Beautiful World

by Selphie Kinneas

AU... Irvine just wanted to show Seifer up in a small bet. A bet never came with so much extra baggage... In such a beautiful world, it's simple to get lost in drama, trouble, and love. Chp39: While the SeeDs are in Trabia, Irvine goes to find Selphie but will it be all he hoped it would? Meanwhile the SeeDs try to please their new wealthy client.

38. Chapter 37

"Hakanaku sugiteyuku hibi no naka de,"
("As these fleeting days pass by,)

Beautiful World
Chapter Thirty-Seven

Seifer walked back to class, still a little too pleased with himself about infuriating Irvine. He passed through the electronic doors to see Quistis pacing back and forth biting her thumb, a habit Seifer had never witnessed Quistis do. Her head jerked up towards immediately as she stopped her pacing and watched Seifer come to her with wide eyes.

"Well? So much for a mission success." She sighed hopelessly.

"I don't think we have to worry about her." Seifer said calmly placing his hands on her small shoulders.

Quistis broke away and covered her mouth with both hands, "You didn't kill her did you?"

"No!" Seifer snapped back, although that would've been a good idea… He smiled wistfully and stepped back towards the exit of the room, "I just have a good feeling, and if anything happens, I'll take care of it." He kissed the tip of his fingers, flicked them in Quistis' direction with a sly grin, and left the room.

Having to spend most of her life independent and strong willed of her own, hearing someone say those words to her felt more reassuring and comforting than anything else.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Wary of Seifer's odd behavior, and Selphie's compliance with all men, Irvine decided to make it a point of not leaving her alone until the Garden understood firmly that she was his girlfriend. The fact that Selphie wouldn't go into great detail about what Seifer and her discussed on the balcony before he interrupted bothered him, but Selphie struck him as a simple girl, and hadn't hidden much anyways.

The next morning Irvine awoke early to meet Selphie at her dorm and walk her to Edea's class. He certainly didn't mind being late for his own class, and having a chance to kiss Selphie in the morning made all the more sweeter.

After class he squandered his time in the Training Center with Zell until it was time for Matron's class to end and Instructor Trepe's to begin. Irvine promptly met Selphie at the Headmaster's office and walked with her to the second floor classrooms.

The two stepped into Instructor Trepe's classroom calmly and greeted the blonde teacher who, as normal, sat behind her desk. "Selphie, Irvine!" She called out rather surprised.

"We do have class, right Instructor?" Feebly Selphie asked unsure of Instructor Trepe's shock.

A moment of awkward silence passed before Quistis forced a gentle laugh and replied, "Well of course. I just— forgot. I'm just a bit scrambled is all. Anyways," Instructor Trepe pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and turned to Irvine, "do you mind Irvine? We should get started."

"Not at all ladies," Irvine said tipping his hat. He left a kiss on Selphie's cheek and let himself out leaving Quistis and Selphie alone again in an awkward silence.

Selphie took her seat at an empty study panel and shifted uncomfortably as Instructor Trepe had not spoken or moved for several minutes since Irvine walked out. "Instructor…?" Still, Quistis had stirred little and said not a word.

A few more moments passed until Instructor Trepe bashfully looked at Selphie and spoke quietly. "Selphie, I'm mortified you saw what you did yesterday."

Selphie tilted her head and thought for a moment, a few feelings went through her mind as she suddenly remembered Seifer and Quistis kissing the day before. "OH!" She cried out in realization. She laughed cutely and continued, "Don't worry about it Instructor, I mean, Rinoa is dating Squall anyways so it's really no big deal."

Quistis opened her mouth to speak, but the words failed her. "—Wait what?" She bluntly spilled.

"Seifer already talked about it to me anyways. You two shouldn't have to hide it, I mean it's not fair that Rinoa has a new boyfriend but Seifer is hiding his new girlfriend, or is it wrong because he cheated on her? I don't really know the whole story I just hear Rinoa calling Seifer some real mean names." Selphie babbled effortlessly without realizing Quistis looked somewhat confused. Once concluding whatever she knew on the subject she ended with, "… but no matter what, I'll listen to what Seifer said and won't tell anyone! I mean I almost told Irvy yesterday but Seifer stopped me with a kiss."

"WHAT?" Quistis snapped coming to her feet hastily.

Selphie held out her hands reassuringly, "No, no! It's okay! Irvy isn't mad about it, I calmed him down. It was my fault, see I accidentally said Seifer was kissing someone so he kissed me to confuse Irvy."

Quistis had her arms crossed sharply, obviously not pleased with what she heard. What is wrong with this girl? Doesn't she know anything about relationships? She inhaled deeply trying to appreciate the fact Selphie didn't think wrongly of anything she saw. Therefore, she'd have less incentive to want to tell anyone regardless. Quistis' shoulders relaxed as she relieved some of her tension and sat back down. "Thank you for your honesty Selphie, I don't think you understand just how complicated things are, for that reason I'd be most grateful if you did keep what you saw under wraps."

Selphie nodded enthusiastically, "Of course Instructor! I won't say a word!" She covered her lips and giggled, "Unlike yesterday."

Instructor Trepe grinned at Selphie's childish behavior and nodded as the worst passed, and she could face her again without some awkward moment. They resumed their class happily without further mention of Quistis and Seifer's affair.

Once class finally ended, prompt as before, Irvine arrived at Instructor Trepe's class. The two picked up some food from the cafeteria and proceeded to Selphie's dorm. Luckily for them, Rinoa was still out for the day. Irvine and Selphie sat down for their meal while Irvine slipped out a deck of Triple Triad to play. Selphie understood little of the game but made herself determined to collect a deck of "cute" cards. While Irvine knew there were no such things as cute monsters, he chuckled at her attempt.

Selphie held her sandwich with one hand and fumbled with her collection of Fungars, Gaylas, and Blobras in the other. Irvine watched as she played each weak card after the other and resisted his competitiveness to take advantage of the opportunity and finally attain some wins for once.

Their afternoon went on peacefully with games and conversations until finally a knocked interrupted them.

Eyeing the door carefully, Selphie looked back to Irvine, "Who do you think it is? Rinoa?"

"Prolly not, Rin wouldn't knock." Irvine replied calmly not as alarmed by the knock as Selphie, she'd come busting in with her arms wrapped around Seifer in my experience. A sly smile touched his lips as Selphie cautiously went to the door and answered.

Out in the hall stood Edea, gracefully smiling with her hands collected in front of her. "Hello Selphie," She started brightly. "Worry not, I'm not here to quiz you or bring you in for class!" She added quickly noticing Selphie's shock to her arrival. "I actually came to let you know that both Instructor Trepe and I are giving you the day off tomorrow. With all your progress I fully believe you deserve it, so go and enjoy yourself!"

Selphie jumped up and down in place, "Oh thank you Matron!" She squealed. Edea bowed gently and glided down the corridor as Selphie closed the door behind her. "Oh Irvy did you hear?"

Irvine smiled with a twinkle in his eye. He swiftly came to his feet, "I sure did, and I think—" he swooped in ever closer to Selphie, "that we oughta spend every moment through tomorrow together, just you and me."

Gasping cutely, Selphie put a hand over her mouth, "Really? What'll we do with so much time?"

"I could think of a few things," Irvine said sneakily. He gingerly held Selphie's hand in his and pulled her into his arms, "is there something ya wanna do though?"

Selphie squealed excitedly, "We have so much time! We could fight sooo many monsters!"

A small inaudible sigh escaped Irvine as he forced a chuckle, "Sure Selphie, let's go." His tiny girlfriend slipped through his arms and retrieved her giant knunchuks. Together they went to Balamb fields to fight Bite Bugs and Caterchipillars to Selphie's content.

When it started to grow dark, they went to the outskirts of Balamb and picked up food from a cart and began to make way to Garden. Selphie dragged on constantly gazing at the sky above.

"Are ya looking for somethin'?" Irvine asked after noticing her doing this for five minutes.

"Just looking at the stars." Selphie replied dreamily as she moved from one tip-toe to the other clumsily.

Irvine stopped and looked up. Amongst the deep satin blue, millions of stars glimmered. "Yeah they're sure something. When I was in Galbadia, you never saw a star, ya could never dream to see this many." He rubbed the back of his neck curiously and turned back to Selphie, who still arched her neck upwards. "Didn't they have stars in Trabia?"

Selphie brought her head down and looked to Irvine with a shrug. "Yeah they were there— I just never looked at them. Plus, they never looked like this."

Taking in the view, Irvine smiled to himself. Yeah they do look brighter now, "Something about tonight I guess." He stepped off the road, only a bit and sat down against the cool refreshing grass.

Tilting her head, Selphie looked at Irvine oddly, "What're you doing Irvy?"

Irvine patted the ground next to him, "C'mon, let's sit here for now. It's really a nice night." Beaming, Selphie clapped her hands together and skipped to his side. She snuggled comfortably beside Irvine and gazed upward.

The two leaned back and pointed through the sky making pictures and laughing about what they saw. They eventually laid on their backs and relaxed allowing the moonlight and twinkling stars to shine on them.

"That cluster over there, see it?" Irvine stretched his long arm out to the right, "It looks just like the Galbadian Insignia."

Selphie tried to make out the collection of stars to no avail. "Galbadia… have you ever been there?"

"'Course, I was born in Deling City. Although I don't much remember that. I spent my childhood in Galbadia Garden mostly."

Intrigued, Selphie leaned her head to look at Irvine, "You're Galbadian?" She asked in awe, "Irvy what's it like there?"

"Heh, it's nice, just busy and crowded. Big cities, I liked it a lot, and one day I'll move back, after I see the rest of the world. I only really know Deling City, since it's only a train ride from Galbadia Garden."

"You've been in Garden since you were a kid?"

"Yeah, my parents were both in the Galbadian army ya see, and a wartime base is really no place for a kid, so my parents sent me to Garden."

Selphie smiled, "Your parents? I've never heard you talk about them, what're they like?"

"I dunno remember much, I was pretty young when they died… I was already in Garden when it happened. I know my mom was a medic, and my dad a soldier. Made me proud to be in Garden though, to one day be like them."

Selphie bit her lip, "Sorry Irvy,"

"You didn't know Sefie, don't you worry." He wrapped an arm around her and rubbed her shoulder. "When my parents died, the orphanages were already overfilled with kids who lost their parents in the war, so Galbadia Garden just kept me." He looked at Selphie, "I guess you lost your parents too?" He asked hesitantly.

Shrugging casually, Selphie thought a moment. Talking about her parents never bothered her, as she never had much to remember losing. "I was really young, I don't remember them at all. I lived in an orphanage in Trabia until I was ten. It was so fun Irvy, there was so many other kids and we had school, it was like being here! –Well, here's a lot nicer of course, hehe."

"You lived in an orphanage? Then how'd you end up on the streets?" Irvine asked bluntly without thinking. A moment passed before he realized the rudeness of his question. "I—I mean, you don't have to answer that if ya don't want."

Not even slightly taken aback Selphie simply gazed back into the sky, "It doesn't bother me. The orphanage stopped getting money or something like that. The keepers were really worried and they tried really hard to make it work on their own, but we didn't get much food or clothes anymore and I saw kids who went out and begged got lots of stuff. So, I started joining them, and one day… I just stopped coming back. It's okay though, because I met Mr. Devin."

There's that name again… Mr. Devin. Irvine thought to himself.

"I don't think Mr. Devin wants to ever see me again though… he's real mad at me. Cause' I left Trabia I suppose." Selphie continued softly and sadly.

"How do you know he's mad?"

Selphie pursed her lips; she'd never told Irvine that Devin came to visit her. She herself hated thinking of his trip and tried her best to forget the awful event entirely. "I- just a feeling I have." She lied quietly.

Irvine didn't pry, instead he turned to his side and face Selphie. "Y'know, I know a lot of terrible things happened to you Sefie, but somehow, I'm glad— because if they hadn't happened I would never met you at that fountain. Meeting you, it's gotta be one of the best things in that's ever happened to me."

Selphie's eyes brimmed with tears and leaked towards the side of her face, "Really Irvy? You mean that?"

Deciding to answer with actions versus words, Irvine slipped both arms around her and kissed her softly. Rather still, Selphie very hesitantly returned Irvine's embrace. After feeling Selphie's arms on him, Irvine let his hand sneak its way into Selphie's hair holding her face closer and intensifying their kiss. After a few moments, Irvine broke their kiss and pressed his lips against Selphie's neck. Her soft skin felt amazing against his lips, as he moved his hands to her waist.

