Disclaimer:
I don't own Final Fantasy VIII, I just own my fantasy so don't sue me :D
Really, It belongs to Square Soft! (now square enix)!
Enough about that, now let's jump to our story…!
(anyway, I'm angelic crystal, feel free to review, any kinds of it. Should I repeat it again? No need to pay to read, just review, please. :D)
Prologue
She woke up lazily. 5.00 a.m; still too early. She rose up from the bed and opened up the windows. Looking at the orange-reddened sky far to the east, she was quietly thinking. Another ordinary day of Quistis Trepe...
She quickly did the wash, taking a bath as a part of routines, and made a quick glance to the mirror. Well everything's changed so fast these years.
What she saw was the usual grumpy-round face with messy thin blond hair which once was so adorable. Her hair became too fragile, falling in this and that place. And she didn't even have the time to take care the remaining part of it. So, she did the cut not so long ago. Unfortunately, it didn't make her any prettier. She gained so much weight too. And after quitting her former work, she rarely did any kinds of physical exercise so that now she was just some another fat and average-looking woman. And instead of an -extremely neat and confident brilliant instructor, bright looking girl with beautiful face and adorable long blond hair and sleek body which make almost girls envied by- she was once, who stood in front of her now is an average fat ugly woman with short dull blond hair hanging freely to her shoulders, with pimples here and there with face lack of integrity or hope, with a depressive looking blue eyes, and a pale skin. She touched the mirror briefly and shook her head. Nah, no need to think the past. She brushed her hair and grabbed her purse. Lying on her bed was a wrinkled out of date newspaper with a circle red marked around the headlines: "A Brief Sight of War Crime In Deling"- with a certain old photograph of a man she used to know. She did a brief glance on it.
Please, be safe... and shook her head again. It's over.
Without intending to make up the room, she quickly left her small room, grabbing a big bread, passing the front door quickly, and left the house. She was not going o late for the job and she didn't want to risk it. she was once a strong willed girl, an almost perfect girl, an instructor, a hero of late war, a proud young talented fighter, and everything. Now she was just a 25 year old helpless girl bar of a newly opened pub in isolated town of Trabia who must strive everyday just to get her food settled. And everyone knew she loved to eat. How she could get the work with the current appearance was a huge mystery. Everyone knows that a girl bar was supposedly to look slim, beautiful, and attractive... and she wasn't. She sighed. How life could turn upside down so easily. But she didn't care anymore. It's already a great thing that she could still alive. Or not great at all.
I want to die, but hell no! Not yet...
With a still grumpy face, she entered the pub and familiar alcohol scent rose up to her nose.
-O-O-
[I used to rule the world.
Seas would rise when I say the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemies eyes
Looking at the crowd would sing
Now the old king has dead long live the king!
One minute I held the key
Next the wall was close on me
And I discovered that my castle stands upon pillars of sand pillars of salt
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword my shield
My missionaries in the foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once there was never never a n honest word
That was when I ruled the world
It was a wicked an a wild wind
blew down the door to let me in
shattered windows in the sounds of drums.
people couldn't believe what I'd become
revolutionaries wait for my head on silver plate
just a lone puppet on string
oh who would ever want to be king ?]_[coldplay, viva la vida]
He woke up shouting. Sweat all over his body. He inhaled the air quickly and let it out. Finally he came into full consciousness.
That dream again.
He felt a sharp pain on his right arm and realized that the bullet was the one who in fact woke him up. Being an excellent well- trained soldier he was, he reacted fast and could defend himself. he was actually surprised to find himself surrounded by Galbadian soldier. It was noisy. People shouting, but still in a half consciousness he did his best to save himself. He didn't have to understand what happened yet his body reacted faster. What he need was just to save himself from the mess, alive, and then think it over.
Of course Galbadian army didn't match for him.
