PeRFecT
By B.E. (aka. Mr. McFrugalshtein.)
Chapter 8
"Mmmmm. . .I never noticed how good sun-warmed hair feels." Quistis remarked, smoothing her hair against her scalp, the conducted warmth spreading to her palm. Closing her eyes, she leaned back on her elbows and arched her neck towards the sun. She breathed in deeply-the intake caught in a slight wheeze but released easily. "Even Galbadian air feels fresh after three days in the infirmary." Quistis quipped, gaining a laugh from her audience . A bottle of Balamb water rested beside her on the wooly beach blanket the students had settled atop the grass for her and the students themselves gathered in scattered niches in the surrounding verdant area. A delicate breeze fluttered through the summer evening, balancing the intense Galbadian sun that still hung high in the sheer, cerulean sky. The impatient moon rose to the right, wispy and resplendent with reflected light. This. . ..was so very precious. Both Quistis and the cadets could now appreciate the natural majesty of the world that had almost been lost to them. Seventy five hours ago, they had been begging to Hyne and crying for divine intercession. Now, they were basking in the beauty of their loving creator.
"Instructor-Lieutenant Trepe. . ..?"
"'Quistis' is fine when Instructor Botchaskya's absent, Astrid." Quistis glanced over at the pig-tailed girl who sat a few inches from her right. She and her blonde-haired companion had been designated Quistis' sentinels -slash- nurses. Little Astrid blushed and smiled.
"Quistis. . .."She tasted the name and found it to her liking. "Will you tell us about SeeD? Your story. How you became one? We. . . ."She glanced around at the faces of her peers, who gave her their undivided focus. "We're all want to know. . ..what makes a hero."
Quistis blushed and glanced at the ground. Several cadets caught the expression and cheered. 'Hyne, these kids are precious, but I don't know if I can handle their worship. . ..' Some of the cadets crawled closer; others sat up on the haunches, trying to get a better view of their idol.
"Don't be modest, Instructor Trepe. . . .Quistis." Astrid's blonde-haired complement, Hunter, spoke up in his usual pedal-point tone. "You have our attention. Even over here, hundreds of miles from your home, you're a celebrity. We're cadets-soldiers- each and everyone of us strives to be what you are. Just give us an insight, eh?" Other cadets murmured and nodded emphatically. Astrid's pixie face brightened as she curled up and snuggled against her counterpart, as if anticipating a bed-time story. Quistis couldn't say no to that.
'They're all innocent killers. How traGiC.'
"Well- I don't quite know where to begin. . .."
"Where were you born?" A soft-spoken katana expert asked, lovingly polishing his hand-me-down blade. Quistis found a more comfortable position and addressed the question.
"I. . ..don't actually know. I'm an orphan. I was adopted when I was young- I think six or seven . . . possibly younger. I can't really remember much about that time. . . .. But I had a difficult time trusting adults, so I was passed from foster home to foster home. I never really got to know any one family. I was sent to Balamb Garden when I was ten and . . ..well, I guess I excelled there. I worked hard, anyway. Became a SeeD candidate and fully recognized SeeD when I was fifteen, and I received my teaching certification only a month ago. I wanted to gain some teaching experience so I applied for an internship here in Galbadia. And I'll be teaching Advanced Battle Tactics when I return to Balamb in September."
"You're an orphan?" A baby-faced red-head rose to his feet to take a seat beside her. "So am I. So are many of us. My parents were Galbadian footsoldiers in the Sorceress war. They were very brave." Quistis met his large green eyes. They were so serious.
"My father was one of the officers who penetrated Esthar city's defense system. . .." Another cadet proudly announced.
"My mother was an army doctor and she saved my father's life."
"I never met my parents."
The students fell silent. Quistis glanced over at a small-dark haired nunchaku expert. His wide, brown eyes glistened with despair. The look on her own face probably mirrored that look.
"Neither did I." Quistis spoke gently. "I can't remember anything before I was adopted, and very little of my time before Garden. It's a little disconcerting. But I still thank Hyne for this life. I wouldn't be who I am now had I been part of a loving, nuclear family. Be proud of your strength. This. . .is really all I can offer. It's what I tell myself when I need consolation."
'PoOr QuiStY. No MoThER. . .'
"A sign of humanity." Hunter said simply, digging his gunblade into the grass.
"Wow! Does that mean Quistis Trepe IS actually a human being? All those who bet she was a robot, pay up!"
Most of the students laughed. A couple actually handed the loud-mouthed cadet fistfuls of money. Instead of feeling insulted, Quistis chose to giggle alongside her young friends.
