As Time Goes By
and
Memories Die

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"/Daaaaaamn!/"

"Awesome!"

"Pretty!"

"..."

"Business as usual." Disinterested, a tall, rather beautiful Quistis Trepe continued forward as her four comrades stood back in awe. Knowing that they would run to catch up soon enough - or at least three of them would - she found no need in turning around and urging them on. As she went, she paid no mind to the random wolf-whistles and howls trailing behind her; she even turned to one guy, smiled flirtatiously, winking, and rolled her eyes as he grinned like a fool even through his girlfriend's noisome bitching.

After a short period of the rapid clicking of heels, she didn't even need to look to either side of her to see Zell, Selphie and Rinoa panting slightly, eyes still glittering like those of small children in a candy shop.

"This place is *huge*!" Zell exclaimed, performing a quick air-spin kick to demonstrate the complete abundance of space.

Selphie giggled, twirling around once. "Booyaka!" She exclaimed, "Hey, it echoes, too!"

Rinoa smiled, "Yeah, what's with all the marble and glass?" With a quick pause and another glance around, she added: "But this place is *amazing*! Don't you think, Quistis? It's so...military, and brave somehow!"

Quistis, who was enjoying the serenity of it as much as anyone, simply replied with "If you think this is so wonderful, you should love the military activity we're most likely about to experience. That, Rinoa, is rather amazing; I hope you have the same amount of energy invested into that."

"She's right," a firm, fairly deep voice announced from behind them. "If you don't, then I won't be the one to clear your body from the battlefield."

Rinoa turned, shocked at what she was hearing, and stomped her foot stubbornly. "What do you mean by that, and I'm perfectly capable of defending myself thank you kindly?"

"He's just trying to scare ya. But Quistis here is just sayin' that when a sorceress suddenly appears out of nowhere there's no way we can avoid *some* sort of war," Selphie tried to shed some light on the dramatic comments. "Don't worry about it."

"Hey, guys!" Zell, who had gotten further ahead while this was going on, shouted, "Check it out!"

The four others caught up soon enough, and marveled for a second at the sheer beauty of the interior of Garden.

Selphie skipped happily to the entrance, looking around and hearing even less activity than there had been outside. "Wow...Completely different..." She mused.

Zell stepped over to the entrance doors and stated, "Sure is quiet."

Squall paced up behind them, "...I like it."

Rinoa giggled at this; it seemed too much like something he would say.

Quistis turned to face them all, eyeing them carefully before they could go in. "Could you leave this one up to me? I've been here several times, and I know the headmaster pretty well." Not really allowing enough time for any kind of response, whatever it may be, she pushed the cold metal gate open and walked through. "I'll go explain our situation." With that, she was gone.
* * * * *
"Yes sir, and thanks again." Quistis nodded to the blonde man standing in front of her and let herself out. Martine ordered the SeeD party into the 2F reception room over the intercom, then exited his office with the usual stern look on his face. He stepped down the hall at a spanking pace to one particularly popular dorm room, knocking loudly on the door upon arrival.

Almost immediately, the silver doors flew open to reveal a tall, cocky, grinning young man of seventeen.

"Kinneas," Martine barked, "I've a job for you."
* * * * *
She entered with a small, fake smile fading from her scarlet lips. The doors zipped shut behind her, and a dry sliding sound resonated throughout the deathly silent room. She was welcomed with what was to be expected from Squall: "How'd it go?"

Quistis shrugged as if to say 'it's all I could do to ask, but who knows?' then replied, "They understand our situation." With a sort of sneaky, proud grin, she eyed Zell and approached him, leaning over. "And Balamb Garden is safe." Later on, she figured she'd pay to see the thankful, relieved, "I-could-kiss-you-for-that" look that exploded from the smile he gave her one more time. A special look, made just for her. "The attack on the president in Timber was classified as an independent action," She continued, "There was an official notice from the Galbadian government saying that Balamb Garden is not being held responsible."
* * * * *
"You plannin' to tell me where we're goin' any time soon?"

"Shut up, Kinneas. I told you to follow in silence until I'm ready for your ever-flapping mouth to receive details." Martine barked, rather rudely, to the gunman.

Irvine held his hands up in defense, "Hey, hey, hey! No need to get rude here, man, I'm just askin'! Now, I'll be perfectly happy to shut up if at least you would
feed me a tidbit of what the hell is goin' on," he said, faintly mocking his elder.

The Headmaster's ears perked up at this proposal, even though he knew it wasn't the truth. He could at least *try*... "You'll be working with five SeeDs from Balamb Garden. Two young men, three young ladies, from what the female lead has informed me."

Irvine's eyes sparkled. "Ladies, huh? Powerful ones, at that? Soooo, buddy ol' pal, could I get a few more details on *that*? Huh? Come ooooon..."

Martine rolled his eyes and looked royally pissed. "No more, the party leader will explain everything."

"So I can't even get names here?" Irvine stopped for a moment, saw the answer in the loud stomping, then ran to catch up. "Awe, Marty, C'mon!"