He killed them and before the back ups came he managed to escape.
shit ! I must go as fast as I could. how could I fall asleep there ? he mentally slap himself for his recklessness. He moved his body and took his gunblade which he hid carefully under the garments. He stared briefly at the surroundings. Dark and stink. Street at Deling city at night. What would you expect?
He rose up and started to run. It is too risky. But I don't have any options.
-but before he could run too far, he saw light that blinded him. The silence and transient peace broke, and he felt he was shot again. His former wound already bleeding and now he got more; and he caught himself in such an unlucky position.
Trapped. Is it the end?hell no!
His mind became more and more cloudy. He tried to do his last limit break, but before he could, he was shot again.
dor ! dor ! dor!
One more last chance... this is it... I couldn't die just yet.
dor!dor!dor!
He had known that limit break before, but he was certain it wasn't him.
...since when did I use fire ?
"no mercy."
Dark.
-O-o-O-
[the view changed to a beautiful sunrise]
A blond man was looking at the beautiful scenery. Years have passed... now even Winhill is not that quiet anymore. He gazed at the newly town square far ahead, and the manufactures buildings not too far to the east. He stretched his arms. But it's good for the business. Lisa would surely glad about it. Man! Maybe I should try to work at that manufactures? or even moved to FH ? I feel totally helpless...
He dug the soil. He spread the seed. Seed? What a terrible word. But this seed will make a good one, at least make my Lisa smile brightly. C'mon! Grow up, ok ? so I'll get the money to feed us. Then he looked at another direction, the white lilies were growing finely. And that made him smile. He actually never imagined himself ended with the least job he liked. He sure hated flowers and never was fond of plants like corns. He was always the rough fighter. A man of battle who covered his hands with blood instead of took care of flowers and corns passionately. It was a job of farmer, and he was not. But I am now. He dug the soil again and finally stopped to sit. He didn't realize that it's been hours, and now the sun had already risen higher. Almost lunch? He gazed again at the surrounding, with minds wandered everywhere. He punched the earth as he remembered that dark memory when the most important person he had, died in front of him. They killed Ma, in front of my eyes...but nothing I could do!damn!
"Clive! Here you are ! mom is calling yoo...!", a soft voice of a 5 year-old girl distracted his thought.
"Hey! I've told you not to call me that! it is unfair, y know? It's 'daaad', got it ?", he was going to catch the already running girl.
"No...coz you're not !", she then burst in laughter and run faster.
Not intending to really catch her, he followed her quietly to their house. It was a small house with an old un-maintained inn on the right part of the building.
He entered the small house which already opened and shut the door. The scent of food already stimulated his brain and he knew he was going to finish it fast.
He smiled at the woman with a ponytail there. She was a beautiful young woman older than him for a year, with a modest feature, beautiful face and petite figure. Her hair was deep brown and its length passed to her shoulder but she was almost always tied it neatly as ponytail.
"Looks like the lunch is ready..."
Every times he looked at his innocent wife, he felt a little guilty not telling her the truth about his past. But revealing it wouldn't make her any happier.
"Yes, that's why I called you. And beside... there is something..", but she stopped, seeing that innocent 5 year old girl who has already had her soup.
"What?"
"Never mind... ", she smiled sweetly and offered the bowl.
He looked at it. Only a clear soup with only vegetables on it. He looked at the little girl. Now she was busy with the spoiled bread. Even it has yeast already on one side. A sad feeling crept in his heart. It's not that because he's not thankful and wanted a more luxurious god sake, he was a former soldier, and a soldier was used to difficult life. The taste was great too. God knows that this is great ! Too great... but I just...
"Lisa, I ..I'm so sorry... I promise I'll make you happy someday...I-"
"What are you talking about ? ...is it the soup?"
"Listen, I'm going to FH this day. I heard that white lilies price a lot there. There will be some kind of ceremonial in uh- Delling."
