The Commander

by Selphie Leonhart

Six months after the defeat of Ultimecia, a new evil threatens the SeeD's, this time as one of their own.

1. Default Chapter Title

The Commander Part One ~ Birth Of A Sorceress

By Selphie Leonhart

Rating: 15 for bad language, violence and *adult* situations. This is kinda slow moving, but stick with it! Please!

This is a sequel to FF8.

About six months after the defeat of Ultimecia, Squall has taken over as the Commander of Garden at Cid's request, Rinoa is boarding there and studying, and Quistis has regained her teachers license. Seifer is one of her pupils. Their lives are all disrupted once more, as a new evil appears, this time as one of their own...can Squall discover what is the right thing to do in time to save the world again? Or will his love for one of his friends blind him to the correct course of action?

Rinoa sighed and crossed her arms in annoyance. "I don't get it." she said wearily, throwing her remaining cards down on the table. Standing behind her, Selphie grinned and put her hand on Rinoa's shoulder.

"He's taking advantage of you. Get him to explain again." she said. Zell laughed.

"It's not my fault! The rule is simple..." he said, gathering up the cards, including the GF card he had just won from Rinoa. She watched as he gloated over Siren, narrowing her onyx eyes.

"I'm sure you're cheating. The Plus rule is stupid anyway." she said sulkily, then turned and grinned at Selphie.

"Hey, shall we go to the Quad? I said I'd meet Squall there after he's finished studying." she said. Selphie nodded.

"Yeah, but we'll have a long wait." she replied, smiling at Rinoa's quizzical look.

"He's introducing the new cadets today. And he has to finish looking over the finance for the new training center. And he has a major test tomorrow. Your boyfriend has a lot on his plate." she said, collecting her card case from the table. Rinoa sighed.

"I know. He's always so busy." she said, looking downcast.Selphie slipped her arm through hers.

"Gives us more time to gossip. Come on, lets go." she said. Zell hurried after them, and then paused, remembering something.

"Whoa...Squall has a test tomorrow?" he said, a confused look on his face. Selphie rolled her eyes.

"Yeah....you forgot, didn't you?" she said, amused. Zell punched the air, anxiety showing clearly on his face.

"Damn! Yeah, I forgot, guess I'd better go to the library and study..." he said, a slight smile crossing his face. Selphie giggled.

"I know you wont get much studying done there." she said. Rinoa laughed.

"Of course he wont. He'll be to busy drooling over Celesa." she said, smiling at her friend. Zell shrugged and turned away, jogging towards the library. Rinoa turned back to Selphie and the two slowly walked to the Quad.

*************************************************************************** ***

Squall sighed as he put aside another stack of papers. He had just finished reviewing the budget for the new training center, and glancing at the clock on the wall, knew it was time for him to go and meet the new cadets. Great, a bunch of kids. He thought, looking over the files of the new 5 to 7 year olds which had applied to join Garden. Their next six months here were crucial to them, as it was during this period of time it was decided whether or not they had the dedication to become a SeeD. Squall was the one to explain this to them.

Flicking through the files absently, he ran a hand through his hair, pushing the strands back from his face. He was exhausted, he hated paper work. Sitting at a desk for most of the day did not agree with him. Momentarily, thoughts of Rinoa flashed into his mind, but he quickly shut them out. There would only be time for that later. For now, he had duties to attend to.

Putting down the files he had already read three times, his eyes fell on the photo on his desk. It was of the six of them, taken at the celebration party last year after their victory. Selphie had left it on his desk one day, knowing he would never put one up himself, and he had decided to leave it there. Picking up the silver frame, he looked closely at the photo. He and Rinoa were standing together, she had her arm around his waist. Irvine was standing behind Selphie, his arms around her stomach, and her hands were clasped on top of his. She was wearing his hat, Squall noticed with a smile. Quistis was standing close to Zell, and Squall was a little surprised that she wasn't smiling. Probably just caught at a bad moment, he thought. Replacing the photo, he stood up and took the lift downstairs to the main waiting room, where he knew the various SeeD hopefuls were waiting.

There were twelve of them, all under the age of ten. Most of them were male, and all looked nervous. They looked at Squall in awe as he approached them. He was wearing his SeeD uniform, and his sheathed gunblade was hanging from the belt at his side. It was mainly this which caught the childrens attention. They all stood up when prompted by Xu. Squall nodded to her, and she took her place at his side.

"Welcome to Balamb Garden." he began, trying to put some spirit in his voice as he spoke to the young children. It was hard, he was so tired.

"Today is very important for you. It is your first day in a military academy. Not only that, but it is the beginning of a new lifestyle for you. You will be trained in not only combat, but magic, academic studies, culture and ways of thinking 'normal' people are not trained in. Not all of you will make it, but if you find this way of life suits you, and you are of benefit to the Garden, when you are fifteen, you may take the SeeD exam." Squall paused, looking around at the children. He knew they would not understand the significance of his words until much later, but it was his duty to deliver them. He continued.

"You will have a chance to join an elite mercenary force. SeeD are renowned worldwide for their efficiency and ability to execute the most precise instructions. Not only is exceptional fighting skill necessary, but intelligence and the ability to work as a team are equally important. I sincerely hope you all understand this. Good luck, and I hope to see you all again shortly." he finished, looking to Xu. She smiled at him, and turned to the children, giving them a meaningful look.

The children gazed at her with wide eyes, then appeared to remember. They saluted Squall, clumsily, staring at Xu for her approval. She smiled at them, and motioned for them to sit down. Squall gave the children one last evaluating look, and turned to leave. Xu, after reassuring the children that they did fine, followed him.

"Well done Squall." she said softly, following the younger man into his office. He sighed, and sat down heavily in his chair. Xu stood in front of his desk, smiling sympathetically.

"You've got a lot of work on now Squall. Why don't you let me handle some of the paper work?" she said to him. He looked up at her, his eyes shadowed.

"Thanks but I can manage. It's my job." he said with a wry smile. Xu sighed.

"Squall, it's too much! Cid never had so much work, this isn't healthy for you. You can't run the Garden and be a SeeD also. Please, Squall, let me help you." she said, concern showing in her tone. He looked down.

"You're busy too. You've got your share of the work." he said wearily.

"But I don't attend lessons anymore. You are still in training. At least let me help out until you complete your training. Then you can have all the hard work back." she said with a smile.

"You've got three years. I'm only just eighteen." he reminded her. She gave him a look which told him she knew.

"Well, we can't carry on like this. We'll have to organize you a secretary or something." she said, glancing at the photo on Squall's desk. He followed her gaze.

"I know. I haven't spent much time with them recently." he said. Xu nodded.

"Yes. You need your freedom Squall. You're still so young, you shouldn't be tied to a desk all day, and studying the rest of the time. You should be out in Balamb town, going on drinking binges, getting into trouble, having fun!" she said with a little laugh. He smiled.

"Yeah, like I used to do." he said sarcastically. She smiled.

"So, what do you think? Could you manage to work with a secretary? Or would it irritate you too much?" she asked playfully. Squall sighed.

"I guess I don't have a choice." he replied. Xu grinned.

"I've got the perfect person in mind for the job..."

*************************************************************************** ***

Rinoa stretched out on the grass in the Quad, enjoying the sunshine. Beside her, Selphie lay on her stomach reading a magazine. It was quiet, as most of the SeeD's and cadets were in lessons. They could hear the little streams and fountains which adorned the Quad, and the birds which resided in the trees there. The glass roof allowed the sunlight to filter through, and it was just like being outside.

Rinoa sat up as she heard someone call her name. For a moment she thought it was Quistis, then realized it was someone else. Squinting in the sunshine, she saw Xu walking towards her. Rinoa smiled at her.

"Hey. What's up?" she asked as Xu sat down beside her. Xu smiled.

"I've got a favor to ask." she said with a winning smile. Rinoa looked at her curiously.

"What?" she asked. Xu took a deep breath.

"How would you like to be Squall's secretary?" she asked. Rinoa frowned.

"I..don't know how," she said, but then smiled. "He's agreed to having a secretary?"

"Yes. You'd be perfect. Squall wouldn't be able to live with anyone else. They'd annoy him too much." she said with a wry smile, thinking of how the Commander could be difficult at times.

"I'd love to. I was wishing we could spend more time together. It would be so great if we could work together, especially since I'm not really involved in the Timber Owls anymore, but could I do it?" she asked Xu. She nodded.

"Yeah...I just have to teach you a few things. You should be able to handle it well. And you'd be paid of course." she mentioned. Rinoa blushed.

"I already feel guilty about staying here for free." she said. Xu waved her hand.

"It doesn't matter. Just agree, because I know no-one else would be able to handle Squall for more than a couple of hours a day. Please?"

Rinoa smiled. "Sure."

*************************************************************************** ***

Quistis shut her eyes briefly as she sat at her wide teachers desk. The class ahead of her were silently working on the assignment she had set them, and it gave her a few minutes to think quietly. She had been given back her instructors position after it had been decided she had gained new leadership skills while on the mission which had ended in the defeat of Ultimecia.

But the new job didn't give her much time to herself. She, like the others, would not complete her own training until she was twenty-one. It was optional past the age of eighteen, but Quistis wanted to learn all she could. So she still had lessons herself from time to time, although not as often as the others.

Looking up, she noticed a pupil looking at her. Seifer. Much to his disgust, he had been dropped a class, into hers. She wasn't sure whether or not she was able to teach him, seeing as before they had fought, with the objective of killing each other, and she had been part of a team meant to assassinate both him and the sorceress. It had been awkward for both of them, but Cid had insisted that they both try and reconcile their differences.

Cid. When he had been there. Before he had decided to abandon the Garden and stay with his wife in the Orphanage. Quistis sighed. In all fairness, he had every right to, she reproached herself. He had, after all, devoted the best part of his life to Garden, and had nearly lost his wife. He deserved a break. But, Quistis thought, he shouldn't have left all that responsibility to Squall.

Squall had accepted them without a word, when Cid announced he was leaving, everyone had assumed Squall would continue his leadership of Garden.

"Instructor?"

Quistis shook her head slightly, clearing her head of her musings.

"Yes," she said, removing her glasses. The pupil who stood in front of her desk looked nervous.

"I don't understand this." he said, showing her a problem on the paper she had handed out. Sighing a little, Quistis examined the question. She handed the paper back to the student.

"It's simple." she said, writing on the paper and showing her student what to do. The student, blushing, turned and went back to his desk. Quistis, who was glancing down at the papers on her desk, heard a soft voice utter something, and then giggles from the rest of the class. She looked up to see the student who had just spoken to her looking at Seifer with a angry expression on his face. Quistis, sensing trouble stood up.

"Sit down at your desk Clay," she ordered the student. He didn't move. Seifer smirked.

"Better do as the good instructor says. Or she might just crack that whip at you. Oh, but we all know how much you fantasize about that, don't we?" said Seifer, making an obscene gesture at the student, whose face was red. The rest of the class laughed at him. Quistis sighed. Clay rushed towards Seifer.