"No, and if you call me 'Marty' again I'll assign someone else-"

"Pleeeease!" Irvine whined, having quite a bit of fun at this point, "And you know there's nobody better with a rifle than yours truly!"

The aging blonde hurried on, not speaking another word and making an effort to finish off his last-minute plans over the teenager's mindless rambling.
* * * * *
Zell exhaled deeply in relief, but looking up, he had a tint of guilt glossing his eyes. "So, Seifer's taking all the blame?"

{He has such a big heart,} She thought to herself, {I hope he can get through this all okay...}

"It's not your fault, his actions were by his own will," she told him in a low voice, then spoke for everyone to hear. "The trial's over, and the sentence has been carried out..." Quistis paused, noted the look of shock on all their faces. Squall was the only one that didn't seem at all surprised... or sad.

"...He was executed?" Rinoa said, barely more than a whisper; it was obvious she wanted to cry, but this was hardly the time. "...Of course he was. He attacked the president." She rose slowly from her former crouching position, "He sacrificed himself for the 'Forest Owls'..."

Quistis walked over to the small brown-eyed girl, not completely sympathetic. Not that she was heartless, she just knew Seifer 's type all too well...it was actually scary, sometimes, how much she really knew. "It was your group that got Seifer involved in all this." She spoke it more as a fact than question, "You're a resistance faction, right? You must have been prepared for the worst." And if the worst wasn't even the truth, then so be it! "I'm sure Seifer was prepared, too. So don't think of it as Seifer sacrificing himself for you." Miss Trepe was almost totally sure he hadn't, too. Creeping suspicion, that was.

Slightly ashamed of what she'd just either said or thought, Quistis sat down, polite as always, and looked over to the Heartilly girl. "I'm sorry. I guess that wasn't much consolation." This only came through half-heartedly - and so what if it did?

When Squall brought himself over to her side, she looked up at him and reluctantly began speaking again. "I don't have any good memories of him." She glanced over at Rinoa, as if trying to explain, "I've seen some troubled children, but he was beyond troubled." Sighing, she tore her gaze down to her hands. "Well, he wasn't really a bad guy." {Shut up...stop talking right there...you've said enough already...}

"I didn't like the guy, but executed...?" Zell squeaked, stunned, and guilty for really no reason at all.

"I...really liked him." Rinoa croaked out, fighting tears still. "He was always full of confidence, smart... Just by talking to him, I felt like I could take on the world."

Everyone was focusing on her now, and Selphie seemed especially interested; "Your boyfriend?"

"I don't really know," was the response, after she turned and sat next to Quistis. "I...I think I was in love," Rinoa droned, no tone aside from the utter softness of her voice. "I wonder how he felt...?"

Quistis was really starting to feel sorry for her. And if this was this bad, what would little Rinny think of an assignment where thousands die at once? Ack, too much military mindset...!

"Do you still like him...?" Selphie questioned, gingerly.

Rinoa craned her neck back so she could speak directly to the care-free teen, "If I didn't, I wouldn't be talking about it." Grabbing her knees, she started to rock back and forth while saying "It was last summer..." There was the soft thump of feet quickly stomping on carpeted floors, and her slightly high voice went on. "I was sixteen. Lots of fond memories..."

A glassy, dreamy look wafted into her dark eyes, and Quistis wondered how close the two really were. Rinoa really did care, and it showed...and Quistis envied that asset of her. {You need someone like that, you know? Someone that can help you get away, help you...} The blonde pinched the bridge of her nose and shut her eyes tight, determined to fully concentrate on what was being said. She hated the less rational part of her mind; it blurred out reality and sounded so tempting...*right*, almost...

She looked around and found that everyone else was zoning out a bit, themselves, and didn't feel so bad for missing whatever else that may have been said. Seifer...gone...and was it that much of a loss? She'd known him for God knew how long, but...all he ever wanted to do was bring frustration and, quite possibly, pain to her. So that always made for a nice friend, didn't it? It was so weird, though, losing one of her own...there...gone...there...gone...so quick. Amazing. Stunning. Pai-

Suddenly her mind noted Squall's frantic pacing, and she stood, all but jumping at the chance to help him in one way or another. "What's wrong, Squall?" She inquired, confused.

"I won't have it!" He shouted, out of nowhere, an angry and somehow pleading, childish look on his face.

"W-what?" Zell stammered, shaken.

Selphie ran up to the keeper of Griever, raising her own voice a notch, "Are you MAD!?"

Squall backed up in horror, scowling, "I won't have anyone talk about me in the past tense!" With that, he rushed out.

They all exchanged fazed glances, silent questions, and slowly sat back down. Quistis even took in the pleasure of just leaning back sloppily, arms spread wide, not worrying about her prestige anymore; Mr. Teenage-Angst was gone, and who else was there that she needed to impress? Closing her eyes, she slipped back into her own little world, trying to get a hold of some sense in her mind.
* * * * *
"Stay here," Headmaster Martine ordered.

"-And the ladies alwa...huh?" Irvine stopped his inane babbling that he'd come to make a game of, and looked squarely at the lightly wrinkled man in front of him. "But you haven't told me anything!"