Selphie gasped in delight as Irvine continued to kiss her throat, hungry for her contact. He slid his hand down further on her thigh pressing gently until he reached the rim of her uniform's skirt. Finally meeting the skin of her leg, Irvine skimmed her thigh rising higher. He pressed harder as his hand moved upward. His thumb felt a deep scab and his ears rang as he heard Selphie's scream.

Immediately Irvine released Selphie and came to his knees looking about frantically. "Are you okay? Am I going too fast?" He noticed Selphie running her hand over her thigh. Breathing in deeply to catch his breath he waited, panicked for Selphie's reply. "Sefie?"

Weakly, Selphie spoke, "I'm sorry Irvy." She sounded like she was sobbing. "It just—still hurts."

Unsure to what she referred to, Irvine inspected her closely and vaguely remembered taking Selphie to the infirmary for a bad injury. He returned his view to her thigh, that Selphie still rubbed lightly. "Sefie…" He breathed, "I'm so sorry. I can't believe it still didn't heal."

Selphie sat up still holding her thigh and squeezing her eyes, unable to deal with the stinging of her scar. "It healed, kinda it just—" She breathed in deeply and exhaled a small groan of pain, "just hurts if I press against it. Dr. Kadowaki says it looks good and the bandage came off already."

Irvine came to his feet and reached out for Selphie's hand, helping her stand as well. "Selphie, I am— really sorry."

"It's okay Irvy, it is." She said quietly between broken breaths. "Let's lay back down, we were having fun. I don't want to spoil it." Her hands still fastened in Irvine's, were met with a kiss. Selphie blushed as she met eyes with her handsome cowboy who smiled back at her. He gently nudged her arm forward and swooped her light little frame easily into his arms lifting her right off the ground.

"It's getting late, maybe we should go back." He said quietly. Wherever this night was supposed to go… I guess it's better that it be well lit!

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Selphie blinked her eyes open rapidly adjusting to the morning light. She stretched her arms out slowly lifting herself up before looking around the room. A small sleeping mumble sounded beside her as she jolted back to see Irvine lying as her former pillow. He hesitantly opened his airy blue eyes and gazed about finally seeing Selphie sitting at the foot of the bed facing him.

"Mornin' sunshine." He yawned groggily.

Tilting her head cutely, Selphie asked, "What happened last night? I don't remember anything after we were looking at the stars."

Irvine reached his arms upwards and stretched out his long torso as he came up to a sitting position. He yawned loudly as he began to ponder aloud, "Well that's just it, nothin' happened after that. You were already asleep by the time we got here so I just said, 'hell with it' and slept here." Selphie looked sad in response to this. Not intending to get that reaction from her, Irvine inched closer with a smile and continued, "That's okay, we got all day to do whatever we want!"

"You have class Irvy." Selphie said quietly, still feeling guilty.

"I'll skip, I've been awfully present lately."

"No Irvy, you shouldn't. Plus we'll be free all day afterwards, I don't have anything to do. I'll be waiting for you—" Selphie pushed the tip of her finger against the bed and traced it to Irvine, "right here till you get back."

Irvine squinted his eyes only partially pleased with the plan. He entwined his fingers with Selphie's and lifted her hand to his lips. "Right here?"

Selphie nodded.

"Okay fine, I'll go to class. Under one condition— when I'm out of class I see you in my dorm ready to do anything! Deal?"

Almost giddy, Selphie leapt to her feet. "Deal Irvy!" Content, Irvine sprang to his feet, stretched out his arm for Selphie to hold onto, and led themselves out of the room.

Out in the common room stood an unusual sight. Irvine and Selphie halted awkwardly in their tracks upon seeing Rinoa lip locked deeply with Squall. Intentionally, Irvine coughed loudly breaking the two up bashfully.

"Oh good morning guys!" Rinoa said cheerfully. Squall met their eyes shortly and looked away. He swept pass Rinoa and muttered quietly, 'See you after class'. "Wait, Squall!" Rinoa cried running after him.

Selphie and Irvine exchanged glances before cupping their mouths and laughing at Rinoa's embarrassment. "Man Selphie, I just saw the weirdest thing in the world." Irvine managed to slip out without releasing too many chuckles.

Rinoa stormed back into the room furious. "Good job!" She crossed her arms and fell back into a chair. "Don't you have class or something?"

Selphie shook her head happily, "Nope! Not today! I'm free. Irvy has class though." She patted his shoulder proudly.

Irvine shrugged mockingly as he threw Rinoa a sneaky smile, "Plus Rin, didn't know Squall got scared so easily. You know he's a lot tougher in the battlefield. You might just not be doing your job right." He added with a snicker. Rinoa squinted her eyes evilly and snatched her books off the study table ready to leave for class. Realizing the time for class arrived, Irvine looked back at Selphie, resistant to leave. Selphie patted his arm sweetly and smiled.

"I'll be there right after class Irvy." She said. Irvine kissed her on the cheek and tipped his hat her way as he exited the dorm behind Rinoa.

Although a bit miffed with Irvine, Rinoa's curiosity took the best of her as she tried to casually bring up conversation again. "So…" She started slowly waiting for Irvine's reaction. When he made so objection to her relinquishing her former attitude, she continued. "So what's happening after class?"

Irvine looked to Rinoa with a small grin, "Aw nothin', he started, "I just told her to meet me at my room after class." Rinoa raised her eyebrow judgingly to this. "Don't gimme that!" Irvine snapped, "Get your head out of the gutter. It's not like that."

"Speaking of what it's not like," A sly smile touched Rinoa's lips, "have you and Selphie—"

"No." Irvine spat flatly knowing well ahead where Rinoa intended to take the conversation. He looked ahead ignoring Rinoa's glare he knew she was giving him. A few moments of silence passed before she began to pry again.

"I don't get it, why not? I mean from what you told me about her past, and recently with Nida, she doesn't strike me as the kind of girl to say no." Rinoa pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and looked to Irvine again, "Then what's the wait? Don't get me wrong, I find your new act of celibacy kind of refreshing, but as I usually see you two waking at the same time and place anyways it's not like I'd know any better."

"It's just that Rin," Irvine started softly, hesitant to let other passersby hear him. Assured that there was no one in an earshot he continued, "She wouldn't say no to anyone! I don't want to be just anyone, I want to be— the one." Feeling bashful for never having spoken so sentimentally, Irvine brought his hat over to cover most of his face. "I want things to be different, for both of us."

"It will be," Rinoa added quickly causing Irvine to lift his hat and meet eyes with her. "It will be, because both of you are so happy, and in love." She smiled brightly, her eyes shining with sincerity.

Irvine released a small chuckle, "Like you and Squall?"

With a small shrug Rinoa gazed on her smile never leaving her face, "We're getting there." She stopped abruptly spotting someone in the hall. Seifer leaned against the wall, appearing as though he were waiting for someone. Is he waiting for me? How'd he know I'd even come this way? Well these are the girl dormitories, there's not that many ways through it. "Seifer?" She asked aloud, causing Irvine to stop and take notice as well.

Pushing himself off the wall, Seifer turned to Rinoa and Irvine, shining his infamously sly grin. His face said all he wanted to say 'Morning, I won't say it's good but if leave me alone I won't ruin yours.'

"What're you doing here?" Rinoa continued her voice sounding sterner.

"Waiting," Replied Seifer flatly.

"For who?"

"For—" Seifer trailed off as a door across them opened and Instructor Trepe appeared. She wore her SeeD uniform and an elegant as she tossed her head allowing her hair, free of any pins to fall back passed her shoulder.

She looked at the three students and politely bowed her head, "Good morning you three, what are you up to?"

The three of them exchanged glances, as though waiting for someone to reply to her. Seifer held his hands out and took a step back towards Quistis. "Nothing at all Instructor, I was just waiting for you. I had a question for you about an assignment you graded." He smiled at Quistis who showed no new emotion.

"I have no intention of changing your grade but walk and talk with me, we'll discuss whatever the problem is." Quistis looked over Seifer's shoulder and smiled goodbye to the other students, dismissing herself with Seifer.

Irvine rubbed the back of his neck bored, "Well that was a waste of time." He yawned.

"Seifer's been acting so weird lately, haven't you noticed?" Rinoa said calmly in a hushed tone.

"Uh, no. He's always been an arrogant jackass, he's just now your ex arrogant jackass." Irvine continued bored and annoyed still.

"I mean for starters, he's so attached to Instructor Trepe, I mean he's like the Trepie never initiated." Rinoa looked to Irvine, "I mean isn't that a little strange?"

"They did used to have all those detention hours together, they're probably like best buds—"

"At the ball, Seifer's first dance was with Instructor Trepe. Wherever you see him, Instructor's not far, she almost always shows up a few minutes later or before. O-or don't you think it's odd the one day Instructor Trepe cancels class, Seifer got into a fight with Zell?"

"He's always getting in fi—" Irvine attempted to point out

"And then he was in such a hurry to get out of that infirmary! I mean he was in no condition to get up, but he was in a rush for something. He probably didn't want Instructor Trepe to see him there. Not to mention that night when we were out together, you saw Instructor Trepe, and I saw Seifer. Plus the next morning they were coming back at the same time—maybe not together."

"Couldn't that just be a bunch of coincidences? I mean, I don't want to rub salt in your wounds Rin, but if Seifer had a thing for Instructor Trepe, wouldn't he had an affair with her instead of Scarlet?" Irvine said rather pleadingly to get off the subject.

Rinoa clasped her hands together, "Irvine! You're right! I mean it makes sense! That night at the ball, Seifer left hours earlier than you and Scarlet, he was probably with Instructor Trepe and he used Scarlet to hide it!" After Rinoa relished in her victory of unfolding Seifer's mystery, she stopped scowled, "That scheming bastard!"

Irvine stopped and pondered all he knew on the subject, thinking aloud he listed, "Dated you, slept with Scarlet, kissed Selphie… eh I really don't see where Instructor Trepe falls in with that mix." He stopped Rinoa and looked at her concerned, "Listen that's a pretty big accusation that could get Instructor Trepe into a lot of trouble, for like no reason. So just keep your little theory to yourself, eh?"

Rinoa blinked several times, "When did he kiss Selphie?"

Still bothered from the whole event, Irvine shook his head, "Never mind that. Just let's keep it to ourselves, alrighty?"

"But Irvine, even you thought that they might be—"

"I was just kidding! Come on, let's get to class." Irvine grasped Rinoa's wrist dragging her behind him not allowing himself to pay attention to another word she said.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Selphie twiddled her feet as she leaned back and forth on her bed. A part of her wished she had asked Irvine to stay with her instead of go to class, but she had come to value education as she'd only recently received it.

She released a long drawn sigh wondering how long Irvine would be in class. His class always ended earlier than her class with Matron and hours earlier than Instructor Trepe's.

Selphie wasn't left to her thoughts for too long as a knock sounded at the door. Angelo barked suspiciously as the people who would normally visit wouldn't show at this time. Patting Angelo reassuringly, Selphie walked to the door and opened it. Outside in the hall stood a deeply robed Garden Faculty, one of the many assistants to the headmaster.

As normal, his entire body was clothed in layers of draping material, while his head was completely covered in the shadow of a wide hat. "Selphie Tilmitt?" He asked sternly.

Selphie shuddered slightly, as the Garden Faculty's menacing and mysterious appearance always frightened her a bit. "That's me." She replied meekly.

"Headmaster Cid calls you to his office at once, you are to come with me."

Angelo sniffled as Selphie waved goodbye and closed the door behind her. She followed the assistant through the halls of the dormitories to the main artery of Garden. Selphie felt too nervous to ask whether this meeting was leading to trouble, and the assistant felt no need to explain to her why they were going. In fact, he said nothing at all. In response neither did Selphie. However, her growing curiosity ate at her as she finally spoke up upon entering the elevator.

"Um excuse me?" She started softly and hesitantly.

"Do not dilly-dally." The assistant retorted soberly waiting Selphie to enter the capsule with him.

"Oh I'm not!" Selphie said defensively hopping in after him. "I just wanted to know, why do you dress like that. Aren't you hot?"

The assistant said nothing to her as he pressed the number to the Headmaster's office causing the doors to close. Once the elevator began to hum and move upwards, the assistant shook his arm allowing the draping clothes to shift aside until Selphie could see his long, yellow, spindly fingers. Selphie covered her mouth to halt her gasp of horror.

