Blue
Chapter 9
By Mariye
======
Disclaimer: I don't own FF8.
======
"How dare you...." Quistis felt tears streaming down her face as she watched Selphie fall face forwards in the mirror.
"She was just one of them Quistis. A human. And the greatest human weakness is mortality."
"Selphie was one of my best friends! She was a little sister to me!"
"Was is the key word. Now you have no need for her, for any of them." Hyne grimaced at her,
"You'll pay for that."
~If there's one thing I'll do, I'll avenge you Selphie.~
Quistis appeared again on the bridge. No one seemed to notice this time, or even care. She walked over to Selphie, who was being held by Irvine. Selphie's eyes were completely black, and she was barely breathing.
"Quistis..." Irvine pleaded.
"I don't know if I can help, but I'll try."
"Irvine...." Selphie softly whimpered.
"Yes? I'm here. I'm right here." Irvine clutched her hand.
"I'll never leave you... I'll always watch over you... Quistis and me, we'll protect you... We'll protect everyone...."
"Don't talk like that Selphie." Irvine pleaded.
Quistis said nothing though. She watched as Selphie sighed, and as a huge beacon of light surrounded her body.
~So this is what happens when people die... Can the others see this light? Its so brilliant and clear. Its beautiful...~
A hazy figure rose out of Selphie's body. Her soul leaving the earthly remains behind.
"Selphie." Quistis whispered. "I can make things better, I can probably bring you back."
Selphie looked at her and smiled.
"But Quistis, the light! Its so beautiful and perfect! And I'm needed there!" Selphie paused and looked back at Irvine. "I know he loves me. I know they all do. But if you could only see what I see now! I can see their futures! And all of them have so much ahead of them! And where I'm going, I can make a difference. Everything makes sense there. I feel like I know everything!"
"But what about your future Selphie?"
Selphie's spirit paused.
"I have a new future now. And though I won't be as strong and powerful as you, I will be given a chance to be an angel! A chance to watch over the people I care about. I couldn't ask for anything more than the chance to protect those I love."
Selphie came over and hugged Quistis, then went into the light. As the light faded, she could still hear Selphie.
"You tried Quistis. Don't worry about things you can't control. Take care of what you can. Never have regrets!"
Quistis shook her head and looked around her at the sorrow. Ellone had run in, and was now standing next to Irvine.
"First Uncle Ward, now Selphie... why?" Ellone looked up at Quistis. "Bring her back!"
"I can't Sis. She's already gone. She made her choice. She'll always be with you though. She'll watch over all of you."
Quistis faded from the room.
~I can't let this go on.~
---
Quistis walked into the hall of the mansion of Winhill.
~So all those years they thought they were being haunted... really it was just Hyne lurking.~
As she walked up the staircase, she glanced at the grandfather clock that stood at the top of the stairs.
~Only noon? Funny, usually I would wonder where the day went. But now, nothing. Now time, space, reality... they all mean nothing to me. They don't limit me or apply to me anymore.~
She walked across the second floor landing and paused outside a ballroom. She took a deep breath, then walked through the door.
~And so now if those simple principles no longer bind me, does that mean I am no longer subject to emotions or conscience?~
She looked around and saw Hyne playing at the grand piano.
~No, I am not a monster. I may be a goddess. I may be invincible. But I am real, and I still care bout things and people.~
"So, back are you? I'm impressed that you were able to find me." He stopped playing and walked over. "I didn't leave a clear trail for you to follow."
"I'm learning. Adapting." She spoke evenly, and without emotion. "Hyne. You have to be punished."
"For what? Freeing that human? Yes, her friends may grieve her, but truely I was setting her free. You talked with her before she moved on, didn't you? You saw that she was moving on to a better place. Did she seem like she was grieving?"
He smiled and hugged Quistis.
"Sister, soon you will come around."
He froze suddenly. A blue light was shooting out from Quistis's eyes.
"No. I won't."
She pulled her hand back, and a blue sword made up of pure energy grew out of it.
"I have a question for you. How do you kill a god?" She asked. Hyne looked at her in horror.
"How.....?" He stumbled backwards.
"You can't. But you can wipe his memory of all conscious thought and recollections and condemn him to live the rest of his life as a mortal." She thrust the sword into his head. The room went dark, and when it was over, She stood triumphant over the fallen god.
"Well done little one. A little melodramatic, but well done." Zandra appeared in a corner.
"So what will be done with him?" Quistis spat out.
"You are still hurt over your friend's death. Don't worry. Ms. Tilmitt is happy. She has met her family. She is even being given mild guardian assignments. The Brotherhood is even thinking about possibly making her a goddess of children. She seems like she would work well with little ones." Zandra picked Hyne up.
