The Scream From Within
Chapter One
Part 1
You worthless scumbags!!! You shouldn't even be here. Walking around, smiling, even laughing. I know you are laughing of me. I can feel it. I can feel your eyes on me. You think I don't know. Well, won't you be sorry? Cause I have a plan. I have a plan for all of you and you will be sorry. Sorry you ever laughed at me. Sorry you even knew my name. In the mean time
"Squall, wanna go and get some breakfast?" Rinoa's clear, happy voice rang through the dorm wing this beautiful October morning. Squall had overslept and was jumping up and down at one foot, trying to fit the other one in his trouser. It wasn't as easy as it sounded cause his hair kept getting in the way and he once again cursed his vanity. It would be much easier to fight too, if he only had the guts to chop his beautiful, long shiny hair off, but since Squall (secretly) took great pride in his hair, that was out of the question. So jumping it was, this morning too.
"Coming!" he yelled to his girlfriend who stood outside his door. Damn, why had Rinoa picked today of all days to have breakfast with him? One last look in the mirror while running his hand through is hair and he opened the door.
"Hi," he said, sounding rather exhausted.
"Good morning," Rinoa answered slowly. "Why are you" She stopped and took a look at his face. He smiled goofy. "What took you so long?" she finally said.
"Hai" he started, but changed his mind. "Toilet problems," he said, like that would explain it all. Rinoa took one last look at him and decided she didn't want to know what had really been going on. "So, are you up for breakfast?" she asked.
"Sure," Squall said, happy to change the subject. "Lead the way, beautiful," he did a gesture towards the hall. Rinoa took a few steps, turned, and reached for his hand and they walked together to the cafeteria.
When they got there, they met up with Zell, Selphie and Quistis who were busy discussing their newest mission.
" and that's why I feel like attacking isn't the right way to go here. We would hurt more innocents than enemies and that would be pointless," they heard Quistis finish when they reached the table.
"Hi guys," Selphie looked up and kicked out a chair for Rinoa. Squall took the one next to her.
"What's going on?" Rinoa greeted them.
"Ms. Trepe here was teaching us right from wrong. Today's lesson was Killing: Wrong'" Zell joked.
"Oh shut up!" Quistis hit him lightly on the shoulder.
"But I agree with her," Rinoa put in, "We should absolutely care more about the people that can get in the way when we attack and seeing this isn't such a important mission we should be careful."
"Wow Rinoa, you've only been a SeeD for a week and already you sound like a SeeD officer or something!" Selphie laughed.
"Except a SeeD officer wouldn't say a mission wasn't important. Remember Vida: There is no such thing as an easy mission nor a not important one. We are SeeD's. We put our honor before anything. Kill or be killed. It's the law of the jungle that counts here'," Zell said, putting on a deep voice to try sounding like Vida, his former teacher. The group burst into laughter.
"You are so right," Selphie said before putting on Cid's voice: "SeeD's, go out there and make me proud." They laughed again and no one noticed the Mumba on the floor next to then who suddenly whimpered in it's sleep. With it's sensitive ears, he was the only one who could hear the screaming thoughts of a person so full of anger, so full of hatred.
Soon! Soon you will no longer laugh. Soon you will scream. Soon you will die
Part 2
Irvine was standing in front of the mirror. Where there was nothing unusual with this something didn't quite seem to fit the usual picture. Irvine was holding a little box in his hands. He slowly opened it and smiled. Selphie would love it, she had to love it. Inside the box was the most beautiful ring you could ever imagine. He had had it specially made for Selphie with small yellow diamonds surrounding one huge green emerald that matched her eyes exactly. Irvine sighed. She had to say yes, she had to. He smiled of the thought with Selphie happily accepted his proposal and her slim wonderful hand sparkling with his ring. Only she has the power to make me the happiest man on earth, he thought.
Elsewhere, at the same time, a happy laughter could be heard through the Garden. A cute brunette and what appeared to be her boyfriend were hanging out by the Quad. He held her in a firm grip around the waist and while she giggly begged him to let go, he just pulled her closer and whispered something in her ear. The giggling increased for then to be replaced by a happy: "Oh Zell, we are so bad!" Zell let the girl go and she turned around, watching him questionable.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"No, Selphie. It's just you're the one making this feel like a crime."
"What do you mean?" Selphie looked at the guy who had been her friend for a long time, before their friendship had turned into something more just few weeks ago and for the first time not understanding what he talked about.
"You and Irvine he's still your official" he didn't want to use the word boyfriend'.
"Yes," the pretty girl looked sad. He hated making her sad. "But you're the one," she continued. "That told me he's been having affair after affair and I'd like to think I deserve more than that." The last sentence came as a whisper. Zell pulled her into a warm embrace. "Of course you do," he said into her hair. "Of course you do."
Part 3
"What about Seifer?"
