Title: Thousand Cranes
Author: Kuri Tessy
Feedback: Yes, please!
Pairings: Quistis/Seifer
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Angst and Death
Disclaimer: FF8, characters, and other nice things don't belong to me. It's sad, but true.
Notes: In Japanese class I watched a video on Sadako Sasaki and the story of the one thousand paper cranes. I was touched by the video's message and got the idea of writing a fanfiction piece about it.
Shout outs: Well, it's been a while everyone. And for that I sincerely apologize. School has been just lovely and has been taking my time away from writing. But, I prevailed and have finally written chapter 11. I think you'll find that there are a couple of twists and turns in this chapter, so I hope that you all enjoy. As for all reviewers, my goodness how can I say thank you enough? KindCalypso, Jeangab057, Seifers Peach Rose (BePoPsGiRl88, you changed your name! I like, I like.), Quistis88, Verdanii, and Kei Ayame.
All of your comments and ideas are greatly appreciated! Please tell me if you like where the story is going. I'm thinking there are going to be a lot more chapters coming up in the future.
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Thousand Cranes ch. 11,What Was Lost Is Now Found
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Rinoa concentrated as she felt Quistis's emotions flare wildly. The overwhelming feeling of fear mixed with confusion assaulted the young woman's senses. The feelings soon tapered down and eventually faded away. For some reason, Quistis appeared to be unconscious and Rinoa could only guess as to the reason why.
The fact that her tie with Quistis was temporarily broken did not deter Rinoa. In a matter of minutes the Ragnarok would soon be upon their vessel and Quistis would be rescued.
Oh how she longed to see Quistis!
What worry each and every one had been experiencing as of late. She had previously stretched her mind to seek out Zell and Irvine. Irvine's determination was like a bright flare in its intensity. As for Zell, he seemed to be struggling to contain his nervousness and anxiety.
Squall had nearly had an aneurism when Rinoa informed him that Zell and Irvine had not returned to Balamb as ordered. Rinoa hid a smile behind her hand. Because of Irvine's stubbornness there were now two rescue teams heading for Quistis.
Even Selphie could feel the tension radiating in the air. Her lips were stretched to a tight line and not once during their flight had she uttered a singing note. It was slightly odd not to hear her energetic voice singing from the cockpit.
Everyone's eyes were completely glued on the horizon. All were searching for the distinguished shape of a boat amidst the broken waves of the ocean.
The anticipation was building, but there was a collective intake of breath as the boat entered everyone's eyesight. Selphie expertly positioned the Ragnarok to hover over the sea craft as Squall prepared to exit.
Rinoa made to follow him, but Squall fiercely shook his head. His cobalt eyes fixed upon her in a locking stare.
"You can't go. There's too much danger," His normally dispassionate voice betrayed a slight note of concern.
Rinoa nodded her head in resignation. He still couldn't forgive Seifer, even after a whole year. However, she would not push him in this matter. She remembered all too well Seifer throwing her before Adel. She only hoped his malice would not impair the current situation.
Squall exited the plane through a side latch and nimbly climbed down a ladder. The boat conveniently had a platform on which the ship's guns were located. This was to his advantage because he then had a spot to safely drop down on.
Little over a year ago he had been standing in almost the same place, although on a different boat. That was the day of his Seed field exam. Blood had been pounded in his ears, adrenaline flowing swiftly through his veins.
He was now experiencing the same thing, but for entirely different reasons. He wasn't here to aid Dollet and gain his place in Seed, but to rescue Quistis. In perspective, this mission was even more nerve racking than his first. Her life possibly rested upon this...
Not wanting to waste anymore time, Squall dashed down the stairs leading to the boat's latched doors. Using his momentum he burst through and into the main area.
The hull of the boat was illuminated by the luminescent glow of the ship's navigational computers. The brief silence following his entrance was broken by the sharp sound of clapping.
Seifer was sitting languidly on the side benches adorning the boat's walls. His position was the exact same when they had been briefed on their first Seed mission. His arms were tightly folded across his chest, his long legs fully extended.
