Ah, the sweet smell of cooperation in the air. Love it.
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Convergence of Destiny
Chapter 1: Return To Balamb
You know, life is funny sometimes. It's been some time since the end of Time Compression and I'm not sure I really want to do this. Ultimecia. That name rings in my head like a hammer. I've escaped from her control, but not the scars she left. I'm just now starting to figure out how deep the wounds run. I've done some horrible things. Launched missiles at Trabia, and killed I don't know how many. Tortured Squall. And many other things I don't care to remember at the moment.
Torturing Squall was something I always thought would be enjoyable. It wasn't Seeing him writhing in pain from the electric shocks running through his body wasn't like I thought it would be. Squall's always been my rival. He was the closest to me in using a gun blade and we always trained together. In the end, even Rinoa was his. That didn't mean I wanted to see him like that. On some level, I always enjoyed his presence. He was always there, pushing me. Forcing me to become better at whatever we competed in.
In the end, he surpassed me in everything. It was strange. He was always a cold sort. Stiff, uncaring. The time we fought in Edea's parade through Galbadia, he defeated me for the first time ever. It wasn't because of some newfound skill or fancy new sword style. No, I knew the answer as soon as I saw the wild-eyed concern on Rinoa's face as he fell before Edea's ice barrage. Not even Squall realized it at the time. He was always stupid that way. He had found something to care about other than himself. At that moment, I realized Rinoa was lost to me forever. My rival had taken even that.
It's not like any of this matters. I don't even know why I'm writing it. I'm being paid to do a job, and that's it. It's not for freelance mercenaries to question why. Work comes sporadically enough my way as it is. Still, I wish I could do anything but this. Now I have to return to Garden, become a SeeD, and then do what I'm being paid for. If I do, I'm set for life. No more grubby jobs. I can retire out in the country somewhere, and live out the rest of the joke called my life in peace.
As I turn my gaze from the ocean, I can see Balamb Garden in the distance. It was once my home. A home I have to return to now. In preparation, I sent a letter to Cid explaining what had happened. That Ultimecia had dominated my mind, and forced me to do these things. He already knew, I should have guessed that. Matron must have told him. Cid's forgiveness I expected. He was the easy part. It was Squall and the others I expected trouble with.
I was surprised when Cid's return letter came with not just his, but ones from Squall, Rinoa, Zell, Quistis, even Irvine and Selphie. Rinoa's letter said that she was sorry, but it was impossible for us to continue like we once were, but hoped we could become friends. As if I didn't already know that. The rest were more surprising. They said they were looking forward to seeing me again, that they had something important to tell me about my childhood. My childhood. It's strange, but I don't remember anything about it, besides Matron. I know that she was important to me somehow, but the exact memories won't come. Their letters also carried something more. A promise of forgiveness.
Damn You Squall. Damn you Quistis. Damn you all! Why couldn't you just hate me? It would make what I have to do so much easier.
Seifer snapped the notebook shut, and in a fit of disgust, tossed his pen out into the waves. He briefly considered throwing the notebook too, but in the end decided against it. Writing the journal was the only way he could let anything out anymore. His experiences as being a Knight, and with Time Compression had changed him forever.
Gone was the cocksure attitude about everything. It had been replaced with a haunted expression, and a newfound quietness. With a rueful chuckle, Seifer suddenly realized how much he had become like Squall. The past year had not been easy. Fujin and Raijin had settled in Timber, found jobs, and now lived normal lives. Seifer, despite the changes, found he couldn't do that. Being a mercenary was at least something he knew. He had been in training for it his whole life after all. Somehow, a regular job wasn't for him, and never would be.
Despite the reluctance to carry out his current assignment, it was something he had to do. Once SeeD took a contract, they considered it an unbreakable trust. The job would be accomplished no matter what. Seifer still operated by that code, even if he wasn't affiliated with any organization. Mercenaries who quit a job after taking a deposit, ended up in two ways. Either dead, or never working again. He didn't like either option.
Getting to his feet, Seifer sighed, and began the long walk home. A home he once loved, but now dreaded.
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"At ease Mr. Almasy." Seifer relaxed his posture, and settled his gaze on the Headmaster. Cid set his glasses on the desk, and rubbed his eyes for a moment. It was amazing how easily the old Garden discipline came back, even if he never was very good at it. Cid glanced at him almost in amusement. "Nothing sarcastic to say Seifer? This isn't like you."
Seifer sighed. He just honestly didn't have anything to say. He couldn't explain that his posture of humility was only a ruse. "Just waiting on you sir."
Cid chuckled. "I must say I was surprised when your letter asking for reinstatement came to my desk." Seifer said nothing, but stared out the window. Cid continued. "You realize that according to Garden rules, you must qualify as a SeeD before the age of twenty."
"I understand that."
"Your birthday is in two weeks. That doesn't give you much time. You're going to have to pass the written exam again, and take a field test."
Seifer merely nodded. "I can do it."
Cid settled his hands on the desk, sighing. "Mr. Almasy, with you it's never been a matter of if you can, but rather if you're willing. Your attitude has always been what's held you back. Are you willing to change it?"
"I am."
The Headmaster met his eyes for a moment, trying to judge if Seifer actually meant by what he said. Apparently satisfied with what he saw, Cid smiled. "Perhaps you might make it this time Seifer. Quistis has already agreed to help you study for the written exam. You can start with her tomorrow. I'm afraid you're going to have to spend a lot of time together in the next couple weeks. Will that be a problem?"
"It won't be sir." Seifer cursed inwardly. Spending time alone with bossy little Quisty wasn't his idea of a great time. Bossy little Quisty? Where did that come from?
"Seifer, I'm afraid we also have another matter to discuss. How long has it been since you junctioned a GF?"
Seifer glanced at the Headmaster quizzically. What did that have to do with anything? "I remember how to junction and use one. If that's what you're worried about."
Cid turned his chair away, suddenly finding a picture on the wall very interesting. It was almost as if the Headmaster was afraid to look at him. "No. It has to do with something else we've discovered. Recently, we found out that Guardian Forces affect long-term memory. It's been rumored for a long time, but I didn't believe it. Until recently. Do you remember your childhood Seifer?"
"Sir, I…"
"Do you Mr. Almasy?"
Seifer shook his head, remembering something about fireworks, but the rest wouldn't come. "Just something about Matron. I know she was important to me, but I can't remember why."
The Headmaster sighed. "As I was afraid of. It doesn't matter. The others will help you remember. They are waiting for you in the Commander's office. I'll call someone to show you the way."