Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Final Fantasy 8, any of it's characters, merchandising or anything else affiliated with it... I'm just a writer who is writing for fun.
Hmmm... All I'm going to say is: Just when you thought things were almost normal... And just when you thought you couldn't dislike Valerie anymore... She plays a bigger role than you think...
"Eye of the Storm" - Part Five
Squall and Zell followed Doctor Kadowaki to the back of the infirmary. They had first seen the three injured girls, all three with bruises around their arms and legs. They looked very similar to Selphie, and just as withdrawn. Now they were heading to examine the bodies of the two unfortunate girls who gave their lives in an effort to escape.
At the back of the infirmary, two cots lay, both with blankets covering them. Dr. Kadowaki stood between the cots. "Besides a number of stab wounds, both of the deceased have the same types of injuries as the other three and Selphie... They were found in the secret area of the training center; two boys and girl who were training were stopping there to rest and found the bodies in the corner... They were brought here immediately."
Doctor Kadowaki moved to remove the sheets, but Squall waved his hand. "I'd rather not see... They died by stab wounds?"
The doctor placed the sheet back over the first girl's head. "Both died from loss of blood... Bleeding from the multiple stab wounds around the chest area... I need to place them in there now... Zell, if you would please," she told them, gesturing to a small steel door, leading to a room kept at cold temperatures.
Zell shook his head, wheeling both corpses into the room. "Who would want to do this? It's so hard to believe people find pleasure in hurting other people..."
Squall felt his stomach churn, turning to follow Dr. Kadowaki back to her desk. "Let's hope that Irvine and Seifer caught up to them and put an end to this nonsense..."
Zell followed also sat down with the doctor at her desk. "Should we check on the others?" Zell asked Squall.
Squall shook his head. "I bet they're fine... If we don't hear from them in 5 minutes, then we'll go down to the training center."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Irvine peered into the water; Craig was at the bottom of the shallow pound, his body losing it's color. He sighed. "It's over. Selphie doesn't have to be afraid anymore... Not of him."
Rinoa and Kim stood beside him, looking down at stained water. Quistis was desperately trying to get Seifer to wake up, lightly tapping his cheeks. "Oh God, Seifer! Seifer! Answer me!"
With tears flowing from her eyes, she looked down at the blade in his side. If she took it out then everything would be lost; the blood would come rushing out and there would be nothing to stop it. She held her knight's still body in her arms, careful not to move the blade's position, and rocked him gently back and forth. "Oh please wake up," she sobbed. She traced her fingers down the side of his face. "Seifer, please... I love you... I love you so much..."
Rinoa and Kim walked over and helped the two up. "Let's get him the doctor, Quisty," Rinoa tried to reason.
Quistis nodded slowly, still crying, as Irvine came and took Seifer from her. "I'll take him, Quisty," he offered.
Before they could even take more than five steps from the bloody scene, a familiar figure seemed to block their path. "Valerie?!" they shouted in a dumbfounded surprise.
Rinoa stepped forward. "Val, you should get out of here... It's not a pretty sight..." she told the girl in her path. "We need to get Seifer to Doctor Kadowaki."
"Sure, but," Valerie started to say, "first I need to know if you've seen my brother..."
Irvine felt his knees get weak. Zell had told him Valerie had a brother at Galbadia Garden... Yes, an older brother that was sent away... He almost fell over when he remembered Valerie's last name... Talon. "Craig was your brother?"
Valerie nodded. "Yes... Someone told me they saw him come through this way... I haven't seen him in so long... Wait... What do you mean was?"
Irvine fell silent, as did Kim, Rinoa, and Quistis. They glanced behind them, at the bloody body of Adam, and then towards the water. They stepped passed her and made their way to Zell and Squall, who were coming from the Training Center entrance. Squall turned and helped take Seifer to the doctor, while Zell continued walking toward Valerie.
