"Sights and sounds pull me back down another year

I was here...I was here...

Whipping past the reflecting pool, me and you skipping school

and we make it up as we go along,

We make it up as we go along..."

"Gold Dust" by Tori Amos

It had been two days since Seifer last saw Quistis, and he was in a terrible mood. The military tribunal was coming up. Fujin and Raijin were nowhere to be found, suggesting the fact that they were on a mission and hadn't bothered to tell Seifer about it. Forcing up the painful story about the Lunatic Pandora – especially to Squall and Rinoa – hadn't helped, either. Now, he couldn't stop thinking about what had happened. He was angry at himself for not taking the initiative to go talk to Quistis, but she was acting strange and had been too busy to contact lately. Zell was all over the quad playing kissy-face with what's-her-name since they seemed to officially be a couple now – Seifer wanted to gag and wish he'd never even done such a dumbass thing in his whole life like set Chicken-wuss up – and Selphie was even more cheerful than before, if that was even possible. Every time she saw Seifer, she'd go out of her way to smile and wave and ask if he wanted to help decorate. He always brushed her off and growled that he had better shit to do.

Oh, yes. He was in a very bad mood. He was flat-out fed up with this shit. There was only one place to go.

Dr. Kadowaki was humming to herself as she tidied up the clinic. After opening the blinds, she checked the equipment and picked up some paperwork to file away when she halted in her tracks and looked up at a tall blonde standing in the doorway.

"Why, Seifer! I wasn't expecting you to drop by. Have you been injured in the training center?"

Seifer remained silent and shook his head.

Dr. Kadowaki cocked her head. "Is there something I can help you with?"

Seifer crossed his arms and remained in the hallway entrance, opting not to come into the infirmary completely. There was just something about doctor's offices and hospitals that he hated.

"Yeah. What's the matter with Quistis?"

Dr. Kadowaki blinked. "I beg your pardon?"

"It's been over two months and she can't remember shit about the Lunatic Pandora."

"I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't use that language, Seifer."

"And what's the prescription for?" Seifer asked, ignoring her request. "Why is she still having nosebleeds?"

Dr. Kadowaki raised an eyebrow. "You know about her condition?"

Seifer remained silent.

She sighed and placed the paperwork on her desk, removing her glasses. "For most people, severe trauma normally causes a specific type of amnesia, or nosebleeds, or both, like a blow to the head or something of that nature. I haven't been able to pinpoint anything correlating to that effect with Quistis, but I have my own theories."

Seifer raised an eyebrow. "Any of those theories have to do with me?"

Dr. Kadowaki furrowed her brows slightly, looking interested. "Now why would you think that, Seifer?"

"Because I saw her right before time compression. I talked to her. And she's the only one that's got amnesia. Everyone else is fine."

Dr. Kadowaki nodded and let out a soft chuckle. "Hm. I don't care what they say about you. You're one smart cookie."

Seifer narrowed his eyes.

"To answer your question…in a word, yes," Dr. Kadowaki replied. "Her encounter with you right before time compression must have altered her environment somewhat - "

"You mean that it backfired," Seifer interrupted. "I screwed things up."

Dr. Kadowaki shook her head slowly, thinking of the right words to use. "Not necessarily…especially since it was unintentional…"

Seifer nodded and rolled his eyes. "Yeah. My fault. Again. Big surprise."

"Now, Seifer, wait just a minute," Dr. Kadowaki held up her hands. "Quistis has been making significant improvement since her sessions with you. I believe that any day you could trigger a memory - "

"Was she assigned to me so that would happen?"

Dr. Kadowaki paused and examined him, wary of her answer. Instead of looking angry, however, he looked surprised.

"…Partially so, yes. However, it was Cid's decision to do this way before I had any say in the matter, and this was before I knew how extensive her symptoms were." Dr. Kadowaki paused to think. "In a way…you were both assigned to each other. Cid believes – as do I – that it's the best course of action to take."

Seifer looked at the floor. "Hm."

"Quistis isn't the only one, Seifer," Dr. Kadowaki reminded him. "Ellone is in the exact same situation, except she's still comatose. Although I'm sure the specific details will not be elucidated upon until the military tribunal, she was probably in a similar encounter before time compression. Squall had explained to me that he and Rinoa managed to end up at Edea's orphanage because they had both promised each other to meet there. They had to focus their consciousness entirely on that one thought, that one time, that one spot, in order to get there. I believe that Ellone had no time to think or to focus – nor did Quistis – during the time compression phenomenon. It explains why their physical bodies returned to Esthar, but their minds did not return as quickly."

Hrm. Yeah. Ellone didn't really know what was going on…she just sort of did what we told her to…

But I told Quistis to come back. I told her where to go. I warned her. Why didn't she listen?

…Because she thought I was fucking nuts, that's why.

Seifer glanced at Dr. Kadowaki. "Why is Ellone's case so extreme?"

Dr. Kadowaki sighed and shook her head. "I can only speculate…but I think most of us can agree it's because of her unusual abilities combined with the lack of information that was given to her about time compression in the first place."

Seifer readjusted his posture and chewed the inside of his cheek. "My fault too, eh?"

"Of course not, Seifer. Nobody's fault. Ellone wasn't even on this planet until a mere hour before time compression started. Don't begin to blame yourself."

Good point.

"Why the sudden concern, Seifer? Is Quistis doing all right?"

Seifer nodded and looked away. "Yeah. Just curious, I guess."

Dr. Kadowaki blinked and sat down slowly. "…She's not taking her medication, is she? Has Quistis had a nosebleed recently, Seifer?"

Seifer didn't reply. Dr. Kadowaki shook her head and sighed.

"I suspected as much…I wasn't really expecting Quistis to follow that prescription I gave her. You SeeDs always were adverse to medications."

Seifer shrugged, although he silently agreed.

"The prescription was just to help stop the bleeding," Dr. Kadowaki continued, "but I suppose it won't stop what actually causes the nosebleed in the first place - "

"What causes it?" Seifer asked. "And what will stop it?"

"Time compression was a very strange phenomenon that Squall's group encountered – only they were able to physically transfer themselves through time. No one else. The entire process, to say the least, is extremely unnatural and probably put an enormous toll on them physically as well as mentally. While the rest of us were temporarily put into a deep sleep, they travelled to and from different places in time – with the help of Ellone. As I said before, their return encountered some…" Dr. Kadowaki put a finger to her chin, "…turbulence. They all had to return mentally and physically. While their bodies were geographically displaced, so were their minds. Think of it as their mental state being left behind."

"So the nosebleeds are from the memories being ripped out of the body?"

Dr. Kadowaki smiled. "I wouldn't put it as brutally as that, but yes…the nosebleeds are the side effects from time compression. So is the fatigue and vertigo. Overexertion or stress can cause the symptoms to occur more frequently. Eventually, the mind fully returns, but it can take awhile. It can come back in one fell swoop, or it can come back in fragments. It appears that Quistis still has a few lost…puzzle pieces, so to speak."

"How do I get her to remember, then?"

Dr. Kadowaki sighed and shook her head. "Only time will tell, Seifer. Something may trigger the memories, or they'll just come back on their own. I can't tell you when or how long. That's the real question. We can't anticipate how long the amnesia will last. It differs from patient to patient."

"Does she even know that she's missing memories?"

Dr. Kadowaki shook her head again. "I'm afraid not."

"Can't I just tell her, then wait until she remembers?"

"We have to treat these symptoms just like we would with an amnesiac," Dr. Kadowaki shook her head. "You could tell Quistis what she has forgotten, yes, but you'd run the risk of completely and utterly confusing her. Confusion to that extent could really upset her. It could cause panic and unnecessary stress…and, of course, if she doesn't remember, it would have all been for nothing."

