My first review of Chapter 1: Pray!
Quistis88: This is really good! I like the plot so far, and the inner arguments of the characters are fun to read. But they're so close together, sometimes, I have to read a sentence twice to understand which side is speaking. But no matter! Really good, so please write more!
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Throne of Black Thorns
Disclaimer: Obvious
Warnings: None in particular except it's long again.
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Chapter 2: Appears
The light filtered into her face through the open window. She opened one eye to find that she was on top of her bed still wearing the velvet dress from the SeeD ball. She groaned and sat up blood immediately rushing to her head.
"I feel like I got hit by a train..."
"Well you did have a bit too much to drink Instructor."
She frowned and looked towards the voice only to find them pulling the blinds open. "Ah! Close the blinds! It's so bright!" She ordered putting her hand up to shield her eyes.
"Hangover eh Instructor?"
"Seifer. You know I had nothing too drink last night."
"Do I? I'm very sure you had at least one drink last night." Seifer said cockily.
"You know Seifer, that cocky attitude of yours is going to cause you some serious damage later on...You know that though don't you?"
"Aw come on Instructor...Sorry, COMMANDER. You know you love me..."
Quistis raised her eyebrow at him. "Really Seifer. I told you before that you weren't Hyne's gift to women. You should listen to me. I'm never wrong."
"Oh...Is that so?" He folded his arms across his chest. Would I be wrong in guessing that you predicted we'd both pass the SeeD entrance exam when we first tried? That didn't happen."
"You still had the same ruthless attitude for your other tries. You were too cocky, just like you are now."
He sat on the edge of her bed. "So, where you going when you leave?"
She shook her head. "You certainly change the subject quickly don't you?" A small laugh, "I'm thinking about heading to Shumi Village."
"Shumi? Why Shumi?"
She shook her head, "I'm not entirely sure. I just have...It's silly. Never mind."
"You feel drawn to it?"
She nodded, "How is it that you are able to see into my mind when it's about things like this? And yet you couldn't ever read it when I wanted you to."
He looked at her intensely, "Commander Trepe wanted me to read her mind. Wait, let me try now..." He put his hand on either side of her head at her temples and closed his emerald green eyes.
"Seifer..." Her tone was annoyed.
"Ssh. You'll break my concentration...Almost there...Yep. Got it."
She laughed, "What did you find?"
He opened his eyes and leant into her face. "You...Are thinking..."
The door flew open with a loud thump and in came Zell. "You Quisty! I - Seifer?" He narrowed his eyes at them, "Is there something goin on in here?"
"Hot dogs."
"Where?!"
"I believe the cafeteria has lowered the price on them."
"Sweet!" Zell ran out the door leaving the two of them once more together, his hands still on her face.
"Now...As I was saying-"
"Yo Quisty! I was just wondering, when you gonna come back?"
"In a month."
There was an audible groan and they could hear Zell walking off, his feet scraping the ground as he left. "Now, let's try this again. You're thinking how much you want a cup of coffee."
"I don't drink coffee Seifer." She smiled and swung her legs to the side of the bed. "Now if you don't mind, I need to have a shower-"
"I'll say. You smell like booze."
She glared at him, stood, and wobbled to the door of her bathroom. "Careful Commander. Don't need to you falling into anything before you leave, you mightn't ever get out of Garden otherwise."
"Don't sound so eager to get rid of me Seifer...You might just get what you wish for."
"Not gonna happen. Now go wash yourself, you smell horrible."
He could've sworn that she turned around letting her middle finger stay up while the others fell to her palm then turn and enter the bathroom closing the door behind her.
--She cares for you.
She doesn't want to see me fail again.
You've disappointed her many times before haven't you?
...
Just as I thought. She's giving this to you so you can prove to her you can do something right.
No. She's given this to me because I can handle it.
You? Handle something like this? No. She knows you can't. She's just waiting for you to fail. And fail you will. You know you will.
No, that I won't.
She wants you to fail.
She wants me to succeed. She told me last night.
And last night she was slightly tipsy.
Alcohol often proves to be the best truth potion there is.
Then why didn't you find out more?
More about what?
Your dreams.
What's she got to do with my dreams?
You are so naïve Seifer Almasy...But you will learn soon enough.--
"Seifer! What are you doing still in my dorm! Your classes started almost half an hour ago!" Her shrill voice resonated in his head.
"I'm the Commander, I don't have classes now."
"Well turn away or just leave my dorm right now!"
"Why?" He teased staring at her head poking out the bathroom door.
"Be-because..." Her cheeks were furiously red.
"Oh, I see..." He turned away and heard the door swing open, her feet pattering across the floor with the sound of water dripping on her path.
--I could turn around, catch her now...
You could yes...Then she'd probably strangle you with her whip because of it.
True...I'd rather stay alive...Then again, I'd at least die a happy man.
Did anybody ever tell you how sick you were?
I'm a healthy teenager.--
Quistis walked towards him. "Seifer, are you okay?"
He was about to turn around to face her when she hit him. "I get the point. I've gotta keep myself occupied somehow don't I?"
"Here." She threw something on his shoulder then returned to whatever it was she was doing. There was an annoyed grunt followed by a furious curse then a loud thump and a yelp.
Raising his eyebrow, he turned to find Quistis wearing most of her SeeD uniform half on the floor with a single boot on. He approached her when she threw a pillow at him. "Hey! I'm only coming to help you." He tossed the pillow aside and held out his hand for her.
She took it and he noticed why she was so determined to keep him away. He held her tightly on her feet much to her annoyance. She hadn't put her top on yet and he was able to see all of her scars. "It's not polite to stare at a half naked woman."
"Why are you doing this to yourself?"
She looked away as best she could, "You wouldn't understand Seifer. Now let me go."
"I understand as much as you tell me. But self mutilation?" He shook his head and released his grip then turned and stormed out her dorm door.
--He left you again.
He had a reason. I'd have done it too if I were him.
He was pained.
He doesn't understand.
He would.
He can't.
He knows what it's like Quisty.
No. That's where you're wrong, he doesn't know what it's like.--
--You should turn back.
Why? TO see the all too familiar self inflicted scars on her fragile body?
She needs you.
She's strong enough to be able to take care of herself.
She needs you.
I don't need her.
SHE...Needs YOU.--
--I could get rid of all this pain inside me now...
Would you be so willing to throw away your world?
I don't belong here.
True as it may be, why would you throw everything away before you've even begun to feel what everything is like?
It hurts too much.
Everybody feels pain Quisty.
Everybody else has someone.
So do you.
Who do I have?
...
Exactly what I was saying.
You have him.
Him?
You have Seifer.--
He turned back to her dorm, shaking his head, "I have no idea why I'm doing this...She's probably-HOLY SHIT! Quistis!" He ran in hearing rapid footsteps nearing. He stared at her lying in the same position he left her in still wearing the same incomplete uniform, the scars still visible...Now, however they were traced in blood. "Godamnit Quistis!" He shook his head, rage building inside him til he felt like kicking something and breaking it.
"Holy-" Zell slipped into the room.
"Oh my gods!" Selphie was visibly disturbed and latched onto Zell to stop herself from falling. "Quisty?" She approached the body cautiously, waiting for her to sit up suddenly laughing explaining that it was only a joke...A very sick joke - if she was even capable of pulling a humorous joke...But the blonde never sat up. She never moved even when Selphie shook her gently.
Zell turned angrily to Seifer, "What the hell did you do to her man?!"
"I didn't do anything Chicken-wuss." Seifer frowned, his eyes narrowed flashing dangerously. Always getting the blame for everything, even when he was in no way involved.
"Yeah right. I oughta pound you into hot dog mush now!" He punched the air.
"What you doing Chicken wuss? Swatting flies?"
"That's it! I'll kill you this time Seifer!" Zell was about to attack Seifer when Selphie shrieked. "What?!"
"Ew...I got blood on my dress...But she's still alive! We've gotta hurry and get her down to Dr Kadowaki! Zell, Seifer, help me."
The two men approached but Zell forced Seifer aside and scooped Quistis up into his arms. "Why don't you just get the hell outta here man. You're not welcome."
"That's no way to speak to your Commander Chicken-wuss."
Zell's mouth dropped open. "You mean she picked YOU for her replacement. No wonder she did this..." Zell pushed him out and hurried to the Infirmary.
----------
"Would Zell Dincht, Selphie Tilmitt, Commander Quistis Trepe and Commander Seifer Almasy please come to my office immediately. I repeat-"
"Why does he have to repeat everything. It's not like we didn't hear it the first time." Zell punched the wall beside him.
Selphie stared at him. "Zell, I know you're angry and all, but it wasn't Seifer's fault. Quisty's been depressed for ages. Since we defeated Ultimecia..." Selphie frowned. "I think I understand how she feels. I felt horrible even depressed after I found Trabia had been hit directly. I bet she feels just like that."
"I guess the hot dogs'll just have to wait again..."
"That's the spirit Zell! She jumped up then using the leap frog technique landed herself comfortably on Zell's shoulder. "Mush!" She pointed straight ahead. "...Or not mush..."
"I am not a sled dog Selphie. Now get off!" He lifted her legs and she toppled backwards.
She picked herself off the ground and frowned. "That's wasn't nice Zellie."
"Would Zell Dincht, Selphie Tilmitt and Commander Quistis Trepe please come to the bridge! Do I need to repeat it again?"
Selphie and Zell stood straight and saluted. "No sir!" Then sprinted to the elevator.
"I don't think Seifer told him about Quisty yet."
"Ya don't say Selphie."
Selphie folded her arms and glared at Zell. "What IS your problem today Mr I-LOVE-HOT-DOGS-SO-MUCH-I'LL-CRY-IF-I-DON'T-GET-THEM?!"
"Hey! I did not cry. I had something in my eye."
"So what's your problem then?"
He folded his arms and looked away. "It's something about Quisty and Seifer.
"Oh? Tell me more..."
The lift opened "After this Selphie, after this."
They entered Cid's office and found Cid and Seifer waiting for them. They saluted to the two men. "At ease SeeDs. Seifer has told me about Quistis. Now, there's a new assignment I need you on."
--They getting a new mission...Without me...
It's FOR you.
What do you mean FOR ME?
Why don't you sleep now?
I can't sleep now...--
Quistis' consciousness vanished as she feel deep into slumber.
She stood in the middle of a bright beam of white light surrounded by pitch black.
'Quistis Trepe?'
'Yes.'
'You have been found guilty of at least seven of the laws on Gaia.'
'Yes.'
'What do you have to say to these offences?'
'Screw you all. You know you can't do anything to me!'
There was a pause. 'What of him?'
She turned to find Seifer being pushed into another bright light, his hands bound forced onto his knees cursing colourfully. He looked at her.
'You can't do any more to him than you can to me.'
'You're wrong Miss Trepe. We can and will punish you both.'
'Then try us now.'
