Oh what do we have here?! Yet another chapter for my story Moonlit!? What a nice surprise. And since I forgot about this in my other chapter. But I do not own Final Fantasy 8 that belongs to Square Enix or Square soft as it was called waaaaay back when. I do however own the Oc's such as Douglas and Melissa? It's been so long since I've thought of this story that I have completely forgot haha. ANYHOO pointless rambling aside I present you chapter 21 of Moonlit. Enjoy.
Zell cursed as he saw Douglas disappear into the crowd. Wiping sweat from his forehead he looked to Squall, seeing the normally stoic man's facial expression darken as a growl escaped the man's lips as he balled his fists. And punched the nearby wall, splitting the skin of his knuckles.
"We'll catch him." Zell reassured. Swallowing Squall nodded and walked away.
"Come on," Squall said, looking over his shoulder at Zell. "We'll look around his apartment while we are here. Maybe he left something behind that will tell us where he went."
Nodding Zell followed after him. Entering the apartment once again. The two of them looked around the room, Zell headed for the bathroom, and looked around. And grimaced, the entire bathroom was a complete mess, paper and other such things littered the floor.
Stains splattered on the walls, Zell looked to the mirror. Blood smeared across the glass. Looks like he started cutting himself prior to killing, assuming that was his blood. He then looked to the sink and nearly threw up. Inside the sink sat something that would haunt him for the rest of his life. There in the sink was the severed head of an unidentified young woman.
"Squall!" He shouted.
Rushing into the bathroom Squall threw a hand over his mouth, as his eyes settled on the discovery. Swallowing heavily he grabbed a hold of Zell's arm and dragged him rather forcefully from the bathroom.
"We got to call this in." Squall said, and exited the room. Zell following close behind.
Quistis yawned and stood up, and walked out of the infirmary. She had classes to attend to. And Selphie would be fine under the ever watching present of one Dr. Kodawaki. Looking back to her friend she sighed. But first she had to go to her dorm, grab a fresh pair of clothes and a quick shower. Nodding to several students and staff as she walked down the halls of the garden.
Reaching her dorm she put a key in the lock and opened her door. Entering the room and headed towards her closet. Scanning the various outfits, before picking out a low cut black t-shirt and knee length black skirt. Taking her hair out of its usual style, letting to tumble down past her shoulders. Readjusting her glasses, she moved towards her small bathroom and took a quick shower before leaving and getting dressed.
Giving herself another look in the mirror, she smiled at herself. Heading out of the room and towards the main elevator, the metal doors sliding open, revealing Xu.
"Hey Quistis." The other woman greeted her as she stepped onto the elevator.
"Xu." Quistis greeted her, moving to lean against the wall, her eyes sliding shut as Xu selected the second floor. "So, how have you been?"
Xu merely shrugged her shoulders and ran a hand through her hair. "I could say I'm okay. But things have been hectic and busy. I've been busy play secretary for Squall. That is when Rinoa can't that is."
"I kinda know what you mean." Quistis said. "Part of me thinks things aren't going to turn back to normal when the guy is caught." She said.
"Well not right away." Xu said, crossing her arms over her chest. "So..." Xu turned to look at Quistis. "I've been meaning to ask you. Do you have any plans tonight?"
Looking to her Quistis only shook her head.
"Well me and Nida were thinking of going out tonight." Xu said. "And was wondering if you and whoever you wanted to invite wanted to come."
Quistis thought for a minute, then looked to Xu. Well I could use a night out. She thought. "Sure Xu, I'll just have to find someone to invite. I'll call you and let you know before hand. Xu smiled at her before moving to give Quistis a tight hug as the elevator door slid open.
Stepping out Quistis headed to her class, as the bell chimed, signalling that class was starting. Sighing she entered the classroom and moved to stand behind her desk, as the students filed in and settled into their seats.
Zell watched as police officers and lab techs moved about the room, processing evidence and what not. Squall was preoccupied giving his statement to one of the officers. Looking to him Squall waved him over. Sighing Zell walked over to the two.
"Zell, this officer would like to ask you some questions." Squall said.
Nodding looked to the officer, as Squall walked out of the room.