"Hey-how did you become a SeeD, Instructor Trepe?" A hyper-active martial artist punched and kicked at the air, balanced on the balls of his feet. 'Hmmmm. . . .what's that Balamb boy's name? Oh yeah- Zell. This one's like Zell. Funny. . ..there's always one of them. . . .'
"Well- I worked really hard at my classes. Followed the rules. Put my entire being into everything I did. Yes- I brown-nosed. Yes- I stayed after school for extra help. But after accelerating through the curriculum, Headmaster Cid Kramer called me to his office and informed me that I was to apply for SeeD candidacy. He had personally sponsored me. I took the written and oral exams, and fought my first GF- the legendary Quetzalcoatl. My Field test took place in Trabia, in a mountain region often used as a movie set. Hordes of Red Dragons had flocked to this place and had begun to lay batches of eggs that would've hatched and overwhelmed the Trabian landscape. We had to infiltrate the Dragons' nests, sedate the parental units and transport the eggs to safer terrains- away from any habitations. There were glitches-there always are- but we managed to relocate the draconian families without any severe injuries." She chuckled, feeling a tad nostalgic. "I was so green then- I almost didn't pass. I. . . was scared. Flew off the handle a couple of times, too."
"Just like in the missile hangar?" A petite quarterstaff expert blurted out the question plaguing the cadet populous.
Quistis froze. What do I tell them? 'Tell them the truth- It's a limit break. A moment of berserker rage. That's iT.'
"Um. . . ..exactly like that." Quistis coughed and bit her lip. "In Balamb, we call that kind of attack a 'Limit Break.' And yes- I was berserked into that state a few times. It saved my life that day. It has that tendency. . .."
"Thank Hyne!" Quipped Astrid, hugging her placid companion. Quistis was infused with pride as several of the cadets answered her cry with similar exclamations. Their small ensemble had come together that night for healing and comfort- to cry in each other's arms, if need be. Their touching display profoundly reassured her aching, hollow psyche.
'sO BeAuTiFUl. LItTLe UrChINs. . ..'
The blood slammed against her ear drums twice, then dissipated. The Doctor had labeled her earlier outbursts as part of a twenty-four hour flu- which only seemed natural considering the selected information Quistis had given him. But the strange timbre of her mental voice- disjointed and multi- tonal- was perplexing. And the lack of control.
'KoNtROl. . ..liTtle QuIsTY. . ..'
Shivering, she redirected her attention to her cadets.
"I can't take as much credit as you're trying to offer me- I had no kon. . ..control over my abilities. I was as surprised and frightened as you were. I'm. . ..sorry it took so long to come into effect. . ."
"You have no reason to feel guilty, Quistis. We're alive. All of us. Thanks to you." Hunter rose to his feet, clicked his heels and saluted her. "Three cheers to Instructor-Lieutenant Quistis Trepe!" He hollered. The cadets broke out in a militant chant. Their voices rose and fell as one, sonorous entity. There was no way Quistis could hold back her tears.
"We owe you so much, Instructor." Astrid gushed, jumping up and down. "I'm your number one fan! President of the Quistis Trepe fan club!"
"Yeah- just call us all Trepies." A smart-mouthed fellow at the back exclaimed, garnering snickers from his classmates.
'TrePies, huh?'
'tHeY thINk yOu'RE PeRFecT. . .'
"Don't think we won't, Quistis!" The small, red-headed cadet giggled. "It's a very serious ide. . ..hey! Look! The headmaster and Instructor Botchaskya are back!"
The official G-Garden airship drifted overhead, eclipsing the ashen moon. Like the carefree teens they should've been, the students galloped towards the launch pad, and the airship that was beginning it's descent. Quistis' nurses helped her to her feet and walked her over to gather with the animated crowd. The ghastly metal leviathan landed with an inhuman groan and strident hum- the propellers slowed and all motion halted. Quistis and her student extensions maneuvered their way to the front of the throng as the steam-powered door deliberately extended.
"Let me the hell off this shit-ass piece-a-flyin' dung. Hyne-sakes. I. . . .oh. Who opened the door?" The final clause was spoken in warranted consternation. Everyone present was able to recognize the voice.
"Instructor Botchaskya's in a fine mood this evening." Quistis remarked, desperately trying to hide her wide smirk. Those who overheard laughed heartily but quickly shut their mouths as the furious red-head stomped down the stairs. Her jaw dropped upon seeing the welcome party.
"Shit-guys. Didn't know you cared . . . .I'm touched-really." She hopped from the lowest step to the tarmac and turned a warm smile on Quistis.
"Well well- look whose decided to grace us with her presence. How you doin', Quisty-girl."
'QuIsTY- WhEN dId SHE stARt caLlinG yOu QuIsTY?'
"I'm well, Evana. How are things going in F.H.?"