'Kill them both.'
The man holding Seifer down thrust a long black staff into Seifer's back. He writhed and screamed in agony as the shaft was pushed in further.
'Why won't you heal him?'
'If I heal him now, the poison will remain in his system. However, I will destroy his pain.'
The shaft crumbled to nothing and the man turned into ashes.
'You will never harm him again.' She glared at the darkness and vanished, Seifer in her arms.
'I hope this doesn't lead to the next war...'
'Come now, how can one woman and her lapdog start a war?'
A sigh. 'You are stupid Richards. Look at the second Sorceress' war. That was started by one woman and the SAME lapdog.'
Quistis pulled Seifer onto her lap and put her hands on either side of his wound then pressed her lips to it. Seifer groaned, 'Quistis...Stop it. Just leave me here.'
'Stop trying to be heroic Seifer. Now shut up and let me heal you.' And the rain began.
----------
"So what were you saying before?" Selphie asked taking a sip of her milkshake.
"Oh yeah. Bout Quisty and Seifer." Pieces of hot dog were flying everywhere. One landed on Selphie's dress.
"Ew! Zell! Keep your mouth shut! That's gross!"
"Sho-i." He swallowed and took a long drink of his cola before pulling a face. "Ah, now bout Seifer and Quisty. I had this weird dream-"
"Wait, you're freaking out over a stupid dream?"
"It was more like a vision Selphie. It was weird as hell man..."
"So what this dream about?"
"Lemme get to it would ya?" Zell took another drink and made another face. "Now, as I was sayin...I was standing on this cliff or somethin in the snow and I was like, watching this battle happening below in the snow-"
"Did you see Trabia?"
"Selphie. Let me continue already would ya? Ahem. Watching was happening below and no there was no Trabia. I saw Rinoa and Squall fighting this woman in black then you and Irvine ran in. I heard someone behind me so I turned to find Seifer approaching looking seriously pissed off. He had Hyperion with him and wiped the blood from his lip and said, 'Don't you ever hurt my Quistis again.' And killed me."
Selphie was in the process of putting a handful of fries in her mouth when he had spoken the last words. She stopped and stared at Zell. "But they say you can't dream you own death."
"Well..."
"You didn't actually see your death."
"Not exactly. I woke up as he swung Hyperion."
"I think I'd be pretty freaked out by that. Who was the woman in black anyway?"
Her shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure. But I think it was Quisty."
"Why would we be fighting Quisty? And a better question, why would Seifer refer to Quisty as his?"
"I dunno Selphie. If I did, I'd be a genius." He shifted, "But I don't like the idea of him killing me."
"I know you don't get along and all, but seriously, I don't think he'd go so far as to actually kill you."
"I dunno Selphie...He seemed-"
"Under mind control again?"
"No. He was definitely doing it out of his own choice."
"But you'd never hurt Quisty...Would you?"
"Selphie!"
"Alright already. I was only making sure." She put another handful of fries in her mouth, "So, whaf o-u fink Fid meansh by frowing ush info vish-"
"Selphie. Don't talk with your mouth full. Why is Shumi Village such an important place to Cid suddenly anyway?"
"Well...It's probably not important, but I heard Quisty was going to Shumi for her time out."
"So he's sending us to Shumi as her bodyguards?!"
There was a snicker and Seifer put his hands on the table, "So he's stuck you two as watchdogs eh? I don't see why. You'd be running away from everything Chicken-wuss and you'd be trying to blow everything up!"
"Well we'd do a better job than you! You'd go get under some other sorceress' mind control lapdog!"
Seifer's green eyes flashed dangerously and Selphie grabbed Zell's arm as he went to put a hot dog in his mouth. "We've gotta go. See ya Seify!" She yanked him out the cafeteria lightning fast.
"Oh man! I never get to have my hot dogs..."
"Forget the hotdogs Zell. Just get away from Seifer before you two get into another fight. If you when and got yourself stuck in that Infirmary again just before our assignment...Even if it is just a bodyguard job."
"Do ya think-"
"It has something to do with your dream?"
"Yeah. I mean, Shumi's up north...So's the snow..."
"You aren't going to die on this assignment. You're invincible. You know that."
"Selphie, I know you're tryin to make me feel better and not freak out about this stupid dream, but it just ain't workin Sephie."
She slapped him on the back. "Loosen up Zellie. You were never this tense." She started running to the dorms. "See ya!"
I saw my own death. I thought you said you couldn't ever see that. I can't die yet. I haven't told...What? That I love you? I don't love you. I never have, I couldn't ever. I don't love.
They used to call me Deajus...Second only to Shiva herself. Then why is it I burn for your love?
When Quistis' eye opened, all she could see was the image of her dead body. She wasn't sure what disturbed her the most, the fact that she had witnessed her own death, or the one who'd killed her. Zell entered the room to see Quistis cowering beneath her blankets.
"Quisty? What's wrong?"
"I saw my death Zell. I saw my own death."
"That's impossible..." He swallowed thickly and looked at her. "Isn't it?"
"I-I thought it was."
"How did you die?"
"He cut my throat and left me on the snow to die. Bleed to death with no way to cure myself."
"Who did? Seifer?"
"No..." She looked at him in fear. "No. It wasn't Seifer. It wasn't him..."
"Who was it then?"
"Oh, you're awake. Feeling better Commander Trepe?" Dr Kadowaki peeked into the room.
"Yes."
"Ah, you're here again Zell." She noticed Quistis looked at her confused. "Zell here has hardly left you side save when he had to go to Cid's office and of course get a hot dog. He's been in here ever since you came in yesterday. Quite a loyal friend you have." She looked at the watch resting on her left wrist. "Oh my. I'm afraid I've got to go meet Cid. I won't be gone long." She hurried out, the clicking of her tiny heels fading.
"Have you been...Having strange dreams lately Zell?"
"Yeah."
"Has there been a woman in black in them?"
"Yours too eh?"
She nodded. "I think they're telling us the future."
"I hope not." He tried to laugh, but it came out as a nervous giggle resulting in his eyes filling with tears.
Tears welled in her eyes and she threw her arms around Zell hugging him tightly. "So do I."
----------
Seifer didn't know why he was in his classroom. There didn't seem to be anywhere else for him to go. He was sick of counting the cracks in his bedroom ceiling for the past two days and the room was empty.
--Much like your heart isn't it Seifer?
My heart isn't a classroom.
No, it isn't. But it IS reserved for Quistis.
I don't love Quistis. I love teasing her, watching the way I always manage to get one in there, but I don't love her. There's a difference.
You love being the focus of her attention.
I love attention from anybody.
You didn't even like Selphie and Zell's attention.
Zell? Oh, Chicken-wuss. Theirs wasn't decent attention.
And Quistis' is decent?
Everybody likes good attention.
Maybe you should go visit Quistis and get some 'good attention'.
The hell! I'm listening to that stupid voice in my head again...---
He put his hand to his head and rubbed his temples. "I'm arguing with a voice that isn't even real. Have I really gone insane?"
"Gone insane? You were insane to begin with."
"I'd watch your mouth Chicken-wuss."
"Tough words from someone like you Almasy."
"The hell are you doing here Chicken-wuss? I've got more important things to be doin-"
"Like sitting in an empty classroom thinking about your insanity?"
"What do you want?"
"Quisty wants to see you. Dunno why. I know I wouldn't have wanted to see you if I were her."
"Well you're not her." He stood and walked to the door. Zell continued to stand in his way. "Outta my way Chicken-wuss." He didn't move. "Get the hell out of my way!"
Zell threw his fist at him and connected with his jaw. "Just be thankful I didn't kill you Almasy." With that, Zell disappeared down the hall.
Seifer rubbed his jaw. "Shit...I'm not having a good time here at all. First my nose, now my goddamned jaw! Ow...That pack of hotdog mush really packs a punch..."
He started down to the Infirmary when another familiar face popped into sight. The cowboy hat and long coat gave away his identity immediately. "Well well, if it isn't the sniper who ended up losing his nerve."
"Oh, look who it is. The knight with puppet strings. So how long has it been since you got laid eh? Before Ultimecia?"
"Listen here Cowboy. I catch you speaking like that again I'll cut off your tongue so Hyne help you." He walked off to the elevator only to find Selphie. "This just isn't my day. If you're here to give me a lecture forget it."
"Seifer. I only wanted to warn you. Quistis is seriously freaked. Zell said she saw her own death."
"But you can't do that."
"That's what's freaking her out." She peered closer to his face. "What happened to your jaw?"
"Never mind squirt." He walked passed her into the elevator.
----------
Quistis heard feet being scrapped across the ground nearing her room. Whoever it was sounded annoyed. When he came into view, the first thing she spotted was a bruise on his jaw.
"Seifer, what did you do to yourself?!"
"Huh?" He felt his jaw "Oh, your chicken-wuss friend did it to me threatening to kill me. I don't suppose you know anything about his sudden attitude change huh?"
"He's...Promise me something Seifer?"
"It depends on what it is."
"Please Seifer, promise me that no matter what happens, you won't kill Zell."
"Why the hell would I kill Chicken-wuss? He's a waste of my time."
"Promise me damnit Seifer!"
"Hey, I promise." He raised his hands in mock surrender.
"One more."
"What, don't tease the brat anymore?"
"No." She looked away. "Don't let me die." He noticed her hands were gripping the blankets so hard, her knuckles were white. "When he tries to kill me, promise me you'll stop him."
"Tre-"
"PROMISE ME!" She screamed.
Before he could say anything, he felt himself being thrown back by the power of what could only be an aero attack. He slammed into the wall and slid down, groaning as he sat on the tiled floor. "Man...This just isn't' my day..." He looked back at her to find her lying lopsidedly on her bed. Her right leg stuck out from the blankets while most of her was facing left. He shook his head and stood. "I promise Quistis. Don't worry; whoever he is, I won't let him kill you."
----------
He ran his hand through his thick brown hair, grey eyes searching his desk for any sign of the little witch he was looking for. Wire rimmed glasses sat on his nose enlarging his eyes enough to make people think of a giant dragonfly. He was tall and thin, a tattoo of a dragonfly was faded on his left arm in which sat a yellow folder. To his glee, across the front he wrote in large letters with a red marker 'SORCERESS' beneath it 'GUILTY' and put it in an increasing pile on his left. Before him sat the files on almost every woman he had encountered, and some he had only heard about. His desk was freshly polished, not that one would know since it was now covered in neat yellow folders. A Vienesse Waltz was playing in the background as he used the same red marker to write 'SORCERESS' and 'GUILTY' once more. A satisfied chuckle could be heard as he repeated the same process.
He picked up the next file and looked at it, annoyance creeping over his features as he picked up a blue marker and wrote 'EX-SORCERESS' and 'NOT GUILTY'.
"Damn those Ultimecia pawns. Getting away Scot-free. It won't happen next time."
