A Throne of Black Thorns
Disclaimer: I don't own it.
Warnings: If you don't like the Seifer/Quistis pairing go now cause this is a story based on that couple. It's kinda long too...
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Chapter 1: Pray
The battle was over. It had been for almost six months now. Quistis had received her Instructors licence back since she had helped to save the world, after all, what better leadership qualities and level of competency did she need to show after that? Ultimecia was gone, everything was back to normal...Although there was a slight change. Seifer had come back to Garden. He was still the same boy with the same attitude...She still loathed the way he treated her. Raijin and Fujin had since disappeared. Not even Seifer knew where they had disappeared to.
"Squall..." She muttered the name quietly as though the word were a blessing and a treachery at the same time. She wondered silently what he was doing. Was he still the lone wolf? How were things going with Rinoa? Was she still carefree and stubborn?
"Quistis? Are you alright in there?"
Quistis' head shot up upon the voice outside her door, a gentle knock followed by the same voice filled with concern. "Yes Xu. I'm fine."
"Have you been crying again?"
-Have you been crying again Quistis?
No...I haven't been crying. I don't cry.
You're tears tell another story.
They're lies.-
"I'm fine Xu. I just need some time to myself. That's all."
Sound of Xu shifting her stance, "Well, alright then. If you're not feeling any better by tomorrow, I've got this funky cold remedy that does wonders..."
"Okay Xu...I'll see you tomorrow...After all, it's the SeeD field exam." She grabbed a tissue and held it to her nose.
"You take care now."
Quistis visibly relaxed upon hearing the shuffle of Xu's boots disappearing from the door. She rubbed her sore red eyes and closed them tightly.
-Oh, poor Quisty...
How dare you call me by that name...
You treat me as though I am a foe.
You know as well as I do that you are no friend.
But it is because of me that you have lived so long.
You had nothing to do with it.
Oh, but that's where you're wrong...I had EVERYTHING to do with it.-
Quistis sighed and put her cold hand to her warm forehead. The voice just wouldn't leave her mind, but could it? After all, it was her own voice wasn't it? She shook her head and leant back in her soft leather couch. She pictured herself out with the Orphanage Gang, having fun with them all, like she should've been. What was keeping her away from them?
"Hey Instructor!"
Quistis sat up, dots appearing before her eyes as the blood rushed elsewhere. "Seifer?" She put her hand to her head and stood trying to steady herself.
"You were expecting someone else?"
"N-no..."
"I want to talk to you."
"Well talk..."
"When the hell are you coming back? This other Instructor whatever-the-hell her name is...She's a goddamned idiot! Totally incompetent! That's why I've decided I'm gonna become an Instructor." Her eyes widened as she approached the door. "Hey! Are you gonna open this thing up or make me talk to the goddamned door like Squall made you talk to the wall?!"
She pulled the door open a crack and peered out into his emerald eyes. "An Instructor? Why would you want to become an Instructor?"
"You know as well as I do that I'd make the best Instructor in this pathetic excuse for a Garden."
Her eyes clouded, "You believe yourself better than I?"
He folded his arms, his face contorting in disgust. "Even Selphie'd do a better job than you now."
She lowered her head in consideration, "I suppose you're right...Look, your field exam is tomorrow. Why don't you go get some rest?"
"Ah. I don't need any rest." He waved the subject away, "Rest dulls the mind."
"It also allows you to focus."
"Whatever turns you on." He shook his head and ran his hand through his hair. He was about to comment further when he grabbed her arm and yanked it out into the open. "What the fuck have you been doing to yourself?!"
She tried weakly to pull her scarred arm back to her side where she felt as though she had protection. Out in public view she felt as though she was on trial, that everybody stared at her. "It's nothing Seifer. Just a few battle scars."
"The hell they are." His emerald eyes stared into her cloudy blue, studying them for any information he may find hidden in their depths. "Your life's been bliss since you came back here after defeating HER. Why the hell'd you do this?"
"Things aren't always as they appear to be Seifer." She managed to pull her arm out of his grasp and began to shut the door when he stuck his foot in the way and forced it back open. The sudden strength knocking Quistis to the ground.
"I'm aware of that! But what the hell made you do THIS?!"
Tears shone in her eyes. "You can never understand Seifer."
She shied away from him as he reached out to grab her arm once more; she looked distressed.
-Damn her...
You know you want to 'help' her forget her pain Seifer...Why don't you just help her now?
She's my Instructor.
That never stopped you from your daydreaming before...
That's beside the point. I hate her.
Is that so?
Of course it is.
Then why is it you're so concerned over her?-
"Look. Do whatever you want. I'm going." He turned on his heel and began off when she suddenly reached out and grabbed the end of his jacket.
"Seifer...Do you..."
He turned to look at her as she remained with her mouth open, frozen in mid sentence. Her eyebrows knitted together revealing to him some sort of internal conflict. She was in such distress...He wanted to take her in his arms and tell her everything was alright, but it was his Instructor. He hated her. She was nothing but a nuisance.
"Never mind Seifer. Please...Make sure that you're prepared for tomorrow's field exam." She let her grip on his jacket drop as her eyes lowered.
"Don't worry Instructor. I'll become a SeeD. Just you wait." He turned and left her dorm.
-Why do you torment yourself?
I am NOT tormenting myself.
Then why does all of you want to turn back and go to her helpless side?
Because I have a weakness like very other human.
A weakness for your Instructor?
No.
Then a weakness for what?
For women in distress, vulnerability.
Your Instructor was vulnerable.
She's my Instructor. Whatever happens in her life has no effect on mine.
So you keep telling yourself.-
He looked back to her open door, not sure what to expect. Was he expecting her to be reaching out for him again? To be up and walking around? Instead, he found her with her hands over his head as if for protection from some outside being, crouched and rocking steadily.
"No...I can't take this anymore..." She repeated the words like a soft chant. "No...No leave me alone...Get away from me." She let out an ear-piercing scream then yelled, "GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"
He stared at her as she continued to yell it repeatedly. Was she going through what he'd been through with Ultimecia? Was she being controlled like he had been? What to do...What to do? He began back towards her but was pushed out the way by Xu.
"Quistis? Are you okay? Speak to me, everything's alright..." She tried to hush the crying and screaming teenager only for them to amount to nothing. She turned angrily to Seifer who now stood at the door leaning on the frame. "What happened?"
He shrugged. "We had a talk then I started off and she began screaming like a mad woman."
Xu shook her head. "She's not getting any better..."
"What the hell are you talking about? She's probably just got a bad case of PMS or whatever it's called."
Xu looked as though she would kill him any moment when she shook her head, "For your information bigshot, she's depressed."
"Depressed? About what? Having the perfect life?"
"I can't believe you could be so naïve. She's...Get back to your room Mr Almasy! Before I fail you on your field exam!"
"You know as well as I do you can't do that."
"Stick around and watch me. If it were up to me you never would've gotten back in here. Let alone try for your SeeD status."
"It WAS up to you lot though."
"No. We were all against it. There was only one person who wanted to readmit you into Garden."
"Matron?"
Xu rolled her eyes, "Make that two people then. Now hurry up and go away before I throw you out of Garden."
Seifer rolled his eyes and trudged back to his dorm. "Stupid Instructors...Women. Ha." He entered the room and stared at it.
-What the hell do I do?
Why don't you sleep?
Sleeping makes things happened.
You will dream.
That's the problem.
So why don't you dream about her?
About HER or her?
About her.
Cause that'd just be wrong.
I thought you didn't know the difference between right or wrong...
I do. And I always have.
Sleep. Dream of her.
I'm too tired to sleep.
Why don't you try?-
Seifer approached the bed, sat then shifted into a lying position.
-That's right. Now, close your eyes and I'll do the rest...-
He closed his eyes, waiting for something to happen.
-This is stupid.
Now, now, don't be so hasty. Things like this can take time.
Things like what?
Now, sleep and dream of her.-
Seifer fell into a dream A woman stood before him, he found himself drawn to her; though she stood in shadows, he could see her slim body - even though it were shrouded in black cloth. She held her hand out for him to take.
What do you want of me?
The hand remained out, almost like she were beckoning him, asking him to come join her, take her hand and become his.
Who are you? A slightly demanding tone he realised.
He could make out gentle blue eyes and a gentle enticing smile. Seifer, come with me.
Why?
Because I want you. I want to make you happy.
What makes you think YOU can make ME happy?
Because I know your dream. How you failed because of HER.
Don't talk about her!
Oh Seifer. I can help you, why can't you see that?
I need nobody's help.
The smile vanished and the gentle blue eyes were closed. Then why don't you help me?