Martine furrowed graying eyebrows at the bright-eyed young man in front of him. "Names? Fine. Leader, or at least of the sort, is Squall Leonhart."

Irvine's eyes glittered in interest. "Squall?! Heh, w-"

"Followers include Zell Dincht, Rinoa Heartilly, and Selphie Tilmitt."

Irvine was breathing faster now, excited, an idiotic smile plastered on his handsome features. Sefie! Squall! Zell! Rinoa! Wait...he didn't know Rinoa...but still! *Girl*! He though for a second, remembering something, then "Didn't you s-"

"Let me finish!" Martine snapped, tired of the useless boy's voice already. "Second in command, Quistis Trepe."

Irvine stared at him in disbelief. "Qui...Quistis....Quisty!!" He cried, overjoyed.

The opposite man nodded, welcoming the partial silence, and finished with the orders, "It's up to her if she's going to let you call her that, but all right then. Now, stay. Wait. You'll see them soon enough." And he was gone with a quick strange look.

Irvine turned, jumped up quickly, twirled again, and shot a bullet to celebrate - *pre* - celebrate. His friends! They'd be together again! He could keep his promise to Quisty! He could see her, talk to her again, and everyone! Sefie! Everyone would-

There was a mildly metallic ping, and an angry voice followed: "HEY, JACKASS, WATCH IT!"

"Sorry!" Irvine called after it, and continued dancing happily in the lush green grass.
* * * * *
Everyone jumped a little when they heard the sudden swish of the cold electronic doors, and Quistis' vision was blurred when she opened her eyes. Blinking a few times to allow them to adjust, she then stood, addressing the newcomer. "May I help you?" She asked the man standing there. He looked her age, if not a bit younger.

He gawked for a moment, his eyes starting to race around the room. "I-is this the SeeD p-party from B-Balamb Garden?" His voice wavered horribly, and he blushed even more so in embarrassment.

"Sure is!" Selphie piped up, smiling sweetly.

"The Headmaster's orders are for you all to report to report up front for mission briefing, ma'am," he muttered, staring down the blue-eyed Quistis.

She smiled in thanks, nodding. "Thank you...may I ask your name?"

The boy's eyes widened in surprise. "Yeah, sure, no problem, it's Teki."

"Thanks then, Teki." Quistis switched her shining gaze to the rest of the group, and with a small twitch of her head she signaled them to follow.

They obeyed, filing out of the room, Rinoa calling after, "Nice meeting you!"

Teki watched the three pretty girls leave, looking as if he were about to have a heat stroke, and quickly sprinted off.

"The hell's with *him*?" Zell questioned, shadow-boxing as they went along.

Selphie elbowed him in the ribs, frowning. "That's pretty rude of you to say, Zell."

He stopped his wild punching to squint at her for a short moment. "What'd I say?"

Selphie just rolled her eyes and continued walking.

"Frickin' A, man..." Zell muttered, and followed.

"Our next mission, from the small taste I've been given of it, may turn out to be rather gory. I hope you all are up to it," Quistis warned them. She was afraid they wouldn't be; none of them were battle-worn enough. They were ignorant to that part of life, and she wasn't sure this was going to be the best way to learn. "Just like I told you, Rinoa. I pray to Hyne you're ready."

Rinoa shifted nervously but said nothing. They went the rest of the way in silence.
* * * * *
{Okay...I don't wanna seem to eager or anything...okay, just keep my cool...how? Right. Lay down. Be care-free, not desperate. Good plan.} Irvine was freaking out by now, overly anxious to see them all. Her. Them. Close enough. They'd be a gang again! And he could see how Quisty and Sefie turned out, which would be pretty fun...

He plopped down on his ass, stretching out on the ground, awaiting the big reunion. Oh, DAMN it was too much! {Forever building castles in the air, and all that. Corny, but I was a kid...despite the fact of it, I'll be glad to keep that promise. Calm down, Kinneas, calm...they'll be here soon...}
* * * * *
There were a series of foot steps...was it them? He couldn't tell. Muffled voices, but they were too far away. Whispering. Okay.

A medium-high voice rang out, "Oh! I think that's him." Was it Sefie or Quistis? Or that girl Rinoa? They were here, though, so soon enough he'd find out.
* * * * *
The gaudy yellow-and-green car pulled up carelessly in front of the five of them, tires screeching bloody murder.

"Just pretend I'm a SeeD, too. It'll be less complicated that way," Rinoa added, speaking in a low voice.

"Already taken care of," Quistis told her while lining up side-to-side. They all saluted, Rinoa glancing back and forth rapidly to make sure it was right.

"Good day," Martine's commanding voice shot out. "I have official orders from Headmaster Cid addressed to you. Following regulations, I have gone over these orders. After careful consideration of our options, we have decided to fully assist and cooperate with Headmaster Cid. Actually, we too, have been planning for this for quite some time now."

{Just get to it...} Quistis thought, annoyed. The man always had a way of stalling.

"In order to stress the importance of this mission, I must first brief you on the current situation." One brow raised, he scanned the old, new, and not-even SeeDs (without his knowing) before ordering them, "At ease."

