Ooh! I got more reviews! Chapter 3: Natural
"Pierson: Quistis is Ultimecia."
Pierson changed his mind... "Quistis is Hyne"
Disclaimer: I dun own it...I own nuthin of the squaresoft stuff...Except games and stuff like that... *Sigh*

Warnings: Hm...I'll let you know later...

Chapter 3: Secret

Quistis stared at her companion in shock. "You what?"

Zell shrugged. "I didn't think it'd do anything."

Quistis shook her head. "You shouldn't be lead by your stomach so much Zell. Now that they know that we're here, it will only take a day or so for word to get out to Seras and the 'others' that we're here!" She growled in frustration then turned and stomped her foot on the dusty ground. "At least we know that there's a town nearby..."

"Ya know, I think we could fool 'em."

Zell, Quistis and Seifer turned to look at Raijin who stood nodding his head. "Yeah, I'm sure we can fool 'em ya know?"

"How do you propose we fool them?"

"DISGUISE."

"From the town? That would be slightly obvious. We've already had our positions given away by the stomach of the gathering..." She glared at Zell who stood shifting from foot to foot anxiously.

"I didn't mean to." He sounded like a child who'd just been reprimanded for snatching a lolly.

"I know you didn't mean to do it Zell...It's just...I'm being paranoid. Maybe there was nothing to be worried about. It wasn't like there were any soldiers around...Right?" Zell began to chew on his cheek, still hopping anxiously. "There were?!"

"There were only a few."

"A few? How many are a few?"

"A few. Say 6 or something like that."

Quistis slapped her forehead in frustration. "I can't believe this...How do you know they didn't follow you back here then leave to go back to the others who would then go back and tell Seras where we are?"

"I...Don't know." Zell admitted finally looking up to her ice coloured eyes from the dust.

She sighed and plopped onto the ground. "I can't believe this..." She shook her head. "What did I do to deserve this?" She glared up at the sky, "HYNE WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?!"

Seifer put his hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "Everything'll be fine Instructor. You know that."

"That's the problem...I don't know that! They could be spying on us right this very minute!" She gasped and put her skirt down, "They could've-"

"They couldn't have. Relax. We probably should go into the town...Wherever it is, whatever it is and get some new clothes. We do tend to stand out a little more than we should."

Quistis sighed and stared up at his emerald eyes, "You know, I really don't think that is a good idea Seifer. Perhaps if we-"

"No way." Zell shook his head rapidly.

"You never heard what I was proposing."

"Whatever it is, no."

"If you're going to be like that Zell then you can just stay here and rot!"

Quistis received looks from each of her companions, almost the identical shocked look covered their faces. "Quistis! That's not like you!"

"Things change." She snapped. She stood hastily and brushed off her skirt. "We can't stay here, they'll find us if they followed Zell without much trouble at all. However..."

Seifer nodded, "If we go into the town they'll more than definitely recognise us and probably try to 'neutralise' her again."

"So either way we've got a really bad problem." Zell sighed. "And to think, they didn't even sell hotdogs there."

Quistis let a small laugh escape before rubbing her arms for comfort. "We shouldn't stay here. Maybe we should try that town."

"AFFIRMATIVE."

"I think I have an idea ya know." Raijin nodded, "Yeah, we could go in all separate like and meet at an inn or somethin ya know?"

"Then we'd be less likely to raise suspicions. Of course!" Quistis snapped her fingers, "That's the most obvious plan and nobody even thought about it." Raijin cleared his throat, "Except for you Raijin of course. Now, let's get going shall we?"

"You don't understand Master! I hit her, it was a direct hit and nothing happened!"

Her master shook his head, "Of course it did nothing to her."

"Wha-? I don't understand! You told me the gun would neutralise her, the shells would-"

"Seras, be silent. Your soldiers bring news of her whereabouts. You must bring them BOTH to me."

Seras' eyes were filled with confusion and fear, "But Master! How will I find you?"

He moved his glasses higher on his nose, peering at her over one lens, "I will find you." With that said, he turned and left the red head alone in the darkness.

You should try to sleep Commander.

"But Master-"

Sleep.

"Yes Master."

He walked onto the grassy plains of Balamb. The Bite Bugs avoiding him, giving him a second thought as they approached then gave a wide birth. He chuckled to himself in his deep resonating voice. "It is time to seek out the light." Shadow surrounded him and he vanished, leaving behind scorched earth, the only sign that he had once been there. Blood began to seep through the ground staining the dead place.

