#########################################################

2.1. [Laguna Dream Sequence Part Three: Winhill]

Enemies: Bite Bug, Caterchipillar

Draw Points: Curaga, Dispel, Drain, Reflect

#########################################################

Ellone comes to inform Laguna that a visitor is waiting for him at 

Raine's pub. Head on over there, where Kiros will make an appearance:

- (What's Ward up to?)

- (Tell me about Julia.)

- (...Where am I?)

- (Let's talk later...)

*spoiler here... skip this paragraph if you wish*

Laguna learns that Ward has quit the army and found a new cleaning job 

at D-District Prison, and of Julia marrying a certain Caraway after

Laguna failed to return.

Soon, Laguna has to leave for his daily patrols -- Kiros decides to 

join him. Junction your party before setting off.

Make your way to the southern-most edge of the village, and along the

way Kiros finds out Laguna's doing this to repay the residents who

helped him when he was brought in seriously injured. Kiros suggests an

alternate job at Timber Maniacs, which Laguna shows some interest in.

Retrace your steps back to the pub when you're done, where you'll hear 

a bit about Raine's feelings towards Laguna. Return to Laguna's 

residence thereafter.

Side events: The Caterchipillars here should net you Spider Webs if you 

missed them the first time around. Same thing with the Bite Bugs and 

their Magic Stones.

#########################################################

2.2. [D-District Prison]

Enemies: Guard, Elite Soldier, GIM47N, GIM52A, Geezard, Thrustaevis,

         Wendigo

Draw Points: Berserk, Thundaga

Magazines: Combat King 001 (1st Floor)

Blue Magic: Micro Missile

#########################################################

Zell awakens in the same cell as Quistis, Selphie and Rinoa. Talk to

everyone. And as for Squall, the wound has strangely disappeared, but

in comes Seifer to mess things up.

The scene will then alternate between Zell's party and Squall.

[D-District Prison: Cell]

The scene shifts to Zell and company again - should they help the 

Moomba?

- I'll stop him! *

- There's no use...

[D-District Prison: Torture Chamber]

Seifer questions Squall as to the real intention behind SeeD. Befuddled, 

Squall can only repeat in his mind what he knows: SeeD is a military 

group comprising of elite Garden graduates. Squall'll have to make a 

decision:

- ... Just let me die. *

- ... I'll lie... I must... live...

[D-District Prison]

Zell decides to try his luck at breaking out. Starting from the 7th 

floor (remember to junction your G.Fs!), head up one level to encounter 

2 guards. You know what to do with them, don't you? 

Another battle awaits with 2 old friends as well after you recover 

your weapons, and head back to the prison cell.

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

SUB-BOSSES: Biggs  HP: 2,130  Weak: Poison

                   Draw List: Cura, Haste, Slow, Regen

            Wedge  HP: 2,040  Weak: Poison

                   Draw List: Fira, Shell, Protect, Reflect

                   Total AP: 10

Spend some time drawing Regen and Reflect from them (the former works

well junctioned with HP; the latter junctioned to Spirit), and mug them

for a few decent items, too. Try casting 'Confuse' on them if you have

it, and watch their reactions should one of them attack the other ^_^

Send them to their doom with your G.Fs.

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

Well, you're left with 2 options after the fight: to go up or down. 

Going down results in a dead-end, but you'll find 'Combat King 

001' way down at level one, plus a few other goodies on the way in the

various prison cells. It's impossible to return here later, so you'll

have to make the trip now.

Floor 7: Here's where you start.

Floor 6: Just a save point here.

Floor 5: A man will play cards with you here.

Floor 4: Check the cells for a Tent.

Floor 3: There's also treasure here (a Pet House).

Floor 2: And here as well (a Pet Name Tag and a Str Up).

Floor 1: Save point, plus Combat King 001 in 2 separate cells.

Now make your way up again.

Floor  8: A man will sell you items here.

Floor  9: A Berserk draw point can be found here.

Floor 10: You can save or do Card Battle with a man here.

          (refer to Side events section)

Floor 11: A Thundaga D.P plus a chance to play cards.

Floor 12: Nothing here.

Floor 13: Head on over to the Torture Room to meet up with Squall.

If you refused to surrender as Squall, one of the Moombas in the

Torture Room will offer to remove one of the barriers on a certain

floor of the prison; choose the option for the 4th floor.

Side events: Mug the yellow GIM47N for Steel Orbs, whereas the (rare)

blue GIM52A nets you Missiles. These can be used to grant Quistis her

'Micro Missile' Blue Magic, which is deadly when used against enemies 

with high HPs. Both robots are weak against Thunder, by the way.

Winning at Card Battle against the player on the 10th floor lets you 

upgrade your 'Battle Report' system in the Tutorial screen. Basically,

this opens up a 'Character Report' section. You can only get it

upgraded here, but it really isn't vital to do so.

[D-District Prison: 13th Floor]

Zell will assist in controlling the movement of the Arm; ride it to 

the bottom (hit the red switch when Zell tells you to). 

Examine the door at the end of the passageway on the bottom level;

well, it appears to be a dead-end, so return to the Arm. The scene will

shift over to Zell.

You'll have to escape from the guards using Zell alone. Keep him well

-junctioned with G.Fs prior to this, and run in a clockwise direction.

The 6 are reunited; Rinoa however, is annoyed Irvine took his time

deciding to come. Either way, you'll have to divide yourselves into 2

groups.

Squall's party will simply have to keep heading upwards; do the 

opposite for Irvine's. When you finally reach the 14th floor as Squall, 

use Siren's 'Move-Find' party ability to find a secret save point.

Remember to keep everyone well-junctioned!

Oh, and be sure to talk to any Moombas you find on your way up. They'll 

give Squall some items. Head all the way to the lower-right on the 

15th floor as Squall.

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

BOSS: Elite Soldier  HP: 415  Weak: Poison  

                     Draw List: Fire, Thunder, Blizzard, Scan  AP: 2

BOSSES: GIM52A x2  HP: 2,426  Weak: Thunder, Earth, Water  

                   Strong vs.: Poison

                   Draw List: Haste, Slow, Dispell  AP: 3

You might want to junction Thundara to Elemental Attack, and off the

Elite Soldier first. Use Quezacotl against the GIM52As and attack them

with thunder-based damage. Watch out for their Micro Missiles, which

drains half a character's current HP. You can break their 'Aura' or

'Protect' status at the start via drawing and using Dispell on them.

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

Now return to the previous screen to examine the controls panel in the 

upper-right. Irvine will instruct Squall here. 

Go back downstairs to save, then head upstairs again to the bridge

in the lower-right. Cross it, and when the bridge starts to retract,

run Squall towards a safe spot.

The D-District Prison begins to sink; quickly maneuver Squall by simply

holding on to right on the d-pad when he gets cut off from the others.

Once out of danger's harm, the party leaves via stolen buggies.

#########################################################

2.3. [Galbadian Desert]

Draw Point: Aero

#########################################################

The first batch of missiles have been fired at Trabia Garden, with 

Balamb Garden being targeted next for destruction. Again, you'll have 

to split up: Squall heads the team to return to Balamb Garden to warn 

of the impending attack; Selphie's party is to infiltrate the Missile 

Base to try prevent the second batch of missiles from being launched.

I suggest you take your weaker characters with Squall, which in my 

case were Rinoa and Irvine. His scenario is the harder of the 2, but 

provides a greater opportunity to gain some levels. 

[Squall's Scenario Part One: Galbadia Desert Train Station]

Sneak off onto the train to your left at the station. Rinoa apologises 

to the Galbadian soldier as he attempts a futile chase after them.

[Selphie's Scenario: Galbadia Desert]

Return to Deling City first to restock your supplies and remodel your

weapons.