Rinoa looked around frantically once more, wanting to do everything perfect, and her awkward movements apparently didn't register in Martine's old, scheming mind, because he didn't question her.

...Which was good.

"You all know about the sorceress being appointed as the peace ambassador for the Galbadian government. However, this ambassador thing is just a cover-up. There will be no peace talks, only threats."

Selphie's face showed a hint of disappointment, but she didn't let it go all the way through; who knew what the Headmaster would do? Deem her weak and not let her go?

"The sorceress creates fear among people. Therefore, peace talks are impossible. Galbadia is planning to *use* this fear to negotiate favorable conditions for itself."

Zell shuffled his feet, getting angry. Stupid-ass government...

"It is clear that Galbadia's ultimate goal is world domination."

Zell's teeth clenched and his fists tightened, but Quistis gave him a panicked warning glance, then turned her attention back to where it previously was.

"Garden is no exception, either. It is a fact that the sorceress is planning to use this Garden as her base ...we have very few options available to us. We entrust world peace, and the future to you."

Squall looked like he knew this was all going to happen, like he was expecting every word, though that wasn't at all true. This bothered Quistis to no end, for reasons unbeknownst to her.

An automated solute from the Garden students, and they were again spoken to. "Details of the mission are enclosed in these official orders." These were handed over to Mr. Leonhart, who, without any objection, accepted them.

"Any questions?" The older man asked, not really expecting one, thinking he'd explained it thoroughly and perfectly. Too big an ego, Quistis thought.

"The orders say by means of 'a sniper'," Squall voiced, not getting it, "But we have no one with that skill."

Quistis nodded, unnoticeable by any means, in agreement.

"Don't worry about it," he was told. "Let me introduce an elite sharpshooter from Galbadia Garden. Kinneas! Irvine Kinneas!"
* * * * *
{That's my cue!}

His right arm hung casually in the air, and he let a small yellow butterfly flutter onto his finger; a second later, with a smooth flick of his wrist, he flicked it off with an imaginary shotgun. Standing gracefully, wind ruffling his long, slightly rough hair, he stared up at the Garden for a moment. Turning, he smirked slyly and almost flirtatiously at his friends and the newcomer. {All-righty, here we go!} His mind exclaimed. He slowly walked over to them, hoping to raise the tension and suspense a notch, and tried desperately not to grin like an idiot.

"This is Irvine Kinneas. He will be your sharpshooter."

As the old-timer was introducing him, Irvine walked in front of his five peers, choosing not to look directly at them at first. Leave a little mystery, and all. He did take a peek from the corner of his eye, though; {And this must be Rinoa...well, ain't she a little cutey? And...Ooooh, big-bad Squally, eh? Heh! Damn, he looks serious... Sefie! Got quite a bit o' leg showin', don't you? Ah well, it never killed anyone.} As he reviewed them and remembered, it began to register that they had no expression of joy on their faces. He came upon Quistis...and nearly tripped and fell face-first. {WHOA! Quisty has grown into a woman! Now if that's not... heh. Oh...there's crybaby Zell...heh heh...}

Irvine spun again, face still down, and looked up to get a full view of Quisty. {Ah, the vision of shining perfection, just as always...*nice*, Quistis, *nice*! Wait...} He looked closer, drowning on sight of her glamorous face, and tore his glance away almost right after...there was no emotion at all, and it hurt him unexpectedly. She had to remember him! But there was no sign in her pretty blue eyes of it...well, it was just a joke, wasn't it? That was it. She couldn't have forgotten the promise. It had been over five years, and he remembered loud and clear...plus, the he'd the lousiest memory of all of them, Zell in complete disregard...

The only other person he chose to look straight on was Squall. Same with him; okay, it was apparent now that they'd planned this. They'd jump him with kisses and shouts once the Big-Man was gone. Snea-ky! ...Right?

"Leave whenever you're ready. Failure is not an option." That seemed so far away, but he wasn't paying attention anyway.

"BANG!" Irvine shouted, pretending to shoot the lagging bastard in the back. {Here we go...} Irvine stepped forward, right to Quistis, while everyone else went opposite. They were all behind him now. {What the...they know, right? They *have* to, I can't be the only one who...hell...Quisty? ...Sefie, Zell? Anyone?} They didn't....none of them... "Looks like I'm with you rubes from Balamb," That was the word for them. He didn't have to be so emotional, he supposed, even though it hurt; they had know idea who the hell he was. Why not be a bit rude to return the favor? It's not like he could scream 'DON'T YOU REMEMBER ME?!' ...it'd be too awkward. They just had no idea, plain and simple. "Greetings," he finished formally. Old friends or new, they sure weren't either now.
* * * * *
Quistis let her eyes closely follow the tall stranger, cautious. There was something about him, and it scared her. Something special, that drew her to him, something she didn't think she liked. It was almost like...she knew him or something, and they were bound together in some odd way...these thoughts were too disturbing for the pretty blonde, and she tossed them like a sack of dog shit to the back of her mind.