Melissa sighed as she walked into Garden for the umpteenth time since the investigation started. Questioning the bar patrons and staff had gone nowhere, well almost nowhere several of the witnesses had described a man fitting their suspects description. It helps, she had thought, heading for the elevator. But it doesn't get us any closer to closing this damned case. I got to wrap this up before he closes in on Selphie or Quistis. She thought, waiting for the elevator. Yawning tiredly she watched as the door slid open, several students spilling out of the elevator.
Stepping in she pushed the button to go to the Commander's office, leaning against the wall as the doors slid shut again. Closing her eyes she listened to the steady thrum of the elevator. "And the question is," she murmured. "Will he stop if he were to get his hands on Quistis and Selphie?"
Eyes snapping open Melissa shook her head furiously. "No, I shouldn't think like that." Sighing she pushed her hair out of her eyes, as the elevator doors slid open. "This case must be getting to me." Stepping out of the elevator and walked up to Squall's office door.
And knocked. Receiving no response, she knocked again. When someone tapped her on the shoulder, turning around she found Xu standing there. "Ummmm, if you're looking for Squall he's not in. " She told Melissa.
"Well where is he?" Melissa asked.
"Well let's just say he and Zell went to confront Douglas."
"What?!" Melissa exclaimed, her eyes wide. Xu jumped back in surprised, as she looked up at the Detective. "W-when was this?" Melissa asked.
"A few hours ago...I think?"
"You think?" Melissa spat.
"W-well things have been rather hectic around here as of late. B-but I'm sure they're fine. Squall and Zell? Their a few of the Seeds that fought Sorceress Ultimecia. They are more than capable of taking care of a serial killer."
"You think that matters?" Melissa asked. "Zell and Squall went off on their own without backup." By now Melissa was seething, this was completely unprofessional of them Seeds or not.
"Well like I said, they could handle themselves-" Xu started.
"They could handle themselves. Or they could have walked right into a trap. "Melissa snapped. Reaching into her pocket, and pulled out her cellphone. Dialling Squall's number she waited for him to answer.
"Hello?" A voice spoke on the other end, sighing in relief.
"Squall it's Melissa, where are you right now? You assistant has informed me that you went after the suspect on your own."
"Well that is true...but..." Squall hesitated, swallowing thickly he added. "The suspect got away. However that is not all. When he escaped me and Zell went to investigate his apartment. And we discovered something rather gruesome."
"Given what this guy is doing to young women I'm sure what ever you discovered will be the icing on the cake." Melissa said, moving to sit on one of the chairs outside of Squall's office.
"Well, looks like our boy likes to collect souvenirs. Considering we...Zell and I found the decomposing head of a young woman in his bathroom sink."
Jesus Melissa thought, bile rising in her throat. Swallowing thickly Melissa spoke. "And as if this guy wasn't sick enough as is."
"No kidding. Are we really willing to lock him up?" Squall asked. "I mean this is out of character for me to say but I think locking him up is too good for him. But anyways Zell and I have been talking to the police and giving our statement. And now we are heading back to Garden. Will you be there for a while? If so I'll be willing to give you a statement when we get back."
Hanging up Melissa slid her phone back into her pocket and looked to Xu. Nodding she leaned against the back of the chair and waited patiently for Squall to return.
Class was finally over, Quistis sighed as she gathered her papers and such before exiting the class room. Walking toward the elevator she stopped abruptly, a thoughtful look on her face. Xu had invited her out tonight, and said she could invite someone. Maybe, just maybe she could invite Zell. Goodness knows he could also do with some R & R for a night.
Smiling she continued towards the elevator, watching as the heavy metal doors slid open as she walked in and leaned against the wall. Closing her eyes she sighed her thoughts going back to Zell. Zell that sweet, yet obnoxious guy, the same guy who was by her side when Seifer was killed. Who stayed with her at the hotel. Who was doing everything in his power to help catch this killer. Exiting the elevator she returned to her dorm, and reached for her phone. Dialling Zell's number, only to get a busy signal. Sighing Quistis looked down at her phone. Maybe she could try later?
Or maybe she would be third wheeling on this outing. Quistis shuddered if that was the case she might as well call Xu and cancel. The last thing she wanted to do was to sit with Xu and Nida and listening to them making kissy noises at the bar or whatever. Worst case scenario in that case was that she was going be seen as a total loner for wanting to stay at home and grade papers.