Valerie stood motionless for a moment, before stepping briskly to the pond. Collapsing to her knees, she swore revenge. Her brother was a good boy; He loved his family and his school. Why was he dead? Did Irvine kill him?
She gasped as she felt a familiar hand on her shoulder. "Zell?"
Zell helped her to her feet. "Valerie, I'm sorry... Irvine told me that he was your brother... But you have to understand that he killed two people and hurt others... Look at what happened to Seifer."
Valerie shook her head. "No, my brother wouldn't do that... He's not like that..."
Zell took hold of her shoulders. "Val, listen... He killed two people... raped them and killed them... He was the one who raped Selphie... that's why Irvine and Seifer came down here... To stop him from doing it again to Quisty, and Kim, and Rin..."
Valerie glared at him, before pulling her hand back and striking his cheek. "You didn't know him, Zell, all he needed was a little help... No one had to kill him!"
Zell rubbed his cheek. "Maybe, but he had to be stopped and this is how it happened... There's nothing that can be done right now..."
Valerie shook her head at him, backing away slowly. Her voice started to tremble, sounding like a 5 year old child. "Yes... Yes there is... When we were little we vowed to stay best friends... Our parents sent him away because he was being a bad boy, but he made me promise... If anything happened to him... I would avenge him and he'd do the same for me... Now I have to fulfill my promise... I'm sorry, Zell," she explained and ran off.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Doctor Kadowaki had cleaned up Seifer's wound and wrapped it in bandages; Until the storm calmed, there was nothing more she could do than stop the bleeding -- She didn't even have enough resources to dull the pain he'd be in when he woke up. She had sent Irvine and Squall back to the Training Center to retrieve the corpses of the guilty party. Rinoa and Kim had gone back to the dorms to check on Selphie and Ellone, letting them know what happened. Zell had came into the Infirmary, trying to keep Quistis calm.
Squall and Irvine returned, both carrying a body bag over their shoulders. Doctor Kadowaki motioned for them to place the bodies in the makeshift morgue at the back of the infirmary. Zell watched as they disappeared behind several doors and return a minute later. "Squall," he started as he stood up from where he was sitting with Quistis. "I think we may have another problem."
Irvine took Quistis in to see Seifer, then left to see Selphie. Squall sat down, visibly weary of the recent events. "What is it, Zell?"
"Um... Those two guys, the transfer students from Galbadia... One of them was Val's brother, right? Well, Valerie seemed really upset and she said something about revenge... I'm really worried, you know?"
Squall looked up, surprise overtaking his features. "Revenge?"
Zell nodded. "I don't know if she meant it or not..."
Squall shrugged, tired and drained. "Just watch out for her... She's just a girl who works in the library... What can she really do?"
* * * * * * * * * * * *
It was getting dark. Quistis sat by Seifer's side, holding his hand in hers with tears streaming down her pale face. She still wore his coat, now stained with his blood. She gazed at him painfully, seeing his bare chest in bandages, his pants spotted with blood. Her knight had fallen defending her. "Seifer..." she whispered through her tears. "Please... Wake up... I love you... Oh, please, just open your eyes...."
She desperately tried to stop her tears; She didn't want to be so weak. But he was her weakness; He always was. She traced her finger along his cheek. He looked so peaceful, so tranquil. Her cries became gasps as she longed to gaze into his eyes, just to be lost in them as she had taken for granted for years. You don't really know what you have until it's gone. Damn, how true it was. But no! 'You're not gone, Seifer,' Quistis thought to herself. 'You're still here... with me... All you have to do is open your eyes.'
Her fingers danced down his arm, lingering around the scarlet cross on his arm. She pulled down her reddish-brown sleeve and absentmindedly touched the cross etched on her arm. It matched Seifer's, only it was a brilliant sapphire versus Seifer's deep scarlet. She sighed; She couldn't even remember when she got the tattoo. All she knew was she got it during her time at the orphanage; Why she had a tattoo at such a young age was beyond her, yet Seifer had his tattoo since childhood as well.