Some hunter she was. Seras began to pace furiously. Sure, she had physical strength that surpassed every human and mortal creature on earth - except for her Master for his powers were extraordinary. It was because of him that she was still alive that very day. He'd rescued her from the brink of death. It had been Ultimecia who had almost killed her. Seras held herself tightly as she paced, she could still feel it, the burning feeling that seemed to envelope her soul, the laughter than echoed as she was tortured and tormented. The burning was like nothing she'd ever felt before, almost like dry ice was seeping into her spirit, the one place she thought she was safe.

She'd experienced the future, and decided she wanted no part of the one she'd been through. Before Ultimecia, she'd wanted to die, hated the world she lived in, her pitiful life, wanted everything to stop. Ultimecia had promised her that life would become beautiful if Seras joined her. Believing that Ultimecia was the greatest thing since bread came sliced, she followed her everywhere without question, even through time. She took refuge in the future where Ultimecia was feared beyond belief and only she was her friend.

In hindsight, she should've opened her eyes; not been so blind to what Ultimecia was really doing to her. In all her service to the sorceress, Seras' lifeforce was diminishing rapidly. Ultimecia explained that it was a side effect of the time compression. Due to her blindness and willingness to believe anything she said, Seras believed her words. She went on believing her lies until the day Ultimecia went away without her. She had something to do, she told Seras, but she would leave behind a piece of herself so Seras wouldn't feel so lonely. It was the piece that absorbed the life from Seras. Seras felt the chill sweep her body, somehow she knew what was happening to her, it was like a voice was speaking to her from within, telling her to destroy the creature before her.

And so she did.

She felt the flow of life and strength enter her again until Ultimecia appeared. She screamed at her in fury and that was when she dropped her through time once more, already in her weakened state. Seras felt as if she were going to die, the pain ricocheted throughout her bruised body. When she fell, the final threads of her soul began tearing apart, her Master came to her offering her life and a chance to change her future. She accepted. He began to teach her everything about a sorceress, prepared her for battle and was finally given her first chance to destroy the woman. It was in Galbadia, the sorceress' parade. She was all ready, prepared for the end of Ultimecia who was approaching the mark, when she spotted him. The blonde man with the dark gunblade, a smirk on his face as he passed. She had recruited him, taking over his mind, her knight. In that moment she faltered, another group fired on her. Her head whirled around to see two men standing on the carousel, one holding the sniper rifle. Beside then stood the young brunette who had been attacked by the lizards as a sacrifice. Up to her old tricks again...Although not as subtly. Even now, in this time she'd formed enemies. She watched them all leap out from other hiding places and run towards the battle that now raged between the blonde 'knight' and the brunette man with the silver gunblade. She watched as the blonde went down with much of a fight and realised she had been stealing his lifeforce as she had once her own.

Then the blonde woman Quistis Trepe ran over to join the brunette. Seras seemed to have been the only one to see Ultimecia's horror as she arrived. Seras could feel the same power emanating from Quistis as Ultimecia. Were they the same person?

Snapping back into reality, Seras saw her soldiers approaching. "He sent me that night knowing they'd all be there...He sent me to destroy one threat, and discover the real one..." The words were muttered beneath her breath as the realisation came.

"Commander, we have news of their whereabouts."

"Seifer, you can't go in like that! You're far too recognisable." Quistis pulled him back to the bushes leading to the town before them.

"Well your SeeD uniform is a little more than obvious. Couldn't you have changed before you dragged me to the Training Centre?"

Quistis folded her arms. "They're just technicalities that were overlooked. Besides, a SeeD is often sent to other towns so I'm sure I'll be fine."

"Whatever turns you on." Seifer shook his head.

"Let's head off. We've got to get better clothes than this." Quistis insisted starting into the town when Seifer grabbed her and pulled her back.

"Are you sure this'll work Instructor?"

"No." She stood again and entered, this time Seifer beside her.

As they entered, she almost collapsed in shock. A woman hurried over to them in awe. "You two are the best looking contestants I've ever seen!" She studeid them carefully, circling like a culture. "And you're the most realistic couple I've ever seen too." She nudged Seifer's shoulder, "You've snagged a beauty there." She stood before them again, she was possibly shorter than Selphie which made Quistis want to laugh. "Now, which part of the competition will you be entering?" The woman held a notepad before her with a pen poised above.

"We've had a long journey from Balamb. Could you remind us of the parts?" Quistis put her hand on her forehead and rubbed it.

"Certainly dear. There is the beginner, intermediate, advanced, open, and special. Of course, the special is for those odd women with whips-"

"Whips? Why that's her specialty..." Seifer swallowed thickly remembering the whip around his throat a week or so ago.

"You...You're one of...My my...I'd never had thought it. Very well then, I shall put you down for the Special...I trust you'll be entering as a couple then?" They nodded slowly. "Good good. Now which part would you like to take part in? You certainly don't look like beginners to me. The Open perhaps?"

"The open it is." Quistis nodded.