"We are Shumi. Shumi live deep underground far in Trabia. We live in the frigid cold; we live near the hottest core of the Earth. There is no condition of climate we cannot bear."

Selphie's horror melted away as she smiled brightly, "I'm from Trabia too!" She announced proudly.

The assistant put his arm down allowing his long sleeves to hide his hand again. "That concerns me not." He said quietly thus ending their conversation. Selphie turned sadly away as the elevator lurched and stopped. The doors beeped sounding as the doors smoothly opened to Headmaster and Headmistress Kramer's regal office.

Selphie had come into the office countless of times; however, she usually went towards the door on the side of the room leading to Matron's office and makeshift classroom. The assistant led her to a set of grand double doors to Headmaster Cid's office, where she seldom ventured.

Hesitantly, Selphie walked into the brightly lit room with an expansive skylight allowing all the brightness of the day into the office. On an ornate throne sat Headmaster Cid resting comfortably as his desk with someone sitting across him, his back to Selphie and the assistant.

"I have brought the girl." The assistant announced.

Headmaster Cid looked away from his guest and saw Selphie, who still looked rather timid and nervous. "Ah Selphie, do have a seat. I was just getting acquainted with a friend of yours." He turned back to his guest, "I'm sorry I never got your name."

"No need to apologize my good man, just call me Devin." The guest turned towards Selphie and smiled kindly. "And it's so good to see you in good health my dear Selphie." He continued cheerfully.

Selphie stood frozen as her lips, barely agape uttered, "Mr. Devin…"

Headmaster Cid gave Selphie an awkward glance noticing how still she'd become after meeting eye contact with Devin. "Are you alright Selphie? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Devin laughed heartily, "Stunned isn't she!" He came to his feet, "You see Headmaster, we've been separated for nearly a year! She probably did think me dead, as I assumed she." He came towards Selphie and hugged her uncomfortably tightly, almost squeezing. "I couldn't imagine what else could've kept her for so long! But now, I've found her and we may return home." He turned around, one arm still around Selphie, still squeezing her slightly.

Cid massaged his temples, "Well Selphie has became very dear to us here at Garden Devin, we've all grown quite attached to her, my wife especially."

Devin released Selphie and came towards the desk again. "My good Headmaster! You've been keeping Selphie here out of charity, she's been a burden to you no doubt. I intend to take her back to Trabia, where she belongs. You've all been so kind to watch over her for me but I don't believe we'll intrude on your generosity any longer." With that, Devin pulled an envelope from his expensive suit's coat and handed to Headmaster Cid. "For all the expenses she must've accumulated."

Opening the envelope carefully, Headmaster Cid readjusted his glasses as he came to see just how much the envelope contained. "Devin, this is far too much, really I can't accept this."

"Please Headmaster, it is my humble gratitude. And the rest is shall we say, a donation to your great institution that's taken many charities like my Selphie aboard."

Trying to keep the thick stack of gil out of mind, Headmaster Cid turned to Devin and mustered a polite smile. "You must understand Devin, I cannot allow this without at least my wife's consent. And Selphie here has said nothing about wanting to leave."

"I'm afraid Headmaster, I'm in a bit of a rush. I cannot wait long. Selphie here can reassure you I'm sure." Devin looked back to Selphie and eyed her carefully. "Selphie my dear," He started, "tell this good Headmaster how much you wish to go to Trabia. Tell him how you long to return with me."

Selphie felt as though she'd lost all the air in her lungs. Barely able to breath she looked at Headmaster Cid and back to Devin, her eyes filled with fear.

"Tell him, my dear." Mr. Devin repeated a slight hint of sternness in his face.

"I-I want to go back with Mr. Devin. Please Headmaster Cid, I want to go. Nothing would make me happier." She said sheepishly, the words left her lips like acid. "Please." She added meekly trying hard not to cry.

"She can barely contain herself how excited she is! Surely you won't keep her, would you my good man?" Devin drummed his fingers against Cid's desk awaiting his manipulated answer.

"Well Selphie, if you want to go with Devin that badly, I suppose it'd be wrong of me to stop you." Cid sighed almost hopelessly.

"She does, doesn't she?" Devin beamed happily as Selphie nodded in confirmation to his words. "Well it's settled then! Selphie go grab all your belongings and we'll leave immediately for Trabia."

Selphie felt another blow in her gut, "Immediately?" She nearly whimpered, "But what ab—"

"Come, come now Selphie we haven't much time! My vessel is scheduled to leave shortly."

Helplessly, Selphie nodded and turned around dragging her feet to the elevator. She overhead Devin continuing his conversation with Headmaster Cid. "Look at her, so overwhelmed to go home she's nearly crying! I can't thank you enough Headmaster, you and your wife have been too good to watch over her and now reuniting us."

Selphie looked miserably back as the doors swung close, just barely able to hear Headmaster Cid reply, "The pleasure is ours Devin."

Once the doors of the elevator opened to the first floor, Selphie raced out and flew down the stairs trying to avoid any familiar faces and hasten to her room. Her legs flailed out before her as she ran at a speed she didn't even know she was capable of. She finally reached her room, empty save for Angelo who paced about bored. Slamming the door behind her, she leaned her back against it and slid down to the floor.

Why is he here? Tears filled Selphie's eyes she breathed heavily in realizing what was happening. Mr. Devin was taking her back to Trabia, back to the miserable life she once led. She had no choice in the matter. She blinked letting the small tears inch down her cheek.

Angelo, aware that Selphie sat alone upset came to her offering his face to nuzzle in comfort. Selphie sniffled and patted Angelo gently, not able to stop her tears that came more frequently. Her pounded loudly in her chest, still afraid about the situation. In attempt to calm herself down she hugged Angelo tightly and buried her face into his fur until the crying ceased.

"Tilmitt." Came a voice from directly behind her. Selphie turned around and slowly opened the door to another Garden faculty assistant, or the same. "Y-yes?" She replied hesitantly.

"Mr. Devin is waiting for you at the gates, are you packed yet?"

Selphie came to her feet and rubbed her face dry. "N-no, not yet. Just a few more minutes."

"Mr. Devin stated he was in hurry, I suggest you do the same."

Nodding slowly, Selphie closed the door and turned to her room passed the study table. Her room, unlike most all students in Garden resided barely adorned. Over the time she'd spent in Garden she just never acquired much. She grabbed for box in her closest that Matron had brought full of her old clothes to give to her when she first arrived.

Selphie opened all her drawers and pulled out her uniforms and the very same clothes that filled the box when she first received it: the white summer dress and a few articles she'd grown to love wearing. She also placed in it the yellow overall dress she wore from Trabia. When Selphie first arrived to Balamb she threw off all the leggings and undershirts she needed to shield against Trabian weather into the ocean, never thinking she'd need it again.

Next came any items she owned. There was the chocobo alarm clock Rinoa had given her, her Flail, the old box of Cheeky Chirpy Chocobos, a few pairs of shoes, any school books Matron had given her, school supplies, and the copy of Legend of Gilgamesh that she'd never finished.

The few possessions untouched left in the room remained safe in her closest. Selphie looked longingly at the beautiful dress she'd worn the SeeD Inaugural ball. Behind it laid the few accessories to match it, the shoes, glimmering hair clips and earrings. Barely making contact, Selphie traced her finger down the silky material debating whether to pack it.

Rinoa did buy it for me… Selphie thought pleadingly to herself. Mr. Devin goes to fancy places; maybe I'll even get to wear it again! Without another thought, Selphie carefully unhooked the mercury dress and folded to fit in her box. She scooped the accessories in after it and looked about her room. As unadorned as it appeared before, her room looked completely empty now.

Selphie went to her nightstand and opened the drawer. She scooted some old worksheets, graded papers from her classes, and found the only item she'd brought from Trabia save the clothes she wore on her back. The small silver necklace she'd taken from Devin's household glimmered in the light. Gingerly, she pulled it out and observed it in the daylight.

Back in Trabia, Selphie used to wear this necklace at all times under all her clothing. It used to be the only thing of beauty on her, but after arriving to Garden, she never felt the need to wear it. Of course, she'd grown to love the trinket and couldn't bare to throw it away, thus she kept it hidden away. Selphie carefully opened the necklace's clasp and began to lace the chain around her neck when a thought struck her.

All her wonderful new friends gave the box sitting on her bed, full of possessions she didn't come here with. They'd all given her so much and she had nothing to offer them. Rinoa who had given her small gifts and taken her shopping, Matron who'd gave her flail and all her textbooks, and of course there was Irvine who'd brought her to begin with. Selphie held the necklace in her hand watching the light of the sun reflect off its small shiny surface. I have to give them something…

Selphie pulled out an old worksheet and turned it over to its black back. She snatched up a pencil and began writing, holding back her tears with every letter. Forcing her best and neatest handwriting she wrote, "Thanks for everything. I'll miss you, goodbye forever – Selphie." She rested the paper on the bed weighing it down with her necklace.

Scooping the heavy box into her arms, Selphie gave one last look at her room. She smiled weakly and walked out of the dorm, Angelo barking goodbye as she did.

The assistant stood outside the door waiting patiently for Selphie. Without a word, he liberated her of her heavy box of possessions. Although Selphie felt grateful for another moment with the parcel in her hands would have caused to collapse, she vocalized nothing as the assistant effortlessly held it in his arms and led Selphie down the hall.

Selphie scouted the halls and all the lingering students for a familiar face. She needed someone, anyone, to recognize her so she could tell him or her why she was leaving. She wanted to find someone who would tell Irvine why she would not be at his room waiting for him. She pleaded for someone to notice that she wasn't willing to go. She desired a messenger to take her true feelings to her friends.

They reached the front doors without any attention towards them. Selphie looked desperately around herself, was there no one? Close to tears she looked to the Garden Faculty assistant, "Please," she started almost trembling, "I need to talk to my friends."

The assistant replied promptly, "Mr. Devin said he was in a hurry, I was told to hastily bring you to him. Nothing else concerns me. If you wish you may leave a note."

"I did leave a note—" Selphie started to explain.

"If you've left a note then the message should be well received."

"B-but I didn't say everything I wanted too! Please I just need a minute with them, any of them."

Selphie couldn't tell what facial expression the assistant wore, but she assumed it may have been aggravated since he groaned and finally said to her, "You may send one brief message, say it now and I'll send it along."

Slightly speechless, Selphie's thoughts madly streamed through her mind. Brief? That's short, right? A short message? How can I explain everything I need to explain in a short message? Will he even get it right? Okay, think Selphie, something simple that tells him everything in a short sentence… oh who am I kidding? There's no such thing! Oh Irvy, I'm so sorry.

"Well?" The assistant pried the irritation in his normally emotionless voice growing.

Selphie weakly smiled and said, "Tell him, I'm sorry, but, I had to go— b-but I'll never forget him."

"And to whom is this message going to?"

"Irvy—" Selphie bit her lip, "Irvy-n, Irvine. Irvine Kinneas."

The assistant nodded as he turned towards the courtyard. Without another words spoken between them, they crossed the empty gardens to the tall gate at the front. Devin stood outside his car waiting with his plastered smile. The assistant rested the box in the backseat of the car and left without comment.

Devin politely opened the door for Selphie, "Well my dear, shall we go?"

Selphie looked back once more at the wonderful blue building with its grand halo and outlining gardens. Inaudibly she released a mournful sigh, blinked back any tears and nodded. Slowly she sat herself in the car, her vision glued to the home she'd grown to love more than anywhere. Devin started the car and started out of the perimeter into the long winding road. Selphie watched in silence, as Garden slowly became smaller and smaller, fading into the distance.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''

While Irvine sat back behind his study panel, relaxed and laid back, he noticed Rinoa anxiously tapping her fingers on the edge of the panel. Although he was content just daydreaming about the day ahead, he decided to open Garden BBS and see what was troubling her.

Kinneas GSE :
What's eating you? It's not like you to not pay attention in class.

Rinoa looked at the blinking screen that appeared on her study panel. She looked at Irvine with irritated eyes and sighed as she turned to read the message. Before replying, she looked away somewhat concerned or just more anxious. Finally, she typed back a short message.

Rinoa C :
Instructor Trepe and Seifer

Kinneas GSE :
You're just going to embarrass yourself Rin!

