Selphie's Friend
(Author's Note: I don't know what's going to happen from one chapter to the next. You could say that I write from what I feel at the time, but that wouldn't be true. I just write. My fingers move across the keyboard, creating words, phrases, chapters, all I can do is let them. It's like I put characters onto a page and all I can do is let them interact. I suppose people have guessed, by the quality of my writing, that I make everything up on the spur of the moment without thinking things through and then I sit back and think, that's crap. Don't own nothing.)
Chapter Three: Visions Of Splendor
I wasn't expecting the call from Xu. I was in the Training Center, doing my warming up exercises, when she rushed in. I saluted, she returned and then she relaxed, passing me an envelope. She saluted again and jogged out of the Training Center. I looked at the plain brown envelope and began to puzzle over what it contained. I opened it, and my hands began to shake out of excitement and fear at the thought.
Dear Miss Cleopatra,
I am sure that you have been waiting for this letter for the past five years of training. You are to be part of a major undercover operation, with SeeD. The details of the mission cannot be written down, as if this falls into the wrong hands it will place Garden at risk.
Of course there is the problem of your new found fame. Yesterday's incident has gone to print, and although Garden has isolated itself from the press, a few bits of you're history have leaked through. We are determined to end the career of the journalist that did this. You will be given a fake life and papers for this mission. Please report to the bridge immediately, with your weapons.
Good Luck!
Headmaster Cid and Headmistress Edea
Commander Squall Leonhart
I stared at the letter then grabbed my wits and headed up to the bridge. I'd never been into Headmaster Cid's Office, with the giant tower in it. I had often wondered how such a big thing like Garden could fly, looks like I was about to find out. I walked into the office and saw Xu waiting for me. She gestured to the lift, which I took and went up onto the next level.
"Sir," I saluted, back straight and looking directly in front of me. Headmaster Cid nodded.
"At ease cadet," He said. As a middle aged man it wasn't really surprising that he sounded tired and depressed. I had heard that Edea had been giving him a hard time about something or other. I promised myself that I'd be as little bother as possible. I looked arond and saw that the gang were all there.
"You will be accompanied by Seifer Almasy and Irvine Kinneas," Cid said. I groaned and I heard Quistis snigger. Cid looked amused as well. "They volunteered for this mission I'm afraid. They will be posing as your chaperones. You have a nice SeeD mission, not much action. You're to track down and kill a possible threat to Garden. You are to try and seduce that civilian while Seifer and Irvine figure out a way to kill him without mass panic. If you get into trouble Irvine will simply shoot the man and we'll face the press. Though more publicity for you won't be all that useful at the moment. It seems that your entire love life is in the papers." Cid looked even more amused. I made my face impassive.
"Really sir? I should like to see what that bitch has written about me," I replied. I heard Selphie let out a little squeak of laughter. Cid rubbed the back of his neck.
"Don't create a scene in front of her in future. Dismissed," He waved his hand then suddenly remembered something, calling me back. "You're new identity is that of Natalie Foreman, we were going to give you a name off Austin Powers, but decided that that would be a give away. Seifer will inform you of you're life history. Off you go!" I saluted and went down the lift. I got to the bottom and Selphie started giggling hysterically.
"You're going to hate the dress you have to wear!" She said. I shrugged, as long as it wasn't long, with slits or strappy then it'd be fine. I let Selphie lead me to the costumes room and she showed me a dress that was everything I hated. It was white, ankle length, had a slit up one side almost up to the hip and it's entire back was strappy, until it got to the waist. There was no way I was wearing that.
"No," I protested. Selphie pushed the dress into my hands. I was about to say more when I realised that this was my SeeD Exam, if I didn't follow orders exactly I was going to lose marks. I shooed them all out while I put the dress on. I was surprised by the way it fit me, as though it had been made especially for me. I'll admit, my breasts aren't all that big, but the dress made the most of what cleavage I had, it was low cut. I also liked the way it hung off my shoulders so the folds of the fabric hid some scars I had on my arms. The sleeves went to the elbow and were all floaty. I felt like a princess. I picked a pair of strappy stillettos, they were white and silver and probably crippling.
