Notes - This is my quickest update in well...ever. Man, I have been waiting for inspiration to strike forever. I was lying in bed at 4 in the morning, and bam, it came to me. I finally know where this story is going to end up, so hopefully updates will be much, much more frequent.
He could make out the silhouette of the Esthar Airstation far off in the distance. He knew that his lady always liked to come here, to this quiet lake that no one but them knew about. They often would just lie in each others' arms, sometimes talking about the future, sometimes just enjoying the company in silence. He knew that today would not be a pleasure visit.
He smoothed back his cropped, blonde hair; a nervous habit. His left hand was shaking slightly, so he shoved it far into his pocket to get it under control. The lake was quickly approaching, he could hear a soft voice, a beautiful melody.
And there she was, sitting by the side of the lake. Every curve of her body accented by the subtle folds in her clothing; thick tumbles of hair flowing past her shoulders. The song died off her lips as she sensed his presence. She turned her head, full lips curving in a smile when she recognized him.
"Hello," she greeted shyly.
"My lady," he nodded, extending a hand to help her up. She grinned at his formality, and allowed herself to be pulled up. "We have a lot to discuss."
"That we do," she chuckled, reaching up a slim hand to brush away a few blonde hairs that had fallen into his eyes. They laid right back into place as soon as her hand was gone. "The ceremony is going to take place this weekend, at the Palace. And then you will finally..." he cut her off, shaking his head impatiently.
"I'm afraid there won't be any ceremony for me...my lady. I'm disgraced."
Her dark brown eyes narrowed in concern, eyebrows knitting together.
"Don't tell me you're getting nervous, Irion? We've been planning this for months now. The paperwork is complete, my parents have finally consented..."
"Madam, it isn't nerves this time. I wish it were only that."
"What could it be then?" she asked, giving a slightly strained laugh. She didn't like the low tone of shame etched into his voice, or the way he refused to meet her eyes. It gave her a peculiar, nauseous feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"It's Ellie..." he started, and her jaw clenched instantly.
"Her, again?" she shook her head unbelievingly, lowering her voice until it was laced with venom. "I thought you were through with that trash, Irion."
"I...was..." he stuttered, hating himself. "She's pregnant, my lady. About three months. She just found out last night." She tried to push rationalizations through her mind, each one more absurd than the next.
"Are you sure it is your baby? You can't always be sure how...women such as her are spending their nights." Irion's aqua eyes flashed, narrowing.
"It is my baby."
"It's not too late, Irion," she pleaded. "Someone else can take responsibility. It doesn't have to be this way."
"I can't pin this mistake on someone else, my lady. I'll face the consequences with my head held up high." By this time, a tear was rolling down her cheek. Irion made no move to brush it away. He wanted to keep her like this in his mind, her thick hair moving in the wind, a tear frozen on her cheek, their lake in the background. She was beautiful.
"You do realize what the consequences are?" she sniffed, looking away. He broke his eyes away, focusing them on a cloud. He didn't want her to see the sheen that was gathering in his own eyes.
"Yes," he coughed. "But please, my lady, I have a request. I want to see my baby born."
"I'll do what I can," she smiled, heart sinking down to join the nauseous feeling in her stomach. "Are you sure you don't want me to get you out of this?"
"It wouldn't be right." A muscle in his jaw twitched. He very much wanted to give in, let her rescue him. But that would mean another poor fool falling in his place. His honor wouldn't allow that. "It's you I love. I hope you know that," he tried to say calmly. His voice broke and betrayed him.
"I know," she whispered, reaching up to brush the hair out of his eyes once more. Once more they flopped back into place. "I love you too."
"What about Ellie? Will she..." he trailed off.
"Yes. She will be executed." He swallowed loudly.
"...And the child?"
"It will be taken care of," she assured, pulling him into an embrace.
He kissed her.
***
Seifer jerked up in bed, startled to find traces of wetness on his cheeks. He wiped the tears away quickly, aghast. The dream had been clearer than any he'd had before. But it was just a dream, he tried to convince himself. Nothing more. A dream.
Forcing his eyes to adjust to the dim light of the Ragnarok, Seifer observed that they were approaching Esthar fast. Muttering a curse under his breath, he threw his legs over the side of the bed quickly, and pulled on his boots. Quistis soon stirred, and blinked up at him sleepily.