Rinoa C :
Irvine, it'd explain everything! Why Seifer stopped caring that I spent time with Squall, why I barely ever saw him, do you think this goes back to the time he was injured and the only one he let in his room was Instructor Trepe? He wouldn't let me near him!

Kinneas GSE :
Seriously, you're totally paranoid. I don't remember Seifer ever being all the cool with you and Squall. He always had a stick up his ass about it. But Seifer isn't even your boyfriend anymore; did you forget you have a new one of those? Or you bored of him now too?

Rinoa C :
I have to know Irvine! Maybe it'll explain why he cheated on me, I mean we haven't really talked since everything happened. I have a right to know, a right to talk about it at least. It's been awhile, we've both cooled down. I think it's safe to finally have 'that conversation'. You said it yourself I have to find out the truth.

Kinneas GSE :
I don't think it's ever safe to ask your ex boyfriend if he's sleeping with his teacher, but alright power to you. But promise me, whatever happens, do not, and I mean it Rin, DON'T COME TO MY ROOM AND BUG ME ABOUT IT. I got special plans. You got something to say, save it for tomorrow afternoon.

Rinoa C :
I never said they were sleeping together, ugh Irvine you make things always so vulgar. Anyways fine, I won't bug you. Big plans with Selphie I take it? What, you finally going to get laid?

Kinneas GSE :
Hey! You should be happy for me if I do! It's been forever! But it's not set in stone, we'll see where the night takes us ;)

Rinoa C :
Irvine, you'll never have my pity in that department : P

Irvine chuckled as he looked to Rinoa who also seemed to have loosened up. They smiled at each other as Rinoa rested her head on Irvine's shoulder. Instructor Akii continued to lecture history, but the two of them could only think of their very near futures.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

"I'm gone for one afternoon and you do this?"

Edea normally kept herself calm and collected, she never let her emotions run away with her, being a sorceress after all it wasn't a wise action. However, when she returned to Garden and asked her husband, 'What happened while I was gone?' she certainly didn't expect what she heard.

"Edea please, let's be calm about this." Cid said complaisantly attempting to calm down his severely angered wife.

Headmistress Edea tossed her head letting her long silky black her flail behind her, "I will not be calm Cid! How could you do such a thing?" She stamped her white hands against Cid's desk and looked at him furiously in the eye.

"I told you, I did nothing that you yourself wouldn't have done."

Edea drummed her fingers against the desk. Her husband had told her the exact scene, play by play. He, however, forgot to mention the tiny detail of Devin's donation. When Edea saw the fat envelope in the drawer, and Cid's reluctance to tell her where it came from, her anger revived in twice the amount. "I wouldn't have been bought off Cid!"

Cid came to his feet and patted his wife's shoulders leading her to a chair. He gestured her to sit down and held her soft graceful hands in his. "Darling, I hate to say this so crudely, but he was right. I do have a Garden to run, and not every student brings tuition." Edea eyed him judgingly. "I love how your heart is so warm and caring that you allow and keep so many orphaned students, and even how you took Selphie in, but we must face the facts. If someone was giving us money, in an act of gratitude, I couldn't do too much to refuse!"

Although the entire situation sounded fishy to Edea, she couldn't deny Cid's logical reasoning. She sighed, her temper cooling down.

"Selphie insisted nothing would make her happier, I know you were fond of her dearest but you wouldn't force her to stay either. I know you'll miss her, believe me, even I'll miss her."

Edea came to her feet gently and nodded to show she'd completely returned to her tranquil composure. "I know you wouldn't do something completely without reason, I just wish you at least took the man's full name." Although her voice remained soothing and serene, Cid knew she still felt irritated and bitter.

Quietly sighing again, Edea slipped her hands out of her husband's enfold, and walked towards the door.

"Edea?" Cid called cautiously after her.

Edea stopped short and responded her back still turned to Headmaster Cid. "I have a few other people I ought to inform," she added quietly under voice, "who most likely will miss her even more."

''''''''''''''''''''''''''

After lecture ended, the class took longer than it normally did to clear out. Squall, as predicted, was of the first to gather his things and leave. Other little groups of classmates dawdled and loitered about, chatting about the class and other topics. Quistis watched as the room slowly emptied leaving behind Seifer, and trio of Trepies.

Seifer began to approach the desk, taking his time waiting for the Trepies to have their moment with his Instructor. He groaned as he noticed the three coming towards him instead.

The trio surrounded him questionably. While Baku turned away, somewhat angry looking, the two girls of the group eyed him deeply. "You know Seifer, you should join our club." One of them said with a smile.

"Yeah, I mean we already know that you are Trepie secretly, you're always with her. Oh, you're sooo lucky. I wish I had all that time with Instructor Trepe, she's truly inspirational." The other said her fists clenched in jealousy.

"I know Baku is jealous of you too, but he'll never say it." The first one piped in with a laugh.

"I'm not jealous, why should I be jealous of Instructor Trepe's problem student? Hah! One of these days, Instructor Trepe will realize just how perfect we are for each and then—" Baku looked away dreamily, "we'll be together forever!"

"Get a grip on yourself Baku." Lena, the first girl snapped irritably.

"Would you three just get lost?" Seifer finally snapped, his patience completely run dry.

"Temper, temper Seifer! You better not be like that to Instructor Trepe. We just came by to tell you she needs to talk to you." Narissa said turning her head snootily, "Personally I don't see why she'd waste a minute on you."

"2,3, let's go." Baku said leading the way out of class. Narissa and Lena threw one last dark glare Seifer's way and followed their loyal leader out of the classroom.

Seifer smiled wistfully at their exit, he turned his attention to Quistis, who sat against her desk grinning at him. "I thought they'd never leave!" He exclaimed relieved. He swooped towards Quistis and leaned in for a kiss, only to feel Quistis' thin fingers pressed against his chest as weak means to stop him. He raised his eyebrow at her waiting for her to explain.

"I just don't think it's a wise idea to rendezvous in the classroom anymore, seeing as what happened not all that long ago…" Quistis said quietly.

"What is Selphie on her way or something? Even if she is, who cares? She already knows." With that, Seifer leaned again, this time close enough to touch Quistis' lips.

She pulled away again and shook her head. "She's not coming today but I still think it's a bad idea."

Seifer quickly reached forward, grabbed Quistis' arm, and yanked her towards him. She landed swiftly against his chest as he placed a kiss on her lips. Not resisting to his affection, Quistis rested her hands gently on Seifer's shoulders and indulged in the kiss for a moment before parting. Seifer gave her a sly look, "Don't you see how much better things are when you listen to me?"

The electronic humming of the door sounded. Quistis leapt from Seifer's grasp before the door could even finish hissing open. She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear nervously as she watched the visitor enter the room. "Headmistress Edea!" She cried out in a mix of emotions.

Edea looked at Quistis then to Seifer. "I hope I'm not interrupting you Quistis."

Quistis bowed her head politely, although her face still flushed and nervous, "O-of course not Headmistress!"

Seifer respectfully bowed at the waist towards Edea. "Headmistress Edea, it's always an honor to see you." He smiled, genuinely with not even a hint of mischief in his eyes. Edea returned the expression nodding her head to him.

"Oh Seifer, I've heard such wonderful things about you from Instructor Trepe, you're doing us quite proud." She said happily.

"Hearing you say it makes it so much more worth the effort."

Although Quistis understood Seifer was dearly enjoying his tête-à-tête with Headmistress Edea, being she would most likely be the only Sorceress he ever had the pleasure of knowing, her nervousness from almost being caught had flattened her decorum. "Is there something I can help you with Headmistress?"

Seifer looked at her bitterly as Edea swept passed him and stepped forwards Quistis. "Ah yes, I just wanted to tell you, that you'll no longer have to tutor Selphie."

"Have you found a different instructor for her?" Quistis asked inquisitively.

"Not quite— it seems Selphie has left for Trabia. I believe for good."

"She's gone?" Seifer blurted in a somewhat joyful shocked tone.

Edea looked at him oddly and finally nodded. "Yes, she left just earlier." She turned back to Quistis and grinned kindly, "I do thank you for all the time you gave Selphie. I know she dearly loved your lectures. It's a shame you two never finally got to the field."

Quistis pushed another lock of hair behind her ear and nodded. "You're very welcome Headmistress. I wouldn't worry about Selphie though, she told me her and Irvine Kinneas would practice quite often in the field. She'll be missed of course."

"Of course…" Edea sighed as she looked towards the door, "Irvine." She glanced back at Quistis and Seifer, "Thank you for your time, have good a day."

"And you have a wonderful day Headmistress." Seifer called out, his smile still upon his face.

Quistis eyed him as Edea left the room. She shook her head and laughed, putting the back of her hand to her lips. "Oh Seifer, you're like a child. You're absolutely beaming right now."

Seifer squinted his eyes, "I don't usually get to talk to her."

Still laughing Quistis came and patted Seifer's shoulder, "Oh I know. Don't worry, I'm not telling anyone that you're like a kid in a candy store around Headmistress Edea."

"You know some people call her Sorceress Edea."

After Quistis subsided her laughter, she sat against her desk and sighed. "That was awfully close though Seifer. If you don't recall, this was exactly what I was warning you about." She sighed loudly thinking aloud, "How bizarre is that the Selphie has suddenly left?"

Seifer shrugged coolly and strummed his finger along the side of Quistis' cheek ending at her chin. "What's there to worry about? The only one who knew about us is in Trabia. We've got nothing to stress about." He leaned in for another kiss, not surprised when Quistis pushed him away and pointed to the door. Glaring at her irritably, Seifer took a hint and let himself out.

Outside in the hall, only a few feet from the door to Quistis' classroom stood Rinoa. "Rinoa?" Seifer asked blatantly. Hearing her name, Rinoa blinked and looked at Seifer attentively. "Wha- when did you get here?"

"Just now." She responded, somewhat timidly. "I-I need to talk to you."

Seifer raised an eyebrow and turned to leave. "Alright what is it?"

Rinoa looked around the empty hallway cautiously, "Maybe we should go somewhere private."

"Yeah, just look at all our spectators. Anyways if you're here to try and kill me I'd rather the chance of a witness being around." Seifer chuckled still walking away.

Rinoa clenched her fingers around her necklace and squeezed her eyes shut, "Fine there's no easy way to ask this—Seifer are you dating Instructor Trepe?"

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Normally Irvine wanted to accompany Rinoa on something as interesting as an ex-boyfriend confrontation. He found the drama entertaining, and Rinoa always leaning on him for support and comfort always boosted his ego. Especially when Rinoa sprinkled a few 'Oh when will find a guy as great as you?' Generally, Rinoa only said words, as she called 'this outlandish', when she was incredibly upset.

However, today he knew Selphie was waiting for him. They'd have the whole day, and the whole night together. Irvine had an idea what may happen as the day progressed, but regardless of what actually would take place, Irvine would be satisfied just to be with Selphie.

He entered his dorm proudly and looked around. The room appeared empty, perhaps Selphie was hiding? Irvine looked behind the door and scanned under the bed; no Selphie anywhere. Irvine gave the room a careful glance. Not only was the room empty, but also it appeared to not have changed even the slightest since he left it a night or two ago. The sheet still ruffled the exact same way, a pile of bullet shells huddled in a small clutter on the nightstand, even a pillow he dropped still laid on the floor.

Clearly, Selphie hadn't come here, else something would have moved from its place. Irvine sighed, perhaps she'd lost track of time and still was at her room. He turned around and hurried to Rinoa's and Selphie's dorm. As usual, the door was unlocked. He let himself in, patted Angelo who greeted him excitedly at the door, and rushed into Selphie's room.

Irvine stood stunned in the doorway of the room. The entire room stood completely void of possessions. Confused, Irvine stepped in and scanned around. The closest door hung open revealing its lack of contents inside. A drawer in the nightstand with a collection of crumpled worksheets was the sole sign remaining of human habitation.

"This is strange…" The cowboy thought to himself. He turned around and took a seat at the study table. Selphie didn't mention having to switch rooms. Perhaps it was a sudden decision?

A knock sounded at the door as Irvine jerked his head up hopefully and rushed to answer it. Behind the door stood Headmistress Edea, upon seeing her Irvine almost instantly deflated, noticeably.

"Oh, hello there Irvine. Is Rinoa here?" She asked ignoring his dismay.

"No ma'am, she said she'd be looking for Seifer after class." Irvine said his voice downtrodden.

