Chapter One

It seems like days before the frenzy in her mind settles, but Irvine assures her it's been only minutes.

Edea is at her side now, cradling her like she did when she was small. Rinoa is holding onto Squall for dear life, unshed tears making her eyes glisten. "I'm so sorry, Selphie." She says it again and again, and Selphie doesn't understand why.

"Are you okay?" Edea asks, her voice cool and comforting, like always. It's something familiar to Selphie, and it helps steady her. She nods, but it hurts. She feels as though she's been ripped apart at the seams and then hastily stitched back together. In her mouth, she tastes the coppery tang of blood.

"What the hell happened?" Zell demands then, and Edea and Rinoa share a look of deep regret.

"We didn't even think," Edea begins. "I – we – thought that the two of us would be able to contain and control it. But Ellone's magic never was like anything else. Add to that the fact that it's been manipulated, time and again, used for wrong so many times …"

Zell just shakes his head; Selphie can feel the impatience radiating off him. It unsettles her greatly. "All that means what, exactly?" he asks.

"Basically, the magic has a … mind, I guess you'd say … of it's own," Rinoa explains. "And we suppose it didn't want any interference from our magic. You see, every Sorceress' magic is different," she continues when she's met with blank stares. "Mine is healing, supportive. Edea's is geared more for the offensive, and she has an affinity for ice. And Ellone's …"

"Wait." Irvine holds up his hand to stop her then. "Ellone wasn't a Sorceress."

Cid shakes his head. "You're right, she wasn't. But the potential was always there, within her. It could have manifested at any time." He shrugs. "Apparently, it started to, within Ellone, but because it had been twisted, it was killing her."

"Which brings us here," Edea adds quietly.

Selphie finds her voice then, but it feels like her throat is lined with razorblades when she speaks. "Is it going to kill me?"

"We don't know," Squall says, and Selphie appreciates his honesty.

"No, we don't," Rinoa says. "But we don't think it will. It won't manifest in you the same way it did in Ellone. It will change, dependent on you." She kneels before Selphie then. "Selphie, what do you feel right now?"

Normally, this would be an odd question, but Selphie understands. "Fire," she says hoarsely. "I feel fire." Like the whole world is burning – but she doesn't dare say that part out loud. "Is that – okay?"

Rinoa smiles, and it's a real smile. That's encouraging. "Fire. That doesn't really surprise me a bit!" She laughs lightly.

Irvine is there then, holding her steady. His presence is comforting, familiar, like a favorite pair of worn-in shoes. He's been her best friend for the better part of her life – even when she couldn't remember him – and part of her wonders if that kind of bond is enough, should she need a Knight. They weren't Squall and Rinoa – they didn't have that kind of bond – but truth be told, she'd choose him over all others.

"You should rest now," Edea tells her. "When you feel up to it, you can ask your questions. I know you have many."

Selphie just nods and allows Irvine to lead her from the room. She can still hear them talking in her mind, though, and she wonders how she's going to keep from going mad with all these voices in her head. Her mind is buzzing with thoughts – both hers and theirs – and of course, the voices. And behind it all, like a looming spectre, is the vision of fire.

Once she's back in her room and the door is closed, she feels a bit more like herself again, though her strength is at next to nothing. All she can do is lie down on her bed. She remembers, vaguely, how Rinoa went into a coma shortly after receiving her powers. The way Selphie feels now, she thinks that she probably won't be awake much longer, herself. She wonders if it's some sort of rite for new Sorceresses.

She wonders how long she'll be out. Will she be insane by the time she wakes up? It's strange how detached she is from these thoughts. Like she's thinking them about a stranger, and not herself.

Her eyes close then, and her mind barely registers the sound of Irvine leaving the room. Before he's gone, though, she hears him speak.

Don't worry, I've got you. I won't let you die. Stay with me, dammit, just … stay with me!

At least, she thinks it's Irvine. Who else would it be?

~/~

She wakes to find herself on a high plateau, overlooking the World. She can see everything from here … not that there is much to see. The land is barren, charred. The forests are all ablaze, and she can feel the fire crackling from her fingertips.

Did she do this?

"You haven't done it yet." A voice … familiar and yet not. She turns quickly, looking for the owner.

"Who are you? What do you mean, I haven't done it yet?" she demands.

A chuckle. "I mean, there's still time to stop this. If you can find me, of course."

"Who are you?" Selphie practically screeches.

"Take a wild guess."

She dislikes the sneer in his voice. She feels the fire on the tips of her fingers again. If only she could see the owner of this voice, she'd let him have it. "I don't know," she spits. "That's why I'm asking. Wouldn't it be in everyone's best interest if you'd just tell me?"

"Against the rules." A sigh. "Guess you're not ready yet. Hell, maybe it's me. Maybe I'm not ready yet. It's okay. There's still time."

"I don't understand you!" Selphie cries. "I don't want to do … this." She motions at the world on fire. "Please, just help me!"

"How 'bout a hint?" Suddenly the ground before her is ablaze, and she jumps back quickly. Once her initial shock wears off, she realizes that the fire isn't getting any closer, and that it is burning in a very distinct shape.

A cross.