Chapter 8 - Master Fisherman's Fish and Chips

[junkuroki]

Bun~

"Dude, seriously though, just don't fuck things up worse than they already are."

"I'm sure he won't, Zacke," Tomoe interjected gently. "As immature as he acts, I don't think Gone's stupid to make Xu angry when she's so stressed." She shot Zacke a small smile. "So don't worry so much, alright?"

[junkuroki]

Ani~

Stardust listened to Zacke and Gone talk about approaching Xu. She really didn't know if Gone would be able to handle because...he was Gone.

"So be it then," she said, agreeing anyway. "Just keep in mind that we're not in the position to complain with whatever Headmistress Xu will throw at us." She chucked a glance at Zacke. "We're not whiners."

[junkuroki]

Ash~

"As immature as he acts, I don't think Gone's stupid to make Xu angry when she's so stressed." Tomoe commented. Blaze gave her a blank stare.

"Of course that little prick is going to fuck it up. He's probably going to show her that stupid rat he has and start talking about Brooke's ass, which will infuriate Xu." She began to walk. "Which is exactly why I want Gone to do the report. With the type of talk he's gonna give we might all just get lucky and be aborted from the mission entirely."

[junkuroki]

Auria~

"Heh, alright, alright..." Zacke said. "...let's not start any more fights, okay Blaze?"



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The ship landed some time later and the group finally found themselves back where they first started. They made their way through the hallways and up the elevator, then filed into Xu's office, where she was working at her computer.

Once they started coming in, she turned away from it and waited patiently as one by one they came in. Once they were all inside, she stood. She looked worn and haggard, dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep.

"Before you speak, I want you to know that I realize none of this is your fault. I know you probably feel like you have to explain yourselves to me, but you don't. I have a good enough idea of what happened, we don't need to waste time talking. I have something you all need to see." She walked toward the door, gesturing for them to follow her.

She lead them down the hallway and into another elevator, one that took them up to another floor. Down another corridor and she lead them into large room with three cells against one wall and the other wall lined with computers and desks with chairs. Everything looked very high-tech and emaculate. The cells weren't barred, but the fronts made of a clear blue glassy material. The insides of them were padded, with a small bench in one corner.

She walked over to the third cell, at the end of the room, and gestured to the inside. Laice sat curled into a fetal position in one corner. Her hair was limp and messy, her clothes clearly unwashed since the last time they saw her. She looked as if she hadn't slept at all, her eyes wide and bloodshot. There was a huge purple bruise tracing her jawline and down to her chin. When she saw them, she pushed herself but into the padded corner further.
Xu crossed her arms, her expression grim. "Someone pushed her from a car while we re-fueled at Deling day-before-yesterday. She was screaming hysterically and crying, out of her mind. We had to force her aboard Garden. She must have thrown up four times on the way up here."

She glanced at members of the group. "She won't let anyone touch her. She's stopped screaming, now she's completely locked up and won't speak. She won't eat or drink anything, she just sits there in the corner. She keeps gagging, but now only mucus comes up--if anything. I don't know what DotNA did to her, but I know they found out about her working for us, and I know they know about the gems now. There was a crumpled piece of paper shoved into her front jacket pocket that read, 'The New Age is upon us.'

"I don't know why they would do this to her if she fed you guys a false lead. And I don't know why the lead she gave you all lead you to the Angel Tear. I don't know which side Laice was really on, but she's going to be kept here until I can get some answers. I just don't understand any of it..."

Xu turned and took a few steps, seating herself in a chair. Her eyes were glassy with threatening tears. "They know about this mission, and you guys. Squall believes their next target is Deling, and our defenses are too weak to fight them away. They will take the city." she shook her head and glanced over at Laice. "C'mon." She ushered them out of the room and down the corridor.

"I do have another lead on the where the Emerald may be." she explained as she walked. "You'll leave for Dollet tonight. Go do whatever you want until then, I highly recommend sleep. Meet at the parking lot at 3am and I'll brief you there. If you have any questions, come to my office with them."

She turned and disappeared into her office, closing the doors behind her.

[junkuroki]

GC~

Gone was about to open his mouth when Xu spoke. Not really listening to what she was saying he just looked at her. Was it his imagination… or was the headmistress getting old? Didn’t she have any help? He was about to impulsively volunteer to become a secretary or whatever when Xu led them to Laice.

“Fucking DotNA! Why don’t you let me go and kill the lot of them! Harming a lady like that! Bastards will pay.” Gone growled, before walking up to the bars, not remembering the fact that all he did last time they say her was sleep, “Laice, love, what’d they do to you? I’ll kill them for you! Me and Nezumi, he’s a ferocious mouse.”

Soon after Xu led them away, and informed them that they would be heading to Dollet that night then disappeared back into her office.

“Heh, maybe better I didn’t get a chance to say anything. She doesn’t need my bullsh!t.” Gone grinned, trying to lighten the mood.

