Disclaimer: Don't own FF yet....I own all characters not FF characters though....!!

*Where we last left the girls in the Star Palace...*

Ruka and Selphie came back to the table, Ruka steaming. Selphie sat down and started eating again. She glanced at everyone once in a while. She was having trouble holding her fork. She kicked Illasu in the shin very hard. Illasu spit water across the table. Selphie dropped her fork and her hands flew to her friend. Everyone looked at her. Well, everyone at the table. Selphie waved them off and they resumed eating.

Selphie: Sorry!! I just wanted to tell you something...

Illasu: You could've just asked dag nabit!

Selphie: I know. It's just that...

At that time, Selphie was ripped away from the table by the clenching force of Quistis. Screaming her head off till they arrived in the bathroom, Selphie kicked and waved about madly. Quistis finally stood her up, for Selphie had forgotten she had two legs. Quistis had a surprised look on her face.

Quistis: SELPHIE JANE!!!

(Selphie gets the hint...)

Quistis: Do you want Irvine to be killed?!? Well, on second thought...you're doing a wonderful job. Keep up the good work!

Selphie was now quite stunned. She didn't expect Quistis to hate Irvine. Oh, wait a moment, ok she did kind of expect it. But still, that was mean. After Quistis released her arm she jabbed her finger in her forearm. Quistis grabbed her arm and almost cried.

Selphie: First of all QUISTIS LENORE, Irvine is the nicest, sweetest guy ever!!

Micky-chan-(Don't be fooled by the Cutemooglez!! Haha girls!)

Selphie: Second, no, I don't want my sweetie killed!! AND THIRD (puts a finger in Quisti's face), WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?

Quistis: You're making us look suspicious.

Selphie: Oh yeah? How?

Quistis: Well, you look around nervously.

Selphie: How...do you mean...nervously?

Quistis did a sad impression of Selphie looking around. She looked like a skiddish horse. Giggling, Selphie stopped her and let her continue.

Quistis: I am just saying you need to calm down. All right?

Selphie: Ok, hey I was thinking of having one of them spend the week and maybe the next too, so we could pal around.

Quistis: Um, Irvine will have his cast off and he'll be back from Squall's little trip in a week. So why have one spend the night for a week after that?

Selphie: More investigators!! Ruka is gonna talk to Yugo and Rin about their 'new friends' tonight when they get home.

Quistis: Ok, well let's go back out.

They walked back out of the bathroom and went to eat again. Selphie asked around the table to see who could come. Ruka had to 'talk' with her bros so of course she couldn't. Illasu was Selphie's best friend in the whole universe and she said...she thought about it...she said yes of course. She said she had nothing going on. So it was settled. Illasu would come spend the rest of summer break with her at Balamb.

*The Guys*

After the terrible incident, which was unfortunate for all of them except Zell, they arrived at a small town. Squall figured in their current position that they would arrive really late the next day at the Presidential Palace. So he went to the inn and to his luck his stinking pay lowered. He checked in and went up to his room. He helped Irvine and threw Zell in his bed. He took the tape off of his feet but left the rest. Zell was still wide-eyed and scared to death of Squall. He was hungry though, so he got up and did his best to write his request on paper. He handed it to Squall and he crumpled it. Squall, pointing to the bed said they would eat tomorrow. Zell jumped up and down. He was hungry and he needed to go to the bathroom. Squall went and got a piece of gum and a candy bar for him. Zell looked at him stupidly, coming back from the bathroom. He could try to rip it open. Squall chuckled as he left. He mumbled something under his breath and proceeded to the stables. When he arrived, the chocobos were asleep and Hashi was being tended to. There was only one teenage girl there. Squall walked up to her and touched her shoulder. She jumped and screamed, scaring Hashi and Squall. He caught her as she fell over the bucket she was sitting on and set her on her feet. Hashi had broken his halter and was at the other end on the barn, bleeding badly. The girl turned and brushing the hair from her face introduced herself.

Flicker: Hi, I'm Flicker. You gave me quite a scare. What are you doing down here, Mr. Big See D Commander?

Squall: How did you know that I was a Commander?

Flicker: Cuz' you're cute.

Squall: I have a girlfriend.

Flicker: Oh, sorry. Well huh, then let me offer you my friendship.

Squall: Taken. How's my horse?

