Final Fantasy VIII Return
Chapter four- A struggle within
Selphie looked down at the flowers before her. Crimson, pearl, or apricot peach carnations. Nothing seemed good enough for Headmaster Cid.
"Irvy, what colors?" Selphie asked holding up several flowers. They were in the Quad near a disorganized stage that was covered in various flowers and supplies scattered about. Though she was honored to organize such an important event it had turned out to be much more daunting than she had ever expected, and Irvine didn't seemed to helping too much.
"Oh Sefie, what ever one you like," Irvine responded. He was getting bored with all the bows and ribbons around. But he didn't want to seem insensitive.
"But c'mon, which one?" She asked. Selphie saw someone approaching behind Irvine. Was it Seifer?
"Messenger girl and Mr. Cowboy, how's Chicken-Shit's funeral going?" Seifer asked disinterested.
"You big Meanie! Headmaster Cid was a great and kind man, something you'll never be!" Selphie took out her Nunchucks.
"Is that a threat shit-for-brains." Seifer said starring at Selphie's Nunchucks.
"Now I think that's enough, Seifer. You may not be afraid of little Selphie, but by the time I'm done with you, you'll be wishing we never had this talk," Irvine said. He didn't know why Seifer was badgering Selphie, but he really didn't understand why Seifer did anything. Selphie clinched her hands in frustration.
"I can take care of myself! You'll see. Seifer get away! Irvine, uhhh." Selphie finished her fit. Irvine looked at her with a side ways glance.
"Oooo, I'm so scared." Seifer said sarcastically. He smiled and motioned his hand in a challenging way. Seifer looked at Selphie remembering fond times at Edea's Orphanage. When they had all were just kids. He remembered how he used to play war with Selphie, the only girl he had excepted as a friend. He shock his head because of how ridiculous things had become, oh well.
"What is it Seifer, anyway?" Irvine asked.
"Just got some scandalous news. It seems are "beloved" Head Cid, was poisoned," Seifer said with a sigh.
Selphie looked crossed, Irvine doubtful of Seifer's words. "How do we know your telling the truth?" He questioned.
"Just heard it from the Doc, or maybe you'd rather hear it from the Queen of Garden herself, Xu," Seifer explained.
"Well maybe we'll just do that!" Selphie piped up. Selphie started to walk away expecting Irvine to follow, but when he didn't she turned around. "Irvine?" Selphie saw Irvine lying on the ground on his side. She rushed over to him.
"Don't look at me," Seifer said. Selphie rolled Irvine onto his back, as she crouched over his body protectively.
"Irvine? What's wrong?" Her voice cracked. Irvine looked unusually pale and felt hot against her. "Irvine?!" Selphie said more concerned.
"Selphie…" Irvine said weakly. Irvine's body was numb and he felt like he was on fire.
"Seifer, go get help, now!" She yelled at him.
Seifer took off and started running to the infirmary. As he entered he found it to be extremely over crowed with wall to wall people. Dr. Kadawaki was running about in the midst of the anarchy.
"Hey Doc, that Cowboy guy is sick," he yelled above the crowd. Dr. Kadawaki through a cylinder at Seifer, throwing him off guard.
"Just inject this into his arm, quickly!" She yelled at him.
Seifer returned to see Selphie pulling Irvine's body up to her lap.
"He's unconscious!" Selphie screamed. Seifer walked over to Selphie much to her dismay. "Hurry!" Seifer rolled Irvine's Swede jacket up putting the cylinder to his bare arm. Nothing happened at first, but then Irvine opened his eyes. Selphie squeezed Irvine tightly relieved he was ok. "Who ever did this is gonna pay!" But before anyone could utter another word, Xu's voice came loudly over the intercom.
"Selphie, Irvine, and Seifer please report here, immediately!"
When they arrived Xu had a look of intense worry on her face. "Were in trouble. I've just heard that Garden's water supply was poisoned. I'm about to make the announcement, but thought you should notify Squall." Xu said to the group. She didn't know whom to trust anymore. Seifer undoubtedly had something to with it. Traitor, was Squall such a fool to let him stay?
Christine left Laguna alone and approached Squall using subtly to her advantage. Quistis drew her hand back.
"Actually, we do need you SeeDs," Christine said playing with the thought.
"Who's we?" Zell asked more interested.