Seifer sighed.

A soft chime from the intercom system interrupted their conversation and diverted their attention to the small speaker inside the ceiling. A digital recording of a woman's voice cooed:

'Seifer Almasy, please report to the Headmaster's office. Seifer Almasy, please report to the Headmaster's office.'

Seifer gave Dr. Kadowaki a curt nod and turned to leave the infirmary.

"Don't give up," Dr. Kadowaki called after him. "There's always a chance you could help her remember something, Seifer, by just being there for her."

Yeah. Sure. Whoopee.

Seifer didn't respond and headed out to the quad, walking towards the elevator that led to Headmaster Cid's office.

…The hell does Cid want now?

The sinking feeling in his gut, however, told him that it was most likely about the tribunal. A few months earlier, he hadn't been very worried about it. He knew it'd be a political circus…but now that it drew closer, he was beginning to feel anxious. What if…he was actually going to be sentenced? He didn't exactly follow Cid's orders without getting blood on his hands. He'd killed people…and for what? To protect the Headmaster's wife?

No. To protect someone else.

Well…technically…to protect everyone…

"Yo, there he is! Hey, Seifer!"

"TERRIBLE."

"Ya got that right, Fuj! Seifer, you look like shit, ya know?"

Seifer glanced up with a grin, seeing Fujin and Raijin standing near the stairwell heading up to the elevator. Fujin was grinning with her arms crossed, while Raijin had his hands on his hips and gave Seifer a goofy smile.

"Probably because I didn't get to go on a mission with you assholes," Seifer retorted. "I've been bored out of my fucking mind here."

"UNFORTUNATE."

"Yeah, we asked Cid if you could come along, ya know? But he told us that he wanted you to stay here, ya know? Besides, we figured you'd want some more time with Instructor Trepe, ya know?"

"PROGRESS?"

Seifer glared at them, his smile disappearing. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Raijin sighed and seemed to deflate, poking Fujin with his elbow. "I don't think he told her yet, ya know?"

Fujin stared Raijin down with her good eye. "OBVIOUSLY."

"Where the fuck have you two been?" Seifer crossed his arms, changing the subject.

"Ah, been meaning to tell ya, ya know? Cid sent us to Esthar, ya know?"

"ELLONE."

"Yeah, he wanted us to check up on Ellone's condition, ya know?"

"Did you see her?" Seifer asked, suddenly concerned. "How is she? Is she awake?"

"AFFIRMATIVE."

"Fujin caught a glimpse of her as the door to her hospital room opened, ya know? I didn't get to see how she was doing - "

"Is she all right?" Seifer repeated the question.

"She was up and talkin' to President Loire, ya know?" Raijin answered. "Fujin told me that she looked a little pale but that she was smilin' and laughin', ya know?"

"RECOVERING," Fujin nodded.

"Yeah," Raijin nodded. "Commander Kiros talked to us and said that she was fully awake, had all her memories, and wanted to see you and Squall and everyone else. Said that Garden should come and visit soon, ya know?"

"Was that were you were all this time?" Seifer asked. "Checking up on Ellone in Esthar?"

"Ah, no, we were also supposed to deliver something to Cid from the President, ya know?" Raijin replied. "Dunno what it is, ya know? A buncha letters and files that are s'posed to be confidential, ya know? We made a stop over in FH as well, since Galbadia Garden's stationed there, and we had to give Martine a buncha files too, ya know?"

Seifer set his jaw. They're prepping for the tribunal. I knew it.

The soft chime from the intercom system repeated.'Seifer Almasy, please report to the Headmaster's office. Seifer Almasy, please report to the Headmaster's office.'

Seifer sighed. "I gotta go, guys. This shouldn't take too long, so I'll see you around, all right?"

"Yo, we'll be in the cafeteria, ya know? I'm starving, ya know?"

"GLUTTON," Fujin shook her head.

Seifer chuckled and entered the elevator. It rose to Cid's office with a soft ding and he walked up to the door, knocking softly.

"Come in."

Seifer walked in and closed the door behind him, silently thankful that Edea wasn't anywhere nearby. Cid was sitting at his desk, immersed in paperwork.

Probably the files Fujin and Raijin just delivered.

He stood at attention and saluted. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

Cid looked up and smiled, removing his glasses. "Yes, Seifer. At ease. I wanted to talk to you about your upcoming tribunal. It's scheduled a week from tomorrow."

Seifer felt his gut tighten. "Oh. Great."

Cid chuckled and waved a hand. "It won't be a big ordeal, don't worry. Obviously it's required so we can provide answers to the rest of the military world - "

"They're going to try to place the blame on Garden," Seifer refuted. "Or they'll demand that I be kicked out and stripped of my rank. There's no way I'm going to walk out of this clean – they're going to want bloody, gory justice."

"Now, Seifer - "

"Half the damn world thinks I'm a complete nutcase," Seifer motioned with his hand, "not to mention that I was the one to start judgment day on purpose."

"Seifer, nobody knows the details of the Lunatic Pandora event besides the top officials of Esthar and Galbadia - "

"That information will only be kept top secret for so long," Seifer cut in. "Everyone's going to want to know why they were slapped into a coma - "

"Which will be explained upon the interrogation of Squall and his team, along with Dr. Odine and President Loire, about the plan to destroy Ultimecia," Cid reminded him gently.

Seifer snorted once he heard Odine's name.

"Seifer, you forget that you have three high-profile military leaders backing your story one-hundred percent. Martine, General Caraway, and President Loire all support you. They've all helped you achieve the Lunar Cry, for Hyne's sakes. The tribunal is a necessary measure to clear up a few things – especially with Trabia – but like I've said before, it's nothing to worry about. We've all written up reports for the panel, so they'll know what happened. They won't ask you any questions that would make you – or Garden, or Esthar, or Galbadia, for that matter – a public mockery, nor would they divulge anything deemed top secret that could cause a public uproar."

After a pause, Seifer glanced up. "Will Matron be safe?"

Cid put his hands in his pockets and sighed, giving him a brief nod. "Yes. I believe so. She no longer has her powers and Dr. Odine can provide that information to the panel if necessary. Although…I want to leave her out of it as much as possible. She's already been through enough. It would only make things worse if she were there. She wishes to remain confined within the walls of Garden for now."

"What about Rinoa?"

Cid sighed again. "Rinoa is another matter. I've informed General Caraway that she is with us, so he knows she's safe, but nobody knows of her…" Cid cleared his throat, "…condition. Not even the other students. Only you, me, Edea, Squall's team, and Laguna's administration know of Rinoa's situation. I don't believe it would be wise to tell anyone else. At least…not at this time."

"Doesn't it sort of defeat the purpose of SeeD if we house a sorceress in Garden?" Seifer asked flatly.

Cid crossed his arms. "No. On the contrary, we can protect Rinoa by keeping a close eye on her. Remember that Edea had her powers ever since she was a young girl. She was not a threat until Ultimecia appeared. Just because those powers have passed to Rinoa doesn't mean she should be condemned and quarantined. I believe everything will be fine, now that Ultimecia is gone."

Seifer shifted his feet, remaining silent.

After a pause, Cid cleared his throat and spoke up again. "The tribunal will be held in Esthar, so remember that you'll be on allied soil. Nothing will happen to you, Seifer. You have my word."

Seifer let out a sigh.

The hum of the elevator outside of Cid's office came to life as the doors suddenly slid open and Squall stepped through. After shooting a glance at Seifer, he straightened and saluted at Cid.

"You wanted to see me, sir?"

"Ah, Squall. Excellent timing. We were just talking about the military tribunal, scheduled to be in Esthar next week."