I looked at my hair, I'd have to do something with it. After a brief search of the room I found hair accessories. I found a brush and brushed my hair, twisting it around the back of my hair and fixing it with invisible clips. Then I used some of the hairspray to get it to stay. The hairspray had glitter in, which made my hair sparkle. I finished by putting two hair sticks through the twist, they had little butterflies attached to the end.
Finally I searched for make-up. I looked longingly at the black eye shadow and lipstick but them decided that it would spoil the image I'd created. I started with the basics, foundation and concealer, then went on to choose sparkling pink eyeshadow and a rose coloured lipstick. I added a little bit of eye liner and blusher then finally put a few coats of mascara on. I felt like a painted doll, but it would have to do. I looked at my watch and saw that I'd been in here for half an hour. Would they deduct marks? Well it was part of the mission to seduce the guy, if I didn't look good I didn't stand a chance in hell did I?
I worked up my courage and pulled open the door. They were all sitting around, completely bored. Zell and Squall were talking quietly with each other in a corner. Irvine was talking to Selphie and Quistis. Seifer was listening to Rinoa yap. It was Seifer who noticed me first. His jaw dropped. I blushed and tried to avoid his eyes. Rinoa followed his gaze and soon everyone was staring at me.
"Scrub up nicely don't I?" I joked. There was a healthy bout of awkward silence. I sighed. "I'll go and get those contacts, then I'll be with you. Um, I suppose you'll fill me in on the rest of the mission when we get there?" I prompted. They still just stared. I couldn't bear the tension anymore so I left.
I ignored people's glances at me in the corridors. Even when someone pointed and whispered something to their friend. I carried on walking. After a while I got to my dormitory, and after practically turning the place upside down, I found the contacts I wanted. It turned my usual chestnut eyes into clear blue, like Quistis's. I wondered if Quistis might actually be more appropriate for this kind of mission. After a quick inspection of my make-up I headed to the parking lot. Seifer and Irvine were waiting for me.
"Let's go then," I said. Seifer was about to get into the car when he did a double take back again. I was about to say something rude to him, but then realised that he'd ditched the usual trench coat and he was now wearing a tuxedo. He looked quite good in it. I felt my heart flutter, I told myself to stop it. What ever I was feeling for Seifer vanished when he opened his mouth.
"What have you done to you're eyes?" He asked. I pu tmy hands on my hips. Changing my eye color was a normal thing for me. Along with changing my hair color, it was the thing that distinguished me from the rest of the mindless girls that were in Trabia. Of course now most of those people were dead, because of the man in front of me.
"Most people change their clothes, I change my colour. It's a completely normal thing for me, get used to it Almasy," I told him, pushing him into the car. He hit his head on the way down. I turned to Irvine, he as also wearing a tuxedo. He didn't look as good in it as Seifer, but I supposed that he didn't dress up formally often. He went around the other side of the car and opened the door for me, with a bow. I smiled and he took my hand as I lowered myself into the car. If they were going to be all romantic like this I might give up on the mission and go after them instead.
"So what's the background on the target then? What's he got that's such a threat to Garden?" I asked. Irvine got in the front and started up the car. I leaned back and waited for Seifer to answer. He didn't. I looked over, he was looking out of the window, obviously brooding over something. I sighed loudly and saw that Irvine was watching me in the mirror. I pulled a face, they'd be judging me the whole time.
"The guy's name is Steve Millan, he's a gangster. He owns a bar in the swankier area of Deling. He also owns the Spellbound Hotel, on the edge of town. He's going to be there tonight. Just do your stuff, when he get's eager for sex, lead him upstairs and we'll take him out. Just make sure he doesn't close the blinds on the hotel room, otherwise I won't be able to shoot him," Irvine told me while driving. I nodded, not wanting to think about what would happen if this Steve Millan closed the blinds. I sat in silence, if Irvine missed I'd have to restrain the target, shame I couldn't wear my gloves.
"So basically, if he closes the blinds, I'm in the shit," I said, nothing like putting it plainly to wake some people up.
