A Final Fantasy VIII Fan Fic
By Robert Dogwood
Rated M
Final Fantasy VIII characters and locations from said game are owned by Square-Enix.
Chapter Ten
Selphie, Quistis and Sara were standing inside of Trabia Garden and talking.
"Things are really coming along, aren't they?" Selphie asked, glancing around the interior.
It was true, the F.H. technicians were making great progress. It almost appeared as if the Garden was springing up over night. Walls were going up and being painted. Floors were poured and then tile affixed. Ceilings were coming into existence and they soon would be working on the second floor.
The original drive that ran along the side of the Garden to the old garage was laid, except now it detoured around the cemetery. The Trabia departed would never be disturbed in their eternal sleep. Several classrooms had been constructed and were ready to be used.
"Yes, they are," Quistis agreed. "Selphie, what do you think about holding a concert here in Trabia like we did at F.H.?"
Selphie's face lit up like a two thousand watt light. "That's a terrific idea!" she squealed. "Why didn't I think of that? I'm going to get Zell, Irvine and maybe Rinoa to perform and also generate some interest among the Trabia students to play with us and then speak with the technicians about building a stage."
It warmed Quistis' heart to see her friend so excited about a project again. Sara leaned over and whispered something in Selphie's ear.
Selphie's pretty face suddenly flushed bright red and she emphatically said, "Absolutely not!"
"Aww, why not?" Sara whined. "It'll be fun and I'll do it tastefully."
"No, Sara," Selphie said again, beginning to appear aggravated.
"How about just half way?" Sara asked.
"Forget it, Sara."
"Okay," Sara said, smiling. "But if you change your mind, let me know. I'm going to go tell Kaede about the concert," Sara said, as she scampered off.
"Can you believe that girl?" Selphie asked, now appearing scandalized.
"Why?" Quistis asked. "What did she want to do?"
"An exotic dance!"
"An exotic dance?" Quistis repeated. "What are you talking about?"
"A strip tease," Selphie, now blushing again, answered.
"Oh my sweet Shiva!" Quistis exclaimed, and then she threw her head back and laughed heartily.
"Don't laugh, she was serious."
"Why don't you let her do it, she'd be the hit of the festival."
"Quistis!" Selphie screeched, outraged. "I can't believe you just said that."
"Relax, I'm just kidding, where's your sense of humor?"
Selphie smiled ruefully. "It left with Sara's suggestion."
"You know, I'm gonna talk with Cid about holding a special field exam," Quistis said thoughtfully. "I don't think it's fair that Kaede has had to wait so long – for that matter, Sara also. In fact, it might help improve Sara's behavior to get her out of this wilderness and down to civilization. Maybe we could even have a field exam up here."
"That's a cool idea!" Selphie praised.
"As soon as things get back on an even footing here, I'm going to discuss it with him," Quistis said.
"Of course you're gonna perform with us," Selphie said.
"I'd rather not," Quistis said. "I came out here to help and I think I'd better stick with working."
"Come on, Quistis," Selphie pleaded. "Raising the students' morale is helping out too. You're acting so staid."
Staid! Quistis thought, outraged.
"Well, what about it?"
"Okay, but we'll have to practice up here, I won't have the time to be going back and forth all the time."
"Alright!" Selphie exclaimed, performing a small hop. "So how's it going with Tony?"
Quistis stiffened slightly as she answered, "The headmaster and I have been working together fairly well."
"You know what I mean," the green-eyed SeeD insisted. "I'm not exactly a new kid on the block, you know. I realize you and Tony have been seeing each other."
Quistis flushed slightly, but admitted, "I guess there is a certain attraction between us, but I would prefer if you didn't mention it to Kaede and Sara."
"Oh, they already have serious suspicions, but I won't say a word. So is it true love?" Selphie asked, with an impish grin.
"Love!" Quistis said in surprise. Love! That dreaded word, she thought. The woman suddenly realized that since the time of her infatuation of Squall and the ensuing emotional anguish, she had thought of love cynically, if at all; something for others possibly, but also something for her to be very leery of.
"No," Quistis finally answered weakly. "It's way too early for that. But what about you and Irvine – how's that going?"
Selphie appeared uncomfortable when she answered, "Oh, you know us – we're just good friends."
Quistis politely nodded, but she realized how far from the truth that was.
"I'm gonna go talk to some of the students and let them know about the concert. Maybe I'll see you again before I leave," Selphie said.
"Okay, I'll be around."