"Shut up! You..." the rest of his sentence was lost in gasps and the sound of chairs scraping the marble floor as Clay rushed to hit Seifer.

Seifer leapt out of his seat, leaving Clay sprawled over it as his punch missed entirely. Seifer laughed. Clay threw the chair aside and ran to Seifer with a cry of rage, attempting to strangle the taller boy. Quistis ran towards them.

"That's enough! Sit down, the pair of you!" she shouted above the noise. Seifer dodged another attack, and managed to trip Clay over with a skillful twist. Clay fell to the floor, catching his arm painfully on an overturned chair. The rest of the SeeD's and cadets watched in astonishment. Seifer looked at Quistis, his features contorted into a mocking smile. She narrowed her icy blue eyes at him, one hand toying threateningly with the whip curled around her waist.

"Sit down." she said in a soft voice. Everyone picked up on the anger in it, and even Seifer knew well enough not to mess with Quistis when she used that tone. Her eyes still on Seifer, Quistis walked over to where Clay sat on the floor, clutching his arm.

"Is it broken?" she asked him bluntly. He looked at her, knowing he was in trouble.

"No." he said, wishing it was. Then he'd be able to escape from this situation. Quistis picked up the chair he had fallen, on, pushing it under the bench. She turned and walked back to her desk.

"Class dismissed. Seifer and Clay, I want you to stay behind." she said quietly, not looking at the class as she spoke.

Seifer and Clay stood in front of her desk. Quistis did not look at them. She arranged the papers on her desk in a calm manner, and then spoke to them in an equally calm voice.

"Seifer, I assume you started all this. Why do you see it fit to irritate everyone around you?" she asked him. He made a noise of disbelief.

"Me? He's the one who attacked me, Quistis." he said smugly. Quistis felt close to losing her temper.

"Seifer, stop playing games. This is beginning to annoy me. And you will address me with Instructor, not my first name." she said, staring at him. She felt all the familiar emotions of anger and something close to hate which she had felt while he had been their definite enemy. Seifer didn't flinch.

"Instructor." he repeated. She sighed.

"Clay, you will assist Xu with the younger cadets for the rest of today. I hope you learn to control your temper." she said wearily. Clay turned and left gratefully, giving Seifer a malevolent look as he passed him. Quistis ignored it. As soon as the door shut, she stood up and stepped over to Seifer.

"Listen to me. " she said, venom in her voice. "I don't particularly like teaching you, and I know you resent having me as your superior. And considering our past, I don't blame you. But don't demonstrate this by taking your anger out on other members of the class, especially on ones which are easy to provoke. Unlike you, Clay is usually a hard working and conscientious student. Embarrassing him, and me, in front of the class is inexcusable." She said to him. Her azure eyes flashed with anger, and Seifer found himself unable to reply. He knew she was for real.

"So what's my punishment?" he asked her, trying to sound casual. Quistis smiled tightly.

"You will assist a superior, just like Clay." she said, turning and sitting back at her desk. Seifer raised an eyebrow, and Quistis continued.

"I think the Commander can find something for you to do." she said, looking at him smugly. The cocky smile left his face.

"Quistis, you must be joking? Help Squall? I don't think so." he said in disgust. Quistis stood up again.

"Instructor." she reminded him. He shook his head and narrowed his eyes at her.

"Instructor." he repeated sarcastically. She folded her arms.

"You will do as I say. And refer to Squall Leonhart as Commander.He is your superior too." she said, not bothering to hide her smile now. Seifer scowled, and banged on the desk with his fist.

"Damn you Quistis. You wont let me forget, will you?" he rasped. She played with the end of her whip.

"No. Not after what you put us through." she replied. She turned her head away from him.

"You are dismissed." she said in a flat tone. He murmured something in disgust, and stormed out of the room.

Sinking back down into her chair, Quistis sighed, her eyes falling on the phone to her right. Picking it up, she dialed a single number. Xu answered. Quistis explained the situation, and Xu laughed when she heard Clay was going to be helping her out for the rest of the day. She told Quistis he'd be no trouble, as usually he was quiet and shy. Quistis smiled, and then told her about Seifer. Xu went quiet.

"You'd better speak to Squall himself. I don't know whether or not he'll be happy with this arrangement." she warned Quistis. She agreed.

"I know. I wanted to speak to him. Is her there?" she asked. There was a pause and Xu brought the phone into the next office and passed it over to Squall. He sounded tired as he answered.

"Quistis?" he said.

"Yes. Squall, I had to punish Seifer. Would you be able to set him some work to do in your office?" she winced as the silence on the other end stretched out. "Squall?" she asked tentatively. He sighed.

"Fine. I understand. Thanks for telling me Quistis." he said. She sighed in relief.

"I'm glad you agree Squall. Sorry about this, but he actually provoked another pupil into attacking him." she explained. Squall laughed bitterly.

"Now why aren't I surprised." he said dryly. Quistis laughed.

"Yeah, it is typical Seifer behavior." she said with a smile. Then she remembered something. "Oh, we were all going into town this evening, Rinoa's treat," she told him. She could just imagine the look of surprise on his face.

"Really? She didn't say anything to me about it," he said. Quistis twisted the ring on her finger, a smirk on her face.

"You haven't exactly seen a lot of her recently." she reminded him. He sighed.

"I know. But, I've told Xu I'll get a secretary to do all the paperwork. That should give me some more time to be with you guys and study as well." he said. Quistis laughed.

"Squall, you work too hard." she teased him. "I have to go now, some students are waiting outside for me. I'll see you later, in Balamb, alright? I'm sure one of the others will give you the details." she said, hanging up the phone. Quistis looked out over her classroom, sighing as she saw the overturned chairs.

*************************************************************************** ***

Fujin stood as Seifer neared her. She knew he was in a bad mood, just be the way he walked. Fujin could always tell with Seifer. They were so close. She nodded her head to him as he stopped infront of her.

"Fujin. Did you hear what that bitch Trepe has made me do?" he growled to his albino friend. The pretty girl shook her head silently. Seifer continued, his fists clenched.

"She's making me work for Squall. I gotta go to his office today, acting as his little slave for a day. Damn it! No way am I going to run around after pretty-boy Squall." He seethed, punching the air. Fujin took a deep breath.

"Don't go." she said simply. He threw his hands up in disgust.

"I must. If I don't, then she'll make me work for him longer. Xu told me it was either that or leave Garden. I haven't got a choice." he said. Fujin met his gaze with her pale grey eye.

"Choice. Leave. Why are you still here?" she added, in a softer tone. He frowned at her.

"I couldn't....I've been here since I was small. This place is my home." he said, looking down the corridor. Fujin began walking towards the entrance.

"There are always other options." she said quietly. Seifer followed her.

"What?" he asked, curious. It was not often Fujin volunteered information or advice, and he knew it was best to listen when she did. The slim girl walked ahead of Seifer, pushing her grey hair out of her face.

"I've heard things. A group in the East. You might be interested." she said. "I can't tell you here. We'll discuss it later."

*************************************************************************** ***

It was dark in the classroom, and Quistis was busy marking the papers from the test her students had done that day. The only light in the room was the small lamp on her desk, which illuminated her face, giving her an eerie look. Quistis gasped as she heard a sound in the back of the classroom, her eyes wide as she tried to see through the darkness to the back. She couldn't see past the first few rows. Uneasily, she picked up her pencil again, to continue marking the tests. Again, she was startled when she heard another noise, a rustling from the back row of the classroom.

Quistis could hear the sound of her own heartbeat quickening as she stared into the gloom. Her sharp eyes couldn't see anything. Suddenly, the door seemed a long way away. Putting down the pencil she was gripping hard, Quistis slowly got to her feet, her eyes still on the back of classroom. She glanced quickly to the space by the door, where the main light switch was. It was about seven steps away.

She felt her nerves on edge. Quistis forced herself to think rationally, that there was no-one there, that it was just her imagination. Unconsciously, she found herself unwinding the whip from around her waist. When she realized what she was doing, she curled it back, and forced herself to take a few steps towards the door. Her heart was thudding in her chest, and her mouth felt dry. She wondered why she was feeling this irrational fear, she was certainly not afraid of the dark, and had often sat in the classroom at night, marking papers.

She stared into the back, her pupils wide as she left the light from her desk. She was in the dark now, and her desk looked so safe from here. Looking to her right, she saw the light switch only a few steps away. She breathed in deeply, and ran the rest of the way to the switch.

She put her hand on the switch, and flicked it on. Welcome light flooded the room, and looking to the back of the classroom, she saw there was nothing there. Quistis didn't even have time to sigh in relief before she felt a hand clamped tightly over her mouth, and a needle was expertly pushed into her arm. Quistis' eyes opened wide in shock and terror as she felt a strange sensation spread though her.

Everything suddenly went black.

*************************************************************************** ***

Sitting in the restaurant, Rinoa glanced over as the door opened. Zell sighed.

"She'll be here, don't worry," he said. Rinoa smiled weakly.

"I know. I just wanted us all to be together." she said. Squall put down his glass.

"Quistis told me I was going to have a helper today." he said. Rinoa went pale.

"R..really?" she stammered. Squall looked at her curiously, and continued.

"Yeah. Seifer. As a punishment, he has to help me in my office." Squall said. It was obvious he wasn't relishing the prospect of working with Seifer. Rinoa sighed in relief.

"Oh. That's good." she said, Zell nudged her, giving her a meaningful look. She suddenly realized.

"Oh! I mean, urgh, being with Seifer all day..." she said quickly. Squall raised an eyebrow at her over his drink. Rinoa looked away. Zell sniggered.

"Good one, Rinoa," he said mockingly. She blushed. Irvine came over, sitting on the other side of Zell.

"Where's Selphie?" Rinoa asked him. Irvine rolled his eyes.

"In the bathroom. Again. What is it with you girls?" he said dusting his hat off. Rinoa stood up, smiling.

"It's hard staying beautiful all the time." she replied, picking up her clutch purse. Irvine smiled lazily.

"But you manage it so well." he drawled. She gave him a sarcastic look and headed in the direction of the toilets. Glancing behind her, she said Squall smiling at something Irvine had just said. Rinoa smiled also, it was good to see him relax for once. Pushing open the door, she entered the ladies room, and saw Selphie standing in front of a huge mirror at the end of it.

"Selph?" she said quietly. Selphie looked at Rinoa's reflection without turning round. Rinoa stepped towards her.

"Is something wrong?" she asked. Selphie shook her head, taking a lipstick out of her purse.

"I was just...thinking. About Irvine." she said. Rinoa nodded and smiled knowingly.

"Ah. I should have guessed." she said. Selphie sighed.

"I know, I know...nothing new. But I just wish...he'd stop playing around and just ask me out. Is it too much to ask? Or does he really just want to be friends? I can't figure him out!" she complained, applying the lipstick. Rinoa watched her silently. Selphie continued.

