Author's Note - Okay, it's about time I started a serious Seiftis. My
other ones that are on hold right now are just so... weird... shall I say?
I don't know, you tell me what you think of them... that is, if you have
read them before. Okay, so what is this story about? Well, it's about two
certain blondes who fall in love and viola, the end! Lol, just joking!
You think my stories end like that? No way! Never...! There's gotta be
something wrong/weird about it! Sorry folks, it's not that simple. If it
were, it wouldn't be one of my stories, nor would it be a very good
Seiftis... at least, I don't think ... okay, seriously, what's this story
about?
Seifer returns to Balamb Garden a year after the Sorceress War... nobody really believes that he's innocent from his wrong doings except Edea (of course) and... Quistis... lol. No, actually, not even Quistis believes he's innocent. Most stories that bring Seifer back into Balamb says that Quistis is the one who thinks he's not that bad and blah blah blah (for Seiftis') but not this story. In fact Quistis truly believes it was completely his fault. The only other person who believes it wasn't... is actually... Selphie. But remember, this is a SEIFTIS NOT SELFER. Sorry Seifer/Selphie fans, it's not gonna happen. Anyway, shall you read on? Oh ya, one more thing. Thought dialogue will be in [ ].
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I briskly stride through the familiar hallways of what I once called home. I take a deep breath as I remember the olden days. I pass the ever- familiar fountains at the front entrance. I carefully listen as the water splashes down, followed by the neat circular ripples. It sounds almost like heaven to me. I never thought much about the fountain before... I took many things for granted. But now that I have returned, I will cherish even the simplest things.
I turn my head to look at a few students muttering between themselves and I give them my ever-familiar smirk. They quickly huddle away as I hear one of them whisper to the other.
"I can't believe he's back!" I hear the young female say.
I smirk at the remark. [Seems like I'm already a legend here.] I thought. Of course I was. I was once the most terrifying man alive. The one who helped serve the Sorceress to the destruction of this very world. My smirk fades almost instantly.
Memories creep into my mind. Actually, more like nightmares that have come to haunt my soul again. I shiver at the thoughts. I never used to shiver. Never had a reason too. But now, I shiver every time I think about my past.
"It's alright dear, it wasn't your fault." I remember Matron telling me. "You were possessed. It's not your fault."
I tried to remember that. I tried to convince myself that it wasn't my fault. But somehow, I couldn't. I knew it was my fault. I had willingly agreed to help the Sorceress. I was the one who had slaughtered so many innocent people. I was the one to blame.
"Seifer!" Someone gasped.
The voice sounded all too familiar, but I couldn't comprehend who it had belonged to. I turned my head to the right to see who had just spoke of a cursed name. Selphie. The bouncy, energetic, yellow ball of horror. I never did like her cheeriness, probably because I was rarely happy myself. She had been one of the people I have failed to kill countless times.
I only glanced at her for a moment before I ignored her and continued walking down the halls to my old dorm. The one they had discarded. I knew nobody would want to live in there during my reign of terror. I knew it would be exactly as I had left it.
"Seifer...?" She called out softly to me this time. For a slight second, I thought she pitied me. But I knew it wouldn't be true. Nobody pitied the Seifer Almasy.
I ignored her and continued on my way. Just as I was hoping that she wouldn't, she ran up to me and walked alongside.
"What do you want?" I asked showing my obvious annoyance to her. I stopped walking and turned to face her. I gave her my talk-to-me-and-die look. She didn't look one bit intimidated.
She bit her lower lip. "I was just wondering if... you were staying here... for good."
"Aww, you don't want me to stay here?" My every word dripping with sarcasm. "That hurts Selphie, it hurts me to know that you don't want me here." I plaed me hand on my chest with my free hand in mock hurt. My other hand held my gunblade and a bundle that had only a shirt and jeans in it.
"No... I didn't mean it that way Seifer..." She replied slowly, carefully measuring her words so she wouldn't sound rude. "I just... well... you know... like... not everybody likes you here... so I thought it might be a little rough for you..." It sounded as if she sympathized me. Not that I would care if she did.
"You think I don't know that?" I replied coldly. "I've had worse. And I know how to handle it myself. Now don't you have a cowboy to tame?" I asked angrily. Last time I saw, it seemed like they were pretty close.
Selphie gave a hurt expression. As if my words were daggers that had pierced her heart. "I... Irvine and I and just friends." She replied and began walking away.
I didn't care if they were more than that or not. For all I cared, they both could just fall down and die. I walked up to my door was just about to slide my key card in when Selphie turned around again.
"If you need anything... you can come talk to me."
My eyes widened slightly. [What had she meant? Did she actually forgive me?] I shrugged it off and slid the card through the scanner beside my door. Big bold, green letters flashed almost immediately after. ACCESS GRANTED. It flashed twice before new words appeared on the screen. WELCOME BACK SEIFER ALMASY. One of my eyebrows rose. [Since when did they have that?]
Behind the door, a click was heard and the door slid open. I walked in and flicked the light switch on. The room brightened and I looked at my surrounding. My bed was made and my clothes still hung in my closet. I didn't own much, but I was still quite neat. An attribute that nobody knew I possessed. I just couldn't stand a messy room.
The door slid behind me as I walked towards my closet. I touched one of my trench coats and smiled slightly. How I missed my room. I walked around my room, inspecting everything. Just as I thought, nothing had been touched. I dropped my bundle on the empty desk that I never used and walked into my bathroom. I pulled off my shirt and let it fall onto the cold tiled floor. I turned to the mirror and looked at my reflection.
I looked so different. Like a whole new person. My hair was longer than I had imagined, and I had grown a blonde mustache and beard. My cheekbones were nearly visible, and my once muscular chest looked small and flimsy.
Quickly turning my gaze away from the mirror, afraid to see how much I have changed, I slipped off my jeans and stepped in to the shower. I twisted the faucet and let the hot water tickle my face. It seemed forever since I had taken a shower, and I just wanted to stay in here forever. I grabbed the bottle of shampoo and began shampooing my hair. My hair felt gross, as if muck was in it. I had to shampoo it three times before I was satisfied with the feeling. After that, I worked the soap on my body and let it laver into my skin.
After a few minutes, I turned off the water and stepped back onto the cold floor. I grabbed a towel off rack and ruffled it in my hair, drying it slightly. Then I wrapped the towel around my waist and proceeded to the mirror. I opened the mirror and grabbed my shaver and shaving cream out. Carefully shaving off the unwanted facial hair. When I was done and happy of my appearance, I stood there wondering what to do with my hair. [Should I cut it myself?] I knew I didn't want to do that, I would probably ruin it. [Maybe I should leave it as is for now and go to a salon later. But who would want to cut a traitor's hair?] Not caring anymore, I slicked it back in an unusual fashion for me. I looked somewhat different... more elegant I suppose. [Maybe it looks better this way?] I thought before I stepped out of my bathroom and towards my closet.
I grabbed a black tee shirt and pulled it over my head. Just a year ago, it was tight on me and showed off my muscles, now it seemed like it draped over me. I pulled out a pair of black boxers and put them on as well as some blue jeans. I didn't usually wear this assemble, as I always had on my trench coat, but today, I didn't feel like putting that on either.
I looked around my dorm one last time before I headed to Cid's office.
* * *
(Selphie)
I walked towards the cafeteria slowly, thinking about the last person I thought I would be thinking of. [Seifer. He seemed so different now. His unshaven face, his hair longer than usual, and his attire... he didn't wear his trench coat. And when I looked him in the eye, he had emotions... he seemed hurt... or disappointed. Not the typical emotions you see from Seifer.]
"If you need anything... you can come talk to me." I had said that to him. [Why did I say that? Did I feel that he needed someone to talk to? But he wouldn't talk to me... would he? He didn't seem to want to talk to me before... what makes me think he would later?]
"Hey Selph!" Zell waved at me as I stepped into the cafeteria. Zell already got his food and was munching on it already. Hot dogs. For once he got them.
"Hey Zell!" I beamed as I bounced towards the table, trying to look as normal as possible.
He was sitting alone. No Squall. No Rinoa. No Quistis. And no... Irvine.
"Whatcha doing here all alone?" I asked cheerfully.
"Eefing." He replied with a mouthful of hotdogs in his mouth.
"How come you're eating by yourself? Where's everyone else?"
Zell swallowed and continued talking. "Squall and Quistis are talking to Cid, I have no idea where Rinoa is, and Irvine probably in the classroom."
[Flirting with another girl probably.] I thought angrily. "Oh." I replied. I opened my mouth to speak, but closed it immediately. I wanted to tell him that Seifer was back, but I knew he wouldn't be at all happy. I didn't know how to tell Zell without upsetting him.
"Faf frong?" He asked with hotdog pieces rolling around in his mouth.
I bit my lip. [Was I going to tell him?] "I saw Seifer today."
I knew it was the wrong thing to do right after I said those words because Zell began choking. I got up and ran behind him, patting his back, trying to help the food slide down his throat. Zell coughed and some pieces of hotdog flew out of his mouth and onto the table.
"Zell you okay? I'm so sorry!" I tried to fix my mistake. But I didn't know how.
He grabbed a cup of water and gulped it down. After a short while, he was finally breathing properly again. However, his breaths were uneven, and loud. I knew that could only mean one thing. He was terribly angry.
"WHAT?!" he shouted, practically screaming. "I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY LET THAT BASTARD BACK!"
"Calm down Zell!" I tried comforting him. "There are junior classmen here!"
"I don't care!" The words came seething out his clench teeth. "I'm going to talk to Cid about this." He pushed me aside and stormed off.
I bit my lower lip again and ran after him.
* * *
(Quistis)
"You can't be serious!" Squall shouted as he slammed his fist into Headmaster Cid's desk. "How could you let him back after all he's done to us?!"
The doors suddenly flung open revealing a smirking Seifer. He looked different from the last time I had seen him. He looked thinner, and had longer hair that he slicked back. He also ditched his trench coat. Something I could never imagine him doing.
"It's great to see you too, Puberty boy." He strode in and sat down on one of the chairs. As if nothing in the world could ever destroy his ego.
[His attitude never changed]. My fists clenched tightly together until my knuckles turned white. I despised that man. I hated him with all my soul. Not only did he make me lose my Instructor's license, he also tried to kill me a couple times. I clenched my teeth tightly, trying not to say anything rude to him.
"Instructor, you haven't changed one bit." His eyes scanned me as if he were checking me out.
"I'm not an instructor anymore Seifer." I replied sternly. I hated to even have to see that man.
"Seifer, get out of here! You're not wanted here!" Squall shouted at Seifer. He grabbed his gunblade tightly and held it at Seifer's throat.
Seifer didn't even seem to care. In fact, he yawned.
"Squall, lower your weapon immediately!" Cid ordered. Squall slowly and quite reluctantly lowered his gunblade.
"Headmaster, please tell us what possessed you to let Seifer back here." I said his name as if it were acid itself.
"My, my Instructor. By the sound of it, it almost seems like you don't want me here." He smirked at me.
I didn't look at him, but I saw it through the corner of my eye. I could even picture it in my head. His arrogance, his cockiness. His damned smirk. I hated it. Absolutely hated it.
"She's not the only one who doesn't want you here!" Squall shouted at him again. Cid had to push him away from Seifer and into one of the seats.
"I told you before Seifer, I'm no longer your Instructor." [All thanks to you I'm not even an Instructor anymore.] I silently added.
"We aren't here to argue!" Cid finally said. "I want to let you two know," He turned to face Squall and I. "that Seifer is here for good... at least for now." Headmaster Cid mumbled the last part. But we all heard it quite clearly.
This was also just the most perfect time for Zell to storm in. Selphie followed him shortly after. Good, now that all of us here don't want Seifer back, Headmaster's bound to tell him to leave.
"You!" Zell hissed at Seifer.
"Chickenwuss." Seifer replied, seemingly to say, 'I have acknowledged your presence.'
"Get out of Balamb before I beat you to a bloody pulp!" Zell waved his fists in the air and nearly punched him, but Selphie managed to pull him back just before he hit Seifer in the nose. Seifer didn't even move. He only raised a blonde eyebrow at the whole scene.
"Zell! Calm down!" Selphie shouted, struggling to pull Zell away. Neither Squall nor I helped her. In fact, I bet we both were thinking the same thing. [Punch that bastard! Punch him good Zell!]
"Zell! Behave yourself! You know better than to barge into my office without being called!" Cid scorned as if he were talking to a little five- year-old who misbehaved himself.
"Headmaster, I cannot tolerate that this lap dog is here at Balamb! What if he goes on a killing rampage again?!" Zell stopped trying to punch Seifer and eyed the Headmaster angrily.
"Shut up Chickenwuss. You cannot decide whether I can come back or not." Seifer glared at Zell. [So that was his weakness right now. Being called a lap dog.] I nearly smiled at the thought of tormenting him with his weakness.