"They're resolved." She answered darkly and offered no further information. Instead, she grasped Quistis' shoulder affectionately. Then, turning about face, the gun-blades woman hollered into the hold. "There's plenty of room- lower the 'med-bed'."
A second portal opened and a large lift protruded from the opening. A stretcher and two Balamb SeeDs descended to the surface. They wheeled the patient onto the launch pad.
'What happened?' Quistis stewed. 'Who's tied to the stretcher?'
'IrViNE.'
'No. . ..'
"Mama Red- would'ya let me outta these here straps? They're kinda inhibitin', ya'know."
It was Irvine. Quistis pushed back her violent urge to run over and throw herself over his tethered body. 'mmm. . ..Irvine tied to a . . .' Evana's growl suppressed that urge and silenced the fantasy.
"You're strapped on there for a reason, Kinneas. Now lay there and shut the hell up- you're wounded."
"I'm fine, hun. . .."
"Yer a damn fool- and it's Instructor Botchaskya to you, son. . . ."
"Mama Red. . .."
MaMA? ShE'S nOt IrVY's MoTHeR. . ..
"Irvine! You're cruisin' for a bruisin', Kinneas. Stop baitin' me! B'sides. . ." Evana trudged over to Irvine and muttered close to his ear. Pulling back up, she pulled a wicked grin out of her facial expression arsenal.
"Quisty? Hey, Instructor Trepe, would'ja tell these SeeD friends of yours ta let me outta these ropes. I'm fine. I'm so good I could do a tap dance. . .."
"Don'tcha mean lap dance, Kinneas?"
"You'd like that, eh? Hey- who is that? Who's over there?" Irvine flailed against his bindings, but his efforts were pathetic and futile. His classmates burst into a chorus of giggles. Chuckling herself, Evana raised a hand and pointed towards Garden.
"Okay kiddies- you can visit Kinneas in the infirmary, and you'll see me Monday morning. Now- clear out, or you'll be caught out here after curfew like Trepe. Isn't that right, Instructor?"
"Thank you for that announcement, Botchaskya." Quistis groaned- giggles rippling through both Irvine and the mass. Putting her hand to her temple, she physically dismissed the comment."Good night guys. Have a good weekend."
A couple cadets approached her to personally wish her a goodnight. She was even caught in a few zealous hugs. The gaggle of students returned to the mothering refuge that was Garden. Evana snorted in response and shook her head.
"You're such a rookie, Trepe. Watch it- next time there'll be carpenter ants down your bra and an "I'm Easy" sign on yer back."
"That wasn't me. Honest."
"Shut-up, Kinneas. You know damn well that was you!"
". . ..Heh heh- It was pretty funny, you gotta admit."
"Aw, Shit." She was pulling out her hair and flailing her arms. "Can't you SeeDs cast a sleep spell on him or somethin'? Here's the justification: He's doped up on painkillers and he's pissin' me off!"
"I'm sorry, ma'am- section five, paragraph eight of the SeeD charter details that. . .."
"Ah hell- fine." She muttered and planted her rump on the tarmac. Quistis took the opportunity to approach Irvine's stretcher.
"Hey, Quisty. Tell Red I'm sorry for getting'er mad. I was just teasin'. . .." She hesitantly glanced down at his face, ignoring his request. Still peRFect. Her breath caught in her chest and she closed her eyes momentarily. Selfish urges and fantasies leapt back into her consciousness, pushing all of her sorrows and torments into the void. Why did Evana have to comment on that night spent outside? Had Irvine divulged anything to her? God, why was he so Hyne-damned beautiful to her? She stared in silence at his pink lips and strong jaw. How many unworthy women had he shared himself with? Quistis felt an uncharacteristic spark of jealousy. It. . .frightened her.
'QuIStY aNd IrVy- He'S yOuRs. I mAdE hIM sO.'
'Mine.'
'LoOk At HiM- He wAnTs YoU tOo. . ..'
Quistis did just that. He was watching her.
"Quisty?" His voice fell to a whisper and his eyes fluttered lightly. And he blushed. Embarrassed? Quistis broke out of her trance.
"Hmmm? Sorry, Irvy. I. . ..tranced out. I've. . ..been through a lot since I last saw you."
"So I hear, hun. . . I really wanna hear about. . . .Hey- did'ja just call me 'Irvy'?" He raised an eyebrow, but his eyes were unreadable. Quistis gulped.
"Um. Yeah. I thought it only fair. . ..If you don't like it, well, I can . . . ."
"No. I. . .like it." He answered, very subdued. More sober. His eyes crinkled at the corners and his bottom lip quivered. But the look was gone in a second, erased by his big, fat, beautiful, cocky. . .etc. ..grin. "Irvy. . ..It rolls off yer tongue well."
