Daystar - 10 - Sugarbox

All the students sent on the mission were told to meet in front of the sickly colored green Cafe a little bit from the hotel. A faded wooden board reading "The Sugarbox" hung, swaying in front of the spotless windows. There, they were able to purchase fresh toast, coffee, and anything else they needed to wake up.

Quistis leaned her head in her hand, and gazed around the town.

"This place really is deserted."

She thought silently, now moving her eyes to the inside of the bistro. Mostly every SeeD was in there, holding a tray filled with the sweetest looking desserts. She wondered how they were able to eat, after finding out someone was killed in this village.

Seifer walked out of the sugar shack, smiling to himself. When he saw the bored and beautiful Quistis, he approached her.

"How's it going Instructor?"

"Oh man, what do you want?"

He pulled up a chair and sat down. Quistis looked over at him. Confident, as usual. There was something about him. Leaning back in his chair, his arm rested on the backrest of it.

"I never understood how you can drink that shit."

She snapped back into reality, and looked down at her coffee cup. It was clear to see her relfection in the pitch-black pool.

"I heard that stuff stunts your growth." He pulled his pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

"Hmm, and I suppose smoking is perfect for your health?"

He nodded, and tucked one behind his ear.

"It's great, you should try it sometime."

"No, that's Ok."

"I'm serious. You gotta live a little. How are you already burnt? You didn't even play with the fire yet."

He winked at her, and crossed his arms.

She didn't know what he meant by that, so she just gave a disgusted look, and looked over at Squall, Irvine, Zell, and Selphie on the other side.

-

"Alrighty Squall, I have my breakfast, and I'm fully awake. The only thing I need right now is details on that body you found yesterday."

Irvine tore furiously into his toast, and daintily drank from his paper cup.

"There's nothing to talk about." Squall answered blankly.

Irvine stopped chewing.

"Aww come on, don't give me that bull. I want details!"

"Actually, don't give him the details Squall. Some of us are trying to eat."

Zell quickly rubbed butter on his muffin, and shoved it into his mouth. When he saw Squall sitting there staring at him, he held out the half-eaten muffin.

"Want Fome? Tate it." He asked, mouth full.

Selphie burst out laughing. All three of the men stared at her.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about something that happened last night."

"Shh."

Irvine nudged her arm, trying to be discreet.

-

"Good morning! How is everyone doing today?" The young man, with the red clipboard stood in the middle of the crowded room.

Everyone let out muffled "Good Morning's".

"When do we get to go home?" An anxious redhead spoke through a mouthful of her breakfast pastry.

"We just got here sweetness, the party is just getting started."

Seifer looked at her, and flicked his now lit cigarette ashes.

"Young man, there will be no smoking on this trip. Please dispose of that."

Arching his eyebrows, he inhaled deeply and slowly on the white folded paper. He needed attention. He loved it. Most of the students watched his rebellion with huge eyes. Some girls let out a couple sighs, and looked at him dreamily. He was only trying to impress Quistis though, either that, or Nova.

Squall looked over at her, at the far end of the room. She was spooning oatmeal into her mouth, and laughing quietly. He tried to ignore how much she seemed to be interested in Seifer. What does everyone see in him? Looking back at the defiant blonde, he rolled his eyes when he saw him tilt his head back, and blow a huge puff of gray clouds into the air. Beyond him, he could see another figure in black. It looked just like the young girl he tried saving.

She walked slowly, her black dress flailing behind her, making her the daughter of darkness. Stopping in her trail, she peered over at Squall through her brown eyes. Although she was far away, he could see that she had the face of someone else. The face of the one whom meant the most to him.

-

Overlooking his mentor's instructions, he sat up quickly from his seat, grabbed his gunblade, and ran towards the figure. The fur from his jacket fluttered behind his head. It looked as if the hand of God was carrying him.

"Where the hell is he going?" Zell asked dropping his sweet bread.

"Man, what the fuck is wrong with that kid?"

Seifer covered his mouth, and let out a sarcastic sorry, at the older teacher who was glaring at him.

"I don't know, but we should go find out." Quistis added in, following the confused brunette.