He felt a heavy feeling saying that word. He didn't want to go to that place again ever in his life. After quick erasing his mind from whatever memory he had on that place, he continued , "That's why lilies will be sold high. And- and I promise I'll get a good job and we could even move there!", he ended it with a big enthusiastic smile.
The woman sighed. But before she could talk, the little girl who had already finished her lunch shouted in happy tone "Mom... I'm going to Jan's house, ok?" and ran outside.
"Be sure to back before 4, ok? good girl?", she replied.
"OK!"
The two adults gazed her, surprised and quite annoyed by Ann's innocence, and then stared at each other again.
"How many times do I have to tell you ? I'm already happy. We can still keep going on. There's no need to worry..."
Now he held her hands.
"I'm going to FH."
She didn't like the idea, and she felt extremely worried about it
"We don't have to move from here... the inn is already enough for us. And we get enough from the corns."
-it is not.
"And the idea of going to FH just for selling flowers... what a joke, Clive. The fees is much higher,ok? I maybe a village girl, but I'm not fool."
"Ann will need to go to school too. She's 5 years already. And our little angle..", his word was halted by sudden crying of baby from their bedroom. Oh, no. it's not a baby. She's already 1.5 years old.
"I'll take care of her."
Then the mother went inside the room. That left the blond man sitting alone in the dining chair, deep in his own thought.
It's not enough. Eating spoiled-molded bread and clear soup everyday... I know what called 'enough'. Then his mind wandered again to the times when he was still work as an elite mercenary... money was sure an easy issues... in fact he was used to get high salary and all the facilities and luxuries.
Now even I couldn't feed up my family...
He was once a hyperactive-cheerful-energetic boy but now he was just another phlegmatic man in his late 20's.
It's kind of unfair...
I was a hero, but now...
He grabbed the bread which already had green spots on its edge and ate it..
Then suddenly he thought of his former best friend and commander whom he saw his picture on the wrinkled newspaper he found in the town square yesterday. It was torn and dirt, but he could still know his friend's face clearly. After all, the old picture was taken long ago, one of those few pictures of him since he had always been hated the idea (those were always in his formalities and most of them were the press work since he was such a famous and important person); and from the headlines you could directly tell who it was.
Man... how are ya right now?
He felt a huge guilt that suddenly filled his mind.
But before he could think more, Lisa had already gone out of the room and approached him.
She kissed her husband and said , "it's ok. "
...no, it's past time. No need to think anything about it now.
"What?"
"If you want to go.., it's ok. You'll be... a father again... soon."
"really?"
Now he got more reasons to get a better job.
I promise, Lisa.
That afternoon he kissed his baby forehead and said goodbye to his wife for FH. Lisa was worried about it like her husband would go and never come back, but she kept it alone and smile instead. "...good luck. Inform me soon, honey."
"Don't worry. It's just FH. By this week, I'll see you again.. Take care."
"Sure. I have Ann here. She'll be back before sunset. You are… the one who should take care yourself.", she smiled again. Clive could see doubtful in her eyes. For her, he always been the clumsy and too-kind man.
"I know how to protect myself."
Then when he stepped out from the Winhill gate, he secretly wore his old knuckle gloves, the first time he did in these past 3 years.
-O-o-O-
[one minute I held the key
next the door was close on me
and I discovered that my castle stands upon pillars of sand pillars of salt]
That dream again. He finally could open his eyes. His body felt ached all over the place.
It was so dark and he couldn't replace where he was. He tried to grabbed his gunblade wherever it could be.
"relax, it wouldn't go anywhere... you're awake at last."
That voice ! he finally struck into realization. His body was tensed and he was ready to fight for defense. After all, trusting anyone was kind of difficult and the last thing he'd do right now after everything shattered. He looked at that familiar figure who was not that different in appearance from the last 8 years he saw, despite being older and his white trench coat looked dulls and torn in some places. Even his haircut was the same one and the legendary scar was still there perfectly. It's actually a total contrast to himself who was nothing like he had always been.