"I see, well then I'll just returned to Instructor Trepe's class and wait for her. If you see her let her know I'm looking for her." Edea immediately turned around and began to glide away.

"Wait, Matron!" Irvine called after her. Edea stopped politely but he face gave the impression she dearly did not want to linger. "Matron," the cowboy started slowly, "have you seen Selphie? Did you two end up having class? Or uh, did you assign her a new dorm or something?"

Edea's face fell as she shook her head softly. "Irvine, I really wish to speak with Rino—"

"Is Selphie okay?" Irvine's voice grew anxious.

With a soft sigh, Edea swiftly came back to the dorm and sat herself at the study table. She sat elegantly straight, her snow-white hands folded in her lap. "Selphie is fine Irvine, I wanted to speak with Rinoa first, but I see you're not going to give me that chance." Cautiously, Irvine closed the door and sat himself across the table from Edea.

Edea met his gaze, her eyes soft and somewhat sad. "I'm afraid— well it appears that Selphie has left for Trabia." Irvine's face instantly responded to Edea's words. Remaining calm, she finished her statement with, "I don't believe she intends to return."

Irvine blinked, hard. He opened his mouth to speak but words failed him. Finally, he coughed out, "She's gone? Just like that? H-how did this happen?"

"Well, while I myself was gone, a gentleman who claimed to know Selphie arrived here. Selphie attested to knowing him, and he insisted she return to Trabia with him. She apparently agreed full-heartedly. Cid told me the man was in a hurry and therefore he could not wait for us to hear about it and say good-bye. He must've had a ship to catch."

Stunned, despaired, and incredibly angry, Irvine stormed to his feet. "Headmaster Cid just let her go with a complete stranger?" He turned around, rushed through the dorm's exit, and ran through the halls to the main elevator. He faintly heard Edea calling out behind him. He paid no mind to it and hastened to Headmaster Cid's office. He swept passed Xu, who usually stood as a secretary to the Headmaster, also ignoring her defiant calls.

"Headmaster Cid!" Irvine shouted after bursting passed the gold and maroon double doors. It came as a shock to Irvine when he saw Headmistress Edea already there, sitting on the edge of the desk, her arms crossed as if she'd been waiting for him. "Headmistress— how did you—"

"Some people know me as a Sorceress Irvine." Edea stated cutting Irvine off. She slid off the desk and came to her feet. "Now then, I understand you're upset, but I will not have you disrespect the authorities of this Garden."

Irvine turned his attention to Headmaster Cid, who sat behind his large desk. He nodded in agreement to this wife's words. "Irvine I know you and Selphie were a great deal close, but as I told Edea here, she left in good hands, and happily."

"Who took her?" Irvine snapped in blatant distrust.

"A wealthy gentleman, Devin I believe was his name." Cid answered confidently.

"Mr. Devin— oh I'm so stupid!" She bent her knees in and pulled against her hair. "Oh gosh, what am I going to do!"

"What about Mr. Devin?" Irvine asked curiously watching Selphie prancing about in self-punishment. "Shouldn't he be like, happy for you?"

Selphie stopped and stared at her dead hearth. "I don't know." She said quietly. Soundly she stepped to the small platform on which stood her fireplace. She stroked the pile of ash and sighed. "I really haven't ever done anything without, well telling him. Asking for his permission… it's just weird that I did this without letting him know anything."

"If he's smart he'll be happy? What is he your father?"

"No, no!" Selphie spun to Irvine and shook her head. "Not at all, it's just he's been so kind to me. He's done so much for me!" Her eyes burned with meaning, "You don't understand he only wants what's best for me I know it!"

"Mr. Devin was like that too." She said muffled into his shoulder. "He always took good care of me. One day though… I made him mad. I don't really know what I did, but I got so scared that I ran away with you. I'm still so scared of him, and I get so worried thinking if I make you mad, you'll treat me the same way."

"…So, I started joining them, and one day… I just stopped coming back. It's okay though, because I met Mr. Devin."

There's that name again… Mr. Devin. Irvine thought to himself.

"I don't think Mr. Devin wants to ever see me again though… he's real mad at me. Cause' I left Trabia I suppose." Selphie continued softly and sadly.

Irvine felt his insides burn, how could Headmaster Cid just let her walk away. How could Selphie just walk away? "You made a mistake Headmaster! A big mistake!" He left without another word and rushed away.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Seifer stopped in his tracks, turned around, his mouth agape, and entirely stunned. "What did you just say to me?"

Rinoa pinched a lock of hair nervously and stepped forward. "I asked if you were dating Instructor Trepe."

It took a moment before Seifer guffawed and pushed Rinoa aside. "Wow Rinoa, that is the craziest thing I've ever heard you say." He continued to laugh and turned around ready to leave again. "Can you imagine if I were?"

"Yeah, I can. That's why I'm asking. Seifer I'm being serious here, I know there's something going on." Rinoa placed her hands on her hips. "We've been avoiding this conversation for weeks. If you don't have the decency to tell me why you cheated on me then— then I guess there's nothing to say!" With a huff of anger, Rinoa began to march off.

"You're one to talk Rinoa! Look at you, prancing about with your new boyfriend, my nemesis! You think you're any better than me?" Seifer snapped.

"Oh so we're playing who can sting the other the most then?" Rinoa cried angrily.

"What do you think you could even understand about it? You, a person who doesn't even respect relationships." As Quistis' past words echoed in his mind,Seifer acknowledged that day he'd truly wronged Rinoa, and as much as he may regret the decision he made, Rinoa did deserve some explanation. He reached his arm out grabbing Rinoa's, halting her from continuing. Rinoa looked back at him with scornful eyes. "You're right. About everything." He said softly.

Rinoa stood still, even as Seifer let go of her arm. It'd been weeks, had it almost been a month now since she decided she wanted to have this conversation? Now that it was upon her, she felt afraid to hear it. Would Seifer say everything she feared?

Seifer quietly gestured towards an empty classroom. The two walked in wordlessly and faced each other. Rinoa waited patiently to start talking. "Rinoa," he started rather unsure, "I'm sorry about everything, and I guess I'm even sorry we've had to wait this long to talk it out."

Still uneasy, Rinoa took sat herself against the instructor's desk.

"Rinoa, I didn't mean to cheat on you— eh maybe I did. I don't know what I wanted, but I didn't want to be with that girl, whatever her name is."

"Scarlet." Rinoa answered bitterly.

"Her." Seifer bobbed his head. "I know I was wrong. I uh, didn't even like her." He leaned crossed his arms realizing how everything he said only steadily made him seem worse. Saying the truth still bothered him, with Selphie gone he didn't think anyone knew, but if Rinoa was still around, she could rat him out. Facing the situation, Seifer turned around and took a deep breath. "Rinoa, I've liked Quis— I mean—"

"Instructor Trepe," She breathed shocked, "you two are really together?"

"Rinoa, if anyone finds out, Quistis, ugh I mean Instructor Trepe will lose her job."

Rinoa stayed quiet for a moment taking it all in. As she suspected, while she slowly fell for Squall, Seifer fell for Instructor Trepe. "I just don't get where Scarlet came into the mix."

Seifer groaned, reluctant to explain this part of the story, which seemingly was the most important part to Rinoa as it she was the coup de grace of her relationship. "The night of the ball, Quistis told me to beat it, and you told me to leave you alone—and Scarlet showed up in the hall and offered something to drink. One thing led to another, and then I screwed up. I hurt you and Quistis."

"Seifer," Rinoa started meekly. Seifer met her gaze as she continued. "If you knew you had feelings for someone, even if it was someone like your instructor who normally you couldn't be with, why didn't you just break up with me?"

"Why didn't you break up with me Rinoa?" Rinoa opened her mouth to reply, but Seifer took the reigns again and spoke before she had a moment to answer. "There was always something big going on, exams, tests, the ball— I mean how was I supposed to break up with you, when I didn't even have a reason too? We've been together for so long."

Seifer let out a loud exhale, there was nothing more to be said of the past. "Rinoa, I know you might still be mad and want to get back at me. Please don't let Instructor Trepe be collateral damage. If you want to report us, just tell me now, we'll stop seeing each other."

"I'm not out to get you Seifer, honestly." Rinoa smiled and patted Seifer's shoulder, "I just had to know what happened—to us. I had to know whose fault it was, if there was anything we could've done to stop it." Seifer looked at her uneasily. "I know things did just end up in a disaster, but it was really both of our faults. Neither of us had the guts to say how we felt. More importantly, neither of us cared to."

Seifer felt for Rinoa's hand and gave it a pull, bringing her to her feet. "I know you might just be dating Squall to spite me, but I hope you're happier now. For the record, our time together, was great. I wouldn't have changed a thing— except the whole Scarlet thing of course." He hugged gently and Rinoa returned the embracing, holding on to not only Seifer, but also the closure she finally needed to hear.

"Just so you know, I'm not dating him to spite you, I never was." They met eyes and smiled at each other. " And I wouldn't have a changed a thing either Seifer." They ended their hug and walked towards the door. "So did you really kiss Selphie?"

"Who the hell told you that?"

"Irvine."

"Sniper slut blabbermouth."

Rinoa laughed as the two exited the room.

'''''''''''''''''''''''

Irvine sat at the study table in Rinoa's dorm. He looked off drearily into space. He'd just returned from the Balamb harbor where he asked if any boats left for Trabia. As Edea and Cid mentioned, only one did. As for him, no passenger boats would leave for Trabia in the near future, and even if they were, Irvine couldn't afford a train or boat ticket of his own. Even when he brought Selphie to Balamb, he rather smuggled her aboard.

Whether or not he had the means necessary to go to Trabia, he knew well there was no point in going. He couldn't just up and leave Garden. He groaned miserably, Selphie was gone, she'd left Garden and that was the end of it. He would never see her again. His fist clenched as it resisted against the table.

Just then, Rinoa returned to the dorm cheery with a smile on her face. "Hey Irvine, what're you doing here?" She laughed, "Shouldn't you be with Selphie? I thought you had big plans."

Irvine turned his head away and answered in a low voice, "It got canceled."

"Aw, oh well." Rinoa merrily trotted over to him and kneeled over patting his shoulder, "Don't be so glum! There's always the weekend, Selphie's weekend classes are pretty short." She stood up straight not taking much notice to just how upset Irvine looked. She sat on her knees and clapped her hands letting Angelo leap onto her lap and shower her with affection. "Where is Selphie by the way?" She asked leaning her head back from Angelo licking her face.

"Trabia." Irvine said in the same tone, flatly.

Rinoa blinked a few times and came to her feet. "What do you mean?" Irvine didn't reply, but simply gave a shrug of his shoulders and gestured his head towards Selphie's room. Eying Irvine carefully, Rinoa nodded and let herself into the now empty bedroom.

"What happened?" She called out loudly, still not getting any response from Irvine.

Still hanging his head miserably, Irvine sighed loudly and listened while Rinoa exclaim at different sights of emptiness in the room. The only thing that piqued his interest was the sound of crumpling paper and Rinoa's comment of, "What's this?"

Rinoa stepped out of the room with a sheet of paper in one hand, and cupping something in the other. She handed the wrinkled worksheet to Irvine to read aloud. Irvine took it hesitantly and look carefully at the light chicken scratch writing. "Thanks for everything," he read slowly making out the messy letters, "I'll miss you. Goodbye forever, Selphie." Irvine stared at the paper deeply as though waiting for a new message to appear. After a moment, he let the paper slip through his fingers and swing through the air landing on the floor.

"She left this with it." Rinoa said quietly. Immediately, Irvine turned to Rinoa and saw a glittering silver necklace dangling from her fingers. "It's really pretty, I wonder where she got it from. Did you buy this for her?"

Carefully, Irvine reached out, touched the delicate chain, and clasped the pendent in his palm. "No, I didn't." He thought to himself if Selphie had even one memento of him at all.

While Irvine stared deeply and longingly at the necklace, Rinoa tilted her head and softly said, "Why don't you keep that Irvine?" He didn't reply to her, so she sat herself down at the study table. "So what happened?"

Irvine squeezed his fingers closed around the necklace, "I came back from class and I couldn't find her. Matron told me she'd left. From the note, I guess she really did want to leave."

"How does that note prove anything? It barely says a word."

