I've got nowhere to go. Everything seems different now, Quistis thought. Everyone is in class right now and if I show up late, what impression would the students take? The troubled instructor sat on the bench in front of the center fountain. The water trickled and its pattern reflected off the walls. It was quite relaxing. Unknown to her, the whole Garden was contaminated with the Trepie disease. Except for Irvine, Seifer, and Rinoa. They have been lucky to not drink the water. Rinoa doesn't seem to notice though. She drinks Slim Fast to keep her shape. Irvine is somewhat suspicious that everybody was offered water, he had been offered more than he could count. Seifer, well he doesn't give really. The Trepies are terrified of him. Speaking of which…
"What are you doing out here? I thought you would be teaching classes when you left," a sneer voice came. Quistis didn't bother to turn and didn't catch the sarcasm hinted in the man's voice.
"I don't want to storm in there being missing for some time. My students would not think me as a great model," Quistis said glumly. "And I'm punishing myself for this. I feel awful, really." She hung her head low.
"Bullshit, take a day off. Hyne, don't be so…" Seifer paused for a moment. He decides to sit down next to her. "Listen Quistis, I don't know what Cid was going to do to you, but I have a pretty good idea. I think you should take a couple of days off. Some guy just tried to attack you, dammit." Quistis smiled at his effort to make her carefree, relaxed. When was the time when someone had done that to her?
"Yes." Quistis lifted her head up. "I think you are quite right. But I'm planning to go back teaching tomorrow. I've made my mind up to go to Balamb for just today. I haven't had any free time as much." She stood up to leave. "Thank you Seifer." He smiled back at her. "I never thought you'd be kind and caring."
"Instructor, you're hurting me," he mocked, placing a hand over his heart. Quistis smiled in return and walked away. Seifer took in a comfortable sitting position, his ankle resting atop of his opposite leg. Quistis, he thought. Why haven't I noticed earlier? Squall's an ass to drop her like that.
"What are you doing out of class?"
Seifer looked up to see the new kid.
"Oh, nothing. Just talking to the Instructor."
"Quistis??!! Where is she? Tell me now!!" Simon quickly paced towards the sitting Seifer. Seifer waved his hand in the air.
"She left." Simon glared at him.
"Where?!" Seifer shrugged. He knew where, but he wasn't going to spoil Quistis's day. Simon's face was turning rather purple and advanced at Seifer. Seifer gasped at the amazing strength as he was being lifted by a mere guy smaller than he was. In fact, Seifer was hovering above the Garden's water fountain. Seifer also starting gasping and gagging as Simon's grip tighten at his collar.
"Tell me WHERE!!!!" the angered leader roared. Seifer struggled to free his neck with his open hands and he stared to gurgle. Impatient and blinded by anger, Simon threw Seifer into the cooling fountain. When Seifer reached the surface taking in huge breaths of air, Simon had already disappear.
"What the hell is that guy doing?!" he muttered as he hoisted himself up.
"I'd like to know that as well." Seifer turned to see Irvine standing a few meters ahead. The cowboy walked, his boots echoing in the halls with the rippling waters. "Seifer, I might have an idea what the new guy might be doing."
"What? It involves Quistis huh? That bastard Trepie." Seifer smoothed out his wet clothes. "So what's his plan, so you say." By now, students were exiting through the halls, meaning that the period was over.
"It's not safe to talk anymore. I'll meet you in Balamb," Irvine said in a low voice. As he walked away, Seifer looked around by what he meant "not safe." To him, Garden was probably the safest place. But in a new light right now, it seems different. The students were all staring at him as they walk by. Giving him a sneer, a dark look of some sort. His mind was spinning as he started to walk away. Indeed from everywhere he turned everyone was glaring at him. He turned his head this way and that. Where is that Irvine?! He bumped into someone. He looked down at the small girl still standing. Bright green eyes were staring defiantly back.
"Oh, sorry Selphie," he said. She dismissed him and walked past by him. She slowed down her pace for a second to whisper, "You just watch your back." Then she returned to her normal gait. Seifer stood there stunned as students filed by. Had he just heard the happiest girl on Earth threatening him? He quickly made his way to the parking lot and got in his car.
Irvine knows something, he said to himself. Why haven't I noticed this change. He started the engine but something forced itself to the side window. He yelped and turned his head to see Rinoa panting.
"Seifer!" she gasped. "Open the door please! I need to get out of this place. Something's terribly wrong!"
TBC