"Hello Seifer," she greeted with a lazy grin. It was obvious she had been having a nicer dream than he had, he snorted to himself. He leaned down and tossed her boots on the bed, one of them landing on her side. She uttered an unhappy groan, pushing the boot off of her and burying her face in the pillow.
"What's the big idea." Her voice was muffled by the pillow.
"The big idea is you need to get your lazy ass up. We're landing in a minute." She mumbled an incoherent response. He rolled his eyes, walking to the side of the bed. He gave her a harsh, resounding spank on the rear. She squealed loud enough to not have it muffled by her pillow. He smirked, and walked to Zell's bed. He was snoring loudly.
With one severe yank, Seifer held the blanket in his hand and Zell tumbled out of the bed. Quistis was sitting up at this point, glaring daggers at Seifer's back. Zell was a little more aggressive.
"What's your problem, man?" he wrapped a strong hand around Seifer's right ankle and tugged hard. Seifer fell flat on his ass.
The airship landed automatically. Zell and Seifer managed to get up. Quistis made them apologize to each other.
Nobody was in a good mood.
***
The Presidential Palace was as large, glittering, and impressive as ever. Seifer, who had never been inside before, was especially dumbfounded. He was taken aback at the lifts, he was afraid that he'd fall off any second. He grabbed for Quistis' hand when Zell wasn't looking. She glanced at his tensed face from the corner of her eye, giving his hand a comforting squeeze.
She dropped it as the lift came to a stop.
Right in front of Laguna's office was something that had not been there before. A plain brown desk with an old computer monitor atop of it. It looked extremely out of place in such a high-tech building. A young looking girl, with very pale blonde hair and gray eyes, was wearing an over-starched white blouse and typing rapidly. She glanced up as they approached and offered them a wide smile.
"Good afternoon. How may I help you?"
"We're here to see the President," Quistis replied, in a friendly but professional tone. The secretary opened a drawer and pulled out a clipboard from it.
"Do you have an appointment?" she asked, eyes running down the page.
"Not technically," Zell said, rubbing a fist along his chest and then resting it at his hip. The secretary arched an eyebrow.
"Kiros sent Commander Squall Leonhart of Balamb Garden an e-mail. It stated that Esthar has been receiving terrorist threats, and that Laguna requested SeeD assistance." The woman's gray eyes widened, and she sputtered.
"Is this some sort of sick joke?" she frowned. "Because it is an extremely unfunny one."
"No joke, lady." Seifer rolled his eyes. "Just let us see the President."
"I will do no such thing," her eyes narrowed. "Now please escort yourselves out, before I call a guard to do it for you." And then she went back to furiously typing on the keyboard. Seifer looked about ready to leap over the desk, smash the computer screen, and attack her. Zell wasn't too far behind.
"Please. We are telling the truth," Quistis said firmly. The secretary did not look up from her screen.
"Damn you, lady!" Seifer hissed. "Do you want your country to be destroyed? Is that your problem?" She couldn't ignore this, and leapt to her feet, sending her chair sprawling backwards. She jabbed a finger at his chest, angrily.
"How dare you accuse me of such a thing! Get - "
"What's all this noise about, Susan?" Came Laguna's peppy voice from his now open office. "I have a lot of paperwork to do, I need quiet..." Susan turned around, saluting the president and flushing.
"I-it's nothing sir. These scoundrels were just making a ruckus. I'll call a guard to escort them out right this - "
"Quistis! Zell!" Laguna cried happily. "...Seifer," he added. "How the heck are ya?"
Feeling immensely relieved, the three of them jumped into explanation all at once. Susan picked up her fallen chair and righted it. She slumped down unhappily, crossing her arms and pouting like a child.
She had, however, turned out to be right. Laguna was completely baffled by their story.
"Esthar has received no threats...everything is running as smooth as clockwork." He paused briefly, thinking. "Susan, call Kiros and Ward here, please." She complied quickly, shooting a triumphant look at the three. Seifer fought the urge to cuff her right across that annoying mouth. Kiros and Ward arrived right away, in the odd Presidential Aide uniforms.