A multitude of dirty, fetish-filled images popped into her mind. 'Hyne-that is a beautiful . . . .Dammit- stop it! Grrrrr. . . He makes me so crazy! And he didn't even say anything remotely sexual. . ..Hey- what was that lap dance comment. . ..?'
"Kinda funny, isn't it? That we both almost died on Tuesday. . ."
"Irvine, what happened?"
"Got knifed in the kidney. Don't worry- it's not so bad. Nothin' some curagas and a sponge bath can't fix . . .heh heh. . . ow." He moaned, an unhealthy sound for Quistis to process. She just couldn't kon. . ..control herself. It's as if she was in emotional Heat. . ..not to mention primed and ready for any chance at proliferation. She stroked his arm tenderly and she caught him gazing up at her, scrutinizing and memorizing her features. She couldn't suppress a delighted shudder as he watched her with those twilight-filled orbs.
"Irvine. . .I'm so sorry you had to go through this. . ."
"Quisty. . .I . . ."
'PeRFecT'
"Quistis? Quistis Trepe?"
'IgNoRE'
'That voice. I know that voice! It's a Balamb voice!'
Quistis severed her intense link with Irvine to search the perimeter for the source. It came from the airship as Headmaster Martine emerged from the main entrance, followed by a familiar face.
"Hyne. Xu."
She hobbled over and clasped her friend and comrade in a snug embrace. Quistis buried her face in Xu's all-too-familiar shoulder. Her superior had always been a little detached from her own life, but Xu had made Quistis' well-fare her business. The younger instructor held on as if her life depended on the potency of this grasp. But Xu accepted it.
"Hey-Martine. Do you think you could turn me around so I could watch this?" Irvine's typically-Irvine comment corrupted the mood, so the women's embrace ended then and there. Xu, in her pristine SeeD uniform and in her most professional way, approached prone Irvine. Quistis was momentarily consumed in a jealous rage. Then it dissipated. 'W. . .what? It's Xu. She's not interested. Besides- he doesn't belong to me. . .'
'He'S yOuRs. I mAdE hIM sO.'
"Cadet Irvine Kinneas. Because of your valiance and professionalism as a sniper and employed assassin for the Garden triad, Balamb and East Garden hereby honor you with a pre-acceptance to Balamb's pre-SeeD cadet program. Your letter of candidacy and merit will be left with your Headmaster, and this acceptance becomes valid when you finish the Galbadian curriculum. Well-done, cadet. I hope you find this. . .oh. Well then." Xu shrugged, turning back to Quistis.
"What's wrong?" Martine asked. Xu released a light snort.
"He's finally fallen asleep." She sighed. Evana grunted.
"Well that's a bolt from the blue! Hells Bells- Fuckin' kid wouldn't shut up the entire trip but he'll doze off during an integral point in his life. He's crackers." Instructor Botchaskya rolled her eyes and looked at him fondly. Almost motherly.
'ShE'S nOt HiS MoTHeR.'
'My IrVy, mY QuIsTy.'
Quistis suddenly felt faint. Evana caught her as her knees bucked and she crumpled, still conscious.
"Look- I'm gonna take Trepe and Kinneas to the infirmary. Quistis really shouldn't a been standin' here for so long, and I'd like to get our lil' cowboy all tucked in before he wakes up again and needs more of those damn curagas- fuckin' things are like catnip to'em."
"Goodnight, Instructor Botchaskya. My SeeD's will transport Mr. Kinneas for you. . .."
"Nah, won't be necessary. You folks need ta get back ta Balamb. Here." Quistis was suddenly ripped from her feet and pulled into a pair of strong arms. The bearer of those arms then carefully placed her on the stretcher with Irvine. Face to face. She subtly reached up to touch his golden skin. "I'll cart'em both over and make sure they get the attention they deserve."
"Thank you, Evana. Tell Quistis that I'd like to see her sometime tomorrow if possible."
"I think she can hear you, Martine, but I'll leave it in writing."
"Evana- tell Lukan hello for me."
"Of course Xu. G'night Headmaster. Captain."
"Xu. . .bye." Quistis whispered feebly. She wanted to go home, to Balamb where the grass was hunter green, and the marble steps were smooth and polished. Where the air was clean, and the water was transparent. Where she was in kon. . ..control. Where she understood herself. But then she stared at Irvine- her own lips only inches from his. His dark lashes rested lightly on his tawny cheek and a loose lock of auburn hair draped itself over the length of his forehead. She brushed it back. The tone returned and hit home. It was exactly what she wanted to hear.
'He'S yOuRs. I mAdE hIM sO. OnLy EveR YoUr'S.'