Seifer glanced at Squall with wary confusion.

Squall ignored him and stared straight ahead. "Sir."

"Are you still willing to testify on Seifer's behalf?"

Squall gave Cid a curt nod. "Yes, sir."

Seifer's jaw slightly dropped.

"There should be nothing to it," Cid waved a hand nonchalantly. "President Loire will give you the full report and bring you up to speed on the events leading to the Lunar Cry - "

"That won't be necessary, Headmaster," Squall replied rigidly.

Cid raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Have you already been briefed on the events in detail?"

Squall hesitated. "…More or less, sir."

Cid cast a glance towards Seifer. "I see. Still, I think it would be best to hear the administration's report, especially since you're going before the panel. You should have all the information at hand."

Seifer saw Squall's jaw muscles flex. "Yes, sir."

Upon watching Squall's reaction, it was evident he didn't want to meet with Laguna. Poor bastard, Seifer mused. Dealing with a guy like Loire must be torture to a guy like Squall.

"It will be a cut-and-dry procedure," Cid continued, "so I expect you to answer the questions truthfully, to the best of your abilities. I assure you that the panel will not throw you any curve balls or try any tricks in order to purposely trip you up or directly accuse you in any way," he eyed Seifer, "so don't be apprehensive about the whole process. It's a necessary requirement for all Gardens to fulfill, regardless of the circumstances. Do you have any questions?"

The SeeDs shook their heads rigidly.

"Furthermore, this tribunal involves both SeeD special forces and militaries from several countries, making it the first worldwide military committee," Cid continued.

"Oh, fuck," Seifer closed his eyes.

Cid glared at him. "I beg your pardon, Seifer?"

Seifer cleared his throat. "Nothing, sir."

"This is an extraordinary step towards achieving peace throughout nations," Cid declared sternly. "This is a good thing. The committee has formed in response to the worldwide threat that was Ultimecia, and its members will strive to work together to prevent such threats in the future. If the Second Sorceress War taught us anything, it's to combine forces to eliminate evil. Esthar had closed its borders and Galbadia had started to expand its territory in response to the First Sorceress War, which obviously did not work. Thus, we believe it's time for a change – don't you agree?"

Seifer set his jaw and stared straight ahead, nodding curtly. "Sir."

Cid glanced at a sheet of paper. "Squall, Quistis, and Xu will be the Balamb SeeDs present on the roster to testify. In addition, Martine, his second-in-command Zavier, and I will be representing Garden. President Loire and Commander Seagill will be there as well, representing Esthar, and General Caraway will be the Galbadian representative. The newly formed panel will consist of two members from the Dollet Dukedom Parliament, two members of the Trabian council, one official from Esthar, and two members of the Galbadian senate." He glanced at them from over the rim of his glasses. "They are all military veterans, survivors of two sorceress wars, and they know exactly what is at stake here," he reminded them in a soft, yet stern tone. "I expect you to be on your best behavior and to answer their questions with respect. I will reiterate this important fact once again; they are not out to condemn you. Do I make myself clear?"

The SeeDs nodded briskly. "Sir."

"Any other questions?"

"Sir…" Seifer glanced at Squall and cleared his throat, unsure if he should be saying anything at all. There was a long pause as he hesitated. "…Do you think that…Quistis is the right person to be testifying - "

"I have no doubt in my mind," Cid interrupted sternly.

"Yes, but sir, she isn't exactly ready for - "

"Ready for what, soldier?"

Seifer set his jaw and didn't answer. The Headmaster was a very gentle, patient man – but when his decisions were challenged or even questioned – especially when it came to his children, the top-trained original orphans – he wouldn't hear it. Seifer hadn't meant to question Quistis's abilities, nor Cid's trust in her. But…

He looked up at him and gave him a stubborn stare. "She doesn't remember everything, sir."

Squall's eyes darted from Seifer, to Cid, back to Seifer again, curious about the exchange.

Cid removed his glasses, sighed, and stood up. "Well then, you'll just have to help her remember, won't you?"

Seifer set his jaw and stared straight ahead. "Sir."

"Anything else?" Cid looked at both of them.

They both stiffened and shook their heads curtly, remaining silent. However, Squall shifted his feet and looked at the ground for a bit, looking anxious, as if he were trying to conjure up the words to say something. Seifer watched him out of the corner of his eye. He'd seen that look before.

'I gotta do my best, or else I won't be able to see Sis.'

Seifer suddenly stepped forward. "Permission to see Ellone, sir."

Squall glanced up at him, surprised.

Cid blinked, mirroring Squall's surprise. After a pause, however, he chuckled. "Found Fujin and Raijin, have you?"

Seifer didn't reply.

"No need," Cid responded. "Since we're heading to Esthar next week, you'll be able to see Ellone once the tribunal is closed."

"She's awake?" Squall stepped forward.

Cid nodded. "Awake and recovering quite well, from what I understand. Elle's a resilient little creature. She's been safely quarantined in an undisclosed location – more for her protection than anything else – but she's fine. She's been asking about all of you."

Squall let out a soft sigh, looking relieved.

"We depart for Esthar in twenty-four hours," Cid nodded to them. "The awards ceremony will also be held a day after the tribunal, and we're expecting President Loire to attend, along with Ellone if she's well enough. It should be a joyous occasion for everyone. You should be proud of your achievements."

The two SeeDs remained silent.

Cid nodded to them and sat back down. "I'll brief you on any updates as the date draws closer. That is all. Dismissed."

They saluted and left Cid's office silently. The two entered the lift quietly and waited in tense silence as it slowly brought them down to the main floor.

After a long pause, Squall spoke up. "…Thanks for that."

"For what?"

"Asking about Ellone."

Seifer shrugged. "Never could do anything without Sis holding your hand," he grumbled.

Squall crossed his arms but remained silent.

After another pause, Seifer added, "So, what are you doing all this for?"

"All what?"

"You know. The tribunal shit. Testifying. Why even bother?"

It was Squall's turn to shrug. "I don't know. Because."

Seifer rolled his eyes and snorted. "Sure you're not doing it to impress daddy Caraway?"

Squall narrowed his eyes at him. "No, that's not the reason. Would you rather have Zell step up to the panel?"

Good point. Seifer remained silent.

There was a long pause. Squall swallowed. "What…did you mean…when you said that Quistis wasn't ready?"

Seifer looked away and didn't answer.

Squall examined him. "Is she all right?"

Seifer rolled his eyes and glared at him. "Oh, I forgot – you bozos haven't bothered to notice, have you?"

Squall set his jaw. "We haven't seen her around - "

"If she was really that important to you, you could've checked - "

"I knew she was busy with you," Squall snapped. "I wanted to leave her alone. Fucking sue me if she's been unavailable all this time, giving you her undivided attention."

Seifer blinked at Squall, somewhat surprised at the response. It had almost sounded like jealousy. There was another long pause.

"You told Selphie that Quistis was sick – is she?" Squall asked quietly.

"Fuck, is there anything that girl doesn't gossip about?"

"Is she?" Squall demanded.

Seifer crossed his arms and sighed again. "No…she's just…she's still having symptoms. She doesn't have all of her memories yet."

Squall narrowed his eyes. "…It's been two months."

Seifer glared at him. "No, really?"

"Why hasn't she told us?" Squall looked away, asking the question more to himself than Seifer.

"Maybe she realized that dumping her problems on you wouldn't make a fucking ounce of difference," Seifer retorted nastily. "Just like last year."

Squall glared at Seifer with his jaw flexed. Seifer could see the glint of hurt in his eyes.

The elevator chimed and the doors slid open, revealing the main floor. Seifer stepped out first and made his way down the steps when Squall called after him.