He put the file to his right and gathered the next folder once more with the blue marker writing 'SORCERESS NOT GUILTY'.
The pile had been sorted save for one folder. He opened it and studied the picture.
"Good looking for a sorceress isn't she?"
"They all are these days."
"Too young for me though."
"She's already engaged."
"Oh really? With whom might that be?"
"Perhaps you should read your files better." Another folder was taken from the right pile and dropped before him. "This one for instance."
He opened the folder and stared at it. "And I am looking at what?"
"The sorceress in question."
"You mean THE sorceress in question?"
"No, this isn't THE sorceress, this is the OTHER sorceress."
"The one last seen in-"
"Read it then find her and bring her back here."
"Yes sir." Taking the file in his hand, he opened it and began to read her notes. He touched her hair in the photo and looked carefully at her eyes. He saw words and turned to them. "Last reported sighting...Balamb Garden." He tapped his fingers on the desk. "Well well, looks like we go to Balamb."
----------
"You're free to go now Quistis. I understand that you don't want to die anymore." Dr Kadowaki smiled as she saw the blonde woman waking from her uncoordinated sleep. "Sleep well?"
"If you exclude my dream." She brushed her hair back behind her ear and stood.
"Just remember, they're only dreams. They can't come true."
"I know. G'bye Dr. Thanks again."
Quistis walked out the Infirmary right into Seifer who was walking in with a small bandage taped to his jaw. She stifled a laugh as she noted the bright pink tape.
"It was the only tape she had left." He frowned when she didn't try to hide her laughter. "Then don't expect me to come visit you next time you're-"
"Seifer, stop being nasty or I'll cut you up into little-ER pieces."
He turned and began off when he discovered her whip wrapped around his neck. "It's so good to see you recover quickly." He choked trying to get the Save the Queen from around his neck.
"It is isn't it?" She laughed then turned deadly serious. "Seifer, something's going to happen. I don't want to see you hurt..."
"Well how about getting this thing from around my neck then?!"
"Oh, yeah sorry." She flicked her wrist causing the whip to retract and fall back into her waiting palm. "You have to come with me."
"What?!"
"Just shut up and come with me." She began for the Training Center again.
"You're not going to pull this one on me again Instructor."
"I'm not pulling anything on you this time Seifer..." A smirk crossed her face as she toyed with her whip, "I could be though..."
"That better be a sexual connotation Instructor..."
"Seifer!" She raised her hand to slap him and he bowed. "Better."
They entered the Secret Area once more. "What's going on Instructor? Why did you bring me back here?"
"I..." She sighed. "I've been having these...These visions. They...Were going to kill me and you because we broke seven laws."
"Seven's not enough to kill someone."
"There were these soldiers in black uniforms. And you were trying to be a hero again." She giggled and the memory of his words.
"That's my Instructor. Laughing at the things I'm trying to do right."
"Seifer!"
"Commander Trepe! Oh, Commander Almasy." A SeeD ran over to them. "Sorry to interrupt you ma'am, sir, but we're being attacked."
"Let me guess, they've got Cid and are looking for Matron?"
"Not quite sir. They have Matron already. They're looking for Miss Heartily sir and-"
"Rinoa? Why are they looking for her here?"
"They're also looking for you too Commander."
Seifer looked at the SeeD horrified. "Me?!"
"No Commander Almasy. They're looking for Commander Trepe."
"What? Why me?"
"I don't know Commander, but I get the feeling we have to get you out of here." The SeeD began off. "Selphie and Zell are waiting for you on the second level. Good luck Commanders." The SeeD ran off and Quistis started after him when Seifer grabbed her arms causing her to almost fall from the sudden grab onto her backside.
"We shouldn't go that way."
"Wha-?"
"They'd be waiting out there. If they're really attack, we should find another way to get out of here."
"Seifer you idiot! There is no other way out."
"I've got an idea."
---
Quistis stood staring at a soldier who was currently in the process of being stripped of his black uniform. Seifer handed her his jacket followed by his shirt and neckband.
"Put them on."
She stared at him incredulously. "This is your big idea? For me to cross-dress?"
"I'll just..." He turned to her and grinned deviously as his hands went to his pants. "You could always keep watching Instructor."
He pulled them off as Quistis covered her eyes. "Are you done ye-eeek!" He flung his pants to her unintentionally landing on her head. "Ew! Get them off me!" She pulled them off in a fit and shuddered.
"They're clean." Seifer looked and sounded almost put out.
"You ever do that again and I'll kick your ass! Understand me?"
"Yes ma'am. Now, we've got to get you looking like a man."
"Your shirt doesn't fit Seifer..." She groaned trying to clip it up only to find her bust too large.
Seifer smirked. "Too bad we're trying to save your life Instructor. Otherwise, this'd be a perfect time. Turned on and everything."
She ignored him and put on his neckband. She held up his pants and stared at them. "Alright, there is NO way I'm putting them on. Why don't I just go as the soldier and you go as yourself?"
"Because you're not soldier material."
"Oh, I'm not soldier material but I'm Seifer Almasy material?"
He looked at her. "You've got a point Instructor. Let's try it this way."
---
"This uniform smells horrible."
"Shut up."
"You know, I think the other way was better. I'm too short to be a soldier."
"You're too short to be me so shut up!"
They left the training center, Quistis leaving a few minutes before Seifer. She headed towards the elevator when she was stopped by another soldier.
"Stop! Where do you think you're off to?"
"The second level." Her voice sounding as authoritative as possible.
"Sorry Commander. Please don't take away my pay check for this week."
"And give me one good reason why not?"
"Ah...Er..." The soldier fell to his knees. "It'll never happen again!"
"Make sure it doesn't." She pushed passed him and entered the lift. The door closed.
She was getting closer to getting out. As they opened, she was met with Zell's fist. It almost connected with her when she sidestepped clumsily and jumped out of the elevator and took her helmet off.
"Zell! You almost took my head off damnit!"
"Quisty! You made it! Come on, we've got to get you out of here while we still can."
"I'm with you on that."
"Quisty! Zell, you're okay! Hurry, before they all get up here and kill us...Or whatever they wanna do to us...Turn us into Zombies...Hang us by our ankles and wait til we almost pass out from all the blood in our heads and slit our throats-"
"Selphie, just concentrate on getting out of here."
"Not just yet Miss Trepe. You've got to come with us." A soldier in black ordered from behind them.
The three turned around and stood prepared for battle. Quistis cracked her whip before the soldier who laughed. "A whip Miss Trepe? I'd have thought you'd go for something more...fitting."
"She's got some serious magic in her. You two attack and I'll draw everything I can." Quistis whispered her orders to her two companions.
Selphie flung her nunchucks at the soldier only to have them yanked out of her hands. Zell attempted an attack next only to find the soldier behind him, planting a kick in his back. Quistis concentrated hard, searching inside the soldier for the magic she was looking for.
"Draw!"
The soldier turned horrified as Quistis drew the magic to herself. She stocked 16 Holys. The soldier was visibly weakened. "Draw everything you can!" And the three began to draw and stock the magic from within the foe until it dropped and didn't move again.
--Holy magic? How could they stock that?
How could you draw that Quistis?
I...I'm not sure.
You believe me now?
Of course not. You're a voice in my head created out of my desperation.
That's not very flattering. I should tell you that they've got a bracelet there. You should go pick it up.--
Quistis walked over to the soldier and grabbed the silver chain from around their wrist. "Now let's get out of here before anything else happens."
----------
Seifer drew the last amount of water magic he could before the enemy dropped before him. Matron pushed the soldiers away from her and stepped over to him. "Seifer, why aren't you with Quisty?"
"Selphie and Zell got her out. I heard them go just a minute ago."
"Do you know where they're going?"
Seifer frowned. "Matron...Did you get to speak with her before she left?"
"Of course she did."
"What did she ask you about?"
"Why dear?"
"She said that you knew so much about gardening and she'd ask you about it before she left. I think she wanted to know about flower arranging."
"Oh yes, that was it."
He thrust Hyperion into Matron's chest. "Liar. You aren't Matron."
The woman guised as Matron fell to the floor as she withdrew Hyperion. He frowned.
--What if Quistis didn't escape with the real Selphie and Zell? What if they were just like Matron?
Body doubles?
Yes. Body Doubles.--
"Shit..."
He ran out to the carpark and jumped into the first car he found. Thankfully, Garden had been 'parked' only minutes before the siege. He began driving to Balamb.
--And how are you going to get across to Shumi?
Transcontinental trains.
They're not working.
Then I'll get a boat.
From where?
I'll take Garden.
While it's under attack?
...
You know you can't win anymore.--
Seifer stopped the car disheartened. That stupid voice in his head had a point. A very good point. But there had to be some other way to get to Shumi...Of course that was provided they even were headed for Shumi.
----------
"Do you two know where you're going?" Quistis asked while clutching the sides of the plane.
"It's all so different up here. We had it all worked out on the ground, now I've just got...To...find...There it is. This way!" Zell turned the plane hard left.
Quistis frowned.
--They seem different...Quieter even.
Maybe they're body doubles.
I don't think so.
Why not?
Because...
Test them.
How?
Just follow my lead.--
"Hot dogs are so vile. Don't you think Zell?"
"Quisty! How could you say such a thing! You know I love hot dogs!"
"Hey Selphie, there was a man in the cafeteria the other day eating them that looked a lot like Irvine. I didn't know he ate them, or wasn't it him?"
Selphie leant on her hand. "I don't think Irvine likes them."
--Remember, they could be body doubles.
They passed your tests.
Try another then.--
"Hey Zell, Selphie, do you remember how I got my nickname 'Quisty'?"
They paused and Selphie shook her head. "Not really."
"At the Orphanage Seifer could say your name right, I don't think he can even now so that's why he calls you Instructor all the time. Anyway, he called you Quisty cause he could say that and started ordering we all called you Quisty." Zell explained before frowning. "That was when he wasn't too busy calling me 'Crybaby Zell'."
"Well, you were always the one crying...Even if you grazed your hand."
"I was not!"
Quistis noticed that the snow she was expecting was nowhere to be found, rather the landscape below was covered in rocks. "Ah, Zell, where are we going?"
"I'm sorry Quisty, but we can't go to Shumi..." He whispered to her.
"What? Why not? My hotel's booked and everything..."
"They've stuck her with us." He nodded to Selphie sitting in the front quietly.
"Body double?" She whispered, he nodded.
"I dunno what they were thinkin Quis, but it's pretty obvious she's not really Selphie."
"How do I now she's not real and YOU'RE the body double?"
"Because I know how to fly this stupid thing."
"You're the fake..."
"Huh?"
Quistis pulled away from Zell and frowned. She commenced to search inside him for the give away magic of Holy. She found the waters he'd drawn from the soldier and his GF Quezacotyl. He wasn't the body double so she cancelled the draw and began searching Selphie. There was no GF, however, Holy and water were present.