"If that happens, I'll be in the hotel. If things get too bad then all you have to do is get to the door, I'll be outside," Seifer explained blankly. I smiled up at him, he just looked away. I started to feel nervous. The target would undoubtedly be armed and he'd probably retaliate before he died. I'd have to be careful. I realised I was wringing my hands and put them down on my lap. I then remembered something I'd learned as a child.
My Shumi training. I had learned to slip into the Elemental Plane as a form of relaxation. I could slip into the realm of the Guardian Forces and talk to them, if I wished. Or I could sit there, in my mind, and watch things pass. I could even watch myself sitting in the car. It was a strange experience, but on I'd always been comforted by. The problem with falling into the Plane was that it made it look like you were asleep, and sometimes you could have visions of the future or run into trouble. There is no way to save your body if your soul is being ripped to shreds.
I closed my eyes and thought about the sound of water. The feel of water against skin. The look of water as it's surface was disturbed. I felt the water around me. I didn't need to breath. My body was breathing, but my soul didn't need to breathe. It rose to the surface of the water and floated towards the great city of the Guardian Forces, the Guardians of the world.
The city was the most beautiful in any world. It had been built of rare and precious stones, although none of it actually had a physical presence unless you gave it one. The towers and houses sparkled, their light pulsated from within the stones themselves. The cloudy light prevented lifeforms looking into the private domains. I looked for the one place where I had always been welcome, the Grand Palace, where the King of all Guardians, Bahamut, reigned. As I walked forward I began to hear the healthy chatter of Guardian Forces to one another. A few shumi, Eldars and Moombas were drifting around. I nodded to them as I met them, I couldn't remember their names but they were friendly and gave a wave back.
I got to the Grand Palace. The beauty and immensity of it is beyond words. The words the GFs use is, Karanga, which translates as 'home and cathedral'. The Palace had the welcoming presence that a home gives to it's owner and it had the size and awe that came with a cathedral. It was the most wonderful building that no architect could ever build it in the physical world. I walked into the halls, they were open to all, as the King would see everyone who wished to see him.
As I walked I smiled and waved at a few Guardian Forces I knew. The Noble Guardian Forces, the ones that could have a physical presence in the world, sat in their council room. Bahamut sat at the head of the table, and down the sides were GFs such as Shiva, Eden, Tonberry and Pandemona. I was surprised that all 30 of them were present. Even the Moomba and Chocobo. I knocked on the open door and Bahamut stood.
"Destiny, what a wonderful surprise my lady," Bahamut bowed. The rest of the GF inclined their heads and smiled encouragingly. I looked around, they were all so very sad. I wondered what could be the matter.
"What troubles you?" I asked, returning the bow. My soul didn't look like me, more of a tower of light. Bahamut leaned against the crystal table, and it groaned under his weight.
"We killed Griever today, for abandoning his duty to your world, my lady. This is the first time one GF has killed another. The fact that Griever was a Lord of Guardians makes this matter even more distressing. The people are ready to rebel and over power us. Your presence will be soothing for them, my lady," He adressed me formally. I didn't notice it anymore. I never had found out why they had adressed me as 'my lady' but I ignored it now, it was something GFs did.
"I cannot stay long, sire. This news troubles me also. What could be the consequences of a war on the Elemental Plane, your majesty?" I asked. All the Guardians looked towards Bahamut. I saw it then in all their faces, fear. The world they were all sworn to protect was in danger. Griever had won.
"Armageddon," He said. I swallowed. War had to be avoided at all costs. I put my head in my hands and then felt the warning run through my spine. My body was being moved. I had to get back to it. I had to make sure I became a SeeD, perhaps then I could use my new position, though not a high one, to get Garden to try and help the Noble Guardians. My presence began to fade.
"Sire, I will think on this matter and return as soon as I can!" I called out, before falling into my own body. I felt the arms around me, and for a moment I didn't know where I was. I looked up and saw Seifer's face. I blinked a few times, he had been shaking me awake. I sighed, I had added more stress to this situation. I couldn't fail. Bahamut had given me a chance to forewarn my people of the war, now I had to take action.
"If the fairy princess is awake, then let's get in there," Irvine said. I smiled as he took my hand and helped me from the car. After a moment, I put my arm through his and then Seifer took the other arm. I only hoped that I didn't screw this mission up.
