Disclaimer: They are not mine (I wish they were). Don't sue.
Warnings: Yaoi rated R.
Author's notes: First of all thanks for the review, Redrum. This is a Seifer x Sullen, but is also Seifer x Squall, although Squall isn't exactly what you expect he will be. But that you'll find out as the story develops.
The second real part of the story. Seifer in home and the presentation of some more characters. Oh and yes Jo, Zell did eat my lunch!! One day I'm gonna eat him alive. Zell singing: I'm gona get some, I'm gonna get some!!! I knew you wanted me, he, he, he!! Azure glaring at him: Zell, cut it out, it was a metaphor!! Zell: Yeah, yeah, right!! OUCH!! You didn't need to throw the phone at my head! That hurts!! Azure: and you're the one paying it!!! Thanks for your email and pic, Jo.
Summary: [YAOI: ZxI (mention of) and SxS and SxS]. Seifer finds his young brother in an embarrassing situation. (I think I'm gonna be killed for this brotherhood by some people ;p ) and Squall finally appears (about time). Balamb Garden is a knights' school. Seifer Almasy is one of those knights. Being the personal guard of Sullen, the most good-looking and greatest wizard, he is sent to find out why Galbadian army has attacked Dollet. Does Sorceress Edea have something to do with it?! And why does Elder Guardian of Time refuse to show in the Union council?!.
Sons of Elder Guardians
By Azure Knight
Chapter 3: The Strange events...
//First stop: TIMBER//
The road to Timber was due in three days. A few years ago it would take at least one week to get there, but one of the good things the Union council brought was the development of the roads and ways. So now getting to Timber by chocobo, horse or by feet was faster then then, because people didn't have to go throughout the woods.
Timber was a town near the Ocean where many different people gather because it was a passage town like Dollet from Dollet's kingdom. Only Dollet had achieved its independence long ago and Timber was still trying it. Anyway, now that Dollet was invaded nobody knew exactly by whom, the only passage town was Timber. Because of that, it was full of people more than even before: the usual traveling merchants on their way to Deling city, the knights from Balamb or Galbadia Garden, the poor towns' people, wizards, a circus, rebel groups members the Timber people helped to hide in case of need and now the recently arriver Seifer Almasy.
All the hotels in Timber were full also, especially because the president of Galbadia had graced the Timber people with its presence for a few days when he didn't visit them for years and was hosted in the main Hotel while his guards and knights occupied the others. So Seifer had to search for a place to stay for the night.
Entering in a dirty, naughty and bad famed pub behind the market, he was immediately confronted with the news. The ultimate plan to free Timber had failed. The Forest owls had been once again defeated and this time all that had taken was a bunch of false information and a zombie.
Seifer wondered if the Council real knew the power of the rebel groups against Galbadia or simply wanted to believe the lie to keep the peace, if they believed that the rebels were attacking Dollet at all. Either way Seifer felt sad. He had the 'boss' of the Forest Owls in great esteem. The Princess and he even had something close to a romance some time ago when he was still working for Balamb Garden. So he made a mental note to visit her after getting a place to stay.
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Five sharp knocks on the door was the signal and so they opened it. In their front was the blond knight their mysterious princess so liked. They let him in.
"Hi! I heard your plan failed..did everyone managed to escape?"
"No, Ashia died with an arrow, but the rest escaped!"
"I'm sorry...so where's the princess?!"
"We managed to get her to a ship, so she'll be safe while our town is being patrolled by so many guards and knights"
"So she's not here already?!"
"No, probably now she'll be already in Esthar"
"I thought she would escape with you."
"We won't be able to escape with so many guards patrolling the wharf, now"
"I'm boarding tomorrow to Balamb, maybe I can help you escaping."
"But how?!" "You get me my ticket and I get you the clear passage. After all, I'm one of Sullen's guards, I'm beyond any suspect and so are my traveling companions, who are you. From now on you have been traveling with me and arrived at a few hours ago."
"Would you do that for us?!"
"Of course!! Just take the tickets to where you want to go, but don't forget to stay at the same pub I'm staying to make it more reliable."
ºººººººººººººººº //ESTHAR palace: the refuge of the princess// "This time you almost got killed, honey." "I know father! But I'm here now and I'm okay, daddy!" Rinoa had been removed by her father's call from her huge room in her family's palace, after arriving from Timber.
"If it was me, I was already being punished!!! But just because she's the only girl in the family she can do whatever she wants. That's not fair, Father!!"
"That's because you don't ever do anything right, Lake! Father knows my cause is a noble one!! So shut up young brother, you're too young to give opinions.. "
"Don't start, you two!! You're both spoiled! And I agree with father when he says that this time you went too far on your cause, Rinoa."
"Okay, I agree too. It won't happen again Father and Brother Sea! I give you my word."
"Very well! You can go, my daughter.Lake, Squall you can also go. Sea, Kiros I wanted to discuss that thing about."
