Rainbow Café - Chapter 1

Rainbow Café is a series of short stories set in the city of Heidelberg, Germany by various authors. It revolves around a small café owned by two couples: Lukas and Tom, and Didi and Francesca. I am also looking for contributors and editors, if you are interested, send me an email at mojojoe2003@yahoo.com

Chapter 1 - The owners

Heidelberg -- an enigmatic University town in the Baden-Württemberg region of Germany, comes to life as students come back from the Christmas holidays.

Trams trudging the main thoroughfares carry young students and adults alike as they begin to start a new. In a small corner in Bergheimerstrasse lies a newly opened Café, the Rainbow Café. Lukas, a man in his mid 30s ties his apron over his shirt and jeans, behind the counter of Rainbow Café. He's about 175 cm tall and  75 kg, with dark brown hair. He used to work at the University Mensa when he was studying Chemistry, but his love for coffee prompted him to eventually try working for some well-known coffee chains in his mid-20s and eventually with the help of his friends setup their own café. As he was finishing up, another man came out of the kitchen. He stands around 185 cm and weighs about 80 kg, his short blond hair falling neatly to the side of his face and his eyes fixed on his lover.  Dressed a little more formal with a button down shirt and slacks, he walks over to Lukas and gives him a hug and a quick kiss

"This is it!" said the blond guy to Lukas, "I need to go to work briefly, and you need to start business."

"Can't you stay for the opening?" asked Lukas sounding a little bit disappointed.

"Unfortunately, the division head had to move the afternoon meeting to this morning, he has prospective collaborators visiting today but they had a train schedule mix up so they had to leave directly after lunch" he replied with puppy dog eyes to appease his lover, "But I'll try to pass by before lunch."

Suddenly, two women came into the Café. One was small of southeast asian descent, standing 160 cm, and quite less than 45 kg, and another one was an Italian girl with brown, curly hair, almost as tall as Lukas but weighs a few kilos more. The Italian greeted the two men at the top of her voice, "Buon Giorno! Guten Morgen an Alle!"

"Hallo, Francesca! Hallo, Didi!" greeted the two men back.

"Francesca, do you have to be so hyperactive this morning?" asked the Asian girl, Didi, sarcastically.

"Of course, la mia cara! It's opening day of our Café and I'm super excited!" replied Francesca.

"Well, don't be too perky. You might drive away customers," remarked Didi as she rolled her eyes. She then noticed Tom, "Oh Tom, you're dressed to impress! Don't tell me you're bringing a date to the opening when you're partner is working behind the counter."

"Don't be silly, Didi. I have my eyes only on Lukas," he replied, "I just need to run for a 9:00 o'clock meeting and then come back here before---"

"You're not staying?!" interrupted Francesca.

"Well, a little schedule mix up at work, so yeah, I'm missing it," Tom explained.

"But everyone will be here!" exclaimed Francesca, "All our friends are coming today for the ribbon cutting ceremony."

"Well then, just leave some cake for me," said Tom,"I really have to go, see you in a few hours, Tschüss! Bis später!"

Tom went out of the door and ran to the bus stop a few seconds before the bus that goes to the university passed by. Didi went to the back of the Café to check that all the administrative books are in order. Having finished her MBA in Mannheim (a bigger city 18 km from Heidelberg) a few years back, she worked in the finance department of a marketing firm in Mannheim where she met Francesca who was in Human Resources. Through common friends, Didi and Francesca got to know Lukas and they went to the same clubs and parties: Himbeer Party and the Altefeuerwache, the Heaven Party in Club Ludwiq, and the Gaywerk Party at the MS Connexion.

Ten years ago, Lukas and Tom were working in neighbor research groups at the Physical Chemistry Institute in the Neuenheim Campus of Heidelberg University, but they never knew that the other one was gay. Tom was already a PhD Student then, and Lukas was finishing his Masters Thesis. While Lukas was very active on the gay scene in Mannheim with Didi and Francesca, Tom was in a long distance relationship with his boyfriend from University, who lived in London. Tom eventually moved away to do his Postdoc at a group in Cambridge and Lukas started working in the coffee business. Lukas and Tom, met each other seven years later at one of the Heaven parties where Tom admitted he was single and ready to mingle. It was quite a romance for those two as they reminisced their time together in the lab. After dating for 2 years, they eventually moved in together.

Rainbow Café was one of Lukas' dreams. He was a coffee lover and his experience with working at coffee shops seeded his idea to open a coffee place near the city center. He wanted his coffee shop to have a little more flair and character. It shouldn't just be a coffee shop. The lack of gay-themed establishments in Heidelberg, prompted him to draw up plans of a gay-friendly cafe. There would be theme nights and performance area at the back where one can enjoy some form of art (Poetry Slams, Stand up comedy by drag queens, and or live music)and up front would be a place for people who just enjoys good coffee and good company.

Lukas pitched his ideas to Francesca and Didi, who were at that time looking to venture into their own business.  Being Italian, Francesca loved the idea immediately. It also helped that Didi was raised in Manila where she spent most of her time studying at the Starbucks branch across her University. Francesca was a firebrand of ideas as she was interested in the design and artistic side of the venture, Didi was more business-minded and practical, she came from a family of business tycoons who owned several shopping centers in major cities of the Philippines.

"You're Tom is such a workaholic, Lukas," said Francesca to Lukas, "It's a good thing that Didi and I work together, so we never have to leave each other's side."

"Well, that's Tom," said Lukas, "always on the go."

Magic of Lost Feelings

Author's Note:

This one's for Jessica Dizon! Happy Happy Birthday! haha

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and have no direct contact with J.K. Rowling. Details here are based on the Harry Potter Universe but most of them would be adaptations to that. As such, there may not be any accuracy nor precision with what Rowling actually intends for all the characters. In any case, J.K. Rowling is a great author and I wish to do justice to her in this piece.

Title: The Magic of Lost Feelings

Fandom: Harry Potter

Word Count: 1881

Rating: GP

Pairing: Draco x Hermione

Sitting on her comfortable chair, Hermione opened a letter sent by Professor McGonagall to her.

Dear Mrs. Weasley,

I regret to inform you that your daughter, Rose has fallen ill in Hogwarts. She is unconscious but stable. We still have no clue what is the ailment nor of its cause, but Madam Pomfrey is working on it. We would like to request your presence at the soonest possible time. It is also important that Mr. Weasley not know anything about this.

