Chapter 17 Disaster, Schemes, And the Search for the Perfect Outfit.
General Caraway frowned as he surveyed the small boxes stacked against the wall of his underground cellar. He had trouble silencing Wheyern's mouth, but the bastard was silent now; and seven feet under. His soldiers found these in Wheyern' mansion though, and personally Caraway thought these would be a good substitute for all the trouble he had gone through. Not only was Laguna alive, but Squall managed to capture Vincent Thorpe and stop his experiment; recreating the Great Goddess. Now Rinoa had broken up with Squall (good news) but paired up with Wheyern's son (bad news) and was rebelling worse than ever (really bad news).
He patted the boxes absently. Maybe the serum still has its uses.
Unknown to him, a pair of eyes were watching him with interest.
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Quistis stared at the beauty of Inner Eshtar. Even though the place was highly advanced, but it was a silent city, very dignified and peaceful. She walked, feeling conspicuous in her battle gear and rucksack. She felt somewhat guilty, leaving before dawn without telling anyone. Well, except Xu. She had to make sure someone knew to avoid Squall throwing a fit. She imagine Squall throwing things across the Bridge and she giggled to herself.
"Well I never.Quistis?"
She stopped and turned to look at the man who addressed her. "Oh, Kiros!" She beamed. The older man shook his head. "I didn't recognize you for a moment there. why did you dye your hair?"
"Long story," She dismissed his question with a wave. "Aren't you supposed to be in office? Did Laguna give you the day off?" She inquired good- naturedly and giggled when Kiros sighed. "The man can't set his priorities straight. First he tells me I should take a rest, and the next moment he's commanding me to come to office."
"So you're going to the Presidential Palace?"
"I was going to," he bowed. 'Will you be staying? Ellone is here, you know."
"That was the reason I'm here," She said with a laugh. "Think the Presidential Palace has extra rooms for me?"
"Of course," he was still as stiff as she remembered him to be, but the smile reserved for his close friends lingered. "Let's go. Laguna will have a fit if I don't get there fast enough."
"WHERE IS KIROS?????!!!"
".."
Laguna sighed. "Yes Ward, I did let him take a break, sigh." He turned to Squall, who was absently thumbing through a magazine for avoiding conversation. "I hope you don't mind waiting - I can't seem to find her anywhere! If anybody can find her it would be Kiros though."
'Whatever."
At that moment Kiros entered with Quistis, laughing gaily. Squall took one look at her and jumped up with a clatter of chains, looking as pale as Shiva. Quistis too stopped dead, staring at Squall like he was a Marlboro. It was one of those moments when both parties have the wild urge to flee, and fast.
"What a reunion!" Laguna's cheerful voice broke through the silence. Kiros had left, leaving the two to deal with the other and Laguna. Quistis gulped. "Uh. what are you doing here, Squall?"
".I came on the Ragnarok," He scowled, still pale. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see Ellone."
"Did someone mention my name?" A bright voice came from the doorway and the three occupants turned to look. Ellone stood there dressed in a knee- length black skirt and yellow blouse, minus the shawl. She beamed as Quistis gave her a hug. "I was so worried you couldn't make it." She blinked at Squall. "Did you escort her? How sweet of you, Squall!" Squall greeted this comment with his usual frown, which in truth was one of confusion.
"You were expecting her?" Laguna was taken aback. Ellone frowned. "Didn't I tell you yesterday, Uncle Laguna?"
He scratched his neck. "Guess it slipped my mind."
"I'm so happy you wanted to spend your birthday with me!!!" Ellone said brightly, missing the confusion on her face. Quistis was thinking: Oh no, Squall's gonna return to Garden and the Trepies are gonna ask where I am and he's gonna tell them and when I come back I'm gonna be mobbed by my own fans.
"What an excellent occasion!" Laguna suddenly brightened up. "Hey, this is great!" He turned to Squall and grinned. Squall had the feeling he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear.
"Squall, there's a little dinner tonight at the Gold Siren; I wasn't planning on going, but since it's Quistis' birthday (and you were so nice to escort her here) why don't we go?"
Squall raised an eyebrow as Ellone gave an excited squeal. "Oh, please say yes!!! I'll be so bored with nobody my age around one of Uncle Laguna's dinners."