The three exited the throne room at the same time. Lake was still pouting. He was always the only one who got screamed at in that palace. Sea was the heir to the throne so he was always listened and always did everything just the way it shall be done, everyone liked him. Squall was always very quiet. One almost didn't even notice he was there. Everyone liked him too, because he was very good as a knight and with magic and was very beautiful, just like a wizard. He just didn't like to be in the others affairs or to be helped in his'. *He's always thinking to himself and do everything right. Sometimes I wonder if he his really my blood brother.or Rinoa's twin!!* Lake thought. Lake loved Sea and Squall, because they were his models but didn't like Rinoa, mainly because she was his rival in being spoiled by the other people of the palace, including their Father, king Laguna and older brothers.
"Why was the Galbadian President in Timber, Rinoa?" Squall asked suddenly shocking both and some servants who were passing by them. He was supposed to not know other words besides 'whatever', 'nothing', 'none of your business', 'not really' and 'yes, sir'.
A smile appeared to Rinoa's face. His brother was finally changing.
"I don't know Squall, why do you ask?"
"Nothing"
And then, maybe not. the smile faded.
Still a bit stunned but knowing that Rinoa loved Squall's attention and jealous that she was getting some, Lake suddenly grabbed his brother's arm and dragged Squall through the corridor to his room.
"That doesn't matter, Squall. That's far, far away from here. Nida promised I could draw your and Nida's faces. I already draw his so I have to draw yours. You won't break your guards' promise are you?!"
"Whatever"
Rinoa was left fuming in the corridor alone. "That kid is going to pay for dragging Squall and stand against me with dad! I swear he will!!"
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//Second stop: BALAMB//
Seifer descended the board to the soil of Balamb pier. He took a long breath. He was far away from his home for so long. The place where he turned everything he was now.
The voyage had been sort of agreeable. After claiming himself responsible by the Forest Owls' members that morning, Seifer and they boarded the ship to Balamb without problems. It took them ten hours to arrive to Balamb. But finally they did.
"Thanks for you help, Sir Seifer! We have to hurry so we can take the vessel to Fisherman's Horizon! Bye! Thanks again!"
"'Welcome! Take care!"
Seifer stayed a few moments watching them boarding. Then he headed to the town.
Balamb was also a very known town especially to the Fish Merchants because of Balamb Fish, witch was very appreciated by the occidental countries. The commerce was intense and despite being small, the town had much movement.
Balamb kingdom besides its royal family had two noble families sharing their lands: the Almasies and the Trepes. In the ancient times these two families were only one but divergences between the two brothers in the past had split it in two. The Almasies were the original one and Seifer was his direct heir being the older of two brothers. The Trepes hadn't male heirs, just a daughter, however this girl could surpass many man in fighting skills and intelligence. Her name was Quistis and she was one of the best SeeD of Balamb Garden.
//BALAMB: Almasies mansion//
Seifer passed the low merchant part of Balamb town entering the rich one. There he could find his family's mansion. He stepped in front of the frame of the huge gate. Having a long breath and looking at the cross sword carved on the gate, he opened it. The gardener, who immediately recognized him, ran to him and hugged him. Seifer smiled and returned the hug to the old man who had seen him grow up and become a man himself. "Welcome home, sir" he said. Seifer smiled and thanked the old man. The man then helped Seifer carrying his few luggage, asking how he was and if he was happy where he was. After achieving the house porch through the yards of garden, Seifer knocked the door while the old man went to the back to order food for Seifer, a bath and his room preparation.
The steward opened the door and surprise washed over his face. "Master Seifer! Welcome home, sir!!" "I'm sorry I didn't said anything before arriving but I really didn't have a chance. It was a last minute decision." The man helped him carrying the luggage to inside the mansion and ordered a boy to take it to Seifer's room who was already being prepared. "You didn't have to. This is and will always be your home, even if you work far away from here. How long are you going to stay?!" "Maybe a week, perhaps even more." "Your father is going to be so happy!!" Seifer smiled "I miss him a lot." "He also misses you. He's always talking about you. Sometimes even your brother gets a little jealous." Seifer laughed, "Where's my father, Roal?" "He's not home at the moment. Went to Trabia a few days ago, because of some business. Should return today to supper." "What about my brother?" "He's with sir Irvine in his room...but he said he didn't want to be disturbed, sir!" Seifer smirked "He didn't want to be disturbed, hum?! I'll be back soon" he said climbing the stairs to the other blonde's room.
Getting there he started listening some sounds he was already expecting. He started chuckling. The more close he got, higher were the moans. Seifer stopped in front of the room waiting for the right time. Not long after, the moans got louder and shorter. Seifer then quietly opened the door to the living room of the room heading to the closed one of the bedroom. In the way he stumbled in many articles of cloths thinking to himself 'we were eager weren't we, boys?!'. There, he put his hand in the knob and when he heard one scream he opened it fast saying out loud: "BAD NAUGHTY BOYS!!".