"Esthar and Galabadia, who else?" She knew they hadn't been informed, half the world didn't know.
Zell jumped back in surprise, Quistis looked at her not believing a single word, and Squall couldn't care less.
"I guess we weren't informed," Quistis said still in disbelief.
"There have been rumors in my country of terrorism. Probably just a disorganized gang of rebels, but none less it concerns me. It would please me very much if you could stop by and watch over things, I can make it worth your wild." Christine said ignoring Quistis.
Squall was already put off by this women, something just seemed wrong with her presence being here. And now she was trying to contract SeeD. His life seemed to be falling apart right before his eyes. But maybe Rinoa was there, with her father.
"Agreed," he said simply. Everyone looked at him as if he was delusional. Christine smiled.
"Then it's settled, if you have any problems you know where to reach me," she said satisfied and walked away.
"We're SeeDs, and this is our duty," Squall said in his defense.
"This isn't our duty, Squall. We don't have to do anything we don't want to do," Quistis said frustrated.
"Man, your blinded by your feelings, huh huh. Never thought I would have to say that to you of all people, Squall," Zell said.
"Whatever." Squall responded.
"Squall, it's just that's something's fishy around here. I mean, the warring nation of Galabadia, and Esthar the waaay-advanced country, together? And how did what's-her-name and Laguna meet, did you she how close they were? Zell said.
"Rinoa" Squall said under his breath, he hadn't heard a word of what Zell had said.
"Is that what's this is about? A girl who took your heart and left. Squall, please you have a life, a very important one, too many people need you. I need you," Quistis said with tears in her eyes.
"I never asked for this, never. Someone just keeps on saying, "This is your destiny Squall, don't question it. It's your responsibility for Garden, for the world, for Rinoa, and to be a SeeD". Maybe I should question everything, everyone else dose," Squall said frustrated.
"Fine then Squall, just throw away everything for one person," Quistis said. Her voice was as sharp as a dagger. Quistis began to leave she was beyond words. Maybe he would care if she left.
"Squall, this has gone way to far too far. I think that's the angriest I've ever seen her. You got to do something man," Zell said nodding his head. Zell ran after Quistis, and Squall eventually caught up with him in the Ragnarok.
Quistis couldn't believe what had come over her. This had gone beyond any feelings she had for Squall, or even feelings more than friendship. She had actually tried to stand between him and Rinoa. But in the midst of her thoughts the communication station began beeping.
"Squall…? Quistis, Zell come in!" Selphie's voice boomed over the speaker.
Quistis responded, "What's wrong Selphie?"
"We know the cause of Headmaster Cid's death." Selphie paused. "He was poisoned."
"We'll be there as soon as possible," Quistis said.
"Hurry, Garden's in trouble!" Selphie said, her voice growing in urgency. Quistis ended the transmission. She tried not to think of Squall, but couldn't help but worry.
"Where is he?" Zell said as to read her thoughts. And after uttering such words Squall walked in with his usual frowned face. And Zell not knowing how to address his leader stood idly.
"Were going back to Garden." He said simply, he didn't wait for the others to question his motives, preferring to think alone. For that is where he felt the most comfort after all. The others joined him in solitude feeling to awkward or aloof. Quistis, deciding not to even look at the young man. It seemed to her at that moment that everything she tried to teach him, or every time to offer comfort and support was in vain. Squall, needed to place him self far away from his emotions. He needed to focus on Garden, especially in light of Cid's death.
When they arrived at the cool steel gate that guarded Garden, all look at peace. But as usual looks were indeed deceiving.
"Selphie called before you returned, she said the Headmaster was poisoned, scandalous stuff…" Zell said to Squall. They had gone through the gate and were now making their way to the flat steps. Their surroundings seemed deathly quiet, as where the birds that would normally fill the area.
"Get the traitors!" A student yelled suddenly.
"I think this would be a good time to run!" Zell said ready to run. He looked scared even though it wasn't the first time Garden had been chaos.
"No Zell," Squall said.
"What's this all about," Squall asked the girl.
"Xu said that you let Seifer stay at Garden and poisoned Headmaster Cid. She's gonna be really happy when I bring you in, Commander Squall," Commander was said in a sneer.
"Quistis, you and Zell go find Selphie and Irvine. I'll take care of Xu," Squall said to the duo. Two student's actually grabbed his arms.
"No Squall," Quistis demanded. She had no idea what he was up to. Zell stood before her as if to block her.