She simply snorted a puff of laughter when Zell started freaking out over nothing. Irvine's face looked slightly cold, like he was mad about being assigned to go with them or something...and could she really blame him? She figured he'd fit in well enough, though, aside from with Zell; this Kinneas boy looked a little more battle-smart, which was good. Tough. All the better. {Loving...} And how the hell would she know *that*?

"You cool with me helping you?" She heard him ask Squall, voice confident, strong, and actually kind of arrogant.

Squall shrugged it off. "That depends on your attitude."

"I say things that get a rise out of some people. Just don't let it bother you and we'll get along fine." His voice had the slightest rasp to it, and he sounded just like the cowboy he dressed up to be. She supposed he wouldn't bother her too badly, after all, she was rarely taken aback by any odd comment; they might even get along quite nicely.

Quistis gasped when Irvine's pretty hazel eyes bore right into her blue ones, and for a moment she couldn't move. What the hell was *with* him?! Damn it...

"I'll remember that," Squall commented, breaking the silent contact.

Zell finally got hold of himself and stood normally again, wiping his nose gruffly with his gloved wrist. He still looked pissed, but Quistis figured he was capable of handling it. In the meantime, she broke her sights off the new kid and focused them on Squall. "What's our mission?" Quistis calmly inquired, basing any guesses she had on formality. Defend Garden...attack a secret base...tap into military folders and delete confidential information...

"Our next mission..." Squall started to say.

"Pause for dramatic affect!" Irvine threw in, smart tone of voice and all.

Selphie giggled nearly inaudibly, then not wanting to hurt Squall's feelings - make him mad, either one was bad enough - fell silent.

Squall paid no mind to any of it, only glanced lamely at the cowboy, and went on. "This is no ordinary mission, Kinneas. It's a direct order from both Balamb and Galbadia Garden," He lectured, and to prove his point, tried finishing: "we're to..."

"Melo-dramaaaaaaa..." Irvine cooed, smirking in response to the dirty look his received from his used-to-be friend.

"...Assassinate the sorceress," the dark, short man ended. He got the reaction he both now wanted and expected; a look of total shock from everyone, and a couple - Rinoa and Selphie - actually stumbled. "We're to shoot her from afar. Kinneas will be our sharpshooter," Squall informed the group. "We're to support Kinneas to our fullest."

{You better, after this...} Irvine thought, feeding a grudge. {I hope you do, too, if you all can't even remember me, if you, Quistis, can't even remember a promise...and there's no point in asking now, is there?}

Quistis nodded her head, eyes half-closed, and she snuck another glance at Irvine. He met her gaze, and she felt suddenly awful, like she owed him something important...and they stood that way until they were spoken to.

"Should the sniper fail, we are to attack head on."

Irvine gave his attention to Squall, standing confidently straight. "Thanks for the support, but I never miss my target," he assured the more serious teen.

Squall blinked, nerves getting plucked, and walked toward Rinoa simply to help him ignore the comment. "Eliminate the sorceress. That's our order. We're going to head to the capital of Galbadia, Deling City. There, we'll meet up with General Caraway to go over the details for the plan. Let's get going."

Quistis saw Rinoa flinch at the General's mention, looked puzzled, then turned to Irvine's voice.

"Well then..." Irvine's steady eyes held each of them, studying them carefully, "We'll need to choose a party for the trip for Deling City." Once again, she found herself staring, nearly in awe, at the mysterious young man. He winked, smiling, and turned away.

First instinct; grab Quistis. {No...you can't deal with that right now. You may want that, but she broke something, as you've reminded yourself roughly a thousand times now. You can't forgive her so quickly.} Irvine hastily stepped over to and between Rinoa and Selphie instead, and scoffed in his mind at Trepe. "How's this?"

"I'll decide," Squall told him. "Instrrrrr - Trepe, Kinneas, you two are with me."

Quistis' face lit up at this sign of recognition, and smiled faintly as Irvine reluctantly approached them. "There," Squall grunted, and it was done.

"Excellent choice, Mr. Leader," Irvine told the black-clad boy, moving closer to Quistis. "Well, I guess you're stuck with me," he whispered, "Hope you don't mind, pretty lady." Whether he was mad at her or not, she was hot; he had to hand her that. And maybe this wouldn't be so bad. Maybe she would come through soon, and they'd be tied together again. {Wishful thinking...may as well just forget it.}

She merely brushed her eyes up and down him once, 'We'll see if I do,' and led them back to the long-lost Squall.

They were off.
* * * * *
The gritty dust welcomed them immediately, stinging Quistis' face and making it scrunch up in protest to the rough treatment. Angry clouds of dust protested their being there, and it pulled back on her open peachy-pink vest to the point where it was almost obscene. Irvine, from the look on his face, didn't seem to mind. The lands were dry and hot, two things she didn't care too much for; but who was she to complain?

Irvine squinted, mostly used to the baking sun and random flying objects, and was the first to start for the train station. He nudged Quistis in the side, gently, and grinned pleasantly when she snapped her head around to face him. "You ever gone before?" He yelled, making an effort to be heard over the ripping wind.

"Deling? Only once," She shouted back, "Why?"

