AN: Hi everybody, I have decided to rewrite my story: after several months of writing creatively with my studies I will be properly engaging in the art of fanfiction.

I would be greatly appreciated if people could take the time out of their busy life to review and offer constructive criticism

Just a little something…

Squall Leonhart- 19 years old, I will be basing him off his kingdom hearts appearance.
Rinoa Heartilly- 19 years old

Quistis Trepe-20 years old

Selphie Timmitt- 19 years old

Zell Dincht- 19 years old

Seifer Almasy- 20 years old

Irvine Kinneas- 20 years old

Willow Lucas- 19 years old

Dr Felicity Clemmings- 27 years old (OC)

Jackson Belmont- 43 years old (OC)

This story contains violence, fantasy themes, swearing and scenes of a lemony nature.

Disclaimer: I don't own final fantasy VIII, its original plot, and characters they belong to square enix, I make no profit from this.

This chapter only contains swearing

Thoughts= italics

Enjoy

Chapter 1- new beginnings

It was a crisp cold but sunny morning in Balamb garden. Misty dew glistened on the newly planted tulips and rose beds, the garden had recently undergone new and expensive renovations. The bell rang for an early assembly, it was September beginning of a new school year.

Rinoa sat on the recently constructed water fountains, the water was ice cold as Rinoa skimmed her fingers across the surface loving the raw bitterness of the element. She turned her head to the entrance of garden, the iron security locked and armed gates were open, wary and sobbing parents clutching their curious and nervous children decked in blue cadet uniform.

She felt like a survivor in a zombie movie, the older seeD students were wandering around with clumsy steps, half buckled uniforms and rosy faces. She too was feeling the effects of last night, not from the alcohol but Squall's intoxicating kiss, it had taken her completely by surprise, she never expected Squall to make the first move; but he had smiled so sweetly at her, grabbed her arm and pulled her to him, one hand cradling her face as he bent down to tentatively brush his soft lips against hers, it was magical but it was soon interrupted by Selphie laughing and pointing at them and Irvine saying dirty innuendos that had made them both pull away blushing wildly.

Squall had come into himself more since the night she met him; what seemed so long ago at his seeD graduation ceremony. So much had changed in the past few months, now that the smoke had cleared, Rinoa could fully comprehend her situation: she was a sorceress, a descendent of Hyne blessed with advanced magic that most people apparently hated and feared. These powers had been passed down or rather cursed upon by Edea however it wasn't all bad her and Squall had become inevitably closer so much so that she could feel a deep bond running through both of their bodies, she guessed it was to do with her sorceress abilities but not the why.

A sad sigh escaped from her lips, What would happen to her now, Rinoa's role her was finished, Timber had won its independence when ex-sorceress Edea had killed Vinzer Deling, president of Galbadia and all three gardens were steadily recovering from the missile attacks led by Seifer and Edea possessed by Ultimecia.

What about the kiss, he didn't confess to me and kisses don't necessarily mean anything, I know he cares about me more so than the others but he can't love me not after what i've become. Rinoa thought to herself.

With her mind made up, Rinoa followed the remaining cadets into the hall. Luckily the missiles didn't destroy the hall, it was a wonder of infrastructure the most beautiful out of all three gardens, whilst Galbadia and Trabia gardens were modern, Balamb was strictly traditional and professional; what you would expect from the founder and main establishment of seeD, the boys had to wear their uniform according to their rank at special functions and the dormitories were strictly separated into male and female floors, so any late night cuddling she hoped to do with Squall was unlikely to happen not that it would get that far.

Large crystal chandeliers hung from the patterned beams on the Victorian ceiling which depicted stained glass art. The hall was an amphitheatre, wooden pews layered up to the back of the room where the older seeD students were sat, the pews faced the stage where Headmaster Cid was sat with Edea to his left, her dainty motherly hands clasped on her lap and to Cid's right was Squall, two governors that she didn't recognise and Dr Odine, what was he doing here?

Rinoa's heart skipped a beat when her gaze locked on to Squall, she suddenly felt hot and sweaty, damn hormones. Squall had changed, his luscious brown hair was longer, coming down to his shoulders, he seemed taller and more stronger looking or maybe he had always been like that. Rinoa took the only available seat at the back, nobody noticed her even though her blue duster usually stuck out like a sore thumb.

Cid stood up to the podium, clearing his throat he announced "Good morning students, today is the beginning of a new academic year, as some of you are already aware there will be some changes to the garden and the way the course is overseen, your student ambassadors and instructors will tell you of these changes during your class review sessions, but firstly i'd like to introduce the faces sat alongside me."