"Very well. The Open begins in just over two hours. You have a copy of the rules don't you?"

"I'm afraid we must've lost them on our journey."

"Very well then, I happen to have another copy of it here...Somewhere...Ah, here you go. I shall see you both at the fountain in just over two hours. Good luck!" The woman began off and the two looked at the rules. "Oh, I'm sorry...I must've missed your names, what were they again?"

Seifer's eyes flicked to the side and he caught sight of the name, "Sanzo." He said quickly.

The woman wrote it down hastily then turned to Quistis with a smile, "And you dear?"

"Call me Neko."

Very well Neko. Good luck." The woman winked and hurried off.

"Neko?"

"I was stuck."

"So you called yourself Neko?"

"I thought of a cat."

"Whatever turns you on Instructor."

"Like you can talk Sanzo."

They walked towards the numerous shops when Seifer pulled her aside. A streak of lightning flew passed followed by a man running, quickly dodging the streaks that flew passed him. A group of men on chocobos ran by shortly after.

"I could've been trampled!" Quistis gasped feeling her arms, then her shoulders followed by leaning over and checking her legs.

"You damn near were trampled woman!" Seifer yelled.

Quistis wore a defiant face, "You're angry about something aren't you?"

Seifer shook his head and walked back into the street towards the shops. A brunette woman jumped out at him, clinging desperately to him. "Ooh, you're just the most handsome man I've ever seen! I only charge 800 Gil an hour!"

Quistis walked out with a frown upon her face and latched onto his other arm. "Sorry wench, he's mine."

The brunette pouted refusing to relinquish her death grip. "Why dhould you have him?"

Quistis set her feet down hard on the ground, "He...Is...MINE!" She tugged on his right arm, trying to pull him away from the brunette woman who tugged furiously on his left arm.

"I GOT HIM FIRST! YOU LET HM GO SO HE'S MINE! FINDERS KEEPERS!" The brunette screeched.

Seifer's head hurt, "RAGE!" Fujin practically appeared before them and kicked the brunette in the shin who howled in pain and released her grip allowing Quistis to yank Seifer away from her into the nearest clothing shop.

They hid among the racks of clothes in the back corner, gasping for breath. "So what is this competition about anyway?" He asked pulling the paper out and studying it. "No way...I refuse to enter this..."

"Why...what is it?" She took the paper from him and studied the rules. "It won't be so bad...It could be worse. We might have had to...Nevermind."

Something dark covered his vision and for a moment, Seifer panicked thinking the brunette from the street was back again. He yanked the thing blocking his vision off his head and looked at it sheepishly. He held it out to Quistis who looked at it sceptically.

"Are you sure that's women sizes? It looks like a doll's dress..."

Moments later Quistis walked out of the change room wearing a black silk long sleeve top under a black tie up velvet bodice, a very poofy short black velvet skirt, black stockings with spiderweb patterns on them and enormously platformed mary janes. She stood awkwardly staring at Seifer with a poutish frown.

"I feel like Alice in Wonderland...Although black."

The shop assistant squealed in delight and ran over to them. "You look adorable! Exactly like the photograph of the model...Although with lighter hair, but you really pull the Elegant Gothic Lolita look off! Are you a fan of it?" Quistis nodded. "Wow! So you're here for the competition then. You know what? I'm gonna give you a special. How about that outfit and another 5 for only 300 Gil?"

Quistis nodded again, "That'd be great."

"Is your boyfriend interested in the Gothic style too?"

"Yes. He's very interested in it. We came shopping for some outfits for the competition here."

"Excellent! I've got just the thing. This way!" She lead an angry Seifer out to the side before he could object to anything said or done.

Seifer and Quistis both stood outside the hotel that seemed to be the only one in town. Seifer stood wearing a long sleeved black top beneath a checkered long waistcoat, pair of loose black pants that were cut off halfway down his calves, black and white striped socks and platform black boots.

"I feel and look like an idiot."

"You look adorable Sanzo!" Quistis teased, adjusting her headpiece the woman had given her to complete her 'look'.

"Remind me to hurt you after this..."

"Oh there you are!" The woman from the entrance of town ran over to them. She grabbed Quistis' hand then Seifer's. "You two look great! Come on, this way." She yanked them both to the fountain where they saw a whole heap of other couples dressed similarly to themselves.

"Wait! We haven't checked into the hotel yet!"

"I'll mind your shopping, don't worry." The woman took their bags and pushed them onto the stairs leading to a small, elevated platform.

Heads all swung to look at them. "Oh boy...Now I feel self-conscious." Seifer and Quistis shifted back shying from the crowd that cheered upon seeing more contestants.

"I think we're in a little more than over our heads..." Quistis gulped.