She had never really thought about it before; It was just something that had to do with a past they had long forgotten; Now, making room in their hearts for the life ahead of them. What could it mean? Was there something in their past that could answer it? Yes, she remember that she and Seifer were the eldest in the house. Always together, playing and laughing; They were the best of friends. Maybe that's why we have matching tattoos... But why at a young age? What could have gone through their heads then? Quistis glanced down at her arm, then at Seifer's. There's something there; Something she struggled to remember.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Irvine entered the dorm room slowly. Kim and Rinoa had been sleeping on the couch when he walked in so he didn't bother disturbing them. Ellone, in the kitchen making herself a snack, told Irvine that the girls told her what happened, but Selphie had still been sleeping so she wasn't aware of the events. Irvine walked briskly toward Selphie's room. He took off his duster, resting it on the back of the chair. She was sleeping as he took a seat beside her bed.
He watched her sleep peacefully, the bruise on her eye looking slightly less painful than it was that morning. He glanced down at her hand and realized she was still wearing the ring. He smiled slightly and reached out for her hand. He paused slightly as she shifted and turned her back to him.
Sighing, he leaned back in his chair, not wanting to disturb his resting Butterfly. Oh, how his Butterfly had regressed back into her cocoon. Maybe, just maybe, he'd be able to help her break free and soar the skies once more. "Irvine..." he suddenly heard Selphie murmur.
His head jolted up expecting to see the petite woman looking back at him. He sighed once more as he realized she was still in a deep sleep... perhaps she was dreaming... Or maybe *he* was... But he distinctly heard his name escape from her lips... "Is she dreaming about me?" he asked himself softly.
"Irvine..." came her barely audible voice again.
Irvine leaned in, straining to hear. Selphie's murmurs came in short, shallow gasps; "No, Irvy... don't go! Just stay... Stay here... Stay... With me..."
Irvine reached over to touch her gently, but hesitated as Selphie started to toss and turn slightly. He took a deep breath moved slowly to sit on the bed, cradling Selphie in his arms. "Shhh, Sefie, wake up..."
Selphie's subtle thrashing seemed to be calmed as she opened her eyes slowly, adjusting quickly to the dim light of the room. She felt strong, warm arms circling her small body. Her gaze followed the bare arms to a familiar purple vest, then her emerald eyes met sparkling blue ones. "Irvy?"
Irvine nodded. "Shh, Selphie, I'm here."
Selphie melted in his arms and breathed deeply. She looked about the room and saw that Irvine's coat was stained with blood. "Is it all over?" she asked, closing her eyes.
Irvine sighed. "Yes, Sefie... It's all over... No one's going to hurt you anymore..."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Kim woke up and looked around. She was in Quistis' and Selphie's living room. Rinoa and Ellone were sitting at the kitchen table, discussing something she couldn't quite hear. She could make out Selphie's and Irvine's voices from Selphie's room, although she didn't know what they were talking about either.
She sighed as she sat up and stretched. "How long have I been out?" she asked as she made her way into the kitchen.
Rinoa checked her watch. "Only an hour."
Kim nodded, checking the refrigerator for food. Not finding anything she felt was edible, she told Rinoa and Ellone she was going down to the cafeteria. She left the room and slowly made her way down the hall and toward the cafeteria.
She spotted a familiar blond ahead of her, heading in the same direction. "Zell!" she shouted, breaking into a small jog to catch up with the energetic man.
Zell turned and smiled tiredly at the smaller girl. She hooked his arm playfully tugging him slightly toward the cafeteria. "I was on my way to get some hot dogs... Is that where you were heading?" she asked him.
Zell nodded. "Yea, I thought it might put me in a slightly better mood."
Kim frowned. "Everyone's in such a bad mood... I hate to see everyone like this... And I'm not very pleasant in a bad mood."
Zell broke into a small smile. "Well, you seem fine right now..."