Minerva McGonagall

She quickly put on her robes, left a note for Ron that she’ll be late for dinner, and went to the fireplace. She grabbed some Floo Powder and stood on the fireplace. “Hogwarts Castle!” she yelled while dropping her handful of Floo Powder. She disappeared from the house and re-appeared at the Headmaster’s Office.

Sitting behind the majestic table was Hogwart’s current Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall. Still exuding the stern but motherly demeanor she greeted Hermione, “I am very sorry to have sent you such troubling letter, Hermione.”

“Please professor, what has happened to my daughter?” she asked.

“I will explain in a few minutes as we are still waiting for the Draco Malfoy to come,” Professor McGonagall replied.

“Draco? What does he have to do with this?” she asked again.

“Unfortunately, it is not only Rose who has befallen into this illness, but also Scorpius Malfoy.”

As she finished her words, the fireplace erupted in flames for an instant and from the flames emerged a man with blond hair and silver eyes.

“Good day, Draco!” greeted Professor McGonagall.

“There is nothing good with the day, Professor, considering what you wrote me,” replied Draco, “And what is Hermione doing here?”

“Well, as I am about to explain, both Rose and Scorpius contracted the same illness,” started Professor McGonagall, “They are both unconscious, similar to a sleeping curse, but it seems that we cannot undo the curse with potions or spells. We have tried our very best, as you may have known that Madam Pomfrey is nothing short of the best.”

“I was just wondering, Professor, why did you mention that I don’t talk about this with Ron?” asked Hermione.

“Well you see, when we found Rose, there was something in her hand, a piece of parchment,” replied Professor McGonagall as she showed them a piece of parchment and gave it to Hermione. The note written on the parchment:

‘Only Hermione must know. This is the Magic of Lost Feelings’.

Hermione shot a quick glance at Draco. He was still looking at the parchment; stunned at the words. “And how is Scorpius connected to this mess?” he inquired.

“There was another parchment, held by Scorpius,” she said as she revealed another parchment to Draco. This time the note written on the parchment says:

‘Only Draco must know. This is the Magic of Lost Feelings’.

This time Draco looked at Hermione, who looked as if blood was drained away from her face. Turning to him, Hermione said, “We need to go back.”

“Go back where?” asked Professor McGonagall.

“To where it all began,” said Draco.

-oOo-

Twenty five years ago

Hermione rushes down towards Draco shouting, “You! You foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach!“ Drawing her wand to Draco's neck as she prepares to cast a spell.

“Hermione, No!” shouted Ron, “He’s not worth it.”

Hermione drew her wand back and put down her hand. But just as quickly as she did, she threw a right hook towards Draco. Draco fell down to the ground, and after a brief moment, scampered away with Crabbe and Goyle.

Hermione calmed herself down a little bit, but she still felt the rush of punching Draco, “that felt good.”

Then she felt it. A little bit of remorse. Why am I sorry for Draco? She thought.

-oOo-

“It started when after first year, here was this Muggle-born wizard as brilliant as me,” said Draco.

Hermione cleared her throat.

“Ok, more brilliant than me, perhaps the most brilliant of our time,” recanted Draco.

“Well, to cut the story short Professor McGonagall, we had a something going on” interrupted Hermione.

-oOo-

twenty four years ago

Hermione was reading in the library trying to find a way to help Harry breath underwater. Suddenly, someone came by to sit with her.

“I don’t suppose, you’re going with Weasley to the Yule Ball,” said Draco to Hermione.

“What do you care, Malfoy?” asked Hermione.

“It’s just that he doesn’t deserve you,” he replied, “you deserve better.”

“Says the person who calls me ‘Mudblood’,” she retorted.

“Look, I didn’t mean to say it,” he said, “It was in the heat of the moment, I was protecting my honor.”

“At the expense of others,” she interrupted him, “very endearing Malfoy.”

“Come on,” he took her hand, “Let me prove to you that I’m not just a spoiled snot.”

“What else could you be?” asked Hermione, taking away her hand from Draco’s grasp, “A Death Eater?”

“No!” he quickly answered, “I’m not a Death Eater, I never want to be one.”

“But if your father forced you, you have nothing to say,” she said, “you’re nothing but your father's play thing.”

“I have my own will, Hermione,” he said, “I can decide for my–“

“Hermione,” she said, “you called me Hermione. Why?”

“It’s just, I’m tired of this animosity between us,” he said, “I mean, where will it lead us? More hatred?”

“And here I thought, you were well on your way to be the next Dark Lord,” she joked.

“Never!” he exclaimed, “So will you come with me?”

-oOo-

“In our fourth year, we really hit it from that moment” said Draco, “but we had to keep it down because my father would never hear of it.”

“When Voldemort came back to power, ” continued Hermione, “he threatened to tell everyone else what was happening.”

-oOo-

twenty two years ago

Draco and Hermione were sitting on the banks of the lake. Overlooking was the horizon with the setting sun.

“Draco,” Hermione broke the silence, “I could get used to this.”

“Me too,” said Draco, “I mean, it’s nice for a change,”

“But why do we have to keep this hidden?” asked Hermione, “Wouldn’t it be easier to show everyone that we can be best friends.”

“Jut Best Friends?” asked Draco back, “I think I’m in love with you Hermione.”

“Oh O-Ok,” stuttered Hermione, “But as I was saying, if you love me, why can’t we show it to everyone?”

“Because they won’t understand,” said Draco, “everyone believes that I hate you, and I’m expected to hate you.”

“And here I thought, you have your own will,” said Hermione, “You couldn’t even fight for the people you love.”

“They know Hermione,” said Draco, “My mother knows, and she mentioned that I must not continue on with this.”

“But why?” continued Hermione, “I don’t understand, why can’t you choose the person you love?”

“Because, if the Dark Lord finds out, he will kill you, and me,” replied Draco, “In order for my family to survive, we must obey the Dark Lord.”

“So when are you going to tell me?” asked Hermione.

“Tell you what?” asked Draco.

“That you’re a Death Eater.”

“I thought I wouldn’t have to tell you, because if I fail the Dark Lord, I’ll…”

Draco couldn’t bring himself to say it. If he didn’t kill Dumbledore, the Dark Lord will kill him and his family. That was his mission.

“You know I understand you,” said Hermione, “But I can’t just forget about you and everything else.”

“Nor will I,” replied Draco, “But I know of something. We can cast away our feelings through magic, and remove our memories.”