"I've dropped enough hints to him myself. I'd have thought he'd have got the message by now." Selphie said in a depressed tone. Rinoa smiled sympathetically at her.

"Selph, I know how you feel. You know how long it took Squall! But Irvine...I think under all that flirting, he is really just too shy to tell you how he really feels." she said softly. Selphie turned around to face her.

"You think?" she asked, her emerald eyes wide. Rinoa nodded.

"Of course. Why don't you ask him outright when you're alone? So he doesn't feel he has to pretend?" she said. Selphie smiled to herself.

"Um, yeah, that might work. Thanks Rinoa!" she said, hugging her friend. Rinoa patted her back.

"No problem. Lets get back to them, make sure they're not ordering for us like last time." she said, wincing as she remembered how Zell had ordered hotdogs for all six of them. The two left the bathroom, walking back to the guys.

"Hey," said Irvine, looking at Selphie and smiling. She slid into the space next to him, sitting close. He casually draped his arms around her shoulders. Rinoa grinned conspiratorially at Selphie, and the two giggled. Squall handed Rinoa the menu.

"It's quite expensive here. Are you sure you want to pay? I'll go halves with you," Squall offered quietly. Rinoa shook her head.

"It's my treat. I insist." she reassured him. He shrugged.

"I wonder what time Quistis will get here? She's almost half an hour late," he said, glancing at the silver watch on his wrist. Rinoa scanned the menu.

"I guess we'd better order for her." she said. Squall detected a hint of worry in her voice.

"I'm sure she's fine, Rinoa. Quistis can take care of herself, and besides, this isn't Deling City. It's safe around here," he said. She smiled weakly at him, and he took her hand under the table, squeezing gently. She looked into his eyes, knowing he was trying to make her feel better. Squall was never one for public displays of affections, although Rinoa wouldn't had objected to them. But she was content with his subtle ways of showing he cared. She sighed, releasing his hand, and glanced at the door again, willing Quistis to step through.

***************************************************************************

Quistis tried opening her eyes, but realized they were taped shut. She was finding it hard to breath, she was cramped, with her knees close to her chest. She could feel that her long blonde hair was loose, and it hung over her face. She was terrified, she was completely defenseless. It as dark, and she could feel a strange vibration. Eventually, she realized that she was in some kind of vehicle.

Suddenly, the motion stopped, and there was light around her. Quistis froze, trying desperately to open her eyes. She felt rough hands on her body, and felt someone tying rope around her ankles and wrists, pulling the knots very tight so it bit into her skin. Then the tape was ripped from her eyes, and she cried out in pain, partly at the sensation of tearing, but mostly at the blinding light. Her eyes gradually adjusted to the light, and she realized Fujin was standing over her. The younger girl looked stony, her face expressionless.

"F...Fujin," she started, her mouth feeling dry. Fujin looked at her without speaking. Quistis felt inexplicable tears springing to her eyes. "Fujin...what is going on?" she asked, her voice hoarse. Fujin raised her pinwheel, leveling it at Quistis' throat.

"Silence." she commanded. Quistis looked at Fujin, her cornflower-blue eyes wide. Fujin had no sympathy. Quistis watched in mounting waves of terror as Fujin prepared a syringe, filling it with a clear fluid from a bottle. She laid it to one side, and took another, larger syringe. Quistis tensed as Fujin expertly inserted the needle into Quistis' upper arm, drawing a sample of blood, putting it in a tube. Then Fujin turned back to Quistis, a glint in her eye.

"Sleep." she said softly, injecting Quistis once more. Quistis moaned a little as the needle entered her, feeling the pain once more spreading from her arm to the rest of her body as she was injected with the drug. Then she fell unconscious.

Fujin sighed, and looked over to where Seifer was standing. He smiled at her, and crossed over to the boot of the car, looking at Quistis as if she was some kind of prize.

"Beautiful." he murmured, stroking the unconscious girls hair, passing his fingers over her face. "This is perfect." he hissed. Fujin smiled.

"You are going through with it then?" she asked him. Seifer looked at her sharply.

"Of course." he answered her. Fujin collected the tube of Quistis' blood and but it in a labeled envelope.

"Good. I'll tell them everything is ready." she said. Seifer smiled, and lifted Quistis out of the boot of the car. Her body was limp, but the slender girl was easy to carry as she was quite light. Her loose hair fell over Seifer as he held her, smiling down malevolently at his trophy.

"Now everything will be perfect." he said.

***************************************************************************

Squall gave Rinoa a meaningful look as the bill for their meal arrived. She smiled at him, almost smugly, and opened the little leather leaflet, preventing him from seeing it. Then she wrote the cheque out in her pretty, looping handwriting, putting it with her credit card back in the book before he could see the amount. Squall sighed.

"Are going to tell us your news now?" he asked her. Rinoa grinned at Selphie, who already knew. Squall gazed at her expectantly. She stared back at him, holding his cool gaze.

"I've been offered a job." she began. Squall looked disappointed.

"Are you going away from Garden?" he asked quickly, anxiety showing in his eyes, but not in his voice. She shook her head, touched by his concern.

"No. Squall, I'm going to be you new secretary!" she said. He opened his mouth in surprise, and she smiled at him.

"That...that's great!" he said. Rinoa put her arms around his neck, kissing him lightly on the cheek before hugging him.

"I'm glad you're pleased. It's going to be so fun, working together. Of course, we wont be together all the time, I'll be running your errands and you'll be in classes, but it'll give us a lot more time together!" she said in his ear. He smiled, and stroked her long black hair.

"I know. I'm really happy, Rinoa." he said quietly. Rinoa pulled away, looking into his dusky blue eyes. He smiled at her. She looked down at the table, picking up her coffee cup.

"I wonder where Quistis got to? I wanted her to be here when I told everyone." she said quietly. Squall shrugged.

"She's probably working hard, marking tests or something. I'll make sure to check on her tonight before going to the dorms. You want to come with me?" he asked her. She smiled and nodded.

"Yes. That'd put my mind at ease." she replied.

***************************************************************************

It was after curfew when they got back to the Garden, and the new Garden faculty members patrolling the Garden gave the SeeD's reproaching looks as they passed. They didn't comment on their rule-breaking, as they were with the Commander. There was silence in the sleeping Garden, with the only sound Selphie's and Rinoa's high heels clicking as they walked down the marble corridors. Squall had his arm around Rinoa as they walked, and he was enjoying the closeness for once. Selphie and Irvine were also walking close, and Selphie was watching her two friends a little jealously. She wished Irvine would get the guts to tell her how he felt.

When they reached the dormitories, Squall and Rinoa said goodnight to the others, and proceeded to Quistis' room on the second floor, where all the instructors slept. Squall knocked on the door lightly, seeing a light on inside. There was no reply. Checking to see if it was locked, he pushed the door open. Rinoa went in first.

"Quisty?" she called softly. There was silence. Passing through the office section of the small room, she knocked on the door connecting the tiny desk space to her bedroom. Not hearing anything, she pushed the door open. Stepping into the darkness, Rinoa could see from the thin bar of light shining on the bed that it was empty. She turned back to Squall, who was waiting in the other room.

"She's not here," said Rinoa, a hint of anxiety in her voice. Squall looked unperturbed.

"Maybe she's still in the classroom," he suggested, but felt a little uneasy. It was almost midnight. Rinoa frowned. She knew it was unlikely.

"Lets go," she said softly, pushing past Squall and switching off the light. He followed her as she walked briskly down the dimly lit corridor to the abandoned classroom, her heels clicking loudly in rhythm on the polished floor. He followed her, opening the door to the classroom as she stood behind him. He didn't know why, but like her, he felt reluctant to enter the room.

It appeared empty. The lamp on Quistis' desk was still on, and from it they could see papers scattered across her desk. Rinoa stepped infront of Squall, and switched on the main light. Brightness flooded the room, and the pair gazed around it silently. It was empty. Rinoa turned back to Squall, her mouth open to say something, but her foot nudged something, sending it skidding over to him with a tinkling sound. He bent down and picked it up, examining it. It was a small glass bottle, one of those used to fill a syringe. Rinoa crossed the room back to him, looking at what he held. It wasn't labeled, but there were a few drops of clear fluid still remaining in the ampoule. Squall looked concerned.

"Rinoa..." he began, his mind going through the possibilities of what may have happened at a furious rate. Rinoa looked terrified.

"Squall...where is she?" she asked him, her voice high pitched. He looked at her, his azure eyes full of anxiety.

"I don't know. Somethings happened to her."

***************************************************************************

Quistis awoke again on an unfamiliar bed, with harsh lights shining on her. She opened her eyes easily this time, and realized she was in a hospital, or what looked like one. She tried to sit up, but when she attempted to move her arms, she realized she was wearing thick restraining straps. Her eyes widened in shock, and she tried to move her legs. They too were strapped to the bed. She gasped as she heard a low laugh from the side. She turned her head, trying not to let the strap across her throat restrict her breathing anymore than it already was.

Seifer sat in the chair, his unsheathed gunblade on his lap. He stood as she looked at him, walking over to her with deliberate slowness and menace. He stopped a few feet from her bed.

"My dear Instructor." he said mockingly. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him. She was determined not to show fear in front of him, one of her students. He smiled at her.

"I'm afraid this will be a very one-sided conversation....some surgery was performed. While you were having a little nap." he said. Quistis tried not to think about what he may be implying, and didn't attempt to say anything. She felt normal..but she couldn't be sure what had been done to her. Seifer touched her cheek tenderly.

"Quistis...you are very lucky. So many would die for the opportunity you have. And you just get given it..something so many have given their whole lives to have." he said wistfully. She shut her eyes, wondering what he meant.

"I will help you. Don't worry, Quistis," he said to her. Seifer stepped close, bending over her so she could feel his breath on her lips. He kissed her gently.

"I'll be your knight." he whispered.

***************************************************************************

Squall crossed the room to where Rinoa was sitting, her head in her hands. He rubbed her back lightly, and she looked up at him. He could see how worried she was.

"Have they found anything?" she asked hoarsely. He shook his head.

"No. I've sent a fresh team out. It's only been a few hours. We'll find her, I promise." he reassured her. She stood up, turned away from him.

"You shouldn't promise something you don't know for certain you can do." she said bitterly. He sighed, knowing she wasn't really angry at him. He put both hands on her shoulders, pulling her against him.

"Don't worry. We can't do any more than we are now." he said quietly. Rinoa looked around the office, gazing at the SeeD's answering phones, sending faxes, speaking into radios. Everyone was busy looking for Quistis. Rinoa took Squall's hand, pushing his sleeve up so she could see his watch. It was three in the morning. Looking up at him, she smiled weakly.

"I'm sorry Squall. I know you're worried too." she said. He sighed.

"I just can't believe no one noticed." he said bitterly. Rinoa hugged him.