Kim shrugged. "Well, I feel a bit better that we put a stop to that bad, bad man and his friend..." her tone sounding similar to Selphie's; well, before that unfortunate incident at least.
Zell sighed. "Val was the blonde's sister," he suddenly blurted to her.
Kim didn't look at him; Her voice became serious. "I know. Irvine told me."
"She wants revenge..." Zell continued, somewhat trying to convince himself it was all real.
Kim looked up at him a bit worried. "She does?"
Zell stopped walking and sat at a bench. Kim followed suit. "I don't know what's going on anymore... First, she and Nida... Now her brother was the one that did those awful things... Now she wants to get back at Irvine and Seifer... Maybe even you, and Rin, and Quisty 'cause you were all there..." he told her, hunching over, his elbows leaning against his knees.
Kim hesitantly placed an arm around the broken young man. "It's ok... You don't have to go through anything alone..."
Zell looked up and thanked the girl. He liked being around her; Her mood was not too far from Selphie's usual manner. She had a way of making him feel a little better. There were small things about her that he noticed in the few days that he knew her that made him feel almost giddy.
Little did either of them know, but a familiar shadow had been lurking from behind the rail above them; Hiding amongst the plants on the level where the first floor elevator door was. She listened in as Kim and Zell continued to take about the recent string of occurrences.
"So, Zell, how 'bout those hot dogs?" Kim asked, jumping to her feet and tugging on his arm lightly.
Zell shook his head. "I'm not in the mood anymore..."
Kim frowned. "Mega-bummer... How 'bout we just go watch some TV or something?"
Zell chuckled. "You sound like Selphie," he told her, standing up.
Kim shrugged. "A lot of people tell me that..."
To Be Continued...
Like it? Love it? Hate it? Despise it? (for other reasons than new characters) Good? Bad? Great? Sucked? Give me some input! ^.^ I hope that you liked it though... I'd like to know how you thought of it so leave a review or email me if you'd like! Thanks for reading! I hope to keep this series going for a bit!
Hmmm... All I'm going to say is: Just when you thought things were almost normal... And just when you thought you couldn't dislike Valerie anymore... She plays a bigger role than you think...
"Eye of the Storm" - Part Five
Squall and Zell followed Doctor Kadowaki to the back of the infirmary. They had first seen the three injured girls, all three with bruises around their arms and legs. They looked very similar to Selphie, and just as withdrawn. Now they were heading to examine the bodies of the two unfortunate girls who gave their lives in an effort to escape.
At the back of the infirmary, two cots lay, both with blankets covering them. Dr. Kadowaki stood between the cots. "Besides a number of stab wounds, both of the deceased have the same types of injuries as the other three and Selphie... They were found in the secret area of the training center; two boys and girl who were training were stopping there to rest and found the bodies in the corner... They were brought here immediately."
Doctor Kadowaki moved to remove the sheets, but Squall waved his hand. "I'd rather not see... They died by stab wounds?"
The doctor placed the sheet back over the first girl's head. "Both died from loss of blood... Bleeding from the multiple stab wounds around the chest area... I need to place them in there now... Zell, if you would please," she told them, gesturing to a small steel door, leading to a room kept at cold temperatures.
Zell shook his head, wheeling both corpses into the room. "Who would want to do this? It's so hard to believe people find pleasure in hurting other people..."
Squall felt his stomach churn, turning to follow Dr. Kadowaki back to her desk. "Let's hope that Irvine and Seifer caught up to them and put an end to this nonsense..."
Zell followed also sat down with the doctor at her desk. "Should we check on the others?" Zell asked Squall.
Squall shook his head. "I bet they're fine... If we don't hear from them in 5 minutes, then we'll go down to the training center."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Irvine peered into the water; Craig was at the bottom of the shallow pound, his body losing it's color. He sighed. "It's over. Selphie doesn't have to be afraid anymore... Not of him."