Seifer put his hand on the small of her back and began leading her away when the announcer ran over to them, his hand covering the microphone. "What are your names?"

"Sanzo and Neko."

The announcer uncovered the mic then with an enormous grin, put it to his mouth, "Our newest contestants are Sanzo and Neko! Give a big round of applause for them!"

"Now you've done it..." Quistis slapped Seifer on the back on his head and folded her arms.

A woman with midnight black hair approached, her intense green eyes peered into Quistis' blue, her black outlined lips parted and she leant to Quistis' ear, "After this, I have to see you sorceress..."

Her eyes grew wide and the realisation of who the woman was struck. "You..."

"Yes. It is me."

"I'm sure it's this way..."

"NEGATIVE. ZELL. LOST."

"I am not. They said th only hotel was just over here..."

Fujin kicked him in the shin, "IDIOT."

"Fujin! Relax! There's no need to kick me. I'll get us there. We'll get there eventually, if we keep walking we're sure to run into it."

Fujin rolled her eyes, "COME." She walked away and Zell followed her like a reprimanded child who's hand had been found in the hotdog stash.

A left, followed by a right, a left, a left and one block straight ahead, the hotel stood glaring at them in all it's glory. "I knew it was here. This is where I was going."

Fujin shook her head. "UNBELIEVABLE!"

"Where's Quisty?"

A noise caught their attention and they turned to find a large crowd standing before a stage with many couples on it. "SEIFER. QUISTIS." Fujin pointed at the couple on the stage leaving Zell awe struck.

The two of them walked towards the front of the stage and the crowd cheered loudly. "AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE A WINNING COUPLE! SANZO AND NEKO!"

"Sanzo and Neko? That's not them."

"NAMES. FAKE."

"Why would they use fake names?"

Fujin hit Zell in the head with the palm of her hand. "IDIOT!"

Quistis, Seifer and the black haired woman began running for them. "Get inside now! A room! Hurry!" Quistis yelled as she ran.

Zell and Fujin needed no more convincing and they entered, walking over to the desk. "We'd like a room please."

"Yes. And how many people are here?"

"Ah...Make that 2 rooms."

"2 rooms sir?"

"AFFIRMATIVE."

The woman regarded Fujin oddly then nodded and went to her computer. "It is 400 Gil a night-"

"Send it to Balamb Garden."

"Very well sir. May I see your Garden ID?" Zell held his ID out for the woman who studied it briefly then nodded and took out two keys. "Rooms 306 and 307, third floor. Enjoy your stay."

At that moment, Quistis, Seifer and the woman entered breathlessly. "This way." Zell explained walking towards the elevator.

They reached the third floor and found the room with no trouble then entered. Quistis stopped in the hall and checked each side then put the sign 'Do not Disturb' on the handle. "Good." She locked it tightly and nodded satisfied.

"Quisty, what's happening? And who's this?"

"My name is Skye and I am the only chance your sorceress has."

"How can we trust her?"

Quistis shook her head. "Although this is the first time I've ever seen Skye in life, I know her. Very well. And she also knows me just as well."

"How?"

"Long story."

"Well make a long story short."

"I'll explain it later, but trust me, she's on our side."

Squall and Rinoa sat on Timber Station, their link train to Balamb was running late. "I can't believe this is happening...It's just not fair." Rinoa straightened her blue jacket and leant over to look at Angelo who was laying beside her feet, whining softly. She looked at him tenderly then placed a gentle hand on his head giving him a rub behind his ears.

Why am I going back here? I never wanted to. Everybody grew up like me, perfectly capable of taking care of themselves. We fought Ultimecia...We can fight anything. Fight anything and win. We were mercenaries, no life, no will...Simply there to follow orders from pathetic little groups who paid pathetic amounts of money...

"Squall. How many times do I have to remind you to talk to me?"

Squall sighed and rolled his eyes, turned away from her and frowned. She gritted her teeth, stood, leant down before him pointing an accusing finger at him, "Stop being such a stubborn spoilt brat! You're acting like Seifer used to."

At the mention of his rival's name Squall snapped back to face her. "I am nothing like Seifer."

She twirled playfully back to her seat beside him. "I know that Squall, but you've GOT to talk to me, otherwise I'll never understand."

Squall shook his head, arms still folded across his chest. At his side waited his gunblade. It had been quite a while since he'd used it...But it was like riding a bicycle, you weren't ever going to forget how to use it. He touched it, suddenly eager for a battle. Rinoa shook her head. "Wake me when our train comes."

Almost immediately she closed her eyes and fell into a dream.

She was falling in darkness, the feel of the wind rushing passed her was cold, chilling her entire body. In all the black, a single light shone beyond her. No...It shone FROM her.

What's happening?
This is your future.
All of this darkness?