"How are you going to get her to remember?"

Seifer snorted and continued walking, not looking back. "No fucking clue." He headed towards the girls' dormitory wing, deciding to skip the cafeteria trip. He'd talk to Fujin and Raijin later. Right now, he was too busy pondering how in the hell he could jog Quistis's memory – without pissing her off.

He sighed. Who the hell am I kidding? I always piss her off, even when I'm not trying to piss her off.

He knew he had to try something, though. Anything. Avoiding it wasn't going to do any good.

Dr. Kadowaki had said it herself – that they were assigned to each other. Seifer was probably assigned to Quistis to help trigger her memories, and Quistis was assigned to Seifer so she could help him with his temper. Or help him cope with his wartime experience. Or some shit like that.

Seifer would never admit it, but spending time with her had helped. He was less inclined to get into random fights and his short temper had diminished. His extreme patience was something he'd learned during his time with Edea and commanding the troops, but the anxiety and raw anger that had usually accompanied it had diminished. It was like at the orphanage – he was less inclined to be wreckless and angry and cause trouble when Quistis was around.

When she was adopted, there was nobody to check his anger. Not even Matron. It was as if he fought everyone on purpose constantly to get Quistis back. If he caused enough trouble, no doubt she'd come running back to scold him.

But she never came. She'd found a new family.

Then, as if by some miracle, she came to Garden. He'd had her back. It was like old times again.

Until the SeeD field exams. She and Squall junctioned GFs…and she forgot about him.

He lost her twice. He wouldn't fucking lose her a third time.

He knew that by sitting down and talking to her civilly about it wasn't going to work – they were at it for two solid weeks and she hadn't remembered a thing. He was done with the simple chats. There was really only option left. The only option he was really good at. Using force. He'd force her to remember by triggering another fight. He had to have been on the right track, at least, a few days ago. If he had triggered her nosebleed, then maybe she was getting closer to remembering.

He could give two shits about the tribunal, really. Cid had assured him over and over again that everything would be fine, and the few memories that Quistis was lacking wouldn't interfere with her testimony. She'd already heard the bits she needed for the trial. However, he knew he could use the tribunal as an excuse to yell at her.

He wasn't exactly looking forward to another fight, nor did he want to cause another nosebleed, but he'd waited long enough.

Ellone was better. It was high time Quistis had all of her memories back, too.

He wanted to know her feelings, once and for all.

He raised his knuckles and knocked on her door.

Shuffling could be heard on the other end, and the door slid open to reveal Quistis dressed in casual civilian clothes – a white tee and jeans – standing there barefoot with a book in her hand. No surprise, her hair was up, but he gave her a once-over anyway. Those jeans were low-rise and he saw a bit of midriff -

"Seifer!" Quistis blinked at him in surprise, looking slightly pleased.

Seifer looked up and gave her a nod. "Hey, instructor."

Her smile disappeared and she immediately stiffened. "What do you need?"

He blinked at her, somewhat offended at how she already seemed annoyed with him. "Uh…the tribunal is coming up."

"Yes, I know."

"So…" He motioned with his palm.

She raised an eyebrow. "So…?"

He set his jaw. "Can I come in?"

She nodded and stepped aside. After she closed the door behind him, she called over her shoulder, "Are you worried about what's going to happen? We've got all your bases covered, Seifer - "

"Not quite," he interrupted, crossing his arms. He hadn't bothered to sit on the couch this time.

She turned to him and put her hands on her hips. "What do you mean?"

"Are you testifying?"

She nodded and slowly walked into the sitting room. "Yes, I am. Squall is too - "

"Are we supposed to be finished with the mental evals, or what?" Seifer asked. "Did you have to turn in a worksheet to the Headmaster or something?"

Quistis shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose, forcing herself to remain patient with his interruptions. "Um…I haven't quite finished my report - "

"Where have you been the past two days, anyway?" he asked her.

She turned pink and looked away. "I…I had to think, that's all. I wanted to spend some time by myself."

Seifer raised a curious eyebrow at her.

"I've also been in meetings with the Headmaster about the trial - " she continued.

"If you haven't finished your report, then you'd better get cracking, Trepe."

She narrowed her eyes at him.

"Do you remember where we left off?" he asked.

She let out an impatient sigh. "Of course I do. You went to Esthar to speak to Laguna's administration. Why are you so eager to get back to this, anyway?"

"Because there will be holes in your report if we don't finish."

She stared at him, confused. "I thought we were finished. Weren't you done with your mission once you reached sanctuary in Esthar? Didn't they grant you clemency, or some form of immunity?"

"No," he put his hands on his hips and stared at the ground. "I wasn't done yet."

She blinked. "I don't understand."

"I kept going."

"What do you mean you kept going?"

"I kept fighting."

"Fighting? Fighting who? When?"

He was too impatient to sugar-coat it any longer. Screw what Dr. Kadowaki said. He'd tell her outright.

"What do you remember about the Lunatic Pandora?"

Quistis blinked. "What?"

"Answer the question."

"Where is this coming from?"

"It's not rocket science, Trepe. Answer the question."

She crossed her arms defensively and narrowed her eyes at him. "Okay. Fine. I remember that it caused the Lunar Cry. I remember that it nearly killed Squall and Rinoa. I remember flying on the Ragnarok with Selphie at the wheel and nearly throwing up after we bombarded the place. I remember fighting your Hyne-damned dynamic duo - "

"What do you remember about me?" Seifer interrupted her, growing impatient.

"What about you?" She held out her palms and shook her head. "Where are you going with this?!"

"Remember what I said!" his voice grew louder.

"Remember what?!" she shouted back, giving him an incredulous look. "What are you talking about?"

Seifer swore and ran a hand through his hair.

She shook her head and stared at him, utterly confused. "Seifer…what is going on with you? What does this have to do with the tribunal?"

"You don't remember," he shook his head and looked up at the ceiling. "What good will your testimony be if you don't even fucking know what you're talking about?"

Quistis glared at him. "I beg your pardon?"

"You heard me."

"You're not making any sense."

"Neither will this bullshit tribunal if Cid puts you up there in front of the panel - "

"Seifer, enough with the smartass comments and just explain yourself!"

Dr. Kadowaki was right. He'd tried…and failed. Quistis was more confused than ever, and now the whole thing would just result in unnecessary bickering. He was starting to get agitated.

Might as well keep trying. She's already mad.

"Hyne, I can't believe this shit," he grumbled. "My ass is on the line and you've got amnesia - "

"What?!"

" – now you've gotta go before an all-star panel and testify on my behalf - "

"Seifer, what did you just say about me? That I have amnesia?"

He glared at her. "Yes!"

She gritted her teeth and let out an angry sigh, narrowing her eyes. "Oh, so you're so worried about your own well-being that you have to threaten me with a phony diagnosis - "

"I'm not worried about the trial," he snapped at her.

"Oh yeah? Doesn't seem like it," she snapped back.

"I'm trying to get you to remember - "

"Sounds like you're trying to cover your own ass at all costs," she interrupted angrily. "Why am I not surprised?"

"Why do you think you've been having the nosebleeds?" Seifer barked at her, suddenly angry. "Come on, Trepe! Put two and two together! Why the fuck do you think Fujin and Raijin were at the Lunatic Pandora? They follow me everywhere. Why can't you just remember?!"

Quistis stared at him, looking hurt and confused. "I…"

"Why do you think that after two months, you're still having nightmares? Why hasn't anyone else been experiencing these symptoms, Trepe?"