Rinoa and Kim stood beside him, looking down at stained water. Quistis was desperately trying to get Seifer to wake up, lightly tapping his cheeks. "Oh God, Seifer! Seifer! Answer me!"
With tears flowing from her eyes, she looked down at the blade in his side. If she took it out then everything would be lost; the blood would come rushing out and there would be nothing to stop it. She held her knight's still body in her arms, careful not to move the blade's position, and rocked him gently back and forth. "Oh please wake up," she sobbed. She traced her fingers down the side of his face. "Seifer, please... I love you... I love you so much..."
Rinoa and Kim walked over and helped the two up. "Let's get him the doctor, Quisty," Rinoa tried to reason.
Quistis nodded slowly, still crying, as Irvine came and took Seifer from her. "I'll take him, Quisty," he offered.
Before they could even take more than five steps from the bloody scene, a familiar figure seemed to block their path. "Valerie?!" they shouted in a dumbfounded surprise.
Rinoa stepped forward. "Val, you should get out of here... It's not a pretty sight..." she told the girl in her path. "We need to get Seifer to Doctor Kadowaki."
"Sure, but," Valerie started to say, "first I need to know if you've seen my brother..."
Irvine felt his knees get weak. Zell had told him Valerie had a brother at Galbadia Garden... Yes, an older brother that was sent away... He almost fell over when he remembered Valerie's last name... Talon. "Craig was your brother?"
Valerie nodded. "Yes... Someone told me they saw him come through this way... I haven't seen him in so long... Wait... What do you mean was?"
Irvine fell silent, as did Kim, Rinoa, and Quistis. They glanced behind them, at the bloody body of Adam, and then towards the water. They stepped passed her and made their way to Zell and Squall, who were coming from the Training Center entrance. Squall turned and helped take Seifer to the doctor, while Zell continued walking toward Valerie.
Valerie stood motionless for a moment, before stepping briskly to the pond. Collapsing to her knees, she swore revenge. Her brother was a good boy; He loved his family and his school. Why was he dead? Did Irvine kill him?
She gasped as she felt a familiar hand on her shoulder. "Zell?"
Zell helped her to her feet. "Valerie, I'm sorry... Irvine told me that he was your brother... But you have to understand that he killed two people and hurt others... Look at what happened to Seifer."
Valerie shook her head. "No, my brother wouldn't do that... He's not like that..."
Zell took hold of her shoulders. "Val, listen... He killed two people... raped them and killed them... He was the one who raped Selphie... that's why Irvine and Seifer came down here... To stop him from doing it again to Quisty, and Kim, and Rin..."
Valerie glared at him, before pulling her hand back and striking his cheek. "You didn't know him, Zell, all he needed was a little help... No one had to kill him!"
Zell rubbed his cheek. "Maybe, but he had to be stopped and this is how it happened... There's nothing that can be done right now..."
Valerie shook her head at him, backing away slowly. Her voice started to tremble, sounding like a 5 year old child. "Yes... Yes there is... When we were little we vowed to stay best friends... Our parents sent him away because he was being a bad boy, but he made me promise... If anything happened to him... I would avenge him and he'd do the same for me... Now I have to fulfill my promise... I'm sorry, Zell," she explained and ran off.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Doctor Kadowaki had cleaned up Seifer's wound and wrapped it in bandages; Until the storm calmed, there was nothing more she could do than stop the bleeding -- She didn't even have enough resources to dull the pain he'd be in when he woke up. She had sent Irvine and Squall back to the Training Center to retrieve the corpses of the guilty party. Rinoa and Kim had gone back to the dorms to check on Selphie and Ellone, letting them know what happened. Zell had came into the Infirmary, trying to keep Quistis calm.
Squall and Irvine returned, both carrying a body bag over their shoulders. Doctor Kadowaki motioned for them to place the bodies in the makeshift morgue at the back of the infirmary. Zell watched as they disappeared behind several doors and return a minute later. "Squall," he started as he stood up from where he was sitting with Quistis. "I think we may have another problem."