She finally touched solid ground, safe...A shoeless foot appeared before her and soon, Ultimecia stood before her.

'We meet again. This time I won't let you off as easily as I did before. I've learned from my mistakes, unfortunately, you haven't.'

'We destroyed you once before...We can destroy you once again.'

'But if you destroy me...You destroy yourself. For you cannot live without me.'

'That is a lie.'

'It is reality.'

'You've never once spoken the truth.'

'Truth isn't. Every person has their own version of 'truth'. How is it then that I am here?'

'You're an illusion, an after image of my memory.'

'Ah, we shall see about that.'

Ultimecia vanished and Quistis appeared staggering away from her. 'Quisty! Wait! Where are you going?' Rinoa ran after her and Quistis stopped but didn't turn.

'You hurt me Rinoa...The pain...Is incredible. It hurts so much...Why won't you help me?'

Rinoa frowned and turned her so they were face to face. Blood ran down her face and she clutched a stab wound in her stomach. Rinoa gasped and covered her mouth in shock. 'Quisty, what happened to you?'

'Why won't you help me?'

'I want to...I do...'

'Why did you do this to me?'

'Quisty, what are you talking about?'

'You did this...I thought you were a friend...'

'I am...'

'How could you do this to me?'

"Rinoa, wake up."

Rinoa sat up gasping to find Squall looking at her with a raised eyebrow. "Squall!"

"Train's here."

"Oh...Right. Let's go..."

Zell, Seifer and Fujin all stood in one room, ears pressed to the wall trying to hear what was happening between Quistis and the one calling herself Skye.

"What's happening?" Seifer asked taking a step back and staring at the wall then looking to Zell.

"I can't tell...Fujin?"

"NEGATIVE."

"Man...I don't trust her...How do we know she's okay? Or that this Skye isn't just some soldier-"

"That followed you here." Seifer frowned.

Zell ran his hand through his hair, sighed and crouched down. Hours passed and there were still nothing from Quistis and Skye that would relieve them of the tension building up inside them. Finally there was a loud thump. Seifer, Zell and Fujin all jumped into action, running through the door to find Skye and Quistis in fits of laughter, Quistis had fallen down, that was the thump. They looked up at the trio standing awkwardly.

"I thought I said that I would come in after we were finished..." Quistis looked at them curiously.

"Eh...We heard a thump and thought...Never mind." Seifer started back out the door when Quistis put her hand on his shoulder.

"I understand your concern Seifer...It's just that you have to believe me this time round...Trust me...I'm your Instructor." She winked at him and he pulled away roughly.

"I'll see you later..." He left hurriedly.

Zell and Fujin stared after him then they too left. Skye sighed and shook her head. "They care for you much. How are you going to tell them?"

"With difficulty I believe...I doubt that Seifer will be willing to ever see me again."

"He won't admit it..."

"Neither will I."

"You are both stubborn from what I've been able to understand."

Quistis smiled lightly and looked at Skye. "I still don't quite comprehend what is happening..."

"Let me show you once more."

The clock struck midnight and Seifer's eyes slowly peeled open to find that he was asleep in his bed in the hotel room he was sharing with Quistis. Raijin seemed to have disappeared somewhere in the city...Maybe there was another hotel in the town that they didn't know of. He sat up and blinked a few times, searching for the glass of water he usually kept beside the bed. Sure enough there it was, sitting beside him half drunk. He grabbed it up and gulped it down thirstily. As he put it back in its position, he noticed Quistis was out standing on the balcony, her moonlit coloured hair gently swaying behind her in the breeze. He stood and stumbled over to her, trying to waken more than he was now.

"What are you doing out here at this time of night...Morning whatever."

Quistis smiled and turned to face him. "I couldn't sleep."

"Most people get a drink of hot chocolate or something to get to sleep rather than standing out here in the middle of the night."

"I'm not most people."

"That's for sure."

"We're all just lonely hearts in the big city, children lost in love. Day by day in the big city, tears aggravate thoughts that just won't sleep. (I want your love)" Quistis muttered suddenly.

Seifer stared at her in shock. Never before had she been so open with him. "You can't be alone at midnight, embracing loneliness, enjoying loneliness..."

She put her hand to her eye and rubbed the tears forming. "I hate tears..."

"Why?"

"Because they wash everything away."

Seifer put his hand on her arm causing her to look up at him. He never noticed that her eyes seemed to have a violet tinge in the darkness. "I'm always here...If you want to talk, if something's wrong-"

"Nothing, everyday I cry so much at everything. The ordinary girl...is me. I want to give up-"

"No." He spun her around so she was facing him. "No matter what happens, you can't give up. Giving up is too easy...Trust me, I know."

"You've been through so much and you've never once given up. You could have so many times and yet not once have you. You're so much stronger than I could ever be."