"It says 'Thank you', no 'I'm sorry', no 'I wish I could stay', she said what she wanted— that she's glad to be gone." Irvine squeezed his fist tighter and came to his feet. His fist began shake, turning a bright red. "If she wants to go," Irvine kicked the paper that had fallen on the floor, "then we don't need her here." He finished his words coldly and stormed out of the dorm.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Selphie sat in a corner of the vessel's parlor. The room was empty, save for a cabin maid who dusted the light spread of furniture. She'd spoken hardly a word since Devin and her left Balamb. They came to the harbor and Selphie nearly had to be dragged by Devin to enter the ship. Several men, dressed similar to Devin boarded the ship as well, none lingered in the front parlor as she did.

Devin didn't try to make her speak, he simply let her wallow in the corner, clutching the box of possessions in her lap. Selphie hadn't once gazed out a window made so much of a movement since she sat herself down. Her eyes looked lost, dazed in a trance as she looked over her collection of items from Balamb Garden.

"Still here are you?" Devin's voice sounded. Selphie didn't look up, she remained in a dreamlike state as Devin sat himself beside her. "Now then, stop looking so sad, you're on a top of the line luxury vessel. Why don't you go enjoy yourself down below? There's much to do in here."

Still silent, Selphie looked up to Devin. She gulped soundlessly and continued to look at him, focused and attentive but mute.

"Now Selphie, my dear," Devin said patting her cheek, "I don't like seeing you so unhappy. We're going home, and it'll better than before. You'll see." He continued to pat her cheek, on occasion patting hard enough to feel like a slap. "Now if you continue to sit here and mope, I will be cross. I even had some warmer Trabia friendly clothes brought for you, so go below to your room and wait there. I won't have you sitting here so lifelessly."

Nothing that Mr. Devin said comforted her, however, she didn't feel too casual about his threat of becoming cross. She nodded slowly and came to her feet, as she did, her arms struggled to hold her box.

"I'll just take that, my dear." Mr. Devin said easily relieving Selphie of the box. He took a glance inside and cautiously raised an item or two to get a better look. "These things are absolutely useless to you now. Look at these clothes," He pulled out the beautiful white sundress.

Selphie's mind immediately replayed the times she'd worn it. She first wore it the day Rinoa and her went shopping for a ball gown. She wore it again for her and Irvine's first date— their only date.

"The weather is just never warm enough for any of these," Devin simply sifted through the clothing and tossed out nearly every article. "And this," He pulled out the game of Cheeky Chirpy Chocobos, "is a child's game." With that, he tossed it onto the floor. He didn't even mention the textbooks, rather he simply tossed them on the ground as well, carelessly as if they had no need to even be spoken of. Devin pulled out Selphie's Flail to which she cried.

"Oh no, please, not that!"

Mr. Devin stared at her darkly, "You'll have no need for it anymore, my dear." He said calmly dropping it to the floor, causing a loud clamor as it knocked against itself. Lastly, he pulled out The Legend of Gilgamesh. "Ah a classic, a good book. I suppose you can keep this." He handed the book to Selphie and dropped the nearly empty box on the floor atop of the pile of contents. "Maid!" He called out catching the attention of the cabin maid, "Throw all these things out, they're all trash." The maid nodded as she began to scoop the items back into the box.

Selphie watched in despair, her eyes welling up. "Now then, my dear." Mr. Devin said kindly, roughly grabbing Selphie's arm. "I'll personally show you to your cabin, you look exhausted. I believe you could use some rest."

Despite Mr. Devin's tight grip leading her away, Selphie watched behind her desperately as the maid disappeared with her box of treasures from Garden. Her clock, her books, the gown from the ball, she'd never see any of the items again, nor would she see Matron, Rinoa, Zell, Nida, Amy, Seifer, or even Squall again. A silent tear slid down Selphie's cheek, I'll never see Irvy again…

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Rinoa scouted the halls before class. Students passed her by without notice to her strained and concerned face. The crowds began to thin as Rinoa hopelessly concluded that Irvine would not come to class. The news didn't surprise her, oddly enough. She exhaled loudly as a familiar face appeared before her.

"Good morning Squall." She greeted with a weak smile.

Squall coolly gave a small curve of a grin, barely noticeable to the untrained eye. He looked around behind him, as he had noticed Rinoa's lack of attention towards him. "What're you doing?"

"Oh I was just looking for Irvine. I hoped he was coming to class today, but I guess he's too down in the dumps."

"Why?"

"Do you remember his girlfriend, Selphie?"

Squall crossed his arms for a moment and looked to the side thinking to himself. He unfolded his arms and returned his view to Rinoa and held out his hand while speaking, "The hyper girl? She's kind of hard to forget."

A smile touched Rinoa's lips as she nodded in agreement. "Yeah, she does leave an impression on you I guess." She sighed loudly while placing her hands on her hips, "Well she just sort of left Balamb yesterday, most likely forever."

"Why would she do that?" Squall asked after a moment's pause to ponder.

"Well we're not positive, but an old friend of hers came to take her back home, and she said she wanted to go back with him. So she did."

Squall kept quiet for a minute as the crowds of students thinned out behind him. He crossed his arms, uncrossed them and shook his head. Rinoa looked at him curiously watching his silent inner monologue hoping some words would come out of it. Finally, Squall met eyes with Rinoa again.

Clasping her hands behind her back, Rinoa leaned forward with a wry grin. "So what were you thinking about?"

"It's not important, you should go see Irvine."

"What about class?"

"What's one class to you?"

"You've got a point." Rinoa nodded in affirmation. "I guess I'll see you later Squall." With that, she walked away down the hall before an Instructor saw her go.

Rinoa made her way hastily turning the corridors to Irvine's dorm. She seldom went to his room as Irvine usually spent time with Selphie at their dorm, nonetheless she remembered well how to get there. Once she arrived, she hesitated whether to let herself in or knock. If she knocked and he ignored, it'd infuriate her, if she barged in he might be in there with a girl which was always awkward. Taking a leap, Rinoa turned the knob, which was unlocked, and let herself in.

The room luckily only had Irvine inside who laid his bed, barely dressed, and appeared barely conscious. He stared at the ceiling, his eyes laid back with a glazed look. Rinoa carefully watched Irvine, who didn't even notice her coming in. Biting her lip, she shut the door behind her loudly snapping Irvine out of his trance.

Irvine blinked and sat up straight in an instant. He looked at Rinoa and sighed, "Oh it's only you."

"Were you expecting someone else?" Rinoa responded crossly.

"Not really." Irvine replied laying himself back down. He yawned loudly and miserably. "So why are you here? Shouldn't you be in class or something?"

That's what I thought. "I thought I should come check on you first. I was hoping you'd come to class, but I guess that was silly of me. You don't show up for class when you're in a good mood." She added with a small laugh.

"You're really going to make fun of me right now?"

"Oh come on Irvine, you're not really going to sit here and mope are you?"

"It hasn't even been a full day, Rin. I think I get a 24 hour grace to be upset."

"You know what I mean Irvine. I mean, you're going to get over this."

Irvine sat back up and ran his fingers through his hair; he concentrated for a moment before speaking. "It's just that Rin, I don't want to get over it. I mean I never felt for a girl what I felt for Selphie. I'm crazy about her, and if I'm this miserable, okay then. I don't want to get over her, I want her."

"But Irv—" Rinoa began to protest.

"Rinoa, just gimme a couple days. I just want to be alone." Irvine turned and rested on his side, his back to Rinoa.

"Irvine I just don't want to see you like this." Rinoa said meekly. Irvine said nothing in response and remained motionless. With a loud hopeless exhale, Rinoa let herself out of the dorm.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Following the three-day boat ride to Trabia, Devin had one of his expensive cars meet him and Selphie at the dock.

Selphie clutched the small bag that contained a few sets of Trabian friendly clothes, and bundled deep within it was her uniform she wore leaving Balamb. She wore a thick yellow sweater with warm black pants currently; trying to adjust to the frigid cold weather, she'd lost her resistance to.

Devin didn't speak much to Selphie after they took off in the ship, and now that they'd gotten off, he simply led her to his car. Inside sat Devin's chauffeur and another man dressed formally, but not nearly as expensive or flashy as Devin. "Sir," They both greeted upon seeing him. The man who was not driving opened the back door for Selphie and Devin, taking their luggage as he did.

After Mr. Devin comfortably sat himself in the warm, relaxing interior of the car, he motioned the driver to go. "Driver, go to that cabin I showed you the other time." He ordered. The driver nodded in response and began to move the car.

The little to no conversation Selphie and Devin had began to feel unsettling. While Devin threatened he'd be cross, Selphie didn't feel confident that he was entirely happy with her. His lack of explanation about everything only made her feel even uneasier. Had Devin fully forgiven her for going to Balamb? Was he still angry with her?

"Mr. Devin—" Selphie started weakly.

"Not now Selphie, we'll talk later." He said quickly hushing her.

Selphie nervously twiddled her fingers in her lap as she gazed out the window. The white plains of Trabia felt like a scene from a bad dream, foreign, yet familiar. She didn't feel welcomed by the surroundings of home, the more fields of white she saw the more her heart yearned for the green seas of the Balamb plains.

They drove for a while, passing by the town, homes, ranches, factories. They drove until there was little or nothing at all to see. Just white emptiness surrounded them. The roads were faintly visible, and signs to explain their location were sparse.

The car finally came to a stop to small cabin. It had no neighbors and only a small gate to indicate the property line. Devin let himself and Selphie out, motioning to his workers to stay in the car. He held Selphie's luggage for her and led her to the cabin.

Devin opened the door to the cabin after crossing the empty lawn. Selphie cautiously followed. Flipping the lights on Devin walked to the middle of the room and smiled. "Welcome home Selphie."

Selphie blinked and looked around. The cabin was fashioned with warm painted walls. A large brick fireplace was placed in the middle of the cabin against the wall, away from the door. The only pieces of furniture were a small table with two chairs near the entrance, a small chest of drawers, and a medium sized bed placed by one of the very few windows. There were two other doors, one leading to a bathroom/laundry room, and the other a very small kitchen.

Marveling at the cabin, Selphie pondered at why Devin brought her here. Had he given up his grand manor to live here? "Is this your home Mr. Devin?" She asked returning to her normal tone of voice.

"Why of course not, this is your new home." Devin replied putting Selphie's bag near the unlit fireplace. "What do you think?"

"It's wonderful." Selphie breathed. She blinked a few times and thought for a moment. "Mr. Devin does this mean you're not mad at me anymore?"

Devin smiled and sat himself on the bed. "I've decided to put your little escapade behind me for now." He patted beside him gesturing for Selphie to sit beside him. With a little hesitance, Selphie did so. "I've begun to understand why you left Trabia to begin with."

"You have?" Selphie responded brightly.

"Yes, I understand your life here in Trabia was difficult. You had to work at that terrible fountain to maintain your lifestyle, standing there all day in the cold. Then you lived in a Hyne forsaken shack with no amenities. I can see your life in Balamb was much easier."

Selphie thought for a moment. She knew that wasn't the reason she left Trabia, but she dared not argue with Mr. Devin.

"So I had this place prepared for you. You'll have everything you need here."

"I don't have to go back to the fountain?"

"Never again my dear, in fact, you won't ever have to leave this place for anything. I've hired a grocer to bring your food, and everything else you may need is already here. You'll be safe and taken care of."

Selphie looked around at the plain four walls. As Devin explained, she couldn't possibly think of a need that wasn't met. "I'll never have to leave?" She repeated slowly, beginning to realize what a sad existence she'd have.

"Never again my dear." Devin came to his feet, pulled out a sheet of paper from his coat, and walked to the door. "Now then, I have to go see my lawyer. I shall be seeing you soon." As he came close to the door, he turned around and added in a serious, cold tone, "I don't know if this needs to be said, but as you have no need to leave this place, I expect you won't."

Although Selphie wasn't the sharpest sword in the junk shop, she knew well what Devin meant. In not as literal of words he stated 'DON'T EVER LEAVE THIS HOUSE'. Selphie nodded in compliance, knowing well how Devin reacts to her disobedience.

"That's my dear." He added gently letting his hardened expression dissolve. He walked back to Selphie and placed his hands around her arms. Selphie gazed up at him innocently, unsure of what he'd do next. With a firm jerk, Devin pulled Selphie in and forced a hard, rough kiss. He held Selphie still with a tight grip on her arms and forced his tongue down her throat. After a few moments, he let Selphie go easily letting her fall back on the bed. "It truly is good to have you back home, my dear Selphie." With that, Devin let himself out.