"Kiros, have you sent an e-mail to Squall about terrorist threats?" Kiros coughed, and then laughed uncomfortably.
"W-what are you talking about Laguna?" Laguna crossed his arms tightly across his chest, glaring at Kiros and Ward.
"I mean, is this another one of your practical jokes? Like that spray-paint in the business bathrooms that by the way, nearly cost me my job?"
"We've been very good since then, Laguna. You know that," Kiros insisted.
"Ward? Is this true?"
"... ... ..." Ward nodded furiously.
"Come on man, look into his eyes. Eyes like that don't lie. We didn't do it."
"Well..." Laguna scratched his graying hair thoughtfully. "These are my best friends, you three. I believe them. I'm really sorry that you had to come all this way for nothing, I promise I'll have somebody look into that prank e-mail. With our technology we should find the moron pretty fast. Until then, is there anything I can do? Oh, I know. I'll fix you up with a nice room, right here in the Palace. It'll be great, there are no rooms more comfortable than in this building." He flashed a winning grin. "What do you say?"
"Well..." Quistis considered. Seifer started waving his arms wildly from behind Laguna, mouthing 'No!' 'No!' "Sure, okay. We'd love to."
"Yeah! This place rocks," Zell agreed, clapping his hands together happily. Both Seifer and Susan looked very displeased. Seifer shot Quistis and Zell the middle finger. Zell grinned and waved, acting like Seifer had waved at him. Seifer groaned and raked an annoyed hand through his hair.
"Susan, show them to their room. Remember, the very best. These are special guests we have here," Laguna ordered without actually looking at her. She mumbled a 'yes, sir,' getting to her feet and adjusting her black skirt unhappily.
"Follow me..." she mumbled, and took off at a brisk pace down the hall. The three blondes struggled to keep up with her.
"Hey! Remember to bring Squall with you next time!" Laguna called after them. Quistis turned to nod, giving him a warm smile. Laguna reached up a slightly aged hand to wave, the other stuffed into the pocket of his khakis.
As soon as they were out of sight, Laguna sighed and returned to his office to finish up his paperwork.
***
"Wow, this room really is great..." Quistis murmured, taking in all of the spacious, luxuriously decorated room with hungry eyes. Seifer grunted, storming past her and flopping on a bed moodily.
"What's your problem?" Quistis arched an eyebrow. Zell set off to explore the bathroom.
"My problem is I got dragged all the way to Esthar for no goddamn reason, had to deal with a bitch secretary, a president who still thinks he's a teenager, and I am pissed as hell!"
"Oooooh! They have little shampoo samples! That is so freaking cool!" Came Zell's giddy voice from the bathroom. Seifer glared at the door. "...I need some hair gel though..." Zell mused to himself.
"...What a party," a cold voice observed from the corner. Seifer and Quistis' heads snapped up simultaneously. There was a crash from the bathroom, and Zell bounded out of it, mouth wide open. Rinoa stood calmly at the entrance of the kitchenette, looking from one blonde to another.
"What are you doing here, Rinoa?" Seifer demanded with a snarl.
"I'm going to call Squall," Quistis said, reaching for the phone.
"Stop!" Rinoa yelled, snapping her fingers impatiently. Quistis froze, the phone dropping from her hand to clatter against the floor. She remained in that position. Seifer immediately bounded out of his bed, trying to move her arm. It was stiff as stone.
"What the hell did you do to her?!" Seifer bellowed. Zell was still sputtering in shock.
"Oh, a simple petrifying spell," Rinoa yawned. "Please step aside, Seifer, unless you want to be a rock as well..." Seifer didn't budge, so Rinoa flicked a finger and sent him flying across the room. His head smacked against the wall painfully, but it didn't knock him out.
"The time has to be right, Seifer..." Rinoa said, a faraway look in her eyes. "It will be taken care of..." with that, she wrapped a slim arm around Quistis' frozen waist. "Find me there..."
With that, there was a bright flash, and both Quistis and Rinoa were gone.
Zell recovered too late, and rushed to Seifer's side. He cast a simple healing spell, and Seifer stood with a snarl. He was royally pissed. He stalked towards the door, trench coat swishing at his ankles. He motioned for Zell to follow him without turning around.