Because I don't know who are you are.
She laughed. The musical sound reminded him of someone from long ago, someone long forgotten.
How do I know you won't destroy me like SHE did?
Because you know me.
Anger filled him. No I don't! Show me who you are!
The woman in the shadows smiled again. We'll leave that for another time. She turned. It is time for you to wake.
Seifer opened his eyes to find Quistis standing in his room, holding the photograph he usually kept on his table beside his bed.
"What are you doing here?
She turned to face him, a smile on her face. "I was wondering when you were going to wake up."
"What are you doing in my room?"
"Oh. Must you really be so nasty." He frowned and she laughed. "Have you forgotten that today is you SeeD field exam?
He sat up quickly, stood and hurried to the door. "Oh Hyne. This doesn't mean I failed does it?"
"No." She waved his concern away. "No, you field exam will start soon enough.
He eyed her suspiciously. "What do you mean MY field exam will start soon."
"I mean you won't be going with the other SeeD Candidates."
"Why not."
She sighed and put the photo back on the table. "Never mind Seifer. Come on. We have to get ready. Meet me in the Training Center. Make sure you've junctioned your GF." She left his room, leaving him completely confused.
He grabbed Hyperion, his GFs, junctioned them and left the dorm.
-The Training Center?
Maybe she thinks you need to train more.
She knows I'm capable of passing the field exam.
Maybe she's got something 'special' planned for you.-
He was deep in though when he turned into the Training Center. Quistis was leaning against the wall equally deep in thought. They noticed each other at the same time. "Oh. There you are. We'll go soon." She held her hand out for him receiving a blank stare. "What?" She studied her hand then held it out again, "I need to see your GFs."
He dejunctioned them all and handed them over to Quistis' waiting palm. "Why do you need to see them?
"As a new rule, we're supposed to inspect all GF. There's a limit of three GFs per student so they don't lose as many memories as we have. The three most compatible GFs are junctioned." She studied them with a slight frown on her face.
He yanked the GFs from her hand and looked at the compatibility. "This is bullshit." He glared at her. "BULL - SHIT!"
"Don't you swear at me Seifer Almasy." Her tone was filled with a deathly warning. Her fingers went to the whip wrapped lazily around her waist. He knew that they could pull the whip free in no time and let it have its way with him. Then again, Hyperion was just as quickly free from its prison in its sheath.
To a passer, it looked like an old cowboy movie. Rivals standing, their hands itching to grab their weapons and let the other have it. Neither blinked, nor removed their gaze from other's eyes, studying them carefully.
"I could defeat you again Seifer. I have before and I can again."
His lips formed a smirk. "You had the brat with you then too."
Her fingers twitched, "He doesn't matter. I could defeat you now by myself."
"I find that hard to believe Instructor." His hand flew like lightning to the hilt of his gunblade. Just as it was out, her whip wrapped around the blade.
They began to fight for control. "You're acting like a child!"
"Oh, like you're one to talk!"
"Give me that!"
"Let go damnit!"
"I will not let you take it!"
"You're such a moody woman."
"You're a spoilt brat."
"Sasquatch."
"Failure."
The words stopped, but they continued to pull until the whip and Seifer's strength pulled her over, the whip however flung the gunblade into the air. A shriek escaped from Quistis as they sailed towards each other. Their heads crashed together.
"Owwwwwwwwww..."
They both rubbed their pounding foreheads and grabbed the weapons, which were lying on the floor beside them at the same time.
"Well. Now that that's over, let's go."
"Why the hell are we going into the Training Center anyway?"
"I..." She frowned, "I do not have to explain myself to you Seifer."
She lead him in silence toward the one place he feared she was taking him. "The secret Area? This is where the students make out!" He smirked at her. "Is this why you brought me here?"
"Seifer!" She slapped him and leant against the wall. "No. I just wanted to talk to you before your exam starts."
He leant beside her, "Well talk away Instructor."
"It's uncanny how similar and yet so different you two are." She giggled a little the sighed. "How much do you remember?"
"Remember of what?"
"The Orphanage. There's still so much I can't remember and it makes me feel...incomplete."
"You might just be feeling incomplete because you haven't been with a man f-"
"I suggest you keep your mouth closed Mr Almasy, before I permanently close it."
"Loosen up a bit Instructor. You're too uptight."
"Uptight? No, I'm defensive. They used to call me Deajus."
"Let someone in for a change..."
"You better not be using a sexual connotation Seifer."
He smirked, "I think you just have sex on the mind. Maybe I can help you take your mind off it." He went to put his arm over her shoulder when she held her whip in his face.
"Touch me and I'll cut it off."
"Hyne, touchy woman aren't you?" He ran his hand through his light blonde hair giving it a slight toss. His emerald green eyes sparkled with intent.
There was an explosion and a SeeD came running into the secret area. "Miss Trepe! Garden's being attacked!"
"Attacked?" She turned to the SeeD in horror. "Who's attacking?"
"We're not sure ma'am. But they won't stop until they've destroyed Garden. They've taken Cid hostage and are looking for his wife."
"Matron's in trouble?" Seifer interrupted.
"Cid's wife? Yeah. We need your help. Both of you. The other SeeD's are out with the cadets on their field exam. They must've known that we'd be vulnerable now."
"We have to go then. We'll be there in a moment. We just have to get ready." Quistis nodded and the SeeD ran off. "This is the most inappropriate time. Looks like your exam will have to wait, we've got more pressing matters."
"If Matron's in trouble, then the exam can wait."
"You've junctioned everything haven't you?"
He held out the Shiva GF for Quistis. "This is most suited to you I believe."
"Thanks. Let's go. Time to go play war..."
Seifer looked at her. "That's what Selphie was always doing."
"I guess it's our turn now."
"Damn straight."
They ran out of the secret area into a T-Rexaur. "We can't afford to fight. We've got to get to Matron!"
They ran hard from the creature and discovered monsters surrounded them. "We haven't got time for you!" Quistis took out her whip and let it fly for the caterchipillar leaving it dead.
Hyperion flew for the next weak creature killing it in a single blow too. The T-Rexaur came behind them and lowered its jaws towards Quistis. Seifer spotted it though she was busy attacking the creature before her. He ran over to her and tackled her to the ground, momentum causing them to roll into the wall. She looked at him.
"Thanks. Now let's get out of here!" They ran out of the training center only to be confronted by four of the attackers. "Looks like this is the right time to be using your GFs..."
The attackers approached and Seifer decided using Quezacotyl since most things seemed not to like lightning while Quistis used her scan magic. Just as Quezacotyl was about to attack, Quistis tried to stop him.
"They've got something up that stop GFs from being effective! Call Quezacotyl back!"
It was too late. The pre-emptive attack turned against them, the attackers realising their existence as the GF protection rendered the attack useless. Seifer did his best to block their attacks, though their swords managed to slip pass the defenses set up against them, the blades cutting his pant leg grazing his skin just enough to draw a few beads of blood. In fury, he swung the Hyperion connecting forcefully with the enemy who had drawn his blood. A moment later, he noticed that Quistis had defeated the other two foes and was now running up the hall to meet the next lot of enemies.
"Yo! Instructor! Wait up would ya?!" He began to run after her when he saw a group of the attackers running towards the elevator on the second floor. With them was a woman wearing a black dress. "Matron! They're bringing Matron down!"
Quistis turned to face him, a smile on her face. "Maybe they're going to release her."
He smiled at the possibility but froze as he saw the enemies approaching Quistis at a rate that he would never get to her in time. "Quistis!"
It was too late, they struck her down like she were a feather, wide eyed and falling to the ground. Her whip flew out as a final attack causing her to bring one of her attackers down with her. Seifer ran towards them, gunblade ready for the attack, the sting of the blade could be heard through the halls. The elevator dinged and before long, out came a large man, holding Edea captive. Seifer's jaw set, his eyes narrowed as he faced the man holding Matron captive.
"Release her."
"I don't think so lapdog."
Lapdog. There it was again. Rage filled him but he knew he couldn't lash out, fearful he'd attack Matron...He approached him, Seifer stood ready to make the deadly blow when he stopped and scooped Quistis into his arms. "Put her down!"
"You can't take me down with them both...You know that you will strike one of them before you reach me."
"It's pitiful that you have to hide behind weak women. Defenceless ones at that. Why can't you fight someone like-"
"Like what? A man?"
"Yeah. Only a chicken-wuss would hide behind two women."
He could see the large man begin to become annoyed before putting Quistis down on her feet, her arms folded with an angry expression on her face. "Zell, how many times do I have to tell you not to get so worked up about that name? Now you've gone and given it away."