"Trepe, you have no idea at how weak I am. I let Ultimecia control me. I hurt everybody I cared for. I was even cowardly enough to force the blame onto someone else. How can you compare you to me?"

"You've been through much more than I ever have and probably ever will. To have survived it, you are strong. No matter what you believe, you are strong. In your hands lies the key to the future: resistance of the truth. It is the power of bravery that shakes the spirit." Seifer looked at her with a confused frown. "Soldier, fighting and kill the wrong. Red roses in your heart...Soldier, this is the way of love...until you grasp victory."

She knows me too well...It's spooky.
Of course she knows you.
Why would she know my inner most feelings?
Because of who and what she is. Don't you want her to know?
I suppose I do.

"We shouldn't have been born, just to be sad."

She looked at him then pressed herself to his chest. "If you could take a peek into someone's heart, I wonder whose heart you would choose? If I could have seen your feelings back then, where would the two of us be now?"

"Right here..." He put his arms around her, tightening his embrace.

"You know that it is only a matter of time until we are once more torn apart..."

"Then I'll make the best of the time we have now..."

Zell and Fujin were both sitting cross-legged at the door to their balcony, the door ajar, listening to their conversation. They both grinned.

"I think they're finally together..."

"AFFIRMATIVE."

"You look pretty happy about it."

"AFFIRMATIVE."

"You wanted them to get together didn't you? You knew it all the time."

"AFFIRMATIVE."

Zel leaned out the door and saw the two embracing. "BOOYAKA!"

Fujin yanked him inside just in time as Seifer glanced up to where he was moments ago. "IDIOT. QUISTIS. SEIFER. PRIVATE." She pointed to the bed. "SLEEP."

"I'm not tire. And stop telling me hat to do. You're not my mother."

"AFFIRMATIVE. ZELL. SLEEP."

Zell stood and balled his hands into fists which were shaking in anger. He relaxed then walked over to the bed and jumped on. He flopped backwards onto the pillow and stared up at the ceiling while kicking his shoes off, they landed with an audible thud. Fujin shook her head and walked over to the second bed and stopped. She turned to look at Zell who was wriggling on his bed as though trying to find the warmest and most comfortable position on the bed. She changed quickly into the pyjamas she'd bought that day.

"Hey Fujin..." She turned to Zell who was sitting up, his legs over the side of the bed as he stared at her. "I never asked you before...But why do you wear that eyepatch all the time?"

She turned and looked at the mirror, seeing only the faint outline of the face that belonged to her, the black mass that was the patch clearly evident even in the darkness. Why did she continue to wear the eyepatch? When she was part of the disciplinary committee, she looked threatening... "THREATENING."

"Why do you still wear it? You don't have to look threatening anymore. You're just with me now."

"WITH...ZELL."

"Yeah, you're with me."

She reached up and removed the patch then turned to face him. She looked almost gentle without the patch if it weren't for a small scar on her pale face. He stood and walked over to her. "Beautiful."

She wasn't sure why, but when he'd told her she was beautiful, she felt shy. As if her soul was bared to him. She'd always been strong, strong enough to take care of herself, now it was if her strength had been stripped from her. She was stripped and left naked for a sacrifice... She shook her head. Where were all these thoughts coming from?

"Come." Zell insisted quietly pulling her with him.

Selphie lay on her back staring up at the ceiling, she waved her arms and legs as if creating a snow angel...If she wasn't on the cold hard floor she may well have. It turned out that they needed Squall and Rinoa's help after all. He'd locked the door on his way out so silently that they hadn't heard it click into place.

Irvine sat back in annoyance. "Damn. Why did Cid have to get unpickable locks?" He looked over at Edea who had made herself comfortable leaning against the wall. "Can you make a thorny thing grow and pick the lock here?"

"No dear. I'm afraid I can't." She studied her hands then held them out. "I would have tried already. I'm a tad tired."

"Selphie, you try opening the locks then."

Selphie lifted her head and looked at him. "I can't. I don't know how to pick locks. We didn't learn it at Trabia Irvy. Unlike Galbadia we were always good students that didn't try to pick locks. A locked door was kept locked for a good reason."

"We didn't learn how to pick locks either Sephie. It as just something I picked up on my way."

Edea looked at the two, sighed and shook her head. "Arguing will get you both nowhere."

"You're right..." Selphie nodded agreeingly then took out her flail. "You've changed Irvy...And not for the better. It's like you're a completely different guy now."

Irvine took his gun out and nodded, "And you too. You're a pesky brat now. I used to think you were spunky...I guess I grew up."

Selphie's face changed from looking like she would cry to fury. "That's it. This won't be settled by words alone. Prepare yourself Irvine."