Quistis shook her head and closed her eyes, turning around to hide the burning tears that were beginning to form. She'd avoided him because she was confused about her own feelings, and to have him suddenly show up and yell at her wasn't helping. She wasn't expecting this. She couldn't tell if her feelings were hurt from his slicing remarks, from the fact that it was possible she couldn't remember something, or both. Was it true? Did she really have amnesia? Was she really missing crucial memories? But…memories of what?

"It can't be," she murmured. "I…I remember the Lunatic Pandora. I remember fighting Ultimecia. I was there. I remember all of it - "

"Wake up, instructor," Seifer snarled. "Open your fucking eyes and look around! How many times do we have to go over the fact that - "

Quistis whirled around, the anger in her face suddenly draining into pale surprise. "Stop! What did you just say??"

Seifer narrowed his eyes at her. "What?"

"That sentence you just said…those words…"

"…the hell's wrong with you?"

"Just say it again!"

Seifer blinked at her, suddenly realizing what had just happened. She stepped closer to him and put her hand on his arm, looking up at him with a desperate look in her eyes.

"Please."

Seifer set his jaw and sighed, looking at the floor. Her touch was searing. The look in her eyes was even worse. He felt an enormous surge of hope, but he was hesitant to say anything. He didn't want to meet another blank stare; that look that she always returned that let him know she had absolutely no idea what had happened two months ago.

Quistis stared at him, pleading. "Seifer…"

He lifted his head and held her gaze. In a soft tone, he replied, "Wake up, instructor."

Quistis blinked and something in her chest froze.

Just like that, something clicked back into place. A flood of cold realization washed over her and she felt her knees buckle. It was like something lost inside of her was suddenly found, but it had been gone for so long it became foreign and unfamiliar. She blinked and stepped back, a furrow deepening in her brow and her jaw slightly dropped.

Seifer's eyes remained locked on her.

She stared at him in confused astonishment.

Had it been him…all this time…?

Quistis and Selphie were sprinting through the Lunatic Pandora, struggling to catch up with Irvine, Zell, and Squall. Once they all found out that Rinoa had been taken by Seifer, Squall wasted no time to go after her. He, Zell, and Irvine had run far ahead of Quistis and Selphie towards the central area of the giant complex. There was already loud shouting that bounced off of the eerie, iridescent blue walls, which twisted and turned into a maze as the girls tried to follow them. It didn't sound good. Quistis ran harder.

"Hurry!" Selphie cried. "I can hear them! This way!"

The screams and shouts tangled into a loud, echoing, melancholy sound.

"Seifer, let go of her! Get your fucking hands off of her!" Squall's voice echoed out.

"You're fucking crazy, man! Get away from her!" Zell's voice echoed out next.

"I'll do it, Almasy," Irvine's voice growled. "Don't try me! Don't think I won't take the shot!"

Hyne, no, Quistis thought. What is Seifer trying to do? Seifer, please. Don't hurt anybody.

The yelling and shouting seemed to ring in her ears as she desperately looked around and followed Selphie down the correct route. Rinoa's cries were mingled in with the boys' loud bellows, but for the briefest second, everything was disturbingly silent. Only Quistis's and Selphie's breathing could be heard. They were nearing the portal that led to the room everyone else had gone into. The silence was chilling.

And then Rinoa's shrill scream made Quistis and Selphie stop in their tracks. Something had gone completely wrong.

"No!" Squall cried out.

"Shit, Squall! What do we do, what do we do?" Zell's voice sounded panicked.

"I can shoot her!" Irvine barked.

"NO! Don't take the shot! You might hurt Rinoa!"

"Quistis, come ON!" Selphie yelped. She turned to sprint through the portal and in doing so, knocked right into Seifer.

He paid no attention to her as he was exiting the room, looking around wildly with Hyperion unsheathed, swinging it dangerously around. He passed right by Selphie as she gave him a startled glance, then she looked back and forth from him to the room he'd just come out of. Choosing to help her friends rather than fight him, she decided to ignore the dazed Seifer and ran into the large room.

Quistis froze as Seifer's gaze trained on her. He was breathing hard, looking panicked, and as soon as he locked eyes with her, he immediately advanced.

Quistis automatically took two steps back and grabbed at Save the Queen, unraveling it for a strike. But Seifer was acting strange. He didn't strike a defense stance, nor did he seem ready to attack. He kept walking, and he was getting closer. His stride was too big. If he kept going at this rate, he'd bowl right into her.

Quistis held up a shaky hand and snapped her whip as a warning. "Stay back, Seifer!"

Ignoring her, Seifer dropped Hyperion with a loud clang, strode right up to her, and grabbed her arms. His grip made her wince and she tried to wrench free, but her efforts were incredibly weak due to utter surprise and fear. She clenched her fist, which had started to glow a bright blue, and she was ready to triple-cast blizzaga, but the look on his face troubled her. It wasn't like anything they'd seen before when they had to fight him. And he dropped his gunblade; a sign of submission.

She swallowed and tried to step away, looking up at him with a startled look on her face. "What are you - "

"Listen to me," he growled harshly. "Any minute, they're going to beat Adel in there, and you – listen to me!!!"

Quistis's attention had darted to the portal where her friends were as soon as Seifer had said 'Adel,' but Seifer wanted her to pay complete attention to what he was going to say. He shook her roughly and stared hard at her.

"Seifer, let go of me or - "

"You have to listen," his voice grew low, "this is important. Do you understand?"

Quistis blinked at him in utter confusion. He's finally lost it.

"Once Adel is destroyed, Ultimecia is going to use Rinoa and time compression is going to begin with Ellone's help," Seifer explained quickly. "You'll all be lost in time and space."

Quistis narrowed her eyes. How did he know about the plan?

"Once you kill Ultimecia, you have to remember," Seifer's grip grew tighter. "You got that, Quistis? You have to come back to this place. You have to remember something. Anything at all. Remember this place. Remember me."

"What…?"

"Look, it doesn't make any sense now, but just do it, okay?" Seifer's voice grew into a desperate plea.

All Quistis could do was stare at him in bewilderment.

Seifer cocked his head towards the doorway. "Go in there and help them. Go."

With that, he let her go and picked up Hyperion. Quistis continued to stare at him, trying to register what had just happened.

"Seifer…?"

He sheathed the weapon and glanced at Quistis. His hard features slightly softened into something else…the wild, sharp, bloodthirsty look she'd seen in his green eyes had been replaced with a tender softness…almost like regret…longing…he was tired and he was in pain…

He stepped forward and put a hand on her arm. Gentle. Controlled. He leaned in and she saw his eyes study her face with an intensity she'd never seen before. This time, she didn't pull away.

"Remember what I said, Quistis. Come back to this place. Come back to me."

Quistis stared at him in shock, unable to speak. The look in his eyes was completely disarming, and a rushing feeling mixed with exhilaration and utter confusion swept through her chest. His tender gentleness frightened her even more than his raging anger, but she was frozen with astonishment.

"SeeD Almasy!" a voice echoed out in the Lunatic Pandora. "Are they ready?"

Seifer tore his gaze away from Quistis and turned around to face Ellone and Laguna. "They're in there," he replied gruffly, cocking his head towards the other room. "It's almost time."

Quistis's mouth dropped open in utter confusion. A thousand questions bombarded her all at once, and she couldn't muster one word.

…………SeeD Almasy??

Before she could find her voice, Laguna and Ellone rushed past her and Seifer turned and walked down the corridor swiftly, his heavy footsteps echoing off of the pale blue walls of the massive complex. He glanced back at her one last time before exiting the large room. Quistis blinked and her mouth dropped open, then closed.

What is going on???

Loud gunshots and a strained scream, followed by a horrible, haggard laugh, snapped Quistis back to attention and she swirled around, suddenly reminded about Adel and Rinoa.