" know." she said softly. Squall hugged her close. For once, he wasn't shy about showing affection in front of the other SeeD's. They were both too worried, and everyone else was too busy to notice.

Selphie ran into the room. Rinoa and Squall separated as she neared them.

"They found something. Some of the SeeD's checked the parking lot, and one of the cars is missing. There is no record of who took it!" she said excitedly. Squall looked at her intently.

"Did anyone see the car leave?" he asked. Selphie shook her head and looked downcast.

"One of the juniors reported hearing a car leave at about ten thirty. All the other cars are there. It's strange, but he said it seemed to be heading away from Balamb town, in the other direction." she told him. Squall turned to the team of SeeD's who were waiting to his right expectantly.

"I want a team to go to the Fire Cavern, now. Another check the Rinauld Coast for signs of a boat." he ordered. The SeeD's immediately did as he said. He turned back to the others.

"We'll find her. Once the SeeD car is discovered, we can track her down." he said. Selphie nodded, and walked over to another SeeD who was making notes. Squall looked at Rinoa. The girl was gazing out of the large window which made up one side of his office, staring into the blackness. He sighed. He sincerely hoped they found Quistis, soon.

***************************************************************************

Seifer had left the room. Quistis now noticed two figures standing in the other corner. They appeared to be wearing masks, and were a little scary-looking. Quistis stared at them as they walked over to her.

"Your Excellency." they hissed at her. Quistis' glacial-blue eyes misted in confusion.

"We hope to release you soon, your Excellency." they said in simpering voices. Quistis tried to talk, but all that she could do was make a gasping sound. In horror, she realized what Seifer had said was true. There was something horribly wrong with her voice. Frantically, she twisted, attempting to free herself as the things moved closer. There were no coverings on her, and she could feel the straps biting into her flesh as she tried to free herself. She moaned as she felt a sharp pain in her stomach, accompanied by a sensation of warm fluid trickling down near her navel. She tried to raise her head, and before her strength gave out, she saw something which terrified her. A huge row of ugly black stitches held her bruised reddened flesh together in her stomach, holding together an ugly looking gash which she had inadvertently split open. She waved her arms wildly, making the bed shake. Her sapphire eyes were wide open as she kept the image of her ruined flesh in her mind, possibilities of what may have been done to her flashing through her mind.

The things hissed at her as she struggled. Quistis tried to scream as they reached out to her with dirty hands, long fingers stroking her, touching her all over. She writhed as they caressed her, trying to calm her down, while muttering to themselves all the time.

"Excellency...please...do not hurt yourself..." one of then hissed. Quistis tried to hit then away, but as her hands were so tightly restrained to the bed, she was unable to hurt them. She tried to scream, longing even for Seifer to rescue her as the hideous things stroked her body, patted her head, putting their hands over her chest and legs.

"Soon...your Excellency..soon you will be free." they said, trying to hush her. Their words were spoken soothingly, with an insidious quality to them. They eventually drew away from her, and she calmed down. She shut her eyes as she heard the door shut, and finally, allowed the tears to come.

***************************************************************************

Squall walked briskly towards the shore. In the silvery grey light of dawn, he looked like a mythical warrior, the pale light glinting off his gunblade and his hair blowing in the breeze. His aqua blue eyes were set in determination, fixed on the boat waiting ahead. He was walking so fast, Rinoa, Selphie and the others had trouble keeping up with his long strides.

They piled into the boat after him, which was steered by a young female SeeD, Kali. She saluted Squall as he entered, and gave him a brief report on what had been found and where they were headed. Squall nodded, and the five sat down as Kali powered up the vessel, and it sped towards it's destination. Rinoa sat beside Squall.

"Where are we going?" she asked him. He sighed.

"Esthar. After we made contact with the President earlier on, we discovered several people saw a young woman being carried by a man to another car. I think it was her, the woman was unconscious. The people who saw her used a telescope to see them, as they were far away from the city. The man...his description matches Seifer." Squall said reluctantly. Rinoa and the others gasped.

"Seifer? That ass-hole kidnapped Quistis!?" Zell yelled. Irvine looked disgusted.

"What are we going to do Squall?" he asked. Squall looked exasperated.

"There isn't much we can do. Quistis is in Esthar. We just go there and disperse SeeD's from Esthar Garden to find her. We have the headmaster's complete support." he said. He sighed.

"Let's just hope we find her soon. Seifer has always been unpredictable. Who knows what the hell he's up to know." Squall said, putting his head in his hand. Rinoa put her arm around his shoulders.

"It'll be alright Squall." she said softly. The others looked away from them.

"Now we know where she is, it wont be long before we can get her safely back home." she said to him. He nodded.

"I know. Just...Seifer's involved. Why is he always intent on causing trouble? First he tried to take you from me...and now Quistis..." he said. Rinoa sighed.

"Everything will be fine." she told, but there wasn't much conviction in her voice. If she was honest, there was no where better to hide than Esthar.

***************************************************************************

Rinoa dreamt as she slept. It was uneasy sleep, but essential, as she hadn't slept in over 24 hours. She dreamt of a field of flowers, much like the one she and Squall had made their promise in. But this time, she was there with another. Quistis. Rinoa spoke to her.

"Why are you here?" Rinoa asked her. Quistis gazed at her, her eyes glistening damply, like wet forget-me-nots. Rinoa felt her heart ache.

"What are you trying to tell me?" she asked desperately. Rinoa knew this wasn't just a dream. Since she became a Sorceress, she had many dreams where she communicated with others, some who were even from another time. But never one of her friends.

"Quistis, talk to me. I'll listen, I'll remember." she pleaded with her blonde friend. Quistis looked at her sadly, and raised a hand to her throat. Rinoa frowned in confusion.

"Quistis, are you hurt? Can you speak?" she asked gently. Quistis bit her lip. Rinoa tried again.

"Are you hurt?" she asked. Quistis nodded slowly. Rinoa felt an ache in the back of her throat.

"Did Seifer hurt you?" she asked, her voice trembling. Quistis shook her head violently. Rinoa was surprised. Then she felt a strange tingling sensation, and she knew the dream was coming to an end.

"Quistis..you must try to contact me again, ok? I can listen to you, you can help me find you!" Rinoa cried, as the image of Quistis slowly faded. Then she found herself back in empty sleep, dreamless sleep.

***************************************************************************

Quistis cried in her sleep. She desperately wanted to talk to Rinoa, but couldn't. She moved her hands slowly, fresh tears springing to her eyes as the sores on her wrists and ankles bled even more. The rough, hairy rope which made the restraining straps was cruelly tight, and bit into her flesh causing blisters and sores which were unable to heal.

The door to the room opened, and Quistis tried her hardest to look over. Seifer bent over her, and she breathed a sigh of relief. He smiled tenderly at her.

"My beautiful Quistis." he murmured. She felt uneasy. She didn't like Seifer, but anything was better than those things which had molested her earlier. She looked at him questioningly. His blue eyes met hers, and he smiled again.

"I guess you are wondering why you are here," he said, drawing away. She nodded slightly.

"It is because, my love, you have been chosen for a great honor. Have you heard of Queen Oriscala?" he said. The name seemed to hang in the air, and Quistis went pale. Seifer gazed down at her trembling body with a hint of contempt.

"You are to be her soulmate. Her twin. She will be re-awakened in you, Quistis. And I shall be your Protector." he said with joy. Quistis' breath became rapid, and she went very white. Unlike most, she knew about Queen Oriscala. Quistis had never taught any students about this great Sorceress, as the tales were deemed unsuitable for teenagers. Because they were so horrifying. Quistis could not imagine what would happen if she were to be in the same body as her.

Seifer looked at Quistis appreciatively. He rested a hand on her naked, swollen stomach. She hissed in pain as his fingers brushed the torn bruised skin. He stroked the hot skin gently, laughing softly. He undid another button on her shirt, as it was covering some of her stitches, pushing back the fabric. Quistis looked at him, concerned as to what his intentions were. At this point, she didn't know what Seifer was capable of. When he undid another of her buttons, she shut her eyes, trying not to cry. But then he stopped, and stepped away from her.

"Soon, Quistis." he promised her. She looked at him, her eyes wide with silent pleading. He laughed again, and left the room, shutting the white door behind him, and leaving Quistis lying there, her heart thumping, and her breath rapid as she wondered what horror was waiting for her.

***************************************************************************

Rinoa awoke with a jolt as the boat skipped over a wave and came down sharply. She was thrown against Squall, and put her hand on his chest to steady herself. He looked at her with a smile. She looked out the window, and saw the sun shining brightly.

"Squall, Quistis is hurt," she said. The smile left his face.

"How do you know?" he asked her, his voice low. Rinoa looked upset.

"I dreamt of her. I spoke to her. She said Seifer didn't hurt her, but she was injured all the same. She's scared, Squall, she doesn't know where she is." Rinoa said, her voice trembling. Squall shook his head.

"I...you spoke to her? " he said, confused. Rinoa felt impatient.

"Squall, I've had dreams like this before. Since I got my powers. I didn't want to tell you before, but this is my special power. Edea must have had it also, the ability to communicate with others through dreams. I can. I spoke to her!" she said. Squall nodded.

"Ok. Is she...hurt badly?" he asked, hardly wanting to know the answer. Rinoa shrugged.

"I don't know. She was unable to speak, maybe they've gagged her. I don't know." she said, looking depressed. Squall stood up, and walked to the window. He stared out to the ocean, the waves flashing past as they flew over then at high speed. In the distance, he could see land.

Glancing back at the anxious Rinoa, and his sleeping friends, he wondered what he was to do. The first step was to get the co-operation of the Esthar government, to ensure they had all available resources to find Quistis at their disposal. It shouldn't be hard, seeing as his father was the President. Squall was still worried though, now he knew Quistis was in danger for certain. He sighed, and closed his eyes as he leant his scarred forehead against the cool glass. He was broken out of his depression by Kali, who called him from the control room.

"Commander, we're nearing land now." she said to him. He nodded at her, murmuring a thanks. He turned to wake the others.

***************************************************************************

Laguna was glad to see his son. Squall had avoided talking to him for so long, he was so happy that finally there was going to be some contact. Ellone watched him pace up and down, a weary look on her face.

"Uncle Laguna, you're going to wear a hole in the carpet." she said dryly. He looked at her and smiled warmly.

"Elle, I'm so glad he's finally coming to see me!" Laguna said. Ellone felt slightly guilty on Squall's behalf.

"Uncle Laguna...I don't think he's here to talk. Don't get your hopes up, please," she said, not wanting him to get hurt. She herself had been a little annoyed at her adopted younger brother, and the fact he seemed determined to keep his father at arms length. But Ellone knew Squall was busy, and that he needed time to adjust. She stood up, and crossed the room to Laguna.

"Look...maybe there will be some time to talk. But don't pressurize him. Finding out he had family was a big shock to Squall..." she said gently. Laguna sighed.