"Zell, calm down, I know how you feel. But punching him won't solve anything." Squall finally said in the tone that he used to have. The one he used before he met Rinoa. The one I always tried to loosen up, but failed to.
Zell pushed Selphie aside and sat down beside me. His fist was still curled up and ready to strike. Selphie sat beside him, probably trying to stop him from attacking Seifer again. [ Too bad. I would have been so happy to see that bastard get hit in the face.]
Cid sighed. "Like I said before, Seifer is here for good."
Without another word, Zell stormed out, slamming the doors behind him. Selphie was about to run after him, but decided not to. Cid ignored the rude outburst and continued talking.
"He'll be taking the SeeD exam again... but if he fails this time..." Cid turned to face Seifer. "Even I can't help him."
"Don't worry Headmaster, I don't plan to use anymore help from you." Seifer smirked again. That damn arrogant smirk.
"Let's hope." Cid muttered.
To the left of me, I could hear Squall muttering too. "Let's hope not."
"Squall, as Commander, I was hoping you two would put aside your differences and become mutual to each other. Once the Garden sees the Commander forgiving Seifer, they will follow."
"I'm sorry Headmaster, I don't think that is possible." Squall replied just after Cid had finished speaking.
"You'll have too. This is an order." Cid said in a strict manner. Squall didn't say another word, but I knew deep down inside, he was wishing Seifer would just burn in hell.
"And Quistis... I know you're not an Instructor, but I would like you to tutor Seifer until the SeeD exam."
"Sir?!" My eyes widened in shock. There was no way I could handle this lap dog again.
"Quistis... you're the only one that won't be afraid to teach him." Cid whispered into my ear.
I was in disbelief. [How could the Headmaster to do this to me. Just when I think my life couldn't get any worse after losing Squall to that bitch, now I have to handle Seifer?!] I frowned and turned my head away.
"Looks like you're my Instructor again... Instructor." Seifer said. I could just picture his damned smirk in my head already. [This is not real.] I tried telling myself. [This is all a nightmare.]
"Sir?" Selphie spoke out in an unusually soft voice. "Is there anything I can do?"
Cid stroked his chin, thinking for a moment before he spoke. "Indeed there is. I want you to watch over Seifer."
"Sure thing!" Selphie beamed as she saluted him. [What an unusual girl.] I thought. [Normally, nobody would want to go near that traitor...]
"Well, then you all are dismissed." Cid waved his hand to dismiss us. "Oh Seifer, your private classes with Miss Trepe begins tomorrow."
Squall was the first to leave, as he walked past Seifer, he hissed at him.
"I'll be watching you Almasy. One wrong move, and I'm gonna get you outta here before you can say Triple Triad."
I was the next one out. I didn't say anything to him, nor did I look at him. I didn't want to talk to him more than necessary. In the corner of my eye, I saw Selphie walk up to him and whisper something in his ear, before bouncing out of the office like her usual energetic force. A part of me wanted to know what she said to him, but the other part of me couldn't care less. [Why did I want to know anyway? I don't even care about that... that... bastard!] I asked myself, unsure of the answer.
* * *
(Seifer)
I strode out of the office like I normally would have, but this time, I had different emotions. I thought Quistis would be one of the few who wouldn't mind me being back at the Garden. She seemed to be the more sensible one. But as I sat there listening to what everyone had to say, I could tell she hated me beyond anything else. I knew she despised me. One thing that surprised me the most was what Selphie whispered to me before she left.
"Don't worry. I believe you're innocent." I replayed those words in my head. [Was she the only one who actually believed that?] I shook my head, as if to shake away the odd feeling I felt. Even I didn't believe that I was innocent.
I caught a glimpse of Xu glaring at me as I walked towards the elevator. She always had this thing against me, but I could care less, I didn't need her anyway. Selphie was patiently waiting for the elevator while swaying forwards and backwards on her feet. She began humming a familiar tune, but I couldn't make out or think of what it was. It looked like Quistis and Squall had already gone down.
The elevator 'dinged' and the doors slid open. Selphie walked in and I followed. She pressed the button and smiled at me.
"Looks like we'll have to be friends now!" She beamed in her usual cheery mode. Strangely, I didn't seem to mind it like I used to.
"Whatever." I replied, not caring, and not wanting to care.
"Aw, come on! Don't be like Squall! I know you can say more than 'whatever'! Sorta makes you wonder if Squall might be a valley boy!" She joked.
Just then, I did the most bizarre thing. I chuckled slightly. I didn't realize I had done that until I saw Selphie's bright brown eyes staring at me. I quickly cleared my throat as if to make it sound like it was more of a cough. But she saw through my façade.
"See! You are better than Squall! I knew it!" She smiled happily as the doors slid open.
I wanted to smile at her. I wanted to show some emotion. It was strange... I had never felt this way before... maybe Selphie was here to help me...
"Well, I'll see you in the cafeteria later, hopefully!" She waved at me before walking off in her own direction.
I looked at her retreating figure for a moment and wondered if there was hope for me in this world. [Maybe it won't be all that bad... with Selphie around...] Then I laughed. [What in the world am I thinking? I must have gone insane!]
I stopped laughing at myself and headed to the Training Center. It was about time I do some training again.
* * *
Stepping into the Training Center brought back memories to me. I remember how I was so intimidated the first time I entered here. It seemed like ages ago. I remember exactly how it felt.
I always wanted to be different than everyone else. I wanted to be unique. Little did I know, I would become so different from everyone. When I first entered the Garden, I wanted to be better than everyone. That's probably why I became so arrogant. I entered the Training almost immediately after I could. I just wanted to be stronger everyone. But the moment I stepped, I was afraid.
[What if I died here? Or went unconscious? Everyone would laugh at me!] I would say to myself. Eventually, I sorted out my feelings and entered it. It was because of Squall. He was the only other gunblade specialist and I knew I didn't want him to outshine me. However, in the end, he always did.
I remember when Squall and I had that little 'spar' that one day. I didn't want him to beat me. So I cast a fire spell on him and attacked him while he was down. A dirty move, for a dirty guy. I didn't care at the time. I just wanted to beat him. I left him a permanent scar... but he gave me one back too.
Afterwards, I thought I was stronger. He needed to go to the Infirmary, while I, just went back to my dorm. Quistis went to talk to him... I suppose comfort him. She didn't do that to me. I felt a little hurt at that time... and wondered why nobody would see how I was.
[Because you're an arrogant bastard.] I would tell myself. Every time I told myself that, I got angrier. I hated the world the then, no wonder I would later try to destroy it.
The SeeD exam. I failed it. It wasn't a surprise to anyone but me. I was so damn sure that I could pass. After all, I was the most skilled there. I was even better than Squall. I knew it. He knew it. Everyone knew it. Yet I still failed. Quistis didn't seem at all concerned with me failing, she however, praised Squall when he passed. I began hating her.
When Rinoa went for Squall, I began hating her as well. [How dare she choose that Puberty boy over me?] I would scream in my head every time I saw them together. Maybe it was because of Rinoa that I grew weak. So weak, that I left Squall defeat countless times. I know I could have beat him... I know I could of. But every time, before the fatal blow to him, I would remember Rinoa. How she chose him over me. I would remember Quistis. How she favored him over me. I would remember Zell. How he was so friendly with him. Selphie and Irvine too. How they respected him.
It was then, when I had these thoughts that Squall would take advantage and attack me before my thoughts were clear. That is how I would be defeated, numerous times. I hated myself so much. I hated the world. I would tell myself it was just a tester... I had to... no, I would defeat them in the end. But I didn't...
"It's Seifer!" A young male cadet gasped as he was exiting the Training Center.
That brought me back to reality. I glared at him, and he quickly scurried off. Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the Training Center, ready to take on anything. Just as I stepped into a clearing, a Wendigo raced towards me.
[Heh, must have picked up some new monsters here.] I thought as I held out my gunblade. The beast roared and tried to attack me. I just barely managed to jump out of the way. I aimed my gunblade and fired at the beast. It hit the Wendigo in the chest, making it holler in pain. I smirked, but it was a little too soon. The creature threw one of its arm at me, hitting me in the face, and causing me to fly a few feet away. I quickly got up and wiped the blood away from the side of my mouth. I looked at the blood on my hand and smirked. I charged towards the beast and thrust my gunblade right through its tough skin. It hollered loudly before falling down, never to get up again.
[You can't defeat the Seifer Almasy that easily.]
"Very impressive Seifer." An all too familiar voice behind me said.
I turned around to face my speaker. It was her. She had long raven colored hair that flowed down to her waist. Her blue duster seemed to flutter behind her when she walked. She gripped her Shooting Star tightly and walked up to me.
"Rinoa. Long time no see."
"Cut the casualty, Seifer. You don't belong here." She looked me right in the eye.
She used to do that a lot to me before. But they were of love or care. Now it was only hate.
"It hurts me to hear you like that Rinoa." I said very sarcastically. It seems like I've said things with sarcasm so many times today. Only this time, it actually did hurt a little. Rinoa used to be my world, and I was perfectly happy with that. She didn't know that she meant everything to me, but when chose Squall, it was like a part of me died forever.
"Shut up Seifer." She held her Shooting Star threateningly, as if to challenge me to a duel. "Why are you here? Do you wish to wreck more havoc? Or do you just enjoy being a fukkin' bastard?"
"You cut me real deep. Right here." I drew a line across my heart. I had said it quite teasingly, but deep down, it was all too real.
"I said 'shut up' Seifer." She threw her weapon at me, but I easily deflected. Her Shooting Star twirled back towards her. "Why won't you die?" She spat out the words like venom.
[Why don't you love me...?] I asked her in my head. "Rinoa stop." I deflected another attack from Rinoa. She continued throwing her weapon at me, but each time I easily deflected it. I began to yawn. This was getting nowhere.
"Fira!" She cast the spell on me.
At first, it felt like nothing, then my body began to get hotter and hotter, and soon it felt like I was burning. I wanted to scream out in pain. It almost felt like my skin was turning all black and charred, I was in pain. But I held onto the only pride that I had left and took it in like a man,
"Is that all you could do?" I managed to choke out after the burning feeling left. I was still in pain, but at least I couldn't feel any more heat.
"Like I said before Seifer, you don't belong here!" She screamed as she threw her weapon once more. Again, I dodged it, only this time, I barely managed.
"Rinoa, I didn't want to hurt you, but you give me no choice." I ran towards her, with my gunblade to the side, ready to strike.
"You hurt me before, and I managed to survive. What makes you think I won't this time?" She hurled her Shooting Star at me.
I swung my gunblade at it roughly, causing it to fly into one of the trees and get stuck in it. Rinoa looked at me in horror. She probably didn't realize how much trouble she was in. I wasn't the one who was going to attack her, but behind her was a Ruby Dragon, just about to swipe it's claw at her unsuspecting form.
I raced as fast as I could to her. She tried to dodge me, by going backwards toward the Ruby Dragon, but I was too quick for her. I managed to push her to the side, however, I didn't have enough time to move myself. The dragon dug its claw deep into my chest. I howled in pain.
In the corner of my eye, I saw Rinoa run. Not to her Shooting Star, but out of the Training Center. [That bitch.] She was going to let me die. The dragon was about to swipe at me again, but I rolled over, evading the attack just inches from my head. I pointed my gunblade at it and fired. It got hit in the chest, but it didn't seem to notice.
"Fukk." I swore, closing my eyes. The pain in my chest was too overwhelming. I didn't have the strength to move my arm anymore. [Was I destined to die here?] I thought, waiting for the worse.
"Slots!" I vaguely heard someone yell.
I thought I was done for, but when I opened my eyes, I saw the Ruby Dragon and myself in a field of flowers. [Could this be... heaven?] I asked myself. [I don't deserve to be here...] I was just about to close my eyes again, as the scenery faded back into the Training Center, until I heard someone call my name again.
"Seifer! Seifer! Wake up! Don't fall asleep now!" I recognized the voice. It could only belong to one person. That little ball of energetic horror. My eyelids closed just in time to see Selphie's face gazing at me.
* * *
(Selphie)
"Oh, you can't die Seifer! Not now, not after how hard you worked to get back here!" I exclaimed as I paced around the waiting room of the Infirmary.
"Selphie, that... that... traitor tried killing me!" Rinoa argued about the ten millionth time.
Squall held her tightly and protectively, trying to calm her down.
"Hush Rinoa..." I could hear him whispering into her ear.
"That bastard deserves to die!" Rinoa continued. "Squally... he's not supposed to be here! Why is he still here?! Can't you talk to Cid about this?"
"Rinoa, believe me, I already tried. But Cid just won't listen to me. But I'm sure he'll start listening once he hears that, the bastard tried killing you. Don't worry, I'll do whatever I can to get him out of here." Squall tried to reassure her.