"Zell, get ready to jump." Quistis whispered.
"ARE YOU COMPLETELY INSANE?!" She covered his mouth, "I thought you didn't want to die anymore since that dream of yours."
"We won't die. I've got floats. Relax Zell." She turned to Selphie. "Hey Sephie, you think you can exchange your fire magic to me?"
"I can't do that."
"Why not?" She locked onto the magic within Selphie while they conversed.
"Because I don't have fire. I have water though."
"Could you exchange me your water then?"
"I guess." Selphie allowed ten waters to be transferred to Quistis.
"Thanks for that Sephie. I also wouldn't mind those Holys inside you. Draw!"
Selphie struck out at Quistis as the Holys were drawn from her, just as she would've made contact, she collapsed.
"Dead as a battery." Zell cheered.
"I think we're safe now." Quistis put her head in her hands trying to her best to relax.
Zell gulped and elbowed her in the ribs, "Or not."
Quistis lifted her head and spotted a red flying object approaching them. "The Ragnarok?" She peered closer. "JUMP!" She jumped out yanking Zell with her.
"I don't wanna die! Not like a pancake! I don't even like pancakes!"
The words made her want to laugh, but the situation didn't. She searched for the floats...And found one.
"Zell, we have a problem!"
"What?"
"I have only one float. I'll cast it on you." She allowed the float spell to be cast on him slowing his descent while Quistis continued to drop at an increasing speed.
She clasped her hands together as if praying, "Don't let me land on the rocks...Don't let me land on the rocks." She continued to chant the words to herself hoping it would do some good. Anything would be more appreciated than the rocks.
--Why don't you cast float on yourself?
Because I cast the only one I had on Zell.
Look deeper.--
Quistis, though thinking herself gone mad for listening to the voice, began to search deeper for the float she supposedly had. The deeper she looked, the closer she got the ground, the closer to becoming a pancake as Zell referred to it.
--Where the hell is it?!
Just tell yourself you want to float.
I want to float.
Like you mean it.
I want to float!
Now just shorten it to...--
"Float." She ordered herself, an eerie calm settling over her like dust.
She slowed, the calmness radiating around her into the land.
"Quistis!" Zell yelled.
"Zell?" She became away of everything around her and landed gently on her feet as Zell ran over to her.
"What the hell happened? I thought you said you only had one float."
"I..."
--Try it.--
"Let me try something." She transferred all of her magic over to Zell.
"Quisty, what the hell are you doing?"
--Try it, you can do it. You know you can. Do you feel it?
Yes.
Now do it.--
Quistis released an aero, sending Zell flying backwards into the tree. He stared at her in shock. "Is that why they were looking for you?"
"I don't know..."
"...Trippy."
---------
Seifer ran towards the exit of Garden only to find himself surrounded by the black soldiers. He held Hyperion tightly, his fingers a cream colour from the intensity of his grip, his green eyes studying everything, every movement made by the soldiers.
"You there, state your name and position!" One soldier stepped towards him hand outstretched pointing at him.
"Commander Seifer Almasy." He stated.
"You're just the one I'm looking for. Where's the little witch?"
"Rinoa? Nobody knows where she is. Somewhere with Squall I spose. The slut..." There was a blade pressed against his throat before he could do anything with Hyperion, it was flung from his hand. "Holy Hyne!"
"We are not trained to fight you humans. We are trained to destroy a powerful sorceress, and destroy her we will."
"Man, what's Rinoa done now?"
"It is not this Rinoa you keep speaking of. The little witch was last reported as being in Balamb Garden. This is Balamb Garden and yet none of my soldiers have found her. Where is she?" The soldier leaned into his face.
"Get out of my face man! I dunno where the hell this sorceress is! The only one I know is Rinoa and Matron, but she's no longer a sorceress. So get off me!" He tried to throw the soldier off him but they wouldn't move.
"I told you that we are trained to fight stronger creatures than yourself ex-lapdog." The soldier stepped back and took of their helmet to allow rust red hair to escape. It was cut probably with dull or even rusted scissors. "Where is the woman, Quistis Trepe?"
"What? She isn't a sorceress. She's not even that good with magic, unless it's anything icy like Shiva or...You're really not interested in this." Seifer frowned at her ice blue eyes.
"Where is she?"
"I don't know!" Seifer grew furious and began to cast draw. It failed.
"You cannot draw from me what you could to my soldiers. Only a sorceress can draw from me and you Commander Almasy are not that." She turned and waved her hand signalling the end of the conversation. "You'll join me later. Take him to the bridge. He can't escape from there and warn the witch."
The woman with the rust coloured hair walked off disappearing amongst the other soldiers in black.
--How did you get yourself into this mess?
I followed the Instructor's orders.
But you didn't follow the Instructor herself, even when you knew her life was in danger.
She can take care of herself.
Body doubles?
Oh shit yeah...--
"Zell, hurry up!" Quistis called over her shoulder.
Zell finally caught up to her and leant against the rocks gasping for breath. "Man, it's so hot out here!" He suddenly sat bolt upright and sniffed. "No way..."
"Zell?"
He sprinted at a renewed speed towards the scent, the all too familiar scent that should've told him to run the other way, but his stomach growled.
I haven't eaten for ages! One wouldn't hurt...It couldn't hurt right?
He stopped dead and Quistis smashed into him causing the two to topple onto the rocky ground. Zell began to roll forward leaving Quistis on the ground. He landed before a young woman with silver hair and red eyes. She looked an incredible amount like Fujin.
"CHICKEN-WUSS!" She growled giving him a sharp kick to his shin. "SEIFER! TROUBLE!"
"Like I care...Fujin? The hell are you doing here?"
"INSTRUCTOR. DANGER."
"I already know that. We're trying to get her out of trouble."
"COME." She turned not waiting to see if he would follow, or if Quistis caught up.
"Fujin's here?"
"Yeah...Apparently Seifer's in trouble. Just like you."
"QUICKLY!"
"Better not oppose her...You remember the fight at Balamb..." Quistis nodded to his elbow where a scar remained from her attacks.
Zell's face paled and they walked after the retreating Fujin. "You think-"
"I don't know. Fujin-"
"I know. But-"
"It's all we've got. Maybe-"
"They might be able to help us if-"
"They better not come here-"
"I don't want to die..." They muttered together.
"AFFIRMATIVE."
They looked up at her completely confused. "Affirmative to what?"
"DIE."
They shrank back as Fujin looked at them. Had she led then straight into a trap? Quistis shook her head. "I can't believe we fell for it again."
"RAIJIN! FUJIN. PROTECT." Fujin insisted.
"Wha-?"
"We don't wanna kill you ya know? We're just here to help you ya know?" Raijin explained from behind them.
"How do we know that you're not on their side?" Quistis asked unwrapping her whip.
"Yeah..." Zell cracked his knuckles ready for a fight when Raijin shrugged.
"We're not armed." Raijin held his hands out and indeed, they couldn't see the giant rod he used. "Ya know, those soldiers are strong..."
"Not if you draw from them." Zell pointed out before clamping his hand over his mouth.
"Yeah, but some can't be drawn from ya know? They're like super soldiers or somethin ya know?"
"Raijin, when did these soldiers come to you?"
"A few weeks back. Started askin all these weird questions ya know?"
"What were they asking about?"
"Stuff about you. Like, where you were, what you were doin and all that sorta stuff ya know? But there was this one soldier that was asking me bout your sorceress stuff. I didn't know you was a sorceress."
"FOOD! EAT!" Fujin put a plate of hot dogs out before them.
"Awesome! You must've read my mind!" Zell immediately grabbed as many as he could and began to stuff them into his mouth.
"What are they followin ya for eh?"
"She's a sorceress."
"I think there's something other than that...If it were just because I was a sorceress, they wouldn't come to take over Garden-"
"They took over Garden? Seifer's still in there ya know?"
"Fujin seems to be more informed on this than you Raijin..."
"I can't help it ya know? Gotta keep up my strength...Best way to do that is to sleep ya know?"
"EAT!" Fujin indicated to the hot dogs, which were disappearing quickly.
"I don't like hot dogs Fujin. Besides, I think Zell's hungry enough to eat them all."
"IDIOT!" She kicked Raijin.
"Hey! I didn't know ya know?!" Raijin rubbed the place she kicked him.
"Ya know Quis..." Zell swallowed the mouthful of hot dog before continuing, "Fujin cooks pretty well."
Quistis' eyes widened when she noticed Fujin's cheeks glow a pale pink colour. "Did you really cook this?"
"AFFIRMATIVE."
"How did you know that Zell loved them?"
"I always saw him eaten them ya know? And I figured since you were with him you probably liked them too ya know?" Raijin explained before receiving another kick to the shin. "Damnit Fujin! Stop kicking me!"
Quistis laughed gently as she saw the two arguing, Fujin's foot doing most of it.
I could get used to this...As strange as it seems. I never thought I'd be here with Seifer's friends, his posse. It's nice...
-
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A/N
It's probably a really disjointed chapter but I tried.
And as for Quistis' secret, there's more than just the fact she's a sorceress, I think that 'secret' has been overkilled so I decided to go for something a li'l more odd.
Oh yeah, and ass for Quistis drawing the Holy's, I'm basing that off the fact that whenever i try to draw them from an enemy Quistis is the only one who manages to draw them so...that's why I have her doing that cause everybody else when I play fails...Just so you don't think I'm more than a li'l odd
Hope you liked the chapter besides that. Reviews are always welcomed. Inspiration for the next chapter.
Talking about that, I'm not sure when the next chapter will be up cause I've got a whole heap of assignments to do for TAFE (College for american understanding) So, I'll try my hardest to get the next chapter out before the 15th of March, but no promises. It will be out before the end of March though, that I can guarantee.
So, that's more or less everything I had to say.
Quistis88: I'm glad you like the story so far. With the inner thoughts the computer didn't save it in the same format so it's all kinda squished...Hope you keep reading
Pierson: Interesting comment...Hope you found this chapter interesting.
Frost: Hope this update is as good as the first one...
ShatteredDreamz: Wow, you really thought it was actually being attacked. As weird as it sounds that makes me feel really good cause I wrote something somewhat believable. Yay. Hope this made you want to know what happens next too.
Yami Bakura: *Blush* Thankyou...
Jeangab057: Thankyou too. Hope you thought this chapter was 'pretty good' too. Hopefully better than 'pretty good' even.
NieA: I'm so glad you reviewed my work! As for the fan art, it's still in the progress of being completed, much like my manga, but don't worry, I'll scan it and let you see it soon...Like after I get off my lazy butt and draw it...*Sigh* Ah well. Don't forget you've gotta send me your manga...
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THANKYOU FOR REVIEWING MY LAST CHAPTER! HOPE YOU ALL REVIEW THIS ONE TOO!