“Wouldn’t it back fire?” cautioned Hermione.

“I have no idea, but it’s worth a shot,” he said, “Do you trust me?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“May I kiss you for the first and last time?”

-oOo-

“We cast away our feelings using the Magic of Lost Feelings,” said Draco.

“In the end, we both felt that it was the right thing to do,” continued Hermione.

“But it wasn’t.” said Professor McGonagall finally breaking her silence, “The Magic of Lost feelings not only affects the caster but also your descendants, should your descendants fall in love with each other, the Magic will interfere with this.”

“So do you mean to say that Scorpius and Rose,” started Draco.

“Are in love?” said Draco and Hermione at the same time.

“Love moves in mysterious ways, Draco,” said Professor McGonagall, “And this is perhaps the Magic interfering with their love.”

“How do we undo it?” asked Draco.

“We need to acknowledge our feelings,” said Hermione.

“But we’re married!” exclaimed Draco, “We have our own families.”

“It doesn’t mean it’s not there,” retorted Hermione, “The only way to break the Magic is to find the lost feelings and acknowledge it’s existence, only then can we set them free.”

There was a long pause. Nobody spoke inside the office as the three weighed the options and repercussions of their next moves. Finally Professor McGonagall said, “I will leave you two to sort this out on your own, it is perhaps time to finally come clean with each other.”

She stood up from her desk and exited the Headmaster’s Office leaving Draco and Hermione alone.

“I don’t know how to do this Hermione,” said Draco, “every bone in my body tells me this is wrong, that I cannot love you and should not love you.”

“Love is not just a feeling,” said Hermione, “If there’s something I learned through the years, it’s that we choose to love a person. It is an act of will, a leapt of faith.”

They both sat silently thinking of what to say next. Draco was clearly agitated as he kept on rocking his chair with his feet. He stood up and paced the office.

“Will you sit and calm down, Draco?” asked Hermione.

“How can I calm down when it’s our kids on the line here?” retorted Draco.

“It’s not just our kids on the line here Draco,” said Hermione, “it’s our future.”

“I loved you once,” said Draco, “and perhaps I love you still.”

“I know,” said Hermione, “I do too.”

Hermione stood up and crossed the space between Draco and her. She took his face in her hand.

“Hermione,” whispered Draco, “What are you doing?”

“Choosing to love you this one moment,” she whispered back, as she leaned in and planted a kiss on Draco’s lips. Draco was stunned for a moment, but he felt it. There was something, a spark. He closed his eyes and let it flow, and suddenly he found himself returning her kiss. That was the most alive he felt, with Hermione in her arms. Nothing felt better than this before. It was as if the room felt warm and bright, but you can feel a gigantic wave washing over them, compelling them to continue, to love.

But the kiss didn’t last long. Hermione broke the kiss and said, “It’s time for us to go.”

“I understand,” replied Draco, “you will always be special to me, Hermione.”

“And you are, to me,” said Hermione.

The gargoyle at the entrance of the Headmaster’s Office suddenly opened to reveal Professor McGonagall all smiles and exclaiming, “ I have good news for both of you.”

-THE END-

[Original] RAIN Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Our last goodbye.

“In our lives there is bound to come some pain, surely as there are storms and falling rain; just believe that the one who holds the storms will bring the sun.”

“And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.” -G.K. Chestertorn

-oOo-

“You,” I said in disbelief.

“Yeah,” said the man with the piercing brown eyes, “I’m sorry, I know I should have called or – ”

“Tim,” I said cutting him off, “Why are you here?”

There was silence. He backed away from the door way and tilted his head down, seemingly looking for an answer on my door mat. Then he looked up again. That look was the same look he gave me 12 years back, on that day at Emily’s Café.

“Because I don’t know where else to go,” he finally said.

What do you say to a reply like that? Do you fucking go ballistic and rant that after 12 years one can just come barging in on another person’s door? Forget about him being in mourning after losing his love. Forget about him being stressed because of the entire emotional trauma he had to go through re-living 12 years in two hours. No, forget about feelings unexplored, buried and almost forgotten.

“You?” I asked, “Nowhere to go? You must be kidding me.”

“Come on Nate,” he said, “I mean, I know I can be anywhere but here, but…”

He stopped. Looked away again as if trying to find words to say what he really wants.

“But what?” I said, irritated.

“But you’re the only person who knows what I’m going through,” he finally replied.

“What exactly are you implying, Tim?” I asked.

After a long pause he said, “That last shot 5 minutes in the last quarter was for my grand ma. All the other championship years after that was for someone I hope would watch me play…”

He paused again. I was about to say something but he then continued, “but never did. His heat was already taken by someone even I couldn’t measure up to.”

Another pause. This is getting out of hand. So I did what I do best: Stall.

“Let’s go inside…”

-oOo-

“Yes, Ray, I’m really sorry,” I said apologetically to Ray on the phone, “something came up: an emergency. Don’t worry I’ll be all right! Yeah, say hello to Ann for me, good bye!”

I replaced the handset on its cradle and sighed, “better get this over and done.”

I went into the den where I left Tim before I called Ray. I sat down across him and now, I don’t know what to say, “So…”

“So…” he said at the same time.

Pause. This is really getting awkward.

“You first,” he said.

I sat in silence for a brief moment and said, “I don’t really know what to say, Tim. I don’t want to assume or anything, and I don’t understand what all this should mean to me. Do you know what it means to you?”

He nodded, “It means I can’t be the Tim that everybody thought I was. It’s a different world now that the cat’s out of the bag: a harsher world, where everything you do is wrong and unacceptable.”

“And so the golden boy falls from grace,” I interrupted him. He looked puzzled and hurt that I said that, “Come on Tim, did you honestly think this would go out with fireworks and merry-making?”

“No,” he replied, “But I didn’t think it would be this difficult. Lionel said it wouldn’t really matter since the fans watch for my basketball skills and not who I sleep with.”

“Uhhh, who’s Lionel,” I asked, quite confused.

“He’s the guy I was with when Kat caught me,” he replied while looking away, as if embarrassed, “he’s just a someone I met randomly.”

“Just?” I asked prodding him to shed some light on the matter, “Why do I get the feeling that this isn’t just a simple story?”

“Okay, you caught me,” he said, looking more embarrassed, “he’s was a lot more than just a random guy. I met him after college at the draft screening process for the pros. He also played college ball, but failed to make it big time. But he’s still a nice guy, so I kept my lines open for him.”