Flicker: He's busted a vein and he doesn't look good. Could be laid up a while. He's a great person though.

Squall: Person?

Flicker: Yeah, even animals deserve respect. They have feelings and a heart, like you do.

She slugged him lightly on the chest. He felt that unfamiliar hotness in his cheeks. Flicker laughed. It sounds like a little horse whinny, Squall thought to himself. He quickly regained composure. Flicker walked over to Hashi. He shied away and ran from her. She just sat on the ground hands in the air like a beggar. Squall walked towards her and she shook her head. He backed off and sat on the bucket watching her. Hashi showed no interest at first, but then he wondered over slowly. He bowed his long, graceful head smelling the ground in front of her. When he kicked at the ground, hoof bigger than a small plate, she just stayed sitting there. He slowly lifted his muzzle into her hands and smelled them for a bit then lowered his head into her lap and looked her in the eyes. Flicker lowered her hands to his face. She kissed the silky white star on his forehead and talked to him softly. She talked while she enchanted both man and beast.

Flicker: He has a good mind. He was just scared that's all. He's hard on the outside, but he's a big softy on the inside. Aren't cha?

Squall was just sitting there as she stood up and went to get a new halter. She came back with a rope and made a halter for him. Stupid, brass buckles had dug in to his face and made marks. She led him around and back to where she was working. Squall came out of his trance and gave her the bucket. She sat down facing Squall and working on Hashi at the same time. She was checking his bones and putting peroxide on the cut. It was infected.

Flicker: Bad news. It's worse than I thought but I think I can fix him up. I just need to get a needle and some thread.

Squall: For what?

Flicker: Stitches silly, and I am gonna need your help holding him. He says he quite likes you.

Now, Squall had heard of weird things but this was weird. So now Hashi talks? he thought as she came back with some green thread. Hashi was scared at first but then he acted tough. Squall had to hold his foot up and make sure he didn't move. Well, Flicker couldn't hit him at the right angle with the needle so she had to lay on the hay-covered floor under Hashi and perform Home Economics there on her stomach. Squall lowered his foot and straddled it so he couldn't move. He was literally sitting on the big horses' foot. Flicker of course talked while she performed the task.

Flicker: So, what's a city boy like you doing out here in this lil' town?

Squall: We stopped here for him and to rest. We're heading to the Presidential Palace.

Flicker: Huh...

Squall: What?

Flicker: Need more thread. I'll have to double stitch.

She had a spool of dark green thread with her this time.

Flicker: What are you going there for?

Squall was admiring her handy work and basically admiring her too. It wasn't purposely because by the time he realized he was blushing (which he only did around Rinoa) and staring, Flicker was done working her magic.

Flicker: So why are you going to the Palace?

Squall: My dad...lives there.

Flicker: He works there? What is he?

Squall: President.

Flicker: Whoa! Seriously?

Squall: Yeah. What do we do with him now?

Flicker we put him up for now. I'll have to shoot him with a steroid.

Squall: Shoot?! Why? I thought you said you could save him!

Flicker: Easy tiger! I said steroid, a magical word that means that it'll calm him down but it only comes in a shot. Ok? Jeez, you're really weird.

Squall was astonished at how she laughed at almost anything. He was beginning to wonder if she was related to Selphie or Rinoa. He asked and she said no, actually she stated she had never heard of them.

Flicker: Hey...do you wanna...I don't know...would you like to get something to eat? You look like you could use some company and a good meal.

Squall: I really have to get to sleep.

Flicker: Not even for a carrot or granola bar?

Squall: That's oddly specific.

Flicker: I live in a horse barn. Carrots and granola are their favs. So I like um too. Want one?

Squall: Why not?

They sat and talked on the roof of the barn for awhile. Flicker knew all the constellations and told him about her horse stories. Squall laughed at some and was actually, he thought, on the brink of tears on some. Flicker always smiled and made that funny little laugh. Squall was screaming on the inside. His brain and heart were telling him no but his gut was telling him yes, yes, YES!! He was listening to a tale about a little paint horse when he just laid back and stared up at the sky. He saw Rinoa's cute little face looking back at him. He was so tempted though, so he just kept looking at the sky. Then Flicker got up and said goodnight. Squall sat up as she hunched down and looked him straight in the eyes.

Flicker: She loves you. Don't worry. Goodnight, new friend.

