over the inner Garden comm. "May I have everyone's attention? We're nearing Trabia. Those participating in the field exam should make sure they are completely prepared." Smiling Stephen grabbed his Jacket and Sword's sheath "ahh crap" he muttered as he headed towards the front gate at a run.

as he arrived he saw a group of SeeD Candidates with a fear filled look on their faces, Stephen headed over to the Bench by the Directory, placing his sword down, Stephen pulled his jacket on and zipped it up, smiling at the candidates "don't worry, I'll be out there with you" Stephen informed them as he slung his sheath strap over his shoulder and adjust it slightly so it was comfortable.
 
"May I have everyone's attention? We're nearing Trabia. Those participating in the field exam should make sure they are completely prepared."

"You heard the man, let's get this show on the road!"

"YES"

"About time, ya know?"

Seifer and his gang were happy to hear that everyone should get ready. They knew that meant that the operation would start soon and that they could take part in some action. They had long since prepared on Seifer's orders and were just waiting around. They were eagerly awaiting their next orders. Seifer had a very determined look on his face. His eyes were literally glowing with anticipation. He could just see himself displaying his prowess on the operation, showing up the others.
 
"May I have everyone's attention? We're nearing Trabia. Those participating in the field exam should make sure they are completely prepared."

Arukab set down the book he was reading and looked at the clock. The time was indeed about correct for that to come up. It was a good read really, but now he had to go. He walked off to the gate to see some students already gathered, and some SeeD as well, and this made him smile. Maybe they were ready for this exam after all. With this in mind he waited for the time. A good mission for such an old SeeD.

He heard one also say "Don't worry I'll be out there with you!" This one was presumably Stephen, he recognized the face but never really knew him. Arukab also smiled and said pleasantly, "Your well protected in our hands. Hopefully you do not need us, so do your best out there. This is a big one."
 
Crimson Wolf has been spending many hours fighting in the Training Center, strengthening himself for when an opportunity to see some real action and take part in something out in the field.

As usual, he was in the Training Center, taking down monsters there, and as he always does, stocking up on Sleep and Silence magic, to be prepared for when it may be needed for enemies that might actually be challenging.

But this time, he noticed it begin to move. Wondering where it could be heading, he headed for the exit out of the area, but got delayed by a T-Rex, which he swiftly evaded it's slow strikes with ease, even if they had good range, and would hit hard if one of it's attacks connected.

Using his effective Evade and Counter tactics he bit by bit took down the creature that was far bigger in size than himself, coming out unscathed but got set back set several minutes by the encounter.

If something is about to begin, a mission or the like, I should probably head for the gate, some people will likely be gathered there if this is the case he thought to himself, as he hustled through Balamb Garden, before much time reaching the gate.

He arrived there and indeed saw some people gathered there, he approached them, then without hesitation said "I was in the Training Grounds preparing myself for a chance out on the field, as I often am, but I felt it start to move, then wondered what was going on or where it is headed so I came to the gate thinking I may find answers here.

So, that's Trabia over there? What is everybody going to be doing there, is this a mission?" Crimson Wolf asked, while he continued to look off at Trabia that was just a short distance away. "I...missed everything that has happened because I was in the Training area, first thing I noticed was this place starting to move, then I decided to come here to see if anything is up, would have been here sooner if I didn't encounter a T-Rex on the way out."
 
ELIZABETH

"Ma'am, are we going to work with Squall's forces, or against them?"

Elizabeth smirked over her shoulder at Ben as she climbed up the ladder onto the deck. "I'll decide that when we get there," she said, waving off offers to pull her properly onto the deck. Hoisting herself up, she moved to the white seed stood diligantly at the wheel. "Get moving. Destination, Trabia. Get as much wind behind us as you can."

She moved away and looked to the rest of her crew. "Prepare for battle."

Slipping Needle from its sheath, she took out a whetstone and began to very slowly sharpen the already piercingly deadly blade. "That means you too, Ben."


----------------------------


XU

"Right, but why are you so worried about this mission in particular? We've had worse before... Rinoa is still nervous Xu, are you sure it's a good idea for her to be out there today, I'm... worried about her."

The woman looked at Squall full in the face. We have never had worse than this... she thought to herself, but did not voice her opinion. "It's not as simple as other missions, Commander. Rinoa will be fine. She is perfectly capable of carrying out her mission..."

She turned away again as he left.

"We've arrived."

Xu sighed before responding. "Thank you, Nida. I'm coming up."

Taking the elevator up to the desk, Xu strode over the the intercom through which Nida had addressed the Garden and held down the button. "SeeD and Cadets, this is Xu. Those participating in the Field Exam, finish your preparations. The mission starts now. Remember you contact us if you find out anything. Zachary and Wolf, please come to the deck. Xu out."

She turned now and laid her head wearily on Nida's shoulder. "Now I guess we play the waiting game..."
 
Last edited:
"SeeD and Cadets, this is Xu. Those participating in the Field Exam, finish your preparations. The mission starts now. Remember you contact us if you find out anything. Xu out."

"How many times are they going to say the same shit? I wanna get in the action already! Fuu, Rai, let's go!"

"PATIENCE" Said Fuujin

"We have waited for long enough. I am ready to do my job and do it good!"

Seifer ran towards the Garden entrance, knowing perfectly well that he was not ordered to go out yet. Fuujin and Raijin were right behind him, knowing that they might have to keep him in place.

"Come on!! Let's start already! End these damn preparations and get this operation underway, lady!"

The cadets that were also taking part in the mission backed away from the man they were beginning to consider mad, as he was screaming and brandishing his weapon menacingly at the entrance. They kept a safe distance from him, so as to not be injured before the mission.

"Hey, you!" Seifer called to one of the cadets "Ready to kick some ass of piss your pants?"

The cadet dare not answer the man he considered to be insane.Seifer, paying no mind was immensely ready. Although, whether he was ready to save Trabia Garden or ready to show up Squall and the others was in question.....
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top