Squall bit his lip and noticed Quistis smirking slightly. She knew how much he detested large gatherings, especially those concerning heads of state.
"Oh please say yes, Squall! My friends are dying to meet you and Quistis!" Ellone begged prettily.
The thought of Quistis in a parade vanquished all doubts. "Whatever." He said sullenly, giving her a don't-even-think-of-saying-no look. Quistis gulped. "But I didn't bring formal wear."
"No problem!" Ellone practically dragged her out of the room. 'There's a new boutique in the mall..' Her voice faded as they disappeared out of view.
"I think I have a suit that'll suit you," Laguna winked at his son, but suddenly turned serious. "Now, I imagine you didn't escort her here, hmmm?"
". no."
"And I heard you broke up with Rinoa, is that true?"
"."
"Oh," Laguna mused. "I thought they were just rumours. forget that!" he dismissed his thoughts. Besides, I thought you didn't seem suited for each other anyway.
"We are soooo wicked." Xu giggled at Edea as they gaily contemplated their plan. She knew Squall would probably be fuming, but so far he hadn't called base to reprimand her, so that means they must have gotten along -
"Lieutenant Xu!" The communication channel opened and Xu jumped as a larger-than-life image of Squall appeared on the bridge, and he didn't look happy. "Yes, sir!"
"Why wasn't I informed that Quistis was on leave?!" He demanded, jaw set. Xu gulped. Oh man.
"What's the matter, Squall?" Edea glided into the picture, looking concerned when just a while ago she was giggling like a schoolgirl.
"I met Quistis, in Eshtar." He said plainly, as if that explains everything. Edea arched her eyebrows, not getting it. "And?"
"Then if the both of us are here, explain who's running Garden? I took leave believing everything would be fine - "
"But it is," Edea interrupted, looking puzzled. "For Hyne's sake, child, everything is running smoothly ever since you left this morning. And Quistis had left earlier, with perfect knowledge that the rest of us can get along without the two of you."
"That means you knew she was taking leave, yet you didn't stop me?"
"Why should I?" Edea laughed softly. "You need a break too. Now, it isn't my fault that you two end up in Eshtar. Now I suggest you enjoy your week, and don't worry." Edea closed the channel before Squall could get a word in edgewise. Then she laughed heartily. "That ought to do it!"
"I just hope the two of them can work it out before they return,' Xu shook her head. 'It's about time someone tried something."
"I think Laguna and Ellone will do their best," Edea nodded, smiling. "Although Quistis is aware of what she's feeling, but Squall will take some work before he can see."
"No." Quistis sighed as Ellone held up what must have been the hundredth dress in the shop. She was tired looking at sequins and glitters - she had almost wanted to settle for a simple black halter neck but Ellone flatly refused. "You're going in style, that's that."
Quistis lifelessly picked up one of the dresses Ellone discarded. It was bright pink and had butterfly patterns on it. Quistis felt it was only suitable for the blind. And another. it looked like it belonged in a junk shop. She had never experienced such enthusiastic shopping. Even Selphie had her limits. But Ellone wasn't giving up. She rummaged through a rack and gasped. "I think I've found it!" She triumphantly pulled out yet another dress. Only this one was velvet, deep violet and was relatively long compared to her other choices. Quistis was intrigued. "Go," Ellone urged her.
Sure enough, the dress fit her like second skin. The skirt fell all the way to her feet, ending in a simple clean cut, no frills. A slit ran up the side, a relief for someone who always walks in stride. A gossamer piece of a lighter lavender was attached to the back of the strapless dress and fell full length too, like a train, or a cape of sorts. The velvet itself felt luxurious and as she pirouetted in front of the mirror the velvet gleamed, screaming CHIC!!!!! Not to mention the dark material highlighted her silver-lavender hair and eyes.
"I love it," She grinned as she emerged in her usual clothes. Ellone breathed in relief. "If I knew earlier I would have picked it firsthand!" She said dramatically as she paid for the dress and some other trinkets she had picked up.
Quistis sighed. She hated shopping. Now she was sure it was the thing she detested most, besides Marlboros and T-Rexaurs and mad scientists.
Well?????? Read and review, as they say. I think she looks good in deep violet (another personal favourite). I think I'll make the next chap a little more fun!