Zell and Irvine were almost naked. Only Zell had Irvine's hat in his head, tumbling his spikes. The blonde had been riding the brunet and jumped almost to the ceiling when he heard his old brother's words.
"S....Se..Seifer?!" he asked shocked, embarrassed, incredulous and red as a tomato. Irvine who also had jumped a few inches helping Zell on his higher jump, being shocked at first, was now smiling and saluted Seifer.
"Hi Seifer, how are you? Long time no see!!"
Zell after the shock got angry. "What are you doing in my room?! Get out! Get out! GET OUT!!!"
"Okay little brother. I'll be down stairs cry-baby Zell!!!"
"Get out Seifer!!!!"
Seifer then headed to his room, took a bath, dressed clean and dry and headed to the living room. When the housekeeper saw him she almost jump but from joy. She gave him a bear hug and then gave him some meat with bread.
"It's only to calm your stomach for now. The supper is almost ready!"
Seifer thanked the old women. Moments later he heard his father voice entering the house and the housekeeper saying that they had a surprise for supper. The blond man climbed the stairs and headed to his room to clean himself.
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The dinner table was composed with the finest porcelains and beautiful rendered towels. Had passed time since the family had been reunited like that day. Seifer sat across from Zell. Zell's chair was at the left of the top where his father would sit. Irvine was at his side. Their mothers had died long ago. The conversation was agreeable until the doors opened to reveal a tall blond with baby blue eyes. He gaped when he saw his older son sitting at the table at his right.
"Seifer!"
"Good Evening Father! Had a good trip?!"
"When did you arrive, my son?!" Sir Almasy said advancing to his older boy who was rising from his seat. They hugged and the older man asked how he was, why he was there, if everything was fine, until their housekeeper started reclaiming that the food was getting cold and they all sit down and started eating.
They were in the middle of the desert when the conversation of Irvine and Zell being surprised going at it came up.
"...and then I found my little and innocent brother and his boyfriend in a very embarrassing situation." Seifer said joking to his father. This one smiled and Irvine chuckled. Zell got mad again.
"Yeah, right. But I at least aren't doing it for fame and glory like some people we know, but for love." He said.
"Was that an indirect comment for me Chicken wuss?!" Seifer asked.
Zell was about to say something harsh when Irvine put his hand on his, behind the table. They didn't need fights at the table. Zell understood and apologized to Seifer.
"You know you could get the job without going to bed with your master! You're the best knight of all them.." He added.
"Thanks, but please Zell, aren't going to start with that story again, are you?! I like Sullen. That's enough. You know well I don't believe in that type of love. I believe in the love of and to a father, on a love between brothers and between friends but not that kind.." Replied Seifer "let's end this story, now!"
"One day, when he hits you, you will believe Seifer! Trust me, you will!!" said Sir Almasy finishing the conversation.
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The next five days were passed in family and with his best friends from Garden: Raijin and Fujin. They weren't nobles but they had accompanied him on the major parts of his life and he liked them very much.
On the sixth day he decided it was time to go visit his headmaster and accomplish his true propose there.
//BALAMB GARDEN knights school//
Seifer entered Balamb Garden. Immediately the gossiping about the return of the irreverent knight started. Not caring he took the manual lift to the third floor where he met the right arm of the headmaster: Xu and his left arm: Quistis Trepe. "Sir Seifer, what a surprise. After what happened last time I didn't think you had the nerve to show up here again." Said the first one. "You know me Xu, I couldn't pass the rest of my life without returning to the place where I learned a great part of the things I know, right Instructor?" he answered asking Quistis. "I'm not an instructor anymore Seifer, thanks to you!!" replied her. "I already apologize, didn't I?!" "Actually you didn't but I accept them now. I don't want problems with my ancient family..." Sefer smirked. "So why do we get the honor of your visit?!" asked Xu, trying to get rid of the man in from of her. "I came to talk to the headmaster Ci.."
"Seifer, is that you?" asked Headmaster Cid who had entering the room in that instant "oh my, you look great! I heard you're serving the Council ruler's son." "That's right, headmaster." "You want to speak with me, hum?! Well then, let's go to my office, we shouldn't get disturbed there..." Seifer followed Cid to his office closing the door behind the suspicious eyes of Xu who definitely didn't like Seifer one bit.
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Two hours later Seifer was leaving the Garden with a bored and exasperate expression when Raijin and Fujin ran to him. They had bad news.
"Seifer, a knight came for you. Says he has a message from your Lord for you to return to the palace, ya know?!"
"..AT ONCE!"
"Really?! Did he said why I'm being called with such urgency?!"
"No, but there's a rumor in the streets that the Dollet's king and whole commission were murdered at the Elder Queen's palace as well as the Elder Queen's counselor ya know?! The palace it's in a chaos, they say.."