#########################################################

2.4. [Missile Base] (note: It's to the north-west of D-District Prison)

Enemies: G-Soldier, Elite Soldier, Geezard, SAM08G

Draw Points: Full-life, Blind, Blizzara

Magazines: Weapons Monthly June (BGH251F2)

#########################################################

Drive the car into the base, alight, then head on over to the structure 

to the left. Save and proceed to examine the terminal between the 2

doors... the left door should open. Enter.

Selphie and company will come across a guard outside the Circuit 

room -- choose the 2nd option to walk. After the short scare sequence, 

proceed further to reach another save point. Head to the lower left 

(there's a passage to the left of the stairs) of the screen.

Talk to the 2 soldiers you find to the right, then return to the 

previous save point. There'll be a door marked Launcher Lift to the 

right; enter it and talk to the guards within. Tell them that they 

have to leave for the Circuit room themselves (1st option). Btw,

there's a 'Full-life' Draw Point in here.

Retrace your steps back to the original 2 soldiers mentioned above, but 

they'll be unable to carry out the assigned task as well. Selphie will 

be asked to go in their place.

You can now enter the Circuit room. Selphie will screw around with

the controls a bit (select the 1st option, followed by the 2nd, then

then bash away using 'Square'), cutting off power to the base. 

Leave -- you'll have to respond to the guards outside:

- (What the heck! Let's FIGHT!)

- (... Try to talk my way out.) *

Selphie wonders what to say:

- (We just got here.) 

- (We were just about to go call on you.) *

Follow the guards into the Circuit room for a pummeling session,

courtesy of Selphie and company.

Head back to the Launcher Lift door, and attempt to enter it. A guard

should stop you; choose the 1st option both times at the guard to gain

access. 

Position Selphie in between the 2 soldiers pushing against the load,

then mash away at the 'Square' button to move the launcher unit in

place.

Now you get to toy around with the control panels outside; they're 

located underneath the red light, to the right of the Launcher Lift 

door.

Verify the Equipment (it should be BAG0003A cruise missiles) and Set

Target. Next shift the Error Ratio to the maximum, before Uploading the 

Data to the main terminal. Run a Simulation test, then exit the system.

There's a little gimmick here... at the Equipment screen in the system,

hold down both the 'Square' and 'Triangle' buttons, then press up or

down on the d-pad to get a dancing Galbadian trooper. Weird.

Save before proceeding to the Controls room, south-east of the control

panels. Talk to the guard there to get past him.

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

SUB-BOSSES: Base Soldier x2  HP: 781  Weak: Poison

                             Draw List: Blizzard, Silence, Confuse

SUB-BOSS: Base Leader  HP: 1,005  Weak: Poison

                       Draw List: Thunder, Confuse, Slow, Reflect

                       Total AP: 4

They're capable of casting status ailment spells on your characters, 

but just draw Reflect to protect yourselves. Not too tough.

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

Check the panels to the right, middle and left to stop the launch. Go 

through the door in the right background, then examine the terminal to

the upper left. Activate the self-destruct sequence and set time to 20

minutes. The door to the lower-right of the screen should become usable,

allowing for a short-cut (this only happens when you select 20 minutes

or below). Leave the base.

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

BOSS: BGH251F2  HP: 8,200  Weak: Thunder, Earth, Water  

                Strong vs.: Poison

                Draw List: Shell, Protect, Stop  AP: 20

Junction Thundara, Quake or Water to elemental attack to 2 offensive 

orientated characters, and have the remaining one cast Quezacotl. 

Once you destroy some of the pillar-like structures on it, the BGH251F2

will retaliate with Beam Cannon, so watch your HPs. Draw Protect and

Shell if you so wish to cut down on damage taken.

Once the BGH251F2 is effectively put out of action, you'll have to

combat 2 Galbadian Soldiers and an Elite Soldier, so save some time to

spare on them. The whole fight should take you no more than 10 minutes.

Basically, if the G.F. summoning character has a high Magic rating and 

affiliation with Quezacotl, this battle shouldn't give you too much 

problems. The 'Boost' G.F. ability, coupled with a turbo controller 

works fine too. 

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

You'll get your June issue of Weapons Monthly after this fight, and if 

you successfully bluffed your way through in the Base, your SeeD Ranking 

will also be raised by 2.

Yes, it is possible to so in the Missile Base. Mess up, that is. If

you should get busted, simply head for the Controls room, activate

the self-destruct sequence, then make a run for the exit. I advise

you have Diablos' 'Encounter None' party ability equipped first.

Upon reaching the exit, Selphie will insist on shutting down the

missile launch system; head back to the Launcher Lift door to find a

wounded soldier, who'll give you his ID card and password (he won't

appear if you don't attempt to escape first) if you answer his

question using the 1st option.

Examine the controls panel nearby, then enter 'EDEA' as the password,

and make the necessary adjustments. Leave the base. 

#########################################################

2.5. [Squall's Scenario Part Two: Takeover at Balamb Garden]

Enemies: Bite Bug, Glacial Eye, Caterchipillar, Bomb, Grat, T-Rexaur,

         Granaldo, Grendel (Balamb Garden)

         Buel, Blood Soul, Blobra, Tri-Face (M.D Level)

Draw Points: Cure, Esuna, Demi, Blizzard,, Full-life

Blue Magic: LV?Death

Weapon: Maverick (Zell)

#########################################################

Talk to the Garden Faculty, who'll question Squall's allegiance. Select 

the 2nd option, which results in a pretty easy fight. Proceeding 

further into Balamb Garden, the party'll chance upon Raijin and Fujin, 

who explain that the Master Party is attempting a takeover of Balamb 

Garden.

Squall has to look for Cid, so start your search in a clockwise 

direction. Remember to rest up and save when you reach Squall's room. 

The enemies you encounter here can be difficult. In clockwise order:

Infirmary: 1 Granaldo.

Quad: 1 Glacial Eye and 1 Bomb.

Cafeteria: 1 Bomb. This one holds the 'Meltdown' spell; draw a few

           of them before killing it.

Dormitory: 1 Caterchipillar. Rest up and save here.

Parking Lots: 1 Grendel. Mug it to get Dragon Fins; now you can

              remodel Zell's weapon (1 Dragon Fin, 1 Spider Web).

Training Center: 1 T-Rexaur. Cast Blind, followed by Shiva's Doom

                 command ability or G.F Shiva.

Library: 1 Grat. 

Some of the students here will give away items as gratitude, so be

sure to talk to them. You should reply with the 1st option prior to

all the fights. Incidentally, all the battles in the 7 facilities on

the 1st floor of Balamb Garden have to be triggered before the

following event occurs:

Returning back to the Main Lobby, Squall spots Xu entering the lift. 

Tail her to the 2nd floor corridor, where Squall will inform her of 

the ensuing missile attack. She suggests taking this matter to Cid 

on the 3rd floor, so off you go.

Cid recalls a device in the M.D Level of Balamb Garden which might

protect it from the missiles. Squall promptly takes up the idea, and

Cid gives him the key to the basement. Take the elevators.

[Balamb Garden M.D Level]

Check out the control panels after the lift hangs, then the floor 

plate in the upper left to escape. The path ahead is pretty much 

one-way... you'll eventually enter a door to find a mounted wheel. 

Squall has to turn it within 10 seconds (mash away at the 'Square' 

button), but you'll probably need 2 persons to actually succeed. 

Exit back to the previous screen and climb down the newly uncovered 

ladder.

You should come across a huge pillar structure (and an Full-life draw 

point). Head left, where Squall has 3 choices as to who'll scout 

out the place:

- (We have no choice, let's go.)

- (I'll go check it out.) *

- (Someone else go check it out.)