Quistis' words finally got trough to Squall and he realized that if because of destiny or fate he needed to save Garden. He recognized the girl and the boy that tugged on his shoulders. The girl had long dark hair and striking blue eyes, and was only fifteen. The boy had wild red curls and Hazel eyes. He was sixteen. Both had been wounded in the last attack of Garden, and he had made their aquatint briefly. They dragged Squall along to the disciplinary quarters. The room seemed dimly lit, and the only light was the single bulb hanging from a curved opaque ceiling. The room was sparsely furnished, possessing only a simple bench. And under the beam of light sitting smugly with her legs crossed was Xu.
"Thanks Tek and Melissa, would you please excuse me and the Commander," Xu said.
"And how are you, Xu?" Squall asked, his voice firm.
"I wouldn't be too concerned with me, but you on the other hand have some big problems," Xu said her voice unsteady. She stood up.
"What is it now?" He asked.
"The poison, Squall. The poison that they found, in your room." She stood there firmly and unwavering.
He through his arm out in frustration, was somebody out to get him?
"But what do you think, Xu?"
"I think you have a little explaining to do." Xu could question Squall all she wanted, but in the end she could never bring her self to believe such accusations.
"I have nothing to explain." He shot back at her.
"Squall, look what I think doesn't matter, but what they do, dose. All those kids who look up to you, and want to be you, the people who doubted you, all of them. You owe them an explanation, you are there Commander!" She turned away from the speechless boy.
"Maybe I do, Xu. But how will they believe me? Huh, the same man accused of such a heinous crime!" He was beginning to lose any hope he might have had.
"You know better than that. Hurray, I don't know what's going to happen next," her head was down, and her voice low.
Quistis and Zell continued running to each section of the Garden, still seeking Irvine and a Selphie out. With rumors of betrayal flying that Squall had murdered Cid they quickened their pace, as if to hurray things along.
"Instructor, we've looked everywhere. C'mon, let's go bust Squall out!" Zell said. He was exhausted, and pouting like a dog.
"Squall, ordered us to find them and find them we will," Quistis said. They walked past the main directory, spotting Squall.
"Squall!" Zell yelled. Quistis and Zell ran to ketch up with him. Quistis being very glad to see him, not to mention relieved.
"I finally understand what you were trying to say," Squall said to Quistis. He looked at his friends and sighed happy to see them. He began to walk again.
"Good to have you back Commander, lead on then," Quistis said with a smile.
Squall nodded back and they continued for the bridge. The boy felt his heart beat fiercely deep in his chest as a sign of anxiety. His palms hot and perspiring. He stepped up to the plate and turned the machine on. And as if the importance of the moment would be stammered he began to speak.
"I don't know what to say. I don't know how anyone could like or look up to someone like me. And I never wanted such a demanding responsibility of so many people. But Cid must have seen something that I didn't, in till now. In till now could I grasp that Garden goes beyond what I think, and me. And if I'm worthy enough I'll be your Commander, and only then." The young man looked up with a new sense of his surroundings, and hope?
"You can't fight your destiny, Squall." Quistis said crossing her arms.
And her words seemed haunting in away to him. It felt strange to think that everyone could possibly have a place or a reason for existing, even Seifer. He felt clammy, and out of place among his friends. And what finally broke the silence was Selphie and Irvine's sudden arrival.
"Selphie, are the arrangements for Headmaster Cid's memorial ready?" Squall asked the charismatic girl.
"Yes, Commander," she replied distracted.
"We need to get this over with, how long do you need?" Squall asked.
"Um… Just a few more hours, if I can get your guy's help." As usual Selphie was to involve her friends.
"Fine, but I need to know where Seifer is." Squall said.
"Oh, him. He ran off, only Hyne knows where he is," Irvine said in response.
Chapter five- In the eye of storm
Rinoa gathered the supplies off the frigid concrete of her back yard. Zone and Watts were standing in the corner. The wind blew through her hair and was pulled back half way in a bun for no other reason but to be practical. The old willow that gently swayed back and forth loomed over as if to protect them. Blocking the pale moon and shadowing everything. It seemed to the girl that the past had to be erased in order for her to progress to the future. She wasn't Rinoa anymore she was the fierce young rebel out to destroy the big bad Galabadian Government, or at least that's what she told her self. She drew up the model of the Presidential Mansion, her target.