"They were killed?! The palace is highly guarded. It can't be."
"....KNIGHT CONFIRMED"
"The knight confirmed it?! I better get on my way, fast!"
//Returning: DELLING//
Seifer arrived late at night, four days after, and was immediately called to Sullen's presence when entering the Queen's Palace in Delling, desire he accomplished without delay. When he arrived Sullen's room, he was subject of a rigorous inspection and recognition. Ten minutes later he was allowed to enter the Mage's room. There, he found the wizard with his two magical guards: Olian and Aerith. All them were in profound state of meditation. When he entered however, he was received with jubilee by Sullen who was too altered for his normal status of calmness or Seifer's taste.
"Seifer, you have returned just in time." Sullen said and added, "My mother's counselor and the king of Dollet were murdered here, in the palace. Nobody's safe anymore. Besides, the Keystone was stole from the Dollet ancient tower. Didn't occur to me you were talking of that tower when you told me in the Council reunion. After stealing it, whoever was invading Dollet, simply vanished, nobody knows to where. Because of that everyone is suspecting of everyone, here. I'm shacked myself with this entire story. I'm glad you're here."
Seifer approached the Mage hugging him. "Yeah, I came immediately when I heard about the murderers. I suppose nobody know who they are, right?!"
It was Olian who answered him. "No. They don't know who or why."
"And the stealth of the Keystone is no less a tragedy!!" Aerith spoke, worried.
"Why is that?! What's the Keystone??"
"You know that the Guardians have the power to use the keys they possess. For example, my mother is the Guardian of the Space key, if she wanted to use it, she could travel to another place on the other side of the world with just a few words. But only the Guardians and their descendents have enough power to do it. In this time, the only ones who can use it are my mother, my aunt, her apprentice, my supposed cousin and I. The Keystone is a magical stone shaped like a door with two keyholes who allows anyone who has the keys, both of them, to use the Space and Time keys." Sullen said.
"Anyone?!" Seifer said incredulous.
"Yes by theory. Practically, its also necessary a high power from the person who want to use the keys to use the Keystone. So really, couldn't be anyone." Olian said trying to impress Sullen.
"It has to be a Mage!"
"Exactly Seifer!" Sullen said "That's why my mother convoked a special council reunion for the day after tomorrow with the presence of the Esthar royal family and of my aunt. She's asking their help.."
"You mean king Laguna Loire and Elder Queen of Time??" Sullen nodded "Ohh boy, I'm gonna like to see that.."
"It's getting late. Maybe me and Olian should return to our rooms now that Seifer is here, hum?!" said Aerith looking to Olian motioning him to leave. " We see you tomorrow, Lord Sullen. Anything just scream and we'll be here in no time."
"Alright, thank you! Go in peace."
"Maybe we should stay because of the mur." said Olian who didn't want to leave Sullen's side.
"That won't be necessary Olian. Come on!!! See you tomorrow milord, Seifer." said Aerith while dragging him "they want to be alone Olian" she whispered to him when they passed the door.
"That's exactly what I don't like."
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"Say Seifer, are you hungry?!"
"Yes, a bath was also good!"
"Okay, I'll arrange that!" said Sullen leaving the room to talk to the servants. He returned soon after.
" I also asked for some clothes of yours."
"Thank you" Seifer said heading to the bathroom while Sullen stayed in the room waiting for the food to come.
When the food came Seifer was already bathed and dressed. He sat and started sipping at the hot soup while Sullen sat across from him asking about the encounter with his family at witch Seifer told everything that had happened: his father and brother. He asked also about the conversation with his headmaster.
"He surprised me. He said that he didn't know who Edea was and had no clue what I was talking about, but he was very glad that I was doing ok and was visiting him. In fact he contorted the subject and avoided it every time I tried to aboard it. Couldn't take anything from him. Sorry!"
"It's okay, it isn't your fault. It's decided: tomorrow we're going to the Fortuneteller. This entire thing is driving me nuts. It appears your headmaster was hiding something, just like President Delling who visited Timber with no apparent reason..and the murderers, the stealth, the extra Council.."
"Yes..." said Seifer rising and holding him "...but, we worry about all that tomorrow. Now you and me are going to bed. I haven't had a good night sleep in four days and by the look of your eyes, you neither." Sullen smiled walking to his bedroom and bed with Seifer. They undressed and lay naked, Sullen cuddled against Seifer, both too tired to even think about anything else besides sleeping. Lulled by Seifer's unconscious caresses, Sullen whispered before drifting completely to the dream land "I missed you...". Seifer answered in the same tone "I know..".
End of chapter 3
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Yeah, I know, the characters turned a little bit of OOC, but I had already warned in the first chapter. Please tell me what you think. You can even flame!!
Well, next chapters: "along with the crowd" and "the vision" will be up next Friday or Saturday. Finally Squall and Seifer meet. About time. This is going to get warmer.