Ascend the ladder, then activate the green controls panel to the right

when you reach the Switch room. Use the same ladder (1st option) to

get out.

Irvine will comment that that was a close shave:

- (Yeah.)

- (Kind of.)

- (No.)

I'll leave this up to you. Next, examine the green light near the 

railings to open a path downwards. Descend and save, then throw the 

nearby switch to open the gate in the background. Proceed.

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

BOSSES: Oilboyle x2  HP: 4,035  Weak: Fire  Strong vs.: Water

                     Draw List: Esuna, Blind, Cura, Confuse  AP: 20

Summon Ifrit to make short work of them. If you do receive any maladies 

from them, draw and use Esuna to cure. They're pretty fast, so you might 

want to cast 'Slow' on them if your character has a poor affiliation 

with Ifrit. Watch your HPs.

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

Go through the door, down the ladder, and then move left. Examine the 

middle panel and you're done.

Side events: The rare Tri-Faces here (3-headed purple nasties) have 

Curse Spikes which can be obtained via mugging. These give you Quistis' 

'Level ? Death'. All enemies in the M.D are weak against Fire, so you 

might want to set fire spells to Elemental Attack.

#########################################################

2.6. [Mobile Balamb Garden]

Draw Points: Bio

G.Fs: Leviathan (Norg)

Rare Cards: Seifer (Cid)

#########################################################

Make your way to the end of the corridor on the 2nd floor to reach the

2F Deck, then head to the 3F Command Bridge when Xu tells you to.

If you have Rinoa in your party, you'll get an additional FMV scene

earlier on, plus a small event afterwards which I'll outline below:

Rinoa enters Squall's room to take a peek at the latter sleeping. When 

he awakens, she requests for a tour around Balamb Garden, which Squall 

obliges. 

Of course, Squall's robotic-like style of explaining the various 

facilities leaves Rinoa quite amused... Dr. Kadowaki at the infirmary 

will teasingly question Squall if he's taking a stroll with his 

girlfriend:

- Yes.

- No, just showing her around. *

I think you'd better be honest here ^_^ Head to the Main Lobby when 

you're done. A Garden Faculty will instruct Squall to head to the 

Master Room for an audience with the Master (duh), so take the 

elevators to the basement.

Tip:

You'll want to have someone equipped with the 'Draw' command if you're

looking to acquire another G.F soon.

[Balamb Garden Basement: Master Room] 

(note: You can save, if you want to, before tackling this event.)

*major spoiler here... skip this paragraph if you wish*

The Master is furious that Squall has failed in his assassination 

attempt, and blames the party for the earlier missile attack, which

was undoubtedly Edea's idea of taking revenge. Norg plans to appease 

Edea by killing off SeeD, its members, and her husband, Headmaster Cid 

of Balamb Garden...

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

BOSS: NORG Pod (Center)  HP: 2,000  

                         Strong vs.: Thunder, Poison

                         Draw List: Cura

BOSS: Right Orb  HP: 2,701  Strong vs.: All Elements 

                 Draw List: Dispell, Confuse, Slow

BOSS: Left Orb  HP: 2,701  Strong vs.: All Elements

                Draw List: Thundara, Life, Bio  

BOSS: NORG  HP: 11,900  Weak: Wind  Strong vs.: Poison, Thunder

            Draw List: Shell, Protect, Esuna, Leviathan

            Total AP: 20

Initially, NORG will not be directly in the fray of the battle. Rather, 

have 2 members attack the 2 orbs to keep them from turning red (they're 

capable of some pretty nasty spells if they're that colour), leaving 

Squall to destroy the NORG Pod of the machine. I'll suggest you 

'Mug' the 2 eyes, as they offer items which can boost your Magic and

Spirit rating.

Either way, once the NORG Pod is nullified, NORG will reveal himself; 

draw G.F. Leviathan from him first, then follow up with a multitude of 

wind-based spells, Demi magic or G.Fs.

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

G.F. Leviathan has the 'Recover' command ability, which heals a

single character in battle back to maximum HP for free.

[Balamb Garden]

Cid's not in his room; you can find him at the infirmary, where Squall 

can ask him more about the events which had just transpired:

- (I want to make a report.)

- (The real meaning of SeeD.)

- (About sorceress Edea.)

- (About Master Norg.)

- (About what to do next.)  

*spoiler here... skip this paragraph if you wish*

Cid reveals that both Garden and SeeD were Edea's ideas before she 

became a sorceress, and are sponsored by Norg, a rich Shumi. SeeD's 

actual purpose is to defeat the sorceress of each era, and now it has

come down to this... Cid plans to restore order back to Balamb Garden

before anything else.

Return to the Main Lobby's Directory Board to meet up with Xu; Squall

decides to check things out when a mysterious ship is sighted

approaching Balamb Garden. Head to the 2nd Floor Deck.

The SeeD members on board the ship asks of Squall to locate Ellone -- 

she can be found at the Library. When Squall asks about the dreams of 

Laguna, Ellone can only offer one hint: that was in the past.

The next day, Rinoa arrives to offer some comfort to Squall. Take the 

1st option to stroll with her. You'll have to head to the 3rd floor 

after the collision; Cid dispatches Squall to survey the streets of 

Fishermans Horizon, as well as to apologize to the Mayor. Make your

way to the 2F Deck. Incidentally, Cid holds Seifer's card; be sure to

win it from him (he's rather good at Card Battle though...).

#########################################################

2.7. [Fishermans Horizon (F.H)]

Enemies: SAM08G, GIM47N, G-Soldier, Elite Soldier

Draw Points: Regen, Shell, Haste, Ultima, Full-life

Magazines: Timber Maniacs (FH Hotel, Repair Shop)

           Occult Fans Vol. III (Master Fisherman)

Rare Cards: Quezacotl (Dobe)

Blue Magic: Gatling Gun

#########################################################

Here's a map of Fishermans Horizon:

                                                        (dead end)

                                                      |

                                                      |-Repair Shop

          Mayor's                            Train----|

           House                            Station   |

             |                                        |

             |                                        |

             |                                        /

             |                                       /

             |                               Hotel--/

             |                                     /----Junk Store

             |------------------------------------/      (Docks)

           Crane

             |

             |

              \

              |

              |

              /<----Ladder     

             |        | 

             |        |

             |        |

          Balamb    Fishing (Master Fisherman)

          Garden     Perch

Along the path, you should spot a ladder (it's kinda hard to see, 

actually) leading downwards. Descend from there and follow the trail to 

an elderly gentleman, who's a bit annoyed with the crash. Choose to 

apologize to him (1st option) for the 3rd Volume of Occult Fans.

Converse with the Master Fisherman again; he'll ask of a favour from

Squall.

Return to the original path and take the crane. The Mayor's house lies

right in the center of the solar dish, but I suggest you take a right

1st to explore the streets.

Pick up an issue of 'Timber Maniacs' at the Repair Shop, which is the

shack at the side of the route leading to the fenced-off highway, and

yet another issue on the 2nd floor of the F.H Hotel.

And head for the Docks for an amusing scene with the Fisherkid and

the owner of the Junk Store.

Save before meeting up with Mayor Dobe, but he'll greet Squall with a

cold reception before bundling them out of the house. Be sure to draw

'Ultima' from a hidden draw point found here. Dobe also holds G.F.

Quezacotl's card.

F.H will be under siege by the Galbadian army just as Squall leaves. 

Retrace your steps back to the Mayor's house to obtain more information.

Save your game, and run around to encounter a few SAM08Gs. Mug

Running Fires (Fang Machine Guns) from them. These give you Quistis'

'Gatling Gun' Blue Magic. You can also refine a single 'Running Fire'

to 40 Demolition Ammo using Ifrit's 'Refine Ammo' menu ability.