The two young women parted and Quistis went in search of the headmaster. Later, when they spoke, she informed him of Selphie's decision to provide some entertainment for the students. Tony was delighted with this development.
"By the way, do you see any problem with me taking a day off tomorrow? I would like to visit Shumi Village."
"Nothing that I can think of, although it's too bad I can't take the day off with you."
"Yes, I suppose so," Quistis said pensively.
New scene
Zone was sitting behind his desk in his office in the Municipal Planning building, while Rinoa stood beside him pouring over The Timber Times that was spread out across his desk.
She glanced at him and said, "I've got that radio interview this morning and I'm speaking to the Teachers' Association this afternoon. Tomorrow I have the League of Women Voters Luncheon. And the 'Timber News at Six' shooting about my campaign."
"Rinoa," Zone said patiently. "Don't you think you're going a little overboard? There's no one running against you."
"There's always write-in votes and who knows what other chicanery some Worth Hamilton supporter might have planned."
"It's too late for anyone else to declare their candidacy," Zone insisted.
"Yeah, just like it was for ol' Worth himself," she said sarcastically.
"I rented the reception room at the Timber Hotel as our campaign headquarters on election day," Zone said.
"Thank you, Zone," Rinoa said sincerely. "You're always at least two steps ahead of me."
"That's my job," Zone responded, with a smile.
The dark-haired woman placed her hand on top of his and said, "No, it's more than that and you know it. I just want you to know how grateful I am for all you've done over the years."
Zone was clearly touched and mumbled a response, almost inaudible except by Angelo, who was currently laying in the corner of the room.
"My pleasure, princess," he murmured.
"I'm so sorry," Rinoa began to say.
"It's over and done with," Zone interrupted. "Isn't that what Laguna told you?"
Rinoa laughed and asked, "Were you hiding in the back seat?"
"No, but I knew that he would tell you the truth and wouldn't mince words either."
Rinoa glanced at her wrist watch and exclaimed, "Oh no, I'm gonna be late for my radio interview if I don't hurry!"
On her way through the office, Rinoa called back, "Wish me luck, I'll call you tonight."
And then she was suddenly gone.
"That girl," the man said ruefully, although he was smiling. "I'm surprised her name isn't Marlo."
New scene
It was late afternoon at Balamb Garden. Irvine and Zell were nursing Shumi caffe lattes in the coffee shop. They were waiting for the second dinner shift to be announced.
"Do you know about the concert Selphie wants to organize at Trabia Garden?" Irvine asked.
"Yeah," Zell said sourly.
"I take it you're not going to participate."
"Your assumption makes an ass out of you," Zell said. "Kasumi heard about it and she's very excited."
Irvine laughed and said, "Sounds like someone here is very henpecked."
"Don't even go there," Zell retorted. "Seems to me you're in no position to be hassling me on that subject. There seems to be a number of henpeck scars on your face too."
Irvine laughed and said, "Tushy."
"Huh? Tushy?" Zell said. He then laughed and said, "I think you mean touché."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Reasonably sure," Zell replied.
"I'm still going to have to ask Selphie about that."
"You do that," Zell said dryly.
"Are you going to the celebration in Timber on Monday?" Irvine asked.
"Oh yeah!" Zell answered enthusiastically. "You know, this whole thing struck me as weird. I never pictured Rinoa ever running for elected office, much less winning."
"It didn't surprise me in the least, I've always said she could do whatever she set out to do. After all, she convinced Squall he needed a girlfriend and I thought that was impossible," Irvine responded.
"Yeah, that's true," Zell admitted.
Selphie and Kasumi sashayed through the coffee shop, attracting a vast amount of male attention along their way. Selphie appeared as bright and beautiful as always and Kasumi was dressed in her civilian clothes, which were always too tight and too short. She rightfully assumed that she needed to present her assets provocatively or Zell would never get the message.
As the two young women approached their table, Irvine stood quickly and doffed his cowboy hat.
"Good afternoon, ladies," he greeted gallantly.
Zell helped Kasumi be seated and then regained his chair. Selphie also sat down and then hissed through clenched teeth, "Sit down, Irvine. You're making a spectacle of yourself again."
It was true, every person in the coffee shop was staring at them. Irvine quickly sat down, while Zell snickered.
Never one to be deterred or embarrassed, the lanky cowboy said, "And what have you two fine looking ladies been doing this afternoon?"
It was Selphie's turn to snicker as Kasumi answered, "We've been busy fulfilling our duties, what have you two been doing?"