Warnings: Yaoi rated R.
Author's notes: First of all thanks for the review, Redrum. This is a Seifer x Sullen, but is also Seifer x Squall, although Squall isn't exactly what you expect he will be. But that you'll find out as the story develops.
The second real part of the story. Seifer in home and the presentation of some more characters. Oh and yes Jo, Zell did eat my lunch!! One day I'm gonna eat him alive. Zell singing: I'm gona get some, I'm gonna get some!!! I knew you wanted me, he, he, he!! Azure glaring at him: Zell, cut it out, it was a metaphor!! Zell: Yeah, yeah, right!! OUCH!! You didn't need to throw the phone at my head! That hurts!! Azure: and you're the one paying it!!! Thanks for your email and pic, Jo.
Summary: [YAOI: ZxI (mention of) and SxS and SxS]. Seifer finds his young brother in an embarrassing situation. (I think I'm gonna be killed for this brotherhood by some people ;p ) and Squall finally appears (about time). Balamb Garden is a knights' school. Seifer Almasy is one of those knights. Being the personal guard of Sullen, the most good-looking and greatest wizard, he is sent to find out why Galbadian army has attacked Dollet. Does Sorceress Edea have something to do with it?! And why does Elder Guardian of Time refuse to show in the Union council?!.
Sons of Elder Guardians
By Azure Knight
Chapter 3: The Strange events...
//First stop: TIMBER//
The road to Timber was due in three days. A few years ago it would take at least one week to get there, but one of the good things the Union council brought was the development of the roads and ways. So now getting to Timber by chocobo, horse or by feet was faster then then, because people didn't have to go throughout the woods.
Timber was a town near the Ocean where many different people gather because it was a passage town like Dollet from Dollet's kingdom. Only Dollet had achieved its independence long ago and Timber was still trying it. Anyway, now that Dollet was invaded nobody knew exactly by whom, the only passage town was Timber. Because of that, it was full of people more than even before: the usual traveling merchants on their way to Deling city, the knights from Balamb or Galbadia Garden, the poor towns' people, wizards, a circus, rebel groups members the Timber people helped to hide in case of need and now the recently arriver Seifer Almasy.
All the hotels in Timber were full also, especially because the president of Galbadia had graced the Timber people with its presence for a few days when he didn't visit them for years and was hosted in the main Hotel while his guards and knights occupied the others. So Seifer had to search for a place to stay for the night.
Entering in a dirty, naughty and bad famed pub behind the market, he was immediately confronted with the news. The ultimate plan to free Timber had failed. The Forest owls had been once again defeated and this time all that had taken was a bunch of false information and a zombie.
Seifer wondered if the Council real knew the power of the rebel groups against Galbadia or simply wanted to believe the lie to keep the peace, if they believed that the rebels were attacking Dollet at all. Either way Seifer felt sad. He had the 'boss' of the Forest Owls in great esteem. The Princess and he even had something close to a romance some time ago when he was still working for Balamb Garden. So he made a mental note to visit her after getting a place to stay.
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Five sharp knocks on the door was the signal and so they opened it. In their front was the blond knight their mysterious princess so liked. They let him in.
"Hi! I heard your plan failed..did everyone managed to escape?"
"No, Ashia died with an arrow, but the rest escaped!"
"I'm sorry...so where's the princess?!"
"We managed to get her to a ship, so she'll be safe while our town is being patrolled by so many guards and knights"
"So she's not here already?!"
"No, probably now she'll be already in Esthar"
"I thought she would escape with you."
"We won't be able to escape with so many guards patrolling the wharf, now"
"I'm boarding tomorrow to Balamb, maybe I can help you escaping."
"But how?!" "You get me my ticket and I get you the clear passage. After all, I'm one of Sullen's guards, I'm beyond any suspect and so are my traveling companions, who are you. From now on you have been traveling with me and arrived at a few hours ago."
"Would you do that for us?!"
"Of course!! Just take the tickets to where you want to go, but don't forget to stay at the same pub I'm staying to make it more reliable."
ºººººººººººººººº //ESTHAR palace: the refuge of the princess// "This time you almost got killed, honey." "I know father! But I'm here now and I'm okay, daddy!" Rinoa had been removed by her father's call from her huge room in her family's palace, after arriving from Timber.
"If it was me, I was already being punished!!! But just because she's the only girl in the family she can do whatever she wants. That's not fair, Father!!"
"That's because you don't ever do anything right, Lake! Father knows my cause is a noble one!! So shut up young brother, you're too young to give opinions.. "
"Don't start, you two!! You're both spoiled! And I agree with father when he says that this time you went too far on your cause, Rinoa."
"Okay, I agree too. It won't happen again Father and Brother Sea! I give you my word."
"Very well! You can go, my daughter.Lake, Squall you can also go. Sea, Kiros I wanted to discuss that thing about."