Now I must go catch those sheep jumping over fences...Zzzz
Quistis88: This is really good! I like the plot so far, and the inner arguments of the characters are fun to read. But they're so close together, sometimes, I have to read a sentence twice to understand which side is speaking. But no matter! Really good, so please write more!
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Throne of Black Thorns
Disclaimer: Obvious
Warnings: None in particular except it's long again.
-
Chapter 2: Appears
The light filtered into her face through the open window. She opened one eye to find that she was on top of her bed still wearing the velvet dress from the SeeD ball. She groaned and sat up blood immediately rushing to her head.
"I feel like I got hit by a train..."
"Well you did have a bit too much to drink Instructor."
She frowned and looked towards the voice only to find them pulling the blinds open. "Ah! Close the blinds! It's so bright!" She ordered putting her hand up to shield her eyes.
"Hangover eh Instructor?"
"Seifer. You know I had nothing too drink last night."
"Do I? I'm very sure you had at least one drink last night." Seifer said cockily.
"You know Seifer, that cocky attitude of yours is going to cause you some serious damage later on...You know that though don't you?"
"Aw come on Instructor...Sorry, COMMANDER. You know you love me..."
Quistis raised her eyebrow at him. "Really Seifer. I told you before that you weren't Hyne's gift to women. You should listen to me. I'm never wrong."
"Oh...Is that so?" He folded his arms across his chest. Would I be wrong in guessing that you predicted we'd both pass the SeeD entrance exam when we first tried? That didn't happen."
"You still had the same ruthless attitude for your other tries. You were too cocky, just like you are now."
He sat on the edge of her bed. "So, where you going when you leave?"
She shook her head. "You certainly change the subject quickly don't you?" A small laugh, "I'm thinking about heading to Shumi Village."
"Shumi? Why Shumi?"
She shook her head, "I'm not entirely sure. I just have...It's silly. Never mind."
"You feel drawn to it?"
She nodded, "How is it that you are able to see into my mind when it's about things like this? And yet you couldn't ever read it when I wanted you to."
He looked at her intensely, "Commander Trepe wanted me to read her mind. Wait, let me try now..." He put his hand on either side of her head at her temples and closed his emerald green eyes.
"Seifer..." Her tone was annoyed.
"Ssh. You'll break my concentration...Almost there...Yep. Got it."
She laughed, "What did you find?"
He opened his eyes and leant into her face. "You...Are thinking..."
The door flew open with a loud thump and in came Zell. "You Quisty! I - Seifer?" He narrowed his eyes at them, "Is there something goin on in here?"
"Hot dogs."
"Where?!"
"I believe the cafeteria has lowered the price on them."
"Sweet!" Zell ran out the door leaving the two of them once more together, his hands still on her face.
"Now...As I was saying-"
"Yo Quisty! I was just wondering, when you gonna come back?"
"In a month."
There was an audible groan and they could hear Zell walking off, his feet scraping the ground as he left. "Now, let's try this again. You're thinking how much you want a cup of coffee."
"I don't drink coffee Seifer." She smiled and swung her legs to the side of the bed. "Now if you don't mind, I need to have a shower-"
"I'll say. You smell like booze."
She glared at him, stood, and wobbled to the door of her bathroom. "Careful Commander. Don't need to you falling into anything before you leave, you mightn't ever get out of Garden otherwise."
"Don't sound so eager to get rid of me Seifer...You might just get what you wish for."
"Not gonna happen. Now go wash yourself, you smell horrible."
He could've sworn that she turned around letting her middle finger stay up while the others fell to her palm then turn and enter the bathroom closing the door behind her.
--She cares for you.
She doesn't want to see me fail again.
You've disappointed her many times before haven't you?
...
Just as I thought. She's giving this to you so you can prove to her you can do something right.
No. She's given this to me because I can handle it.
You? Handle something like this? No. She knows you can't. She's just waiting for you to fail. And fail you will. You know you will.
No, that I won't.
She wants you to fail.
She wants me to succeed. She told me last night.
And last night she was slightly tipsy.
Alcohol often proves to be the best truth potion there is.
Then why didn't you find out more?
More about what?
Your dreams.
What's she got to do with my dreams?
You are so naïve Seifer Almasy...But you will learn soon enough.--
"Seifer! What are you doing still in my dorm! Your classes started almost half an hour ago!" Her shrill voice resonated in his head.
"I'm the Commander, I don't have classes now."
"Well turn away or just leave my dorm right now!"
"Why?" He teased staring at her head poking out the bathroom door.
"Be-because..." Her cheeks were furiously red.
"Oh, I see..." He turned away and heard the door swing open, her feet pattering across the floor with the sound of water dripping on her path.
--I could turn around, catch her now...
You could yes...Then she'd probably strangle you with her whip because of it.
True...I'd rather stay alive...Then again, I'd at least die a happy man.
Did anybody ever tell you how sick you were?
I'm a healthy teenager.--
Quistis walked towards him. "Seifer, are you okay?"
He was about to turn around to face her when she hit him. "I get the point. I've gotta keep myself occupied somehow don't I?"
"Here." She threw something on his shoulder then returned to whatever it was she was doing. There was an annoyed grunt followed by a furious curse then a loud thump and a yelp.
Raising his eyebrow, he turned to find Quistis wearing most of her SeeD uniform half on the floor with a single boot on. He approached her when she threw a pillow at him. "Hey! I'm only coming to help you." He tossed the pillow aside and held out his hand for her.
She took it and he noticed why she was so determined to keep him away. He held her tightly on her feet much to her annoyance. She hadn't put her top on yet and he was able to see all of her scars. "It's not polite to stare at a half naked woman."
"Why are you doing this to yourself?"
She looked away as best she could, "You wouldn't understand Seifer. Now let me go."
"I understand as much as you tell me. But self mutilation?" He shook his head and released his grip then turned and stormed out her dorm door.
--He left you again.
He had a reason. I'd have done it too if I were him.
He was pained.
He doesn't understand.
He would.
He can't.
He knows what it's like Quisty.
No. That's where you're wrong, he doesn't know what it's like.--
--You should turn back.
Why? TO see the all too familiar self inflicted scars on her fragile body?
She needs you.
She's strong enough to be able to take care of herself.
She needs you.
I don't need her.
SHE...Needs YOU.--
--I could get rid of all this pain inside me now...
Would you be so willing to throw away your world?
I don't belong here.
True as it may be, why would you throw everything away before you've even begun to feel what everything is like?
It hurts too much.
Everybody feels pain Quisty.
Everybody else has someone.
So do you.
Who do I have?
...
Exactly what I was saying.
You have him.
Him?
You have Seifer.--
He turned back to her dorm, shaking his head, "I have no idea why I'm doing this...She's probably-HOLY SHIT! Quistis!" He ran in hearing rapid footsteps nearing. He stared at her lying in the same position he left her in still wearing the same incomplete uniform, the scars still visible...Now, however they were traced in blood. "Godamnit Quistis!" He shook his head, rage building inside him til he felt like kicking something and breaking it.
"Holy-" Zell slipped into the room.
"Oh my gods!" Selphie was visibly disturbed and latched onto Zell to stop herself from falling. "Quisty?" She approached the body cautiously, waiting for her to sit up suddenly laughing explaining that it was only a joke...A very sick joke - if she was even capable of pulling a humorous joke...But the blonde never sat up. She never moved even when Selphie shook her gently.
Zell turned angrily to Seifer, "What the hell did you do to her man?!"
"I didn't do anything Chicken-wuss." Seifer frowned, his eyes narrowed flashing dangerously. Always getting the blame for everything, even when he was in no way involved.
"Yeah right. I oughta pound you into hot dog mush now!" He punched the air.
"What you doing Chicken wuss? Swatting flies?"
"That's it! I'll kill you this time Seifer!" Zell was about to attack Seifer when Selphie shrieked. "What?!"
"Ew...I got blood on my dress...But she's still alive! We've gotta hurry and get her down to Dr Kadowaki! Zell, Seifer, help me."
The two men approached but Zell forced Seifer aside and scooped Quistis up into his arms. "Why don't you just get the hell outta here man. You're not welcome."
"That's no way to speak to your Commander Chicken-wuss."
Zell's mouth dropped open. "You mean she picked YOU for her replacement. No wonder she did this..." Zell pushed him out and hurried to the Infirmary.
----------
"Would Zell Dincht, Selphie Tilmitt, Commander Quistis Trepe and Commander Seifer Almasy please come to my office immediately. I repeat-"
"Why does he have to repeat everything. It's not like we didn't hear it the first time." Zell punched the wall beside him.
Selphie stared at him. "Zell, I know you're angry and all, but it wasn't Seifer's fault. Quisty's been depressed for ages. Since we defeated Ultimecia..." Selphie frowned. "I think I understand how she feels. I felt horrible even depressed after I found Trabia had been hit directly. I bet she feels just like that."
"I guess the hot dogs'll just have to wait again..."
"That's the spirit Zell! She jumped up then using the leap frog technique landed herself comfortably on Zell's shoulder. "Mush!" She pointed straight ahead. "...Or not mush..."
"I am not a sled dog Selphie. Now get off!" He lifted her legs and she toppled backwards.
She picked herself off the ground and frowned. "That's wasn't nice Zellie."
"Would Zell Dincht, Selphie Tilmitt and Commander Quistis Trepe please come to the bridge! Do I need to repeat it again?"
Selphie and Zell stood straight and saluted. "No sir!" Then sprinted to the elevator.
"I don't think Seifer told him about Quisty yet."
"Ya don't say Selphie."
Selphie folded her arms and glared at Zell. "What IS your problem today Mr I-LOVE-HOT-DOGS-SO-MUCH-I'LL-CRY-IF-I-DON'T-GET-THEM?!"
"Hey! I did not cry. I had something in my eye."
"So what's your problem then?"
He folded his arms and looked away. "It's something about Quisty and Seifer.
"Oh? Tell me more..."
The lift opened "After this Selphie, after this."
They entered Cid's office and found Cid and Seifer waiting for them. They saluted to the two men. "At ease SeeDs. Seifer has told me about Quistis. Now, there's a new assignment I need you on."
--They getting a new mission...Without me...
It's FOR you.
What do you mean FOR ME?
Why don't you sleep now?
I can't sleep now...--
Quistis' consciousness vanished as she feel deep into slumber.
She stood in the middle of a bright beam of white light surrounded by pitch black.
'Quistis Trepe?'
'Yes.'
'You have been found guilty of at least seven of the laws on Gaia.'
'Yes.'
'What do you have to say to these offences?'
'Screw you all. You know you can't do anything to me!'
There was a pause. 'What of him?'
She turned to find Seifer being pushed into another bright light, his hands bound forced onto his knees cursing colourfully. He looked at her.
'You can't do any more to him than you can to me.'
'You're wrong Miss Trepe. We can and will punish you both.'
'Then try us now.'
'Kill them both.'