Head on over to the Plaza in front of the Train Station:

- (Go help.) *

- (Listen a little longer.)

Squall will have to contend with a few Galbadian soldiers, but they 

offer little resistance. Their demise heralds the arrival of a very 

familiar boss...

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

BOSS: BGH251F2  HP: 6,900  Weak: Thunder, Earth, Water  

                Strong vs.: Poison

                Draw List: Shell, Protect, Stop  AP: 20

Use Quezacotl, Leviathan on it and any Thunder based spells. Steal

Adamantine from it as well. This should be a snap. There's a chance of

halting most of its attacks if you manage to successfully cast 'Blind'

on it.

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

The gang is reunited here... and Squall lets slip his relief at seeing 

the trio from the Missile Base safe. Rinoa comments that that was very 

nice of Squall (even though unusual!):

- (It's because I felt responsible.)

- (I was really glad to see them.) *

- (It didn't mean anything.)

You might want to share a few words with Mayor Dobe as well -- it's

the 1st, then the 2nd choice to keep the conversation going.

Talk to Grease Monkey at the Repair Shop, then head for the Docks

for yet another scene with the Fisherkid. Save your game, and ride

the Crane back up. You can go back to Balamb Garden if you so wish.

Side events: After meeting up with Irvine, go speak with the Master

Fisherman (the one who gave you Volume III of Occult Fans) who's still

at his fishing; he'll ask of Squall to meet him at the Hotel.

Return to F.H, but head for the Plaza in front of the Train Station.

If you previously conversed with the Cafeteria Lady at Balamb Garden

up to the point when she mentions her son, talk to the man in a white

shirt and blue trousers here thrice:

- (Isn't he Dr. Kadowaki's son?)

- (Isn't he the cafeteria lady's son?) *

- (Isn't he Xu's son?)

Go to the Repair Shop for a scene with a Galbadian Officer. Leave the

Shop and re-enter, then talk to Grease Monkey for a 'Mega Phoenix'.

Make your way to the 2nd Floor of F.H. Hotel. You'll view a very

interesting holographic display involving Dobe and Fishermans Horizon

there. Choose to accompany the Master Fisherman a bit longer (2nd

option).

Head for the Docks for a small event, and agree with the Master

Fisherman's opinions (1st option) during the course of the scene. Talk

to him afterwards and pick the 2nd option for a Megalixir.

#########################################################

2.8. [Balamb Garden: Garden Festival]

#########################################################

Locate Selphie at the Quad:

- (Cheer her up.) *

- (Let Irvine handle it.)

Meet up with Cid now, where he'll confer the status of 'Commander' 

to Squall, much to the latter's exasperation.

[Fishermans Horizon] 

Squall's friends decide to hold a small concert for him, and you have 

3 tunes (and 8 instruments!) to choose from:

- Guitar

- Saxophone

- Electric Guitar

- Piano

- Violin

- Flute

- Bass Guitar

- Tap Dance

Tune A: Guitar, Violin, Flute, Tap Dance *

Tune B: Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Saxophone, Piano

Tune C: Any jumble of the 8 instruments other than the 2 above

Using Irvine, pick Tune A as your performance piece. Incidentally, you

can run off in the midst of this scene to visit the rest of F.H.

[Balamb Garden]

Rinoa invites Squall to the concert:

- (... I'm not in the mood.)

- (... I don't know.) *

Make your way to F.H.

[Fishermans Horizon]

You can hit 'Square' to change the view at the stage, or simply 

proceed right to move the plot. Whichever tune you chose determines 

the outcome of the conversation between Rinoa and Squall.

Tune A (folk song): A smooth ride, no misunderstandings.

Tune B (ballad): A bit uneasy, but still okay.

Tune C (jumble): Both Squall and Rinoa feel uncomfortable.

*spoiler here... skip this paragraph if you wish*

Rinoa tries to convince Squall that the people around him genuinely 

want to help him, but Squall still feels that he doesn't need to depend 

on others, fearing that the blow will be too great to take if he loses 

them. Rinoa tells him then to cherish every moment when his friends are 

around... and not too worry too much about what's to come. This 

seemingly softens Squall a bit; Rinoa assures him this is really how 

they feel about him right now.

[Balamb Garden]

You'll have to make another trip to the 3rd floor Bridge, upon which

the next destination will be decided: Balamb City. Talk to Nida to get

things moving.

I suggest you check out a few previously unreachable areas prior to 

Balamb City.

While not exactly the best air-ship you've ever encountered before in

the Final Fantasy series (it's way too sluggish, takes up too much 

space and has atrocious climbing abilities -- read: none at all), 

Balamb Garden will be your main mode of transport until you reach the 

later parts of Disc Three. The controls are:

For the U.S version:

D-pad/Left Analog-Stick: Changes direction ship is facing

Right Analog-Stick: Moves ship forward or backward

Start: Brings up the bar that toggles the rumble feature on/off and

       pauses the game

Select: Toggles the World Sphere/Map on/off

X: Dismount from the ship

Triangle: Reverses ship

Square: Accelerates ship

Circle: Return to 3F Command Center of Balamb Garden

R1: Rotates the camera clockwise

L1: Rotates the camera anti-clockwise

R2: Switches between view points 

For the Japanese version:

D-pad/Left Analog-Stick: Changes direction ship is facing

Right Analog-Stick: Moves ship forward or backward

Start: Brings up the bar that toggles the rumble feature on/off and

       pauses the game

Select: Toggles the World Sphere/Map on/off

Circle: Dismount from the ship

X: Reverses ship

Square: Accelerates ship

Triangle: Return to 3F Command Center of Balamb Garden

R1: Rotates the camera clockwise

L1: Rotates the camera anti-clockwise

R2: Switches between view points 

#########################################################

2.9. [Timber Revisited 2] 

Magazines: Timber Maniacs (Timber Hotel)

#########################################################

You'll find 2 children playing at the bridge, above the railway track 

which runs towards the East Academy Station and Dollet. Sometimes 

you'll find the girl on the track; when Squall approaches her, the 

sound of a train heralds impending doom for the girl... until Squall 

saves her. You'll be back at the Hotel after the rescue, but get 

nothing for your efforts. Well, except maybe for the warm, fuzzy 

feeling that you've made a difference in someone else's life...

Pick up a copy of Timber Maniacs from the Hotel here if you have yet

to do so.

You can also plunder a measly 500 Gil from 'Owl's Tears' now. Have 

Squall repeatedly examine the cupboard underneath the television. You

can do without this, though.

Also, pick up 'Girl Next Door' from the Timber Maniacs Building if 

you haven't done so already.

The chap outside the Timber Maniacs Building has something to give you

if you encouraged him to go for his dreams of becoming a journalist

previously: a Pet Nametag.

#########################################################

2.10. [Winhill Revisited] 

Enemies: Vysage, Lefty, Righty, Blood Soul

Draw Points: Curaga, Dispell, Reflect, Drain

#########################################################

This quiet rustic town is located to the south of the Galbadian 

continent, not far from D-District Prison and Timber. Winhill offers

only one optional event: The Fragments of the Vase. Initiate this event

by talking to the owner of the mansion north of the town. He can be

found on the stairs.

1st piece: Repeatedly examine the suit of armour in the mansion, which 

           is to the left of the huge flower pot. The small chicobo 

           within should give up the 1st piece. You must re-enter

           this mansion with Irvine in your party to trigger this

           event.

2nd piece: Follow the old lady into her flower shop, and reply 'yes' 

           (1st option) when she asks Squall whether he likes flowers. 

           Locate the 2nd piece among the flowers in the foreground.