"As for him... he'll be sent to that town Timber. Doomed to roam the streets of a city forever as a drunkard. A fitting punishment for the suffering he caused."
"But what if he rises up again?"
"Thats where you come in." The two walked out onto a balcony.
"Me?"
"This world does need someone to oversee it. Protect it. I think you would do well here. You do have connections here. And more respect than Hyne did. Plus then you can make sure he doesn't rise up again."
Quistis looked up into the sky.
"And what about my friends? I can't face them again."
"Why not? After I found out the truth, I still kept casual contact with my former friends. Why shouldn't you?"
"It would be awkward. They probably think I'm responsible for everything..."
"Don't think so much. I won't push you. But remember, you always can still return to them. They are your friends, and if they care about you, then they will understand."
"I know..."
---
{The Next Day}
Squall was busy all day, mainly sitting in the office. He was organizing all the services. Wishing he didn't have to.
~Sorry I couldn't be there Squall. I know that you wish I was. I always used to be good at organizing things.~
She floated to the next room. Rinoa, Sionna, and Dr. Kadowaki were running a counseling center in the lobby of the third floor for students dealing with grief and losses.
~Rinoa. Its good that you're there. Imagine if you weren't. You've grown strong. Stay that way. You'll need to be strong for the events that may come. They all need someone to lean on.~
Quistis floated between Dr. Kadowaki and Sionna.
~Help them. Help them when I can't. Let them know their loved ones are safe. That Selphie is happier now.~
She moved down the halls and stopped by the Disciplinary Committee, who were inforcing the 'Day of Silence.'
~The troubled students helping other trouble students. Help them not to make the same mistakes you did.~
Irvine was walking down. Going to his next class.
~Please move on. Don't settle in one place. Remember the good times, but be open to new loves Irvine. Selphie wants that.~
Zell walked past, moving in the opposite direction, carrying art supplies down to the Quad.
~Zell. You've been through so much already. And now this? I'm glad you're the one taking over the winter play. I know you'll make it a success.~
She seemed to sigh as she drifted through the corridors. Winding through, finally ending up in a place most familiar to her.
~My classroom. The place where I spent most of my time. I regret that now.~
In the corner a group of children were playing. Junior cadets. A girl was standing, leaning over them. She looked like a shadow in the background.
~Selphie.~
The shadow stood up straight.
~Hi Quisty!~
~I would have thought you would have been on the third floor.~
The shadow seemed uneasy, and its boundries started to blend in with its surroundings.
~I was there, for a while. I couldn't take that though. It was too hard. You know what its like. I mean, its not like its just my memorial. Its yours too.~
~Don't remind me. Have you seen Irvine?~
~Yes... Its so hard though.~
~You miss him?~
~Of course. But its... I don't know how to explain how I feel. I love him and all. I always will. But... its like I'm okay with this. I know that we're in two separate planes now. We can't be together now, but one day we will. I guess I'm happy just knowing that. Besides, unlike you, I'm here on business, not on pleasure.~
The shadow slid across the room and stood behind a young boy who was leaning too far back in a chair. It held the chair in place while the boy steadied himself and finally returned the chair to its normal position.
~I know. I probably shouldn't be here though.~
~Why not? These are our friends. You should want to be here. To keep in contact with everyone.~
~I'm just scared Selphie. What if they hate me now? What if I'd appear and theyd look at me in terror? I can't handle that.~
~So you worry about all the things that could happen. That is so like you. And yet still you come here and watch over everyone all the time.~
~Well... they need a sister. Someone to watch over them. As long as they have some need of me, I'll be here. Even if they don't know I am...~
======
[the end]
Author's Notes:
Yup, this is a trend now. At the end of every one of my major chapter stories a section where I babble on and on. You are all at my mercy now! BWAHAHAHA.... whoops... sorry.... Sorceress power trip I guess... So anyway, about Blue. It wasn't as widely received as I expected. Things Change was really popular and many people seemed to enjoy it. (Critically acclaimed LOL) Blue was liked, but it really didn't have the same popularity. I already kind of predict that the thrid story in this series will probably be as popular as Things Change. In fact, I started writing Never is a Promise right after I finished chapter 7 of Blue. This also was a story where 'George' (writer's block) kept jumping in and saying "No Mariye, no!" I wanted to emphasize time here. I mention Quistis looking at clocks a lot in the beginning. Also she notices how a whole dream-like experience can seem to last forever, but really last only a few moments. (It even amazes me how long dreams can seem even though they only last one night.) Plus I tried to give kind of a paranormal effect. Believe it or not around chapters 1 and 2 Blue was going to be a horror story where a vampire is messing with Quistis's head. Oh well o.O. Plus after a while I got bored and I kind of worked my Lunar Cry story ideas into here. (When Zandra is talking to Quistis... I forgot what chapter.) I like the character of Hyne though. I tried to make him part like an annoying older brother figure who 'always knows what's right,' a little bit humorous, and finally a little bit of a 'brat prince,' like the vampire Lestat from "Interview with a Vampire." I always wished my Lunar Cry series had gone further, so I could write Hyne. He seems like an interesting character. Course another scene I always wanted to reach in Lunar Cry was when the main character loses her closest friend in battle and is sitting at his grave, and the GF Griever comes into existance.... but thats another story, right? And another rant.