The man holding Seifer down thrust a long black staff into Seifer's back. He writhed and screamed in agony as the shaft was pushed in further.
'Why won't you heal him?'
'If I heal him now, the poison will remain in his system. However, I will destroy his pain.'
The shaft crumbled to nothing and the man turned into ashes.
'You will never harm him again.' She glared at the darkness and vanished, Seifer in her arms.
'I hope this doesn't lead to the next war...'
'Come now, how can one woman and her lapdog start a war?'
A sigh. 'You are stupid Richards. Look at the second Sorceress' war. That was started by one woman and the SAME lapdog.'
Quistis pulled Seifer onto her lap and put her hands on either side of his wound then pressed her lips to it. Seifer groaned, 'Quistis...Stop it. Just leave me here.'
'Stop trying to be heroic Seifer. Now shut up and let me heal you.' And the rain began.
----------
"So what were you saying before?" Selphie asked taking a sip of her milkshake.
"Oh yeah. Bout Quisty and Seifer." Pieces of hot dog were flying everywhere. One landed on Selphie's dress.
"Ew! Zell! Keep your mouth shut! That's gross!"
"Sho-i." He swallowed and took a long drink of his cola before pulling a face. "Ah, now bout Seifer and Quisty. I had this weird dream-"
"Wait, you're freaking out over a stupid dream?"
"It was more like a vision Selphie. It was weird as hell man..."
"So what this dream about?"
"Lemme get to it would ya?" Zell took another drink and made another face. "Now, as I was sayin...I was standing on this cliff or somethin in the snow and I was like, watching this battle happening below in the snow-"
"Did you see Trabia?"
"Selphie. Let me continue already would ya? Ahem. Watching was happening below and no there was no Trabia. I saw Rinoa and Squall fighting this woman in black then you and Irvine ran in. I heard someone behind me so I turned to find Seifer approaching looking seriously pissed off. He had Hyperion with him and wiped the blood from his lip and said, 'Don't you ever hurt my Quistis again.' And killed me."
Selphie was in the process of putting a handful of fries in her mouth when he had spoken the last words. She stopped and stared at Zell. "But they say you can't dream you own death."
"Well..."
"You didn't actually see your death."
"Not exactly. I woke up as he swung Hyperion."
"I think I'd be pretty freaked out by that. Who was the woman in black anyway?"
Her shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure. But I think it was Quisty."
"Why would we be fighting Quisty? And a better question, why would Seifer refer to Quisty as his?"
"I dunno Selphie. If I did, I'd be a genius." He shifted, "But I don't like the idea of him killing me."
"I know you don't get along and all, but seriously, I don't think he'd go so far as to actually kill you."
"I dunno Selphie...He seemed-"
"Under mind control again?"
"No. He was definitely doing it out of his own choice."
"But you'd never hurt Quisty...Would you?"
"Selphie!"
"Alright already. I was only making sure." She put another handful of fries in her mouth, "So, whaf o-u fink Fid meansh by frowing ush info vish-"
"Selphie. Don't talk with your mouth full. Why is Shumi Village such an important place to Cid suddenly anyway?"
"Well...It's probably not important, but I heard Quisty was going to Shumi for her time out."
"So he's sending us to Shumi as her bodyguards?!"
There was a snicker and Seifer put his hands on the table, "So he's stuck you two as watchdogs eh? I don't see why. You'd be running away from everything Chicken-wuss and you'd be trying to blow everything up!"
"Well we'd do a better job than you! You'd go get under some other sorceress' mind control lapdog!"
Seifer's green eyes flashed dangerously and Selphie grabbed Zell's arm as he went to put a hot dog in his mouth. "We've gotta go. See ya Seify!" She yanked him out the cafeteria lightning fast.
"Oh man! I never get to have my hot dogs..."
"Forget the hotdogs Zell. Just get away from Seifer before you two get into another fight. If you when and got yourself stuck in that Infirmary again just before our assignment...Even if it is just a bodyguard job."
"Do ya think-"
"It has something to do with your dream?"
"Yeah. I mean, Shumi's up north...So's the snow..."
"You aren't going to die on this assignment. You're invincible. You know that."
"Selphie, I know you're tryin to make me feel better and not freak out about this stupid dream, but it just ain't workin Sephie."
She slapped him on the back. "Loosen up Zellie. You were never this tense." She started running to the dorms. "See ya!"
I saw my own death. I thought you said you couldn't ever see that. I can't die yet. I haven't told...What? That I love you? I don't love you. I never have, I couldn't ever. I don't love.
They used to call me Deajus...Second only to Shiva herself. Then why is it I burn for your love?
When Quistis' eye opened, all she could see was the image of her dead body. She wasn't sure what disturbed her the most, the fact that she had witnessed her own death, or the one who'd killed her. Zell entered the room to see Quistis cowering beneath her blankets.
"Quisty? What's wrong?"
"I saw my death Zell. I saw my own death."
"That's impossible..." He swallowed thickly and looked at her. "Isn't it?"
"I-I thought it was."
"How did you die?"
"He cut my throat and left me on the snow to die. Bleed to death with no way to cure myself."
"Who did? Seifer?"
"No..." She looked at him in fear. "No. It wasn't Seifer. It wasn't him..."
"Who was it then?"
"Oh, you're awake. Feeling better Commander Trepe?" Dr Kadowaki peeked into the room.
"Yes."
"Ah, you're here again Zell." She noticed Quistis looked at her confused. "Zell here has hardly left you side save when he had to go to Cid's office and of course get a hot dog. He's been in here ever since you came in yesterday. Quite a loyal friend you have." She looked at the watch resting on her left wrist. "Oh my. I'm afraid I've got to go meet Cid. I won't be gone long." She hurried out, the clicking of her tiny heels fading.
"Have you been...Having strange dreams lately Zell?"
"Yeah."
"Has there been a woman in black in them?"
"Yours too eh?"
She nodded. "I think they're telling us the future."
"I hope not." He tried to laugh, but it came out as a nervous giggle resulting in his eyes filling with tears.
Tears welled in her eyes and she threw her arms around Zell hugging him tightly. "So do I."
----------
Seifer didn't know why he was in his classroom. There didn't seem to be anywhere else for him to go. He was sick of counting the cracks in his bedroom ceiling for the past two days and the room was empty.
--Much like your heart isn't it Seifer?
My heart isn't a classroom.
No, it isn't. But it IS reserved for Quistis.
I don't love Quistis. I love teasing her, watching the way I always manage to get one in there, but I don't love her. There's a difference.
You love being the focus of her attention.
I love attention from anybody.
You didn't even like Selphie and Zell's attention.
Zell? Oh, Chicken-wuss. Theirs wasn't decent attention.
And Quistis' is decent?
Everybody likes good attention.
Maybe you should go visit Quistis and get some 'good attention'.
The hell! I'm listening to that stupid voice in my head again...---
He put his hand to his head and rubbed his temples. "I'm arguing with a voice that isn't even real. Have I really gone insane?"
"Gone insane? You were insane to begin with."
"I'd watch your mouth Chicken-wuss."
"Tough words from someone like you Almasy."
"The hell are you doing here Chicken-wuss? I've got more important things to be doin-"
"Like sitting in an empty classroom thinking about your insanity?"
"What do you want?"
"Quisty wants to see you. Dunno why. I know I wouldn't have wanted to see you if I were her."
"Well you're not her." He stood and walked to the door. Zell continued to stand in his way. "Outta my way Chicken-wuss." He didn't move. "Get the hell out of my way!"
Zell threw his fist at him and connected with his jaw. "Just be thankful I didn't kill you Almasy." With that, Zell disappeared down the hall.
Seifer rubbed his jaw. "Shit...I'm not having a good time here at all. First my nose, now my goddamned jaw! Ow...That pack of hotdog mush really packs a punch..."
He started down to the Infirmary when another familiar face popped into sight. The cowboy hat and long coat gave away his identity immediately. "Well well, if it isn't the sniper who ended up losing his nerve."
"Oh, look who it is. The knight with puppet strings. So how long has it been since you got laid eh? Before Ultimecia?"
"Listen here Cowboy. I catch you speaking like that again I'll cut off your tongue so Hyne help you." He walked off to the elevator only to find Selphie. "This just isn't my day. If you're here to give me a lecture forget it."
"Seifer. I only wanted to warn you. Quistis is seriously freaked. Zell said she saw her own death."
"But you can't do that."
"That's what's freaking her out." She peered closer to his face. "What happened to your jaw?"
"Never mind squirt." He walked passed her into the elevator.
----------
Quistis heard feet being scrapped across the ground nearing her room. Whoever it was sounded annoyed. When he came into view, the first thing she spotted was a bruise on his jaw.
"Seifer, what did you do to yourself?!"
"Huh?" He felt his jaw "Oh, your chicken-wuss friend did it to me threatening to kill me. I don't suppose you know anything about his sudden attitude change huh?"
"He's...Promise me something Seifer?"
"It depends on what it is."
"Please Seifer, promise me that no matter what happens, you won't kill Zell."
"Why the hell would I kill Chicken-wuss? He's a waste of my time."
"Promise me damnit Seifer!"
"Hey, I promise." He raised his hands in mock surrender.
"One more."
"What, don't tease the brat anymore?"
"No." She looked away. "Don't let me die." He noticed her hands were gripping the blankets so hard, her knuckles were white. "When he tries to kill me, promise me you'll stop him."
"Tre-"
"PROMISE ME!" She screamed.
Before he could say anything, he felt himself being thrown back by the power of what could only be an aero attack. He slammed into the wall and slid down, groaning as he sat on the tiled floor. "Man...This just isn't' my day..." He looked back at her to find her lying lopsidedly on her bed. Her right leg stuck out from the blankets while most of her was facing left. He shook his head and stood. "I promise Quistis. Don't worry; whoever he is, I won't let him kill you."
----------
He ran his hand through his thick brown hair, grey eyes searching his desk for any sign of the little witch he was looking for. Wire rimmed glasses sat on his nose enlarging his eyes enough to make people think of a giant dragonfly. He was tall and thin, a tattoo of a dragonfly was faded on his left arm in which sat a yellow folder. To his glee, across the front he wrote in large letters with a red marker 'SORCERESS' beneath it 'GUILTY' and put it in an increasing pile on his left. Before him sat the files on almost every woman he had encountered, and some he had only heard about. His desk was freshly polished, not that one would know since it was now covered in neat yellow folders. A Vienesse Waltz was playing in the background as he used the same red marker to write 'SORCERESS' and 'GUILTY' once more. A satisfied chuckle could be heard as he repeated the same process.
He picked up the next file and looked at it, annoyance creeping over his features as he picked up a blue marker and wrote 'EX-SORCERESS' and 'NOT GUILTY'.
"Damn those Ultimecia pawns. Getting away Scot-free. It won't happen next time."