"I guess. I just want to explain. And to tell him about his mother." Laguna said. Ellone smiled weakly.

"Yea. I know. But don't force him. I don't know him too well myself yet, but from what I've seen I guess he's not too good at opening up to others." she said. Laguna nodded.

"Okay." he said, checking his watch for the hundredth time that day. Ellone smiled.

***************************************************************************

"She's sleeping." said Lika, striking a match. Her companions moved closer as she lit the fire.

"She's strong." hissed Hari, prodding the ashes in the extinguished fire with his long fingers before throwing on some new wood. Lika laughed, a dry, rasping sound.

"Soon the fool Laguna will fall, and Oriscala will reign once more." she muttered, rubbing her cold hands together over the flames which licked up from the fresh fire.

From the dark corner of the cave, Fujin watched the hideous group. The two ring leaders could barely be called human. Fujin herself was disgusted with them. She had found this group when she and Raijin had been traveling to the Lunatic Pandora, to find Seifer. Fujin felt a tinge of sadness as she thought of Raijin, but pushed it out of her head quickly. He was dead, had been killed in the training center in Galbadia Garden. Fujin never mourned his loss, some called her cold hearted, but she preferred to think of it as her ability to handle grief better than others.

Shifting slightly, the girl laid her head down on the cold rock. Her chin length grey hair fell over her good eye, and she pushed it away. Next to her lay Seifer. She gazed at him as he stared up at the ceiling of the cave. Fujin smiled despite herself. She truly loved Seifer. He was her idol, her hero. She would do anything to ensure his success. Seifer seemed to notice that she was examining her. He turned his head towards her. They were lying close, and were sharing a thin blanket. He put an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

"Fujin..." he murmured, kissing her violently. Fujin opened her eye wide as he kissed her, putting her free arm around him, pulling him closer. He pulled away, and she, breathless, gazed into his face.

"You're so good to me." he said to her, stroking her face. She smiled at him, feeling her heart beating fast from excitement. She shivered as he pulled her tight, pressing her against him.

"Seifer..."she said, her face flushed. He looked into her colourless eye, stroking her silky grey hair. "Seifer..don't.." she said, but her protest was lost in another passionate kiss. Fujin relented as Seifer moved over her.

***************************************************************************

"Squall! I'm so glad you made it!" said Laguna, jumping out of his chair to pat his son on the back. Squall looked back coldly, but without malice.

"President Laguna." Squall began. Laguna interrupted him.

"Call me Dad."

"President Laguna." Squall repeated. Laguna bit his lip, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

"As you know, one of Balamb Garden's Instructors was abducted last night. Not only is she an Instructor, but she was a member of the team who defeated Ultimecia, and one of my closest friends." he said. Laguna looked at him sympathetically.

"I'll do whatever I can to help." Laguna said sincerely.

"Thank-you. We'd like your co-operation in searching for Instructor Trepe, and help in following up the leads we already have." Squall said in a flat voice. Ellone stood silently behind him. He hadn't seen her as he entered the room, and she was now glaring at him. She stepped forward.

"For God's sake Squall." she said angrily. He spun around, his cold look softening as he saw her.

"Ellone...Sis.." he murmured. He could never quite believe it when he saw her. She looked at him reproachfully.

"Please, Squall...I know you are worried about you friends, but do you have to be so cruel?" she said honestly. Squall stared at her open-mouthed.

"I mean...he's offering you help. He wants to get closer to you. And you are so cold and rude..I know thats not the real you Squall." she said pleadingly, walking closer to him, her brown eyes warm with affection and innocence. Squall melted a little at his older sisters words.

"Elle..what can I say? I don't know you." he said, looking at Laguna. Laguna, for once, was silent. Ellone sighed.

"Squall, listen to what Uncle Laguna has to say. He justs wants you to know about your mother, and to get to know you better. Please?" she asked softly, putting her hand on his arm. He sighed, and turned to Laguna.

"I'm sorry. I find this situation...difficult. I will listen to you, I promise. I do want to know more about my family, and to know that I wasn't just an accident. But...my priority is Quistis. I must find her." he said, emotion finally showing in his voice. Laguna nodded.

"I understand. You do what you have to do. I'll support you all the way." Laguna promised. Ellone smiled, and hugged Squall gently. He felt a bit awkward. The only other people who hugged him were Selphie (who usually threw her arms around his neck, threatening to cause him injury and squeezed him dangerously tight) and Rinoa, whose hugs always meant something else. Usually that she was upset, or that she wanted him to know something. Ellone just exuded love.

***************************************************************************

When Quistis woke the next day, she realized she was now in a sitting position. Her arms were pinned above her shoulders to the wall behind her, by ropes, and her legs were still bound to the corners of the bed. She dreaded to think what was planned for her, especially as she was in this position. After the encounter with Seifer yesterday, she was afraid for herself. She didn't know what he, or those creatures, were capable of.

And she was starving. She had a IV inserted in her hand, but she hadn't been fed. She shifted as much as she could in the bed, wishing she could move properly. But now, she did have to opportunity to look down at herself properly, to see what had been done to her. Her stomach looked hideous. The normally flat, taut flesh was purply-red, bruised and torn over the huge gash which was held together with clumsy black stitches. It was cut diagonal, and she guessed over her appendix. It was to one side of her navel, and mostly below it. She could see the track of blood from where she had burst the stitches the last night.

She moaned as she looked at it, dreading to think what had been done inside that she couldn't see. Her peach coloured top had been unbuttoned completely while she slept, and the bottom of it was drenched in dried blood. It gave her the chance to view the extent of her surgery completely, and upset her to think that someone had been touching her while she slept. Probably Seifer, she thought angrily, thankful that she was still wearing her bra and skirt.

Quistis felt so tired and angry, she found herself crying again. She was furious, and scared at the same time. This time, when the door opened, she didn't attempt to hide the fact she was upset. It was Seifer, as she had guessed. He smiled at her, and wiped away her tears gently with one finger.

"Poor Quistis." he said softly. She pulled her head away from his touch angrily. He looked hurt.

"Quistis...I'm not here to hurt you." he said to her. He sat on the bed next to her, and put a hand on her shoulder, massaging gently.

"I wont hurt you." he said again in a low voice. His dark blue eyes seemed to burn into her arctic sapphire ones. Quistis felt a cold sense of fear creep over her. He seemed like a predator, and she felt vulnerable, helpless. She felt a tear streak down her face as he pushed apart her blouse, trailing his hand down from her shoulder. Quistis cried silently as Seifer confirmed her worst fears. He was going to rape her, and she couldn't stop him. She was unable to defend herself. She stared to the ceiling as he touched her intimately, trying to block out the sense of disgust and terror as he got onto the bed with her. Desperately, she wished she had never punished him in the classroom, wished she had turned a blind eye to him and Clay. But it was too late. He was going to punish her instead.

***************************************************************************

Fujin stood outside the room, her eyes shut. She knew what Seifer was doing, and she told herself she didn't care. She forced herself to remain cold, to not think about it. She didn't feel guilty about the violation, but only a little upset that she herself was not enough for Seifer. Fujin took a deep breath as she heard a choked moan from Quistis inside the room, and took a few steps away from the door. She wondered whether Seifer loved her. She knew he could never love her in the same, selfless way she loved him, but she sometimes wished her love was requited.

Fujin gazed around the small, clinical corridor which connected the laboratory to the cave. It was cold in here, and she shivered. She sat down in a blue plastic chair which was beside the door, first moving it so she was quite far from the door, so she wouldn't be able to hear what was going on. Angrily, she buried her fingers in her hair, wishing she could get rid of this bad feeling inside her. Seifer.

She sighed, and let her hands drop to her lap, hugging her stomach as if it hurt. She hated feeling emotions beyond her control. She didn't know what this one was. Fujin tried to rationalize her thoughts, but still came up with nothing. She loved Seifer. She wanted him to just be happy. Was she upset that she was unable to do that? Was she jealous of the attraction Quistis held for him? She didn't know. She heard a scuttling noise, and one of the small dwarf-like people came out of the caves. Fujin stood, making sure her Pinwheel was clearly visible. The small thing got closer to the girl, and she looked down at it with contempt. It gazed up at her, and hissed.

"Mistress Fujin. Please, we need to attend to the Sorceressss." Fujin could tell it was one of Lika's underlings. Fujin gazed above it, staring into the distance, glowering through her snow white eyelashes.

"The Sorceress is busy." she said harshly. The thing, which she now knew as Rigard, one of the females, recoiled from her harsh tone. The pretty girl sighed, and turned back to the white door. She heard a hideous guttural moan come from it, and turned back to the thing. Rigard was staring at her.

"The Sorceresss....we must get her sssoon!" Rigard hissed, reaching out to Fujin with a long hand. Fujin stepped away, out of its reach, dropping her Pinwheel to the same level as Rigards outstretched hand.

"Do not touch me." Fujin said in a low voice. Rigard gave Fujin a malevolent look, and scuttled away. Fujin realized she still had a look of disgust on her face, and quickly turned it into an indifferent look. Soon, she knew Quistis wouldn't exist anymore. There would be only Oriscala. And then she, Fujin, would be forgotten.

Fujin pressed a hand to her eye, willing tears to come, but she knew they wouldn't. Fujin Athen never cried. She was tough, she was cold. She had never cried since she was a baby. Not even when she lost her eye in a training accident. Fujin was Ice. Harsh, cold, and indifferent. She could not care about the affections of one man.

But she did. And she couldn't stop herself.

***************************************************************************

"Caves? Why would Doctor Odine have his laboratory in caves?" asked Selphie. The young technician sighed.

"He doesn't. Dr Mitchell has his laboratory in the caves. It is meant to be a secret. That's why." he replied. Selphie nodded.

"So...tell me about him." she said, smiling charmingly at the technician. He smiled back.

"You want to know about him? Why? Hoping for a date?" he asked her slyly. She fluttered her eyelashes at him, taking a step closer.

"Maybe not with him." she said softly. The technician gulped.

"But please. Humor me. Why is he not working with Dr Odine anymore?" She asked. He licked his lips.

"He...ah...they had an argument. I heard it. It was about this new invention. Dr Odine wanted to destroy it. It was something...a crystal...which could bring back a Sorceress into the body of someone who physically resembles them." he said, staring at Selphie's chest. She knew this, and folded her arms, making him look at her face again.

"Bring back a Sorceress? Like Ultimecia?" she asked innocently. He shook his head.

"No. A Sorceress from the past. Like Hyne." he said. Selphie smiled flirtatiously.

"Why would you want to do that?" she asked. He shook his head again.

"You wouldn't. Hyne was a good Sorceress, but there is no reason to bring her back. But, there is a possibility that they would bring back some other Sorceress. Like...."

"Who? The only bad Sorceress' I know are Adel and Ultimecia. And it is impossible to bring them back. Adels in suspended animation, and Ultimecia's dead in the future." she said. The technician suddenly looked serious.