"Seifer!"
"Relax, Squall. I don't feel any kinds of mood to kill you right now. Well, looks like you are still that idiot puberty boy like the last time I saw you. How could you calmly set your foot on Deling ?"
I must. I must get the information. I can't just hide doing nothing. The brunette looked at the blond. He realized that he was also bleeding and wounded.
"...where is this? How could-?"
"Forest near Deling. We aren't safe yet. I casted curaga on you many times but you didn't revived. Man... you're just heavy."
Squall eyeing him suspiciously and he realized that Seifer looked extremely tired and beaten.
"I don't trust you. Who sends you ? Who the hell are you working for this time?"
He didn't get the reply. He then moved his body, preparing to leave as soon as possible. Trusting him suddenly ? Oh, God knows I'm still sane. What a joke! Yet this man is unpredictable...
But he couldn't move. He's too weak and injured. shit ! He's run out of any white magic.
"Hey, you're not going anywhere after I saved your ass. Does 8 years mean nothing to you ? you're still that shallow? I am expecting you to grown up a bit, and thanks to you I'm disappointed."
"..." ok, now let's get along with his play first. There's nothing I could do anyway.
"That childish rivalry... well, you haven't changed at all. But I have."
childish rivalry ? It's you who always pick me at the first place. I just couldn't run.
...whatever.
"How-"
"-could you please just shut your mouth a bit ? We' ll rest and move. We aren't safe yet. Are you too dumb even to understand it ?"
"..."
Silence.
"Well, shocked are you ? I, the least person you'd thought of all people you know is the one who saved you. Ironic, isn't it ?"
True. My friends betrayed me... and she's- forget it. Now my arch enemy came as my savior. What a life. Oh, isn't it perfect?
"don't worry...no mercy was maneuver I developed to kill you, Squall. But it can wait."
Whatever.
Seifer casted curaga again for both of them.
"Ok, now it's time to move! c'mon, you've through a lot worse than this before. Don't tell me you can't endure the pain. Let's go! Before the morning comes. We're going to Dollet first."
Dollet ? isn't it far? and risky...
"-by train."
Now Squall eyed him like he was such an idiot.
"I know what you think. I know, living as the famous hero and great leader for almost 5 years makes our little too naive commander don't even know how to survive in the real world. How is it felt to be a trash like this, Squall ?", he smirked in joy.
"but it's different for me who always live on the run for 8 years"
"..."
"What was it felt to be a commander, a ruler, a hero who is actually only a fool role used by higher conspiracy ?", he smirked more.
"Now you're realized that you're not different than myself."
Shut up! damn you, Seifer!
"...why ?" now he got his lionheart pointed to Seifer's neck, exactly in the carotid. He then lowered it after facing no defense reaction he'd expected.
"Well, I got my own reasons.", the blond finally answered the question with a serious face. "I've searched you for years, and when I finally got to see you, you were about to die. I've never imagined you trapped like that. But thanks to your idiocy, I found you at last."
"It doesn't make any sense." But the blond man didn't respond again and they started to walk, bringing their own gunblades at their hands.
Why does Seifer want to find me so bad?
-O-o-O-
Flying cars everywhere. She wore sunglasses that match her orange outfits. It was simple though. Unlike her usual girly, cute sporty, or sexy style, she was now just dressed in a simple sleeveless t-shirt with a simple jeans. She added a cute knitted bolero since it was windy afternoon and despite the sun, the weather was a bit cold. Or at least that what she felt. Her brunette hair flew loosely as she walked. It was long, silky ones, made her look a lot prettier these days. The one which used to be tickled in the end, now just flew straightly, perfect in each contour and layers. She had car of course, but this day she preferred to walk, looking idly at the afternoon scene of the high-tech city. She had many fans, and the reporters just never left her alone. But of course, since a more famous person made his appearance, she could rest a day. Now the world eyes were upon one man. His sudden appearance in Deling after his untracked fugitive days for 3 years was enough to make those reporters forget about her. And she disguised herself well.