Irvine took Quistis in to see Seifer, then left to see Selphie. Squall sat down, visibly weary of the recent events. "What is it, Zell?"
"Um... Those two guys, the transfer students from Galbadia... One of them was Val's brother, right? Well, Valerie seemed really upset and she said something about revenge... I'm really worried, you know?"
Squall looked up, surprise overtaking his features. "Revenge?"
Zell nodded. "I don't know if she meant it or not..."
Squall shrugged, tired and drained. "Just watch out for her... She's just a girl who works in the library... What can she really do?"
* * * * * * * * * * * *
It was getting dark. Quistis sat by Seifer's side, holding his hand in hers with tears streaming down her pale face. She still wore his coat, now stained with his blood. She gazed at him painfully, seeing his bare chest in bandages, his pants spotted with blood. Her knight had fallen defending her. "Seifer..." she whispered through her tears. "Please... Wake up... I love you... Oh, please, just open your eyes...."
She desperately tried to stop her tears; She didn't want to be so weak. But he was her weakness; He always was. She traced her finger along his cheek. He looked so peaceful, so tranquil. Her cries became gasps as she longed to gaze into his eyes, just to be lost in them as she had taken for granted for years. You don't really know what you have until it's gone. Damn, how true it was. But no! 'You're not gone, Seifer,' Quistis thought to herself. 'You're still here... with me... All you have to do is open your eyes.'
Her fingers danced down his arm, lingering around the scarlet cross on his arm. She pulled down her reddish-brown sleeve and absentmindedly touched the cross etched on her arm. It matched Seifer's, only it was a brilliant sapphire versus Seifer's deep scarlet. She sighed; She couldn't even remember when she got the tattoo. All she knew was she got it during her time at the orphanage; Why she had a tattoo at such a young age was beyond her, yet Seifer had his tattoo since childhood as well.
She had never really thought about it before; It was just something that had to do with a past they had long forgotten; Now, making room in their hearts for the life ahead of them. What could it mean? Was there something in their past that could answer it? Yes, she remember that she and Seifer were the eldest in the house. Always together, playing and laughing; They were the best of friends. Maybe that's why we have matching tattoos... But why at a young age? What could have gone through their heads then? Quistis glanced down at her arm, then at Seifer's. There's something there; Something she struggled to remember.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Irvine entered the dorm room slowly. Kim and Rinoa had been sleeping on the couch when he walked in so he didn't bother disturbing them. Ellone, in the kitchen making herself a snack, told Irvine that the girls told her what happened, but Selphie had still been sleeping so she wasn't aware of the events. Irvine walked briskly toward Selphie's room. He took off his duster, resting it on the back of the chair. She was sleeping as he took a seat beside her bed.
He watched her sleep peacefully, the bruise on her eye looking slightly less painful than it was that morning. He glanced down at her hand and realized she was still wearing the ring. He smiled slightly and reached out for her hand. He paused slightly as she shifted and turned her back to him.
Sighing, he leaned back in his chair, not wanting to disturb his resting Butterfly. Oh, how his Butterfly had regressed back into her cocoon. Maybe, just maybe, he'd be able to help her break free and soar the skies once more. "Irvine..." he suddenly heard Selphie murmur.
His head jolted up expecting to see the petite woman looking back at him. He sighed once more as he realized she was still in a deep sleep... perhaps she was dreaming... Or maybe *he* was... But he distinctly heard his name escape from her lips... "Is she dreaming about me?" he asked himself softly.
"Irvine..." came her barely audible voice again.
Irvine leaned in, straining to hear. Selphie's murmurs came in short, shallow gasps; "No, Irvy... don't go! Just stay... Stay here... Stay... With me..."
Irvine reached over to touch her gently, but hesitated as Selphie started to toss and turn slightly. He took a deep breath moved slowly to sit on the bed, cradling Selphie in his arms. "Shhh, Sefie, wake up..."