"Rinoa, are you sure we can get away with this?" Zone asked questioningly.
"If we don't, at least we made a statement," she seemed with out a care, denying to herself that she had anything to lose.
"I gathered some more information. Did you know there is a back entrance that isn't even guarded," Watts said. What was she getting them into? She remembered the dream she had. In the dream she had been with Squall, in a baby blue dress that flowed gently in the night's air, she pulled the shawl around her closer as she shivered. She was waiting for someone, for Squall. And when he came, he was dressed in all black, to blend in with the night, which could never be because of the light of the Moon. His Gun Blade over his shoulder and a smug look on his face that curved into a smile. He took her gently around the waist and kissed her. But this vision shattered into a scene less than desired. Squall was dead, lying in a pool of his own blood with his Gun Blade sticking out of his side. And Rinoa screamed so loud the other side of the world cried for her. Then when she awoke her father was by her side, offering comfort.
"Rinoa, what should we do?" Zone asked her.
"What?" Rinoa replied.
"We need another explosive device," Watts piped up.
"Whatever you need go get it! Just do it soon were doing this tonight no matter what," she ordered them.
"You've changed, Rinoa," Zone said looking down.
"What do you mean, Zone," she said.
"What ever happened to Squall?" Zone asked softly. "He was suppose to take care of you. He was suppose to shield you from all the evil in this world!" Zone said.
"I can take care of myself! I'm the Sorceress. I don't need anybody," Rinoa turned away. She stood there for a moment of time, to gather her composure and to think.
"I'll go get more explosive devices," Zone left for the shopping arcade.
"And I'll go gather some more information," Watts said, caching of to Zone.
Rinoa decided that some things were better done alone, and with that thought she gathered the round bombs, the wire, and of course the detonators, stuffing the various oddities into a simple black brief case. She went back inside into her room. The black suit that she wore was both suiting and stern. It was with shape, but covering as well. Her raven hair was still unnaturally pulled back, and the look was just part of her new begging. She grabbed the suitcase once again, as if to finally admit to what she was about to do and started out for her short quest. The plan was simple, and she had already bribed the guards so nothing could go wrong, but yet she looked around almost expecting to be found out. The gardens were empty, and not a thing stirred. As she crept around in the darkness all her fears began to ketch up with her, like she ever eluded them to begin with. She finished planting the simple machines around and sighed, all her fears over a barren space. She reproached the front of the copper colored building, ready to enter through the double golden doors. But before she could think an older man opened the door.
"Sorceress Rinoa," he said with a nod. They had expected her, not a good sign at all. She gazed around the lavish room. It seemed to glow from an unnatural light. There was a mural painted on the high rising ceiling that depicted a battle of some sort. There was one man in the painting with an intense glare in his eyes that stood gallantly on the mound, out stretching his arm. Legions behind him looking up with respect. The other man seemed to blend in with the foggy twilight, looking beaten, about to collapse. His sword balancing a broken body. What was the meaning? The walls of the room were painted a rich scarlet and there was a grand spiraling staircase. She sat down on the antiquated sofa, crossing her legs.
"Sorceress Rinoa, I should have known. Even in my husband's death a Sorceress threatens everything he worked for his whole life. Leave now, your presence is tainting all that is decent," Christine said. Christine saw Rinoa as the epitome of all those things she never had and the threat that would take away all her dreams of grander. She envied the young women, the girl literally had every power in the world at her fingertips.
"All admit my reasons for being here aren't just, but I don't think that was quiet necessary. I mean look at you, prancing around like you are sad he's dead, everyone knows you used him," Rinoa's response was with the most diplomacy that was deserved for such a tyrant. She was trying to save the women's life and now she was being insulted.
"What reasons would there be for coming here? And what would you know about it, little girl! " Christine was angered by the fact that the girl could see right through her.
"What do you think I want?" Rinoa asked. She wasn't a little girl, she could take care of herself. She was a Sorceress that at least implied she had some power.
"To take over the world, time, which one will it be? I'm sure you could do both considering you have the Commander of SeeD wrapped around your little finger," she said twirling her finger in an exaggerated motion. Christine had been walking down the Mahogany staircase and approached Rinoa in till she was within arm reach.
"Something is going to happen… To this place, I suggest you and whoever leave now." Rinoa tried to control her emotions, she was so nervous she hoped not to shake.