"I have never liked Seifer," Quistis ascertained Rinoa. It was hers idea. Of course. Now that Quistis and Rinoa were friends, Rinoa insisted that they should have girls' nights where they talked about stuff like guys, make-up and cloths. So far it had been a disaster. Selphie didn't show, but Rinoa refused to realize the night were already a failure so she started on her favorite topic: Boys. It was only 9 o'clock but Quistis had already heard everything about Rinoa's previous boyfriends and now she wanted to hear about Quistis'. Just too bad Quistis didn't have any ex-boyfriends.
"You haven't? How's that possible?" Rinoa wondered, still on the topic Seifer.
"Easy. Just talk to him," was Quistis' answer.
"Aha! So you admit he's good looking!" Rinoa triumphed.
"Well" Quistis didn't feel too comfortable with the situation. "I didn't exactly say that, but Alright, he's not bad looking."
"I knew it!" Rinoa smiled. "But I guess since you grew up with him and everything, things might get awkward."
"I dunno I mean, he's not an easy person to get to know. You've known him only a year and you probably know him better than me."
"Well" Rinoa looked kinda embarrassed. "We really didn't do much talking when we were together. It was more erm, physical."
"Are you serious?" For the first time that night Quistis showed some actual interest.
"Yeah, he was my first. Who was yours?"
Oh no, the dreaded question. Quistis decided not to go with totally honesty on this one. "Oh just some guy at school. He's been transferred though. I don't see him anymore."
"I see. Seems like both of our first's don't care about us anymore, huh?"
"But you're with Squall. Even if Seifer wanted to, he wouldn't make any contact with you. Not because of you, but Squall."
"Yeah" Rinoa said, but looked like she was thousands miles away.
"Ok, what are you up to?" Quistis asked, rather worried.
Rinoa gave her a grin. "Wait and see. Just wait and see."
"Is it about me?"
"Maybe"
Quistis didn't like this at all, she hated surprises. "Will I be pleasantly surprised?" she asked as a last attempt to get anything out of Rinoa.
"I would think so. I gotta go." And with that Rinoa was gone, leaving a very confused Quistis alone in her dorm.
Part 4
It was early night at Garden. Most of the students were either relaxing in their rooms or watching the clear starry night while listening to Nida's band perform slow romantic songs by the Quad stage. Some few eager students were studying in the library, but they were a minority. So no one could help a lost little mumba that had accidentally gotten on the elevator and now was running around on the second floor. Suddenly it stopped. It heard a voice. But it wasn't a friendly voice.
Laughter. THAT UNAVOIDABLE LAUGHTER. It is making me ill. But I will end the laughter. Soon there will be no more laughter. Soon there will be silence. And peace. Once I've gotten rid of all these demons. They are demons. I know, I have always known. But I will put them to sleep. Good night, sleep tight. Even you, my love. Give me a kiss to last forever and I'll give you A KNIFE THROUGH YOUR HEART!
The mumba ran and hid.
Part 5
It was the perfect plan. If she could only get Quistis and Seifer together, maybe she could even restore the friendship between Squall and Seifer too. Because, she figured, they both (She assumed Seifer cared for Quistis) cared for Quistis, they would, for Quistis' sake, maybe try to get along. And the best part was she had already made Quistis admit she liked Seifer. She entered the elevator and pushed the second floor button. Two seconds later she was there. She walked out and down the hall. She figured Seifer's schedule was in the classroom and she would see him first thing tomorrow morning. One down, one to go, she thought. Rinoa was so caught up in her own plans she didn't hear the quiet cries from the mumba that sat in a corner, holding his paws over his ears trying to block out the horrible voice that kept hunting him.
Chapter two
Part 1
"Selphie, I love you. I can't imagine my life without you. Would you Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Irvine met his eyes in the mirror. It was good enough. No, it was perfect. Cause Selphie deserved only the best. He was ready to ask her. His true love, his only love Selphie Tilmitt to become his wife. He had the whole thing planned out, he had asked Cid a month ago if they could have the wedding at the Garden. The old headmaster had joyfully given Irvine permission and said if there was anything he needed, anything, he should feel free to ask. Irvine was glad Cid was so welcome at the idea of the two of them getting married cause he hadn't told any of his friends yet. He didn't know, but every time he tried something seemed to come up. Lately he had tried talking to his good friend Zell, but Zell seemed to avoid him for some reason. He figured he would surprise Selphie first and then give her the pleasure of telling the gang. They would be the first couple out. He always thought it would be Rinoa and Squall to walk down the aisle first, but he was happy it was them. Now, if he could only find Selphie where would she be on a lovely night like this?
Part 2
Squall on the other hand was busy too. He had gotten a not so funny note about Shumi Village being under attack and they asked for assistance from Garden. As he hurried down to Cid's office, he thought about his life. It seemed to only be involving battles and Rinoa these days. Not that he minded. Battles was the way he had chosen to live and Rinoa was a wonderful completion of it all. He thought about how much he had changed since he met her and smiled. It was obvious that the world, including himself, liked the new Squall better. And he liked the way the friendship they all shared had developed too. Quistis seemed happier, Selphie and Irvine seemed happy together and Zell, for some reason, seemed very happy. In conclusion, he thought, I like my life. And with those thoughts even helping Shumi Village seemed alright. Cause nothing can hurt us now, can it?