"I won't lose to a brat like you."

"A BRAT?! I'LL SHOW YOU WHO'S A BRAT!"

The two stood facing each other when Edea stood and tried to stop it. "This is nonsense. Children...Stop this foolishness immediately! You're both on the same side."

Irvine stared at her. "Maybe we're not. Sorceress' are all freaks anyway..."

Edea and Selphie stepped back in shock. "You...You don't mean it...Do you?" Selphie asked, all thought of battle disappeared.

"I mean everything I say..."

Edea stood with Selphie. It was no longer a matter of protecting her children from hurting each other...It was to defend all sorceress'. "You always were an odd child Irvine. Never did you care for the magic of the world..."

"And never will I!" He fired a single shot at the two women then threw himself at the door which turned out to be open then locked it behind him.

Selphie stared after him in shock. "I...Can't believe it."

"He was a free spirit..."

"Yeah, going in the wrong direction!" She swung her flail at the door then proceeded to kick it hard with her foot. "Open the door! Let me out of here right now!"

"We won't be getting out of this prison as I expected...He will most likely warn the guards of Squall and Rinoa who are approaching...And the fact that she is a sorceress is of even more..."

"I know...But why Irvy?"

"Everybody has a dark side to them...A dark side of their personality, just as they have a lighter side. As you see one side of all, there is another side that is often hidden from view. Like Seifer."

"Seifer wasn't so bad..." She gasped, "What about Quisty?!"

"That is one you will hope to Hyne you will never know."

"That sounds really bad."

"We have to find them...And quickly..."

"Can we go on a train? I like trains."

Ellone sat alone in a small blue room, wires were running from powerpoints to the small machine that she sat in. It was a metallic ring with a coat of white plastic over it. The numerous wires were warm to the touch...If she did it now...But could she do it now? A cold chill made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end, goosebumps sprung up over her arms and legs. If she didn't do it now, she mightn't ever get the chance to do it again...There were so many things that told her to do it, yet in her heart, she knew she couldn't. She couldn't possibly hurt her little sister Quistis. With all her heart she couldn't touch her.

"A touch of frost has covered her heart since those days...But she is still the same as she once was. Still that little girl lost, lonely, waiting for someone to come to tak her hand and lead her into the warmth of love. Oh Quisty, I hope someone finds you and saves you from yourself..." She stood and kicked the wires from the machine which proceeded to whine at her as its power source vanished.

The hiss of the wires sounded like snakes, and Ellone found herself drooping to the floor as though struck by one, struck down with its potent venom. She fell first to her knees, everything around her beginning to blur, to turn an icy blue. A faint figure of a woman appeared before her, the icy radiance coming from her body. Ellone squinted at the figure trying to sharpen the image before her, but could not get the blurriness to fade.

"I had a dream that I could fly...And so, I tried to fly. I tried to fly away from all the pain, the sadness that kept me here. I thought that maybe someday, I mightn't feel the iciness of loneliness, but it would appear that no matter how hard I may try...I will always be alone."

"That's not true. I am here. Always here for you."

She knelt down before Ellone and put her hand beneath her chin raising it so she might peer into her eyes. "Yes, yes you always are HERE for me. But never were you THERE for me. You always came for him, whenever he beckoned you came running. Ignored the rest of us and concentrated solely on him." She laughed lightly, what once would've been musical laughter was icy and cold, "I suppose everybody seems to have done the same thing. Ignored those who really mattered and chose to follow him. His every beck and call we answered to...You most of all." She sighed and stood then began walking off. "There's a missing piece of this puzzle...I wonder, can you find it before they do? Can you find it, keep it safe and untainted throughout the war?"

"I will try. I can only try."

"You shall try...And I hope for your sake that you can succeed. Goodbye Ellone. Your quest begins." The figure vanished as did the hissing of the wires and the chilled air.

"Oh Quistis... Have you lost yourself control to the one you believed could save your soul? Will it take you down? Or will you pull through? You've become what you despise and only time will tell if you will manage to find your way out of this destructive maze..." Ellone wiped the tears that began to form from her eyes.

She stood and hooked the wires back into the machine, sat once more in it like the doll she'd become and picked up the helmet before her, then put it over her head.

"The light..."

"My feet hurt Squall!" Rinoa had stopped and was trying to fix up her shoe. "Why didn't you remind me that we had so much walking to do to get to this place? Why do they have to land Garden in totally inappropriate places?"

"You should've worn different shoes." Squall stated bluntly.

"Oh gee, aren't you encouraging?"

Squall shook his head and began walking once more, His gunblade receiving a few times of use, of course it was only to destroy the bite bugs that came too close for inspection...But it felt good to hold it once more in his hand.

"Why do you think we're here?"

