She came to save Seifer. That's what she tells herself as she runs through the crowd, away from Squall, away from the rest of SEED. Her shoes slap out a rhythm against the cobblestone road that matches her heartbeat. It isn't because she's

curious—

(after all, curiosity killed the cat)

— or anything like that. She doesn't want to meet the Sorceress, know what the power turns someone into, or why the woman is doing all this.

(come into my parlor, said the spider to the fly)

The city is bright around her, smelling like smoke and perfume and spilled alcohol mixing with vomit. Her Father no longer has any right to call her naive, she thinks, with a wry twist of her mouth and a swing of her hips as she scurries up stairs.

***

Destruction isn't supposed to be beautiful.

Edea sits in her chair, all supple curves, white skin, melting-candle flame eyes and hair the color of ink. Lips stained purple with royalty, beads and tattered wings hung around her neck like a garland.

She turns around and smiles.

Rinoa cannot breathe.


A/N: Um. Probably to be considered AU, as it probably doesn't fit within the lines of canon. That's only because I got all the way to Galbadia, but, as I didn't have a Ps1 memory card, hadn't been able to save, and my Ps2 automatically shut off, rendering any further gameplay unattainable. But, er... Please, no flames or bashing.

However- feedback is very much appreciated, as this is my first time writing these characters, or posting anything FFVIII!... or anything else, in months. Concrit would be lovely, and those who do review will be thanked!