Wow, so some people are still reading? I bet I know who. Its my CB Booyaka people, right? Uh huh. I see you all smiling now. I know Rhyein, Bubba, Ellie, Meeky, Suki, Loren, Zelly, Sarriss, Butterfly, Zachere, Whitewolf, Malice, and Andromache are probably reading this right now and smiling. Yup! And now Meeky's laughing and thinking "Funky!" LOL. And I know X Launcher (Jailbait) and Alan are probably reading this too. X may deny it later though.... and I KNOW Alan isn't going to review. (Yeah, you think you're too good to click the review button at the bottom, don't you Alan?) Course they're also wondering why I didn't include this in the version I sent out to the list. Well, I wanted to make you all work and come here and review. o^-^o
Oh yeah, and the part where Selphie died. Well, believe it or not that was a last minute decision. I was starting to write Never is a Promise, Irvine's story, and I just had the idea of maybe having it in part be about him dealing with Selphie's death. I also wanted to touch a little on afterlife, I mean, in FF they don't really discuss that, except in FF7. So I thought have Selphie die, and move on. She ends up in a better place, and becomes a guardian angel to watch over children.
Still reading? My, we're bored today, aren't we? Well, I think I'm done. I know some people might not like that I took time out to mention some friend above but too bad :P. I mean come on, these are people I talk to practically everyday! What else.... oh yeah! Never is a Promise will
be about Irvine. Dealing with grief. Also he's going to go back to Galbadia to help his adopted family. (They were involved in the Deiling Disaster.)
Okay, I love all of you! Buh bye!
o^-^o
Mariye
Chapter 9
By Mariye
======
Disclaimer: I don't own FF8.
======
"How dare you...." Quistis felt tears streaming down her face as she watched Selphie fall face forwards in the mirror.
"She was just one of them Quistis. A human. And the greatest human weakness is mortality."
"Selphie was one of my best friends! She was a little sister to me!"
"Was is the key word. Now you have no need for her, for any of them." Hyne grimaced at her,
"You'll pay for that."
~If there's one thing I'll do, I'll avenge you Selphie.~
Quistis appeared again on the bridge. No one seemed to notice this time, or even care. She walked over to Selphie, who was being held by Irvine. Selphie's eyes were completely black, and she was barely breathing.
"Quistis..." Irvine pleaded.
"I don't know if I can help, but I'll try."
"Irvine...." Selphie softly whimpered.
"Yes? I'm here. I'm right here." Irvine clutched her hand.
"I'll never leave you... I'll always watch over you... Quistis and me, we'll protect you... We'll protect everyone...."
"Don't talk like that Selphie." Irvine pleaded.
Quistis said nothing though. She watched as Selphie sighed, and as a huge beacon of light surrounded her body.
~So this is what happens when people die... Can the others see this light? Its so brilliant and clear. Its beautiful...~
A hazy figure rose out of Selphie's body. Her soul leaving the earthly remains behind.
"Selphie." Quistis whispered. "I can make things better, I can probably bring you back."
Selphie looked at her and smiled.
"But Quistis, the light! Its so beautiful and perfect! And I'm needed there!" Selphie paused and looked back at Irvine. "I know he loves me. I know they all do. But if you could only see what I see now! I can see their futures! And all of them have so much ahead of them! And where I'm going, I can make a difference. Everything makes sense there. I feel like I know everything!"
"But what about your future Selphie?"
Selphie's spirit paused.
"I have a new future now. And though I won't be as strong and powerful as you, I will be given a chance to be an angel! A chance to watch over the people I care about. I couldn't ask for anything more than the chance to protect those I love."
Selphie came over and hugged Quistis, then went into the light. As the light faded, she could still hear Selphie.
"You tried Quistis. Don't worry about things you can't control. Take care of what you can. Never have regrets!"
Quistis shook her head and looked around her at the sorrow. Ellone had run in, and was now standing next to Irvine.