By B.E. (aka. Mr. McFrugalshtein.)
Chapter 8
"Mmmmm. . .I never noticed how good sun-warmed hair feels." Quistis remarked, smoothing her hair against her scalp, the conducted warmth spreading to her palm. Closing her eyes, she leaned back on her elbows and arched her neck towards the sun. She breathed in deeply-the intake caught in a slight wheeze but released easily. "Even Galbadian air feels fresh after three days in the infirmary." Quistis quipped, gaining a laugh from her audience . A bottle of Balamb water rested beside her on the wooly beach blanket the students had settled atop the grass for her and the students themselves gathered in scattered niches in the surrounding verdant area. A delicate breeze fluttered through the summer evening, balancing the intense Galbadian sun that still hung high in the sheer, cerulean sky. The impatient moon rose to the right, wispy and resplendent with reflected light. This. . ..was so very precious. Both Quistis and the cadets could now appreciate the natural majesty of the world that had almost been lost to them. Seventy five hours ago, they had been begging to Hyne and crying for divine intercession. Now, they were basking in the beauty of their loving creator.
"Instructor-Lieutenant Trepe. . ..?"
"'Quistis' is fine when Instructor Botchaskya's absent, Astrid." Quistis glanced over at the pig-tailed girl who sat a few inches from her right. She and her blonde-haired companion had been designated Quistis' sentinels -slash- nurses. Little Astrid blushed and smiled.
"Quistis. . .."She tasted the name and found it to her liking. "Will you tell us about SeeD? Your story. How you became one? We. . . ."She glanced around at the faces of her peers, who gave her their undivided focus. "We're all want to know. . ..what makes a hero."
Quistis blushed and glanced at the ground. Several cadets caught the expression and cheered. 'Hyne, these kids are precious, but I don't know if I can handle their worship. . ..' Some of the cadets crawled closer; others sat up on the haunches, trying to get a better view of their idol.
"Don't be modest, Instructor Trepe. . . .Quistis." Astrid's blonde-haired complement, Hunter, spoke up in his usual pedal-point tone. "You have our attention. Even over here, hundreds of miles from your home, you're a celebrity. We're cadets-soldiers- each and everyone of us strives to be what you are. Just give us an insight, eh?" Other cadets murmured and nodded emphatically. Astrid's pixie face brightened as she curled up and snuggled against her counterpart, as if anticipating a bed-time story. Quistis couldn't say no to that.
'They're all innocent killers. How traGiC.'
"Well- I don't quite know where to begin. . .."
"Where were you born?" A soft-spoken katana expert asked, lovingly polishing his hand-me-down blade. Quistis found a more comfortable position and addressed the question.
"I. . ..don't actually know. I'm an orphan. I was adopted when I was young- I think six or seven . . . possibly younger. I can't really remember much about that time. . . .. But I had a difficult time trusting adults, so I was passed from foster home to foster home. I never really got to know any one family. I was sent to Balamb Garden when I was ten and . . ..well, I guess I excelled there. I worked hard, anyway. Became a SeeD candidate and fully recognized SeeD when I was fifteen, and I received my teaching certification only a month ago. I wanted to gain some teaching experience so I applied for an internship here in Galbadia. And I'll be teaching Advanced Battle Tactics when I return to Balamb in September."
"You're an orphan?" A baby-faced red-head rose to his feet to take a seat beside her. "So am I. So are many of us. My parents were Galbadian footsoldiers in the Sorceress war. They were very brave." Quistis met his large green eyes. They were so serious.
"My father was one of the officers who penetrated Esthar city's defense system. . .." Another cadet proudly announced.
"My mother was an army doctor and she saved my father's life."
"I never met my parents."
The students fell silent. Quistis glanced over at a small-dark haired nunchaku expert. His wide, brown eyes glistened with despair. The look on her own face probably mirrored that look.
"Neither did I." Quistis spoke gently. "I can't remember anything before I was adopted, and very little of my time before Garden. It's a little disconcerting. But I still thank Hyne for this life. I wouldn't be who I am now had I been part of a loving, nuclear family. Be proud of your strength. This. . .is really all I can offer. It's what I tell myself when I need consolation."
'PoOr QuiStY. No MoThER. . .'
"A sign of humanity." Hunter said simply, digging his gunblade into the grass.
"Wow! Does that mean Quistis Trepe IS actually a human being? All those who bet she was a robot, pay up!"
Most of the students laughed. A couple actually handed the loud-mouthed cadet fistfuls of money. Instead of feeling insulted, Quistis chose to giggle alongside her young friends.