(Author's Note: I don't know what's going to happen from one chapter to the next. You could say that I write from what I feel at the time, but that wouldn't be true. I just write. My fingers move across the keyboard, creating words, phrases, chapters, all I can do is let them. It's like I put characters onto a page and all I can do is let them interact. I suppose people have guessed, by the quality of my writing, that I make everything up on the spur of the moment without thinking things through and then I sit back and think, that's crap. Don't own nothing.)
I wasn't expecting the call from Xu. I was in the Training Center, doing my warming up exercises, when she rushed in. I saluted, she returned and then she relaxed, passing me an envelope. She saluted again and jogged out of the Training Center. I looked at the plain brown envelope and began to puzzle over what it contained. I opened it, and my hands began to shake out of excitement and fear at the thought.
Dear Miss Cleopatra,
I am sure that you have been waiting for this letter for the past five years of training. You are to be part of a major undercover operation, with SeeD. The details of the mission cannot be written down, as if this falls into the wrong hands it will place Garden at risk.
Of course there is the problem of your new found fame. Yesterday's incident has gone to print, and although Garden has isolated itself from the press, a few bits of you're history have leaked through. We are determined to end the career of the journalist that did this. You will be given a fake life and papers for this mission. Please report to the bridge immediately, with your weapons.
Good Luck!
Headmaster Cid and Headmistress Edea
Commander Squall Leonhart
I stared at the letter then grabbed my wits and headed up to the bridge. I'd never been into Headmaster Cid's Office, with the giant tower in it. I had often wondered how such a big thing like Garden could fly, looks like I was about to find out. I walked into the office and saw Xu waiting for me. She gestured to the lift, which I took and went up onto the next level.
"Sir," I saluted, back straight and looking directly in front of me. Headmaster Cid nodded.
"At ease cadet," He said. As a middle aged man it wasn't really surprising that he sounded tired and depressed. I had heard that Edea had been giving him a hard time about something or other. I promised myself that I'd be as little bother as possible. I looked arond and saw that the gang were all there.
"You will be accompanied by Seifer Almasy and Irvine Kinneas," Cid said. I groaned and I heard Quistis snigger. Cid looked amused as well. "They volunteered for this mission I'm afraid. They will be posing as your chaperones. You have a nice SeeD mission, not much action. You're to track down and kill a possible threat to Garden. You are to try and seduce that civilian while Seifer and Irvine figure out a way to kill him without mass panic. If you get into trouble Irvine will simply shoot the man and we'll face the press. Though more publicity for you won't be all that useful at the moment. It seems that your entire love life is in the papers." Cid looked even more amused. I made my face impassive.
"Really sir? I should like to see what that bitch has written about me," I replied. I heard Selphie let out a little squeak of laughter. Cid rubbed the back of his neck.
"Don't create a scene in front of her in future. Dismissed," He waved his hand then suddenly remembered something, calling me back. "You're new identity is that of Natalie Foreman, we were going to give you a name off Austin Powers, but decided that that would be a give away. Seifer will inform you of you're life history. Off you go!" I saluted and went down the lift. I got to the bottom and Selphie started giggling hysterically.
"You're going to hate the dress you have to wear!" She said. I shrugged, as long as it wasn't long, with slits or strappy then it'd be fine. I let Selphie lead me to the costumes room and she showed me a dress that was everything I hated. It was white, ankle length, had a slit up one side almost up to the hip and it's entire back was strappy, until it got to the waist. There was no way I was wearing that.
"No," I protested. Selphie pushed the dress into my hands. I was about to say more when I realised that this was my SeeD Exam, if I didn't follow orders exactly I was going to lose marks. I shooed them all out while I put the dress on. I was surprised by the way it fit me, as though it had been made especially for me. I'll admit, my breasts aren't all that big, but the dress made the most of what cleavage I had, it was low cut. I also liked the way it hung off my shoulders so the folds of the fabric hid some scars I had on my arms. The sleeves went to the elbow and were all floaty. I felt like a princess. I picked a pair of strappy stillettos, they were white and silver and probably crippling.