Before Irvine could answer, Zell replied, "We've been kicking it here in the coffee shop waiting for dinner to be called.
"Zell!" Irvine complained. "That's not true, we've been discussing Selphie's plans for the concert."
"That reminds me," Selphie said. "I want to have a rehearsal just among ourselves this evening. Can everyone attend?"
"Oh, I don't know, Selphie," Zell said. "I have some prior plans."
Kasumi coughed loudly and glared at Zell.
"Which I'll be glad to change," Zell continued smoothly.
Kasumi smiled sweetly at him and said, "I'm really excited about this, Selphie. What are we going to perform?"
"I already know three numbers for certain – the Irish jig, Eyes on You, and Wild Horses."
"Oh yeah!" Kasumi agreed excitedly. "I've heard that song, I think it's great."
Zell moaned softly.
"What was that you said?" Irvine asked, a malicious grin on his handsome features.
"Nothing, my stomach grumbled. When are they gonna called second shift anyway?" Zell asked.
"Selphie, is it – tushy – or touché?" Irvine said.
"Wha?" Selphie said.
New scene
Soren Martin weighed anchor slightly off the coast of Winter Island at three o'clock in the morning. Considering the total remoteness of the area, both men felt it safe enough to catch a few hours of sleep before Squall set off on his trek to Shumi Village.
Naturally Soren remained behind to guard Korey's Folly as Squall lowered the rubber dingy into the frigid water and then carefully climbed in. Utilizing the two oars, he maneuvered it onto the shore. He was careful to pull the dingy up far enough onto the snow covered ground so it wouldn't be accidentally washed back out to sea when he was gone.
It was quite cold, in fact far below freezing with snow flurries cutting down visibility considerably. This was no matter to Squall. He pulled out his compass and headed due west where he knew Shumi Village lay. He had, at the least, an hour and a half journey ahead of him.
New scene
Quistis finished putting the final touches on her stylish outfit by clasping her belt shut. She then pulled her winter coat on and stepped outside her tent. Walking down to where the Trabia vehicles were parked, Quistis was aware of the anxiety and apprehension she was experiencing.
I hope I know what I'm doing, she thought worriedly. Perhaps it'd be better for all concerned to leave things alone.
Alexis, a young woman upper-classman, who was in charge of the motor pool, stepped up to Quistis. She had red hair twined in pigtails, was tall and quite thin. She handed the female SeeD the set of keys.
"It's Land Rover #1, ma'am, it's all gassed up and serviced."
"Thank you," Quistis said.
Just as the strawberry-blonde haired woman opened the vehicle door and prepared to step inside, she heard Tony call out from across the field.
"Wait, Quistis!"
He's so sweet. He's come to say goodbye, she thought. Although I hope he isn't going to ask me if he can go with me. There's just no way that can happen.
Nearing the young woman, the headmaster said, "Don't go!"
"Why on earth not?" Quistis couldn't help but ask archly.
Tony finally gained his breath enough to say, "I've been called away to Trabia for an emergency Board of Directors' meeting. I have to leave for Trabia City immediately. You'll have to stay here and run things in my stead."
"Okay," Quistis said stoically, although her disappointment was acute.
"I'm so sorry, I know this was important to you," Tony said.
"Don't be silly," the young woman said firmly. "I can go to Shumi Village any day and, besides it's not your fault."
"Come to my tent," the young man said. "I need to show you what paperwork has to be finished today."
Once inside the tent, the young man and woman kissed deeply and then embraced for a few seconds.
"Again, I'm so sorry," he said.
"It's not your fault, quit apologizing. What do you think this meeting is about?" Quistis asked worriedly.
"Just some financial stuff, I think. They told me to bring the expenditures and the cost sheets," he answered.
Observing the worried expression on Quistis' face, he laughed and said, "Don't worry. They're not gonna fire me. They don't have anyone crazy enough to take my place – unless you want the job."
"No way!" Quistis said emphatically. "There's not enough tea in Shumi Village for me to take your job."
Tony and Quistis perused the paperwork for the next few minutes that needed to be finished that day.
"Okay," she said. "I think I've got it. Hadn't you better be on your way?"
"Yes, you're right," Tony agreed. "Thanks so much for filling in for me."
"No thanks to it, that's why I'm here."
They kissed briefly and then Quistis said, "Have a safe journey."
"I plan to," he said, with a smile. "I probably won't be back until tomorrow."
"I'll be waiting for your safe return."
"I know you will," Tony said and then he was gone.