She looked back, but Seifer was already gone. Turning again, she started to run towards the portal that led to the shouts and screams. She looked back one last time and swallowed.

Seifer…

Quistis put her hands to her head and closed her eyes. "Seifer…you…you tried to warn me…?"

Seifer remained silent.

"You were there…in the Lunatic Pandora…" Quistis rubbed a palm to her forehead and shook her head, trying to make sense of her new and sudden memories. "And…"

Her dreams…her dreams were jumbled words and whispers of…Seifer's voice…

"Your voice…I kept hearing you…I kept hearing you, over and over…"

Seifer crossed his arms and stared at the floor.

"The hospital," she breathed. "You were there, weren't you? You were talking to me...it wasn't a dream...it was real..."

"Yo, Seifer, man, Headmaster Cid's been lookin' for ya, ya know?"

"DEBRIEFING."

"He needs to talk to ya, ya know? He's up in President Loire's office and they'd like to be brought up to speed on a few things…"

"Not right now," Seifer rubbed his face and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm gonna stay a bit longer."

"You don't look so good, ya know? Maybe you should rest, ya know?"

"SUSTENANCE."

"Yeah, maybe you should get something to eat, ya know?"

"I'm fine," Seifer grumbled. "I'm just tired, that's all."

"This hospital is kinda creepy at night, ya know? Are you sure you'll be fine all by yourself here?"

Seifer glanced behind him. Chicken-wuss let out a loud snore every now and then, but he doubted he'd have to worry about a punch in the kidneys. He slid around on his stool to face the bedside he'd been guarding all day and half the night. Quistis was still in a coma, still unconsciously locked somewhere, lost in time. Lost. There was no way he'd leave her alone. Not for Cid. Not for that fuckface, Laguna. Not at 0100 hours, anyway.

"Yeah, I'm good, Rai. You guys wouldn't mind getting me some grub though, would you?"

"NEGATIVE."

"Nah, we don't mind, Seifer. And we'll go tell Cid that you're too tired to see him, ya know?"

"Yeah. Thanks."

Raijin stepped up and put his hand on Seifer's shoulder. "She'll be all right, ya know? Instructor Trepe's a tough one, ya know?"

Seifer nodded. "Thanks, Rai, but I already knew that. Now get outta here."

Raijin trotted off to go grab some hospital food, but Fujin strayed behind. She cast a quick glance at him and murmured, "SOOTHE."

With that, she turned and followed Raijin down the long hallway. The hospital wing was quiet after that, with only a few murmurs from the nurses accompanied by quiet footsteps, sweeping fabric, soft beeps of heart rate monitors, and Zell's snores.

Seifer leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and hung his head, staring at the plastic identification band that had been snapped around his wrist. The staff hadn't yet discharged him, so he was not yet able to recover his gunblade or any of his original clothes, but Fujin and Raijin managed to snag him some baggy sweatpants and an old t-shirt. He looked like shit. He felt like shit. But he wasn't going to remove his numbing ass from the uncomfortable stool until she stirred. He glanced up and watched her. The doctors had bandaged her arms and wrists from the magic burns she sustained from the fight with Ultimecia, and tiny bandages were patched onto her cheek to close up a cut. After administering a few cura spells, however, Quistis remained in good shape.

He reached out and touched her hand, his fingertips brushing against her knuckles. A needle had been inserted into her veins and taped down at the top of her wrist, and he gritted his teeth at the sight of it. His gaze traveled up her bandaged arm to her chest, which slowly rose up and down from her breathing. Her hair was down and spread towards her shoulders in matted tangles. The nurses had managed to wipe up the dirt from her face, but they weren't able to wash and comb her hair. Not until she woke up.

Seifer had found Kiros earlier that day and asked where she was found.

"On the outskirts of the city," he'd replied. "South of here, towards the airstation. Some of my troopers found her."

"Was she with anyone else?" Seifer asked.

Kiros shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Your comrade, Zell Dincht, was found on the eastern shore, next to the Lunatic Pandora lab. Nobody's quite sure how they all got scattered around…"

Seifer had stopped listening. It was by lucky chance a few Esthar soldiers managed to find Quistis in that desolate field, bruised and battered and unconscious. What if they didn't see her?

Seifer clenched his jaw and refused to think about it.

Hyne, Quistis. I tried to tell you. I tried to tell you so you would know how to get back…

He leaned closer and gently moved a strand of hair away from her cheek. He almost grinned.

I wonder what she'd do if she found out that her hair clip was gone. Probably freak the fuck out. I've never seen her with her hair down before…

His knuckles grazed her cheek and he used a thumb to softly caress her temple. If there was some way to get her to wake up…

Fujin had told him to soothe her. He wondered…

Seifer slowly stood up and leaned over the bed.

"Quistis," he murmured. "Can you hear me?"

The heart monitor remained steady. So did her breathing.

"Quistis."

Silence.

Seifer continued to caress her cheek and leaned closer. "Remember what I said. Come back to this place."

Silence.

"Wake up, instructor."

The screen that was monitoring brain-wave patterns jumped with the slightest bit of activity – the slow, green line twitched for a second – but Seifer didn't notice it. He sighed and sunk back down to his stool, slowly reaching over to hold her hand. He lowered his head and let it rest against the cold, metal frame that was propped up around her bed.

Come on, Quistis. Please wake up.

He remained there all night and almost all morning, coming and going to refill a few cups of shitty hospital coffee and munching on a donut or hash brown, but he wouldn't leave her alone for long. His gaze kept traveling up her saline drips to the brain-wave monitor, but it had remained relatively flat. He'd wanted to talk to her, but what could he say? Besides, with Zell sleeping right next to them, it felt a little odd. His words were personal, and he sure as hell wasn't about to inadvertently say anything to an unconscious Chicken-wuss.

One time, however, he leaned over Zell's bed and said, "You're an ass."

His gaze flicked to the brain-wave patterns. Nothing.

"I'm going to find a permanent marker and draw a huge dick on the other side of your face."

He glanced back up to the monitor. Nope. Zell was officially brain-dead.

What the fuck else is new?

The hours rolled by and no progress had been made. At least on Quistis's side.

A snort, a grunt, another snort, and some movement made Seifer turn around. The monitor started to beep loudly and a few nurses rushed to Zell's bed.

"Doctor! We're receiving some activity! He's waking up!"

The resident M.D. down the hall lifted his attentions from another hospital bed and strode forward. "Good. I want a sedative ready."

"Yes sir."

Seifer stood up and raised an eyebrow in amusement, crossing his arms and stepping back to watch the show.

"Guards! You'll probably need to hold this one down."

"Roger."

"Sedative ready, doctor."

"Mister Dincht, can you hear me?"

Zell's legs instinctively kicked out from under the hospital blanket as he jerked awake. "Huh? Wha? What's going on? What is this? Where am I?"

"Try to relax, Mr. Dincht," the doctor replied in a bored tone, loading a syringe with a clear liquid.

"How do you know my name? Huh? Where am I? Where's Squall? Where's my team? Did we get her? Is she gone?"

"Please, sir, try to relax - "

"WHO ARE YOU? GET OFFA ME! WHERE IS EVERYONE?"

Seifer snickered, wondering if he was this out of it when he first woke up. He walked towards the foot of Zell's bed and leaned to the side, peeking out from behind a nurse. He gave Zell a cheerful grin.

"What's up, Chicken-wuss! Welcome to my playground!"

Zell's eyes grew bug-eyed and his face immediately grew red after seeing a grinning Seifer stare back at him. Seifer thought he could see veins pop out of his neck.