“So,” I said, “What’s the final score?”

“He’s just a friend…” he replied, “with benefits.”

“I see,” I commented, “But then what happens now with this issue all over you?”

“Well, he’s lying low for the mean time, while Kat and I are fixing the divorce.” He said without remorse.

“But don’t you love Kat?” I asked, “You married her after all.

Just then, thunder clapped and rain started to fall outside. Tim became quiet as if collecting his thoughs.

“You see, that’s the point, “ he answered, “I married Kat for the wrong reasons. I didn’t want anyone to know, so I had to live by what society deems normal. But more importantly, I married Kat to forget you.”

“Forget me?”

“Yes,” he continued, “Back in our freshman year, I never really gave any thought to liking a guy. But you came along, bumped into me in the first day of orientation, cheered me up on the most important game of my life, and basically changed my world. I was both jealous and relieved when I heard about you and Cal.”

“You know, Cal?”

“Well, not really,” he said, “but I know he holds the key to your heart.”

“And that key disappeared the moment he died.” I said.

“Nate,” he said, “Don’t do that to yourself, don’t close your heart to other people.”

“Says the guy who wants to get into my pants.” I replied, sarcastically.

“Oh come on,” he exclaimed, clearly frustrated, “that’s beside the point. And what made you think I couldn’t move on?”

“Umm, you’re here, at my house, at the most trying time of your life,” I answered, “that proves a lot.”

“But don’t you think I just wanted to talk and get this out of my system?”

“Maybe… or maybe not…” I said while rolling my eyes, “What should I believe?”

“Umm, honestly?” he sighed, “I just need a friend right now.”

“I could use one too.”

-oOo-

Three hours later, I was showing Tim out of my door with a promise to keep in touch and a tearful hug. The conversation gave me a chance to talk about Cal and for him to open up about his life. After Tim left, I went to Cal’s final resting place.

The grass is damp with the recent storm. Fallen leaves were scattered all around the cemetery.

“It’s been more than two years, Cal.” I said, “I still love you.”

I continued, “I know that you’ll want to see me happy and that you want to see me live my life to the fullest. Tim is a great guy. I just wished you got to meet him.”

And with one final tear, I kissed his tombstone and left. Despite the night getting the darker, the rains have stopped. As the cool night breeze touch my face, I feel renewed and full of hope.

In a few hours, the dawn will come to open a brand new day. The rain purged all things that are bad and haunting, and left a trail for life to start a new. I’ll probably invite Tim over for dinner someday. But that’s a story for another day.

I love the rain. Don’t you?

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

PS. Okay, this one has been long overdue. I didn't get to write a lot this past year and I was hoping to finish this back in 2009 but creativity was just lacking. This project is done, except perhaps for some editing for consistency (and of course, grammar and clarity) but then, until the next literary project!

[Original] RAIN Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4: Does this mean goodbye?

Don’t you fret, I don’t feel any pain
A little fall of rain, can hardly hurt me now
You’re here, that’s all I need to know
And you will keep me safe, and you will keep me close
And rain, would make the flowers grow.

-Eponine & Marius, Les Miserables

-oOo-
Beep… Beep… Beep…

What’s that mysterious sound? I thought

Beep… Beep… Beep…

I’m definitely not dead…

Suddenly, out of the vast expanse of darkness came a flicker of white light.

Beep… Beep… Beep…

After a while I notice the light become bigger. It feels warm. I want to go to the light.

Beep… Beep…

“Nate! Nate!” I heard someone calling from my back. I turned around but saw no one.

Cal? Is that you?

“Nate! Wake up,” said the voice again, “Don’t you leave me now!”

The line glowed brighter and became bigger. I never wanted so much in my life, but the warm glow made me want to be there where the light is. As I was nearing the light, someone came out of the light… A woman that looks really familiar. Those piercing brown eyes remind me of someone. Where have I seen those eyes before? It’s like she can see through me.

Beep… Beep…

“Nate,” she said in a comforting motherly voice, “your friend is calling.”

“Who are you?” I asked her.

Beep…

“It doesn’t matter,” she said, “your friend is calling. I can hear he’s very concerned. You need to go back.”

“But how do” I asked again still pretty confused.

Beep…

“With your heart…” she said.

Beeeeeeeeep!!

Before I knew it, I was enveloped with light. I closed my eyes, blinded by the brightness. I wanted to cover my face, but I couldn’t move.

“CLEAR!” shouted an unfamiliar voice.

I felt a jolt sent through my body.

Beeeeeeeeeep!!

“CLEAR!” shouted that same voice.

I felt another jolt. I was getting frustrated. I couldn’t move. I can’t see a thing. I’m blinded by a bright light and I’m feeling shock all over me.

Beeeeeeeeeep!

I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t see anything. I couldn’t think straight. I don’t know what’s going on.

“Nooooooooooo!”

Cal?! Where are you?

Beeeeeeeeeeep!!!

Cal? I want to find you. Please?

Beep…

“What the?” said the unfamiliar voice.

Beep… Beep…

Suddenly, the bright light started to dissipate and I opened my eyes. I saw what was making the bright light: an operating room light.

Beep… Beep…

“Nate!” shouted Cal as I saw him run past several men and women in scrubs. He took my hand and said, “Are your really back?”

“I don’t know…” I replied, “Where am I?”

“Welcome back Mr. Jameson,” said the same unfamiliar voice, “you’ve been in a coma for two weeks now and we almost lost you back there.”

-oOo-
I received massive injuries including broken bones and punctured lung. I got hit hard on the head which led to other complications. Over-all, I was destined to die and nothing short of a miracle could have saved me. But here I am today, alive and kicking. I still couldn’t explain why or how and neither could the doctors. I got through all the treatments and therapy with Cal’s help. He said that he couldn’t leave me like that so he transferred to my school and helped me get back on track.

Cal and I got back together after that and Tim was a forgotten memory. We would bump into each other in campus but would never talk much. Cal and I had our commitment ceremony after graduating in college. It was the best time of my life. Unfortunately I had to go out of the country for graduate studies and leave him behind. Then it\ happened.

-oOo-
Ring! Ring!

What the fuck is wrong with this person calling in the middle of the night? I thought.

“This better be good Reese” I answered.

“Nate! You need to fly home…” said a woman on the other line.