Squall knocked on Cid's door.
"Enter." A voice said. So Squall did.
"Good evening, Squall," Cid said and looked up as his commander entered the room.
"I'm afraid it's not so good, sir."
"Really?" Cid looked over his glasses and into the troubled face of one of his favorite students.
"Yes, sir." Squall handed him the letter. "There's a situation going on in Shumi Village. We are asked to help."
"And?"
"And?" Squall looked puzzled.
"If I remember correctly and I do, master NORG was from that village. It seems to me like a good idea to let that town burn if people like him are being raised there."
"Sir permission to speak freely?" Squall asked.
"Of course," Cid smiled. Although he and Squall were good friends, the young soldier always remembered to address him politely when they discussed Garden matters.
"I've been to Shumi Village, It's a very peaceful place and the people there are only interested in keeping it like that. They feel there is nothing in the outside world for them. NORG was one of the few that didn't felt that way and may I remind you, you couldn't have built the Garden without him."
Cid sat quiet for a while. "True, true," he finally said. "Alright, we'll head for Shumi Village tomorrow and see if there is anything we can do. In the mean time I suggest you'll get some sleep or maybe there are more important things on your mind," he added with a smile.
Squall smiled back at his old friend. "Rinoa's busy tonight."
"Ahh, I see. Well, meet with me tomorrow at 9. We'll discuss it with Xu and Quistis although I'm sure they'll say yes."
"Understood. Good night, sir."
"Squall Leonhart, how many times have I told you to call me"
Squall didn't let him finish. "I know, I know. Cid." And with that he was out of the door and Cid laughed quietly for himself. Who needed a son when he had a student and friend like Squall Leonhart?
Part 3
Irvine finally found Selphie, but she wasn't alone. She and Zell was sitting in the cafeteria laughing their butts off at something. He went close enough so that he could hear what they were talking about, but was careful so they wouldn't see him. Something told him to play it cool here and besides he needed time to think. He put his hand down in his pocket for the tenth time and felt the box. It was still there. He went through the proposal one more time in his head. It still sounded good, close to perfect. He concentrated on Selphie and Zell again.
" and then the girl said: Sure you can come, the more the merrier, and Irvine said: Can I come too?" Selphie had to take a break in her story cause she was laughing too hard. Irvine smiled to himself. She was talking about him. How sweet. How Selphie. He did remember this particular incident though and felt a little blush. Selphie continued:
"And the girl was like, an instant answer: NO! Can you believe it? It was so funny." Selphie stopped and realized Zell wasn't laughing. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing."
"Oh come on!" she laughed. "That's not a nothing face. Tell me, what's on your mind?"
"You," Zell said and it was something about the way he said it, that made the blood freeze to ice in Irvine's veins.
"It's you and Irvine," he continued. "I know he means a lot to you, but can we please not talk about Irvine tonight." Zell gently lifted her chin and let a finger run down her check. Selphie smiled a little sad. "Okay," she whispered.
But Irvine had already seen too much. He loudly cleared his throat and the room which was quiet to begin with went silent as a tomb. The only sound one could hear was the noise of Irvine's cowboy boots. Click-click-click-click-click.
Selphie turned her head and it felt like everything was happening in slow motion. Irvine walking towards her, Zell removing his hand from her face and worst of all, the look on Irvine's face. She looked up to meet his eyes.
"Irvine?" her voice was nothing but a little whimper.
"Selphie," he answered, looking coldly at her.
"What are doing her?" she tried sounding normal, sounding cheery. She failed fatal on doing both.
"Well, I came to see my girlfriend, but I must have missed the death notice cause she is obviously gone."
"It's it's not what you think."
"And tell me, what do I think?"
Selphie lowered her head and looked down at the table.
"Happy naught anniversary, baby," he said while throwing the box in front of her.
Part 4
Inside a dark room sat a lonely shadow with it legs crossed. It sat leaned against the wall, looking at the door as it expected someone to come in. After a while the shadow relaxed a little and started humming. A candle was lit and the humming got louder. Now one could make out the words.
"Can't even shout Can't even cry The gentlemen are coming by Looking in windows knocking on doors"
The humming died and was replaced by a bright smile. White teeth were shinning in the dull darkness and the eyes that kept looking at the door narrowed. Hands slid down and took up a picture. A picture from the Balamb Garden graduation ball 1999. Smiling faces. Happy faces. Soon they would smile no more. A knife went through the skin of a fingertip and the humming started again. For each blood drop that fell a line from a long forgotten children's riddle could be heard.
"Can't call to mom Can't say a wordYou're gonna die screaming but you won't be heard"
The humming died once again and was replaced by an evil laughter that could cut through bones. On the floor lay a picture. A picture from the Balamb Garden graduation ball 1999. Smiling faces. Covered in blood.
To be continued
A/N: Alright, I'll admit it. I have been reading too many Stephen King novels lately. But it's been a while since I've written anything and thought something new, something (hopefully) scary would be in place. After all, it is Halloween soon, isn't it?