"Where are we going?" Zell caught up to him, catching his breath.
"We're going to have a little talk with Squall about his misbehaving girlfriend."
He could make out the silhouette of the Esthar Airstation far off in the distance. He knew that his lady always liked to come here, to this quiet lake that no one but them knew about. They often would just lie in each others' arms, sometimes talking about the future, sometimes just enjoying the company in silence. He knew that today would not be a pleasure visit.
He smoothed back his cropped, blonde hair; a nervous habit. His left hand was shaking slightly, so he shoved it far into his pocket to get it under control. The lake was quickly approaching, he could hear a soft voice, a beautiful melody.
And there she was, sitting by the side of the lake. Every curve of her body accented by the subtle folds in her clothing; thick tumbles of hair flowing past her shoulders. The song died off her lips as she sensed his presence. She turned her head, full lips curving in a smile when she recognized him.
"Hello," she greeted shyly.
"My lady," he nodded, extending a hand to help her up. She grinned at his formality, and allowed herself to be pulled up. "We have a lot to discuss."
"That we do," she chuckled, reaching up a slim hand to brush away a few blonde hairs that had fallen into his eyes. They laid right back into place as soon as her hand was gone. "The ceremony is going to take place this weekend, at the Palace. And then you will finally..." he cut her off, shaking his head impatiently.
"I'm afraid there won't be any ceremony for me...my lady. I'm disgraced."
Her dark brown eyes narrowed in concern, eyebrows knitting together.
"Don't tell me you're getting nervous, Irion? We've been planning this for months now. The paperwork is complete, my parents have finally consented..."
"Madam, it isn't nerves this time. I wish it were only that."
"What could it be then?" she asked, giving a slightly strained laugh. She didn't like the low tone of shame etched into his voice, or the way he refused to meet her eyes. It gave her a peculiar, nauseous feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"It's Ellie..." he started, and her jaw clenched instantly.
"Her, again?" she shook her head unbelievingly, lowering her voice until it was laced with venom. "I thought you were through with that trash, Irion."
"I...was..." he stuttered, hating himself. "She's pregnant, my lady. About three months. She just found out last night." She tried to push rationalizations through her mind, each one more absurd than the next.
"Are you sure it is your baby? You can't always be sure how...women such as her are spending their nights." Irion's aqua eyes flashed, narrowing.
"It is my baby."
"It's not too late, Irion," she pleaded. "Someone else can take responsibility. It doesn't have to be this way."
"I can't pin this mistake on someone else, my lady. I'll face the consequences with my head held up high." By this time, a tear was rolling down her cheek. Irion made no move to brush it away. He wanted to keep her like this in his mind, her thick hair moving in the wind, a tear frozen on her cheek, their lake in the background. She was beautiful.
"You do realize what the consequences are?" she sniffed, looking away. He broke his eyes away, focusing them on a cloud. He didn't want her to see the sheen that was gathering in his own eyes.
"Yes," he coughed. "But please, my lady, I have a request. I want to see my baby born."
"I'll do what I can," she smiled, heart sinking down to join the nauseous feeling in her stomach. "Are you sure you don't want me to get you out of this?"
"It wouldn't be right." A muscle in his jaw twitched. He very much wanted to give in, let her rescue him. But that would mean another poor fool falling in his place. His honor wouldn't allow that. "It's you I love. I hope you know that," he tried to say calmly. His voice broke and betrayed him.
"I know," she whispered, reaching up to brush the hair out of his eyes once more. Once more they flopped back into place. "I love you too."
"What about Ellie? Will she..." he trailed off.
"Yes. She will be executed." He swallowed loudly.
"...And the child?"
"It will be taken care of," she assured, pulling him into an embrace.
He kissed her.
***
Seifer jerked up in bed, startled to find traces of wetness on his cheeks. He wiped the tears away quickly, aghast. The dream had been clearer than any he'd had before. But it was just a dream, he tried to convince himself. Nothing more. A dream.
Forcing his eyes to adjust to the dim light of the Ragnarok, Seifer observed that they were approaching Esthar fast. Muttering a curse under his breath, he threw his legs over the side of the bed quickly, and pulled on his boots. Quistis soon stirred, and blinked up at him sleepily.