General Caraway frowned as he surveyed the small boxes stacked against the wall of his underground cellar. He had trouble silencing Wheyern's mouth, but the bastard was silent now; and seven feet under. His soldiers found these in Wheyern' mansion though, and personally Caraway thought these would be a good substitute for all the trouble he had gone through. Not only was Laguna alive, but Squall managed to capture Vincent Thorpe and stop his experiment; recreating the Great Goddess. Now Rinoa had broken up with Squall (good news) but paired up with Wheyern's son (bad news) and was rebelling worse than ever (really bad news).
He patted the boxes absently. Maybe the serum still has its uses.
Unknown to him, a pair of eyes were watching him with interest.
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Quistis stared at the beauty of Inner Eshtar. Even though the place was highly advanced, but it was a silent city, very dignified and peaceful. She walked, feeling conspicuous in her battle gear and rucksack. She felt somewhat guilty, leaving before dawn without telling anyone. Well, except Xu. She had to make sure someone knew to avoid Squall throwing a fit. She imagine Squall throwing things across the Bridge and she giggled to herself.
"Well I never.Quistis?"
She stopped and turned to look at the man who addressed her. "Oh, Kiros!" She beamed. The older man shook his head. "I didn't recognize you for a moment there. why did you dye your hair?"
"Long story," She dismissed his question with a wave. "Aren't you supposed to be in office? Did Laguna give you the day off?" She inquired good- naturedly and giggled when Kiros sighed. "The man can't set his priorities straight. First he tells me I should take a rest, and the next moment he's commanding me to come to office."
"So you're going to the Presidential Palace?"
"I was going to," he bowed. 'Will you be staying? Ellone is here, you know."
"That was the reason I'm here," She said with a laugh. "Think the Presidential Palace has extra rooms for me?"
"Of course," he was still as stiff as she remembered him to be, but the smile reserved for his close friends lingered. "Let's go. Laguna will have a fit if I don't get there fast enough."
"WHERE IS KIROS?????!!!"
".."
Laguna sighed. "Yes Ward, I did let him take a break, sigh." He turned to Squall, who was absently thumbing through a magazine for avoiding conversation. "I hope you don't mind waiting - I can't seem to find her anywhere! If anybody can find her it would be Kiros though."
'Whatever."
At that moment Kiros entered with Quistis, laughing gaily. Squall took one look at her and jumped up with a clatter of chains, looking as pale as Shiva. Quistis too stopped dead, staring at Squall like he was a Marlboro. It was one of those moments when both parties have the wild urge to flee, and fast.
"What a reunion!" Laguna's cheerful voice broke through the silence. Kiros had left, leaving the two to deal with the other and Laguna. Quistis gulped. "Uh. what are you doing here, Squall?"
".I came on the Ragnarok," He scowled, still pale. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see Ellone."
"Did someone mention my name?" A bright voice came from the doorway and the three occupants turned to look. Ellone stood there dressed in a knee- length black skirt and yellow blouse, minus the shawl. She beamed as Quistis gave her a hug. "I was so worried you couldn't make it." She blinked at Squall. "Did you escort her? How sweet of you, Squall!" Squall greeted this comment with his usual frown, which in truth was one of confusion.
"You were expecting her?" Laguna was taken aback. Ellone frowned. "Didn't I tell you yesterday, Uncle Laguna?"
He scratched his neck. "Guess it slipped my mind."
"I'm so happy you wanted to spend your birthday with me!!!" Ellone said brightly, missing the confusion on her face. Quistis was thinking: Oh no, Squall's gonna return to Garden and the Trepies are gonna ask where I am and he's gonna tell them and when I come back I'm gonna be mobbed by my own fans.
"What an excellent occasion!" Laguna suddenly brightened up. "Hey, this is great!" He turned to Squall and grinned. Squall had the feeling he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear.
"Squall, there's a little dinner tonight at the Gold Siren; I wasn't planning on going, but since it's Quistis' birthday (and you were so nice to escort her here) why don't we go?"
Squall raised an eyebrow as Ellone gave an excited squeal. "Oh, please say yes!!! I'll be so bored with nobody my age around one of Uncle Laguna's dinners."