"Just making conversation! You guys got money, right? I'm not sure you'd wanna walk the whole way there through this, even though it'd really be nothing for me..." he boasted.

Quistis grunted, and continued on next to him quietly. What *was* it about him...Hyne, it was bothering her to bloody hell!

"Not too far to go!" She heard Rinoa shriek as they trekked to the over-decorated train platform. "This should be over pretty quick!"

"I hope you're right," Selphie screeched back, and they wind broke seemingly right when they neared the train.

There was a muffled crackle-pop, and everyone jumped, spinning around to see what it was. Irvine grinned innocently, *boyishly*, pointing to the ground where a bloodied corpse lay dripping. "Geezard. Gone now." He didn't have to shout over the sandy wind anymore; the train mostly shielded them from it.

The five accompanying him shook their heads and went back to their business. Quistis looked around, taking in the sight of a pretty square of grass and flowers, like an isolated park in the middle of a vast, barren sand-trap. There was still a soft breeze, residue from the ill-tempered wind behind them, that played, uninterested, between strands of loose hair. Behind a huge rock and tall shining lamp post, there was an even taller sign, reading in sophisticated letters; Far East Galbadia Station.

Next to the first set of stairs was a bench in the mini-park where two Garden students sat. Irvine tipped his hat down in passing the young woman, and she giggled shrilly. He smiled, satisfied. Quistis scrunched her nose in disgust, boots clicking briskly on the stone steps.

She was the second to reach the train itself, right behind Squall. He paid what was due to the old engineer. They were pointed in the right direction. Quistis, Irvine, and Squall all boarded the spacious train, paying no mind to the fact that they were lacking three party members.

When the door slid open, they were greeted with a nice air conditioned room and the faint smell of cedar and musk. Squall entered first, walking over to the panel in the wall and sliding an ID card through so Selphie could get in. Quistis tried to follow, but Irvine, purposely she was sure, went at the same time. She went in anyway, not really caring. Irvine swayed back right before they reached the doorway, though, and took a quick glance at her behind.

Head tilted down, eyes fixed on Irvine in a mock-glare, she stood stiffly by the opposing gray wall. Irvine smirked as Squall approached the two, laughing inside. "Selphie, Rinoa, Quistis... I don't know which one to choose..." he said in a low, whispery voice, and noted the shocked look he earned from Quisty.

Squall just looked at the sharpshooter, 'I don't really care, learn your own lessons,' and faced the door. He started to leave, acknowledging the fact that they were three people short of what the mission required. He almost fell when Zell stomped in, followed by Rinoa and then Selphie, who went right to the hallway door.

"Hee! You caught on!" She exclaimed happily. The door shut behind her all of two seconds later.

There were two beeps and a nasal voice to accompany them:

Rinoa laughed out of nowhere, gaining everyone's attention, "This is the only train bound for Deling City, anyway."

{...That sure is hilarious...} Quistis thought sarcastically.

Irvine spoke shortly after. "Hmm... perhaps it's fate?"

Quistis watched him enter the hall for lack of anything else to do.

"So, what do we do about HIM?" Zell asked, annoyed, not receiving an answer.

"...Irvine just kind of went off... shouldn't you check?" Of course, Quistis could really care less, but still.

Squall soundlessly obeyed her request. What he found when he entered was Selphie looking nervously at Irvine while the latter cupped a hand over his forehead.

"Oh, Selphie, come on!"

"T-that's all right, Irvine, I'm fine being s-single.." Selphie sighed.

"A sigh of love?" Irvine ventured.

"Nuh-uh!"

The cowboy finally gave up. He brushed past Squall, but stopped long enough to mutter "Told ya I can get a rise outta people," and was just as soon in the next room again.

Quistis brought her attention to the auburn haired man coming in. He went right to Rinoa and started talking.

She didn't hear what it was at first, but when the girl stepped back and stuck her tongue out at him while he said "Rinoa!" she figured it wasn't very gentlemanly.

She froze when his eyes set on her for a second, then recovered and rose a suspicious eyebrow. He slinked one hand around the curve of her waist and brought his lips to her ear. "Hey, Quistis... sorry 'bout that, but best for last and all, you know? But hey, listen... I got this place-"

She didn't let him go any further; she simply shoved him away, stepping back just as the other two women had. "Irvine Kinneas, you're playing a major role in this mission, now behave yourself!"

He stared at her as if he didn't get it. Actually, he didn't get a lot of things with this group, but he was more or less just hurt. No friends, no promise, no girl to help him through it. Bastard. "No one understands me..."

Squall walked in as this was being said, but nobody noticed.

Irvine trekked over to Quistis and Rinoa, facing away. "Sharpshooters are loners by nature..." Unable to say still, he paced over to the control panel and went on. "We hone our instincts, put our whole being into a single bullet." He imitated this with an odd twitch of his fist into his hand. "The pressure of the moment... an instant of tension... that's what... I have to face alone..." {Or at least now I do. I thought I had you guys. I thought I had *you*, Quistis, that's what the whole promise thing was about. I thought I wasn't alone. But I am... and everything has to be broken at some point, doesn't it?} He kept his eyes trained on Quistis, making sure she was hearing this, at least understanding to a degree.