Or maybe...she could spend the rest of the evening thinking about Zell since no matter what her rebellious mind seem to want to bring him up whenever she had a quiet moment to herself. Her eyes widened as her mind right at that moment decided to replay their first meeting in her head. When her, Squall, Seifer and several others had their first mission. Remembering out he had somersaulted towards them before looking over his shoulder at them, a wide grin on his tattooed face as he gave them a thumbs up.
Taking off her glasses Quistis and pinched the bridge of her nose. Suddenly her phone rang, causing her to nearly jump out of her skin. "Hello?" she said, after picking up the phone.
"Quistis, hi it's me, Zell." The all too familiar voice spoke, making her heartbeat quicken.
"Zell, hi!" Quistis answered, sounded just a bit too happy to hear his voice.
"Listen, sorry I disappeared there for a while. Me and Squall had something we needed to do. So...aside from that how have you been?" He asked, was he hiding something?
"I'm a little tired." Quistis said, as she shuffled through the papers. "Say Zell are you busy tonight?" she asked, pushing the stack of papers to the side of her small desk.
"Not really why?" Zell asked.
"Well Xu asked me if I wanted to hang out with her and Nida tonight. Y'know hang out and relax. God knows with all that is going on we could use it. And she said I could bring someone along. And well do you want to come?" She asked, secretly hoping that he would say yes.
There was silence on the other end as Zell thought about it.
"Ah, what the hell, why not?" Zell said, finally. "God knows we could use a night out from all of this shit that is going on. "What time should we meet?" he asked.
"Hmmm around 8, that's what Xu told me. Is that going to be all right?" she asked.
"It should be, I'll see you then." Zell said, before hanging up. Sighing Quistis placed the phone down and looked up at the clock. 6:00, standing up she headed for her bathroom, she might as well get a shower before then.
Closing the door behind her she headed for her shower and turned on the hot water. Stripping off her clothes she stepped under the spray of water and sighed. Some quality time with friends, she needed that. Running a hand through her hair she relished the feeling of water cascading down her shoulders. However despite this she couldn't help but feeling just a little nervous. Brow furrowing slightly she wrapped her arms around herself.
Why should she be nervous? It was just Xu and the others, sure that included Zell at her invitation of course. But why was she nervous? She had known Zell her whole entire life, so why was she suddenly so...Oh no...
Quistis' eyes flew open. She remembered this feeling she knew what was wrong, memories of Seifer flashed through her mind. She remembered feeling this way about Seifer. No, no, no! She thought, shaking her again as she tried to push the thoughts from her head. I can't be falling in love with him. I just couldn't. She thought, running a hand through her hair, tears welling in her eyes. Zell is my friend I can't fall in love with him. I'll only end up losing him like I lost Seifer. By now tears were streaming down her face, wrapping her arms around herself she sank to her knees under the hot spray of water. Images of Zell flashing through her mind, her thoughts going back to before Squall and them were Seeds.
At first he had come off as obnoxious to her, and to the others as well including Squall. Then after a while she had begun to warm up to him, and eventually like him. It had come to be a big surprise for all involved when Irvine had told them about their forgotten past together. And she had to wonder did she ever have feelings for Zell back then, when she was but a mere child? And why are you so worried, Quistis? She thought, pushing the thoughts to the back of her mind, by now the water has turned cold. Reaching over she turned off the water and got out, wrapping a towel around herself she headed for her room. Opening the closet once again, and looked through her clothes.
So you have feelings for Zell big deal, and I understand you're worried. But you got to realize something, not every guy you have feelings for is going to end up like Seifer. Sighing she rummaged through her closet, trying in vain to ignore the voice. What happened to Seifer, won't happen to Zell. You are allowed to have feelings for him. Sighing she nodded, as she picked out something that had been pushed to the back of her closet. And besides, you are just going to be hanging out with your friends. No one said that you are Zell were going to hook up or anything. Nodding to herself again she reached into her closet and pulled out something none of her friends would ever expect her to own.
There in her hands was a black silk dress, smiling she placed it on her bed and proceeded to rummage through her drawers. Sure she wasn't pursuing a relationship right now. But still her smile widened as she proceeded to search through her drawers. Finding what she was looking for, reaching in she pulled out a small silver necklace, in the centre of the necklace was a small, heart shaped sapphire. Placing it on the bed next to the dress she continued to rummage through her drawers before glancing at the clock once in a while, seeing that she had more than an hour left to herself.