Squall's eyes frantically searched for Quistis as he attempted to keep a reign on his emotions and composure. He had to remain calm in detached. At least in front of Seifer. The situation was precarious and Squally didn't want any weakness to inhibit his judgement.
"You're wondering where Quistis is, right?" Seifer slowly stood up as not to alarm his adversary.
Squall didn't grace the question with an answer, but merely glared. If looks could kill and he had his way, the cocky ex-knight would be beyond the reviving magic of phoenix downs.
Forgoing with polite pleasantries Squall tensed his body in preparation for battle, "Bring her to me right now or I'll kill you."
Seifer shrugged and held his arms up casually in the air, indicating that he could care less for Squall's threats. He slowly made his way to a door on the right side of the main computer. He could feel Squall's burning gaze on his back as he entered the back room.
Squall watched in suppressed relief as an unconscious Quistis was carried back into his line of sight. He quickly scanned over her with his eyes, checking her physical condition. For the most part she appeared unharmed. He reminded himself that first appearances could be deceiving.
Squall warily observed his opponent. It didn't appear that Seifer was carrying Hyperion on him. Squall reasoned that even if the gunblade was hidden behind Seifer's trenchcoat he'd still have enough time to snatch Quistis and board the Ragnarok without getting shot.
It was difficult to accurately shoot the gunblade, for it was designed for close combat and to be used with the blade counterpart. More often that not the blade's hefty weight tipped down the gun. It would give him the slight advantage that he would need.
"Take her," Seifer's voice cut through Squall's frantic thoughts. His voice was laden with a hint of resigned defeat.
Squall was utterly baffled. Was Seifer really giving up without a fight? Surely not! This had to be a ploy trying to make him lower his defenses.
Had Squall been a more inquisitive man he would have noticed that the Seifer before him was anything but threatening.
Seifer sensed that Squall was confused and mentally congratulated himself. Not even fate could change the fact that they were bitter rivals. Thinking about it, he decided he wouldn't have it any other way. The constant strife surrounded them had been prevalent even during their childhood.
"I said, take her. I suggest that you do so before I change my mind." He couldn't resist the opportunity the get a rise out of Squall.
Squall scowled, showing his displeasure. He cautiously inched his way towards Quistis's form, all the while keeping a watchful eye on his opponent. It wouldn't do to be caught unawares, not right after they had just intercepted their quarry.
Seifer sneered, "I've never known you to go slinking around like a coward. Pick the goddamn woman up and play your little hero bit, Squally."
Once Squall had Quistis safely positioned in his arms he regarded Seifer with a long, calculating glare. Seifer could make fun all he wanted, but soon he'd be behind bars and the rest of the world would be safe from his violent tendencies.
'And I'll be having the last laugh,' Squall smugly thought.
"If you even try to escape..."
The beginning of Squall's tirade was cut short as Rinoa appeared before him. Squall's eyes widened in exasperation and shock. Rinoa just gave him her customary sweet smile. Her soothing voice penetrated into his head.
'Don't get mad at me! I knew that you would need a helping hand to get Quistis back to the Ragnarok.'
'I specifically told you to stay!'
There was a slight pause and Squall detected her firm resolve and anger through their mental link.
'Squall Leonhart, you will NOT order me around. I will take Quistis back. You deal with Seifer. Got it?'
Squall winced, when had he become whipped by this mere slip of a girl? Rinoa nodded in satisfaction, completely certain that he would do what she told him to do. How right she was. She broke off their mental link and sent an appraising glance to Seifer.
Seifer just cocked an eyebrow at her staring, his only acknowledgment of her presence. Her soft brown eyes gave him a thorough once over and he oddly felt like she was looking right through him. Of course he knew that she was currently using some of the perks of her sorceress powers.
The vague sense that he was being violated tugged at him. It wasn't easy for him to forget how strong the varied sorceress's powers were. It was barely over a year that he was a captive within his own mind, tortured by his dreams of greatness and a half crazed creature's plans to rule the world.