Quistis stared right back, not able to make up her mind whether this was a guilt trip or he really meant it. She was leaning a little more toward guilt trip.

Now over next to Squall, he explained, "...It's not easy." He walked over toward the train door, closer to Quistis, never breaking eye contact. "So like... Just do me a favor and let me be!" His voice rose up a couple notches to emphasize his point, and she almost felt a sliver of shame. Almost.

"You get my drift?" Irvine asked, finishing.

Zell, over-reacting as usual, gave his answer by slamming his fist on the train floor. Most everyone's balance stammered as the train jumped the track and came back down.

Quistis and Rinoa both rolled their eyes, not at all surprised, as the nasal intercom voice swished through the speakers again, assuring everyone on the train that there was nothing to worry about. He didn't sound too convincing, but they knew it was true.

The last few minutes of the ride were uncomfortably quiet.
* * * * *
The city glowed eerily from the street lights. The sky was a velvety bluish black, though few stars could be seen through the unnecessary amount of light. Quistis felt some sort of vibe, like the city was made directly from a spy movie or something; it felt underhanded, and somewhat dangerous.

Nonetheless, Squall's hand-picked group went straight to the escalator going down. Its low humming noise only added to the creepy, leering sense of evil lurking about. Like there was something more behind it all, and nooo-one's gooooonna teeeee-eeelll!

The sudden jerk sent through her veins at an alarming speed knocked her back into reality. She glanced frantically around for the source, and found herself looking at Irvine. "You okay?"

Quistis blinked once and nodded. "Yeah, sorry. What's going on now?" She asked, stepping onto the next escalator heading up.

"Nothing, you just zoned out and I figured you might as well come back, 'cause we've got stuff to do."

Nodding again, she got off the second set of moving stairs. She found the view of Deling kind of sinister, as opposed to pretty, which it was the first time she'd visited.

"Leader, what's up?" Irvine questioned, not seeming too impressed with the city either.

"We're heading for Caraway's Mansion. It's in the government district," Squall told them.

"Yeah, I know where that is."

Quistis did, too; she was even sort of excited to see it from the inside instead of gaping at it from the out.

"We're here as back-up from Galbadia Garden. Don't blow our cover," Squall ordered.

"Oh, yes. My life-long dream. Broadcast to the world that we're against the sorceress, get badly injured and maybe killed, then get thrown in jail and never see the light of day again." Irvine's voice dripped with sarcasm, bringing a ghost of a smile to Quistis' lips. He grinned proudly back.
* * * * *
"General Caraway's mansion is right through this gate, but... I can't just let you walk in."

Quistis gave the man a puzzled look, and he looked back as if to say 'sorry, it isn't my fault!'

"I believe he's been informed of our arrival," Squall said, cautiously.

"Yes indeed," the guard replied, "But... I was ordered not to let you through until your skills have been tested."

"Really now..." Quistis began, but was interrupted.

"Test our skills? What does he want us to do?" Squall, of course.

"The Tomb of the Unknown King to the northeast. All you have to do is go there. It's real simple, but... you have to bring back proof that you were there. A code number."

"A code number?"

"I can't believe he's making us take a test," Quistis piped up, insulted.

"There are many students like yourself who wish to call on General Caraway. There was a student from Galbadia Garden, yesterday, who has yet to return from the test at the Tomb of the Unknown King. Your objective is to go to the Tomb of the Unknown King, look for traces of this lost student, and return with his ID number."

"That's it?" Quistis asked.

"..." Squall just stared blankly at the guard, silently telling him he's an idiot.

"Well that's easy," Irvine, stating the obvious.

{A waste of time, actually.} Quistis thought, annoyed. {Bothering us to do something so small... what could possibly be so terrible about it?}

"You should be able to find what you're looking for shortly after you go in. The ID number should be written on it. I don't recommend going any further than you have to. You may never make it back alive." When Caraway's guard got a good view of the look of impatience on Quistis and Squall's faces, he quickly brought out a crisp piece of paper with carefully drawn lines on it and handed it to Irvine, who ducked his head down to read it. "Anyway, here's a map. You can call for help with this," the man in his early thirties handed Quistis a small badge-like thing that had a little gray button next to a speaker, "But just remember that your SeeD rank will go down."

Squall nodded, then crossly and mockingly asked, "Can we at least have you show us out of town without that happening?"

"Alright, I'll accompany you out. It's quite convenient if you rent a car when you travel outside." He brushed past the three of them in an almost snotty manner. They followed accordingly.

Quistis, unhappy with being given such a trivial and simple assignment, mumbled to Irvine in the voice of a schoolgirl who knows she shouldn't be talking but has to anyway, "What's with this guy? Doesn't he have any respect at all?"

Irvine just shrugged, not really that bothered. The walk was surprisingly short, and they were out only a couple minutes later.

"He said to get a car, didn't he?" Irvine asked, motioning to the car rental place after the guy was gone.