The three exited the throne room at the same time. Lake was still pouting. He was always the only one who got screamed at in that palace. Sea was the heir to the throne so he was always listened and always did everything just the way it shall be done, everyone liked him. Squall was always very quiet. One almost didn't even notice he was there. Everyone liked him too, because he was very good as a knight and with magic and was very beautiful, just like a wizard. He just didn't like to be in the others affairs or to be helped in his'. *He's always thinking to himself and do everything right. Sometimes I wonder if he his really my blood brother.or Rinoa's twin!!* Lake thought. Lake loved Sea and Squall, because they were his models but didn't like Rinoa, mainly because she was his rival in being spoiled by the other people of the palace, including their Father, king Laguna and older brothers.
"Why was the Galbadian President in Timber, Rinoa?" Squall asked suddenly shocking both and some servants who were passing by them. He was supposed to not know other words besides 'whatever', 'nothing', 'none of your business', 'not really' and 'yes, sir'.
A smile appeared to Rinoa's face. His brother was finally changing.
"I don't know Squall, why do you ask?"
"Nothing"
And then, maybe not. the smile faded.
Still a bit stunned but knowing that Rinoa loved Squall's attention and jealous that she was getting some, Lake suddenly grabbed his brother's arm and dragged Squall through the corridor to his room.
"That doesn't matter, Squall. That's far, far away from here. Nida promised I could draw your and Nida's faces. I already draw his so I have to draw yours. You won't break your guards' promise are you?!"
"Whatever"
Rinoa was left fuming in the corridor alone. "That kid is going to pay for dragging Squall and stand against me with dad! I swear he will!!"
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//Second stop: BALAMB//
Seifer descended the board to the soil of Balamb pier. He took a long breath. He was far away from his home for so long. The place where he turned everything he was now.
The voyage had been sort of agreeable. After claiming himself responsible by the Forest Owls' members that morning, Seifer and they boarded the ship to Balamb without problems. It took them ten hours to arrive to Balamb. But finally they did.
"Thanks for you help, Sir Seifer! We have to hurry so we can take the vessel to Fisherman's Horizon! Bye! Thanks again!"
"'Welcome! Take care!"
Seifer stayed a few moments watching them boarding. Then he headed to the town.
Balamb was also a very known town especially to the Fish Merchants because of Balamb Fish, witch was very appreciated by the occidental countries. The commerce was intense and despite being small, the town had much movement.
Balamb kingdom besides its royal family had two noble families sharing their lands: the Almasies and the Trepes. In the ancient times these two families were only one but divergences between the two brothers in the past had split it in two. The Almasies were the original one and Seifer was his direct heir being the older of two brothers. The Trepes hadn't male heirs, just a daughter, however this girl could surpass many man in fighting skills and intelligence. Her name was Quistis and she was one of the best SeeD of Balamb Garden.
//BALAMB: Almasies mansion//
Seifer passed the low merchant part of Balamb town entering the rich one. There he could find his family's mansion. He stepped in front of the frame of the huge gate. Having a long breath and looking at the cross sword carved on the gate, he opened it. The gardener, who immediately recognized him, ran to him and hugged him. Seifer smiled and returned the hug to the old man who had seen him grow up and become a man himself. "Welcome home, sir" he said. Seifer smiled and thanked the old man. The man then helped Seifer carrying his few luggage, asking how he was and if he was happy where he was. After achieving the house porch through the yards of garden, Seifer knocked the door while the old man went to the back to order food for Seifer, a bath and his room preparation.
The steward opened the door and surprise washed over his face. "Master Seifer! Welcome home, sir!!" "I'm sorry I didn't said anything before arriving but I really didn't have a chance. It was a last minute decision." The man helped him carrying the luggage to inside the mansion and ordered a boy to take it to Seifer's room who was already being prepared. "You didn't have to. This is and will always be your home, even if you work far away from here. How long are you going to stay?!" "Maybe a week, perhaps even more." "Your father is going to be so happy!!" Seifer smiled "I miss him a lot." "He also misses you. He's always talking about you. Sometimes even your brother gets a little jealous." Seifer laughed, "Where's my father, Roal?" "He's not home at the moment. Went to Trabia a few days ago, because of some business. Should return today to supper." "What about my brother?" "He's with sir Irvine in his room...but he said he didn't want to be disturbed, sir!" Seifer smirked "He didn't want to be disturbed, hum?! I'll be back soon" he said climbing the stairs to the other blonde's room.
Getting there he started listening some sounds he was already expecting. He started chuckling. The more close he got, higher were the moans. Seifer stopped in front of the room waiting for the right time. Not long after, the moans got louder and shorter. Seifer then quietly opened the door to the living room of the room heading to the closed one of the bedroom. In the way he stumbled in many articles of cloths thinking to himself 'we were eager weren't we, boys?!'. There, he put his hand in the knob and when he heard one scream he opened it fast saying out loud: "BAD NAUGHTY BOYS!!".