He put the file to his right and gathered the next folder once more with the blue marker writing 'SORCERESS NOT GUILTY'.
The pile had been sorted save for one folder. He opened it and studied the picture.
"Good looking for a sorceress isn't she?"
"They all are these days."
"Too young for me though."
"She's already engaged."
"Oh really? With whom might that be?"
"Perhaps you should read your files better." Another folder was taken from the right pile and dropped before him. "This one for instance."
He opened the folder and stared at it. "And I am looking at what?"
"The sorceress in question."
"You mean THE sorceress in question?"
"No, this isn't THE sorceress, this is the OTHER sorceress."
"The one last seen in-"
"Read it then find her and bring her back here."
"Yes sir." Taking the file in his hand, he opened it and began to read her notes. He touched her hair in the photo and looked carefully at her eyes. He saw words and turned to them. "Last reported sighting...Balamb Garden." He tapped his fingers on the desk. "Well well, looks like we go to Balamb."
----------
"You're free to go now Quistis. I understand that you don't want to die anymore." Dr Kadowaki smiled as she saw the blonde woman waking from her uncoordinated sleep. "Sleep well?"
"If you exclude my dream." She brushed her hair back behind her ear and stood.
"Just remember, they're only dreams. They can't come true."
"I know. G'bye Dr. Thanks again."
Quistis walked out the Infirmary right into Seifer who was walking in with a small bandage taped to his jaw. She stifled a laugh as she noted the bright pink tape.
"It was the only tape she had left." He frowned when she didn't try to hide her laughter. "Then don't expect me to come visit you next time you're-"
"Seifer, stop being nasty or I'll cut you up into little-ER pieces."
He turned and began off when he discovered her whip wrapped around his neck. "It's so good to see you recover quickly." He choked trying to get the Save the Queen from around his neck.
"It is isn't it?" She laughed then turned deadly serious. "Seifer, something's going to happen. I don't want to see you hurt..."
"Well how about getting this thing from around my neck then?!"
"Oh, yeah sorry." She flicked her wrist causing the whip to retract and fall back into her waiting palm. "You have to come with me."
"What?!"
"Just shut up and come with me." She began for the Training Center again.
"You're not going to pull this one on me again Instructor."
"I'm not pulling anything on you this time Seifer..." A smirk crossed her face as she toyed with her whip, "I could be though..."
"That better be a sexual connotation Instructor..."
"Seifer!" She raised her hand to slap him and he bowed. "Better."
They entered the Secret Area once more. "What's going on Instructor? Why did you bring me back here?"
"I..." She sighed. "I've been having these...These visions. They...Were going to kill me and you because we broke seven laws."
"Seven's not enough to kill someone."
"There were these soldiers in black uniforms. And you were trying to be a hero again." She giggled and the memory of his words.
"That's my Instructor. Laughing at the things I'm trying to do right."
"Seifer!"
"Commander Trepe! Oh, Commander Almasy." A SeeD ran over to them. "Sorry to interrupt you ma'am, sir, but we're being attacked."
"Let me guess, they've got Cid and are looking for Matron?"
"Not quite sir. They have Matron already. They're looking for Miss Heartily sir and-"
"Rinoa? Why are they looking for her here?"
"They're also looking for you too Commander."
Seifer looked at the SeeD horrified. "Me?!"
"No Commander Almasy. They're looking for Commander Trepe."
"What? Why me?"
"I don't know Commander, but I get the feeling we have to get you out of here." The SeeD began off. "Selphie and Zell are waiting for you on the second level. Good luck Commanders." The SeeD ran off and Quistis started after him when Seifer grabbed her arms causing her to almost fall from the sudden grab onto her backside.
"We shouldn't go that way."
"Wha-?"
"They'd be waiting out there. If they're really attack, we should find another way to get out of here."
"Seifer you idiot! There is no other way out."
"I've got an idea."
---
Quistis stood staring at a soldier who was currently in the process of being stripped of his black uniform. Seifer handed her his jacket followed by his shirt and neckband.
"Put them on."
She stared at him incredulously. "This is your big idea? For me to cross-dress?"
"I'll just..." He turned to her and grinned deviously as his hands went to his pants. "You could always keep watching Instructor."
He pulled them off as Quistis covered her eyes. "Are you done ye-eeek!" He flung his pants to her unintentionally landing on her head. "Ew! Get them off me!" She pulled them off in a fit and shuddered.
"They're clean." Seifer looked and sounded almost put out.
"You ever do that again and I'll kick your ass! Understand me?"
"Yes ma'am. Now, we've got to get you looking like a man."
"Your shirt doesn't fit Seifer..." She groaned trying to clip it up only to find her bust too large.
Seifer smirked. "Too bad we're trying to save your life Instructor. Otherwise, this'd be a perfect time. Turned on and everything."
She ignored him and put on his neckband. She held up his pants and stared at them. "Alright, there is NO way I'm putting them on. Why don't I just go as the soldier and you go as yourself?"
"Because you're not soldier material."
"Oh, I'm not soldier material but I'm Seifer Almasy material?"
He looked at her. "You've got a point Instructor. Let's try it this way."
---
"This uniform smells horrible."
"Shut up."
"You know, I think the other way was better. I'm too short to be a soldier."
"You're too short to be me so shut up!"
They left the training center, Quistis leaving a few minutes before Seifer. She headed towards the elevator when she was stopped by another soldier.
"Stop! Where do you think you're off to?"
"The second level." Her voice sounding as authoritative as possible.
"Sorry Commander. Please don't take away my pay check for this week."
"And give me one good reason why not?"
"Ah...Er..." The soldier fell to his knees. "It'll never happen again!"
"Make sure it doesn't." She pushed passed him and entered the lift. The door closed.
She was getting closer to getting out. As they opened, she was met with Zell's fist. It almost connected with her when she sidestepped clumsily and jumped out of the elevator and took her helmet off.
"Zell! You almost took my head off damnit!"
"Quisty! You made it! Come on, we've got to get you out of here while we still can."
"I'm with you on that."
"Quisty! Zell, you're okay! Hurry, before they all get up here and kill us...Or whatever they wanna do to us...Turn us into Zombies...Hang us by our ankles and wait til we almost pass out from all the blood in our heads and slit our throats-"
"Selphie, just concentrate on getting out of here."
"Not just yet Miss Trepe. You've got to come with us." A soldier in black ordered from behind them.
The three turned around and stood prepared for battle. Quistis cracked her whip before the soldier who laughed. "A whip Miss Trepe? I'd have thought you'd go for something more...fitting."
"She's got some serious magic in her. You two attack and I'll draw everything I can." Quistis whispered her orders to her two companions.
Selphie flung her nunchucks at the soldier only to have them yanked out of her hands. Zell attempted an attack next only to find the soldier behind him, planting a kick in his back. Quistis concentrated hard, searching inside the soldier for the magic she was looking for.
"Draw!"
The soldier turned horrified as Quistis drew the magic to herself. She stocked 16 Holys. The soldier was visibly weakened. "Draw everything you can!" And the three began to draw and stock the magic from within the foe until it dropped and didn't move again.
--Holy magic? How could they stock that?
How could you draw that Quistis?
I...I'm not sure.
You believe me now?
Of course not. You're a voice in my head created out of my desperation.
That's not very flattering. I should tell you that they've got a bracelet there. You should go pick it up.--
Quistis walked over to the soldier and grabbed the silver chain from around their wrist. "Now let's get out of here before anything else happens."
----------
Seifer drew the last amount of water magic he could before the enemy dropped before him. Matron pushed the soldiers away from her and stepped over to him. "Seifer, why aren't you with Quisty?"
"Selphie and Zell got her out. I heard them go just a minute ago."
"Do you know where they're going?"
Seifer frowned. "Matron...Did you get to speak with her before she left?"
"Of course she did."
"What did she ask you about?"
"Why dear?"
"She said that you knew so much about gardening and she'd ask you about it before she left. I think she wanted to know about flower arranging."
"Oh yes, that was it."
He thrust Hyperion into Matron's chest. "Liar. You aren't Matron."
The woman guised as Matron fell to the floor as she withdrew Hyperion. He frowned.
--What if Quistis didn't escape with the real Selphie and Zell? What if they were just like Matron?
Body doubles?
Yes. Body Doubles.--
"Shit..."
He ran out to the carpark and jumped into the first car he found. Thankfully, Garden had been 'parked' only minutes before the siege. He began driving to Balamb.
--And how are you going to get across to Shumi?
Transcontinental trains.
They're not working.
Then I'll get a boat.
From where?
I'll take Garden.
While it's under attack?
...
You know you can't win anymore.--
Seifer stopped the car disheartened. That stupid voice in his head had a point. A very good point. But there had to be some other way to get to Shumi...Of course that was provided they even were headed for Shumi.
----------
"Do you two know where you're going?" Quistis asked while clutching the sides of the plane.
"It's all so different up here. We had it all worked out on the ground, now I've just got...To...find...There it is. This way!" Zell turned the plane hard left.
Quistis frowned.
--They seem different...Quieter even.
Maybe they're body doubles.
I don't think so.
Why not?
Because...
Test them.
How?
Just follow my lead.--
"Hot dogs are so vile. Don't you think Zell?"
"Quisty! How could you say such a thing! You know I love hot dogs!"
"Hey Selphie, there was a man in the cafeteria the other day eating them that looked a lot like Irvine. I didn't know he ate them, or wasn't it him?"
Selphie leant on her hand. "I don't think Irvine likes them."
--Remember, they could be body doubles.
They passed your tests.
Try another then.--
"Hey Zell, Selphie, do you remember how I got my nickname 'Quisty'?"
They paused and Selphie shook her head. "Not really."
"At the Orphanage Seifer could say your name right, I don't think he can even now so that's why he calls you Instructor all the time. Anyway, he called you Quisty cause he could say that and started ordering we all called you Quisty." Zell explained before frowning. "That was when he wasn't too busy calling me 'Crybaby Zell'."
"Well, you were always the one crying...Even if you grazed your hand."
"I was not!"
Quistis noticed that the snow she was expecting was nowhere to be found, rather the landscape below was covered in rocks. "Ah, Zell, where are we going?"
"I'm sorry Quisty, but we can't go to Shumi..." He whispered to her.
"What? Why not? My hotel's booked and everything..."
"They've stuck her with us." He nodded to Selphie sitting in the front quietly.
"Body double?" She whispered, he nodded.
"I dunno what they were thinkin Quis, but it's pretty obvious she's not really Selphie."
"How do I now she's not real and YOU'RE the body double?"
"Because I know how to fly this stupid thing."
"You're the fake..."
"Huh?"
Quistis pulled away from Zell and frowned. She commenced to search inside him for the give away magic of Holy. She found the waters he'd drawn from the soldier and his GF Quezacotyl. He wasn't the body double so she cancelled the draw and began searching Selphie. There was no GF, however, Holy and water were present.