"NOOO! NOOO! WHAT'S HE DOING HERE! I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU! I'LL KILL YOU, YOU SON OF A BITCH! TRAITOR! LEMME GO! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! IT'S HIM! I'LL KILL HIM!"

"You're in an Esthar hospital, Mr. Dincht," an Esthar soldier held down a leg as another one rushed in to hold down one of his arms. "You're safe here."

"THE HELL I AM! HE'LL KILL US ALL! LEMME GO! I'VE GOT TO STOP HIM!"

"There, there," the doctor jammed the needle into Zell's outstretched arm calmly, obviously having practiced previously with Seifer's outburst. "Settle down, it'll be all right…"

"UNNNGGGGhhhgh…I don't…dude…I'm gonna hurl," Zell suddenly grew limp and glanced around groggily. A nurse, who had also been anticipating this, picked up a bedpan from under his hospital cot and held it in front of his face, where Zell began vomiting into it.

"Oh, damn," Seifer recoiled, but started to laugh. "That's fucking gross, Chicken-wuss. Hyne, you're such a wimp."

"Seifer…" Zell's head bobbed and he started to slur his words. "Kill you…fuckin…gonna…die…"

Seifer laughed harder. "What did you eat before you went into time compression? Shit!"

Before he could muster another threat or an angry glare, Zell slumped back and started to snore. A nurse wiped his mouth with a wash cloth and the other nurse hurried away with the bedpan. Seifer held his stomach and bent over, trying to control his laughter.

Something blipped on Quistis's brain pattern monitor, but it was gone within seconds.

"Was that really necessary, SeeD Almasy?" the Esthar doctor cast an annoyed glance at him as he walked around the beds. "In his state, he didn't need any more overexertion."

"And pass up the opportunity of a lifetime?" Seifer chortled between laughs. "Hyne, I wish I had a camera on me. That was priceless."

The doctor shook his head, checked Quistis's chart, then started to walk away. Seifer immediately sobered up.

"Hey, doc!"

The doctor turned around with a quizzical glance.

"So…" Seifer cocked a head towards Quistis's bed. "How is she?"

The doctor shook his head. "She's the same, cadet. I'm sorry, but it could take some time."

Seifer crossed his arms and set his jaw as he walked up to the foot of her bed and glanced down.

"SeeD Almasy," a familiar voice called out to him and echoed off of the high walls of the hospital wing. Seifer glanced up to see Kiros heading towards him. He sighed.

"I'm overdue, I know," Seifer shrugged. "I'll head up to President Loire's office shortly; I just wanted to - "

"The others have been found," Kiros interrupted him.

Seifer blinked in surprise. "They have? Where?"

"SeeDs Tilmitt and Kinneas were found way up north, by Trabia," Kiros replied. "SeeD Leonhart and Miss Heartilly were found at Edea's orphanage. Don't ask me how they got there or why, because I don't know."

Seifer turned and glanced at Quistis. How did Leonhart…? And why did Quistis…? And what the fuck was messenger girl doing in…?

Fuck it. He was too tired to try to figure out why they'd come back on separate continents.

"Yeah, all right. So, who's going to go pick them up?"

"The White SeeD ship scouting the area found Heartilly and Leonhart, so they offered to drop them off at Fisherman's Horizon," Kiros said. "Cid knew that you were down here watching over SeeDs Trepe and Dincht, so he sent a message to let you know that he already took Balamb Garden to pick up the two SeeDs in Trabia. He said he'd meet you in Fisherman's Horizon, and then everyone could head back here."

Seifer shook his head. "I can't just leave them here."

"They're in good hands, Almasy. Our doctors will look after them until you return."

Seifer cast a forlorn look at Quistis.

Yeah, but…

Kiros followed his gaze. "If she wakes up, would you like me to tell her that - "

"No, forget it," Seifer shook his head and looked down. "It's not important." He slapped Kiros on the arm and grinned. "I need something to do, anyway. I'll head out with Fujin and Raijin this afternoon."

Quistis closed her eyes and tried to focus. "I woke up in Esthar…but you weren't there…Zell was already awake…they told us that Garden would pick us up soon…"

"I went to Fisherman's Horizon to rendezvous with Balamb Garden," Seifer told Quistis quietly. "We were also waiting for the White SeeD ship to drop off Rinoa and Squall."

Seifer stared at the little red-and-white bait ball as it bobbed in the ocean. Apparently no fucking fish in the entire sea was hungry.

His thoughts traveled to Quistis. Again. Shit. How long had it been now? Everyone was awake except for her. He sighed. He, along with Fujin and Raijin, were still waiting for Cid to come and meet them in Fisherman's Horizon. Only one day had gone by and Seifer was already going absolutely stir crazy.

I thought Timber was bad. I changed my mind. This port is even worse.

The mayor was rude to him because of the debacle with Galbadian soldiers, and hardly any of the townsfolk talked to him. When they saw him walking down the wooden planks, flanked by Fujin and Raijin, the bystanders would immediately run into their shops and homes to hide.

Couldn't say he blamed them.

There was one old codger, however, sitting in a boat and selling fishing tackle with a few mediocre rods. Seifer, about to lose his mind from boredom and thinking about Quistis all day long, asked the old man what in the hell they did for fun around here.

The old man chuckled. "Why, we fish! What else?"

Seifer glowered. Fish in Fisherman's Horizon? Wow, I don't think I could have ever figured that out on my own. Thanks for clearing that up for me, gramps. Hyne forbid this town had anything else…like fucking technology.

"You look like you've already been baited and hooked, son," the old man grinned up at him.

Seifer curled a lip. "Uh…what?"

"You need something to take your mind off of her."

Seifer narrowed his eyes. "Whatever. I need three fishing rods and some bait. How much gil do you want?"

Now he was sitting on the edge of a dock, one elbow draped over his knee, staring at the bait ball. Thinking about Quistis. Again.

I hope she's okay. What in the hell happened that she's not waking up? Did Ultimecia do something to her? What if it was something I said…? Was it because I warned her, and not the others…and it backfired? Wait…was that a bite? Did I just get a…no, false alarm. Fuck you too, fish. This is the. Most. Boring. Thing. I have ever done. Hyne, I could've sworn I asked gramps what they did for fun around here. Apparently I asked him what the hell they did that would make them want to commit suicide. No wonder these people are recluses. I can't believe I'm sitting here, trying to catch a nonexistent fucking fish, when I could be there when she wakes up. This is fucking pathetic. I thought we were in Fisherman's Horizon? If you name a town after fish, don't there have to be fish in the town? How do these people make a fucking living if there's no damned fish in the sea?? At this point, I might as well dive in there and catch it with my bare hands…

"Woo-hoo! Hey! Hey! I think I got one! I think I got one! Heeeyyy, I got one, ya know? Wow, look at how big it is, ya know?"

Seifer's eyes practically rolled to the back of his sockets as he closed them, opened them, and turned around to glare at Raijin.

"Look at it, Fuj! Ain't it cool? This is my first fish, ya know!"

"QUIET," Fujin warned him as she stole a glance at Seifer's dark scowl.

"We can cook this up and eat it tonight, ya know? Although, I don't know how to gut a fish, do you, Fuj?"

"CAUTION," Fujin warned again.

"Well yeah, it's spiney, ya know? I don't know how I'm gonna get the hook out, ya know?"

"FUCK this," Seifer stood up and slammed his fishing pole onto the deck in frustration. "Who does this?! I mean, you have to be a complete retard to actually enjoy this crap - "

"That was fun, ya know?" Rajin was still too excited about his fish and bumbling to Fujin about the accomplishment that he'd completely missed Seifer's outburst. "Hurry up, Fuj, go and grab another piece of bait! I think I've found a hot spot, ya know? They're biting over here, ya know?"