I looked at my hair, I'd have to do something with it. After a brief search of the room I found hair accessories. I found a brush and brushed my hair, twisting it around the back of my hair and fixing it with invisible clips. Then I used some of the hairspray to get it to stay. The hairspray had glitter in, which made my hair sparkle. I finished by putting two hair sticks through the twist, they had little butterflies attached to the end.
Finally I searched for make-up. I looked longingly at the black eye shadow and lipstick but them decided that it would spoil the image I'd created. I started with the basics, foundation and concealer, then went on to choose sparkling pink eyeshadow and a rose coloured lipstick. I added a little bit of eye liner and blusher then finally put a few coats of mascara on. I felt like a painted doll, but it would have to do. I looked at my watch and saw that I'd been in here for half an hour. Would they deduct marks? Well it was part of the mission to seduce the guy, if I didn't look good I didn't stand a chance in hell did I?
I worked up my courage and pulled open the door. They were all sitting around, completely bored. Zell and Squall were talking quietly with each other in a corner. Irvine was talking to Selphie and Quistis. Seifer was listening to Rinoa yap. It was Seifer who noticed me first. His jaw dropped. I blushed and tried to avoid his eyes. Rinoa followed his gaze and soon everyone was staring at me.
"Scrub up nicely don't I?" I joked. There was a healthy bout of awkward silence. I sighed. "I'll go and get those contacts, then I'll be with you. Um, I suppose you'll fill me in on the rest of the mission when we get there?" I prompted. They still just stared. I couldn't bear the tension anymore so I left.
I ignored people's glances at me in the corridors. Even when someone pointed and whispered something to their friend. I carried on walking. After a while I got to my dormitory, and after practically turning the place upside down, I found the contacts I wanted. It turned my usual chestnut eyes into clear blue, like Quistis's. I wondered if Quistis might actually be more appropriate for this kind of mission. After a quick inspection of my make-up I headed to the parking lot. Seifer and Irvine were waiting for me.
"Let's go then," I said. Seifer was about to get into the car when he did a double take back again. I was about to say something rude to him, but then realised that he'd ditched the usual trench coat and he was now wearing a tuxedo. He looked quite good in it. I felt my heart flutter, I told myself to stop it. What ever I was feeling for Seifer vanished when he opened his mouth.
"What have you done to you're eyes?" He asked. I pu tmy hands on my hips. Changing my eye color was a normal thing for me. Along with changing my hair color, it was the thing that distinguished me from the rest of the mindless girls that were in Trabia. Of course now most of those people were dead, because of the man in front of me.
"Most people change their clothes, I change my colour. It's a completely normal thing for me, get used to it Almasy," I told him, pushing him into the car. He hit his head on the way down. I turned to Irvine, he as also wearing a tuxedo. He didn't look as good in it as Seifer, but I supposed that he didn't dress up formally often. He went around the other side of the car and opened the door for me, with a bow. I smiled and he took my hand as I lowered myself into the car. If they were going to be all romantic like this I might give up on the mission and go after them instead.
"So what's the background on the target then? What's he got that's such a threat to Garden?" I asked. Irvine got in the front and started up the car. I leaned back and waited for Seifer to answer. He didn't. I looked over, he was looking out of the window, obviously brooding over something. I sighed loudly and saw that Irvine was watching me in the mirror. I pulled a face, they'd be judging me the whole time.
"The guy's name is Steve Millan, he's a gangster. He owns a bar in the swankier area of Deling. He also owns the Spellbound Hotel, on the edge of town. He's going to be there tonight. Just do your stuff, when he get's eager for sex, lead him upstairs and we'll take him out. Just make sure he doesn't close the blinds on the hotel room, otherwise I won't be able to shoot him," Irvine told me while driving. I nodded, not wanting to think about what would happen if this Steve Millan closed the blinds. I sat in silence, if Irvine missed I'd have to restrain the target, shame I couldn't wear my gloves.
"So basically, if he closes the blinds, I'm in the shit," I said, nothing like putting it plainly to wake some people up.
