Final Fantasy 8's: Intertwined Destinies

Ch. 3: Thoughts and Suspicions

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            Squall walked down the hallway to the elevator.  Edea had just left the Quad and went to her room.  It seems like sleep was the popular thing to do nowadays. Squall mumbled a quick whatever before entering the center.  Today was the day that the whole Garden would fly to Eshtar for a parade to honor the alliance between Eshtar and the rest of the world.

"Checking pressure systems...everything is on-line.  Do you wish to proceed commander?"

"Uh, yeah, but first alert the students."

"Hai sir."

            Squall distractedly played with his hair.  Languna had sent him some pictures of a peninsula near the spaceship/ruins were they had found Odin.  Squall shuffled the papers. They were shots of the ruins.  In each shot there were signs of human life.

            Squall sighed.

Why in Hynes dear name did he send me photos of ruins?  They could be stowaways or something like that.

            He sifted through the papers, finding nothing that especially interesting, he laid them down.

"Taking off in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...engage."

            He didn't even notice that they were in the air until the photos fell over, due to the jolt from lift off.  Squall rubbed his eyes.

Maybe I should just let them stay there.

            And he was going to do just that until one photo caught his eye.  He bent down and picked it up.  He didn't see it before because it was hidden inside the folder.  He looked at it.

Now THIS is interesting.

            Squall let his finger trace the outline.  It seemed like a human form.  He squinted his eyes and looked harder.   It was.  It was female from what he could gather.  He couldn't make out her face or any distinct features, but damn, that girl had a great body. He smirked.

So this is what he does in his free time?  Watching pretty runaways.

            He shook his head and sat down.  Somehow, he was captivated by the picture.  He outlined her body with his finger, over and over again. 

"Sir, there's a call for you on the Vid from President Languna."

"Yeah, link it to my office, we need to discuss this in private."

"Sir."

            Nida looked back at the screen to the presidents assistant, Elone.

"I will put you through to the commander now.  Please hold."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

            Riona was digging through her closet.  The parade was in three days and she STILL didn't have anything to wear.  Selphie was sitting on her bed flipping through a fighting magazine she had stolen from Zell.

"This is horrible!  Absolutely nothing to wear!"

            Selphie rolled her eyes and popped her gum.  Riona was her friend and all, but sometimes she could be a ditz.

"Geez, its just a parade!  Its going to be over soon."

            Riona turned around to face Selphie.  She opened her mouth to say something but shut it and turned around.  Immediately Selphie caught on.

"OOoooohh, someone's trying to make ex jealous.  That's low Riona."

            Riona stammered.  She looked in the full length mirror.  She had caught her and Riona didn't want to admit it.

"Its not that, not that at all.  Its just that I have to be in the parade and I want to look good-"

"So you can impress Squall, right?"

            Sarcasm was dripping like molasses from her statement.  Riona fumed. It wasn't true!  She didn't need him!

"Riiight.  I don't need Squall okay?"

            Selphie felt her anger and hated herself for adding the last part.

"Actually, that's not a bad idea.  Oh you're SO selfish!  It'll be PERFECT! We'll both wear our sexist outfits and get a bunch of guys, ha! Booyaka!"

"Yeah.  This will be a blast.  So, how bout this one?  Maybe we should shopping there."

"Great Idea.  See ya later!"

            Selphie made her way out of Riona's room.  She needed time to think of her perfect revenge against Squall.  Everything was going according to plan, they would have their exes begging for a second chance. 

"You will pay Irvine."

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            It took three days to reach there.  The streets were filled with people.  Eshtar had changed greatly since the war.  Their clothes were more common and tight, while their technology was used more for common pleasures. Eshtar had grown and had expanded around tears point.  Squall and the gang were at the royal palace eating junk food and partying to music.  Everything was going fine.  It was nine and the party was just getting started.  Selphie and Riona were in the corner joking and flirting with the palace guards. The drinks flowed freely and everyone was enjoying themselves.  Quistis, Squall, Languna, Ellone, Edea, Cid, Kiros, and Ward were at the main table talking to each-other.

            At the other end Irvine Seifer, Raijin and Zell were toward the back in the darkened area and were talking to their new 'friends'. 

"Ooohh, watch it ladies.  You don't want to damage my gun now do you?"

            The girls giggled at Irvine.  He was very charming, even if he was a shabby dresser.  Seifer was passed out in his chair whilst his admirers looked on, almost to the point of passing out themselves.  Irvine looked over at Seifer then Zell.

"I knew we shouldn't have hit that bar today."

            Irvine smirked but it was soon off his face when he saw Zell's face.

"Hey what's up man?"

"This party blows, right Raijin?"

            Raijin looked up from the girl who was playing with his pants zipper.

"Uh yeah, if you say so.  Its not that bad, ya know?"

            Zell rolled his eyes.  It wasn't like he didn't have girls over him, it just seemed like the party sucked.  He needed to go to a REAL party.  he needed to get out of there, fast. He coughed.

"Damn this.  Hey, cover me man, I'm leaving."

            Irvine nodded knowing where he was going.  Irvine got up and shielded the door from Squall's all-seeing-eyes.  Zell moved out the door quickly and ran down the corridor. he was just about to turn the corner when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Dammit.

"Zell, were are you going this time?"

            He turned around to face his follower. 

"Well mother, I was going to get some ice cream and take a walk in the park.  Wish to join me?"

            Zell gave Squall a sickening sweet smile.  He cringed.

"Funny Zell.  Are you going to see her again?  I just want to know that's all."

            Zell sighed.  Here they go again.  Its true, this had to be the eleventh, twelfth time? He couldn't remember, he had been at it for so long.

"I know you miss her but you cant distance yourself, Its not you. I know how much you loved her."

"I know that you know that I love her, but we all know its my fault!  I was unfaithful. Now I'm paying for it."

            Squall shifted his weight from his left leg to his right.  Zell was correct, he had pushed her away by cheating.  Zell had secretly mourned for months before telling Squall what really happened, yet, there seemed like there was more. 

That girl with the dark brown braids...was she the other woman?

"I feel your pain, but you cant keep going to that girl to help you solve your problems."

            Zell ran a hand through his hair.  This was going nowhere.  He had to meet her

soon or she would get restless and leave.  He had to give Squall some sort of answer.

"I cant, I'm addicted."

            Zell ran down the street and out of sight.  Squall just stood there.

This is not going well.  Not well at all.

            Squall turned back and headed for the palace.  Life would go on, with or without

his best friend.

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Okay, this was a Squall chapter, for the most part.  About chapter 2, I don't know if Xu is a guy or girl, just Xu a he.  Sorry if i got that wrong.  heh heh, bad Aliana.  Please review!  I want at least 3 to 4 more reviews before I continue.  Thank you to everyone who did review.  Thanks Y'all!  Oh yeah, shameless promo in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1: Please read my less than great Gundam Wing fic!! Please, i desire flames!  Reviews are reviews people! (good comments are accepted too ^-^!)  Ja, till next week i guess.