"First Uncle Ward, now Selphie... why?" Ellone looked up at Quistis. "Bring her back!"
"I can't Sis. She's already gone. She made her choice. She'll always be with you though. She'll watch over all of you."
Quistis faded from the room.
~I can't let this go on.~
---
Quistis walked into the hall of the mansion of Winhill.
~So all those years they thought they were being haunted... really it was just Hyne lurking.~
As she walked up the staircase, she glanced at the grandfather clock that stood at the top of the stairs.
~Only noon? Funny, usually I would wonder where the day went. But now, nothing. Now time, space, reality... they all mean nothing to me. They don't limit me or apply to me anymore.~
She walked across the second floor landing and paused outside a ballroom. She took a deep breath, then walked through the door.
~And so now if those simple principles no longer bind me, does that mean I am no longer subject to emotions or conscience?~
She looked around and saw Hyne playing at the grand piano.
~No, I am not a monster. I may be a goddess. I may be invincible. But I am real, and I still care bout things and people.~
"So, back are you? I'm impressed that you were able to find me." He stopped playing and walked over. "I didn't leave a clear trail for you to follow."
"I'm learning. Adapting." She spoke evenly, and without emotion. "Hyne. You have to be punished."
"For what? Freeing that human? Yes, her friends may grieve her, but truely I was setting her free. You talked with her before she moved on, didn't you? You saw that she was moving on to a better place. Did she seem like she was grieving?"
He smiled and hugged Quistis.
"Sister, soon you will come around."
He froze suddenly. A blue light was shooting out from Quistis's eyes.
"No. I won't."
She pulled her hand back, and a blue sword made up of pure energy grew out of it.
"I have a question for you. How do you kill a god?" She asked. Hyne looked at her in horror.
"How.....?" He stumbled backwards.
"You can't. But you can wipe his memory of all conscious thought and recollections and condemn him to live the rest of his life as a mortal." She thrust the sword into his head. The room went dark, and when it was over, She stood triumphant over the fallen god.
"Well done little one. A little melodramatic, but well done." Zandra appeared in a corner.
"So what will be done with him?" Quistis spat out.
"You are still hurt over your friend's death. Don't worry. Ms. Tilmitt is happy. She has met her family. She is even being given mild guardian assignments. The Brotherhood is even thinking about possibly making her a goddess of children. She seems like she would work well with little ones." Zandra picked Hyne up.
"As for him... he'll be sent to that town Timber. Doomed to roam the streets of a city forever as a drunkard. A fitting punishment for the suffering he caused."
"But what if he rises up again?"
"Thats where you come in." The two walked out onto a balcony.
"Me?"
"This world does need someone to oversee it. Protect it. I think you would do well here. You do have connections here. And more respect than Hyne did. Plus then you can make sure he doesn't rise up again."
Quistis looked up into the sky.
"And what about my friends? I can't face them again."
"Why not? After I found out the truth, I still kept casual contact with my former friends. Why shouldn't you?"
"It would be awkward. They probably think I'm responsible for everything..."
"Don't think so much. I won't push you. But remember, you always can still return to them. They are your friends, and if they care about you, then they will understand."
"I know..."
---
{The Next Day}
Squall was busy all day, mainly sitting in the office. He was organizing all the services. Wishing he didn't have to.
~Sorry I couldn't be there Squall. I know that you wish I was. I always used to be good at organizing things.~
She floated to the next room. Rinoa, Sionna, and Dr. Kadowaki were running a counseling center in the lobby of the third floor for students dealing with grief and losses.
~Rinoa. Its good that you're there. Imagine if you weren't. You've grown strong. Stay that way. You'll need to be strong for the events that may come. They all need someone to lean on.~
Quistis floated between Dr. Kadowaki and Sionna.
~Help them. Help them when I can't. Let them know their loved ones are safe. That Selphie is happier now.~
She moved down the halls and stopped by the Disciplinary Committee, who were inforcing the 'Day of Silence.'
~The troubled students helping other trouble students. Help them not to make the same mistakes you did.~
Irvine was walking down. Going to his next class.
~Please move on. Don't settle in one place. Remember the good times, but be open to new loves Irvine. Selphie wants that.~
Zell walked past, moving in the opposite direction, carrying art supplies down to the Quad.
~Zell. You've been through so much already. And now this? I'm glad you're the one taking over the winter play. I know you'll make it a success.~
She seemed to sigh as she drifted through the corridors. Winding through, finally ending up in a place most familiar to her.
~My classroom. The place where I spent most of my time. I regret that now.~
In the corner a group of children were playing. Junior cadets. A girl was standing, leaning over them. She looked like a shadow in the background.