The large man pulled off a mask and looked at her. "Yo, sorry Quisty."
"What the hell is going on?!" Seifer demanded.
A groan behind him cause him to spin around to find Selphie getting up clutching her stomach. "Man...That thing really hurts you know..." She pulled out a potion and drank the contents feeling better instantaneously. "Look, I've gotta go. Irvine's still upstairs." She ran off still limping slightly from the pain in her leg where Seifer had attacked her.
"Yo, I'm gonna go too man..." He ran off before Seifer had a chance to even look at him.
"What the hell happened?!" Seifer demanded.
"You passed your field exam."
"My...My field exam? You mean...This was just a...Everything?"
Edea smiled. "I'm glad you finally passed your exam. I was always hoping for you to fulfil your dreams of becoming a SeeD. Now excuse me. I must be going." Her smile grew larger and she turned and disappeared into the halls of the Infirmary.
Seifer looked at Quistis. "I told you that your field exam would be different to everybody else's."
"But why?"
"That, will be explained when you go to Cid's office." She nodded her head and walked away.
He grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, "What the hell are you talking about?!"
"Let go of me Seifer Almasy. I told you. You're going to Cid's office and everything will be explained further then." She pulled out of his grip and stormed away.
He waited til she was out of sight before he began towards the lift. When he started up the stairs, the lift doors where beginning to close. He ran up the stairs two sometimes three at a time and jumped into the lift to be greeted with an annoyed groan. "Oh Hyne. You're just not going to leave me alone are you?"
"I'd rather not be stuck in here with you either you know Instructor."
The lift went black and came to a sudden halt. "What the hell?"
There was a loud explosion and the lift shook. Quistis screamed.
"Egads!" He covered his ears, "Would you shut up?"
"Leave me alone!"
"Huh?" He noticed a faint light coming from the other side of the lift. He turned to find Quistis crouched down covering her ears.
"I can't hear you...I'm not listening to you..." She was rocking again.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Leave me alone..." Her voice was just a whimper, "Please get away from me..." A sob escaped. "Get out of my head!"
Seifer stared at her.
-Maybe you should comfort her.
Why should I comfort her?
Because she's tormented. She's hurting.
I can't do anything for her.
You can comfort her.
I can't.
Why not?
I don't know how.
Then learn.-
"Hey ah..." He approached her hesitantly. She was still rocking so he crouched down beside her and put his arms around her shaking shoulders. "It's alright Instructor. There's nobody here hurting you."
A quiet whimper followed by another painful scream. Seifer felt something on his neck. At first, he thought it was her tears but as he put his hand up to wipe them off, it was thicker. Blood. He held her at an arm's length and almost choked at what he saw. The light he'd seen earlier was on her forehead, almost as though it were engraving something into her forehead.
"Instructor?!" He put his arms around her again and crushed her to his chest.
Her eyes opened slowly to be greeted with darkness and a smell of musk. "S-Seifer?"
"Instructor? You okay now?"
"Uh..." She pushed herself away from him and stood. "Get your hands off me!"
He growled, "Ungrateful selfish ice bitch." He walked to the other side of the lift and leant against the cool wall.
Silence. The faint sounds of music drifted into the lift. "Damn! I'm going to miss the dance because of you! You and your...Insanity!"
She looked taken back, "W-What do you mean?"
-Don't say anything.-
"You know what I'm talking about Instructor."
-Don't hurt her.-
"You and that schiz attack just then."
-Don't say anything you'll regret.-
"Everytime I have something important, something that could change my life; you happen. When I was trying to become a SeeD last time, you stopped me, you failed me because I wasn't Squall. When Matron wanted me to join her, you tried to stop me; when I wanted peace, you stop me. Now, you stop me in my dreams in my life! You ruin EVERYTHING I try to achieve!" He looked at her.
She had a face like ice. "Well, since you've started, why stop? Get it off your chest. Tell me everything you hate about me."
"The way you do this to me! Ever since the Orphanage, you've always taunted and teased me. The smile on your icy face always tells me that there's something you know, you keep me out of everything. You've destroyed my life from the day I first met you. You've drained me like a vampire of all my will, my ambitions...The way you confuse me..." he tilted his head back letting it lean on the cool metallic surface.
"How do I confuse you Seifer?" She made a step towards him but he held Hyperion out stopping her approach.
"Why should I tell you?"
"I only want to help you."
"No you don't. You never have."
Quistis turned and slammed her hand angrily on the wall. "Seifer! Why do you have to be so hostile?"
"I'm not hostile."
"What then? What would you call it?"
"What does it matter?"
"I wish you would talk to me more."
"Why? So you can taunt me further?"
"You are such a pain Seifer."
Silence fell again and still the power hadn't returned. Time seemed a distant memory as they lay on the floor. Quistis yawned and stretched out hitting Seifer's arm with her foot.
"Hey! Watch it Instructor." He growled, hitting her leg away.
"I'm so sorry your majesty. Perhaps next time I should know where you are."
"Sarcasm doesn't suit you dear Instructor."
"I don't care Seifer. I really don't care anymore."
Silence. It was uncomfortable now. "Why don't they have back up power in this place?"
"We did."
"Did?"
"Before you rammed Galbadia Garden into us we did."
"It's been months since that happened. It should've been fixed."
"We don't have enough money Seifer. Garden's running only on the few missions we receive, and even they aren't paying much anymore."
"Damn..." Seifer had dropped his ring and was now searching for it. He found something warm and was immediately slapped with such a ferocity it unnerved him.
"Watch where you put your hands mister." Her tone was particularly menacing.
He laughed as he realised what the warm spot had been. A sharp pain ricocheted through his cheek. "You slapped me!"
"How dare you! You...You bastard!"
He would've killed to have seen her face at that very moment. He could almost feel the embarrassment radiating from her. Sitting up, he could see Quistis sitting with her back to him, her arms obviously folded in anger. Her soft hair was only centimetres away from his fingers. What would it be like spread beneath her face with him above her?
-I could take her now.
Yes, but would you?
Why not?
You'd hurt her again.
So?
Maybe it wouldn't be satisfying for you.
That I doubt. Hell, why am I listening to the voice in my head? I lost my conscience years ago.-
He put his arms around hers restricting her movement to her legs, his lips on her neck giving little kisses and gentle nips. A gasp of surprise greeted his ears. There was no spoken protest, nor were there any squirms of wanted release. Grinning at his simple victory, he began to pull her towards his lap. He saw anger in her eyes followed by her foot in his nose.
He released her and she stood hurriedly. "What makes you think I'd let a...a CREATURE like you near me?!"
He touched his nose gingerly feeling the blood, "Damn woman! You didn't need to break my nose!"
"Next time you try something like that I'll do more than break your nose."
"Next time? You'll want me to take you."
She slapped him again. I will NEVER want YOU!"
The lift shifted and reached its final destination. "Thankyou for you patience. We can begin the graduation ball for all SeeDs now. Quistis, please come to the bridge with your new Commander."
"I heard there were only two people who wanted me back here. One was Matron..." Although he still didn't know who the second was, he grinned at her, "The other was you."
She laughed. "I don't know where you heard that I wanted u back. I was merely assigned to be your Instructor and watcher. I certainly wasn't one of the two who wanted you back here."
"Who-"
"Who was it? Like I'll really let you have the pleasure of knowing." The lift opened and she stepped out rubbing her neck.
He walked passed her and leant over, a whisper escaping his lips, "It felt good didn't it?"
Before she realised what she was doing, she found herself nodding. Turning bright red she stormed into Cid's office then motioned to Seifer for him to join her on the small lift, which carried them to the bridge.
"Ah, Quistis. You didn't take long at all."
"We were on our way up here when the power died sir."
"Oh. I see." He noticed Seifer. "I see you were with your new commander. I'm still not sure why you chose him to be the Commander, but you've never let me down..." he noticed their wounds and chuckled. "I see you still don't like small spaces Quistis?"
"No sir. They're difficult to escape. Not to mention many an uncomfortable predicament can occur in small spaces."
"As I can see. Now, you two are to go to the Graduation ball together."
"Together? What do you mean 'together'?" they both asked.
"I mean you two will appear together as a couple and dance together as a couple. There is no other way. Go get yourselves cleaned and arrive at the ball ASAP." He winked then dismissed them.
They went back through Cid's office and into the lift. "Why the hell is this happening to me?" Seifer threw his jacket back.
"I'm as in the dark about this as you."
"You had Cid MAKE us go together cause you want me huh?"