There was a slight feeling of guilt arose in her mind as she remembered how she always repeated those sentences over and over. They were lies.
But she felt anger replaced it soon.
It's ok. No one knows the truth. And I deserve to live happily like this.
She sighed but then let out an ironic smile.
She looked at the giant wide public screen. News about him again... how boring... , but then she stopped when the TV focused on his old photograph and the subtitle said he was succeeded to escape again. Something felt in her heart.
"Look what's the military doing ! It's already 3 years! but that son of a bitch could still walk freely? After what he done!", a random man not too far from her commented to his friend.
"That is Galbadia... I bet there is something silly going on... ", his friend replied.
"Maybe. But if he ever set foot here, he'll be dead, man!"
Then they walked.
Son of a bitch? Those fools just don't know anything...
Somehow the sentence made her feel nauseated.
So, at least you're still alive.
She was deep in her thought for a moment but suddenly a car almost bumped her. The windows were lowered and revealed a man.
"Walking alone, Miss? a pretty lady like you should never let alone. Want a ride through Esthar city with me?"
She just smiled and jumped in the car which already opened for her.
"Dirk, you almost made me got heart attack. What was that? So lame...", she said with a flirty voice as she sat in the car.
"Haha...Selphie... you should look at your expression!"
"oh, c'mon... is not that funny... so?"
"So? Selphie, do you forget about it? Hey, we've been waiting for hours! And you cut off all connections! We won't do it without our fine guitarist!"
"Oh...I can't. You know I'll sing in the presidential meeting tomorrow. It's import-"
"yeah, I know. You're such a great diva. And your solo now just that great so you forget about us, your very first band."
"...it's not that..."
"it's ok. We'll support you. ..Hey, you should hear what we always say... go to Deling, and your career will be skyrocketed, believe me!"
Deling. God knows I won't set my foot again on that place. She felt her mood slightly depressed hearing that word.
"Well... I guess I slipped away this chance for you guys! Let's join the others!", she forced a laughter.
"That's Selphie for me!"
After all I will leave you guys soon. I preferred my solo of course. And laguna fonds of me because I remind him of Julia.
He's too trusting. I know many persons like that before, and that kinds always get a bitter ending.
"You know... you look odd these days... is it because of 'that' ? Look, now the Galbadian are currently pursuing him. He'll get captured in no time. Don't you feel glad?"
"Uh- oh, yes of course. He... deserves to die...", she smiled wider now.
Lie again.
After all my life is all about lies now...
She sighed. She had become a cold hearted woman who struggled for her own benefit. She didn't care anything despite her own happiness. I deserve to be happy.
With lies she could get everything she wanted in this life. When I was that idiot, naive, bouncing-cheerful girl with pure idealism...look what the world had given to me instead.... Being older made her became more realistic. She didn't want to play hero. She didn't want to recall any childish friendships.
That night she sang at the most famous hotel in Esthar. She wore a sexy red long gown which show her good parts and attractive legs, made her a true beauty. Her beautiful clear voice made everyone in the rooms stand for her. And greater applauses were heard after she finished her second song which she played saxophone in it. And also in the third song, which her violin plays made the audience cried.
She saw him there. Common people might be not realized that their very first man was standing in the same room; the eccentric President Loire in his disguise.
You're also there... and her mind flew to a certain man again. Even now your father and his country are pursuing you to death...
But that is how life goes anyway. Don't blame on me, Squall. Life could be very cruel.
She then bowed and disappeared from the stage. If she reclaimed the truth or just simply going to help her former commander, she wouldn't even able to live peacefully with her own name like now.Selphie Tilmitt is no longer an energetic- cheerful and kind innocent girl.
Now she was just a cold hearted woman, a true hypocrite.
-0-0-0-