Daystar - 13 - Touch

The sighting of a body lying in front of a thousand weeping, frightened students was like something out of a bad dream. Pale skin and a pair of dead eyes stared back blankly at the traumatized SeeDs, who began seeing her reflection in the plain walls that surrounded them. Their only objective was not to defeat what awaited them in this town, but instead to leave as quickly as possible.

Nobody wanted to be inside of that hotel; even the calm clerk at the check-in desk enviously eyed whoever left the building, wishing she could leave with them. Even though the body was removed, it was uncertain whether another one would show up.

-

The moon was out, and steam from the cappuccino machines danced around the entrance of the "Sugarbox". They were making more money than ever, since everyone was trying to drown out the dead girl, by burying her with images of sweet pastries with thick frostings piled on top.

Zell strummed his fingers against the polished café table. His fists yearned for action. Irvine and Selphie sat beside him. They were the only ones who actually listened to what he had to say.

"If this mission doesn't get exciting soon, I might as well leave now. I mean, there's more action at the SeeD balls that the Garden Festival Committee plans for us."

Selphie's head perked up.

"Don't be mean Zell, I'm sure that something will happen."

She took Irvine's hat and daintily placed it on her head.

"Something better happen, this sharpshooter is getting' a little antsy just sitting around discovering dead bodies." Irvine angrily drank from his foaming cup of coffee. The trail of white froth on his upper lip was enough to pacify the bored students for awhile.

-

Behind the noisy Sugarbox lay an undisturbed flowerbed begging for company. Thankfully Squall, Quistis, Seifer, and Nova found it.

Seifer danced around idiotically, swinging his gunblade carelessly, lunging forward at imaginary creatures. The pit-pat of colorful flowers being crushed beneath his heel echoed through the grass. Clear juices splattered from them, leaving a perfumed scent in the crisp, cold air.

Nova covered her face, it was evident she was still upset about what happened. Quistis ignored the silent girl on the ground, and stepped over to Squall who was sitting a few inches from her.

"Are you alright?"

Annoyed, he pulled a flower from the ground, and began twirling it from the stem. He wanted to talk to Nova alone; he's the one who invited her to the "secluded" area. Little did he know that Quistis and Seifer would follow.

"I'm fine, I just…I don't know, I want to talk to Rinoa."

Seifer lowered his gunblade. It was his cue to enter and say something to piss everyone off. Why did Quistis care so much about that pathetic, whiny waste of skin? He didn't say anything. When Quistis looked over at him, he shook his head in disgust.


"So Nova…how's it going? Kill anybody lately?"

He laughed, and studied the sharp point of his weapon.

She looked up from her hands and glared at Seifer. Black eyeliner left crooked lines running down her cheeks, the aftermath of severe crying. She almost looked dead. Squall and Quistis cautiously watched; ready to break up the feud that was struggling to escape from her mouth.

Pushing herself up from the ground, she dusted the soil off her hands, and began walking away.

"Oh, did I say something wrong? Are you trying to say that you're not the reason everyone wants to go home?"

Seifer yelled to her. She stopped in her tracks, giving him an opportunity to complain more. Squall and Quistis rose to their feet, and quickly shifted their heads from left to right concentrating on every little move those two made.

Furiously, he threw every obscenity he could think of at her.

"Seifer shut up!" Quistis yelled over his voice. No one seemed to hear her; Nova was now facing him.

"We're brought to this town to destroy all that's "Evil". It's clear to see that you're the only one we need to get rid of!" He pointed his gunblade at her. It was vague to see what he was so angry about, but it was obvious that he would've hurt her, had she moved in closer.

Squall charged towards him, and gave him a hard push on his chest. "You BASTARD!"

-

Laughing at Squall's attempt to shut him up, he grabbed the lean brunette by the collar of his jacket, and pulled him close to his face. "Don't ever fucking touch me again, puberty boy!" He spat into the Leader's face, and easily threw him down to the ground.

"STOP IT!" Quistis yelled, and helped Squall up. Nova quickly walked up to Seifer; and stopped when their faces were 2 inches apart. She whispered something that was inaudible to the two beings on the ground. She then slammed her palm against his forehead roughly and quickly walked away, before he had a chance to strike back.

Confused, Seifer rubbed his head and looked down at his red hands. Although she appeared to be silent, innocent, and helpless she had a touch that was enough to break skin.

"YOU BITCH!"

-

Midnight had fallen over Calm Gale, and everyone against their will returned back to their rooms. It was unclear whether anyone was asleep. Squall wasn't.

He anxiously peered over at Nova through the corner of his eye. Peacefully undisturbed, her chest rose and fell slowly. It seemed impossible to talk to her.