She rolled her eyes. "Get over yourself Seifer. Really, you aren't Hyne's gift to women." She shook her head and stepped out as the lift opened. "Now, if you don't mind, find something respectable to wear."
"You mean I don't wear the SeeD uniform?"
"No. SeeD cadets do."
"Oh, I see. Cause I'm this new Commander and all I get to wear whatever I want."
"As long as it's respectable."
"I'll make a deal with you then Instructor. I'll wear something 'respectable' if you wear something leggy."
"That is hardly a fair deal. Goodbye Seifer." She strode towards her dorm leaving Seifer behind.
-Something leggy. He's got such a nerve...
Doesn't mean it wouldn't be nice.
Ha! Nice and leggy? The two don't go in the same sentence.-
She entered her room and began to sort through the clothes she owned.
-Too blue.
Too pink.
Too dull.
Too bright.
Too old fashioned.
This is nice...-
Quistis held a black dress up. It was a fitted black velvet dress with a long slit up the side and peach accents with a dragon pattern up the side without the slit. When she held it up to her body, the top was rather low cut for a strapless and the slit seemed longer and wider than she first thought.
-Go on. Be a devil.
I didn't even know this was in my wardrobe.
Go on. Try it on.
It's a little revealing...
So what. Have fun tonight. There's nothing more you can do.-
Seifer waited impatiently outside Quistis' door. "Come on Instructor! We're going to miss it completely if you don't hurry up!"
When he received no response, he went to open the door, but it opened from the inside. "You look good." Quistis smiled.
Seifer's mouth opened and closed as he stared at her in the dress. He was trying to say something, anything but he continued to look like a fish out of water. She frowned.
"You don't like it?"
"No...Not that at all."
"So you do like it then." He nodded. "Let's go shall we?"
He nodded and offered his arm, which she accepted gratefully. As they headed into the ball Cid nodded and finished his speech. "Now ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce Miss Quistis Trepe."
Quistis walked over to the microphone receiving numerous wolf whistle and sexual comments from the crowd. "Now, as many of you know, I've been in the process of looking for a new Commander. After a particularly painstaking job, I finally found the one person suited to the position. Now ALL of you know who this one person is and many of you will consider my judgement clouded or the possibility that I've finally gone insane. I assure you that my choice was my own, influenced by only what I've seen him do. He has the intelligence, strength, and the leadership qualities that I've lacked. Forgive him his past crimes and meet your new Commander. Seifer Almasy."
Silence.
"Why'd ya choose him?"
"Because he's the only one capable of doing this job."
Quistis was being pounded by a barrage of demands and Seifer could see that she was having a difficult time trying to maintain face and confidence before the crowd.
"Why can't you remain Commander?"
"Because I..." She noticed Cid beside her and allowed him to take over for her.
"Commander Trepe has her own reasons. Now, the formalities are over so let's have a party!"
The crowd cheered and paired off after the music began. Selphie ran over to Quistis who was trying to hide herself behind the palms on the chairs.
"Hey Quisty! I heard about...It. You don't have to you know."
"It's not that I HAVE to, it's because I WANT to."
"You mean you'll give up all of this just because of a stupid thing like that?"
"I have to admit, I'm going to miss your Garden Festivals. They've always been fun to attend with you as the coordinator Selphie. But I have to do this."
"Well, maybe you should go have a talk with Matron beforehand."
"Maybe."
Selphie spotted Irvine and ran over to him leaving Quistis alone once more. A shadow fell across her and she raised her gaze to find one of the 'Trepies' standing before her with his hand held out.
"I noticed you haven't danced yet Commander Quistis. May I have your first dance?"
And angry growl behind him made him run off petrified. "Seifer, you didn't need to scare Hyne out of him like that."
"He was going to steal your first dance."
"Perhaps he was."
"Well he can't."
"Why not?"
"Because you're supposed to be dancing with me, not him."
"I didn't think you wanted to dance."
"I do."
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"You're supposed to offer your hand to me and as if I want to have this dance."
He grabbed her arm. "Forget the formalities, let's just dance."
As the two entered, a slow song came on and Seifer started backtracking only to be held in place by Quistis. "Where are you going?"
"I was just going."
"Why?"
"I...Don't exactly know how to dance to slow songs..."
"Oh. Is that all? Look, I'll show you." She took his right hand putting it at the small of her back, then put her left hand on his shoulder and took his left hand in her right.
"Now what?"
"Now you lead."
After Seifer's initial confusion, he picked it up fast and pulled her closer to him so their bodies were pressed against each other's.
"Wha-"
"Everybody is dancing closer together. I just figured-"
"Don't worry Seifer. This is nice." She rested her forehead on his chest and sighed. "I'll really miss this place."
"What do you mean? You're leaving Garden?"
"I'll only be gone for a month. Less maybe."
"Why are you leaving?"
"Because I need to find me."
"You're dancing with me. There, you found you."
She laughed gently, "Seifer, I need to have a break from Garden. I don't know who I am. I came to Garden so early and became a SeeD at 15. Too young to be taking on that sort of role. And now I'm almost 19 and I'm the Commander of Garden."
"Commander? What happened to Puberty boy? I thought you were only my instructor."
"Seifer, you are so cute when you're innocent." She smiled. "I hope you're ready for what's in store for you. It won't be a simple job."
The music finished and Seifer lead her off the floor into the hall. "I heard you were leaving, but I didn't think it was for real."
"It is Seifer. I am leaving."
"You're quitting! It's getting too tough for you and you can't handle the pressure huh?" He had meant to receive some sort of angry response.
She lowered her head. "That sums it up I suppose. After Ultimecia, I'd had enough. I couldn't stand being in SeeD or Garden anymore. I just felt enclosed, trapped even. I was suffocating."
"When do you leave then?"
"In a week."
"So this is why you were depressed..."
She looked at him, "No but-"
"Xu still has a bit of a mouth on her."
"Oh. No. Leaving Garden isn't making me depressed. I'm looking forward to a break at least."
"Then what is?"
She shook her head. "It isn't something so simple to explain...Things have been happening recently. I've got to see Matron before I leave so I can understand things more."
"Why Matron?"
"Because she's knows so much."
"Well so far it sounds like you've got paranoia to me."
"Dr Kadowaki has already checked me over. Even given me a cat scan. There was only one thing that stood out in her tests."
"What? You had PMS?"
"Seifer." He shrugged receiving an annoyed sigh and a displeased roll of her eyes. "I'm being serious. She thought something looked oddly familiar so she checked it against someone else's. They were almost exactly the same."
"So what's up then?"
"A section in my brain was more active than the others. She took a sample of my blood and found traces of...Well it's not important."
"It could be. I mean, I don't want my dear Commander to die of some sort of disease now..."
"You know, for as nasty and sarcastic as you are, thanks for listening. I've kept you away from the dance long enough. Go steal someone else's first dance."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"Because I stole yours, and you stole mine. It means that we're bound in some way in the future."
She pouted playfully and put her hand on her hip, "I suppose that means I'll never be rid of you then."
"Instructor, you're stuck with me."
She smiled and stood on her toes to give his cheek a quick kiss then walked away back to her dorm.
-Kissing students now are you?
It was a goodbye gesture.
You poured your heart out to him.
I have a tendency to do that.
You put your trust in him.
It's hard to believe I did.
You lied to him.
I had to.
Why?
He'd be afraid otherwise.
I think you care for him.
Of course I do. He's from the Orphanage. We all have a bond.
Even with Edea the ex-sorceress?
What is it with you and sorceress'?
You need to remember Quistis. It'll all come back to you soon.
I have no special abilities with magic.
You are a blue mage.
Like that means a lot.
Just wait. You'll see and you begin to believe it all too.
Why don't you just leave me alone?
I can't.
Just go away. It's not that hard.
I'm bound to you.
Bound to me?
Yes.
How can you be bound to me? You're only something I probably made up for comfort.
Quistis, your future awaits you.-
She fell onto her bed, asleep before her head even hit the pillow.
-
-
A/N
What'd you think? A li'l long I know, but I didn't feel like having a second chapter thrown in there. I don't want a really long chapter story, just a few chapters story perhaps. Ah well. This all started because of a pic of the two I drew on Valentine's day.
So, Review it and I'll know what to do to make it better. It may be a li'l confusing to understand, but if so, just tell me in a review. They're always welcome. This is my first ff8 fic so don't yell at me if they're OOC, I'm trying my hardest to keep them in character!
Arigatou for reading my story and I'll throw up chapter two when I'm finished that one. Till then, go read my other stories on ff7. 'Pieces of Glass flowers' and the 'Cetra's soldier'. ^_^
You can always email me and give me suggestions or anything else too.