"There's Oriscala." he said. Selphie touched his arm gently.

"Who?" she asked, feigning disinterest. He swallowed hard.

"Oriscala. She was the most evil...hideous Sorceress ever. She used black magic, summoned demons, forced the people to make regular sacrifices to her. Of blood. She murdered and tortured thousands for her own pleasure. She...she was terrible." he said. Selphie looked a little worried.

"She could be brought back?" she asked quietly. The technician sighed.

"I don't know. The Crystal Ashen was destroyed. But the plans for it...Dr Mitchell has them. And he's crazy. I wouldn't put it past him..." he said with a shiver. Selphie felt cold.

"What...you said someone who resembled the Sorceress physically...what did Oriscala look like?" she asked, her voice unsteady. The technician smiled wistfully.

"Deceptively beautiful. She was, according to ancient texts, very slim, tall, blonde, with striking blue eyes." he said. Selphie felt weak. He seemed to notice.

"Hey...are you alright?" he asked her. She looked up at him, her face pale.

"Gotta go," said Selphie, and ran from the room.

***************************************************************************

Again, Rinoa dreamed of Quistis. She was facing Quistis, who had her back to Rinoa. Quistis was kneeling in the long grass of the meadow, picking flowers and crying violently. Rinoa felt strangely scared. She walked quickly over to Quistis, and put a hand on her shoulder. Quistis screamed and jumped up, running a few steps away from Rinoa, before seeing who it was.

"Quistis!" Rinoa said anxiously. Quistis took a deep breath.

"Help me." she said quietly. Rinoa sighed in relief.

"You can talk." she said. Quistis bit her lip.

"Please Rinoa. Hurry and find me. You don't know what's happened...." she broke off, hugging the flowers close to her chest. Rinoa noticed the cut on her bare stomach, and saw Quistis torn clothes which were saturated with dried blood.

"What happened?" she asked. Quistis looked down at herself.

"Seifer..." she whispered. Rinoa frowned.

"I thought...you said he didn't hurt you." She said softly. Quistis let the flowers fall from her arms as she hugged her self.

"He hadn't. Then." she mumbled. Rinoa felt a terrible sense of realization creep over her.

"Quistis, what did he do to you?!" she asked in a low voice. Quistis just looked at her.

"The worst." she stated simply, incredible sadness in her voice. Rinoa felt tears running down her cheeks.

"No, Quistis...I'm so sorry.." she said. Quistis touched the deep cut on her stomach anxiously.

"He didn't do this though. I don't know who did, but he didn't." she said. Rinoa looked confused.

"I don't know....just hang in there, alright? We'll find you..soon, I promise. Just wait for us. Don't give up." she said, not really knowing how to comfort her friend.Quistis didn't look at Rinoa, she just stared down at her disfigured stomach.

"Quistis...I have to go now." Rinoa said calmly, feeling the tingling sensation which meant she was waking up. Quistis remained unmoving.

"We'll find you soon, I promise." Rinoa said desperately. Quistis nodded sadly, and turned away, fading before Rinoa's eyes.

***************************************************************************

"Tonight." cried Hari, his black eyes gleaming in the firelight. Lika hissed, a joyous sound, as she threw a bunch of herbs onto the fire.

"Sssorceress Orissscala...we will worship her..." she slithered. There was a chorus of moans from the hooded figures behind her, the followers of Lika and Hari.

Fujin watched the gathering with contempt. She knew that when Oriscala finally was resurrected, she would not bother with these rejects of society. She would only want the affections of the beautiful and strong. Like Seifer. He had already decided he was to be her knight. Fujin would in turn wait on Seifer. It was like an unspoken agreement between the two. She was his, and she always would be. But she had no rights over him.

Fujin tossed her weapon up in the air, catching it deftly with one hand. She smoothed the blue tunic down over her hips, and glanced over to the tunnel which connected the caves to the laboratory. That fool of a doctor was still in there, working on Quistis, adjusting the Crystal Ashen. Seifer had administered the drug to her again, and Quistis had been unconscious for the last five hours.

Seifer himself was sleeping. Fujin had checked on him earlier. She herself was not tired, she never needed much sleep. Sighing, Fujin sat down on a flat rock and watched as the dwarf-like people danced in the firelight, chanting hideously. She thought their devotion to this mythical Sorceress was strange, as there was no way the Sorceress would be interested in them. Fujin itched for some combat, she was in that kind of mood. She just wanted to attack one of them. They irritated her, and she longed to show then she was superior to them. Even though they groveled to her whenever they spoke to her, Fujin had the feeling they didn't really respect her with the fear they had for Seifer.

***************************************************************************

Quistis looked at the doctor silently as he worked. From time to time he glanced up at her face, but he was always expressionless. Quistis tried to keep her mind a blank. He had given her an anaesthetic, which was just as well, because she could see everything he was doing to her, and if she wasn't drugged to the gills, she would probably be screaming.

He was inside her stomach. Not only that, but there was something very wrong with her. She could see, from her sitting position, that there was something inside her stomach. Even though it was covered in blood, it was shining with an inner light, and was a pale blue colour. This the doctor appeared to be working on. He looked up at her. She gazed back.

"You are so lucky." he said to her. Quistis ignored him. He continued. "You...chosen to become the greatest Sorceress ever...it's amazing. Tonight, I will switch on the Crystal Ashen, and you and Oriscala will become one." he said, joy in his voice. Quistis turned her face to the side so he couldn't see her. She was beginning to feel a dull pain in her stomach, and she knew the anaesthetic was wearing off.

"You will soon be able to talk. The Crystal Ashen needed your silence to grow. Only then could it thrive, off your frustration and anger. Seifer certainly aided it in that respect." he said, smirking at her. Quistis squeezed her eyes shut, thankful that she was so doped up she couldn't get as angry as she would have liked. Eventually, the doctor finished, and replaced the stitches, more delicately this time.

"I apologize for the shoddy work of before. It was necessary to make the stitches loose, as the Crystal Ashen needed room to grow." he explained to her. "But now it is at optimum development. Tonight....yes, beautiful, tonight you will reign again." he said, excitement growing in his voice.

Quistis felt very afraid.

***************************************************************************

"We must find her! Quickly!" Rinoa cried, running over to Squall. Startled, he dropped the papers he was holding onto the desk and stared at his girlfriend.

"What? Did you find out something?" he asked her. Rinoa nodded. He gazed at her expectantly. Her hair was messy, as she had only just woken up, and her clothes were creased.

"Squall....just...she's really hurt." Rinoa said, feeling horrible inside. Squall looked disturbed.

"I know. Selphie...she found out what they wanted her for. One of the technicians who used to work for Dr Odine told her about something called the Crystal Ashen. It can bring back Sorceress'." Squall said. Rinoa looked confused.

"So?" she said impatiently. He sighed.

"Dr Odine was the only one with the plans. They found his body yesterday, his lab was trashed. The plans for the Crystal Ashen was gone." he said. Rinoa gazed up at him, not understanding. He explained.

"The Crystal Ashen must be implanted in a person who physically resembles the Sorceress to be brought back. They must be someone who suffers severe emotions, anger, rage frustration. Eventually, the Crystal Ashen will grow, and will become one with the person. They will gradually become more and more like the Sorceress, gaining her powers, until they eventually become her completely. And the person they were before will be lost." he said. Rinoa looked scared.

"Quistis...I saw her. She had a huge scar on her stomach...." she said, a cry catching in her throat. Squall looked worried.

"Then we must hurry." he said, determination in his voice.

***************************************************************************

Quistis felt a strange burning sensation in her stomach. Her eyes flew open, and she moaned as the feeling of intense heat grew, spreading from her navel right up to her neck. She twisted, straining against her bonds, moaning in pain. The door opened, and she gasped, partly because she felt so strange, and partly because it was three of the dwarves. They scuttled over to her, and stroked her with their long fingers, muttering insidiously.

"Yess...your Excellency...we know...ssssoon." they hissed in excitement. Quistis felt a pain in her head, forcing her to close her eyes. The creatures's hissing seemed to reach a crescendo, and she felt a flower of agony blossoming in her skull. She let out a high pitched wail, and then fell silent. Lika touched Quistis forehead, pushing the girls head to one side. Lika smiled as she realized the girl was unconscious. Turning to the others, she threw back the hood of her cloak, and raised her hands above her head.

"The Sorceresss is awakening!" she cried.

***************************************************************************

"You've found it?! Whoo hoo!" cried Selphie, jumping up and down in excitement. She gazed at the screen in front of Squall, and he tensed, expecting another life-threatening hug from her. Luckily for him, she managed to restrain herself.

"Lets go get her!" Selphie yelled, putting her hands on Squall's shoulder's and yelling in his ear. He turned around in the swivel chair to face her, wincing.

"Selphie..do you have to scream right in my ear?" he said, but he too was happy they had finally found where Quistis was. She grabbed his hand.

"Come on! Lets tell the others!" she said, taking his hand and leading him out of the room.

Rinoa was sitting on a couch outside the room. She smiled as she saw Selphie's wide grin. "What is it? What have you found?" she asked. Selphie clasped her hands together.

"We've found the co-ordinates of the underground lab! That's where Quistis is held!" she said excitedly. Rinoa gasped.

"That's great! We must hurry." she said, looking concerned. Squall gave her a puzzled look. Rinoa hadn't given him details of what had happened to Quistis, but he knew it was bad. It had really upset Rinoa.

"We'll round up everyone, and attack the place tonight. We've got surveillance teams out there now, they're checking it out for us." he told them. Rinoa nodded, looking into the distance.

"I hope we get there in time." she murmured to herself. Squall heard her, and became more worried.

"Rinoa...please tell me. What happened to her?" he asked. Selphie, sensing this was private, moved away. Rinoa looked at him, staring intensely into his eyes.

"She was raped. By Seifer." Rinoa stated in a flat voice. Squall stared back at her, his eyes widening slightly, but he made no response. He turned away from Rinoa, and stared down the long corridor.

"Let's go. Now." he said in a harsh voice.

***************************************************************************

"I'm going to kill him with my own hands." Squall said calmly. Rinoa looked at him in shock, but didn't say anything.

"He's done it this time. I won't hold back. This is..he's despicable." Squall seethed. Rinoa became a little worried.

"Squall, don't let it get to you so much. Concentrate on helping Quistis, and then we can help her get revenge." she said, trying to sooth him. He appeared to get more angry. The car they were in jolted over a rough piece of road. Rinoa looked around at her friends Selphie was leaning against Irvine, asleep, and he was looking down at her, a slight smile on his face. Zell was standing at the end of the car, running through some training exercises. She and Squall had been talking, and she had revealed to him the full details of her dream. It had affected him more than she had thought it would. She too was very upset at the treatment of her friend, but Squall was furious.