I didn't know what to believe. But I was pretty sure Seifer didn't try to kill her. [Seifer was being attacked by a Ruby Dragon... I know Seifer could have easily defeated it.] I said to myself, trying to recapture every little detail of what might have happened. [Just before I went into the Training Center, I saw Rinoa dart out of there. Either, Seifer did try to kill her and she escaped, or he was trying to save her, and got attacked himself, and then she ran out telling a lie.]
"Rinoa, what happened in the Training Center?" I asked her suspiciously. I liked playing detective, but this time it was serious.
"What? What are you talking about?" Rinoa asked me, her eyes were wide open in shock.
"Selphie, what ARE you talking about? Rinoa was in her dorm... and that's probably when Seifer tried attacking her. When she ran, he followed her, and lost her and probably thought she ran into the Training Center where a Ruby Dragon attacked him. Isn't that right?" He asked Rinoa, brushing away a strand of her hair from her eyes.
She was just about to nod when I spoke out. "I was the one who saved Seifer. I saw Rinoa run out of there. She must have been in there when Seifer was." I said quite accusingly.
"Are you trying to say that Rinoa is lying?!" Squall stood up from his seat. I can't believe you Selphie. You're siding with a lap dog instead of your friends."
"Squall, I didn't mean it that way. I just said that I saw her running out."
"You're accusing her of nearly killing Seifer."
"Squall..." I began, but got cut off.
"That's Commander to you."
I gritted my teeth. I did not want to ruin our friendship over this, but Squall just wouldn't believe that Seifer might have been innocent. "Commander," I said the word slowly and painfully. "I saw Rinoa's Shooting Star stuck on one of those trees in there. She MUST have been in there."
Squall turned to Rinoa. "Rinoa, tell us what actually happened."
She bit her lower lip and then began talking. "Well, I was in there training, when I saw Seifer. He said some rude comments to me and I got a little mad. So I threw my Shooting Star at him, and he deflected it into one of those trees. Then he came charging at me, but luckily a Ruby Dragon was on my side and attacked him. So I took this initiative and ran."
I didn't know whether to believe her or not, but I knew Squall believed every single word she said. I would just have to ask Seifer later when he woke up to find out who was lying.
"He's awake now." Dr. Kadowaki said as she stepped out of his room, pulling off those doctor gloves. "You may go in a see him if you wish."
Squall was the first one up and in there. Everyone could hear what he was saying to Seifer.
"Look bastard, I know you tried killing Rinoa, and you're gonna pay for that with your life. I'll see to it myself that you'll be gone from Balamb forever." Without waiting for Seifer to say a word, he stormed out of the Infirmary, probably towards Cid's office. Rinoa quickly followed him.
I gave out a loud sigh and then walked into Seifer's room. It wasn't a big room, and it was so plain. The walls were all white, and there was a little window with white curtains to the side of the room. Even the bed sheet, blanket, medicine table thing, and the one chair were completely white. It was so dull. I didn't like it one bit.
I grabbed the chair and pulled it beside his bed and sat down.
"Hey Seifer." I said, trying to sound like my usual cheery self.
He didn't look at me.
"So you feeling better now?" I asked, trying to create conversation.
He didn't reply.
"Must hurt to be slashed on the chest like that." I continued my one-sided conversation.
He finally spoke. "You didn't have to do that."
"Do what?" I asked, quite confused.
"Save me."
"Oh that?" I laughed. "I have to! That's what friends for each other!" He looked at me, and I smiled back.
"I'm not your friend." He replied coldly.
"Hey! You can't decide who I want to be friends with! It's my own decision!" I argued. "Besides, you would have done the same for me right?" I was unsure of my question. He probably wouldn't have, but it felt like the right thing to say.
He didn't reply. He turned his head away from me again.
"You know, this room is pretty dull..." I began, trying to hint that I wanted to decorate it.
"I like it dull." He replied in his monotone.
"No you don't!"
"You can't decide what I like, that is my own decision." He said turning to face me once again.
I opened my eyes widely, in shock. I didn't think he would tease me like that. I opened my mouth to say something, which I didn't know what to say, but Seifer did another bizarre thing again. He chuckled.
"You're alright kid." He gave a weak smile to me. It looked as if it were a forced smile, or he was unfamiliar with this action.
I smiled brightly at him. "See! That's the spirit! You know, I always said to myself that whenever I'm sick or sad or hurt or anything, it's better to be smiling and laughing. You'll heal faster that way! You should try it more often!"
"Maybe I should..." he turned to face the ceiling, and closed his eyes.
"You know, I should let you rest shouldn't I?" I bounced out of my seat and exited the Infirmary. [Maybe Seifer's not all bad.]
* * *
(Squall)
"Headmaster, I don't believe this! You can't possibly let him back! He tried to kill Rinoa!" I screamed at Cid.
I stormed into his office immediately after I yelled at Seifer. Rinoa was behind me, following me. It gave me a sense of security, having someone to believe in you. I didn't like that in Rinoa before. In fact, at first I thought she was a total whiny bitch. But after getting to know her more, I realize she isn't all that bad. She made me open up to the world a little more. She was like an angel sent down to me, and this angel would never leave.
"What? What is going on?" Cid asked, as he turned his chair to face me. He pushed his glasses up from sliding down the bridge of his nose.
"That bastard tried killing Rinoa!" I repeated, angrier than before.
"Squall, watch your language. Rinoa is this true?" Matron stood beside the Headmaster and questioned her.
"Yes..." Rinoa spoke out meekly from behind me.
"See! I can't believe you let him back Headmaster!" I shouted at him again.
"Cid did not accept him back Squall, it was I." Matron said gently, pushing me lightly on the shoulder to sit down.
I obeyed and sat down, though my blood was still boiling from within me. "Matron, I don't understand. How could you let him back after what he's done to us?" I tried to sound calm, but I knew it wasn't working.
"He was possessed my child. I was possessed. How is it fair that you forgive me, and not him? He is my child as well." Matron continued.
"Matron, he is different from you! How can you compare him to you?"
"Child, both he and I were possessed. Both he and I killed innocent people. Both he and I tried to harm you, why is it that you cannot forgive him?" Matron tried to reason with me, but it wasn't working.
"Matron, he tried killing Rinoa just before! How can you possible think that I could forgive a lap dog such as himself?! I'm the only one that does not want him, Matron. Everyone doesn't want him here! Not Rinoa, not Quistis, not Zell. Nobody." I argued. I wasn't going to list Irvine, because I hadn't talked to him lately and he didn't seem to care one way or another, and for sure I was not going to say Selphie because I knew, somehow, for some odd reason, she had forgiven Seifer already. I would never be able to understand why.
"Tried killing Rinoa?" Matron seemed to question. "It must be all a mistake. A misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?!" I practically screamed. I never used to shout or even raise my voice a bit, but Rinoa helped me feel more emotions. Happiness, and even anger. "How can killing someone be a misunderstanding?"
"I'll talk to him myself, Squall. I will decide whether or not he will stay. You are dismissed Squall. And please, I do not wish to see anymore of this outbursts." Matron rubbed her temples as if she had a terrible headache.
"Matron..." I tried to continue, but Cid stopped me.
"You are dismissed Squall, Rinoa." He didn't sound too happy either, but I didn't care.
All I wanted was to get that bastard out of this Garden and back to where he belonged to; hell.
Angrily, I stood up and stormed out the door, Rinoa following closely behind. I was stopped, however, right before I reached the elevators. Xu pushed me back.
"Commander, I understand how you feel," she began. "but if you really want Seifer to be gone, she shouldn't explode like that. In fact, by doing so, you're only provoking Headmaster Cid, and Headmistress Edea to want him to stay. You must keep your anger inside... and then, one wrong move from Seifer, and poof, he'll be gone." She snapped her fingers in the air and smiled.
[Maybe she was right... that way, it won't look like I'm the bad guy, but actually Seifer.] I smiled back at her. "I'll keep that in mind Xu, thank you."
"No problem Commander, I only wish to help out the Garden." She returned back to her desk and began filing some files.
"You think that's actually going to work?" Rinoa asked me. "What if he knows that we're trying to trap him like that?"
"He won't. Seifer's too predictable. I'll see to it that Quistis gives him a hard time when tutoring him, and he's bound to blow up in her face. If not, then failing the SeeD exam again is bound to kick him out for good."
"We'll be stuck with him for a long, agonizing month though..." Rinoa said matter-of-factly.
"Yes, but it'll all be worth it." I smiled at her and entered the elevator. "He'll never step foot in the garden ever again."
* * *
(Quistis)
"Is it true? Is it true that the Seifer Almasy is back?" A tall brown haired man questioned me.
He had long brown hair, tied up into a ponytail, and wore a beige trench coat. Perched on his head, was a cowboy hat, tipped down slightly, covering one of his eyes. He leaned on his sniper, beside the doorway.
I smiled at him. "Unfortunately true." I continued my work.
I was looking over some of the graded papers from Instructor number 26, Kianne Lee. She was a new instructor, and Headmaster wanted me to make sure she was doing her job properly. I didn't understand him one bit. If he wishes for me to check over other instructor's works, why not just give me back my damn Instructor's license back?
"Oh." Was his one word response.
"You don't seem at all concerned, Irvine." I said, looking up at the cowboy.
"Can't be that much. Didn't really know the guy. Sure he tried killing me a few times, but other than that, don't know anything else 'bout him."
"You're lucky. You wouldn't want to know anything else." I resumed checking the papers. So far, they were all correct. Kianne Lee was a nice Asian girl, about 23 years old. Although sometimes she seems a lot younger than that. I guess she was a little like Selphie, but I didn't like her one bit. Not that she wasn't nice to me or anything, but I guess, I am just jealous that she got to be Instructor instead of myself. "So how are you and Selphie? Did you two rekindle yet?"
Selphie and Irvine did go out after all the Sorceress bit, but they broke up shortly after. Apparently, Irvine was cheating on her. Or so, she said.
"No... not yet. I don't think she's willing to forgive me." I took off his hat and placed in on his chest.
"Or are you not trying hard enough?"
"No, no. That's not it. I've tried everything. I tried begging on my knees, I tried sending her millions of daisies, I've tried decorating the Quad in her honor, heck, I even tried not looking at other girls!" he sounded really depressed. He really did like Selphie, it's just that he couldn't give up his flirting ways.
"I'm sorry Irvine. I've tried talking to Selphie about it, but she just wouldn't listen. You know her. If she doesn't like it, she either ignores it, or pretends she doesn't care." I took off my glasses and pinched the bridge of my nose. All these papers were giving me a headache.
"It's alright Quistis. If I want her back, I have to prove to her that I do. And in order to do that, I can't get any help from my friends." He sat down at one of the desks in front of me.
"True, true." I began packing the papers away. I would call it quits today. Besides, I had to get ready for the tough day tomorrow... with that traitor.
"Quistis, I didn't come here to talk about Seifer or Selphie. I wanted to tell you that Zell and I are going on a SeeD mission tomorrow."
"Oh really? Where to?" I stretched my arms out.
"Something happened near Galbadia or something...dunno. I get the mission briefing tomorrow. And... I was just wondering if you could do me a favor."
"Sure, what is it?" I began rubbing my eyes. It was only 7pm and I was getting sleepy.
"I want you to look after Selphie for me... you know, I'm just a little worried that Seifer might do something to her... so can you?"
I laughed. "So you didn't come here to talk about Selphie now did you?" Irvine blushed slightly. "Just playing you... of course I will. I would have anyway, whether you asked me or not." [There's no way I can trust Seifer when Selphie has to watch him.] But I wasn't going to tell Irvine that she'd been assigned to that. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to go on his own mission.
"Thanks Quistis, you're the best."
* * *
(Seifer)
I woke up late at night. The clock on the wall read something that I couldn't make out. It was so dark in this room, and I felt alone. I moved slightly, to avoid my arms, legs, or body getting numb, but when I tried moving my left arm, I felt a weight on it. I groaned slightly as it pained me in the chest.
The weight suddenly moved and a soft whimper was heard.
"Oh..." A feminine voice said. Despite the dark, I could make out the girl was rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "Oh! You're awake!" She said, cheerfully. I could only mean one person... Selphie.
The lights suddenly flicked on, which caused me to close my eyes again. When my eyes slowly adjusted to the light, I opened them again. I could finally make out what time it was. 11:47pm. Right under the clock was a little banner that read, in big colorful bold letters, GET WELL SOON! Surrounding it were ribbons and streamers of all sorts of colors. I turned my head to look at the medicine desk and saw it was filled with flowers in vases and a bunch of helium balloons were taped to one of the corners. I pushed myself up and leaned against the back of the bed and re-examined the room. I couldn't believe Selphie had done that. I turned to face her, and saw her with a big smile, probably quite happy with her job.