Zell sighed as they finally reached Balamb Garden. Stepping out of the car he turned to look at Squall, who looked like he felt. Squall then turned to look at him, his blue eyes looking tired as there were dark circles under them, his brown hair was sticking up in various places.
"Man, Squall," Zell said, smirking. "You look like shit." The other man only glared at Zell, eyebrow raised.
"Yeah like you're one to talk." Squall retorted, looking the blonde up and down. "But the difference is you can return to your dorm and rest while I have to go to my office and talk with a certain lady Detective." He said, as he headed for the entrance. Zell smiled and watched as Squall disappeared, before heading for his own dorm, he had a little time before he had to meet up with Quistis and the others.
Suddenly he stopped in his tracks, since he had some time before he had to meet the others why didn't he stop by and see how Selphie was doing in the meantime? Spinning on his heel he turned around and headed for the infirmary. Passing Irvine as he did so, the sharpshooter looking a bit better than the last time Zell had seen him. Nodding to him Irvine continued on his way, obviously he was trying to keep himself busy while Selphie recovered. Continuing on Zell came to the infirmary, walking in Zell looked around, amazed and a little sad at how fast they had cleaned up after Angelo had been killed.
Pushing those feelings aside, Zell turned to where Selphie lay. To be honest she was looking better, though she had yet to awaken. Sighing he steeled himself as he moved over to where her bed was. It was still hard seeing Selphie like this. Selphie was a complete sweetheart, a sweet heart who would never hurt a fly, walking over to her Zell clasped her hand in both of his, his eyes fixed on her face. Most of her wounds were healing albeit slowly, she would no doubt have a few scars from her ordeal. But Zell knew that as long as she woke up none of them would care.
Leaning down a bit further he ran a hand through her hair. "Hey Selphie," he whispered, smiling softly to her. "You\re looking lovely today. Sorry I haven't been in for a little while, been kinda hectic around here." Selphie remained silent, unmoving as he spoke to her. "We're close to catching the guy that did this to you, and the other girls. We're so, so close, Selphie." He said, feeling his throat tighten.
"And when we catch him we'll make him regret he ever did this to anyone...I-I-I'm going to make him wish he was never born. Make him wish he never thought of harming anyone in the first place." His eyes were burning, gripping her hand tighter Zell leaned closer, he sighed.
"Selphie, you got to wake up. Give Irvine a reason to get up in the morning. Give us a reason. Prove to this sicko that you're stronger than he expected." Tears splattered onto Selphie's blanket. Swallowing hard Zell pulled away from his friend. Turning away from her, he headed for the door.
"Y-you..." a voice suddenly spoke up. Making Zell stop in his tracks. "You...got to catch this guy." Slowly Zell turned around, and was greeted by the sight of Selphie, green eyes fixed on his blue ones. She was awake, Selphie was finally awake.
Tears streamed down his face as he rushed over to her. "S-Selphie?"
Selphie gave him a small smile, as she looked up at him, his hand brushing against Selphie's cheek. "Z-Z-Zell?" She teased, looking up at him. "Yes, Zell I'm awake. So you and the rest can stop worrying about me and focus on catching the asshole that did this to me." She said, placing a hand on his wrist.
Zell couldn't find the right words, tears were welling in his eyes once again. Selphie was awake, she was alive and things were going to be okay. Suddenly Douglas' image flashed through his mind and his eyes narrowed. No, as long as Douglas was still at large things wouldn't be okay.
"Judging by your expression I'm going to assume that the killer hasn't been caught yet?" Selphie asked.
Looking back down at her Zell shook his head slowly. Selphie sighed and closed her eyes before looking back up at her friend. "H-has he," Selphie paused, her eyes never leaving Zell's. Zell couldn't bring himself to say anything, what could he say really? After a while Selphie looked away. "You know what never mind don't answer that. I honestly don't want to know."
Swallowing Zell nodded and straightened. "Selphie, I-I'm going to go now. I'll try and stop by to check on you tomorrow, okay?" He asked.