"Why must he always try to hurt us? First taking you, destroying Trabia, and now this...this is the worst so far." he said angrily, pushing his fingers through his hair. Rinoa put a hand on his arm.

"Calm down Squall. Wait until we get there...then you can have it out with him" she said. She sighed. "I...I wish we had got there sooner too. But we're doing all we can to find her. Don;'t blame yourself Squall." she said. There was no reply.

***************************************************************************

Fujin paced anxiously outside the room. She didn't know what was going on in there, but she knew tonight was the climax of everything. What Seifer had been waiting for. Forget the facade of Edea and Ultimecia, there were mere shadows in the view of Oriscala. Fujin Athen was scared, for the first time in her life. The amount of energy which hung in the air, radiating from that room. She was loathe to enter it, but she knew she should. To loosen Quistis' bonds, as Seifer had asked her to do. But, she felt a sense of trepidation, and she felt like running, far far away from that room.

Instead she put her hand on the door knob. She paused before twisting it, every instinct telling her to turn, to run before it was too late. But as usual, Fujin's rational mind, cool as ever, won over, and defiantly, she opened the door wide.

At first, there didn't seem to be much different. Quistis was asleep, in the position they had left her. It reminded Fujin of a crucifixion, the way her arms were bound above her shoulders on either side of her head. Her hands hung limp from the bonds on her wrists, and there was blood staining the rope. Fujin took a step towards her. Quistis didn't move. Reproaching herself for feeling such irrational fear, Fujin took out a tiny ornate flick-knife and set to work cutting away the rope which restrained Quistis. As she cut away with the silver blade, her hands slipped on the ivory and onyx inlaid handle, and Fujin realized she was sweating. Cursing, she attacked the ropes with more fervor, trying to combat the mounting sense of terror inside her. It was as if there was gothic music playing, and it was slowly reaching a horrifying crescendo, only she couldn't hear it.

As she cut the last of the rope, Fujin took a step back from the bed, and felt a weird shudder pass through the air. Quistis' body seemed to undulate as Fujin watched, and new life seemed to breath into her. She stretched her arms, flexing her fingers in a lazy, superior fashion. Her eyes opened, and Fujin's pouting mouth dropped open as she saw Quistis blue eyes slowly transform to the colour of snakes eyes, a deep yellow oxide.

Fujin took a few hurried steps back, and Quistis leant forward, a soft smile on her face. Fujin felt like whimpering, she was terrified, all rational thoughts went out of her head. Quistis slowly shook her head, letting her long blonde hair fall forward. Fujin noticed it was slowly curling into soft spirals, and growing longer before her eyes.

"Fujin Athen..." Quistis said. Her voice was much deeper than usual, and had a seductive quality to it. Fujin pressed her lips together, and clutched her Pinwheel tight to her chest. Quistis seemed to notice. She raised a hand, and the Pinwheel flew from Fujins hands, embedding itself in the other wall. Quistis laughed, a beautiful, silvery laugh. Fujin almost wept.

"Little Fujin...don't be afraid. I like you. You have a strong mind. You have nothing to fear from me." said Quistis in a soothing voice. Fujin dropped her hands to her sides, relaxing a little. Fujin bowed respectfully.

"Your Excellency." she said in her clear voice. Quistis smiled regally. Fujin rose, shaking her jagged grey hair back from her face. Quistis began to remove her torn and bloodied top.

"Get me more suitable attire." she ordered, a hint of disgust in her voice as she examined Quistis' outfit. Fujin bowed again, and crossed to the cupboard in the room, where they had prepared a fine gown for the Sorceress. She brought it out, and held it for the Sorceress to see. Quistis smiled again.

"It will do. For now." she said.

***************************************************************************

The member's of the new Esthar Garden team waited anxiously for the arrival of Squall and the others. They were nervous, as these were undoubtedly the most respected people they had ever had the chance to meet. Especially Squall Leonhart. He was a legend in the Gardens, and it was almost every young SeeD's dream to be on a team led by Squall.

Eventually, the car bearing Squall and the others arrived. Immediately the other SeeD team went to meet them, silently saluting all of the new arrivals. Squall nodded to them, and they proceeded to a clearing which was obscured from the view of the entrance of the caves.

"Is there a way in?" asked Squall. The other SeeD looked nervous.

"We've discovered a back route in though the waste tube of the laboratory. It isn't exactly the most convenient way in, but you'll get there unseen. And it isn't heavily guarded like the rest." he said. Squall nodded.

"Well done." he said dryly. The SeeD smiled. A compliment from Squall, albeit one not spoken with much feeling, was very much appreciated. Squall turned to the rest of the waiting Esthar team.

"Please tell me what else you have seen. Have any of you seen the missing Instructor, or Seifer Almasy?" Squall asked. All of then shook their heads. Then one girl spoke up. She was very young, only about fifteen, although she looked younger.

"I...I saw someone matching Fujin Athen's appearance though." she said tentatively. Squall made no response. She continued.

"The woman...she was sitting outside for a little while. She appeared upset. Then she went in again," said the young SeeD. Squall nodded.

"Thankyou. At least now we know Seifer is there." he said. He almost spat the name, so great was the hatred he felt for his former training companion. He turned away from the Esthar team, back to his comrades.

"We'll go in through the back. Through the waste system. Selphie, Zell, you should be used to this," he said, in an attempt to lighten the tension all of them were feeling. Selphie smiled at him weakly, and the others checked their weapons. Rinoa took a deep breath. Squall glanced at her, and did a double take.

"Rinoa...your eyes..." he said, startled. They had gone a deep shade of yellow. Rinoa gazed at him.

"I know. My powers, they are growing stronger, I can feel it. This is weird, Squall..." she said. He didn't have time to question her further.

"We must go now. Come on!" he said, leading them through to the back.

***************************************************************************

Fujin stepped back from the Sorceress, bowing again. The Sorceress looked at herself in the mirror, a haughty expression on her face. She turned to Fujin.

"Athen. You have served me well. Look at me." she commanded. Fujin obediently looked into the Sorceress' eyes. She felt a strange light-headedness, and eventually the Sorceress broke their gaze, leaving Fujin feeling drained.

"You love Seifer. You are afraid that once he meets me, and pledges his life to me, you will be forgotten. All you care about is Seifer." she stated quietly. Fujin looked troubled.

"Yes...that's true..." she said uncertainly. Oriscala gazed at Fujin.

"Do not worry. He will not forget you. I'll make sure of it. You will become my handmaid, a task as important as Seifer's. You and he will be equals, and have the same amount of power. Is that what you want? You and he would spend your entire lives together...devoted to me." she said. Fujin felt a warm flush creeping over her.

"Yes...yes...that's what I want..." she said, feeling drugged. Oriscala smiled benevolently.

"As I said before. You have nothing to fear from me. You and Seifer, you will both be my closest. You will both be under my protection,and you in turn will protect me." she said in a seductive voice. Fujin felt elation. Her whole life with Seifer, devoted to a common cause, being with him, sharing the same responsibilities as him...it was more than she had ever dreamed of. Oriscala looked at Fujin expectantly.

"Well? Will you become my servant?" she asked. Fujin nodded.

"Of course." she replied. Oriscala smiled, revealing her sharp white teeth. Stepping away from the mirror, she shook her thick blonde curls and smiled at her reflection. She was beautiful, and although she looked incredibly like Quistis still, her whole manner was different. As before Quistis seemed to have an air of calm and serenity about her, the Sorceress had an air of hidden power, and exuded superiority and confidence. She also looked more child-like than Quistis, and had deceptively soft features. Her big topaz eyes were framed by high arched brows, and had sweeping thick dark eyelashes. Her pink lips formed a pouting mouth, and her nose was straight, and upturned at the end slightly.

Her spiraling blonde hair hung in perfect bouncy curls to the middle of her back, and her figure, like Quistis' was slim and tall. She wore a red velvet dress, covered in sumptuous embroidery in maroon, and had princess sleeves. It reached down to the floor, obscuring her legs and feet from view. It had a plunging neckline, and was quite revealing. She certainly fitted the picture of the seductive Sorceress from the stories about her.

Turning, Oriscala walked to the door. "It is time I met my Protector." she said with an evil smile. Fujin bowed, and followed. She had fallen under her spell.

***************************************************************************

"Squall..." Rinoa whispered as she followed him in the dank tunnel. He paused and turned round to look at her.

"What?" he asked, slightly out of breath. They had to walk stooped over, as the tunnel was quite small. She looked worried.

"Something's wrong. I can feel it. My powers, they are growing...I can tell what people are thinking..don't laugh, Squall." she said, trying to work out his expression in the gloom.

"I'm not." he said. "You can tell what people are thinking? Like...me?" he asked. She shook her head.

"No. You're too strong. I could tell what Selphie was thinking a minute ago. It was weird, as if she was speaking right out loud."

"Are you sure she wasn't?" he said dryly. She hit him lightly.

"This is serious Squall. No, she wasn't speaking. I heard her...she was worrying about something. Something she would never say out loud." Rinoa said awkwardly. Squall smiled, curious.

"What?" he asked her, glancing to where Selphie was sitting on a little ledge, waiting for them to continue moving.

"Nothing. The point is, I tried to contact Quistis. I couldn't. I don't know whether it's because she is far away, or asleep or something, but it worries me. I have a horrible feeling something is wrong." she said, shivering. Squall sighed, looking down the dark tunnel.

"Let's go then." he said, and the others followed once more as they walked down the cramped, dark tunnel.

***************************************************************************

Seifer stood up straight as his mistress entered the room. Oriscala was followed by Fujin, who was gazing at her with a look of open adoration. Seifer was slightly surprised, Fujin had, up til now, had a sour attitude about her whenever he mentioned Oriscala. He smiled at the Sorceress, and made a sweeping bow to her.

"My Knight." she said with satisfaction. Seifer remained in a bent over position.

"Sorceress Oriscala. This is a great honour." he said. She laughed, the beautiful, tinkling laugh which had enchanted Fujin. Seifer rose, and smiled as he looked upon her. She was so beautiful, he thought. Prettier than Edea, prettier than Quistis had been. Oriscala obviously approved of him too.

"Seifer Almasy. My faithful Knight. What makes you think I want you?" she asked mockingly. Seifer glanced at Fujin, and saw her unmoved. He smiled confidently at the Sorceress.

"Your Excellency, I will pledge my life to you. I already have. I will be your Protector, your Knight, your Slayer. Please let me fulfil my dream." he said in a low voice. Oriscala looked pleased.

"Very well. You will accompany Fujin, my handmaid. She loves you deeply, Seifer Almasy. I do not think you realize this. But I can see it is of little importance to you." she said. Seifer looked a little confused at her words. Fujin, love? He frowned.

"Sorceress, I am only concerned with your happiness." he said. Fujin didn't flinch. Oriscala laughed.