Ja ne!
Disclaimer: I don't own it.
Warnings: If you don't like the Seifer/Quistis pairing go now cause this is a story based on that couple. It's kinda long too...
-
Chapter 1: Pray
The battle was over. It had been for almost six months now. Quistis had received her Instructors licence back since she had helped to save the world, after all, what better leadership qualities and level of competency did she need to show after that? Ultimecia was gone, everything was back to normal...Although there was a slight change. Seifer had come back to Garden. He was still the same boy with the same attitude...She still loathed the way he treated her. Raijin and Fujin had since disappeared. Not even Seifer knew where they had disappeared to.
"Squall..." She muttered the name quietly as though the word were a blessing and a treachery at the same time. She wondered silently what he was doing. Was he still the lone wolf? How were things going with Rinoa? Was she still carefree and stubborn?
"Quistis? Are you alright in there?"
Quistis' head shot up upon the voice outside her door, a gentle knock followed by the same voice filled with concern. "Yes Xu. I'm fine."
"Have you been crying again?"
-Have you been crying again Quistis?
No...I haven't been crying. I don't cry.
You're tears tell another story.
They're lies.-
"I'm fine Xu. I just need some time to myself. That's all."
Sound of Xu shifting her stance, "Well, alright then. If you're not feeling any better by tomorrow, I've got this funky cold remedy that does wonders..."
"Okay Xu...I'll see you tomorrow...After all, it's the SeeD field exam." She grabbed a tissue and held it to her nose.
"You take care now."
Quistis visibly relaxed upon hearing the shuffle of Xu's boots disappearing from the door. She rubbed her sore red eyes and closed them tightly.
-Oh, poor Quisty...
How dare you call me by that name...
You treat me as though I am a foe.
You know as well as I do that you are no friend.
But it is because of me that you have lived so long.
You had nothing to do with it.
Oh, but that's where you're wrong...I had EVERYTHING to do with it.-
Quistis sighed and put her cold hand to her warm forehead. The voice just wouldn't leave her mind, but could it? After all, it was her own voice wasn't it? She shook her head and leant back in her soft leather couch. She pictured herself out with the Orphanage Gang, having fun with them all, like she should've been. What was keeping her away from them?
"Hey Instructor!"
Quistis sat up, dots appearing before her eyes as the blood rushed elsewhere. "Seifer?" She put her hand to her head and stood trying to steady herself.
"You were expecting someone else?"
"N-no..."
"I want to talk to you."
"Well talk..."
"When the hell are you coming back? This other Instructor whatever-the-hell her name is...She's a goddamned idiot! Totally incompetent! That's why I've decided I'm gonna become an Instructor." Her eyes widened as she approached the door. "Hey! Are you gonna open this thing up or make me talk to the goddamned door like Squall made you talk to the wall?!"
She pulled the door open a crack and peered out into his emerald eyes. "An Instructor? Why would you want to become an Instructor?"
"You know as well as I do that I'd make the best Instructor in this pathetic excuse for a Garden."
Her eyes clouded, "You believe yourself better than I?"
He folded his arms, his face contorting in disgust. "Even Selphie'd do a better job than you now."
She lowered her head in consideration, "I suppose you're right...Look, your field exam is tomorrow. Why don't you go get some rest?"
"Ah. I don't need any rest." He waved the subject away, "Rest dulls the mind."
"It also allows you to focus."
"Whatever turns you on." He shook his head and ran his hand through his hair. He was about to comment further when he grabbed her arm and yanked it out into the open. "What the fuck have you been doing to yourself?!"
She tried weakly to pull her scarred arm back to her side where she felt as though she had protection. Out in public view she felt as though she was on trial, that everybody stared at her. "It's nothing Seifer. Just a few battle scars."
"The hell they are." His emerald eyes stared into her cloudy blue, studying them for any information he may find hidden in their depths. "Your life's been bliss since you came back here after defeating HER. Why the hell'd you do this?"
"Things aren't always as they appear to be Seifer." She managed to pull her arm out of his grasp and began to shut the door when he stuck his foot in the way and forced it back open. The sudden strength knocking Quistis to the ground.
"I'm aware of that! But what the hell made you do THIS?!"
Tears shone in her eyes. "You can never understand Seifer."
She shied away from him as he reached out to grab her arm once more; she looked distressed.
-Damn her...
You know you want to 'help' her forget her pain Seifer...Why don't you just help her now?
She's my Instructor.
That never stopped you from your daydreaming before...
That's beside the point. I hate her.
Is that so?
Of course it is.
Then why is it you're so concerned over her?-
"Look. Do whatever you want. I'm going." He turned on his heel and began off when she suddenly reached out and grabbed the end of his jacket.
"Seifer...Do you..."
He turned to look at her as she remained with her mouth open, frozen in mid sentence. Her eyebrows knitted together revealing to him some sort of internal conflict. She was in such distress...He wanted to take her in his arms and tell her everything was alright, but it was his Instructor. He hated her. She was nothing but a nuisance.
"Never mind Seifer. Please...Make sure that you're prepared for tomorrow's field exam." She let her grip on his jacket drop as her eyes lowered.
"Don't worry Instructor. I'll become a SeeD. Just you wait." He turned and left her dorm.
-Why do you torment yourself?
I am NOT tormenting myself.
Then why does all of you want to turn back and go to her helpless side?
Because I have a weakness like very other human.
A weakness for your Instructor?
No.
Then a weakness for what?
For women in distress, vulnerability.
Your Instructor was vulnerable.
She's my Instructor. Whatever happens in her life has no effect on mine.
So you keep telling yourself.-
He looked back to her open door, not sure what to expect. Was he expecting her to be reaching out for him again? To be up and walking around? Instead, he found her with her hands over his head as if for protection from some outside being, crouched and rocking steadily.
"No...I can't take this anymore..." She repeated the words like a soft chant. "No...No leave me alone...Get away from me." She let out an ear-piercing scream then yelled, "GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"
He stared at her as she continued to yell it repeatedly. Was she going through what he'd been through with Ultimecia? Was she being controlled like he had been? What to do...What to do? He began back towards her but was pushed out the way by Xu.
"Quistis? Are you okay? Speak to me, everything's alright..." She tried to hush the crying and screaming teenager only for them to amount to nothing. She turned angrily to Seifer who now stood at the door leaning on the frame. "What happened?"
He shrugged. "We had a talk then I started off and she began screaming like a mad woman."
Xu shook her head. "She's not getting any better..."
"What the hell are you talking about? She's probably just got a bad case of PMS or whatever it's called."
Xu looked as though she would kill him any moment when she shook her head, "For your information bigshot, she's depressed."
"Depressed? About what? Having the perfect life?"
"I can't believe you could be so naïve. She's...Get back to your room Mr Almasy! Before I fail you on your field exam!"
"You know as well as I do you can't do that."
"Stick around and watch me. If it were up to me you never would've gotten back in here. Let alone try for your SeeD status."
"It WAS up to you lot though."
"No. We were all against it. There was only one person who wanted to readmit you into Garden."
"Matron?"
Xu rolled her eyes, "Make that two people then. Now hurry up and go away before I throw you out of Garden."
Seifer rolled his eyes and trudged back to his dorm. "Stupid Instructors...Women. Ha." He entered the room and stared at it.
-What the hell do I do?
Why don't you sleep?
Sleeping makes things happened.
You will dream.
That's the problem.
So why don't you dream about her?
About HER or her?
About her.
Cause that'd just be wrong.
I thought you didn't know the difference between right or wrong...
I do. And I always have.
Sleep. Dream of her.
I'm too tired to sleep.
Why don't you try?-
Seifer approached the bed, sat then shifted into a lying position.
-That's right. Now, close your eyes and I'll do the rest...-
He closed his eyes, waiting for something to happen.
-This is stupid.
Now, now, don't be so hasty. Things like this can take time.
Things like what?
Now, sleep and dream of her.-
Seifer fell into a dream A woman stood before him, he found himself drawn to her; though she stood in shadows, he could see her slim body - even though it were shrouded in black cloth. She held her hand out for him to take.
What do you want of me?
The hand remained out, almost like she were beckoning him, asking him to come join her, take her hand and become his.
Who are you? A slightly demanding tone he realised.
He could make out gentle blue eyes and a gentle enticing smile. Seifer, come with me.
Why?
Because I want you. I want to make you happy.
What makes you think YOU can make ME happy?
Because I know your dream. How you failed because of HER.
Don't talk about her!
Oh Seifer. I can help you, why can't you see that?
I need nobody's help.
The smile vanished and the gentle blue eyes were closed. Then why don't you help me?