"Did you just ask a question?" Rinoa stared at him as she hopped over to his side. "Gosh. We're here to save Edea, Irvine and Selphie...And to find out what it is that's happening to Quistis..."

Her name again. Why does it make me feel so uncomfortable upon hearing it?

Rinoa looked at Squall confused. "Squall, what's wrong?"

"Don't you feel it?"

"Hot? Sure, this heat is incredible!" She wiped her brow and looked back to him.

"It's like one mystery after another." He turned to face her. "You should feel it too."

She frowned. "Huh? You are so weird Squall. Let's just go."

Quistis remained in Seifer's arms until the sun came up. It splashed its morning glory across the horizon, stretching out to greet the two on top of the bed. "We should really leave early..." She mumbled sleepily.

Seifer was drifting in and out of sleep, "Hn..." He mumbled in agreement. "That would mean waking them up..."

"Still..." She yawned and settled back into the last position she was in. "They could come anytime..."

"I'll kick their asses back to where they came from." He mumbled opening his eyes to the blinding sun. "Doesn't that dress annoy you?" He asked pushing the fluffy thing away from his bare chest.

She rolled over. "No. I'm beginning to like it."

"You're actually liking this stuff? Are you insane?"

"I must be to have stayed in the same room as you."

"Now you're being nasty..." He sat up and looked around blindly for the remote. His hand bashed onto it turning it on.

Quistis sat up in shock as the tv came on loudly. A reporter came on suddenly.

"I'm here in Shumi right now where soldiers have been interrogating the residents. The leader of this foreboding group of soldiers is with me right now." The reporter turned to face a man with brown hair who wore a neutral look on his darkened face. "What is it that you are doing in Shumi?"

"There is a certain woman who we believe is hidden in Shumi Village."

"Just a woman? Is it necessary for this army to be here?"

"Here's something for your news broadcast. We declare war upon all sorceress!" He thrust a photograph before the camera, "Starting with this one."

Quistis felt faint. "Anyone discovered harbouring her will be executed." He sneered into the camera. The picture disappeared leaving static. The anchor man came back on looking troubled.

"Trepe?" Seifer turned to find Quistis sitting totally frozen, her hands shaking slightly.

There was a knock at the door. Seifer and Quistis stared at it. "Yo Quisty! Open up! It's just us."

A feeling of relief swept through the two of them and Seifer stood to open the door to reveal Zell and Fujin. They entered quickly and he shut the door behind them locking it. They surrounded Quistis, Fujin taking her shaking hand.

"ALRIGHT. HELP." Fujin smiled and Quistis noticed the patch was gone.

"Your eye patch!" Quistis looked at her with wide eyes. "I've never seen you without it on...You look beautiful!"

Although Fujin didn't respond, Quistis could see her smile which showed her gratitude. Zell looked at her sympathetically. "So...What are we going to do now?"

"Now...We have to get out of here..."

I'm ready for this...
A/N
Eh...Tis so short! And I don't think it makes any sense...Even in the slightest! *cries* Next chapter will be FAR more interesting I promise.

Chapter 3 reviews and opinions on Quistis' secret.

Pierson: Well...I know I haven't told you exactly what it is...and you changed your mind...But I'm gonna send you a pic for being the first person to review and to give your opinion anyhoos

Miss d: You think Quisty's Ultimecia too? Hm...Thanks for your opinion, at least there's some people now giving the opinions...

Serene: Thanks.

*personal note * Why does everybody think she's ulty? Perhaps she is...Then again, you might just have to read on...After all...The whole thing hasn't been totally exposed just yet...

Quistis88: Trust me, there's a whole heap of the war coming up...I will go check out your story again...Haven't been on for a while so I think I have a fair bit of catching up to do...-_-*puff*

Frost: Blah blah blahing's quite welcome. Trust me. I'll take as many reviews as you want, even if they're total nonsense...At least someone's 'reviewing' them right? Oh, believe me, Quistis' nothing like the other sorceresses...*evil laugh*

Jeangab057: Oh dear...I think I just made this chapter as unclear as possible...Eh...-_-*puff* Blame early morning bedtimes and early morning rising times...Bad sleeping habits do evil things to stories...

Awesome people! I've decided now, that the first person to review will receive a fan art of their choosing...Just don't expect it within the day...I'm busier than I wish to be. Next chapter oughta have a whole heap more action in it...This one's a tad...Icky. Fluffy. Eh...I promise it'll be better next time. Probably be coming out around...April...25th if I'm lucky of course. But I'll try...Reviews always inspire me to write more...

Oh, and for those interested in Legend of Dragoon and Final fantasy 7, they'll be updated very soon too...Just had a li'l problem with it...And there's a new LOD fic coming out soon. Keep your eyes pealed! :)