"Hey-how did you become a SeeD, Instructor Trepe?" A hyper-active martial artist punched and kicked at the air, balanced on the balls of his feet. 'Hmmmm. . . .what's that Balamb boy's name? Oh yeah- Zell. This one's like Zell. Funny. . ..there's always one of them. . . .'
"Well- I worked really hard at my classes. Followed the rules. Put my entire being into everything I did. Yes- I brown-nosed. Yes- I stayed after school for extra help. But after accelerating through the curriculum, Headmaster Cid Kramer called me to his office and informed me that I was to apply for SeeD candidacy. He had personally sponsored me. I took the written and oral exams, and fought my first GF- the legendary Quetzalcoatl. My Field test took place in Trabia, in a mountain region often used as a movie set. Hordes of Red Dragons had flocked to this place and had begun to lay batches of eggs that would've hatched and overwhelmed the Trabian landscape. We had to infiltrate the Dragons' nests, sedate the parental units and transport the eggs to safer terrains- away from any habitations. There were glitches-there always are- but we managed to relocate the draconian families without any severe injuries." She chuckled, feeling a tad nostalgic. "I was so green then- I almost didn't pass. I. . . was scared. Flew off the handle a couple of times, too."
"Just like in the missile hangar?" A petite quarterstaff expert blurted out the question plaguing the cadet populous.
Quistis froze. What do I tell them? 'Tell them the truth- It's a limit break. A moment of berserker rage. That's iT.'
"Um. . . ..exactly like that." Quistis coughed and bit her lip. "In Balamb, we call that kind of attack a 'Limit Break.' And yes- I was berserked into that state a few times. It saved my life that day. It has that tendency. . .."
"Thank Hyne!" Quipped Astrid, hugging her placid companion. Quistis was infused with pride as several of the cadets answered her cry with similar exclamations. Their small ensemble had come together that night for healing and comfort- to cry in each other's arms, if need be. Their touching display profoundly reassured her aching, hollow psyche.
'sO BeAuTiFUl. LItTLe UrChINs. . ..'
The blood slammed against her ear drums twice, then dissipated. The Doctor had labeled her earlier outbursts as part of a twenty-four hour flu- which only seemed natural considering the selected information Quistis had given him. But the strange timbre of her mental voice- disjointed and multi- tonal- was perplexing. And the lack of control.
'KoNtROl. . ..liTtle QuIsTY. . ..'
Shivering, she redirected her attention to her cadets.
"I can't take as much credit as you're trying to offer me- I had no kon. . ..control over my abilities. I was as surprised and frightened as you were. I'm. . ..sorry it took so long to come into effect. . ."
"You have no reason to feel guilty, Quistis. We're alive. All of us. Thanks to you." Hunter rose to his feet, clicked his heels and saluted her. "Three cheers to Instructor-Lieutenant Quistis Trepe!" He hollered. The cadets broke out in a militant chant. Their voices rose and fell as one, sonorous entity. There was no way Quistis could hold back her tears.
"We owe you so much, Instructor." Astrid gushed, jumping up and down. "I'm your number one fan! President of the Quistis Trepe fan club!"
"Yeah- just call us all Trepies." A smart-mouthed fellow at the back exclaimed, garnering snickers from his classmates.
'TrePies, huh?'
'tHeY thINk yOu'RE PeRFecT. . .'
"Don't think we won't, Quistis!" The small, red-headed cadet giggled. "It's a very serious ide. . ..hey! Look! The headmaster and Instructor Botchaskya are back!"
The official G-Garden airship drifted overhead, eclipsing the ashen moon. Like the carefree teens they should've been, the students galloped towards the launch pad, and the airship that was beginning it's descent. Quistis' nurses helped her to her feet and walked her over to gather with the animated crowd. The ghastly metal leviathan landed with an inhuman groan and strident hum- the propellers slowed and all motion halted. Quistis and her student extensions maneuvered their way to the front of the throng as the steam-powered door deliberately extended.
"Let me the hell off this shit-ass piece-a-flyin' dung. Hyne-sakes. I. . . .oh. Who opened the door?" The final clause was spoken in warranted consternation. Everyone present was able to recognize the voice.
"Instructor Botchaskya's in a fine mood this evening." Quistis remarked, desperately trying to hide her wide smirk. Those who overheard laughed heartily but quickly shut their mouths as the furious red-head stomped down the stairs. Her jaw dropped upon seeing the welcome party.
"Shit-guys. Didn't know you cared . . . .I'm touched-really." She hopped from the lowest step to the tarmac and turned a warm smile on Quistis.
"Well well- look whose decided to grace us with her presence. How you doin', Quisty-girl."
'QuIsTY- WhEN dId SHE stARt caLlinG yOu QuIsTY?'
"I'm well, Evana. How are things going in F.H.?"