Turning to Jun, he grinned lecherously, a bruise was worth getting out of this funk. “So, love, Jun, darling, how’s about you come back to my room…? We could have some fun… and of course get some rest, much needed rest, in there somewhere. Maybe a few minutes before we head out again?”

Gone waited patiently to be slapped or kicked or something. He couldn’t remember if expecting pain made it worse, or less painful…? He didn't want to stick around to find out... now that he actually thought about it.

"Actually, Jun, love, sorry to disappoint you, but 'we' are going to have to wait. But I promise we'll get together." Sure Gone, try to act sauve. "I gotta go!"

Gone zigzagged across the hall, hopefully dodging anything thrown at him, and hurried back to where Laice was being held.

"Laice, honey, don't worry the safari's gone. No one's gawking at ya like a zoo exhibit, except me, and I'm gawking at you 'cause you are one fine looking lady." Gone said in a soft but cheery voice. He always thought that trying to get people to forget things for a bit was the best way to start healing, "Laice, you can talk to me if you want, but if you don't want to that's fine. I'll just stand here chattering to the silence till you either say something to shut me up or my lips fall off. I'm like the energizer bunny of annoyingly cheerful chatter." Gone laughed, keeping the volume done, and grinned at her hopefully.

[junkuroki]

Auria~

Laice stared at the corner opposite hers as he spoke. Every few words her eyes would dart toward him, the look of a terrorized child in them.

She suddenly lurched forward, her palms flat against the ground to support herself as her chest heaved, her mouth a wide "O". Gagging noises came from her throat, tears gathering at her eyelids. She collapsed forward, laying on the ground, clutching her stomach as a sob escaped her throat.

[junkuroki]

Auria~

Laice snapped back away from Stardust's touch and launched herself backwards, back into the corner.

"Get away!! Get away from me!!" she screamed hysterically. "Stop it!! Get out!! Get out of here!!"


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Reese walked into the cafeteria, which was nearly empty save for the two or three students scattered here in there, it being past dinner time already. He orded a salad at sat at an empty table for two, losing himself in thought.


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A frown etched it's way into Zacke's face and he pushed open the door to Xu's office, a kind of determination in his step as he walked inside.

[junkuroki]

Ani~

Stardust's eyebrows creased as soon as Laice backed away from her. The lady seemed to be terrified of something. What was wrong?

She took a step forward towards Laice. "Hey, calm down! I'm not going to harm you...What's wrong?"

[junkuroki]

Auria~

Laice pushed her back against the wall, resorting to animalistic screams and shouts. Her voice was hoarse, throat raw from shouting so much.

Just then a man in SeeD uniform opened the door. He pointed toward Stardust. "You, Miss, please back away from her. You guys need to get out of the cell. She's mentally unstable, and you're scaring her. She could lash out or something, c'mon now, out..." he ushered them out.

"Actually, she's pretty worked up. I think it's best if you both leave now. I'm observing so you won't have to worry about her being in here alone or anything."

He opened the door for them and waited for them to step out.

[junkuroki]

Ani~

Frowning, Stardust looked at the guard for a moment. She wanted to interrogate Laice but judging from her condition, it might not be possible for now. Casting one final glance at the crazy woman, she grunted and strode out of the cell, complying.


"I don't get it," mumbled Stardust as she walked out of the elevator.

/Same here./ Diwata agreed.

What did they do to her that made her change so differently? She folded her arms, weaving her way through the mass of SeeDs towards the Cafeteria. She guessed she would just take Headmistress Xu's words about Laice. The lady got confused, that was why they were misinformed.

Entering the Cafeteria, she made her way over to the counter and got herself a tray.

"Next!" yelled the Cafeteria lady just in time for Stardust to order. She didn't order much, just some fries, a small burger and a soda. And that was it.

/Well, whatever is wrong with Laice, we'll know it./ Diwata said after sometime.

Definitely. Stardust said, eyes darting the area for an empty table. She paused just as soon as she saw Reese eating quietly on the very corner. He was eating salad. A vegetable salad. She took a deep breath and gaited over to him.

Without saying a word, she pulled up a chair in front of Reese and sat on it, resting her tray on the table. She looked up at him, then hesitated.

"Uhm...Hey," greeted Stardust, then took a sip from her soda.

[junkuroki]

Auria~

Reese looked up from his salad when he heard Stardust speak.

"Hello." he said in monotone, not pleased, not dissappointed. Just hello. He looked back down at his salad and poked it with his fork.

"Still got your panties in a twist?" he asked, still looking at the salad. "Or is it boxers you wear?" he glanced up, a small smirk playing at the edge of his lips to show he was kidding.

[junkuroki]

Lily~

Jun gave Laice a concerned glance as she was ushered out of the room by Xu, along with the others.

She looked like a shadow of the smart, sassy lady they had seen yesterday. Jun couldn't begin to imagine what she had gone through, what kind of inhumane treatment she had been subjected to, to be reduced to such a state.