For all he knew, she had just read his thoughts as easily as if she had been simply reading a child's book. He shuddered slightly, just thinking about it brought forth unpleasant memories.
Before Rinoa vanished with Quistis in her arms she cooly admonished to him, "You have changed. For the better? Well, that remains to be seen."
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(Back at Balamb Garden)
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Quistis awoke to the sound of chiming bells echoing across Garden's grounds. She groggily opened her eyes and was surprised to find herself in a very familiar infirmary. The slight smell of the ocean along with the white sterile walls she would have been able to recognize anywhere. But now that she was coherent, she was wondering why she was in the infirmary at all.
The sharp clicking of heels could be heard outside her door which was soon opened to reveal Dr. Kadowaki. The kind women benevolently smiled when she saw that her patient was awake.
"Why hello there, Quistis. I'm sure that you are wondering about all of this."
Quistis nodded, Dr. Kadowaki had a talent for pointing out the obvious.
"Well dear, if you feel that you are up for visitors, I'm sure they can explain in more detail what's been going on than I can."
Rinoa peeked her head past the door and winked at her friend. The bed ridden woman beckoned her in and let out a whoosh of air as Rinoa gave her a tight hug.
"Oh Quistis! I'm so glad that you're back home. Squall couldn't come see you right now, because of his commander duties and all. And Irvine and Zell are due back any moment. After Seifer recaptured you they went against Squall's orders and tried to rescue you again. Oh, and Selphie...well, I thought you might not have enough energy yet for Selphie's...exuberance. Oh Quisty, we missed you terribly. I'm so glad that you're back!"
Quistis grinned to herself. Rinoa didn't realize it, but at that moment she was acting extraordinarily like Selphie. But, something was perplexing her. What was all this talk about rescue missions and her being away?
"Rinoa, could you please tell me what happened?"
Rinoa slapped herself slightly on the forehead and took a deep breath, "Of course, let's see...you remember that Seifer captured you. As for what happened on the boat, well you were the one there not me-"
Quistis cut her off, "Rinoa...I'm confused. Seifer captured me?"
Rinoa frowned when she said that and looked closely at the blonde woman. She didn't seem to be joking. Then again, Quistis Trepe hardly ever joked around.
"You don't remember? For the past week you've been gone and we've been trying to rescue you..."
Quistis shook her head. She racked her brain for anything that would jog her memory. Surely she would remember getting kidnaped, and by Seifer Almasy no less.
Rinoa placed her hand on Quistis'. Whatever had happened on the boat must have done something to Quistis. Had Seifer hit her and caused her to lose her memory? That last thought caused a jolt of alarm to slam through the young sorceress.
"What do you remember?"
Quistis sighed and tried to think back, but her head was pounding fiercely. Still, she attempted to recall anything.
"Last thing I remember was that I was on a train headed for Timber...and that my birthday is...or was coming up."
Rinoa's eyes widened and she looked away from her friend. 'What is wrong with her?' She mentally examined Quistis, searching for any signs of sickness or physical weakness. Rinoa's searching continued until an unmistakable wave of consuming sickness made Rinoa gag in revulsion.
Whatever it was...it was vile, spreading to every part of the body, a merciless disease. The illness plaguing her body had spread throughout, affecting her mental and physical capabilities. Rinoa noted that even her magical capabilities were being attacked.
'How did I not catch this?' Rinoa thought to herself in absolute terror.
The growing sickness should have been easily detected when she had tried to locate Quistis. Rinoa couldn't stop the broken sobs that tore from her body as Quistis looked at her with concern. Her crying escalated when she saw that her friend was the one that was worried for her.
"Rinoa, what's wrong?"
Brown eyes full of despair met blue questioning ones. Rinoa shook her head, she couldn't do this. How can one tell their friend that they were terminally ill?
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Kuri's note: I'm sorry if that seemed a little short but I've been beaten down my homework lately. Please review, e-mail me, anything and tell me what you like, dislike...the usual. :D Next chapter we finally find out what's wrong with Quistis and just how Seifer comes to play in all of this. Also, next chapter is Seifer's sentencing...and we'll see how that goes.