3rd piece: At the Chocobo Crossing sign mid-way through the town, you 

           can bully the small chicobo by hitting the 'X' (U.S) button

           or 'Circle' (Japanese) button when it's at your feet. It'll

           throw up a variety of items each time you do that; one of

           them should be a vase piece.

4th piece: Go back to Raine's apartment. Squall should talk to the new 

           owner on the 2nd floor twice before returning to the bar on 

           the 1st floor. Search the cups on the tables, and Raine's 

           spirit should appear. Examine the cat afterwards for the 

           final fragment.

You'll get a rather lame gift for this event: 1 Holy Stone from the 

mansion owner.

Side events: The Vysage (Baiseeji Hands) are rare enemies which

sometimes can be found on the outskirts of Winhill. They're capable of

casting high level spells such as Meteor, Tornado and Quake, but G.F.

Siren's 'Silent Voice' should render them helpless.

Steal Life Rings from the left hand (Lefty, to be exact). Under Siren's

'Life Magic Refinement' menu ability, each one of them gives you 20 Life

spells. Try junctioning this to Status Defense or HP.

You might encounter a seemingly invisible adversary while combating

the enemies in the Winhill region; it's an UFO, actually. I'll detail

this side event later on in Disc Three.

#########################################################

2.11. [Balamb City under Siege] (note: You should probably take Zell along

                                     for this event)

Enemies: G-Soldier

Draw Points: Cure, Thunder

G.Fs: Pandemona (Fujin)

Magazines: Combat King 002 (Raijin, Fujin)

Rare Cards: Zell (Ma Dincht)

            Pandemona (Hotel Owner)

#########################################################

The Galbadian sentry lets Squall through on account that the latter has 

information regarding Ellone. Check out the houses here (especially

Zell's) before proceeding to Balamb Hotel. Talk to the guards there.

It seems that you'll need to find the Captain 1st. Head to the docks 

and converse with all the soldiers. Take note of the dog here, too.

Squall discovers that the Captain has just left after fishing from here.

You'll also find a Tabloid Guy hidden in the lower-right corner at the

docks. You can buy information from him, but it'll lower your SeeD rank.

Head back to Zell's house (you can rest up and save here). The Captain 

has just used the kitchen, and upon exiting make your way to the train

station. Talk to everyone there.

Proceed to the docks. The dog there will lead Squall to the Captain,

who's currently at the train station. Meet up with Raijin, and pursue

him back to the Hotel.

Tip:

You've to draw a G.F pretty soon; be sure to equip the 'Draw' command.

Alternatively, you can simply ask the Tabloid Guy hiding at the harbour

for a 'gold' clue; he'll bring you straight to the Captain. This brings

down your SeeD rank, though. Another method would be be hang around and

do nothing for about 15 minutes; by the time you re-visit the Hotel the

Captain should be back.

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

BOSS: Raijin  HP: 9,200  Weak: Poison  Strong vs.: Thunder

              Draw List: Thunder, Thundara, Shell, Protect  AP: 10

Get rid of his 2 flunkies by summoning a G.F, then concentrate your 

attacks on him. Raijin has a high offensive capability, but that's 

easily countered by casting 'Protect' on yourselves or using a 'Blind' 

spell on him. You can mug 'Str Up' from him.

BOSS: Raijin  HP: 10,800  Weak: Poison  Strong vs.: Thunder

              Draw List: Thunder, Thundara, Shell, Protect  AP: 12 

BOSS: Fujin  HP: 8,100  Weak: Poison  Strong vs.: Wind

             Draw List: Aero, Cura, Life, Pandemona  AP: 10

Start off by drawing G.F. Pandemona from Fujin and casting 'Blind' 

on Raijin. Concentrate on removing Raijin first. Fujin boasts of a 

deadly skill, 'Sai' (Shatter), which reduces your HPs to 1, so be wary. 

Junction 'Bio' to Elemental Attack if you so wish. Also, both bosses 

offer 2 items which you can steal: a Str Up from Raijin and a Megalixir

from Fujin. You'll receive 'Combat King 002' after this fight.

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

G.F Pandemona is one of the few G.Fs which offer Spd-J. Being able to

act multiple times before the enemy does is invaluable.

Both Raijin and Fujin re-assert their stand by saying they're doing 

this for Seifer. Upon leaving, Squall acknowledges that some things 

cannot be prevented; anyone could be your ally or enemy. Then again, 

what of this strange feeling right now...?

Side events: To get out of town during the siege, talk to the girl

in the house next to Zell's, followed by the Big Bad Rascal in Zell's

house twice. Return to the neighbouring house, converse with all the

people inside, then leave.

Talk to the guard near the Car Rental shop, but DON'T close the message

screen. Let the people outside finish their motions, and eventually the

Big Bad Rascal should teach you a method to get out (just talk to him

basically) when you exit back to the previous screen.

After resolving this sequence of events, try challenging the residents

here to Card Battle. Ma Dincht (Zell's mother) holds Zell's card, but

she'll only play it if Zell's in your party. The Hotel Owner outside

the Balamb Hotel holds Pandemona's card.

#########################################################

2.12. [Winter Island: Shumi Tribe Village] 

Draw Points: Ultima, Firaga, Blizzaga

G.Fs: Phoenix (Phoenix Pinion)

Magazines: Timber Maniacs (Inn OR Artisan's House)

#########################################################

This is located on the northern-most continent of the world... it 

should be highlighted on your map if you spoke to the owner of the 

Repair Shop at F.H. Enter the spider-like structure.

3 Shumis will be guarding a Draw Point, and you'll have to cough up 

5,000 gil just to use it. I think it's worthwhile though -- you'll 

get Ultima, possibly the best spell in the game. Be sure to return 

here every now and then to stock up on this one. Proceed further on 

to the elevator when you're done.

The 1st structure you come across in the village should be the Inn. 

This one holds an issue of 'Timber Maniacs' plus a save point. However,

this copy seems to alternate locations; try looking in the Artisan's

House (4th building from right) if you can't seem to find it.

The 2nd building is out-of-bounds, and the 3rd houses the Elder. You

won't be seeing him now though.

Instead, head to the left-most Workshop, where a statue of Laguna is

being constructed. The Shumi there asks of Squall to pay a visit to 

the Elder, so do as he says, and return back here (the Workshop) after 

your 1st meeting with the village head. The sculptor here requires a

few materials to complete the statue (5 special stones to be exact),

and Squall has to play treasure-hunter.

After finding a stone, you'll have to return it to the Workshop before

locating the next one:

Blue Stone: Among the granite-looking rocks behind the Laguna statue, 

            to the left.

Wind Stone: Among the boulders to the left of the Inn.

Life Stone: Beneath a huge tree right of the Elder's house. You'll need 

            to do a bit of climbing to reach the rock among the roots.

Shadow Stone: Take the elevator up, and explore the circular stone ring 

              directly opposite to the 'Ultima' draw point. You should 

              find it in the top right corner.

Water Stone: In the sink of a resident's house, the one closest to the 

             Shumi Workshop. It's in the sink next to Artisan.

             You can also find a Water Stone at the pond near the above

             -mentioned resident's house, but it's a fake one.

Give these 5 stones to the sculptor and the Elder will present a 

'Phoenix Pinion' to Squall. This summons the G.F. Phoenix once when 

used in battle, which revives any fallen comrades as well as giving 

moderate fire-typed damage to all opponents. G.F Phoenix will

continue to appear randomly in battle for the rest of the game.

#########################################################

2.13. [Centra Ruins Region] (note: The southern islands on the map)

Enemies: Armadodo, Bomb, Buel, Blobra, Forbidden, Red Bat, Tonberry

Draw Points: Drain, Aero, Pain

G.Fs: Odin

Rare Cards: Odin

#########################################################

On the upper half of the Centra region, if you ignore the island with 

the 3 narrow cliffs sticking out into the open sea, the rest of the 

islands to the east should form a ring around a patch of water. 