Because I don't know who are you are.
She laughed. The musical sound reminded him of someone from long ago, someone long forgotten.
How do I know you won't destroy me like SHE did?
Because you know me.
Anger filled him. No I don't! Show me who you are!
The woman in the shadows smiled again. We'll leave that for another time. She turned. It is time for you to wake.
Seifer opened his eyes to find Quistis standing in his room, holding the photograph he usually kept on his table beside his bed.
"What are you doing here?
She turned to face him, a smile on her face. "I was wondering when you were going to wake up."
"What are you doing in my room?"
"Oh. Must you really be so nasty." He frowned and she laughed. "Have you forgotten that today is you SeeD field exam?
He sat up quickly, stood and hurried to the door. "Oh Hyne. This doesn't mean I failed does it?"
"No." She waved his concern away. "No, you field exam will start soon enough.
He eyed her suspiciously. "What do you mean MY field exam will start soon."
"I mean you won't be going with the other SeeD Candidates."
"Why not."
She sighed and put the photo back on the table. "Never mind Seifer. Come on. We have to get ready. Meet me in the Training Center. Make sure you've junctioned your GF." She left his room, leaving him completely confused.
He grabbed Hyperion, his GFs, junctioned them and left the dorm.
-The Training Center?
Maybe she thinks you need to train more.
She knows I'm capable of passing the field exam.
Maybe she's got something 'special' planned for you.-
He was deep in though when he turned into the Training Center. Quistis was leaning against the wall equally deep in thought. They noticed each other at the same time. "Oh. There you are. We'll go soon." She held her hand out for him receiving a blank stare. "What?" She studied her hand then held it out again, "I need to see your GFs."
He dejunctioned them all and handed them over to Quistis' waiting palm. "Why do you need to see them?
"As a new rule, we're supposed to inspect all GF. There's a limit of three GFs per student so they don't lose as many memories as we have. The three most compatible GFs are junctioned." She studied them with a slight frown on her face.
He yanked the GFs from her hand and looked at the compatibility. "This is bullshit." He glared at her. "BULL - SHIT!"
"Don't you swear at me Seifer Almasy." Her tone was filled with a deathly warning. Her fingers went to the whip wrapped lazily around her waist. He knew that they could pull the whip free in no time and let it have its way with him. Then again, Hyperion was just as quickly free from its prison in its sheath.
To a passer, it looked like an old cowboy movie. Rivals standing, their hands itching to grab their weapons and let the other have it. Neither blinked, nor removed their gaze from other's eyes, studying them carefully.
"I could defeat you again Seifer. I have before and I can again."
His lips formed a smirk. "You had the brat with you then too."
Her fingers twitched, "He doesn't matter. I could defeat you now by myself."
"I find that hard to believe Instructor." His hand flew like lightning to the hilt of his gunblade. Just as it was out, her whip wrapped around the blade.
They began to fight for control. "You're acting like a child!"
"Oh, like you're one to talk!"
"Give me that!"
"Let go damnit!"
"I will not let you take it!"
"You're such a moody woman."
"You're a spoilt brat."
"Sasquatch."
"Failure."
The words stopped, but they continued to pull until the whip and Seifer's strength pulled her over, the whip however flung the gunblade into the air. A shriek escaped from Quistis as they sailed towards each other. Their heads crashed together.
"Owwwwwwwwww..."
They both rubbed their pounding foreheads and grabbed the weapons, which were lying on the floor beside them at the same time.
"Well. Now that that's over, let's go."
"Why the hell are we going into the Training Center anyway?"
"I..." She frowned, "I do not have to explain myself to you Seifer."
She lead him in silence toward the one place he feared she was taking him. "The secret Area? This is where the students make out!" He smirked at her. "Is this why you brought me here?"
"Seifer!" She slapped him and leant against the wall. "No. I just wanted to talk to you before your exam starts."
He leant beside her, "Well talk away Instructor."
"It's uncanny how similar and yet so different you two are." She giggled a little the sighed. "How much do you remember?"
"Remember of what?"
"The Orphanage. There's still so much I can't remember and it makes me feel...incomplete."
"You might just be feeling incomplete because you haven't been with a man f-"
"I suggest you keep your mouth closed Mr Almasy, before I permanently close it."
"Loosen up a bit Instructor. You're too uptight."
"Uptight? No, I'm defensive. They used to call me Deajus."
"Let someone in for a change..."
"You better not be using a sexual connotation Seifer."
He smirked, "I think you just have sex on the mind. Maybe I can help you take your mind off it." He went to put his arm over her shoulder when she held her whip in his face.
"Touch me and I'll cut it off."
"Hyne, touchy woman aren't you?" He ran his hand through his light blonde hair giving it a slight toss. His emerald green eyes sparkled with intent.
There was an explosion and a SeeD came running into the secret area. "Miss Trepe! Garden's being attacked!"
"Attacked?" She turned to the SeeD in horror. "Who's attacking?"
"We're not sure ma'am. But they won't stop until they've destroyed Garden. They've taken Cid hostage and are looking for his wife."
"Matron's in trouble?" Seifer interrupted.
"Cid's wife? Yeah. We need your help. Both of you. The other SeeD's are out with the cadets on their field exam. They must've known that we'd be vulnerable now."
"We have to go then. We'll be there in a moment. We just have to get ready." Quistis nodded and the SeeD ran off. "This is the most inappropriate time. Looks like your exam will have to wait, we've got more pressing matters."
"If Matron's in trouble, then the exam can wait."
"You've junctioned everything haven't you?"
He held out the Shiva GF for Quistis. "This is most suited to you I believe."
"Thanks. Let's go. Time to go play war..."
Seifer looked at her. "That's what Selphie was always doing."
"I guess it's our turn now."
"Damn straight."
They ran out of the secret area into a T-Rexaur. "We can't afford to fight. We've got to get to Matron!"
They ran hard from the creature and discovered monsters surrounded them. "We haven't got time for you!" Quistis took out her whip and let it fly for the caterchipillar leaving it dead.
Hyperion flew for the next weak creature killing it in a single blow too. The T-Rexaur came behind them and lowered its jaws towards Quistis. Seifer spotted it though she was busy attacking the creature before her. He ran over to her and tackled her to the ground, momentum causing them to roll into the wall. She looked at him.
"Thanks. Now let's get out of here!" They ran out of the training center only to be confronted by four of the attackers. "Looks like this is the right time to be using your GFs..."
The attackers approached and Seifer decided using Quezacotyl since most things seemed not to like lightning while Quistis used her scan magic. Just as Quezacotyl was about to attack, Quistis tried to stop him.
"They've got something up that stop GFs from being effective! Call Quezacotyl back!"
It was too late. The pre-emptive attack turned against them, the attackers realising their existence as the GF protection rendered the attack useless. Seifer did his best to block their attacks, though their swords managed to slip pass the defenses set up against them, the blades cutting his pant leg grazing his skin just enough to draw a few beads of blood. In fury, he swung the Hyperion connecting forcefully with the enemy who had drawn his blood. A moment later, he noticed that Quistis had defeated the other two foes and was now running up the hall to meet the next lot of enemies.
"Yo! Instructor! Wait up would ya?!" He began to run after her when he saw a group of the attackers running towards the elevator on the second floor. With them was a woman wearing a black dress. "Matron! They're bringing Matron down!"
Quistis turned to face him, a smile on her face. "Maybe they're going to release her."
He smiled at the possibility but froze as he saw the enemies approaching Quistis at a rate that he would never get to her in time. "Quistis!"
It was too late, they struck her down like she were a feather, wide eyed and falling to the ground. Her whip flew out as a final attack causing her to bring one of her attackers down with her. Seifer ran towards them, gunblade ready for the attack, the sting of the blade could be heard through the halls. The elevator dinged and before long, out came a large man, holding Edea captive. Seifer's jaw set, his eyes narrowed as he faced the man holding Matron captive.
"Release her."
"I don't think so lapdog."
Lapdog. There it was again. Rage filled him but he knew he couldn't lash out, fearful he'd attack Matron...He approached him, Seifer stood ready to make the deadly blow when he stopped and scooped Quistis into his arms. "Put her down!"
"You can't take me down with them both...You know that you will strike one of them before you reach me."
"It's pitiful that you have to hide behind weak women. Defenceless ones at that. Why can't you fight someone like-"
"Like what? A man?"
"Yeah. Only a chicken-wuss would hide behind two women."
He could see the large man begin to become annoyed before putting Quistis down on her feet, her arms folded with an angry expression on her face. "Zell, how many times do I have to tell you not to get so worked up about that name? Now you've gone and given it away."