"Hello Seifer," she greeted with a lazy grin. It was obvious she had been having a nicer dream than he had, he snorted to himself. He leaned down and tossed her boots on the bed, one of them landing on her side. She uttered an unhappy groan, pushing the boot off of her and burying her face in the pillow.
"What's the big idea." Her voice was muffled by the pillow.
"The big idea is you need to get your lazy ass up. We're landing in a minute." She mumbled an incoherent response. He rolled his eyes, walking to the side of the bed. He gave her a harsh, resounding spank on the rear. She squealed loud enough to not have it muffled by her pillow. He smirked, and walked to Zell's bed. He was snoring loudly.
With one severe yank, Seifer held the blanket in his hand and Zell tumbled out of the bed. Quistis was sitting up at this point, glaring daggers at Seifer's back. Zell was a little more aggressive.
"What's your problem, man?" he wrapped a strong hand around Seifer's right ankle and tugged hard. Seifer fell flat on his ass.
The airship landed automatically. Zell and Seifer managed to get up. Quistis made them apologize to each other.
Nobody was in a good mood.
***
The Presidential Palace was as large, glittering, and impressive as ever. Seifer, who had never been inside before, was especially dumbfounded. He was taken aback at the lifts, he was afraid that he'd fall off any second. He grabbed for Quistis' hand when Zell wasn't looking. She glanced at his tensed face from the corner of her eye, giving his hand a comforting squeeze.
She dropped it as the lift came to a stop.
Right in front of Laguna's office was something that had not been there before. A plain brown desk with an old computer monitor atop of it. It looked extremely out of place in such a high-tech building. A young looking girl, with very pale blonde hair and gray eyes, was wearing an over-starched white blouse and typing rapidly. She glanced up as they approached and offered them a wide smile.
"Good afternoon. How may I help you?"
"We're here to see the President," Quistis replied, in a friendly but professional tone. The secretary opened a drawer and pulled out a clipboard from it.
"Do you have an appointment?" she asked, eyes running down the page.
"Not technically," Zell said, rubbing a fist along his chest and then resting it at his hip. The secretary arched an eyebrow.
"Kiros sent Commander Squall Leonhart of Balamb Garden an e-mail. It stated that Esthar has been receiving terrorist threats, and that Laguna requested SeeD assistance." The woman's gray eyes widened, and she sputtered.
"Is this some sort of sick joke?" she frowned. "Because it is an extremely unfunny one."
"No joke, lady." Seifer rolled his eyes. "Just let us see the President."
"I will do no such thing," her eyes narrowed. "Now please escort yourselves out, before I call a guard to do it for you." And then she went back to furiously typing on the keyboard. Seifer looked about ready to leap over the desk, smash the computer screen, and attack her. Zell wasn't too far behind.
"Please. We are telling the truth," Quistis said firmly. The secretary did not look up from her screen.
"Damn you, lady!" Seifer hissed. "Do you want your country to be destroyed? Is that your problem?" She couldn't ignore this, and leapt to her feet, sending her chair sprawling backwards. She jabbed a finger at his chest, angrily.
"How dare you accuse me of such a thing! Get - "
"What's all this noise about, Susan?" Came Laguna's peppy voice from his now open office. "I have a lot of paperwork to do, I need quiet..." Susan turned around, saluting the president and flushing.
"I-it's nothing sir. These scoundrels were just making a ruckus. I'll call a guard to escort them out right this - "
"Quistis! Zell!" Laguna cried happily. "...Seifer," he added. "How the heck are ya?"
Feeling immensely relieved, the three of them jumped into explanation all at once. Susan picked up her fallen chair and righted it. She slumped down unhappily, crossing her arms and pouting like a child.
She had, however, turned out to be right. Laguna was completely baffled by their story.
"Esthar has received no threats...everything is running as smooth as clockwork." He paused briefly, thinking. "Susan, call Kiros and Ward here, please." She complied quickly, shooting a triumphant look at the three. Seifer fought the urge to cuff her right across that annoying mouth. Kiros and Ward arrived right away, in the odd Presidential Aide uniforms.
"Kiros, have you sent an e-mail to Squall about terrorist threats?" Kiros coughed, and then laughed uncomfortably.
