Disclaimer: I do not own any of the FFVIII characters (again)....

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Fireworks
 by Piyofio

Fireworks...

A thunderous blast could be heard as the fireworks shot up into the darkened skies over the beach, exploding into pretty flowers that opened their petals beside the light house. Even the warm light from the lighthouse seemed to retreat as a sign of defeat against the wonderful colours that splashed itself over the sky. Stars glowed more strongly, as if trying to stand out among the fireworks. Four little children squatted on the beach, which was only a distance from the orphanage where they lived. They formed a circle, and lying in the middle were a small pile of cylindrical stuffs.

"Here we go again!" Seifer shouted, holding a lighted matchstick against one of the .......... Selphie clasped her hand to her ears, while Quistis stared intensely at the matchstick as they slowly neared the ...........

A whistle like sound was emitted and something shot into the darkness again. Before long, another thunderous sound coud be heard. Another 'flower' has emerged and chased the surrounding darkness away for a few seconds before vanishing away slowly, merging with the darkness around it. Seifer, 11 years old, stood up, looking proud and satisfied. He placed both his hands on his hips. In his right hand was the match stick that has already extinguished. Selphie squealed in delight as the fireworks appeared just now, and looked quite disappointed after it has disappeared. With a finger, the 10 years old girl started to write something on the beach around her. Squatting beside Selphie was a girl older than her by a year, slightly taller and looking more matured. Her name was Quistis. Quistis stared at the fireworks when it appeared, and then returned her gaze to the burnt pile infront of her. After a few seconds, she turned her head and stole a glance at a boy of the same age as Selphie standing near the beach infront of the orphanage, behind some bushes. He was looking at the fireworks too. Suddenly, another boy with spikey hair ran over to the small group on the beach.

"Hey! Children are not supposed to play with fire!! I'm going to tell the Matron!" The boy squeaked as he started to run back to the orphange, not noticing Squall.

"Go then, you chicken-wuss! Go and tell the Matron if you want!" The kids shouted back in unison at Zell, who got hurt easily.

The Quistis and Seifer started to play Catch on the beach while Selphie continued with her writing. The mysterious boy remained rooted to his hiding place and continued to spy on the kids who were now playing happily together. Screams and laughter filled the air as Selphie and Quistis ran all over the beach to avoid being caught by Seifer.

"You all will not escape meeeee.....!!!!!" The voice trailed off as Seifer changed his target and ran towards Quistis instead. He has decided that Selphie was too energetic.

The boy turned away and started towards the empty space beside the orphanage, where he always visits alone. He sat down on the ground and leaned against the building, his hands busily plucking off the patch of grass infront of him. Since birth, the boy has been praised of his looks by many, especially of his blue eyes and natural brown hair. But, he will flinch and get angry whenever someone tries to pat him on his head or touch his face. He refused to let anyone touch him except one person.

Clouds began to thicken in the sky above the orphanage, and rain began to fall as thunder rolled while lightning flashed. Yelps of surprised could be heard from the beach, as the three kids started to run towards the orphanage to take shelter. No one noticed the loner as he continued to sit there, without even a flinch. The rain got heavier and more nasty, each drop hitting the ground and everything hard, including the boy. But still, he refused to take shelter in the orphanage. Now, with both hands on his knees, he stared at the ant who was struggling in a battle of life and death with the raindrops that looked humongous to it. Finally, the ant won the battle and quickly return to his nest nearby. The drops of rain water then infiltrated into the soil, and never appeared again.

The boy continued to stare at the place where the battle between the ant and the raindrops had been. Without warning, the boy suddenly stood up, as if he had thought of something and walked a few steps away from the orphanage. He turned towards the orphanage, and looked up towards the second storey. Raindrops continued their attack mercilessly as the boy stood rooted to the ground, his eyes filled with sorrow and loneliness.

Sis... Where are you? Where have you gone to?

He blinked once, and twice. Water rolled down his cheeks and fell to the floor. Tears or rain, neither was differentiatable.

Have you abandoned me...? Sis....

His eyes were now downcasted, staring into space. His fists were clenched tightly beside him. He shivered slightly, but he still held on. He was an obstinate boy.

It's OK sis. I'll be able to carry on my life without you, sis. I will... So don't worry sis, I will survive on my own... Sis....

The heavy downpour has caused his clothes to be drenched, and they clinged on to his body, revealing how thin and small he is. How weak he actually was.

"Squall!! Where are you? It's raining heavily and you'll get a cold! Squall!" A gentle voice called nearby, with the accompany of lights from the old lamp shining through the bushes that prevented the kids to notice Squall. But, the Matron was a tall beauty, and could easily spot Squall standing behind the bushes.

The Matron, Edea, heaved a sigh of relieve and put on an angry face, pretending to be furious. She walked gracefully towards Squall, who was still in the same spot looking down on the ground. Edea's eyes soften as she approached him, seeming to know what has troubled him so much. These gentle eyes turned into eyes filled with sadness, as Edea accidentally recalled something worse that will affect alot of people, including herself. Soon. Nevertheless she braced herself up and threw a towel on Squall's head, then placed an arm over his shuddering body and led him towards the orphanage door. Squall did not retaliate, and followed the Matron back to get himself dried up and warmed.

Everyone looked at Squall with curiousity and interest as he clumbered up the staircase to the bathroom with Squall to get some new clothes. Everyone had a look of concern except Seifer, who seemed to be disgusted and displeased at Squall being the focus and the center of attention. Seifer wanted the attention so much that jealousy started to build up in him.

"Oh, he's just trying to get some attention because he's jealous that I've gotten them all. Haahaa..." Seifer hoped that this will cause Squall to be angry and at the same time bring back all the attention.

Squall continued up the stairs amd disappeared at the top, without as much as a glance at Seifer. The Matron shot a warning look at Seifer while the others looked at him in bewilderment. This has caused Seifer's blood to boil. He wanted to make Squall react. But Squall did not. He was completely ignored. Seifer hated to be ignored and often wanted Squall's attention, as much as he wanted others. No matter how much he tried, Squall would either give him a queer look or ignore his presence completely. This has often led to the fight between the both of them. Although Squall could refuse the fight, he always took up the challenge inside, and won most of the time though he would end up with much bruises.

Fanfiction | FFVIII | Piyofio's Nest