"Get out! I'm tired of these childish games. I will not allow you to threaten me in my home. If you one make one wrong move I will kill you myself!" She was enraged and beyond self control.
Rinoa knew her job had been done, and walked away. The moon and stars were just a twinkle in her eye because her eyes mainly focused on the burning building.
Squall was ready in his SeeD uniform. He didn't know what he was going to say once again, or how to act. It seemed every thought returned to Rinoa. How he wished to have her call his name, or look up at him with her dark eyes. And how everything made no sense whatsoever. He had to forget her, because all those moments that filled his mind would continue to plague him. What he had to think of was the present, and the problems that faced him now. He would rid her of his mind forever.
It was to take place at the grand hall where many regal parties were held, and now to being used for such a grin occasion. Groups of Jr. Classmen piled in with looks of gloom on once cheery faces. A dull black coffin lied in the center, open casket. Everywhere you looked a white flower hung in respect. Pictures of Cid's familiar and happy grin were also plastered about. Then a few tables scattered on the rim for entrees and such. As Squall entered, the crowds grew quiet watching his every move. He approached the podium, seeing Quistis and the rest of his friends standing attentively. But before he could speak Quistis whispered something to him.
"Don't say anything I wouldn't," and even in his darkest hour she was there to guide him, like an older sister. Squall stood there, still for a moment. His body tense as his heart raced. Everyone was waiting to hear his words of lost, doubt and hope.
"I don't think I should be the one to do this. There is someone here that was far closer to Cid than I ever was. Xu, could come up here," Squall brushed the hair that hung limp over his eyes, feeling even more self-conscious. He waited as Xu made her way to the stage knowing how close she had been to Cid. He wanted also to avoid saying things he would regret later, and stepped back.
"Headmaster Cid was one of the nicest men I have ever met and will always be. He always knew what to say to make things better and-" She stopped, consumed by her emotions. Xu was never so much the kind of person to cry, but her friend, and closest thing to a father had died. "I know a lot of us at Garden are Orphans and thought of Cid like a father, and even those of us that aren't loved him dearly. And speaking for his behalf I think he would want us to continue our lives and not spend too much time on such sad things, but to try and be happy. The best way we can honor him is, to live his dream, and to never forget him," she finished. Her words had sounded corny and sentimental to her, but invoked a reaction among the crowds none the less. Everyone even in the wake of remorse and tears cracked a smile to pay homage to the fallen Cid. Xu stepped down, her eyes watery because of the moment. Xu decided to leave, such feelings were better left to one's own solitude, and walked away. She made her way through the crowd, undaunted by people's opinions or reactions. She avoided those who tried to comfort her, she didn't need a shoulder to cry on or their pity. The truth of the matter was that Xu felt as if Cid's passing had taken a piece of her soul with him. She felt empty, and numb. Never to say another word to him, or to hear another comforting word from his lips. The world seemed hazy and unclear to her as she stepped out into the Quad.
The silence reassured her that no one was near so she could sit down under a tree. But she heard something coming and looked up to see Squall.
"Commander Squall, and what brings you here in my darkest hour?" She asked shrilly.
"They made me come get you, everyone is worried and thought for some reason I could help you," he said. He looked at her worn out eyes, wondering what would happen to him if one of his friends died.
"Ha ha ha, see it's working, I feel better already. Ask me how I'm doing go ahead. C'mon Squall. All right all save you the trouble. Yes Squall I am fine. So now you can go back to your little fantasy world were you are a gallant knight, that everyone respects, even those cold and evil Sorceress. Where with a swipe of your blade all the darkness in the world will once and for all be vanquished. And where you rescue the beautiful heroin and you get married to live happily ever after. Go back there and leave me alone." She wanted to be bitter alone.
"Fine then Xu, have it your way. But you don't have to take all your problems out on me," Squall said and walked away.
"Squall." Xu called out to him. He turned around to see what she wanted.
"I'm sorry Squall. I really am," she said to him. Headmaster Cid had seen so much in this boy she had to at least put up with him. Squall heard footsteps from behind and heard Zell shouting.
"Squall! Squall!" Zell yelled. Quistis, Selphie, Irvine, Seifer, Fujin and Ranjin followed. Quistis right after Zell. Irvine and Selphie together, Irvine looking dazed, Selphie alarmed. Seifer walked awkwardly with Fujin and Ranjin, he felt almost left out. "Serious stuff is flying, man. You'll never guess what just happened," he continued. Zell paused to ketch his breath. "She bombed the presidential mansion."
