Disclaimer: Same as previous.

The Order to Assassinate Irvine Kinneas

Chapter 3

'The Training Center,' Irene thought. "I've got to release my stress." She walked past the Library to see Zell leaving with a girl with her brown hair pulled back in a ponytail.

Irene wanted to avoid talking to anyone at this moment, so she quickened her pace. "Hey, Irene!" 'Damn-it.' She stopped and turned around to face Zell and the girl. "Irene this is Ami the person I told you I had to meet."

"Hi, Irene." Ami said holding out her hand. Irene took it and shook her hand saying hi. "Irene, nice name."

"Thanks." Irene replied. 'Excuse, excuse. Yes!' "Oh, I just remembered I had to meet someone."

"Oh, well. We better not keep them waiting. Right, Zell." Ami said smiling.

"Right," replied Zell.

'Good now they won't ask to come.' Irene sighed, and entered the Training Center.

"Quistis?" Silence. "Quistis, could I talk to you for a minute?"

"I'm listening, Seifer," she almost snapped.

"Alone." A sigh.

"Fine." Quistis turned around and followed Seifer to the elevator leading down to the main part of the Garden. Once the elevator started moving Quistis asked, "What is it?"

This time there was silence from Seifer. She looked up at him and felt a wave of guilt wash over her. It must have taken a lot for him to return to the Garden. With the fact that he was the knight of Ultimecia.

Quistis looked forward again and decided to wait until he was ready to answer. They stepped out of the elevator on the second floor. Quistis wasn't really sure where he was leading her too, but she still followed. 'He probably wants to go someplace quite.'

A couple minutes later Quistis found herself walking out of the Garden on the observation deck. She looked off the Garden to see the ocean below and dozens of birds flying. She didn't feel too safe standing by the edge and decided to stand by the wall. "Quistis?"

Quistis turned around and realized that Seifer had walked towards her without her knowing. She felt uneasy about the whole situation. "Yes?"

Seifer took in a breath and remained silent for a moment before saying, "I'm sorry, Quistis." He looked up at her now, his eyes hopeful.

"Seifer......." Quistis started.

"No, Quisty, please, let me finish." She fell silent and nodded. He never called her Quisty before. "Quitis, I'm sorry. At first I went voluntarily but after the third fight against you, Squall, and the others Ultimecia gained control of my mind," he paused for a second. "I'm sorry for what I did and hope that you could forgive me."

Seifer fell silent and hoped for a positive reply. "Seifer.... I forgive you and I'm sure the others will too."

"Yeah, except for our 'fearless leader,'" he said sarcastically.

Quistis laughed. "He'll forgive you, just give him time." She smiled.

Seifer walked over and put an arm over her shoulders and said, "Come on, you have a class to teach."

She looked up at him surprised. "How did you know?"

Seifer smiled. "You know how fast word gets around Garden."

Quistis faked a gasp. "Was that a smile from Seifer Almasy? I feel honored." Seifer laughed. "And laughter too. Wow." She tried hard not to laugh and to sound surprised. She was really happy though that Seifer would smile and laugh. She smiled at the thought.

"Come on." Seifer said still with the laughter in his voice.

He guided her off the deck. He dropped her off at her classroom and started to the elevator, but got stopped by Quistis asking, "Where are you going?"

"To the Training Center," he replied.

She shrugged. "Alright, can't argue there."

"Yawn. These monsters are too easy, even the T-Rexaur I fought," Irene mumbled. She sighed heavily shaking her head. She stopped reputedly and turned around. She heard it again. Footsteps. Irene took off into the trees nearby to see who was coming. 'Seifer Almasy? The Sorceress' knight? I didn't know he came back here? Hm, I wonder how good he really is.' She smirked at the thought and tightened her grip on the Excter she had. She aimed through the trees and fired a shot, right past him.

Seifer turned quickly and saw a girl standing by some trees holding a Excter, which are rare. The only person he knew that had one was the 'cowboy' Irvine Kinneas. 'This girl must really like him if she decides to dress like him,' Seifer thought. Then the girl lifted her hand and made the 'bring it on' motion. 'She's crazy, but so be it.' Seifer lifted up his Hyperion and charged at her. The girl quickly brought up her Excter and swung it up to block his attack. The girl smirked. She brought out her hand, open palm facing Seifer and said, "Aero."

The girl pointed her Excter down at Seifer, who was thrown back, and fired. Seifer rolled out of the way and jumped to his feet. "Quake!" called Seifer. He jumped back and smirked as Quake did its damage.

"Thanks for the life boost." She laughed, and fired a couple rounds at Seifer. He dodged all except for the last one, when he got hit in the arm.

"Damn," he mumbled. "Blind!" The girl screamed at the lose of her vision, and started to fire shots at rampant. Seifer dropped down to the ground to avoid the wild shots. "Cure." He stayed down until he heard the click of an empty ammo case.

"Esuna." The girl said. She looked up at Seifer and grinned. "Now I end it." She took off towards Seifer, empty Excter in hand. Seifer swung Hyperion firing at her. She through her weapon at the upcoming bullet. Now being a foot away from him, the girl did a back-flip and kicked his gunblade out of his hands. Once she landed she tripped Seifer. Catching the gunblade, she pointed it right in the face of the owner, and smirked. "My name is Irene Kinnace. Pleased to meet you Seifer Almasy."