“You know I can’t” I said, “It costs a fortune to fly home.”

“Well you better pull your funds together,” said Reese, “because Cal got caught in ugly police car chase, his car was totaled and… and…”

I heard Reese’s voice breaking and then I knew. Cal is dead.

-oOo-
Just like old times, would never happen again.

Cal is dead. I have to move on.

I packed a weekend’s worth of clothes and was getting ready to go to Ray and Ann’s house when I heard the door bell.

“Hello?” yelled the person at the door, “Is anyone home?”

“Just a minute,” I yelled back.

I grabbed my stuff, brought it to the living room and dashed to the door. When I opened it, I couldn’t believe what I saw: Piercing brown eyes.

[Original] RAIN Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3: Storm of Fire and Rain

The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.

-oOo-

“Yes, this is Nate,” I said trying to figure out who the speaker was but failed, “I’m sorry but I don’t think I have your number.”

“This is Raymond,” the caller replied.

“RAY!” I was surprised, “Since when did you start calling other people?”

“Well, since that fiasco with Tim and Katrina went out… Can you believe it?” he said.

“Believe what?” I asked trying to act as if I don’t know anything .

“The breaking news about Tim?” he asked back.

“Well…” I started to reply but he cut me off.

“You’re one big crush before you married Cal turned out gay too!” I can hear him laughing from the other side.

“Well, what can I say? I can spot the good ones a mile away!” I said bringing my own sense of humor out.

“Now, that’s the Nate I know,” he said, “You’ve been quite serious and should I say very ‘academic’ and ‘professional’ these past few months that I thought you forgot to smile.”

“No, I didn’t, I just reserve it for my friends,” I said, “And what’s with you bringing up Cal? You know that’s a sore topic!”

“I’m sorry, Nate,” he said, “It’s just that with Cal being dead for more than 2 years, I would have thought that you would have found someone new.”

“I love Cal,” I replied.

“But he’s dead,” he retorted, “I mean, knowing him, he would have wanted you to meet someone and be happy, right?”

“And what makes you think I’m not happy, Ray?” I asked.

“Well…” he started, “Six publications in one year, that’s a sign!”

“I’ve got to do those things to get tenure,” I replied.

“But you could also get tenure by publishing less frequently,” he said, “You’re killing yourself and your students.”

“Hey! For your information, I give my students a break every now and then,” I said.

“Not enough! You’re still a slave driver!” he said, “Remember those times when we had to do some group work for our psychology class?”

“Yes and I drove all of you crazy with my work ethics!” I said, remembering the good old times.

“Exactly!” he said, “Now Nate, I guess, all you need to do is unwind for a little bit.”

“Well, there’s a storm coming, so I might stay in the whole weekend!” I said.

“No!” he interjected, “Not that kind of unwind, Reese and her husband are coming to my place, and Ann and the kids miss you.”

“Well then, I guess, I could spend the weekend with all of you?” I said.

“Just like old times,” he said. Then I heard someone from the background, probably Ann or one of their kids, “Hey Nate, I got to go, Ann told me to just make it quick. See you later, Nate!”

“Sure!” I replied. Then he hung up.

Just like old times, I wonder…

-oOo-

“And we’re down to the last two minutes of the season,” said the commentator from the TV.

Because we couldn’t afford tickets or at least afford to lose time trying to get tickets, Ray, Ann, Reese and I opted to watch the final game of the championship at Emily’s café.

Our team was up by 3 precious points, a 3-point cushion given by Tim after sinking a trey halfway through the quarter. The teams tightened up on defense. Both teams remained scoreless for the last few minutes, trading missed shot after missed shot.

“Let’s Go Stallions!” can be heard from the TV set. The crowd was going nuts waiting for the final buzzer to go off.

“C’mon team, last two minutes…” muttered Ray who was really nervous

Ann and Reese were holding hands, eyes closed, in what seems to be like prayer. The café was quiet. Everyone held their breath as the ball was turned over several times with no team getting a single field goal

“Twenty seconds, to go!” shouted someone from the back.

And the commentator said, “This is it, Stallions making a historic 10-peat victory! We’re down to the last 20 seconds.”

Tim was dribbling the ball crossing over the half court line onto the front court. Down to 10 seconds.

10… 9… 8…

The players started huddling towards Tim.

7… 6… 5… 4…

Tim threw the ball as high as he can. Tears were streaming from his eyes. His first championship as a college baller, 3 seconds away.

3… 2… 1…

And the crowd went wild as the buzzer was drowned by cheers and cries of victory. Emily’s café was in a similar mood. Everyone was shouting, laughing, and shaking hands, as if they were the players. Me? Well I was sitting in my corner, smiling at the whole scenery. I’m not really a party person. I mean, true, I was delighted by the win, but I’m not the type to jump up and down and cry hallelujah.

“Hey Nate!” shouted Reese, “is this your wildest side? Lighten up! We did win that championship.”

“For your information,” I said, “I am celebrating.”

“Not enough!” said Ann as she handed me a cup of iced white mocha, “Here, Emily’s giving free drinks!”

“Thanks.” I replied, as I took a sip from the cup.

“You know,” butted in Ray, “That was the weirdest championship game I’ve ever seen.”

“Yeah , me too.” I said, trying to show that I was into this game.

“Thirty percent field goal,” he continued, “Man that has got to be one of the worst night for our team offensively.”

“But we won!” exclaimed Reese, “We won! We won! We won!”

“Yeah, we did,” chimed in Ann, “We won! We won! We won!”

“Enough already,” I said trying to sound irritated, “Look, I’m going out for a while, All these people are suffocating me.”

“Ok!” replied Reese, “But don’t go too faraway, there’s still a wild party going on here. Don’t miss it!”

“Sure!” I said.

I went out of Emily’s not because I didn’t want to party. Frankly, this championship brought me away from the stress of the looming final exams and I was thankful for that. However, it didn’t take me away from this weird feeling I’m having.

My conversation with Tim the other day was uncharacteristic of me. I’m not the type of person who goes out of his way to make other people feel better, but I was drawn to him. Tim was just too charismatic to ignore. He did seem friendly to me. Not knowing what else to do, I took out my mobile phone and dialed a particular number.

“Hey Cal,” I said, “Listen, are you busy tonight?”