Zell and Irvine were almost naked. Only Zell had Irvine's hat in his head, tumbling his spikes. The blonde had been riding the brunet and jumped almost to the ceiling when he heard his old brother's words.
"S....Se..Seifer?!" he asked shocked, embarrassed, incredulous and red as a tomato. Irvine who also had jumped a few inches helping Zell on his higher jump, being shocked at first, was now smiling and saluted Seifer.
"Hi Seifer, how are you? Long time no see!!"
Zell after the shock got angry. "What are you doing in my room?! Get out! Get out! GET OUT!!!"
"Okay little brother. I'll be down stairs cry-baby Zell!!!"
"Get out Seifer!!!!"
Seifer then headed to his room, took a bath, dressed clean and dry and headed to the living room. When the housekeeper saw him she almost jump but from joy. She gave him a bear hug and then gave him some meat with bread.
"It's only to calm your stomach for now. The supper is almost ready!"
Seifer thanked the old women. Moments later he heard his father voice entering the house and the housekeeper saying that they had a surprise for supper. The blond man climbed the stairs and headed to his room to clean himself.
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The dinner table was composed with the finest porcelains and beautiful rendered towels. Had passed time since the family had been reunited like that day. Seifer sat across from Zell. Zell's chair was at the left of the top where his father would sit. Irvine was at his side. Their mothers had died long ago. The conversation was agreeable until the doors opened to reveal a tall blond with baby blue eyes. He gaped when he saw his older son sitting at the table at his right.
"Seifer!"
"Good Evening Father! Had a good trip?!"
"When did you arrive, my son?!" Sir Almasy said advancing to his older boy who was rising from his seat. They hugged and the older man asked how he was, why he was there, if everything was fine, until their housekeeper started reclaiming that the food was getting cold and they all sit down and started eating.
They were in the middle of the desert when the conversation of Irvine and Zell being surprised going at it came up.
"...and then I found my little and innocent brother and his boyfriend in a very embarrassing situation." Seifer said joking to his father. This one smiled and Irvine chuckled. Zell got mad again.
"Yeah, right. But I at least aren't doing it for fame and glory like some people we know, but for love." He said.
"Was that an indirect comment for me Chicken wuss?!" Seifer asked.
Zell was about to say something harsh when Irvine put his hand on his, behind the table. They didn't need fights at the table. Zell understood and apologized to Seifer.
"You know you could get the job without going to bed with your master! You're the best knight of all them.." He added.
"Thanks, but please Zell, aren't going to start with that story again, are you?! I like Sullen. That's enough. You know well I don't believe in that type of love. I believe in the love of and to a father, on a love between brothers and between friends but not that kind.." Replied Seifer "let's end this story, now!"
"One day, when he hits you, you will believe Seifer! Trust me, you will!!" said Sir Almasy finishing the conversation.
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The next five days were passed in family and with his best friends from Garden: Raijin and Fujin. They weren't nobles but they had accompanied him on the major parts of his life and he liked them very much.
On the sixth day he decided it was time to go visit his headmaster and accomplish his true propose there.
//BALAMB GARDEN knights school//
Seifer entered Balamb Garden. Immediately the gossiping about the return of the irreverent knight started. Not caring he took the manual lift to the third floor where he met the right arm of the headmaster: Xu and his left arm: Quistis Trepe. "Sir Seifer, what a surprise. After what happened last time I didn't think you had the nerve to show up here again." Said the first one. "You know me Xu, I couldn't pass the rest of my life without returning to the place where I learned a great part of the things I know, right Instructor?" he answered asking Quistis. "I'm not an instructor anymore Seifer, thanks to you!!" replied her. "I already apologize, didn't I?!" "Actually you didn't but I accept them now. I don't want problems with my ancient family..." Sefer smirked. "So why do we get the honor of your visit?!" asked Xu, trying to get rid of the man in from of her. "I came to talk to the headmaster Ci.."
"Seifer, is that you?" asked Headmaster Cid who had entering the room in that instant "oh my, you look great! I heard you're serving the Council ruler's son." "That's right, headmaster." "You want to speak with me, hum?! Well then, let's go to my office, we shouldn't get disturbed there..." Seifer followed Cid to his office closing the door behind the suspicious eyes of Xu who definitely didn't like Seifer one bit.
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Two hours later Seifer was leaving the Garden with a bored and exasperate expression when Raijin and Fujin ran to him. They had bad news.
"Seifer, a knight came for you. Says he has a message from your Lord for you to return to the palace, ya know?!"
"..AT ONCE!"
"Really?! Did he said why I'm being called with such urgency?!"
"No, but there's a rumor in the streets that the Dollet's king and whole commission were murdered at the Elder Queen's palace as well as the Elder Queen's counselor ya know?! The palace it's in a chaos, they say.."