"How do you like it?" She jumped back to the seat.
"Why'd you do all this?" I asked, reaching for a glass of water, but Selphie helped me pour it and handed it to me.
"Well, when you're happier, you heal faster. And when you're room is all bright and cheery, you'll be happier!" She beamed with joy. "So how do you like it?"
"It's... different." I took a sip of the water. For some odd reason, it tasted so good. It moistened my mouth and felt like heaven to me.
"You... don't like it?" Selphie frowned slightly.
"No, I didn't exactly say that..." I said, trying not to hurt her feelings. This was strange. I never cared before, but now, she seemed so nice to me... and it only felt right to do the same to her.
"So you DO like it!" She jumped up with joy and hugged me. I groaned in pain as some of her weight hit my chest. "Oops! Sorry Seify" She said in a little kid's voice.
"Don't ever call me that." I pointed out to her strictly. I hated having nicknames. Funny, how I hate them, but I give them to other people. Puberty boy, Cowboy, Chickenwuss...
"Awww, poor Seify don't like being called Seify?" She continued to joke. "That's no fun. It's funner to call you that than Seifer! It sounds so cute!"
"I'm not cute."
"Sure you are! Cute, cute, cute!"
"I'm warning you..." I was getting a little irritated now.
"Awww... don't be mad Seif... er!" She managed to correct herself just in time. "So Seifer," She began as she sat back down. "what did happen at the Training Center?"
"No matter what I say, you'll think I did try to kill her." I knew everyone else did, so why bother explaining?
"Actually, not really. Say, you hungry?" Selphie bolted up from her seat. "I'll get you some food!" She ran out before I could tell her I wasn't hungry.
[That kid... isn't all that bad...] I thought. [But I wonder why she's being so nice to me? I used to be rude to her... in fact, I even tried killing her a few times. So why is she so nice to me? Nobody should be nice to a traitor like myself. I don't deserve it.]
"How are you Seifer?" A voice called from the doorway.
I turned my head to face the most least likely person to come visit me. Her honey blonde hair was put up in its usual style. In a bun, held up with a clip, and two long tendrils of hair flowing down from the side of her face. She wore her usual attire, her peach battle suit with her Save The Queen clipped to the side of it.
"Fine Instructor, not dead yet." I replied, my old self-returning.
"It's a pity..." I heard her mumble. "I talked to Dr. Kadowaki just before, and she said you would be well enough to continue on with your regular duties tomorrow. I begin tutoring you at 600 hours. Not a minute later. Our Monday, Wednesday, and Friday session end at 1200 hours. Tuesday and Wednesday we begin at 800 hours and end at 1500 hours. Not a minute later, and not a minute earlier. The weekend is yours. Understand?"
I looked at her, I would have given her a confused look, but I couldn't show any other emotion to her. [Why was the schedule so screwed up?] I wondered.
"Yes Instructor, I wouldn't miss our little session together for the world!" I replied my every word dripping with sarcasm.
"You will call me Instructor, and only Instructor..." I cut her off.
"I always had." I smirked at her. I knew she hated whenever I did that, but it only made me a little happier to see her annoyed.
"Physical training is on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Study periods are Tuesday and Thursday. Every weekend, you'll be given an assignment due the next week. During the weekdays, I tell you what to do, and you do what I tell you to, no questions. No matter whether we have session or not." She continued, ignoring my comment.
"So in other words, Instructor, during the weekdays, you pretty much own me?"
"That is all Seifer, see you tomorrow." She replied in her strictly, teacher manner. She stopped and turned around. "Tomorrow we meet at the front gates." Without letting me reply, she exited my room.
[What a bitch.] I thought to myself as I continued looking at the door.
* * *
(Selphie)
I pretty much skipped the whole way to the cafeteria. For some odd reason, I felt happy. Not just happy, but extremely happy. Maybe it was because Seifer liked my decorating job I had done for him. But did I truly believe that he didn't try kill Rinoa? I wasn't sure, so I kept the thought at the back of my head.
Just as I entered the cafeteria, I crashed into someone. I didn't get to see who it was, because my face slammed into his chest. I was about to fall over, but the figure reached out one muscular arm and pulled me back up.
"Thanks!" I pulled the hem of my bright yellow dress down.
I looked up to see who was my savior, but regretted it completely when I realized who it was. His long brown hair, beige trench coat, and cowboy hat perched upon his head spelled out two words loud and clear... Irvine Kinneas.
"Hey Selphie..." He said the words so slowly it felt like he wanted to hold on to it forever. His hand was still clasped onto my arm, which made me feel uneasy. I shook my arm slightly to indicate that I wanted his hand off me. He got the idea and quickly let go, turning slightly red.
"Hey Irvine!" I said in my usual chirpy tone. Even though I didn't like this man very much, I would still consider him as a friend, and I will treat him like any other of my friends.
"Where are you heading to?"
"To the cafeteria of course!" [What is up with this guy? Of course I'm going to the cafeteria!]
"Oh. Listen, umm, Zell and I are going ... on a mission tomorrow." The words seemed to stumble out of his mouth.
"Oh really? Well good luck to you two! I better be off now! Wish you two the best! Bye!" I slipped past him and half jogged into the kitchen. I did not want to talk to him anymore.
"Bye..." I could faintly hear him say to me.
Once I was in the kitchen, I sighed in relief. In a way, I was somewhat afraid that he might bawl on me. It was just strange for me having to see a man cry. I did once, and that was when I broke up with Irvine. He cried, and cried, and cried, and made me sort of regret breaking up with him. That is probably why I don't want to talk to him much, or else I'll back up on my word.
Trying to shove the thought Irvine out of my mind, I began boiling the pot of soup sitting on the stove. After a short while, I poured some of the soup in a bowl and grabbed some fruit and bolted out the kitchen towards Seifer's room. It wasn't long until I was sitting down on the white chair watching Seifer eat.
"Thanks kid." He mumbled as he drank his delicious soup.
"You're welcome! Well, I better let you rest now... I ought to get some rest myself. So I'll see you tomorrow?" I stood up from my chair and waved goodbye.
"Maybe..." Was Seifer's response.
* * *
(Quistis)
"Rise and shine! Today is another beautiful summer day! Oh won't you listen to the birds chirping outside? It's time to wake up to another stress free day! In just a moment, we begin our Monday morning countdown with today's hottest hits!" The annoying announcer shouted through my alarm clock.
I groggily pulled my thin blanket off me. I looked at my alarm clock and sighed. The big red numbers read 5:00am. [Stupid Squall... telling me to get up so damn early to tutor that bastard... why couldn't it be a little later?] I got up from my bed, and slipped on my fuzzy peach slippers and walked into the bathroom.
Looking in the mirror, I could not recognize myself at all. My hair was a tousled mess, and it seemed like dark circles were forming under my eyes. I reached over to grab my pink toothbrush and slapped on some toothpaste and slowly began brushing my teeth. [I guess Squall's right... with this messed up and early time schedules, Seifer's bound to get annoyed. And when Seifer's annoyed, he goes crazy! Then, then, no more Seifer!] I smiled slightly and began rinsing my mouth.
I then slowly took off my pyjamas and stepped into the shower. I turned on the water so it would be only luke warm, however to me, it felt like icicles against my skin. It was as if taking this icicle shower was what woke me up. In no time, I was out of the shower and deciding what to wear.
I stood in front of my closet and examined my clothes. [Battle suit, battle suit, SeeD outfit, battle suit, pyjamas, and more battle suit.] I stuck out my tongue in disgust. [Quistis Trepe, you only have two different outfits that you wear! You should really get more clothes sometime.] I decided to wear my battle suit.
Just as I was about to exit my room, I glanced at my alarm clock one last time. 5:48. Seifer's sure to be late.
* * *
(Seifer)
I ached in pain when I tried pulling my black shirt over my head. I had woken up a little earlier so that I could go back to my dorm, take a quick shower/bath, and change to be on time. I didn't know, however, that my quick shower/bath ended up to be a half hour because I was aching and had to carefully scrub my chest so that it wouldn't scream in pain. It also took me a lot longer to get changed. Pulling the shirt over my head proved a difficult task. [How the hell am I supposed to survive with physical training today?] I asked myself after I finally got my shirt on.
I hurriedly exited my room and practically ran to the front gates. Normally I would care less if I were late, but now that this would be my last chance to be SeeD, there's no way I could let something happen.
When I arrived at the front, I was taking deep breaths. [Seifer Almasy, you are completely out of shape.]
"Seifer, I'm glad you finally decided to join me. However, I do have to note that you are late." Quistis held a pocket watch in her hands. She held onto the chain and let the watch fall so that I could read the time. 6:07. I was only 7 minutes late.
"Seifer, do 5 laps around the Garden, now!" She ordered me.
"I'm only 7 minutes late!" I argued.
"You're still late. Even if you were only 1 minute late, you're still going to get punished for it.
[You fukking bitch.] I swore in my head as I began jogging.
"RUN!" She screamed at me.
Cursing some more, I followed her orders. It took me about 10 minutes to do one lap and I was already slowing my pace. My heart seemed to pound at my chest, which made me ache more than ever. As I neared to finish my second lap, Quistis screamed at me again.
"Don't slow down! Continue running!"
I continued cursing at her in my head. After the fourth lap, my head was spinning like crazy. I felt like I was out of breath, and nearly to collapse. [Maybe I should just run to the back of the Garden and take a break so that she won't see me...] I thought. But she outsmarted me. For my fifth lap, she ran with me, pacing herself so that she would only be a couple feet away from me.
When I finally reached back to the front gates, I was heaving and taking deep breaths as if any of those would be my last. I was about to sit down, but Quistis scolded me.
"Walk around here for 5 minutes, before you sit down." I obeyed her and did so.
When I finally sat down, she threw a water bottle at me. "You get a five minute break and we continue."
"What?!" I shouted angrily. I knew if I continued like this, I would now be able to survive. I was sweating all over, and the cloudless sky was not helping at all. I continued cursing her in my head as I gulped down the water, never have I loved water as much as I did now. The water was like a complete savior to me. I didn't realize how long I had been resting until Quistis instructed me again.
"Get up." I obeyed her, though, still cursing in my head. "Now do a hundred pushups."
"Bitch." I muttered as I got into a push-up position. I lowered myself, and felt the strain in my arms.
"One." Quistis counted. [Bitch] "Two." [Bitch] "Three." [Bitch] "Four." [Bitch] "Five... why are you slowing down?!" She scolded me.
I didn't answer her, but continued doing my set. I wasn't long until I was completely exhausted, and I had done only 59. My heart was pounding through my chest as if at anytime it would pound out soon. Sweat was rolling down my face, and my arms ached so much. [I can't... go on... much... longer...]
"Stop. Just stop. Your push-ups are getting pathetic, they don't even look like one. Just stop. That's just pathetic." Quistis threw another water bottle near my head.
Relieved that I didn't have to do anymore, I fell done. It turned out to be a very bad move, because once when I landed on my chest, it pained me so much. [Bitch. She should just rot in hell] I cautiously sat up and gulped down the water, leaving some to splash on my head. When some of the water fell to my chest, it stung terribly. I groaned in pain.
"Am I being to harsh on you or something? Can you not handle it?" Quistis smirked at me, as if mocking me.
"It just hurts me to see you being so cold to your favourite student." I smirked back at her, despite the aching pain from my chest.
"You wish Seifer. My favourite student?" She laughed. "You'll never be my favourite student."
I clenched my teeth together. It hurt whenever I heard that.
"Seifer!!" a high-pitched squeal was heard from the front gates.
I turned my head to see Selphie bouncing towards me with what looked like a picnic basket. I stood up and half greeted her, as I didn't want to show Quistis that I had a sensitive side.
"Look what I brought!" She opened the lid and showed me the fruits and water bottles she carried. She jogged up to me and smiled at me. "Hey Quistis!" She greeted.
"Selphie, we're in the middle of a session here..." Quistis sounded a little displeased. Maybe she couldn't stand the sight of someone being nice to me.
"I know! But I thought Seifer would need a little snack break! Right Seify?" She pushed me playfully on the chest. I groaned.
"Seify...?" I heard Quistis giggle slightly.
"Seifer, you're sure sweatin' a lot!" She brushed her hand against the lower part of her dress. But when she removed her hand a streak of red was left behind. Her eyes widened and she lightly touched my chest again with her fingertips. "Seifer... that's not sweat! That's blood!" She nearly shrieked.
"Oh... would you look at that." I didn't know what else to say. I couldn't and wouldn't go around jumping and screaming 'Oh hyne! I am bleeding! Oh no, I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die!'. That would be ridiculous!
"Seifer! We gotta get you to the Infirmary!" Selphie pulled my arm so suddenly, my head began spinning. We didn't run far before my legs started to grow weak and it seemed like Selphie was dragging me there. "I'm not gonna let you die!" I heard Selphie shout as my vision faded away.