"If that happens, I'll be in the hotel. If things get too bad then all you have to do is get to the door, I'll be outside," Seifer explained blankly. I smiled up at him, he just looked away. I started to feel nervous. The target would undoubtedly be armed and he'd probably retaliate before he died. I'd have to be careful. I realised I was wringing my hands and put them down on my lap. I then remembered something I'd learned as a child.
My Shumi training. I had learned to slip into the Elemental Plane as a form of relaxation. I could slip into the realm of the Guardian Forces and talk to them, if I wished. Or I could sit there, in my mind, and watch things pass. I could even watch myself sitting in the car. It was a strange experience, but on I'd always been comforted by. The problem with falling into the Plane was that it made it look like you were asleep, and sometimes you could have visions of the future or run into trouble. There is no way to save your body if your soul is being ripped to shreds.
I closed my eyes and thought about the sound of water. The feel of water against skin. The look of water as it's surface was disturbed. I felt the water around me. I didn't need to breath. My body was breathing, but my soul didn't need to breathe. It rose to the surface of the water and floated towards the great city of the Guardian Forces, the Guardians of the world.
The city was the most beautiful in any world. It had been built of rare and precious stones, although none of it actually had a physical presence unless you gave it one. The towers and houses sparkled, their light pulsated from within the stones themselves. The cloudy light prevented lifeforms looking into the private domains. I looked for the one place where I had always been welcome, the Grand Palace, where the King of all Guardians, Bahamut, reigned. As I walked forward I began to hear the healthy chatter of Guardian Forces to one another. A few shumi, Eldars and Moombas were drifting around. I nodded to them as I met them, I couldn't remember their names but they were friendly and gave a wave back.
I got to the Grand Palace. The beauty and immensity of it is beyond words. The words the GFs use is, Karanga, which translates as 'home and cathedral'. The Palace had the welcoming presence that a home gives to it's owner and it had the size and awe that came with a cathedral. It was the most wonderful building that no architect could ever build it in the physical world. I walked into the halls, they were open to all, as the King would see everyone who wished to see him.
As I walked I smiled and waved at a few Guardian Forces I knew. The Noble Guardian Forces, the ones that could have a physical presence in the world, sat in their council room. Bahamut sat at the head of the table, and down the sides were GFs such as Shiva, Eden, Tonberry and Pandemona. I was surprised that all 30 of them were present. Even the Moomba and Chocobo. I knocked on the open door and Bahamut stood.
"Destiny, what a wonderful surprise my lady," Bahamut bowed. The rest of the GF inclined their heads and smiled encouragingly. I looked around, they were all so very sad. I wondered what could be the matter.
"What troubles you?" I asked, returning the bow. My soul didn't look like me, more of a tower of light. Bahamut leaned against the crystal table, and it groaned under his weight.
"We killed Griever today, for abandoning his duty to your world, my lady. This is the first time one GF has killed another. The fact that Griever was a Lord of Guardians makes this matter even more distressing. The people are ready to rebel and over power us. Your presence will be soothing for them, my lady," He adressed me formally. I didn't notice it anymore. I never had found out why they had adressed me as 'my lady' but I ignored it now, it was something GFs did.
"I cannot stay long, sire. This news troubles me also. What could be the consequences of a war on the Elemental Plane, your majesty?" I asked. All the Guardians looked towards Bahamut. I saw it then in all their faces, fear. The world they were all sworn to protect was in danger. Griever had won.
"Armageddon," He said. I swallowed. War had to be avoided at all costs. I put my head in my hands and then felt the warning run through my spine. My body was being moved. I had to get back to it. I had to make sure I became a SeeD, perhaps then I could use my new position, though not a high one, to get Garden to try and help the Noble Guardians. My presence began to fade.
"Sire, I will think on this matter and return as soon as I can!" I called out, before falling into my own body. I felt the arms around me, and for a moment I didn't know where I was. I looked up and saw Seifer's face. I blinked a few times, he had been shaking me awake. I sighed, I had added more stress to this situation. I couldn't fail. Bahamut had given me a chance to forewarn my people of the war, now I had to take action.
"If the fairy princess is awake, then let's get in there," Irvine said. I smiled as he took my hand and helped me from the car. After a moment, I put my arm through his and then Seifer took the other arm. I only hoped that I didn't screw this mission up.