Nodding Selphie watched as Zell left the infirmary. AS he left Zell wiped at the tears that were steadily streaming down his face. Why am I crying? He thought sniffling. Selphie's alive isn't she? And when she fully heals she'll go back to fully living her life like she always did. He thought as he continued down the hall. Heading towards his dorm. Putting the key in the keyhole he opened the door. Checking the clock as he closed the door. He could see that it was 7:00. He had plenty of time before he had to meet with Quistis and the others.
Quistis. That name alone made Zell's heart beat quicken, Quistis, Quistis, Quistis. Quistis Trepe. The woman many had labelled the Ice Queen for her calm demeanour. But in reality Quistis was a calm, kind and beautiful person. A woman he found himself falling for. Falling hard for, and to make matters worst there was that sicko that was after her. And as long as he was out there the last thing Quistis would want to think about is a possible romance with him. Pushing himself off the wall Zell headed for his bedroom, clothes littered the floor all around his bed, he was amazed that no one had given him hell over the state of his room, at least not yet.
He often wondered what Quistis would say if she had seen his room in its current state. Pushing that thought from his head once more Zell stripped off his dirty clothes and went to his closet, groaning in dismay as he looked over his choices. Well since this is a social outing wearing my Seed uniform might not be a good idea. I really should get around to doing some laundry. He thought, so that idea was out the window. The other option was a gift his dear mother had given him a few months ago. The note that had came with it had said that if Zell ever found himself going on a date with a girl. (Imagine her surprise if he was actually going on a date with a guy.) He would need to look nice.
Well even though this wasn't a date even by his standards he had no other choice. Zell looked over his choice once again. He had admit it wasn't too fancy. Which was good but it was still relatively nice. Pulling it out of the closet Zell looked over the articles of clothing. Eyeing a nice black button down shirt and no, no dress pants for tonight. Tossing the dress pants into the closet before rummaging through the few clean articles of clothing and AHAH!
Zell pulled out a pair of dark blue jeans. This would go nicely. Placing the articles of clothing on the messy bed, he then stopped in his tracks, a thoughtful look on his face. Did he shower today? Things had been so hectic that he might have forgotten. Lifting he proceeded to sniff his arm pit, and grimaced. Nope.
Chewing on the inside of his cheek he glanced at the clock, it read 7:20, was it just hims or was time moving just a little bit slower. Sighing he headed for his shower, he still had time, Quistis didn't say that they HAD to be there right at eight. Stepping into the shower he turned on the water. Wasting no time he reached for the soap he quickly washed himself. Rinsing off his body he began to wash his hair, eyes closed his mind suddenly wandering back to Quistis. He began to wonder what she was doing right at this moment.
Was she already at the club with Xu and whoever else was with them. Or was she in her dorm waiting for 8:00 to roll around. Maybe, maybe she was in the shower much like he was. Water cascading down her skin, down her breasts and stomach, down her thighs. Water soaking her blonde hair to her head, maybe she had her head up, letting water cascade down the thin column of her neck, a neck he wanted nothing more than to kiss and suck at leaving his mark on that porcelain skin-
Blinking Zell shook his head furiously. Now was definitely not the time to be thinking those thoughts. At least not right now, when he was strapped for time. Groaning he turned off the water and stepped out. Grabbing a towel he wrapped it around his waist, and headed back to the bedroom. The clock read 7:30. Was that clock right? Brow furrowed he looked to the clcok that sat on the nightstand. It too read 7:30. Sighing again he wasted no time getting dressed. Jumping slightly when there was a knock on the door. Thinking nothing of it he ignored it as he worked on buttoning his shirt, when whoever was at the door knocked again.
Sighin in frustration Zell pulled up his jeans and headed towards the door. Opening it to see Nida standing there. "Hey, man," Zell greeted. Looking the other man up and down. Taking in his outfit before looking up at his face. "Looking good."
"You don't look too bad your self, Zell." Nida said, arching an eyebrow at Zell's choice of attire. "Who knew you could clean up I mean damn!"
A smile formed on Zell's face as he smoothed a hand down his shirt. "Well thanks, my mom got this for me. I know that sounds weird but yeah, but surely you didn't come to my door just to comment on my appearance."
Nida shook his head. "Nah, Quistis asked if I could pick you up. Apparently you need an escort." Nida said, shrugging his shoulders, as he walked into Zell's room.
"Where are we meeting them?" Zell asked.