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Author: Alritey! There you have chapter one! I was hoping this fic would only be a few LONG chapters... so it may take a while for the next chapter to come out. Reviews are always nice =)
Just wanted to point out one more thing... SEIFTIS... not Selfer... sorry!
Seifer returns to Balamb Garden a year after the Sorceress War... nobody really believes that he's innocent from his wrong doings except Edea (of course) and... Quistis... lol. No, actually, not even Quistis believes he's innocent. Most stories that bring Seifer back into Balamb says that Quistis is the one who thinks he's not that bad and blah blah blah (for Seiftis') but not this story. In fact Quistis truly believes it was completely his fault. The only other person who believes it wasn't... is actually... Selphie. But remember, this is a SEIFTIS NOT SELFER. Sorry Seifer/Selphie fans, it's not gonna happen. Anyway, shall you read on? Oh ya, one more thing. Thought dialogue will be in [ ].
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I briskly stride through the familiar hallways of what I once called home. I take a deep breath as I remember the olden days. I pass the ever- familiar fountains at the front entrance. I carefully listen as the water splashes down, followed by the neat circular ripples. It sounds almost like heaven to me. I never thought much about the fountain before... I took many things for granted. But now that I have returned, I will cherish even the simplest things.
I turn my head to look at a few students muttering between themselves and I give them my ever-familiar smirk. They quickly huddle away as I hear one of them whisper to the other.
"I can't believe he's back!" I hear the young female say.
I smirk at the remark. [Seems like I'm already a legend here.] I thought. Of course I was. I was once the most terrifying man alive. The one who helped serve the Sorceress to the destruction of this very world. My smirk fades almost instantly.
Memories creep into my mind. Actually, more like nightmares that have come to haunt my soul again. I shiver at the thoughts. I never used to shiver. Never had a reason too. But now, I shiver every time I think about my past.
"It's alright dear, it wasn't your fault." I remember Matron telling me. "You were possessed. It's not your fault."
I tried to remember that. I tried to convince myself that it wasn't my fault. But somehow, I couldn't. I knew it was my fault. I had willingly agreed to help the Sorceress. I was the one who had slaughtered so many innocent people. I was the one to blame.
"Seifer!" Someone gasped.
The voice sounded all too familiar, but I couldn't comprehend who it had belonged to. I turned my head to the right to see who had just spoke of a cursed name. Selphie. The bouncy, energetic, yellow ball of horror. I never did like her cheeriness, probably because I was rarely happy myself. She had been one of the people I have failed to kill countless times.
I only glanced at her for a moment before I ignored her and continued walking down the halls to my old dorm. The one they had discarded. I knew nobody would want to live in there during my reign of terror. I knew it would be exactly as I had left it.
"Seifer...?" She called out softly to me this time. For a slight second, I thought she pitied me. But I knew it wouldn't be true. Nobody pitied the Seifer Almasy.
I ignored her and continued on my way. Just as I was hoping that she wouldn't, she ran up to me and walked alongside.
"What do you want?" I asked showing my obvious annoyance to her. I stopped walking and turned to face her. I gave her my talk-to-me-and-die look. She didn't look one bit intimidated.
She bit her lower lip. "I was just wondering if... you were staying here... for good."
"Aww, you don't want me to stay here?" My every word dripping with sarcasm. "That hurts Selphie, it hurts me to know that you don't want me here." I plaed me hand on my chest with my free hand in mock hurt. My other hand held my gunblade and a bundle that had only a shirt and jeans in it.
"No... I didn't mean it that way Seifer..." She replied slowly, carefully measuring her words so she wouldn't sound rude. "I just... well... you know... like... not everybody likes you here... so I thought it might be a little rough for you..." It sounded as if she sympathized me. Not that I would care if she did.
"You think I don't know that?" I replied coldly. "I've had worse. And I know how to handle it myself. Now don't you have a cowboy to tame?" I asked angrily. Last time I saw, it seemed like they were pretty close.
Selphie gave a hurt expression. As if my words were daggers that had pierced her heart. "I... Irvine and I and just friends." She replied and began walking away.
I didn't care if they were more than that or not. For all I cared, they both could just fall down and die. I walked up to my door was just about to slide my key card in when Selphie turned around again.
"If you need anything... you can come talk to me."
My eyes widened slightly. [What had she meant? Did she actually forgive me?] I shrugged it off and slid the card through the scanner beside my door. Big bold, green letters flashed almost immediately after. ACCESS GRANTED. It flashed twice before new words appeared on the screen. WELCOME BACK SEIFER ALMASY. One of my eyebrows rose. [Since when did they have that?]
Behind the door, a click was heard and the door slid open. I walked in and flicked the light switch on. The room brightened and I looked at my surrounding. My bed was made and my clothes still hung in my closet. I didn't own much, but I was still quite neat. An attribute that nobody knew I possessed. I just couldn't stand a messy room.
The door slid behind me as I walked towards my closet. I touched one of my trench coats and smiled slightly. How I missed my room. I walked around my room, inspecting everything. Just as I thought, nothing had been touched. I dropped my bundle on the empty desk that I never used and walked into my bathroom. I pulled off my shirt and let it fall onto the cold tiled floor. I turned to the mirror and looked at my reflection.
I looked so different. Like a whole new person. My hair was longer than I had imagined, and I had grown a blonde mustache and beard. My cheekbones were nearly visible, and my once muscular chest looked small and flimsy.
Quickly turning my gaze away from the mirror, afraid to see how much I have changed, I slipped off my jeans and stepped in to the shower. I twisted the faucet and let the hot water tickle my face. It seemed forever since I had taken a shower, and I just wanted to stay in here forever. I grabbed the bottle of shampoo and began shampooing my hair. My hair felt gross, as if muck was in it. I had to shampoo it three times before I was satisfied with the feeling. After that, I worked the soap on my body and let it laver into my skin.
After a few minutes, I turned off the water and stepped back onto the cold floor. I grabbed a towel off rack and ruffled it in my hair, drying it slightly. Then I wrapped the towel around my waist and proceeded to the mirror. I opened the mirror and grabbed my shaver and shaving cream out. Carefully shaving off the unwanted facial hair. When I was done and happy of my appearance, I stood there wondering what to do with my hair. [Should I cut it myself?] I knew I didn't want to do that, I would probably ruin it. [Maybe I should leave it as is for now and go to a salon later. But who would want to cut a traitor's hair?] Not caring anymore, I slicked it back in an unusual fashion for me. I looked somewhat different... more elegant I suppose. [Maybe it looks better this way?] I thought before I stepped out of my bathroom and towards my closet.
I grabbed a black tee shirt and pulled it over my head. Just a year ago, it was tight on me and showed off my muscles, now it seemed like it draped over me. I pulled out a pair of black boxers and put them on as well as some blue jeans. I didn't usually wear this assemble, as I always had on my trench coat, but today, I didn't feel like putting that on either.
I looked around my dorm one last time before I headed to Cid's office.
* * *
(Selphie)
I walked towards the cafeteria slowly, thinking about the last person I thought I would be thinking of. [Seifer. He seemed so different now. His unshaven face, his hair longer than usual, and his attire... he didn't wear his trench coat. And when I looked him in the eye, he had emotions... he seemed hurt... or disappointed. Not the typical emotions you see from Seifer.]
"If you need anything... you can come talk to me." I had said that to him. [Why did I say that? Did I feel that he needed someone to talk to? But he wouldn't talk to me... would he? He didn't seem to want to talk to me before... what makes me think he would later?]
"Hey Selph!" Zell waved at me as I stepped into the cafeteria. Zell already got his food and was munching on it already. Hot dogs. For once he got them.
"Hey Zell!" I beamed as I bounced towards the table, trying to look as normal as possible.
He was sitting alone. No Squall. No Rinoa. No Quistis. And no... Irvine.
"Whatcha doing here all alone?" I asked cheerfully.
"Eefing." He replied with a mouthful of hotdogs in his mouth.
"How come you're eating by yourself? Where's everyone else?"
Zell swallowed and continued talking. "Squall and Quistis are talking to Cid, I have no idea where Rinoa is, and Irvine probably in the classroom."
[Flirting with another girl probably.] I thought angrily. "Oh." I replied. I opened my mouth to speak, but closed it immediately. I wanted to tell him that Seifer was back, but I knew he wouldn't be at all happy. I didn't know how to tell Zell without upsetting him.
"Faf frong?" He asked with hotdog pieces rolling around in his mouth.
I bit my lip. [Was I going to tell him?] "I saw Seifer today."
I knew it was the wrong thing to do right after I said those words because Zell began choking. I got up and ran behind him, patting his back, trying to help the food slide down his throat. Zell coughed and some pieces of hotdog flew out of his mouth and onto the table.
"Zell you okay? I'm so sorry!" I tried to fix my mistake. But I didn't know how.
He grabbed a cup of water and gulped it down. After a short while, he was finally breathing properly again. However, his breaths were uneven, and loud. I knew that could only mean one thing. He was terribly angry.
"WHAT?!" he shouted, practically screaming. "I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY LET THAT BASTARD BACK!"
"Calm down Zell!" I tried comforting him. "There are junior classmen here!"
"I don't care!" The words came seething out his clench teeth. "I'm going to talk to Cid about this." He pushed me aside and stormed off.
I bit my lower lip again and ran after him.
* * *
(Quistis)
"You can't be serious!" Squall shouted as he slammed his fist into Headmaster Cid's desk. "How could you let him back after all he's done to us?!"
The doors suddenly flung open revealing a smirking Seifer. He looked different from the last time I had seen him. He looked thinner, and had longer hair that he slicked back. He also ditched his trench coat. Something I could never imagine him doing.
"It's great to see you too, Puberty boy." He strode in and sat down on one of the chairs. As if nothing in the world could ever destroy his ego.
[His attitude never changed]. My fists clenched tightly together until my knuckles turned white. I despised that man. I hated him with all my soul. Not only did he make me lose my Instructor's license, he also tried to kill me a couple times. I clenched my teeth tightly, trying not to say anything rude to him.
"Instructor, you haven't changed one bit." His eyes scanned me as if he were checking me out.
"I'm not an instructor anymore Seifer." I replied sternly. I hated to even have to see that man.
"Seifer, get out of here! You're not wanted here!" Squall shouted at Seifer. He grabbed his gunblade tightly and held it at Seifer's throat.
Seifer didn't even seem to care. In fact, he yawned.
"Squall, lower your weapon immediately!" Cid ordered. Squall slowly and quite reluctantly lowered his gunblade.
"Headmaster, please tell us what possessed you to let Seifer back here." I said his name as if it were acid itself.
"My, my Instructor. By the sound of it, it almost seems like you don't want me here." He smirked at me.
I didn't look at him, but I saw it through the corner of my eye. I could even picture it in my head. His arrogance, his cockiness. His damned smirk. I hated it. Absolutely hated it.
"She's not the only one who doesn't want you here!" Squall shouted at him again. Cid had to push him away from Seifer and into one of the seats.
"I told you before Seifer, I'm no longer your Instructor." [All thanks to you I'm not even an Instructor anymore.] I silently added.
"We aren't here to argue!" Cid finally said. "I want to let you two know," He turned to face Squall and I. "that Seifer is here for good... at least for now." Headmaster Cid mumbled the last part. But we all heard it quite clearly.
This was also just the most perfect time for Zell to storm in. Selphie followed him shortly after. Good, now that all of us here don't want Seifer back, Headmaster's bound to tell him to leave.
"You!" Zell hissed at Seifer.
"Chickenwuss." Seifer replied, seemingly to say, 'I have acknowledged your presence.'
"Get out of Balamb before I beat you to a bloody pulp!" Zell waved his fists in the air and nearly punched him, but Selphie managed to pull him back just before he hit Seifer in the nose. Seifer didn't even move. He only raised a blonde eyebrow at the whole scene.
"Zell! Calm down!" Selphie shouted, struggling to pull Zell away. Neither Squall nor I helped her. In fact, I bet we both were thinking the same thing. [Punch that bastard! Punch him good Zell!]
"Zell! Behave yourself! You know better than to barge into my office without being called!" Cid scorned as if he were talking to a little five- year-old who misbehaved himself.
"Headmaster, I cannot tolerate that this lap dog is here at Balamb! What if he goes on a killing rampage again?!" Zell stopped trying to punch Seifer and eyed the Headmaster angrily.
"Shut up Chickenwuss. You cannot decide whether I can come back or not." Seifer glared at Zell. [So that was his weakness right now. Being called a lap dog.] I nearly smiled at the thought of tormenting him with his weakness.
"Zell, calm down, I know how you feel. But punching him won't solve anything." Squall finally said in the tone that he used to have. The one he used before he met Rinoa. The one I always tried to loosen up, but failed to.