"They're resolved." She answered darkly and offered no further information. Instead, she grasped Quistis' shoulder affectionately. Then, turning about face, the gun-blades woman hollered into the hold. "There's plenty of room- lower the 'med-bed'."
A second portal opened and a large lift protruded from the opening. A stretcher and two Balamb SeeDs descended to the surface. They wheeled the patient onto the launch pad.
'What happened?' Quistis stewed. 'Who's tied to the stretcher?'
'IrViNE.'
'No. . ..'
"Mama Red- would'ya let me outta these here straps? They're kinda inhibitin', ya'know."
It was Irvine. Quistis pushed back her violent urge to run over and throw herself over his tethered body. 'mmm. . ..Irvine tied to a . . .' Evana's growl suppressed that urge and silenced the fantasy.
"You're strapped on there for a reason, Kinneas. Now lay there and shut the hell up- you're wounded."
"I'm fine, hun. . .."
"Yer a damn fool- and it's Instructor Botchaskya to you, son. . . ."
"Mama Red. . .."
MaMA? ShE'S nOt IrVY's MoTHeR. . ..
"Irvine! You're cruisin' for a bruisin', Kinneas. Stop baitin' me! B'sides. . ." Evana trudged over to Irvine and muttered close to his ear. Pulling back up, she pulled a wicked grin out of her facial expression arsenal.
"Quisty? Hey, Instructor Trepe, would'ja tell these SeeD friends of yours ta let me outta these ropes. I'm fine. I'm so good I could do a tap dance. . .."
"Don'tcha mean lap dance, Kinneas?"
"You'd like that, eh? Hey- who is that? Who's over there?" Irvine flailed against his bindings, but his efforts were pathetic and futile. His classmates burst into a chorus of giggles. Chuckling herself, Evana raised a hand and pointed towards Garden.
"Okay kiddies- you can visit Kinneas in the infirmary, and you'll see me Monday morning. Now- clear out, or you'll be caught out here after curfew like Trepe. Isn't that right, Instructor?"
"Thank you for that announcement, Botchaskya." Quistis groaned- giggles rippling through both Irvine and the mass. Putting her hand to her temple, she physically dismissed the comment."Good night guys. Have a good weekend."
A couple cadets approached her to personally wish her a goodnight. She was even caught in a few zealous hugs. The gaggle of students returned to the mothering refuge that was Garden. Evana snorted in response and shook her head.
"You're such a rookie, Trepe. Watch it- next time there'll be carpenter ants down your bra and an "I'm Easy" sign on yer back."
"That wasn't me. Honest."
"Shut-up, Kinneas. You know damn well that was you!"
". . ..Heh heh- It was pretty funny, you gotta admit."
"Aw, Shit." She was pulling out her hair and flailing her arms. "Can't you SeeDs cast a sleep spell on him or somethin'? Here's the justification: He's doped up on painkillers and he's pissin' me off!"
"I'm sorry, ma'am- section five, paragraph eight of the SeeD charter details that. . .."
"Ah hell- fine." She muttered and planted her rump on the tarmac. Quistis took the opportunity to approach Irvine's stretcher.
"Hey, Quisty. Tell Red I'm sorry for getting'er mad. I was just teasin'. . .." She hesitantly glanced down at his face, ignoring his request. Still peRFect. Her breath caught in her chest and she closed her eyes momentarily. Selfish urges and fantasies leapt back into her consciousness, pushing all of her sorrows and torments into the void. Why did Evana have to comment on that night spent outside? Had Irvine divulged anything to her? God, why was he so Hyne-damned beautiful to her? She stared in silence at his pink lips and strong jaw. How many unworthy women had he shared himself with? Quistis felt an uncharacteristic spark of jealousy. It. . .frightened her.
'QuIStY aNd IrVy- He'S yOuRs. I mAdE hIM sO.'
'Mine.'
'LoOk At HiM- He wAnTs YoU tOo. . ..'
Quistis did just that. He was watching her.
"Quisty?" His voice fell to a whisper and his eyes fluttered lightly. And he blushed. Embarrassed? Quistis broke out of her trance.
"Hmmm? Sorry, Irvy. I. . ..tranced out. I've. . ..been through a lot since I last saw you."
"So I hear, hun. . . I really wanna hear about. . . .Hey- did'ja just call me 'Irvy'?" He raised an eyebrow, but his eyes were unreadable. Quistis gulped.
"Um. Yeah. I thought it only fair. . ..If you don't like it, well, I can . . . ."
"No. I. . .like it." He answered, very subdued. More sober. His eyes crinkled at the corners and his bottom lip quivered. But the look was gone in a second, erased by his big, fat, beautiful, cocky. . .etc. ..grin. "Irvy. . ..It rolls off yer tongue well."