-oOo-

Cal is my best friend. We went to the same high school. But while I was the geek, he was the geeky jock. Ok. I guess that wasn’t the best description. He was really popular, being voted as student council president and graduated as the valedictorian of our class. He also swims competitively. But above all that, Cal was also my boyfriend in high school. We weren’t out to anyone except our families and they were cool with it. However, we ended up cooling it off because we went to different colleges. While I was contented with being here, he wanted to explore so he went out of the state, but not too far.

I drove my car a hundred miles down south to where Cal was studying. It was late evening when I got to his apartment.

“Hey!” shouted a lean guy with straight brown hair covering most of his face from the patio.

“Cal!” I went to meet him and gave him a really good hug. I so wanted to kiss him right then and there, but I thought otherwise, “I missed you.”

“Yeah,” he said, “Me too, so where are you taking me?”

“Just around,” I said.

We hopped inside my car and I started to drive. We went out to the interstate and just drove on with no particular place in mind. I really missed him. But I don’t know how to tell him about Tim. It hasn’t been that long since we broke up so I’m not sure what to expect of him. For all I know, he could still be in love with me.

“What’s eating you?” he asked, taking me back into the situation.

“Well…” I started to speak, “there’s this guy, and I don’t know what’s going on…”

“Let me guess,” he said, while giving me his evil eye, “Tim Chua? Star basketball player? Most valuable player? Honors program?”

“Am I that transparent?” I asked.

“Nope!” he replied, “I just know your type.”

I was silent. He knows my type? Then he must have guessed what’s bothering me.

“You know,” he said, “you should just do it. Don’t think about me. I’ll be ok. We’re not lovers anymore.”

“But I don’t think I’m ready for a new relationship,” I said.

“If you think about it that way, you’ll never be ready,” he said, “Come on Nate, we talked about this before, were a hundred miles apart. I love you but not that way. I mean, you’re my best friend and I’ll be yours, forever, right?”

“Yeah,” I said.

“So don’t fret about it,” he said, “If you like Tim, then go for it.”

I wanted to tell him that I was afraid of going for it, but before I could, I heard a screeching sound from the back and a blaring horn.

Then all went black.

[Original] RAIN Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2:

A trickle of water pours over the dusty leaves of a Narra tree. Droplets slowly attack down on the scorching pavement. A familiar hiss can be heard as the heat dissipates into the icy armada of rain.

Rain… a paradoxical phenomenon. A nice change after the summer has bathed us with sunny days that don’t seem to end, but irritating are those rainy days when you have to walk through muddy paths. It’s a blessing to the farmer, but a curse to those in the slums. People love it because it cools down the earth, but too much leads to destruction.

At this particular instance, it brings despair. A storm is brewing, better be ready.

-oOo-

So Katrina finally found out, I thought, I wonder what happens now.

I replaced the newspaper on my coffee table and started to walk to my study when my phone rang.

It says ‘no name’… probably a student.

“Hello! Good morning! Nathan Jameson here”

“Nate? Is it really you? Have you read the news?” said an all too familiar voice on the other end of the line.

-oOo-

The university was littered with red banners with yellow lettering, “Red Stallions, we still believe!!”.

Every person you meet was wearing the school colors. Smiles are plastered on everyone’s face. Even the looming threat of final exams couldn’t take away the festive mood in the university.

Our basketball team qualified to its tenth championship in the last ten years. That’s an accomplishment. What made it even better was that Tim was nominated as most valuable player. A freshman is in the running to be this year’s most valuable player. It’s somewhat surreal when you think about it. But averaging 28 points per game, 18 assists and 7 steals, it’s no wonder why people admire him. He can score and yet, he is not selfish and passes the ball around.

Walking to my only class of the day, I noticed the rumor mill being overworked.

“Tim is unbelievable.”

“Tim is the greatest player.”

“Yeah, and he even get’s straight A’s!”

“Tim is a God.”

Just as everyone was chatting up their friends about Tim, he entered. But unlike most days when he comes in with a big smile, his mouth was in a pout, and his eyes seem redder. Tim wasn’t his usual self and I’m getting somewhat worried. But before anyone could ask him what was wrong, Doc Mana entered the room with a surprising announcement.

“The test you took last week would be your last,” he paused, “that is if you get exempted. Unfortunately for me, that’s only two people less than my usual checking chores.”

-oOo-

I went to a café after my last class. It was a cozy little café run by a widowed mother of three. Emily greeted me as I entered through the door, “Hey Nathan, your friends are at the booth out back, usual spot.”

I ran up to my friends and greeted them with the exciting news, “Guys, guess what?”

“What?” asked Ray.

“I got exempted from advanced calculus!!” I exclaimed.

“Shut up!” said Reese, not believing.

“It’s true,” I said, “There are only 2 people exempted and I was really scared that I wouldn’t make the cut.”

“That’s neat!” commented Ann, “Now you can help us with Chemistry!”

“Yeah, sure,” I said, not really wanting to do so, “But this is a time to celebrate, don’t you think?”

“Yeah!” all of them agreed.

So I went to the bar to order some food for the four of us, when I heard the chimes signaling a new customer. I turned to see Tim and a brunette walking in. Tim is still as sad as he was earlier and the girl seems to be angry.

“You can’t do this Tim!” shouted the exasperated girl, “You can’t do this to your team, your fans and the school.”

“But I already told you the reason, Katrina,” said Tim, “My grandmother died yesterday, I don’t think I would be able to play and contribute.”

“Ok! Fine…” said Katrina, obviously annoyed, “Since you don’t care about what other people will think about you, I might as well break it up with you!”

Katrina turned away and started to leave the café when Tim called out, “Wait, Kat– ”

Katrina cut him, “Save it, Tim, I’m going.”

Katrina walked out of the café, leaving Tim behind.

Feeling sorry for Tim but not really wanting to step on other people’s business, I called Emily, “Hey, Emily, I’ll have 5 blueberry cheesecake and 5 coffee jelly shakes,”

“Oh, but there are only 4 of you in the table, Nate,” inquired a curious Emily.

“I’m giving one to him,” I said pointing at Tim.

Emily didn’t reply but instead smiled knowingly at me while she prepared my order.

-oOo-

What am I doing? I said to myself, never in a million years would I dare approach someone who’s as popular as this guy.

“Hey Tim!” I said holding up the cake and coffee to him, “These are yours.”

Tim looked up and said, “I didn’t order anything, Nate”

“It’s on me,” I replied. He looked at me again quizzically and finally took the tray with the food.