Zell pushed Selphie aside and sat down beside me. His fist was still curled up and ready to strike. Selphie sat beside him, probably trying to stop him from attacking Seifer again. [ Too bad. I would have been so happy to see that bastard get hit in the face.]
Cid sighed. "Like I said before, Seifer is here for good."
Without another word, Zell stormed out, slamming the doors behind him. Selphie was about to run after him, but decided not to. Cid ignored the rude outburst and continued talking.
"He'll be taking the SeeD exam again... but if he fails this time..." Cid turned to face Seifer. "Even I can't help him."
"Don't worry Headmaster, I don't plan to use anymore help from you." Seifer smirked again. That damn arrogant smirk.
"Let's hope." Cid muttered.
To the left of me, I could hear Squall muttering too. "Let's hope not."
"Squall, as Commander, I was hoping you two would put aside your differences and become mutual to each other. Once the Garden sees the Commander forgiving Seifer, they will follow."
"I'm sorry Headmaster, I don't think that is possible." Squall replied just after Cid had finished speaking.
"You'll have too. This is an order." Cid said in a strict manner. Squall didn't say another word, but I knew deep down inside, he was wishing Seifer would just burn in hell.
"And Quistis... I know you're not an Instructor, but I would like you to tutor Seifer until the SeeD exam."
"Sir?!" My eyes widened in shock. There was no way I could handle this lap dog again.
"Quistis... you're the only one that won't be afraid to teach him." Cid whispered into my ear.
I was in disbelief. [How could the Headmaster to do this to me. Just when I think my life couldn't get any worse after losing Squall to that bitch, now I have to handle Seifer?!] I frowned and turned my head away.
"Looks like you're my Instructor again... Instructor." Seifer said. I could just picture his damned smirk in my head already. [This is not real.] I tried telling myself. [This is all a nightmare.]
"Sir?" Selphie spoke out in an unusually soft voice. "Is there anything I can do?"
Cid stroked his chin, thinking for a moment before he spoke. "Indeed there is. I want you to watch over Seifer."
"Sure thing!" Selphie beamed as she saluted him. [What an unusual girl.] I thought. [Normally, nobody would want to go near that traitor...]
"Well, then you all are dismissed." Cid waved his hand to dismiss us. "Oh Seifer, your private classes with Miss Trepe begins tomorrow."
Squall was the first to leave, as he walked past Seifer, he hissed at him.
"I'll be watching you Almasy. One wrong move, and I'm gonna get you outta here before you can say Triple Triad."
I was the next one out. I didn't say anything to him, nor did I look at him. I didn't want to talk to him more than necessary. In the corner of my eye, I saw Selphie walk up to him and whisper something in his ear, before bouncing out of the office like her usual energetic force. A part of me wanted to know what she said to him, but the other part of me couldn't care less. [Why did I want to know anyway? I don't even care about that... that... bastard!] I asked myself, unsure of the answer.
* * *
(Seifer)
I strode out of the office like I normally would have, but this time, I had different emotions. I thought Quistis would be one of the few who wouldn't mind me being back at the Garden. She seemed to be the more sensible one. But as I sat there listening to what everyone had to say, I could tell she hated me beyond anything else. I knew she despised me. One thing that surprised me the most was what Selphie whispered to me before she left.
"Don't worry. I believe you're innocent." I replayed those words in my head. [Was she the only one who actually believed that?] I shook my head, as if to shake away the odd feeling I felt. Even I didn't believe that I was innocent.
I caught a glimpse of Xu glaring at me as I walked towards the elevator. She always had this thing against me, but I could care less, I didn't need her anyway. Selphie was patiently waiting for the elevator while swaying forwards and backwards on her feet. She began humming a familiar tune, but I couldn't make out or think of what it was. It looked like Quistis and Squall had already gone down.
The elevator 'dinged' and the doors slid open. Selphie walked in and I followed. She pressed the button and smiled at me.
"Looks like we'll have to be friends now!" She beamed in her usual cheery mode. Strangely, I didn't seem to mind it like I used to.
"Whatever." I replied, not caring, and not wanting to care.
"Aw, come on! Don't be like Squall! I know you can say more than 'whatever'! Sorta makes you wonder if Squall might be a valley boy!" She joked.
Just then, I did the most bizarre thing. I chuckled slightly. I didn't realize I had done that until I saw Selphie's bright brown eyes staring at me. I quickly cleared my throat as if to make it sound like it was more of a cough. But she saw through my façade.
"See! You are better than Squall! I knew it!" She smiled happily as the doors slid open.
I wanted to smile at her. I wanted to show some emotion. It was strange... I had never felt this way before... maybe Selphie was here to help me...
"Well, I'll see you in the cafeteria later, hopefully!" She waved at me before walking off in her own direction.
I looked at her retreating figure for a moment and wondered if there was hope for me in this world. [Maybe it won't be all that bad... with Selphie around...] Then I laughed. [What in the world am I thinking? I must have gone insane!]
I stopped laughing at myself and headed to the Training Center. It was about time I do some training again.
* * *
Stepping into the Training Center brought back memories to me. I remember how I was so intimidated the first time I entered here. It seemed like ages ago. I remember exactly how it felt.
I always wanted to be different than everyone else. I wanted to be unique. Little did I know, I would become so different from everyone. When I first entered the Garden, I wanted to be better than everyone. That's probably why I became so arrogant. I entered the Training almost immediately after I could. I just wanted to be stronger everyone. But the moment I stepped, I was afraid.
[What if I died here? Or went unconscious? Everyone would laugh at me!] I would say to myself. Eventually, I sorted out my feelings and entered it. It was because of Squall. He was the only other gunblade specialist and I knew I didn't want him to outshine me. However, in the end, he always did.
I remember when Squall and I had that little 'spar' that one day. I didn't want him to beat me. So I cast a fire spell on him and attacked him while he was down. A dirty move, for a dirty guy. I didn't care at the time. I just wanted to beat him. I left him a permanent scar... but he gave me one back too.
Afterwards, I thought I was stronger. He needed to go to the Infirmary, while I, just went back to my dorm. Quistis went to talk to him... I suppose comfort him. She didn't do that to me. I felt a little hurt at that time... and wondered why nobody would see how I was.
[Because you're an arrogant bastard.] I would tell myself. Every time I told myself that, I got angrier. I hated the world the then, no wonder I would later try to destroy it.
The SeeD exam. I failed it. It wasn't a surprise to anyone but me. I was so damn sure that I could pass. After all, I was the most skilled there. I was even better than Squall. I knew it. He knew it. Everyone knew it. Yet I still failed. Quistis didn't seem at all concerned with me failing, she however, praised Squall when he passed. I began hating her.
When Rinoa went for Squall, I began hating her as well. [How dare she choose that Puberty boy over me?] I would scream in my head every time I saw them together. Maybe it was because of Rinoa that I grew weak. So weak, that I left Squall defeat countless times. I know I could have beat him... I know I could of. But every time, before the fatal blow to him, I would remember Rinoa. How she chose him over me. I would remember Quistis. How she favored him over me. I would remember Zell. How he was so friendly with him. Selphie and Irvine too. How they respected him.
It was then, when I had these thoughts that Squall would take advantage and attack me before my thoughts were clear. That is how I would be defeated, numerous times. I hated myself so much. I hated the world. I would tell myself it was just a tester... I had to... no, I would defeat them in the end. But I didn't...
"It's Seifer!" A young male cadet gasped as he was exiting the Training Center.
That brought me back to reality. I glared at him, and he quickly scurried off. Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the Training Center, ready to take on anything. Just as I stepped into a clearing, a Wendigo raced towards me.
[Heh, must have picked up some new monsters here.] I thought as I held out my gunblade. The beast roared and tried to attack me. I just barely managed to jump out of the way. I aimed my gunblade and fired at the beast. It hit the Wendigo in the chest, making it holler in pain. I smirked, but it was a little too soon. The creature threw one of its arm at me, hitting me in the face, and causing me to fly a few feet away. I quickly got up and wiped the blood away from the side of my mouth. I looked at the blood on my hand and smirked. I charged towards the beast and thrust my gunblade right through its tough skin. It hollered loudly before falling down, never to get up again.
[You can't defeat the Seifer Almasy that easily.]
"Very impressive Seifer." An all too familiar voice behind me said.
I turned around to face my speaker. It was her. She had long raven colored hair that flowed down to her waist. Her blue duster seemed to flutter behind her when she walked. She gripped her Shooting Star tightly and walked up to me.
"Rinoa. Long time no see."
"Cut the casualty, Seifer. You don't belong here." She looked me right in the eye.
She used to do that a lot to me before. But they were of love or care. Now it was only hate.
"It hurts me to hear you like that Rinoa." I said very sarcastically. It seems like I've said things with sarcasm so many times today. Only this time, it actually did hurt a little. Rinoa used to be my world, and I was perfectly happy with that. She didn't know that she meant everything to me, but when chose Squall, it was like a part of me died forever.
"Shut up Seifer." She held her Shooting Star threateningly, as if to challenge me to a duel. "Why are you here? Do you wish to wreck more havoc? Or do you just enjoy being a fukkin' bastard?"
"You cut me real deep. Right here." I drew a line across my heart. I had said it quite teasingly, but deep down, it was all too real.
"I said 'shut up' Seifer." She threw her weapon at me, but I easily deflected. Her Shooting Star twirled back towards her. "Why won't you die?" She spat out the words like venom.
[Why don't you love me...?] I asked her in my head. "Rinoa stop." I deflected another attack from Rinoa. She continued throwing her weapon at me, but each time I easily deflected it. I began to yawn. This was getting nowhere.
"Fira!" She cast the spell on me.
At first, it felt like nothing, then my body began to get hotter and hotter, and soon it felt like I was burning. I wanted to scream out in pain. It almost felt like my skin was turning all black and charred, I was in pain. But I held onto the only pride that I had left and took it in like a man,
"Is that all you could do?" I managed to choke out after the burning feeling left. I was still in pain, but at least I couldn't feel any more heat.
"Like I said before Seifer, you don't belong here!" She screamed as she threw her weapon once more. Again, I dodged it, only this time, I barely managed.
"Rinoa, I didn't want to hurt you, but you give me no choice." I ran towards her, with my gunblade to the side, ready to strike.
"You hurt me before, and I managed to survive. What makes you think I won't this time?" She hurled her Shooting Star at me.
I swung my gunblade at it roughly, causing it to fly into one of the trees and get stuck in it. Rinoa looked at me in horror. She probably didn't realize how much trouble she was in. I wasn't the one who was going to attack her, but behind her was a Ruby Dragon, just about to swipe it's claw at her unsuspecting form.
I raced as fast as I could to her. She tried to dodge me, by going backwards toward the Ruby Dragon, but I was too quick for her. I managed to push her to the side, however, I didn't have enough time to move myself. The dragon dug its claw deep into my chest. I howled in pain.
In the corner of my eye, I saw Rinoa run. Not to her Shooting Star, but out of the Training Center. [That bitch.] She was going to let me die. The dragon was about to swipe at me again, but I rolled over, evading the attack just inches from my head. I pointed my gunblade at it and fired. It got hit in the chest, but it didn't seem to notice.
"Fukk." I swore, closing my eyes. The pain in my chest was too overwhelming. I didn't have the strength to move my arm anymore. [Was I destined to die here?] I thought, waiting for the worse.
"Slots!" I vaguely heard someone yell.
I thought I was done for, but when I opened my eyes, I saw the Ruby Dragon and myself in a field of flowers. [Could this be... heaven?] I asked myself. [I don't deserve to be here...] I was just about to close my eyes again, as the scenery faded back into the Training Center, until I heard someone call my name again.
"Seifer! Seifer! Wake up! Don't fall asleep now!" I recognized the voice. It could only belong to one person. That little ball of energetic horror. My eyelids closed just in time to see Selphie's face gazing at me.
* * *
(Selphie)
"Oh, you can't die Seifer! Not now, not after how hard you worked to get back here!" I exclaimed as I paced around the waiting room of the Infirmary.
"Selphie, that... that... traitor tried killing me!" Rinoa argued about the ten millionth time.
Squall held her tightly and protectively, trying to calm her down.
"Hush Rinoa..." I could hear him whispering into her ear.
"That bastard deserves to die!" Rinoa continued. "Squally... he's not supposed to be here! Why is he still here?! Can't you talk to Cid about this?"
"Rinoa, believe me, I already tried. But Cid just won't listen to me. But I'm sure he'll start listening once he hears that, the bastard tried killing you. Don't worry, I'll do whatever I can to get him out of here." Squall tried to reassure her.
I didn't know what to believe. But I was pretty sure Seifer didn't try to kill her. [Seifer was being attacked by a Ruby Dragon... I know Seifer could have easily defeated it.] I said to myself, trying to recapture every little detail of what might have happened. [Just before I went into the Training Center, I saw Rinoa dart out of there. Either, Seifer did try to kill her and she escaped, or he was trying to save her, and got attacked himself, and then she ran out telling a lie.]