The large man pulled off a mask and looked at her. "Yo, sorry Quisty."
"What the hell is going on?!" Seifer demanded.
A groan behind him cause him to spin around to find Selphie getting up clutching her stomach. "Man...That thing really hurts you know..." She pulled out a potion and drank the contents feeling better instantaneously. "Look, I've gotta go. Irvine's still upstairs." She ran off still limping slightly from the pain in her leg where Seifer had attacked her.
"Yo, I'm gonna go too man..." He ran off before Seifer had a chance to even look at him.
"What the hell happened?!" Seifer demanded.
"You passed your field exam."
"My...My field exam? You mean...This was just a...Everything?"
Edea smiled. "I'm glad you finally passed your exam. I was always hoping for you to fulfil your dreams of becoming a SeeD. Now excuse me. I must be going." Her smile grew larger and she turned and disappeared into the halls of the Infirmary.
Seifer looked at Quistis. "I told you that your field exam would be different to everybody else's."
"But why?"
"That, will be explained when you go to Cid's office." She nodded her head and walked away.
He grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, "What the hell are you talking about?!"
"Let go of me Seifer Almasy. I told you. You're going to Cid's office and everything will be explained further then." She pulled out of his grip and stormed away.
He waited til she was out of sight before he began towards the lift. When he started up the stairs, the lift doors where beginning to close. He ran up the stairs two sometimes three at a time and jumped into the lift to be greeted with an annoyed groan. "Oh Hyne. You're just not going to leave me alone are you?"
"I'd rather not be stuck in here with you either you know Instructor."
The lift went black and came to a sudden halt. "What the hell?"
There was a loud explosion and the lift shook. Quistis screamed.
"Egads!" He covered his ears, "Would you shut up?"
"Leave me alone!"
"Huh?" He noticed a faint light coming from the other side of the lift. He turned to find Quistis crouched down covering her ears.
"I can't hear you...I'm not listening to you..." She was rocking again.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Leave me alone..." Her voice was just a whimper, "Please get away from me..." A sob escaped. "Get out of my head!"
Seifer stared at her.
-Maybe you should comfort her.
Why should I comfort her?
Because she's tormented. She's hurting.
I can't do anything for her.
You can comfort her.
I can't.
Why not?
I don't know how.
Then learn.-
"Hey ah..." He approached her hesitantly. She was still rocking so he crouched down beside her and put his arms around her shaking shoulders. "It's alright Instructor. There's nobody here hurting you."
A quiet whimper followed by another painful scream. Seifer felt something on his neck. At first, he thought it was her tears but as he put his hand up to wipe them off, it was thicker. Blood. He held her at an arm's length and almost choked at what he saw. The light he'd seen earlier was on her forehead, almost as though it were engraving something into her forehead.
"Instructor?!" He put his arms around her again and crushed her to his chest.
Her eyes opened slowly to be greeted with darkness and a smell of musk. "S-Seifer?"
"Instructor? You okay now?"
"Uh..." She pushed herself away from him and stood. "Get your hands off me!"
He growled, "Ungrateful selfish ice bitch." He walked to the other side of the lift and leant against the cool wall.
Silence. The faint sounds of music drifted into the lift. "Damn! I'm going to miss the dance because of you! You and your...Insanity!"
She looked taken back, "W-What do you mean?"
-Don't say anything.-
"You know what I'm talking about Instructor."
-Don't hurt her.-
"You and that schiz attack just then."
-Don't say anything you'll regret.-
"Everytime I have something important, something that could change my life; you happen. When I was trying to become a SeeD last time, you stopped me, you failed me because I wasn't Squall. When Matron wanted me to join her, you tried to stop me; when I wanted peace, you stop me. Now, you stop me in my dreams in my life! You ruin EVERYTHING I try to achieve!" He looked at her.
She had a face like ice. "Well, since you've started, why stop? Get it off your chest. Tell me everything you hate about me."
"The way you do this to me! Ever since the Orphanage, you've always taunted and teased me. The smile on your icy face always tells me that there's something you know, you keep me out of everything. You've destroyed my life from the day I first met you. You've drained me like a vampire of all my will, my ambitions...The way you confuse me..." he tilted his head back letting it lean on the cool metallic surface.
"How do I confuse you Seifer?" She made a step towards him but he held Hyperion out stopping her approach.
"Why should I tell you?"
"I only want to help you."
"No you don't. You never have."
Quistis turned and slammed her hand angrily on the wall. "Seifer! Why do you have to be so hostile?"
"I'm not hostile."
"What then? What would you call it?"
"What does it matter?"
"I wish you would talk to me more."
"Why? So you can taunt me further?"
"You are such a pain Seifer."
Silence fell again and still the power hadn't returned. Time seemed a distant memory as they lay on the floor. Quistis yawned and stretched out hitting Seifer's arm with her foot.
"Hey! Watch it Instructor." He growled, hitting her leg away.
"I'm so sorry your majesty. Perhaps next time I should know where you are."
"Sarcasm doesn't suit you dear Instructor."
"I don't care Seifer. I really don't care anymore."
Silence. It was uncomfortable now. "Why don't they have back up power in this place?"
"We did."
"Did?"
"Before you rammed Galbadia Garden into us we did."
"It's been months since that happened. It should've been fixed."
"We don't have enough money Seifer. Garden's running only on the few missions we receive, and even they aren't paying much anymore."
"Damn..." Seifer had dropped his ring and was now searching for it. He found something warm and was immediately slapped with such a ferocity it unnerved him.
"Watch where you put your hands mister." Her tone was particularly menacing.
He laughed as he realised what the warm spot had been. A sharp pain ricocheted through his cheek. "You slapped me!"
"How dare you! You...You bastard!"
He would've killed to have seen her face at that very moment. He could almost feel the embarrassment radiating from her. Sitting up, he could see Quistis sitting with her back to him, her arms obviously folded in anger. Her soft hair was only centimetres away from his fingers. What would it be like spread beneath her face with him above her?
-I could take her now.
Yes, but would you?
Why not?
You'd hurt her again.
So?
Maybe it wouldn't be satisfying for you.
That I doubt. Hell, why am I listening to the voice in my head? I lost my conscience years ago.-
He put his arms around hers restricting her movement to her legs, his lips on her neck giving little kisses and gentle nips. A gasp of surprise greeted his ears. There was no spoken protest, nor were there any squirms of wanted release. Grinning at his simple victory, he began to pull her towards his lap. He saw anger in her eyes followed by her foot in his nose.
He released her and she stood hurriedly. "What makes you think I'd let a...a CREATURE like you near me?!"
He touched his nose gingerly feeling the blood, "Damn woman! You didn't need to break my nose!"
"Next time you try something like that I'll do more than break your nose."
"Next time? You'll want me to take you."
She slapped him again. I will NEVER want YOU!"
The lift shifted and reached its final destination. "Thankyou for you patience. We can begin the graduation ball for all SeeDs now. Quistis, please come to the bridge with your new Commander."
"I heard there were only two people who wanted me back here. One was Matron..." Although he still didn't know who the second was, he grinned at her, "The other was you."
She laughed. "I don't know where you heard that I wanted u back. I was merely assigned to be your Instructor and watcher. I certainly wasn't one of the two who wanted you back here."
"Who-"
"Who was it? Like I'll really let you have the pleasure of knowing." The lift opened and she stepped out rubbing her neck.
He walked passed her and leant over, a whisper escaping his lips, "It felt good didn't it?"
Before she realised what she was doing, she found herself nodding. Turning bright red she stormed into Cid's office then motioned to Seifer for him to join her on the small lift, which carried them to the bridge.
"Ah, Quistis. You didn't take long at all."
"We were on our way up here when the power died sir."
"Oh. I see." He noticed Seifer. "I see you were with your new commander. I'm still not sure why you chose him to be the Commander, but you've never let me down..." he noticed their wounds and chuckled. "I see you still don't like small spaces Quistis?"
"No sir. They're difficult to escape. Not to mention many an uncomfortable predicament can occur in small spaces."
"As I can see. Now, you two are to go to the Graduation ball together."
"Together? What do you mean 'together'?" they both asked.
"I mean you two will appear together as a couple and dance together as a couple. There is no other way. Go get yourselves cleaned and arrive at the ball ASAP." He winked then dismissed them.
They went back through Cid's office and into the lift. "Why the hell is this happening to me?" Seifer threw his jacket back.
"I'm as in the dark about this as you."
"You had Cid MAKE us go together cause you want me huh?"
She rolled her eyes. "Get over yourself Seifer. Really, you aren't Hyne's gift to women." She shook her head and stepped out as the lift opened. "Now, if you don't mind, find something respectable to wear."