She laughed a little and went to the lattice they had come up. She grabbed one side and put her foot in then she swung out and yelled goodnight with another laugh. And with that she was off the lattice and barreling down the road for home. She was fast. Her long legs made it easy for her to run and she ran like a horse. It was like she was part horse. Her dirty brown hair whipping about and arms flailing behind her, she truly looked like she was a horse. Squall stayed up on the roof and laid back. How had she known what he was thinking? It was freaky but she was a good friend. He hadn't laughed like this in a long time. Rinoa made him laugh of course, but those were funny stories. He finally left the quiet sanctuary of the roof and went to his room. Everyone was asleep. Squall had peeked in to see if Zell had got the candy bar open. To his enjoyment and ever-knowing knowledge, Zell had not got it open but it was crumpled and Zell had evidently fell asleep from frustration. He went to his room and slept what little he could. He had no dreams but he could have sworn he heard a horse screaming.

*The Twins and their BF's*

Kuro and Shiro had noticed the abnormal behavior but hadn't really been affected by it. They had heard how Selphie had broken the bathroom and were not impressed at the antics going on now. Actually, they were quite enjoying themselves. The food was great and so was their company. Yugo talked to Shiro about whatever spontaneous thing she said. She made a comment about the music playing and Yugo, being a very nice gentleman, asked her if she wanted to dance.

Yugo: Oh, c'mon!! It'll be fun!

Shiro: Uh, do you see anybody else dancing?

Kuro: I will if you do sis.

Rin: I am not really a great dancer, at all.

Kuro: You can't be that bad.

Rin: No, I am serious.

Kuro: All right then, show me.

Kuro grabbed Rin's hand and stood up. Rin almost toppled over in his chair. He stood up and Kuro showed him how she was taught. Yugo watched as his bro stepped on her feet but Kuro didn't let up. They were laughing and having great fun so Yugo and Shiro joined in. Pretty soon, a lot of other people joined in around their tables. The twins forgot all about their mission and just had fun like normal 17 year olds.

*Rinoa, Selphie, and Quistis*

Ruka was sitting in her chair, arms folded and a distraught face. She wasn't happy but tried to be as cheerful as one can be. Pretty soon the girls noticed everyone dancing and that it was getting late. So they all had the mutual agreement it was time to go. Kuma and Ruka made the announcement.

Kuma: Everyone, the Star Palace will now be closing. Please feel free to ask for to go boxes from your waitress.

Ruka: Everyone have a good night. See you tomorrow!!

They got off the table and everyone left feeling pleasant. The friends stayed behind along with the twins and Yugo and Rin. The two brothers came over with the two girls in tow.

Yugo: Ruka, the girls invited us to stay over at Balamb for a week. We decided we are and we need the keys to the house to go pack.

Ruka: Can I talk to you two for a moment?

She grabbed Yugo by the ear and Rin by the hand. Kuro just about jumped on her when Shiro put out your friendly clothesline move. Kuro stopped short and proceeded to the door. Ruka dragged them to the kitchen. Illasu and Selphie had headed to her place so she could pack and get her horse. On their way out, Selphie noticed the twins standing outside. They evidently noticed her and made eye contact with her until she turned away.

Kuro: Let's follow her. I know she knows something.

Shiro: What about the boys?

Kuro: Ok, I'll follow them and you stay here. After all, I can blend in. Your white hair sets you off.

Shiro: Uh huh, and just what am I supposed to tell Rin?

Kuro: I'll meet you there. I have to go before I lose them. Bye!

And with that, Kuro ran down the alley to the left of the Star Palace and climbed the ladder to the top of the building. She then followed Selphie and Illasu to her house. Meanwhile Shiro was pacing outside, waiting for the boys.

*The Kitchen*

Ruka: I don't want you going with them.

Yugo: We're bigger than you, hello!! We can take care of ourselves.

Rin: Yugo is right. We can take care of ourselves.

Ruka: No!! I won't let you!! Rin help me out here!!

Rin: I already said I agree with Yugo.

Ruka: Fine no keys, no week with girls. Haha!!

Yugo: Fine, keep your keys. We'll go and I guess we'll use your credit card to do some shopping!!

Ruka: AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! How dare you!! I am doing this for your own good!

Yugo: Well then, I guess I get a new outfit!

Ruka: Fine! I'll take you home, just let me see your wallet.

Yugo hands her his wallet.