Author: Kuri Tessy
Feedback: Yes, please!
Pairings: Quistis/Seifer
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Angst and Death
Disclaimer: FF8, characters, and other nice things don't belong to me. It's sad, but true.
Notes: In Japanese class I watched a video on Sadako Sasaki and the story of the one thousand paper cranes. I was touched by the video's message and got the idea of writing a fanfiction piece about it.
Shout outs: Well, it's been a while everyone. And for that I sincerely apologize. School has been just lovely and has been taking my time away from writing. But, I prevailed and have finally written chapter 11. I think you'll find that there are a couple of twists and turns in this chapter, so I hope that you all enjoy. As for all reviewers, my goodness how can I say thank you enough? KindCalypso, Jeangab057, Seifers Peach Rose (BePoPsGiRl88, you changed your name! I like, I like.), Quistis88, Verdanii, and Kei Ayame.
All of your comments and ideas are greatly appreciated! Please tell me if you like where the story is going. I'm thinking there are going to be a lot more chapters coming up in the future.
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Thousand Cranes ch. 11,What Was Lost Is Now Found
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Rinoa concentrated as she felt Quistis's emotions flare wildly. The overwhelming feeling of fear mixed with confusion assaulted the young woman's senses. The feelings soon tapered down and eventually faded away. For some reason, Quistis appeared to be unconscious and Rinoa could only guess as to the reason why.
The fact that her tie with Quistis was temporarily broken did not deter Rinoa. In a matter of minutes the Ragnarok would soon be upon their vessel and Quistis would be rescued.
Oh how she longed to see Quistis!
What worry each and every one had been experiencing as of late. She had previously stretched her mind to seek out Zell and Irvine. Irvine's determination was like a bright flare in its intensity. As for Zell, he seemed to be struggling to contain his nervousness and anxiety.
Squall had nearly had an aneurism when Rinoa informed him that Zell and Irvine had not returned to Balamb as ordered. Rinoa hid a smile behind her hand. Because of Irvine's stubbornness there were now two rescue teams heading for Quistis.
Even Selphie could feel the tension radiating in the air. Her lips were stretched to a tight line and not once during their flight had she uttered a singing note. It was slightly odd not to hear her energetic voice singing from the cockpit.
Everyone's eyes were completely glued on the horizon. All were searching for the distinguished shape of a boat amidst the broken waves of the ocean.
The anticipation was building, but there was a collective intake of breath as the boat entered everyone's eyesight. Selphie expertly positioned the Ragnarok to hover over the sea craft as Squall prepared to exit.
Rinoa made to follow him, but Squall fiercely shook his head. His cobalt eyes fixed upon her in a locking stare.
"You can't go. There's too much danger," His normally dispassionate voice betrayed a slight note of concern.
Rinoa nodded her head in resignation. He still couldn't forgive Seifer, even after a whole year. However, she would not push him in this matter. She remembered all too well Seifer throwing her before Adel. She only hoped his malice would not impair the current situation.
Squall exited the plane through a side latch and nimbly climbed down a ladder. The boat conveniently had a platform on which the ship's guns were located. This was to his advantage because he then had a spot to safely drop down on.
Little over a year ago he had been standing in almost the same place, although on a different boat. That was the day of his Seed field exam. Blood had been pounded in his ears, adrenaline flowing swiftly through his veins.
He was now experiencing the same thing, but for entirely different reasons. He wasn't here to aid Dollet and gain his place in Seed, but to rescue Quistis. In perspective, this mission was even more nerve racking than his first. Her life possibly rested upon this...
Not wanting to waste anymore time, Squall dashed down the stairs leading to the boat's latched doors. Using his momentum he burst through and into the main area.
The hull of the boat was illuminated by the luminescent glow of the ship's navigational computers. The brief silence following his entrance was broken by the sharp sound of clapping.
Seifer was sitting languidly on the side benches adorning the boat's walls. His position was the exact same when they had been briefed on their first Seed mission. His arms were tightly folded across his chest, his long legs fully extended.