"Rinoa, what happened in the Training Center?" I asked her suspiciously. I liked playing detective, but this time it was serious.
"What? What are you talking about?" Rinoa asked me, her eyes were wide open in shock.
"Selphie, what ARE you talking about? Rinoa was in her dorm... and that's probably when Seifer tried attacking her. When she ran, he followed her, and lost her and probably thought she ran into the Training Center where a Ruby Dragon attacked him. Isn't that right?" He asked Rinoa, brushing away a strand of her hair from her eyes.
She was just about to nod when I spoke out. "I was the one who saved Seifer. I saw Rinoa run out of there. She must have been in there when Seifer was." I said quite accusingly.
"Are you trying to say that Rinoa is lying?!" Squall stood up from his seat. I can't believe you Selphie. You're siding with a lap dog instead of your friends."
"Squall, I didn't mean it that way. I just said that I saw her running out."
"You're accusing her of nearly killing Seifer."
"Squall..." I began, but got cut off.
"That's Commander to you."
I gritted my teeth. I did not want to ruin our friendship over this, but Squall just wouldn't believe that Seifer might have been innocent. "Commander," I said the word slowly and painfully. "I saw Rinoa's Shooting Star stuck on one of those trees in there. She MUST have been in there."
Squall turned to Rinoa. "Rinoa, tell us what actually happened."
She bit her lower lip and then began talking. "Well, I was in there training, when I saw Seifer. He said some rude comments to me and I got a little mad. So I threw my Shooting Star at him, and he deflected it into one of those trees. Then he came charging at me, but luckily a Ruby Dragon was on my side and attacked him. So I took this initiative and ran."
I didn't know whether to believe her or not, but I knew Squall believed every single word she said. I would just have to ask Seifer later when he woke up to find out who was lying.
"He's awake now." Dr. Kadowaki said as she stepped out of his room, pulling off those doctor gloves. "You may go in a see him if you wish."
Squall was the first one up and in there. Everyone could hear what he was saying to Seifer.
"Look bastard, I know you tried killing Rinoa, and you're gonna pay for that with your life. I'll see to it myself that you'll be gone from Balamb forever." Without waiting for Seifer to say a word, he stormed out of the Infirmary, probably towards Cid's office. Rinoa quickly followed him.
I gave out a loud sigh and then walked into Seifer's room. It wasn't a big room, and it was so plain. The walls were all white, and there was a little window with white curtains to the side of the room. Even the bed sheet, blanket, medicine table thing, and the one chair were completely white. It was so dull. I didn't like it one bit.
I grabbed the chair and pulled it beside his bed and sat down.
"Hey Seifer." I said, trying to sound like my usual cheery self.
He didn't look at me.
"So you feeling better now?" I asked, trying to create conversation.
He didn't reply.
"Must hurt to be slashed on the chest like that." I continued my one-sided conversation.
He finally spoke. "You didn't have to do that."
"Do what?" I asked, quite confused.
"Save me."
"Oh that?" I laughed. "I have to! That's what friends for each other!" He looked at me, and I smiled back.
"I'm not your friend." He replied coldly.
"Hey! You can't decide who I want to be friends with! It's my own decision!" I argued. "Besides, you would have done the same for me right?" I was unsure of my question. He probably wouldn't have, but it felt like the right thing to say.
He didn't reply. He turned his head away from me again.
"You know, this room is pretty dull..." I began, trying to hint that I wanted to decorate it.
"I like it dull." He replied in his monotone.
"No you don't!"
"You can't decide what I like, that is my own decision." He said turning to face me once again.
I opened my eyes widely, in shock. I didn't think he would tease me like that. I opened my mouth to say something, which I didn't know what to say, but Seifer did another bizarre thing again. He chuckled.
"You're alright kid." He gave a weak smile to me. It looked as if it were a forced smile, or he was unfamiliar with this action.
I smiled brightly at him. "See! That's the spirit! You know, I always said to myself that whenever I'm sick or sad or hurt or anything, it's better to be smiling and laughing. You'll heal faster that way! You should try it more often!"
"Maybe I should..." he turned to face the ceiling, and closed his eyes.
"You know, I should let you rest shouldn't I?" I bounced out of my seat and exited the Infirmary. [Maybe Seifer's not all bad.]
* * *
(Squall)
"Headmaster, I don't believe this! You can't possibly let him back! He tried to kill Rinoa!" I screamed at Cid.
I stormed into his office immediately after I yelled at Seifer. Rinoa was behind me, following me. It gave me a sense of security, having someone to believe in you. I didn't like that in Rinoa before. In fact, at first I thought she was a total whiny bitch. But after getting to know her more, I realize she isn't all that bad. She made me open up to the world a little more. She was like an angel sent down to me, and this angel would never leave.
"What? What is going on?" Cid asked, as he turned his chair to face me. He pushed his glasses up from sliding down the bridge of his nose.
"That bastard tried killing Rinoa!" I repeated, angrier than before.
"Squall, watch your language. Rinoa is this true?" Matron stood beside the Headmaster and questioned her.
"Yes..." Rinoa spoke out meekly from behind me.
"See! I can't believe you let him back Headmaster!" I shouted at him again.
"Cid did not accept him back Squall, it was I." Matron said gently, pushing me lightly on the shoulder to sit down.
I obeyed and sat down, though my blood was still boiling from within me. "Matron, I don't understand. How could you let him back after what he's done to us?" I tried to sound calm, but I knew it wasn't working.
"He was possessed my child. I was possessed. How is it fair that you forgive me, and not him? He is my child as well." Matron continued.
"Matron, he is different from you! How can you compare him to you?"
"Child, both he and I were possessed. Both he and I killed innocent people. Both he and I tried to harm you, why is it that you cannot forgive him?" Matron tried to reason with me, but it wasn't working.
"Matron, he tried killing Rinoa just before! How can you possible think that I could forgive a lap dog such as himself?! I'm the only one that does not want him, Matron. Everyone doesn't want him here! Not Rinoa, not Quistis, not Zell. Nobody." I argued. I wasn't going to list Irvine, because I hadn't talked to him lately and he didn't seem to care one way or another, and for sure I was not going to say Selphie because I knew, somehow, for some odd reason, she had forgiven Seifer already. I would never be able to understand why.
"Tried killing Rinoa?" Matron seemed to question. "It must be all a mistake. A misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?!" I practically screamed. I never used to shout or even raise my voice a bit, but Rinoa helped me feel more emotions. Happiness, and even anger. "How can killing someone be a misunderstanding?"
"I'll talk to him myself, Squall. I will decide whether or not he will stay. You are dismissed Squall. And please, I do not wish to see anymore of this outbursts." Matron rubbed her temples as if she had a terrible headache.
"Matron..." I tried to continue, but Cid stopped me.
"You are dismissed Squall, Rinoa." He didn't sound too happy either, but I didn't care.
All I wanted was to get that bastard out of this Garden and back to where he belonged to; hell.
Angrily, I stood up and stormed out the door, Rinoa following closely behind. I was stopped, however, right before I reached the elevators. Xu pushed me back.
"Commander, I understand how you feel," she began. "but if you really want Seifer to be gone, she shouldn't explode like that. In fact, by doing so, you're only provoking Headmaster Cid, and Headmistress Edea to want him to stay. You must keep your anger inside... and then, one wrong move from Seifer, and poof, he'll be gone." She snapped her fingers in the air and smiled.
[Maybe she was right... that way, it won't look like I'm the bad guy, but actually Seifer.] I smiled back at her. "I'll keep that in mind Xu, thank you."
"No problem Commander, I only wish to help out the Garden." She returned back to her desk and began filing some files.
"You think that's actually going to work?" Rinoa asked me. "What if he knows that we're trying to trap him like that?"
"He won't. Seifer's too predictable. I'll see to it that Quistis gives him a hard time when tutoring him, and he's bound to blow up in her face. If not, then failing the SeeD exam again is bound to kick him out for good."
"We'll be stuck with him for a long, agonizing month though..." Rinoa said matter-of-factly.
"Yes, but it'll all be worth it." I smiled at her and entered the elevator. "He'll never step foot in the garden ever again."
* * *
(Quistis)
"Is it true? Is it true that the Seifer Almasy is back?" A tall brown haired man questioned me.
He had long brown hair, tied up into a ponytail, and wore a beige trench coat. Perched on his head, was a cowboy hat, tipped down slightly, covering one of his eyes. He leaned on his sniper, beside the doorway.
I smiled at him. "Unfortunately true." I continued my work.
I was looking over some of the graded papers from Instructor number 26, Kianne Lee. She was a new instructor, and Headmaster wanted me to make sure she was doing her job properly. I didn't understand him one bit. If he wishes for me to check over other instructor's works, why not just give me back my damn Instructor's license back?
"Oh." Was his one word response.
"You don't seem at all concerned, Irvine." I said, looking up at the cowboy.
"Can't be that much. Didn't really know the guy. Sure he tried killing me a few times, but other than that, don't know anything else 'bout him."
"You're lucky. You wouldn't want to know anything else." I resumed checking the papers. So far, they were all correct. Kianne Lee was a nice Asian girl, about 23 years old. Although sometimes she seems a lot younger than that. I guess she was a little like Selphie, but I didn't like her one bit. Not that she wasn't nice to me or anything, but I guess, I am just jealous that she got to be Instructor instead of myself. "So how are you and Selphie? Did you two rekindle yet?"
Selphie and Irvine did go out after all the Sorceress bit, but they broke up shortly after. Apparently, Irvine was cheating on her. Or so, she said.
"No... not yet. I don't think she's willing to forgive me." I took off his hat and placed in on his chest.
"Or are you not trying hard enough?"
"No, no. That's not it. I've tried everything. I tried begging on my knees, I tried sending her millions of daisies, I've tried decorating the Quad in her honor, heck, I even tried not looking at other girls!" he sounded really depressed. He really did like Selphie, it's just that he couldn't give up his flirting ways.
"I'm sorry Irvine. I've tried talking to Selphie about it, but she just wouldn't listen. You know her. If she doesn't like it, she either ignores it, or pretends she doesn't care." I took off my glasses and pinched the bridge of my nose. All these papers were giving me a headache.
"It's alright Quistis. If I want her back, I have to prove to her that I do. And in order to do that, I can't get any help from my friends." He sat down at one of the desks in front of me.
"True, true." I began packing the papers away. I would call it quits today. Besides, I had to get ready for the tough day tomorrow... with that traitor.
"Quistis, I didn't come here to talk about Seifer or Selphie. I wanted to tell you that Zell and I are going on a SeeD mission tomorrow."
"Oh really? Where to?" I stretched my arms out.
"Something happened near Galbadia or something...dunno. I get the mission briefing tomorrow. And... I was just wondering if you could do me a favor."
"Sure, what is it?" I began rubbing my eyes. It was only 7pm and I was getting sleepy.
"I want you to look after Selphie for me... you know, I'm just a little worried that Seifer might do something to her... so can you?"
I laughed. "So you didn't come here to talk about Selphie now did you?" Irvine blushed slightly. "Just playing you... of course I will. I would have anyway, whether you asked me or not." [There's no way I can trust Seifer when Selphie has to watch him.] But I wasn't going to tell Irvine that she'd been assigned to that. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to go on his own mission.
"Thanks Quistis, you're the best."
* * *
(Seifer)
I woke up late at night. The clock on the wall read something that I couldn't make out. It was so dark in this room, and I felt alone. I moved slightly, to avoid my arms, legs, or body getting numb, but when I tried moving my left arm, I felt a weight on it. I groaned slightly as it pained me in the chest.
The weight suddenly moved and a soft whimper was heard.
"Oh..." A feminine voice said. Despite the dark, I could make out the girl was rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "Oh! You're awake!" She said, cheerfully. I could only mean one person... Selphie.
The lights suddenly flicked on, which caused me to close my eyes again. When my eyes slowly adjusted to the light, I opened them again. I could finally make out what time it was. 11:47pm. Right under the clock was a little banner that read, in big colorful bold letters, GET WELL SOON! Surrounding it were ribbons and streamers of all sorts of colors. I turned my head to look at the medicine desk and saw it was filled with flowers in vases and a bunch of helium balloons were taped to one of the corners. I pushed myself up and leaned against the back of the bed and re-examined the room. I couldn't believe Selphie had done that. I turned to face her, and saw her with a big smile, probably quite happy with her job.
"How do you like it?" She jumped back to the seat.
"Why'd you do all this?" I asked, reaching for a glass of water, but Selphie helped me pour it and handed it to me.
"Well, when you're happier, you heal faster. And when you're room is all bright and cheery, you'll be happier!" She beamed with joy. "So how do you like it?"