"At that new club that opened recently, you know the one called the Seastar?" Nida asked, as Zel glanced at the clock once more, then headed for the door. Nida close behind. Locking the door behind them Zell followed him.
"I've heard of it, never really been in there. I'm not much for nightclubs." He said with a shrug. "But you know what they say there is a first time for anything."
Squall sighed as he sat at his desk, Melissa sat across from him, her fingers steepled, the look in her eyes told Squall that she was in no mood for games, and neither was Squall.
"So, you're telling me that you confronted Douglas, and then let him escape?" Melissa asked, trying to keep her anger in check. But was having a very hard time doing so.
"Well in our defence we did try to capture him but we lost him in a crowd." Squall said,
"And because of that he's still out on the streets and could strike at any moment. Listen Commander. I understand how you want to protect your friends and the students of Balamb Garden. But next time you pull a stunt like that please let me know before you compromise the fucking case." Melissa snapped.
Taking a deep breath Squall nodded, he knew he had fucked up. HE should have waited for the woman in front of him to return to the Garden, to talk to her, to plan something out but still...
Melissa's eyes narrowed as she eyed the Commander, who sat across from her a untouched cup of coffee in front of him. Melissa's brow furrowed something about the way he was acting told Melissa that Squall was upset about losing Douglas. Seeing as the younger man had nothing more to add to the conversation Melissa sighed and got to her feet. Her eyes fixed on Squall's cool blue ones. \
For the longest moment the two of them merely stared at each other, waiting for one to make a move. When there was a knock on the door, turning his attention to the door Squall could see a student standing in the doorway.
"U-ummmm Commander Squall Head Master Cid wants to talk to you." She said, sighing Melissa glanced at Squall once last time before having, she needed to do some investigating of her own.
Quistis looked up at the flashing neon lights that indicated that she had reached her destination. Xu at her side had to practically drag the blonde woman into the night club. It was even more amazing on the inside, though Quistis wasn't one of the types of people that partied too often. Thought she sometimes found herself accompanying Rinoa and Selphie when they invited her. Most of the time she would find herself getting harassed by men left, right and centre. Which was why she never went most of the time.
"Come on Quisty let's go." Xu urged, dragging her towards the entrance. Quistis suddenly found herself standing in front of the doorman. A big, burly, black man that would've made Quistis nervous if she ran into him anywhere else. Reaching into her purse she pulled out her I.D and 10 and handed it to him. Xu followed her actions. The door man studied both I.D's carefully before letting them in.
Both women were momentarily blinded by the flashing lights. Loud music blared through out the building, both Quistis and Xu were relatively thankful that at the moment it was rather empty. Making their way to the bar Xu glanced at the entrance.
"I'll buy the first round," Quistis said, having to lean close to her friend to be heard. "What would you like?"
Xu looked thoughtful for a moment then said. "I'd like a martini." Nodding Quistis turned her attention to the bartender, ordering a martini for her and Xu before looking for a safe place to stand.
Just as Nida and Zell entered the club. Waving them over Quistis smiled at Zell. Smiling back at her Zell then leaned close, making Quistis shiver as his lips brushed against her ear. "I've been meaning to tell you. But Selphie is awake." He told her, feeling relief wash over her, finally some good news.
Smiling she wrapped her arms around Zell and hugged him. Returning her hug Zell buried his face in her hair. And inhaled, his eyes sliding closed as he took in her scent. Suddenly feeling just a little awkward the two of them pulled away. Feeling her face heat up as she saw both Xu and Nida's eyes on her she took a sip of her drink.
Shrugging her shoulders Xu shot the two of them a knowing look before turning talk to Nida, or rather, given the volume of the music in this place, shout at him. Turning back to Zell she watched as he walked away from the bar beer in one hand.
Unbeknownst to any of them that they were being watched...
Stretches* Holy hell this was one long ass chapter. Well not as long as that chapter I did for Sweet Surrender but still this was rather long seeing as it is 10 bloody pages long. Anyway I hope you enjoyed I kinda added this chapter because this story DESPITE being a Zell/Quistis story has no development in the romantic relationship. And I know I know this is a murder mystery story but still I do like to add a little romance here and there. So long ass ramble aside I hope you enjoy this chapter and I will see you maybe in the next chapter.