Ruka: What a loser you are bro! Older but a ditz!

Yugo: You're the loser! Rin has your stinkin' credit card!

Ruka: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!

Ruka jumps up and down in place ranting and raving. Finally, she gave up and decided she'd take them home to pack. They left the kitchen and went back outside to say goodnight.

Ruka: Well, I guess Selphie already left with Illasu. You'll tell her bye for me won't you Rinny?

Rinoa: Sure, we got to do this more often.

Kuma: Next time bring that handsome boyfriend of yours and you to Quistis.

Quistis: Oh, Zell? Well, he only eats hotdogs mostly.

Kuma: We can make a new dish just for him. I promise he'll love it.

Quistis: Well, then I guess he will have to come. Ok, well I am gonna wait outside for Selphie.

Rinoa: Uh, Quistis we need to wait in here for Selphie. Don't you think?

Quistis: But Rinoa, It's so nice outside! And...(looks out to see Shiro) OH! You're right, that is if it's ok with Kuma and Ruka?

Ruka: I have to leave. It appears the boys are going to Balamb with the girls. For a week, it seems. So they have to pack. Sorry.

Kuma: It's no prob! I have to clean up anyway.

Rinoa: We'll help. C'mon Quistis. Hey Whir, what are you gonna do? Are you going home too?

Whir: Well, I'll stay if you guys think you need the help.

Rinoa: Sure!! That'd be fine.

Whir, Rinoa, Kuma, and Quistis all wave goodbye to Ruka and start on the restaurant.

*Illasu and Selphie being followed by Kuro*

Kuro had followed them to the house. She was still in the rooftops, so she decided to go to the ground and try to approach Selphie. Illasu went inside her house and set about feeding her cats, Gideon and Barney, and packing. She asked Selphie if she wanted to sit down but she declined. She wanted to play with the cats. Illasu always had animals out her ears as long as Selphie had been her friend. Selphie began to wonder what had happened to the other 6 cats usually there.

Selphie: Hey Illy, what happened to your 6 other cats you had?

Illasu: Oh, they live outside now. They looked miserable inside so that's why I had to move out of town. It's only 20 acres but it's big enough. They mostly live in the barn anyway. Oh and I had kittens!!

Selphie: How many??

Illasu: Well, there's Drifter's litter and that's Kuro, Shiro, Aeries, and Haiiro. So there's 12 then Ridley's batch, Sephiroth, and the twins Yugo and Miyake. So that's 17 all together!!

Selphie: HOW DO YOU FEED EVERYONE?!

Illasu: They live in a barn, Selphie. Mice, birds, and a little cat food once a week. I buy cheap stuff.

Selphie: Get any more horses?

Illasu: Well, I got an Appaloosa...

At that time there was a knock on the door. Illasu set down the shirt she was folding sloppily and went to answer it. Selphie stayed behind. Illasu opened the door and there stood Kuro.

Illasu: Hi, aren't you Kuro? Rin's girlfriend?

Kuro: Precisely, is Selphie here? Her friends told me she was here.

Illasu: Oh sure, I'll get her. Selphie!!! Someone's here for you!

Selphie: Who is...it...

Kuro: I need to talk to you if you don't mind. I know it's late and you're ready to get back on the road but I really must talk to you.

Selphie: Sure...ok. As long as you don't kill...TALK to long.

They went outside and Kuro proceeded to talk to her while Illasu finished inside.

Kuro: Selphie, is there something that is making you upset with me and my sister?

Selphie: N-n-nothing!! P-perfectly normal (as she twitches her eye).

Kuro: (chuckles silently) Ok, well you know Selphie, if you ever have any problems with us just let us know. We'll take care of it.

Kuro walked away and left poor Selphie standing in the middle of the sidewalk alone. She turned around to go to the door and then fell to the ground sobbing. Kuro heard her and smiled as she rounded the corner to climb back up the building. Her loose black jeans made it easy to move and jump from the close rooftops. She headed to Ruka's house without a sound. Selphie went back inside and wiped her face so it would seem everything was all right. Illasu came back into the room with her bag, a bridle over her shoulder and a saddle with a blanket in her other hand. In her ponytail was a comb and in her mouth was the back of a brush. When she saw Selphie's puffy cheeks, she dropped everything and went over to her friend. Selphie smiled and waved her hands stopping her. Claiming it was ok, Illasu resumed packed to her ears with stuff and went to the barn.