Squall's eyes frantically searched for Quistis as he attempted to keep a reign on his emotions and composure. He had to remain calm in detached. At least in front of Seifer. The situation was precarious and Squally didn't want any weakness to inhibit his judgement.
"You're wondering where Quistis is, right?" Seifer slowly stood up as not to alarm his adversary.
Squall didn't grace the question with an answer, but merely glared. If looks could kill and he had his way, the cocky ex-knight would be beyond the reviving magic of phoenix downs.
Forgoing with polite pleasantries Squall tensed his body in preparation for battle, "Bring her to me right now or I'll kill you."
Seifer shrugged and held his arms up casually in the air, indicating that he could care less for Squall's threats. He slowly made his way to a door on the right side of the main computer. He could feel Squall's burning gaze on his back as he entered the back room.
Squall watched in suppressed relief as an unconscious Quistis was carried back into his line of sight. He quickly scanned over her with his eyes, checking her physical condition. For the most part she appeared unharmed. He reminded himself that first appearances could be deceiving.
Squall warily observed his opponent. It didn't appear that Seifer was carrying Hyperion on him. Squall reasoned that even if the gunblade was hidden behind Seifer's trenchcoat he'd still have enough time to snatch Quistis and board the Ragnarok without getting shot.
It was difficult to accurately shoot the gunblade, for it was designed for close combat and to be used with the blade counterpart. More often that not the blade's hefty weight tipped down the gun. It would give him the slight advantage that he would need.
"Take her," Seifer's voice cut through Squall's frantic thoughts. His voice was laden with a hint of resigned defeat.
Squall was utterly baffled. Was Seifer really giving up without a fight? Surely not! This had to be a ploy trying to make him lower his defenses.
Had Squall been a more inquisitive man he would have noticed that the Seifer before him was anything but threatening.
Seifer sensed that Squall was confused and mentally congratulated himself. Not even fate could change the fact that they were bitter rivals. Thinking about it, he decided he wouldn't have it any other way. The constant strife surrounded them had been prevalent even during their childhood.
"I said, take her. I suggest that you do so before I change my mind." He couldn't resist the opportunity the get a rise out of Squall.
Squall scowled, showing his displeasure. He cautiously inched his way towards Quistis's form, all the while keeping a watchful eye on his opponent. It wouldn't do to be caught unawares, not right after they had just intercepted their quarry.
Seifer sneered, "I've never known you to go slinking around like a coward. Pick the goddamn woman up and play your little hero bit, Squally."
Once Squall had Quistis safely positioned in his arms he regarded Seifer with a long, calculating glare. Seifer could make fun all he wanted, but soon he'd be behind bars and the rest of the world would be safe from his violent tendencies.
'And I'll be having the last laugh,' Squall smugly thought.
"If you even try to escape..."
The beginning of Squall's tirade was cut short as Rinoa appeared before him. Squall's eyes widened in exasperation and shock. Rinoa just gave him her customary sweet smile. Her soothing voice penetrated into his head.
'Don't get mad at me! I knew that you would need a helping hand to get Quistis back to the Ragnarok.'
'I specifically told you to stay!'
There was a slight pause and Squall detected her firm resolve and anger through their mental link.
'Squall Leonhart, you will NOT order me around. I will take Quistis back. You deal with Seifer. Got it?'
Squall winced, when had he become whipped by this mere slip of a girl? Rinoa nodded in satisfaction, completely certain that he would do what she told him to do. How right she was. She broke off their mental link and sent an appraising glance to Seifer.
Seifer just cocked an eyebrow at her staring, his only acknowledgment of her presence. Her soft brown eyes gave him a thorough once over and he oddly felt like she was looking right through him. Of course he knew that she was currently using some of the perks of her sorceress powers.
The vague sense that he was being violated tugged at him. It wasn't easy for him to forget how strong the varied sorceress's powers were. It was barely over a year that he was a captive within his own mind, tortured by his dreams of greatness and a half crazed creature's plans to rule the world.
For all he knew, she had just read his thoughts as easily as if she had been simply reading a child's book. He shuddered slightly, just thinking about it brought forth unpleasant memories.
