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"Well, one of three things. First, they could discover who or what the culprit is and destroy it. Second, they
wouldn't discover who or what the culprit is, and it would be filed as a passing-through-killer, or third . . ." I paused in my explanation, not wanting to startle her.
"Third?" she insisted upon my telling her.
"Third, they could be killed, or have to run for their lives. There's always that chance." I whispered.
"I'd rather see that they run." she sighed. "As long as they don't run and scream at the same time. I just can't picture the guys screaming!" she bursted into a fit of giggles.
"I see that you aren't taking me seriously. I'll take my leave now. I'm going to the library to read up on those Alondian ruins." I made my way to the door. I had my hand on the door knob when she finally protested.
"Look, I'm sorry, but you take all this mission stuff too seriously. I'll come with you. Maybe we can both learn something." she said. She followed me out of her dorm room.
A few moments later, we stepped into the Garden's immense library. The whole library was deserted, except for Abbey and I, and one other girl who was struggling to keep her eyes open as she read a Weapons magazine.
"Adrian!" Abbey exclaimed.
The weary brunette looked up suddenly, startled. "Hey," she drowsily beckoned for us to join her at her table. "You can help keep me awake."
"We're here to look up info on the Alondian ruins." I said.
"Yawn, that's a bore. Why would you want to read up on an ancient, extinct society?" Adrian replied.
Abbey sat down across from her as I searched the library for magazines and newspapers relating to the Alondian ruins. I returned shortly with a stack of newspapers and a few Occult Fan magazines. I dropped my load in front of them, and all three of us delved into the pile, searching for anything we could find.
"Do you know the Cetra?" Abbey asked suddenly. Adrian and I looked up at her.
"Only what Cloud has told us." I answered. Abbey shoved the newspaper she was reading in front of my face. In the middle of the page was a large article about the Cetra and the Alondians. I read it aloud, "Many millions of years ago there was a battle upon the earth between a visiting people(cetra) and those who had lived on earth all their lives(alondians) The Alondians were a people of peace, and could not feasibly put up any defense to the Cetra.
"They, Cetra, conquered the Alondians, and because the Cetra couldn't understand the Alondian's overwhelming psychic abilities, they forced them to renounce such powers, or be executed. Many of those who would not give up their powers fled and started up cities in various parts of the world." I looked up from the paper.
"Wow, Aeris's ancestors weren't very nice were they? So there is neither race left now? Aeris was the last of the Cetra, but who was the last of the Alondians?" Adrian questioned.
I glanced over the paper, and shook my head," It doesn't say. It only states that the race of humans now living are descendants of the mix. When a Cetra and an Alondian coupled their offspring had no magical qualities."
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
It was close to six in the morning by the time we split ways, Abbey and Adrian heading to their dorms, while I headed to the stables. These had been built special for me, after I had transfered from Galbadia Garden to further my training. It had surprised me that Headmaster Cid had acted upon this request, having never given to special requests before.
The only inhabited stall was occupied by a beautiful pure white stallion. He was mine, and he was Rayden.
He looked up at me with a dreamy look in his eyes. "Did I wake you," I cooed. I made my way to his stall. As usual, he stood still, watching my approach with a gleeful eye.
I was in his box stall within moments, and in a few more seconds, I was laying stretched out on the hay, with him laying beside me, keeping a watchful eye over me.
"It's been more laid back here , Ray" I whispered, using my affectionate pet name for him. "All we've been doing here is training, not fighting. Maybe we'll get our chance soon." Rayden snuffled my hair, and then leaned his head over my shoulder as if to remind me that there was no need to fight as long as we were together.
It was silent after that. I left my mind to empty itself of all thoughts and impulses. I enjoyed the few moments that I spent with Rayden, letting the time slip by precariously.
It seemed that I had dozed off. My eyes opened to reveal Headmaster Cid looking at me over the edge of the stall. "Andrea, come. We need your help." he said calmly, but urgently. My mind was too groggy to realize the true urgency of his voice. Slowly I stood up, using Rayden as a brace.
Cid chided me, "When I say we need your help, it means to get moving. Get Rayden ready now. Meet me at the Great Entranceway when you are ready." I looked at him with a mixture of shock and wonder. "We'll discuss your staying out past curfew later." he added as an after thought.