Selphie: So...who are you gonna take with us?

Illasu: Cowld oh tak th bruh?

Selphie: What?

Illasu nodded her head and Selphie removed the brush.

Illasu: Thanks, I'll probably take my new horse. As I was telling you before Kuro came to the door, I got a new Appaloosa horse. His name is Trojan. Whenever he gets mad at Stu, he curls his head in and lifts his front foot. So that's where he got his name.

Selphie: How is Stuy? And Fancy too?

Illasu: Oh, they're fine. See for yourself.

In the field in front of them were three horses. Stu, a big brown horse with a dark mane (Selphie's favorite cuz' he's so soft), Fancy, a little paint-Arabian mix, and then there was Trojan, all by his lonesome. Stu wouldn't let him anywhere near Fancy. Illasu whistled and all three proceeded towards her. She grabbed three lead ropes and caught Fancy first so Stu would stay away and not cause trouble. It worked and she managed to catch Trojan without any trouble. She brought him out into the stable and closed the gate. Then after tying him inside, weaseled around the gate and released Fancy out again. She saddled and bridled the new horse and led him out to where her bags were. Handing him to Selphie, she turned off the lights and called her friend on the phone that lived next door. She left a message on her machine. Then swinging her saddle packs onto the saddle, got in the seat herself. Making sure he was okay to ride, she reached out and circled Selphie so she could pull her onto him. Selphie, being a klutz, couldn't make it the first time. The next attempt, she missed the stirrup completely and fell, face flat, on the ground.

Illasu: Third time's the charm!!

Selphie got up and reached out for Illasu's hand. She managed to grab it and swing onto the horse. She was on the horse but she was across his rump and if she didn't correct it soon, she'd end up sliding off the back. She scrambled to sit up and finally managed it. Illasu had stopped the horse so she would have an easier time. Selphie was finally in the giant saddle and sitting upright behind Illasu. Illasu told her to hang on and when she had her arms around her waist, they took off down the dirt road to the Star Palace. Illasu had made it especially for the horses. It was only 5 minutes longer. When they arrived back at the Palace, Selphie learned the disturbing news from Rinoa and Quistis, you guessed it, in the bathroom. They decided that they would just watch them for suspicious behavior then. With the restaurant clean and Illasu ready to go, they headed to the inn to pick up their chocobos and half horse. It was midnight and they might make it at 5 am if they kept a good pace. So they said goodbye to Kuma and Whir and Rinoa asked Whir if just tonight she would spend it with Kuma.

Rinoa: Please!! Kuma just for tonight. Ruka can explain everything to you guys, just promise me you will.

Kuma: I don't see why not.

Rinoa: OH THANK YOU!!

They left and Kuma locked up. They headed home and everyone was now safe. Except Ruka was with the twins, and that didn't sit right with Selphie or Rinoa or Quistis. They just hoped that when Selphie called tomorrow she would answer.

*The Twins at Ruka's House*

Kuro had reappeared long before they got there. She told Shiro she talked to Selphie and she seemed weird but stupid like her. Shiro got mad at her but she nodded and went inside to wait on the boys. Ruka was arms folded and eyes on them the whole time. She stared them down. Kuro stared right back and Shiro slipped off to Yugo's room. She helped the poor boy fold. He was just throwing his clothes in his bag. Shiro was amazed she was folding something. She could have cared less at the dorm but now she wanted to help. Yugo was thankful for the help and they got done before Rin. When Rin came out they left Ruka to lock them out. Rin hugged his baby sister before he left and so did Yugo. Kuro's eyes narrowed as Rin hugged her. Shiro thought it was so sweet that she hugged her sister. Kuro looked at her in astonishment. They hadn't hugged in so long she had forgotten it was family-like to do so. She patted her sister on the back and they all left. Yugo had a motorcycle, a white Kawasaki that seated two. Rin had a black one but it was a little smaller. Kuro was kind of close to Rin but she didn't care. He was so warm and cute that she was comfy anyway. They got on and peeled out down the road towards the main highway.

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Well, there is chp 10!! I hope that's the halfway mark. I knew it was gonna be long but new idea and plots pop up a lot. So, if you're still confused about Kuro and Shiro, GOOD!!! Then it's still working. Well, I will get right on number 11, so check back!!