"W-what are you talking about Laguna?" Laguna crossed his arms tightly across his chest, glaring at Kiros and Ward.
"I mean, is this another one of your practical jokes? Like that spray-paint in the business bathrooms that by the way, nearly cost me my job?"
"We've been very good since then, Laguna. You know that," Kiros insisted.
"Ward? Is this true?"
"... ... ..." Ward nodded furiously.
"Come on man, look into his eyes. Eyes like that don't lie. We didn't do it."
"Well..." Laguna scratched his graying hair thoughtfully. "These are my best friends, you three. I believe them. I'm really sorry that you had to come all this way for nothing, I promise I'll have somebody look into that prank e-mail. With our technology we should find the moron pretty fast. Until then, is there anything I can do? Oh, I know. I'll fix you up with a nice room, right here in the Palace. It'll be great, there are no rooms more comfortable than in this building." He flashed a winning grin. "What do you say?"
"Well..." Quistis considered. Seifer started waving his arms wildly from behind Laguna, mouthing 'No!' 'No!' "Sure, okay. We'd love to."
"Yeah! This place rocks," Zell agreed, clapping his hands together happily. Both Seifer and Susan looked very displeased. Seifer shot Quistis and Zell the middle finger. Zell grinned and waved, acting like Seifer had waved at him. Seifer groaned and raked an annoyed hand through his hair.
"Susan, show them to their room. Remember, the very best. These are special guests we have here," Laguna ordered without actually looking at her. She mumbled a 'yes, sir,' getting to her feet and adjusting her black skirt unhappily.
"Follow me..." she mumbled, and took off at a brisk pace down the hall. The three blondes struggled to keep up with her.
"Hey! Remember to bring Squall with you next time!" Laguna called after them. Quistis turned to nod, giving him a warm smile. Laguna reached up a slightly aged hand to wave, the other stuffed into the pocket of his khakis.
As soon as they were out of sight, Laguna sighed and returned to his office to finish up his paperwork.
***
"Wow, this room really is great..." Quistis murmured, taking in all of the spacious, luxuriously decorated room with hungry eyes. Seifer grunted, storming past her and flopping on a bed moodily.
"What's your problem?" Quistis arched an eyebrow. Zell set off to explore the bathroom.
"My problem is I got dragged all the way to Esthar for no goddamn reason, had to deal with a bitch secretary, a president who still thinks he's a teenager, and I am pissed as hell!"
"Oooooh! They have little shampoo samples! That is so freaking cool!" Came Zell's giddy voice from the bathroom. Seifer glared at the door. "...I need some hair gel though..." Zell mused to himself.
"...What a party," a cold voice observed from the corner. Seifer and Quistis' heads snapped up simultaneously. There was a crash from the bathroom, and Zell bounded out of it, mouth wide open. Rinoa stood calmly at the entrance of the kitchenette, looking from one blonde to another.
"What are you doing here, Rinoa?" Seifer demanded with a snarl.
"I'm going to call Squall," Quistis said, reaching for the phone.
"Stop!" Rinoa yelled, snapping her fingers impatiently. Quistis froze, the phone dropping from her hand to clatter against the floor. She remained in that position. Seifer immediately bounded out of his bed, trying to move her arm. It was stiff as stone.
"What the hell did you do to her?!" Seifer bellowed. Zell was still sputtering in shock.
"Oh, a simple petrifying spell," Rinoa yawned. "Please step aside, Seifer, unless you want to be a rock as well..." Seifer didn't budge, so Rinoa flicked a finger and sent him flying across the room. His head smacked against the wall painfully, but it didn't knock him out.
"The time has to be right, Seifer..." Rinoa said, a faraway look in her eyes. "It will be taken care of..." with that, she wrapped a slim arm around Quistis' frozen waist. "Find me there..."
With that, there was a bright flash, and both Quistis and Rinoa were gone.
Zell recovered too late, and rushed to Seifer's side. He cast a simple healing spell, and Seifer stood with a snarl. He was royally pissed. He stalked towards the door, trench coat swishing at his ankles. He motioned for Zell to follow him without turning around.
"Where are we going?" Zell caught up to him, catching his breath.
"We're going to have a little talk with Squall about his misbehaving girlfriend."