~Selphie.~
The shadow stood up straight.
~Hi Quisty!~
~I would have thought you would have been on the third floor.~
The shadow seemed uneasy, and its boundries started to blend in with its surroundings.
~I was there, for a while. I couldn't take that though. It was too hard. You know what its like. I mean, its not like its just my memorial. Its yours too.~
~Don't remind me. Have you seen Irvine?~
~Yes... Its so hard though.~
~You miss him?~
~Of course. But its... I don't know how to explain how I feel. I love him and all. I always will. But... its like I'm okay with this. I know that we're in two separate planes now. We can't be together now, but one day we will. I guess I'm happy just knowing that. Besides, unlike you, I'm here on business, not on pleasure.~
The shadow slid across the room and stood behind a young boy who was leaning too far back in a chair. It held the chair in place while the boy steadied himself and finally returned the chair to its normal position.
~I know. I probably shouldn't be here though.~
~Why not? These are our friends. You should want to be here. To keep in contact with everyone.~
~I'm just scared Selphie. What if they hate me now? What if I'd appear and theyd look at me in terror? I can't handle that.~
~So you worry about all the things that could happen. That is so like you. And yet still you come here and watch over everyone all the time.~
~Well... they need a sister. Someone to watch over them. As long as they have some need of me, I'll be here. Even if they don't know I am...~
======
[the end]
Author's Notes:
Yup, this is a trend now. At the end of every one of my major chapter stories a section where I babble on and on. You are all at my mercy now! BWAHAHAHA.... whoops... sorry.... Sorceress power trip I guess... So anyway, about Blue. It wasn't as widely received as I expected. Things Change was really popular and many people seemed to enjoy it. (Critically acclaimed LOL) Blue was liked, but it really didn't have the same popularity. I already kind of predict that the thrid story in this series will probably be as popular as Things Change. In fact, I started writing Never is a Promise right after I finished chapter 7 of Blue. This also was a story where 'George' (writer's block) kept jumping in and saying "No Mariye, no!" I wanted to emphasize time here. I mention Quistis looking at clocks a lot in the beginning. Also she notices how a whole dream-like experience can seem to last forever, but really last only a few moments. (It even amazes me how long dreams can seem even though they only last one night.) Plus I tried to give kind of a paranormal effect. Believe it or not around chapters 1 and 2 Blue was going to be a horror story where a vampire is messing with Quistis's head. Oh well o.O. Plus after a while I got bored and I kind of worked my Lunar Cry story ideas into here. (When Zandra is talking to Quistis... I forgot what chapter.) I like the character of Hyne though. I tried to make him part like an annoying older brother figure who 'always knows what's right,' a little bit humorous, and finally a little bit of a 'brat prince,' like the vampire Lestat from "Interview with a Vampire." I always wished my Lunar Cry series had gone further, so I could write Hyne. He seems like an interesting character. Course another scene I always wanted to reach in Lunar Cry was when the main character loses her closest friend in battle and is sitting at his grave, and the GF Griever comes into existance.... but thats another story, right? And another rant.
Wow, so some people are still reading? I bet I know who. Its my CB Booyaka people, right? Uh huh. I see you all smiling now. I know Rhyein, Bubba, Ellie, Meeky, Suki, Loren, Zelly, Sarriss, Butterfly, Zachere, Whitewolf, Malice, and Andromache are probably reading this right now and smiling. Yup! And now Meeky's laughing and thinking "Funky!" LOL. And I know X Launcher (Jailbait) and Alan are probably reading this too. X may deny it later though.... and I KNOW Alan isn't going to review. (Yeah, you think you're too good to click the review button at the bottom, don't you Alan?) Course they're also wondering why I didn't include this in the version I sent out to the list. Well, I wanted to make you all work and come here and review. o^-^o
Oh yeah, and the part where Selphie died. Well, believe it or not that was a last minute decision. I was starting to write Never is a Promise, Irvine's story, and I just had the idea of maybe having it in part be about him dealing with Selphie's death. I also wanted to touch a little on afterlife, I mean, in FF they don't really discuss that, except in FF7. So I thought have Selphie die, and move on. She ends up in a better place, and becomes a guardian angel to watch over children.
Still reading? My, we're bored today, aren't we? Well, I think I'm done. I know some people might not like that I took time out to mention some friend above but too bad :P. I mean come on, these are people I talk to practically everyday! What else.... oh yeah! Never is a Promise will
be about Irvine. Dealing with grief. Also he's going to go back to Galbadia to help his adopted family. (They were involved in the Deiling Disaster.)
Okay, I love all of you! Buh bye!
o^-^o
Mariye