"They were killed?! The palace is highly guarded. It can't be."
"....KNIGHT CONFIRMED"
"The knight confirmed it?! I better get on my way, fast!"
//Returning: DELLING//
Seifer arrived late at night, four days after, and was immediately called to Sullen's presence when entering the Queen's Palace in Delling, desire he accomplished without delay. When he arrived Sullen's room, he was subject of a rigorous inspection and recognition. Ten minutes later he was allowed to enter the Mage's room. There, he found the wizard with his two magical guards: Olian and Aerith. All them were in profound state of meditation. When he entered however, he was received with jubilee by Sullen who was too altered for his normal status of calmness or Seifer's taste.
"Seifer, you have returned just in time." Sullen said and added, "My mother's counselor and the king of Dollet were murdered here, in the palace. Nobody's safe anymore. Besides, the Keystone was stole from the Dollet ancient tower. Didn't occur to me you were talking of that tower when you told me in the Council reunion. After stealing it, whoever was invading Dollet, simply vanished, nobody knows to where. Because of that everyone is suspecting of everyone, here. I'm shacked myself with this entire story. I'm glad you're here."
Seifer approached the Mage hugging him. "Yeah, I came immediately when I heard about the murderers. I suppose nobody know who they are, right?!"
It was Olian who answered him. "No. They don't know who or why."
"And the stealth of the Keystone is no less a tragedy!!" Aerith spoke, worried.
"Why is that?! What's the Keystone??"
"You know that the Guardians have the power to use the keys they possess. For example, my mother is the Guardian of the Space key, if she wanted to use it, she could travel to another place on the other side of the world with just a few words. But only the Guardians and their descendents have enough power to do it. In this time, the only ones who can use it are my mother, my aunt, her apprentice, my supposed cousin and I. The Keystone is a magical stone shaped like a door with two keyholes who allows anyone who has the keys, both of them, to use the Space and Time keys." Sullen said.
"Anyone?!" Seifer said incredulous.
"Yes by theory. Practically, its also necessary a high power from the person who want to use the keys to use the Keystone. So really, couldn't be anyone." Olian said trying to impress Sullen.
"It has to be a Mage!"
"Exactly Seifer!" Sullen said "That's why my mother convoked a special council reunion for the day after tomorrow with the presence of the Esthar royal family and of my aunt. She's asking their help.."
"You mean king Laguna Loire and Elder Queen of Time??" Sullen nodded "Ohh boy, I'm gonna like to see that.."
"It's getting late. Maybe me and Olian should return to our rooms now that Seifer is here, hum?!" said Aerith looking to Olian motioning him to leave. " We see you tomorrow, Lord Sullen. Anything just scream and we'll be here in no time."
"Alright, thank you! Go in peace."
"Maybe we should stay because of the mur." said Olian who didn't want to leave Sullen's side.
"That won't be necessary Olian. Come on!!! See you tomorrow milord, Seifer." said Aerith while dragging him "they want to be alone Olian" she whispered to him when they passed the door.
"That's exactly what I don't like."
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"Say Seifer, are you hungry?!"
"Yes, a bath was also good!"
"Okay, I'll arrange that!" said Sullen leaving the room to talk to the servants. He returned soon after.
" I also asked for some clothes of yours."
"Thank you" Seifer said heading to the bathroom while Sullen stayed in the room waiting for the food to come.
When the food came Seifer was already bathed and dressed. He sat and started sipping at the hot soup while Sullen sat across from him asking about the encounter with his family at witch Seifer told everything that had happened: his father and brother. He asked also about the conversation with his headmaster.
"He surprised me. He said that he didn't know who Edea was and had no clue what I was talking about, but he was very glad that I was doing ok and was visiting him. In fact he contorted the subject and avoided it every time I tried to aboard it. Couldn't take anything from him. Sorry!"
"It's okay, it isn't your fault. It's decided: tomorrow we're going to the Fortuneteller. This entire thing is driving me nuts. It appears your headmaster was hiding something, just like President Delling who visited Timber with no apparent reason..and the murderers, the stealth, the extra Council.."
"Yes..." said Seifer rising and holding him "...but, we worry about all that tomorrow. Now you and me are going to bed. I haven't had a good night sleep in four days and by the look of your eyes, you neither." Sullen smiled walking to his bedroom and bed with Seifer. They undressed and lay naked, Sullen cuddled against Seifer, both too tired to even think about anything else besides sleeping. Lulled by Seifer's unconscious caresses, Sullen whispered before drifting completely to the dream land "I missed you...". Seifer answered in the same tone "I know..".
End of chapter 3
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Yeah, I know, the characters turned a little bit of OOC, but I had already warned in the first chapter. Please tell me what you think. You can even flame!!
Well, next chapters: "along with the crowd" and "the vision" will be up next Friday or Saturday. Finally Squall and Seifer meet. About time. This is going to get warmer.