Look for a yellowish-brown diamond shaped structure on the 

south-eastern island of that ring, around the Centra Crater region.

It might take a while to find the ruins; use your map.

You have exactly 20 minutes to seek out Odin and defeat him here, so 

I'll advise you come prepared with Diablos' 'Encounter None' party 

ability. Try to have a few Aura stones (or spells) at hand, or simply 

have Squall at critical status with the ability to perform his 

'Renzokuken' before coming here. A high offensive rating for him 

wouldn't hurt as well. You'll have to rush here, so I'll adapt a 

point format:

1.  Starting place. Head into the background.

2.  Stairs ahead. Ascend using them.

3.  Circular statue. Go clockwise around it, climb the stairs behind.

    Take the right path after ascending the previous steps.

4.  Go all the way into the door in the background.

5.  Ascend the steps to get to the platform, which acts as a lift.

6.  Take the left ladder to the top, and enter the opening. Activate 

    the switch.

7.  Climb down again, examine the bluish altar, and take the opened

    right path (not ladder!) this time.

8.  Follow the spiraling steps until you reach a circular platform.

    There's a short ladder nearby -- climb it, head to the right and 

    pluck out the red jewel from the eye of the statue.

9.  Descend back, follow path leading upwards to the right.

10. Climb onto the green dome to reach another statue. Put the jewel 

    in to obtain a random 5 number password. Memorize it, or write it

    down on paper. Next, take out both red jewels.

11. Return to previous statue in point 8. Put both jewels in and enter 

    the password you received in point 10.

12. A door should open below. Enter to face Odin.

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

BOSS G.F: Odin  HP: 18,400  Draw List: Stop, Death, Double, Triple

                AP: 20

Just have Squall unleash his limit break and you'll take him down 

easily. Besides, he won't attack you until the timer finishes. You 

might want to stock up on a few 'Triple' spells here if you've got 

time to spare, and make sure to mug 'Luck-J Scroll' from him.

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

Unlike your regular G.Fs such as Ifrit or Carbuncle, Odin cannot be

junctioned; rather, he appears at random at the start of a normal enemy

encounter. When he does, he'll instantly dispatch every single opponent

with a success rate of 100%. Very convenient. Don't expect him to come

help during boss battles, though.

Side events: Try to engage a few Tonberries in combat here! They're 

always found around the circular statue mentioned in point 3 above. 

Save before you do so, and use Squall's Renzokuken to defeat them 

quickly. You should get Chef's Knives from them. Quistis' 'Micro 

Missile' works well on them too.

I'll cover the usage of Chef's Knives later on in Disc Three, when 

you have to return here to pick up another G.F.

#########################################################

2.14. [Kashkabald Desert] 

Enemies: Abyss Worm, Cactuar, Chimera

Blue Magic: Aqua Breath

Weapons: Twin Lance (Squall)

#########################################################

You should find a huge patch of land known as the Kashkabald Desert to 

the east of the Centra Ruins. Cactuars appear here, and each 1 when 

downed nets you 20 A.P. You'll need a high Speed and Hit% rating 

before you try to defeat them, but they're worth it. Remember to 

return here occasionally to build up your G.Fs' abilities! Cactuars

are known as Sabotenders in the Japanese version of ff 8.

Incidentally, the 'Cactus Thorns' you receive from them can be refined

under Ifrit's 'Refine Ammo' menu ability, to produce 40 Demolition

Ammo for Irvine's desperation.

You might encounter an UFO here; this side event will be detailed

later on in Disc Three.

Chimeras rarely appear in the desert too. They occasionally drop Water

Crystals, which lets Quistis learn her 'Aqua Breath' Blue Magic, or

you can mug 'Red Fangs' from them. Combine 2 Red Fangs with a Dino

Bone (T-Rexaur at Balamb Garden's Training Center) and 12 Screws for

Squall's 'Twin Lance' if you so wish.

Fastitocalon-Fs on the shores rarely drop Water Crystals, too. If

you're lucky enough to encounter the adult version called Fastitocalon

(you'll know it when you see it), mug them for Water Crystals.

#########################################################

2.15. [Trabia Garden] (note: Check your map; it's towards the north)

Draw Points: Thundaga, Zombie, Aura

Magazines: Timber Maniacs, Weapons Monthly August

Rare Cards: Selphie (Selphie's friend)

#########################################################

Just follow Selphie, and when she meets up with her ex-classmate at the

gargoyle statue, Squall is asked if he's been looking after Selphie:

- (Not really.)

- (Just play along with it.)

It doesn't really matter which option you select.

Her ex-classmate holds Selphie's card, by the way. The 'Random' rule

enforced here might make things difficult, though.

Squall leaves Selphie alone for now; you can meet up with the rest at 

the basketball court. Do so by taking a left from the statue, another 

left at the makeshift dorms, then following the one-way path. Or you 

could stray off and explore the other areas of Trabia Garden, 

converse with the survivors and get information. I suggest you do 

the latter first.

In the flashback scene at the basketball court, you'll be controlling 

Squall at one time. Proceed upwards to head for the beach. In another 

scene, talk to all the children before heading through the door on

the right.

*spoiler ahead... skip this paragraph if you wish*

The party questions the necessity for bloodshed... but they know that 

conflict is inevitable. Irvine recalls his childhood, spent at an 

orphanage. This triggers off more memories for the other members, which 

reveals a startling fact long forgotten -- Edea was their matron at the 

orphanage. 

Side events: The cemetery at Trabia Garden hides an issue of Timber 

Maniacs. Apart from that, there's also the August issue of Weapons 

Monthly.

You'll have to talk to a student to the right of the dorms, who'll hint 

at the existence of a hidden treasure... starting from the gargoyle 

statue, take exactly 5 steps south and search the ground. You should get 

your copy. If you have trouble finding it, simply tap 'X' (U.S) 

or 'Circle' (Japanese) repeatedly around the area south of the statue...

the game isn't too particular about where you examine.

#########################################################

2.16. [Trabia Region] 

Enemies: Bite Bug, Gayla, Mesmerize, Snow Lion

         Blue Dragon (Forest, appears rarely)

Blue Magic: Acid

#########################################################

The new enemies around the Trabia region you'll encounter include 

Mesmerizes (pink horses with a blade on their heads) and Gaylas (black 

striped flying creatures). The former offers Mesmerize Blades up for 

grabs, the latter the spell 'Meltdown' at levels 30 and above. Also,

the Gaylas drop Mystery Fluids -- these allow Quistis to learn 'Acid'.

Tip:

Meltdown spells are extremely useful in the sense that they cause an

opponent's Vitality (defense) rating to drop to zero. They're also

excellent when junctioned to Vitality.

Mesmerize Blades can be refined under Carbuncle's 'Recovery Medicine

Refinement' menu ability to produce Mega Potions. These heal everyone

in your party for 1,000 HP.

If you manage to come across a Blue Dragon, mug it for Fury Fragments,

or defeat it to make it drop Dragon Fangs. They're really rare though.

Btw, you can kill them easily with a 'Death' spell. Forget about the

Snow Lions; they aren't worth the time you spend killing them.

You might come across an UFO while fighting in the Trabia Heath

Peninsula region; I'll detail this side quest later on in Disc Three.

Just around the Trabia region will be a couple of dome-shaped Chocobo

forests. You can choose to visit them now, but I'll only detail this

side-quest in Disc Three.

#########################################################

2.17. [Shumi Tribe Village Revisited] (note: It's located to the north

                                           if you dont't remember)

#########################################################

A visit to the Workshop here reveals that more manpower is required to 

complete the statue. Converse with the Elder, then speak to the Moomba

outside his house. Follow the fur-ball to the Workshop.