He gestured to the left " This is my lovely wife Edea her role is to help with the younger students transition and any counselling or social issues that may arise" Cid indicated Edea to step up and take a bow her long raven hair falling down her shoulders, she was wearing a lilac dress that accentuated her slim and voluptuous figure, she sat back down clearly feeling uncomfortable with so many eyes staring at her some in awe others in hatred, no doubt remembering the terrible deeds she committed as a sorceress; if people's perception of soceri was bad beforehand it had become even worse since Edea's incident.

"Next I would like to introduce Squall Leonhart, the youngest commander in seeD history, he will be taking over advanced seeD and dual wielding training for those who are willing to push their boundaries after graduation and finally these two gentlemen and lady are new to garden so let's give them a warm welcome"

Odine stood up from the far side of the stage, his suit was to big for him, he had a severe bun pulled back from his head, accentuating his ageing face and ugly wrinkles, grey steely eyes locked on the students. "Zankyou headmaster for your kind gesture, my name iz Dr Odine, I have tranzferred from Ezthar to zet up a new guardian forcez programme, if anyone iz interested in an apprenticeship, pleaze come zee me" he said in a strong German accent.

Odine's eyes scanned the audience for Rinoa once he had located her, he gave her a disgusting smile and sat back down. Cid continued on with the introductions "Next is Jackson Belmont he is the replacement proprietor and in charge of garden finances he is also a professor of economics and business and will be handling the paychecks, which I know many of you are looking forward to"

Belmont was tall and thin, he was in his early forties and had fading blonde hair and a cruel glint in his grey eyes, he wore a tailored suit and looked like a ruthless politician. He just nodded in response whilst fiddling with his tie.

"And finally Dr Felicity Clemmings who will be joining Edea in counselling and assisting Dr Kadowaki". She was the kindest looking out of the three, average height and curly dark red hair with innocent brown eyes, she seemed a little shy so she remained sat down.

"Now that all the introductions are out of the way, the awards ceremony can begin, I would like to award a group of special seeDs for their valiant effort in defeating the sorceress Ultimecia"

Rinoa gasped in surprise, she didn't think he was going to to publicly announce the matter, Squall hadn't expected it either with the shocke expression on his face.

"Will the following seeD come on stage, Zell Dincht, Selphie Timmitt, Irvine Kinneas and Quistis Trepe" Zell was first he came bouncing up the steps of the stage, he had his seeD uniform on which you could see was a little tight although Zell was small he made up for it with muscle mass, he thumped Squall on the back before standing next to Cid. Rinoa slipped from her seat and started to move closer to the front keeping to the shadows, Selphie came clumsily down from her spot, her brown curly hair was shorter than usual exposing a hickey on the right side of her neck, looks like she and Irvine did get together last night. She skipped merrily to the stage smiled at Squall and Cid and stood next to Zell.

Soon after Ivine came jogging through the hall, unlike the others he was the only one wearing his usual attire he winked at Selphie as he jumped on stage. Lastly Quistis swiftly made her way to the stage as usual she always managed to look elegant even at six in the morning, whatever feud she and Rinoa had was officially over and Rinoa was glad to call her a friend although still a little envious.

"And finally Squall Leonhart". Squall stood up so that all five were in a line.

"Congratulations to all of you as a reward you have been upgraded to the golden residential suite and have your own master qualifications so you can teach the younger cadets on a substantial pay rise". The whole hall filled with a frenzy of shouts and wolf whistles, Rinoa tried to push her way through the crowd but the onslaught of commotion kept her barging her back, amongst the new cadets she heard some of them say 'to hell with the sorceri, kill them all'.

She was pushed all the way back to the hall where she was separated from the main body of crowd, she looked to the stage where she saw all of her friends laughing and shaking hands with Cid even Squall had cracked a smile. All of a sudden a red haze surrounded Rinoa's vision. What the fuck just happened? I know I'm not a seeD but can't I at least be acknowledged for my part in this after all I'm the one who has to live with a life changing condition and the stigma of being hated and feared all because of that stupid bitch… what the, where are these thoughts coming from?

Rinoa looked down at her shaking hands, strange intricate glyphs were appearing etched on to her hands, although faint she could see the spiralling movement of what looked to be words and runes, rage like she had never known clouded her judgement, the chandeliers were acting like pendulums making creaking noises as they pulled on the delicate chains keeping them attached to the ceiling, I wouldn't care if they were to fall and crush all those who wish to destroy me, the sound of glass smashing shocked Rinoa out of her reverie, without looking back she stormed out of the hall unbeknownst that someone was watching her.