"Good, good. What a wonderful pair you two will make. You must understand, Humans to me are disposable. But I must have a few loyal to me. Those, I will love, and keep close to me. You two have been chosen. But Seifer, in order to be of use to me, you must look out for each other as well. Some people will get it into their minds to try and overthrow me. How can we defeat them if we are not united. Love is as valuable a weapon as hate, and can be used against you. Remember that." she said gravely. Seifer understood.

"Of course, Sorceress Oriscala."

***************************************************************************

Squall finally saw the door that the Esthar SeeD's had told him about. He motioned to the others to be completely silent, and to be still. Slowly, he pushed the door open, ensuring he himself stayed in the shadows. He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw the room was empty. They filed into the room silently.

"We must be quiet. Get your weapons ready." he said in a low voice. He glanced at Rinoa, and was concerned to see how pale and drawn she looked. It was also disturbing to see her normally dark brown eyes a shade of dirty yellow. He looked away from his girlfriend, feeling a strange sense of revulsion when he looked at her. He immediately felt guilty, and put his hand on her back, leading her to the next door.

"Come on, let's go get her," he said with a forced smile. Rinoa didn't move. He turned to her, avoiding eye contact.

"What is it?" he asked slightly impatiently. She didn't reply, but her breathing quickened. He began to get concerned.

"Rinoa?" he said in a low voice. Selphie looked on curiously.

"Squall, is she okay..." Selphie began. Squall grabbed Rinoa's shoulders, shaking her gently.

"Rinoa, come on!"he said in an unsure voice. She slowly looked up at him.

"Squall...don't go," she whispered, her voice barely audible. He frowned at her.

"I'm not going to leave you." he reassured her, but he was confused. Rinoa shut her eyes, and he could see her eyelids fluttering. She drew in a quick, shallow breath, and suddenly went limp in his arms.

"Rinoa!" he cried, stumbling as he tried to catch her. Selphie gasped. Irvine knelt beside Squall, and checked Rinoa's pulse.

"Her pulse is racing. This isn't a faint." he said. Squall gazed into Rinoa's face anxiously. He felt his heart sink, as if he was plunging down an elevator.

"Rinoa, please, wake up," he whispered to her. Selphie watched him, a concerned expression on her face.

"Squall, we can't stay here. What if someone comes?" she said reluctantly. Squall looked up.

"We have no choice. If someone comes, we fight. We have to wait for Rinoa to come round." he said. Selphie turned away, not having the heart to remind him that this wasn't a faint, and she may be unconscious for days, like last time. Her fears were soon dispelled though.

"Squ...Squall.." Rinoa said, in a tiny voice. He touched her cheek gently, concern clearly etched on his features.

"What? Rinoa, talk to me," he said in a deep voice. She stared at him with her amber eyes.

"Danger...too much. Don't go!" her voice rose to a desperate cry towards the end of her sentence, and she struggled against Squall's arms, trying to free herself from his embrace. Her released, her looking hurt.

"Rinoa, tell me what you know," he said softly. She looked like a frightened child.

"The Sorceress...much more powerful than me..." she said, swaying from side to side. Selphie reached out to her, but Rinoa held out a hand, sending a flash of energy to repel her friend away from her. Selphie stumbled backwards into Zell, who was looking on in confusion.

"We must...go. Leave, now!" Rinoa moaned, pleading with them. Squall took a cautious step towards her.

"Rinoa...we have to get Quistis. That's why we're here," he reminded her gently. Rinoa looked at him, incredible sadness in her honey-coloured eyes.

"Squall...if you go...you'll fall. I'll lose you..." she said in a faraway voice. He frowned looking worried.

"Rinoa, you wont lose me. We have to go. There is no time for this! We have to rescue Quistis." he said. Rinoa stared at him, standing perfectly still. Then she raised her hands to her eyes, covering her face. The others watched as she fell to her knees, and Squall rushed forward to her. He tried to touch her, but he was repelled by the energy surrounding his girlfriend. Eventually, she stood.

"What..what happened?" she asked, looking around with frightened eyes. Her normal, dark brown eyes. Squall sighed in relief. He surprised Rinoa by drawing her into a tight embrace, pressing her to him.

"Squall, what's wrong?" she asked him. He drew away from her, and stared into her eyes.

"You..the sorceress in you came out. You became Angelwing." he told her. Rinoa looked thoughtful.

"Yes...I know. I was watching...It was as if I was controlling myself from a distance, the words which I said were new to me when I heard them. I don't remember much of what I said though. Was it bad?" she asked. Squall shook his head.

"No. Lets just go on." he said, turning away so she wouldn't see the dread in his eyes.

***************************************************************************

Oriscala tensed as she sat in her throne. Seifer and Fujin sat either side of her in smaller, less ornate versions of the throne. Seifer on the right, Fujin on the left. Both had blank expressions on their faces as Oriscala gave instructions to her worshipers. Seifer looked at her, sensing a change.

"Mistress, is something wrong?" he asked her. She stared ahead, her luscious lips pressed together. Her childish-looking face held an expression of almost sulking.

"There is something here. Another Sorceress. A weak one, but still a threat. She senses me, and she is scared." Oriscala said, almost in a trance. Seifer unsheathed his gunblade.

"I can get rid of her." he stated. Oriscala smiled at him, charmingly, making her look even more resplendent. She gazed at him from under her sweeping eyelashes.

"Seifer...my love, do not trouble yourself. She has a purpose here, let her fulfil it. She is of no danger to me. You see, you never start out with fear. You begin with love. Make them love you, make yourself seem innocent, and charming, Then, once you have their trust and love, you use it for your own good. Seifer, you must think of things on a wider scale. Like Fujin. She see's what will be best for you, she doesn't trouble herself with minor things. You must become more like that." she said. Oriscala descended from her throne, her rich velvet and satin crimson dress shimmering around her. She stepped closer to Seifer. To him, she looked like a fairy princess.

"Seifer..." she murmured with a sweet smile. He felt helpless, caught in her all- knowing gaze, her slightly mocking smile. She placed a delicate finger on his chest, trailing it down to his navel. Then she turned away from him, smiling.

"You have so much to learn. But I'll enjoy teaching you. Teaching both of you." she said, looking at Fujin, and smiling comfortingly at her. Fujin smiled back.

***************************************************************************

Squall was surprised, and slightly disturbed, to find the place seemingly abandoned. He glanced round at his comrades as they stood infront of the wide double doors. It was so different from the rest of the laboratory, ornate, with a sense of richness about it. They were all nervous about what may be waiting on the other side of it.

Rinoa stood directly behind him. She was nervous, like the others, but not afraid. With Squall by her side, she felt like she could handle anything. She watched him as he stared at the doors, and she felt a sudden rush of emotion for him. "Squall," she murmured. He turned to her. She gazed at him, suddenly unable to speak. He seemed to understand.

"It's okay. Just prepare yourself." he said warmly, with a smile. She smiled back weakly, and he pushed open the door.

Squall walked into the room, with Rinoa and Irvine directly behind him. He stared right at Oriscala. She smiled back sweetly at him. Standing, she raised her arms in a gracious welcome.

"SeeD." she said in a soft voice. Squall frowned, remembering Ultimecia's first words to them as they stood in her castle. ...SeeD...SeeD...SeeD...SeeD...Kurse all SeeD's....

"Welcome to my birthplace," she said in a beautiful, melodious voice. Squall stared at her suspiciously.

"Where is Quistis." he asked in a cold voice. Oriscala looked innocent.

"Squall, don't you recognize me?" she said in a sad voice. Squall stared at her.

"You're telling me you're Quistis?" he said suspiciously. Behind him, he heard Rinoa's breath catch in her throat, but he didn't turn to her.

"You aren't Quistis." he said, but his voice held a hint of unease. Oriscala took a few dainty steps towards them, her amber eyes wide and innocent.

"Please Squall, help me. It is me, I'm Quistis," she whispered, close to them. Standing in the middle of the huge stone hall, her childlike features pleading, Oriscala looked pure and innocent. Squall began to have doubts. Oriscala sensed this, and moved closer to him.

"Help me, Squall, you must protect me from...him." she said, her eyes wide and frightened. Squall looked uncertain.

"Who? Seifer?" he asked in disbelief. She raised a perfect finger to her lips.

"Shh. Yes...Squall...you don't know what he's done to me...." she said, tears falling onto her satin dress. Squall's face contorted in anger.

"I know what he did." Squall said, drawing his sword. Rinoa was unable to keep silent any longer.

"Squall, no!" she shrieked. He turned to her, and his eyes widened as he saw her, her eyes a vibrant yellow, the pupils narrowed into oval slits. She swayed from side to side, her arms stretched out to him. He took a few hurried steps away from her, fighting the sudden urge he had to strike her down, to get rid of the monster which had been his girlfriend.

"Rinoa," he gasped. He was startled as Oriscala grabbed his arm.

"Squall, please, protect me! She's possessed! Squall, make her go away!" Oriscala pleaded with him. Squall stared at Rinoa, feeling in turmoil. Slowly, he stepped towards Rinoa, his sword raised, his muscles itching to bring the blade down on her neck. He turned to Oriscala.

"No! Rinoa isn't evil." he said, but there was a questioning tone to his voice. She looked at him sadly, her beautiful eyes misted. She bit her full lower lip, staring at him from under her long lashes.

"Squall...you know what's right inside you. Didn't you feel revulsion to her? She isn't your Rinoa...she's possessed by the Sorceress. The one they tried to get to possess me!" she said.

Squall backed away from both of them. Selphie, Zell and Irvine looked on, unable to speak. They were shocked that Squall was looking at Rinoa in such a murderous way.

Squall looked at them for guidance, but they offered none. He dropped his head, staring at the polished wooden floor.

"Take her...away...go! Selphie, Irvine...take her!" he said, his voice rising towards the end. Selphie let out a little cry, and he raised his head. They could all see the conflict and hurt in his stare.

"Go! Take her with you! Before I.." he cried hoarsely, swiping at the air with his sword. Selphie grabbed Rinoa's arm as she swayed, and took the girl out of the room, casting a worried look behind at Squall. Irvine stared at Squall, before following Selphie. Zell looked as if he was about to say something, but shut his mouth at a warning glance from Squall.

The heavy wooden door shut with a booming sound, and Squall, feeling drained turned to Oriscala. She had a sympathetic smile on her face. Squall stared at her, hurt in his azure eyes.

"What's wrong with her?" he asked, wearily. Oriscala put a gentle hand on his face, stroking his cheek soothingly. Squall didn't pull away from the touch.

"Squall....I know you are confused...but you are doing the right thing. The only way you can protect her is if you help me. Poor Rinoa...she is possessed. She isn't thinking straight. You must stay with me, protect me. Become my Knight Squall." she said in a deep, seductive voice, moving closer to him. Squall shut his eyes, feeling light-headed.

"Yes. I will." he replied.

***************************************************************************

End of Part One! Part two should be up soon...this story is kinda writing itself (yay from tired authoress!) Hope you are enjoying it.

Part Two ~ Under Her Control