Selphie felt uneasy. She brought her hand to her lips. Devin seldom kissed her, and especially never like that.

"Selphie… I'm your boyfriend." He said quietly. "Right?"
"Course' Irvy, we said so this morning." Selphie replied in the same meek voice.
"Then why were you kissing Nida?"
"He asked me to."

Irvine gently grasped Selphie's shoulders. "Selphie, don't you know what it means to have a boyfriend?" To this, his small little companion shook her head. He leaned his head until his forehead leaned against hers. "It means that, I'm the only guy who gets to kiss you." He puckered his lips letting them just barely brush Selphie's nose. "And you, my little lady are the only girl who gets to kiss me."

Selphie hugged her knees and rested her chin on them. Surely, Irvine wouldn't be angry. He would understand that Mr. Devin wasn't just anyone, he was someone very important to Selphie. She wouldn't be alive today had it not been for him. She held back some forming tears and looked out the window by her bed. A light snow flurry began to fall. Selphie sighed, as for anyone else kissing her, she would never leave the house, and therefore it would never be a problem.

After gazing at the vast white blankness outside for a few minutes, Selphie slowly went to her bag of items sitting by the fireplace. She pulled out the new garments of clothing, marveling at their good quality. They all appeared to be clothes just like the ones she wore back at Mr. Devin's manor. After pulling out all her new clothes, Selphie reached in the bag and pulled out her one remaining uniform. She knew if Mr. Devin discovered she still had it, it'd be thrown away just as her other wonderful possessions were.

Selphie hugged the shirt and skirt to her chest as she looked around the cabin for a place to safely store them. She grabbed the bag, tipped out any remaining contents, stuffed her uniform back inside, and crawled under her bed leaving the bag as far from sight as she could manage. After assuring her uniform was safe as possible, she looked back at the contents of the bag and noticed the copy of The Legend of Gilgamesh resting atop the pile of new clothes.

Having nothing better to do, Selphie grabbed the book and sat herself back on the bed. She gingerly opened the cover and noticed a stamp on the first page reading, "PROPERTY OF BALAMB GARDEN LIBRARY." Selphie guiltily bit her lip realizing she wasn't really allowed to take the book with her. Since it was the only possession Devin allowed her to keep, she found it hard to regret the action.

Selphie turned the pages returning to where she last read of Galn's adventures to capture Gilgamesh and began to indulge herself again. As usual, Galn took the form of Irvine in her mind, despite the fact the description of Galn sounded nothing like the cowboy. Selphie held the book tightly and read dedicatedly, imaging Irvine with every fiber of her attention.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

A full week passed by since Selphie's disappearance from Garden. In that week, Garden saw just as little of Irvine as they did of Selphie. With the rare exception of mealtime, that too being limited to about a meal a day, Irvine locked himself in his dorm and let no one else in.

Having a day short of an entire week of classes, Rinoa had grown irritated with Irvine's drama and decided his act of becoming a hermit could not be a healthy coping mechanism. After his eighth day of his new institution, Rinoa stormed to Irvine's dorm, pounding the door until he finally opened it.

"Irvine Kinneas!" She snapped letting herself in.

Irvine scowled at his bursting friend and sat himself down already deciding not to pay her any mind, despite her having invaded his room. As he had been all week, Irvine sat barely clothed, his hair a mangled mess, a prominent gruff of facial hair grown, and pale red eyed face.

"What do you want Rin?" Irvine yawned and said sonorously.

"You said to leave you alone for a couple of days, it's been a week Irvine and you haven't done a thing! I don't think you've even showered!" Rinoa swooped in and took a sniff at Irvine. She fanned her hand before her nose, disgusted. "Ugh you reek!"

"Anyone ever tell ya what good pep-talker you are Rinoa?" Irvine responded in flat unenthusiastic sarcasm.

Rinoa looked at him, her eyes squinted. "I'm not here to pep talk you. I'm here to make some action happen. Come on, you've sat here sobbing for a week now. It's time for you to shower, and get out of this room."

Irvine exhaled with irritation, "Then what Rinoa? A big ole' study night like we used to have?"

"Nope, Zell invited you, Squall and me for a movie night. So get up and get cleaned, because I volunteered us to get a movie from town. I thought you could use the fresh air. Hurry up!"

"I'll get it myself." Irvine replied walking towards the door, and then holding it open for Rinoa.

"I'll go with you, if you haven't noticed this is me trying to force some human contact on to you."

"That's what tonight's about. I just would rather go on my own." With that, Irvine shut the door in Rinoa's face. A slur of Rinoa's snapping retorts followed the door's slam. Irvine waiting for them to subside before grabbing a towel and walking out to the showers.

Even though Rinoa wanted Irvine to have some fun and possibly cheer up, he couldn't imagine the thought of it. Of course, Rinoa wouldn't hear of that, so he would go. Experiences had taught him that arguing with Rinoa was a futile battle. Either she grew angry, impatient, and stormed off, or she got what she wanted. Either way, Irvine would be left in an unpleasant situation.

The sounds of other students passed Irvine without even a second thought about them. No voice captured his attention, no echo intrigued him, and no clatter fazed him. Irvine traveled a like phantom, soundlessly minding his own business his thoughts swirling in his mind. He showered and exited without making eye contact with anyone.

Although he'd spent a week thinking about it, nothing made sense. How could Selphie leave so carelessly? Did Balamb Garden and everyone here really mean that little to her?

Irvine sat down on a bench amidst the shower room, a towel wrapped around his waist. He hung his head feeling wet locks of hair adhere to his face. He sighed, loudly. Maybe he should stop dwelling what happened and finally start thinking of letting it pass behind him. Irvine didn't imagine it'd be a short process, but the longer he sat just moping the longer it'd take to heal.

Maybe a shower was a good idea, Irvine thought to himself with a smile. He pulled another towel and threw over his head, rubbing his long hair dry.

"I may regret asking this, but what's wrong with you?" Irvine pulled the towel away from his face and saw Nida standing before him, still dress obviously not showered yet.

Irvine shrugged, "It's complicated."

"Selphie left you?" Nida asked promptly, with a hint of excitement.

"…I guess it's not that complicated then."

Nida looked almost as if he were beaming. "Selphie left you huh? Well come on Casanova, why?"

"I wish I knew." Irvine replied shortly already regretting indulging Nida on the subject.

"Perhaps it's crude of me to ask this, but does this mean Selphie is single?"

Irvine came to his feet and chuckled weakly. "Nida, she didn't break up with me. She left, like literally left Garden. She went home to Trabia." He forced a haughty smile, "Come on Nida, what girl has dumped me? Even if she had, she wouldn't rebound to you."

With an air of feigned confidence, Irvine left the showers leaving Nida in a statement of discouragement. Normally a hint of guilt would linger with Irvine as he downed Nida for really no reason other than to make himself feel better. However, today a shower and piece of his old reputation had made him feel much better, for the time being anyways.

Irvine entered his room and began to dress. Halfway through it, a knock sounded at his door. Irritated Irvine looked up back and snapped, "Rinoa I said I'll get the movie alone! I'll see you tonight. Go away, I'm changing!"

The knock sounded again. Irvine scoffed and marched to the door only half dressed, his hair still incredibly wet. He yanked the doorknob and pulled the door open ready to shower Rinoa with a stream of frustration, and then tell her about his encounter with Nida. However, instead of Rinoa, outside his dorm stood a heavily robed Garden Faculty member.

"Irveen Kinneas?" He asked sternly, his face completely concealed by the shadow of his flat hat.

Irvine rubbed his neck embarrassedly and quickly threw a shirt over his head. I shoulda known that knock was too polite to be Rinoa! "S-sorry, I thought you were someone else. Uh yeah, it's Irvine. What can I do for ya?"

"I have a message for you."

"From who? Headmaster Cid, Headmistress Edea?" Irvine looked hopefully at the mysterious faculty member. Could it be news that Selphie was coming back? That she made a mistake in leaving and decided to return?

The faculty shook his head. He held out his heavily robed arm. Irvine opened his hand to whatever it was the faculty wanted to hand him. Somewhere from between the folds of his long sleeve, a square piece of paper fell and landed in Irvine's palm. He held it up reading the neat handwriting.

Selphie Tilmitt to Irvene Kinneas:

"I'm sorry but I had to go, but I'll never forget him."

Irvine looked up in awe, "This is from Selphie."

"Yes, I am aware of that. She asked me to relay the message to you before she left."

"But she's been gone a week, what took you?"

"I have more important matters than to play messenger, boy. Be glad I got to it at all."

Deciding it was futile to argue with the worker, who obviously would only show more attitude, Irvine held the paper up and read it again. "I don't get it, why didn't she just tell me this herself?"

"If I recall correctly, and I always do, she was not allowed the time to wait for her peers. She was told to pack and leave immediately." The Garden Faculty turned around, content with whatever answers he'd left Irvine with and disappeared down the halls without another word.

Irvine closed the door and slowly walked to his bed. He sat down pondering. "Sorry I had to go…" He repeated slowly, letting the words sink it. "I'm sorry but I had to go…" With each repetition, Irvine could clearly Selphie's sweet little voice in his mind saying the same words to him. "…had to go." Restated Irvine a final time.

"She had to go," Irvine started to conclude, his voice growing in excitement. "She had to go, she was forced to go! She didn't leave me on purpose!" Kissing the small paper, Irvine leapt to his feet in joy. "She didn't leave me on purpose!"

Irvine's joy was short lived as a new worry swept over him. If Selphie had been forced to leave Garden, did that mean she was in danger? Was she alright? Would she be safe back in Trabia? A new despair plagued the cowboy, would Selphie live to see him again?

'''''''''''''''''''''''''

Selphie's first week of isolation passed by, surprisingly not as terribly as she first imagined. Mr. Devin had come more often than she even imagined, twice since she arrived to be exact. Selphie still felt unsettled by her forced reunions with Devin but as he was really the only human contact available she was accepting to them.

As Devin mentioned, a grocer came in the middle of the week, but the small man made no contact whatsoever. He didn't speak or look at her. Quickly and silently, he filled the fridge and cabinets with a few items and left wordlessly. Selphie had even attempted to speak to him, but to no avail.

The week drew to an end, and Mr. Devin promised a visit once more before his scheduled kept him too detained. Although Mr. Devin was rough and uncomfortable to be with, Selphie already dreaded him not coming as often as he had been.

Surprisingly enough, Selphie spent as much time trying to hold on to her education. She practiced writing and read her book for most of the time. The more she wrote however, the more she missed Balamb. She'd spend hours on her bed gazing out the window, imagining the life she would still be living. Her daydreams never came without an image of Irvine.

Her heart burned with every passing second that she remained in the cabin. She wondered with every coming day if a chance to return to Balamb would arrive. Until then, she would delve deep into Galn's adventure's to imagine Irvine and her together, in a land faraway and make-believe.

"Galn went into town after another grueling trial with Gilgamesh. The passed weeks were cruel, as Gilgamesh had only grown angry with Galn and now not only avoided his capture, but punished Galn in the process. Exhausted, but yet determined, Galn came the nearest town to rest and to resupply.

As he passed through, he found a local postman sorting his parchments. A look of joy spread across Galn's face, as for every day he spent in the wildness in attempts to capture Gilgamesh, he'd written a letter for his beloved Leona. He retrieved the thick stack of letters from his parcel and handed it to the postman. The postman carefully inspected the letter before reaching into his own collection.

'This was sent from this very address, do you know anyone by the name of Leona?'

'Yes!' Galn cried, his heart full of joy, 'She is the air I breath, and the reason my heart beats! My wonderful Leona, she's kept track of my travels, how clever is my love? Please let me see the letter my good man!'

The postman traded documents and Galn ripped open the letter and began to read as hastily as his eyes could manage:

My darling Galn,

I'm afraid you must stop your adventure. I know you would be successful, but I fear there will be no one for you to return to, my beloved. Due to my insolence and refusal of all suitors, my father has sentenced me to exile. I shall be leaving for the Galbadian desert to perish. I love you with all my heart Galn, but I fear there will be no chance of us together in this life. I wish you to marry whomever you wish, and be merry. Take care my love, yours forever Leona.

An uncontrollable sorrow consumed Galn immediately, without a word, he ran. He ran as far as he could through the town, leagues into the forest beyond. He wept openly and screamed for Gilgamesh to appear. When the large armed demi-god came forth, Galn fell to his knees and cried.