Before Rinoa vanished with Quistis in her arms she cooly admonished to him, "You have changed. For the better? Well, that remains to be seen."
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(Back at Balamb Garden)
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Quistis awoke to the sound of chiming bells echoing across Garden's grounds. She groggily opened her eyes and was surprised to find herself in a very familiar infirmary. The slight smell of the ocean along with the white sterile walls she would have been able to recognize anywhere. But now that she was coherent, she was wondering why she was in the infirmary at all.
The sharp clicking of heels could be heard outside her door which was soon opened to reveal Dr. Kadowaki. The kind women benevolently smiled when she saw that her patient was awake.
"Why hello there, Quistis. I'm sure that you are wondering about all of this."
Quistis nodded, Dr. Kadowaki had a talent for pointing out the obvious.
"Well dear, if you feel that you are up for visitors, I'm sure they can explain in more detail what's been going on than I can."
Rinoa peeked her head past the door and winked at her friend. The bed ridden woman beckoned her in and let out a whoosh of air as Rinoa gave her a tight hug.
"Oh Quistis! I'm so glad that you're back home. Squall couldn't come see you right now, because of his commander duties and all. And Irvine and Zell are due back any moment. After Seifer recaptured you they went against Squall's orders and tried to rescue you again. Oh, and Selphie...well, I thought you might not have enough energy yet for Selphie's...exuberance. Oh Quisty, we missed you terribly. I'm so glad that you're back!"
Quistis grinned to herself. Rinoa didn't realize it, but at that moment she was acting extraordinarily like Selphie. But, something was perplexing her. What was all this talk about rescue missions and her being away?
"Rinoa, could you please tell me what happened?"
Rinoa slapped herself slightly on the forehead and took a deep breath, "Of course, let's see...you remember that Seifer captured you. As for what happened on the boat, well you were the one there not me-"
Quistis cut her off, "Rinoa...I'm confused. Seifer captured me?"
Rinoa frowned when she said that and looked closely at the blonde woman. She didn't seem to be joking. Then again, Quistis Trepe hardly ever joked around.
"You don't remember? For the past week you've been gone and we've been trying to rescue you..."
Quistis shook her head. She racked her brain for anything that would jog her memory. Surely she would remember getting kidnaped, and by Seifer Almasy no less.
Rinoa placed her hand on Quistis'. Whatever had happened on the boat must have done something to Quistis. Had Seifer hit her and caused her to lose her memory? That last thought caused a jolt of alarm to slam through the young sorceress.
"What do you remember?"
Quistis sighed and tried to think back, but her head was pounding fiercely. Still, she attempted to recall anything.
"Last thing I remember was that I was on a train headed for Timber...and that my birthday is...or was coming up."
Rinoa's eyes widened and she looked away from her friend. 'What is wrong with her?' She mentally examined Quistis, searching for any signs of sickness or physical weakness. Rinoa's searching continued until an unmistakable wave of consuming sickness made Rinoa gag in revulsion.
Whatever it was...it was vile, spreading to every part of the body, a merciless disease. The illness plaguing her body had spread throughout, affecting her mental and physical capabilities. Rinoa noted that even her magical capabilities were being attacked.
'How did I not catch this?' Rinoa thought to herself in absolute terror.
The growing sickness should have been easily detected when she had tried to locate Quistis. Rinoa couldn't stop the broken sobs that tore from her body as Quistis looked at her with concern. Her crying escalated when she saw that her friend was the one that was worried for her.
"Rinoa, what's wrong?"
Brown eyes full of despair met blue questioning ones. Rinoa shook her head, she couldn't do this. How can one tell their friend that they were terminally ill?
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Kuri's note: I'm sorry if that seemed a little short but I've been beaten down my homework lately. Please review, e-mail me, anything and tell me what you like, dislike...the usual. :D Next chapter we finally find out what's wrong with Quistis and just how Seifer comes to play in all of this. Also, next chapter is Seifer's sentencing...and we'll see how that goes.