Selphie's subtle thrashing seemed to be calmed as she opened her eyes slowly, adjusting quickly to the dim light of the room. She felt strong, warm arms circling her small body. Her gaze followed the bare arms to a familiar purple vest, then her emerald eyes met sparkling blue ones. "Irvy?"
Irvine nodded. "Shh, Selphie, I'm here."
Selphie melted in his arms and breathed deeply. She looked about the room and saw that Irvine's coat was stained with blood. "Is it all over?" she asked, closing her eyes.
Irvine sighed. "Yes, Sefie... It's all over... No one's going to hurt you anymore..."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Kim woke up and looked around. She was in Quistis' and Selphie's living room. Rinoa and Ellone were sitting at the kitchen table, discussing something she couldn't quite hear. She could make out Selphie's and Irvine's voices from Selphie's room, although she didn't know what they were talking about either.
She sighed as she sat up and stretched. "How long have I been out?" she asked as she made her way into the kitchen.
Rinoa checked her watch. "Only an hour."
Kim nodded, checking the refrigerator for food. Not finding anything she felt was edible, she told Rinoa and Ellone she was going down to the cafeteria. She left the room and slowly made her way down the hall and toward the cafeteria.
She spotted a familiar blond ahead of her, heading in the same direction. "Zell!" she shouted, breaking into a small jog to catch up with the energetic man.
Zell turned and smiled tiredly at the smaller girl. She hooked his arm playfully tugging him slightly toward the cafeteria. "I was on my way to get some hot dogs... Is that where you were heading?" she asked him.
Zell nodded. "Yea, I thought it might put me in a slightly better mood."
Kim frowned. "Everyone's in such a bad mood... I hate to see everyone like this... And I'm not very pleasant in a bad mood."
Zell broke into a small smile. "Well, you seem fine right now..."
Kim shrugged. "Well, I feel a bit better that we put a stop to that bad, bad man and his friend..." her tone sounding similar to Selphie's; well, before that unfortunate incident at least.
Zell sighed. "Val was the blonde's sister," he suddenly blurted to her.
Kim didn't look at him; Her voice became serious. "I know. Irvine told me."
"She wants revenge..." Zell continued, somewhat trying to convince himself it was all real.
Kim looked up at him a bit worried. "She does?"
Zell stopped walking and sat at a bench. Kim followed suit. "I don't know what's going on anymore... First, she and Nida... Now her brother was the one that did those awful things... Now she wants to get back at Irvine and Seifer... Maybe even you, and Rin, and Quisty 'cause you were all there..." he told her, hunching over, his elbows leaning against his knees.
Kim hesitantly placed an arm around the broken young man. "It's ok... You don't have to go through anything alone..."
Zell looked up and thanked the girl. He liked being around her; Her mood was not too far from Selphie's usual manner. She had a way of making him feel a little better. There were small things about her that he noticed in the few days that he knew her that made him feel almost giddy.
Little did either of them know, but a familiar shadow had been lurking from behind the rail above them; Hiding amongst the plants on the level where the first floor elevator door was. She listened in as Kim and Zell continued to take about the recent string of occurrences.
"So, Zell, how 'bout those hot dogs?" Kim asked, jumping to her feet and tugging on his arm lightly.
Zell shook his head. "I'm not in the mood anymore..."
Kim frowned. "Mega-bummer... How 'bout we just go watch some TV or something?"
Zell chuckled. "You sound like Selphie," he told her, standing up.
Kim shrugged. "A lot of people tell me that..."
To Be Continued...
Like it? Love it? Hate it? Despise it? (for other reasons than new characters) Good? Bad? Great? Sucked? Give me some input! ^.^ I hope that you liked it though... I'd like to know how you thought of it so leave a review or email me if you'd like! Thanks for reading! I hope to keep this series going for a bit!