'Gilgamesh! The reason for my existence is gone! Do me a mercy and kill me now! I do not wish to live without Leona! My entire endeavor to capture you was to win a chance to marry her! Now she will be dead within weeks, and I have no way to stop it. In fact, I have caused this! Kill me, Gilgamesh, do as you've wanted to do with me and a favor as well.'

Gilgamesh raised his sword and held it high. He swung low making the wind snap. Galn looked about realizing his head was still intact; he peered up and saw Gilgamesh, sword still erect.

'I honor your pursuit for love, if you wish to save her, I shall give you my aide. I shall give you the strength to reach your beloved, and in payment you must never attempt to hunt me again!'

Selphie read further, engrossed by the rising action. A loud knock at the door forced her out of her mental play of Irvine with Gilgamesh. She looked at the door as a knock sounded again. Although Selphie knew it was Mr. Devin at the door, she felt hesitant to open it. When the knock sounded a third time, Selphie leapt to her feet and answered the door not wanting to anger Mr. Devin.

"Selphie, my dear." He said rather stoically letting himself in. "What kept you?"

Unsure of the proper way to excuse her lateness, Selphie bit her lip and nervously responded, "I was just—"

"Studying?" Devin asked noticing the mess of papers on the table with Selphie's practice writings on it. Selphie began to protest, but Devin swiftly came to the table and began reading the random names written on it. Unsure of what to use for practice, Selphie wrote down any words she could remember. Some were flowing sentences as from Matron's history lessons, or Quistis' fighting lectures, but most of them were names of everyone.

"Well, I guess you could call it studying." Selphie responded slowly not sure what studying even entailed.

Mr. Devin continued to inspect the paper as he released a small, "Hmph," after a moment or two. He put the paper down and turned to Selphie. With one hand, he reached into his suit and pulled out a small bottle. "A cup please." He requested calmly.

Selphie quickly retrieved a glass and brought to Mr. Devin. He unscrewed his bottle and began to pour the clear liquid into it. "Selphie, it appears to me you aren't happy here. Am I correct?"

"I-I'm happy." Selphie answered innocently. After all, at one point in her life this was what she considered her ideal living conditions.

"But you could be happier." Devin corrected finishing the contents of the bottle into the glass.

Selphie shrugged, "S-sure I guess." She added a small chuckle. Devin smiled and came to her with the glass in hand.

"Drink this my dear." He ordered.

"Is it water?" Selphie asked inspecting the transparent drink.

"It's something my pharmaceutical company has been working on. Have you heard of G.F's my dear?"

Selphie nodded recalling them from Instructor Trepe's lessons.

"G.F's are powerful beings that give their user unthinkable abilities, however, they take a place in the person's mind to do that. It used to be a belief that the occupation of the G.F. in a human mind simply took the space up for memories. However, researchers learned that is not the case, instead what a G.F. does by no control of its own is release a— shall we call it, magic— that slowly erases memories in the mind. The more time and power a G.F. expends, the more of that magic that is created. However, no matter how much a G.F. is used, it's still a small amount of magic released. The person could still recover their memories with enough thought, normally. I can't imagine how much a person would have to use a G.F. in order to permanently erase anything."

Selphie paid close attention, although not understanding most of what Devin said. She nodded attentively, curious to what all this had to do with anything.

"What I have in my hand," Mr. Devin held the glass up and gave it a small swish, "is a manmade version of that magic. This version is stronger than the G.F's and can permanently erase memories with one serving. It's a magnificent process really, all you must do is think of what you wish to forget, drink, and the work is done." Reaching for Selphie's hand, Devin carefully placed the glass in her grip. "I've brought this for you so you may forget about Balamb, and be happy here."

Shocked, Selphie looked at the glass as her breathed quickened. It'd only been a week since she'd left Garden. So much had happened: she'd lost all her friends, her wonderful home, brought back to a place she swore never to return to, lost all her possessions from Garden, and now her memory too? Devin eyed her carefully, waiting for her to do as he said. "Can I drink it later?" Selphie asked, trying not to sound too earnest.

"I suppose." Devin said with a smile. He took the glass from her and set it down. "After all I did come to see you, and I believe once you drink that you'd become far too sleepy to be much company."

Selphie tried not to be surprised when Devin grabbed her in his arms and roughly kissed on the lips. His strong hands held her tightly and uncomfortably in place. Although the desire to squirm traversed her mind, Selphie couldn't imagine what would happen if she did. She remained still as Devin set her on the bed.

Turning her head to the side, she looked at the glass on the table, the light of the room gleaming through it like crystal. Maybe it is a good idea to forget Balamb, it'd stop hurting so much. Devin unbuckled his pants and loosened his jacket. Holding Selphie roughly in place, he groped her small chest and waist, his weight beginning to press down on her. Biting her lip, Selphie squeezed her eyes shut as Devin's hand prodded and pinched at her.

Forget Balamb, forget Matron, Rinoa, Zell, Squall, Nida, Amy, Instructor Trepe, Seifer…I should forget them. I should forget Irvy. Tears formed in her eyes, sliding from the ends and down onto the bed. I should forget Irvy, I miss him so much… how can I forget him? Mr. Devin yanked Selphie's legs apart.

No! I can't! I won't! I love Irvy! I'll never forget him, NEVER! Holding Selphie ever firmly, Devin plunged himself her, causing Selphie to release a slight whimper. She opened her eyes to the glass shining on the table as Devin breathed heavily between thrusts. I want Irvy, save me Irvy! I want you to be here now! More tears fell down as her lips parted.

"Irvy…"

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Irvine walked down the road, his eyes focused in the distance, his pace slow, and his mind elsewhere. The words from Selphie's message repeated in his head, like echoes of a deep cave. He could hear her small voice pleadingly saying them; he could see her eyes begging to convey it correctly. Irvine felt a tug at his heart, what if Selphie was hurt now? Headmaster Cid had let her gone without her choice, and he didn't know what to do.

"I'm sorry but I had to go, but I'll never forget him."

Breathing slowly, Irvine tried to imagine all the possibilities of getting Selphie back. Suppose he traveled to Trabia, where would he find her? Her old house? The fountain? Her clerk job? She was one girl, with very little to verify her.

"I'm sorry but I had to go, but I'll never forget him."

His heart wrenched tightly as he imagined Selphie's innocent face looking at him repeating the message he'd read over a hundred times since he left his room. What if she came back to Garden? He'd hold her and never let her leave his side, he would protect her, he would.

His mind lost to the world, he scarcely noticed making it to town, and far enough to see the movie store. He tried to concentrate on what he came for stepping into the store. He scanned the shelves of movies unable to comprehend the words and pictures.

He held up a movie and inspected it. The words on it were a language he understood, but for the life of him, he couldn't make sense of it. The picture looked a blur of colors. Taking a deep breath, Irvine passed aisles and aisles of movies with incoherent names and fuzzy illustrations until he came to the last row. He carefully eyed the films and stopped at one whose picture appeared crystal clear. Irvine grasped the movie and read the title aloud.

"The Dragon Knight…" The cover displayed a young man with long flowing black hair in close view, while a Ruby dragon flared its head behind him.

"The Dragon Knight! It's about a Sorceress who gets captured by this biiig red dragon. So her knight goes on this really hard journey to get her back. It's so sweet, and the knight is super cool!" Selphie smiled brightly, "Haven't you heard of it? Mr. Devin said it was really famous. The guy who played the knight is like a president or something."

Without another thought, Irvine purchased the movie and left, his eyes glued to the cover. He flipped it side to side inspecting every inch of it. When he arrived to Zell's dorm, he soundless handed him the movie and sat himself down the cover still in his hand under close inspection.

Zell, Amy, Rinoa, and Squall groaned and complained at Irvine, but their voices were mute to him. He continued to gaze at the cover almost longingly as Zell finally started the movie despite everyone's protests.

"I thought you were getting the movie Rinoa!"

"Irvine wanted to go alone!"

"Please tell me we're not watching this."

"It could be fun, let's give it a try."

"Well it is pretty historical."

"Squall I've never seen you so red!"

"I'm leaving."

"Don't be upset, Zelly, make him stay!"

Once the movie began, Irvine watched enthused, his mind filtering his friend's comments completely. He couldn't hear Zell's historical tidbits, Amy's added commentary, Rinoa's joy from Squall's reactions, or Squall's threatening statements to turn the movie off. He could only see the film, and imagine how Selphie would be watching it with him. Rinoa's mission of cheering Irvine up was a success.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Selphie lay still as Devin went and refreshed himself. He suited up properly and washed his face of perspiration. Once he exited, he eyed Selphie who hadn't much moved. "Is something wrong my dear?"

Slowly Selphie lifted her head, "Nope," she said softly. Weakly she lifted her now sore legs and came to a sitting position. Her body ached from Devin's rough handling. "I'm fine." She forced a smile and looked up at Mr. Devin.

Mr. Devin returned the grin. He walked forward, as he continued to button up his shirt and cuffs. "My dear, what is an 'irvy'?"

Selphie looked blankly at him unable to respond. She blinked and finally formed a thought before saying, "What do you mean?"

"It was on your paper Selphie, it's no word I've ever heard. Care to share its meaning with me?" He thinned his eyes, but remained smiling still.

Carefully choosing her words, Selphie responded slowly, "Irvy, I mean Irvine, is a friend of mine. From Balamb."

"A friend you say?" Devin asked now looking another direction. Selphie nodded in response afraid to speak anymore. Mr. Devin didn't pester with another question, after he was fully dressed he picked up the glass from the table and brought it to Selphie. "Here you are my dear, drink up."

Dauntingly, Selphie gazed at the glass, hesitant to lay a finger on it. She looked back up at Devin, "Maybe later? I'm not thirsty…"

"I want you to drink it now." Devin said sternly.

"But I will drink it, later I promise." Selphie said deserperately almost defiantly.

"No, you will drink it now."

Mr. Devin grasped Selphie's arm and yanked it, forcing her to her feet. He held the glass to his lips prompting her to sip. Immediately, Selphie pursed her lips closed. "Drink it Selphie." Devin continued pressing the rim of the glass to her closed mouth. Selphie shook head, keeping her lips as tightly sealed as she could.

Selphie's defiance took over Devin immediately, he looked at her coldly and wrapped her in one arm, bringing the draught to her lips and shoving it through her clinched lips. A small sip snuck passed her lip, Selphie could feel the cold liquid in her mouth. She screamed out and spit the contents out. "No! I don't want to drink it!" She cried out.

Devin held her even tighter causing Selphie to kick and squirm as much as she could. Her arms tugged at his in attempts to release her, she flailed her legs out and twisted her head side to side. "NOOO!" She continued to scream only making Devin's grip on her tighter. He snuck a hand to her jaw and squeezed forcing her mouth open. Selphie howled and cried, her vision blurred, as every appendage fought to escape.

"Drink it." Devin said coldly forcing the contents of the glass into her mouth. He muffled her lips and nose, holding her still until he heard her swallow. Selphie resisted letting the icy cold liquid swirl about her mouth, but as Devin cut the air from her nose, she began to feel light headed. Unable to hold her breath any longer, she let the liquid slip down her throat, freezing her body as it went down. "Now think about Balamb, think of all your friends, do it now."

Selphie, still muffled, squeezed her eyes closed and tried her hardest to do exactly the opposite of what Devin said. Of course, Devin saying Balamb only made her think of it. She tried to force other thoughts in her mind but Devin said Balamb repeatedly bringing the focus of the Garden and the wonderful people who lived there.

After a moment, Devin silenced as Selphie's cries thinned out and stopped. He dropped the glass carelessly and released Selphie in the same manner. She fell to the ground with a loud thump her body lifelessly sprawled on floor. Devin adjusted his shirt as Selphie's squirming had shuffled his appearance. He cleared his throat and looked to the door.

"I'm pleased you finally saw it my way, my dear." He said coldly before letting himself out.

Selphie remained on the floor, her insides burning from the intense cold of the drink. Her vision cleared and blurred as tears fell and formed. She tried to think of something else, anything but Garden. Her mind could only center on her friends, her classes— and of course Irvine.

The draught took affect immediately as the pictures in her head became fuzzy and her whole body seemed exhausted and drained. Barely conscious Selphie relished her last memories of Irvine as her mind slipped in slumber.

Nothing fixes a thing so intensely in the memory as the wish to forget it.

-Michel de Montaigne