Squall bit his lip and noticed Quistis smirking slightly. She knew how much he detested large gatherings, especially those concerning heads of state.
"Oh please say yes, Squall! My friends are dying to meet you and Quistis!" Ellone begged prettily.
The thought of Quistis in a parade vanquished all doubts. "Whatever." He said sullenly, giving her a don't-even-think-of-saying-no look. Quistis gulped. "But I didn't bring formal wear."
"No problem!" Ellone practically dragged her out of the room. 'There's a new boutique in the mall..' Her voice faded as they disappeared out of view.
"I think I have a suit that'll suit you," Laguna winked at his son, but suddenly turned serious. "Now, I imagine you didn't escort her here, hmmm?"
". no."
"And I heard you broke up with Rinoa, is that true?"
"."
"Oh," Laguna mused. "I thought they were just rumours. forget that!" he dismissed his thoughts. Besides, I thought you didn't seem suited for each other anyway.
"We are soooo wicked." Xu giggled at Edea as they gaily contemplated their plan. She knew Squall would probably be fuming, but so far he hadn't called base to reprimand her, so that means they must have gotten along -
"Lieutenant Xu!" The communication channel opened and Xu jumped as a larger-than-life image of Squall appeared on the bridge, and he didn't look happy. "Yes, sir!"
"Why wasn't I informed that Quistis was on leave?!" He demanded, jaw set. Xu gulped. Oh man.
"What's the matter, Squall?" Edea glided into the picture, looking concerned when just a while ago she was giggling like a schoolgirl.
"I met Quistis, in Eshtar." He said plainly, as if that explains everything. Edea arched her eyebrows, not getting it. "And?"
"Then if the both of us are here, explain who's running Garden? I took leave believing everything would be fine - "
"But it is," Edea interrupted, looking puzzled. "For Hyne's sake, child, everything is running smoothly ever since you left this morning. And Quistis had left earlier, with perfect knowledge that the rest of us can get along without the two of you."
"That means you knew she was taking leave, yet you didn't stop me?"
"Why should I?" Edea laughed softly. "You need a break too. Now, it isn't my fault that you two end up in Eshtar. Now I suggest you enjoy your week, and don't worry." Edea closed the channel before Squall could get a word in edgewise. Then she laughed heartily. "That ought to do it!"
"I just hope the two of them can work it out before they return,' Xu shook her head. 'It's about time someone tried something."
"I think Laguna and Ellone will do their best," Edea nodded, smiling. "Although Quistis is aware of what she's feeling, but Squall will take some work before he can see."
"No." Quistis sighed as Ellone held up what must have been the hundredth dress in the shop. She was tired looking at sequins and glitters - she had almost wanted to settle for a simple black halter neck but Ellone flatly refused. "You're going in style, that's that."
Quistis lifelessly picked up one of the dresses Ellone discarded. It was bright pink and had butterfly patterns on it. Quistis felt it was only suitable for the blind. And another. it looked like it belonged in a junk shop. She had never experienced such enthusiastic shopping. Even Selphie had her limits. But Ellone wasn't giving up. She rummaged through a rack and gasped. "I think I've found it!" She triumphantly pulled out yet another dress. Only this one was velvet, deep violet and was relatively long compared to her other choices. Quistis was intrigued. "Go," Ellone urged her.
Sure enough, the dress fit her like second skin. The skirt fell all the way to her feet, ending in a simple clean cut, no frills. A slit ran up the side, a relief for someone who always walks in stride. A gossamer piece of a lighter lavender was attached to the back of the strapless dress and fell full length too, like a train, or a cape of sorts. The velvet itself felt luxurious and as she pirouetted in front of the mirror the velvet gleamed, screaming CHIC!!!!! Not to mention the dark material highlighted her silver-lavender hair and eyes.
"I love it," She grinned as she emerged in her usual clothes. Ellone breathed in relief. "If I knew earlier I would have picked it firsthand!" She said dramatically as she paid for the dress and some other trinkets she had picked up.
Quistis sighed. She hated shopping. Now she was sure it was the thing she detested most, besides Marlboros and T-Rexaurs and mad scientists.
Well?????? Read and review, as they say. I think she looks good in deep violet (another personal favourite). I think I'll make the next chap a little more fun!