We'll get them for you, Laice. You won't suffer for nothing. She made a silent promise, angry tears almost springing to her eyes.

They stood outside Xu's office after she left them with instructions to meet at the parking lot tomorrow. The gloomy silence was suddenly broken by Gone, trying as usual to lighten up the atmosphere with some comments he apparently found humorous. Inevitably, Jun knew it would involve some indecent proposition directed towards her.

She stared in consternation at him, watching as he zipped through the hall. She didn't know why he always had to pick on her, of all the girls present. Did she have "TEASE ME GONIE" written in huge bold words across her forehead?

{Perhaps you're special?} Sapphy's comment was overshadowed by his raucous chortling.

OH You mean I've been too lenient on him? You're absolutely right! You're a genius Sapphy!

Their little group was soon dispersed, each person with his/her own agenda. Jun found herself in serious need of an ice cold drink, and headed for the cafeteria.

Picking up a soda from the counter, she spotted the table where Reese and Stardust were seated at. She headed towards them. But then she remembered what had happened earlier at the landing area in Fisherman's Horizon.

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh maybe I shouldn't.

Discreetly, she changed her direction, heading towards a table diagonally across them instead.

[junkuroki]

GC~

Gone waited until after Stardust had left before moving, first he crouched down in front of Laice. "Sorry about that. I don't blame you for being scared, Stardust is scary. She has anger problems, I think she was dropped on the head too much as a child. I heard that makes you angry... or was it dumb... I can't remember. But anyway I'm sorry she scared you, it wasn't very nice of her. Maybe I'll come see you again before we go. Bring you some real food. I was in prison in Esthar for a couple hours and let me tell you the food sucks worse than hospital food. But then again you probably shouldn't eat anything."

Hearing the guard dude clear his throat, Gone decided for once to listen to tact, and he got up and exited the cell. He stopped in front of the guard.

"It's good that she won't be alone, but if Stardust comes back maybe you shouldn't let her see her... I don't think I scared Laice half as much as her... and maybe if another girl with dark hair and crazy comes by you shouldn't let her in there either... or a guy with eyeliner... they'll probably all scare her again. And that wouldn't be good." Gone said to the guard.

[junkuroki]

Bun~

Tomoe caught Wolfe just as he passed by her on his way to the dormitories. His hands were shoved in his pockets, his head bowed, his jaw tight. When she touched his sleeve, he wheeled around and Tomoe stilled as his fist stopped mere millimeters from her face. He recognized her and relaxed, and Tomoe asked, "What's the matter with you?"

He shrugged, glanced back into the room they had just left. "The same thing that's the matter with her," he replied, obviously meaning Xu. "...I guess. I'm a little stressed is all. No need to worry." He shot her a wan grin, but it faded quickly.

Tomoe frowned slightly, studying him. "Stress never got to you before. Something else you'd like to tell me?"

Wolfe sighed, ran a gloved hand through his long auburn hair. "Just feeling shitty, kid," he answered softly. "I mean...all of this that's goin on...it's enough to keep everyone on edge. I've been tryin' to keep up, grin a lot, offer a joke...but..." he trailed off, then met her eyes, "I mean, I signed up for this not even knowing what the hell I was going against. It was all well and good jacking a truck and attacking Estharian soldiers with a Guardian Force. I was okay with Brooke what's-her-name. Failing our mission sucked, but I was okay with that, too. But...next thing I know, these DotNA f*ckers have taken a really capable Garden agent and reduced her to a quivering wreck." Laice. "It's crazy." After a moment's pause he shook his head and planted a kiss on Tomoe's forehead. "I think I'll just go get some sleep and try to get my thoughts straightened out. G'night, kiddo." And he ambled off, leaving her outside Headmistress Xu's door.

Tomoe watched after him, feeling older than she was, a feeling that had been with her since childhood. It was tiring, fighting all the time, only to fail, again and again...she knew how he felt, but she always pushed those thoughts aside. Work had to be done, there was never time to really think...Tomoe remembered Laice and lowered her lashes, hoping that something could be done to help Laice with whatever emotional and mental trauma the pro-Adel faction had given her.

When she raised her eyes, she realized how tired she felt. She needed to relax. Stretching her slender arms above her head, Tomoe followed Wolfe to the dorms. A shower first, then she would head to the library.

[junkuroki]

Ash~

Blaze watched silently as Xu tried to explain to them what happened to Laice.

They did more than try to run her over.

Blaze walked out of the office without saying anything and headed halfway towards the library, then she turned around and went straight back.

"...and maybe if another girl with dark hair and crazy comes by you shouldn't let her in there either... or a guy with eyeliner... they'll probably all scare her again. And that wouldn't be good." Gone was trying to explain to a guard at the door.

"Let me in." Blaze brushed past the two men and into the office where only Laice and Xu were present.

"here.. I believe this is yours." Blaze said to Laice, fishing for something in her pockets. Finding half a broken piece of eyeliner pencil, she held it up to Laice to see what she would do.