"Yeah, and it's probably a good idea," Quistis told him. She walked briskly over to the overweight woman standing in the front and paid.

"What kinda car you lookin' to rent, lady?" The woman asked, lazy southern accent lagging.

Irvine jumped in before any of them could, saying "A fast little red sports car! Got one?"

Quistis looked lamely at him, then the parking garage.

"Sure do, boyo. Who's gonna be drivin' this thing?"

"Me," Quistis snapped, almost desperately.

The lady handed her the keys, counted the money. "Have fun."

"Why do *you* get to drive?" Irvine asked.

"Because I want to actually get there *alive*..."

"Hey, don't get like that! Let me drive, I'll be good!" His hazel eyes glittered mischievously, and unbeknownst as to why, she handed him the keys.

{You're an idiot, Trepe...} she told herself. {...I know.}

Giddy, Irvine snatched them away and hopped into the driver's seat. Squall glared warily at Quistis as he lowered himself into a back seat, positive something bad was going to happen. She smiled wanly back, apologetic.

"Quistis, hurry up," Irvine said, excited; he loved these things.

Sighing, she obeyed, plopping down on the passenger side and shutting the door behind her. Right away, the car jerked forward, and the garage door nearly didn't make it up far enough in time for them to pass by safely.

Eyes wide and fearful, Quistis gripped the seat as tight as she could dig her fingers.

"Yee-haw!" Irvine laughed, car jerking violently back and forth.
* * * * *
Squall frowned deeply in disapproval. "Finished?" He asked the other man.

Irvine paused for a second, pondering. "...No." The car jerked forward once more, and he jammed the brake down forcefully. "Okay. Now I am," and just caught himself from laughing out loud when he saw the dirty look Squall was offering so freely.

Quistis unlatched the handle and all but flew out of the car door, slamming it ruthlessly behind her. Irvine and Squall got out after, only slower, the previously mentioned seemingly enjoying her discomfort.

"Are you familiar with GF's?" Quistis shot at him, trying to forget the uncomforting ride.

"With the basic concept, yeah. Never been trained, but how hard can sharing your brain be?"

"Okay... Squall, give him one of yours, I'll share mine."

He nodded, no questions asked, and willed the dark, gloomy air in his mind out and into the novice Irvine.

Irvine stumbled back when the spirit forced inside, smiling widely. "COOL!" He felt tingly now. Woooooo, creepyyyy... "Diablos..." He found he could just as easily tap into the thoughts of the new presence as the demon-friend could to his.

Turn coming to Quistis, she tilted her head down and concentrated on releasing one of her own, breathing softly as it left and took a load off her mind.

More ready for it this time, Irvine simply welcomed the freaky feeling tripping through his senses. This second was lighter and gentler somehow, soothing. "...And Siren. Sweet. So now what?"

"If you need to summon either of them, all you do is let them know. They'll come in their own good time, don't push it," Squall warned him, explaining best he could.

"Got it."

"Are you any good with magic?" Quistis asked him. "We could use another user, and it'll be easier to heal everyone - or attack - if we both can."

"Sure, I can handle it. So what'cha got?" He smiled almost seductively, and Quistis found herself quickly looking away.

"We have different energy levels in certain spells before we need to recharge, for lack of a better word," Quistis instructed, "S-

"Yeah, I know about draw points and everything, I'm not a complete idiot," he shot at her, regretting it as soon as he saw a flicker of hurt in her eyes. So maybe he *couldn't* stay mad for that long...

"Sorry. Old habit. Anyway, I suppose you should draw about half of mine from each spell. That way if one of us gets knocked out, we'll still basically have equal chance in going on strong. So..." She took one small step forward, suggesting he to do what he needed to do.

Evil smile ruthlessly returning, he came forward as well. "I've done *this* before, at least. You need me to touch you, right?"

She shyly nodded, double meaning that backed the comment making her nervous. Quistis reached out for his hand, petrified of anything else, while she let herself go limp, eyes half-shut; any defenses up and the spells wouldn't let themselves out.

Irvine took it, but added his own twist. Instead of leaving it be, he yanked her closer, one hand just above the curve of her hip, the other just enough above her ass to make her nerves bunch up and attack where it rested. She struggled with a muffled cry, calming when he whispered; "Shh, I'm not gonna hurt you. Just let me do my thing and I'll let you go."

Squall watched this all with some level of a temper. {The hell, we're on a mission, not a screw-off championship, Kinneas!}

As soon as Quistis felt Irvine's share of magic pass through, she tore away, banging into the car. She scolded herself harshly for the helpless look shining in her eyes, and stomped off over to Squall. "Let's go," she ordered.
* * * * *
He wasn't completely sure what he'd expected to achieve from that. He guessed he was just hoping that being so close to her might tweak something in her memory... which was really pretty stupid. But what was he supposed to do? He hadn't lied; sharpshooters *were* loners by nature. The only people he'd actually let in were these guys, and now that that was gone, what was there? So maybe it wasn't so stupid...

But he was still thinking about it too much.

He watched drowsily as Quistis stomped off past a very pert and fairly indifferent Squall, who soon followed.