"It's... different." I took a sip of the water. For some odd reason, it tasted so good. It moistened my mouth and felt like heaven to me.
"You... don't like it?" Selphie frowned slightly.
"No, I didn't exactly say that..." I said, trying not to hurt her feelings. This was strange. I never cared before, but now, she seemed so nice to me... and it only felt right to do the same to her.
"So you DO like it!" She jumped up with joy and hugged me. I groaned in pain as some of her weight hit my chest. "Oops! Sorry Seify" She said in a little kid's voice.
"Don't ever call me that." I pointed out to her strictly. I hated having nicknames. Funny, how I hate them, but I give them to other people. Puberty boy, Cowboy, Chickenwuss...
"Awww, poor Seify don't like being called Seify?" She continued to joke. "That's no fun. It's funner to call you that than Seifer! It sounds so cute!"
"I'm not cute."
"Sure you are! Cute, cute, cute!"
"I'm warning you..." I was getting a little irritated now.
"Awww... don't be mad Seif... er!" She managed to correct herself just in time. "So Seifer," She began as she sat back down. "what did happen at the Training Center?"
"No matter what I say, you'll think I did try to kill her." I knew everyone else did, so why bother explaining?
"Actually, not really. Say, you hungry?" Selphie bolted up from her seat. "I'll get you some food!" She ran out before I could tell her I wasn't hungry.
[That kid... isn't all that bad...] I thought. [But I wonder why she's being so nice to me? I used to be rude to her... in fact, I even tried killing her a few times. So why is she so nice to me? Nobody should be nice to a traitor like myself. I don't deserve it.]
"How are you Seifer?" A voice called from the doorway.
I turned my head to face the most least likely person to come visit me. Her honey blonde hair was put up in its usual style. In a bun, held up with a clip, and two long tendrils of hair flowing down from the side of her face. She wore her usual attire, her peach battle suit with her Save The Queen clipped to the side of it.
"Fine Instructor, not dead yet." I replied, my old self-returning.
"It's a pity..." I heard her mumble. "I talked to Dr. Kadowaki just before, and she said you would be well enough to continue on with your regular duties tomorrow. I begin tutoring you at 600 hours. Not a minute later. Our Monday, Wednesday, and Friday session end at 1200 hours. Tuesday and Wednesday we begin at 800 hours and end at 1500 hours. Not a minute later, and not a minute earlier. The weekend is yours. Understand?"
I looked at her, I would have given her a confused look, but I couldn't show any other emotion to her. [Why was the schedule so screwed up?] I wondered.
"Yes Instructor, I wouldn't miss our little session together for the world!" I replied my every word dripping with sarcasm.
"You will call me Instructor, and only Instructor..." I cut her off.
"I always had." I smirked at her. I knew she hated whenever I did that, but it only made me a little happier to see her annoyed.
"Physical training is on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Study periods are Tuesday and Thursday. Every weekend, you'll be given an assignment due the next week. During the weekdays, I tell you what to do, and you do what I tell you to, no questions. No matter whether we have session or not." She continued, ignoring my comment.
"So in other words, Instructor, during the weekdays, you pretty much own me?"
"That is all Seifer, see you tomorrow." She replied in her strictly, teacher manner. She stopped and turned around. "Tomorrow we meet at the front gates." Without letting me reply, she exited my room.
[What a bitch.] I thought to myself as I continued looking at the door.
* * *
(Selphie)
I pretty much skipped the whole way to the cafeteria. For some odd reason, I felt happy. Not just happy, but extremely happy. Maybe it was because Seifer liked my decorating job I had done for him. But did I truly believe that he didn't try kill Rinoa? I wasn't sure, so I kept the thought at the back of my head.
Just as I entered the cafeteria, I crashed into someone. I didn't get to see who it was, because my face slammed into his chest. I was about to fall over, but the figure reached out one muscular arm and pulled me back up.
"Thanks!" I pulled the hem of my bright yellow dress down.
I looked up to see who was my savior, but regretted it completely when I realized who it was. His long brown hair, beige trench coat, and cowboy hat perched upon his head spelled out two words loud and clear... Irvine Kinneas.
"Hey Selphie..." He said the words so slowly it felt like he wanted to hold on to it forever. His hand was still clasped onto my arm, which made me feel uneasy. I shook my arm slightly to indicate that I wanted his hand off me. He got the idea and quickly let go, turning slightly red.
"Hey Irvine!" I said in my usual chirpy tone. Even though I didn't like this man very much, I would still consider him as a friend, and I will treat him like any other of my friends.
"Where are you heading to?"
"To the cafeteria of course!" [What is up with this guy? Of course I'm going to the cafeteria!]
"Oh. Listen, umm, Zell and I are going ... on a mission tomorrow." The words seemed to stumble out of his mouth.
"Oh really? Well good luck to you two! I better be off now! Wish you two the best! Bye!" I slipped past him and half jogged into the kitchen. I did not want to talk to him anymore.
"Bye..." I could faintly hear him say to me.
Once I was in the kitchen, I sighed in relief. In a way, I was somewhat afraid that he might bawl on me. It was just strange for me having to see a man cry. I did once, and that was when I broke up with Irvine. He cried, and cried, and cried, and made me sort of regret breaking up with him. That is probably why I don't want to talk to him much, or else I'll back up on my word.
Trying to shove the thought Irvine out of my mind, I began boiling the pot of soup sitting on the stove. After a short while, I poured some of the soup in a bowl and grabbed some fruit and bolted out the kitchen towards Seifer's room. It wasn't long until I was sitting down on the white chair watching Seifer eat.
"Thanks kid." He mumbled as he drank his delicious soup.
"You're welcome! Well, I better let you rest now... I ought to get some rest myself. So I'll see you tomorrow?" I stood up from my chair and waved goodbye.
"Maybe..." Was Seifer's response.
* * *
(Quistis)
"Rise and shine! Today is another beautiful summer day! Oh won't you listen to the birds chirping outside? It's time to wake up to another stress free day! In just a moment, we begin our Monday morning countdown with today's hottest hits!" The annoying announcer shouted through my alarm clock.
I groggily pulled my thin blanket off me. I looked at my alarm clock and sighed. The big red numbers read 5:00am. [Stupid Squall... telling me to get up so damn early to tutor that bastard... why couldn't it be a little later?] I got up from my bed, and slipped on my fuzzy peach slippers and walked into the bathroom.
Looking in the mirror, I could not recognize myself at all. My hair was a tousled mess, and it seemed like dark circles were forming under my eyes. I reached over to grab my pink toothbrush and slapped on some toothpaste and slowly began brushing my teeth. [I guess Squall's right... with this messed up and early time schedules, Seifer's bound to get annoyed. And when Seifer's annoyed, he goes crazy! Then, then, no more Seifer!] I smiled slightly and began rinsing my mouth.
I then slowly took off my pyjamas and stepped into the shower. I turned on the water so it would be only luke warm, however to me, it felt like icicles against my skin. It was as if taking this icicle shower was what woke me up. In no time, I was out of the shower and deciding what to wear.
I stood in front of my closet and examined my clothes. [Battle suit, battle suit, SeeD outfit, battle suit, pyjamas, and more battle suit.] I stuck out my tongue in disgust. [Quistis Trepe, you only have two different outfits that you wear! You should really get more clothes sometime.] I decided to wear my battle suit.
Just as I was about to exit my room, I glanced at my alarm clock one last time. 5:48. Seifer's sure to be late.
* * *
(Seifer)
I ached in pain when I tried pulling my black shirt over my head. I had woken up a little earlier so that I could go back to my dorm, take a quick shower/bath, and change to be on time. I didn't know, however, that my quick shower/bath ended up to be a half hour because I was aching and had to carefully scrub my chest so that it wouldn't scream in pain. It also took me a lot longer to get changed. Pulling the shirt over my head proved a difficult task. [How the hell am I supposed to survive with physical training today?] I asked myself after I finally got my shirt on.
I hurriedly exited my room and practically ran to the front gates. Normally I would care less if I were late, but now that this would be my last chance to be SeeD, there's no way I could let something happen.
When I arrived at the front, I was taking deep breaths. [Seifer Almasy, you are completely out of shape.]
"Seifer, I'm glad you finally decided to join me. However, I do have to note that you are late." Quistis held a pocket watch in her hands. She held onto the chain and let the watch fall so that I could read the time. 6:07. I was only 7 minutes late.
"Seifer, do 5 laps around the Garden, now!" She ordered me.
"I'm only 7 minutes late!" I argued.
"You're still late. Even if you were only 1 minute late, you're still going to get punished for it.
[You fukking bitch.] I swore in my head as I began jogging.
"RUN!" She screamed at me.
Cursing some more, I followed her orders. It took me about 10 minutes to do one lap and I was already slowing my pace. My heart seemed to pound at my chest, which made me ache more than ever. As I neared to finish my second lap, Quistis screamed at me again.
"Don't slow down! Continue running!"
I continued cursing at her in my head. After the fourth lap, my head was spinning like crazy. I felt like I was out of breath, and nearly to collapse. [Maybe I should just run to the back of the Garden and take a break so that she won't see me...] I thought. But she outsmarted me. For my fifth lap, she ran with me, pacing herself so that she would only be a couple feet away from me.
When I finally reached back to the front gates, I was heaving and taking deep breaths as if any of those would be my last. I was about to sit down, but Quistis scolded me.
"Walk around here for 5 minutes, before you sit down." I obeyed her and did so.
When I finally sat down, she threw a water bottle at me. "You get a five minute break and we continue."
"What?!" I shouted angrily. I knew if I continued like this, I would now be able to survive. I was sweating all over, and the cloudless sky was not helping at all. I continued cursing her in my head as I gulped down the water, never have I loved water as much as I did now. The water was like a complete savior to me. I didn't realize how long I had been resting until Quistis instructed me again.
"Get up." I obeyed her, though, still cursing in my head. "Now do a hundred pushups."
"Bitch." I muttered as I got into a push-up position. I lowered myself, and felt the strain in my arms.
"One." Quistis counted. [Bitch] "Two." [Bitch] "Three." [Bitch] "Four." [Bitch] "Five... why are you slowing down?!" She scolded me.
I didn't answer her, but continued doing my set. I wasn't long until I was completely exhausted, and I had done only 59. My heart was pounding through my chest as if at anytime it would pound out soon. Sweat was rolling down my face, and my arms ached so much. [I can't... go on... much... longer...]
"Stop. Just stop. Your push-ups are getting pathetic, they don't even look like one. Just stop. That's just pathetic." Quistis threw another water bottle near my head.
Relieved that I didn't have to do anymore, I fell done. It turned out to be a very bad move, because once when I landed on my chest, it pained me so much. [Bitch. She should just rot in hell] I cautiously sat up and gulped down the water, leaving some to splash on my head. When some of the water fell to my chest, it stung terribly. I groaned in pain.
"Am I being to harsh on you or something? Can you not handle it?" Quistis smirked at me, as if mocking me.
"It just hurts me to see you being so cold to your favourite student." I smirked back at her, despite the aching pain from my chest.
"You wish Seifer. My favourite student?" She laughed. "You'll never be my favourite student."
I clenched my teeth together. It hurt whenever I heard that.
"Seifer!!" a high-pitched squeal was heard from the front gates.
I turned my head to see Selphie bouncing towards me with what looked like a picnic basket. I stood up and half greeted her, as I didn't want to show Quistis that I had a sensitive side.
"Look what I brought!" She opened the lid and showed me the fruits and water bottles she carried. She jogged up to me and smiled at me. "Hey Quistis!" She greeted.
"Selphie, we're in the middle of a session here..." Quistis sounded a little displeased. Maybe she couldn't stand the sight of someone being nice to me.
"I know! But I thought Seifer would need a little snack break! Right Seify?" She pushed me playfully on the chest. I groaned.
"Seify...?" I heard Quistis giggle slightly.
"Seifer, you're sure sweatin' a lot!" She brushed her hand against the lower part of her dress. But when she removed her hand a streak of red was left behind. Her eyes widened and she lightly touched my chest again with her fingertips. "Seifer... that's not sweat! That's blood!" She nearly shrieked.
"Oh... would you look at that." I didn't know what else to say. I couldn't and wouldn't go around jumping and screaming 'Oh hyne! I am bleeding! Oh no, I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die!'. That would be ridiculous!
"Seifer! We gotta get you to the Infirmary!" Selphie pulled my arm so suddenly, my head began spinning. We didn't run far before my legs started to grow weak and it seemed like Selphie was dragging me there. "I'm not gonna let you die!" I heard Selphie shout as my vision faded away.
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Author: Alritey! There you have chapter one! I was hoping this fic would only be a few LONG chapters... so it may take a while for the next chapter to come out. Reviews are always nice =)
Just wanted to point out one more thing... SEIFTIS... not Selfer... sorry!