"Who?" He asked.
"Rinoa. Squall," Quistis spoke up.
Squall tried to leave, but everyone looked at him.
"We're SeeDs and it's our duty is to defeat the Sorceress. This order comes from Garden and Galabadia. It's too late to leave now, so everyone get some sleep and make sure you are in top condition. Seifer, if you mess up once your out of here," Squall felt conflicted and tired. But Seifer made his way through the group in till he was face to face with Squall. He felt funny having to look down at Squall.
"Welcome to the dark side," he said to Squall. Squall turned away from the boy.
"What's with you guys?" Zell asked annoyed.
"Yeah Seifer, ya know?" Ranjin said.
"Whatever," Squall responded.
"Come on Squall, you're finally as low as I am. You've betrayed the women you love. Put it their, man," Seifer said with his arm out. Squall looked at him, not quiet sure he was sarcastic.
"No, I could never be as low as you," Squall said weakly.
"Ok, have it your way. But I still see right through you. You know Squall, I remember when we were kids, how I always wanted to be best, the strongest, the smartest, the bravest. I use to think we were equals, or maybe, just maybe you were better. But now I see how utterly stupid I was when I was a kid. Because the truth is Squall, you're no better than me." Seifer starred strait into Squalls cold blue eyes.
"No" He said in defense. It seemed at any moment the tension would ignite between the two rivals.
"Stop it!" You're behaving like children. Squall, did you risk your life so many times for nothing! And don't tell me you care nothing about her because I can see the pain in your eyes. Were going to Deling city all right, but it's to get her back. Seifer, what exactly do you seek here?" Quistis let everything out. Irvine and Selphie just stood there watching everything unfold before their eyes. Xu had left a long time ago.
"Yeah Seifer, why are you here?" Irvine asked.
"To finish what Squall and I started." Seifer said. He had to finish it once and for all.
"What are you doing, Seifer? Ya know," Rajin asked.
"Shut up," Seifer responded.
"WHAT!?" Fujin asked.
"So you came all the way here to challenge me to a fight?" Squall asked amused.
"Yeah, and what if I did, Puberty-boy and prepare to face your worst nightmare," Seifer got his Gun blade out.
"Squall, nobody expects you to-" Zell was cut off.
"What if I don't except?" Squall asked firmly.
"Go, Squall!" Selphie yelled.
"I guess you won't have a choice!" He leaped up at Squall, gun blade poised, Squall blocked the move effortlessly. The group stepped back.
"Stop this Seifer," Squall said.
"Are you afraid! Can't take it like a man? Quivering in your boots! I know you are." With that he jabbed at Squall's knees and Squall blocked him just in time, and anticipating his next move. The sound of the gun blades clashing reminded Squall of a deep thunder.
"Seifer, it doesn't have to be this way," Squall said. Seifer knocked him in his side, Squall was losing ground quickly. Squall lashed back at him, struggling a little but made a grisly cut on Seifer's arm. Seifer pulled back in surprise.
The clashing of blade's continued fiercely in till Squall had Seifer cornered. The gash on Seifer's arm had weighed him down more than he had anticipated and he cradled it weakly as Squall pointed his Gun blade strait at the broken boy. Seifer not completely finished brushed Squall's blade away, casting a powerful fira spell that temporarily blinded his competitor so he could get up. Squall shielded his eyes, in an expression of distress. A nostalgic feeling possessed him, as he recalled what had happened before when he had been in such a situation. The origin of him and his rival's trademark scar. The black knight and the white knight exchanged glances. But the soundless Quad that stood vigilant over the event and the on lookers waited for the standstill to end. Squall regained his balance, and he waited patiently for Seifer's next move. And to not let Squall down the boy ran charged with electricity ready to inflict Fire Cross. Squall was crippled, but prepared Renozuken as his final stand, hoping not to collapse in the process. The blade and Squall's hand seemed to blend as he inflicted blow after blow to Seifer. And as Seifer slid into unconscious, his eyes fell to Quistis as she rushed over to him. Quistis casted Full-Life on Seifer, but he didn't even open his eyes.
Author's note: Just to tell you nobody else dies, only Cid, k!