After the short sequence, visit the Elder again, then retrace your

steps back to the Workshop. Talk to the Elder's Attendant inside. Next,

head for the house beside the Workshop and converse with the Artisan

by the sink, before finally making a trip to the Elder once more; it

appears that Artisan will need a little bit of coaxing to lend a hand.

[Fishermans Horizon]

A quick trip to the Repair Shop near the train station here yields a

small scene with the owner, and Squall receives a Moomba Doll.

[Shumi Tribe Village]

Talk to the Elder, then the Artisan in his house. He should agree to

help now. Converse with the village head one more time before leaving

to receive a Status Guard item. 

#########################################################

2.18. [Miscellaneous Updates Part One] 

Blue Magic: Aqua Breath, Degenerator

Rare Cards: Pandemona, Siren, Quezacotl, MiniMog, Zell, Quistis, Rinoa 

Weapons: Punishment, Twin Lance (Squall)

         Gauntlet (Zell), Bismarck (Irvine), Red Scorpion (Quistis),

         Cardinal (Rinoa)

#########################################################

The next dungeon is quite combat intensive; I'll provide you with a 

weapon upgrades check-list here, plus any other items you may want to 

get in preparation for future battles ahead.

{Weapons}

Squall: His 'Punishment' should be obtainable now. You'll need a Chef's

Knife (defeat a Tonberry at the Centra Ruins), 2 Star Fragments (get 4

Iron Giant - blue armoured monsters with a huge blade - lv. 5 cards), a

Turtle Shell (steal from Armadodos in the Tomb of the Unknown King) and

8 Screws (Geezards in the Timber or Galbadia regions).

Btw, T-Rexaurs in Balamb Garden's Training Center rarely drop Star

Fragments, too.

Alternatively, his weaker 'Twin Lance' requires 1 Dino Bone (T-Rexaur in

Balamb Garden's Training Center), 2 Red Fangs (mug Chimeras in Kashkabald

Desert, Centra region) and 12 Screws. 

Zell: His 'Gauntlet' requires a Dragon Skin (defeat - not steal from - 

level 30 and above Anacondaurs in Roshfall Forest, north of Timber) and

a Fury Fragment (use 'Card Mod.' ability to modify 4 Blue Dragon - 

bluish-green scaly dragons with a yellowish underside - lv. 4 cards).

Blue Dragons are also found in Trabia's forests, albeit rarely. Mug

them for Fury Fragments.

Irvine: A 'Bismarck' requires a Steel Pipe (steal from Wendigos in the 

Galbadian deserts and Roshfall Forest or modify a lv. 5 Elastoid's 

card), 4 Dynamo Stones (modify 4 Blitz lv. 4 cards - metal warriors 

armed with a hammer or defeat level 30 and above Creeps in the sewers

of Deling City to make them drop the items) and 8 Screws. You can

wait until later in Disc Three for an easier time locating Dynamo

Stones, though.

Quistis: 2 Ochu Tentacles (gigantic green and pink plants in Roshfall 

Forest - low encounter rate) and 2 Dragon Skins for her Red Scorpion.

Rinoa: She needs a Cockatrice Pinion (steal from high level Cockatrices 

in the forests of Timber), a Mesmerize Blade (Mesmerizes in Trabia 

region) and a Sharp Spike (scorpion-like monster Grand Mantis, lurking

in the stairway leading to the sewers in General Caraway's Estate in 

Galbadia) for her Cardinal.

Selphie: You can't really get her Crescent Wish now, but you'll do 

yourself a favour by stealing a Life Ring from Lefty that roams the

Winhill area, and 4 Sharp Spikes from the Grand Mantis first.

{Blue Magic}

Quistis' Blue Magicks: You can learn her 'Aqua Breath' by defeating 

high level Fastitocalon-Fs (orange fish-like creatures on the shores of 

Balamb, rarely drop Water Crystals) or Chimeras in the Kashkabald Desert

(low encounter rate) to receive Water Crystals. 

If you haven't already done so, modify Gesper (gigantic blue-headed 

monsters) lv. 1 cards to receive Quistis' Degenerator. This blue magic

takes out a single enemy instantly with a pretty high success rate.

If you're having trouble finding the cards either for remodeling your

weapons or receiving Blue Magic items, try playing Nida, who's at

the control helms of Balamb Garden. He carries decent middle to high 

level normal cards. Another person would be the bartender at Aphrora

pub in Timber.

{Rare Cards}

Rare Cards: These are totally optional, and some are reminders.

- Get G.F. card 'Pandemona' from a man standing outside Balamb Hotel.

  He appears at random.

- Get Quistis' card from any of the Trepe Groupies at Balamb Garden,

  i.e. the girls at the 2F Classroom.

- Win Zell's card from his mother at Balamb City. Zell must be in your

  party first.

- Lose G.F. Ifrit's card to General Caraway at Deling. He'll play 

  Rinoa's card in the next round. You can get back Ifrit's card from 

  Martine, who's sitting outside the Mayor's house in Fishermans

  Horizon. To make sure you lose Ifrit's card to Caraway, play 4 weak

  cards along with Ifrit's; when you lose, Caraway should take Ifrit's

  card.

- Mayor Dobe at F.H has G.F. 'Quezacotl' card.

- A kid circling the 1F of Balamb Garden has a 'MiniMog' card.

- The Master on the 2F Dollet Pub has G.F. 'Siren' card.

#########################################################

[Centra Region -- Cape of Good Hope] (note: It's down south)

#########################################################

Pilot Balamb Garden towards the Orphanage (use your map) to trigger 

off a confrontation with Edea's Garden, which is hovering nearby.

#########################################################

2.19. [Invasion -- Balamb Garden]

Enemies: G-Soldier, Elite Soldier, Paratrooper, GIM52A

Blue Magic: Micro Missile

#########################################################

You'll have to swap your G.Fs around quite a few times here, or simply

use Diablos' 'Encounter None' party ability to save yourself the

trouble. Be sure to save beforehand.

Squall is informed of Galbadia Garden's presence in the vicinity. You 

have to give a set of orders to the students, before Squall is ordered 

downstairs. Here're the available commands:

- (No orders/End.)

- (My feelings on this.)

- (The Garden's course.)

- (Prepare for the attack.)

- (Prepare our defense.)

- (Call my comrades.)

- (What to do with the hot dogs.)

- (Take care of the junior classmen.)

Give out your commands in this order: 'The Garden's course', 'Prepare

for the attack', 'Prepare our defense', 'Call my comrades', 'Take care

of the junior classmen' and 'No orders/End'. Add a few more if you

like... Nida won't like it, though ^_^

Meet up with your companions, and after directing everyone to their

positions on the 2nd Floor, head for the Quad. Zell'll be assembling

the troops. Return to the 3rd floor, where both Gardens will mount a 

massive attack on each other.

You'll be controlling Zell's party now. Head back to the western wing 

of the Quad, where a collision will throw Rinoa off the platform. Leave

her for now, and make your way to the Front Gate to meet up with Squall.

If you haven't already done so, the GIM52As in the vicinity carry 

Missiles, which allow Quistis to learn her 'Micro Missile'.

You'll have to form a party of 3:

- Selphie, Quistis

- Quistis, Irvine

- Irvine, Selphie

Squall is a compulsory character here, whereas Zell is assigned to 

rescue Rinoa. When you're done, head back to the Garden and take a 

left to reach a save point. Junction your members before moving to the 

2F classrooms via the elevator. You'll have to combat 4 green 

Galbadian paratroopers here. 