"You mean I don't wear the SeeD uniform?"
"No. SeeD cadets do."
"Oh, I see. Cause I'm this new Commander and all I get to wear whatever I want."
"As long as it's respectable."
"I'll make a deal with you then Instructor. I'll wear something 'respectable' if you wear something leggy."
"That is hardly a fair deal. Goodbye Seifer." She strode towards her dorm leaving Seifer behind.
-Something leggy. He's got such a nerve...
Doesn't mean it wouldn't be nice.
Ha! Nice and leggy? The two don't go in the same sentence.-
She entered her room and began to sort through the clothes she owned.
-Too blue.
Too pink.
Too dull.
Too bright.
Too old fashioned.
This is nice...-
Quistis held a black dress up. It was a fitted black velvet dress with a long slit up the side and peach accents with a dragon pattern up the side without the slit. When she held it up to her body, the top was rather low cut for a strapless and the slit seemed longer and wider than she first thought.
-Go on. Be a devil.
I didn't even know this was in my wardrobe.
Go on. Try it on.
It's a little revealing...
So what. Have fun tonight. There's nothing more you can do.-
Seifer waited impatiently outside Quistis' door. "Come on Instructor! We're going to miss it completely if you don't hurry up!"
When he received no response, he went to open the door, but it opened from the inside. "You look good." Quistis smiled.
Seifer's mouth opened and closed as he stared at her in the dress. He was trying to say something, anything but he continued to look like a fish out of water. She frowned.
"You don't like it?"
"No...Not that at all."
"So you do like it then." He nodded. "Let's go shall we?"
He nodded and offered his arm, which she accepted gratefully. As they headed into the ball Cid nodded and finished his speech. "Now ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce Miss Quistis Trepe."
Quistis walked over to the microphone receiving numerous wolf whistle and sexual comments from the crowd. "Now, as many of you know, I've been in the process of looking for a new Commander. After a particularly painstaking job, I finally found the one person suited to the position. Now ALL of you know who this one person is and many of you will consider my judgement clouded or the possibility that I've finally gone insane. I assure you that my choice was my own, influenced by only what I've seen him do. He has the intelligence, strength, and the leadership qualities that I've lacked. Forgive him his past crimes and meet your new Commander. Seifer Almasy."
Silence.
"Why'd ya choose him?"
"Because he's the only one capable of doing this job."
Quistis was being pounded by a barrage of demands and Seifer could see that she was having a difficult time trying to maintain face and confidence before the crowd.
"Why can't you remain Commander?"
"Because I..." She noticed Cid beside her and allowed him to take over for her.
"Commander Trepe has her own reasons. Now, the formalities are over so let's have a party!"
The crowd cheered and paired off after the music began. Selphie ran over to Quistis who was trying to hide herself behind the palms on the chairs.
"Hey Quisty! I heard about...It. You don't have to you know."
"It's not that I HAVE to, it's because I WANT to."
"You mean you'll give up all of this just because of a stupid thing like that?"
"I have to admit, I'm going to miss your Garden Festivals. They've always been fun to attend with you as the coordinator Selphie. But I have to do this."
"Well, maybe you should go have a talk with Matron beforehand."
"Maybe."
Selphie spotted Irvine and ran over to him leaving Quistis alone once more. A shadow fell across her and she raised her gaze to find one of the 'Trepies' standing before her with his hand held out.
"I noticed you haven't danced yet Commander Quistis. May I have your first dance?"
And angry growl behind him made him run off petrified. "Seifer, you didn't need to scare Hyne out of him like that."
"He was going to steal your first dance."
"Perhaps he was."
"Well he can't."
"Why not?"
"Because you're supposed to be dancing with me, not him."
"I didn't think you wanted to dance."
"I do."
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"You're supposed to offer your hand to me and as if I want to have this dance."
He grabbed her arm. "Forget the formalities, let's just dance."
As the two entered, a slow song came on and Seifer started backtracking only to be held in place by Quistis. "Where are you going?"
"I was just going."
"Why?"
"I...Don't exactly know how to dance to slow songs..."
"Oh. Is that all? Look, I'll show you." She took his right hand putting it at the small of her back, then put her left hand on his shoulder and took his left hand in her right.
"Now what?"
"Now you lead."
After Seifer's initial confusion, he picked it up fast and pulled her closer to him so their bodies were pressed against each other's.
"Wha-"
"Everybody is dancing closer together. I just figured-"
"Don't worry Seifer. This is nice." She rested her forehead on his chest and sighed. "I'll really miss this place."
"What do you mean? You're leaving Garden?"
"I'll only be gone for a month. Less maybe."
"Why are you leaving?"
"Because I need to find me."
"You're dancing with me. There, you found you."
She laughed gently, "Seifer, I need to have a break from Garden. I don't know who I am. I came to Garden so early and became a SeeD at 15. Too young to be taking on that sort of role. And now I'm almost 19 and I'm the Commander of Garden."
"Commander? What happened to Puberty boy? I thought you were only my instructor."
"Seifer, you are so cute when you're innocent." She smiled. "I hope you're ready for what's in store for you. It won't be a simple job."
The music finished and Seifer lead her off the floor into the hall. "I heard you were leaving, but I didn't think it was for real."
"It is Seifer. I am leaving."
"You're quitting! It's getting too tough for you and you can't handle the pressure huh?" He had meant to receive some sort of angry response.
She lowered her head. "That sums it up I suppose. After Ultimecia, I'd had enough. I couldn't stand being in SeeD or Garden anymore. I just felt enclosed, trapped even. I was suffocating."
"When do you leave then?"
"In a week."
"So this is why you were depressed..."
She looked at him, "No but-"
"Xu still has a bit of a mouth on her."
"Oh. No. Leaving Garden isn't making me depressed. I'm looking forward to a break at least."
"Then what is?"
She shook her head. "It isn't something so simple to explain...Things have been happening recently. I've got to see Matron before I leave so I can understand things more."
"Why Matron?"
"Because she's knows so much."
"Well so far it sounds like you've got paranoia to me."
"Dr Kadowaki has already checked me over. Even given me a cat scan. There was only one thing that stood out in her tests."
"What? You had PMS?"
"Seifer." He shrugged receiving an annoyed sigh and a displeased roll of her eyes. "I'm being serious. She thought something looked oddly familiar so she checked it against someone else's. They were almost exactly the same."
"So what's up then?"
"A section in my brain was more active than the others. She took a sample of my blood and found traces of...Well it's not important."
"It could be. I mean, I don't want my dear Commander to die of some sort of disease now..."
"You know, for as nasty and sarcastic as you are, thanks for listening. I've kept you away from the dance long enough. Go steal someone else's first dance."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"Because I stole yours, and you stole mine. It means that we're bound in some way in the future."
She pouted playfully and put her hand on her hip, "I suppose that means I'll never be rid of you then."
"Instructor, you're stuck with me."
She smiled and stood on her toes to give his cheek a quick kiss then walked away back to her dorm.
-Kissing students now are you?
It was a goodbye gesture.
You poured your heart out to him.
I have a tendency to do that.
You put your trust in him.
It's hard to believe I did.
You lied to him.
I had to.
Why?
He'd be afraid otherwise.
I think you care for him.
Of course I do. He's from the Orphanage. We all have a bond.
Even with Edea the ex-sorceress?
What is it with you and sorceress'?
You need to remember Quistis. It'll all come back to you soon.
I have no special abilities with magic.
You are a blue mage.
Like that means a lot.
Just wait. You'll see and you begin to believe it all too.
Why don't you just leave me alone?
I can't.
Just go away. It's not that hard.
I'm bound to you.
Bound to me?
Yes.
How can you be bound to me? You're only something I probably made up for comfort.
Quistis, your future awaits you.-
She fell onto her bed, asleep before her head even hit the pillow.
-
-
A/N
What'd you think? A li'l long I know, but I didn't feel like having a second chapter thrown in there. I don't want a really long chapter story, just a few chapters story perhaps. Ah well. This all started because of a pic of the two I drew on Valentine's day.
So, Review it and I'll know what to do to make it better. It may be a li'l confusing to understand, but if so, just tell me in a review. They're always welcome. This is my first ff8 fic so don't yell at me if they're OOC, I'm trying my hardest to keep them in character!
Arigatou for reading my story and I'll throw up chapter two when I'm finished that one. Till then, go read my other stories on ff7. 'Pieces of Glass flowers' and the 'Cetra's soldier'. ^_^
You can always email me and give me suggestions or anything else too.
Ja ne!