“Thanks,” he said. Another moment of silence passed. Tim was busy with the cheesecake without actually eating it. He was looking at the distance.

“I’m sorry for your grandmother,” I said, trying to break the silence.

He looked at me and asked, “So you heard that?”

“Well, Katrina wasn’t trying hard to hide it,” I replied.

“She’s right, I guess,” continued Tim, “The team’s been through a lot, and backing out now would just make me a quitter.”

“Well, there is some truth to that,” I commented, “But what do you really want to do?”

He stopped, and then sighed very deeply, “I don’t know.”

“Well, the d-day is fast approaching, Tim,” I said.

“Well, it’s the last three games of the season,” he said still hesitant about everything, “I might as well, just finish it up.”

“Just don’t go out there half-hearted,” I said, giving him the most encouraging look I can muster.

“Don’t worry,” he said, finally smiling, “I’ll play.”

He grabbed a bite of the cheesecake and sipped his coffee and said, “But not because of other people, but because I want to.”

“Good,” I said and stood up and walked back to my friends.

(To be continued)

NOTE: As some of you might notice, this fic is dedicated to someone. Hehe 23rd Happy Birthday Chris!

[Final Fantasy VIII] No title yet

Disclaimer 1: I don't own Final Fantasy VIII and its characters as well as other characters of the Final Fantasy Series that may be incorporated in this story. I'm just getting my inspiration from them. They all belong to Square Enix (formerly Squaresoft).

Chapter 1: A mysterious guest

“Fire Cross!”

A young man in white trench coat yelled as he held his gun blade in front of a large boulder. The gun blade glowed bright red and was set ablaze by the incantation. Suddenly, in amazing speed and precision, the young man slashed the large boulder to pieces.

“Nice one Seifer!” lauded a silver-haired woman from a top a cliff.

“Fujin!” said Seifer, “I thought I told you to stay back at Garden?”

“Yes you did,” she replied, “But Headmaster Cid is looking for you.”

Seifer was confused. After the war with Ultimecia, Garden ceased operations to train more SeeD. Not being able to complete his SeeD training and after betraying Garden, he decided to severe ties with everyone even with his friends.

“This is a special mission,” said Fujin, “You’re going to space.”

“Why?” inquired Seifer, “Garden has Squall and his team.”

“I don’t know,” replied Fujin coldly, “I’m just relaying a message.”

Seifer was again taken aback. He was rarely speechless, in fact he was usually the boisterous one with a sharp tongue and witty comebacks, but being wanted by the very institution he betrayed a few years back was beyond reflex comprehension. He was stunned by the request of Garden.

“Tell th–,” he began to reply but he noticed that as swift as she appeared, Fujin was nowhere in sight.

-oOo-

Several people were gathered at a conference room in Balamb Garden. One was a blond-haired girl adorned with an intimidating pair of glasses and a deadly looking whip in hand. Another one was a pale long-haired guy with cowboy hat and a silver revolver. Another man was blond with a tattoo in his face and wearing the most destructive-looking gloves. Then jumping around greeting the whole group was a young brown-haired girl in a yellow suit, nunchakus tucked on her belt.

Suddenly, the door opened. A girl wearing a light blue duster sweater with angel wings printed on the back on top of a black tank top and shorts approached the group and greeted everyone, “Hello guys! It’s been a while”

“Hey Rinoa, how are you and Squall doing?” asked the girl with the nunchakus.

“Were fine, Selphie” said a young man emerging from the door. He was wearing a black leather jacket with furry collar over a white shirt. His gun blade was safely sheathed in his belt compartment.

“Are we talking about babies soon?” asked Zell, the man with the tattoo.

“Shut up Zell, you’re embarrassing them!” interjected the woman with eye glasses.

“Not really Quistis,” replied Rinoa, “But to answer your question Zell, no, it’s just too sudden.”

Before anyone could react any further, the door opened again but this time, an older man entered together with a lady in black flowing dress. The man prompted everyone to sit down and said, “Let’s start!”

“Esthar has detected a space-time anomaly,” declared Cid in his opening statement to the briefing, “It seems very similar to a time compression vortex, but different in certain number of ways.”

Everyone was still silent for a moment until Quistis asked, “How different headmaster?”

“Well, Quistis, unlike the one from Ultimecia’s time where she compressed future and past into the present, this does not only do that but moreover, it also compresses different dimensions.”

“So is it similar to that one except that there are other worlds being compressed together with ours?” asked the long-haired man with a revolver.

“Exactly Irvine!”

“What do you want us to do then Cid?” asked Squall.

“Well, I would have wanted you to go out there and check it out using Ragnarok,” replied Cid, “But that would leave us open.”

Finally, the lady in long black dress said, “There have been sightings of a new breed of monsters far more deadly than what we’ve encountered before.”

Again, silence enveloped the room. Just then, the door opened to give way to another person who spoke, “They’re fierce and unaffected by regular physical attacks or individually casted magic. The only way I got out from one of them was to use my Limit Break, right Matron?”

Everyone looked back at the newcomer and everyone gasped, a familiar-looking girl in a green halter top and what used to be a long blue dress now were beige Capri pants. Gripping her staff, she launched herself in the air and in a graceful feat of aerial acrobatics landed herself beside Cid and Matron Edea.

Squall couldn’t help but ask, “Ellone?”

Chapter 2: Trance

“So it is set,” proclaimed Cid, “Squall, Ellone and Zell will take Ragnarok to space and investigate the anomaly from there.”

The three of them nodded in affirmation.

“And the rest,” Cid continued, “Quistis, Irvine, Rinoa and Selphie will investigate the source of these abominable monsters.”

“Squall,” interrupted Matron, “Be careful. If you go too near the space-time vortex, it will suck you into a world we know nothing of. Ellone’s magic would only be able to protect you enough to go as near as 20,000 km. In compressed time, that magic is pretty useless.”

“We understand, Matron” replied Squall.

“Make your preparations,” commanded Cid, “Ragnarok launches in 48 hours.”

-oOo-

In an unknown reaches of the universe, 6 cloaked beings appeared out of nowhere.

“There’s a great disturbance in the universe” proclaimed one of them.

“I know, Ultima,” replied another one, “Garden has already sent its best warriors to investigate.”

“But would that be enough, Meteo?” asked a third cloaked being.

“We don’t know, Arthur” replied Meteo.

“I’m ready to help them,” stated Ultima.