A multitude of dirty, fetish-filled images popped into her mind. 'Hyne-that is a beautiful . . . .Dammit- stop it! Grrrrr. . . He makes me so crazy! And he didn't even say anything remotely sexual. . ..Hey- what was that lap dance comment. . ..?'
"Kinda funny, isn't it? That we both almost died on Tuesday. . ."
"Irvine, what happened?"
"Got knifed in the kidney. Don't worry- it's not so bad. Nothin' some curagas and a sponge bath can't fix . . .heh heh. . . ow." He moaned, an unhealthy sound for Quistis to process. She just couldn't kon. . ..control herself. It's as if she was in emotional Heat. . ..not to mention primed and ready for any chance at proliferation. She stroked his arm tenderly and she caught him gazing up at her, scrutinizing and memorizing her features. She couldn't suppress a delighted shudder as he watched her with those twilight-filled orbs.
"Irvine. . .I'm so sorry you had to go through this. . ."
"Quisty. . .I . . ."
'PeRFecT'
"Quistis? Quistis Trepe?"
'IgNoRE'
'That voice. I know that voice! It's a Balamb voice!'
Quistis severed her intense link with Irvine to search the perimeter for the source. It came from the airship as Headmaster Martine emerged from the main entrance, followed by a familiar face.
"Hyne. Xu."
She hobbled over and clasped her friend and comrade in a snug embrace. Quistis buried her face in Xu's all-too-familiar shoulder. Her superior had always been a little detached from her own life, but Xu had made Quistis' well-fare her business. The younger instructor held on as if her life depended on the potency of this grasp. But Xu accepted it.
"Hey-Martine. Do you think you could turn me around so I could watch this?" Irvine's typically-Irvine comment corrupted the mood, so the women's embrace ended then and there. Xu, in her pristine SeeD uniform and in her most professional way, approached prone Irvine. Quistis was momentarily consumed in a jealous rage. Then it dissipated. 'W. . .what? It's Xu. She's not interested. Besides- he doesn't belong to me. . .'
'He'S yOuRs. I mAdE hIM sO.'
"Cadet Irvine Kinneas. Because of your valiance and professionalism as a sniper and employed assassin for the Garden triad, Balamb and East Garden hereby honor you with a pre-acceptance to Balamb's pre-SeeD cadet program. Your letter of candidacy and merit will be left with your Headmaster, and this acceptance becomes valid when you finish the Galbadian curriculum. Well-done, cadet. I hope you find this. . .oh. Well then." Xu shrugged, turning back to Quistis.
"What's wrong?" Martine asked. Xu released a light snort.
"He's finally fallen asleep." She sighed. Evana grunted.
"Well that's a bolt from the blue! Hells Bells- Fuckin' kid wouldn't shut up the entire trip but he'll doze off during an integral point in his life. He's crackers." Instructor Botchaskya rolled her eyes and looked at him fondly. Almost motherly.
'ShE'S nOt HiS MoTHeR.'
'My IrVy, mY QuIsTy.'
Quistis suddenly felt faint. Evana caught her as her knees bucked and she crumpled, still conscious.
"Look- I'm gonna take Trepe and Kinneas to the infirmary. Quistis really shouldn't a been standin' here for so long, and I'd like to get our lil' cowboy all tucked in before he wakes up again and needs more of those damn curagas- fuckin' things are like catnip to'em."
"Goodnight, Instructor Botchaskya. My SeeD's will transport Mr. Kinneas for you. . .."
"Nah, won't be necessary. You folks need ta get back ta Balamb. Here." Quistis was suddenly ripped from her feet and pulled into a pair of strong arms. The bearer of those arms then carefully placed her on the stretcher with Irvine. Face to face. She subtly reached up to touch his golden skin. "I'll cart'em both over and make sure they get the attention they deserve."
"Thank you, Evana. Tell Quistis that I'd like to see her sometime tomorrow if possible."
"I think she can hear you, Martine, but I'll leave it in writing."
"Evana- tell Lukan hello for me."
"Of course Xu. G'night Headmaster. Captain."
"Xu. . .bye." Quistis whispered feebly. She wanted to go home, to Balamb where the grass was hunter green, and the marble steps were smooth and polished. Where the air was clean, and the water was transparent. Where she was in kon. . ..control. Where she understood herself. But then she stared at Irvine- her own lips only inches from his. His dark lashes rested lightly on his tawny cheek and a loose lock of auburn hair draped itself over the length of his forehead. She brushed it back. The tone returned and hit home. It was exactly what she wanted to hear.
'He'S yOuRs. I mAdE hIM sO. OnLy EveR YoUr'S.'