"Zell, get ready to jump." Quistis whispered.
"ARE YOU COMPLETELY INSANE?!" She covered his mouth, "I thought you didn't want to die anymore since that dream of yours."
"We won't die. I've got floats. Relax Zell." She turned to Selphie. "Hey Sephie, you think you can exchange your fire magic to me?"
"I can't do that."
"Why not?" She locked onto the magic within Selphie while they conversed.
"Because I don't have fire. I have water though."
"Could you exchange me your water then?"
"I guess." Selphie allowed ten waters to be transferred to Quistis.
"Thanks for that Sephie. I also wouldn't mind those Holys inside you. Draw!"
Selphie struck out at Quistis as the Holys were drawn from her, just as she would've made contact, she collapsed.
"Dead as a battery." Zell cheered.
"I think we're safe now." Quistis put her head in her hands trying to her best to relax.
Zell gulped and elbowed her in the ribs, "Or not."
Quistis lifted her head and spotted a red flying object approaching them. "The Ragnarok?" She peered closer. "JUMP!" She jumped out yanking Zell with her.
"I don't wanna die! Not like a pancake! I don't even like pancakes!"
The words made her want to laugh, but the situation didn't. She searched for the floats...And found one.
"Zell, we have a problem!"
"What?"
"I have only one float. I'll cast it on you." She allowed the float spell to be cast on him slowing his descent while Quistis continued to drop at an increasing speed.
She clasped her hands together as if praying, "Don't let me land on the rocks...Don't let me land on the rocks." She continued to chant the words to herself hoping it would do some good. Anything would be more appreciated than the rocks.
--Why don't you cast float on yourself?
Because I cast the only one I had on Zell.
Look deeper.--
Quistis, though thinking herself gone mad for listening to the voice, began to search deeper for the float she supposedly had. The deeper she looked, the closer she got the ground, the closer to becoming a pancake as Zell referred to it.
--Where the hell is it?!
Just tell yourself you want to float.
I want to float.
Like you mean it.
I want to float!
Now just shorten it to...--
"Float." She ordered herself, an eerie calm settling over her like dust.
She slowed, the calmness radiating around her into the land.
"Quistis!" Zell yelled.
"Zell?" She became away of everything around her and landed gently on her feet as Zell ran over to her.
"What the hell happened? I thought you said you only had one float."
"I..."
--Try it.--
"Let me try something." She transferred all of her magic over to Zell.
"Quisty, what the hell are you doing?"
--Try it, you can do it. You know you can. Do you feel it?
Yes.
Now do it.--
Quistis released an aero, sending Zell flying backwards into the tree. He stared at her in shock. "Is that why they were looking for you?"
"I don't know..."
"...Trippy."
---------
Seifer ran towards the exit of Garden only to find himself surrounded by the black soldiers. He held Hyperion tightly, his fingers a cream colour from the intensity of his grip, his green eyes studying everything, every movement made by the soldiers.
"You there, state your name and position!" One soldier stepped towards him hand outstretched pointing at him.
"Commander Seifer Almasy." He stated.
"You're just the one I'm looking for. Where's the little witch?"
"Rinoa? Nobody knows where she is. Somewhere with Squall I spose. The slut..." There was a blade pressed against his throat before he could do anything with Hyperion, it was flung from his hand. "Holy Hyne!"
"We are not trained to fight you humans. We are trained to destroy a powerful sorceress, and destroy her we will."
"Man, what's Rinoa done now?"
"It is not this Rinoa you keep speaking of. The little witch was last reported as being in Balamb Garden. This is Balamb Garden and yet none of my soldiers have found her. Where is she?" The soldier leaned into his face.
"Get out of my face man! I dunno where the hell this sorceress is! The only one I know is Rinoa and Matron, but she's no longer a sorceress. So get off me!" He tried to throw the soldier off him but they wouldn't move.
"I told you that we are trained to fight stronger creatures than yourself ex-lapdog." The soldier stepped back and took of their helmet to allow rust red hair to escape. It was cut probably with dull or even rusted scissors. "Where is the woman, Quistis Trepe?"
"What? She isn't a sorceress. She's not even that good with magic, unless it's anything icy like Shiva or...You're really not interested in this." Seifer frowned at her ice blue eyes.
"Where is she?"
"I don't know!" Seifer grew furious and began to cast draw. It failed.
"You cannot draw from me what you could to my soldiers. Only a sorceress can draw from me and you Commander Almasy are not that." She turned and waved her hand signalling the end of the conversation. "You'll join me later. Take him to the bridge. He can't escape from there and warn the witch."
The woman with the rust coloured hair walked off disappearing amongst the other soldiers in black.
--How did you get yourself into this mess?
I followed the Instructor's orders.
But you didn't follow the Instructor herself, even when you knew her life was in danger.
She can take care of herself.
Body doubles?
Oh shit yeah...--
"Zell, hurry up!" Quistis called over her shoulder.
Zell finally caught up to her and leant against the rocks gasping for breath. "Man, it's so hot out here!" He suddenly sat bolt upright and sniffed. "No way..."
"Zell?"
He sprinted at a renewed speed towards the scent, the all too familiar scent that should've told him to run the other way, but his stomach growled.
I haven't eaten for ages! One wouldn't hurt...It couldn't hurt right?
He stopped dead and Quistis smashed into him causing the two to topple onto the rocky ground. Zell began to roll forward leaving Quistis on the ground. He landed before a young woman with silver hair and red eyes. She looked an incredible amount like Fujin.
"CHICKEN-WUSS!" She growled giving him a sharp kick to his shin. "SEIFER! TROUBLE!"
"Like I care...Fujin? The hell are you doing here?"
"INSTRUCTOR. DANGER."
"I already know that. We're trying to get her out of trouble."
"COME." She turned not waiting to see if he would follow, or if Quistis caught up.
"Fujin's here?"
"Yeah...Apparently Seifer's in trouble. Just like you."
"QUICKLY!"
"Better not oppose her...You remember the fight at Balamb..." Quistis nodded to his elbow where a scar remained from her attacks.
Zell's face paled and they walked after the retreating Fujin. "You think-"
"I don't know. Fujin-"
"I know. But-"
"It's all we've got. Maybe-"
"They might be able to help us if-"
"They better not come here-"
"I don't want to die..." They muttered together.
"AFFIRMATIVE."
They looked up at her completely confused. "Affirmative to what?"
"DIE."
They shrank back as Fujin looked at them. Had she led then straight into a trap? Quistis shook her head. "I can't believe we fell for it again."
"RAIJIN! FUJIN. PROTECT." Fujin insisted.
"Wha-?"
"We don't wanna kill you ya know? We're just here to help you ya know?" Raijin explained from behind them.
"How do we know that you're not on their side?" Quistis asked unwrapping her whip.
"Yeah..." Zell cracked his knuckles ready for a fight when Raijin shrugged.
"We're not armed." Raijin held his hands out and indeed, they couldn't see the giant rod he used. "Ya know, those soldiers are strong..."
"Not if you draw from them." Zell pointed out before clamping his hand over his mouth.
"Yeah, but some can't be drawn from ya know? They're like super soldiers or somethin ya know?"
"Raijin, when did these soldiers come to you?"
"A few weeks back. Started askin all these weird questions ya know?"
"What were they asking about?"
"Stuff about you. Like, where you were, what you were doin and all that sorta stuff ya know? But there was this one soldier that was asking me bout your sorceress stuff. I didn't know you was a sorceress."
"FOOD! EAT!" Fujin put a plate of hot dogs out before them.
"Awesome! You must've read my mind!" Zell immediately grabbed as many as he could and began to stuff them into his mouth.
"What are they followin ya for eh?"
"She's a sorceress."
"I think there's something other than that...If it were just because I was a sorceress, they wouldn't come to take over Garden-"
"They took over Garden? Seifer's still in there ya know?"
"Fujin seems to be more informed on this than you Raijin..."
"I can't help it ya know? Gotta keep up my strength...Best way to do that is to sleep ya know?"
"EAT!" Fujin indicated to the hot dogs, which were disappearing quickly.
"I don't like hot dogs Fujin. Besides, I think Zell's hungry enough to eat them all."
"IDIOT!" She kicked Raijin.
"Hey! I didn't know ya know?!" Raijin rubbed the place she kicked him.
"Ya know Quis..." Zell swallowed the mouthful of hot dog before continuing, "Fujin cooks pretty well."
Quistis' eyes widened when she noticed Fujin's cheeks glow a pale pink colour. "Did you really cook this?"
"AFFIRMATIVE."
"How did you know that Zell loved them?"
"I always saw him eaten them ya know? And I figured since you were with him you probably liked them too ya know?" Raijin explained before receiving another kick to the shin. "Damnit Fujin! Stop kicking me!"
Quistis laughed gently as she saw the two arguing, Fujin's foot doing most of it.
I could get used to this...As strange as it seems. I never thought I'd be here with Seifer's friends, his posse. It's nice...
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A/N
It's probably a really disjointed chapter but I tried.
And as for Quistis' secret, there's more than just the fact she's a sorceress, I think that 'secret' has been overkilled so I decided to go for something a li'l more odd.
Oh yeah, and ass for Quistis drawing the Holy's, I'm basing that off the fact that whenever i try to draw them from an enemy Quistis is the only one who manages to draw them so...that's why I have her doing that cause everybody else when I play fails...Just so you don't think I'm more than a li'l odd
Hope you liked the chapter besides that. Reviews are always welcomed. Inspiration for the next chapter.
Talking about that, I'm not sure when the next chapter will be up cause I've got a whole heap of assignments to do for TAFE (College for american understanding) So, I'll try my hardest to get the next chapter out before the 15th of March, but no promises. It will be out before the end of March though, that I can guarantee.
So, that's more or less everything I had to say.
Quistis88: I'm glad you like the story so far. With the inner thoughts the computer didn't save it in the same format so it's all kinda squished...Hope you keep reading
Pierson: Interesting comment...Hope you found this chapter interesting.
Frost: Hope this update is as good as the first one...
ShatteredDreamz: Wow, you really thought it was actually being attacked. As weird as it sounds that makes me feel really good cause I wrote something somewhat believable. Yay. Hope this made you want to know what happens next too.
Yami Bakura: *Blush* Thankyou...
Jeangab057: Thankyou too. Hope you thought this chapter was 'pretty good' too. Hopefully better than 'pretty good' even.
NieA: I'm so glad you reviewed my work! As for the fan art, it's still in the progress of being completed, much like my manga, but don't worry, I'll scan it and let you see it soon...Like after I get off my lazy butt and draw it...*Sigh* Ah well. Don't forget you've gotta send me your manga...
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THANKYOU FOR REVIEWING MY LAST CHAPTER! HOPE YOU ALL REVIEW THIS ONE TOO!
Now I must go catch those sheep jumping over fences...Zzzz