“But in doing so, you’re exposing the High Guardians to unimaginable danger,” interrupted another one of the cloaked figures.

“Two of us have already been awakened, Ark,” said a fifth cloaked being, “though not to the full extent of their powers.”

“Yes, Bahumut and Phoenix were awakened prematurely by the SeeDs” said Arthur, “But Madeen, do we have any other choice?”

“I know of none,” replied Madeen.

“Do we know what’s causing this disturbance?” asked the last one.

“We have our hunch, Choco,” replied Madeen

-oOo-

“We’re ready to launch Laguna,” Squall said through the intercom.

“You’re cleared for take off, son,” Esthar president, Laguna Loire replied through the speakers, “Good luck.”

INTERCOM: Ragnarok systems have been optimized. Commencing count down…

(30… 29…)

“Here we go outer space!!” shouted Zell.

“Calm down,” said an irritated Squall, “You’re bound to break something in your over excitement!”

(28… 27…)

“Guys,” said Ellone in a mysterious voice, “We have company.”

INTERCOM: Intruder Alert! Intruder Alert! Unidentified Creature has been detected inside the hangar.

(26… 25…)

The hangar doors were ripped open by a powerful monster. It had the head of a bull but with added tusks. It walks on two legs with an overgrowth of brown fur that ends in extremely hard hooves, while scales covered its back entirely. Each step causes a dent in the hangar floor as it makes its way towards Ragnarok.

(24… 23… 22…)

“Squall!” shouted Laguna from the speakers, “Do you have visuals on the creature?”

“We can’t s–” Squall was cut off by a powerful jerk of the hull. The next thing they heard was a buzzing sound coming from the speakers.

“Awwh man,” groaned Zell, “Communication’s down!”

“And so is the main control panel…” replied Squall, “We’re in big trouble guys.”

(21… 20…)

“We need to abort launch, or else we’ll be paralyzed out there,” said Ellone.

“Can we engage the enemy?” asked Zell.

“It’s too risky to go out,” said Ellone, “It’s like a pressure cooker in the hangar!”

(19… 18… 17…)

Squall, use me.

-oOo-

INTERCOM: INTRUDER! INTRUDER!

(16… 15…)

“Communication’s down Laguna,” yelled Kiros.

“We need to abort launch,” said Laguna, “Kiros, do manual override. Ward, target the intruder with micro-canons”

Kiros and Ward started working on the control panel in front of them. However, their effort returned with unpleasant results.

(14… 13…)

“No use Laguna,” replied Kiros, “Ragnarok is not responding.”

“Our cannons can’t penetrate the beast’s skin,” added Ward.

“Damn!” muttered Laguna, “Squall, I leave it up to you.”

“Laguna, there’s a man out there in the hangar.”

(12… 11…)

-oOo-

As if coming out of nowhere, Seifer unleashed a ball of fire towards the raging bull.

“Hey you big bully!” yelled Seifer.

The monstrous bull shifted its attention from Ragnarok towards Seifer. Without any warning, it launched itself in the air into a ball of fur and scales. The ball started rolling towards Seifer in deathly speed. Fortunately, Seifer’s reflexes were enough to dodge that attack.

(10… 9…)

“Too slow!” mocked Seifer, but before he could get his bearings, he was knocked down by the same ball from behind. The ball stopped rolling as if prompting Seifer to stand up and fight. However, he had a little bit of trouble. That one hit, took a lot out of him.

“You’re a powerful monster,” smirked Seifer as he tried to recover, “I don’t think a mere gunblade would work against you but how about this, Eternal Darkness!”

The hangar was engulfed with shadow. A glowing figure then manifested itself. It was an ark with a dragon’s head at its bow. Under the ark, connected to the keel protrudes a gigantic blade, while in place of sails, lie a giant propeller of sorts. Seifer unleashed a Guardian Force never seen before.

(8… 7…)

The Guardian Force changed to its true form in a series of metal-clunking transformations: Ark, The Shadow Dragon Knight. Ark, then jumped high into the darkness and unleashed a ray of shadow towards the bull. The shadow then compressed to a ball, becoming smaller and smaller until there wasn’t anything left of the monster. With only a small nod towards a barely standing Seifer, Ark vanishes with the shadow.

(6… 5…)

As the shadow clears up, Seifer looked back at Ragnarok and saw a few dents and electrical wiring dangling from several areas of the ship.

“Squall, you need to abort launch now!” shouted Seifer with his last ounce of strength before fainting.

(4…)

Inside the ship, Zell unstrapped himself from his seat and started to go to the main engine room.

“Zell!” called Ellone in a calming voice, “Sit down… Squall’s trying something.”

Zell looked at Squall who was sitting calmly in his station, eyes closed.

(3…)

“Whatever he’s doing, it’s not helping, Sis” replied Zell.

“Let’s trust him.” Said Ellone.

“I can’t just sit down here and let myself get killed you know,” ranted Zell, still not going back to his station.

“There are far greater forces at play here than what you understand, Zell,” said Ellone, “I’m sorry but I have to do this.”

Reaching her hand out to Zell, Ellone sent a magical pulse that caused Zell to fall asleep. Ellone stood up and carried Zell with much effort and discomfort back to his seat and strapped him there.

(2…)

“Come on Squall, do it!” muttered Ellone.

(1…)

Suddenly, Squall’s eyes shot open and glowed bright as he called out, “Bahamut!”

(0…)

INTERCOM: Commencing Launch.

Ragnarok jerked a little as the boosters started up. The blinding flash of combusting fuel soon enveloped the whole hangar. Ragnarok accelerated towards the opened gates and in supersonic speed, it soared out of the hangar and into the sky.

Suddenly, from an unknown part of the sky, Ellone saw a comet-looking object. As it got closer, Ellone recognized the Dragon God, Bahamut. Squall, still in a trance, “Bahamut, can you help us?”

Certainly, replied a commanding but invisible presence.

Bahamut changed into a ball of energy that hit Ragnarok. The ship glowed white as the dents and the circuitry started to fix itself as if Ragnarok was a living and self-healing entity.

Ragnarok is operational, said Bahamut, you can now go back to Esthar or continue with your mission. We will meet again.

“Thanks Bahamut!” said Squall. Then turning his attention to Ellone, “We need to go back and look at Seifer.”

“Of course,” replied Ellone, “He was actually late today. He’s supposed to join us in this mission.”

“What?!” interjected Squall.