They're pretty quick (and nasty) on the offensive, and have 'Demi' 

magic available for casting. You should be able to take them out with 

a G.F or 'Death' spells, but if you get low on health, using your

limit breaks is a good idea. Talk to everyone in the classroom before

leaving.

Nida requires Squall's presence on the 3rd floor bridge. Squall

predicts that Balamb Garden will not be able to hold off the enemy for

long; he decides to carry out a last-ditch attack on Edea's army.

Proceed to the 2nd floor when you're done.

Squall is asked to look for a missing child -- you can find him towards 

the end of the corridor on the 2F, but in the resulting melee Squall 

gets knocked down by a trooper. He'll pin Squall against the wall. Hit 

'X' (U.S) or 'Circle' (Japanese) to reveal 3 choices, and take the 3rd

one for Squall to notice the emergency hatchet. Press the same button

again, then select the 2nd option to unlock the door. You'll get

involved in a mini-game.

Controls:

[u.s version]

X: Punch

Triangle: Kick

Square: Block

Circle: Deathblow (appears later)

[japanese version]

Circle: Punch

X: Kick

Square: Block

Triangle: Deathblow (appears later)

Squall'll start off at a disadvantage with lesser health (check the red 

bar at the lower-left corner for his HP), and the 1st time you 

experience this mini-game it'll prove to be a little tricky to win. 

Basically, there're 2 methods to get past this.

Method 1: Mash away at the 'Punch' button straight from the start. If 

you're fast enough, Squall should cut off every single attempt to 

retaliate from the trooper. If the opponent starts to block repeatedly, 

kick him.

Method 2: Hold 'Block' until the 'Deathblow' command appears. Press 

the specified button to knock off two-thirds of the trooper's health,

and finish him off with a flurry of punches and kicks. You can choose

to reverse the order here (meaning, smack him with a few punches,

then hold 'Block' until 'Deathblow' appears).

#########################################################

2.20. [Invasion -- Galbadia Garden]

Enemies: G-Soldier, Elite Soldier, Creeps, Jelleye, Death Claw,

         Blitz, Tri-Face

         Slapper (Ice hockey rink)

Draw Points: Aura, Protect, Life, Shell, Haste

G.Fs: Cerberus, Alexander (Edea)

Rare Cards: Cerberus

#########################################################

Once Rinoa is rescued, you should begin by heading left. Both Squall 

and Rinoa share a moment outside the Garden's compound, and the latter 

thanks Squall for saving her life, with a slight hint of her feelings 

towards her savior ^_^ Name your ring (Griever), then select the 2nd 

option to enter Galbadia Garden together with Rinoa. Take note of

the hidden Aura draw point in the background; use Siren's 'Move-Find'

party ability to locate it.

Inside, save and re-organize your party (junction everyone accordingly).

Take a right, then another right in the next screen to reach the stairs.

Going upstairs, you'll come across Raijin and Fujin, who'll choose to 

leave Seifer in the hands of Squall. Go left from there and enter a 

door on the right to get your 1st Card Key (talk to the male student).

Side events: The Death Claws (furry monsters carrying 4 blades) have

a useful spell at levels 30 and above -- Reflect. This works well

junctioned to the Spirit parameter. The Slappers here (demi-human

ice hockey players) are probably the best sources of EXP you've

encountered so far.

Return to the save point, then take a left, and enter the left door. 

Run across the ice hockey rink and exit through the door on the right 

(the left door holds a 'Life' draw point, btw). The next area has an 

entrance opposite to where Squall is. Enter and converse with the 

student inside to get your Lv. 2 Card Key. Retrace your steps back to 

the save point.

Proceed right to the stairs (where you met Raijin and Fujin), and 

climb it to the rooftop (3F). Leap down onto the tennis court, and head 

left. The next region should be familiar to you -- just keeping moving 

down (ignore the stairs on your way) until you reach the Main Hall of 

Galbadia Garden. A G.F. boss will be waiting for you in the center.

There's a save point to the east side of the Hall, btw.

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

BOSS G.F: Cerberus  HP: 10,000  Strong vs.: Wind, Thunder

                    Draw List: Quake, Double, Triple  AP: 30

This puppy likes to cast 'Triple' on itself (undo this by using 

'Dispell' on it), 'Tornado' and 'Quake' on your members (junction Quake

to Elemental Defense or cast Float).

Beat it around with a few 'Demi' spells and anything else non-wind nor

thunder elemental related. Draw a few 'Triple' spells from it if you

can; they act as pretty good spells for junctioning to any parameter.

Cerberus carries a 'Spd-J Scroll'; be sure to mug it.

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

Cerberus boasts of the Spd-J ability, in addition to its ST-Atk-J,

ST-Def-J and Auto Haste.

Once you've received Cerberus as a G.F, make your way to the south-west 

exit. Take a left in the next screen and converse with a female student 

to get a Lv. 3 Card Key. Retrace your steps back to the stairs you 

passed earlier on, and ascend from there to the 2nd Floor. Move left 

from there to reach an elevator. Use it to get to a save point... and 

your awaiting adversaries.

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

BOSS: Seifer  HP: 10,000  Weak: Poison  

              Draw List: Fira, Thundara, Dispell, Haste  AP: 20

He's a bit tougher this time around. You'll want to counter his high 

attack power by casting 'Protect' on your allies (Seifer seems to 

concentrate all his attacks on Squall, btw), but generally, his magical 

prowess can be ignored.

Once Seifer gets down to half of his total HP he'll start using his

'Demon Slice', which deals out a pretty hefty sum of damage to a

single member. Keep two (or one) allies as healers, and attack Seifer

using Squall, or whoever has the highest offensive rating. I generally

take Squall since his Gunblade offers critical hits.

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

Return to the 2F, then head right from the stairs. Proceed anti

-clockwise to find an invisible save point (use Siren's 'Move-Find'

party ability to see it) a bit further down. Enter the Auditorium to

your right.

 Tip:

The upcoming battle sees another drawable G.F up for grabs; make sure

someone's carrying the 'Draw' command.

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

BOSS: Seifer  HP: 7,400  Weak: Poison

              Draw List: Fira, Thundara, Dispell, Haste

He's weakened in this confrontation, but take time to steal from him 

before finishing him off. You'll have to fight him and Edea 

consecutively, so don't dawdle too much.

BOSS: Edea  HP: 15,000  Draw List: Blizzara, Demi, Esuna, Alexander

            Total AP: 50

Draw G.F. Alexander from her before anything else, and follow up with 

Shell on your members. Edea's capable of a few pretty nasty spells, and

has 'Death' at her disposal. Attack her with Diablos, and be sure to

leave a character on standby to revive those hit by Edea's 'Death' spell.

Defeat her quickly, or you'll run yourselves into trouble.

Edea's 'Maelstrom' is a gravity-based attack which takes off half of

each member's current HP, in addition to causing status ailments.

Also, take note that summoning G.F. Carbuncle doesn't work anymore; 

Edea will simply endow herself with a 'Reflect' status as well and 

bounce spells off herself. Break that with 'Dispell'.

Cheap Alternative: You should have picked up a few 'Meltdown' spells 

from the Gaylas in the Trabia region, and 'Aura' spells from a draw 

point in Trabia Garden. Cast Meltdown on Edea and Aura on Squall -- one 

Renzokuken should be all that's needed to down the sorceress.

Press the 'Circle' (U.S) or 'Triangle' (Japanese) button repeatedly to

have Squall's limit break icon appear if he's in critical or Aura

condition, and has a full time bar.

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

G.F. Alexander holds 'High Magic Refinement' menu ability; you can refine

5 middle class spells to a single upper class spell, i.e. five Cura

spells to one Curaga. Its 'Revive' command ability works like a

regular Phoenix Down, but without the added costs.

*** END OF DISC 2 ***