"IDIOT," Fujin shook her head, trying to get Raijin to shut up. By now, there was no point. Seifer looked murderous.

Raijin turned towards the water to motion towards the 'hot spot,' but Fujin finally kicked him in the rear, sending him flailing into the water, fish and all.

Seifer barked out laughter, not expecting Fujin to send Raijin's ass overboard. "Hey, Rai! Don't scare off the fish, man!" he chuckled and was about to pick up his fishing pole when they were completely engulfed by a shadow. A loud humming sound and a heavy breeze flew over Fisherman's Horizon and the three SeeDs looked up.

Balamb Garden sailed overhead and was headed to the far end of the bay to dock. Finally.

Seifer grinned and let out a sigh of relief.

They're back.

"After I boarded Garden, Cid told me to keep out of sight to avoid confusion and panic," Seifer said bitterly. "The White SeeD ship dropped off Rinoa and Squall a day later, then we went back to Esthar to pick up you and Zell."

"Then…we were allowed to recover…and…we didn't see you until that day in Cid's office," Quistis murmured.

Seifer set his jaw. "Yeah."

She looked up at him, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Seifer looked away and shrugged. "It wouldn't have made sense," he replied quietly. "Your memories had to return on their own time. They kept telling me that letting you know the truth wouldn't have helped a damn thing...that it would have confused you too much..."

Quistis put a shaky hand to her forehead. "Hyne, but…why did it take so long? Why couldn't I remember?"

Seifer shook his head. "Apparently it wasn't that memorable," he muttered bitterly.

She glanced up at him and took a step forward. "Why did you do it?"

He blinked at her.

"Tell me why you came to me in the Lunatic Pandora," she squeezed out in a strained voice. "Why did you warn me but not the others?"

Seifer averted her gaze.

"You told me to remember…to remember anything…to remember you…"

"As long as you had something to hold on to, something from the present, a recent memory, it'd help you return from time compression," Seifer replied with another shrug.

"You didn't answer my question."

Seifer remained silent.

"Why me, Seifer?"

He looked away. "Look, Trepe, I don't know - "

"It's Quistis!" she cried, clenching her fists. "My name is Quistis!" Tears started to prick at her eyes again at his cold indifference. "And you do know! Now tell me!"

Seifer looked at her and felt a pang of guilt. Whenver he felt guilty, though, he habitually and automatically got defensive. He suddenly began to doubt himself. If he told her the truth, she'd laugh in his face. If he told her the truth, she'd brush him off. If he told her the truth, she'd recoil. If he told her the truth, it wouldn't do a damn thing. She'd always treat him the same; just like in class, just like during the SeeD field exam, just like now.

"What do you want to hear? Hmm?" He straightened and uncrossed his arms, glaring at her. "What do you want me to say?"

Quistis narrowed her eyes and her jaw slightly dropped. "I want you to tell me the truth!"

"What would you do if I told you, Quistis? What would you say?" His voice grew louder.

She blinked.

"You wouldn't do anything," he snarled. "It wouldn't matter. It never did. You know what happened back in the Lunatic Pandora; you've got your memories back. Good for you. Congratulations. Are we done here?"

Quistis glared at him and shook her head, swallowing the angry tears back. "You're unbelieveable, do you know that? Just…absolutely…Hyne-damned impossible!"

"So I'm told," he replied bitterly.

"Why did you come to me, Seifer?" Quistis repeated the question angrily. "After all that time, after all that fighting…Why did you even bother?! Answer me!"

He stepped forward. There was a long pause as he towered over her, glowering down. Quistis swallowed and stood her ground, looking up at him. Finally, when he spoke, his voice was surprisingly quiet.

"Don't you know?"

She stared back up at him, stunned, trying to search his expression with her eyes. The look he was giving her was piercing and disarming and made her heart race. It felt as if all the air had gone from her lungs. The look he was giving her was…

Something she'd seen only one other time…and that was in the Lunatic Pandora…

No. Impossible. Does he…care about me? But…he hates me.

Her stunned silence was enough for him. He looked down, shook his head, straightened and turned.

"I'm outta here."

She blinked. She opened her mouth to speak, but her brain was still trying to register what the hell just happened. The fresh memories that had flooded back combined with the overwhelming shock and confusion of it all had completely rendered her speechless. The only word she managed to utter was his name.

"Seifer…"

Wait.

Before she could say anything else, the door slid shut. She blinked and finally found her footing, stepping forward to face the empty hallway and the closed metal door.

Gone. He's gone.

What did I say? What did he say…? What…just happened?

For reasons she couldn't explain, she licked her lips and felt her face screw tight. Angry, frustrated tears spilled down her cheeks and she slumped over to sit on the arm of the couch. She hugged herself, angry with herself for not confronting what she thought he was trying to say.

"Don't you know?"

Don't I?

Oh, why didn't I do anything?

…Go after him.

Go after him now!

Quistis was torn. The utter shock from the realization that Seifer had, in fact, displayed feelings for her that were in no way, shape, or form callous and passive had rooted her to the ground. However, the screaming urge to shoot up and run after him kept returning. It was like a terrible, embarrassing, emotional, confusing roller coaster.

…It's too late.

No it's not.

What are you waiting for?

Go.

Go!!!

No. I…

…He'll just blow me off…I deserve that…

She cried harder, suddenly angry at herself for her total lack of gumption. Her sudden inability to deal with the situation. Her own indecisiveness about something that had seemed so simple.

What is wrong with me?!

She thought of her experience as a soldier that had been devastatingly proportional with her inadequate social experience. She built strategies and struck her enemies down without a hitch, just like her awful attempt at building relationships only to watch them topple and burn to the ground. Lately, however, she hadn't even bothered to build relationships. She'd blocked them out completely.

Quistis curled into the corner of the couch, hugging her knees and burying her face in her arms, sobbing quietly.

You've finally done it, Quistis, she cried harder. You've finally built your wall to perfection. You've warded off everyone who has ever cared about you. Well done. You've finally separated emotion from your job as a SeeD. You are now the perfect soldier.

She cried even harder, feeling like a bigger failure than ever.

. . .

Seifer strode angrily to his room, his expression laced with utter rage and an implication of immediate death to any student who would dare cross his path. His fists were curled and he was tempted to break out Hyperion in a half-mad attempt to make himself feel better by splitting the entire Garden in two.

Once the door slid shut to his room, he slammed his back into it and pounded his fist against the wall.

Fuck. What in the hell is wrong with me? Fuck. FUCK!!!

He ran a hand through his hair and gritted his teeth. He seriously debated throwing something across the room. It'd make him feel better, but he didn't have anything valuable to break. Punching the wall would only earn him a hefty fine, and he didn't feel like dealing with broken fingers.

Why can't I just…talk to her? Why can't I just tell her? I've survived Ultimecia and I've survived Squall…I kept telling myself that if I had one more chance, I'd tell her…

No balls, Almasy. You have no balls.

What's the fucking point? She doesn't care.

Does she?

No.

Why does it matter?

FUCK. You're turning into such a wuss. Hyne. Do yourself a favor and kill yourself now before it gets worse.

Seifer sighed and strode over to his futon, sat down, and mulled over what the hell just happened in Quistis's room. She'd finally remembered. Even worse, he had his chance, and he didn't take it. Not really, anyway. Simple as that. Now he was hiding out like a fucking pussy. Pouting.

Why am I acting like this?

He tore off his boots, sat back, and rolled his head backwards. He already knew the answer. He'd known the answer for years.

I'm in love with her. I've always been in love with her, and I've fucking hated her for it. I've hated her for never seeing it. I've hated her for ignoring it.

… I've hated her for not loving me back.